A QUESTION OF RELIGION AND SCRIPTURE

THE QUESTION OF RELIGION That is how the whole thing began. A visiting Mormon was trying to get a group of us, to "convert" to his religion. The man went on, and on, about the Mormon version of the scriptures, and had just reached the part about "Be fruitful, and multiply", when we got down to the core of the issue. Since the fact is that most, Christian, religion says "Forsaking all others, keep thee only unto..." One would think that Crystal would have been the first, to question this. In fact, it was Jamal. It would be Jamal who would ask "Why is Mormonism the only religion, which allows mutliple wives?" I would follow this with "Yeah, why is that?" The religious man had said "That is just the way the religion is." This is when Crystal would enter the conversation, asking "If your men can have more than one woman, then your women can have more than one man, RIGHT?" When the man said "Scripture does not work that way. It, clearly, spells out that MEN can have multiple women." While Jamal ignored Crystal, asking the man "Why have such a bad rule?" The mormon would, only, ask "How would it make sense for a woman to have multiple men? When she got pregnant, HOW would they know who the father was?" When Crystal whispered "Sexist", I suggested, to the man, "Is there any law, or scripture, which, specifically, states that a woman can only have one man?" The man would think, for a moment, then say "Come to think of it, only the wedding prayer restricts partners. That is, ofcourse, except for off-shoot religions." While I comforted Crystal, I asked the man "What is the definition of an off-shoot religion?" The Mormon would say "I know, or I have heard, of some religions, where adults can take children as partners." Even Jamal had asked "How can children get married?" The Mormon would, only, say "Its complicated, but it has happened." When I asked the Morman "Why dont we get back on track, and you explain how only men can take more than one partner." The Mormon would, only, say "That is the way the Mormons are." This is when I would change tacts, asking the man "What about dating? What do churches say about dating?" All the Mormon would say was "As far as I know, dating is supposed to be between men and women." Jamal had walked away, while I sat, with Crystal, asking the Mormon "Can you think of any religion which, openly, BANS a woman, from dating multiple men?" The man would say "I can think of no such." This is when I would look at Crystal, and whisper "See, there is nothing anti-Christian about dating more than one person, at a time." At just that moment, feeling my touch, on her skin, Crystal would think "You just wait until all of my children turn out as white as you are." Instead, she just snuggled up to me, and enjoyed my carress. After I thanked the Mormon, for the information, I took Crystal home. In her living room, Crystal stopped me, then we embraced, and, as she said "This is as far as we go, until I speak to Jamal." Ebony and Ivory shared an embrace, and an UN-expected kiss. While Crystal did not see her ebony boyfriend, for two days, she ended up having the same conversation, with him, which she would, later, have with me. Crystal tried to spell out the "danger", of dating two men. Her main argument, about an ebony woman giving birth to ivory children, just did not sink in, with Jamal. All he would say was "Who CARES? Let the state take care of them." The next day, Crystal and I sat, and spoke, of the "problem", of what to do when Crystal gave birth to white children. I knew she was "thinking ahead", but I thought she was thinking too far ahead. She wanted to address problems, which would only occur after we began dating. She did not want just plans A,B, and C. She wanted plans L,M, and O. I promised her that, if she liked my dating style, that we could work out a whole "book", of plans. Upon hearing this, Crystal would say "You know, if would be nice to get laid, more than once, each saturday night. I just hope..." The next day, at her mothers home, all mother would say was "Take a chance. Life wont last, forever. You have a man, who WANTS you. Roll the dice." That saturday night, Crystal found Jamal in disgusting condition. He wanted beer sex. In short, beer sex is when a man pours beer over his shaft, then has the woman suck it. Crystal hated this, since she could not tell if Jamal was "getting off", or if he was pissing. The time when Crystal could not wait for Jamal to finish was when, after a beer blow, he would pour a bottle onto her body, then she would endure his "squish,squish", as he pumped her. The only way she knew when he "got off" was when he would dis-mount her, push her out of bed, then fall asleep. Leaving his place, feeling as filthy as can be felt, Crystal went back to her place, where she douched out, atleast four times, then took a LONG, hot, shower. Only when ready for bed did she see the "image", of a man, and woman, in her bed, enjoying deep, loving, passion. She could only think "I wish." The next day, when she took more, clean, clothes, to her mothers place, to take another shower, her mother would say "Crystal, that feeling you have, of being dirty. It is not real dirt. Its your body's way of telling you that you did not like last night." When Crystal would ask "How do I get rid of it?" Her mother would ask "What about your new man. Give him a try, and see how you feel." What "spooked" Crystal, later that day, was how, instead of just tossing her clothes, she felt the urge to give me a show. When she saw my shaft, she just hoped that I was not as good, in bed, as she feared I would be. What she loved, about my shaft was how "pretty" it was, as well as the fact that it did not taste of booze. What she hated was the fact that she liked the taste, so much, that she blew me, twice, before taking a break. Later, in her bed, Crystal hated the fact that she was enjoying my passion, so much. Why did I have to be so good? After I humped her, a few times, she got on top, and gave me the "ride, of my life". While she humped me, Crystal panted "I am going to have to teach you how I want to be had." All that I know is that she brought me up, and over, so well, that I passed out, afterwards. When I awakened, later, in her embrace, not thinking that an "I love you" would be enough, I took her deeply into my arms, and gave her a DEEP kiss. After that, and an intimate shower, Crystal asked what I wanted to eat. When she saw me looking at her breasts, she whispered "Not until we know one another, better." "Better" came sooner, rather than later. This, when her ebony man offered to trade a group, of boys, the chance at sucking a womans tits, for their bicycles, and three months allowances. Funny thing was, while the boys said "Its a deal!", Crystal noticed their hesitation, when her man said something like "Fine, start sucking". Crystal did not walk away, because the boys had hesitated. She walked away because she knew that the boys were young, and that her ebony man had done nothing short of STEALING from them. This is why, as the boys stood there, each daring the other to be first, when one boy walked, quietly, away, she brought the boy into her arms, and, in "private", she gave him what she knew was his first kiss. After he walked away, smiling, and proud, Crystal slipped away, followed her "man", as he took the boys bikes to a garage, then told his "men" "Strip these shits down, FAST. Atleast one of those whimps bikes has a tracker on it. We have to DUMP the tracker, before we do anything else." Crystal had heard stories, about how the man made his pocket-money. Knowing that the police placed NO priority on stolen, personal, property, Crystal knew that the gang stole items which the police would not waste time pursuing. Bicycles remained big business, in our area. Crystal also knew that some locals, outraged by police lack of response, as well as a city proposal that would apply electronic tracking ONLY for CITY-OWNED bicycles, had bought their own tracking gear, and hid this on bicycles. While the mayors office had "howled" over the cost of using police to run down the trackers, saying "The citizens, of this city, are paying almost $15,000 per item, just to have the police recover toys (bicycles). Items worth only about $150.00." To date, one shop was closed, when police traced twelve bicycles to their door, electronically. In another case, a theif had stolen a bicycle, for a friends child. The gift had just been given, fifteen minutes before three patrol cars cut off the bike. When the childs father had told police "I just paid $15.00, for that toy." The police had said "In that case, you are under arrest, for the possession of stolen goods." Five arrests had been made, that day, with one person going to prison for life, under "Three Strikes and you're OUT!" Now, Crystal watched as the thieves RACED to find any trackers, on the bicycles. (She had HOPED the thieves would be caught, in the act) That is, until a thief found the tracker, mounted inside a seat. Here is a laugh. The theif took the bike seat to a stolen car, then drove from the area. Rumor would hold that the thief planned to dump the seat, in a local river. That is, until they saw a road block. This is why, supposedly, the theif had to send the car racing into the river, along with the seat. (The theif broke their arm, jumping from the racing car.) While the public excuse was "I fell off a roof, and broke it", the truth was there. After kissing the boy, then following the criminals, Crystal went to her mothers house, to ask what she should do. Mother was no classic mother. None of that junk about "MY babies!" No, mother was a modern woman. When her children asked questions, she gave the best answers that she could. When Crystal told her mother what had happened, then asked "What should I do. Those boys gave up their property, for nothing." Mother would ask "Do you know where the bikes are, now?" Crystal would say "BY now, they are spread across the county. The theives built new bikes out of the parts." Mother would say "In that case, even the police will do nothing." When Crystal asked "What about the boys. They were conned." When mother asked "Did YOU offer yourself to the boys?" Crystal would remind her mother, about her "boyfriend". Mother would say "IN that case, its on HIM, not you." The next time that Crystal saw me, we went to her place, where Crystal found out just how good I was, at nursing. In fact, by the time I passed out, exhausted, from the sex, Crystal was making her own plans. While some people think that the evidence was planted, Crystal could think of two men, on the theft crew, who were dumb enough NOT to wipe finger prints off, unless reminded to. The boys were retarded enough to think that their boss told the truth, about being a bicycle repair store.'' Crystal had watched, a few times, when other men had to remind boys, about basic things. This is why, when four bicycles were found, on an anonymous tip, the shop was closed, after police ran down the fingerprints, then raided the shop. The night the shop was raided, Crystal had called her number one man, saying she needed him. When he said "Too busy", she called on me. At the time of the raid, Crystal knew she was in sexual Heaven, as she pumped the daylights out of my shaft, while moaning in happiness. I was moaning, as well, as I lay back, on her mattress. I was, still, learning how passionately Crystal wanted to be loved. She was willing to teach me since I was so good, at kissing, necking, and nursing. She knew I could do it. I just needed time, and practice. After a magnificent power-climax, Crystal lowered her upper body to mine, and we shared a DEEP kiss, then rested, until the phone rang. After she hung up, I asked, and she said "It was just him. He escaped police custody and wanted me to call his back-up." When I asked "MY love, why you?" Crystal would say "Baby, that way it cannot be traced back to him." When I asked, Crystal said "What I want you to do at this moment, is to mount me, and give it to me, good, hard, and deep." When I did, she said "Better. So much better. Baby, I would say that, within the next few months, you are going to be my main man." Crystal was right, too. Over the next month, any time her man said he wanted beer sex, Crystal invited me into HER bed. Each time, she let me love her, the first time, the way I wanted to. The rest would be the way she wanted to. Crystal soon learned that sex, combined with nursing, finally gave her the kinds, of power-climaxes, that she LOVED. She was, also, happy when he began calling on her, less and less. Her concern, however, was over the fact that, the more time she spent with me, the less she even THOUGHT about him. Ofcourse, even Crystal knew that he was not the same, one-woman-man, that I was. Thankfully, Crystal agreed with me, that cashiers, nurses, stockers, etc., did not count, when it came to fidelity. After all, in public, all we were looking for was advice, or product information. Then, there were the contests. Times, during parties, when Crystal was asked to show the party-goers just how FAST she could blow me. While an average of five, to seven, women, actually, took part, in the contest, which paid a $50.00 prize, Crystal just stood beside me. She did not mind sucking my shaft. She just wanted to take her time, and enjoy it. Crystal and I, also, knew the reason why party hosts stopped inviting her man to events. The man had such an aggressive erection that, even after he won any contest, he would walk around the room, asking women "Who wants to suck my fucking shit?" The last time he was invited, when no woman volunteered, the man pushed the womens man away, pushed her down, ripped off her panties, then moaned as he said "Good". Just dont ask me where the "artillery" was hidden, but, when the man forced another woman to let him shove it in, the man, soon, had five pistols aimed at his head. When he said "But, I NEED pussy." Even I heard the hammers click back. This is when he took it out of the woman. Crystal watched as her man was lead, at gun-point, off the property. After that, the party, and the contests, resumed, that I escorted Crystal home. For reasons I wont try to understand, it was a week later, and Crystal was mounting me, big time, when the call come. Somehow, she kept me going while listening to the call. It was only after I brought her over a climax that she told the caller "Sorry, my man just brought me off. Now, where did you say he is being held?" Since Crystal was in no mood to let me go, just yet, we humped one another twice more, before she asked "Want to escort me to see him?" When I asked "Where?" She said "Psych ward". What even Crystal had not been told was that the man was being held in secure lock up. According to both police, and doctor, reports, the man had been arrested when he invaded a playground, looking for a Negro girl, to have sex with. While the man was chasing the children about, parents, and bystanders, called police. BY the time the police arrived, they ran video of the man, telling an ivory girl "I am gonna get me some pussy, from you." The video was clear enough that even a judge could tell that the girl did not know what the man was talking about. The final bit of evidence, was when the man snatched off the childs panties. He never had the chance to shove his into the girl. Seconds after tearing the girls panties off, the man, again, had pistols pointed at his head. As for the reason why he was in lock down, when police tried to cuff him, he not only fought to free himself, but, seeing two, female, support, officers, he was arrogant enough say "I want some PUSSY!" When Crystal and I entered the viewing room, we saw that he was hand-cuffed to the chair, yet still straining at the cuffs. When Crystal asked the doctor "Can he break free of the cuff's?" The doctor said "Dont worry. Only two people have broken free, and one of them did not get through that cell door." When Crystal asked "What about the one who got out?" The doctor would say "Dont worry. This is the secure section. Even if he got loose, the moment, when he would rip the door open, security panels, too heavy for any man to lift, would close off the section. No one has escaped the ward, that I know of." Back in the doctors office, when I asked "Whats the next step?" The doctor would say "If he had attacked an adult, then his non-prosecution order would mean "Back to therapy" When Crystal would ask "What about a child?" The doctor would say "Where children are concerned, non-prosecution is waived. He is going to jail, for child molestation. I dont give him any survival chances." The doctor was right. Even in our state, once a person was convicted, of molesting a child, the last moment, when the person would be safe was in the processing area, for entering prison. So far, only seven, child molestors had survived, in prison, until the next morning. Each had been found, dead, with the words CHILD MOLESTOR scrawled across their clothes. As I lead Crystal away from the detention center, she suggested she needed to find another, ebony "lover". This way, she would continue to appreciate me. I refrained from teasing her, about us having children. What I did do was to take her home, and remind her that not all men are molestors. Within 24 hours, however, Crystal was informed that her "boyfriend" had been transferred from going to prison, to entering a long-term care facility. He would be housed in the secure wing. While parents groups made LOUD protests, about a molestor not being sent to prison, Crytals primary thought was about giving me some terrific sex. By the time Crystal and I found out what became of her former man, it seems that the man had slashed his wrists, after being sterilized. He was buried in an un-marked grave. Now, Crystal had to decide. I made a suggestion. Since Crystal knew that I was working, with a political party, on national issues, I suggested that she join the activities. She smiled as she said that I was all the "party" that she needed. The way I aided her, in finding another man, was by promising men that Crystal was no racist. She and I were together because we WANTED to be. I even gave men the best approach, possible. When we did, eventually, drift apart, it was so gradual that I must say that I did not even realize it until it was over. Still, I was happy, for Crystal. After all, her new man wanted what she wanted. As for me, who could say where my aspirations would take me?

CASTLE THE WASHINGTON D C THREAT

CASTLE: THE WASHINGTON D.C. THREAT Things had not been going well, for Senator Castle, since she had been removed from the oversight board. Atleast five, of her proposals, for helping inner cities, had NOT passed the review process. Kate KNEW the reasons why her bills were being blocked. It ALL "centered" on her dis-approval, of funding the invasions, of the Middle East. Kate had found this not to be hallucination, but FACT, especially after five, state, dinners, that she, and Castle, had been invited to. At various times, during each dinner, Kate, and Rick, alternately, were called aside, for private discussions. While Kate was suggested "Senator, without New Yorks support, many jobs will be in serious jeopardy." When Kate asked "Care to elaborate?" all that the people would say was "I am sure you will make the right decision." As for Rick, it was only at these dinners that the author would learn of why so many buildings, in New York, had been left abandoned, and un-developed. Three, seperate, sources informed the author that the derelicts were just "window-dressing". It was deep under the surface, both of the ground, and even under the Hudson, and New York Harbor, that hundreds of people were working, round-the-clock, to develop new weapons. Weapons which were rummored to be used to protect the nation, in the event of an attack. The problem, as it was explained, to Rick, was "Due to your wifes attitude, toward funding the war on terror, we cannot effect enough change to make the invasions worthwhile." When Rick asked "Worthwhile, for WHOM?" his conversers would say "We need this war, to wipe out the enemies, of Christianity. GOD must rule over all." When Rick would suggest "Isn't Allah the same as God?" His sources would remind him "The world needs Christian Democracy, to be safe. Everyone on the same page." Shortly after Rick would whisper "Good luck with that." He would find himself standing, alone. Oddly enough, after each dinner, when Kate would call her father, hoping for advice, it was just as she was about to ask what she should do, when the line went dead. Time and again. When Kate would ask Rick "Why are these people so determined to continue funding a FAILED program? America was promised democracy, in the Middle East, by 2005. Four years of fighting, projected, then it would, all, be over. Yet, here we are. Decades later, and no closer, to a solution." This is when Rick would suggest "Kate, think of it this way. How many PEOPLE are employed, during the invasions?" Kate would say "I really dont know. Maybe ten thousand." Rick would suggest "What do you think will happen, when the invasions are over?" Kate would ask "What do you mean?" Three weeks, and another promise, this time to make a fan a supporting character, in his next book, Rick and Kate would be snatched off of the streets, hooded, and taken to what Kate was certain was an underground facility. Kate knew it was down, based upon how the walk was. Before the hoods came off, a voice, which Rick remembered, from his research days, of Derek Storm, whispered, to each person "What you are about to see does NOT exist. Breath one word, about this, and it will be your last breath." When Kate would ask "Why would you execute us, if we spoke of seeing something?" The voice would ask "Lady, WHO said WE would shoot you?" This is when Kate would say "Ready." When Rick hesitated, Kate would whisper "CASTLE!" and Rick would say "Right, me too." A moment later, Rick, and Kate, saw where taxpayer money was going. When Kate saw the size of the thing, she asked "Why under New York? Why not closer to D.C.?" The man would ask "Mrs. Castle, have you SEEN the security around D.C.? I mean, a mouse cant even fart, without those bozo's, at Homeland, knowing about it." What puzzled Kate was what she did NOT see, near the object. This is when she would ask "IF this is a bomb, where is the explosive?" Their guide would ask "Who said anything about an explosive?" Kate would give one of her famous looks, then ask "If its not a bomb, then what?" This is when one of the gun-men would come forth, with a packet, of information. After he handed it to the speaker, the speaker would hold it long enough to say "Understand..." Kate would say "I never saw it. I know the drill." When Kate looked at the contents, of the folder, along with Rick, she would say "Impossible." While Rick would say "Ingenious." The folder contained the summary of a plan to activate this "machine", yet, unlike the previous attacks, on New York. The ones which left debris behind, this device was designed not to explode, but to "teleport/transport" New York city to another dimension. The summary even described how the Taliban, and Al-Qaida, would be blamed, for doing the un-thinkable. When Kate would ask "How do you hide a city? I mean, where would the city go?" The speaker would say "Who knows? Who even CARES?" Rick would suggest "Either another dimension, or another universe." Kate would say "Castle! Real world." The speaker would say "Now that you know where the money is REALLY going, you can rest, easy. Right?" Kate would take one last look around, amazed at the scope of the project. This before saying "Remarkable." This time, the speaker would hold out the blind-folds, asking "Ladies first?" Kate noticed that, this time, there was no shoving. In fact, it was more like a blind car ride. When the hoods were removed, and Kate saw their location, she asked the escort "Why here? Why not where you collected us?" The escort would say "Un-fortunately, your previous location is an "abduction" scene. It seems that "someone" made a call, saying that the author, and the senator, had been abducted." The escort would add "Walk two blocks, that way. Look for a black taxi, and ask for Vinnie. He will take you home." When Kate would ask "What about our cars?" The escort would say "Regretfully, ma'am, you car will be found, gutted, in the morning." When Kate would say "You guys are sure thorough." The escort would say "We try to be. Now, have a good evening." With that, the man was gone. This is when Kate would mention "You know, for a group, of blood-thirsty murderers, they sure are polite." Rick would say "The "families" have many branches. Most of them are just everyday people. They are taught good manners, from grade school. The "hoods" you deal with are a different branch." When Kate began making inquiries, the next day, it was not long before she was invited, to another luncheon. This, at the request of the wife of the finance committee chairman. Over pre-lunch drinks, the chairmans wife would whisper "Dont be too concerned." When Kate would ask "Why? That device can..." And the chairmans wife would say "Dont be silly. If my husband promises "NO Collatteral Damage", then there wont be." When Kate would ask "Just where will New York City go?" The woman would say "I dont know all the details. My husband just wanted me to promise you that there will be no, annoying, blasts, or explosions. Just a twinkling, of light, then the city will be off." When Kate would ask "WHERE will the city go?" The woman would say "Lets order, shall we?" Halfway through their salads, when Kate would ask "Does your husband know who will be blamed, this time?" The woman would say "OH, just those, nasty, Talibani's, I think." When Kate would ask "Why not Al-Qaida?" The woman would say "They aren't fun to play with, any longer. No one cares about them. We could wipe them out, and the world would not even notice." Kate would say "So, the Taliban gets blamed. Then what?" Over the main course, the woman would explain how information would be "found", detailing how the Taliban had struck. The woman would, even, say "We even have two of those nasty boys in holding. Very im-polite they are." Kate would mention "Not surpising, considering the "enhanced interrogation" being used, on them." By desert, the woman would come to the point. "Okay, senator, I will be frank. The war has LOST support, even here in the states. We need something, dramatic, to fire the public up, again. This time, however, there will be no bodies. No clean up. We just need to re-light the flames, of rage." When Kate would ask "For how LONG? It has been 20 years, already." The woman would say "Just until we clear out those, nasty slums. With no more poor, demanding services, we can sell the area's for real estate development." When Kate would ask "What do you suggest that I do?" The woman would say "Simple. Forget what you think you saw, and bring New York back into the war. Do this, and you will be back in good standing. If you agree, then I will introduce you to people, whose power you would not believe." Before the two ladies parted, Kate would pull a Castle-classic, saying "I will give it very serious thought." Back at Chez Castle, Kate would place a question on the Castle fan site. How hard would it be, either as fiction, or real life, to make a large city "exit" one dimension, and WHERE would the city be sent?" While awaiting a rational answer, Kate would receive an un-signed note. The threat could not be more direct. "Senator Castle, If you breath one word, about the project, then your daughter, Alexis, WILL be in the center, of New York, if the plan is placed into effect." Shortly after Kate brought the note to the attention of the committee, saying "If anyone harms my daughter, there will be consequences" Shortly after this, Kate was baffled when Alexis would ask "Mom, WHY has my name been placed on a no-fly list?" Kate would say "probably just a clerical error." Shortly after Kate began checking into the matter, uniforms, from another precinct, would arrive, with a warrant, for Alexis arrest. Reason: Suspected of drug dealing. After this, Kate would receive another, hand-written, note. This one saying "Alexis case will not even come up, for review, for months. By then, the project will be completed, and Alexis will follow New York, on its journey." When Kate would inform the 12th, suggesting "Maybe I should just resign the senate. I wont risk Alexis life." This is when Ryan, Esposito, and even Laney, would interfere, saying "NO way, sister. You are going to STAY in the Senate. WE are going to do the ground work." When Kate would ask "What about Castle? Alexis is as much his daughter..." Laney would say "Do NOT go there, girl. You married INTO that FAMILY. They are as important as your father." When Kate would ask "So, what is the first step?" Esposito would say "First, we get Alexis cleared of the drug charge." Ryan would say "That will take like five minutes. She is even cleaner than her father is." This is what the 12th thought, atleast until they called up Alexis file. Esposito would call out "I want a trace on this line, right NOW!" even as the detectives watched as Alexis spotless record was changed, before their very eyes. The record was changed from college major, to "homeless", while her college credits were wiped out. Ryan called out "Where is that trace?" even as Alexis face changed, before their eyes, with photo's being uploaded, showing that Alexis had drug use "tracks", on her arms. By the time Esposito called out "WHERE is that trace?", and was told "Federal firewall. They WANT us to know WHAT they are doing, AND that we can do nothing about it." Within minutes, a federal order came on the record, saying that Alexis was being transferred to a prison, for the criminally insane. Ryan slipped up, saying "God knows what they..." until Esposito slapped his back. The Ryan added "Sorry." When Laney would ask "What can we do?", Esposito would ask Ryan "Remember that stock broker. The one we, first, found in a tree" Ryan would say "Who can forget that case. Drug dealers stole the body, from us, sliced it open, took out the drugs, then dumped it, for a second pick up." Suddenly, all three co-workers looked at Kate, as she said "Tell me you are not suggesting..." Laney would say "This IS Alexis we are talking about." Espo would say "As long as Castle does not find out." Due to Kates position, as a U.S. Senator, she could file the permission slips, without the new captain even knowing. Using the best hackers, that the N.Y.P.D. had, the "team" would weapon up, and prepare to battle their own. With full schematics, of everything from clothes, to route map, three detectives, and Laney (for medical purposes), would sign out both an armoured, assault, vehicle, and a chase car. For the first time, in more than a century, the police would be on the defensive. When the prisoner transport would not pull over, voluntarily, Espo would begin crashing into the unit, even as, back at the 12th, the computer hacker was jamming its transmissions. Laney would shout, at Espo "Alexis is in there. Be careful!" Espo would say "What do you think I am trying to do?" About the only blessing, of the entire event, was that Alexis had been strapped to a gurney, and shot full of sedatives. This is why, when the transport flipped, Miss Castle sustained only minor abrasions. With speed, born of necessity, the team took Alexis, gurney and all, to the chase car. Here, the girl was transferred to the rear seat, along with Laney. As soon as Alexis was secure, Kate burned rubber, like never before. This would be risky, at best, and deadly, at worst. Using one of the D.E.A.'s OWN cars, Kate made a run for the only place where the plan would work. Just ten minutes after rescuing Alexis, all access, to New York City was closed down. Still, Kate kept the accelerator to the floor, even as she came to the barrier. While the bridge was closed, with the span raised, at 160 miles per hour, Kate was determined to succeed. Even with pursuit units now in chase mode. The chase cars might have shot out the tires, on a regular, squad, car, but they knew that bullets were useless against the governments rampant paranoia. A paranoia, which resulted in cars with 600 hourse-power engines, bullet-proof glass, and self-sealing tires. At the bridge, all Laney would do was embrace Alexis, while whispering, to Kate, "I hope you know what you are doing." In a feat, worthy of Evil Kneivel, Kate launched the car over the gap, with such speed, that it was like the car had wings. The pursuit cars would have to stop, before falling into the river. To Laney, and Kate, soaring over the gap, seemed to take years. Years with nothing, below them, except ice cold water. With the speedometer sitting off the scale, at its highest limit, the engine roared, like an animal, charging in the hunt. Kates every sense locked on the approaching mass, of the Jersey side, of the bridge. Laney did all she could, to shield Alexis, when she knew that contact was imminent. The only question was "Are the 600 horses enough power, to close the gap? OR, was the car destined to fall into the water?" The answer came when wheels hit the road-bed, nearly ten feet beyond the gap. Coasting to a stop, Laney would check on Alexis, before turning her attention to Kate. Laney just smiled when Kate no-sooner said "Im okay", when she turned from Laney, and got sick, right there, at road side. When an attendant came, rushing, up, Laney would say "I am Doctor Parish, and I am taking care of these women." When the worker asked "What do you need, of me?" Laney would say "That bridge has just taken a severe shock. Do NOT reopen it, until safety inspectors arrive." When Kate re-gained her own, and said "I am okay." Laney would say "Uh, uh. You ride with Alexis. I am driving." Funny thing about all of this new electronic stuff. It may think FASTER than humans can, but they will NEVER beat human ingenuity. Proof: By the time the New York warrant was out, for Alexis, Kate had the girl safely at her fathers property (and beyond state lines) Now, only a federal warrant would bring the girl in. Kate was certain that those, who threatened Alexis, would NOT be willing to draw that kind of attention. Not with how they were going so far as to build an "inter-dimensional" device, under New York City, then try to blame the Taliban, when the city vanished. With her fathers computer, and an up-link, to the N.Y.P.D., Kate, and Laney, would watch as Alexis "hijacked" file returned to normal. This, while Alexis rested, and was given another drug, to clear her system. Just days later (and AFTER verifying that Alexis had made a full recovery), Kate marched into the Senate chamber, announcing "Going after my daughter is the worst move you could have made. If you want to kill me, I am right here. Leave my family OUT of it, from now on. Understand?" When the chairman would say "Senator Castle, control yourself." Kate would say "Like HELL! You just tried to get my daughter locked away, on drug charges. Try that again, and I will take down the White House, if I have too." Sensing the fiery passion, behind Kates words, the discussion was tabled. When the panel adjourned, the chairman asked Kate into his office. Once Kate was inside the office, the chairman would lift the phone, and say "Put the call through, on speaker, if you would." When Kate heard her fathers voice, her first thought was "Remember the family code". The one the family had memorized, DECADES ago, in case a member was in danger. A code no one else knew anything about. When Kate asked "Hey, pops, hows old age treatin ya?" and Mr. Beckett would say "I may be old, but I AINT dead, yet!" This is when Kate would say "Good to hear from you." Mr. Beckett would say "Your friends were kind enough to explain what has been going on. I have to say that I knew the government had secrets. I just hope you are staying safe." Kate would say "I am trying, dad." When Mr. Beckett would add "Dont try jumping any more bridges, okay? I dont think my heart could take that." Kate would say "Not if I can help it." After signing off, Kate would ask the chairman "Let me guess. That was to let me know that you KNOW where my father lives." The chairman would say "Not true, at all. When our sources informed us that he was concerned for your welfare, we made it a point to make sure father and daughter knew each were well. By the way, that bridge stunt was either foolish, or crazy." When Kate would say "MY daughter was in danger..." The chairman would say "An un-fortunate mistake. It has been corrected. And, yes, you are correct. Here in Washington D.C., we may go after one another, but WE never go after family." When he saw Kates smile, the chairman would say "I do not, ofcourse, speak for the media. Only for Congress." When Kate would ask "So, what IS the next move?" The chairman would say "With just a couple of more years, at FULL funding, the project will be secreted from New York, to a test target. If it works, then another city will be drawn, at random." When Kate would ask "Will the people be evacuated, first?" The chairman would say "They will receive free passage." (Kate did not like the sound of that. In fact, all she did like was the idea that, when finished, the device would be evacuated, from New York.) To try to set her mind at rest, Kate would, at home, ask Castle "How do you make contact with that alleged time traveller?" When Castle would say "Mind games." Kate would ask "Real world, Castle. How do you contact him?" Castle would say "As I said, its a mind game. If I focus, hard enough, he drops by." When Kate would ask "How long will this take? I need to know that not only Alexis, but Laney, Ryan, and Esposito, are safe." While Kate knew that she had missed lunch, with all that was going on, it was not until her stomach began to growl that Kate realized that she had not eaten, since breakfast. That, and the fact that Castle was in the kitchen, preparing dinner. It was right during the argument, over contact, and dinner prep, that the time traveller would appear, asking "What is up with you two? I cant leave you alone, for more than a week, and you are back at the arguments." When Kate would say "Sorry, I just got some bad news. I am concerned about if something goes wrong." The man would say "Thank god, you understood the message." When Kate would ask "What message?" The man would say "That device. The one, under the city." Kate would ask "What about it?" The time traveller would ask "Do you know what they plan to do with it?" Kate would say "They plan to build it under New York, then ship it some place, for testing." The time traveller would say "Correction. They will TRY to move it." When Kate would ask "What do you mean "try"?" The time traveller would say "Let me say it this way. You are "children" who have found daddy's loaded gun." When Kate would ask "Just WHAT does THAT mean?" The time traveller would say "IN MY time, there is a story. A story, about a machine. It is built, to make cities vanish." When Kate would ask "What DOES happen to the city?" The time traveller would say "Best case scenario? City does vanish, taking the people with it." When Kate would, more forcably, ask "WHERE does the city go?" The time traveller would say "The universe which is opposite of this. You cannot imagine the agony, of positive particles being replaced with negative ones." When Kate would ask "What happens, in THIS dimension?" The time traveller would say "An explosion, which takes out 30% of the Earths surface." When Castle would ask "How do we prevent this?" The time traveller would joke "Easier to solve your marriage problems." When Kate would ask "Seriously?" The time traveller would say "There is only one way, to prevent the catastrophy." When Kate would ask "And that is?" The time traveller would say "Without its fuel core, the device is useless. All you have to do is prevent delivery, of the fuel core, for three days, and the world is safe." When Castle would ask "HOW do we prevent the delivery?" The time traveller would say "Figure it out." Before vanishing, the time traveller would add "Let me remind BOTH of you. I am NOT your referee. You need to handle your problems, without calling me. If I am caught, aiding you, my research grants will be cancelled, and I will be reduced to reading about you, in history books. Understood?" With that, the man was gone. Now, Kate had a new question. What type of fuel core was she looking for? Where was it coming from? Who would be delivering it? When the senator would check with every D.C. source, that she could think of, none had any idea of what she was talking about. When she spoke to the wives, all the women would say was "Big, nasty, thing. Only saw it once. Gave me nightmares, for a week." When Kate would ask "How big is it? Would you draw it for me?" It looked like nothing the detective-turned-senator had seen, in her life. What the ladies DID know was that their husbands were providing UNDERGROUND transportation, for the device. "They are even laying special tracks. It is so heavy." When Kate contacted the 12th, asking for idea's, the resident, computer, experts asked "About how big, and how heavy?" The only comparison that Kate could come up with was "Think of the Schwaller-Gustav gun. The one the Nazi's used against the Soviet city of Sevastopol." When Ryan would ask "You ARE kidding, aren't you? I mean, a gun, that big, cant be hidden anywhere. It was bigger than a locomotive." Kate would say "If the Nazi's could FORCE German laborers to move it, under threat of death, then what is to stop modern engineers." While Kate was working her leads, Castle was busy, enlisting the aid of his fellow authors. When Castle tried to expalin how LARGE the device was, the authors would ask "Rick, that is pure imagination." and "There hasn't been a gun, that big, since the fall of the Third Reich." When Castle would ask "What if I told you that the gun is being finished, maybe 500 feet beneath the city of New York?" This is when the other authors would throw down their cards, saying "I vote that Rick not be allowed into the next hand. All in favor?" When McConnell would ask "Just HOW such a weapon, IF it existed, be moved about?" Castle would say "My wife thinks that it will be moved via the subways." To this, the other authors laughed, while saying "Rick, the New York subway system just isn't LARGE enough to move something that large. Not unless new subway tunnels are being built." This would be when guest Patricia Cromwell would suggest "Not unless the city modernized the old tunnels." McConnell would add "Please, do you really think that New York would go to such expense, of digging new tunnels?" This is when Patricia would suggest "Wouldn't it be cheaper, and easier, just to widen one tunnel, by digging out the ground, between two, obsolete, tunnels?" This got Rick thinking. "Yes, all they would have to do was add more steel reinforcement, then run the line, OFF to the side of the main tracks." The other, attending, author, would mention "Rick, this is borderring on the ridiculous. Building World War Two style weapons, under a major, U.S. city? Clearing out, expanding, and shoring up, forgotten, subway, lines? A machine, which can make cities vanish? I dont know about anyone else, here, but this is beginning to sound like a cross between "The Time Machine", "The taking of Phelam One, Two, Three", and "The Fantastic Four" movies. None of which, by the way, are based in reality." When Rick would ask "But what if?" Patricia would say "Rick, what you are talking about would cost more than this nation can afford. It is pure fantasy. Now are we going to play cards?" By the time the card game was finished, Martha, and Alexis, would have refreshments laid out, for the players to relax with. Still, Rick could "see the gears turning", in his fellow authors heads. All were wondering if Ricks story might be true. The break, in the case, came when one of Castles mob-sources would arrange an informal meeting. The same, polite, mobsters, who had taken Castle, and Beckett, by surprise, the last time, used a different tactic this time. Instead of bags over heads, the lead man would ask "Mr. Castle. Mr. Bartlett says that you want some information. The question is: Are you willing to PAY for the information?" When Castle would ask "Only if the price is right." The mobster would promise "In that case, sir, and ma'am, if you will proceed to the next corner, a blue van will pull up. We will enter the van, together." When Kate would ask "If we refuse?" The mobster would put a revolver to her head, saying "That would be most un-fortunate." Kate would say "Got it. Lead the way, gentlemen." Kate was not-at-all surprised when the van had no windows. The mobster would say "With our apologies, ma'am, but you are a former cop. The boss does not want any "interruptions"." At the Bartlett house, Kate was surprised when the mobster would bid the couple entry, while asking Kate "Would you prefer that I refer to you as Nikki Heat, Kate Castle, or Senator Castle" Kate would say "Sir, Kate is fine." Once a servant had provided drinks, Castle would ask "Sir, what is on your mind?" The mobster would say "Rumor has it that you are looking into "modifications", being made, UNDER New York City. Is this true?" When Kate would say "Sir, I believe you know the answer, to that question." The mobster would say "Rick, my boy, you caught the image, of the lady, to perfection. I was HOPING that I would be dealing with Nikki Heat. This is why I have invited you into my home." When Kate would ask "Yes, sir, that was my question as well." The mobster would say "I have certain information, which will aid your investigation." Kate would suggest "You dont want the information to be linked back to you." The mobster would ask Rick "I thought you were smarter than this." When Rick would ask "What IS on your mind?" The mobster would say "Some of my boys have been "enlisted" for a project. Very hush-hush. Not even allowed to speak to family." When Kate would ask "Then, how do you know...?" and the mobster would say "It is my JOB to know what goes on, in New York. This is why I invited you to my house, for drinks, and dinner." It would be over drinks, then a dinner, of prime rib, steaks, potatoes, with melted butter, etc. that the mobster would tell of the plans, which some shadow group was trying to have passed. It would seem that some, of the subway tunnels, were just too small. Either for the device, or its power core. When Kate would ask "Just how BIG is this power source?" The mobster would look about the room, saying "Maybe four times as large as this room." When Kate almost choked on her food, while asking "How big?" The mobster would say "Let your food rest, for a moment." After Kate collected herself, she asked "What does this shadow group have to do with the device?" The mobster would say "In order to make the subways big enough, to move the parts through, the group has to remove the basements, from several skyscrapers." When Kate would say "There is no way that New York will agree to that." The mobster would say "This is where the "heart", of the problem comes into the room." When Castle would suggest "Sir, dont tell me what I think you are about to tell me." The mobster would set his wine glass down, then say "The family has been moving our people off of Manhattan for the past two days. I will be joining them, after you depart, for home." Then the mobster would look right at Rick, saying "If you love your family, like I do, do NOT be in New York, by (this date)." When Kate would ask "Sir, if you dont mind my asking, if the subways are not large enough, for transport, then HOW would the device be ignited?" The mobster would only say "Mrs. Castle, I would prefer NOT to be near New York, just in case the connection MIGHT be made." It was during a visit to a ladies room that Kate noticed the clipboards, that staff were carrying about. Each board had a list, of names, and workers were double-checking one another. By the time dinner was over, Kate shook the mobsters hand, saying "Thank you, so much. Both for the lovely dinner, and the information." Kate would be surprised when the man bowed, as a true gentleman would. On the ride home, Kate would reflect on the manners of their host, and his staff. Nothing seemed to be forced. All seemed genuine. When Castle saw her look, he reminded her "In the families, manners are taught, just as they have been, for centuries." Kate would say "I guess that I am just so accustomed to delaing with filth, that I just assumed they were, all, alike." Castle would mention "Dont judge a book by its cover." What would both concern, and surprise, Kate was when, on her next contact, with Ryan and Espo, the detectives told her "Thats right. Orders came down from the top. A practice exercise. We are to be set up, and, fully, operational, near the west side, of Jersey, by a specified time, and date." When Kate checked with other departments, in the city, she found the same. Calm, orderly, evacuation drills. (Presumably to judge how efficiently the city could be evacuated, IF necessary.) This is why, when Kate returned to the Castle residence, she found Martha, and Alexis, packing, for the Hamptons. When Kate checked in, with the Senate, her staff verified that there was nothing more unusual than the normal threats. Americans, angry, that domestic problems were being denied funding, while the government was approving trillions of dollars, to fund the invasions, of the Middle East. International law-makers, who remained annoyed at how the real estate developer had "torched" agreements, each of which had taken YEARS of approval. Agreements, which the real estate developer had "burned to ash", with the stroke of a pen. Sure, the day, when the real estate developer LOST re-election, to an experienced, career, politician, had been seen as a "triumph", for democracy, however, the real estate developer had done enough damage that it would take years, if not decades, to repair the damage. It would be during this "gap", that the shadows intended to attack. If the device worked, on New York City, then the next target would be Washington D.C. The shadows THOUGHT that wiping out the capital city would so enrage the public that Americans would DEMAND the immediate extermination, of the Taliban. "Guilt" would not even be considered, once the "evidence" was found. The world would return to WAR, with "blood in their eyes", and the Taliban would not have a chance. Public opinion would convict the group, and stealth bombers would take out any village which had even a remote connection, to the group. The shadows would win, all the way around. Other than these, her staff had nothing, new, to report. When Mr. Beckett, at Ricks urging, visited the family loft, to encourage his daughter to LEAVE New York, just until the crisis was past, when Kate said "NO, dad, I am NOT leaving you, alone, in the city." This is when Rick would look at Mr. Beckett, saying "Sir, there is room, on the plane, if you want to accompany your daughter." Mr. Beckett would turn to Kate, saying "I will leave the city ONLY if my daughter comes with me." When Kate would say "Fine, just let me pack a bag." Martha would say "Already done. Our baggage is at the airport. We should leave before it is closed." It was one hour later, after the jet had departed New York, and was approaching the Hamptons, when the pilot would announce "Due to un-forseen circumstances, New York is, now, closed to all traffic. We will arrive, in the Hamptons, in five minutes." It was not until five hours, after landing, in the Hamptons, and getting settled in, that Rick, and Kate, would check their e-mail. Sure enough, each had dozens of messages, all with the same content. Everyone had been evacuated, and accounted for. Only the un-informed New Yorkers would be left to face whatever happened. What concerned Kate, most, however, was when the Senate began a "special session". While, in the past, such sessions required all members to be present, in Washington D.C., even if the military had to collect them, in this case, some, special override had been enacted, and the Senate members were on live, video chat. The very next day, people, from Jersey, saw a sight, which none had seen, before. A beam, of bright, blue, light, shot up, from below the subways. It turned a two foot manhole, into an eight foot gap, in the road, as the beam shot up, into the air, high enough to be seen, from miles, beyond the city. At its highest point, the beam split into a "mesh", which covered all of New York city. Viewers were left spell-bound, as the light spread out, until all of New York was "covered". Dis-believeing eyes began to think back on the limited run, televison series: Stargate: Atlantis. People wondered if New York was about to fly away. While the American people had come to ignore the "age-old" air raid sirens, originally designed to warn of approaching, Soviet, nuclear attack, yet, now used to warn of approaching, threatening weather, as the dazzling display un-folded, before their eyes, and the sirens sounded, the public was left dis-concerted over the reason for the sound. All of the action seemed confined, to New York. These viewers, were miles away. When Kate, and the senate, checked in with Congressional volunteers, who were assigned posts, inside New York city, all that the reports said was "Air is growing foul. It is like New York has been placed in a tupperware bowl, and sealed shut. Getting hard to breath. Strange feel, to the air. Almost like air filled with electricity." Moments later, the volunteers would say "Must switch to oxygen tank. Hard to breath." When two outposts went "dark", and the Senate asked "Bad comms?" Washington D.C. would report "No, senator. We just never thought that the event would cause pace-maker failure." Then added "Had we known, we would have chosen other volunteers." After about four hours, of the light show, the shaft, of light, dissolved. After this, there was the sound of an explosion. So loud that anyone, not wearing ear coverings, was left deafened, for several minutes. This, as news helicopters filmed the dissolving event, as the web, dispersed, from around New York. As New York returned to regular operations, Kate, and Rick, would be invited to another dinner, at the mobsters home. This time, the mobster was relaxed was he praised God, multiple times, for the failure of the project. During drinks, and dinner, the mobster would say "Good news is: when those bastards could not fit the power core close enough, for a real connection, they tried to use wire, rated for only half a million volts, as an "extension cord". I mean, can you believe it? An "extension cord", for something that powerful?" When Kate would ask "Sir what DID happen?" The mobster would say "Lets just say that half a million volts was not enough to make the device work. Five miles, worth of cable, fried, inside a few minutes. How dumb were those jerks. Even I could have told them that the cable was not rated, for the 100 million volts, which they tried to use, for the machine." When Rick would ask "What happens, now?" The mobster would say "The crews are taking the machine apart. Maybe they assemble it elsewhere. Maybe not. I wont lay odd's either way. What I DO know is that, in six hours, national news will carry a story, saying that the Taliban smuggled the device into the city, to finish what they started on September 11th." When Kate would add "Sir, you mean "What they were accused of starting." The mobster would say "You got it, sis, excuse me, I mean senator." This is when Castle would add "Of course, BLAME the Taliban, and make Americans THINK that the Taliban can strike, anywhere, in the United States, at any time." The mobster would say "Great press coverage for wars people no-longer care about. Scare the public back into fear, that the Taliban can strike anywhere." Castle would say "Of course, make a few cities vanish, and approval, for endless funding, for the invasions, becomes "automatic". No one will DARE question the federal government, once more lives are lost." The mobster would say "You see, I told the family that the two of you are smart. You just proved me right." The mobster would add "The only problem is that, with New York still in place..." Kate would say "All that the shadows can say is that the Taliban is capable." By the time Kate checked in, with the U.S. Senate, she was told "We have had to remove a threat from the boards. Since New York City did not vanish, the internet is rife with suspicions that Washington D.C. planned the event." When Kate asked "How do you plan to handle this?" Her source would say "All we can do is contain the damage. Put out information, saying that the Taliban TRIED to act, but failed. Leave it to the conspiracy mongers to figure out what the "truth" is." When the senate asked Kate "Senator, can we count on your support, for increasing military spending?" Kate would pull the same "trade off", which Rick had used, so many times. Kate would say "I am willing to make a trade. Attach my funding measures, to the appropriations bill, and I will give you my vote." When another senator would ask "Senator Castle, HOW is the re-modelling, of parks, and infrastructure updates, going to make this nation safer?" Kate would ask "Senator, would you explain, to me, how bombing the Middle East off of the map, and torturing our fellow humans, at Gitmo, is making America safer?" When the senator called out "Three THOUSAND MURDERED, on September 11th, 2001! Those Muslim radicals deserve every bomb we drop on them." Kate would say "Fine, we lost 3,000, on September 11th, 2001. My question is: How many lives have we TAKEN, since then? 30,000? Three million? Senator, how MANY of their lives, is each, of our lives, worth?" When the senator said nothing, Kate would say "Senator, I am waiting for an answer." This is when the chairman would enter the conversation, saying "Senator Castle, you make valid points. This committee, however, is just not certain that the American people will accept your proposals." Kate would sit back, in her chair, and say "Fine, submit the bill, for a vote, in the coming election. If New York does NOT support the bills, then I will remove them, and vote for your version, of endless wars." When the opposition would stand up, saying "We need that funding, NOW!" Kate would ask a simple "Why?" In the upcoming election, the spending bill, WITH the senators additions, went before voters. To the fury, of the appropriations committee, the bill passed, by 4-to-1. New York would receive its funding, even as the committee would be informed that public support, for the invasions, was at its lowest point, yet. If Washington D.C. did not do something, "dramatic", such as another 9/11, and SOON, the public would be either demanding to END the invasions, or worse. Replacing career politicians with new faces. Faces, whose "mandate" would be to END the invasions. The question was: With the failure of the project, HOW could Washington D.C. terrify the American public enough, to restore the need for the invasions? All that Kate Castle knew was that her husbands ability, to negotiate deals, had worked, for her, as well. Maybe Rick DID know what he was doing. What Kate knew was that New York City was safe, again. The damage, to a New York city street, was being repaired, and life was returning to normal. What more could Kate Castle ask for? (Post-script: With the failure, to make New York City vanish, the threat, to make Washington D.C. vanish, dissolved as well. If the shadows could not make an American city vanish then HOW could they make the nations capital vanish?)

CASTLE THE INHERITANCE

CASTLE: THE INHERITANCE In the time since Senator Castle had been removed from the budget sub-committee, Kate had spent her time, meeting with groups, from all over New York state. While Kate may no-longer have been an "advocate", for ending the invasions, of the Middle East, she, still, felt that she could serve New York, in other ways. Nowadays, thanks to Martha Rogers, Kate had just as full of a schedule, as ever. Martha Rogers had used her knowledge, and skills, from auditions, to encourage people to meet with the senator. This, while Alexis, and her college friends, worked on the internet, both browsing information, for Kate to review, and to post CORRECT information, about the senator. While no police officer makes it to retirement, without making some enemies, it would seem that Kate had an enemy, who was "out for blood". A reporter, who felt that his "status", with the media, gave him "special priviledges". "Priviledges", such as double-parking, not paying meters, dis-obeying police line tape, and so on. His worst offense, to date, was when Beckett caught the man urinating, at a crime scene. When the man asked "Whats your problem (as he zipped his fly), Kate had said "You are under arrest." When the man asked "Whats the charge, this time?" Beckett had said "contaminating a crime scene." Beckett, still, remembered being called into the captains office, after the man filed charges. When the captain asked "What is it, with you and this guy?" Beckett would say "Sir, he was contaminating a crime scene." When the captain asked "How? By passing by? That is what his claim suggests." Beckett would say "Sir, he was not "just passing by", he was urinating, on the crime scene." Even though two other officers admitted to seeing the "event", neither wanted the publicity. Result, Kate had stood, alone, in court. On the way into court, the man had vowed "I WILL get even." Kate had, only, said "Get in line. There are dozens, ahead of you." While Castle, and Beckett, had solved some amazing cases, together, Beckett had kept coverage to a minimum. This is why the "dirt bag", had nothing to say, about the detective, for years. Now, however, Kate Castle was a U.S. Senator, and the man felt like "my ship has come in." When Kate, and Castle, had gone undercover, to verify if a sex club was, in fact, using high schoolers as hookers, Castle had taken along enough money, that rumor said could get him a girl as young as thirteen. While Castle was busy ogling the 18-21 year olds, while asking for something "newer", Kate was busy, in the office, e-mailling copies, of club files, to the 12th. Kate knew that Castle had over-stayed his welcome, when he went as far as to ask "Got any fresh-women?" This is when the club owner would say "Mister, unless you leave, rigth now, I will have my guys throw you out. Then, if you are LUCKY, we will call the cops." While Castle tried to stall, for more time, asking "Whats wrong with wanting a young girl?" The owner would say "Dip-squat, in case you haven't heard, high schoolers are illegal." Castle was wondering if he needed to stall, for more time, but only until Beckett came to the door, saying "Come on, dear, I am getting restless, for some action." Before dumping Castle out the door, the manager told Kate "Your man, here, is a pervert." Kate would think "Dont even get me started." In the car, away from the club, when Kate would ask "Did you have fun, in there?" Castle would ask "Was my acting job good enough?" Kate would say "Gave me all the time I needed. The crew are going over the records." Within two hours, and a delivery order, of spaghetti, and sauce, Garlic Bread, and so on, the members, of the 12th, would have to resign themselves to saying "Just an urban legend". This, due to the fact that the club listed its "female companions", on-line, by face, as well as age, and other information. There was not a single female, under 18, asociated with the club. (Castle would put the money away) When the vengeful author got wind of the story, they changed the truth to "Senator Kate Castle working in a strip club. How bad can federal salaries be?" The "dirt bag" even created a profile, using a decade old photo, to show that Kate was into lesbians, rape fantasies, torture, and so on. Problem was that Alexis teen friends knew more, about computers than every American, over the age of thirty-five. Instead of just deleting the file, the college kids made the file a joke. They fixed the file to alternately, show Kate as a grade schooler, high schooler, a senior citizen, and even as a mummy. When the reporter demanded that the file be repaired, the judge had asked "Sir, I believe that you have posted in-correct material, yourself. Information, which shows Senator Castle as the alleged employee, of a sex-for-hire business." When the reporter went to argue the point, the judge ordered "Both parties will remove content, at the same time." When Kate told Alexis "I dont know how..." and Alexis would say "Dont worry, mom. My friends built in a fail-safe. Just enter "No more Kate Beckett", and press enter." While the reporter THOUGHT that he would be "cute", saving a copy, he was ready to roar, with rage, when the young peoples computer skills wiped out ALL mention, of the file, and the case. The mans worst screw-up, to date, however, was when he forgot to check Kates calendar, before posting a video. Using video, of a look-a-like actress, and dubbing Kates voice, from recordings, the reporter created what looked like a video of Kate, cheating on Castle. Problem was the date/time stamp. At the time, when Kate was, supposedly, having sex, with another man, the senator was, in fact, meeting with families, at a group meeting, to discuss school funding. The opposition was calling for parents to "If you want your children to eat, at school, PAY for the lunches, yourselves. Stop making taxpayers pay for your children." The problem was that, in the worst area's, even the "highest paying" jobs did not pay halfway up to minimum wage. That is, for those who could FIND work. Since being a detective had taught Kate how to LISTEN to people, she asked the attendance "How would YOU cover this cost, if it were your decision?" While some people suggested "Let the filthy rich pick up the cost.", while others would suggest "Why not bring back manufacturing jobs? This way, we could AFFORD to feed our children." Kate listened, and promised "I will do what I can. Lets just TRY to get more people interested. The more voices, the more power we have." Local television went "wild", mocking the fake, sex, tape, while saying "While this phony was being uploaded, here is where Senator Kate Castle REALLY was, at that time." Just as Alexis friends had predicted, when the phony sex tape went over like concrete, the reporter created more dirt. Phony passports, drivers licenses, even a birth certificate, for Alexis, claiming that Kate was the girls true mother. (All Alexis would say was "I wish") Senator Castle would be back, at work, while Richard went to work, on his next novel. That is, until Richard received a letter, addressed "To the Castle Family". The envelope held the return name, and address, of an attorney so everyone had to wait until the appointment, with the attorney. At the meeting, when the attorney read the name "Ashby", everyone looked at one another. When Castle would say "I dont know any Mrs. Ashby. Why would she leave me anything?" The attorney would say "While you may not know her, I can assure you that MISS Ashby knew you, very well. You, Derek Storm, and Nikki Heat. You will understand when you see the inside of the house." When Martha would ask "Pardon me, but where, in New York, is this property, located?" The attorney would say "It is not IN New York. It is deep, in the forest, beyond New York." When Castle would say "Great, road trip. I call "shotgun"." The attorney would say "Mr. Castle, I am afraid that you do NOT understand. I said the property is located OUTSIDE of New York, and DEEP in the woods." This is when Kate would ask "How bad can it be?" The attorney would just look at Kate. Hours, of driving, later, and the Castles would find out just how remote this place was. Kate would be the one to point out "No need for locks, or gates. No one would want to stay here." Martha would add "This must be some kind of joke. Not even a ghost would be caught, dead, in this place." When Richard turned to his mother, asking "Did you just..." and Martha would say "Forget I mentioned it." What Kate noticed, even in the way in, was the fact that the place was so over-grown, with weeds, that it was impossible to determine where the property line was. Who knew how much cleaning that the fountain, in the middle of the drive, needed (or if it even functioned.) Alexis would be the first to nominate herself, saying "I will be glad to sleep outside." While Kate, and Martha, took to investigating the bedrooms, Ricks first choice would be the library. After all, the attorney had mentioned that the woman had been a huge fan. Entering the library was more like entering a crypt. Cob-webs, everywhere. Dust, thick enough, almost, to eat. While Castle DID find all of his works, on display, it looked like the display had not been touched, in years. Still, Richard went on another of his "secret passage" hunts. This, while Kate and Martha, agreed "This place needs more than airing out. Its a good thing we brought our own supplies." When Kate would ask "Who can LIVE like this?" Alexis would ask "Who said anyone lived here." When Kate would say "Alexis, honey, the attorney said..." and Martha would say "Alexis is right. The attorney never said that Miss Ashby LIVED here. All the man said was that the woman loved Richards books, that Richard would love the library, and that she collected his works." Kate would say "You are correct. Both of you. The man never said she LIVED here. I wonder why?" It was at that moment when a call of "Kate, Alexis, Martha, anybody. Help, in the library." went up from the first floor. When the women rushed down to the library, they found Richard being "crushed" by a panel. When Kate asked "How did you get in there, anyway?" Castle would say "Help, first. Answers later." Alexis would be dumbfounded, but only for a moment. After that, she thought back on her school courses, and this is when the memory returned. This is when Alexis asked her father "What did you touch, to open the passage?" When Castle would point, Martha would say "Not helpful.", as the three women searched the room for a release lever. Kate found it, by accident, as she, accidentally, knocked over what looked like a wooden dildo. While Kate was trying to rub her hands, of all contact, Alexis would pick up the object, saying "Mom, its not what you think. It looks more like a handle." This is when Martha would ask "What is a handle doing in a library?" It was not until Alexis brushed off the broken base, that she found the lever, turned it, and Castle was released. Being a former homicide detective, Kate decided to check the grounds, for any sign of alternate entries. After all, when Martha had asked "How do we lock the place up?" Kate KNEW, from experience, that passageways lead to concealed entrances. The Castles could lock every DOOR, on the house, yet a thief could break in, IF they knew of a secret entrance. Result, once food, and other supplies, were brought inside, Kate would re-program each of their cell-phones G.P.S., for ON-location use. This way, each memory card would store the signal, no matter which direction a phone was headed. By sun-down, the family had HOPED that the seven entrances, which they found, were the ONLY entrances. Still, evening rations were a mix of the WHO, and WHY, that Miss Ashby had willed the property to Richard. What had she hoped for Richard to find? Why was she so fond of Richard? There were plenty of mystery writers in the world. When the time came, for Kate to call the 12th, and let them know that the Castles were fine, she noticed that, although G.P.S. worked, that none of their phones had "barrs". This is why Kate was happy when the captain asked her to take a satellite phone along. "Never know when something might happen." the captain had said. When Kate called, Esposito would say "We were getting worried. You have not been answering, for hours." Kate would say "Dont worry. We are just in a cell-dead-zone. I am calling on the sat-phone, that the captain asked me to bring along." When Espo would ask "How IS the house?" Kate would ask "Remember that haunted house, at the fair grounds, a few years ago?" When Espo would say "Yeah, pretty lame, wasn't it." Kate would say "That house could take lessons, from this one. I feel like we are in a classic, ghost, movie." When Espo would ask "Color, or black-and-white?" Kate would say "Black as midnight, and more of a grey, than white." Once she signed off, and shut off the phone, the family, tired, from setting up housekeeping, went to their rooms, for some sleep. It was at about 2 a.m. when something alerted Kate, and she sat up, in bed, calling out "N.Y.P.D. Dont move." When Rick was startled awake, asking "Whats going on?" Beckett would say "There was something in this room." When Castle looked about, saying "Nothing here, now." Kate would ask "I wonder if Miss Ashby kept any weapons around, even for self defense?" Seeing that he was not getting back to sleep, soon, Castle would suggest "If there are guns, they would be in the trophy room." Kate would whisper "Show me." When a yawning Castle would show Kate the trophy room, and the empty gun-case, he would say "See, the only guns, in this house, are in..." and Kate would say "Shhhhsh!" That night, Kate placed one of her extra pieces under her pillow. This she did, since she did not remember looking at the gun case, upon arrival. It would be Alexis who, after breakfast, the next morning, had gone to the trophy room, to locate a copy of a book, for a friend. When Alexis returned to the kitchen, she would ask everyone "Is mom cleaning, and checking, the guns?" When Kate would ask "Why would you ask that?" Alexis would say "Simple. When I looked in there, yesterday, the cabinet held four shot guns, and what looked like six-shooters." When Kate would ask "Honey, are you sure?" Alexis would say "I remember since, when I found them, and e-mailled my friend, he asked about makes and models." Via sat-phone, Kate would call New York, and ask for a run-down, on Miss Ashby's family. Did any of them own guns?" Three hours later, the message arrived. The message detailed how many guns the FAMILY owned, but showed that MISS Ashby had owned no guns, nor had a permit. Her father, and brothers, though... Now, sure, ALL homes have strange sounds. Most of it was just settling. During the day, most of it was easy to ignore. Plenty of work to be done, before nightfall. Still, at lunch, Martha would ask "Has anyone else felt like we were being watched, this morning?" When Kate would ask "Why would you ask?" Martha would say "I dont know, but, when I was out front, working to clear the porch, and make it look more inviting, I had the feeling, of being watched." When Kate called the closest police department, the officers told her "Never mind the prying eyes. Out there, deep, where you are, there are plenty of wild animals. Your eavesdroppers are, probably just local animals." That evening, however, after Kate made sure the doors were locked, she and Castle were the first awakened when at about 2 a.m., there was a knocking sound, on the interior walls. When the sounds continued, Kate suggested "Castle, go see what that is." When Castle would ask "Me? I dont even have a gun." Kate would say "Fine, I will go." Just as she found her spare gun, under the pillow, Alexis, and Martha, would enter the room, asking "Did you hear it, as well?" It sounded like someone slamming a fist on the wall, to try to hear hollow sounds. With her family behind her, at a safe distance, Kate made her way to the stairs. Funny thing was, she had been up and down, these stairs, several times, just that day, yet she did not remember the spider-web, which she had to brush from her face. Once downstairs, and as close as she dared to get, Kate would draw her gun, cock the hammer, then , softly, say "N.Y.P.D. Hands were I can see them." In a flash, of movement, something struck Kate, then the family saw something, like a shadow, fly past. Rushing to Kates side, the family did not even see what she was hit with. When Martha said "The shadow must have taken it." Kate would say "What shadow?" Alexis would say "We heard a noise, which was you, being struck, then we saw what looked like a shadow." When Kate asked "Did you get a good look?" The family asked "At what. all we could see was something, which looked see-through." Kate wondered "A see-through attacker? That does not make sense." Three times, the following day, the Castles would hear "noises", and find things "out of place". When each "event" was followed by the sighting, of something "transparent", Kate became suspicious. This is why Kate decided to call in "re-inforcements". With a call, to the 12th, and asking the captain if Esposito, and Ryan, were available, for some work, the captain would tell Kate "IF you can arrange it, with the governor, I will be happy to send your pals for a visit." When Kate would say "This will not be a social call. It may be actual, police, business." The captain would say "As soon as the paper-work is submitted, you can have them." After thanking the captain, Kate would call the governor, who wanted a trade. The governor wanted permission, for three, new, gambling, boats. If Senator Castle agreed to drop her resistance, then Espo and Ryan would be granted a "special assignment" voucher. While Kate Beckett-Castle, like her father, was opposed to the idea of operating an economy, based upon gambling, Kate made her decision, based not just on her family's safety, but the safety, of the general public. New Yorkers needed to know that ALL land was safe to travel near. While Kates request, for Ryan, and Espo, to join in the property search, was being processed, what Kate did not know was what Laney was doing. When the three arrived, at Miss Ashby's home, and Kate asked "Laney, what are YOU doing here?" Laney would say "Nice to see you, too, sister." Kate would back-track, saying "Ofcourse, its nice to see you. Its just that all I requested was the guys." Laney would ask "So, I guess that you dont WANT to know what I found." Espo would say "The woman has skills, that we can use." When Kate would mention "With the dead, there is no one better." Then Kate would say "Sorry, came out wrong. What have you got?" Laney would say "Unless I am mistaken, your killer is local. From the samples you sent to the guys, I found a variety of samples, indiginous to this area. Samples, of grass, pollen, and so on. What I did NOT find, however, were traces of pollution." When Kate would ask "Meaning what?" Laney would say "Unless I miss my guess, your intruder is a local person. Probably never been outside this area." Kate would say "Thats fits. How else would they know the house, so well." It would be inside the house, that Ryan would say "What I dont get is why the lady left YOU (Castle) this house? You have what you need, in the city." Espo would cut in, saying "I think that what Ryan means is "Why would a woman leave you so much, when you have all that you need?" Castle would add "A woman I never remember meeting? Why?" Kate would add "If it was a burglary then why wait until we were all here? Why not break in, while we were at work?" When the others turned to Laney, she would say "Dont y'all look at me. I just joined the case. I know even LESS than you do." It would, however, be Laney, would would discover the "hidden" hatches, that the intruder had used. This, based upon samples, collected, "randomly", from around the house. For the Medical Examiner, these samples were like a "highway map". There were just three problems. Two were some kind of tunnel, which Espo, and Ryan, followed to places, off of the property. When the guys returned to the Ashby house, they would report "At one time, it WAS a tunnel. Problem is, it is boarded up, from the OTHER side. My guess is that someone did not want visitors, in the night." As Kate, and Rick, would have to report "Our tunnel seemed to lead to a doorway, of sorts. We did not go through since we could see some kind of writing, on the frame. For all we know, it could have said "Do not enter. Hazzardous materials." While the new arrivals made a point of being seen, during the day, then drove off, an hour before sun-set, a new plan was placed into effect. AGAIN, at 2 a.m., a figure began poking the walls (not minding that it was loud enough to wake the house), and Kate would whisper, to Laney "Show time." While Kate was preparing for an ambush, Laney was collecting fresh samples. When Kate found a figure, in the shadows, and said "Step into the light, hands in the air." The figure hurtled something, and Kate had to duck. Since Laney was, already, down, looking for samples, the object flew over her head. This, as the ladies watched as a near-transparent figure rushed out the door. Kate knew the boys had seen it, from their hiding place, since she heard three shots ring out. While Kate had HOPED that the boys would bring in a wounded suspect, what she received was "We fired three rounds." from Ryan. Then, from Espo, "I swear, those shots went right through the perp, yet they did not slow down." Ryan would add "Took off, towards the property line." When Kate would ask "Did you pursue?" Espo would say "Pursue what? That thing just vanished." Laney would add "Whatever that was, it was solid enough to throw this at Kate and I." When Espo would ask "Did you get a look at the perp?" Kate would say "It was too dark. I hoped to catch them in the light, but they bolted. All I can say is that the perp is maybe, three inches taller than Rick." Espo would add "What I dont get is WHY? I mean, this place is not exactly prime real estate. What could anyone want?" Kate would say "Get some sleep, guys. Fresh start, in the morning." Still, Kate would fall asleep, beside Rick, wondering "How did we miss an entrance? How does this perp gain entry into the house?" The next day, as the house became cleaner, and more live-able, the main question was "What is so valuable, in this house, that someone has tried, three times, to break in?) Except for the area's which the 12th were working on, this place could be a classic haunted house. It was late afternoon, when the group had stopped for a break, that Espo had just said "I wish we had a pattern to look for." This is when Kate realized that there was a pattern. When she pulled the group close, Kate spoke, softly, as she said "Our perp, always strikes the first floor. WHY?" Ryan would suggest "Easiest to access?" Espo would add "Back when this place was built, people could trust neighbors. No one locked doors." When Ryan would mention "What about the passages?" Espo would remind him "The passages are blocked, from the OTHER side. How do we know the blocks are permanent?" Kate would ask "Concealled doors? But why?" Rick would suggest "Maybe, someone got too "frisky", with a neighbors daughter?" Martha would ask "In that case, WHY would they knock on the walls. And, always at 2 a.m.?" Kate would suggest "Martha, that may be the clue, that we need." When Martha would ask "What clue?" Rick would say would say "In every movie I have seen, the ghosts walk at midnight. Why would our "ghost" wait until 2 a.m.?" Kate would say "One, of two possibilities. One: the "ghost" is on duty, until 2 a.m., or they have to wait, until 2 a.m., not to be seen." Laney would say "I, still, say it is a local. All of the evidence points to a local person." Espo would add "But where does this get us? On the way in, I saw atleast four companies, which might have a graveyard shift." Still, this left such questions as "WHAT could they want, in this old place" and "WHY wait until now. The house had been vacant, for years." Also, what was that thing, that they were seeing, and how could bullets pass through it?" Two nights later, a major storm drove the people inside the house, while proving that the roof was sound. One of the tree's, down the lane, was not so lucky. A lightning bolt ripped off one side, cleaner than a saw. When Ryan, Espo, and Laney, went out, the next morning, to check the drive way, they learned why the "ghost" had not responded to gun-fire. There, partially hidden, in the tree's, was a roll of plastic. About the right size, and all but see-through. When the line was traced, both ways, one end lead to the Ashby house, while the other was anchored just beyond the property, on another tree. The New York Police also found out how the intruder gained access to the house. It would seem that a water-proofed hatch had been installed, yet the intruder had not shut it tight enough, before the storm. Based upon what both Laney, and Kate, could figure out, the intruder must have secreted into the house, during the day, gone to the attic, and slipped the nylon rope down the side of the house. After hours, the intruder returned, acting like some kind of restless spirit. It would turn out that it would be Alexis, NOT the N.Y.P.D., who would provide a necesary clue. As Alexis explained "I was just in town, trying to learn more about the property, when some locals asked me to a party. It was when I asked if it would be NEAR The Ashby property, that I found out why this place is so abandoned, and run-down. Dad, even Miss Ashby has not LIVED here, in a-LOT of years." When Kate would ask "Honey, what did they want, for the information?" Alexis would say "Dont worry, mom. Nothing like that." This is wehn Rick would say "In that case, continue." Alexis would say "Word, around the area, is that no one will live here because of the "ghost-thing", that we found. Local legends say that it is, actually one of the Ashby's. Anyway, dad, you were way OFF, when you suggested the passages were closed off, due to a frisky man. Word is that Miss Ashby's MOTHER had atleast one, maybe more, affairs, with men, from neighboring properties. This is why the tunnels are closed off. Mrs. Ashby was one, wild, woman." Laney would say "Castle, sounds just your type." When Kate would ask Alexis "What else does word say?" Alexis would say "As far as I can find out, before that party, tonight, it seems that there is word that Miss Ashby has a brother. A man, dis-owned by his family, since he was, supposedly, born to Mrs. Ashby. Locals think that our "intruder" is the young man. He is looking for PROOF, in order to claim all of this (Alexis would make a grand, and sweeping, arm, movement, around the room) is, actually, his." When Alexis mentioned "I will learn, more, at the party." Suddenly, Rick, Kate, and Laney, would look right at the girl, saying "NO, you are NOT." When Alexis would say "Its just a party." Laney would crack the joke, saying "And I am Mrs. Obama." While the family was agruing Alexis safety, over gathering information, Espo would have an idea. He would ask "Alexis, you KNOW where the party will be?" Alexis would say "At an old barn. Two miles from town. Old place, covered in." When Kate would ask "Okay, Espo, what have you, and Ryan, got in mind?" Espo would say "Simple. Alexis wears a wire. We listen in, and find out whats going on." When Kate would ask "What if..." and Espo would promise "Kate, if things "go south", we will be inside, in less than five minutes." Ryan would add "Less than two." then look at Alexis, saying "Sorry, no offense". Alexis would make her terms simple, as well. "As long as you dont come in, unless things really get out of control." That night, Alexis never felt more humiliated than when she saw the adults opening trunks, and placing bullet-proof vests, while passing out rifles. When Alexis would ask "Why not bring in a S.W.A.T. team, and attack helicopters." Kate would promise "Honey, this is to keep you safe. We trust YOU. Its the people you will be with. We dont know them so, better safe than sorry." Covering each of the exists, the N.Y.P.D. would listen in, hoping for clues, to the case. Kate could not help feeling proud, of Alexis, as the girl went about the party, engaging those who spoke of the property. Most of it was harmless. Who built the place. When. Who was born, lived, and died, in the house, and on the grounds. In the cases of death, the speakers promised that all were accidents. As for Miss Ashby's family, word was that the family had to move, once Mrs. Ashby gave birth to another mans son. When Alexis asked "When did Miss Ashby LIVE on the property?" The party-goers laughed as they said "She never LIVED there." Someone else said "To afraid of the "ghosties", with a huge laugh. When Alexis would ask "Dont tell me you think the house is haunted?" A round, of laughter, then, as if a switch had been flipped, the barn went dark. The detectives might have thought it an teenage prank, but only until voices, inside the barn said "Hey, we got permission, to be here, until 3, if we want to. Turn the lights back on." While in the dark, and listening, Espo, and Ryan had donned thermal vision, and noticed something fleeing the scene. The "perp", however, was not showing up as human. Size, maybe, but body heat. After losing it near a humidification plant, the detectives would return to the group. This is when Kate would say "I think I KNOW who the "perp" is, and how they evade us." While Rick suggested breaking up the party "Just in case", Kate would remind him "Our daughter is old enough to handle herself. If she needs help, she will call. Besides, I think that our perp did not want someone talking. I want to know why." Kate had to smile at how Alexis handled the information, that she received. The real information, she would whisper "Follow up?". To the fake stuff, she would whisper "Dis-regard". When a couple of boys got more than a bit fresh, Alexis would remind them "While my mom is no-longer a police officer, she does have friends, with the police." When one, fresh, boy, would ask "Who is this big deal mom of yours?" Alexis covered herself by saying "My mother is a U.S. senator." When the boys backed off, Kate whispered "Thats my girl." Alexis had given just enough information. While even Kate had listened as early arrivals had been told "We have this place, until three a.m.", to which some party-goers said "Cool." The N.Y.P.D. noticed that the party began to thin out, at eleven. It was when Alexis offered to help, with party clean up, at midnight, that Kate heard what no mother should hear. This when a boy got so close, to Alexis, that Kate could hear the boy breathing, in Alexis mike. Within seconds, of hearing Alexis saying "Get OFF of me." The doors, to the barn, burst open, with Kate, Espo, and Ryan, calling out "N.Y.P.D. Let me see your hands!" from behind automatic rifles. When the boy backed off Alexis, saying "Hey, guys, just having some fun." Espo would say "In New York, we dont call that, fun. We call it.." and the boy would ask "You cops are from New York. You got no right, in local." When Alexis went to stand by Kate, Kate would ask "Tell me, smart guy. How far does a United States Senator's reach extend?" After the semi-drunk chugged down three coffee's, Kate would suggest "Unless you want to down, for trying to assault my daughter, you better start talking." When the boy asked "About what? Being a man?" Espo would suggest "We heard that you were talking about the Ashby house. Now, tell us what you know, or face charges, as an adult, for sexual asault." The boy would say "I know what everyone knows. The place is spooky. We see things. If we use binoculars, we can see THROUGH things." When Kate would ask "Who has been baning on the walls, for how long, and why?" The boy would say "Nothing new. There have been sounds, for YEARS, from that place. Thats why not even cleaners will touch the place. You know whats really weird?" When Espo would say "We are waiting?" The boy would say "You know how the ghost rules say that ghosts haunt, from miodnight, until dawn." Kate would say "I have heard of something, similar." The boy would say "Thats whats weird about that place. The ghost does not show up, until 2a.m. Vanishes, by 3 a.m. Is that weird, or what?" Ryan would suggest "Almost like it is on its lunch hour." The young man would ask "Why do ghosts need a lunch hour? They are dead, right?" Kate was beginning to wonder, about the spook. It had attacked her, by hurtling objects. This is something that HUMANS would do. Why would a ghost need to throw things, to make an escape? Castle was off, in fantasy land, trying to figure out why a ghost would have such a severe schedule. He even thought, out loud "If we are dealing with a ghost, then WHY would it act so bizzarrely? Do ghosts have to obey rules? How would you punish a ghost, for breaking rules." Kate would have gone to the local police, except that she realized that they were content to handle poachers, litter-bugs, and so on. Simple, human, crimes. This is why Kate had Rick turn to his writers group, for suggestions. In each case, however, the first question was "Why do the hauntings start at 2 a.m.? Why not at midnight. The "Witching Hour"? When this was connected with the physical attacks, on Kate, and Laney, everyone asked "If it was a ghost, why not just vanish?" Laney would suggest "What if the ghost is NOT a ghost, at all?" When Rick would say "All that leaves are the living." This lead all of the authors to the same conclusion, which the boy, at the party, and others, had suggested. Someone was searching the property for something they want. Something of great value, to them. Idea's, such as photo albums, birth certificates, wedding photos? These, and other suggestions, were tossed out, when the group was reminded that copies can be found, in archives, nowadays. All that the group was left with were four, delivery, men, who drove the "grave-yard, for higher pay. Then, there was the fact that a still-living woman had willed a property to Rick. Why to HIM? Why was she so afraid of the house?" The delivery men had alibi's, for the time window. Their trucks tracking showed the men were nowhere near the house. The only one not accounted for was the mystery shadow. It HAD to be human, since it attacked Kate, twice. When the N.Y.P.D. checked for birth records, for a male, maybe a couple years older than Miss Ashby, no luck there. Several records, of boys births, but none to a Mrs. Ashby. Espo and Ryan would suggest "That is, IF she used her real name. Remember that security was not like it is, today." This set Kate to wondering. "A woman gives birth, to the son of a man, she is NOT married to. Then she gives birth to her husbands daughter. Doesn't add up. Why would the man want a child by an un-faithful spouse?" When Ryan would suggest "Less Scruples, back in the day?" Espo would say "Wrong. Ethics, and Scruples MORE in use, than today. Back then, even a rumor could ruin a marriage." When Ryan would ask "Without D.N.A.? Lab testing? How could it be proven?" Espo would say "Who said anything about "prove". Even a rumor..." Kate would ask Laney "Tell me, by todays standards, how close could you come to telling if two people are related?" Laney would say "With D.N.A. testing, I would say 90%, or more." Ryan would whisper "Too bad they did not have D.N.A. testing back then." Kate would suggest "Why dont we obtain a sample, from Miss Ashby, and compare it to what we have found here." The man had thought that he was so smart, hiding out, near a river, aned eating rations, while preying on the house. The senator, and the police, found the man luxuriating by the stream, his pole cast. When tested, the man kept to the normal "You cant PROVE anything", line. That is, until D.N.A. came back, positive. This is when Kate would ask "Okay, you are too young to be Miss Ashby's brother, who are you. His son?" The man would say "Wouldn't you like to know." When Kate mentioned "By the way, since you attacked a U.S. senator, you are looking at federal charges. Unless you cut a deal, and tell us what you are after, I will make a point of dropping you into super-max." When the man would say "I never attacked nobody. I only go into the house, when you idiots are away." From behind the one-way mirror, Espo would ask "Who does he think he is dealing with? We have his D.N.A., from the scene. We KNOW he was there." Just as Kate was asking "What were you doing, camping so near the property?" It was at this point when the captain would call Kate, out of Interrogation, saying "Miss Ashby's attorney wants to speak to you." When Kate would ask "What for? Castle inherited the land, not me." Inside the captains office, the attorney would inform Kate "Senator, you have the wrong man." When Kate would ask "Is this a joke? We have D.N.A." The attorney would say "Nevertheless, that man is no relation, to Miss Ashby." When Kate would ask "Her mother came to town..." The attorney would say "Yes, that part is true. Mrs. Ashby DID come to New York, to "dispose", if that is not too crude a term. What you do NOT know is why you have been un-able to find a birth certificate." Kate would promise "Given time..." and the attorney would say "No, you wont. The reason is simple. There is no birth certificate, since there is NO brother. Family records show that, while in the city,m for "treatment", something happened, and Mrs. Ashby aborted. The details are foggy, at best. What I can promise you is that the man you are holding is NOT an Ashby." This is when Kate would return to Interrogation, only to have to ask the duty officer "Where is the suspect?" When the officer looked into the room, then whispered "What the?" Kate would go to Ryan, saying "I want the security footage, from that room. I want to know HOW, WHEN, and WHO, helped the suspect escape." Ryan would say "On it." A short time, later, however, Ryan would have to call Kates attention, saying "You have to see this." When Kate would ask "What have you got?" Ryan would play back the video, which seemed to show Kate speaking to an empty chair. Wehn Kate would ask "How is that possible?" Espo would return, asking "How is what possible." When he viewed the footage, Espo was like "Amazing." When Kate asked him "You remember seing the perp, in the rooms." Espo would say "Ofcourse. Question is, WHERE did he go?" It would be later, when Kate would inform Rick, that she would add "BY now, if we went back to the stream, all opf his gear will be gone. He is a real pro." When Rick would ask "What did you find, in the fingerprint database?" Kate would say "Nothing. Its like the man, truly, does not exist." Shortly after a family meeting, about the property, the decision was made. Rick would notify the attorney, then the family would return to the property, to pack, and say a final farewell. Martha would add "If only rthe family had kept it up, it would have been glorious. It waas as the family was finishing packing, that one of Alexis new friends would stop by, saying "Wanted to catch you before you go. Nice trip. Oh, and, if you want a really safe trip, why not stop by the river bank, and leave a token, for Steve." When Martha would ask "Who is this Steve? A local heart-throb?" The young woman would say "More like a resident ghost. Excuse me, Steve HATES being called a ghost. He prefers "spirit". Anyway, leave him something special, and he will watch over you." When Martha would ask "Young lady, how do you know this?" The young woman would say "When I was younger, I fell, and Steve brought me to dry land." When Rick would ask "I wonder how much he knows, about this area?" The young woman would say "Steve seems to know everything, about this town. Rumor has it that his family was among the first settlers." Kate would add "Any chance you could take us by his place?" The girl would say "Doubtful" When Kate would ask "WHy is that?" the girl would say "He only appears, when people need him." Kate would suggest. "You know, thats really too bad, since we were hoping to learn more about this property." The girl would say "While Steve is big, and powerful, he only helps those in distress. I dont think that personal appearances are his thing". When Kate would suggest "The next time you see him, would you give him my thanks, and those, of Doctor Parrish." The girl would say "Glad to." On the car ride, back to New York, Kate would wonder, out loud. "What would anyone have to gain, by posing as a local legend? Unless?" Suddenly, Kate was relieved that she had found some pieces of this and that, formed an image, of happiness, then left it where the girl had said to. The entire report, on the Ashby house, was so full of holes, that the captain would say "No way am I filing this. I dont care if you are a senator. Dont you, ever, bring me a piece of swiss cheese, like this, ever again." This, after the Castles had spent over six hours, writing up something which people would not laugh at. Who was Steve? Who was the shadow? All that Kate knew was that, being back, from "vacation", was just as exhausting as being at work. Kates current problem was that an assembly plant needed rom, for expansion, and the only place, in the property, for expansion, was the childrens play area, at a grade school. If the expansion was approved, the only way to kep the children safe would be to pour a concrete wall, between the two. Senator Castle was willing to chair local groups, to help the states children. As for Castle, he would leave a question mark, at the end. He had no pat ending. On to the next case....