I just realized I broke the first rule of good writing: I didn't open my story with a hook to draw readers in. Oh, well, this tale is still developing, thanks for reading!

Chapter 2 Information

Esposito and Ryan were still in the area of the crime scene, canvassing the surrounding buildings, talking to people who lived or frequented this part of town when a cell phone rang.

"Esposito."

"Hey, Beckett was right, there was a receipt in his pockets." Lanie informed the cop.

Esposito grabbed a pen from Ryan's pocket and jotted down the name Lanie told him.

"Is there an address on the print out? Thanks."

Ryan looked at him. "Address?"

"Apparently the vic had drinks just down the way." Esposito headed down the road.

A cell phone beeped. This time it was Ryan's. He flipped it open to read the text.

"Jenny. I told her I'd have to cancel lunch."

The guys found the bar in companionable silence.

"Closed." Ryan read the sign.

"I can read." Esposito retorted in a serious, yet teasing way. He dialed Beckett. "Hey, Lanie found a receipt on the vic, but the place isn't open for a few hours."

"Castle and I are on our way to talk to his brother, who apparently is his only relative. You guys can go back to the station and run the normal background work on him until the place opens."

"Will do."

Beckett closed her phone.

"Any leads?" Castle asked.

"A receipt. Not open yet." Beckett pulled up to a small house and shut the car off. She took a deep breath.

Castle hesitated. "You ok?"

"I much prefer talking to the family after I know something, not making the initial notification. It hurts too much."

"And that's what makes you so good." Castle tried to encourage her. Beckett didn't smile. "Lets go."

She knocked on the door. After a moment a man opened it.

"Carl Mitchum?"

The man nodded. "Who are you?"

"Detective Kate Beckett, NYPD. Can we come in?"

"Sure." Warily he opened the door and led them to the front room. "What can I do for you?"

"Have you talked to your brother recently." Beckett took the set he was offering. Castle sat next to her and remained silent. Carl settled into a recliner. "Not for a couple days why?"

"I'm afraid we have some bad news." Kate hated this part. "Your brother was found in an alley, murdered."

Carl blinked and looked at the cop and her partner. "Steven?"

"We think so. Is this him?" Beckett showed a headshot of the victim. Carl crumpled. "Oh God." Sobs burst forth

Kate looked away. She gave him a moment before addressing him again.

"I'm sorry but I have some other questions to ask."

He struggled to compose himself. Kate waited.

"What was your relationship with your brother like?"

"We weren't close." Carl has stopped crying but eyes were still red and wet. "But we were in touch maybe once a week."

"Did he talk about any problems?"

"No, but with Steven, there was always problems. Mostly women. He was a player. I don't even want to think about all the hearts he broke. I care about my brother but he could be a jerk." Carl sighed and leaned back.

"Do you have any idea who would want to hurt Steven?"

"No."

Kate watched his response. "Thank you for your time. If you can think of anything that could be helpful, please call." She handed him a business card as she stood. "I am very sorry for your loss."

Carl's chin quivered.

"We can let ourselves out." Kate told him softly. Carl didn't even look at them.

Please Review! The next chapter is called "The Bombshell" and has much more developments!