Author's Note: Thanks for reviewing and reading! I know that it has been quite some time since I last updated and I apologize for that. I have been so busy lately. Last night's Castle, was my favorite episode of the entire series. Well, maybe until next weeks. A lot of people are saying that with Bracken behind bars that the series will end. I disagree with that completely. This storyline, for me, is far from over. I feel like Bracken can do so much behind bars and there is still the whole 3XK dilemma so...yeah. Well anyway here is chapter 54. Thanks and Review! BTW: I am not a lawyer so don't take my word for any of this.

I got out of the town car and held the door open for Alexis. I held out my hand and she took it, helping her out of the car. The paparazzi were all over us, the hired security not doing much to hold the crowd back. I quickly wrapped a protective arm around her. We began to walk up the steps when Esposito and Ryan came up to us and guided us up the stairs. The security guards opened the doors to the court house letting us in and keeping the unwanted press out.

Alexis and I walked into the lobby of the courthouse and saw Beckett, Castle, Lanie, Jim Beckett, and Captain Gates waiting.

"Did the press hound you?" Castle asked.

"Yea, luckily Esposito and Ryan came to the rescue." Alexis said shoving Esposito playfully.

Lou Jones, the District Attorney, walking towards the courtroom. I excused myself from the conversation and approached him.

"Lou!" I said to get his attention.

He turned around and stopped. "Jasper." He said solemnly.

"I wanted to ask you if you think you have strong case against my…him."

"We're not really supposed to discuss this with others. But, if he doesn't take the plea deal. We most certainly will put him away. Jasper, you need to be prepared. Your father is conniving, manipulative bastard and I have no doubt in my mind that he will not rest until he is dead. Just because we are putting him behind bars, does not mean that you are safe. I still can't believe that my friend of ten years, my mentor, is going to be sitting at the other table."

"What about Vulcan?"

"Mr. Simmons is being charged with drug trafficking, conspiracy, and attempted murder."

"Lou, he is a murderer."

"I know but we don't have the evidence to support. It's all circumstantial. Listen, kid, I gotta get in there. Take care of yourself. Be ready when we call you up."

"Of course." I said shaking his hand. "Good luck."

I walked back to the group and we walked into the courtroom. We all sat down behind the district attorney. The courtroom was loud until silence fell upon us. My father walked in his black suit. His eyes were cold on me. A hint of a smile ghosted his lips.

Alexis held my hand a little tighter, drawing small circles.

"All rise, for Judge Markway." The clerk said. We all stood as the man entered and sat down. "Court is now in session, the honorable Judge Markway presiding."

"In the matter of the State vs. Bracken, Mr. Bracken how do you plead?" He said sliding the reading glasses of his nose watching my father carefully.

My father and his lawyer stood, cameras flashing. He cleared his throat.

"Guilty, Your Honor." He said. A gasp erupted from the audience as the cameras flashed brighter and faster.

"Counsel, have you reached a settlement?" Judge Markway asked.

"Yes, Your Honor. Mr. Bracken will serve a lesser sentence as long as he gives up known accomplices and associates."

"Mr. Bracken, do you know that by pleading guilty you lose the right to a jury trial?"

"Yes, Your Honor."

"Do you give up that right?"

"Yes, Your Honor."

"Did anyone force you into accepting this settlement?"

There was that smile again. "No."

"Are you pleading guilty because you in fact committed these crimes?"

"Yes, Your Honor."

"Mr. Bracken, you are hereby sentenced to fifty years in state penitentiary with chance of parole in forty." Markway said slamming his hammer down on the table.

I looked over at Alexis and softly kissed her. Against her lips I told her that I loved her. She reached up and cupped my cheek, telling me that she loved me back.

It was over, for now.