Justin Hankel is a hardworking pageant consultant, and the manager of Amber Middleberry, Miss Illinois at Baron's All-American Beauty pageant. Unfortunately, as "Pretty Dead" kicks off, Amber has just come down with the lighting and is, beyond doubt, an ex-competitor. Justin, having pinned all his career hopes on her, is visibly and understandably distraught, and regales Castle and Beckett with tales of her sweetness and caring.