A/N - Hey guys. So someone asked me about when this was taking place. It's in the area of season 3 or 4. I know it's around the time things started spilling over between them.

I know where this is headed. And it's going to be fun.

New chapter, so please feel free for new reviews!

Chapter Two – White Rabbit

Beckett felt distinctly protective of Castle in that moment. She had felt that feeling more than once before but this time it came with the urge to hug him, to tell him that it hurt likes a bitch but he would be ok. All the lies you say to try and make the situation better. The reality was, he would never forget. Kaylee would fade but she would always be there, the vision of her on the ground dead and the whisper of her voice when she was alive. She would be Castle's ghost. Not that it mattered. The baggage that they carried between them could push a small plane into a nosedive. It was just something to add and it was a burden that she was happy to help him carry. If she could, she would remove it entirely. She knew what the cost was of that burden. As they neared the Dean's home, she could feel the tension coming off Castle, could see him grit his teeth. She knew that the only reason that he was here was because of Kaylee. She could see that glint. The hunger that pushed her forward every time someone got hurt. He had it now. And it wasn't the thirst of a story like it normally was.

"You ready?"

He shook his head.

"No. But there's nothing I can do about that."

Beckett nodded her understanding, parking the car and turning off the engine. She took a few deep breaths, preparing herself for what was to come. A man and three little girls were about to get the most devastating news anyone could possibly receive. She was about to move when she felt Castle's warm hand over hers. It was good to feel the heat again. When she had taken his hand before, it was cold and shaking. This was none of those things. Soft currents of heat inched their way on her skin and she felt that same old jolt of electricity that she got from touching him. He looked into her eyes and for a second, she thought he could see everything there. All the things that she pushed down or flat out denied, even to herself. But his serious face told her that for that moment, her secrets were safe.

"Thank you."

She frowned.

"What for?"

"For knowing that I need to do this."

"You were there for me. My turn."

He released her hand and she got out of the car, resisting the urge to remain in that warm, confined space with him. They had work to do. Castle fell behind her as she approached the house. She took another deep breath before knocking briskly. When the door swung open, she didn't get a chance to introduce herself before a small body flew past her and into Castle's arms.

"Uncle Ricky!"

The little girl, around nine, kissed his cheek and grinned widely, her thin arms around his neck. She had a stunning smile, wide blue eyes and hair that matched her mother's. Castle squeezed her before lowering her to the ground, grasping her shoulders and studying her seriously.

"Which one are you? Lucy?"

The little girl giggled, shaking her head. Castle sighed.

"Hope?"

Another giggle and another shake. Castle's eyes widened with mock surprise.

"Mikayla Dean, is that really you? You are almost taller than me!"

Mikayla nodded proudly, her back becoming straighter. She looked around Castle, a frown on her face.

"Where is Alexis?"

Castle shook her head.

"She's not with me today. Mikayla, this is my friend Kate. Kate this is Mikayla."

Mikayla studied Kate for a second before offering her that stunning grin.

"Hi. I'll go and get Daddy. Come inside."

She grabbed first Castle's hand then Kate's, tugging them inside. She left them in the living room and disappeared upstairs. Castle's face fell when he turned to Kate.

"I'm going to give you all my admiration for doing this. I don't know how you do."

"Because someone has to. And it might as well be someone who has some idea of what path they are about to head down."

"Ric Castle, as I live and breathe. Hello stranger."

Castle and Spencer embraced. Beckett stepped in before any small talk, introducing herself. As she said the words, she knew that Spencer got that something was wrong. He searched first her face then Castle's. He then looked at his youngest daughter.

"Mickey, do you think you can go and play?"

"Can I go and play with Beth?"

"Sure. But stay in the backyard, ok?"

"Ok."

Once Mikayla was safely out the door, Spencer glanced between them again.

"What is it? Are Hope and Lucy alright? Do I need to call Kaylee?"

Beckett glanced at Castle before speaking.

"Mr Dean-"

"Spencer, please. What is going on?"

"You might want to sit down"

Spencer looked at Castle, who nodded. Spencer sunk into the nearest seat. Beckett took the seat across from him and softened her voice.

"Spencer, we found your wife murdered this morning."

She could see the second that the news hit home. His face fell and his mouth fell open. "Are you sure? I mean Kaylee should be at work. I could call her and then-"

Castle's voice was soft.

"We're sure. I saw her, Spencer."

Spencer sagged.

"Who….."

"We are looking into it."

Silent tears tracked down Spencer's face and Beckett knew that he needed a few moments. They sat in silence. Kate took her cue from Spencer himself. When he took a shaky breath and seemed to have himself again, she continued.

"Can you think of anyone who may want to hurt your wife?"

Spencer started to shake his head before he stopped.

"Taylor Brenson."

"Who?"

"Kaylee's stalker."

Beckett stood beside Castle, eyes on the suspect on the other side of the mirror. Taylor Brenson was not a big man; weasel would be the word that she would use. His body was all sharp angles and not much else.

"Spencer said he had been following her for years now."

"You saw his place, he was deeply disturbed."

When they had gotten there, Brenson put up very little fight. It was what was on the walls that disturbed them all. Wall to wall dedication to Kaylee. Her face was everywhere. In articles and candid shots, even a few with the family all together. Her books were stacked neatly on a desk. He had cried when they told him why they were arresting him and Beckett knew that he would not be able to kill Kaylee. Not just because of his obsession but because he was too small. Kaylee had a bit more height and weight on him. But she needed to question him regardless. He might be the person to give them details that they needed.

"Are you ok to come in with me?"

Castle nodded.
"He didn't do it, did he?"

"I don't think so. But let's pretend until we know otherwise."

"I can do pretend. But I need you to promise me something."

Beckett caught his eye.

"What?"

"Don't let me get to close to him. He may not have killed her but he stalked her. He's a monster in his own right."

"Ok."

In silent unison, they left their side of the mirror and entered the room. Brenson looked up at them, his face red.

"I didn't kill her."

Beckett took the seat directly across from him, Castle beside her.

"Mr Brenson, how long have you been watching Kaylee?"

Brenson frowned.

"Why?"

"Answer the question."

Brenson sighed.

"Since she released Dog Days."

Castle cocked his eyebrow.

"Eight years? You've been following her eight years?"

"I don't follow her."

Beckett offered him a cold smile.

"Then what do you call it?"

"Dedication to the craft. I've also sent her several manuscripts to read but she never got back to me. I was simply waiting for my chance."

"And in eight years, you never got it?"

"It was never the right time."

Beckett glanced at her notes.

"Where were you between 3 and 5am this morning?"

"Sleeping. Along with the rest of the city."

"Can anyone verify that?"

"My parents."

Beckett made a quick note before looking at Castle, gauging his reaction. He was clenching his jaw, his fists on his lap.

"Did you notice anyone else around Kaylee?"

"Like who?"

"Anyone out of the ordinary?"

"No. Just the normal family, editor and friends."

"Ok. For now Brenson, we are booking you on harassment. But we are not done with the questions yet."

Brenson stiffened and then shot out of his seat but Castle was faster. Beckett barely had a chance to blink before Brenson was pinned to the wall, Castle pressing him there. Beckett manoeuvred closer, getting a shoulder between them, facing Castle.

"Let him go."

Castle broke his death stare at Brenson to look at her. After a second, he released Brenson, who sagged slightly. Beckett cleared her throat.

"As I was saying, we are filing those charges. Should keep you behind bars for a while."

Castle left the room before she did, heading into the staff room. Beckett left the files on her desk before following. She leaned on the door frame and watched him pour a coffee. He was barely keeping it together. His shoulders were hunched and his teeth remained gritted.

"Sorry."

He looked up at her.

"For what?"

"For not being fast enough."

He smiled.

"I didn't punch him. Bonus points for both of us."

"It's getting late."

Castle glanced at the clock on the wall, realizing that she was right. The hours had melted together and suddenly it was almost 9pm. He had no idea how that happened. It had felt like the longest day of his life.

"We should head home.

"Translation, I should head home. We both know you won't."

"I will if you do. I will even buy you a drink before I drop you off."

Castle abandoned the coffee and walked towards her.

"I believe that this is the best thing you have said to me all day."