Author's Note: Sooo... this is my first attempt at fanfiction. TV has always been a big part of my life, and mystery / crime shows are one of my favorite genres. Things can't get much better than adorable nerd-extraordinaire - Nathan Fillion as the wise-cracking sidekick (whoops, I mean, partner) to the gorgeous Stana Katic. Hope my little tale does them justice. Enjoy!
ETA: I've changed the name of this story twice now - this is the final time. It's now "Play the Game" to go along with my naming scheme. (They're all titles of Queen songs)
Play the Game
Introduction: Dead On Time
The woman had figured her basement tenant was a little 'off' for quite some time, so she felt justified snooping around while delivering a package to his apartment. It had been sitting in the foyer for several days, and finally, after coming home from one of her late nights, she just wanted it to be out of her way.
After knocking several times and getting no answer, she hesitantly turned her master key in the lock and snuck in. "Helloooo?", she said as she peeked around the newly opened front door. Seemed like normal enough decor for a single man. Futon instead of a couch, cheap flat-pack bookshelves, and a couple of pizza boxes left sticking out of the entirely too small garbage can in the kitchen.
Since it looked like he was still out, she set the battered UPS box on the floor just inside the door, and decided to retreat - her suspicions unfounded. Turning to leave, she noticed something strange through the cracked bedroom door. She wondered why she felt so uneasy while walking slowly over to push into the room just a little bit.
She was still shaking as she dialed 911 on her cell. Her voice quivered ever so slightly when she said, "Hello, I think my tenant has been murdered".
Katherine Beckett heard a tiny growl escape her lips as she opened her eyes and heard the sound of her cell phone buzzing on the side table. She picked it up and looked at the time - 3:30am.
"Beckett." she muttered into the phone, trying to sound as normal as she could. Only mostly listening, she jotted down the address and put herself on auto-pilot. First a shower, willing the steaming water to jolt herself awake, toweling her hair dry, and throwing on some work clothes. Then, knowing he'd ultimately be angry if she didn't call, she pushed the all-too familiar speed-dial button.
"Castle." Mirroring her own greeting, he answered his phone and she was almost delighted to hear his voice as huskily-tired sounding as hers had been 15 minutes prior.
"I know it's early, but I don't think you'll want to miss this one." Realizing the gravity of the situation, she stifled a smile. She knew the strangeness would be right up his alley, and she could use a little of his off-beat take on things today. On mornings like this she usually regretted her dedication to finishing paperwork before she walked out of the precinct. "You're on the way, so I can pick you up in 20?"
"Yep. It better be good." And then she heard a bit of fumbling as he hit the 'end call' button.
As she pointed the Crown Vic towards the curb, she saw the figure emerge from the shadows, nodding silently to the doorman while stepping onto the carpet that led to the sidewalk. She noted how boyish he looked as he rubbed to get the remaining sleep out of his left eye, and caught the tail-end of his yawn as he opened the passenger door and plunked down next to her.
She could almost hear his characteristic charm working its way through his brain as he said, quieter than usual, "So, what's the dealio sugar?"
He instantly regretted the much too familiar greeting that snuck out through his sleep-deprived haze. "Sorry Beckett. I'm not quite awake yet. I'll be happy to run in and grab us coffee if you stop on the way." A smile danced it's way through his sparkling blue eyes as he countered his crassness with a bout of chivalry.
"Sure." She replied, "I wish the criminals would have the courtesy to wait until I've had a decent night's sleep. I could probably go for a full-on caffeine drip. And don't worry about it, I'm used to being irritated by your pervy comments. This morning you'll just have to imagine my reply, I'm still waking up too." He noticed the smirk she flashed and sat back, knowing he hadn't offended her... much.
"From what I heard, the guy got ambushed in his apartment. Landlady found him... well, most of him, when she tried to deliver his mail." Beckett knew that would get him.