A/N: This chapter's a little short, but I promise to make it up to you. And look, I'm getting better at my updating. :) Happy Reading!

Two Weeks Later

"We have NOTHING," Kate sighed, frustrated, tossing the case-file back on to her desk. "What am I supposed to tell Castle? He's coming home today and we have absolutely NO leads." Kate ran her fingers through her hair and flicked her glare back and forth between Esposito and the murder board. Her head was pounding as she paced back and forth in front of the array of photos that mocked her, and the loud murmur of other cops on the floor did not help her migraine.

"I know you're upset Beckett, but…" Esposito started, but Kate cut him off before he could continue. Espo, although a little annoyed, understood Kate's frustration. He himself was tired, worried for Castle and ready for the case to be solved.

"You're damn right I'm upset. He got shot over me and we have no idea who is behind it. How am I supposed to face him?"

"Really, Kate? You need to relax. Castle would understand more than anybody being at a dead end. Just chill."

"How would he understand if he can't remember, Espo?"

Esposito sighed, and opened his mouth to retort, but Gates poked her head out of her office and called Beckett in. Beckett obliged and shuffled into the room. Esposito glanced over at Ryan at his desk, who had been listening into the whole exchange. Ryan merely nodded solemnly and Esposito went back to his desk to check on the leads they didn't have.

"Detective Beckett, I understand you and your team are not any farther into the investigation."

"No sir, we have unfortunately hit numerous dead ends. There hasn't been any progress regarding the shooter either, but we are working as hard as we can. I am sure we will come up with something."

"And how long do you expect me to keep the investigation open?"

"Excuse me?" Beckett countered, extremely stunned.

"It's been a month now and there have not been any new leads, with new homicides piling up through those doors. How long do you expect those people to tread water? There have been good people on this case and I understand it was close to you but it's time to put it to a close. There are other families, other victims."

"But what about Castle? What about the shooter coming after me again?" She took a step towards Gates' desk, unsure of her next move.

"As I understand Mr. Castle doesn't remember anything of the day, after getting shot to save you. As upset as he may be, he will survive. As for the shooter, if it's been a month and he has not tried again, I seriously doubt he will. Understood?" Beckett clenched her jaw, and bit the tip of her tongue to keep from screaming.

She inhaled deeply and replied, "Yes sir." Turning quickly on her heels, Kate started to leave but Gates called her name again. She turned around, fire in her eyes.

"Beckett, take the next two days off. You've been working non-stop on that case. Come back with a clear head and a fresh set of eyes for the new cases you're going to tackle."

"Alright sir thanks," Kate murmured coldly and flew out of the office.

"She's really making us stop investigating?" Ryan asked over a cup of coffee in the break room.

"Yeah," Kate sighed, still disbelieving.

"That's B.S. Kate," Esposito added.

"I know."

"Do you know what you're gonna tell the Castle's?" Ryan wondered, getting a sharp jab in the side from Esposito.

"It's fine Espo. And no I have no idea what I'm going to tell them. Have either of you visited him yet?"

"Not yet," Esposito said. "I'm going to wait until he's settled until I mess with his head even more. Speaking of that, are you sure this whole lying thing is gonna fly?"

"Honestly… no. I just don't want to put him in danger."

"If you're not sure about it, why are you doing it?" Ryan questioned.

"I care about him too much for his life to be put on the line just because of me. I feel like he would do the same thing if he were in my shoes."

"I don't know about that, but what happens if Castle gets his memory back completely?"

"He'll be pissed," Espo chimed in.

"Not helping Javi, but probably. I'm willing to take that chance if he will stay out of the precinct afterwards, you know, stay out of harm's way. And you two promised to go along with it."

"We did, but if Castle is pissed at us too, it's on you."

"It's all on me," Kate whispered into her coffee cup, emptying it. "Refills?"

"Naw," Espo said.

"I never thought I'd say this but I've had enough coffee this past month to last a lifetime," Ryan piped in.

"You comin' in tomorrow," Espo asked Kate.

"No, Gates gave me the next few days off."

"That's good. You look tired," Esposito commented.

An uncomfortable silence filled the room, each of the minds ruminating over different thoughts.

"So Castle's coming home today?" Ryan said, finally breaking the silence.

"Yeah. Martha and Alexis said he should be getting out around four thirty. Which reminds me, I got to go. I'll see you guys later." Kate scurried out of the room to go meet Martha, Rick and Alexis at the hospital. Her mind overflowing with worried thoughts about the case, telling Alexis, and the whole situation with Rick.

"I'm worried about her."

"Me too bro…me too." The two watched as she walked to the elevator, concern etched across their faces.