Castle and Beckett investigate the murder of Miss Illinois, Amber Middleberry, who was found in the rafters of the stage. Jealous contestants and pageant hosts were suspected. Naked pictures were found of Amber, which would result in her being kicked out of the pageant. 

Amber was using the pictures to blackmail the pageant owner into helping her win. Her pageant coach suspected Amber’s former boyfriend was trying to take advantage of her and confronted him, resulting in his death. 

The pageant coach told Amber what happened, causing a fight and her to end up dead as well.

Castle helps Alexis out when she is afraid of losing Ashley as he prepares for college. She decides to apply for early admissions to go with him in the fall.