A/N: Here's chapter six which was easier to write than the previous chapter. I decided Captain Montgomery needed to make an appearance. And Alexis and Kate meet again. Thanks to those who reviewed and thanks to the people who put this story on their story alert. I'm glad people like this. Like always, reviews are much appreciated. Constructive criticism also but no flames. I hope you enjoy. I still gotta think of the game plan...so..yeah...

Chapter six

"Detective Beckett."

She stopped in the middle of the isle and looked around. Somebody called her name but she couldn't locate the source nor did she recognize the voice. She looked at Lanie, who apparently couldn't find the source either.

Approaching the detective Alexis noticed that she hadn't spotted her. She decided to say hi since last night had been a bit awkward. And she felt the need to apologize for her father's behavior. She tapped the taller woman on her back. "Hi, Detective Beckett."

Kate turned around and saw Castle's daughter. "Alexis, hi." She saw a blond girl, same height as Alexis standing a step behind Alexis. "Hi, I'm Kate Beckett." Shaking hands with the girl.

"Abby."

"Lanie, you remember Alexis, right."

"Yes, the famous daughter. Hi." Lanie shook hands with Alexis and her friend Abby.

A silence fell between the four. Kate noticed Alexis seemed a bit nervous. She'd caught the teen trying to say something but every time apparently deciding against it. She exchanged looks with Lanie who slowly led Abby away from Kate and Alexis.

"Did something happen, Alexis?" The fact that Alexis was so quiet worried her.

"No, no…it didn't. Nothing happened Detective."

"Call me Kate, Alexis." She was unsure of how to take the girl's nervousness away. "How's your dad?' It seemed the best way to get her to talk.

"In pain." Alexis smiled. "It's his own fault."

Kate couldn't stop the laugh escaping. He probably was in pain. Looking at Castle's daughter Kate saw that whatever it was that the girl wanted to say, was related to her father. "Is there something wrong with your father?"

Alexis averted her eyes from Kate's. She really didn't know how to say this. But she needed to say it so she would understand her father's actions. Best to just get it out with.

"When it comes to matters of the heart, my dad can do foolish things. But it's because he cares deeply."

Kate fell silent. She didn't really know how to react to those words. Neither did she know what to do with Alexis' expectant eyes on her. "Alexis…" She tried.

"You don't have to say anything." Alexis quickly said. "I just wanted you to know that. He… You're good for him." Not wanting to make the detective feel even more uncomfortable Alexis left her alone with a soft goodbye.

Kate was still rooted to the same spot when Lanie found her. "What happened? Abby and Alexis suddenly fled the scene." When her friend didn't answer, she tried again. "Kate?" Shaking her shoulder slightly. "You okay?"

Kate shook her head as if it would make her thoughts go away. "Yeah, I'm okay."

"You sure? You don't look okay."

"Yeah. I'm fine." She smiled. "Let's get going."

Finishing their last poker game at Castle's house, Castle and Captain Montgomery cleared the table while Ryan and Esposito were getting another round of beers.

"It must be hard to be Richard Castle. All those ladies throwing themselves at you." Ryan said, calling from the kitchen.

All but one, Rick thought.

"You and Janine looked like you were having a good time. You two hook up?" Ryan and Esposito took their seats at the table again.

"Nothing happened."

"What do you mean nothing happened. She was all over you. " Esposito was surprised.

"You losing your touch, man?"

Captain Roy Montgomery listened to the conversation between the writer and his two detectives. He knew all too well that the playboy image the writer had, wasn't who the man really was. As a writer his image was important and so he acted the part. He knew the man only had eyes for his detective. It was obvious, except for Kate. He would have a word with Castle before he left. So he waited for Esposito and Ryan to leave and that didn't take too long.

Looking at the writer, who was still sitting opposite from him, he started. "She is something else, isn't she?" There was no need to say a name. Both men knew. "You've gotta be ready for a fight, Castle. She's going to turn you down, over and over again, but you have to hang in there. You have to keep pushing. There's a part of Kate that refuses to believe that she deserves happiness. She's tough, but when it people get too close, she's afraid to get hurt. She prefers to keep people at a distance. Makes it easier. " The Captain cared for all his detectives, but he had a weak spot for Kate. He'd seen her grown as a Detective and as a woman. She was fierce and loyal and she gave a 100% every day. She had the respect of everybody at the precinct. He also had to make clear to the writer that if he would do anything to hurt Kate, he would make sure it would never happen again.

"Kate has been through a lot. She's seen more darkness than most people and it makes her doubt good things that happen in her life. She's gotta trust you, Rick and with what I've heard about your behavior last night, you will never get a chance. Don't sabotage what could be because of something so childish as jealousy. I know this is not about just getting her into your bed. Let her see the real you and she will do the same. Keep fighting. When she pushes, push back. Proof to her that you're not going anywhere that you're here to stay. She needs to know you won't leave her" Standing up, walking around the table he patted Castle on his back. "Thanks for the poker game. See you Monday. Ooh and Castle, if you hurt her I will make you pay."

The Captain left him enough food for thought. He heard everything the man was saying to him and he knew there was so much more to it. There was so much about Kate Beckett that he didn't know yet. But he wanted her to tell him, wanted her to confide in him because he wouldn't hurt her. He sighed. It was time to go to bed though he doubted he'd sleep much. He needed to make a game plan.

TBC...