Miracle at the 12th Precinct

Chapter 13

Title: Holly Jolly Christmas (sung by Burl Ives)

Disclaimer: The Castle crew; not mine. I am but a lowly groupie/stalker/fic-writer. I'm seeking help.

A/N: Dedicated to my friend Elf-girl. ILYB

Beckett and Castle eyed Jordan behind closed doors with Captain Gates. The two women were deep in conversation and didn't even notice the duo walk past on their way over to question the photographer.

"Good. Jordan's back." Beckett said. "Means at least some of the bad guys are safely behind bars."

"Do you want to wait to speak with her first?" Castle asked.

"No. Let's get started. We'll catch up with her later."

XXXXXXXXXXX

When Beckett and Castle entered the room Steve Drucker immediately perked up. He hadn't expected such a beauty to walk through the door and was pleasantly surprised. He only had eyes for Beckett.

"Mr. Drucker, I'm Detective Kate Beckett and this is my partner, Richard Castle. Thank you for coming in today to speak with us." She shook his hand.

He flashed her what he thought was his best smile, never even acknowledging Castle. His eyes scanned her body. "Well, I can assure you the pleasure's all mine, Detective. Always happy to help out one of New York's finest."

Castle leered at him, sizing him up. He already wanted to knock the guy out. Drucker was a phony and delusional if he thought he'd ever stand a chance with a woman like Beckett. She was completely out of his league.

Having finally noticed there were three people in the room, Drucker glanced over at Castle and squinted. "Say, did she say your name was Richard Castle? Like the author, Richard Castle?"

"Yes." Castle replied carefully, surprised to hear the guy read his stuff.

Drucker slammed his hands down on the table. "Ha. I thought so. Recognize you from your picture on the back of your books. Never forget a face." He boasted. "Great stuff. I love those things. And those covers...they're sizzling hot. Like wow, hot. That naked chick on the dust jackets of your books is just smokin'." He used his hands to air-outline the womanly curves of Nikki Heat.

Castle clamped down the urge to laugh. This guy was priceless; a total tool. He dared a sideways glance at Kate, who looked about ready to blow a gasket. The Nikki Heat covers had always been a bone of contention with her, especially since he'd refused to change them. No doubt he'd be hearing about it again later when they were alone. But right now, he held no regrets. It was worth it just to watch this douche-bag dig deeper the gaping hole about to become an early grave. Rick remained silent. For once, he'd sit back, trust in Beckett's ability to handle herself; she'd wipe the floor with this loser. He really, really loved this case; first Santa, and now this.

The deadly rays Kate shot at Drucker were enough to make a smart man heed warning. This man, however, was no genius.

Drucker stared at Kate for a second before putting two and two together. "Oh, my god. You're that cop, the detective lady he follows around for his books, aren't you?" He grinned at her like an idiot. "Wow. Nikki Heat, in the flesh. It's a real honor to meet you. I'm a big fan, a real big fan; love those books. Say, can I get your autograph?"

"Mr. Drucker, let's talk about why you're here today." she said, gritting her teeth and wishing she'd let Castle stop and grab the Raid after all.

The palm of his hand hit his forehead. "Oh, wow. That's supposed to be you on the cover, isn't it? Because it totally could be. You know, you have great...," He rethought his next line based on the razor sharp daggers penetrating from her green orbs. "...um, bone structure. But seriously, I'd love to photograph you, if you're ever interested. And with that body..."

At the mention of Kate's body, Castle had had enough. Overcome with the desire to shut the idiot up, he began to open his mouth, but Beckett held up a hand silencing him.

"Of course it's not me on the books. I'm a police detective. And this is a police station. Or have you forgotten where you are right now? Now tell me Mr. Drucker, where were you last night between the hours of five and ten pm?" She tossed a notepad in front of him and slapped down a pen so he could start writing down his alibi.

He held his hands up in front of him. "Hey, sorry. I meant no disrespect. Don't get your knickers in a knot, sweetheart. What are you talking about, where was I last night? What's that got to do with anything?"

She raised her brows, but didn't answer as she paced back and forth a couple of times, staring him down. The gun holstered to her hip was clearly visible, but just in case he hadn't noticed, she casually touched her hand to it. His eyes followed her and he sucked in air. She had him sweating now, but not in a good way.

"Answer the question, Drucker. Where were you last night between five and ten?"

"Say, what's this all about? Mrs. Walker said this had something to do with that explosion over on 34th Street last night and Timmy's accident. Why the third degree? You don't think I had anything to do with this, do you? That's ridiculous. Timmy was a good kid. We were friends." From everything she'd heard about Timmy's character, she highly doubted it.

"I'll ask you again, where were you last night between the hours of five and ten pm?"

"I left work at five, and went straight home. I was in my apartment all night - in bed. I had company. You can check." He tugged on the collar of the dress shirt he was wearing, trying to loosen it.

"I plan to. I'll also need the name of your... companion." She motioned to the paper and pen she'd put in front of him and wondered what woman in their right mind would find this guy attractive. "Start writing."

It was all Castle could do, not to laugh. Drucker looked about ready to pee his pants while Beckett was just getting started.

As Drucker grudgingly wrote down the information she picked up his file and reviewed it. "It says here you've been in trouble with the law before, down in Florida. You also owe quite a bit of money. Have you ever had any dealings with a loan shark you'd like to share? Maybe borrowed some money from a questionable source? Because now would be a good time to come clean."

"Hey, as for Florida, that was a simple misunderstanding. Those girls lied about their age. It was nothing. And I paid for those damages in full. You can check that too. And I didn't take money from nobody!"

She showed him some pictures of the Mangosas and their henchmen. "Recognize any of these people?" She glanced at what he'd hastily written, surprised to recognize the name of his companion. Interesting.

He looked at them carefully and blinked a bunch of times. "No, um, no I don't think so." He had a lousy poker face.

"Think harder, Mr. Drucker."

"Like I said, I don't recognize any of these guys. I see a lot of people each day, Detective." He studied the photos some more.

"Mr. Drucker, when was the last time you saw Tommy Frost and how friendly were you?"

He fidgeted in his chair. "Tommy? The elf? I'd say we're more like work acquaintances. We weren't as close as say, me and Timmy. That kid, he was alright. So is Kris, but hey, that's probably a given. Tommy - he had a few screws loose. Always seemed to be working an angle. Last time I saw him was yesterday, at work. Why?"

"We need to ask him some questions. It's possible his life may be in jeopardy. If you see or hear from him you need to notify us immediately."

"Yeah, sure. I can do that."

"Good. See that you do."

"But hey, I just thought a something. You might want to ask that cashier, Holly, tall chick, works with us. Those two seem pretty chummy. Tommy might have been getting a little, something-something, if ya know what I mean." He grinned at Castle.

Castle and Beckett eyed each other, silently questioning if the other thought Drucker was simply trying to re-direct the attention away from himself. They both wouldn't put it past him.

"We will, Drucker, but this is your last chance...are you positive you don't recognize any of these men? Because you mentioned earlier that you never forget a face. Ever hear of a little expression called obstruction of justice?"

She'd sufficiently scared the crap out of him and he made a big show of studying the pictures again. His hands shook a bit as he touched the photos. "Well, ya know, come to think of it, this guy does look sorta familiar. He showed her Bernie Balboa's picture. Yeah, I think he might have stopped by work a few times and talked to Tommy. And this other guy was with him I think." He pointed to a photo of Vinny, Drago's other henchman. "If memory serves, this guy, BB, is the guy who got tossed out on his ass by security a while back."

She let it slide that he'd just called Balboa by his nickname proving he knew exactly who he was. "What they were fighting about?"

"He was yelling at Tommy to give him back something belonged to him, I think. Kid probably owed him. I'm thinking he had himself a little gambling problem. Tommy was all "I don't know what you're talking about". Things got pretty heated. The guy started knocking him around. There were all these people there on line with their kids and all. Security came and broke it up. The end."

"What about these men?" She showed him Carlos and Drago Mangosa's photo. "Recognize either of them?"

"Nope." he replied. "These two, I ain't ever laid eyes on."

XXXXXXXXXX

After Detective Karpowski had left, Holly Winter sat and glared at the clock on the wall, tapping her fingers on the table. If you'd ask her, which no one had bothered to do, she'd been waiting far too long for some detective to come and re-question her. She'd already told the first detective all they were getting and was still annoyed over having been dragged down there in the first place -and what for? So she could sit, sit, sit, forced to wait patiently in the tiny bland room in her monstrosity of a costume. The room became warmer as the desire to flee grew stronger, but she forced herself to stay calm. If she didn't play it cool, they might never let her out of there and she had to remain on the outside where Tommy could easily find her.

The police and the FBI were out looking for him but they might as well give up. Her Tommy was smart, resourceful, and would manage to lay low until it was safe for them to be together again. He was coming for her soon, she couldn't explain how she knew, she just did. They were connected that way and had been since the first day they'd met. In the meantime, she'd figure a way out of this mess, one that didn't involve the police or the FBI, who'd only make it worse. Tommy and Kris both needed her now more than ever. Sadly, it was too late to save Timmy, but she'd see justice was done. He hadn't deserved to die that way, and it broke her heart. She'd be damned if she would let anything happen to Santa or Tommy. The lady detective told her Kris would be okay, but that he'd been injured in the explosion. All she had to do was figure out where the police and feds were hiding him. He'd know what to do. Then together, they'd find Tommy and all go home.

Tears slipped from her eyes, gently caressing her cheeks. She quickly brushed them away. There was no time for crying. She had to stay strong. Taking a deep breath she unbuttoned the collar of her hideous wool shirt in an attempt to get more comfortable. The silly red hat they made her wear as part of her uniform was long since discarded, tossed on the table in front of her when she'd first sat down. Mrs. Walker, had given them no time to change from their Santa's Helpers costumes, insisting on driving them all down to the precinct herself immediately to ensure they made it in time. The woman drove like a banshee through traffic as though her life depended on it, muttering to herself the entire time about her missing files. As annoyed as she was, Holly actually felt a little sorry for her. Poor Mrs. Walker would never find those files.

The empathy she'd felt towards her slightly unhinged boss faded fast, replaced by embarrassment after she and her co-workers were hastily dropped at the curb in front of the 12th Precinct. Their arrival caused quite the stir as they poured from the van, the bright red and green of their ridiculous holiday costumes even more vivid in broad daylight compared to under the usual cheap florescent lighting of the department store. All eyes fell upon them as they paraded behind their police escort down the corridors to their individual interview rooms. Even she had to admit they were hard to ignore. An unruly lot, they looked more like a band of misfits fresh off the paddy-wagon from a Christmas party bust, rather than a group of people paid to work with children on a daily basis. She was just grateful they hadn't been brought down in cuffs; although if truth be told, a few of them rightfully should have been.

She took out a stick of chewing gum and popped it in her mouth, then got up and started to pace the floor. It was getting late. What could possibly be taking them so long? She caught her reflection in the glass mirror and cringed. She loathed her stupid costume, but sighed deeply, reminding herself it was only temporary. Tommy assured her the traditional clothing worn back home was of a much higher quality; colorful yet tasteful and completely beautiful. He promised she'd look like a princess, and eventually become his queen. He'd said their work uniforms here were but a poor imitation of the real thing. He also assured her the women back home were almost always taller than their mates, and she prayed he was right. It wasn't easy for a girl as tall as she to look her best dressed like a giant Christmas tree everyday; especially when her boyfriend was a diminutive green elf.

Well-aware of her unusual height and not oblivious to the rude stares and whispers of others, she'd learned to be tough at a young age. Always taller than the other girls in school, she was constantly ridiculed. They only seemed to take an interest in her if they needed someone to fill in on the basketball team, a game she never even liked playing. She knew they were using her, but Tommy – he was different. She'd never really felt accepted for who she was until she met him. He thought she was beautiful and didn't care a bit about their glaring size difference. And neither did Kris or Timmy. His cow of a mother on the other hand – well she was a different story. She didn't approve of their pairing, but she'd get over it. Besides, it didn't matter what anyone else thought. She and Tommy may appear to be mismatched, but they were perfect for each other, in love, and meant to be together. The naysayers could all go screw themselves; no one would stand in the way of their happiness; including the old battle ax. She plopped herself back down in the chair and prayed Tommy was alright; wherever he was...

XXXXXXXXXX

Done with their respective interviews, Ryan, Espo, Beckett and Castle gathered in the hallway.

"Any luck?" Kate asked the boys.

Espo jumped right in. "That Tammy's one weird chick. She be riding the cray-cray train." He spoke directly at Kate. "Get this...she actually believes Jenkins is Santa Claus and Timmy and Tommy are real elves."

Ryan and Castle exchanged cautious looks from beneath their lashes, but kept quiet.

Esposito continued rambling, appearing not to notice their discomfort. "How someone can look like she does, yet be so delusional is beyond me. That's just messed up." He shook his head woefully, and then turned to both Ryan and Castle. "You two though - sadly...it's understandable." Then he turned back to Beckett, not missing a beat. "Did say she saw him get in a cab after work. We should check that. Also mentioned, Tommy...had himself a girlfriend - Holly, the cashier. Maybe she can tell us where her boyfriend is."

Castle's ears perked up at that. "Drucker implied as much, but we figured he was only trying to take the pressure off of himself." He crossed his arms, tapped his forefinger on his chin, thoughtfully. "Interesting...so Elf-boy's gone and got himself an Elf-girl – and a scary one at that." He shivered dramatically. "I'm just trying to envision them together...go figure."

Although happy for Holly and Tommy, Ryan was itching to share with the group what he'd found out from his interview with Billy. He turned directly to Esposito. "Well, while you spent your time flirting with Ms. Wilson trying to buckle up next to her on that crazy train, my interview with the stoner was actually fruitful," he boasted. "Apparently, Bernie Balboa stopped Billy on his way into work today. He's also out looking for Tommy, so at least we know they don't have him yet. He told Billy, elf-boy has something that belongs to him and he wants it back. Didn't say what it was, just asked Billy to give Tommy the message next time he sees him."

"Ah, the plot thickens." Castle said, wiggling his brows. "That it?"

"No, there's more. Billy said Tommy's had multiple visitors over the last few weeks and – get this -they weren't all Mangosa's boys. Said they all looked like pretty nasty dudes - except this one lady who visited him." Ryan paused a moment. "Actually, he said she looked pretty scary too, but he thinks it may have been his mother. He didn't know for sure. I bet if we check the security cameras we might find some clues."

They were interrupted by Jordan who'd returned from her meeting with Captain Gates. "Hey." she said, walking up to them. "You'll all be happy to know the fake doctor, his driver, and our mole are safely in holding cells. We've compiled a pretty thick file on them, as well as the deceased orderly."

"So, why'd she do it?" Ryan asked.

"Nurse Marino, claims she was asked by the fake doctor, Frank Gallo, to get them fake id's and access to the floor, and she agreed because they'd threatened to harm her and her son, Richie if she didn't. It wouldn't be the first time they'd had Richie beaten up, so she believed them. She's in a heap of trouble, will probably be losing her job and is currently in talks with her lawyer. Where are we at with the other interviews?"

Kate straightened her posture. "Three down so far. We could use a hand."

"You got it." Jordan said. "My team's available to help; especially to free you up from the paperwork."

"Thanks." Kate replied, relieved. She'd happily hand over the paperwork portion of her job to anyone who'd take it. "How was your meeting with the Captain?"

"Delightful." she replied, her expression revealing it had been anything but. Then she pinned up two new pictures to the murder board.

"Who are they?" Esposito asked, nodding to the latest additions.

"Well Detectives, and Castle...these two gentlemen, remain somewhat of a mystery. They are the proud owners of the credit card numbers we found on Timmy Jones, our deceased elf. One is John Riley, who it turns out also happens to be a retired cop. The other, Mike Richards, not a cop. Both live down in Jersey and are coming in to speak with us tomorrow. They each claim not to know the other and we still can't figure out how they're connected to Timmy other than both men said they'd visited the North Pole Exhibit where Timmy worked over the course of the last few weeks."

They all stood back and studied the board for a moment, then turned to Castle for one of his theories.

He noticed them waiting and shook his head. "Nah, I got nothing."

"Any new leads?" Jordan asked, changing the subject.

"Yes, actually." Kate looked to Ryan, prompting him to speak up first.

"Billy Sanchez, one of the co-workers, said Bernie Balboa stopped him outside of work this morning. Balboa's looking for Tommy as well; apparently he's got something that belongs to him, although he never told Billy what it was. Billy also said Tommy's had numerous visitors at work so we want to finish checking the tape, see what we can come up with."

"Good idea, Detective." she said. "Why don't you go find Agent Matthews. He's been reviewing them. Tell him I asked you to assist and for him to bring you up to speed."

Ryan looked to Kate for approval and she gave him a small nod. "On it." He replied, before bolting off.

Kate looked to Esposito to offer what he'd found. "Tammy Wilson, aka Mrs. Claus, confirms Tommy had a girlfriend...the cashier – name's Holly Winter. We haven't spoken to her yet, but she's down the hall waiting."

"Really?" Jordan's eyebrows rose. She recalled the very tall girl with the "Holly" name tag working the register. "Okay. That could be helpful. Let's get on it." she told Kate. "I'll also have my guys go by and check out her place in case Frost is hiding out there. Okay, besides the gigantic green girlfriend, who's next? Are you ready to question our newest guests or do you want to finish up with the rest of the Macy's workers first?"

Castle silently prayed Kate would make Esposito interview the giant, scary elf. Frankly, he'd feel safer with the mobsters. Alas, his wish was not to be granted.

"The Macy's workers." Kate replied. "Esposito you take Alison Hanson, one of Santa's other merry elves and the photographer's assistant, Cammie Coleman." She handed him both files, he nodded and then took off. "Castle and I will take Holly Winter."

"Great. Think I'll start with the get-a-way driver, Tony Rizzo." Jordan offered. "That will leave us with our fake doc, Frank Gallo, and then I say we head over to the hospital and move Jenkins."

"Wait!" Castle said, anxiously. "What about the Mangosas and their goons? When do we bring them in?"

Jordan was only half-listening, her attention already deep within the files of the suspect she was about to interrogate. "All in good time, my pretty, all in good time. I'll see you two later," she tossed over her shoulder walking away.

"But Kate," He whined, once Jordan was out of ear-shot. "It's not like we don't know they're up to their eyeballs in this thing. Why aren't we dragging their asses' in here?"

"We're compiling evidence, Castle. Have I ever mentioned how impatient you are?" She said, reading through Holly Winter's file.

"You may have once or twice, yes."

"Ever wonder why that is?" she asked, not looking up.

"Because I'm impatient?"

"Good boy, yes - got it in one." She looked up at his handsome, pouting face and patted him gently on the cheek. "You so get me, Castle."

"I do, I really do." He grinned, a twinkle lighting his eyes. For, if he played his cards right he'd be getting her later as well.

Side by side they started down the corridor to room three where Holly Winter awaited questioning.

A/N: Thanks for reading! Another chapter will be posted soon. And by soon, I mean probably tomorrow. Please review. It's like oxygen.