Part III Getting Through
She said yes. Jacob couldn't believe he actually got the balls to ask her and more importantly that she said yes.
Jacob set all his thoughts aside about the case and concentrated on what he was going to do on his date with Claire tomorrow. He didn't know yet exactly what he was going to do, but whatever it was it had to be something amazing.
Seven o'clock the next day rolled around and Jacob pulled into Claire's driveway he had their whole evening planned out. Jacob got out of the car and rang Claire's doorbell. Nervously he waited as a girl in her early teens answered the door.
"Hi," he said "Is Claire here?"
"Yeah hold on," the girl said leaving him at the door way presumably to get Claire. A few minutes later Claire came to the door, Jacob almost fell over. She looked absolutely beautiful she had on a deep red dress that came down at a slant. Her hair was not in the pony that he had seen earlier but down its red tints shining off her dress and her eyes.don't even get him started on her eyes.
"You look great," he mumbled to her.
"Thanks," she said smiling. Jacob once again felt his knees go weak.
"Shall we?" he asked extending his arm she took it and they walked to his car. Their date had begun.
They were on the road for awhile and hadn't really said anything except him mentioning checking everyone's beretta's, but not wanted to talk about the case any further Jacob changed the subject and asked her.
"So what's Sherry up to tonight?'
"She's by herself for now but Chris promised he come by and check on her.
"Wow," he said stupidly "it's weird to think you have a kid."
"Does it bother you?" she asked him.
"No, not at all but it's just that she's just about your age and well. how do you feel about that kind of responsibility?"
"I don't consider it a responsibility I consider it a privilege. I love Sherry with every fiber of my being there's nothing more to it I do anything for her.
Jacob felt strong admiration for this woman that only got stronger with every word that she spoke. Jacob desperately wanted her to be part of his life.
"What are you going to do when she starts dating?" Jacob joked.
"I'll be supportive as I can, though, I'm sure Leon will hold a shotgun up to any boy who comes in a 10 mile radius of her."
That was it. That was the catch with this perfect woman, Leon Kennedy. He remembered talking to Leon at his house it was obvious that he cared for her the question was how did she feel about him?"
"So Claire," he said trying to sound casual "what is your relationship with Leon?" Jacob was sure he failed at being casual.
"It's a bit complicated," she told him honestly "He's just as much Sherry's father as I am her mother, but as far as us being together." she faded off.
"Yes," he prompted.
"I'm not sure I know it's not a fair answer to anyone, but I honestly don't have a clue."
Jacob pulls over in an empty parking lot they had arrived at their destination. He then turns to Claire god she was everything he was looking for, but then he thought of Sherry.
He tilts Claire's head gently so she was looking at him and tells her "Claire I don't want to get between someone from having a family I couldn't live with myself and god I can't explain what you do to me, but I'll walk away if I have to."
Claire gently grabs his hand and holds it "I know I should walk away from this situation right now, but I just can't. Something is turning inside of me that I can't explain and as much as it might not be fair to Sherry I don't think it's fair to me not to find out what this feeling is."
The two of them both smile at each other. After a moment Claire looks around her and asks "So where are we?"
Jacob could feel his face light up "We are at the most beautiful place in the world," he told her getting out of the car Claire followed suite.
Taking Claire's hand he led her down a small dirt hill at the bottom the two stepped onto a pebble beach.
"My god," she gasped. "I know," he told her "I remember coming here on a vacation with my family when I was younger, though, I haven't been here since."
"And you still remember it?" she asked.
He steps closer towards her "won't you?"
Claire looks up at Jacob "I think I'm more likely to remember the company," she smiles then leans in towards him Jacob does the same and under the dark blue sky with the water reflecting their own shadows the two new lovers embrace in a kiss.
* - * - *
Barry sat alone in his not meant to be quiet home. He sat there thinking how just one single event can alter one's life so greatly. He thought back to a couple years ago and how everything had changed after the Spencer estate and now with his wife's departure how drastically everything changed in his life.
Barry hated it, he hated not having control over these single events that had such an altering impact on his entire way of life.
He glanced over at his gun case. How easy it would be to take one of those guns and just end everything. Just one last big change. He quickly shook the thought away he had two daughters to think about. What kind of man would he be if he took the easy way out and left them.
So Barry continued to sit trying desperately to think of other things, not too easy of a task. Eventually his mind unwillingly fell on Carlos. The son- of-a-bitch got what was coming to him, but still even Barry didn't think he deserved to be murdered. The only people who deserve punishments like that are people like Wesker.
Barry had started to drift off when the sound of his door bell woke him up with a startle.
"Who the hell would be coming by now," Barry cursed getting miserably up from his chair to answer the door. Barry almost fell over when he saw who was actually at the door.
"Kathy," he gasped.
"I know I'm not suppose to ring the bell with this being my home, but there's a lot of things I'm suppose to do but don't," she told him breaking into a smile.
Barry grabs her hand and pulls her in a giant bear hug "I don't care what you do," he told her "I'll always love you."
"Oh Barry," Kathy cried and hugged him so tight that he thought she never let go, frankly he didn't want her to.
"Barry I'm so sorry I love you so much I never meant for any of this to happen I just.I.," she was going to say something, but Barry didn't need anymore.
"Shh," he comforted "its water under the bridge nothing about it matters now."
"Oh Barry, so I can be your wife again?"
"You never stopped."
And that was it Barry had his wife back. They spent the night talking hardly leaving each others presence, but eventually Kathy had to leave.
"Why don't you have your parents bring them home?" Barry begged her not wanting his wife to leave.
"Barry you know there really too old to be driving such long distances."
Barry nodded "I know I just don't want you to leave."
Kathy smiles and gives him a kiss on the forehead "I'll be back soon with the girls," she promised then opens the door to leave when her body collides with another.
"Agent West," Barry addressed the young man who had just banged into his wife.
"Hello Mr. Burton," the detective looks at the woman who just crashed into him then back up to Barry who explains.
"Agent West this is my wife Kathy. Kathy Mr. West here is a F.B.I agent."
"What's a F.B.I agent doing here?" she asked him Barry throws a meaningful glance at agent West who seemed to understand. Barry had told him everything that recently happened between him and his wife.
To his surprise agent West came up with a quick and good lie "I'm here visiting my old buddy Chris Redfield this weekend, but Chris is at work right now so Mr. Burton here offered to take me out for breakfast."
"Oh that's nice of you honey."
Barry gives his best smile. With one last kiss goodbye Kathy leaves and it was now just Barry and agent West.
"Thank you," Barry told the F.B.I agent. "No problem. I kind of figured adding Mr. Oliveira's death to the mass just isn't something your family needs at the time being."
"Thank you," Barry said again truly grateful for the man's thoughtfulness.
Agent West nods "forget about it," the younger man smiles before continuing "the reason I'm here is I've been around everyone's home checking their beretta's I know it's a long shot that someone would leave the evidence out like meat for dinner, but there might be a chance one's missing a bullet."
"Go ahead," Barry said confidently "the cabinet's open."
Agent West walks up to his gun cabinet and takes out his custom beretta checking the bullets. The agent looks up from the barrel of the gun to Barry his face displaying concern.
"Ah. Mr. Burton there's only five bullets in here."
"What are you talking about?" Barry said running to the gun "I haven't fired that gun in ages."
Agent West looks sadly at Barry "I'm sorry," he says taking out his hand cuffs "I'm placing you under arrest."
"But I didn't do it!" Barry protested.
Dryly the detective responded "That's not for me to judge Mr. Burton.I'm sorry."
* - * - *
Chris got the call early the morning after Carlos' death and he couldn't believe it. Barry might have the motives, but he didn't have the heart of a murder.
Chris raced down to the police station Leon was already there sitting impatiently in the waiting room.
"Chris," he yelled moving towards him "I'm glad you got here so fast."
"What's going on, where's Barry?"
"That shit-head agent West is integrating him as we speak. He gave both you and me a call this morning he couldn't get a hold of Barry's wife. Evidently agent West found Barry's beretta missing a bullet."
"So!" Chris protested. "They ran a test to the gun and the bullet that Carlos was murdered with.it was a match."
He didn't know what to say Barry was a hero not a convict.but if the bullet matched.
"Anyway I already called Claire, Rebecca and Jill there on their way."
Just as he said it Rebecca and Jill stepped into the room. Chris looked at Jill who looked back at him. He wanted to take her back in his arms and forget about the whole thing, but some stubbornness inside of him kept him from saying anything. Jill was the first to look away she turns to Leon and asks.
"What's going on here?" Leon re-explained the whole story.
"Barry wouldn't do that," Rebecca cried "Give me one good reason why Barry would kill Carlos?"
Leon, Jill and Chris all look at each other. She didn't know. Chris didn't want to be the one to tell her.he didn't have it in him Rebecca was almost as much of a little sister to him as Claire he never wanted to see her hurt.
Thankfully Jill took up the task and Chris's heart went out to her.
"Rebecca," she said gently "Barry's wife had an affair."
"That's awful poor Barry."
"It gets worst," Jill continued "the man she had an affair with. Rebecca it was Carlos."
Chris watched for Rebecca to do something but she didn't do anything she remained there silent.
"Becky." Jill started but didn't go anywhere with it. He could tell that Jill's heart was aching for her. It made Chris' own heart melt, god it still surprised him how much he truly and deeply loved her. He was about to say something to her when Claire came walking in her face a stir of emotions. Chris could feel Leon's whole body tense up next to him and then soften in the presence of his sister.
"What's happening?" she asked. For the third time in the last twenty minutes Leon explained.
Just as Leon finished the door to the interrogation room opened and out walked agent West he was rushed by Leon and himself.
"Who the hell do you think you are!?" he shouted.
"Please listen"-West started but was interrupted by Leon.
"No, you listen Barry has enough in his life without having the F.B.I jumping to conclusions and riding his ass!" Leon gives agent West a violent shove.
"Kennedy," West warned.
Right then Claire comes running up to them "guys," she pleaded. Chris watches agent West step up to his sister with tenderness and sincerity he tells her.
"I'm so sorry Claire."
Claire runs into his arms "I know," she whispers to him and there in the middle of it all Claire and agent West clung to each other.
"What the hell is going on here!?" Leon demanded.
Claire looks at Leon her steel blue eyes sad yet determined "Jacob and I are.were seeing each other."
Chris couldn't believe it "seeing each other as in 'seeing each other'?" he asked she nodded.
Where Chris was having trouble grasping the situation Leon looked like he was going to have a heart attack from it. He walked away and sat in a chair farthest away in the room.
With an arm still around Claire agent West took advantage of the silence to finally speak.
"Mr. Burton's in the room I've finished my questioning so he's allowed to talk to one visitor. Since he hasn't been able to get a hold of his wife he's requested you Mr. Redfield."
Chris nods he needed to get away from this situation. He looks one last time at his sister before entering the interrogation room.
Barry was sitting in the only chair in the large grey room the only thing separating him from Chris was a small wooden table.
Chris walks up to his old friend. Barry had never really seemed that much older then Chris, but right now Barry's age was defiantly coming through plus another twenty years.
"Chris," Barry addressed him.
"Yeah big guy," Chris tried to sound light hearted but it didn't have much effect on his friend.
"I didn't do it," was all he said.
"I know just give me the time I'll find"- Chris wasn't allowed to finish that sentence for Barry had already started a new one.
"Kathy came home last night."
"That's great Barry! Did you guys get a chance to talk?"
"Yes, she agreed to come back home. She was just leaving to go get the kids when agent West arrived." Barry was silent for a bit before he asked "has anyone heard from her yet?"
Chris shakes his head "not yet."
"I don't know why my beretta was missing a bullet Chris. I've been in here all day trying to come up with answer but nothing comes up."
"Don't worry Barry I promise that me, Jill, Leon and Rebecca will do everything in our power to prove your innocence."
"Your sister too," Barry joked thinking Chris had simply forgotten to mention her not knowing that right now she was in the arms of the man who handcuffed him and brought him here.
"Yeah Claire too," Chris told him hoping what he was saying was true.
* - * - *
Claire left shortly after Chris went to talk to Barry the awkwardness was just too much for her. Both Jill and Rebecca were eyeing her suspiciously and Leon.it was just too hard to even think about Leon.
After a reassuring smile from Jacob Claire left the station and went home.
Sherry was sitting on the couch waiting for her to return. Claire sat down next to the girl resting her head on Sherry's lap. Sherry was Claire's center, her stable. Whatever was going on in her life Claire loved this young girl and she knew she was loved in return. That knowledge meant the world to Claire.
"How did it go, will Barry be okay?" Sherry asked her young, soft, innocent voice shining through.
"I don't know," Claire told her, she was ashamed of herself for forgetting about Barry in the midst of all her problems. Sherry seemed to sense this and asked her.
"What happened Claire?"
"I told everyone about Jacob and me. It was a disaster no one took it very well and Leon." Claire stopped there.
"Is.is Leon alright," Sherry asked concerned for Leon, he was so much like a father to her.
"I don't know I didn't get a chance to talk to him."
Things went quiet between the two of them. Claire knew that her actions had many consequences particularly on the two people that she cared about most, Sherry and Leon. She just couldn't shake off the feeling that was going on inside of her, the way Jacob made her feel just being with her, the warmth and comfort that came from being in his arms. Claire wished it was just lust, but in her heart she knew that it was so much more then that.
Claire knew this wasn't fair to others, but sometimes she had to be fair to herself.
"Claire do you love Jacob?" Sherry's question broke her thoughts.
"Sherry loves"-
"Funny," Sherry finished "I know, but what is your heart telling you? Are you getting that strange feeling you were talking about?"
"I am," Claire told her Sherry nodded.
"I'm glad I hope he makes you happy Claire."
Claire smiles at the girl and gives her such an affectionate hug that Sherry had to call out her name a couple times in order to breath.
Claire didn't know yet if what she had with Jacob was love, but she sure as hell knew it was with Sherry and through that Claire knew that somehow everything would be okay.
* - * - *
Jill fired off another round. She hadn't fired off one of her weapons in such a long time she just couldn't bring herself to do it after all that happened to them all, but not the release was greatly welcomed.
Jill in the midst of firing her gun let her mind divulge in the recent events of the passed to days. She knew that Chris didn't kill Carlos as much as she knew that Barry didn't. It was a moment of lapse for Jill not in the mind but in the heart.
Chris may be many things courageous, kind, smart, caring, stubborn, but he wasn't a murder.
Jill had never been surer of anything in her life as she was of her feelings for Chris, but she never told him that. She never actually said the three words 'I love you'. He knew that she cared and relied on him, but she never told him how much she truly loved and trusted him. To love and trust were defiantly in a different league then care and reliance.
In frustration Jill fired off another round. From behind her she heard a voice yell.
"Your shot never ceases to surprise me."
Jill turned around to see Chris standing behind her. He had a smile on his face it wasn't in full swing, but it was a lot more then she had seen lately.
"What.what are you doing here?" she asked.
"I needed to sort out some thoughts. I thought I let out some steam, but then I found you here doing the same.go figure."
"I always thought we were the same," she added then watches his smile grow a little wider.
"Well.I guess some things are meant to be." His smile was back, the wide grin toothy smile that made her knees go weak. Jill dropped her gun and ran into his arms she felt them wrap around her in return.
"Chris, I love you so much. I never believed you really murdered Carlos that was just thoughts running in my head. If I would have listened to my heart I would have known."
"It's not your fault if I would have listened to my own heart I would have realized it didn't matter. You said no matter what you would have stuck by me that takes more love then I deserve."
She clung even tighter to Chris. All they had been through, all the obstacles that stood in their way and somehow they found each other. They had always known each other, but never until now had they truly been with each other.
It was the best feeling that Jill had ever known and it only made her optimistic not only for her own future, but for everyone's. No matter how dark the present may seem the future always seemed to be able to shine through at least just a little and it only brought hope. To Jill that was more then enough.
* - * - *
Leon felt like he had hit rock bottom. How could she be seeing him, what about them? Leon didn't know what to think he was so lost and confused that Rebecca had to help him home.
That night he didn't get a wink of sleep his mind was just running all over the place that any calm was impossible. He decided he had to go talk to Claire he couldn't live in this question mark that he found himself in.
He arrived at Claire's apartment and knocked on her door. After listening to shuffling feet Sherry answered the door. Leon smiled at the kid.
He considered Sherry as almost his own. Maybe that was part of the reason why it was so hard to see Claire with another man; no Leon reconsidered that was a good portion of the reason. Sherry and Claire was his family together he thought they made a whole. Right now Leon didn't feel like a whole of anything.
"Hey Leon," Sherry said. Leon could tell she was a bit edgy in her greeting.
"Hey kiddo is Claire around?"
Sherry looks at him "yeah," was all she said not inviting him in.
"Well can I come in?" Leon asked curious to what was making her act this way.
Hesitantly Sherry opened the door and Leon realized why she was so apprehensive about letting him in. There in the middle of the floor was a twister mat, on that mat was two bodies sprawled around each other. Leon stared at Claire and Jacob West he then looked at Sherry who shyly walked over to them. Leon got the picture they were playing a game together.like a family.
Leon not wanting to see anymore left the apartment and started walking away. As he was walking away he heard Claire leave her position on the twister mat and chase after him. Leon didn't stop until he felt Claire's hand reach out for his and hold it like she had so many times before.
"Leon please don't do this," she begged.
"I'm not the one with some guy"-
"Leon," she said stopping him "It's not like that."
"Then what is it like," Leon said desperately "I mean what happened to us? I thought we.that we were going to be together."
"We are together Leon just not in a romantic way."
"I though we were going to be a family."
"We still are your Sherry's father threw and threw. Nobody I ever see, date or maybe someday marry will EVER replace you in Sherry's heart.
"What about us then?" Leon asked looking at her intensely.
"Leon do you really feel that strongly about me?"
"Of course," he answered surprised that she could even ask that.
"I know you care about me Leon because I know how much I care about you, but honestly when you look at me, truly look at me do you get that feeling inside of you? That twirling, everything's confusing, but yet exciting feeling?"
Leon took that moment to really look at Claire.he didn't. Claire seeing the answer in his eyes says to him.
"Leon there will always be something between us and that's Sherry. That connection will keep us together for the rest of our lives, but we both know we need more then that."
Claire was right Leon felt like a fool for not seeing it before. Claire smiles at him.
"I know Leon that one day your going to make some woman the happiest woman in the world. Until then I know that you make Sherry any I happy.and we hope that we do the same for you."
Leon smiles "more and more everyday."
The two hugged not as lover's but as friends and they both felt completely happy about it. Pulling away Claire looks at him and asks.
"Do you want to go out to a movie tomorrow night with Sherry and me?"
"Wouldn't miss it for the world," he told her.
* - * - *
Jacob was truly happy not just happy with the way things were going on at work, but his entire being was just.well happy.
He was getting to know Claire better every day and every new thing he found out about her just made him like her even more, if that was at all possible. Jacob couldn't believe it but he was starting to fall in love with her. Then there was Sherry, Jacob never thought having a child in his life would ever make that much difference. How wrong he was, Sherry was only a small factor in his life yet she already affected him enormously. Jacob finally got the idea to what Claire was always talking about.
As far as Leon was concerned the two of them actually got along quite well. Jacob understood Claire and Sherry's relationship with him and respected it. Jacob would go along with anything just to make Claire happy.
Jacob and Claire once went out to dinner with Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine. Chris kept eyeing Jacob suspiciously Jacob didn't know if it was because he was dating his sister or the whole Barry Burton situation, he figured it was a little of both.
It wasn't until Mr. Burton's trial came that things began to get a little rocky.
Jacob just had spent the night at Claire' when he got a call on his cell phone one morning telling him that Barry's trial was to begin the next morning.
Jacob didn't know how to bring this up with Claire. Things had been going so great Jacob didn't want to jeopardize anything, but he knew she find out soon enough so gently over breakfast he told her about the trial.
"What are you going to do about it?" she protested.
"Well about all I can do about it is attend."
"But haven't you come up with anything for his defense?"
"That's for his lawyer to take care of not me."
Lowering her head Claire mumbles into the cereal bowl "he's going to be convicted isn't he?"
"The motive and the weapons there I just don't see how he couldn't."
Claire frowns "he doesn't even have his wife by his side."
"He hasn't heard from her yet?" Jacob asked knowing the answer.
"Not since that day you ran into her," she told him. Jacob thought back to that day there meeting was so brief she seemed in a hurry to get away from him. He had pretended to be an old friend of Chris' and Barry was taking him out for breakfast, but thinking back it didn't seem like she bought it. Then suddenly like a bolt of lightning it hit him and Jacob cursed himself for not seeing it before.
"That was the last time Barry saw his wife when I came to check his beretta?" Claire nodded confused what his sudden excitement was about.
"And Barry's wife had an affair with Mr. Oliveira," Jacob said confirming his thoughts.
"Isn't that why they have Barry in jail right now?" Claire asked trying to understand what he was getting at.
"I ran into Mrs. Burton the morning of Barry's arrest. She was there the night before. Barry was so surprised to hear a bullet was missing from his beretta. What if.what if she planted it there?
Jacob watches Claire's eyes light up "Kathy," she said thinking it over in her head as Jacob out loud puts it together.
"So she leaves Barry for Carlos, but let's say Carlos doesn't want to continue the affair because he wants to start things with Jill Valentine so he turns her down. Devastated Kathy Burton goes on a rampage steeling a gun from her husband's cabinet then taking it with her to Carlos Oliveira's apartment until everything is quiet then.boom. She leaves the scene of the crime and goes to her parents without any one having a clue. With the only proof against her is the gun she probably is still carrying she returns back home to her husband and when Barry's wasn't watching she returns the weapon and no one's the wiser. Her husband takes the wrap and she skips town," when finished Jacob laughs bitterly with triumph.
"Oh my god," Claire gasped in realization.
Jacob suddenly stands up not wanting to waste another moment "come on Claire," he says "we might be able to save Barry."
* - * - *
Chris was sick to his stomach at the moment especially at his sister.
He was sitting in the stands waiting for Barry's trial to begin along with Jill, Leon and Rebecca. Leon told him that yesterday morning Claire dropped Sherry off at his house and that Claire had run off with agent West. Chris had come to terms with his sister's relationship with Jacob West, but putting him above friends, friends who had seen you through the worst of times was inexcusable.
Chris found comfort in holding Jill's hand, but he felt like throwing up when he saw Barry being brought out in handcuffs the image was just so wrong.
The S.T.A.R.S members sat and listened to the trial each feeling helpless as the next. The prosecution was picking Barry apart playing on his wife's affair and tormenting his emotions. Chris almost stood up on several occasions to object himself if it wasn't for Jill's stern looks.
Of the whole trial it was Barry's testament that touched him the most. Chris watched Barry take the stand and ached for him as he spoke.
"So where were you Mr. Burton on the night of the murder?" the opposing lawyer asked.
"At home, I was at home the whole night."
"Can anyone confirm that?"
Barry points to Leon "Leon Kennedy was there for some of the night."
"How about the other half Mr. Burton the half when the actual murder occurred?"
"I was by myself."
"Doing what?"
"Polishing my guns."
"Why were you polishing your guns?"
"Dammit!" Barry snapped it seemed like he finally had enough "The son- of-a-bitch had an affair with my wife and I'll admit that not one bone in my body truly feels sympathy for the man even in death, but that doesn't mean jack-shit. What means anything and everything to me is my integrity. Someone like Carlos Oliveira doesn't deserve to have an easy way out like he did and I'm sure as hell wouldn't be the one to pull the trigger!"
"That's enough," ordered the judge.
"No, it isn't!" came a voice from the back of the courtroom. All eyes turn to were the voice came from. It belonged to no other then Jacob West who was accompanied by Claire and Kathy Burton!
"Kathy!" Chris heard Barry cry, Kathy however, didn't seemed as pleased to see her husband as he was to see her. Jacob dragged Kathy to the front of the courtroom where the judge bellowed.
"What's the meaning of all this?" everyone listened intently to agent West's answer.
"Your honor, Miss Redfield and I have just brought new evidence that it wasn't Barry Burton who murdered Carlos Oliveira."
"Who is it that you've dragged with you to disrupt this courtroom?" the judge asked.
"This is Kathy Burton, Mr. Burton's wife and Carlos Oliveira's murder."
The courtroom gasps Barry was the loudest.
"What the hell are you talking about West!?" Barry yelled, but Jacob had already begun to explain.
"Claire and I thought about the facts yesterday morning when we came to a conclusion that Kathy Burton was a very high suspect that was overlooked so we went to investigate. After a lot of goose chasing we found Mrs. Burton at a motel several miles from here. There we got a confession on tape that Kathy Burton did in fact murder Carlos Oliveira."
Jacob takes a recorder from his pocket, holds it up in the air for everyone to hear and pushes play.
"Of course it was me; Barry no matter how angry he was would never kill for justice. He wouldn't do it against Umbrella why the hell do you think he do it to Carlos."
The courtroom was speechless and all eyes were on Kathy who stood there shamefully. Finally the judge took action and spoke up.
"In light of this new evidence, no matter how obscure its presentation may have been, I'll have to put this case to a close. Mr. Burton after some paper work you're free to go, Mrs. Burton you're arrested for the murder of Carlos Oliveira. Baylor take them both away."
"Chris watched as Barry and Kathy were taken away he then ran to Claire, followed by Jill, Leon and Rebecca and he wrapped his sister in a great big hug.
"I'm sorry for ever doubting you." He told her.
"Doubted me?" Claire asked him confused. "When you didn't show for the trial and Leon told me that you and Jacob ran off yesterday I thought." Chris' own voice faded while Claire's picked up.
"You thought I slipped away for good forgetting Barry.and you."
He nods in shame, but Claire only hugs him tighter "that's alright Chris sometimes you just have to take a deeper look at things, there not always as they seem." Chris notices Claire wink at Leon.
Chris broke away from Claire and walked up to Jacob who was standing a few feet respectively away from Claire while she and Chris were talking. Chris extends his hand to the agent; Jacob carefully looks at his gesture then deciding that it was okay he shakes it.
"I don't think I was fair to you Jacob. You put you ass more on the line for Barry more then any of us did. For that and much, much more I thank you," and when no one else was looking Chris whispers to him "you better treat her good."
Jacob looks at him seriously and whispers back "I'll treat her better then anything I ever have."
Chris took one look at Jacob and judging by his character he knew his sister would be in good hands.
Life was never easy especially for them and things weren't necessarily going to get any easier, especially for Barry, but he was confident that they were going to get through it. They always did.
She said yes. Jacob couldn't believe he actually got the balls to ask her and more importantly that she said yes.
Jacob set all his thoughts aside about the case and concentrated on what he was going to do on his date with Claire tomorrow. He didn't know yet exactly what he was going to do, but whatever it was it had to be something amazing.
Seven o'clock the next day rolled around and Jacob pulled into Claire's driveway he had their whole evening planned out. Jacob got out of the car and rang Claire's doorbell. Nervously he waited as a girl in her early teens answered the door.
"Hi," he said "Is Claire here?"
"Yeah hold on," the girl said leaving him at the door way presumably to get Claire. A few minutes later Claire came to the door, Jacob almost fell over. She looked absolutely beautiful she had on a deep red dress that came down at a slant. Her hair was not in the pony that he had seen earlier but down its red tints shining off her dress and her eyes.don't even get him started on her eyes.
"You look great," he mumbled to her.
"Thanks," she said smiling. Jacob once again felt his knees go weak.
"Shall we?" he asked extending his arm she took it and they walked to his car. Their date had begun.
They were on the road for awhile and hadn't really said anything except him mentioning checking everyone's beretta's, but not wanted to talk about the case any further Jacob changed the subject and asked her.
"So what's Sherry up to tonight?'
"She's by herself for now but Chris promised he come by and check on her.
"Wow," he said stupidly "it's weird to think you have a kid."
"Does it bother you?" she asked him.
"No, not at all but it's just that she's just about your age and well. how do you feel about that kind of responsibility?"
"I don't consider it a responsibility I consider it a privilege. I love Sherry with every fiber of my being there's nothing more to it I do anything for her.
Jacob felt strong admiration for this woman that only got stronger with every word that she spoke. Jacob desperately wanted her to be part of his life.
"What are you going to do when she starts dating?" Jacob joked.
"I'll be supportive as I can, though, I'm sure Leon will hold a shotgun up to any boy who comes in a 10 mile radius of her."
That was it. That was the catch with this perfect woman, Leon Kennedy. He remembered talking to Leon at his house it was obvious that he cared for her the question was how did she feel about him?"
"So Claire," he said trying to sound casual "what is your relationship with Leon?" Jacob was sure he failed at being casual.
"It's a bit complicated," she told him honestly "He's just as much Sherry's father as I am her mother, but as far as us being together." she faded off.
"Yes," he prompted.
"I'm not sure I know it's not a fair answer to anyone, but I honestly don't have a clue."
Jacob pulls over in an empty parking lot they had arrived at their destination. He then turns to Claire god she was everything he was looking for, but then he thought of Sherry.
He tilts Claire's head gently so she was looking at him and tells her "Claire I don't want to get between someone from having a family I couldn't live with myself and god I can't explain what you do to me, but I'll walk away if I have to."
Claire gently grabs his hand and holds it "I know I should walk away from this situation right now, but I just can't. Something is turning inside of me that I can't explain and as much as it might not be fair to Sherry I don't think it's fair to me not to find out what this feeling is."
The two of them both smile at each other. After a moment Claire looks around her and asks "So where are we?"
Jacob could feel his face light up "We are at the most beautiful place in the world," he told her getting out of the car Claire followed suite.
Taking Claire's hand he led her down a small dirt hill at the bottom the two stepped onto a pebble beach.
"My god," she gasped. "I know," he told her "I remember coming here on a vacation with my family when I was younger, though, I haven't been here since."
"And you still remember it?" she asked.
He steps closer towards her "won't you?"
Claire looks up at Jacob "I think I'm more likely to remember the company," she smiles then leans in towards him Jacob does the same and under the dark blue sky with the water reflecting their own shadows the two new lovers embrace in a kiss.
* - * - *
Barry sat alone in his not meant to be quiet home. He sat there thinking how just one single event can alter one's life so greatly. He thought back to a couple years ago and how everything had changed after the Spencer estate and now with his wife's departure how drastically everything changed in his life.
Barry hated it, he hated not having control over these single events that had such an altering impact on his entire way of life.
He glanced over at his gun case. How easy it would be to take one of those guns and just end everything. Just one last big change. He quickly shook the thought away he had two daughters to think about. What kind of man would he be if he took the easy way out and left them.
So Barry continued to sit trying desperately to think of other things, not too easy of a task. Eventually his mind unwillingly fell on Carlos. The son- of-a-bitch got what was coming to him, but still even Barry didn't think he deserved to be murdered. The only people who deserve punishments like that are people like Wesker.
Barry had started to drift off when the sound of his door bell woke him up with a startle.
"Who the hell would be coming by now," Barry cursed getting miserably up from his chair to answer the door. Barry almost fell over when he saw who was actually at the door.
"Kathy," he gasped.
"I know I'm not suppose to ring the bell with this being my home, but there's a lot of things I'm suppose to do but don't," she told him breaking into a smile.
Barry grabs her hand and pulls her in a giant bear hug "I don't care what you do," he told her "I'll always love you."
"Oh Barry," Kathy cried and hugged him so tight that he thought she never let go, frankly he didn't want her to.
"Barry I'm so sorry I love you so much I never meant for any of this to happen I just.I.," she was going to say something, but Barry didn't need anymore.
"Shh," he comforted "its water under the bridge nothing about it matters now."
"Oh Barry, so I can be your wife again?"
"You never stopped."
And that was it Barry had his wife back. They spent the night talking hardly leaving each others presence, but eventually Kathy had to leave.
"Why don't you have your parents bring them home?" Barry begged her not wanting his wife to leave.
"Barry you know there really too old to be driving such long distances."
Barry nodded "I know I just don't want you to leave."
Kathy smiles and gives him a kiss on the forehead "I'll be back soon with the girls," she promised then opens the door to leave when her body collides with another.
"Agent West," Barry addressed the young man who had just banged into his wife.
"Hello Mr. Burton," the detective looks at the woman who just crashed into him then back up to Barry who explains.
"Agent West this is my wife Kathy. Kathy Mr. West here is a F.B.I agent."
"What's a F.B.I agent doing here?" she asked him Barry throws a meaningful glance at agent West who seemed to understand. Barry had told him everything that recently happened between him and his wife.
To his surprise agent West came up with a quick and good lie "I'm here visiting my old buddy Chris Redfield this weekend, but Chris is at work right now so Mr. Burton here offered to take me out for breakfast."
"Oh that's nice of you honey."
Barry gives his best smile. With one last kiss goodbye Kathy leaves and it was now just Barry and agent West.
"Thank you," Barry told the F.B.I agent. "No problem. I kind of figured adding Mr. Oliveira's death to the mass just isn't something your family needs at the time being."
"Thank you," Barry said again truly grateful for the man's thoughtfulness.
Agent West nods "forget about it," the younger man smiles before continuing "the reason I'm here is I've been around everyone's home checking their beretta's I know it's a long shot that someone would leave the evidence out like meat for dinner, but there might be a chance one's missing a bullet."
"Go ahead," Barry said confidently "the cabinet's open."
Agent West walks up to his gun cabinet and takes out his custom beretta checking the bullets. The agent looks up from the barrel of the gun to Barry his face displaying concern.
"Ah. Mr. Burton there's only five bullets in here."
"What are you talking about?" Barry said running to the gun "I haven't fired that gun in ages."
Agent West looks sadly at Barry "I'm sorry," he says taking out his hand cuffs "I'm placing you under arrest."
"But I didn't do it!" Barry protested.
Dryly the detective responded "That's not for me to judge Mr. Burton.I'm sorry."
* - * - *
Chris got the call early the morning after Carlos' death and he couldn't believe it. Barry might have the motives, but he didn't have the heart of a murder.
Chris raced down to the police station Leon was already there sitting impatiently in the waiting room.
"Chris," he yelled moving towards him "I'm glad you got here so fast."
"What's going on, where's Barry?"
"That shit-head agent West is integrating him as we speak. He gave both you and me a call this morning he couldn't get a hold of Barry's wife. Evidently agent West found Barry's beretta missing a bullet."
"So!" Chris protested. "They ran a test to the gun and the bullet that Carlos was murdered with.it was a match."
He didn't know what to say Barry was a hero not a convict.but if the bullet matched.
"Anyway I already called Claire, Rebecca and Jill there on their way."
Just as he said it Rebecca and Jill stepped into the room. Chris looked at Jill who looked back at him. He wanted to take her back in his arms and forget about the whole thing, but some stubbornness inside of him kept him from saying anything. Jill was the first to look away she turns to Leon and asks.
"What's going on here?" Leon re-explained the whole story.
"Barry wouldn't do that," Rebecca cried "Give me one good reason why Barry would kill Carlos?"
Leon, Jill and Chris all look at each other. She didn't know. Chris didn't want to be the one to tell her.he didn't have it in him Rebecca was almost as much of a little sister to him as Claire he never wanted to see her hurt.
Thankfully Jill took up the task and Chris's heart went out to her.
"Rebecca," she said gently "Barry's wife had an affair."
"That's awful poor Barry."
"It gets worst," Jill continued "the man she had an affair with. Rebecca it was Carlos."
Chris watched for Rebecca to do something but she didn't do anything she remained there silent.
"Becky." Jill started but didn't go anywhere with it. He could tell that Jill's heart was aching for her. It made Chris' own heart melt, god it still surprised him how much he truly and deeply loved her. He was about to say something to her when Claire came walking in her face a stir of emotions. Chris could feel Leon's whole body tense up next to him and then soften in the presence of his sister.
"What's happening?" she asked. For the third time in the last twenty minutes Leon explained.
Just as Leon finished the door to the interrogation room opened and out walked agent West he was rushed by Leon and himself.
"Who the hell do you think you are!?" he shouted.
"Please listen"-West started but was interrupted by Leon.
"No, you listen Barry has enough in his life without having the F.B.I jumping to conclusions and riding his ass!" Leon gives agent West a violent shove.
"Kennedy," West warned.
Right then Claire comes running up to them "guys," she pleaded. Chris watches agent West step up to his sister with tenderness and sincerity he tells her.
"I'm so sorry Claire."
Claire runs into his arms "I know," she whispers to him and there in the middle of it all Claire and agent West clung to each other.
"What the hell is going on here!?" Leon demanded.
Claire looks at Leon her steel blue eyes sad yet determined "Jacob and I are.were seeing each other."
Chris couldn't believe it "seeing each other as in 'seeing each other'?" he asked she nodded.
Where Chris was having trouble grasping the situation Leon looked like he was going to have a heart attack from it. He walked away and sat in a chair farthest away in the room.
With an arm still around Claire agent West took advantage of the silence to finally speak.
"Mr. Burton's in the room I've finished my questioning so he's allowed to talk to one visitor. Since he hasn't been able to get a hold of his wife he's requested you Mr. Redfield."
Chris nods he needed to get away from this situation. He looks one last time at his sister before entering the interrogation room.
Barry was sitting in the only chair in the large grey room the only thing separating him from Chris was a small wooden table.
Chris walks up to his old friend. Barry had never really seemed that much older then Chris, but right now Barry's age was defiantly coming through plus another twenty years.
"Chris," Barry addressed him.
"Yeah big guy," Chris tried to sound light hearted but it didn't have much effect on his friend.
"I didn't do it," was all he said.
"I know just give me the time I'll find"- Chris wasn't allowed to finish that sentence for Barry had already started a new one.
"Kathy came home last night."
"That's great Barry! Did you guys get a chance to talk?"
"Yes, she agreed to come back home. She was just leaving to go get the kids when agent West arrived." Barry was silent for a bit before he asked "has anyone heard from her yet?"
Chris shakes his head "not yet."
"I don't know why my beretta was missing a bullet Chris. I've been in here all day trying to come up with answer but nothing comes up."
"Don't worry Barry I promise that me, Jill, Leon and Rebecca will do everything in our power to prove your innocence."
"Your sister too," Barry joked thinking Chris had simply forgotten to mention her not knowing that right now she was in the arms of the man who handcuffed him and brought him here.
"Yeah Claire too," Chris told him hoping what he was saying was true.
* - * - *
Claire left shortly after Chris went to talk to Barry the awkwardness was just too much for her. Both Jill and Rebecca were eyeing her suspiciously and Leon.it was just too hard to even think about Leon.
After a reassuring smile from Jacob Claire left the station and went home.
Sherry was sitting on the couch waiting for her to return. Claire sat down next to the girl resting her head on Sherry's lap. Sherry was Claire's center, her stable. Whatever was going on in her life Claire loved this young girl and she knew she was loved in return. That knowledge meant the world to Claire.
"How did it go, will Barry be okay?" Sherry asked her young, soft, innocent voice shining through.
"I don't know," Claire told her, she was ashamed of herself for forgetting about Barry in the midst of all her problems. Sherry seemed to sense this and asked her.
"What happened Claire?"
"I told everyone about Jacob and me. It was a disaster no one took it very well and Leon." Claire stopped there.
"Is.is Leon alright," Sherry asked concerned for Leon, he was so much like a father to her.
"I don't know I didn't get a chance to talk to him."
Things went quiet between the two of them. Claire knew that her actions had many consequences particularly on the two people that she cared about most, Sherry and Leon. She just couldn't shake off the feeling that was going on inside of her, the way Jacob made her feel just being with her, the warmth and comfort that came from being in his arms. Claire wished it was just lust, but in her heart she knew that it was so much more then that.
Claire knew this wasn't fair to others, but sometimes she had to be fair to herself.
"Claire do you love Jacob?" Sherry's question broke her thoughts.
"Sherry loves"-
"Funny," Sherry finished "I know, but what is your heart telling you? Are you getting that strange feeling you were talking about?"
"I am," Claire told her Sherry nodded.
"I'm glad I hope he makes you happy Claire."
Claire smiles at the girl and gives her such an affectionate hug that Sherry had to call out her name a couple times in order to breath.
Claire didn't know yet if what she had with Jacob was love, but she sure as hell knew it was with Sherry and through that Claire knew that somehow everything would be okay.
* - * - *
Jill fired off another round. She hadn't fired off one of her weapons in such a long time she just couldn't bring herself to do it after all that happened to them all, but not the release was greatly welcomed.
Jill in the midst of firing her gun let her mind divulge in the recent events of the passed to days. She knew that Chris didn't kill Carlos as much as she knew that Barry didn't. It was a moment of lapse for Jill not in the mind but in the heart.
Chris may be many things courageous, kind, smart, caring, stubborn, but he wasn't a murder.
Jill had never been surer of anything in her life as she was of her feelings for Chris, but she never told him that. She never actually said the three words 'I love you'. He knew that she cared and relied on him, but she never told him how much she truly loved and trusted him. To love and trust were defiantly in a different league then care and reliance.
In frustration Jill fired off another round. From behind her she heard a voice yell.
"Your shot never ceases to surprise me."
Jill turned around to see Chris standing behind her. He had a smile on his face it wasn't in full swing, but it was a lot more then she had seen lately.
"What.what are you doing here?" she asked.
"I needed to sort out some thoughts. I thought I let out some steam, but then I found you here doing the same.go figure."
"I always thought we were the same," she added then watches his smile grow a little wider.
"Well.I guess some things are meant to be." His smile was back, the wide grin toothy smile that made her knees go weak. Jill dropped her gun and ran into his arms she felt them wrap around her in return.
"Chris, I love you so much. I never believed you really murdered Carlos that was just thoughts running in my head. If I would have listened to my heart I would have known."
"It's not your fault if I would have listened to my own heart I would have realized it didn't matter. You said no matter what you would have stuck by me that takes more love then I deserve."
She clung even tighter to Chris. All they had been through, all the obstacles that stood in their way and somehow they found each other. They had always known each other, but never until now had they truly been with each other.
It was the best feeling that Jill had ever known and it only made her optimistic not only for her own future, but for everyone's. No matter how dark the present may seem the future always seemed to be able to shine through at least just a little and it only brought hope. To Jill that was more then enough.
* - * - *
Leon felt like he had hit rock bottom. How could she be seeing him, what about them? Leon didn't know what to think he was so lost and confused that Rebecca had to help him home.
That night he didn't get a wink of sleep his mind was just running all over the place that any calm was impossible. He decided he had to go talk to Claire he couldn't live in this question mark that he found himself in.
He arrived at Claire's apartment and knocked on her door. After listening to shuffling feet Sherry answered the door. Leon smiled at the kid.
He considered Sherry as almost his own. Maybe that was part of the reason why it was so hard to see Claire with another man; no Leon reconsidered that was a good portion of the reason. Sherry and Claire was his family together he thought they made a whole. Right now Leon didn't feel like a whole of anything.
"Hey Leon," Sherry said. Leon could tell she was a bit edgy in her greeting.
"Hey kiddo is Claire around?"
Sherry looks at him "yeah," was all she said not inviting him in.
"Well can I come in?" Leon asked curious to what was making her act this way.
Hesitantly Sherry opened the door and Leon realized why she was so apprehensive about letting him in. There in the middle of the floor was a twister mat, on that mat was two bodies sprawled around each other. Leon stared at Claire and Jacob West he then looked at Sherry who shyly walked over to them. Leon got the picture they were playing a game together.like a family.
Leon not wanting to see anymore left the apartment and started walking away. As he was walking away he heard Claire leave her position on the twister mat and chase after him. Leon didn't stop until he felt Claire's hand reach out for his and hold it like she had so many times before.
"Leon please don't do this," she begged.
"I'm not the one with some guy"-
"Leon," she said stopping him "It's not like that."
"Then what is it like," Leon said desperately "I mean what happened to us? I thought we.that we were going to be together."
"We are together Leon just not in a romantic way."
"I though we were going to be a family."
"We still are your Sherry's father threw and threw. Nobody I ever see, date or maybe someday marry will EVER replace you in Sherry's heart.
"What about us then?" Leon asked looking at her intensely.
"Leon do you really feel that strongly about me?"
"Of course," he answered surprised that she could even ask that.
"I know you care about me Leon because I know how much I care about you, but honestly when you look at me, truly look at me do you get that feeling inside of you? That twirling, everything's confusing, but yet exciting feeling?"
Leon took that moment to really look at Claire.he didn't. Claire seeing the answer in his eyes says to him.
"Leon there will always be something between us and that's Sherry. That connection will keep us together for the rest of our lives, but we both know we need more then that."
Claire was right Leon felt like a fool for not seeing it before. Claire smiles at him.
"I know Leon that one day your going to make some woman the happiest woman in the world. Until then I know that you make Sherry any I happy.and we hope that we do the same for you."
Leon smiles "more and more everyday."
The two hugged not as lover's but as friends and they both felt completely happy about it. Pulling away Claire looks at him and asks.
"Do you want to go out to a movie tomorrow night with Sherry and me?"
"Wouldn't miss it for the world," he told her.
* - * - *
Jacob was truly happy not just happy with the way things were going on at work, but his entire being was just.well happy.
He was getting to know Claire better every day and every new thing he found out about her just made him like her even more, if that was at all possible. Jacob couldn't believe it but he was starting to fall in love with her. Then there was Sherry, Jacob never thought having a child in his life would ever make that much difference. How wrong he was, Sherry was only a small factor in his life yet she already affected him enormously. Jacob finally got the idea to what Claire was always talking about.
As far as Leon was concerned the two of them actually got along quite well. Jacob understood Claire and Sherry's relationship with him and respected it. Jacob would go along with anything just to make Claire happy.
Jacob and Claire once went out to dinner with Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine. Chris kept eyeing Jacob suspiciously Jacob didn't know if it was because he was dating his sister or the whole Barry Burton situation, he figured it was a little of both.
It wasn't until Mr. Burton's trial came that things began to get a little rocky.
Jacob just had spent the night at Claire' when he got a call on his cell phone one morning telling him that Barry's trial was to begin the next morning.
Jacob didn't know how to bring this up with Claire. Things had been going so great Jacob didn't want to jeopardize anything, but he knew she find out soon enough so gently over breakfast he told her about the trial.
"What are you going to do about it?" she protested.
"Well about all I can do about it is attend."
"But haven't you come up with anything for his defense?"
"That's for his lawyer to take care of not me."
Lowering her head Claire mumbles into the cereal bowl "he's going to be convicted isn't he?"
"The motive and the weapons there I just don't see how he couldn't."
Claire frowns "he doesn't even have his wife by his side."
"He hasn't heard from her yet?" Jacob asked knowing the answer.
"Not since that day you ran into her," she told him. Jacob thought back to that day there meeting was so brief she seemed in a hurry to get away from him. He had pretended to be an old friend of Chris' and Barry was taking him out for breakfast, but thinking back it didn't seem like she bought it. Then suddenly like a bolt of lightning it hit him and Jacob cursed himself for not seeing it before.
"That was the last time Barry saw his wife when I came to check his beretta?" Claire nodded confused what his sudden excitement was about.
"And Barry's wife had an affair with Mr. Oliveira," Jacob said confirming his thoughts.
"Isn't that why they have Barry in jail right now?" Claire asked trying to understand what he was getting at.
"I ran into Mrs. Burton the morning of Barry's arrest. She was there the night before. Barry was so surprised to hear a bullet was missing from his beretta. What if.what if she planted it there?
Jacob watches Claire's eyes light up "Kathy," she said thinking it over in her head as Jacob out loud puts it together.
"So she leaves Barry for Carlos, but let's say Carlos doesn't want to continue the affair because he wants to start things with Jill Valentine so he turns her down. Devastated Kathy Burton goes on a rampage steeling a gun from her husband's cabinet then taking it with her to Carlos Oliveira's apartment until everything is quiet then.boom. She leaves the scene of the crime and goes to her parents without any one having a clue. With the only proof against her is the gun she probably is still carrying she returns back home to her husband and when Barry's wasn't watching she returns the weapon and no one's the wiser. Her husband takes the wrap and she skips town," when finished Jacob laughs bitterly with triumph.
"Oh my god," Claire gasped in realization.
Jacob suddenly stands up not wanting to waste another moment "come on Claire," he says "we might be able to save Barry."
* - * - *
Chris was sick to his stomach at the moment especially at his sister.
He was sitting in the stands waiting for Barry's trial to begin along with Jill, Leon and Rebecca. Leon told him that yesterday morning Claire dropped Sherry off at his house and that Claire had run off with agent West. Chris had come to terms with his sister's relationship with Jacob West, but putting him above friends, friends who had seen you through the worst of times was inexcusable.
Chris found comfort in holding Jill's hand, but he felt like throwing up when he saw Barry being brought out in handcuffs the image was just so wrong.
The S.T.A.R.S members sat and listened to the trial each feeling helpless as the next. The prosecution was picking Barry apart playing on his wife's affair and tormenting his emotions. Chris almost stood up on several occasions to object himself if it wasn't for Jill's stern looks.
Of the whole trial it was Barry's testament that touched him the most. Chris watched Barry take the stand and ached for him as he spoke.
"So where were you Mr. Burton on the night of the murder?" the opposing lawyer asked.
"At home, I was at home the whole night."
"Can anyone confirm that?"
Barry points to Leon "Leon Kennedy was there for some of the night."
"How about the other half Mr. Burton the half when the actual murder occurred?"
"I was by myself."
"Doing what?"
"Polishing my guns."
"Why were you polishing your guns?"
"Dammit!" Barry snapped it seemed like he finally had enough "The son- of-a-bitch had an affair with my wife and I'll admit that not one bone in my body truly feels sympathy for the man even in death, but that doesn't mean jack-shit. What means anything and everything to me is my integrity. Someone like Carlos Oliveira doesn't deserve to have an easy way out like he did and I'm sure as hell wouldn't be the one to pull the trigger!"
"That's enough," ordered the judge.
"No, it isn't!" came a voice from the back of the courtroom. All eyes turn to were the voice came from. It belonged to no other then Jacob West who was accompanied by Claire and Kathy Burton!
"Kathy!" Chris heard Barry cry, Kathy however, didn't seemed as pleased to see her husband as he was to see her. Jacob dragged Kathy to the front of the courtroom where the judge bellowed.
"What's the meaning of all this?" everyone listened intently to agent West's answer.
"Your honor, Miss Redfield and I have just brought new evidence that it wasn't Barry Burton who murdered Carlos Oliveira."
"Who is it that you've dragged with you to disrupt this courtroom?" the judge asked.
"This is Kathy Burton, Mr. Burton's wife and Carlos Oliveira's murder."
The courtroom gasps Barry was the loudest.
"What the hell are you talking about West!?" Barry yelled, but Jacob had already begun to explain.
"Claire and I thought about the facts yesterday morning when we came to a conclusion that Kathy Burton was a very high suspect that was overlooked so we went to investigate. After a lot of goose chasing we found Mrs. Burton at a motel several miles from here. There we got a confession on tape that Kathy Burton did in fact murder Carlos Oliveira."
Jacob takes a recorder from his pocket, holds it up in the air for everyone to hear and pushes play.
"Of course it was me; Barry no matter how angry he was would never kill for justice. He wouldn't do it against Umbrella why the hell do you think he do it to Carlos."
The courtroom was speechless and all eyes were on Kathy who stood there shamefully. Finally the judge took action and spoke up.
"In light of this new evidence, no matter how obscure its presentation may have been, I'll have to put this case to a close. Mr. Burton after some paper work you're free to go, Mrs. Burton you're arrested for the murder of Carlos Oliveira. Baylor take them both away."
"Chris watched as Barry and Kathy were taken away he then ran to Claire, followed by Jill, Leon and Rebecca and he wrapped his sister in a great big hug.
"I'm sorry for ever doubting you." He told her.
"Doubted me?" Claire asked him confused. "When you didn't show for the trial and Leon told me that you and Jacob ran off yesterday I thought." Chris' own voice faded while Claire's picked up.
"You thought I slipped away for good forgetting Barry.and you."
He nods in shame, but Claire only hugs him tighter "that's alright Chris sometimes you just have to take a deeper look at things, there not always as they seem." Chris notices Claire wink at Leon.
Chris broke away from Claire and walked up to Jacob who was standing a few feet respectively away from Claire while she and Chris were talking. Chris extends his hand to the agent; Jacob carefully looks at his gesture then deciding that it was okay he shakes it.
"I don't think I was fair to you Jacob. You put you ass more on the line for Barry more then any of us did. For that and much, much more I thank you," and when no one else was looking Chris whispers to him "you better treat her good."
Jacob looks at him seriously and whispers back "I'll treat her better then anything I ever have."
Chris took one look at Jacob and judging by his character he knew his sister would be in good hands.
Life was never easy especially for them and things weren't necessarily going to get any easier, especially for Barry, but he was confident that they were going to get through it. They always did.