Kate returned to her desk, to find Rick starring at the minimal collection of evidence displayed on the team's board. Both Ryan and Esposito sat silently; almost afraid to utter a syllable. Kate broke the ice with the news. "We've got something new; A second shooter." Kevin and Javi displayed puzzled expressions.
"What do you mean a second shooter? All I saw was what looked like a nine-mil to the chest." Squawked Esposito" Kate rushed to inform the group.
"Lanie pulled a twenty-two caliber slug from his left shoulder in his back. We wouldn't have noticed unless we would have rolled him over, which is of course against procedure. We need to head back to the crime scene, and tell CSU to meet us there. Castle … any insight as to what might be going on here?" Castle didn't move. Eyes still fixed on the board that lacked more information than it ever had before. "Rick, we're going to find him." Castle cut his fiancé off.
"Kate, this is the … 3XK family that we're dealing with. You and I both know, chances are he's already dead." Kate could see the anger and frustration growing inside him, as well as a distance between them. Kate knew not to make promises to him that she couldn't keep, but wanted so badly to be his hero. This was one case she had to solve, with or without him; and on top of that, Rick was right. The clock was ticking.
"And everyone in this room knows that without you our chances of finding him; getting justice, are slim. We need you Castle. Matt needs you." Kate had stepped in front of her fiancé and placed a hand on his chest. She had appealed to both the father, and detective inside Castle, the only things Rick couldn't turn down; besides her. Kate's speech and affection snapped Castle back to reality.
"Let's go." He said with determination. The team returned to the crime scene and each began to play a role, being directed by Beckett, as she had the clearest memory of what happened. The team had run through the scenario a number of times, until Kate paused and began to stroke her chin. Esposito, who had the unfortunate task of playing the part of 3XK made an inquiry.
"What is it Beckett?" Kate removed her hand from her chin and pointed to the windows behind him.
"What do you see?" Esposito turned, made his observations and responded.
"Two broken windows …" Kate interrupted.
"But no bullet hole. McHale's kill shot left stippling, but the twenty-two caliber wound didn't show any, or any gun shot residue. Ryan, how far is Espo standing from the jury box?" Detective Ryan paced the distance there and back again.
" Uhh about twelve … fifteen feet." Kevin's eyes lit up. "Just far enough away to not leave any GSR." Kate posed a question to both of her partners.
"Who was sitting in the jury box?" The color drained from both of their faces, they exchanged glances; trying to silently decide who should tell her. Javi looked to the floor and rubbed the back of his head, leaving Ryan to answer.
"Well, normally the jury box would have been empty, but due to the popularity of our victim … that really doesn't sound right; but anyway, due to the popularity of our victim the courtroom was a little crowded, and the jury box was opened to police officers and state officials." Kate's jaw dropped for a moment. Esposito tried to bring some levity to the situation despite his own feelings.
"Kate, that doesn't mean it was one of them." Kate shot back a grim glance
"Espo, we've gone over this time and time again, as soon as the action starts, Tyson has his back to the windows and jury box. We need to re interview, and search, everyone that was sitting in that box. Maybe somebody was holding a grudge and used the escape attempt as a convent cover for their crime." Javi bowed his head to Beckett.
"As you wish. Come on bro." Esposito motioned for Ryan to join him. They wouldn't need to go far, as the building was locked down and the suspects were still inside.