Kate Beckett wasn't your normal NYPD homicide detective. She was stubborn and had a traumatic past that took up a chunk of her life. She had become partnered with a writer, whom she had grown to love, for the last four years and had finally closed the case of her mother's murder. She was thankful.
Castle was amazing. They had been together almost six months and were getting along great. Of course with an occasional disagreement here and there but no couple is perfect. The bad thing was trying to keep everything a secret from every one at the precinct. They had to do it though if they wanted to remain working together.
Alexis and Martha knew all about it. And although Alexis wasn't thrilled at first because of Kate pretty much lying and leading Castle on, she had accepted it along with Martha. She loved Kate but was still hurt by Kate's deception to her father. Kate completely understood why and was glad she was at least gave the chance.
She would occasionally stay at Castle's apartment but still liked her privacy somewhat so would often go home for good night's rest. Last night was one of those nights. They had just closed a terrible case where a husband had gruesomely beat his wife to death but it took almost two weeks to close because he had done a rather good cover up job.
Kate's phone had begun to ring, stirring her from a deep sleep. She barely opened her eyes enough to see it was only 5 in the morning.
"Beckett," she answered groggily. She paused to listen and finally spoke. "Of course I'll be right there."
She felt so tired. As though a train had hit her and of course it was Detective Ryan calling to let her know about a new case. An orphanage of about 80 girls had been shot up and so far 10 were dead and several injured, ages ranging from 5 to 17. It was where girls in the system went when they weren't being adopted by the age of 5.
Beckett stumbled around throwing clothes on and brushing her teeth. She made sure to grab her phone and text Castle. She had chosen not to call him because of how he acts about young girls having a daughter and all. And she had hoped it would take him awhile to show up, hoping the text wouldn't wake him up. So with the words "Crime Scene at Broadway & Park" texted she quickly put it in her pocket and went out the door.
Fifteen minutes of driving and Beckett had arrived. She seen the old four story building surrounded by police cars and yellow caution tape. She was too tired and not in the mood for this. Children, being hurt and murdered, was not exactly what she liked to deal with. It was a touchy area.
Walking inside she found Lanie examining a young girl who looked to be around 12. On the other side of the room were Detectives Esposito and Ryan talking to what looked like three of the women who must help run or own the place. The room was trashed and bodies of girls lying all over and blood splattered everywhere from them being gunned down.
"Count is up to 13 dead and now we have counted 5 injured. Most of them are traumatized from the psycho who did this." Kate had been brought out of her thoughts as Lanie spoke.
"Do they have any idea who did this?" Kate asked still looking around in horror.
"Esposito had said something about some guy in dark clothing and of course a hood and sunglasses. "
At that moment Richard Castle come slowly walking in looking absolutely horrified. He walked over to me slowly but still looking dumbfounded.
"I understand if you want to sit this one out Rick."
"What kind of sick person could do something this horrible?" He looked at her completely saddened yet angry that someone had hurt so many young girls.
"I haven't spoken to Javi or Kevin yet but some psycho in dark clothes who doesn't obviously have a heart." Kate was feeling a little sick as well.
"Well I am not going anywhere. We will catch the son of a bitch. I want to be here when it happens." He was definitely worked up.
About that time Espo and Ryan came walking up. "Looks like there are a couple more dead upstairs and the women in charge over there had no idea who the man was. Do you wanna take a look upstairs boss?" Ryan had spoken with his gaze holding Beckett's.
"I can do that. Keep canvasing you two, and see if they can get you a sketch."
"On it boss." The two men had spoken in unison and headed toward the door.
"Come on Castle."
They had both headed to the stairwell and slowly went up. They could see blood on the stairs and possibly a bloody foot print they would have to look into. At the top of the stairs to the right there was huge room. It looked to be like a sitting room where several girls were lying dead. Kate slowly started walking around the room. Two girls who looked like twins must have been about 7 and another was probably 9 or 10. She kept pacing and finally walked over to the closet.
Upon opening the door she saw a beautiful girl who had blonde wavy hair and must have been about 5'6 already. She had a baby face somewhat so she must have been about 14 or 15. She had been shot in the stomach. Upon staring so intently, Kate noticed the girl take a shallow breath.
"CASTLE! Get the paramedics up here now. She's alive." Kate was shocked but glad she found her. She leaned down over her. Kate gently stroked the young girl's hair. "Hang on pretty girl. Help is on the way."