Truths to Big to be Told -- 2010
Disclaimer: The characters are not mine, but most of the witty banter is. No copyright infringement intended, but they say that possession is 9/10s of the law.
Thanks for the reviews. I'm such a greedy brat, I had 17 already and kept checking back to see if there had been more…and you guys gave them to me. Holding onto my carrot/stick experiment, I'm posing early. Well that and the chapter was ready.
RECAP: This story picks up a few weeks (18 days to be exact) after we left off in Some Truths Hurt. The kids are settling into a summer of hot weather and hot tempers. The mystery of who was driving remains a mystery. LoVe are healing their wounds. The Mars and Kanes are getting divorced. Duncan left town for a summer internship. The paternity test results on Shiloh are due back in a week, currently Keith has custody. Logan has been house hunting, and is still taking pot shots at Lamb.
Because I need to "see" people moving in houses so I can imagine it more clearly I designed Logan's new house. It's available at you send it www (dot) yousendit (dot) com (forward slash) download (forward slash) S1VEYkJoZEtCTW5IRGc9PQ Well, I'll try it anyway. It'll be up for 7 days or 100 downloads.
Chapter 2: The Inevitability of Moving Forward
(Wednesday, June 29)
Early morning. Pacific Ocean. There are a lot of surfers in the water. Logan and Enbom are paddling out on their surf boards. They ride a few waves, but after about 30 minutes Logan looks around for Enbom and finds him sitting on his board beyond the breakers. Logan paddles out.
Logan: What's up man, you tired already?
Enbom: Nah, just not feeling it today.
Logan looks concerned and sits up on his board, looking at his friend. Enbom had been pretty subdued ever since the accident.
Logan: You thinking about Chester?
Enbom: Yeah. I still can't believe it.
Logan: Yeah.
Enbom: (haunted) What's going to happen man?
Logan: Nothing. Not as long as we stick together.
Enbom is unconvinced.
Logan remains with his friend, enjoying being on the water, and looks up the beach. He sees a nice house with a for sale sign.
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Casablancas driveway. Scene opens on Beaver's terrified face. He and Dick are sitting in a new BMW 3 series coupe with silver paint and black interior. Big Dick had wanted to get Beaver a BMW wagon, since he considered Beaver to be less than manly, and it amused him to consider getting what he thought of as a woman's car for his younger son. Dick had intervened for his brother and convinced his dad to get Cassidy the car he wanted. Unfortunately Big Dick was too busy to teach his son to drive and the task had fallen to Dick.
Beaver: (freaked out) You said it was clear!
Dick: (blasé) I said it looked clear.
Beaver: Well, how does it look now?
Dick: (shrugs) Looks clear. (Beaver looks exasperated) Calm down, little bro. Now turn to look over your right shoulder and ease off the break.
The car jerks backwards.
Dick: (sharper tone) Slowly.
Beaver: (whiny) I'm trying.
Dick: OK, OK.
Beaver: Maybe we should just go to an empty parking lot or something.
Dick: Whatever, but you're going to have to drive on roads to get there.
Beaver: (tries not to let it show in his face that he considers his brother to be less than intelligent) No, I meant you could drive us to the parking lot. Then I'd try.
Dick: You gotta learn Beav. (pause) Sorry. Cassidy. Old habit.
Beaver: (smiles) It's OK.
Dick: Cool. So, try it again, slow and gentle this time.
Beaver is very unsure, but tries again.
He manages to get out of the driveway and is on the road heading towards town. The speedometer reads 25 miles per hour. A car behind them honks. They are going well under the speed limit.
Dick: Uh, Cass, maybe you want to try to speed up a bit.
Beaver: No.
His hands are clenched tightly on the wheel.
Dick: All right.
Dick rolls down the window and waves for the guy behind them to pass. He does, blaring his horn as he goes. Dick flips him off.
Dick: Asshole.
Beaver shoots his brother a timid, but thankful smile.
Beaver: Hey Dick, thanks for doing this.
Dick: No problem. So how much time do we have before you have to get to work?
Beaver: (glum) Doesn't matter. I never see dad and his employees are too scared to say anything to me.
Dick: (frowns at his brother) I thought you wanted to do an internship?
Beaver shrugs. He had, mostly to spend some time with his dad doing something that he was good at. Maybe then his dad would show him a bit more respect. Now that Dick had started to treat him better it only made the way their father treated him sting more.
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Night. Two leather clad Hispanic young men, unidentifiable at this distance enter the River Stix.
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(Friday, July 1)
Neptune Grand, Veronica uses her keycard and enters Logan's suite. As soon as Veronica steps inside, Logan is standing before her, his eyes shining.
Logan: Hey Veronica, guess what?
His face was happy but his eyes were worried. Veronica smiled back but narrowed her eyes at him.
Veronica: OK, guess. Um, you finally got your yellow beast painted a new slightly less obnoxious color?
Logan: (sour, but his lips twitch with a smile) No.
Veronica: Drats. You picked up your laundry off the floor?
Logan: (perfect Alicia Silverstone imitation from Clueless) As if.
Veronica: (indulgent smile and tone) Did you cut your hair?
Logan: No.
Veronica: New highlights?
Logan: (huffy) No.
Veronica: You took up yodeling?
Logan: (laughs) No. Are you done yet?
Veronica: (makes an 'as if' face) Please. (she pushes past him into the suite, leaving the vestibule) I just got started.
Logan: (smirks) I love a woman who can just keep going and going.
Veronica: Watch it pal.
Logan: (leering at her) I'll do more than watch.
He stalks her slowly, Veronica taking a step back for each step forward he takes. She drops her bag against the wall, preparing to run.
Veronica: If I let you catch me, do I get to know your big surprise?
Logan: Let me? You may be quick and sneaky, but I'm bigger than you and have enough determination to outlast you.
Veronica: (affronted) Oh really? You think so?
The game is on as Logan chases Veronica around the suite, vaulting over furniture and sliding through doors. He gets a hand on her a few times but she manages to dance and spin away, evading capture.
Finally she races into the bedroom and stumbles over a pile of Logan's clothes on the floor, lurching to the right she narrowly avoids Logan as he tries to grab her in a flying tackle that goes wrong as he trips over one of his shoes. He still manages to land on the bed, but doesn't manage to get Veronica there with him. She solves the problem and ends the fight by jumping up onto the bed and sitting down on his chest.
Veronica: I proclaim myself the winner. Stealth and brains over brawn every time.
Logan smiles, happy to let her have the win, as long as he gets a consolation prize. He turns them over quickly, stealing a kiss.
One kiss turns into several and he is grinning as he finally shifts his weight off of her.
Logan: Good morning.
Veronica: Good morning to you too.
Logan: Hmm.
He smoothes her hair back from her flushed cheek.
Veronica: So what is your big surprise?
Logan: I bought a place.
She sits up abruptly, no humor in her face.
Veronica: What? You mean you put in an offer.
Logan sits up as well.
Logan: No, I bought it at auction.
Veronica: (cautious) Logan.
Logan: (casual tone, but with an edge of defensiveness) Escrow takes too long. This is easier. I had cash to pay so why go through all the hassle.
Veronica: Um, home inspections, looking at the comps, actually seeing the place before you pay a billion dollars for it.
--Flashback
Veronica walks into Logan's hotel suite to see him sitting with Big Dick, discussing real estate. Logan pulls out a chair for her at the table and she sits silently as Big Dick instructs Logan on how to evaluate properties and areas for value.
Flash to Logan and Veronica with a realtor looking at a few different properties.
-- End Flashback
Logan: I did see it, and it wasn't a billion dollars.
Veronica: Was it one that we saw?
Logan: No. I saw it while Enbom and I were out surfing.
Veronica: (astonished) That was just a few days ago!
She sees that her disapproval is stealing his happiness and makes an effort to at least be neutral.
Veronica: Well, tell me about it.
He smiles and begins to describe it to her. It's actually a duplex, one unit has two bedrooms with a den, three bathrooms, two patios (one from the second floor and one from the main floor) with hot tub and outdoor shower, a two car garage, and it's on the beach. The other unit is currently occupied by a tenant. It's a two bedroom, two bathroom and shares one common wall.
Veronica: So now you have a tenant?
Logan: Yeah, but if he's an asshole I'll just kick him out, no big deal.
Veronica rolls her eyes.
Veronica: Did you even see the inside before you bought it?
Logan's face begins to close again, not enjoying her criticism as bland as it may be. He climbs off the bed.
Logan: (flatly) Yeah. I did. It's in a development Big Dick invested in. He arranged a showing for me. Should I give you all the documents so you can inspect them for yourself?
Veronica: Logan. I just don't want you to make a mistake. It's a lot of money.
Logan: I got a good deal. The rent from the second unit will pay for all the taxes and upkeep, and because the previous owner foreclosed and it went to auction, I got a good price. Besides I haven't even told you the best part yet.
Veronica: OK.
Logan: It's a gated community, with a private beach. Paparazzi can't come past the gates. It'll be private.
She stares at him and he can tell she wants to argue about his decision, or at least his decision making strategy, but she curbs the impulse.
Veronica: (trying to be supportive) Will you have to do a lot of work to the inside? Remodel?
Logan: (relaxing) That's the second best thing. It's in fantastic condition. All I have to do is buy furniture and move in.
Veronica: (smiling at his excitement) OK, and when will that be?
Logan: Next weekend.
Veronica: (mouth falling open, shocked) Next weekend? How is that possible?
Logan: The sale will be recorded with the County today, I get keys at 5pm. (ducks his head) I thought you could come with me to see it then.
Veronica: Yeah. Sure. (reassuring tone) I'd like that.
Logan: Good.
He begins to ramble on happily about how he's going to set up one of the guest rooms for his mom, for whenever she comes to visit him, and how the whole place has these great dark hardwood floors, and stark white walls. He says he wants it to be clean and simple, modern. She knows he means he wants it to be nothing like the traditional, luxurious home he grew up in. He breaks off.
Logan: Is Mrs. Narvarro with Shiloh tomorrow?
Veronica: Yeah, why?
Logan: I thought I could talk to her about working for me. She's doing three days a week for you, right? I can hire her for the other two days, just for house work and meals. (shrugs) If it's too much work I can get someone else part time to help.
Veronica: You know what would help? You learning to pick up your own clothes.
Logan: Probably, but the odds of that are not good. Besides I have other skills.
He swoops back in for another kiss to demonstrate said skills and the almost-argument is forgotten.
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The condo is literally on the beach with the short staircase from the downstairs patio leading down to the sand of a private beach. The split level design is perfect for privacy with the top deck, which comes off the master bedroom through a set of wide French doors with floor to ceiling windows for the rest of the wall, set above the second units' upstairs deck. The lower deck is larger with the hot tub, outdoor shower, large seating/dining area and built-in fire pit. It's a perfect party house. With neighbors only on one side (the other is a cliff) and set back 30 feet, noise shouldn't be an issue.
The inside is beautiful and in pristine condition. It has an open concept floor plan with the downstairs rooms flowing one into the other. There is a large kitchen (including a kitchen island with counter height seating, stainless steel appliances and quartz countertops), a full downstairs bathroom, and laundry room, not that Logan even bothers to look inside of it. The majority of the first floor is a large great room that could be divided into separate spaces for living room, family room (likely to become a game room with Logan as the owner) and dining area.
Thankfully the appliances, including washer and dryer, came with the house. The kitchen cabinets are done in bright white with the counters adding a bit of warmth with their soft brown quartz.
There is a large space that goes up to the vaulted roof (with large skylight) over the center of the downstairs area, once you go up the stairs there is a walkway around the opening. The master bedroom and bathroom are on the west side of the upstairs, opening onto a private deck about half the size of the downstairs patio. The bathroom is huge with a large shower, separate whirlpool bath, and dual sinks.
The den, second bedroom and a third bathroom are on the east side of the upstairs separated from the master suite by the large opening to the downstairs which is circled by a walkway. Finally there is an open nook or 'lounge' area as Veronica dubs it in a wide part of the walkway.
The views are fantastic. How could they be otherwise, with the house steps from the beach.
Logan leads Veronica through the double doors into the master bedroom to the French doors leading out to the upper patio. The Pacific Ocean reaches out before them, the waves rolling gently into the white sand beach. Veronica surveys it all, remaining mostly silent. Logan begins to worry. She reads it on his face and smiles.
Veronica: (warmly) It's beautiful.
Logan: You like it.
Veronica: I love it. (wiry smile) Just don't tell me how much it cost.
Logan: (grins) I won't. Ready to meet the neighbors?
Veronica: Let's go.
As they circled the front of the house Veronica saw that the neighbor had left his garage door open with his vehicle parked inside, she pulled out a small notebook and jotted down his license plate quickly. Logan looks at her with disbelief then grins.
Logan: That's my girl.
Veronica: What?
Logan doesn't answer, taking her hand and pulling her around the side of the building to the front door.
Logan knocks and they hear a friendly voice call out.
Neighbor Matt: Just a minute.
A tall dark haired man with a lithe build opens the door wearing board shorts and a t-shirt. He has blue eyes and a square jaw. He looks at them curiously with intelligent eyes.
Neighbor Matt: Can I help you?
Logan: Hi. I'm Logan. The new owner.
The man looks at him in surprise, taking in how young Logan is. He cocks one eyebrow and waves then inside, oozing easy charm.
Neighbor Matt: I was told it finally sold. Come in. I'm Matt Gunther. Hopefully your new tenant and neighbor.
Logan: (smiles candidly) This is my girlfriend, Veronica.
Veronica: Hi.
Her tone is slightly girlish and breathy, Logan looks at her curiously and wonders if she's playing one of her parts, or if she's actually attracted to this guy. She grins back at him, nudging him to walk inside and he is none the wiser.
Matt: Can I get you something to drink? I don't have much to offer, water or carrot juice.
Logan: No, I'm fine.
Veronica: (speculative) Carrot juice?
Matt: It's good, and packed with nutrients. Try it.
Logan: No thanks.
Veronica: Uh…
Matt: If you don't like it, don't finish it, it won't offend me.
Veronica: OK.
Once he has a water for himself and carrot juice for Veronica, they sit down. Veronica and Logan look around to see how he has the place decorated. It's a beachy vibe with bright blues and warm browns. A bit too Tommy Bahamas for Veronica, but it's nice.
Logan: So, maybe you should tell us a bit about yourself.
Matt: Right. I should start off with the fact that I would love to stay here, I hope we can work something out, unless you already have someone lined up to live in this unit.
Logan: No. No definite plans yet.
Matt: Great. To start with my name is Matt Gunther. I'm at doctor at the Marine hospital on Pendleton.
Veronica: That explains the carrot juice.
Matt: I spent a few years deployed, mostly Iraq and Afghanistan. Now that I'm back I can't seem to get enough fresh fruit and vegetables. My mother got me a juicer and I have to say, I love it.
Logan: You're in the military?
Matt: I was. I'm a civilian again, but I still work at the Military hospital.
Logan looks at the man respectfully.
Veronica: How long have you lived here?
Matt: A little over a year. Once I got back, I felt like I needed to be somewhere open. Someplace without a lot of walls.
Logan: Do you surf?
Matt: I do. I learned with my dad when I was a kid, obviously I didn't have much chance to hit the waves for several years, but I do now. I take it you surf?
Logan: At least once a week.
The conversation quickly veers towards surfing, how the break is on this beach, and on and on.
Veronica rolls her eyes. She lets them talk and cautiously takes a sip of the carrot juice. She decides she doesn't hate it, and takes a second drink. She tries to figure out what the other flavor is, the one that is kinda spicy.
Matt: It's ginger.
Veronica: (raising one eyebrow) OK. Are you psychic too?
Matt: No. Just observant. Professional hazard.
Veronica: Military or medical?
Matt: (smiles) Both.
Veronica: (smiles) How about you two bond over boards and waves later, (aside to Logan) no babes though Honeybunches, (Logan grins and Matt smiles at the two kids) and we get back on topic.
Matt: OK.
Logan looks like he doesn't have anymore questions.
Veronica Voiceover: He surfs therefore he'd make a good neighbor? I have a few more qualifications.
Veronica: How much do you pay in rent? How's your credit? Do you have a criminal record? What is your social life like—do you do drugs and stay up all night? Girlfriend (shrugs) or boyfriend? Would you be willing to sign a 12-month lease agreement with Logan? Did you put down a deposit? If it went to the previous owner and not a property management company, we might have to ask you to put down another, considering the circumstances.
Matt looks impressed. He answers her questions carefully and thoroughly.
Matt: I'd like the lease because it gives me protection as well as you, and I'd be willing to put down a second deposit to be able to stay. I love living here.
Logan: OK. So if you check out, and believe me Veronica will check you out thoroughly, it's a deal.
Matt: Thanks. I really appreciate it. (pauses) Maybe I could ask you a few questions?
Logan: (wary) Sure.
Veronica: OK.
They share a cautious look the Matt notes with a certain amount of surprise. They obviously didn't want to talk about themselves.
Matt: (to Logan) You both look pretty young. How old are you?
Logan: We're both 17.
Matt: And you could afford to buy this place? Wow. Where are your parents?
Veronica: My dad is here in Neptune. I won't be living here, it's Logan's place.
Logan looks a bit put out at her response, but grateful that she glosses over his parents. Matt waits for them to continue but no more information is being volunteered.
Matt: All right. (smiles, knowing that the information that was left out is probably as telling as the information itself would have been) What are your names?
There is a long pause. Their names were in the papers every day now.
Logan: Logan Echolls and Veronica Mars.
Matt regards the teens seriously then nods.
Matt: I thought you both looked familiar. Nice to meet you.
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(Saturday, July 2)
The next day, Veronica gets up early with Shiloh so Alicia and Keith can sleep in. She gets them both their breakfast, joking with Wallace and Daryl who are also up early. Wallace has a shift at the Sac-N-Pac and Daryl is being dropped off at a friend's for the day. This friend has a pool in his backyard, and Daryl is very excited. Veronica smiles at his enthusiasm, but is happy to be in the quiet house with just Shiloh to deal with as she gets ready for a day in the park. She wanted to get some good pictures of Shiloh before it got too hot. After getting Backup into the back of the Mini and Shiloh in the car seat, she is ready.
Veronica is in the park for only 15 minutes before she has a nagging uneasy feeling. She looks around, appearing casual, but her eyes are sharp as they search the surrounding area. No media are visible, and no one appears to be paying attention to her or Shiloh. Backup is at ease, obviously not sensing a threat. Still the feeling persists and Veronica moves their stuff to a more shielded area, under a tree and with some small bushes blocking view of her from the parking lot.
She sets the baby down and plays with her for a bit until Shiloh yawns and curls up in Veronica's lap for a nap. Backup sits down nearby and looks at Veronica, hopeful that she will play fetch a bit more. Veronica settles the baby down on a blanket and tells Backup to guard. At attention, the large dog dwarfs the infant and Veronica can't resist getting a few pictures of them together.
At first she takes pictures of Shiloh and Backup, then she focuses on the trees and other playing children. But really she is searching the parking lot and edges of the park for whoever is watching them. Finally as a car pulls out she sees a familiar vehicle parked behind it. It is the one she planted the tracker on weeks ago, it's Weidman's and as he sees he has been discovered, he climbs out of the vehicle.
Once he is closer, Veronica gives him a semblance of a smile and her tone puts Backup on high alert. The large dog bristles and positions himself between Weidman and the two girls. Weidman stops several feet away.
Veronica: Back to your old habits I see.
Weidman raises one eyebrow in question.
Veronica: Stalking me. So are you here to threaten me or is there some other business?
Weidman: Jake is understandably concerned about his child's safety.
Veronica's face pinches and she looks down at Shiloh's helpless form.
Veronica Voiceover: The Kanes never had strict security protocols for Lilly or Duncan, but I suppose after you've lost a child you might reconsider your stance on that.
Veronica: No one even knows she could be his.
Weidman: Regardless, Jake has finally listened to my advice regarding the security for his family and personal property.
Veronica is stone faced as she wonders if Jake considers the baby to be family or property or if there is a distinction in his mind.
Veronica: I'm careful with her.
Weidman: I know.
His implication is clear. Today is not the first day he has watched her with Shiloh. Veronica bristles.
Veronica: Why are you here? Talking to me. Today.
Weidman: Jake would like to see you.
Veronica: No.
Weidman: I believe he has some information you are quite interested in.
Veronica: (frustrated) Why can't you tell me now?
He is silent.
Veronica: Always doing your master's bidding? (she narrows her eyes) What makes you so loyal to him? You must know he's willing to throw anyone under the bus if it serves his best interest.
Weidman: I owe him. (smiles faintly) I will continue trust him so as long as our goals are not at cross purposes.
Veronica watches him warily. Weidman can see that she does not trust him, or Jake. Unfortunately for her, they were in possession of the information that she wanted. Information that would undoubtedly give her some peace of mind.
Veronica: Where does he want to meet?
Weidman: Your mother's apartment.
Veronica: (quickly) No.
Weidman: No?
Veronica: Call him. Tell him to make it someplace else.
Weidman: Ms. Mars…
Veronica: Call him, or I go home and if you try to stop me or lay a single finger on me I'll scream so loudly that we'll be sure to make the front page tomorrow.
She smiles happily now, back in control of the situation.
Weidman looks unconcerned and calls Jake.
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Cut to Kane Software. Veronica enters cautiously, still unsure of being there alone. She stopped outside the doors and left messages for Logan and Wallace about where she was. Feeling slightly more assured, she enters the empty building. Weidman leads her into the building, pointing out the exhibit hall for new technologies.
Weidman: I believe you know our director of outreach, Mr. Mackenzie?
Veronica: (grinding her teeth together, but she smiles) Why yes, I do.
Weidman's eyes gleam with amusement at her ire and forced congeniality.
Weidman: Here we are.
He indicates an imposing office door. Veronica stops. She had been here before with Lilly and Duncan on several occasions. Happier occasions.
Veronica: Great. Let's get this over with.
Weidman opens the door for Veronica and she enters to find Jake behind a large desk.
Jake rises. Weidman moves to be leaning against the wall, where both Jake and Veronica are in his eye line.
Jake: Hello Veronica.
Veronica: Jake.
Jake: I see you have Shiloh with you. May I hold her for a minute?
Veronica's face is vulnerable for a moment before she covers it. She hands Shiloh to Jake, fighting twin urges—one to stay close to Shiloh, and the other to be as far away from Jake as possible.
Jake: You're quite safe Veronica. I would never hurt you.
Veronica: I know that's not true.
Weidman: Jake has never wished any harm to come to you Ms. Mars.
Veronica: I guess that depends on your definition of harm. But let's drop the subject, nothing you say will make me comfortable with either of you.
Jake: May I ask why? I have known you since you were a child. Even though you are not my daughter, I still care for you.
Veronica has a hard look.
Veronica: (deliberately slow) I will never be comfortable with you, because every time I see either of you I imagine you both icing Lilly's body down.
Her tone is seething with anger and disgust. Weidman remains impassive, Jake flinches back from her and the image she has invoked.
Jake: I see.
He strokes Shiloh's soft cheek with his thumb, not waking her from the slumber she had fallen into in the car.
Jake: I did what I had to do to protect the child I had left.
Weidman: Perhaps we should proceed so Ms. Mars can be away from us, since we make her so uncomfortable.
Jake: I am sorry for that Veronica. I'm sorry for a great many things.
Veronica: Fantastic. (commanding) Moving on.
Jake: Aaron Echolls killed Lilly.
Veronica looks both relieved and upset.
Weidman: As you uncovered, they were having an affair. It had not been going on very long, a few weeks at most. He followed her from his house that day. His own security cameras show Lilly arriving then leaving moments later, in quite a rush. Aaron followed after her shortly in quite a temper if you believe his expression.
Veronica: His cameras?
Weidman: His security company is very good and archive data for up to two years. Apparently stalkers are quite a problem these days for individuals with Echolls' fame.
Veronica: You're sure?
Weidman: He was also recorded on several traffic cameras en route to the Kanes' estate. He left again minutes later. Duncan arrived and must have startled him away.
Veronica: But Duncan never said anything about seeing Aaron's car.
Jake: He doesn't remember.
Veronica: If he did it might be helpful during the trial.
Jake considers her words. He is not above suborning perjury from his son, not when the stakes are so high.
Veronica: And Judge Thorpe.
Jake pulses with emotion until he gets himself under control again.
Jake: Thorpe. Don't worry about that bastard, I'll be dealing with him.
Weidman: (still calm) Judge Thorpe was having an affair with Lilly as well. But he did not murder her. He was…otherwise occupied that afternoon.
Veronica: You're sure.
Jake: Yes.
There is a long pause as Veronica considers everything.
Veronica: What now? Thorpe can't be the trial judge for Lilly's murder. If anyone ever found out…
Jake: He won't be an issue.
Veronica frowns.
Veronica: But...
Weidman: Ms. Mars. You trusted us this far, let us finish this distasteful business. Do not involve yourself. Your testimony at Aaron Echolls' trial will be important. You must be…beyond reproach.
Veronica feels cold, knowing what these men are capable of and realizing how quickly she could be on the opposing side again.
She nods abruptly, and moves to take Shiloh from Jake. Shiloh wakes up and smiles at Veronica, before turning to look curiously at Jake.
Veronica turns to leave. At the door she pauses.
Veronica: You have someone watching me?
Jake: Watching you and Shiloh, yes.
Veronica opens her mouth to argue about it being unnecessary.
Weidman: It's not negotiable, Ms. Mars. The child is heiress to a fortune and you are known for getting into trouble.
She turns to leave, when Jake's voice stops her.
Jake: You'd do well to stay away from Logan, Veronica.
Veronica: (turning, ready for battle) Excuse me?
Jake: Logan brought about Lilly's ruin-
Veronica: (interrupting) You're not serious. (harsh laugh) God, I see where Duncan gets it now. Nothing is ever your fault, Duncan's fault, Lilly's fault. Aaron killed Lilly. What happened had nothing to do with Logan. She was stupid enough to get involved with a man she knew was violent.
Jake is stone-faced.
Jake: Lilly acted badly, but...
Veronica: But nothing. I loved Lilly, and I know it wasn't her fault that Aaron killed her, but it sure as hell isn't Logan's fault.
Jake: Aaron is his father, if Lilly and Logan hadn't dated…
Veronica: Oh SHUT UP!
Shiloh is startled and begins to cry, Jake stands as if to move to take her from Veronica, but Veronica quickly sooths the baby. Once Shiloh is calm again Veronica tucks the baby into her neck and speaks quietly in her ear, swaying side to side.
Once the baby calms she returns a deadly gaze at Jake and then at Weidman.
Veronica: Let me be clear. Both your children were aware that Logan was abused by his father, your friend, I might add. Did you know?
She reads it on Jake's face. He had known or at least suspected. Weidman however looks surprised.
Veronica's face is raw with anger.
Veronica: Logan defended you. Believed you. Stood by you and your precious family. He looked at you like a second father. You want to blame someone? There are lots of people who deserve blame, but you and your family are standing pretty close to the front of that line.
Jake is silent, unwilling to accept any blame.
Veronica: I will not stay away from Logan. And if you come after him or Lynn, do anything to make their lives more difficult I will start granting interviews. With what I know I could reveal something new every week from now until graduation. Don't try me.
Weidman: Is that a threat Ms. Mars?
Veronica: What's that overused line? No, it's not a threat, it's a promise. Feel free to go after Aaron, but you leave Logan and Lynn alone. They've been through enough.
-----------
That night Logan and Veronica go out on a date, but Veronica is unusually quiet. She knows she has to tell Logan, but she isn't looking forward to the conversation. After dinner, during which Logan fills the silence with talk about possible paint colors and furniture, they return to the Neptune Grand.
Veronica Voiceover: Somehow with Logan and I trying to work on our relationship, forcing ourselves to be more open with each other, we fell into a routine. Every few days, one of us had to tell the other something true, something we didn't know. It started off that way anyway. After what Logan revealed in the den, he opened up a bit more and talked about what it was like living with his dad. It's hardly the same thing, but I told him about Jake's trust fund for me and how I felt when I didn't know who my father was.
-- Flashback
Logan and Veronica are sitting in the Fennels' studio, she is speaking to him earnestly and Logan listens intently, rubbing her hand.
--End Flashback
Veronica Voiceover: I still had questions about his abuse though, and once it became pretty clear that Logan wasn't going to talk about it again on his own, I decided to just ask.
-- Flashback
Logan and Veronica are sitting at on the patio off Logan's suite at the Grand. The sky is blue with a few wispy clouds. They have just finished lunch and the empty plates are still on the table. Veronica looks out into the horizon then back at Logan her face still and serious.
Veronica: Logan. Why didn't you ever tell anyone about the abuse? (frowns, a deep V in her forehead) Or did you?
Logan: (gravely, obviously not eager to talk about this) No. I never told anyone.
He doesn't continue, and Veronica stands up and walks around to stand in front of him, waiting for him to raise his head and meet her eyes.
Veronica: I… (shrugs awkwardly) I just want to know. I don't understand…
Logan: I'm glad.
Veronica: What?
Logan: That you don't understand. 'Cause the only way you could understand is if you had been through it too. And I would never want that.
He still doesn't answer her question and she doesn't push it, instead allowing him to pull her down to sit in his lap. She looks at him tenderly, wishing there was something she could do.
Logan: Nobody could do anything to help me, so there was no point in telling.
Veronica: You could have gone to live with your grandparents. Someone could have…
Logan: No. If I had left he just would have turned his rage on my mother.
His nostrils flare and his hand clenches hard on the arm rest. Veronica is still unsatisfied with the answers, but is hesitant to continue questioning him.
Veronica: But even if you thought no one would, or could, help you, you still could have shared it with someone. I know talking to you helped me a lot.
Logan frowns and looks away.
Veronica: Lilly and Duncan knew, didn't they? And they didn't do anything. (pause) I didn't know Logan. I would have tried to help you.
Logan: I know. That's why I made sure you never had any reason to suspect anything. (faint smile) Do-gooder Mars. You really would have messed things up for me.
She looks hurt, and her face pinches. He smoothes his fingers from the V in her forehead down to her tightly held mouth, tracing the bow of her lips and forcing the tension to leave her expression.
Logan: Not like that. You would have told your dad, and he would have tried to help, but there was nothing he could do Veronica.
Veronica: But-
Logan: (interrupts) No buts.
She subsides but is still unhappy with his reasoning.
Veronica: (quietly) Lilly and Duncan knew, didn't they?
Logan is silent again, and looks down. Veronica blows out an angry breath.
Veronica: How could they know and do nothing?
Logan: I don't know. They knew, but neither of them ever said anything to me.
Veronica looks upset. She closes her eyes, so sad for Logan who had spent so many years alone with his abuse and keeping it secret.
Veronica: I'm glad I know. Glad that you're free of him now.
Logan: (quietly) I am too.
He wraps his arms around her and she settles back into his embrace.
--End Flashback
Veronica Voiceover: The next week it was solidified that you could tell a truth or ask a question and the answer served as the other person's truth for that week. You got to ask something you really wanted to know, and the other person had to answer, or at least try. Some of the questions were tough to formulate an answer to.
-- Flashback
Logan and Veronica are lying in bed, the sheet pulled up to cover Veronica except for her bare shoulders. Logan's naked chest is visible. They are smiling and laughing. Logan tells her how Rams had to drink a goldfish and puke it back up or else he would have to let Dick use his truck to teach Beaver how to drive as part of a bet the boys had made.
Rams had puked up the goldfish and then some. Afterwards Kate had refused to kiss him for days, saying that he was gross and needed to brush his teeth more thoroughly. Veronica laughs, imaging the scene in her mind.
Logan reaches over and tries to pull the sheet away from her.
Veronica: Stop, I have to go home soon.
Logan: Call you dad and tell him you're having tire troubles.
Veronica: Tire troubles?
Logan: Well I still owe you like 90 tires …
He trails off suggestively and manages to get the sheet from her, sliding over her body and kissing her neck.
Veronica: Hmm. You're insatiable, you know that?
Logan: I do. But only with you.
She rolls her eyes, but tilts her head, giving him better access and buries her fingers in his hair, holding him to her.
Veronica: (breathless, but philosophical tone) I wonder if anyone has ever died from too much sex?
Logan raises his head and grins.
Logan: If you want the ultimate, you've got to be willing to pay the ultimate price. It's not tragic to die doing what you love.
Veronica: (ruefully) If I die from having too much sex with you, my father will hunt you down and kill you in ways that will make death look good.
Logan grins more and captures her mouth in a kiss.
Logan: It might be worth it.
Later. They are still in bed. Veronica is very flushed and her hair is a mess. She tilts her head over to look at Logan.
Veronica: Logan will you get me a glass of water?
Logan: Uh, is this one of those things where if I say no or just get it and give it to you I still get bitched at?
Veronica: (confused) I have no idea what you're talking about.
Logan: Rosie Perez, Woody Harrelson, White Men Can't Jump? Or Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn in The Breakup. You want me to want to get you a glass of water.
Veronica: (eyes gleaming in amusement) Wow. Over-think things much? (slowly) I'm thirsty. I want a glass of water. I asked you to get it 'cause you'll just do it au-natural, whereas I will have to get dressed.
Logan: There's a fallacy there. You don't have to get dressed. (grins) In fact, I would prefer if you didn't.
Veronica: (exasperated) Logan.
He smiles and kisses her quickly before strolling out of the room with his bare ass showing. She calls after him.
Veronica: Should I be concerned about your Rosie Perez reference, I have it on good authority that you once had a very big crush on her.
Logan comes back with a smile, but then he looks at her seriously as she sips the water.
Veronica: What?
Logan: Why did you have sex with me?
Veronica: (eyebrows raised) Just now? Uh, 'cause you're pretty persuasive?
Logan: No. I mean at all. Why did you have sex with me in Santa Barbara? Not why then, why me? You said that you wanted to. With me.
Veronica stares at him, knowing the answer is important to him, but unsure how to answer it. His question, face and tone remind her of when she came to talk to him while they were fighting and she had found him in the shower.
She sits up in the bed, pulling the sheet up with her and tucking it under her arms to hold it in place. Logan sits down and keeps his gaze on her face.
Veronica: You mean why you, why not someone else?
He nods.
Veronica: Like Connor…
Logan: Or Duncan or Troy.
Veronica looks uncomfortable.
Veronica: Sex is kinda a big deal to me Logan, I know that you look at it differently, I'm not sure if it's 'cause you're a guy or if it's because you grew up in Hollywood, but…
Logan: (irritated) Can you just answer the question Veronica?
Veronica: (calm) I'm trying. It's not a simple answer. I don't have a blanket policy on whom to have sex with and whom not to.
She puts emphasis on the whoms in her statement, trying to lighten the suddenly dark mood.
Logan: (standing up, very annoyed) Fine. But I want it on the record that I tried to answer your question and you -
Veronica: (interrupting) I'm trying. Will you let me finish?
Logan looks disgruntled but sits back down.
Veronica: And can you put something on? You're distracting me.
Logan rolls his eyes but grabs a pair of jeans from the floor and pulls them on, leaving the top button undone. He notes that her eyes follow his movements and race over his chest.
Logan: (vaguely petulant) Is that why?
Veronica: (confused again) Is what why?
Logan: Is it just a physical thing? (shrugs, ill tempered) I do it for you?
Her face goes lax as his words hit her, then she crumples into laughter. Logan stares at her, not the least amused. Finally she manages to pull herself together.
Veronica: (still giddy with laughter) I'm sorry. That was priceless.
Logan: (grumpy) I don't see why.
Veronica: Well, my little Stud Muffin, you basically just accused me of using you for sex. Which is pretty damn funny.
Logan is still not amused.
She forces herself to become serious and meets his eyes.
Veronica: Do you want the short answer or the long answer?
Logan: What's the short answer?
Veronica: I had sex with you because I wanted to.
Logan: That's not an answer.
Veronica: It is.
Logan: Fine. Give me the long answer.
Veronica takes a deep breath and exhales noisily.
Veronica: I assume I should start with Duncan, since you brought him up, or should I start with Brad?
Logan: (jealous) Who's Brad?
Veronica: (matter-of-fact) Brad was my first boyfriend.
Logan: (still jealous) I thought Mike was your first boyfriend.
Veronica: (smiles, happy and nostalgic) Nope. It was Brad. We were young but we thought we were in love.
Logan: (suspicious) How young?
Veronica: I was 7. He was 8. It was quite the scandal around the playground.
Logan looks at her dryly.
Logan: Funny. Skip to Duncan.
Veronica: (saluting him smartly) Yes sir. Right away, sir.
Logan glares at her again. She smiles back until it fades and she is serious.
Veronica: When I was dating Duncan, I (shrugs) wasn't ready. I guess I thought about it, but it never really came up.
Logan: That's it. You weren't ready?
Veronica: Yeah. That's what I thought at the time anyway.
Logan: And now?
Veronica: I thought he and I would…eventually. That I wasn't ready at 14 or 15. But now… (shrugs again, looking uncomfortable) Look, I don't know how to say this. Duncan didn't make me feel like I feel with you.
Logan: (pissy) Physically.
Veronica: (sighs in exasperation) Yes. Physically. That is what we're talking about right?
Logan looks down.
Veronica: Being with Duncan was nice. But when we kissed I didn't feel the same urgency I do when I'm with you. And emotionally it was different too. We were just kids. Going through the last year and a half, as much as it has sucked, and it has sucked, I've changed. I feel like I've grown up. My emotions are deeper. I know what it is to love and to lose. What I felt for Duncan is a pale comparison for what I feel for you Logan. And sex then seemed like a big step. With you it felt natural. The way it should be.
Logan looks at her obviously wanting to believe her, wanting to hear that he is special to her. As important to her as she is to him.
Veronica: OK?
Logan: OK.
Veronica: Do you still want to know about Troy and Connor?
She can tell from his face that he does, but he doesn't want to demand it from her.
Veronica: Troy was the first guy I dated after…, even if he had been a prince among men, I still wouldn't have been ready to take it any further.
Logan nods, accepting her words and crawling into bed beside her, letting her turn into his body for comfort as the specter of her rape came front and center. She settles against his side and pulls her legs up so they lie over his. He drapes his arm around her and trials it up and down her bare back.
Veronica: With Connor, I don't know what would have happened if we kept dating, but it was too soon for me. Then you burst back into my life and Connor wasn't a consideration anymore.
Logan: But why me?
She reaches up a hand and tilts his chin down so they are looking into each other's eyes as she speaks.
Veronica: Because I trust you. Deep down, I trusted you to not hurt me. And once you knew about what happened you were so supportive. (she blinks rapidly to push back the welling of tears in her eyes) You let me set the pace, let me decide. (she smiles as a laugh erupts from her) God you were making me so crazy.
Logan: Me? How?
Veronica: You were going so slow, and I thought I was going mad. You made me want things I had never wanted before, but you were moving at a snail's pace.
Logan: I didn't want to rush you.
Veronica: I know. And I love you for that. But I was going crazy.
Logan grins, smug in the knowledge that he had such a strong effect on her physically now that he knew it was more than matched by her emotions.
Logan: Trust me, I was just as unsatisfied.
Veronica: Oh really?
Logan: Yeah. I wanted you so badly, but I knew I had to wait. I didn't think we would have sex for awhile after we started dating. A long while. I knew you hadn't with Duncan and with what happened at Shelly's party...
Veronica: Yeah. Well, what can I say, a girl has needs too.
Logan: (attempting lightness but she can hear his self doubt) See then you say things like that I it sounds like any guy will do.
Veronica: (sighs) Logan. Sex is a big deal for me. I chose you because I trust you. Because I love you, and I know you love me. It felt right. Like deep down, absolutely no doubts, right. I can barely even imagine having sex with anyone else. So yeah, a part of it is physical. When you touch me…well I don't need to feed your ego, but if that was all it had been…(shrugs)
Logan: OK.
Veronica: Is that enough sharing for today? 'Cause I'm exhausted.
Logan: Yeah. Sure. (his face grows angry) Hey, wait. You said you could barely imagine having sex with anyone else. Who could you imagine it with?
She laughs again and bites her lip, obviously not willing to tell him. Logan looks disgruntled.
--End Flashback
Cut to present day. Logan and Veronica are sitting on the couch watching a The Big Lebowski.
Veronica: Logan, I need to tell you something.
Her tone lets him know it's serious and he pauses the movie and turns to face her.
Logan: I'm listening.
Veronica: You remember when I told you maybe we both needed some time alone?
Logan looks grim.
Logan: Yeah. (darkly) I remember.
She opens her mouth to speak, then closes it again, pressing her lips tightly together. She obviously is reluctant to share whatever secret she is about to reveal.
Logan leans forward and gets right in her face. He smiles but his eyes are as serious as hers.
Logan: Say it. As long as this isn't you asking for some more time alone, it'll be fine.
She bites her lip, still unsure.
Veronica: Part of the reason I said that was 'cause of how you were acting. (he is silent, waiting for her to continue as she pauses, picking her words carefully) The other part, well two parts, I really did feel out of control, I wanted to just bunker down…
Logan: And the last part?
Veronica: (very conflicted expression) I was afraid that I had hurt you and your family for nothing.
Logan: (confused) What do you mean?
Veronica: I was so sure your…Aaron had done it. Everything that happened, it all made sense. But I knew Lilly was seeing other guys. One in particular. I didn't know who he was, just that he was older, another friend of her parents.
Logan grimaces.
Veronica: In the hospital. I ran into Jake and…Judge Thorpe. (Logan's face pinches waiting for the other shoe to drop) I recognized his ring. It was the same ring the man in the pictures with Lilly was wearing.
Logan: (stunned) Lilly and a Judge?
Veronica: He was Celeste's ex-boyfriend.
She doesn't try to explain or excuse her best friend. Lilly had acted badly and hurt the ones she loved, the ones who loved her. There was no excuse.
Logan swallows hard.
Veronica: He had as much to lose as your dad if Lilly exposed the affair. But it wasn't him. Weidman cleared him. But I still think Jake is going to go after him.
Logan: (sits down) I think you had better explain all of this. Start at the beginning.
------------
(Sunday, July 3)
Sunday morning Veronica enters the Sheriff's station with several cups of coffee and a box of doughnuts. She is greeted warmly by Rogers and a few others of Keith's old staff. They joke about cops and doughnuts and Veronica causally asks about their preparedness for the 4th of July celebrations. Over a hundred thousand people hit the beaches in their County with over a million occupying San Diego County beaches at the same time. Fights, drinking, domestic abuse, drunk driving, and lots of lifeguard rescues were the norm.
Rogers: Yeah, we're ready. Or as ready as we ever are.
Veronica: Good. That's good.
Most of the other staff and deputies return to their work, and Veronica grins up at Rogers.
Veronica: Are you going to be able to spend any time tomorrow with your family?
He cocks his head but smiles at her.
Rogers: I have the early shift, so I should be off by 7pm barring any major disasters. Anything I should know about?
Veronica: (affronted) No. (grins) I wanted to give you guys a break. I've pushed back my next coup attempt for later this summer.
Rogers: Yeah right. (smiles slyly) Some people, maybe people you know (knowing look), have been trying to drive Lamb crazy for awhile now. But you wouldn't know anything about that would you?
Veronica: (complete innocence) Why would I?
Both smile.
Rogers leans in and lowers his voice.
Rogers: Not that I don't enjoy our little chats kiddo, but maybe you could get to the point. Why are you here?
Veronica: I need a teensy little favor.
She smiles winningly up at him.
Rogers: What do you need?
Veronica: You worked the Marisol Reyes case right?
Rogers nods slowly, his eyes suddenly serious and worried.
Veronica: I was hoping you could get me the case file and tell me whatever isn't in the file that you thought was relevant.
Rogers looks worried. He pulls her out into the hallway.
Rogers: Keith got a bad rap for that, but with two cases hitting at the same time, well, he did everything he could. He and Lamb were the primaries on the Kane case. I worked the Reyes case with Tommy.
Veronica: People said dad ignored this case for Lilly's.
Rogers: That's crap. He worked himself to the bone on both cases. Tommy and I worked three days straight looking for the kid and Keith assigned half the force to canvas the neighborhood, looking for any leads we could find.
Both know that after 24 hours the odds of finding an abducted child fall dramatically, and after three days your chances of a good outcome are practically nonexistent.
Veronica: And? Did you like anyone for it?
Rogers smiles very quickly, seeing so much of Keith in Veronica. But then he sobers remembering that Marisol Reyes had simply disappeared and was most likely dead.
Rogers: That poor kid. She had the sweetest face.
He opens his wallet and takes a picture out from one of the compartments. He hands it to Veronica, wiping at his eyes quickly. It's Marisol. She has large doe shaped brown eyes, and dark curly hair pulled up into pig tails. She's smiling and it looks like she was about to laugh.
Rogers: We never got squat. Tough neighborhood, but with it being a kid we hoped…But we never even got one good lead. Nobody saw anything. At least nothing that they would tell us about.
Veronica: OK, so there were no official suspects, what about anything off the books?
Rogers: No. Some of the family was pretty squirmy, a kid on drugs, the father had a record for boosting cars, and the mother was into drugs and questionable men, but nobody popped. No motive, nobody with a record for sex offenses. (sad) We did everything we could. But…(shakes his head)
Veronica: I know. I know you did. I just want to take a look at it. Go over it again. See if there is anyone willing to talk now.
Rogers nods, still looking haunted.
Rogers: Marisol was the same age as my Simone then. Every time I celebrate her birthday or some milestone I think of that girl and her family.
----------------
Cut to Veronica in her room at the Fennels'. She is sitting at a new desk reading intently through the case file on Marisol Reyes. She studies another picture of the girl as well as the rap sheets of her father and mother. A knock on the door interrupts her.
Logan pushes open the door and she sweeps all the papers back into the folder with one hand, slipping it under another stack of papers. She turns a happy face on Logan.
Logan: Hey.
Veronica: Hi.
They kiss briefly then walk the few steps to the door to the Fennels' kitchen. The house is bustling with energy and noise. Daryl is watching Independence Day with Will Smith on TV, Keith is marinating some chicken in the kitchen while Alicia stirs a big bowl of potato salad. Shiloh is sitting in her high chair eating Cheerios happily. Wallace is visible outside in the back yard struggling to set up the patio table's umbrella.
Veronica: What can we do to help?
Alicia: Oh, nothing. We're almost ready to start grilling I think.
Shiloh grins toothily at the newcomers and throws a small handful of cereal at them.
Alicia: OK. I take that back. Veronica you know where the broom is, right?
Veronica: Yeah.
Before she takes a step Shiloh shrieks to get her attention again.
Shiloh: Roka! Up. (Veronica hesitates and Shiloh scowls) Up!
Logan: You take the demanding one, I got the cleanup.
Veronica: Oh, how the mighty are fallen.
Logan takes her teasing easily and then looks around helplessly.
Logan: Um, if I were a broom, where would I be?
Veronica: (pulling a now beaming Shiloh out of her chair) I imagine you'd be in therapy. Lots of therapy. (twists her mouth) Just touching a broom might cause a psychotic break.
Alicia: Stop teasing him. He's trying. (to Logan) Logan the broom is in the pantry.
Logan looks around helplessly again and Alicia grins.
Keith: The door next to the refrigerator.
Logan: Ah.
Logan opens the door and looks inside the small room lined with shelves and filled with food and paper towels.
Veronica: (calling out teasingly) The broom is the long stick with the straw like stuff in a fan shape at the end.
Logan: (emerging with a broom) You would know, it being a tool of the trade and all.
Veronica: (mock offended) Are you calling me a witch? (to Shiloh) I think he just called me a witch.
Shiloh smiles and claps her hands together.
Wallace enters the house and stops to watch the friendly banter. Keith and Alicia are smiling at them as well.
Wallace: Well you did turn that one kid into a newt.
Veronica: (confused) What kid?
Wallace: Denny.
Veronica: (correcting) Lenny. And that was Logan, and not a newt, more an eunuch.
Alicia looks at Logan with censure in her eyes.
Logan: How'd this get turned around on me? (to Alicia) He deserved it.
Wallace: That he did.
Veronica: (to Logan) You should know better than to challenge me.
Shiloh chooses that moment to change her allegiance.
Shiloh: Lo. Lo, up!
Logan grins and sets the broom against the wall taking the baby from Veronica and giving Shiloh a raspberry on her stomach which causes her to squeal in delight.
Veronica: (to Shiloh) Traitor.
Logan: Hey as long as you're useful, we won't burn you for being a witch.
Veronica: (grumbling) I shoulda turned you into a newt.
They spend the afternoon and evening together, setting off small fireworks in the street, enjoying the time together. Wallace, Veronica, and Logan were spending the majority of the next day with their friends and the adults were giving in gracefully. Instead they had decided to celebrate early as a family.
Shiloh was passed from lap to lap throughout the day, getting all the attention she could possibly want, and trying out her ever expanding vocabulary. In addition to Momma, Daddy, Roka, and Lo (for Logan), she had Wally down for Wallace, but Daryl was unfortunately Drrl which came out sounding a lot like drool.
Veronica Voiceover: Tuesday is the court hearing for permanent custody of Shi. The odds are not in our favor that she'll be coming home with us.
Veronica looks at her sister, overwhelmed with sadness at the coming loss, but Logan wraps his arms around her and hugs her.
Logan: You'll still be able to see her. Jake's not a complete bastard.
Veronica looks at him, wishing more than believing his words to be true. She forces herself to smile and appreciate the time they have left.
She looks across the yard and sees Keith sitting with Shiloh in his lap. He looks good. He's lost some weight and with the physical therapy and Alicia's healthy meals he was in better shape that he had been in a few years.
------------
(Monday, July 4, Independence Day Holiday)
Veronica spent the morning with Shiloh, her dad and the Fennels, then as soon as Shakira arrived, the two girls and Wallace headed for the beach. A few blocks down from the Neptune Yacht Club they find a large area with canopies, a volleyball net, beach chairs, and several coolers full of drinks. Logan and Dick are nearby playing beer-pong. No cops are visible and none of the parents or staff at the Yacht Club look at all concerned with the underage drinking.
Veronica valet's the Mini and puts up with Wallace's teasing about Logan rubbing off on her. Walking out onto the beach, they are greeted by several of their friends, and looked at suspiciously by a few other 09ers. It was no secret that the three newcomers were not 09ers and for some their loyalty was in question. Veronica ignores them easily, but Shakira is somewhat uncomfortable. She and Wallace had been off and on for the last few months and her friends and neighbors were well aware of the class warfare taking place just 10 minutes west of their community, and had definite opinions about who was in the wrong.
Rams greets Wallace with a fist bump, and leads them all to the beverages. Veronica waves at Logan but stays under the shade, applying another layer of sunscreen to her shoulders and nose.
Dom and Meg come over to them. Dominic smiles at Veronica, then smirks in Logan's direction.
Dominic: You want some help with that Veronica? I can get your back for you.
Meg looks at Dom with amusement.
Veronica: Uh, no, I think I'm OK.
Meg: I'll help you Veronica. Just ignore Dom. He's joking. Even he's not stupid enough to hit on you in front of Logan.
Dominic: (grinning) Hey that works for me too. A little girl on girl action is always welcome.
Shakira smiles but Wallace looks disturbed.
Logan lopes up to the small group pulling Veronica into his side. She smiles at him, not really minding his possessiveness as long as it remained manageable.
Veronica: You were saying Dom?
Dom is not alarmed and grins even bigger.
Dominic: Hey Logan.
Logan glares at him. Dom shrugs, amused with the drama he's created.
Veronica: You my friend, have balls of steel.
Dominic: I'd say you're welcome to find out for yourself, but I'm a one woman kind of man now.
Veronica: I hope so. (cocks her head to the side playfully) For your sake.
Logan grins now, enjoying Veronica's threat.
Wallace: OK. Enough of this. I thought this was supposed to be a party?
Within a few hours the beach is much more crowded. Almost every available patch of sand is filled. A large group of Logan's friends and their guests head into the Yacht Club for food, selecting from a well stocked buffet. Sandy and with some sunburn they all appear to be having a good time.
Mac wrinkles her nose at Dick as he enjoys some beer spare ribs covered in barbeque sauce. Even Enbom looks to be in a better mood that he had been lately.
Logan and Dick are refilling their plates at the buffet when a tall beautiful brunette comes out onto the patio in a long sundress that leaves nothing on top to the imagination. Dick nods towards her, and bumps Logan's arm with his elbow.
Dick: That's Kendall.
Logan looks her over, taking in her plentiful breasts, clearly on display.
Logan: That's your new mommy?
Dick: Step-mother dude.
Logan: (deadpan) Wow. I can't really see the attraction. What does your dad see in her?
Dick: Besides the obvious?
Logan: The obvious is pretty tempting.
The boys continue to look at her breasts and swaying hips.
Dick: Oh yeah.
Rams: Gentlemen. I think we need to organize a small pool party at Dick's.
Kendall gets closer to them.
Kendall: (to Dick) Hello Junior. You dad wanted me to remind you not to get arrested today.
Dick: (staring at her breasts) Yeah. No problem.
She preens, obviously not minding his ogling her. She smiles at the other boys.
Kendall: And you must be Junior's little friends. How nice.
She smiles sensuously at Logan and leans in towards him, lightly pressing her breasts to his chest as she reaches for a piece of fruit on a platter behind him. Logan lets his eyes drift from her face down to her cleavage again.
Kendall: You're Logan Echolls, right? Yeah, I thought so. Nice to meet you. You should come by the house sometime.
Logan casually raises one eyebrow. Kendall smiles then turns to leave, giving Rams a once over as she does.
Logan: Well, that was fun. (to Dick) Is your dad sure about marring this one? I'd say she's more a long weekend in Vegas type.
Dick: Dad says he's in love.
Rams: I can see why.
-----------
Later they are on the beach again and somehow a form of drunken Olympics is created. Two teams will compete with the losers each having to do a dare. It's really a sort of relay event. First up the guys have to beer bong a beer, then do ten revolutions with their head on a baseball bat, thin run down to the water, swim out a short distance to a buoy, then back to the beach where the next member of their team repeated the process. The teams were comprised of Logan, Dick, Rams, and Luke on one team and Hank and Harry Didden, Enbom and Matt Barone on the other.
First up, Dick and Matt gulp down their beers then start spinning around. Both come off the bats looking worse for the wear, they each stumble several steps to the side before getting oriented and moving towards the water. Matt is a better swimmer than Dick and his team takes the lead, but Logan makes up the time in the water, probably being the best swimmer among the guys. Next up Rams practically inhales his beer but stumbles and falls to his knees after spinning on the bat.
With Harry and Luke as the last to go, the crowd cheers them on wildly, then laughs when Luke runs sideways the whole way to the water, but it is Harry who sets off the hysterical laughter as he attempts to dive into the water, without really being at the water. He hits the sand then is covered in the shallow white foam of a wave before crawling further into the water.
Logan's team wins easily after that, and they celebrate their win with what else, but another beer.
Mac, Veronica, Meg and Shakira are all amused.
Mac: What's with all the betting? Last week John had to wear a fake lip ring and guy-liner to dinner with his grandparents. They were pretty horrified.
Veronica: I don't know. They bet and made dares some before, but now, they're pretty into it.
Kate overhears and sits down on a chair next to them.
Kate: It's because of Chester.
Mac: Chester?
Shakira: Is that the one who…
Mac: (quietly) Yeah.
Kate: Chester loved betting and doing dares. I think this is their way of remembering him.
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As sun begins to set the group packs up their belongings and walk down the docks towards the Echolls' yacht. Aaron hadn't taken any steps to prohibit Logan from using any of his possessions and they wanted to get in one last outing on the vessel that held so many good memories.
Veronica and Logan are in the master stateroom below deck. Veronica comes out of the bathroom wrapped in a towel. She finds Logan lying on the bed.
Logan: (whiny) We could have showered together?
Veronica: (matter of fact) You could have joined me.
Logan stares at her his eyes burning.
Logan: Now you tell me.
She takes a few steps closer to him and he grabs her around the waist pulling her onto the bed. She giggles, but tries to push him away.
Veronica: Stop you'll get me all sandy.
He smiles and kisses her cheek before moving to her ear.
Logan: (biting her earlobe lightly) All part of my master plan.
Veronica: Oh, I do love a nefarious man.
She sighs as he kisses down her neck feeling the salty coarseness of his hair as she slides her hands into it.
Later they are both dressed. Logan takes Veronica's hand and leads her up to the mid deck. She looks around at the open sea and their friends.
Veronica: I really hope your mom gets the yacht in the divorce.
Logan: I do too.
Veronica: Everything is still going well?
Logan: (shrugs) His lawyers are stalling, and she's spending all her time practicing for Dancing with the Stars. You're still coming with me to the premier tomorrow right?
Veronica: Yeah. We can leave right after the hearing.
She is sad for a minute, then smiles brightly at him.
Veronica: OK, enough with the serious talk. I was promised food and fireworks.
Logan: Yes ma'am.
From the yacht they can see various fireworks displays ranging from Imperial Beach to Dana Point. The Neptune display is so close Veronica is surprised that some of the falling debris don't hit the yacht. As the finale begins, Veronica leans back into Logan and looks around. Blocking out her worries for Shiloh and Logan, she stares at the bright colors exploding in the sky.
Veronica Voiceover: Fireworks on the 4th of July with my boyfriend and our friends, what could be more American and normal?
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Cut to the Yacht Club. Big Dick and Kendall are standing on a small balcony of a private room. He hands her a glass of Champaign. They both sip and look up at the night sky lit with fireworks. Big Dick turns to Kendall who smiles back at him, her expression cool and somewhat calculating.
Big Dick: Kendall. I know we haven't known each other for very long. But the bottom line is I like having you around. (pulls out a ring) Will you marry me?
Kendall smiles and accepts the ring, but her eyes remain cool.
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Late that night, beach near the yacht club. The beach is empty except for two guys, sifting through some of the items left behind.
Harry (big brother): Hank, come on, let's go. I'll buy you another one.
Hank: (cross) This isn't just some watch Harry. It was Grandpa's; doesn't that mean anything to you?
Harry: Sure, it means I'm tired but instead of being in bed, I'm at the beach with my brother who is dumb enough to bring an 80 year old pocket watch to the beach.
Hank: (sour) Thanks man.
Harry: (sighs) Where do you think you dropped it?
Hank: (shrugs) It was in my wallet.
Harry: Great, so it could be anywhere.
They look around for a few more minutes until Harry finds it under the canopy where they had stored their stuff earlier.
Harry: Hank, I…
He breaks off hearing the ominous sound of several motorcycles approaching. Hank walks over to his brother and they share a worried look. The lights at the Yacht Club are all off, they were on their own.
Weevil and several other bikers park and dismount before walking onto the sand towards the Diddens. Weevil stops a few feet in front of the 09er boys, and the other bikers fan out into a semi circle behind him, glaring menacingly
Harry steps forward trying to get in front of his brother so if a punch is thrown it will be at him and not Hank.
Harry: Hey, we don't want any trouble.
Weevil: No? Well you found it anyway.
Harry: What do you want?
Weevil: I want to know who was driving that night. If I don't find out, I may just decide to punish you and each of your pals. Bound to get it right eventually.
Harry: I have nothing to say.
Hank: Harry…
Weevil: No? Well, maybe I can change your mind.
Weevil smirks but there is no amusement in his expression. Harry looks around and knows there is no escape, at least not for him.
Harry: Fine. (raises his hands in surrender) Just let my brother go. He doesn't know anything. He has nothing to do with this.
Weevil: Why would I do that?
Harry: I told you…
Weevil: Yeah. He doesn't know anything. But you do. And since you obviously care about your brother, I think I know how to get you to talk.
Hector and Bootsy move forward and take Hank by both arms holding him in place so he can't run or fight back. Harry turns and takes a swing at Hector, trying to free Hank from his hold, but Weevil kicks his feet out from under him and he falls, his punch never even connecting. Two more bikers take hold of Harry, forcing him to watch as Weevil's first punch connects with Hank's face.
Harry: Stop…
Hank: (spitting out some blood in defiance) Don't say anything Hank. I'll be fine.
Weevil: Oh? We'll see.
Harry struggles against the bikers holding him but he can't break free. Weevil hits Hank again, this time in his stomach causing him to groan loudly.
A few hits later, Harry finally manages to wiggle free, head-butting one biker and knocking the other down with a body check. He surges up and clips Weevil right on the chin with a thrown elbow, Weevil folds like a house of cards. Hector slams Hanks face into his knee then drops his dead weight into the sand.
Hector: Oh, son.
Harry looks over at Hector, obviously scared.
Hector: You don't know what you just did.
Biker: Get him, man.
Hector leads the bikers as they grab him and hold him still to take a punishing beating.
Some time later Hank regains consciousness and sits up to find Harry lying bleeding on the ground next to him. He looks up and sees the bikers are still there.
Hector: You gonna wish you stayed in dreamland kid.
Hector and the other bikers, of which there are five, commence beating and kicking him. He doesn't fight back and does little to protect himself. Eventually he stops moving. This doesn't stop the beating.
--
AN
The chapter title comes from the idea that the guys are healing a bit from Chester's death and eventually they have to start living again. And of course the end of the failed adult marriages. And the double meaning, moving forward is inevitable, but you never really leave the past behind.
Several of you commented on the scene with Logan in Aaron's den from Chapter 1. Leaving a bad situation is supposed to be good, but leaving without any answers or resolution hurts. I have some experience in this arena so I'm going to make his story include the successes and failures as he moves on from the abuse.
I stole the scene for how Logan met Kendall from Belinda (PolarTruckin/PolarThestral), but it was stuck in my mind. Apologies for not being original, but I am giving credit. Also, the bit with Dick/Beaver about it being clear or looking clear is from Firefly as well.
A few reviews in the last month have said that I have spelling errors, and that I used their/there/they're and you're/your wrong. (The scandal!) If anyone loves STH enough to go in and edit it in redline, it's all yours. You can be by post-story beta extraordinaire. I've made corrections along the way in my document, but not on FF, so I need to re-upload anyway. But with over 500k works and 50 chapters, it's a daunting task.
Also, someone asked me to pimp a fic site and I'm willing to do so but the web address didn't come thru. FF edits out web addresses so you have to outsmart it.
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