Disclaimer: Yeah, all I own is Houghton.

A/N: This is set in the year 2013, but other than Beckett and Castle dating, it really doesn't go with the story line of the show, except for what we know already from past seasons. It has NOTHING to do with Season Six because I'm not a fan of spoilers.

B.C.B.C.B.C.B.C.B.C.B.C.B.C.B.C.B.C.B.C.B.C.B.C.B.C.B.C.B.C.

Campus Police Captain, Andrew Davis, glanced up at sound of crunching snow under heavy weight of the Dodge Chargers of the NYPD. He looked annoyed as he glanced around his people, "Alright.. Who in the hell called N.Y.P.D.? We have jurisdiction here." All the officers shrugged their shoulders.

Kate came walking up just in time to hear Davis, "Actually, sir, a witness called me personally." She glanced at Ryan and Espo, "I want you checking the perimeter. I want to know if the shooter is gone." The boys nodded, as if to say 'on it' as they walked off.

Davis looked at Kate, aggravated, and obviously ignoring the 'shooter' comment, "Excuse me, I don't know who you think you are, but this is my case. Not yours."

Beckett gave him a questioning glance at first and then fought back an eye roll, "Right. Sorry. I'm Detective Kate Beckett, Homicide, of the 12th Precinct. Pardon me but I didn't realize that Campus Police investigated murders?" It really wasn't so much a question as it was a statement.

Davis scuffed a little, "It was a simple accident Detective. An icicle fell off the building and hit Ms. Storme in the chest."

Castle looked at him, finally deciding to join the conversation, "Seriously? Even a complete jackass can tell that is not at all possible."

Beckett smirked a little and shot Castle a look, "You would know, wouldn't you?"

Castle gave her his charming smile, "You know it Detective."

Davis looked between them, "Excuse me, but, who the hell are you to tell me how to do my job?"

Castle looked from Kate to Davis, "Uh... Richard Castle. N.Y.P.D. Consultant. More importantly, there is no way an icicle fell from up there," He pointed up to the building, "And hit this woman in the chest. Unless she was already lying down of course. But seriously why would anybody want to be out here in this cold unless they had to be? Better yet. What can shoot an icicle? That is so cool!" Beckett shot him a glare and he stammered on, "Cool if it wasn't a murder weapon, I mean, of course."

Ryan and Espo came back up, "It's all clear Boss. Whoever our shooter was they are long gone."

Kate nodded and looked at Davis, "Look. I am willing to cooperate with you on this, but I want lead since we are in fact trained for this sort of thing and we will keep you in the loop. Of course if that is going to be a problem for you, I'm sure Mr. Castle here would be more than happy to call the Mayor since his daughter goes to school here."

Davis weighed his options. To be included in the case or to be left out, "Lead the way Detective."

Kate nodded and waved for Lanie to come to the body, "Lanie let me know what you found. Ryan Espo you know the drill. Get CSU down here and over see the evidence collection, even though I doubt there will be much. Castle and I are going to go see Alexis." Ryan nodded.

Espo looked at Beckett, "Why do you and Writer Boy get to go into the heated library while we freeze?"

"Because Alexis is Castle's daughter, and he and I are partners? If you want to whine I can put you on desk duty until May?" Espo shook his head and walked away to join Ryan. Kate rolled her eyes and looked at Lanie, "Men." Lanie laughed a little and shook her head as Beckett and Castle walked into the library. She nudged Castle with her shoulder on their way in, "Hey. She's okay you know? She did the right thing by seeking shelter." Castle nodded a little and looked around. Kate texted Alexis – Me and your dad are inside. Come out. We are by the door. KB.-

When Alexis and Houghton came out Castle pulled her into a deep, bone crushing hug. Alexis gasped, "Air..."

Castle let her go, "Are you okay?"

Alexis nodded, "Yes. I'm fine." She looked at Kate, "That was such a horrible thing."

Kate nodded, "Yes it was. How about you tell me what happened?" She glanced at the little girl by Alexis and then back to Alexis, "Let's sit over here." She lead them all over to a table and sat down with her notebook out to take notes, "Start from the beginning."

"Well, It was about 10 and I was meeting Ms. Storme outside by the library."

"We're you two friends? How long have you known each other? Was meeting here a normal thing for you two?"

Alexis shook her head, "No we were not friends. We have known each other since the end of the school year last year. This was actually our first time meeting here. I knew Ms. Storme because of the Big Brother, Big Sister program." Kate wrote down some notes as Alexis continued, "Anyway. We met up out front and we were just getting ready to start the campus tour when there was a popping noise and she screamed a little and fell to the ground. That was really it." Kate glanced at Houghton. Houghton was biting on her bottom lip, with her brow close knitted like she was in deep thought. Alexis looked between her father, Kate, and Houghton, "Oh right! Where are my manners? Dad, Detective Beckett, this is Houghton Storme. Miranda Storme's daughter. Houghton this is Kate Beckett and Richard Castle."

Kate looked a little taken aback. She had never heard of anyone named Houghton before, other than her middle name of course. "Nice to meet you Houghton."

Houghton looked up at her, "Is my mom dead?"

Kate sighed some, this was never her favorite part of the job, "Yeah sweetie she is.." Houghton looked down to her hands, "But hey. We're going to get the guy who did this okay? We're going to call someone to come get you."

Alexis looked at Kate, "It was just Houghton and her mom. She doesn't have any aunts or uncles, her grandparents are dead and she doesn't know who her father is."

Kate's phone beeped as she got a message from Lanie -Nothing unusual about prelim. Other than the icicle of course. No defense wounds. I'll know more after I get her on the table. LP-

Kate sent back a quick -Kay. Thanks KB.- Then she looked at Alexis, "Okay well. We'll take her back to the precinct and go from there. I think she could use a friend though so hopefully you can come with us?"

Alexis nodded, "Of course." She looked at her dad, "Dad? Are you okay?"

Castle was doing what he did best, people watching. He glanced at Alexis when she spoke to him, "Of course, Pumpkin. I'm glad you are okay." They stood up and left the library, with Houghton clinging to Alexis. He stole a glance at Kate who was biting on her lip with her brow knitted much like Houghton's was. This was going to be such a tricky case. That was for sure.