A/N Let me elaborate on last chapter's cliff-hanger. At least one of you misunderstood, so there may be more. Patrick Bouwman is the guy who raped her and killed her parents. She 'ran into him' at work. She let him live and he was arrested. He would be extradited to the Netherlands for the trial. Now that is the man that got murdered, so SUI did not question her about it. Because she did not kill him in chapter 21. Okay?

Didn't get to reread, head is pounding and am nauseous because of the heat here. Blech. So I'm really sorry for my mistakes. I'm just to warm to reread.

Previously:

"Maybe we should take this somewhere private?"

"Nah, I'm good."

"We want to ask you some questions about the murder of Patrick Bouwman." A silence fell over them.

…

Team one all looked at each other and got up to give her some privacy. Greg walked towards her.

"Do you want me to stay or go?" Zoë looked dumbfounded and stared at the detective.

"You can go. I'm fine." She sat down.

"I'm Detective Beckett, this is Richard Castle." Zoë nodded and pointed to the chairs. They nodded and sat down.

"When?" She sounded a little hoarse.

"We found him yesterday. He was dead in his cell." Zoë nodded, she didn't know what to say. "Can you tell me where you were yesterday between 9 am and 2 pm?" Zoë didn't need to think.

"At home. I was on bed rest."

"For what?" It was Castle.

"I got shot."

"Was there someone with you?"

"Greg was gone for about an hour and a half. But besides that he was with me." Beckett showed Zoë a piece of paper.

"Do you have this sniper rifle?"

"Yeah, it's at home."

"We would like to take a look at it." Zoë looked up.

"Where are you going with this, detective?"

"Did you kill Patrick?" Castle asked her.

"No, I did not. And I don't like you accusing me of it." Zoë got up. "I think we're done here." Beckett glared at Castle and got up.

"We would still like to take a look at that rifle."

"Get a warrant." The detective nodded and handed Zoë her card. She and Castle walked towards the elevators. Greg walked towards Zoë.

"Everything okay?"

"Someone killed Patrick. And they're trying to make it look like it was me."

"Why do you think that?"

"He was killed in his cell, and they needed to see my rifle."

"You think someone is trying to frame you?"

"We'll see. I expect them back soon. If you don't mind, I'll see you at home. I need to make sure my rifle is still there."

…

Zoë opened the closet and then grabbed a big black box from it. She opened it and was happy to see her rifle was still there. She took it out of the box and checked for any signs of tampering. Nothing. It didn't smell like gunpowder and looked clean. She nodded and put it back.

…

She was about to start on dinner when Greg walked in.

"I brought Chinese." Zoë immediately grabbed plates and put them on the table. "Did that detective drop by?" Zoë shook her head. She noticed he had put a letter down on the table. It said 'Return to sender'.

"Dean?" He nodded.

"Do you know if it's him or his mom?" He shook his head.

"Maybe you should give her a call? Ask her?" He shrugged.

…

They were halfway through dinner when she heard knocking on their door.

"Probably that detective. I'll go."

She stood up and opened the door, it was indeed the detective and the man. Detective Beckett held up an piece of paper. Zoë read it before letting them in.

"You don't have a warrant to search my house, only for the rifle. I'll go get it."

She walked away and returned a second later with the box, she handed it over to them. She then reached into her pocket for her keys and removed the one that fit the lock on the box, she handed that to them as well. Detective Beckett opened the box to make sure it was in there. She then nodded and closed it again.

"Thank you, is this the only sniper rifle you own?"

"Isn't it your job to know?" Castle found this very amusing. "It's the only one in Canada." They nodded and turned around to leave.

Zoë sat back down at the table to finish her diner.

"Think you're in trouble?"

"They wouldn't get the warrant for that rifle if they didn't have anything. So yeah, I think I am."

"What are you going to do about it?"

"Nothing. I'll wait and see." Her phone started ringing. "Spike." She told Greg before picking up.

"Hey, my mother was wondering when you were coming by for dinner?"

"How about tomorrow? I'm sure Greg could appreciate the quiet."

"Tomorrow is good, how about 7?"

"7 sounds good. See you tomorrow." They said goodbye and hung up.

"Going on a date with Spike?"

"Told you, he knows how to please" Greg smiled. "His mother wants me to come eat."

"And I'm not allowed to come?"

"Nope." She smiled before grabbing both their plates and walking towards the kitchen.

"It's fine, I need to do some stuff anyway."

"What kind of stuff?"

"Surprise."

"Oeh, secretive. I like it." She smiled at him, and for the first time today noticed he hadn't shaved. She put her hand on his face. "Funny, you have more hair on your face then your head." He pretended to be offended and shoved her lightly.

"I thought you said you liked it."

"I do. Didn't know you would keep it for me. Takes some getting used to."

…

The day had been quiet, she had stayed home for most of the day. She had made brownies, she was going to eat at Spike´s and didn´t want to show up empty handed. She was just putting it in a plastic bag when her phone rang.

"Zoë"

"It's detective Beckett. Could you come in for questioning?"

"I'm actually having dinner at a friend's. I rather not bail. I can come after or tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow morning first thing would be good."

"Tomorrow it is, is nine okay?"

"Nine is good."

"Tomorrow at nine, what station?"

"12th."

"Okay, bye detective." She grabbed her keys and left.

…

"Zoë!" Spike's mom opened the door.

"Mrs Scarlatti, hi." She stepped in and was hugged tight. Spike walked up behind his mother when he noticed Zoë's face.

"Mom, she got shot. You're hurting her." She let her go.

"Scusa."

"It's fine." She smiled at Spike and he hugged her carefully. "Guess it runs in the family." Reminding Spike of the time he hugged her after she got shot in her shoulder.

"What's that?" He pointed to the plastic bag she was holding.

"Oh, I almost forgot." She handed Mrs Scarlatti the bag. "I made brownies for you."

"Grazi, thank you."

"You're very welcome. I hope you like them."

"I know I do." Spike smiled at her while setting the table.

"Can I help with anything?"

"No, you're a guest."

…

Greg and Ed left work together and headed towards Greg's, he knew Zoë would be gone already. They opened the door and smelled brownies. They walked in and found a plate with a card on the counter.

Greg and Ed,

Enjoy these brownies.
You can eat them all.

Xx
Zoë.

"How did she know I was going to be here?"

"She's creepy like that sometimes.." They both grabbed a brownie.

"Why am I here?"

"I want you to go with me to buy a ring." Ed almost choked on his brownie.

"Engagement ring?"

"Yes. I want to propose."

"Fast."

"Not now.. Just, soon."

"Like, how soon?"

"A month."

"Okay, I'll come with you. Do you know what kind of ring?" Greg put his gym bag by the door.

"That's why I need you. I'm just not sure. She's not someone who wants flashy."

"Plus, she has work."

"Exactly."

"Sure. Let's go." They took a brownie to-go and left.

…

-Spike's-

It wasn't long until they were eating. Spike's dad was currently at the hospital undergoing a treatment.

"Zoë, tell me about you."

"Not much to tell." Deja-vu. Greg's mother asked the same. "I am born in the Netherlands, and moved here a little under a year ago."

"And when did you and Michaelangelo start dating?"

"Mom?!" Zoë laughed.

"We're not dating Mrs Scarlatti, we're just friends."

"Do you have a boyfriend then?"

"I do, we live together."

"What's his name?"

"Greg Parker."

"Isn't that your boss?" She looked at Spike, he nodded. "Is he your boss?"

"No, he's not."

…

-Greg-

They had multiple jewellery stores. They had seen a couple of nice rings, but nothing that just screamed her name.

"One more, and if it doesn't work we will continue tomorrow?" Greg asked Ed.

"Sure, last one."

They entered the store.

"Anything I can help you with?" A friendly man in his mid-fifties asked them.

"Yes, actually. I'm looking for an engagement ring for my girlfriend."

"Aah, I've got some really nice ones over here." He walked a little to the left. "What is your price range?"

"That's no issue." Greg smiled at him. "She however, is. She's active, she's a cop. So I don't need anything too big or flashy."

The man nodded and thought for a second before walking further to the left.

"What about this one?" He pointed to one. He then looked up and noticed both of their guns in their belt. His face faltered, both of them followed his gaze.

"We're cops, don't worry. We're not going to rob you." Ed smiled at the man, he seemed very relieved.

"Can I see it?" Greg asked him.

"Sure." He grabbed the ring and handed it to him.

It was a rosé gold band it widens at top, holding a diamond in the middle. It wasn't too big, and it looked a little modern. She would like it. Ed and Greg exchanged a look.

"Perfect." Greg smiled at the man. "Do you have a gold chain necklace? So she could hang the ring on it in the field? I don't think it would fit in a glove." The man nodded and walked away to grab the necklace. "What do you think?"

"Think you said it all, does she know?"

"I'm want to propose? Of course not."

The man returned with the gold chain necklace. Greg looked at it and nodded. He gave the man Zoë's ring size, which wasn't easy to get without her figuring it out.

"You can pick it up in a week. Would you like the gold chain necklace now?" He shook his head.

"I'll come get them next week." Greg paid and he and Ed left the store.

…

-Spike's-

They were drinking coffee and having a brownie not much later.

"Tell me a story about Spike, from when he was younger."

Spike said something in Italian. He and his mother had a small discussion in Italian.

"He won't let me." Zoë smiled.

"Maybe we should give him a brownie."

…

Spike walked Zoë out.

"Dinner was great Spike."

"Sorry about my mom."

"Sorry? She's sweet, no need to apologize. Oh, I'm picking up a hobby. Electric guitar. I know you can play, would you want to teach me?"

"Yes, of course! What kind of guitar do you have?"

"None, I was wondering if you could come with me. Tomorrow maybe?"

"Tomorrow is good." They smiled and said goodbye.

"What about 12? The cops are bugging me at nine."

"12 is good. Can you pick me up? The car needs to go to the garage."

"Sure, be here at 12." She hugged him goodbye and then left. Spike went back inside.

"Are you sure there's nothing going on?"

"Mom, she's dating my boss.. She's just a friend."

…

Zoë walked into the living room. No Greg, she walked to the bedroom to find him sitting in bed, reading a book. She smiled, took off her shoes and curled into him. Allowing him to keep reading.

"How was dinner?"

"It was good, how was your stuff?" He smiled.

"It was good."

…

She arrived at the station a little before nine and walked towards the desk. She showed her ID, which incidentally also showed her badge.

"I have an appointment with detective Beckett."

"Take the elevator to the second floor and walk straight. She should be in the bullpen." Zoë nodded.

…

"Detective Beckett?" She looked up from her desk.

"Ms Washburn."

"Zoë." She interrupted detective Beckett.

"Zoë, how about we move this somewhere more private." She shrugged and followed the detective to a room.

It wasn't the interrogation room, but it wasn't informal either. They both sat down on opposite ends of the table.

"So between 9 and 2 you were at home?"

"Yes. What about my rifle?"

"It could be the murder weapon."

"You don't have a bullet, how do you know it could be the murder weapon?"

"How do you know if we have a bullet?"

"It's a registered firearm. It's in a database. You wouldn't need my gun for it."

"You have means, opportunity and motive."

"He was stuck in a prison 50 miles from here."

"Your boyfriend was gone for about an hour and a half. Plenty time to drive there."

"And why do you think a sniper rifle was used?"

"He was dead in his cell, camera's show no one was near him. And he has a hole in his stomach."

"There you go, it wasn't me." Beckett looked confused. "I shoot between the eyes. Not stomach, stomach is messy. They don't die for a long time. Only a rookie would shoot in the stomach."

"You're not disputing you had motive?"

"Maybe I did have motive. But I wouldn't kill him. I could've done that months ago. Why now? His trial was coming close."

"Maybe you decide he didn't deserve life, not even in prison."

"So I shoot him in his cell?"

"You tell me?"

"And how does a bullet go missing?" Castle walked in. Shooting Beckett and irritating look for starting without him.

"Ice bullet." Zoë laughed.

"What are you, a writer?" He nodded. "Oh, you are? I 'm pretty sure an ice bullet would melt within 25 meters. Which brings me back to the missing bullet. Seems there is a insider."

"Have you ever visited the prison?"

"No."

"He allegedly killed you parents."

"He did. His trial was in a month."

"How do you know he did it?"

"I was there."

"It was a long time ago."

"It's not something you forget." She noticed something in Beckett's features. "But you know that, don't you?" Castle looked up, this could be interesting. "Who was it?"

"Can you kill someone from 3 miles away?"

"I can kill someone from 6 to 9 miles away, depending on the weather."

"So you could do 3?"

"Yes. Did they ever catch your killer?"

"That is all for now, are you planning on leaving the country?"

"Yes, tomorrow. Going to Dallas for one night."

"Just one night?"

"Yes."

"Okay. I will call you if I have any other questions."

"You do that." She grabbed her coat and left the room.

…

The day had been quiet, she had taken Spike to a music store and they had gotten her a guitar and amplifier. She couldn't wait to learn to play it, but it had to wait. She needed to go to Dallas first. She had called Greg's ex-wife a few days ago. She agreed to a meeting, as long as Greg wouldn't be there.

"I told you I was flying to New York tomorrow, right?" Greg looked up from his book. She told him she was going to New York, she didn't want to give him false hope.

"Yeah, to meet with Kate." She nodded. "But you are just going to stay there one night, right?"

"Yep. Be back in the evening."

"Okay."

She laid down in the bed next to him. He put the book away and turned off the lights.

…

She took a breath and knocked on the door. A boy opened the door, she assumed it was Dean.

"Hey, it your mother home?"

"Sure, I'll just go get her." She nodded and watched as he closed the door. It opened a minute or so later.

"You must be Zoë."

"I am."

"I'm Rose." They shook hands. "Come in, Dean will leave in a couple of minutes. Just don't mention the reason you are here." Zoë nodded and walked in.

…

They waited until Dean had left.

"So, why are you here?"

"I'm here because of Greg, or Dean."

"What about him."

"Greg keeps sending letters, but they return to sender."

"Yes, I don't think he should be in my son's life. " Zoë nodded.

"The thing is, I don't know what he was like when you were with him. But I'm sure that he changed, because right now he is a kind and sweet man."

"You're dating him?"

"I am." Rose kept looking at Zoë, like she was trying to figure something out.

"You look familiar." She thought for a few seconds. "I just can't figure it out." Zoë smiled.

"Just one of those faces."

"What did you hope to accomplish flying over 2.000 miles?"

"I would like for Dean to meet Greg."

"No." It was Dean. Zoë turned around to see him behind her in the doorway. "I don't want to meet him."

"Dean." Zoë said.

"Now I know," It was Rose. "You're the woman who prevented the terrorist attack." Zoë sighed, not again. "Your boyfriend helped, that was Greg?"

"It was. Greg helped me safe over 500 people and got shot in the process."

"My dad did that?" Zoë nodded.

"He really is a kind and sweet man. He loves his job," She didn't get a chance to finish.

"Does he still drink?" Rose asked.

"No, he's been sober for over 10 years. Not a drop."

"Why now?"

"The letters are really putting him down and his birthday is almost coming up."

"What letters?" He looked towards his mom.

"Greg has been sending you letters for almost a year."

"You keep telling me he doesn't care!" Zoë saw this snowballing, fast.

"He doesn't."

"He does, which is what I'm trying to tell you. He thought you would be better off without him. He was a bad father, but he has changed. And the thing he wants most right now is getting in your life."

"His birthday is coming up?" Zoë nodded.

"Two weeks."

"I have to think about it."

"Dean, you can't be considering it."

"I'm sixteen! You always said, the minute I turn 16 I can choose if I want him in my life." Rose sighed, she did say that. "How long are you here?"

"My flight goes tomorrow at 5 pm." Dean nodded.

"Can we meet, for lunch or something?"

"Sure, I can come by here or you could come by my hotel?"

"I'll come by your hotel. Where are you staying?"

"Hilton. Room 2314"

"I'll be there around 1?" Zoë nodded. "This doesn't mean I want him in my life."

"I know. I'll see you tomorrow." She turned towards Rose, she looked pissed. "It was nice meeting you." Zoë extended her hand and Rose shook it reluctantly.

A/N DEAN?!