Disclaimer: I obviously don't own Castle…

Spoilers: This takes place during season 4. Possible spoilers for every episode aired until An Embarrassment of Bitches.

The bullpen was buzzing with the detectives' standard comings and goings, the hum of conversations and the scratching of pens on paper forms when detective Beckett, in the middle of their victim's financial report, saw her phone light up with an incoming call.

'Alexis Castle' said the caller id.

Kate furrowed her brow as she reached for the phone.

"Alexis?"

The hesitant voice of the girl answered her.

"Hi detective Beckett, is my father near you?"

"Huh, yeah, he's making coffee," she said looking at him through the break room's glass. She started to get up, "I can get him if you want. Doesn't he have his phone on him?"

"No, no! Uh, I mean- I- I wanted to talk to you without him overhearing, if- if that's okay?"

Kate slowly sat back in her chair.

"Yeah, sure, Alexis… Is there a problem?"

The girl sighed over the line. Then, she seemed to gather herself and started to speak.

"Are- are you free? After work I mean? I- I'd like to talk to you about something."

Kate was getting worried. Castle had been whining all week about how Alexis had seemed distressed and distant lately and how she wouldn't talk to him. She had reassured him saying his daughter was responsible and very much her daddy's girl and that whatever she was going through she would tell him eventually. She still believed what she said to him, but if the girl was coming to her first, it probably wasn't a good sign.

"Um yeah, of course. I don't know exactly when I'll be able to get out but if nothing special comes up, I should be able to make it by seven, seven-thirty. Is that okay with you?"

"Yeah, that would be perfect." She sounded a little bit relieved now.

"Where would you like to meet? I know a nice coffee shop not far from the precinct if you want-"

"Actually, detective Beckett, I'd rather go somewhere quiet- preferably not public- please? I just- I'd feel more comfortable if-"

Kate cut in. "We can go to my place if you want."

Alexis let out a long breath. "Yes. Yes, thank you."

Beckett saw that Castle was about to come out of the break room with their coffee. She went to her feet and swiftly made her way toward the restroom where their discussion could stay private.

"Alexis," she hesitated for a moment "Are you okay? I mean, if it's urgent, I can go and meet you now."

"No, no, it's okay, thank you but it can wait until tonight, don't worry."

Well it's a bit late for that, she thought.

"You sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure."

"Okay. Well, I'll text you my address now. And I'll call you if I'm running late, all right?"

"Perfect. Thank you detective Beckett, I know you're busy and I can't tell you how much this means-"

"It's okay Alexis, I'm glad to be able to help when I can." She paused. "But Alexis? Can I tell your dad?"

There was silence on the line.

"I mean, I don't want him to worry when he comes home and you're not there- if he knows you're with me he'll-"

"Yeah, yeah, okay, you're right. Tell him."

"Okay. See you later?"

"Yes. Thank you."

"Bye."

"Bye."

The line disconnected and Kate let out a sigh. She typed her address in a text for Alexis as she walked back to her desk. There was definitely something wrong with the young woman and, whatever it was, she knew tonight's tête-à-tête would keep her wondering all afternoon.

I'm not telling Castle until I go, or else he'll drive me crazy…

It was seven forty-five when she pushed open the door of her building. She had texted Alexis a while back to let her know she'd be a bit late and now, as she stepped into the awaiting elevator, she hoped the girl would take her time to come over. She needed to take a shower, and change… (Hell, she needed a bath, some soup and a good book to read in bed, propped up against a mountain of pillows, but that didn't seem very likely right now).

Just like she had predicted, Castle had harassed her from the moment she'd told him Alexis had called, to the moment she'd shoved him non-so-gently out of the elevator as she left. He'd whined, begged, bargained, threatened, demanded she tell him what was happening with Alexis as soon as she knew and it had taken everything in her not to punch him in the face (hence the shoving away from the elevator so she could ride down in peace).

"Come on, Beckett! You have to tell me. What if it's important? She's my little girl, you can't keep it from me! Please! I'll do anything you want! Anything! Beckett I swear to God- You'll call me right? As soon as you know? Promise me you'll call me!"

Well, he was worried, and she was worried too, but really, couldn't he trust her with that? Of course if it was serious she would do everything she could to convince Alexis to tell her dad. And if Alexis was coming to speak about something bad that happened to her, or if she was in any kind of danger, Beckett would tell him, or she'd take care of whatever it was herself.

As the doors of the elevator slid open, Kate looked up in surprise at Alexis' form when she rose from her spot, down against the door of her apartment. Well, there goes my shower…

"How long have you been here?" she asked.

The girl shrugged one of her shoulders noncommittally.

Kate remembered her sense of etiquette: "I'm sorry," she unlocked her front door, "please come in."

This seemed like a good place to stop for now. My brain came up with this out of nowhere, and I know the direction I'm going to take but I have no idea of the length or if I'll be able to pull it off.

First multichapter ever! Lol. Pardon my mistakes, English isn't my first language.

Please review, it's good for the soul…