Confession Chapter 1

Consternation etches lines flanking Kate Beckett's almost perfect nose. "Captain, you've got to be kidding me."

Captain Roy Montgomery palms his receding hairline. "I'm not, Beckett. This comes straight from the chief. Castle's readers are clamoring for a look at the cop who inspired Nikki Heat. And the department desperately needs some good publicity. So you're going on his book tour with him. The upside is that it won't come out of your vacation time. The department will pay you for active duty and pick up your expenses – within reason."

"Sir, exactly what does within reason mean?"

The force can't shell out for the kind of five-star hotels where Castle usually stays. And your per diem for meals won't cover anything fancy. But you should be able to make out all right."

"Yeah, I guess I can."

"And you'll be flying coach."

"Yes, Sir. Of course. When does this all start?"

"Tomorrow. So you'd better wind up what you can on your cases and hand the files over to Ryan and Esposito. You and Castle can meet up at the airport in the morning. I believe your first stop will be in Chicago, but you'll be getting a packet of information that will clarify all that. Try to enjoy it, Beckett. I don't remember the last time you took more than a day or two away from the streets – and you were probably on that personal project of yours."

"Personal project? Sir, I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Uh-huh, right. I think it's just better if you let your investigations – all of them – go for a while. So get going, Beckett."

"Yes, Sir."

Grinning broadly, Castle waves from their gate's waiting area at JFK airport. "Beckett, you made it!"

Kate scowls. "I didn't have much of a choice. How much pressure did you put on the chief, Castle?"

Castle's eyes widen, protesting his innocence. "Why Detective Beckett, I haven't spoken to the chief since our last poker game. Although he might not have taken it too well when you fleeced him for a hundred bucks."

"Castle, you took him for 300 bucks."

"True, but he's used to that. And he can't get enough of my seven-layer dip. However, I think the mayor may have whispered in the top cop's ear. Black Pawn was very supportive of the last money-raising event for his honor's library project."

"No doubt at your urging."

"Beckett, why should a publishing house need my urging to support libraries?" Castle questions. "But in any case, I think Bob Weldon might have said something to the chief at the luncheon he hosts for the brass. He's been working hard to boost the positive profile of the department since the last couple of 'Stop and Frisk' fiascos. The chief obviously liked the idea, so here you are."

"Boarding is now available for first-class passengers," the gate agent announces.

Castle grabs his carry-on. "Come on, Beckett. That's us."

Kate doesn't move. "No, Castle, that's you. The department isn't springing for frills."

Castle's expression darkens. "Damn bean counters! I'll take care of this." He strides up to the counter.

Kate checks the messages on her phone in the vain hope that a last-minute priority case will cancel her trip. Unfortunately, she finds nothing except teasing from the boys that she's slacking off. Castle and his grin return. "All fixed. Come on. Let's board. We'll have time for Champagne before we take off."

"I don't drink on duty, Castle."

"The celebratory drinks from the bottle in the bottom drawer of your desk, when we close a case, say otherwise. And Montgomery's never been above offering you a nip from his flask after a particularly rough incident either. But that aside, you're not on duty, Kate. The only time you'll be on duty is the same time I'm on duty, when we smile brightly, answer questions, and sign books. Other than that, you could try to actually enjoy the trip. I know I plan to."

"I have no doubt that you plan to. So we might as well get on with it."

"So," Castle says, loading their luggage into a rented Mercedes, "you're going to love the Saint Balthasar."

"There's a Saint Balthasar? I think I missed that one."

"If Ryan's tales of Catholic school terror are even halfway true, I'm sure he could give you chapter and verse. But I remember Balthasar because he's the patron saint of blackjack dealers. I imagine they can use protection from a few of the pit bosses I've encountered. Regardless, the hotel is lovely. The VIP suites have windows looking out on the lake, the chef is first rate, and Pierpont, the concierge, is a magician at obtaining the unobtainable. And we'll be doing the reading and signing right in one of the ballrooms."

"Castle I'm not staying in a VIP suite or anywhere else at the Saint Balthasar. I'm staying at the Motel Nine."

"No way! Mother and I stayed there once during one of her down periods. It's over an hour's drive from the Saint Balthasar. Listen, my suite has two rooms opening out on the seating and dining area. They both have their own bathrooms. You don't have to worry. You'll have your privacy. And you won't have to spend hours in traffic. Also, you can wear one of their great fluffy robes, gratis."

"I don't know, Castle."

"Beckett, you'll be able to do your job better if you arrive at the event fresh and ready to go. The department can't object to that. Besides, room service offers milkshakes. They're almost as good as Remy's and you can even order strawberry."

Kate can almost taste the sweet foam on her tongue. "All right, Castle. I guess it makes more sense for me to be closer to where we're going to work. I'll stay in the suite with you, but purely for professional reasons."

Castle raises his hands in surrender. "Of course. Purely professional."

Kate gazes at Castle's transfixed fans as he reads. It's not so much the words. She's read them to herself at least five times, probably more like ten. She hadn't noticed it as much when he was throwing out theories at the murder board or from his perpetual seat next to her desk. But the sound of his voice is both soothing and exciting, almost hypnotic. No doubt Martha's given him a few pointers – maybe more than a few – but the almost irresistible pull is pure Castle. Kate's fascination wars with her annoyance that he can capture her attention – and that of the sea of his faithful fans – so completely. It's almost a shock when he stops reading, fixing his eyes on her. "And now, what so many of you have been waiting for. My muse, Detective Kate Beckett, will join me to take your questions."

Kate fixes her face in a smile and forces herself from her seat for the short walk to the podium. She's almost there when the crack of a rifle shot stuns the audience to silence. At first, Kate doesn't realize she's been hit, but her legs can't seem to hold her. As if from miles away she hears Castle calling her name, and feels the warmth of his arms surround her as she slumps to the floor. A gray mist covers her vision. As everything around her fades, she hears "Kate, don't leave me. Please don't leave me. I love you. I love you."