Disclaimer: I only own the OCs and a copy of Heat Wave.
"Hi, Katie. Is this them?" An elderly woman came in from the living room.
"Yes, Grandma. This is Mr. Castle and his daughter Alexis. "
"Pleased to meet you," Castle shook her hand, "considering the circumstances. I'm sorry for the inconvenience."
"It's no trouble at all. " He handed Alexis over to Kate's grandmother; she immediately began to howl.
"Here," Rick said,"she really likes to play with this." He passed the monkey over.
"Thank you. You two go on ahead and work while I try to calm her down."
They entered the kitchen.
"So, Mr. Castle," she started.
"Call me Rick." He interrupted her.
"Okay, Rick, we'd better get this started. Were you and your wife still a happily married couple?"
"As I said before, she was being a bit distant and pardon the expression, a bit bitchy. We were not getting along, and I suspected she was cheating on me with someone. She was never really a mother to Alexis. We tried to maintain at least an amicable relationship for her sake, but to tell you the truth; sometimes I wish she'd end it. I saw what type of person money made her into. Some people might call me cold hearted or point that out, but do I care for her? Yes. Would I think we'd be better off with other people? Definitely; I've seen how she neglects Alexis' needs when it isn't convenient with her career. I wouldn't have left Alexis home, but book signings are no place for a baby, and I absolutely hate nannies. I had too many growing up that neglected me. Besides, I don't have the proper equipment to feed Alexis. She isn't taking solids yet. I saw the divorce papers hidden in one of her drawers the other day. I think she was going to spring them on me when I got home from the book signing. I wouldn't kill her."
Just then the phone rang.
"Hello?" Kate answered. "Oh, hey, Lanie, what have you got?"
"We found a match for the DNA on the shell case, and it is not Mr. Castle's. His mother came by the precint to see what was going on, and she identified a piece of jewelry from the vic's latest movie. The DNA on both belongs to another actor who lives in Malibu. I can't give you the name over the phone."
"Thank you." She hung up. "That was Lanie. She said that you're clear. And also, your mother is in town. She came by and thought you'd be there. Do you know anyone in Malibu?"
A.N. Names for the suspects and killer and constructive feedback are welcome. Don't worry, I'll give you credit if your character name is chosen.