Flowers On Her Grave

by Lady Allana Solo

Inspired by 06 x 05. What if Beckett and Castle met under different circumstances much earlier in life? Takes place over all seasons with a few changes of course. Starts when Meredith and Castle were not on good terms with each other. Also note: grief comes in waves, so if you think some of this is cold hearted, you'll see more emotion later on. CONSTRUCTIVE criticism is welcome.

4. Fate Knocks

A.N. All rights belong to the show's creator and airing channel. Also, this chapter is similar to the kidnap case if you've heard the commentary on the episode.

The phone rang. "Hello?"

"This is Detective Beckett. We spoke earlier today."

"Yes, I think I remember you. What do you need?"

"The Captain needs your….." Kate searched for the correct word, "cooperation on your wife's case. I'll be by to pick you up in a little bit."

"I'm definitely willing to help, but there's no one to watch Alexis yet. My mother's flying in to help out, but she won't be in until tonight."

"We can't take a baby to the precinct. I'll have to talk to the captain, but I think we can figure something out. Wait, I think I know just the place to talk." Kate hung up and walked over to Montgomery's office.

"Sir?" She knocked on the door.

"Come in. Did you get in contact with Mr. Castle?"

"Yes, but there's a complication. The baby's too young for daycare, and there's no one to watch her. We can't bring a baby here. Could we possibly go off site to talk to him?"

"Where were you thinking?"

" I'll have to call them, but I was thinking my parents' house. You know Grandma and Grandpa Beckett moved in a while ago, and I know Grandma loves holding babies."

"Go ahead, and give them my regards."

"Okay, this is the place." Kate pulled into the driveway.

"Where is this? Wait, are we in Manhattan?"

"Yah. My parents' house. I figured Alexis needed to be away from the crime scene, and it's safe to talk here. Both my parents are lawyers, so everything's unlisted. They'll be home in a little bit. My grandma and grandpa are here, so there's someone to watch Alexis." She exited the car and opened one of the rear doors.

"Hi, sweetie! This is where I used to live." She turned to Castle. "Mind if I take her out of her car seat? "

"No, go ahead." She undid the straps and lifted her out of the seat. "Hi, there. How are you doing, baby girl? Here's daddy." Kate held the little girl against her chest. The baby snuggled close. Kate transferred the calm infant to her father and beckoned him to follow her to the back. Kate opened the door into the kitchen. "Grandma, we're here!"