Chapter 60

Present

Kate slowly rose to consciousness. As she drew in a deep breath her arm instinctively reached across the bed. Her seeking hand found empty space. Blinking open her eyes she found the other side of the bed empty.

Her sleep fogged mind cleared a moment later and she remembered the reason why the other side of the bed was empty. Her husband was away on a book tour. Dampening down her initial disappointment she stretched out and yawned loudly. She should not be too disappointed she reminded herself. Castle was coming home tonight.

Once fully awake Kate slowly sat up in bed. She reached across to the night stand and picked up her phone. Opening it up she checked the time and saw it was just after eight-thirty. It was not often that she slept in until eight-thirty in the morning or later. Usually at this time of the morning in the loft it was a hive of activity, making breakfast, getting the kids ready for school, witnessing Martha's latest walk of shame and hearing the less salacious details but with the promise of more details later after the kids have gone, getting ready for work and attempting to get her husband out of bed. That was a normal morning in the Castle household.

Kate checked her phone for messages. She was relieved to discover there were not that many. There were a couple from the precinct updating her on some ongoing cases. Thankfully there was nothing that required an immediate response from her.

On some mornings when she checked her phone she found her inbox clogged with messages and reports that needed a response from her. She would either message back or call back. It was par for the course of being a precinct captain she had quickly discovered not long after moving into the captain's office at the 12th.

Kate's face broke into a bright smile when she found messages from Castle. She thought about responding to him but changed her mind. She could give her reply to him in person later today when he walked through the door she decided.

With her messages checked Kate set the phone back on the night stand. This morning she had the whole loft to herself. Martha was away in Boston with some members of her acting class who were performing in a play there. The kids had been packed off to her mother's last night so that they could spend the day with her today. With the loft to herself she could spend the day working from home in peace and quiet.

Throwing aside the blankets Kate got out of bed. She felt a faint throbbing in her head, a small reminder of having had one glass of red too many last night. She did not regret having over indulged a little last night. She had been over at Lanie's and Jenny had been there as well. It was an all too rare girls' night where they could bemoan the foibles of their spouses or partners, talk about their children, or simply just talk about life in general while sipping glasses of good quality red wine. The wine had come from Castle's cellar. Kate knew that her husband would not have minded that she had liberated a couple of bottles.

Kate used her hand and combed her hair away from her face. She reached for her robe. The loft was warm enough not to need one but she had learned from past experience it was best to be wearing one just in case someone came to the door. The world did not need to see her in one of Castle's Batman t-shirts and a pair of boxers.

Kate headed out of the bedroom and into the office. She looked over to the desk and saw the small pile of files that she had left there when she had come home from the precinct. She frowned at the sight of the files. They were the last of the yearly personnel evaluations. She had managed to complete the evaluations for the other departments at the 12th precinct. These files awaiting her attention were for the homicide teams.

Kate continued walking making her way to the kitchen and for the first cup of coffee of the day. The files could wait to be tackled until she had caffeine circulating through her system.

A few minutes later Kate returned to the office carrying with her a large dark blue if slightly misshapen ceramic mug that was filled with coffee. It was a Mothers' Day present from Little Jo which she had made at school. It was surprisingly sturdy for the task it was made for just as long as it was not filled right up to the brim. Needless to say this mug had become Kate's favourite.

Sitting down at the desk she set the mug down carefully to the side and looked over the desk, a small smile rising to her lips. The desk had become just as much as hers as it was Castle's. He had offered to buy her a new desk and set it up beside this one but she declined the offer. Kate took note of the framed family portraits that held pride of place on the desk and the small but growing collection of carved wooden elephants that were battling for space with Castle's odds and ends. The elephants seemed to be winning the battle.

Kate turned her attention to the waiting files. She had found that she had no trouble writing evaluations on most of the detectives at the precinct but when it came to the homicide teams she found it a little difficult. There were still more than a few detectives at the precinct that she had worked with when she had been a Detective First grade and she found it a little disconcerting that she was their superior now and had to write up their evaluations. She made it a point of being honest and encouraging as she could be and never failed to praise their good work. She had not forgotten how she always felt when she had received praise for a job well done from Captain Montgomery or Gates.

Picking up the first file she noted the name on the front and quickly set it aside. She did the same with the second file from the pile. Esposito and Ryan's evaluations she would do last she decided. She picked up the next file and quickly opened it and started going through it.

A few moments later Kate paused as she realised that she need to make notes. She reached for the right hand top drawer of the desk. On opening it she started searching for a pen. Finding a pen she set it on the desk and continued to rummage for a writing pad. Finding none in the top drawer she closed the drawer and opened the next one. A quick search brought the same result. Closing that drawer she opened the third and bottom drawer.

Her forehead furrowed when she saw the large manuscript sitting on top of the stuff in the drawer. Reaching down she picked up the manuscript. Living with an author she was used to seeing these types of manuscripts laying about the office. She had found a few in their bedroom from time to time as well as other places in the loft.

She had gotten pretty good at guessing the number of pages the manuscripts were. This one in her hand she judged to be about six hundred pages thick. She flicked through the pages to the last page and broke into a smile when she saw the page number. Six hundred and twenty pages, not a bad guess, Kate thought to herself with some amusement.

The amusement on her face deepened when she closed the manuscript and read the title of the story that had been hand written on the cover. Her lips curved into a smile.

"The Time Travelling Writer's Detective Wife. Really Castle?" She laughed and shook her head. As titles went it was not one of his best.

Kate slowly worried her bottom lip. She knew that she had work to do but she continued to stare at the manuscript in her hands. Her curiosity was piqued. She knew that Castle was always writing down scenes or stories, or just ideas that captured his imagination. Most of what he wrote had nothing to do with the book he currently might have been writing though some of it did make its way into his books.

Castle did show her most of the stuff he wrote because he valued her opinions and thoughts, and whatever criticism she might provide. Countless times he had called her Fan Number One, a title that she never was thrilled with but it accorded her certain privileges that his other fans would sell their souls for if they could. Some of the stuff he wrote was only for her eyes, unique love letters that she treasured as if they were precious gems.

For the life of her she could not recall him having shown her this story, he had not even mentioned it all. Now more intrigued than ever she set the manuscript on the desk, opened it to the first page and started reading.

XXX

Castle glanced out the window of the airplane and watched as it slowly taxied towards the aerobridge. In the distance he caught sight of a 747 jumbo slowly lumbering into the air. Normally his curiosity would have gotten the better of him and he would wonder about the people aboard that plane. He would speculate about where they were going and what their stories were. He did it to help pass the time.

Today was not one of those occasions. Turning away from the window he leaned back in his seat and willed the plane to get to its gate a little quicker than it was currently progressing. He barely listened to the voice of the captain as he went through the usual spiel to the passengers, giving a brief weather report for New York, hoping they had a pleasant flight and thanking them for flying their airline.

He picked up the open book that lay in his lap and closed it. He set it aside in the empty seat beside him. He had bought the book in a shop before his flight just to have something to occupy his mind on the flight. As much as a gadget geek as he was, eager to get his hands on the latest gadget as soon as they came on the market as a cupboard at home that was full of iPads, kindles, and other electronic devices could attest, there was still a part of him that enjoyed the simple pleasure of holding a book in his hand. He could thank his wife for reminding him of the pleasure of reading a physical book.

He had been reading it throughout the flight, only putting it down when the plane was on final approach for landing. He had nearly finished the book, only having two chapters to go. He made a mental note to remind himself to finish it in the next few days when he got the chance.

Try as he might Castle could not contain his excitement. He was finally home after a three week cross country book tour. Actually he had cancelled the last book signing so that he could get home a little early and surprise his wife. When he had been talking to Kate on the phone the other day, she had mentioned that the kids would be spending Friday at her mother's house. The thought of Kate alone in the loft was all the incentive he needed to cancel the last book signing appearance, much to his publisher's displeasure, and fly back home a little early and surprise her.

Finally the plane came to a halt. The handful of passengers who had enjoyed the comforts of First Class started to rise from their seats and collected their belongings from the overhead lockers before making their way to the exit. Castle rose to his feet. He reached up to the overhead storage locker and pulled down his bag. He opened it and checked to see if his laptop was there. Before closing the bag he put in the book he had been reading.

"Excuse me, Mr Castle?"

Castle was about to sling the bag over his shoulder but paused and turned to see the flight attendant approaching him. He broke into a smile which deepened the moment he caught sight of the book she was holding in her hands. He was well used to having flight attendants and pilots, not to mention other passengers coming up to him asking him to sign their books or just for an autograph. It was something that he did not mind doing.

"Would you like me to sign it, Melanie?" Castle as he automatically reached inside his jacket for the Sharpie pen he kept there for such purposes.

"If you don't mind, Mr Castle." Melanie said a little shyly as she held out the copy of Frozen Heat.

"No trouble at all."

Castle was a little amused to see the transformation of Melanie from a confident, friendly and assured flight attendant into a fangirl now that they were on the ground. He took the book and quickly signed his name on the title page. He also added a little inscription before he handed the book back.

"Are you enjoying the book?" Castle inquired.

"Oh yes, Mr Castle, very much." Melanie replied excitedly. "I especially loved that opening paragraph."

"I'm so pleased to hear that." Castle beamed. "I rather like it myself."

It was not the first time he had heard that from his fans. He loved that opening paragraph. It was a real attention grabber. As much as he wanted to claim it was his idea, there was really one person responsible for that paragraph. It was his muse who had made the suggestion one night after she had read the first chapter when he had given it to her. After he had read over what he had re-written he found himself once more forever grateful to her, inspiring him yet again.

"And please call me, Rick." Castle added.

Melanie smiled and nodded her head as she clutched the autographed copy of Castle's latest Nikki Heat novel close to her chest.

Castle slung his bag over his shoulder, he gave a nod of goodbye to Melanie and made his way to the exit. A few moments later he joined the line of passengers as thy emerged from the arrivals gate and into the terminal.

Though he knew that there was no one here to pick him up because of his early return it did not stop Castle from inspecting the group of people standing near the gate waiting to greet their newly arrived loved one. It always reminded him of the opening and closing scenes from the movie Love Actually.

Castle broke into a warm smile when he saw the Marine walking just ahead of him almost get knocked over by an excited young woman holding a baby in her arms. The Marine dropped the bag he had been holding and wrapped his arms around his family.

Castle had struck up a conversation with the Marine, who was still dressed in his fatigues, in the waiting lounge at LAX as they waited for their plane to board. He found out that the young man had returned that very day from a six month deployment in Afghanistan and he could not wait to get home to New York and see his family. Castle well understood that feeling. For the majority of the hour they had spent talking and showing each other pictures of their families. When the flight was called they shook hands and wished each other well.

Before Castle had boarded the plane he stopped by the desk next to the gate and asked the agent there if the airline could upgrade the young Marine's seat from coach to first class. He was even ready to offer to pay for the upgrade if that might help. It was his way of saying thanks for the man's service to his country. The agent smiled and assured Castle that his offer would not be necessary. The Marine got his upgrade to first class.

Castle's eyes shifted from the heart warming scene of the family reunion to the other people waiting near the gate. He was startled when he saw the tall funereal looking man dressed in a black suit.

"Mr Jones?" Castle said with some surprise as he walked over.

"Hello Mr Castle, did you have a pleasant flight?" Mr Jones said.

"What are you doing here?" Castle asked. Suddenly his eyes widened with concern. "Do we have to go somewhere? Is there something wrong?"

Mr Jones chuckled at Castle's sudden alarm.

"The only place you have to go is home, Mr Castle."

"You mean, home, home?" Castle asked warily.

"Yes, Mr Castle. Home, home."

"And you're here to drive me home?"

"Precisely."

Castle was a little surprised to hear that. "Oh, okay."

"Let us go and collect your luggage, shall we?" Mr Jones suggested.

Castle nodded his head and fell into step beside Mr Jones as they headed for the baggage claim area. As they walked Castle could not help but cast a worried look at the other man.

Castle gazed out the window as they cleared the airport precinct and headed for the city. He was not surprised to find that the traffic was on the heavy side at this time of the day but after a long cross country flight he was grateful he was not driving.

"I see you brought the Mustang." Castle remarked.

"Indeed." Mr Jones murmured. "Once more for old times sake."

Castle noted the tone in the other man's voice. He turned away from the window to look at Mr Jones. There was a neutral expression on Mr Jones' face.

"How was your book tour, Mr Castle?" Mr Jones asked suddenly, his eyes not leaving the traffic ahead.

"The tour was quite good actually." Castle replied as he turned to the window again. "My publisher is certainly happy. Sales are up by over fifteen percent."

"Well done, Mr Castle."

"Yeah, thanks." Castle said drily.

Castle's thoughts returned to the book tour and to a particular day when it almost came to a grinding halt. He had been halfway through the tour in Tuscan, Arizona when he had received a call from a happy sounding Gina. She was happy because the sales of the latest Nikki Heat novel was going through the roof, especially in those cities Castle had visited. Gina ordered him to extend the tour by a further ten days.

Castle had refused point blank to extending the tour. As much as he enjoyed book tours and meeting his fans he enjoyed his family even more and had been counting the days when he could return to his wife and children. Adding ten more days to the tour was the last thing he wanted to do.

Gina had countered that she had cleared it with his agent Paula. There may have been a time when Castle would have bowed to the demands of his publisher but those days were long gone. It had taken an ultimatum from Castle to get Gina to drop the idea of extending the book tour. He had basically told her that she either dropped the idea of extending the tour another ten days or he would cancel the rest of the tour and fly home immediately. Reluctantly, very reluctantly, Gina changed her mind. Castle did have to agree to another book tour in a month's time though. It was a compromise that seemed to appease both parties.

"Well, I'm sure you're exceedingly glad to be home, Mr Castle." Mr Jones remarked.

Castle was dragged away from his thoughts. "Yes, yes I am, Mr Jones."

For the next few minutes the two men rode in silence. It was enough time for Castle's curiosity to be piqued as to why Mr Jones would come and pick him up from the airport. It was something Mr Jones had never done before. Curiosity finally got the better of him. He turned to look at Mr Jones.

"So, why did you really come to pick me up, Mr Jones?" Castle asked suddenly.

Mr Jones did not respond immediately to the question. He cast a glance at Castle before turning his attention back to the road again. He remained silent for a few more moments longer.

"Mr Castle, you have been a wonderful companion."

"That's so Dr Who." Castle interjected with a chuckle.

"Indeed."

"Wait!" Castle exclaimed as the penny dropped. "Are you breaking up with me?"

"I would not put it in such terms, Mr Castle."

"How would you put it then?"

"Well, I would put it this way." Mr Jones said slowly. "Our assignment has come to an end and the time has come for us to go our separate ways."

Castle stared at Mr Jones stunned at what he had just heard. His mouth dropped open but for a couple of moments no words came out.

"Y...y...you're leaving?" Castle finally stammered out.

"I'm afraid so." Mr Jones nodded.

"B...b...but..."

"Why?" Mr Jones ventured.

Castle nodded his head rapidly up and down.

"Well, the simple answer is that our work here is done."

"How can you be sure?" Castle said anxiously. "I mean anything could happen, has happened...will happen." Castle suddenly paused when he realised he was starting to ramble. He ran his hands over his face.

"I think my head is going to explode."

Mr Jones cast an amused glance at his passenger. Castle was not the first person who had experienced such emotions.

"Well, we can not have your head exploding, Mr Castle, now can we?" Mr Jones replied, amusement lacing his voice. "It would be most tiresome having to clean up the mess in the car."

Castle dropped his hands and stared at Mr Jones. Suddenly a rumble of laughter erupted from him. Mr Jones smiled in response.

"It is time, Mr Castle." Mr Jones said a moment later. "Our work here is done and I must move on."

"I'm sorry to hear that Mr Jones." Castle said. "I've grown quite fond of you."

"As I of you, Mr Castle."

Castle's happiness that he was finally home and would soon be seeing Kate again was dampened somewhat now on learning Mr Jones was leaving. He had grown used to the funereal looking man with a passion for fast cars, and who had more than a passing resemblance to the late English actor Pete Postlethwaite. He had gotten used the man appearing out of the blue and then together they would head off on some adventure. They certainly had some adventures, some of which still gave him nightmares occasionally.

"Here we are, Mr Castle. Home." Mr Jones announced.

Castle was startled out of his reveries. He turned his head to look out the window and astonished to find he was outside the front of his apartment building. His forehead creased into a frown. He was certain that he had not been lost in his thoughts for that long a time not to remember the drive through heavy traffic. He checked his watch and saw that less than thirty minutes had elapsed since they had left the airport. He quickly turned to look at Mr Jones.

"Did you use your...?"

"I did not think you wanted to spend too much time in heavy traffic." Mr Jones shrugged.

"Thanks."

"You're welcome."

Castle glanced out the window and up to his loft. Kate was up there, he told himself. As eager as he was to rush up there he was also reluctant to leave the car. To say good-bye to Mr Jones.

"Mr Castle." Mr Jones said gently, sensing the author's thoughts. "As with every journey it has a beginning, a middle and an end. Our journey, as enjoyable and enlightening it has been, has come to an end. We must part and go our separate ways."

Castle nodded his head slowly. He knew Mr Jones was right.

"It seems so final."

"Such is life sometimes, Mr Castle."

Mr Jones suddenly opened his door and got out. He walked around to the back of the car and opened up the trunk. Castle reached for his bag on the back seat and then got out of the car. He joined Mr Jones and took the suitcase Mr Jones had removed from the trunk.

"Can I ask you something, Mr Jones?" Castle asked.

"Certainly, Mr Castle."

"In that other time line..." Castle hesitated, not knowing how to ask the question.

"Yes?" Mr Jones smiled encouragingly.

"What...what happened to the other me, what happened to Kate?"

"Did you get the girl, is that what you are asking?" Mr Jones asked pointedly.

"Yeah." Castle nodded.

"You will be pleased to know that, your other self does indeed get the girl." Mr Jones replied. "Eventually."

"Eventually?"

"Yes."

Castle frowned as he tried to search his memories.

"But there are a number of adventures along the way, Mr Castle."

"Adventures? What kind of adventures?" Castle asked eagerly.

"There are far too many to mention here and now but let me see...well, there was a comic book superhero who went around slicing miscreants in two with a sword as I recall." Mr Jones said slowly.

"That's so cool!"

Mr Jones arched an eyebrow at Castle.

"That it was a comic book superhero, not...not that he went around slicing people in two." Castle quickly corrected himself.

Mr Jones nodded his head, trying not to smile.

"Oh and of course there was a bank robbery where you and your mother were held hostage and Detective Beckett had to save you."

"Really?" Castle said in astonishment.

"Indeed. Oh, and there was that matter with a tiger."

"A tiger!" Castle exclaimed his voice rising a couple of octaves as his eyes grew wide in alarm.

"Oh, yes, a hungry beastie she was too." Mr Jones nodded. "As I recall you and Detective Beckett were kidnapped and handcuffed together."

"We were?"

Mr Jones nodded his head.

Castle frowned as he struggled to recall those incidents. Some memories were vivid as if they only happened yesterday while others were like ghostly wraiths and hard to hold on to. Try as he might he could not remember anything about a tiger. He looked at Mr Jones.

"So what happens in this time line?" Castle demanded. "Do you know?"

"Yes, I do know."

Castle waited expectantly for Mr Jones to speak. He quickly realised that the other man was not going to speak.

"You're not going to tell me, are you?"

"I'm afraid not."

"Why? Is it against the rules?"

"You, Mr Castle are a man who likes surprises." Mr Jones pointed out. "Far be it for me to be the one responsible for spoiling it for you."

Castle's face fell at Mr Jones' response. Mr Jones saw the look and smiled gently.

"Suffice it to say Mr Castle, there is a happily ever after in your story."

Castle nodded his head. He glanced up to his loft and broke into a smile. It deepened as he turned back to look at Mr Jones.

"To tell you the truth, I think I already got my happily ever after, Mr Jones."

"Indeed you have, Mr Castle." Mr Jones smiled. "Indeed you have."

Mr Jones held out his hand to Castle. Castle shook it.

"It has been an honour and a pleasure working with you, Mr Castle." Mr Jones said with a stoic expression on his face.

"Likewise, Mr Jones."

Mr Jones closed the trunk and made his way to the front of the car. He opened the driver's door and paused to look over to Castle.

"Good-bye, Rick."

Castle startled at Mr Jones using his first name. Suddenly he realised he could not recall ever being told Mr Jones' first name.

"Hey, you know, I don't even know your first name." Castle called out.

"It's Mister." Came the reply.

Castle laughed at the response.

"Good-bye, Mister Jones."

Mr Jones waved and then got into the car. The car started up and quickly pulled away from the curb. Then with a squeal and a cloud of burnt tyres the Mustang sped away down the road and then vanished around the corner.

Castle slowly reached for the handle of his suitcase turned and made his way to the entrance of his building. There was a bounce in his step as he passed the through the front entrance and a big smile.

XXX

Castle opened the front door of the loft and quietly entered. Depositing the keys on the side table he set the suitcase by the table. The shoulder bag joined the suitcase on the floor.

He found it a little disconcerting to find the place quiet. Usually there was noise of some sort, whether it was some favourite music of Kate's playing on the stereo or his children playing or carrying on as children are want to do. Or his mother flitting about. He was about to call out to Kate but stopped before he opened his mouth. He had arrived home early to surprise her and that was what he was going to do. Calling out her name would spoil the surprise somewhat, he concluded.

He turned and made his way to the office. Through the open door he saw Kate behind the desk leaning back in the chair and her feet propped on the edge of the desk with an open manuscript resting in her lap.

He paused in the doorway and leaned against it and just gazed at his wife. Gazing at Kate had always been his favourite past time and even after all these years he had not grown tired of it. He was amused to see her forehead furrowed as she concentrated on the manuscript she was reading. From what he could see Kate was already three quarters of the way through it. He was even more amused to see her in a pose similar to the one he adopted when he was writing.

The grin on his face faltered a little when he saw the manuscript she was reading. For a moment he wondered where Kate had found it then remembered that he had left it in the bottom drawer of his desk.

Kate finished the page she was reading and slowly turned the page. As she was doing it she lifted her gaze and caught sight of a grinning Castle leaning in the doorway watching her. Her eyebrows rose in surprise. A moment later a delighted smile swept slowly across her face.

"Oh Captain, my captain." Castle called out.

"Still not tired of saying that are you?"

"Nope."

Kate nodded her head slowly. "I see you're home early."

"Yeah, I thought I'd surprise you."

Kate closed the manuscript and placed it on the desk. She slowly rose from the chair and came around the desk. Castle eased off the doorway and moved towards her.

"Did you miss me?"

Kate's answer came when she stepped up to him put her arms around his neck and kissed him hard on the mouth. If there was one thing he did like about going on book tours it was the part when he came home to his wife and the welcome home she always had for him.

"Um...that's a yes, then?" Castle panted breathlessly, when Kate pulled back a little.

Kate smiled.

"I'll take that as a yes." Castle chuckled.

He closed his eyes and hugged her tightly and slowly inhaled as if he was breathing her in. All the cares in the world seemed to fade away as he exhaled slowly.

"Isn't Gina going to be upset you cut short the tour?" Kate inquired.

"Yeah."

"And you're not worried?"

"No. I got you to protect me."

"Is that so?" Kate said pulling back to look at his face.

"Yeah."

"Lucky for you I'm in a good mood."

Kate broke from Castle's embrace and moved towards the desk. Castle, already missing the warmth of her body watched her intently. He saw Kate pick up the manuscript and then cast a glance in his direction.

"So when did you write this, Castle?" She asked.

"I've been dabbling at it off and on for a few years." Castle replied. "I got the idea a few years back."

Kate nodded her head slowly a skeptical expression on her face.

"Nikki and Rook travelling through time, huh?"

"Uh...technically it's just...um Rook travelling through time."

"Are you going to publish it?"

"I don't know, do you think I should?"

"I'm not your publisher."

"No, but you're Fan Number One." Castle replied.

"Fan Number One?" Kate asked with some amusement.

Castle nodded and then smiled. "Everyone calls themselves my number one fan but you are Fan Number One."

Kate's lips stretched upwards, amused at his response.

"So, what do you think of the story?" He asked.

When he had started writing the story he had not intended that any one would read it, especially Kate. It was something for himself, just to get it out of his system and as a way to understand what was happening to him. Now that Kate had read it he was very eager to know what she thought of it.

Kate set the manuscript down on the desk and then shrugged her shoulders.

"In of itself, its a good story." Kate said a moment later. "But I doubt Gina would want to publish it."

"Why not?" Castle replied, trying not to sound too affronted.

"No one would believe it." Kate scoffed. "Come on, Castle. Do you really think your fans would believe Jamieson Rook travelling through time?"

"Well it is a little on the AU side."

"A little?" Kate retorted.

"Fine, a lot." Castle conceded. "But he's doing it for Nikki. They'd believe that."

Kate looked over to Castle and saw the look on his face.

"There's no such thing as time travelling, Castle." Kate shook her head.

"How do you know?" Castle replied. He walked towards her. "Just because you haven't experienced it doesn't mean it doesn't exist."

"Castle." Kate scoffed. "Are you going to tell me that you've experienced time travel?"

Castle opened his mouth to reply. The word 'yes' was on the tip of his tongue. For reasons beyond his comprehension, he did not say the word. Normally his mouth moved at a faster speed than his brain but at this moment both mouth and brain were working in sync and the filter was on. He shook his head in answer to her question. He felt a little bad at having to lie to her but he justified it that it was for the greater good. And in a way he was not lying to her, she had read the story.

"Have you forgotten what I told all those years ago?" Castle said slowly.

Kate regarded Castle carefully as she searched her memory. Then she remembered.

"If you don't believe even in the possibility of magic, you will never find it." Kate said quietly, quoting him.

"Yeah." Castle nodded his head.

The corners of Kate's mouth tugged upwards into the beginning of a smile as she nodded her head. Her eyes returned to the manuscript. She shrugged her shoulders.

"I did like the two kids they had." She said.

"You did?"

Kate nodded her head. "And that Nikki's mom was still alive."

"I thought you would."

"Even though the whole story is too far fetched."

Castle placed his hands on Kate's arms and turned her so she could look at him.

"Kate, I didn't fly home early to spend the time debating with you about whether time travelling is possible or not."

"Why did you then?" Kate challenged.

Kate saw the smile slowly spread across Castle's face and his eyes darkened with desire. It was a look that never failed to send a flutter through her.

"I wanted to spent some mommy and daddy time with my wife." He whispered in a seductive tone.

"Mommy and daddy time, huh?" Kate said, trying not to laugh.

"Uh-huh." Castle nodded.

"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go and make some magic in the bedroom." Kate announced in a sultry voice.

She grabbed hold of his hand and and practically dragged him in the direction of their bedroom.

XXX

Johanna Beckett sat in the back of the town car with her arm around her granddaughter Jo, holding her close to her and half listening to the telephone conversation her other granddaughter was having.

The girls were supposed to have stayed another night at her place and she had planned to take them shopping today. Johanna enjoyed spoiling her grandchildren, she considered it as was one of the most important roles of being a grandmother.

Those plans had fallen through thanks to Little Jo coming down with a fever. Johanna did not think that Jo's illness was serious, just one of those childhood ailments that kids got from time to time but her granddaughter had started fussing and wanting her mommy. Hence they were all returning to the loft.

Little Jo had been a little quiet since they had gotten in the car. Thinking that she might have fallen asleep Johanna looked down at her granddaughter and found Jo was awake but looked a little pale and withdrawn.

Johanna almost smiled as she was reminded of another little girl all those years ago who looked just like her granddaughter when she was feeling sick.

"How are you feeling, Jo?" Johanna asked gently.

"Head hurts." Jo replied quietly.

Johanna leaned down and pressed her cheek against Jo's forehead to gauge how warm it was. She was relived to find that her granddaughter's forehead was not as hot as she thought it might have been. It had not changed since she had last checked before they had left home.

"The medicine I gave you should start working soon and your head wont hurt any more."

Little Jo nodded her head and then buried it against Johanna's side. Johanna held her a little closer.

"We should be home very soon, Jo."

Johanna slowly stroked her granddaughter's hair trying to sooth her or at least take her mind off her headache. It was what Johanna used to do when Kate had been Jo's age. It used to work for her daughter and from the looks of things it seemed to be working for her granddaughter.

Johanna saw more and more of Kate in Jo each day. There was a headstrong and determined streak in her that was pure Kate not to mention a sense of justice as well. Those qualities were tempered by a mischievous streak and impulsiveness, and a sense of wonderment. Those qualities were pure Rick Castle.

"Okay, I'll see you soon...bye."

Alexis disconnected the call and looked across to Johanna. Johanna had been looking down at her granddaughter. Now that the call was finished she lifted her gaze to Alexis, raising a questioning eyebrow. Alexis offered an apologetic smile.

"That was Paige." Alexis explained. "She's invited me over to her place."

Johanna nodded her head in understanding. She had caught enough of the conversation to realise that Alexis' friend had called her needing help in choosing a dress for a party she had been invited to.

"Is that okay?"

"You've already made a decision, Alexis." Johanna pointed.

"Sorry, I should have asked first." Alexis's cheeks started to turn a shade of red.

Johanna nodded her head again. A small smile appeared on her face to assure Alexis that she was not upset. Johanna was well versed in the ways of teenage girls. She was silently grateful that her eldest granddaughter was not showing any signs of the 'wild child' that her own daughter had exhibited at the same age.

"Can I come too, Lexie?" Little Jo asked.

"I thought you wanted to see mommy?" Johanna said to her granddaughter.

"I want to go with Lexie." Little Jo said firmly.

Johanna cast a pointed look at Alexis. Alexis' cheeks coloured a little more.

"You're not feeling well, Jo." Alexis told her little sister.

"Want to go with you to Paige."

"Jo, mommy will be so unhappy if Gran arrives home and you're not with her." She said to her little sister. "Do you want mommy to be unhappy?"

"No."

Jo's lips trembled as if she was going to break into tears at not being allowed to accompany her sister. The tears did not come but she did gnaw on her bottom lip torn with wanting to see her mother and at the same time wanting to go with her big sister.

"Tell you what, Jo," Alexis continued. "You can come with me next time to Paige's house when you're feeling better, okay?"

Jo thought over the proposal and then slowly nodded her head. "Okay..."

"Good girl."

Suddenly Jo lifted her head off her grandmother and turned to look at Alexis.

"Promise?" She said.

"Promise." Alexis confirmed.

"Pinky swear." Little Jo held up her hand to her sister.

Johanna could not suppress the smile from her face. More and more like her mother everyday, she thought to herself as she shook her head. Alexis cast a look at Johanna and saw the smile on her grandmother's face. Alexis wanted to laugh but managed to suppress it as she looked down at her little sister.

"Pinky swear." Alexis confirmed solemnly as she held out her hand and entwined her little finger with her sister's.

Johanna felt a little proud of her granddaughter. Though she was feeling sick Jo still had enough energy to seal the agreement she had made with her big sister. Maybe she just might become a lawyer, Johanna thought to herself with some amusement.

The town car slowly pulled up out the front of the loft.

"Did you text Kate that we were coming over?" Johanna asked Alexis.

"Yeah." Alexis nodded and then checked her phone. She frowned a little as she went through her messages.

"She didn't reply back." Alexis reported.

"She might be busy." Johanna replied. Kate had told her that she was working from home today. She might have been caught in some work or had left her phone somewhere else in the loft that she could not hear it

The driver had gotten out of the car and had opened the door for Johanna. Johanna got out and then leaned into the car and gently pulled a lethargic Little Jo to her. She lifted her granddaughter and settled her on her hip. He granddaughter was getting heavier and heavier each day, she observed.

With a protective arm around her granddaughter Johanna slung Jo's backpack over her other shoulder, nodding her thanks to the driver who had passed the bag to her.

"Would you like me to carry her for you, Mrs Beckett?" The driver offered.

"I'm fine, thank you." Johanna replied.

Johanna turned to look at Alexis.

"I'll see you later, Alexis."

"Tell mom I'll only be a couple of hours at Paige's, okay?"

"I will."

"Bye Jo." Alexis called out to her little sister."

Little Jo gave a half-hearted wave at her sister in response.

Johanna carried her granddaughter towards the entrance to the building. The doorman, Miguel a grandfatherly looking man greeted Johanna with a welcoming smile as he opened the door for her. The smile slipped when he saw Jo.

"What is wrong with my little princess?"

"She's not feeling well." Johanna answered.

"Oh that's no good." Miguel frowned. "I hope you feel better real soon, okay honey?"

Jo who had her face pressed her grandmother's neck nodded her head in response.

Johanna was grateful when Miguel offered to carry the backpack for her. She could have carried both granddaughter and the backpack like she had done when Kate was little but having a little help was always welcomed.

Miguel opened the door of the loft and stepped aside allowing Johanna to enter first. Johanna nodded her thanks.

"If you need anything, Mrs Beckett..." Miguel said as he put down the backpack by the side table next to the suitcase.

"Thank you so much, Miguel."

Miguel smiled, nodded his head and quietly departed.

Johanna caught sight of the suitcase but did not think much of it immediately. Her first priority was her granddaughter.

"Do you want to go up to your room, sweetheart?" Johanna asked.

Jo shook her head and pointed to the living room. Johanna carried Jo to the living room couch carefully laying her down on it. Once Jo was settled Johanna reached over to the blanket that was on the backrest and draped it carefully over Jo.

"Do you want to watch some TV, sweetheart?"

Jo shook her head in response.

"You stay right there while I go find mommy, okay?"

"Okay." Jo replied sleepily.

Johanna smiled as she leaned down and kissed her granddaughter on the forehead. She found that the little girl's temperature had not changed since she last checked. Straightening up Johanna turned and made her way towards the office.

"Katie?" She called out.

XXX

Castle and Kate lay naked and stretched out in the tangled mess that was their bed. They lay there in companionable silence still hot and sweaty from their exertions but content and sated, at least for the time being. Kate was snuggled up against Castle resting her head on his chest listening to the steady beat of his heart. His fingers were slowly moving up and down her arm drawing little circles that elicited a small smile from her.

"I take it you missed me then?" Castle said quietly, breaking the silence that had fallen between them.

Kate slowly lifted up her head to look at Castle. A cat-like grin settled on her face.

"What gave you that idea?"

"Oh I don't know, that you practically mauled me?" Castle rubbed his shoulder over the mark Kate's teeth had made during a particularly intense moment between them.

Kate did not deny the accusation. She just gave him a toothy grin. Castle reached out and slowly brushed the hair from her face.

"Not that I'm complaining, though." Castle added.

"I should hope not."

"Just marking your territory, I know."

Kate returned her head to his chest again. Castle smiled as he slowly stroked her hair.

"So how's work been?" He asked.

Every night when he had been on the tour they would talk on the phone. He would always ask her how her day had been and Kate would tell him, always including about any new murder investigation members of homicide were dealing with.

"It's been okay. I've spent the last two days going over the evaluations for everyone at the precinct." Kate sighed.

"That can't be fun." Castle remarked.

"No, it's not." Kate agreed. "I was going to spend the morning finishing the homicide evaluations."

"But I came home early and distracted you."

Kate lifted her head and narrowed her eyes a little as she looked at Castle.

"Umm...sorry." Castle muttered.

"Don't be. I needed the distraction." Kate replied.

"Several times by my count." Castle grinned.

Kate grinned back and gave him a playful slap for his response. Castle laughed. Kate shook her head at him before she settled back down on his chest.

"I still haven't written that speech for the Police Academy graduation ceremony." Kate announced unhappily a few moments later.

"Isn't that next week?"

Kate nodded her head. "Next Wednesday."

"Have you made any notes?" Castle inquired.

Kate shook her head.

"Nothing?"

"Nothing." Kate replied.

"Do you have any idea what you want to say?"

Kate shook her head again.

Castle frowned a little on hearing that. He had not forgotten how excited Kate had sounded when she called him up one night. It had been a few days into his book tour when he had gotten the call from her with the news that the police commissioner had personally asked her to make a speech at the police academy graduation ceremony. Because it was the Police Commissioner who asked Kate could not refuse.

"Well, light of my life, you're one lucky woman." Castle declared.

Kate's eyebrows rose upwards as she shot him a quizzical look.

"How's that, Castle?"

"You, darling wife of mine, are a lucky lady."

"Lucky, huh?"

"Yes indeed." Castle nodded.

"How am I lucky?" Her eyebrows lowered and the quizzical look on her face vanished to be replaced with a curious expression.

"You, my heart, are lucky because you have at your command a recognised and well accomplished, not to mention world famous, wordsmith."

"I can write a speech on my own thank you very much." Kate retorted.

"Yeah if you want to put them to sleep, you know dull and boring."

Kate pinched him in retaliation.

"Ouch...kidding...I'm kidding." Castle laughed.

Once they had settled again Kate looked at Castle.

"You'd help, really?" Kate asked hesitantly.

"You know I would." Castle replied.

Kate smiled and nodded her head slowly. Yes she knew he would help. She had not forgotten the eulogy he had written for her that she gave at Roy Montgomery's funeral. He had been up until all hours the night before the the funeral to get it finished.

"Okay." Kate said quietly.

"Okay?"

"Yes, you can help with the speech."

"Awesome." Castle said excitedly. "We can get started on it tomorrow or the day after."

"Thanks."

They fell into silence for a few minutes before Castle broke it.

"So, you ready for another distraction?" Castle's eyebrows danced up and down suggestively.

"Eager much, there stud?" Kate chuckled.

"Well, with the kids away, I want to enjoy the pleasure of my wife's company."

"Is that so?"

"Yeah."

Kate slowly shifted a little and started to leave a trail of kisses along his chest and to the base of his throat where she started to nuzzle him.

"Mmm...seems I'm not the only eager one." Castle chuckled.

"Shut up." Kate muttered back.

In one swift move Kate shifted to straddle him. Her hands came to rest on his chest pinning him to the bed, not that he wanted to move. He loved it when she took control. Leaning down to look at him Kate's hair framed their faces. She hovered just inches from his mouth, so tantalising close. Castle held his breath as her stared at her mouth as she slowly licked her lips. Slowly he lifted his gaze up to her eyes. He was mesmerised by what he saw. Her hazel eyes sparkled with amusement and the promise of what she wanted to do with him and he could not wait.

"Katie!"

On hearing her mother's voice, Kate let out a growl of annoyance. She pushed herself off Castle and sat up.

"What's your mother doing here?" Castle muttered petulantly.

Kate did not respond to Castle's question. She jumped off the bed and quickly looked about for her discarded robe. Finding it on the floor she scooped it up and slowly started for the door. She had thrown on the robe to cover her nakedness and knotted the sash by the time she reached the door. Before opening it she paused and looked over her shoulder.

"Wait here."

Castle let out a frustrated sigh and then shrugged his shoulders before he fell back on the bed as Kate opened the door and walked out.

"Mom, what are you doing here?" Kate said with surprise when she saw her mother standing in the middle of the office. "Is something wrong?"

Johanna turned around to see her daughter emerge from the bedroom. She took note of the hastily thrown on bathrobe and her dishevelled hair. Then she remembered the suitcase sitting near the front door. Castle must have come home early, she concluded.

"Did I interrupt something?" Johanna inquired unable to hide the grin on her face.

Kate rolled her eyes at her mother's remark. She folded her arms across her chest not looking pleased.

"A little mommy and daddy time I'd guess."

"Why are you here, Mom?" Kate said tersely.

The grin vanished from Johanna's face having been reminded what she was there. She nodded in the direction of the living room.

"Jo wasn't feeling well and wanted to come home."

Any irritation or embarrassment Kate might have felt at having her mother intrude at an inopportune time was quickly erased. A look of concern spread across her face. She rushed out of the office with Johanna right behind her.

"I don't think it's anything serious just a little fever." Johanna assured her. "I gave her something for it before we left home."

Johanna had not forgotten how her daughter had reacted when Jo had been sick for the first time a few years back. She had received a phone call from a frantic Kate in the middle of the night close to melt down. Castle had been away on a book tour at the time.

Johanna well understood the fears that a first time mother would have being confronted with a sick child. She had gone through it herself. With that experience under her belt, Johanna was able to assured her daughter that Jo would be fine. All the same she had gone over to the loft and then accompanied both mother and sick child to the doctor. Once the doctor had examined Jo he was able to assured Kate that her little girl would be fine. It was a much relieved Kate who had returned to the loft later that morning.

Spotting her bundled up daughter on the couch Kate flew across the living room and came to sit on the edge of it. Seeing her mommy, Jo brightened up a little offering up a weak smile.

"Mommy."

"Hey, sweetheart, aren't you feeling well?" Kate smiled gently as she brushed the hair from her daughter's face then leaned in and gave her a kiss.

"Head hurts." Jo whimpered.

"Oh, that's no good."

Kate pulled aside the blanket and lifted Jo into her arms giving her a big hug. Kissing her forehead she found that Jo was warm. She cast a look to where her mother was standing seeking reassurance from her. Johanna smiled gently and nodded her head.

"Why don't I take you up stairs so you can sleep in your bed and then you'll feel better." Kate suggested.

"Okay, mommy."

Kate started to make her way out of the living room.

"Where's daddy?" Jo demanded. "I want Daddy too."

Kate was about to open her mouth to reply but was beaten to the punch.

"I'm right here munchkin." Castle called out as emerged from the office. He had put on the t-shirt that Kate had been wearing earlier and a pair of sweat pants.

"Daddy!" Jo shouted excitedly.

Kate had to grab hold of Jo tightly because the little girl started struggling to be released as she reached out for her father. A grinning Castle swept in and took his daughter from Kate then dropped a big wet kiss loudly on Jo's cheek. Jo let out a delighted squeal as she kissed him back.

"Aren't you feeling well?" Castle asked.

"No, my head hurts." Jo replied.

"Come on let's take you up to bed." Castle announced. He cast a look to Kate. Kate smiled and nodded her head in consent.

"Would you like me to tell you a story?" Castle asked his daughter.

Jo nodded her head.

Kate bit on her lip unable to hide the concerned look on her face as she watched her daughter being carried up the stairs. She seemed to have revived a little now that she was safe in her daddy's arms.

"Definitely Daddy's girl." Johanna remarked.

"Yeah," Kate agreed.

"She's going to be fine. Nothing serious."

Kate nodded her head. Her mother was right, she knew that. On top of that Castle did not seem too concerned either. If he thought his daughter was really sick he would have been flying out the door for the doctor. Kate took a calming breath and pushed down her concern for her daughter. She turned away from the stairs to face her mother.

"Coffee?"

"I would love one, thank you." Johanna replied.

The two women moved to the kitchen. Johanna sat down on a stool at the counter as Kate walked over to the coffee machine and started it up.

"By the way, Alexis has gone over to Paige's house." Johanna informed her daughter.

Kate paused while holding two coffee mugs and turned to look at her mother and gave her a questioning look.

"Apparently Paige had a major crisis in her wardrobe selection and needed Alexis' help." Johanna added in explanation.

"Okay, right." Kate replied then turned her attention back to making the coffees.

A few minutes later Kate brought over the two mugs of coffee and passed one over to her mother. Johanna nodded her thanks as she accepted the offered mug then watched as Kate walked around the counter and came to sit on the stool beside her. She studied her daughter carefully for some moments. Kate was staring down at her coffee with a frown of concern on her face.

"Jo is going to be fine, dear." Johanna said.

Kate looked up from her coffee.

"I know." Kate sighed, feeling a little foolish.

"If there's no change by this evening in her condition, then take her to the doctor."

Kate nodded her head in acknowledgement.

"Some times you worry too much."

Kate's eyebrows shot up in surprise as she looked at her mother.

"And you don't?" She retorted.

Johanna smiled and shrugged her shoulders.

"There is always a degree of worry." Johanna said slowly. "It's a natural condition of being a mother."

Kate allowed a small smile to reach her lips. She nodded her head in agreement with what her other had said. Slowly she picked up her mug and brought it to her mouth, taking a sip of the coffee.

"If you really want worry wait till Jo reaches her teens." Johanna added. "It might be a bit of poetic justice if you have go through some of what I went through with you."

"I wasn't that bad, Mom." Kate scoffed. She put down her mug and looked at her mother.

"Really? Well, my grey hairs and I would beg to differ."

"Ooh, are you talking about Kate's wild child phase?" Castle asked excitedly as he neared the kitchen. "Wait till I get a coffee, I want to hear all about it."

As Castle drew near them both mother and daughter turned and shot him identical raised eyebrows. The smile on Castle's face slipped as he faltered in his steps. He had been on the receiving end of 'The Beckett Glare' from his wife countless time for sins both real and perceived but he had never had both barrels.

Wow, talk about like mother like daughter." Castle observed, warily.

"How's Jo?" Kate asked.

"She fell sleep almost as soon as I put her to bed." Castle informed her. "I didn't even get the chance to read her a story."

Kate nodded her head but then started to bit her lip. Castle came to stand beside Kate. He could see that Kate was still a little worried about their daughter. He put his arm around her shoulder pulling her to him and dropped a kiss on her head.

"She'll be fine." He assured her.

"I'll go and check on her just the same." Kate announced.

Kate broke from Castle's embrace and slipped off the stool. She quickly made her way out of the kitchen and rushed up the stairs. Castle watched her go.

"Were you like this?" Castle asked turning to Johanna.

"Afraid so." Johanna nodded.

Castle grinned. He made his way around the counter heading for the coffee machine.

"What about you, Rick?" Johanna inquired. "It wouldn't have been easy trying to raise Alexis on your own?"

"You don't know the half of it." Castle sighed.

Castle picked up the empty mug that had been left there for him by Kate and placed it under the coffee machine. Pushing a button on the machine, coffee began to drip into the mug.

"Alexis just had to have a sniffle and I would be bundling her up in a thick warm coat and rushing out the door to go see the doctor." Castle confessed, shaking his head at the memory.

With the mug now filled Castle picked it up and slowly walked back to the counter. He set the mug down on the counter and looked at Johanna, a small grin on his face.

"You know, Kate hasn't really told me much about her wild child phase." He said. "And I want to hear all about it."

"I'm sure you do, Rick." Johanna said. She saw the expectant look on his face.

"But you wont hear anything from me, I'm afraid."

Castle's face fell. "You're no fun, Johanna." Castle pouted.

"What can I say?" Johanna shrugged her shoulders. "It comes under Mother Daughter privilege."

Castle narrowed his eyes as he looked at Johanna who had started to smirk.

"There is such a thing as Mother Daughter privilege?"

"Oh yes."

"Fine." Castle huffed. "Don't tell me then."

"I wont." Johanna replied.

"You do know that I'm not going to give up trying to find out?"

"Yeah, well you can try, Rick."

"I'll wear you down eventually." Castle said confidently.

"Good luck with that." Johanna laughed.

Johanna picked up her mug and took a big sip of the coffee. Her phone chimed announcing a new message. She put her mug down on the counter.

"Excuse me." She said as she reached into the pocket of her jacket.

Pulling out the phone she quickly checked the message that had arrived. Her brow furrowed at what she read. Castle saw the change in her facial expression.

"Johanna, something wrong?"

Johanna looked up from her phone.

"Could you turn on the TV, Rick?"

Castle nodded his head and then motioned in the direction of the living room. Johanna slipped off her stool and followed Castle into the living room. Castle swept up the remote from off the coffee table and cast a glance at his mother-in-law, giving her a questioning look.

"There's something about Bracken on the news." Johanna explained.

The expression on Castle's face darkened at the mention of the name. Then he remembered about Bracken's appeal decision was being brought down today. He could not believe that he had forgotten all about it. He pointed the remote at the television and pressed a button.

A second later the black screen suddenly burst into life to reveal a children's cartoon show. He quickly changed the channel. A moment later there was a neatly coiffured anchorman in what looked like an expensive dark grey business suit sitting behind an oversized desk looking serious.

"Just to recap, earlier this afternoon, the Federal Appeals Court brought down its decision on the appeal of former Senator William Bracken who was convicted on murder and racketeering charges three years ago."

Castle looked across to Johanna and they shared a look before they turned to the TV.

"In an unanimous decision the court dismissed the appeal. Bracken, who was in court to hear the decision was immediately placed into the custody of US Marshals. It is expected that Bracken will be transported to the US Federal Prison at Marion, Illinois where he will serve life sentences for ordering the murders of two former NYPD detectives, John Raglan and Garry McAllister, as well as law student Blake Jackson and a raft of racketeering charges.

"Bracken has steadfastly maintained his innocence of all the charges despite the overwhelming evidence the US Attorney submitted at the original trial. A lot of that information had been published online days after his original arrest by the FBI."

A satisfied smile settled on Castle's face as he stared at the screen.

"Not all of it was published online." He said in a low voice.

When Bracken had been arrested by the FBI, Castle had gotten in contact with his cyber-geek guy, Ghost Rider, and instructed him to release some of the the files, just enough to cause a furor but not enough that could cause a mistrial.

"Bracken has spent the past two years appealing the original convictions, citing that because of the publication of the information online he was not given a fair trial."

"Yeah just like he gave his victims a fair trial." Castle muttered angrily.

On the TV the vision changed from the anchorman to a balding black business suited man holding a briefcase and surrounded by microphones and reporters on the steps in front of the court house. At the bottom of the screen next to the TV station logo was the name of the lawyer; Harvey Brezinsky.

"We are very disappointed with the decision today. Of course we are... I want to reiterate once again that my client is totally innocent of the charges that the government has brought against him.

There is a giant conspiracy against him. My client has suffered a monstrous miscarriage of justice."

Castle heard Johanna let out a laugh. He turned to look at her and saw her shaking her head.

"Harvey, Harvey...always with the hyperbole..." She muttered in a low amused voice.

"You know him?" Castle asked, a little surprised.

"We went to law school together." Johanna explained.

When Harvey Brezinsky had paused to take a breath he was bombarded by the reporters with a barrage of questions.

"Yeah, we'll be seeking leave to appeal the United States Supreme Court. This is certainly not over. Not by a long shot. Like I said this is a great miscarriage..."

Castle pointed the remote at the TV and instantly the outraged looking Harvey Brezinsky disappeared and was replaced by a black screen. Slowly he turned to look at Johanna.

"There's no chance he'll be granted leave to appeal to the Supreme Court." Johanna stated firmly, as she stared at the dark screen.

Castle nodded his head in agreement. Johanna turned away from the TV and looked at Castle.

"Thank you, Rick."

"No thanks needed, Johanna."

Johanna smiled.

"It's over." Castle said. "Finally."

Johanna nodded her head slowly. The smile on her face deepened a little. She cast a glance in the direction of the stairs before looking at Castle again.

"Why don't you go and tell Katie the good news?" She suggested.

"Yeah, good idea." Castle agreed.

"And perhaps you'll get to finish your mommy and daddy time?"

Castle's eyebrows shot up in surprise at Johanna's last remark. He saw the mischievous glint in his mother-in-law's eyes. A look he had seen many times in his wife's eyes. A moment later his eyebrows danced up and down as he grinned back. He gave her a nod of the head before he turned and rushed towards the stairs taking them two at a time.

Johanna smiled as she made her way to the kitchen to collect her purse. As she reached the door she paused and cast a glance up the stairs and smiled even more. She remembered that night in that alley in Washington Heights, that fateful meeting. She had once described her son-in-law a remarkable man. In all the years she known him nothing had happened to make her change her mind. She would be forever grateful to him. For getting to see her daughter get married to the man she truly loved and see how happy she now was. For the beautiful grandchild she had. For the life her gave back to her.

The End

XXXXX

Well, Dear Reader, there you have it. Our story has come to an end. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for reading it. I would especially like to thank every one of you who took the time and trouble to write to me to let me know what you thought of the story, or to point out any error I had made, or even make a suggestion or two towards the story. I am deeply grateful to you all. Your kind words were deeply appreciated.

So until next time, thank you.

Con