Things moved very quickly after Kim was released from the hospital. She wasn't cleared to go to school yet, but she was doing better. She complained about her extended sick leave, telling anyone who'd listen that she was fine. Of course, her dad, fully supported by Jack, Zoe and Julie, thought she should take things easy. Jack wasn't going to school either, since his case was under consideration now. He and his mom made themselves at home at the Crawford's apartment and Kim finally tried ginger and honey toddy and proclaimed her love for it. She even said the GreenBean should offer it as it was 'the bomb.'

Her dad immersed himself in dealing with the school and the aftermath of the incident. Jack learned, from his very impressed father, that Michael Crawford was a corporate attorney of some renown. Although, calling him merely an attorney was an understatement. A few years ago, before his wife got sick and he moved, he was a 'fixer.' He could negotiate any deal, employing a wide array of tools and skills to get the deal he wanted. He had numerous connections and he did not kid, when he said that many people owed him a favor. And if they didn't, then he had dirt on them. Father was not only impressed, he was flabbergasted to learn that Mr. Crawford was clocking time as an in-house counsel at some utility company. It would seem that first his love for his wife, and then his grief over her death kept him from going back full time to being what he was good at.

Right now, he unleashed that talent and skills on the school administration and the four students, who orchestrated an attack on his only child. The circumstances were very damaging and while the boys might get away with mere assault, the girls were looking at much more serious charges. An official complaint was filed with the police department and an investigation was on the way. Right now, both girls maintained that they did not know about Kim's allergies and that they did not take the EpiPen. Of course, Mr. Crawford was not relying just on that. The school security cameras footage were being reviewed and friends of both girls were being interviewed to learn whether they knew of the allergies. School was cooperating fully, as Mr. Crawford had already made a stink about abysmal negligence in pursuing Kim's complaint about acts of sabotage that occurred before, when her personal belonging with messed with. Kim's dad threw words like gross negligence, endangerment, bullying and willful ignorance and promised to make the whole story public if things did not go satisfactorily for him. For now, all four students were suspended with a possibility of expulsion hanging over them all.

Kim confessed to Jack that her mom was always uncomfortable with her dad's job and how he got it done. It would seem that once she got sick, her dad tried to change and continued to do so now. But there was no denying that Mr. Crawford was very efficient. He managed to talk parents of both boys into not filing complaint against Jack, promising them that no prosecutor would even take the case, given the circumstances. So Jack's behavior was only a subject of the school administration discipline. Which Jack suspected would be quite mild. In the meantime, Mr. Crawford arranged for Jack to have his own criminal law attorney on retainer and Jack felt odd knowing he had his own lawyer.

Kim's was uncomfortable with what her father's actions would mean for Frank, because of the connection between Frank's mother and Julie's uncle. She felt that both boys were set up. They obviously didn't plan to attack her and didn't know about her allergies. Jack was less inclined to feel so lenient. Julie surprisingly agreed with Jack. Even her uncle did. According to her, Frank needed a hard lesson that his school yard bully antics would not play well in adult life. Jack was dubious that a Black Dragons sensei would say something like that, but it would seem that raising a child (Julie) and being indirectly involved in raising another (Frank) made Ty more insightful.

Jack still lived in his studio above the garage, but he and his father met and talked often. Obviously, the fallout of the attack was a prominent topic. But they also talked about Jack's life, big girlfriend's impressive father and how much his father missed him in the office. He lamented that the new PA wasn't quite there yet, the reports were not the same and he was receiving home made baked goods from Phyllis in finance to pass on that 'nice young boy of yours.' It felt good that his father acknowledge all the work Jack had put in the office. He also followed Jack's work with Rudy and his tone was complimentary too.

They kept to neutral grounds, although once Kim went back to school and work, Jack insisted on meeting at the GreenBean or the dojo. Some part of him was irrationality concerned that something would happen to her if he was not there.

Of course, sooner or later Kim would be up for discussion too. Already, the most obvious objections were gone, seeing as her father was someone Christopher Brewer respected. But Jack was stubborn: he wanted his father to learn and respect Kim for who she was, not who her parents were.

He got his wish quite unexpectedly. He was at the GreenBean, finishing a lease agreement review, when his father joined him. There was some good news: school was basically ruling his actions worthy of suspension that was considered served already. His father once again proclaimed his admiration of Mr. Crawford's skills and tenacity, his tone noticeably impressed.

Jack was hardly paying attention though. He sat to have the full view of Kim working at the counter and when a distinguished older man accompanied by a group of men approached, he tensed. He could tell that the two in the group were bodyguards, their bodies and posture revealing years of training and situational awareness. He rose slowly and steadily, deciding to observe for now. His father noticed and turned around.

The older man was talking to Kim, who had a startled look on her face. The man continued talking and motioned for Kim to come around. Soon the two were sitting together, the rest of the group spread around them. Whatever the topic was, Kim was animated, talking and gesturing to supplement her tale. The man nodded along and smiled at her enthusiasm. He passed something to Kim, who looked shocked and was silent. Jack was itchy with the need to come close and when she looked up with tears in her eyes, he took a step towards the group. The bodyguards tensed and angled themselves. Kim saw it all and quickly spoke, setting the guards at ease. She waived at him to come and he finally approached.

"Mr. Davenport, this is Jack Brewer, my boyfriend. Jack, this is Mr. Davenport. He is the founder of the Maggie's Fund. Can you believe it? He got my letter and now, after the audit, my theory was confirmed!" Kim was smiling widely and then remembered herself, "not that I am happy with the theft, of course, it's just that it's nice to be proven right..." She stopped, blushing.

"I understand, Ms. Crawford. And I am glad that such a smart and honest volunteer happened to be working at the Fund. I know you are worried about the testimony, but the audit would be the main evidence. your involvement would be small. I am grateful for all that you've done. Think about my offer and let me know. Have a good day, Ms Crawford, Mr. Brewer."

With a nod, Mr. Davenport left and Jack was dying of curiosity. Before he could vocalize anything, his father approached them. So far, he and Kim only exchanged polite greetings to each other. Now, his father sat next to them, not hiding his own curious and impressed face.

"Ms. Crawford, Kim, I am impressed. You know Philip Davenport?"

"I do now. He is the Founder of the Maggie's Fund, the charity I volunteer at." Kim was cautious and deliberately understated facts.

"She uncovered a theft at the local chapter and reported it to the guy." Jack offered as an explanation. "But what did he say about testimony?"

"You wouldn't believe it, but the auditors used the algorithm that Milton I worked up to run the check and follow up the money trail. Because they need to establish the method, I might have to testify about the algorithm. But he thinks the culprits will take the plea... I told him Milton should get the credit, but Mr. Davenport thinks I am the best for the job."

"You sure you want to do that?" Jack was in edge again, his protectiveness rearing its head again .

"It's the right thing to do, Jack." She said with finality and Jack let it go. He knew when Kim dug her heels and relented.

"And the offer?" He realized they were essentially ignoring his father while talking and it did not sit well.

Kim looked a little uncomfortable and shot an unsure glance at his father. "Uhmmm, so... I am still considering it."

"I'll leave you two to your conversation." His father stepped away and Jack looked at Kim earnestly.

"He wants to give me a scholarship, just like that, Jack! This fund was his daughter's idea and it's only a small part of that guy's empire, but he is personally vested it it. He also offered me an internship at his company every summer while I am at college. Do you know what that means Jack?" She looked ready to burst.

"That you are incredible young woman and he knows that?"

"You are so gallant, Jack. But this is incredible. I have funds for school. Of my choice. No strings..." She looked ready to faint now.

"You deserve it."

She smiled brightly and planted a big kiss on him. "I can't believe it."

Jack returned the kiss without concern who was watching. Later, when. Kim went back to work and Jack returned to his father's side, he was surprised to learn that Mr. Davenport was a very successful entrepreneur and business owner, who was on the entirely different level of rich.

"Kim must be an exceptional young woman to catch attention of someone like Davenport. You said she caught the theft?"

"Yes. First she updated their file and that caught the double entry, which she checked out. When the answer wasn't making sense, she and Milton came up with some computer program to cull all the information and found more of the suspicious entries. They checked out the places in person. She checked the public records, but couldn't follow the banking trails. So, she reported it all to Mr. Davenport." Jack was so proud of Kim, he practically beamed.

"Smarts and integrity. And from a good family. I stand corrected: it may be that you are not quite on her level, son." His father said with a smile.

"I know I am not. She did it all, while working three jobs. But now she doesn't have to work so hard. Mr. Davenport offered her scholarship."

"She is very clever. To secure good opinion and patronage of someone of Mr. Davenport's level is a great boost." His father had a newfound respect in his eyes.

Somehow it did not sit well with Jack. "I don't think she knew any of this would happen. You heard her: she did it, because it was a right thing to do."

"Yes. I see that. Just like you did with that trapped guy at the warehouse. You simply did the right thing..." His father had that unseeing, thousand yard stare.

Jack was a little discomfited by this strange aside. When his father refocused, he had a softer look on his face. "I suppose I can see how you fell for this girl. She is remarkable. And strong. I don't think many would have stood up to me like she did."

"So, you approve, then?" Jack said in disbelief.

"Would it matter if I didn't?"

"Not in the slightest." Jack said with a broad smile and his father smiled back.

"If you weren't my carbon copy, I would know that you are my son just because you are so stubborn." His father said shaking head and smiling just as broadly. "Your mother wants to invite the Crawfords to dine with us. She promises to cook herself and you know it would be good. So, you think they'll accept?"

"I don't know. Maybe you should ask her yourself?" Jack waited and watched as his father approached the counter and had a brief conversation with Kim. She smiled politely, but he could see the moment her smile changed from the generic 'customer smile' into a genuine one. He could see his father looking at her for a long moment and then nodding his head.

Perhaps his mom was right: all would be well.