A/N - Hey everyone! Not much to say except, the usual gushing about how you make this fun. I sincerely appreciate your reading, follows, favorites and reviews. When you take the time to review, it keeps me on the right path with the story. I find out what you liked and what you didn't. Reviews make for better stories, so don't be shy: let me know what you think. Thanks!

The Commitment

Chapter 9

What Did You Find Out?

Beckett's cell phone buzzed. She opened it and read the text. "It's Ryan. They're headed to Remy's for lunch. They want us to meet them there." She looked over to Castle. He looked tired. "When's the last time you ate?" Out of the two of them, he was normally the one to point out the benefits of regularly consumed meals. He was constantly reminding her to take a break and eat.

"Um, last night, here, I guess? Some coffee this morning."

She picked up her phone and replied. "Fine, let's go get some lunch."

Esposito and Ryan were already seated at their usual booth toward the back of the eatery. Espo stood and yelled, "Yo, Beckett," when he saw them enter. Remy's was a popular cop hangout. The owners never had to worry about any untoward activities because there was always some form of law enforcement there. Beckett and Castle picked their way through the crowd, acknowledging various cops and detectives from the twelfth and the seventeenth, the other precinct that also favored the small diner. They made it to the table to find Ryan and Espo in an animated discussion.

"Guys?" Castle asked.

"Hey bro," Esposito said, "you doing alright?"

Castle had noticed that both of the boys, but Esposito in particular, seemed more concerned with his well-being since Susannah's murder had been discovered. Castle's feelings about that were conflicted. It warmed him to think that they felt comfortable enough with him that they were worried about him, like he was a part of their family; but at the same time, he did not want to be treated with kid gloves. He almost wanted Esposito to tell him to toughen up, or to remind him that cops didn't lose it over corpses, that if he wanted to be accepted as one of them, he needed to harden his heart to gruesome sights like Susannah's murder.

Almost.

Rick was not a newcomer to the reality of crime. He examined every detail of the most despicable acts humans were capable of from every possible angle for his books. He had a prolific imagination, and when it came to the intricacies of writing about death, he had relied on it and on the research. It was different to see it up close and in the flesh. It was both, fascinating and disquieting to be inches away from a person who, only moments before, had been walking and talking, making plans, and regretting missed opportunities. He had trod around and through the pools of blood. Blood that was no longer restricted to its body. The very blood that when left where it belonged, coursed through veins and arteries keeping all of the vital organs operational, living.

Since he began working with the squad, he had firsthand experience with human bodies, the outer shells that held together the innermost hopes, dreams, and fears, no longer functioning because someone had the audacity to stop them. That somebody decided that those hopes, dreams, and fears were not valid, that they no longer held value. Because he shadowed Beckett he knew that they would always hold value and would always need defending, justice, and a voice. He was determined to be a part of providing that voice.

"Um, I'm okay, Espo, thanks." He slid into the booth after Beckett and brought his water glass to his lips.

"We ordered your usual orders. I hope that's okay." Ryan said.

"Yeah sure, right?" Beckett answered for both of them when Castle remained quiet. "Saves time. What did you find out?"

Castle stopped concentrating on the droplet of condensation meandering its way down the outside of his glass and focused instead to the boys' report. He absorbed all the small details. He had to solve this for her, for Susannah. He also had to solve it for himself. He had yet to close his eyes, since seeing her body yesterday, without seeing the images replay in his mind. Whether it was bright fond memories of their collaboration and her smile or the darker painful images of her battered body from the alley: both types brought heartache.

"Yeah, okay," Ryan began, "We started by interviewing the principal, uh," he looked at his notepad, "Clifton Wilkins."

"He's been at the school for twelve years. He hired Susannah, upon many outstanding recommendations from past professors and the teacher who retired from the position, who Susannah volunteered for, Mrs. Sandra Cassidy."

"We asked for contact information but…"

"She passed away, six months ago," Castle supplied. "We, uh, Susannah and I, along with several other teachers and volunteers from the school, went to her funeral."

"Yeah," Ryan continued, "Wilkins said that the accusations began about three months ago. Anonymous letters at first. He said one or two he dismissed, but after the school had received…"

"Get this," Esposito snorted, "fourteen letters."

"Yeah, fourteen anonymous letters accusing Susannah of everything from not dotting an 'I' to reckless endangerment to out and out abuse."

"That's not true, none of it is." Castle said heatedly.

"Easy bro, we know." Esposito held one palm up to Castle to calm him. "The principal didn't believe it either, but protocol demanded that he open an inquiry."

"He kept it quiet, knowing that this type of thing could have ruined her career. He said he personally observed her class, had plants volunteer as teaching assistants, and found that the charges were unfounded."

"But," Esposito began, but waited until their waitress had delivered their meals. "Thanks," he told her, with a grin. "Anyway, word leaked out to parents and the community about the investigation and allegations."

"There is such a thing as bad press. I keep telling my agent that."

"Yeah, well this bad press led to the school board taking action." Esposito said as he stole Ryan's pickle.

"Hey," griped Ryan who retaliated by snagging a couple of Esposito's fries.

"What kind of action?" Beckett asked, watching their sophomoric behavior with amusement.

Castle swallowed a bite of hamburger before he said, "That's part of what we talked about with Mike Roth yesterday."

All three of the detectives turned their focus on him, waiting for clarification. He continued, "The school board met at the behest of an anonymous informant."

"There's that anonymous guy again," Ryan interjected.

"Susannah was not invited nor was her representative from the teacher's union. The board met behind closed doors, discussed the allegations, and ruled that action was necessary."

"Based on?" Beckett asked.

"That's just it, no one knows." Castle shook his head and fiddled with his fries.

Ryan sat forward and added, "Or will say."

"Who stood to gain from discrediting or ruining her?" Beckett asked.

Esposito sipped on his soda thoughtfully. "Maybe another teacher?"

"Someone who wanted that job?" Ryan asked.

"Nick Byrd," Castle provided. "Did you talk to him?"

"Yeah, but he didn't say anything about her job. He mostly said he didn't know her very well and that she and he, when they had worked together, worked well with each other. He has a soft alibi for the time of the murder." Esposito scowled, "I mean, it's a teaching job, right? Not any money in it."

"No prestige, either."

"Thankless, really."

"No, you're wrong," Castle said quietly. "She meant the world to those kids and they met just as much to her. The true crime is how poorly we treat our teachers, how little respect they get."

"But, we're looking for things that may be considered as a motive for her murder."

"Yeah, I know," he said pushing aside the rest of his plate. Beckett noted that he only took one or two bites of his food.

"So, back to colleagues. Any other leads?"

"We spoke to Elena Barber. She's the department head." Ryan said.

"Strict Abuela. I wouldn't want to cross her." Espo said as he shuddered.

"Yeah, but she had nothing but praise for Susannah."

"When she wasn't yelling at the kids."

Ryan raised his eyebrows and nodded in agreement.

"Did you talk to Charlie?" Castle asked. "The custodian?"

Ryan flipped through his notebook. "Yeah, he does know everything about everyone in that school, but."

"But, everybody absolutely loved Susannah." Castle shook his head at the apparent dead end.

"Except," Esposito added dramatically, "Nick Byrd."

Castle raised an eyebrow and Beckett listened attentively. Ryan continued, "Nick Byrd was up for the same position as Susannah. She was hired over him right from college even though Nick had been a teacher's assistant for over a year. Charlie heard Nick talking to another teacher, a Tom Callahan, about his plans to sabotage Susannah's classroom and supplies."

"Charlie figures that if he's willing to go as far as to mess with her classroom, he might be capable of more."

Beckett was shaking her head. "But murder? It doesn't make sense. Like you said, there's no prestige or money in it. What's his motive?" She sighed, "I don't think it will go anywhere, but let's bring him in this afternoon and see what shakes loose."

"You bet."

"What about any possible personal leads? Boyfriends, roommates, friends?"

"We got her address and emergency contact information from Wilkins. He didn't know of any significant others in her life, presently or family for that matter." Esposito said.

"Susannah didn't have any family," Castle supplied. "She mentioned it once when we were talking about Alexis."

Ryan reviewed his notes and added. "Also, she took some time off, a couple of days, about a month ago to settle some personal issues, but he didn't ask and she didn't elaborate."

"We called Tammy McDaniel…"

"She substituted for Susannah on occasion." Castle said, eager to contribute any information.

"Yeah and she was Susannah's best friend. They graduated from NYU together. She'll be at the precinct in thirty," Ryan said as he checked his watch.

"Great," Beckett said, standing. "Castle?" He stood and looked at her. "Do you want to take that with you?" She asked indicating his barely touched food.

Castle seemed lost in thought, "Hmm?" He mumbled as his gaze slowly drifted up to her.

"Your food, Castle. Are you feeling alright?"

"Yeah, I'm good. And no, I don't want it." He stepped away from the table and up to the counter to pay his bill, the boys, and Kate followed. Castle whispered something that was apparently funny to Carrie, the waitress, turned, and said, "I'll be outside."

Ryan stepped up to the counter and Carrie just smiled and blinked at him. "Carrie? Um, can I pay my bill? I have to get back."

Carrie smiled and shook her head, "All taken care of," she said as she gestured to Castle waiting outside on the sidewalk. "All of you."

Esposito, who had been flirting with the pretty server asked, "How about your tip?"

"That too. Taken care of nicely. Thanks, guys."

"Oh," was all that a deflated Esposito said as he walked out of the door.

Beckett emerged from the diner to take in the backslapping, fist-bumping testosterone laden scene on the sidewalk. They teased Esposito and thanked Castle in turn. She tilted her head. That he paid for lunch was generous and another inconsistency in her understanding of him. He had brought them food before, but usually in exchange for something, like the doughnuts the other day: they were a peace offering because he had been gone. She had always expected an ulterior motive when Castle did something nice for them, but maybe, just maybe he was just being nice. She stood watching the boys, contemplating another new facet of Richard Castle.

Ryan and Esposito went to collect Nick Byrd while Beckett and Castle headed back to the precinct to meet Tammy McDaniel. Castle gave Beckett all the information he knew about the young woman. She was Susannah's best friend from NYU. They graduated together, both with teaching degrees. Tammy had been working as a substitute while Susannah had found work through her volunteerism right after graduation. They had roomed together briefly in school. Tammy had subbed for Susannah once while Castle was there a few months ago. "She seemed nice enough, but introverted or shy," he said. "It's kind of uncharacteristic for someone who wants to be a teacher."

"Maybe that's why she can only find a sub job."

Tammy McDaniel anxiously waited in the interview room of the twelfth precinct's homicide division. She rubbed her hands together and nervously picked at the dead cracked skin on her cuticles. She didn't know why the police wanted to talk to her. Susannah had been her best friend throughout school and beyond. Tammy still considered her a good friend even though they had suffered an estrangement a few weeks ago. She wiped her palms on her thighs and dabbed the tear from under her eye with the balled up tissue she pulled from her pocket. She could see the main work area through the windows and had been watching the elevator doors so she could be prepared when someone entered the room. She didn't have anything to hide, or to feel guilty about, but she did, all the same. She felt remorseful for letting their friendship end the way it did. She felt regret that she never acted on the impulse to call Susannah and make amends. It was too late now. Another traitorous tear silently fell into her lap. She brushed another away hurriedly as she noticed the elevator doors open. A tall woman emerged. She could have been a model; she was thin and tall, but not lanky. She wore a kind, but determined expression on her face. She was followed by an even taller man. He was handsome with dark hair and beautiful eyes. He didn't look much like a cop, but then again, neither did the woman. Tammy thought he looked vaguely familiar, like someone you saw all the time on the subway but never actually met. They conversed for a moment and spoke to a uniformed cop. Then they both turned to look directly at her through the blinds on the window. Tammy guiltily averted her eyes to the table in front of her like she'd been caught doing something she wasn't supposed to be doing. The woman picked up a folder and she, with the man close on her heels, came to the room.

Kate looked through the window in the door to the woman sitting at the table. Her posture indicated sadness, but other body language signs she was exhibiting screamed guilt and remorse. Kate shook it off, but glanced at Castle who, with a puzzled expression on his face, had apparently read the same. He was better at reading non-verbal clues than anyone Beckett had worked with and she realized that she had come to count on his interpretation.

Beckett stepped into the room, up to the table and lingered for a second, deciding that a little intimidation was necessary to unravel the mixed signals coming from the witness. Castle closed the door behind him and picked up on what she was doing immediately. If they had nothing else, they were in perfect synchronization with each other in the interrogation room. It was a well-choreographed dance that most partners took years to perfect. It took them just a few months.

Kate opened the folder she was carrying. "Miss McDaniel?" She asked it as a question, but continued, not needing an answer. "I'm Detective Kate Beckett, this is Richard Castle." Tammy nodded. Beckett sat directly across from the enigmatic Tammy McDaniel. Castle sat in the second's chair. "I understand that Susannah Hamilton was a good friend of yours."

"Yes." Her response was barely a whisper. Castle involuntarily sat forward.

"Miss McDaniel, I'll need you to speak a little louder please."

She cleared her throat and found her voice, sort of. "Um, yes, she was." Another tear escaped down Tammy's cheek. She swatted at it. Castle handed her a handkerchief. His own, Beckett noted.

"Miss McDaniel, I'm sorry for your loss."

Tammy looked into the woman's eyes and saw sincerity and caring. She scowled. "I wasn't a very good friend." She started to cry, steadily, silently.

Beckett stole a glance toward Castle who seemed to be reading her the same way, by the look he had on his face. He wordlessly asked permission to speak. She consented and he started to coax her out of her shell gently. "Tammy? Do you remember me?" He asked quietly.

She looked up at him and narrowed her eyes, like she was trying to recall. "Um, I'm not sure. You do look familiar."

"I volunteered for Susannah." From the look on her face, she still wasn't sure. "Oh! She called me Rodgers, Rick Rodgers." They both saw the light of recognition click.

"Oh, yes, I remember you now." She stole a timid glance toward the writer who was smiling warmly. He built a rapport with the anxious woman, calming her and getting her to be more open, Beckett observed. "You volunteered as a reader for her. I think you came in once when I was there?"

"Yes."

"Oh Susannah really liked you. She talked about you often and about how kind and generous you are."

Castle's eyes misted a bit, but Kate knew now it wasn't an act for the benefit of the witness. She wasn't sure if she would have bought it a few days ago, but now that she was getting to know him better, she knew better.

He smiled shakily, "I liked her too. Her students really loved her."

Tammy's breath caught. "Who would do this?"

"That's why we need your help." He reached his hand across the table and she took it. Tammy McDaniel was a small woman, barely five foot two. Castle's hand dwarfed hers.

She seemed to gather herself together. "Anything, I mean anything I can do. I owe it to her."

Kate decided it was time to resume the interview, but she cast a glance toward Castle, thanking him for making McDaniel feel more comfortable.

The interview with Tammy McDaniel did not yield any new useful information; except that Susannah had been the leader in their relationship; the alpha, and that they had had a falling out over a man. Tammy was currently dating Susannah's former boyfriend, Geoffrey Robbins. She didn't know why the two of them broke it off, but Susannah warned her not to get involved with him. Tammy accused her of not taking any responsibility for the split and that was the end of their friendship.

Beckett and Castle were updating the white board when they heard a ruckus in the elevator, getting louder as the car got closer. The doors opened to reveal Esposito and Ryan barely controlling a very agitated Nick Byrd.

"I've got rights! You can't just drag me in here! I want my lawyer! I'm not saying anything! You…"

"You need to shut up and cool off in holding," Esposito interjected. He shook his head as he and Ryan guided a still thrashing Byrd past Beckett and Castle.

Castle sat in his chair with his lips pressed together, amusement dancing in his eyes, barely containing his glee. The door to holding snapped closed and he said, "Oh thank God. I don't think I could have lasted much longer."

Beckett also sat in her chair and under hooded eyes, said, "Okay, let it out, Castle."

"Jeez, did the guy watch any other TV show besides Law and Order? One tired overused clichéd phrase after another. I think my ears are bleeding. Are my ears bleeding?"

"Done?" She looked at him expectantly, her smile hidden behind a carefully controlled deadpan, but there.

He took in a breath and appeared to be taking inventory of his mind. His eyes met hers and she was glad to see them still full of humor. "Uh, yeah. Done." His lips curled into an easy grin.