The crisp autumn air carried a hint of salt as Kate Beckett and her four-year-old son, Romey, arrived at the bustling seaplane terminal in downtown Vancouver. The glass-fronted building overlooked a sparkling harbor filled with small aircraft bobbing gently on the water. Romey pressed his face against the window, his eyes wide with wonder.
"Mommy, are we really going to fly on one of those?" he asked, his voice bubbling with excitement.
Kate smiled, adjusting the strap of her carry-on. "We are sweetheart. It's called a seaplane, and it'll take us right onto Powell River, where we will start our adventure."
Romey clapped his hands, practically vibrating with anticipation. "That's so cool!"
As Kate guided him to the check-in counter, her attention snagged on a man ahead of them in line. Tall, with a mop of styled brown hair and a leather jacket slung casually over his shoulder, he exuded a kind of charismatic confidence that felt oddly familiar. She squinted her brow furrowing, and then recognition struck. "Rick Castle," she murmured under her breath.
Her favorite author. The man whose mystery novels had been her companions through countless late nights. And here he was, in the same line, casually checking in as if he weren't a literary rock star.
"Next," the attendant called, and Castle stepped forward. Kate strained to hear snippets of his conversation.
"Just one to Powell River," he said, flashing his signature grin. "Can't wait to see it."
The attendant chuckled, quickly processing his ticket. "Enjoy your flight, sir."
As Castle turned, their eyes met briefly. His expression shifted from casual charm to intrigued curiosity as he noticed Kate watching him. She quickly averted her gaze, pretending to focus on Romey's backpack, making sure that Romey's favorite stuffed animal, Mr. Fuzzy, the teddy bear, was secure.
When it was her turn, Kate stepped forward with a composed smile. "Two to Powell River," she said, handing over their passports.
"Exciting trip from America?" the attendant asked, her tone warm.
Kate nodded. "My son's first seaplane ride."
"Well, you're in for a treat," the woman replied. "Safe travels."
The boarding area felt intimate, a stark contrast to the sprawling terminals Kate was used to. Romey peaked out the window and marveled at the sleek de Havilland DHC-3 Otter docked outside. The sunlight glinted off its polished exterior, and the gentle bobbing of the plane on the water only added to the allure.
"Mommy, it's so small!" he exclaimed.
Kate ruffled his hair. "It's going to be cozy, but that's part of the adventure."
Castle, seated nearby, glanced up from his phone and caught Kate's eye again. This time, he stood and approached with an easy smile. "Looks like we're on the same flight. I'm Rick Castle."
Kate hesitated briefly, then shook his outstretched hand. "Kate Beckett, and this is my son, Romey."
"Nice to meet you," Castle said, crouching slightly to Romey's level. "And you, young man. Are you ready for an adventure?"
Romey nodded enthusiastically. "We're flying on a seaplane!"
Castle chuckled. "The best way to travel, if you ask me."
Kate found herself smiling at his genuine warmth. "We're heading to Klahoose Wilderness Resort."
"Same here," Castle replied. "I just finished some business up in LA and needed some inspiration. My daughter, Alexis, usually travels with me, but this time, she's stuck back home—school and all."
Romey tilted his head curiously. "How old is she?"
"She's sixteen," Castle replied with a smile. "Pretty cool, like your mom."
Boarding the seaplane was an experience in itself. Castle ended up seated across the narrow aisle from Kate and Romey, who claimed the window seat. The three were the only passengers on the 90-minute flight. The interior was compact yet comfortable, with large windows offering panoramic views. The cockpit was visible from the cabin, and its dials and controls were a fascinating sight for Romey.
"Look, Mommy! The pilot's right there!" he said, pointing eagerly.
"He'll make sure we have a smooth flight," Kate assured him, fastening his seatbelt.
Castle leaned over slightly, his grin playful. "And the views are going to be incredible. Hope you brought a camera."
Kate nodded, patting her phone. "This will do."
The engines roared to life, their vibrations reverberating through the cabin. Romey giggled, clapping his hands over his ears. The plane taxied across the water before lifting smoothly into the air, climbing over the harbor and the expansive blue sky.
"This is awesome!" Romey exclaimed, his face pressed against the window.
Castle chuckled, equally captivated by the scenery. "Can't argue with that."
Kate allowed herself to relax, soaking in the breathtaking views of forests, mountains, and glittering waterways. As she glanced at Castle, his gaze out the window was contemplative, and she wondered briefly about the man behind the famous books. Little did she know, their journey was about to take an unexpected and harrowing turn.