Defending Jacob: The Aftermath Book 1

Panicking

As Andy, Jacob and Charlotte sat at the table in the diner. Charlotte kept looked over at Cliff, she felt like a deer in the highlights with a car speeding down on her. Jacob notice first they all hadn't said much since she came to the table. At least now things where about to come out in the open. 

"Miss. Rifkin, your Ben's aunt I remember when I was little we where friends. You give me a ride home thank you. I just wanted you to know I didn't kill Ben, I'm sorry he is gone." Jacob said.

"Jacob, I remember you where always quiet in the car, but you where always polite and nice. Jacob it's ok I know you didn't hurt Ben. I remember the time still you guys where like 7 maybe, you both found a hurt bird. You asked me to help you and take the bird to the office at your school. You aren't capable of hurting anyone kid." Charlotte said.

"Jacob, son no one thinks you killed Ben ok. Thank you Miss. Rifkin for saying that to my son." Andy said smiling at her. He noticed something was off though. He still hadn't notice Cliff just yet.

"Mr. Barber, Jacob you guys can call me Charlotte it's ok. Really I just want you both to know my entire family, including my older brother Dan, we know you didn't do it, and it's all in the past ok. No heart feelings Jacob."she said.

"Thank you Miss I mean Charlotte, I know you all believe me, my dad does too. Also some of my friends know it wasn't me. I just wish my mom believed me. She thinks I did it." Jacob says with tears.

"Hey Jacob, your mom I can't speak for her. I know she is a patient of my boss, she's doing better from what I hear. She loves you Jacob your her entire world ok. She just needs time to heal herself. Just know she will believe you one day. It's something she dealing with and has nothing to do with you." Charlotte told him.

Andy, didn't know how but in the moment he feel more in love for her. She was reaching out to Jacob and making him feel better. She even was sticking up for Laurie a woman who hours ago cornered her again. Andy had his left hand in his lab and he gently rubbed her thigh showing his love and support for her. Charlotte was acting a little off she wasn't giving much away to what was bothering her. She got up telling she was heading to the washroom. As she walked away Andy and Jacob where talking. Andy did keep an eye on her, he wanted her safe. When she walked right past him that's when Andy saw him Cliff in the back corner. They glared at each other. Andy wanted to beat the crap out of him. He just ignored him for now, he would make sure Cliff would pay eventually.

"Dad, Charlotte she was always nice to me. I remember she would play games with me and Ben. He loved her, than one day she was gone. Ben missed her a lot, and he started changing and bullying others once she left. I'm glad she is back, and that Ben's family can forgive me." Jacob said.

"Jacob there is nothing to forgive you didn't do it, they just needed some time, to grieve what happened." Andy told him.

When Charlotte came out of the bathroom, Cliff cornered her in the diner. He stopped her before she could get back to the table. Andy saw it all happening and he couldn't do anything incase his son saw something more between them. Jacob saw what was happening to and got scared he knew he that man was too.

"Dad, that's Derek's uncle, I don't know much about him but I know he is dangerous. Is she ok?" Jacob asked.

"I don't know Jacob, maybe they know each other." Andy told him.

"Dad, maybe you should step in she looks nervous." Jacob said.

Andy got up from the table. He started walking and he could hear what was being said to her.

"You two don't seem to understand warnings, Char you know you love me still. I took out one guy in your life, I don't care who he is I'll blow this up for you too." Cliff said.