443. Chapter 443

After When the Bough Breaks

Episode 2.05

By

UCSBdad

Disclaimer: Mr. Bond will tell you I don't own Castle. Rating: K Time: See above.

Author's note: All of my three prior After When the Bough Breaks stories have been AU. Why stop a good thing? Although this one is a bit less AU than the others.

Castle took a deep breath. He could do this. He had to do this. Rick Castle tells the truth. Okay, I may shade the truth a bit if, say, Martha asks me how her gaudy outfits look and I say they look fine. But, on important things I tell the truth. That's one thing about being rich. I don't have to kiss my boss's ass or something. I can just walk over there and tell Kate Beckett the truth. She may not even kill me.

"Beckett? Can I talk to you?" He asked with more confidence than he actually felt.

Beckett turned to face him. Her distaste was obvious. "What?" She asked shortly.

"I need to talk to you. Behind the counter okay?"

Beckett shrugged. The counter had several stacks of copies of Heat Wave on it. The few people that were still at the launch party wouldn't be able to see them unless they were right on top of the counter. "Whatever." She headed for the counter.

Okay. I'm still alive and she's willing to talk to me. He followed her.

She turned and stared at him, causing him to stop short. "Well?"

"I need to apologize to you."

"For what?" She wondered exactly what Castle was up to. He wants to apologize to me? That's new.

"I shouldn't have said that there wasn't enough to Nikki Heat for more than one book. Nikki is the most complex, nuanced, layered and fascinating character I've ever written. Compared to Nikki, Derrick Storm was completely one dimensional. And you were right, too. Nikki does need a better writer. I could write a hundred more Nikki Heat books and she'd never be a tenth the detective, the person that you are."

Kate was shocked. Humility from Castle? This is either the strangest come on I've ever heard, or Castle is even….Kate stopped. Castle is what? A better person than I thought when I first met him? I know that already. He's someone I wouldn't mind having around? If I could just get him to stay without making his ego even bigger than it is, or making it look like I was hot for him, or something. I'm not hot for him, but he is…interesting. She noticed that Castle was staring at her, obviously expecting some kind of a reply from her. "I'm still not happy with the name, Castle, but the book is very good. At the risk of acting conceited, since she is based on me, I think she's a great character. The best you've ever written."

Castle smiled, his blue eyes lighting up. "I'm glad that you like Nikki. I may write some more Nikki Heat books. She's a lot of fun to write. I really enjoyed it."

Kate felt a sense of disappointment. "So, you've decided to write the James Bond books?"

Castle shrugged. "It's not done deal yet. They've made a formal offer and Paula says it's a great deal. But I haven't signed anything. You know, Bond is one of the reasons I became a writer."

"How did that happen?" Kate asked, curious.

"When I was ten years old I was in the New York Public Library, looking for something to read and this man suggested I read something by Ian Fleming. He handed me a copy of Casino Royale. It was the first really adult book I ever read. Before that it was comic books or kid's books. It started me reading spy novels, mysteries and, before I knew it, I was a writer."

"I can see why you'd want to write about Bond." Kate said, trying to feel happy for Castle.

"I do. But there's something about Nikki Heat. She's such a great character and she's my character. I created her." Castle shook his head. "That's not true, you know. We created her, you and me. Granted, you weren't a willing participant, but you're responsible for Nikki as much as I am."

"I'm not unhappy with Nikki, in fact I like the book." Kate said carefully. "I don't like the name, mind you, but she's a good cop. A good person." Kate found herself speaking without really thinking about what she was saying. "Could you write Nikki Heat at the same time as you write Bond?"

Castle frowned slightly. "That'd be kind of hard. Keeping two main characters, the secondary characters and the plot lines separate in your head isn't easy. So, as much as I'd like to write more Nikki, at least I'll be out of your hair. You must be happy about that."

"It hasn't been all bad, Castle. We never would have solved the Tisdale murder without you. Teresa Candela would have gotten away if it wasn't for you. In fact, you were a help in all of our cases. You've been a big help to me. So, if you ever feel the need to help on a homicide case, give me a call."

Castle smiled. "I'd like that. I really enjoy working with you, Beckett. I get a real sense of satisfaction when we catch a killer. I feel like I'm doing something important. Something to make up for the police horse thing."

Kate laughed. "You are doing something important. I really enjoy having you work with me."

"I could keep my hand in, so to speak. If you didn't mind."

"Not at all."

"I'll certainly stay with you for the rest of the Eliska Sokol murder." Castle said quickly.

"Please." Kate said smiling. "And I do appreciate the dedication in the book."

"You are extraordinary, Beckett."

"Just not extraordinary enough to make you want to write Nikki Heat instead of James Bond." She felt awful as soon as the words were out of her mouth. "Castle, I shouldn't have said that."

At the same time, Castle blurted out. "I'd rather write about Nikki."

They stared at each other. Kate spoke first. "You'd really prefer to write about Nikki?"

He nodded. "I really would. If I could shadow you, just for a while?"

She smiled. "You know me, Castle. I'm all about solving murders. And you've been a big help."

Castle grimaced. "Paula will kill me if I turn down the Bond book deal."

"I know a cop who could protect you." She teased.

"So, I'll write more Nikki Heat books and keep shadowing you? You're okay with that?"

She nodded. "I am. That said, Castle, you can drive me crazy sometimes and I'm not always the easiest person to be around. I may get a little…frustrated with you."

"You can't be serious, Detective." He said facetiously. Then he held out his hand and she took it. "I hope we can be friends, Beckett."

"I think we already are."

After leaving Teodor Hajek and Melissa Talbot, Castle and Beckett stood in the lobby of the hotel.

"How did Paula take your decision?" Beckett asked.

Castle grimaced. "Have you ever seen sharks feed?"

Beckett also grimaced. "Bad? I hope this doesn't cause a problem with your career."

Castle shrugged. "If no one will hire me as a writer, maybe I could join the NYPD."

Before Beckett could reply, both of their phones rang.

"Paula. Yes, um, how are you."

Beckett whispered to Castle. "I'm on hold for Captain Montgomery.

"Heat Wave sales are through the roof? Rave reviews? A three book deal for how much? Of course I'll take it."

"Castle has a three book deal? And he'll have to shadow me for…How long?"

Castle turned and looked at Beckett. "Sure, but Beckett isn't going to be at all happy about this. I mean she's a homicide cop and has a lot of important work to do. Her job is not to escort me around, you know. We're going to have to sweeten the deal for her to go along with this." There was a pause. "Well, I'll have to think about it, but Beckett is pretty stubborn, but I'm sure I can think of something to win her over. Remember, we need her willing cooperation. "

Beckett spoke to Montgomery. "This was supposed to be a one time deal. I'm a homicide cop, sir. If I've got to ride herd on Castle, I'll need some extra help, or more overtime, or something. You know what Castle is like." There was a pause. "I'll think about what I'll need, sir. And, yes, please do tell the mayor I'm happy to help him out, but also tell him that he owes me."

They smiled at each other when the conversations were over. Then Beckett's phone rang. "Beckett."

When she hung up she looked at Castle. "Body drop." She started walking away, then turned around, still smiling. "Are you coming, or what, Castle?"

He ran after her.