Aftermath

Jerry Tyson isn't dead.

Richard Castle has had that thought playing like a mantra in his head every day since that night on the bridge. He had contracted workmen in the loft that very morning. He would turn the loft into a fortress.

He had the plans drawn up. Security cameras on the front and fire escape doors. (both internally and externally mounted, wired so that attempts to open the casings or cut their power would sound a silent alarm to the loft phone, his cell, and Beckett's. He bought a brand new laptop, one with more stringent security protocols, facial recognition and biometrics, had his man Agent Gray make a few "special modifications" even he didn't pretend to understand.

He spoke to Alexis and she agreed to allow him to reinstall the GPS tracking app on their cell phones. She didn't like it, but when he swore up and down that he would only employ it if she went missing, and explained that she would be able to do the same should something happen to him, she relented. Though Alexis didn't have all the details, she knew that he had been framed for murder, and his lack of an alibi had nearly done him in, only Kate's steadfast belief that he could not have done this had prevented a tragedy. She could accept this minor concession to her dignity, if it would help keep him safe.

The modifications to the loft had been a safe room, changed locks (and a few new ones) reinforced lockable doors on all of the rooms, and a complete remodel of his study. Gone were the open walls and peek through shelves to make it less easy for someone to simply walk in, tamper with his laptop and plant evidence against him. The last modification was tinted military grade window glass on every window. The outward view was not obstructed, but no longer could anyone simply look inside.

Tyson had tainted his home with his foul presence, been here while he slept, watched him make love to Kate. He would never feel truly safe here ever again.

He had spoken to some people and had obtained one thing more. Something he would not talk to Kate about until the time came. Two magazines of armor piercing Black Talons, which he slipped into the glove box of her police car.

The next time he shot Tyson, he wanted to make sure.