Okay, so I decided to make another side chapter. This takes place around chapter 14 and shortly after chapter 22, but it's (mostly) from Detective Castleton's POV. I wanted to give him (along with Gena and Koch) some development. I hope you enjoy it.

Once again, I would like to give thanks to DukeyDukeyDoo and Mike The Red Engine for helping me proofread.

Side Chapter 2: Castleton's Investigation

At the Royal Woods Police Department...

[Castleton sat at his desk trying to comprehend what he got from Lynn Sr., Rita, Lori, Lincoln, Bobby, and Ronnie Anne. This Alex Santiago character sounded like a good lead, but he needed more proof...let alone figure out if the dead woman was Alex's wife.]

[Just then, Koch walked up next to his partner holding a cup of coffee.]

Koch: "What up, Cas? Doin' your homework?"

Castleton: "I'm trying to connect the dots here. If what the Louds said was true, then there has to be solid evidence."

Koch: "Info partly coming from some knocked up teen? She should've just kept her legs closed when she had the chance."

Castleton: "You know, your act with the gun didn't really make things easier. You could have shot one of the kids by accident, for God's sake!"

Koch: "You were in danger! I was just trying to help!"

[Castleton sighed and rolled his eyes.]

Castleton: "We're gonna have to take a blood sample from one of the Santiago kids."

Koch: "What for?"

Castleton: "It's gonna help us determine if the dead woman is their mother. We need all the evidence we can if we want to solve this case."

Koch: "What's the point, Cas? It's probably her, anyway."

Castleton: "And how do you know that?"

[Koch said nothing and sat at his desk. Castleton got up from his own desk and walked over to the phone. He picked it up and dialed the number to the Loud House. After three beeps, he heard Rita on the other end.]

Rita: "Loud residence, this is Rita."

Castleton: "Good morning, Mrs. Loud. I understand you're letting the Santiago kids stay at your house until things improve?"

Rita: "Yes, from what Bobby told us, his old house was put up for sale."

Castleton: "Right...if it's not too much trouble, we'd like to see him."

Rita: "What for?"

Castleton: "We want to run a blood test to see if we have a match for the woman."

Rita: "Alright. I'll see if he's willing to go. I know he's almost an adult, but some teens tend to still be afraid."

Castleton: "Well...I'm sure you can think of something. We appreciate the help, Mrs. Loud."

[Castleton hung up and went to walked over to Koch.]

Castleton: "Come on, Matt. Let's head downstairs."

[Castleton and Koch went downstairs into the crime lab where a nurse was waiting. After waiting for about ten minutes, Rita and Bobby had arrived.]

Castleton: "Greetings, Bobby...Mrs. Loud. We appreciate both of you coming on such short notice."

Rita: "Of course, Castleton...anything to help these kids. Is it okay if I stand by Bobby's side?"

Castleton: "Of course, Mrs. Loud."

[Koch watched Bobby being seated before scoffing in disgust and mumbling to himself.]

Koch: "What kind of man's afraid of needles, anyhow?"

[Castleton heard his partner mumbling and gave him a look of extreme disapproval before turning back to Bobby.]

Castleton: "Just ignore him. He missed lunch."

Koch: "Do you have to rub it in, smartass?"

Castleton: "This boy and his sister has suffered a lot more than you can ever have! We're supposed to uphold the law here, and you're not helping one bit!"

Koch: "Would you not be so loud? People could hear us from upstairs."

[The two detectives kept arguing for about two minutes until they heard the nurse speak.]

Nurse: "Alright, Bobby, we're all done."

[Rita started stroking Bobby's hair.]

Rita: "See. That wasn't so bad...was it?"

Bobby: "This is awkward...but yeah, that was better than last time."

Koch: "Alright, you gave us your blood. Now get the hell out."

[The young Latino and the mother of eleven started to head out of the room while the latter gave Koch one glare.]

Castleton: "Damn it, Koch. Do you have to keep acting like that around victims?"

Koch: "Must you always get on my case, Cas? In case you've forgotten, I haven't eaten because you made me skip lunch just so you can collect blood from some chickenshit who's afraid of a tiny little prick."

Castleton: "We need that blood to identify our victim, and all you can think about is food?"

[Castleton sighed.]

Castleton: "Sometimes I wonder why you even joined the force."

[Koch just scoffed.]

Koch: "You and me both, Cassie... You and me both. Now if your excuse me, I'm going on my break."

[Castleton watched as his partner headed up the stairs. Castleton then sighed and went back upstairs while thinking to himself.]

Castleton: I swear to God... That man is just a real piece of work... I hope that attitude of his comes back to bite him in the ass someday.

[Hours have passed and it was now nightfall. Castleton arrived back at the crime lab to see the coroner with a worried look on his face.]

Coroner: "Greetings, Castleton."

Castleton: "How are the results?"

Coroner: "Well, Castleton... I'm afraid the tests came out positive. Bobby Santiago's DNA matches that of the woman...or should I say...Lydia."

Castleton: "Damn it! What the fuck is wrong with this world."

[The coroner put his hand on Castleton's shoulder to calm him down.]

Coroner: "Take it easy there, Castleton. We just need to break the news to the Louds."

Castleton: "I know, but..."

[Castleton sighed.]

Coroner: "If we could all turn back time, this world would be a safer place."

[Castleton nodded before heading upstairs to sat at his desk and pulled out his cell phone before dialing the number to the Loud house. After four beeps, Lynn Sr. answered.]

Lynn Sr.: "Loud residence, this is Lynn Sr. speaking."

Castleton: "Good evening, Mr. Loud. We've been doing some research with Bobby's blood."

Lynn Sr.: "Uh-huh..."

Castleton: "We were able to find a match, and..."

Lynn Sr.: "Yeah?"

[Castleton sighed.]

Castleton: "I'm afraid we have some bad news, Mr. Loud. We found Lydia Santiago, but as it turns out… She been dead for days."

Lynn Sr.: "Oh...uh...I see..."

Castleton: "You still there, sir?"

Lynn Sr.: "Well, thanks. I'll...be sure to inform Bobby and Ronnie Anne about this. I just hope you bring that monster to justice."

Castleton: "Don't worry, Mr. Loud. Once we find him, rest assured we'll make him pay for his crimes."

[Castleton hung up the phone and put his hand over his eyes. Koch, who was watching from his desk, walked up next to him.]

Koch: "What did I tell ya? She's already dead."

Castleton: "Please, don't give me this, Koch. If I had a time machine, I would go back and save that woman!"

Koch: "And I wish I could get a job working a fast food joint instead of becoming a cop...which I can't! Time machine's don't even exist, so stop wallowing and do something useful for once!"

Castleton: "Okay, that's enough! Let's just focus on trying to find Lydia's husband. He seems like the most likely suspect."

[Castleton started looking through his computer for information on Alex Santiago. After searching for what seemed like minutes, Castleton found some interesting info regarding Alex.]

Castleton: "Get yourself ready, Koch. We are going to Detroit."

Koch: "Well...shit."

Later, in Detroit...

[The drive took about an hour. Castleton was at the wheel, while Koch sat beside him, eating a cheeseburger he got from Burpin' Burger along the way, much to Castleton's disgust.]

Koch: "Y'know, Cas...you should try one of these burgers. They're just out of this world."

[Koch poked the burger at Castleton's face, and he shoved it away.]

Castleton: "You know damn well I'm a vegetarian."

Koch: "Alright...no need to bite my dick off."

[The duo pulled up in front of a bar called "The Lonesome Buffalo".]

Castleton: "Well, this must be the place."

Koch: "How can you be sure we'd find anything here?"

Castleton: "This is a biker's favorite hangout."

Koch: "Yeah- Uhhhh...I'm just gonna wait here in the car."

[Castleton sighed. He wanted to get his partner to follow him, but thought it would be a waste of time and walked through the door to the bar before showing his badge to al the men, bikers, and a couple of women who were inside.]

Castleton: "Detective Ian Castleton, Royal Woods Police Department. I'm investigating the murder of Lydia Santiago."

[Everyone stopped what they were doing and turned to look at the detective in the room. One of the bikers who looked to have been in a fight raised his hand.]

Biker: "You're a little late, pig! El Jefe's already taken off with Rodd...and he does not fuck around! Now how about you get outta here before you end up dead!"

[Castleton ignored that threat and walked up to the bar before sitting on one of the stools and asking the bartender a question.]

Bartender: "What can I get you?"

Castleton: "Do you know anybody named Alex Santiago?"

[The bartender leaned over and whispered into the detective's ear.]

Bartender: "Meet me out back."

[Castleton nodded and followed the bartender through the back room until they were both outside in an alleyway.]

Castleton: "Okay, so... Tell me where I can find Alex Santiago."

Bartender: "What's he look like?"

Castleton: "Big guy, dark hair, middle-aged, Hispanic, have you seen him come to this establishment?"

Bartender: "Yeah, I've seen him. He came in looking pretty angry. Then, Rodd, the leader of BoEMC came in and they both started talking for a bit before some bikers wanted to start a fight with them. I didn't see much because I hid behind the bar to avoid getting hurt, though I was able to hear the commotion. When the fighting stopped, I looked over and saw that Alex and Rodd were already gone."

Castleton: "Well...do you have any idea on where they could've taken off to?"

Bartender: "I don't really know. But considering the connection Alex has with BoEMC, he might be staying with him at their clubhouse nearby. But I'd be careful though...that place is guarded like Fort Knox. Also, I think it's best that you don't go through the bar again. Try going around the building so you won't get jumped by those bikers."

[Castleton gave the bartender a small smile.]

Castleton: "Thanks for being cooperative, sir... But I think you should consider finding a safer line of work... You have a family, don't you?"

Bartender: "Yes... A wife and a beautiful daughter who's almost thirteen."

[Castleton waved at the bartender before walking around the outside of the bar until he approached his car. Castleton got in while Koch was just sitting around doing nothing.]

Koch: "So, how did it go?"

Castleton: "Alex isn't here, but I think I know another place he might be at."

Koch: "Where are we going now?"

Castleton: "To the Brotherhood of Exemption clubhouse... Our man is meeting with a Calvin Harburton, aka Rodd, the gang's leader."

Koch: "You mean we're going to a biker's club?! Those assholes will rip us a bunch of new ones if we take even one step near there!"

Castleton: "We don't have a choice, do we? If Alex and Rodd are there, then we're going. You're coming with me, and I'll do the talking."

Koch: "Fuck my life..."

[The drive took about ten minutes, but the two detective pulled up in front of a building wedged between two others. Standing in front of the building were two bikers guarding the entrance. Castleton got out of the car and walked in front of the guards with Koch following him.]

Biker: "State your business!"

[Castleton took his badge out of his coat and showed it to the bikers.]

Castleton: "We're here on official Royal Woods Police business. We'd like clearance to see Mr. Calvin Harburton, also goes by the name of Rodd... Is he here?"

[The guards moved from the door and the two detectives walked inside the building where they were met with cold stares and insults from the other bikers. After a few seconds of silence, Castleton noticed the gang's leader and spoke to him.]

Castleton: "Are you Calvin Harburton?"

Rodd: "Maybe I am? Who are you people?"

[The man pulled a badge out of his coat and showed it to Rodd.]

Castleton: "Detectives Castleton and Kochner. We're from the Royal Woods Police Department."

[All the other bikers pointed their guns and knifes at the detectives. Koch wanted to reach for his own gun, but Castleton stopped him. Rodd put his hands up to calm everyone down.]

Rodd: "Drop your weapons, everyone! We don't want to raise a fuss with the DPD."

[So they all obeyed and dropped their weapons before the scene could turn into violent. Castleton stared at the mustachioed man with interest.]

Castleton: "Nice leadership skills."

Rodd: "Thanks...just wish the same could be said about your partner."

[Koch growled and Castleton stopped him again.]

Castleton: "Best not to provoke him, Koch...he could be useful."

Rodd: "So what are two coppers from one town over doing all the way in big bad Detroit?"

[Castleton took out his pen and notebook.]

Castleton: "We're investigating the murder of Lydia Santiago."

[Rodd's face fell upon hearing that.]

Rodd: "Holy shit, man! Al's wife was murdered?"

Castleton: "Yes. You know the victim's husband, Alex Santiago?"

[Rodd thought for a moment. Koch looked at him feeling impatient.]

Koch: "Hey! The man asked you a question, and you better fucking answer it!"

Castleton: "Koch!"

[Castleton shushed his partner before turning his gaze back to Rodd.]

Rodd: "Maybe...but I haven't seen him for quite a long time."

Castleton: "Then, maybe you won't mind if my partner and I search the premises, do you?"

[Rodd thought for a few seconds.]

Rodd: "You got three minutes...but I'm telling you, he ain't here. Also, I think your partner over there should find a new line of work instead of detecting."

Koch: "You flat-headed piece of-"

[Koch started marching towards Rodd before he was pulled back by his partner.]

Castleton: "Koch, search upstairs...I'm gonna ask the president some more questions."

Koch: "Sure, Cas..whatever keeps me away from these people."

[Koch went upstairs while giving Rodd one more glare. He turned to the room on the right and saw his man.]

Koch: "Hey, Al."

[Alex looked at the detective and chuckled to himself.]

Alex: "Well...it looks like it's Alex's lucky day after all. How are you, Koch?"

Koch: "Same as usual...doing my job, maybe enjoy a burger or something, and then off to bed. Rinse and repeat."

Alex: "Right."

Koch: "So...I heard your little family business...didn't work out?"

Alex: "Well...you know that saying...you win some, you lose some."

Koch: "Yeah, well, is there any way you can hook me up with some green? I've been blowing my rent money on another failed bet, and it's due any day now."

[Alex pulled out a few thousand dollars out of his pocket and gave them to the detective.]

Alex: "You're not gonna let anyone know about this, are you?"

Koch: "Come on, Al... Would I let anyone know? I have a reputation to maintain."

Alex: "No problema, Kochner. You just watch yourself out there."

[Koch then left the room and went back downstairs where Castleton was still talking to Rodd.]

Koch: "He's not here, Cas. Let's just get the fuck out of here while our asses are still intact."

Castleton: "Shit. Well, Mr. Harburton, we thank you for your cooperation. But, when you do find Mr. Santiago, do us a favor and bring him to us."

[Rodd sighed.]

Rodd: "I'll have to think about that."

[And with that, the two detectives left the building, got in their car, and drove all the way back to Royal Woods.]

Koch: "Thank God I'm finally out of that hellhole! I wouldn't want to be caught dead with any of those rugged psychos."

Castleton: "Keep calm, Koch. It's only a matter of time before Harburton decides to help us."

Koch: "You're trusting a criminal to help us catch this guy? I think all that gum has gone to your head, Cas."

Castleton: "This 'criminal' is also an informant for the Detroit P.D.. Give him time, Koch. In just a few days, if not longer, he's gonna see exactly what kind of man Alex Santiago really is. And once he does, we'll find out for ourselves when we bring him in."

Four months later, at the Royal Woods Police Department...

[Gena sat in a cell under the police station feeling nothing but hatred and sadness. She did everything that she could to take care of her sister, but after what her ex-lover did, none of that mattered anymore. She stared at Alex, who was in another cell at the end of the room and started thinking.]

Gena: You fucking traitor! You show up back in my life after several years, and you use me and my gang as your tools? I wish I could've just killed you right then and there! You're the reason my sister is dead!

[Gena was rudely snapped out of her thoughts when she saw Castleton and Koch come downstairs.]

Castleton: "Hello, Artega."

Gena: "Hola, pig..."

Castleton: "Are you ready to give us everything about your 'friend'?"

[Gena scoffed and looked away from the two detectives.]

Koch: "I don't think this bitch is willing to cooperate, Cas... I say we beat it out of her."

[Gena stood up and grabbed Koch by the tie before dragging him towards her.]

Gena: "How about you say that again to my face, you selfish coward! I'd like to see your heart on a spit!"

[Castleton dragged his partner off of Gena and looked at her with pity. Koch then stood behind his partner and whispered into his ear.]

Koch: "That woman is crazy, Cas!"

Castleton: "Listen, Artega... I know what it's like to lose family, but I need your cooperation if you want to see Alex suffer...okay?"

[Gena sighed and let her tears flow. She wiped the tears off her face before following the two detectives to Interrogation Room 1. Gena sat down at the table while Castleton sat across from her before taking out his notebook and pen. Koch stood by the door in case the biker tried to escape.]

Castleton: "Now...can you describe your relationship with your sister?"

Gena: "I...I loved her...very much."

Castleton: "How close were you two?"

[Gena looked down at the floor.]

Gena: "We were pretty much a team... I've protected her through this harsh world ever since she was born... Our father was a gambler and a drunk who kept blowing our money away at some gentleman's club. Our madre kept seeing other men behind his back just to keep us provided..."

[Castleton wrote in his notebook as Gena kept talking.]

Gena: "When our father found out about my mother's affairs, they both separated and Marcelle and I moved with our mother to the United States... When I turned eighteen, I wanted to make money on the streets just to keep us fed... After doing some odd jobs around Detroit, I came across the Brotherhood of Exemption."

Koch: "Not a very legit solution if you ask me."

[Gena gave Koch a brief yet angry glare before continuing her story.]

Gena: "During my time with BoEMC, I wanted to show them that a woman can be just as tough as the rest of those men, and that is how I met Alex."

Castleton: "And where does your sister fit into this?"

Gena: "I wanted Marcelle to get an education and live a normal life just like everyone else...maybe have a family of her own... But instead, she had to join me and my gang... It wasn't entirely her fault, she had nowhere else to go after our mother died..."

Castleton: "What happened to your mother?"

Gena: "From what Marcelle told me...she got shot during a mugging in downtown Detroit. Shortly after my gang, Las Hermanas, was formed, Marcelle found out where I was and decided to live with me and join up with us. I even made her my second-in-command, even if it was an unpopular decision."

[Koch looked away and started thinking.]

Koch: Her sister must've been really desperate or really stupid.

[Gena looked up at the detectives with a sad look on her face.]

Gena: "I spent my life trying to protect my sister...but I guess it doesn't matter anymore... The reason I wanted to let that Loud boy go was because Marcelle told me to... She was just a poor misunderstood woman...and now she's..."

[Gena's eyes welled up with tears and she sobbed. Koch then walked over to the biker woman and slammed his hands on the table before staring directly at her.]

Koch: "Oh, somebody bring out a violin, because you're getting me all misty-eyed. The law doesn't care about your pathetic little sob story or those crocodile tears! You got your own sister killed and kidnapped a little boy! That's all she wrote!"

[This earned the bad cop a slap across the face from the woman, who stared darkly at him.]

Gena: "You know what happened to my father? He tried to hit my madre with a beer bottle after he found out about her cheating. Marcelle and I watched as they both struggled until the man dropped his broken bottle. The minute he had the upper hand against her...I picked up the broken bottle, and stabbed it right in his back. I watched as he slowly let go of my mother and collapsed right on the floor in front of her. I taught him back then not to fuck with me...and you should know that as well."

Castleton: "Alright! Settle down!"

[Castleton wrote in his notebook while Koch rubbed his sore face.]

Castleton: "Why did you form Las Hermanas?"

Gena: "We wanted to show those BoEMC bastards that women were not just objects for them and are just as capable of bringing out the big guns."

Koch: "Well...I didn't know we had a feminist on the premises."

[Koch chuckled to himself while his partner gave him a glare before looking back at Gena.]

Castleton: "How long have you been at war with BoEMC?"

Gena: "Shortly after Las Hermanas was established in 2002... We started off small before we started growing in numbers... When we approached 2016, our numbers started dropping until we were reduced to nine members...my sister included."

Castleton: "How long have you known Alex Santiago?"

Gena: "I've known him ever since he served with the Brotherhood of Exemption...before those assholes kicked me out."

Castleton: "What did you do to anger them?"

Gena: "There was a drug deal and the gang was hired as protection... When I saw one of the trader's bodyguards reach for his gun, I fired at him and both sides started shooting at each other. When we got back, the president of BoEMC kicked me out because they thought I was a 'loose cannon'. Alex didn't even try to defend me and just let them throw me out. Now that I think about it...I think Alex only wanted me because of his status... I hope he rots in hell."

[Castleton finished writing in his notebook and stood up.]

Castleton: "That's all we need to know, Gena... We'll have a few stern words to say to Alex, and we will make sure that your sister gets avenged."

Gena: "Since when do you pigs give a shit? I'd rather die in jail."

Koch: "Well, it's not like you have a choice in the matter. Where you and your friends are going, you'll probably be doing much worse than rotting in your own little cells."

[The two detectives left the room and went back downstairs to see Alex sitting in his own cell with his hands cuffed.]

Castleton: "So...Alex Santiago, here we are at last... Are you ready to tell us everything?"

[Alex responded by looking up at the two detectives with a dark look on his face.]

Alex: "What's it too you, gringo?"

Koch: "Just get off your ass and come with us."

[The two detectives put their hands on Alex and dragged him to his feet before taking him to Interrogation Room 2. Alex was seated at the table while Castleton sat across from him and Koch stood by the door.]

Koch: "Is there anything you would like to say before we get this show on the road?"

Alex: "I want a lawyer, por favor."

Castleton: "Save your sentiments, Santiago...you're in our world now. So I think you better tell us what we need to know...unless you want to see my bad side?"

Alex: "Besame el tresero, gringo."

[Castleton pulled out his pen and notebook while Koch stood by the door.]

Castleton: "What was your relationship with your family?"

Alex: "I've helped raised them for eighteen years...and I love them."

Castleton: "If by love, you mean treating them like nothing but objects for your own self-centered benefit, then I think you're a terrible father...and a terrible liar for that matter!"

Alex: "What makes you think I treat my own familia like they're nothing?"

Castleton: "Your son and daughter told me that you abused them and their mother for years... Plus...from what the Detroit SWAT told me back in Fernville, you just shot your own daughter and tried to use your son as a human shield. So, let me ask you this...do you really...love...your...family?"

Alex: "Okay, fine! They're nothing but disobedient little runts who needed to be put in their place! Then they abandon me and run off with those fucking Louds! It's my wife's fault for being too soft on them! Also, I never meant to shoot my daughter! She just got in my way, that's all! Pretty stupid of her if you ask me."

Koch: "And this is why I'm never having kids... They're always getting in your way."

[Castle gave his partner a disgusted look before writing in his notebook.]

Castleton: "What is your relationship with Gena Artega?"

Alex: "She's just some savage biker chick... I don't know her very well..."

Castleton: "I think you've known this 'savage biker chick' for quite some time... Level with me, dammit!"

Alex: "That's what she is...isn't she? What else could she possibly be?"

Castleton: "You've known Gena Artega ever since your biker years! You needed to use her and her gang as a means to get your children back and you've been planning to throw her away after she has done the deed of kidnapping Lincoln Loud! She told us everything about your treachery...and so should you..."

Alex: "Okay, so maybe I've had a thing for Artega once...but those days are over! If her sister is dead, then it's her own damn fault for bringing her in! Those girls were nothing but a couple of hussy parasites, anyway!"

Castleton: "Keep blaming everyone around you for as long as you want, but you always seem to ignore the elephant in the room...yourself."

Alex: "Are you calling me fat?"

[Castleton didn't respond and kept writing in his notebook.]

Castleton: "Why did you kill Lydia Santiago?"

[Alex folded his arms and glared at them.]

Alex: "I have no idea what you're talking about."

[Castleton stood up suddenly and banged his hands on the table.]

Castleton: "BULLSHIT! We know you murdered that poor woman- your own WIFE, in cold blood, and all because you wanted to keep those children for yourself! Now I want the fucking truth, and none of your bullshit! Understood?!"

Alex: "What proof do you have to back up that claim, pig?!"

Castleton: "You want proof, huh? Mrs. Santiago's face was pretty much destroyed when we found her outside the city! And those boots you wore matched the marks that were on her body. Plus, the SWAT team heard your so called girlfriend mention Lydia's name. What do you have to say now...El Jefe?"

[Alex just shook his head.]

Alex: "What else is there to say? That puta wanted to take my children away from me! She was nothing but a thief! A manipulative cunt, just like that blonde wretch who took my son! And that white haired shit who ratted me out to his padre! They're all nothing but white trash and they can't raise that filth for shit! You know what? Fuck them both! And fuck that blondie's pitiful excuse for a familia too!"

[Castleton shook his head and moved away from Alex while staring down at him feeling calm.]

Castleton: "That's all I needed to hear, Santiago... I think you've told us plenty. Based on what we've learned, your actions have killed an innocent woman, endangered the lives of three children, and put one of them in the hospital! Maybe your children aren't perfect people, but they deserve better than scum of the earth like you. This world would be a much better place without people like you ruining the lives of others! When the D.A. hears about what you've done, there's a good possibility that you will be sent somewhere where you can no longer do any harm to other innocent people or families ever again! You have my damn promise on that!"

[With that, Castleton and Koch left the room while Alex watched them leave with a sneer.]

Koch: "Damn, Cas... Who knew you had the strength to take down such a big guy?"

Castleton: "I got it through this whole experience...no thanks to you, Matthew."

Koch: "C'mon, man! Why are you so sore, huh?"

Castleton: "You know damn well what's the matter! How can I forget about what you did?!"

Koch: "Okay! What the hell did I do?"

Castleton: "Are you really trying to sweep it under the rug?! You left me behind at the railyard!"

Koch: "Look, Cas... I just panicked...okay, partner?"

Castleton: "I could've died out there!"

Koch: "Well, you didn't! So be thankful for that."

[Castleton sighed and started to head outside, before stopping and taking one last glare back at Koch.]

Castleton: "Some partner you are, Kochner. One of these days, you're gonna regret this."

[Koch just scoffed as he watched his partner leave.]

Koch: "No tolerance... This guy has no tolerance whatsoever."

[Outside, Castleton took out a piece of peppermint gum and put it in his mouth before chewing it. He then took out a picture of himself with a woman and two boys before giving off a small smile.]

Castleton: "I did real good...didn't I, Carrie?"

The next morning, at the Royal Woods Police Department...

[Castleton and Koch were at their desks minding their own business when they heard captain Palmer call out to them over the speaker.]

Palmer: "Castleton! Kochner! Into my office!"

[The two detectives obliged and walked into their superior's office. The captain was sipping on a cup of coffee when he saw the two detectives walk in.]

Palmer: "Have a seat, you two."

[Castleton and Koch took their seats.]

Palmer: "Do you know why I called you in here?"

Koch: "I assume that it's about our work on the Santiago case?"

[Palmer glared at Koch.]

Palmer: "Yes... As a matter of fact, it is."

[Palmer turned his attention towards Castleton.]

Palmer: "I have to say, Castleton, you did a damn good job breaking that mental buffoon. After everything we've gotten out of him, I'd say he's looking at life behind bars, if not death."

Castleton: "What about Artega?"

Palmer: "I'd say she's looking at ten or twenty years in a woman's penitentiary. Maybe even longer, depending on what else we get out of her."

Castleton: "Well, it's all part of being a good detective, captain."

[Koch rolled his eyes and looked at nothing in particular.]

Palmer: "Well, this may come as a surprise to you, but...you're not gonna be a detective anymore."

[Castleton was shocked at this. Was he getting fired?]

[However, Palmer extended his hand to the detective.]

Palmer: "Congratulations, Castleton. For all that you've done, you're getting promoted to police sergeant."

[Castleton was surprised. He wasn't expecting to get a promotion for his hard work.]

Castleton: "Sir...are you sure about this?"

Palmer: "Of course I'm sure! I talked with the chief about your performance, and I think we both agree that you deserve it, and a new office in the Detroit P.D.!"

[Castleton kindly took his superior's hand and shook it with pride.]

Castleton: "I have no idea what to say, sir."

Palmer: "It's quite alright, Castleton. You're a good man on the force...especially when there's family involved. You've done us proud!"

Castleton: "Thank you, captain. I really appreciate the offer."

Koch: "Hey, remember me, cap? I did pretty good on the case myself...helpin' out old Cas here. Shouldn't I get something too?"

[Koch pointed his thumb at his supposed partner while the latter glared at him.]

Palmer: "Actually, Kochner...what you get is a nice, long vacation, in a new line of work... Because as of today, you're fired."

[Koch's smile slowly disappeared.]

Koch: "Excuse me?! I must've heard incorrectly. Could you repeat that?"

[Koch stuck his index finger in his ear as if he was cleaning it out. Captain Palmer stood up from his chair and spoke to the detective.]

Palmer: "You heard me loud and clear, Koch! You're through! Finished in this place! Off the force! In short...FIRED!"

Koch: "WHY THE HELL WOULD YOU DO THAT, CHIEF?! I'VE DONE PLENTY FOR YOU GUYS!"

Palmer: "Well it's time to face the music, Kochner! You think you're some big shot cop who can get the job done when in reality, you're just a lazy good-for-nothing who just sits around and eats burgers in your partner's car! Plus, you've destroyed the drink machine at Flip's Food and Fuel and the owner is still pretty pissed about it! And to add to that, Castleton here told me about what you did at the Fernville railyard...and let me tell you, that was the most disgusting thing that I've ever heard about! Now turn in your badge before I take it myself."

Koch: "C'mon, captain! Y-y-you got it all wrong! I just thought that he died! Who the hell can survive the carnage back there!"

Palmer: "It's over Koch! Badge...now!"

[Koch then turned to his partner and started begging.]

Koch: "Cas! Help me out here! Please! You can't let him kick me out!"

[Castleton just folded his arms and turned away from him in disgust.]

Castleton: "You best do as he says, Kochner."

[At this point, Koch was seething with fury.]

Koch: "I can't believe this bullshit! Ever since you guys put me on this godforsaken case, you let Mr. Family Man Castleton here get all the glory! He only wanted to be on this case just so he can get some stupid fuckin' promotion and give the Royal Woods P.D. a bad name! You want my badge? Then just take it!"

[Koch removed the badge from his coat and slammed it on the captain's desk. Palmer continued staring at Koch without flinching.]

Palmer: "I also need your gun."

[Koch pointed his gun at the captain before putting it down on his desk.]

Koch: "Anything else you want from me?! My suit?! Well you can't have that! It's mine and no one else's! And another thing... You can't fire someone when that person decides to quit! And that's what I'm doing right now! I QUIT!"

[And with that, Koch started storming out of the office. As soon as he was at the door, he turned around and gave one final glare at his ex-partner.]

Koch: "And as for you, Castleton! I was the one who brought you here in the first place! Without me, you would've spent the rest of your life drinking until you've died of alcohol poisoning! And all because you can't cope with your own family's demise! I hope that little fuckin' promotion of yours was worth it!"

[Castleton was ready to give his former partner a good hit in the jaw while Palmer glared at Koch.]

Palmer: "Kochner...leave...now!"

[With that, Koch walked out of the room and slammed the door shut causing the pictures to shake before one of them fell to the floor and broke. Castleton kept still through the whole thing.]

Palmer: "Jesus, Castleton! How did you put up with that man?"

Castleton: "Well, it wasn't easy... He's been a huge pain in my ass for months, but I think what happened back in Fernville was the final straw for me."

[Palmer put his hand on Castleton's shoulder in a reassuring way.]

Palmer: "You did the right thing, Castleton... Between us family men, I don't think this guy had any to begin with... You'll do well with your new promotion, won't you?"

[Castleton sighed.]

Castleton: "Don't worry, captain... After what I went through, I'm not gonna let any more families suffer again."

Geo Soul: That's what happens when you put your trust in someone who only wants back what they've lost.

Ellis97: I don't think Las Hermanas is going to be of any concern to the Louds anymore. I think Alex made sure of that.

Gamelover41592: It looks that way.

Philip Craig1: A-thank you.

DarthWill3: I think Christmas is just around the corner.

Hawkeye2006: Not to mention that Alex wanted to outright right KILL Lincoln anyway as he never had any intention to let him go.

Guest: I have a feeling that he will.

SirClearwater: Who knows?

Jacksonangelo105: Don't worry about Ronnie Anne. She'll pull through.

Kameron Scott: Well there's more where that came from.

Mike The Red Engine: Mucho gracias. ;)