Miracle at the 12th Precinct

Chapter 18 Title: Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree (Song by Brenda Lee)

Disclaimer: I love them, but I don't own them. They're also not real. No, really, I mean it - my therapist said so.

A/N: Thanks for all the follows, favs, and reviews; better than chocolate.

Rick jumped at the sound of the door opening, relieved to find it was Kate, however, she wasn't alone. Following immediately behind her was the imposing, over-sized elf-girl, aka, Holly. He went over to greet them and he and Kate shared only a brief hug since they were being watched closely by her companion. Their embrace, albeit short and sweet, did wonders at calming both their nerves.

"You're finally here." He said, releasing her and then turning to Holly. "And look, you've brought company. Great...just great."

Kate's tone warned him to behave. "You remember, Holly?" She said, placing her bag of case files on the floor by the door.

He quickly remembered his manners. "Of course." He said, graciously. "Welcome."

Holly nodded back, obviously just as happy to see him again, the fake smile quickly leaving her face as she scanned the room for Kris. "Where's my uncle?" She asked, suspiciously.

"Gone to change." Castle assured her, before offering to take their coats. "He'll be out in a minute. Please, come in, sit down." He motioned to the couch.

"Thank you." She replied, moving to the living room, taking a seat, and observing her surroundings. "You have a beautiful home."

"Thanks."

"She's right, Castle. The loft looks amazing." Kate agreed, making a mental note to, at the very least, stop off and buy a Charlie Brown Christmas tree for her apartment before he set foot in it again.

"Oh, what, you mean this?" He joked, waving a hand in dismissal. "Just a little something I threw together." He noticed Holly's back was turned so he caught Kate by surprise and planted a quick kiss to her lips. "Everyone go home for the night?" He continued, nonchalantly.

She rolled her eyes, suppressing a grin, hoping not to encourage him further – at least not in front of the girl. "Yes. Jordan's back at her hotel and I sent the boys home."

"How'd it go with the arrests? All the bad guys rounded up?"

"Fourteen arrests. Nice work back there, Castle. Forgive me for ever doubting you – one of your crazy schemes actually worked this time."

"Thanks, I think." He replied, tilting his head and pursing his lips. "Any word yet on Balboa?"

"Still on the loose, but we've had a few good leads. He can't hide forever." She leaned in and whispered as inconspicuously as possible for Holly's sake. "Have you told Kris about Timmy's missing body yet?"

"Yes. And he took it well, basically because it was exactly as I'd suspected...no worries."

"What?" She replied, with a blank look. About to question him further, she stopped when she saw Kris hobbling towards them using his cane.

"Oh, I see we have visitors!" He said, smiling happily as he made his way back into the room now dressed in soft button down pajamas beneath a comfortable bathrobe, his red Santa suit draped over his left arm.

At the sound of his voice the previously stoic, hard as nails Elf-girl sprang from the couch. "Uncle Kris!" She yelled, running straight into his arms, nearly barreling him over. She immediately burst into tears.

"Here let me help you with that." Castle said, jumping into action, taking the suit from Kris. He draped it reverently across the back of the couch and then stood beside Kate silently observing their reunion.

"Holly? My dear girl, what in heaven's name are you doing here?" Kris said, releasing her.

"Oh, thank goodness you still remember me!" She said, relieved, tears still flowing.

"Of course I do. However could I forget you, my dear? There, there now." he said, trying to soothe her. "You mustn't cry."

"I'm just so happy to see you, Kris. Are you okay? They told me you were hurt in the explosion and then I overheard someone say they tried to kidnap you from the hospital. I've been out of my mind with worry!" She attempted to dry her eyes.

"I'm so sorry you were concerned, but you needn't be. The doctors assure me I'll be fine."

"How about we get you over to the couch, Kris?" Castle said, offering his arm while Holly assisted on his other side.

"Thank you, children." Kris said, once he was settled.

Holly sat down right next to him and Castle returned to Kate's side.

"Now, let me take a good, long look at you." Kris said, putting on his wire rim glasses and smiling affectionately. "Sweet, sweet Holly..." He paused, brows furrowing as he recalled what she'd said earlier. "Holly? Did my old ears deceive me or have you led these good people to believe I am your uncle?" She couldn't deny it, and guiltily lowered her head. "That was very naughty. We've discussed this ad nauseam, young lady – one mustn't tell fibs." He scolded.

She cringed, certain Castle and Beckett were watching, very much aware they were hanging on her every word. Totally busted, her flimsy cover blown, she stubbornly refused to look their way. "I'm sorry, Kris. It was wrong of me, I know, but I just had to see you with my own eyes – to make sure you were alright and I didn't know what else to do. If it helps any, I'm pretty sure they never believed a word of it. But from now on, I promise - no more lies."

"See that it's so, young lady." He replied, nodding and giving her the benefit of the doubt.

She studied him with a critical eye. He looked pale and tired and she wondered if he'd been having trouble sleeping. His knee was injured, he'd just lost his poor, sweet Timmy. As happy as she was to reunite with him she was very concerned for his well-being and after everything he'd been through recently wasn't sure exactly how to proceed. She didn't want to upset him further, but she'd need his help if they were all to get out of there in one piece. She took his hands in hers. "I'm just so relieved you remember me Kris. They told me you'd lost your memory. Will you be alright? Does your head hurt? Are you eating? Are you able to sleep?" She turned to Castle and Beckett. "What does his doctor say? Are you sure he shouldn't be lying down or back in the hospital?"

"Deep breaths, child." Kris interrupted, overwhelmed by the multitude of questions. "Bit of talker, this one." He joked to Beckett and Castle who were curiously watching their exchange. "Now, to answer your questions... I'm told I will make a full recovery, these things simply take time. You must learn patience. I took quite a nasty blow to the head which has left me with some memory loss, yes, and I sprained my knee, otherwise, I'm fit as a fiddle, I am. And as for eating...well, no cause for alarm there, I daresay." He patted his belly. "The doctors assure me the headaches I've been experiencing will soon cease on their own and my memory is expected to make a complete return. But perhaps you can help us with that - spark the ol' memory bank."

His head injury left her still very concerned. "Kris, please tell me you also remember Tommy and..."

"Timmy." He finished for her, choking up, his heart forever broken. "Why of course I do. They're my boys." He said, solemnly. "How could I not?" He cleared his throat before bravely continuing. "Unfortunately, some of the details of what happened leading up to the explosion are not quite as clear. I myself, have many unanswered questions, as do the police and federal agents. Maybe you can shed some light on the missing details. We must bring these criminals to justice."

"I've already told them everything I know, but I can try, Kris." She bowed her head. "I'm so sorry about Timmy. I know how much he meant to you, how much he meant to all of us. He was the kindest soul - like a brother to both me and Tommy - always so supportive of our relationship, never judgmental. He didn't deserve this. Oh, Kris, when Tommy finds out he's going to be completely devastated. I just can't believe Timmy's gone."

"I know, my dear. Thick as thieves, those two - always bringing out the best in each other." Kris said, his voice cracking. "His passing is a horrific tragedy. There's no other way to describe it. To be honest, I'm not sure how we'll continue on without him. Christmas will never be the same again. But I do know in my heart of hearts that we must. It's what Timmy would want. Therefore we will, and we'll do so, in his honor."

He held her close and they cried together, mourning the memory of their friend.

"Let's give them some privacy." Beckett whispered, motioning for Castle to follow her into the kitchen.

Castle watched them from afar, impressed by how close Kris and Holly seemed to be. The previously intimidating elf-girl didn't' seem so scary at the moment. Maybe he'd been wrong about her. Maybe she wasn't all bad, although he still held a few lingering doubts.

Kate leaned back against the counter and wrapped her arms around him like she'd wanted to do since walking through the door. She squeezed her eyes shut tight and thanked God his hare-brained plan to get Kris safely to the loft had worked. "I'm so glad you're okay." She whispered.

"Oh, yea of little faith." He joked, giving her a squeeze and then double-checking to make sure they were out of earshot. "Do you think she's telling the truth?" He asked, quietly. "That she's shared everything she knows?"

"Not for a minute."

"Me neither. By the way - told you she wasn't his niece." He boasted. "Called it!"

She rolled her eyes. "You really need to let that go."

He shrugged, and then reached around her embrace, snatching a cookie from the plate. "Want one?" He asked, with his mouth filled.

"No, thanks. Has he remembered anything else?" She waited while he inhaled it.

"Not about the case, no." He hedged. "I thought you'd prefer if I left the hard questions until you got here. So, what's next?"

She glanced over at their new house guests. "Well, first we give them a few minutes to reconnect and then I want some answers."

"Sounds like a good plan." He said, smiling down at her.

The blue of his eyes warmed her insides and she teasingly caressed the v-neck of his soft t-shirt, her fingers skimming the warmth of his skin, and then pulled him in closer until their chests were touching. She had his full attention. "And then afterwards, you and I are going to have that talk we promised ourselves earlier. Deal?"

He wasn't about to argue, he was putty in her hands, especially when she brought the sultry voice. He was looking forward to it; there was much to discuss and it was long overdue. Hell, he probably wanted it more than she did. "Deal." He agreed, sealing their pact with a feather-light kiss to her lips.

XXXXXXXXXX

Satisfied they'd given Kris and Holly enough time to get settled, they returned to the living room. Kate pulled up a chair and sat down across from their guests.

"Castle, can you do me a favor and please grab my bag by the door? I might need my files."

"Sure." He replied, grabbing them, placing them at her feet and then sitting down himself.

"Thanks." Beckett took the lead. "So, how are you feeling, Kris? Castle mentioned you had a headache earlier."

"Much better now, thank you. It's since subsided."

"Great. Are you up to a few questions?"

"Certainly." He replied, with a smile.

"Good. In that case, there are a few things I'd like to go over. We'll start by reviewing a few basic safety procedures you're to follow while you're staying here at the loft."

"Of course." Kris replied, with Holly at his side listening intently.

"First, is never open the door to anyone. Either Castle or I will answer it or the agents have keys." He nodded in agreement.

"Also, no phone calls to anyone other than me, Castle or Agent Shaw." He nods again. "Kris, I'm told you don't own a cell phone. Is that correct?"

"Oh, heavens no. No coverage up at the Pole, my dear." He explained. "And not much need for one here either - my visits are very short, as you know."

"Right." She replied, reminding herself not to be surprised by any answers he might provide given his current state of mind.

"Holly, I'll be needing your cell phone."

"Me? Sorry, but I left it at home." She replied, a little too quickly.

Santa tilted his head in disbelief, as did Beckett. Kris eyed her from above the rim of his glasses. Clearly outnumbered she pulled the cell phone from her pocket and handed it over to Kate. "Fine."

"Has Tommy tried to contact you?" She asked the girl.

"No. But I keep hoping he will. If you take it away and then he does try to call...how will he reach me?"

"I'll keep it on me, that way if he does call, I can talk to him." Kate replied, not really giving her a choice. She also planned to check the caller id to see if the girl was telling the truth. "Now, lastly, it's very important not to leave the premises without either an agent or police officer to escort you."

"I see..." Kris replied, while Holly pouted over the loss of her phone. "Katie, are we quite certain it's safe for Holly to even be here?"

"This is the safest place she can be right now, Kris." Beckett replied. "Her apartment was broken into, we suspect by Mangosa's people. It's best we keep her here under police protection."

This development was a newsflash to Holly. "What? You're not planning to let me leave?" She exclaimed, panicked by the thought of Tommy unable to find her when he returned.

"It's for the best, Holly. Please understand." Kate said, calmly.

"Am I under arrest or something?" She asked, immediately defensive. "Because nobody read me my rights!"

"No. You're not and if you really want to leave you may, but I'd strongly advise against it. The Mangosa's know both where you live and where you work. Until we can take them into custody and rap this case up, I highly suggest you remain under police protection, where you'll be safe."

"But you tricked me!" She accused. "You only told me I'd be visiting Kris. I can't stay here indefinitely. I don't even have any of my things. I could be stuck in this horrific outfit for days!" They all stopped and stared at her neon green and red elf suit, and cringed along with her. This was rather unfortunate.

Castle could contain himself no longer. "Trick is such an ugly word, Holly. Let's just say your eagerness to see your "Uncle" worked to our advantage. But don't worry. I'm sure we can find something else suitable for you to wear for the time being." He glanced again at her costume and wondered if perhaps he'd spoken too soon. Alexis was about a foot and a half shorter than the elf-girl so borrowing her things was out. He'd most likely need to have something delivered.

At his continued staring, she opened her mouth to protest, but Kris quickly cut her off. "Holly..." He cautioned quietly, but with authority.

She reluctantly closed her mouth at his warning to behave.

"They broke into her apartment, you say?" Kris shook his head.

"Yes." Kate confirmed.

"Well then, the matter's settled. Our young Holly is certainly safer here surrounded by agents to protect her."

"Fine." She muttered, sitting back and crossing her arms, content to sulk.

Beckett, thoroughly impressed by how quickly the girl acquiesced, turned her attention back to Kris. "As I was saying, our top priority here is to keep both you and Holly safe."

"Thank you, Katie. There's not a doubt in my mind that we'll be perfectly safe here." He gave a quick wink to Castle which did not go unnoticed by Beckett.

"There are a few more things we need to discuss...," Kate said hesitating, wanting to phrase her next question as delicately as possible, regardless of what Castle claimed happened to Timmy's remains. "I understand Castle's already spoken with you about this, but what can you tell me about Timmy's body missing from the morgue?"

"Ah. Well, it's simple really - I thought it best to send Timmy on home. Your examination of his body was complete and he deserves a proper burial among his friends and family. I apologize for not going through the proper channels as it were; however, time was of the essence. I'm sure you understand."

How on earth did this man ever pass the psych exam? It was obvious he was still grieving and she certainly didn't want to cause him any further pain - she'd have to acknowledge his responses and then move on with her questioning. Besides, they'd continue their investigation in search of the Timmy's body regardless of his wild claim. "Of course." She replied, with a gentle smile.

"Mrs. Claus is preparing a lovely memorial ceremony for when we return home."

Kate nodded. "Alright then. Let's talk more about the night of Timmy's shooting. Have you remembered anything else?"

"Talking it through again could trigger other more important memories." Castle reminded him. "Think back to what you were doing after you arrived home from work - no matter how trivial you may believe it to be; fixing dinner, tidying up, opening mail, your conversation with Timmy. What are the last things you do remember?"

"I remember leaving work, standing outside Macys with Timmy and Tommy. I know for a fact that Timmy and I returned to the apartment, yet I don't clearly recall how we traveled there. We were in the apartment and then...well, there is something else, but I'm not quite sure it's of much significance. It's probably nothing really." Kris replied.

"What is it, Kris?" Castle asked.

"Earlier today I thought I may have had a flash-back to that night. Maybe I imagined it; I'm not quite sure – all a bit of a blur."

"Even the most obscure details can wind up being more important than you'd think. They could even lead us to the killer." Kate said, grabbing her pen and notepad.

"Alright." He nodded. "I think Tommy may have returned that night, to the apartment, but not until after the explosion occurred. I think he spoke to me. He was apologizing. I can almost hear his voice now. He was sobbing. But then the memory fades, and all I can recall afterwards is being awakened by Jordie in the hospital."

"Try to remember exactly what Tommy said to you, Kris." Kate said.

"I believe he said he was sorry he didn't get there in time."

"He went back to the apartment! He must have known you were in danger." Castle said. "He may have even known about the bomb."

"Yeah, maybe because he planted it." Kate suggested.

Holly jumped to his defense. "No! Tommy would never purposefully put Kris or Timmy in danger. There's not a violent bone in his body."

"I'm sorry, but I'd have to agree with her there." Kris said. "Our boy might be somewhat reckless; bad choices appear to be his new-found hobby, but he's no killer."

"If that's true, then maybe he found out about the bomb and went to the apartment intent on saving you." Castle said.

"Tommy left work at five pm. The bomb went off at around 8:30." Kate said. "We need to determine exactly where he was between leaving work and when you saw him after the explosion at the apartment. Something prevented him from getting there in time." Kate turned to Holly. "Besides gambling, was Tommy involved in any other activities that would get him into trouble? Now would be a good time to come clean Holly."

"No. There's nothing else." She replied. "All I know is that Tommy was supposed to come over to my place that night. The last time I saw him was when we said goodbye at work. He said he had something important to do first and then he'd be over, so I went straight home, but he never showed. I'd just assumed he was going to stop off at the store or something, maybe to pick up a dessert."

Kris' eyes went wide. "She's right. I remember now. He did say he planned to have dinner with Holly."

"You're certain you don't know where he was going?" Kate asked Holly.

"He wouldn't tell me, no. But he did say he wouldn't be long, which is why I think - he was kidnapped. It's the only explanation that makes sense."

"And who do you believe would have reason to kidnap him?" Kate asked, although she had a few ideas of her own on the subject.

"Look, it's no secret Tommy had a gambling problem, it wasn't something he was proud of, but he swore he'd quit and I believed him - still do. But those people...they...once they got their claws into him, it was like they wouldn't let go. If anyone was going to kidnap him it would have to be those horrible men, BB and Vinny. They're animals, and like I've already told you, he's had run-ins with them before. They're both dangerous. I warned Tommy to stay away from them, especially that BB guy. I insisted he leave here, return home, but he can be so stubborn. He refused to listen to reason; said Kris needed his help here and that he couldn't leave yet, not until his debts were repaid and Kris agreed it was time to go." She looked pointedly at Kris and shook her head, frowning. "I'm sorry, but I'll just never understand why you didn't send him home weeks ago."

Kris took a deep breath. "Because at first, it wasn't his time yet, Holly. Perhaps someday, you'll come to understand my decision. And now...well, I have my reasons."

Holly leaned back and crossed her arms, clearly disagreeing.

Confused by their awkward moment, Beckett turned to Castle for support, but his eyes were wide, clearly intrigued by their confrontation. She attempted to ease the tension in the room. "We're currently looking to apprehend both Bernie Balboa and Vincent Costa. If Tommy is with them - we'll find him." She assured the girl, who merely nodded back, not entirely convinced.

"Kris, you walked out with Timmy and Tommy after work. Do you recall the conversation?" Castle asked.

"No, I'm sorry...I don't, but they may have been arguing over something. They were being very secretive. Then again, they often had their heads together those two. It could have been about most anything really." He sighed. "I'm trying to remember more, I truly am."

"It's alright, Kris. Don't worry." Castle said. "It will all come back to you in due time."

"I'm sure you're right, but it's very frustrating." He said. "I want to help, really I do."

"We believe you, Kris." Castle said, taking the liberty of speaking on behalf of himself, Kate and Holly. Kate didn't dispute his claim. Although her job was to remain neutral until all the facts were in, her gut told her Kris was indeed sincere in his wanting to help.

"Oh, I do remember something else. He got into a cab – Tommy that is!" Kris said, loudly. "It pulled up as we were standing there."

"Yes, that's right, he did." Kate agreed, much to his surprise. "We met with quite a few of your co-workers earlier today." She explained, checking her files for a name. "A, Tammy Wilson, also recalled seeing Tommy getting into a cab..."

"Ah, splendid! So you've met the gang, have you?" He chuckled, turning to Castle. "Yet another reason I enjoy these visits so much each year - meet some very interesting people. Quite a motley crew, wouldn't you say?"

Holly snorted. "... motley crew of morons." She mumbled under her breath.

Kris frowned, and then shook his head disapprovingly. "Now Holly...be nice."

"What?" She asked, feigning wide-eyed innocence.

"Pay her no mind." Kris told them. "They're all good eggs; truly they are, though some might be considered slightly more cracked than others." He chuckled at his own joke.

"Forgive him, but he's forgotten that loser Drucker is the one responsible for getting us into this mess in the first place. He introduced Tommy to those criminals." Holly added.

"While that may be true, Tommy, and Tommy alone, must take full responsibility for the choices he's made." Kris reminded her, pointing a finger in the air.

Kate had quickly lost control of the questioning again. "Unfortunately, Tammy didn't get a good look at the license plate number or remember anything other than it being yellow and black. Since there were no cameras outside by the exit there wasn't much more to go on. What can you tell us about the cab, Kris?" She asked, trying to keep them on track.

"Well, Tammy was correct, it was yellow and black, but there was also a sign on top, an advertisement for, I believe it was the Radio City Music Hall's Christmas Spectacular. I do love a good musical."

"That's great, Kris." Kate said, making a note. "This will help us track it down. We'll re-check the traffic cameras first thing tomorrow."

"Oh, wonderful!" He replied. "At last, I feel as though I'm being of some use!"

"You're being extremely helpful." Castle assured him.

Kate took a deep breath, uncomfortable at the mere thought of her next question, however, the evidence Jordan had presented earlier really left her no choice. Based on most of his previous answers she'd hope for the best, take what she could get and then follow it all up with good, old-fashioned police work. "Kris..."

"Yes, dear?"

"I can't believe I'm asking you this." She said, more to herself than the group before her. "But do you own...a sled?" She braced herself for his answer.

"As a matter of fact, I do." He smiled. "A necessity in my line of work, wouldn't you agree?" He turned to Castle. "It's really quite something – state of the art! You might say I've got a guy too." He laughed.

"Cool!" Castle exclaimed, very interested to hear more.

"Right." Kate nodded. Naturally. "May we see it?"

"I'm afraid that's not possible, dear."

"It's not? And why is that?" she asked.

"Oh, I'd love to show it off mind you, but it's not here at the moment."

"And where is it?"

"It's in storage."

"We'll be needing the address of the storage place." She clicked her pen, prepared to write down what she could only hope would turn out to be a legitimate address.

"Certainly. It's back at the Pole. That's One North Pole, in my barn to be precise. Parking is simply horrendous here in the city; even more so at this time of year." He explained. "Why ever do you ask?"

She stopped writing, un-clicked the pen, carefully laid it down on the coffee table. "New evidence has recently come to light, from a different case, one we suspect may be linked to this one."

"I see..." Kris replied, his curiosity piqued.

"When was the last time your um, sled... was used?"

"Upon our arrival, after which, I sent it on home."

"Okay then." She said, having heard enough, her questioning session having gone downhill faster than a slalom race. She turned once again to Castle for help.

"Isn't he great?" He grinned back at her, his eyes sparkling.

She'd never felt more alone...

A/N: The next chapter will be posted tomorrow night! Thanks for reading! Karen