The Only Beanie - Book 4 (Riverdale Season 4/5)

Witness for the Prosecution - Part 2

"Hey," Archie said as Aminity picked up the phone.

"Hey, what's up?"

"Your dad told me about the clam bakes that the Serpents used to do. Do you know anything about those?"

"The ones they did when they would move?"

"Yeah."

"I mean, I've heard of them, but we haven't had any since Jughead and I have been involved. Not other than the one your dad hosted, but I don't think that counts. Why?"

"He said I should do one. The center's been getting a lot of negative feedback from local business owners."

"It's not a bad idea. Maybe not a clam bake, but something close."

"Yeah, I've got an idea."

***

Aminity stood with the rest of the crowd in the gym as Archie, Reggie, and Munroe stood in front of them, news stations filming.

"Most of you know me by now, but my name is Archie Andrews. I run this place with Munroe Moore and we invited you here today to set the record straight about a few things. Starting with, despite a few bogus complaints that have been made, this community center is not going anywhere. In fact, starting today, we will be expanding our hours to eleven pm and we'll be open on Sundays. We'll also be offering tutoring and homework help which will be coordinated by Aminity Jones," he locked eyes with her for a second and she nodded with a smile. "So, to my neighbors, I say, instead of working against us, why don't you come and help out? Sponsor a baseball team, donate your time. These kids need people to show them that they care which is why we're starting a Big Brothers and Big Sisters program. The Riverdale High Bulldogs," he glanced over at Reggie, "and the Vixens have already volunteered, so why don't you? And if you still want to shut us, then go ahead and try. My mom is a very good lawyer. Or you can try the cops and I'll call my best friends' dad, the sheriff of Riverdale. Otherwise, my friendly advice to you is get out of my way."

***

"You're gonna save this town," Sweet Pea smiled at Aminity as they drank their milkshakes at Pop's.

"I don't know about that," she blushed.

"Come on, Archie may be heading the community center up, but you're helping. And I know you. It may not be right now, but one day."

"You have so much faith," she chuckled, looking away.

"And you have too little," he told her seriously, making her look back at him.

***

Jughead and Aminity looked up from the books they were reading, both Baxter Brothers, as their father walked in the door.

"Well, look what the cat dragged in."

"I'm done with Stonewall Prep," Jughead said as he went back to reading. "Place is toxic. I'm going back to Riverdale High to be with my friends."

"Nope. Mm-mmm. You're not throwing away this opportunity."

"You're giving me whiplash, Dad," Jughead sighed as he put his book down. "What opportunity? So I can be buried alive in a coffin or be told that the only reason I'm there is because I grew up in a trailer park?"

"Someone said that to you?"

"Yeah. Bret did."

"Who cares how you got in? You're in. And those silver spoons, they feel threatened. This Bret kid, he knows you're better than him. That you're gonna leave him in the dust. And you're gonna do it without the- without the privilege or the fancy name. But if you drop out now, you're no better than my old man."

"If you hated him so much, then why would you name me after him?"

"It's my name too, don't you forget. And yeah, I hate him, but he's still my old man, so that's gotta count for something, huh?" Jughead only sighed, going back to his book. "Also, uh..." FP sighed. "Those books weren't from me. Your granddad sent them from wherever the hell he was. I didn't tell you 'cause... 'Cause I'm still angry at how he treated us." He sat between his kids. "He was a hard man and there was no love lost between us, but I gotta give the devil his due. The books you both love... were from him."

"And you have no idea where he is now?" Jughead asked quietly.

"No."

"Do you want me to look for him?"

"No, I don't. But I'll tell you what I do want. I want you to go back. I want you to do what my father never did, what I never did. Graduate high school. Show those preppies what it means to be a Jones man. Bring honor to our name." Aminity and Jughead shared a look as their father leant back into the couch.

***

"You've been back for less than an hour and you're already calling?" Aminity asked as she picked up Jughead's call.

"I found a note from Grandpa in the first book. Dad tore the page out, but there was enough of an indent on the next page."

"Wait, what? What does it say?"

"'Li'l Forsythe III, happy birthday. Sorry I'm not there to celebrate with you. Never let anyone tell you that you don't belong. Love, Grandpa. P.S. - Trust few and never let them take anything away from you.'"

"Well, the first part was sweet. What do you think's going on with the second part?"

"I have no idea."

***

Student Lounge

Spring Semester

They sat in the student lounge silent, everyone working on their assignments silently until the door burst open, FP and two other deputies behind him.

"Archie, Andrew, Betty Cooper, and Veronica Lodge, you're under arrest for the cold blooded murder of my son, Jughead Jones." They all stood as Aminity looked up with wide eyes as she stared at her friends being put in handcuffs and escorted out of the lounge.