Castle sat in his office, staring at his murder board. It didn't make sense. They had been here over 20 years, why was it coming to a head now? The clues went nowhere, nothing fit. The murder board, far from complete, was like having pieces of many different puzzles trying to fit together. He ran his hand over his face, knowing he was going to get no further without food and rest.
Castle got up and left his office, closing the door behind him. The house was empty, with Alexis at college and his mother most likely out with friends. He shook his head and headed towards the kitchen. He needed something to eat. He opened the fridge and grabbed an apple. He held the fruit in his hand and stared at it. Time was, these were hard to come by and it was a real treat eatin' one. Out of instinct he opened up the knife drawer, but hesitated.
It had taken him a long time to stop eating fruit with his knife. But occasionally, occasionally he let his paranoia get the best of him once more. He picked up a knife and carefully, very carefully cut into the apple.
TBC