Summary: Eleven years. The odds against catching a killer after eleven years were astronomical. At best. She should know.

Notes: Response to the challenge Kate Beckett & Javier Esposito Cold Case for Castleland LJ

Rating: G

Disclaimer: I do not own Castle or the characters.

Against the Dice

Kate sat at her desk, cold coffee in hand, vacant eyes staring unblinkingly at the page before her. It did not matter anyway; by now, she could quote the thing back to you without a glance. Her shoulders were slumped in a mixture of fatigue and impending defeat. She had been poring over this file for two hours.

Eleven years. The odds against catching a killer after eleven years were astronomical. At best. She should know.

But there had to be something here. People did not kill other people and get away with it if Detective Kate Beckett had her say.

A slight scuff from in front of her desk startled her, and she jumped, nearly dropping her mug. Esposito stood there, sheepish apology written across his face.

"Sorry."

She shook her head, a faint smile, a long sigh, a good stretch.

"It's all right. Been a long day."

"I'm heading out for the night."

"Okay. 'Night."

Kate levered herself up from the chair, coffee cup in hand. If she wanted to stay awake, she was going to need a fresh dose of caffeine. A step toward the break room and-

"Kate."

She turned, questioning.

"We'll get him." His voice was certain, something she knew he wasn't.

Still, she nodded, rallying against the protesting aches of her muscles, the sting behind her eyes, at these words.

"We will."

"'Night."

"'Night."

Five minutes and a new steaming cup of coffee and Beckett lowered herself to her desk.

There were always answers. It was up to her to find them.