Title: Welcome Back Mommy Dearest
Rating: T
Reasons for rating: nothing too major
Ships: (not mandatory) Veronica/Logan, some Mac/Dick hanging out
Summary: After 2x22. Logan picks Veronica up at the airport where she got stood up, only to find out some shocking information from Trina. We also find out what was in the briefcase.

Word Count: 3403
Disclaimer: I do not own Veronica Mars or any of the Characters.

This story is written for a challenge over at Neptune Casefiles. Hope you enjoy it.

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I never thought it possible, but my own father stood me up. Here we were supposed to start over fresh and do 'normal' things, like going to New York to check out my school and sight see. But here it is two hours later, and still no phone call. What could be more important than his own daughter? All the mysteries are solved, and everything is right in this world.

After getting dad's voicemail for the umpteenth time, I heave a big sigh, and make one more phone call as I sit down in a chair.

"Miss me already?" That cocky voice that gets me every time drawls in my ear causing me to smirk because I'm too upset to give him a full smile.

"Logan your just too smart sometimes. How did you ever guess that's the reason I would call you, and so soon after I just said good-bye?"

"Aren't you supposed to be in the air by now? I didn't think you could get reception from 9,000 feet in the air."

"Funny you should ask." I hesitate and Logan catches on.

"What's wrong? Was the plane delayed?" He asks with some concern in his voice.

"Nothing's wrong with the plane. In fact it is in the air as we speak."

Logan's quiet as he thinks about this riddle I seem to be avoiding. Finally he sighs. "Just tell me Veronica."

"Well as I said, the airplane is in the air, but I currently am not. I am sitting here in these comfortable chairs they have by the gate facing the entryway looking for someone who failed to show up."

"What?" I hear shock in his voice. "Your dad didn't show up?"

"Ding ding ding, we have a winner." Then to be nicer, I give him a real answer. "No." My voice cracks a little on the word no from the emotions swirling around inside of me. "I don't get it. Dad's never stood me up before. I keep calling, but he won't answer. And now I'm stuck. Could you please come and get me?" I ask that last part in a whisper and the tears involuntarily come to the surface, but I refuse to let them fall in shame.

"Be right there."

"Thanks." I hung up the phone and pick up my bags so I can walk into the gift shop. I look around for a while, and finally buy a New York Post Card with the picture of Downtown on the front. I find a table and scribble a quick note on the back. Then I make my way outside just as Logan pulls up in front of me.

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While we drove to Logan's place, we sat in comfortable silence for a while.

"Logan, I think we should talk about what's going on between the two of us. I don't want it to be like last time where we just threw ourselves into a relationship, and then lied and kept things from each other. If we are going to give dating another chance, we need to be open and honest with one another. And if something is bothering us, we need to tell each other. I really want this to work out this time." I pause and look over at him. He looks over at me and gives me a faint smile. He then wraps his hand around my hand and brings it up to his mouth and kisses my knuckles.

"I've told you this before Veronica, but I'm going to tell you again. I love you. I've had feelings for you even before I started dating Lilly. And while we were dating, I tried taking matters into my own hands to try and protect you, and yea I made some stupid decisions, but they were always for you. When we were shot at, the thought of you actually getting hit terrified me, and I went ballistic. I tried to go after the guy, and in my own anger, did some dumb shit. And I snuck around your back to do it. But things are going to be different now. From now on it's just going to be the two of us, and we are going to work things out together."

I can't contain the smile that takes over my face. Logan pulls up to the Neptune Grand, and I silently thank him for not taking me straight home. But I also can't help feeling creeped out and even more sad as my eyes drift up to the top of the roof of the Grand. It's still hard to believe that Beaver, I mean Cassidy, could really turn out to be a killer and a rapist. I always figured it would be hard living with Dick, but still.

I feel a tug on my hand, and I jump. I look over at Logan and he gives me a reassuring smile as he tugs on my hand while opening his door. I get out of the car and meet him on his side of the car, and he takes my hand again and wraps his other arm around my waist as he pulls me in for a kiss.

Yes. Now this is what I need to help calm me down. Thought's of what if, and is dad ok, started to melt away as Logan leans against the car pulling me along with him. "I love you Logan Echolls." I breathe into his mouth as I deepen the kiss.

"Seriously dude, get a room. Oh no wait, you already have one. Well then why don't you find it and spare the rest of us from feeling queasy." Logan smiles into my mouth. He pulls back and gives me a quick peck on the mouth before he turns around and responds.

"Dick! What brings you to my humble abode? Oh, hey Mac."

Mac smiles. "Hey Logan. Hi Veronica."

I walk over to her and wrap my arm around her shoulders and start walking towards the building. "Hey Mac. What brings you here?" I try to give Mac an encouraging smile, but seeing her heart broken, the smile drops from my face. I notice her eyes start to drift up, and I pick up my pace until we make it safely inside. I pull her to the side in the lobby. "What happened with Cassidy was not your fault. What he did had nothing to do with you. He was abused as a kid, and he took it out on the wrong people in a wrong way. I know you loved him and that it's hard to see him as the killer he was, but Mac please, as your friend, I don't want you getting depressed over this. All I'm saying is that you should give yourself some time to mourn, and then move on."

"I'm sorry Veronica, but that was a bunch of crap. Cassidy was a good guy. He was just tortured on the inside. He was still a good guy doing what he thought had to be done."

I give Mac an astonished look as I stop dead in my tracks to face her. "What? Are you defending him! He tried to Kill my father! He raped me, and your standing here defending him?" I practically shriek as I keep my voice low so no one could over hear.

"All I'm saying is that he was a person who grew up with no love. His perception of right and wrong were miscued."

"Look I didn't come here to get into an argument with you. I came because I called your cell phone, but their was no answer. So I called Logan, and he told me he was on his way to pick you up. I didn't mean to interrupt, but I just really needed the company. And I thought Dick could use some too, so I called and invited him here cuz I knew this is where you would end up."

"I'm glad you did show up. Let's drop this for now and just try and relax. Friends?" Mac half smiles back. "Friends."

We all piled into the elevator that took us to Logan's floor. As we walk by the rooms, we all involuntarily stop in front of two specific doors. One held a couple trying to take their relationship to the next level, and the other held a person who just got off of death row Scot free. I feel my arm start to tremble, so I look over and notice the tears in Mac's eyes. Trying to ease the pain just a little bit, I lead her away from the doors and make our way to Logan's room. I look over my shoulder and notice Dick and Logan still standing their.

"Hey Logan. You gonna let us in or what?" I see Logan take a breath and nudge Dick to follow him. We finally make it into his room.

We all sit down on the couch just in time for the door bell to ring. Logan groans and mumbles something about just getting comfortable. I was sitting on his lap and Mac and Dick were sitting next to each other with Mac's head on Dick's shoulder for comfort.

I get up off of Logan, and smack his hands as he takes hold of my hips and tries to push me back onto his lap. Laughing and swatting at him until he reluctantly let's go as the door bell rings again. I turn around to look at him. "This better not be Kendall coming over for a quickie while I'm supposed to be in New York. Or your ass is dead."

Logan gives his famous innocent 'who me' look. I roll my eyes.

I open the door. "Veronica! Hi. What brings you to my brother's place? Are you two on again? Oh hey Dick. I see you've found someone new. What happened to Madison? You finally figured out that you were too good for her?" Trina yaps away as she walks into the apartment and takes the only available seat.

"How nice of you to drop by uninvited Trine. Now get out." I sit down next to Logan and he wraps an arm around my waist. Trina smiles.

"Very funny little brother, but I've got news for ya. Remember how you mistook me for mom at the hotel?" She pauses dramatically for a reaction. When she doesn't continue, Logan gets impatient. "Yea, and?"

"Well it turns out you were right believing mom was alive."

Silence.

"Very funny. Now as you can tell, were busy here." Logan finally says as he grabs the remote and flips on the TV.

"No really. Mom's alive. She's been living in Spain all this time."

"Why should I believe you? What do you have to gain from this? Are you having withdrawals that dads dead so you have to make up lies? Are you that bored and sadistic? Dad's dead. As far as I'm concerned, he got what he deserved. He should be rotting away in jail for the rest of his life, but instead he's burning in hell for all eternity." Logan starts to get pissed, so I wrap an arm around his shoulders and pull him closer. I lean in and whisper in his ear. "Maybe you should hear her out. Give her the benefit of doubt. She obviously has a reason for this."

Logan sighs. "Fine. Where did you get this information from?"

"From mom, silly. Where else would I get it from?" I could feel Logan tense up. So I hug him tighter. "And no I'm not making this up because daddy is dead. I'm telling you the truth."

"So then where is she now?" Logan gets out through clenched teeth.

"Well why didn't you just say that. She's back at my place. Come with me and I'll take you to her."

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At Trina's place, we all just kind of stand their awkwardly as she opens the door and walks in. I can feel Veronica squeeze my hand to try and reassure me that she's with me through it all. No matter which way it turns out.

"Hello? Are you coming in or what? Don't make me have to drag you in myself. Mom's in the shower." We could hear Trina yell out to us.

I take a deep breath and finally take a step forward and into Trina's apartment. Everyone else follows suit.

None of us say anything as we sit down and Trina goes on and on about the latest project she's working on.

"Trina I'm ready for lunch…Oh. Logan, sweetie." Lynn stops walking as she walks out of a bedroom and spots us all. She seems startled, but then her eyes land on me, a huge smile spreads across her face as it lights up in delight.

My whole body tightens up in shock. My mind shuts down and all I can do is stare as she makes her way over to me and takes my hand and pulls me up for a bone crushing hug.

"Oh honey I've missed you so much!" She starts rocking me back and forth. I slowly raise my arms up to return the hug as I stare at Veronica, and I'm pretty sure my mouth was hanging open. Mom pulls back to get a good look at me. I think she noticed how my body has shut down because she starts chuckling at me.

"Mom?" My voice comes out squeaky and high pitched. I clear my throat and try again. "Mom?"

"Yes its me. Now sit so I can explain what happened." I numbly walk over to Veronica and sit down. She wraps an arm around me shoulder and I squeeze her knee, never taking my eyes off of my mother who's smiling at me and Veronica.

"Well I'm glad to see you two finally got together. I thought you two would have been dating since the moment you met each other. Well I don't know what Trina told you, but I've been living in Barcelona Spain all this time. Before I staged my suicide, I was fed up with Aaron, and was planning on leaving him. He knew it, and he did everything in his power to threaten me. Even said he would kill me if I went through with it. So I had no choice. I parked my car on the bridge, threw a garbage bag full of crap over the bridge, and then hopped into the Van from one of the movies I was in. Then I fled the country and stayed in Spain. I would have told you Logan, but I couldn't take the chance of your father finding out. That's why I left you my lighter. I knew you would see it and understand that I wasn't really dead."

I reach my hand into my pocket and withdraw the lighter. "You mean this one?" My voice still came out strangled. I flipped it open and then closed it a few times. Then I laugh. "You're right mom. As soon as I saw the lighter, I knew you weren't dead. That you just wanted to escape and couldn't think of any other way to do it."

"And now I'm back for good. With your father gone, I'm finally free to live my life. And honey, there's something I need to tell you. I've started over with a new family."

"You what? So, your like, married, or something?"

"Not quite. But you do have a one year old brother. His name is Joshua Joseph. J.J. for short. And I'm engaged to the baby's father. He's going through a divorce as we speak."

"Whoa. I have a little brother? Wow. So who's the father and new hubby?"

Mom looks at Dick. "It's Dick Casablancas Sr." My heart skipped a beat. "What?!" Dick and I yell out at the same time.

"Dude. Your mom and my dad." Dick chimes in.

I stand up and look down at Veronica and hold out my hand. She grabs it as she stands up. I turn to face my mother. MY MOTHER.

"Thanks for coming back mom, but I need to go now. Think this through." She stands up and this time I give her the bone crushing hug that she returns. Then I turn around and Veronica and I leave.

"So. You have anything in mind?" I ask Veronica so I could take my mind off of what just happened.

"Actually there is just one thing I want to do."

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"What do you think your doing here Veronica Mars?"

"Why if it isn't Lamb here to personally greet me. Nice to see you too. Thanks for the warm welcome."

"Why are you here?" Lamb continues his cave man grunts.

"Didn't you know, I'm here to visit you. I was on my way to New York, but I had to turn back around because I missed you too much."

"Well you wasted your time. Now if that's all you wanted, then you can leave."

"I'm here to see Weevil."

"WHERE IS LAMB. I NEED TO TALK TO HIM NOW." I could hear in the background. I would recognize that voice anywhere.

Dad walks in along with Kendall Casablancas. He stops short when he sees Logan and I already in Lambs office.

"Well well well. If it isn't the stander upper. What brings you here dad?"

"Veronica I can explain. Later." He says to me. Then he turns to Lamb and puts a briefcase down on his desk.

"Kendall here, believe it or not, brought this to my attention. And I think you need to see this."

"Not now Keith. Can't you see I'm busy here harassing your daughter?" Lamb sits back in his chair. Dad responds by opening the briefcase.

Lambs chair falls forward as he leans into the briefcase. "Am I supposed to be impressed? What is this?"

"Well if you really can't figure it out, then maybe your not capable of understanding."

Dad takes the briefcase back from Lamb. He takes out a few things that looks like photographs and sticks them in Lambs face.

"Yea I see it. But what do you want from me?"

Dad shakes his head. "Your not serious are you? I bring you the evidence and you ask what it has to do with you? Your supposed to be the Sheriff! Listen to this. It's audio feed that I think you would find interesting. Mull it over for a while, then let me know what you think."

Dad turns around and leaves. I take that as my cue to follow him and finally get some answers.

"Dad! Wait up!" He walks out to his car and gets in. He waits for me to follow suit. I get in the car. "Before you say anything, I have a perfectly good explanation for this. I didn't mean to stand you up, but Kendall came to my office with some evidence. She had Duncan Kane followed, and it turns out that it's not just him and the baby. Honey, Meg is alive. The three of them are living together."

"What? Meg's alive?" Shock doesn't even begin to describe how I feel.

"Honey there's more. Turns out there's audio tapes of Duncan and Clarence Weidman working together for the murder of Aaron Echolls."

"Duncan Kane? And Meg?" My head is swimming with so much information that I temporarily forget that I'm mad at my father for standing me up. I get out of the car and meet Logan at his car. We get in and we all go back to Logan's place.