Miracle at the 12th Precinct

Chapter 8

Title: Home For The Holidays (song by Perry Como)

Disclaimer: These Castle characters aren't mine, but I dream about them every night. I'm basically sleeping with the entire cast. Does that make me a "Ho"?

After leaving the administrative offices, Kate, Jordan, and Castle bundled up for the long hike back to where Kate had been forced to park.

Mrs. Walker, the Macy's Human Resources Manager apologized profusely for the missing files, promising to assist the police and FBI in every other way possible, beginning with arranging for the workers of the North Pole exhibit to be sent down to the precinct for interviews that very afternoon. She gave them security camera footage from when the North Pole exhibit first opened for the season, along with a list of employees who'd worked alongside Timmy, Kris, and Tommy. And although their personnel records had mysteriously gone missing, she was able to locate copies of current time cards showing when they'd punched in and out of work.

"No personnel records found for any of them…" Jordan said, voicing her thoughts aloud on their walk back to the car. "How is that even possible?" It was rare and humbling moment indeed, when neither she, nor her team, could dig up dirt on someone.

Kate was equally as mystified. "It makes no sense. Why do we keep coming up empty on these guys?"

"I don't know," Jordan replied. "But someone obviously doesn't want us to know what's in those files."

Unlike his companions, Castle appeared unfazed by the news. "It doesn't really matter if the records are missing," he'd offered, sensing their frustration. "So what if we can't interview their families? It's not like they're going to come all the way down from the North Pole for an interview with us," he said as they reached the car.

Kate swore if he kept spewing his Santa Claus nonsense in front of Jordan, she'd have no choice but to shoot him. She turned to him and stared. "Oh, I don't know Castle, maybe they'd fly in...on their sleighs." Not waiting on a reply, she opened the door and slid into the driver's seat. Jordan snickered, shook her head at him, and then climbed in on the passenger's side.

He sighed and then quietly got in the backseat. He wanted so badly to argue that although unlikely, it wasn't as improbable as she might like, but after considering her current mood, he wisely refrained. He studied her carefully in the rearview mirror, resigning himself to the fact that convincing her Kris was for real would prove to be one hell of an uphill battle. And she hadn't said as much, but he was beginning to sense she didn't quite embrace the spirit of Christmas as much as he did. Come to think of it, he couldn't remember her celebrating the holiday since he'd met her.

He thought back on his invitation for her to spend Christmas at the loft with him and his family. Sure, she'd said yes, but in retrospect she really hadn't seemed overly excited. And each time he'd brought up the plans since, she'd managed to change the subject. Tonight, when they were off the clock, he'd confront her about it, in his own subtle way, of course. Something was definitely off with her, and he vowed to get to the bottom of it. He sat back, in a self-imposed time-out he refused to label as sulking, and pondered the puzzle that was Kate Beckett.

Kate glanced at him discreetly through her mirror. Damn, she'd made him pout. She hated when he pouted. And he was awfully quiet. She could practically hear the wheels turning. He was probably trying to figure out her mood. They needed to talk, and sooner rather than later. Unfortunately, the conversation would have to wait, at least until work was over, especially since Jordan was asking her a question about the case at the moment. Kate forced herself to focus.

Castle wondered, not for the first time, if he'd ever figure Kate out. After all, it was their first official Christmas together as a couple. Why wouldn't she want to spend the holiday with him? Maybe he was moving too fast? No, that couldn't be it; it had taken them four long years to get to this point - years longer than it should have. If it were up to him, he'd opt to kick things up a notch, ask her to move in with him, which in his mind was the logical next step. But what if she wasn't ready? What if he'd been putting too much pressure on her? His heart started racing. He was over-thinking things. He forced the negative thoughts aside and tried not to panic. Sure, she hadn't told him she loved him back yet, but he had faith she would, eventually…someday. He could wait. For her, he'd wait.

Everything was great between them, so what was her hesitation? Could it be she simply didn't like Christmas? Seriously, who on earth doesn't like Christmas? It was fun; there were parties and presents, eggnog and mistletoe, people were always so much nicer and friendlier to one another at this time of year. Family and friends gathered together to celebrate...families…

Oh my god, I'm an idiot. Of course, she hates Christmas…her mother. This was about her mother.

He caught Kate's eye in the mirror, quickly turning away over his thoughtlessness. He needed to apologize. Ever since he'd met Kris last night he hadn't shut up about it. Hell, it wasn't everyday you got to meet Santa Claus, but no wonder she looked like she wanted to smack him upside the head with a wreath. It must be so hard for her...but surely she realizes her mother would never have wanted her to avoid the holiday altogether? They needed to talk about this. And they would. He'd see to it - as soon as he could get her alone.

Once they got everything out in the open, only then would he take another stab at convincing her Kris was the real deal. It wouldn't be an easy task, but she was worth it. And like Kris had said, 'The ones you had to work for were always the most memorable'. Right then and there he vowed to make this the best Christmas Kate Beckett had ever had; magical, one for the record books.

His mission now clear, he perked up considerably, and listened as Kate and Jordan bouncing theory back and forth. Their dialogue took on a certain melody and he found himself wondering what he and Kate sounded like when exchanging theories. His musings were interrupted by a call from Lanie. The autopsies on the victims had been completed and she asked them to stop by on their way back to the precinct; she had something for them. They changed course and headed towards the morgue.

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When they arrived at the morgue Lanie was standing beside the steel gurney bearing the battle-worn body of Timothy Jones. She was making some notes on a clipboard.

"Hey Lanie. What have you got for us?" Kate asked.

"Hey guys." She replied, before looking up.

"Dr. Parish." Jordan said, with a polite smile.

"Ah, Agent Shaw, always nice to see you," she said, before turning to Kate. "Glad you ask, Detective, because I've got something very interesting. I completed the autopsies on each of the four victims and found nothing unexpected on the other three, however, with Timothy Jones, here...there was one glaring difference. And I don't mean because he's a dwarf." She loved a captive audience; especially the live ones, so she paused dramatically before continuing.

"Unlike the other victims, it appears Mr. Jones, was also shot before the bomb went off." Castle's eyes widened, and Kate's mouth hung open. Jordan was temporarily speechless. "I pulled this 9mm bullet from his chest cavity," she said, holding it up.

"Shot," Jordan repeated, finally finding her voice. "…then blown up. Wow. Someone really had it in for the poor guy."

"They really did." Castle agreed, now worried more than ever about Kris. Whoever did this to Timmy was still out there roaming the streets.

"What time was he shot Lanie?" Kate asked.

"He was dead before the explosion went off," she explained, handing the bag with the bullet to Jordan. "I'm placing the time of death between seven-thirty and eight o'clock pm. He bled out as a direct result of the GSW. Also, our vic wasn't shot at close range. Judging from the entry wound, I'd put the shooter at approximately six feet away."

"Excellent. Finally a lead we can work with," Jordan said. "So we're looking for a smoking gun, nine millimeter. I'll have my people check into what Mangosa and his boys are known to carry. Can I keep this, Dr. Parish? I want my ballistics team to examine it."

"Of course." Lanie replied.

Castle turned to Kate. "We need to talk to Kris," he said, trying to remain calm. "What if he witnessed the shooting?"

Jordan wasn't convinced Kris was being completely honest with them. "And what if he's covering it up, Castle?"

"No. He wouldn't lie. What reason would he have? He already identified Mangosa's guys from their earlier dealings with Tommy. If they shot Timmy in front of him, then it must have been too traumatic so he blocked it out. It's possible talking about it may help his memories resurface."

"You might be right." Kate agreed, although like Jordan, she chose to remain skeptical over Kris' hazy memory claims.

Lanie wrinkled her nose. "Who's Kris?"

"Don't ask." Kate mumbled, highly aware of Jordan's presence. She thought about duct-taping Castle's mouth shut and briefly wondered why that would be considered wrong.

"I do believe he means, Henry Jenkins." Jordan said, although her attention appeared to remain steadfast on examining the bullet she held.

Lanie was still confused as to why Castle had called the man Kris. "Oh, right, Jenkins, the man you have in protective custody. She looked to Kate for clarification, but all she got for her trouble was a whispered "Long story, tell you later". Lanie studied Castle who had suddenly and uncharacteristically clamed-up, probably because he was busy dodging the death rays Kate was catapulting his way.

"Was there anything else Lanie?" Kate asked, eager to change the subject.

Lanie wondered what the hell was going on. Kate seemed more than normally exasperated with her boyfriend. She decided to hold off on the questions, for now, since Agent Shaw was there. "As a matter of fact, Detective, yes, there is more. He had this piece of paper in his pocket." she held it up, and then passed it to Kate. "They appear to be two hand-written credit card numbers. I'm not sure if they mean anything, but you guys are the detectives, so you tell me."

Jordan huddled close, and Castle peered over Kate's shoulder studying the note. "I agree. They do look like credit card numbers." Jordan said, quickly snapping a picture of the note with her cell phone camera. Both Kate and Castle jumped, then turned and stared at her.

"Already in the system," Jordan said. "My guys are running the numbers as we speak; it shouldn't take long to find out who they belong to."

"You just love doing that, don't you?" he said.

"I really do." she replied.

"There's more." Lanie said, holding up another plastic bag. "I sent these pieces of shrapnel which I found in all four victims over to the lab, and the results came back. They're metal alloys; ball bearings mostly, which unfortunately, could have been bought anywhere. Maybe you'll have more luck tracing them Agent Shaw." Lanie gave the bag to Kate who then passed it around for viewing.

"Anything else?" Jordan asked. Lanie shook her head. "Thank you, Dr. Parish. Nice work."

Seconds later Jordan was on her cell, barking out instructions to her staff as she took her call out into the hallway.

"Kate, my battery's dead. Can I borrow your phone a minute to call Alexis and Mother?" he asked. "I need to check in with them, tell them not to come by the apartment until this is all over."

Kate handed him her phone. "Sure."

"Thanks. I'll just take this, um…outside." He said, feeling their eyes upon him, and then quickly walked outside, hoping one day for immunity from their estrogen-filled glares.

Finally alone, Lanie pounced. "Okay, girl, spill. Why do you seem so on edge today? What'd Castle do now? And why the hell is he calling Henry Jenkins, Kris?"

Lanie was relentless, so Kate knew she wasn't getting out of this discussion. "Ah. Well, that would be because Castle believes Henry Jenkins is actually…I can't believe I'm telling you this…," She rolled her eyes. "He thinks Jenkins is the one, the only, Kris Kringle."

"Shut the front door!" Lanie laughed. "Kris Kringle? As in Santa Claus, Kris Kringle?"

"That would be the one, Lanie, yes. Honestly, I don't know what I'm going to do with him. His head's completely filled with fairytales. He's driving me insane."

"He always makes you crazy. It's how the man rolls." She let out an unladylike snort. "Kris Kringle, huh?" Then she giggled. Castle cracked her up. Not that'd she'd ever tell him that.

"You're laughing? Now? In my hour of need?" Kate accused. "My forty-something boyfriend thinks our main witness is a fictional character come to life, Santa Claus no less, and you find this funny?"

"Sorry, Honey. Just give me a minute." She held up a finger, taking a second to tamper down her amusement. Once she got it together she turned to Timmy's body lying on the gurney. Her brows scrunched. "Good lord, next you're gonna tell me he thinks poor Timmy here was one of Santa's elves." Kate crossed her arms and stared at her. They shared a moment of silence.

"No, freaking way." Lanie's mouth hung open.

"Yes, way."

"Seriously?"

Kate nodded. "Seriously."

Lanie mulled this over. "Heh. I've never autopsied an elf before. I should probably update my resume, cause I can tell you...that's not on there." Then she giggled again.

"It's not funny Lanie. This man, Kris…" She paused when Lanie's brow hit her hairline, "Let's just call him Kris for ease of conversation, shall we? He has Castle, and now Ryan, both completely snowed. Pun intended. Ryan's Jenny's problem now, poor girl, but Rick...he's mine. He's a grown man, or he's supposed to be anyway. What the hell am I going to do with him? He's making it very hard to take him seriously. Agent Shaw must think he's a raving lunatic."

"Smart woman, that Agent Shaw; she wouldn't be too far off the mark." Lanie replied.

"And all his talk about Christmas and elves, and the holidays - Christmas, Christmas, Christmas…," Kate continued. It was liberating to finally get it off her chest. "The only time he shut up about it was when we were, you know…otherwise occupied." She said, not caring if she blushed. "I'm not sure how much more I can take Lanie. He's moments away from asking to sit on the man's lap!"

Lanie kept a watchful eye on the door worried Castle could hear them. Kate obviously needed to blow off some steam, but she didn't want her friends getting in a potential argument with Agent Shaw nearby. "Breathe, Kate."

Lanie had a good point and was a doctor, so Kate did as she was told and took a few deep breaths. When she continued, it was slightly calmer. "Thank you. I feel a little better now."

"Good. Now why don't you tell me what this is really all about?" Lanie asked, as always getting right to the heart of the matter.

Lanie always saw right through her, so Kate didn't bother denying it. She checked the door, happy Castle was still out on his call, and then leaned in closer. "Did I mention he asked me to spend Christmas with him and his family?"

Finally, Lanie understood Kate's real problem. This would be a big deal; her girl struggled with getting through the holidays. Her mother's murder really did a number on her. The time had come for Kate's sensible, logical, friend to make an appearance. She looked Kate in the eyes. "No. You didn't mention that, but you're in a real relationship now Kate - a serious one at that. Of course, he'd expect you to spend the holidays with him. That's perfectly normal. I admit he doesn't do normal, too often, so I can understand how that might confuse you." She smiled. "Honestly, I've got to tell you, I think it's kind of sweet he believes in this guy and gets so excited about Christmas." Kate rolled her eyes, but Lanie chose to ignore it. "And you can deny it all you want, but that man's boyish charm has had you on the hook since the day you two met. Come on, Kate. How bad can it be? I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time with the Castles."

"Lanie, I'm not sure I can do it." Kate admitted, causing Lanie to frown. "Don't get me wrong, of course I want to spend Christmas with him, with them, but what if I end up being too depressed. I would hate myself if I ruined their holiday. Since Mom's been gone….you know I normally work instead of celebrating. It's been this way for years. I just can't..."

"Well, Kate, maybe it's time you changed all that; made some new memories. Damn, girl, you might even enjoy yourself. Talk to him Kate. Just be honest. Tell him how you feel."

"I know, I know you're right Lanie. I should have done it already." Kate said, sighing. "And I'm going to - eventually."

"Um, mm," Lanie said, staring back. She was about to ask 'What the hell are you waiting for?' when done with his call, Castle came back in bringing their conversation to an abrupt halt.

He looked between the two women, nearly turning on his heels at the onslaught of quiet brought upon by his entrance. Fighting the instinct to run, he handed Kate back her phone. "Thanks. You ready?"

Kate looked at Lanie. "Yeah, Castle. I think I'm ready."

"Okay...great." He said, cocking his head to the side. "Jordan's headed back to the car. She had a few more calls to make."

"Don't forget this." Lanie said, handing Kate her official written report.

Kate thanked her; they said their good-byes, and then turned to leave.

Lanie wasn't done with her yet. "Oh, and Kate? One more thing. Good luck...,"

Kate froze in her tracks, sucked in a bit of extra air. Acutely aware Castle was right currently behind her. She turned and narrowed her eyes at Lanie. Much to her chagrin, this seemed to have no effect whatsoever.

"…with the case." Lanie added, crossing her arms and smirking.

While Lanie could always be counted on for sage advice, her warped sense of humor knew no boundaries. Kate's smile was saccharin sweet. "Thanks." She replied, making a mental note to torture said friend about a certain Latino detective sometime soon. Sadly, it would have to wait. Right now they had a mystery to solve and were needed back at the precinct. She rolled her eyes at Lanie before following Castle out the door.

A/N: Thanks for reading, and I hoped you liked it. Constructive criticism is always welcomed. Chapter 9 will be posted in a moment! Thanks, Karen

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