All others thoughts dissolved into one thought. The whole world just seemed to fade away. This couldn't be happening. It has to be some sort of mistake. Some cruel joke someone was trying to play for all the stupid things I'd said and done over the course of my life. I slowly read the text again. I have you daughter. If you want to see her again go home and don't tell Beckett anything. You do and Alexis dies. You have 20 min.
I quickly glanced around the precinct. Beckett still wasn't back from court and Ryan and Exposito had not returned yet from lunch. I could make it out without any sort of contact that I might let something slip. Another message came through. Better get moving Castle. I bolted from my seat and headed for the door. Even if this was some sort of joke there was no way I could risk Alexis's life.