a/n- I recently started watching the series again and it got me thinking about how Capt. Beckett and the crew would be fairing during a time when the public lost trust in law-enforcement.

Kate Beckett had always loved her job. Ever since she started almost 20 years ago, she loved knowing her worked helped bring closure to families who have lost loved ones, but all she felt now was a sense of dread as she turned on her computer.

With Alexis' wedding set for October and recently finding out they would be adding two tinny Castle's babies, 2020 was supposed to be a year filled with joy and celebration, instead it had been more than 7 months of hiding from a virus and social distrust of law-enforcement around the country.

Monday mornings meant the city crime stat sheets would be waiting for her eyes in her email in box. Crime had be on the rise over the last 2 months, as well as resignations and early retirements. This in turn stretched the precinct's resources to the max.

"Here we go." She huffed before opening up the document:

· Shootings: 62

· Wounded: 76

· Fatalities: 14

"2.5 times more than this week last year," she continued while skimming the document on her screen.

Most of the shoutings were occurring outside the 12th's jurisdiction, but 1PP had started to pull officers from her force to help out.

Leaning back in her chair, Beckett placed her palm over her abdomen, "I can only hope things will be better when you two come into the world. Neither you or your sister should have to experience this madness." She mused.

Feeling the faint vibration in the pocket of her blazer pulled out her phone and grinned.

"I've been at work for less than an hour, Babe." Beckett sighed, "What's up?"

"I know. I just… Are you wearing your mask?" Castle asked sheepishly.

"Oh my God!" She barked out a laugh, "I'm not a child Castle."

"I know you're not." He conceded, "You know how I get. Especially with everything that's going on right now."

"I know. I know. Just a little flustered after reading the stat sheet." Castle could hear frustration in her voice.

"Bad?" He asked

"76 wounded and 14 fatalities last week." She replied.

"How about I bring you some wonton soup from Lee's for lunch." Castle suggested, "I have a meeting with Paula at 10:00 so I can be there around 12:30."

Beckett knew she had work to do and Castle would stay longer than he should, but wonton soup sounded delicious and she's helpless when it comes to saying "no" to him while pregnant.

"I'd love that Babe." She grinned through the phone, "I'll see you later."

"K. See you latter Mamma." He chirped before hanging up.

Kate shook her head and laughed as she slide her phone back into her pocket. Her husband could be overbearing at times, but no matter how stressed out she always felt lighter at the sound of his voice.