Chapter eighteen

[thebestseller]

Oh, dear me, so many new faces around the island lately! To introduce myself to all of you, I'm Richard Castle, mystery author. Yes, the island felt it appropriate to bring me here and tell me YO MR. CASTLE, WE HEARD YOU WRITE FICTION SO WE PUT SOME FICTION IN YOUR FICTION SO YOU CAN WRITE ABOUT THINGS THAT AREN'T REAL BECAUSE YOU ALLEGEDLY AREN'T REAL.

I work at the book store, so please, do stop by. You'll at least find pleasant conversation if nothing else, and I'd appreciate the company.

[Text to Kate Beckett]

Poke. Poke. Poke poke poke. Hey. I just texted to say "I love you". And "poke".

Comments

[animator]

Truly a meta-meta moment, when you think about it.

Nice to meet you, Mr. Castle. Anita Blake.

[thebestseller]

Layer upon layer, like a meta sandwich. Or perhaps a lasagna.

Likewise. Settling in fine, I hope?

[animator]

I like the lasagna imagery, myself. Let's run with that one.

Well enough. I've been spending a lot of time down at the station with the chief and Detective Beckett, which has made it easier. They both have their heads on pretty straight.

[thebestseller]

Delicious meta noodles topped with meta sauce, cheese, and meat. Hey. Meta meat.

Oh, you know Detective Beckett? She and I come from the same place.

[animator]

That's some potentially delicious almost-alliteration, there.

She and I have been assigned together a few times. She was one of the people who made sure I had a decently warm welcome when I arrived.

[thebestseller]

Now I want lasagna for dinner.

Oh, did she? Well, that's definitely Beckett. Always treats her co-workers very well.

[animator]

You and me, both.

You two close?

[thebestseller]

Very. We've known each other for years and work together.

[animator]

[Sounds like she should ask Kate about him. At least if she's ever in the mood for gossip.]

I see. Well, I have enough evidence to assume that you're a stand-up gent, at least for the time being.

[thebestseller]

That's kind of you. I'll try my best to live up to that impression.

[animator]

[She grins, teasingly.]

I sure hope so. Kate's my partner, that means I have to look out for her.

[thebestseller]

Good. I'm glad someone will be.