To Continue Forward

A Castle Story By

HCBalwayshappy

All three of them were in the same car. It rarely happened, but for this case, they felt as if they all needed to be there. The detectives were on their way to tell a bunch of small children that a fellow orphan had died, been murdered. They'd have to ask them all kinds of questions and put more pain on the already hurt kids.

Pulling up to the orphanage, they parked and exited the car. Taking a deep breath, they all started towards the large door. It was a nice building, it seemed kept up, and taken care of. Bringing her hand up, she knocked on the door. After waiting a few long minutes they heard feet shuffling on the other side. A large, fairly chubby lady, with brown hair pulled in a loose bun opened the door.

"Welcome," She smiled brightly, with a squeaky voice that Beckett did not believe came from her. "Come on in. My name is Mrs. Parker. Now are you looking to adopt? We have many fabulous kids here. From 2 - 17! Boys and Girls! Do you have a preference?"

"No we-" Kate started to explain why she was there.

"Great! I'll just show you all of them. It's play time right now! So both boys and girls are together.," She rambled on, not caring that there was more to what she was saying. They all shared a look of annoyance as she continued, "They might seem a little sad now. One of our girls just ran away. We haven't found her yet... Such a sweet girl, but I am sure you will cheer them up!"

"Karen Bennett?" Beckett asked. Suddenly Mrs. Parker stopped and turned around.

"I'm sorry Dear, I never caught your name."

"Detective Kate Beckett of the NYPD," She said showing Mrs. Parker, her I.D.

"Did you find Karen?"

"Yes, we found her, but Mrs. Parker you may want to sit down, is there somewhere we can talk in private?"

"Just tell me here. What happened?"

"We found Karen, murdered this morning," the moment Kate said it a loud gasp filled the room.

"Oh no, please don't tell me it was the heart killer!" She nearly screamed.

"The what?" Javier asked.

"The killer that carved hearts into children hands after shooting them. They gave every orphanage a notice, fearing that he would come to New York next!" Kate was amazed, how come she never heard about this?

"We believe it is him." Leaning against the wall Mrs. Parker breathed in and out then suddenly she got really close to Beckett's face.

"You stop him. I love these kids too much, they deserve a home! Not to die!"

"I'll do my best. I promise!"

"I'm guessing you need to talk to the kids. Just don't let them know, who you are. It will freak them out." Suddenly Beckett's phone rang.

"Excuse me." She said and left Ryan and Esposito to talk to Mrs. Parker.

"Beckett."

"It's Montgomery."

"Captain. What's up?"

"We got more information on our killer. His name is Jake Bonner. Turns out, he sits by the orphanage waiting for his perfect victim to come out. When the child does, he picks them up, takes them to an alley kills them, then cleans off and goes back to wait for even attends adoption meetings. Five kids to an orphanage then he moves on. He was almost caught once, but he caught sight of the police and ran off."

"So don't let him know we're cops. Like an undercover."

"Yeah, pick Ryan or Esposito to be your husband or something... and pretend your there to adopt. Don't come straight back to the precinct. He might follow you. He's only killed little kids, but he did hurt others that got in his way. Got it?"

"Yes, Sir." And he hung up. Sighing she walked over to the group once again.

"That was Montgomery, we're to go undercover. This guy is a pro-stalker, we have to be careful."

"Well if that's the case, then your going to have to come to a meeting we have in two days," Mrs. Parker started, immediately taking charge of the situation. After thinking a little bit she pointed to Javier and Kate, "You two should be the couple and Mr. Ryan you the brother, there for support. Alright?"

A little confused, they all nodded. "Good, Now let's meet the kids!"

"Hey Beckett?" Ryan said and Kate turned around.

"It's too bad..." Javier began.

"That Castle isn't here," Kevin smiled.

"I'm sure he'd play the part of your husband very well," Javier grinned.

"Shut up!" Kate snapped and punched them both on the shoulder.

"Did Beckett just blush?" Esposito asked.

"I believe she did," Ryan answered.

"Will you two be quiet!"

"Castle is soo hearing about this!" They both laughed and walked ahead of her to catch up to Mrs. Parker. Kate Beckett just shook her head a smile on her face.

They reached the end of the hall and entered in a door. It was a big playroom with a bunch of kids. They were all just sitting. No one really seemed happy.

"Children! We have some company," Mrs. Parker announced. The whole room went silent. Every single pair of eyes looked up at the three adults in the room. The older ones just sighed. With a young couple, they won't be looking for an older kid.

"Hi Guys. My name is Katherine," Beckett smiled, using her full name. Only for undercover purposes. "Do you mind if we stay here for awhile. My brother Kevin loves to play games, and so does my husband Javier." She said pointing to the boys standing behind her. They all nodded in unison and continued to sit. Kate looked around and saw a girl sitting in the corner alone, she looked about ten. Walking over to her, she sat down.

"Hi sweetie. What's your name?"

"Becka."

"That's a pretty name. how old are you?"

"Eleven."

"Really? I thought you were older." The girl smiled, " How come none of you are playing?"

"No one likes to play."

"I don't believe that. come on... I think it's play time," She grabbed the girls hand and went to the middle of the room. "Now I'm sure you all know how to play...tag. And I think that Javier is it." Esposito glared at Kate and reached over and tagged Kevin.

"You're it and no tag backs." Kevin groaned and tagged one of the older girls. They all stared at her waiting for her decision. Her name was Kasey, she was sixteen, smiling she reached over and tagged another boy. The game began.

He watched as three people entered into his orphanage. That's right his orphanage. He owns the hearts of those kids. He wants to make them happy. Listening, he heard laughter fill the building... That's not good. Only he can make them happy. No one else. No one.

I hope that one was better than the first! Thanks for the reviews! They mean a lot! And sorry for any grammar mistakes! Please tell me if you have any questions or comments! Thanks!

-HCB