Interesting thing you tell me about your line of work. I like to believe that I will be convincing enough, as the author, when Jake's motivations will be revealed. Yes, it is unnerving to see someone doing that, especially a young person. And, while in some people, it may be an attempt to manipulate, what I can do, without giving away spoilers, is to tell you that in Jake's case it is genuine.
Ah, and sorry about the choppy pace. Sometimes ideas come running and start to compete against one another. So, I am afraid it will not be the only time when this happens.