Part Two:

It was cold. Really cold.

Kate shivered though she wasn't sure whether it was from the cold or the fact that they were about to make the ransom drop. She couldn't remember a time that she had been more nervous. She dealt with high risk situations on a daily basis, yet today it was taking all of her willpower to keep from shaking. Her heart thumped in her chest.

They had five minutes left. Kate stood on the upper terrace overlooking the fountain. She couldn't see the exact spot that Castle would place the bag with the money; the area was busy, as people spent time outside on a Monday afternoon. Ryan and Esposito were closer, hanging by the lake. They would take care of who ever picked up the bag. Her job was to keep an eye on Castle and make sure that he stayed safe.

"Okay Castle, drop the bag and then meet me," she said, into the small microphone that was hidden up her sleeve.

"Detective, I do know what it is I need to do," came Castle's reply.

"Just wanted to make sure you understood the last part."

"You mean, grab the guy and throw him in the fountain? Or was it the lake?"

"Castle," Kate warned.

From her spot she could see Castle turn slightly and look over his shoulder in her direction. "I know," he replied.

"As much as I love the sound of Beckett's voice in my ear, I think you two should be quiet," Ryan's voice piped in.

"And here I thought you preferred Castle's," Esposito responded.

From across the terrace Kate could see Castle's smile. She looked down at her watch, just as the hour hand hit twelve. She swallowed nervously and looked up; nerves built in her chest as she watched Castle lower the bag. She held her breath when the man paused and looked around. Please don't do something stupid, she prayed. Please don't do something stupid. Castle's gaze finally settled on her and he began to walk toward her. Her breath released.

"Ryan, Esposito, you got eyes?" Kate asked into the walkies, keeping her eyes trained on Castle to make sure nothing happened to the man.

"Nothing yet," Ryan said, "I---wait---."

Kate felt her breath hitch. Castle had reached the bottom of the stairs that would lead him to her.

"Someone's going for it," Ryan said. Out of the corner of her eye Kate could see the two detectives begin to head towards where the bag had been placed.

"I got him---HEY!"

Kate almost doubled-over as Esposito's voice rang through the air and her ear. She clutched the ear piece to her head and it took all her will power not to pull the piece out. Her eyes closed on their own accord and she cursed. After she recovered from the shock of the yell she opened her eyes and looked around, coming disoriented once again.

In the mere seconds she had her eyes closed, a large group of school kids had appeared behind her, adding to the already crowded area, blocking the stairway as they ran around. She could no longer see Castle and there was no sign of Ryan or Esposito.

"Castle where are you?"

"Beckett he's coming your way---."

"I'm on the stairs, these kids---."

"Large blue jacket with the hood up."

Kate's mind moved a mile a minute as she tried to find not only Castle but the man Ryan and Esposito were describing. She spotted the writer stuck in the middle of the stairs, attempting to navigate his way through the running children around him.

"Castle look out!" Kate yelled before she even realized what was happening. But it was too late, the man who had taken the bag collided with him; pushing Castle to the ground to get away from the two detectives that were chasing him.

"Beckett!" Ryan and Esposito yelled at the same time.

"I got him!" she yelled back, springing into action. Knowing that it would be hard to reach the guy through the school kids, she ran around them hoping to head the guy off. He reached the top of the terrace and began to push his way through the kids. She was just about to cut him off and make a grab for him, when he shoved a little girl into her arms instead.

"Are you okay?" Kate asked, steadying the girl. But she didn't wait for the answer, the girls' squeak of "Yes" traveled through the air after her.

Kate kept her eyes focused ahead, making sure they didn't stray from the form of the man running with Castle's black bag. "Stop! Police!" she yelled. He looked back at her and pressed on. She had to give it him; he was fast…but she was faster.

The walkway ahead of them was blocked as a large group of people gathered around a vendor. The man ran into the throng of people, trying to cut through them. Instead of following, Kate moved to the right, running around the vendor instead. The change in course seemed to be just enough time to be made up as Kate now found herself shoulder to shoulder with the man. Without waiting, she reached out and grabbed the bag he held, using it as leverage to throw him to the ground. He landed with a loud thump and a groan. He tried to get up but she pushed him back down with her foot, keeping it there to keep him from moving.

"Don't move," she said, pulling out her gun and pointing it at him. He tried to get up again and she pushed him back down, digging her heal into his back. "Don't. Move."

Kate was faintly aware that people were beginning to stare. Oh well.

"You okay?"

Kate turned to see Ryan and Esposito approach, both of their weapons drawn as well. Just behind them was Castle, rubbing his shoulder, no doubt a small injury from being shoved to the ground.

"Yeah," Kate breathed, only just realizing that she was panting. "Cuff him would you?'

Esposito nodded, trading his gun for his cuffs. "Let me see your hands," he said, pulling the man's arms around to his back.

"Let me go!" the man yelled as he tried to fight off Esposito. Ryan quickly helped.

"Where's Alexis?" Kate asked, strapping her own weapon back in its holster.

"Let me go!"

"Where. Is. Alexis?" Kate asked through gritted teeth.

"I don't know what you're talking about, let me go!"

Ryan and Esposito pulled the man to his feet and the hood fell from his face. Kate felt her heart stop.

She looked to Castle, whose own face surely reflected the dread she felt. This man was neither Alan nor Sabrina Jenkins.

"I'm tellin' you I don't know what you're talking about."

Kate sighed in frustration, using all her strength to keep from slamming her fist into the table. Gregory, the man they had picked up at the park, sat across from her in the interrogation room. He was older and frazzled looking, with greasy hair that she wished to dump an entire bottle of shampoo on.

"I don't know no Alexis and I never heard of your Rick Castle before or no Jenkins'."

"Then explain to me why you picked up the bag." Kate asked through gritted teeth.

"It's the park, that's what I do."

"That's what you do?" Kate asked in disbelief. "You just go around the park, picking up random bags filled with $50,000?"

"That bag had fifty grand in it?" Gregory asked, leaning forward in surprise.

"Jenkins didn't tell you?"

The man sighed and sat back, throwing his arms up in the air. "How many times do I got to tell you that I don't know no Jenkins? Ain't there guys behind that glass right there?" He asked, pointing to the two way mirror behind Kate. She didn't move; keeping her eyes focused on the man before her. "I'm sure they can tell you how many times I said it."

"If you don't know no Jenkins," Kate said, her tone mocking, "Then tell me why you picked up the bag."

The man crossed his arms. "Like I said, it's what I do. You'd be amazed at what kind of things get left by people at the park. If I see things layin' around with no one by 'em, I take 'em."

Kate didn't respond, she simply stared, making it quite clear that the man before her was not finished talking.

He sighed again and sat up straighter. "I saw that guy set the bag down and just walk away. So I thought to myself, now here's a perfect opportunity, so I took it. Simple as that."

"Then why'd you run?"

"Lady, when you steal somethin' and you see two guys start comin' after you---you run."

"And they didn't tell you to take the bag?" Kate said, pointing to the two sketches of Alan and Sabrina Jenkins that Castle had described the previous day.

"I'm tellin' you, I never seen 'em before."

Before Kate could respond there was a tap on the door. She turned to see Captain Montgomery standing in the door way. She turned back to her suspect. "Stay here," she said, getting up.

"Like I could go anywhere," the man muttered under her breath.

"You look frustrated," The Captain said as Kate closed the door to the interrogation room behind her. "He not saying anything?"

Kate shook her head. "He claims he doesn't know anything about the Jenkins or Castle or Alexis. He simply took the bag because he steals abandoned items from the park."

"You don't believe him?"

Kate shrugged. "He could be playing dumb."

"But he might not be."

Kate sighed and looked at the man through the glass. "I know but---."

The Captain nodded his understanding as Kate's voice trailed. If this man really didn't know the Jenkins' then something had gone wrong. And wrong in hostage situations was never good.

"We'll find who did this," The Captain said, comforting his lead detective.

Kate nodded and was about to respond when Ryan approached the two. "Just finished interviewing the witnesses from the park. They confirmed that the guy's name is Gregory Wilson and that he's a drifter. Apparently he stalks around the park and looks for forgotten items, cameras, bags, what have you—then he sells them for a profit."

Kate swore under her breath. "But he still could have been hired by the Jenkins," she said, holing on to her last bits of hope. If this went no where, they would be back at square one. "I don't think he was," Esposito said, running over to the group as he closed his cell phone. "That was Castle. Another ransom call came in and they weren't happy."

Kate jumped into action without even thinking. She ran to her desk and quickly began to gather her belongings as she barked out orders. "One of you get back in there and talk to Wilson, I don't want to let me go until we're one hundred percent certain that he's not connected to the Jenkins'." Ryan nodded and entered the room. "How are we coming on that relative?"

"We've got people running down the list," Esposito explained. "But it was a long one."

"Keep running the names, I want an address ASAP."

"You got it," Esposito said, heading over to his desk.

"And where are you going?" The Captain asked.

Kate turned to her superior, slinging her purse over her shoulder. "To make sure Castle doesn't do anything rash."

"This wasn't supposed to happen!"

Kate was furious. She stood across from Castle in his kitchen, the island separating them. Immediately, upon retuning to the apartment, she had been roped into an argument with a clearly (and rightfully) upset Castle. An argument that quickly turned into a screaming match as both of their stubborn and defensive natures surfaced.

"Of course it wasn't!" Kate snapped, placing her arms firmly on the counter and leaning forward. "But this was something that was out of our control."

"How could it be out of your control? Someone should have guessed, been paying more attention."

"Castle, this isn't one of your stories! You can't write it the way you want it to go. Sometimes cases take an unexpected turn." She was doing her best to keep her voice from rising any higher, but he could be so---insufferable.

"This isn't just some case!" Castle argued back. "This is my daughter we're talking about," he said, pointing to his chest as if she didn't already know that.

"Don't you think I know that? That's what makes this so hard. But you have to have---."

"Patience?" Castle bit, interrupting. Kate felt her temper rise. Kate Beckett was never interrupted; especially during an argument. "I shouldn't have to have patience. Alexis should be here with me right now, but she's not. That park was filled with uniforms and detectives, how is it that no one, no one, saw them?"

"How many times do I have to tell you we can't control every single---."

"But you should be able to!" Castle fired, interrupting her again. "If you were actually doing your job maybe we wouldn't be here."

Kate felt his words kick her in the gut, harder than any punch ever had and she gasped for air. Try as she might to suppress it Kate could feel the hurt spread through her like rapid fire until it appeared on her face; just as plain as the words in his books. Is that what he really thought of her? Of the work she did? Of the job she continued to do? No—he couldn't, her brain rationalized. He was just speaking out of frustration. He was tired and worried. Yes.

A deathly silence filled the air. Kate stared at Castle, waiting for him to apologize for his remark. But it never came. He simply stared at her, his eyes void of anything except a hallow-furry.

When she received no apology Kate felt her own furry begin to rebuild, quickly drowning the hurt she had felt. "Don't. You. Dare," she said, her voice low and dark; more clipped than even she could ever remember it being. "If you had let me make the drop, then maybe we wouldn't be here." She fired back, her hands curling into fists.

"Don't place blame--."

"ENOUGH!"

Kate and Castle turned to see Martha standing just inside the kitchen, looking angrier than the both of them combined. And Kate suddenly realized that this entire situation had brought out a side of the older woman she had never seen before---not happy. And Martha Rogers not happy was not something that Kate ever wanted to see again.

"Look at the two of you, barking at each other like rabid animals," she said, walking over to them.

"Mother, this doesn't concern you," Castle seethed, keeping his gaze on Kate.

"I'm going to have to agree," Kate bit back, returning the icy stare.

"Like hell it doesn't," Martha quipped. "It is awful, yes, that Alexis isn't back with us—and so help me if I ever meet who took her my greatest worry will be dropping the soap instead of wrinkles---but you two shouldn't be arguing about it. No one could have prevented some---," she paused, twirling her hand in the air as she tried to find the word she wanted. "---hobo from messing things up. But it's no one's fault and you two should be working together to figure out what to do next, not at each other's throats."

Kate and Castle continued to stare at one another, neither willing to make the first move. Martha stared from one to the other, as if watching a silent tennis match.

"I'll be upstairs," Castle finally said, quickly turning and leaving, before Kate or Martha could stop him; his footsteps echoing up the stairs.

The minute he was gone from sight, Kate collapsed against the island, breathing heavily. Her anger flew from her body, leaving her hurt, broken, and exhausted. Why was this so hard?

"He doesn't mean it, you know," Martha said, placing her hand on Kate's back. "He knows you're doing everything you can."

Kate snorted and shook her head; biting her bottom lip as she felt tears well in her eyes. Damn Caslte. Damn the Jenkins. Damn everything.

"Why don't you sit down, I'll fix you a drink," Martha continued, quickly running her hand through Kate's hair in a way that only a mother could.

Kate had half the mind to say no. There was still work to be done and she didn't drink on the job. "Vodka?" she rasped instead, naming her favorite "woe-is-me" drink. One drink wouldn't hurt. And she could use the numbing effect it had.

"A woman after my own heart," Martha said, walking to the cabinets as Kate sat down, pulling out a large bottle of the drink. Even at the mere sight liquid, she felt her spirits rise.

"He's just upset," Martha continued her explanation of her son's actions. "When they called again they wouldn't let him speak to Alexis."

"They didn't?" Kate said her own panic level rising. That was not a good sign, especially when they had been so corporative before.

Martha shook her head, pouring the drinks and handing a glass to Kate. "They said she was fine, but wouldn't put her on. He's been in a tizzy ever since."

Kate nodded, swirling the liquor in her cup before taking a swig. She winced as the liquid ran down her throat. "How much more are they asking for?" she asked, her voice laced with having drinking too much.

"What do you mean?" Martha asked, sitting next to the detective.

"Generally, when a ransom drop goes wrong, the kidnappers ask for more money."

"They still want $50,000."

Kate's head perked as she looked at the older woman. "Really?"

Martha nodded. Kate's brow furrowed, she looked at her drink, as if the liquor would offer her the answers she thought.

"What is it?" Martha asked, worried.

"I think this is all the more confirmation that it's the Jenkins. Anyone with a criminal background worth their salt in gold would have asked for more."

"So this is good?"

Kate shrugged. "Only if we find them."

Kate took another drink, acutely aware that Martha was staring at her. "You're worried," the other woman said.

Kate turned and looked at the older woman, nodding. "I know I have no place to be as worried as you and Castle are. But---I am."

Martha smiled a knowing smile and downed the rest of her drink. "You have every right to be just as worried as we are, darling. You care for Alexis."

Kate nodded. "I do."

Martha smiled. "And better you than anyone else," she said with a wink, patting Kate's hand. Kate furrowed her brow. What did she mean by that? She turned to ask only to find Martha staring just past her shoulder. The older woman quickly stood. "I have faith you'll find her, Detective," she said quickly, standing. "But if you'll excuse me I think I'm in the need for a long, hot bath."

Kate quickly turned in her seat, following Martha as she left. "Better me than---? Martha—wha---." Kate paused when Martha reached the stairs, a sight that revealed Castle as well; whose demeanor resembled a dog with its tail between its legs. Martha patted her son on the cheek before waltzing up the stairs with a grace that was defined only be her age.

Kate and Castle stared at one another, Kate's body rigid. Castle blew out a deep breath and walked forward slowly, until he was finally able to sit on the stool next to her.

"Is there anymore of that?" Castle asked, pointing at her drink.

Kate simply handed him her glass and he quickly downed the little that was left.

"I owe you an apology," he said, shaking his head as the liquor took hold of his body. "But I don't think sorry will be enough."

Kate shrugged. "You're frustrated and scared," she said. "I understand."

"No," he said, the stool he sat on squeaking as he turned it to face her. He placed his hand on her knee and turned her as well, so they were face to face. The close proximity forced their legs to tangle as their knees moved into a patter: his then hers, his then hers. Kate felt herself blush, not at the closeness. They had been this close before. But at the placement of his hand, still firmly situated just above her knee. His hand was warm and comforting and she felt herself relaxing at the mere touch. And God she couldn't think of a more perfect place for it to be.

"I may be frustrated and scared, but I have no right to criticize the job you are doing," he said, holding her gaze with his. She could feel, more than hear, the sincere apology. "I know you're doing everything you can. You've given up everything to help me. And I wouldn't want anyone else---you're---I'm just---." His voice trailed as he tried to express what it was he couldn't.

"And here I thought writer's were supposed to be good with words," she said quietly, using a resemblance of their usual banter to let him know that everything was okay.

He smiled slightly. "I just---."

"I know," she said reaching forward, placing her hand atop his and curling her fingers. "I know…"

They stared at one another, neither knowing what to do next. What were they supposed to do? Kate wondered. There seemed to be a logical step. But for the life of her she couldn't figure out what it was. Should she move? But what way…she shifted slightly and it was then that she realized they were considerably closer than she had thought; just as she realized that over the course of the weekend they had become much more…touchy-feely. Just the circumstances she tried to reason with herself.

Suddenly, a loud knock sounded followed by an equally loud "Beckett?!" as someone walked in the apartment.

Kate and Castle pushed one another away at the sound of Esposito's voice. The force of the push almost landed Castle on the ground, while Kate's elbow collided, rather painfully, with the counter. She swore quietly and jumped up, cradling her hurt arm. "What?" she hissed loudly, frustrated that the quiet they had created had been interrupted and mad at herself for being frustrated in the first place.

Ryan and Esposito walked into the kitchen just as Castle righted himself. "What's going on?" the writer asked of the two detectives. If the two thought anything out of the ordinary had happened they didn't show if. Kate shook her head---nothing had happened.

"We got the info for the relative, Tina Jenkins," Ryan said "But get this---she died in 1986."

"You came all the way over here to tell me that."

"No," Esposito jumped in. "The building she lived in is now abandoned, used by squatters for shelter. And---."

"And--." Kate and Castle urged on, both becoming impatient.

"And---," Esposito continued, making it clear he wasn't finished. "It's only two blocks south from Casa de Castle."

Kate felt her breath hitch and her heart rate speed—an abandoned building was, more often then not, a perfect place to keep a hostage. She looked to Castle who was looking back, equally as shocked as she. "Two blocks from here?" Castle asked, his voice shaking slightly but whether it was out of disbelief or shock Kate didn't know.

Ryan and Esposito nodded, pounding their fists together. "We've got a team down stairs and a warrant ready to do whatever you say."

"Let's move," Kate said without hesitation.

Ryan and Esposito nodded, leading the way out of the apartment. Kate grabbed her coat and made to follow when Castle's voice stopped her. "Wait." He said, quickly running up the stairs. Before Kate could even wonder what he was doing he returned.

"What was that for?" she asked.

"I had to tell Mother where we're going," he said, grabbing his own coat and throwing it on.

Kate shook her head. "Castle you can't come with."

"Nice try," he said, walking from the apartment and for once, Kate didn't argue.

Kate pulled to a stop and put the car in park.

She and Castle turned in their seats to look at the large abandoned building they had pulled up next to. Her mind focused and in work mode, Kate got out and walked to the trunk of her car. She traded her coat for her bullet proof vest, sliding the article on with a practiced easy. Just as she was closing the trunk Castle came around to her side of the car; his eyes focused on the many windowed building before them, as if trying to decide which room held Alexis---if one held her at all.

A row of cars pulled up behind them, Ryan, Esposito, and entire team exciting after; all getting ready to enter the building. Taking a deep breath, Kate walked over to Castle and said quietly: "Castle, you can't come inside."

"I have to," he said, keeping his eyes on the building.

Kate sighed. "No, you can't."

He didn't respond.

"Castle."

And still no response.

Kate knew there would be only one way to get his attention, but the idea didn't exactly thrill her. It would step far beyond the bounds of professional and though, she knew, they had been pushing those bounds all weekend this would be different. Checking over her shoulder to make sure no one else was looking; Kate stepped right in front of Castle. "Rick," she said quietly, placing her hand just under his jaw, she turned his head so he was looking at her. "For Alexis' safety, and yours, you need to stay here."

Castle looked down at her, his eyes a conflicting mess of agreeing with her and telling her to shove it. Finally, he sighed and looked down, causing her hand to drop. "Okay," he said quietly.

"Okay," she reiterated in a whisper. She took a small step back and was about to turn to wave over Ryan and Esposito when…

"Kate?" Castle whispered the mere fear she heard in his voice was enough to stop her.

"Yeah?" she asked, turning back to him completely.

"What if---," he paused and looked back up at the tall building. "What if she's not there—what if she is and she's---." His voice caught, cutting him off. He shook his head.

Kate sighed, not knowing what to do, as she was thinking the exact same thing. But they had to be right. Alexis had to be up there---because there simply wasn't another option. Everything fit, it was the only explanation. "I promised you that I would find her—and safe," she said. "And I will."

Castle smiled sadly. "Of that I have no doubt."

"You ready?" Esposito asked, as he and Ryan walked up to the two.

Kate coughed and took another small step back, putting more space between herself and the author. She nodded.

"Good luck," Castle said quietly to the three detectives he had come to befriend.

Kate smiled a genuine smile, offering one more ounce of hope. "Let's go," she said to Ryan and Esposito.

Turning, Detective Kate Beckett led her team inside.

"Be prepared for anything."

Kate had to whisper as they quietly made their way up three flights of stairs to the apartment that was once owned by Tina Jenkins. The abandoned building squeaked as they stepped and their voices carried, even their quiet voices carried through the walls.

"These two may not be criminals--."

"They are now," Ryan snorted, making Kate smirk.

"—But that doesn't mean they aren't stupid or they won't be prepared for something like this."

They arrived at apartment 3C. Kate put herself against the wall, with Ryan and some uniforms behind her. Esposito went to the other side of the door, with others following him. Kate pulled out her gun and cocked it. Making eye contact to ensure that everyone was ready, Kate nodded and pounded on the door. "Alan and Sabrina Jenkins? NYPD. Open the door!" she yelled.

There came no response, not that she had expected one. If the two were in there and they had Alexis, they would be smart not to respond. But then---

"Hello?!" A quiet voice called, one that Kate immediately recognized. Her heart rate sped as Alexis' voice rang through the air. She was in there, actually in there—something that gave Kate more hope than she had felt all weekend, as well as pause; a fear that was only intensified when a muffled. "Shut up!" sounded from within.

Kate nodded to Esposito who needed no further encouragement before kicking the door down. The team rushed inside, their weapons raised, to see Alan and Sabrina Jenkins standing the in the center of the room, with wide eyes.

"Don't move," Kate warned, as she eased her way inside. The minute the words left her mouth, however, the exact opposite happened. Both Jenkins' pulled out guns and fired. They ran into the kitchen, taking cover behind a breakfast bar; the law enforcement team returned fire while also taking cover, behind anything they could find in the abandoned room.

Kate hid behind an old, ratty chair that wouldn't even protect her from a fly let alone a bullet. She had been right, even new players in the criminal life style knew they had to protect themselves. Carefully, she peaked around the corner to see Alan doing the same over the bar. He looked at her and quickly shot, the bullet missing the chair by a long shot. He was shaking---which meant he would be easy to break, easy to distract---but it also meant they had to tread lightly; a stray bullet was more deadly than anything else.

"Drop your weapons," Kate yelled, another shot was fired and Esposito ducked. I'll distract them, Kate mouthed to her fellow detective. Esposito nodded and began to signal to the rest of the team, half of which were still in the hall, taking cover through the open door way.

"No!" came a response as well as another shot, the bullet flew through the room exiting through the open door. The five people on the outside ducked behind the walls.

Another shot fired and it was then that Kate heard a small whimper from within the apartment. "Alexis?!" she called, peaking around the far side of the chair. She could see Sabrina Jenkins peering just beyond the counter, looking down a hall that led to the back of the apartment.

"Detective Beckett?" Alexis' voice asked back, surprised.

"Stay where you are, everything's going to be okay!" she called, keeping her eyes on Sabrina. The woman was staring steadily down the hall. Then she turned and her eyes met Kate. The two women stared at one another, the detective daring the other woman to move. And she did.

Sabrina sprang forward and Kate moved without thinking twice. She knew it was stupid, she was opening herself up as a free target to Alan Jenkins but she didn't care. She would do what she had to in order to keep Sabrina from getting to Alexis and she had faith that Esposito and Ryan would back her up. A faith that proved to be well lived as the two men jumped up behind her, both keeping their weapons pointed at Alan, who had jumped up to protect his wife.

Kate ran as fast as she could, her long strides and the small room allowing her to catch Sabrina before she had moved more than a few steps. She grabbed the woman's arm and kicked her legs out from underneath her, her training easily sending Sabrina to the ground. Kate instinctively kicked the gun down the hall. She knelt and pressed her knee into the other woman's back, pointing her gun at her. "Drop your gun," Kate said, looking at Alan whose own gun was trained on her.

The man shook. "Drop it!" Esposito yelled as he and Ryan moved forward. Kate could hear, more than see the others move into the room.

"Get off me," Sabrina said, voice muffled. Kate simply dug her knee harder into the woman's back.

"Drop it," Ryan said again as he and Esposito pressed closer. Alan began to shake as he quickly looked from his wife, to Kate, to Ryan, to Esposito, and then back to his wife. The second Alan's gaze left him, Esposito jumped forward—tackling the man before he knew what was happening.

The room began to flurry as the entire team of officers moved in, half running over to Esposito who was currently cuffing Alan, while the other half (led by Ryan) ran to her. "We got her," Ryan said, kneeling beside Kate and taking out his cuffs.

Kate nodded and stood, quickly sprinting down the hall, throwing open every door she passed. She finally found a trembling Alexis on a dirty bed in the room at the end of the hall. She didn't look too worse for wear, just tired and frightened; though her hands and feet were tied. A make shift brace was around her left wrist.

"Kate?" she squeaked, as if she didn't really believe the Detective was there.

"Hey you," Kate said, smiling as she quickly walked into the room. She sat down and quickly undid the knots around the young girls feet before doing the same to the one's binding her wrists. No sooner were they untied did Alexis lunge forward, wrapping her arms around Kate's neck; all but climbing into the detective's lap.

Kate wrapped her arms around the girl and held her close, rocking her slightly as she rubbed her back. She could feel tears wetting the skin of her neck and she pulled Alexis closer. "You're safe," she whispered, among other words, as she ran her hand through the girl's hair. She pulled back slightly, cradling the girls face in her hands. "Are you okay?" she asked, nodding towards her wrapped hand.

Alexis nodded as Kate wiped away tears. "I hurt it when they grabbed me---I tried to get away," she said; then added quietly: "Is my dad?"

Kate chuckled quietly and pulled Alexis to her again, holding close. "He's going to be just fine."

"Does he have to do this?"

Martha smiled down at her granddaughter as she sat on the edge of her bed. "Humor him," she replied, tucking the comforter around Alexis. "You were just taken from him for two days, kiddo, he's going to be a little overprotective for awhile."

"Grams, I haven't slept with Monkey Bunkey in ten years," Alexis said, trying to get comfortable with her new cast.

"Like I said, humor him. He'll be tending to you for a good week or two."

"Do you think I can convince him to let me go to school tomorrow?"

Martha paused and looked at her granddaughter with shock. "Alexis," she said slowly, "You were just kidnapped."

"I know…but---," Alexis trailed off, picking at her cast.

"What is it, darling?"

Alexis shrugged, the act sending her further info the comfort of her bed. "I was scared---but, it wasn't for me but then it was. They weren't mean to me, unless you count tying me up. They pretty much left me alone. But I was scared for Dad. And—I don't know, I just want everything to go back to normal. And normal means school. And---I'm not making any sense, am I?"

Martha smiled and brushed some hair from her granddaughter's forehead, "It's nothing that a few therapy sessions won't sort out."

Alexis smiled. "I guess I'll finally do the Castle name proud."

"Found him!"

Both Martha and Alexis both jumped as Castle announced his arrival, and the older woman noted that the younger startled a little more than was usual.

"One Monkey Bunkey ready for a night of peaceful slumber," Castle said, walking into the room.

"Thanks Dad," Alexis said, taking the animal and tucking him under her arm. "Is Detective Beckett still here?"

"She's down stairs," Castle said. "Did you want to see her?"

Alexis nodded. "I'll get her," Martha said, wanting to give daughter and father a moment alone, something they hadn't been granted since Alexis' initial rescue. They had spent a good portion of the evening at the precinct.

Castle sat in the spot his mother had vacated, immediately taking Alexis' broken wrist into his hands. "You know I'm keeping you home for the week."

"I thought I was just saved from being kidnapped," Alexis quipped.

"Not funny," Castle said, though he smiled.

"Dad?

"Yes?"

"I missed you," Alexis said quietly, the slightest hint of fear creeping through her words.

Castle brought his hand to her face and brushed her cheek lightly, something he had done when she was a baby. "I missed you too. I promise I won't make this next week too boring for you."

"It'll just give me all the more to talk about in therapy," Alexis said, making her father chuckle. "Can we have a Nora Ephron marathon?"

Castle's smiled widened and nodded. "Though I'll be the one in need of therapy once we're done."

"Knock, knock."

Castle and Alexis turned to see Kate standing in the doorway. "I was told I was being summoned," she said, walking into the room.

"I just wanted to say: Thank you," Alexis said, as Castle stood; allowing Kate to sit where he had been.

Kate smiled and grabbed Alexis' healthy hand. "You are very welcome. I'm just glad you're okay."

"And---," Alexis paused and looked over to her dad, who was now waiting by the door. The girl sat up slightly and leaned forward, making Kate lean forward was well. "Thank you for looking after my dad."

Kate smiled and winked, hiding the shock she felt; Alexis really was far to wise for her age. "Someone had to, he was ready to tear down the city," she lied. Alexis didn't need to know the actual state her father had been in, though Kate was certain the girl probably could have guessed.

Alexis was about to respond, but when she opened her mouth a yawn came out; pushing her back into the pillows.

"I think it's time you sleep," her father said, walking over, standing next to Kate.

"Okay," Alexis said, not even trying to argue as sleep began to take hold of her. Kate stood up and allowed Castle to move forward and place a light kiss on his daughter's forehead. "Goodnight, Dad. Goodnight Detective."

"Goodnight, Alexis," The two adults said at the same time as they backed out of the room, closing the door behind them.

For the first time in two nights, Alexis Castle fell asleep in her own bed.

The door to Alexis' room clicked behind them as Kate and Castle stepped into the hall.

They turned to each other and smiled. "I know it's late," Castle whispered. "But—will you stay, at least for a while?"

Kate nodded; glad to have the offer, having not wanted to go home just yet.

They made their way downstairs where they ran into Martha at the foot of them. "If you two will excuse me, I think it's time I take a nice long bath," she said.

"Didn't you take one earlier?" Kate asked, her brow furrowing.

Martha smiled and bowed slightly. "That, my dear, is what they call acting. Good to know I've still got it," she said, as she moved passed them up the stairs.

"It's not acting if it's an out right lie," Castle called after his mother as she disappeared from sight. He shook his head and turned back to Kate. "Can I interest you in a drink?"

"Hot chocolate?"

Castle smiled and nodded. "You took the words right out of my mouth."

Kate settled onto the couch as Castle readied their drinks.

She relaxed into the corner, dropping her head back so she was staring at the ceiling. She was exhausted. Beyond exhausted. And yet she was completely happy. Alexis was safe and unharmed. Alan and Sabrina Jenkins' would be locked away for a long time. And Castle. Castle was back to his old self again, something Kate couldn't even begin to describe how thankful she was for.

She closed her eyes and sighed. She knew she should go home. Go home and sleep, in her own bed, not on Castle's couch. But being away from this apartment, knowing that Alexis was safe upstairs; Kate wanted to be no where else. And, try as she might to deny it, she had gotten quite comfortable spending her nights at the Castle home.

"Maybe I should have made coffee," Castle said, as he walked over to her, holding out a steaming mug of cocoa. He sat down next to her, close enough that she could feel the cushion dip from his added weight.

"Then I'd never fall asleep," Kate said, taking her mug and greedily drinking the hot liquid. "Thank you," she said after her mouth stopped burning.

"Impressive," Castle said, sipping his drink with caution. Kate felt herself blush.

"How are you holding up?" Kate asked over her mug, doing what she could to get the topic of conversation away from her apparent skill.

"I'm---." He paused and thought, tilting his head slightly. "Relieved. And exhausted. And happier then I can ever remember being but---."

"You're scared and you think that when you wake up in the morning it will all be gone," Kate finished for him.

"Finishing my sentences for me? Detective, I didn't think our relationship had reached that stage yet."

Kate rolled her eyes, realizing it was an act she had missed doing over the past few days. "In your dreams, Castle."

He chuckled quietly and took a sip of his drink. "But yes, I am."

"Well," Kate said, relaxing into the couch more. "I can promise you, you're not dreaming Castle. Alexis is home and no longer gone."

"With a cast to prove it," the writer responded, his eyes darkening ever so slightly.

"But she's safe now, which is all that matters."

Castle nodded and held out his mug; Kate smiled and tapped hers to his.

They fell into a comfortable silence, drinking quietly. Kate closed her eyes again, enjoying the silent company, not thinking, not caring. Just being. Complete and total relaxation.

"You know," Castle said after a moment, breaking the quiet. "I don't think I've thanked you for all that you did the past couple of days."

Kate opened her eyes and turned to him, tucking one of her legs beneath her body. "Sure you did."

"No," Castle said, shaking his head. "I didn't." He placed his mug on the coffee table, before he took hers (making Kate protest slightly) and did the same. He then turned towards her, mimicking her body position.

Kate felt herself warm as he took one of her hands in his own and looked into her eyes. "Nothing I can say will ever express to you have thankful I am," he said, slowly; his voice deeper than usual. "You didn't have to do what you did."

Kate smiled and squeezed his hands in her own. "Castle, of course I did—it's my job--."

Castle shook his head. "I know it is, but you did more than that. I—I don't know what I would have done without you."

"An entire country wouldn't have been able to fix your path of destruction," Kate said, smiling slightly.

"Not modest when it comes to your superpowers, are you?"

"I have superpowers?" Kate snorted.

Castle smirked, a sight that Kate had been beginning to miss. "Of a caliber you can't even begin to imagine, Detective."

Kate smiled and looked down, her eyes landing on their conjoined hands. Just beyond her gaze she could see Castle staring at her. They started, together one down and the other straight ahead; and for the second time that weekend Kate was struck with the idea that her hand had never fit more perfectly with another's before.

She blushed at the thought and looked up her eyes instantly locking with Castle's. She felt hypnotized and yet more comfortable than she had in a long time. He moved forward slightly and paused, looking at her, trying to gauge her reaction. My god he wasn't really doing what she thought he was…was he?

And he was.

Slowly, Castle moved forward until their lips were inches apart. Kate felt her eyes droop against her will. He paused and her body swayed, causing her eyes to open once again. He wasn't going to move closer any time soon, Kate realized. He was waiting for her to close the remaining distance, or not. He was letting her decide. Allowing her to seal their fates one way or another. So Kate did the only rational thing she could think of.

She moved forward until the remaining space between them disappeared and their lips met for the first time.

Kate thought two things instantly; the first being: wow, and the second being: why have we not done this before?

His lips moved against hers softly, tentatively and she realized that he was scared. Of what? Of pushing her away? No chance that was happening anytime soon. Slowly, she brought her hand to his face, guiding him to her with more pressure. His newly freed hands found themselves to her waist, pulling her closer while hers worked their way up to his neck.

The kiss deepened and Kate felt herself being pushed into the couch as her hands wove themselves in his hair. Her entire body tingled and was warm. A warmth she had comet o expect from his touch. One that she had quite gotten used to and one that she didn't want to lose for a long while.

They lost themselves and Kate wondered if this was a reaction to the past weekend or if it was something that had been a long time coming. She didn't need to be told the answer, a part of her already knew; try as she might to deny it.

Slowly, Castle pulled away, just enough so they could look at one another, but not enough to be a completely loss of contact. "Stay," he breathed, his throat dry as his eyes searched hers.

"Rick," she said, the simple use of his name conveying the worry she felt. Was it safe to do so? Was it proper? Could they do that…now? They had to talk, for that she was certain, but talking was the last thing on her mind right now.

He shook his head and smiled goofily. "Head out of the gutter, Katie, though I'm sure we'll get there eventually."

"Ass."

He chuckled. "Just…stay…here with me. On the couch. We'll sleep and be woken, embarrassingly, by Mother again---or Alexis," he added the last part with the brightest smile Kate had ever seen him give.

"That sounds like a good idea," she said, returning the smile.

They shifted until they were half laying, half sitting, use each other as pillows. Kate was certain that (had she been alone) the position would be uncomfortable. But with Castle---Rick---it was more comfortable than her bed.

Yes, they had to talk, she knew. But talking could wait until morning…or dinner…or dinner and a movie…perhaps a walk through the park. It didn't matter. They would get there when they got there, but for now there much needed rest.

"Goodnight, Kate," Castle whispered, sleepily into her hair.

"Goodnight, Rick," Kate responded as she felt a light kiss being placed on the top of her head.

Together, their breathing slowed until conscious thoughts fled; turning and spinning into colorful thoughts of the night.

They slept.

Fin.