**I do not own Castle, I did not create Castle
As soon as Castle and Beckett entered the bullpen, Ryan approached with a file.
"Did we really leave that far behind you guys?"
"Maybe you're just a slow driver" teased Espo, from the door of the conference room.
"No, actually, our man was the one on top, filed at 7:00 PM yesterday; didn't require much digging." countered Ryan. "His name is Alec Strite, 33 years old, a part owner/executive of T&S Solutions. Reported missing yesterday by a Holly Flanders because he didn't show at work. Apparently, there were several meetings scheduled yesterday where his presence was mandatory so it was very strange that he didn't show."
"Who is this Holly Flanders in relation to the vic?
"His secretary"
"Oo, scandalous, I bet she was missing more than just his presence in a meeting," leered Castle while Beckett simultaneously shoved him off balance.
"Okay, Espo, reach out to her and see if she can come in and answer a few questions"
"On it boss"
"And Ryan, any next of kin we can notify?"
"He's married, to let's see…it says Paige Strite, has been for 3 years. Otherwise, parents and his sister are listed as living in North Carolina."
"Okay Castle and I will go visit the wife, you and Espo take care of the secretary. Come on Castle, back to your favorite seat."
"Seriously, Beckett, I have money, what's the harm in me paying to fix my own seat!" Castle whined.
"Castle, I'm not changing my mind, just give it up," she sighed as the elevator doors opened in front of them and she stalked inside to lean her head against the back wall. It was just too heavy to carry on its own today.
"Never Beckett, I don't give up on things important to me. You should know that by now," Castle smiled.
As Beckett and Castle made their way to the widow's listed address, Castle realized while reading over Alec Strite's information that his address was not the same as the one they were currently on their way toward. Alec Strite lived in Soho, but they were currently on the way to Tribeca. Obviously things could not have been that amicable between late husband and wife it they were living under different roofs.
"Beckett, they are separated. She doesn't live with him."
"What?"
"The addresses for husband and wife are different. My guess is they're going through a divorce. Who would buy a separate piece of property to sleep in just because they were having issues?"
"I agree. I'd say that makes her our top suspect for the moment."
The unmarked Crown Vic eased into a parking spot out in front of the apartment building. It was a low rise, middle class economy level building that looked like it had seen its better days. Beckett and Castle walked inside and knocked on apartment 208, situated at the end of the hall on the second story. A pretty woman, approximately Beckett's age, answered the door. Her blond hair was neatly styled around her face and she was dressed in clothes that cost more than a person living in that building should be able to afford.
"Hello?"
"Good Morning Mrs. Strite, I'm Detective Kate Beckett with the NYPD and this is Richard Castle, may we come in and talk with you?"
"Uh, erm, sure, yes, of course, do come in."
"Thank you"
The apartment was tastefully decorated with a definite feminine flare. Mrs. Strite sat down in an arm chair, motioning to the loveseat for Castle and Beckett to take a seat.
"Detective, I don't know what my husband is trying to do, but I can assure you that I have not done anything to warrant the NYPD's presence in the matter."
"Mrs. Strite, we were not sent by your husband," Beckett replied calmly, as a wave of confusion passed over the unknowing widow's face.
"I am a homicide detective, Mrs. Strite. I am here because Alec was found dead earlier this morning."
A/N: sorry my chapters are so short! I know the story isn't that far along but id appreciate any reviews just to know how its going