Disclaimer: I don't own anything.
She surprised herself frowning and looking through the window towards the rest room, where Castle was being interviewed by Mrs. Coterra. She rose her eyes to the ceiling to remember how it all had started.
She was driving her car to the crime scene with Castle by her side after a night they had spent together. They were remembering how to make out like nothing was going on between them.
''Remember'' she started ''I have just picked you up like good partners we are. Don't try to touch me, to kiss me, or give me meaningful looks.'' she said underlining every line shaking her index finger.
''No eye-sex or real at work, I know'' he looked at her ''Don't worry, I'll behave. Even it's going to be very hard to keep out my hands off you but...'' and he placed his hand on hers, which was on the gear lever.
''That's exactly what you don't have to do. We're already working. Ah, and don't call me 'Kate'.''.
''Detective, you have nothing to worry about'' he said tapping her hand before putting his on his lap and start looking though the window.
She braked and announced: ''We've arrived''
Castle inspected the place. A local television studios. While they were headed to the crime scene, Ryan met them to inform them.
''Morning, detective. Castle?''
Castle nodded his head as a greet to Ryan and Beckett took the word:
''Hi, Ryan. What have we got?''
''A weather forecast girl has appeared murdered with a shot on her head while she was rehearsing her program for tonight.''.
''Is there any witness?''
''No. She was alone inside the studio and no one heard or saw something because the room was isolated.''.
''How was she discovered?'' Castle asked.
''They made a pause to have lunch and when her partners didn't see her around, someone got to the studio and found her.''.
''Murder weapon?''
''Missing. Lanie's on the scene with our victim.''
They had already arrived to the studio when Beckett turned around to face Ryan and told him:
''Find out if she had any enemies, ex boyfriends, someone who wanted her place or dead... You know.''
''Done.''. He said and left the room.
When they got in, Lanie was next to the body and writing something on her folder.
''Oh my God! What the hell have you done?! You're shining, girl!'' Lanie said.
''Morning to you to too, Lanie. I think I'm shining because of these spotlights.'' Beckett said trying to cover with her hand the light that blinded her. Every light on the studio was switched on and the big green wall didn't help. Was she shining? Maybe. But it was definitely not because of the spotlight.
Beckett asked Lanie about details like the gun's calibre that had killed her or any other issue worthy to be mentioned. After interrogating some people like her camera man or show's director, among others, Castle and Beckett started their way to the car when they heard a voice behind them.
''Richard Castle?''
They turned around at the same time to face a tall woman who had piercing blue eyes and black long hair.
''Yes!'' he answered ''and you are...''.
''Kristina Coterra.'' she said as she tended him a hand, which he gripped but forgetting about Beckett, who stood next to him.
''Wait, do you write for 'The New York Times'? Are you that Kristina Coterra?'' He asked.
''Yes, I am.'' She said chuckling.
There was something in her attitude that Beckett didn't like. So she took the word.
''And what is doing one of New York's finest journalists in a the studios of a local television?'' Beckett asked. She knew Coterra was the person in charge of the society and culture section of the newspaper, so Beckett didn't understand very well what she was doing there.
''You know, sometimes local televisions with great schedules need a boost and I'm trying to give it to this one. Sorry, you are...?'' Coterra asked.
''Detective Kate Beckett. By the way, is there anything you know about the murder that has taken place?''
''Oh, that.''
How the hell could the journalist refer to a murder as 'that'. Someone had been killed. Someone who may had family. A father, a boyfriend or even a kid. Someone who had been stolen her life.
''I think that is something that really could make people interest on these television channel.'' she continued ''It definitely has to appear on my article. Is there any suspect, detective?''
''I'm the one here who makes the questions.'' Beckett's raw voice answered ''For how long have you been compiling information for your article?''
''Mmm... No more than a week.''
''Did you get to know the victim?'' The detective asked.
''No. Well, I talked to her twice about her program. What I know is the rumours that people tells about her.''.
''And which are that rumours?'' Castle asked.
Kristina looked at him in the eyes before answering in a sweet voice:
''That she was dating Lou Hans, the newsreader. They never said anything about it, but it was something everyone knew about even they were trying to cover their relationship.''
That made Castle and Beckett think about them.
''Of course, I don't blame them for not announcing it.'' she continued ''They could be fired if their superiors found out about it.''
Beckett swallowed and said ''Okay. Thanks for your help. I think we're done here.'' Of course she was going to ask that Lou Hans about the murder, even it seemed something done by a cold blooded more than a passionate involved person.
''Not so fast, Richard.'' the journalist said. ''Here's my number. Call me if you want to go out for a drink.''
And that said, she turned around and left Castle hanging a paper with her number and Beckett looking with a puzzled expression.