Chapter 2.
The room reeked of smoke, but it would suffice to her needs. A bed, a shower, and a table to map out her game plan. Veronica crawled up onto the bed and slept. As the night before she woke up around midnight. Why can't I gather myself, she thought rubbing the back of her neck to the eyes. She then took a shower in hopes her muscles would let up a bit. Everything had seemed so surreal. After the shower she changed into the only extra outfit she had happened to bring a black pair of tight bootleg pants, and a form-fitting black blouse.
"Business casual it is Mars", she stated. And then put her hair in a tight pony tail. Not wanting to bother her family she decided to hoof it a bit down the street to a small pancake house. She sat down ordered coffee, and a salad. Opening her laptop she debated where to start. She could think of questioning some boys a bar she would want to get her hands on and just by happenstance her booth faced the Riverstyx quite nicely. Unfortunately it also was now being blocked by a certain ex PCHer. Weevil Navaru knew how Veronica Mars worked, and apparently decided to invite himself to dine.
"Late night snacking miss", his low voice chimed in unwantingly to her.
"Hey you", this time without any intentions, just annoyance. Veronica reluctantly welcomed him to her office space. He to spent the next few minutes lecturing her about her absence, but reiterated the welcome back part. Somehow he managed to order breakfast. She knew this was a ploy but she went along with the parlor tricks. As he scarfed down breakfast Veronica just smiled. Where as she was left untouched Eli had changed side transformed into a man. His heart was pure, and she did miss him. Of coarse she couldn't shoo him from the booth.
Once Weevil felt he successfully sidetracked Veronica he redirected her back to the hospital and back to Keith. No matter what time of day or night it was a safe spot. Once back to her dad she sat over him in the chair. Looking at his body in every shade of purple. Veronica took out her badge and questioned the past years. Had this all been worth it? She opened the drawer and pulled out her dads badge comparing the gold to her silver. She had followed in his foot steps and exceeded in every way, but at what cost? IF she had been here would this have happened? The night took hours to pass, occasional hospital staff would check in from time to time checking him over. Veronica had accepted an offer to go get a cup of caffeine and stretch her legs. As she walked the corridor she couldn't help but to overhear a one-sided conversation.
"Yes Mr. Echolls he seems the same. No Sir, yes she is here now.", Veronica stopped dead in her steps. She had understood why, but why. A part of her wanted to scream at what was just played in front of her, and another to suppress it and pretend she heard nothing. Absolutely nothing. The person continued speaking. It was to late she already accidentally eased dropped.
Still on the phone ," I will make sure the message gets passed."
Guilt chipped at her heart. But she had a message two that involved her fist. She proceeded to get her cup of poorly made luke warm coffee water, and then went back to her room. She found the same nurse waiting for her, along with Mandy the overly clumsy receptionist.
"Early riser Mandy"' with an edge of crisp snark in her voice.
"Um yesss Miss Mars. I just got her. There was a package delivered for you". Handing over a small envelope.
"Oh really! I see that fairy god Logan strikes again", she said with enthusiastic sarcasm and almost in a question directed towards Mandy.
"Um I don't know Miss Mars, but it was marked urgent", a very confused Mandy stated.
Veronica took the package and looked over it. After tearing it open not to her surprise she found a set of unmarked car keys, "How did he know such a philanthropist that one is. That will be all Mandy". Veronica ordered. The young lady apologized and snuck out of the room as quickly as she could.
Alicia and Wallace came back in. The doctor had given an update with no change. Given the conditions the doctor gave them an option for surgery but didn't recommend it. Both Alicia and Veronica had very strong opinions on the care and prosponing of life with Mr. Mars. Her dad would never be the same. What was left was not her dad. After about an hour of passive aggressive Wallace mediation. Both woman decided it best to cool down. Veronica still needed to make a statement at the sheriff's office.
"Well folks I think I'm going to head over to the station and work with Sacks on a statement". Alicia and Wallace agreed. Everyone Veronica left hospital to find a black rental car that definitely fit her m.o, but her pride was damaged. The playboy knew her well. Almost better than she knew herself. She drove straight back to the rental lot, and demanded a new car. She wanted everything refunded to the "anonymous" person. After another 30 minutes of arguing she got her wish. This day she already hit her level of bitchy.
She continued on her route to the county sheriffs office to go over details with their family lawyer. Veronica even though in a bad mood, realized she had even missed Cliff. Even if he didn't have much to offer in the form of end of life. At least he was able to protect the info filtered out to the media. Minimal went public, and she was able to pick up where she left off. Where else to start again, but the Riverstyx. As she pulled in Eli had beat her to the punch.
"Really? How did I know? Don't you think this is a bit to obvious Blondie?" as he said with a matter of factly.
"Yes.", exclaimed the tiny lady, "but I have to start somewhere". Veronica literally rolled up her sleeves fearlessly and strode in. Just as quick they were greeted by the boys of the bar in a non friendly manner. She was quickly denied, and told to leave.
"Boys, boys, this trip was bound to happen think of it as a reunion", she let out with a huge smile.
"Hey were playin' by the rules", a scared up patron informed her in their defense.
"I found your old man out back and that's that. Now incase your here for a good time get out", a stockier younger guy said glaring down at her.
"Oh I am sure to have a good time", Veronica said as she felt Weevil nudge at her back.
"V" he whispered at her collar, "don't freak them out. We may need them".
"Heres the deal boys. Someone hurt my Pa, and I will find them and they will pay. If it wasn't you fine. But I need a clue to go on. So anyone see anything? No? Eh? This is going to be awhile huh I guess I'll take a whisky. Play the silence game. Thats what your poison right? Well I'll take the whisky on him" she winked at the first guy.
"Your really not welcome here". The bartender said flat out.
"Well give me some intel and I'll leave besides I'm kinda digging this drunken lighting ambiance s'pose its great for the daters", she smiled. Two men picked her up and off the stool which she sat taking her under the arms and kicking she was drug outside. Weevil acknowledged with and eyebrowl and followed.
Veronica kept blurting out, "other than the population of Neptune who would want to set you guys up". The two older bouncers managed to get her out and let her loose. Weevil didn't come directly out, and Veronica was pondering on coming back to rescue her sidekick. Another five minutes later he strode out. He put his sunglasses on gloated. He got information that Veronica did not.
"Your getting rusty Mars", he said with a smile.
"So what were you doing in there", she asked annoyed.
"Well if you promise not to embarrass me anymore I'll might tell you", he played it cool.
"Come on Weevil this needs to happen," still annoyed.
"One of the dishwashers said he would meet up with me later", he paused, "your not to be there." he said sternly.
"Its my dad. Besides its me I'm good at this", she whined.
"No you were good at this. You left. Your officially in with the big fish not small time hustlers. Your going back to the hospital. Now back in your car", he opened the door for her practically pushing her in.
"Where and when", back into seriousness.
"No goodbye blondie", closing the door.
He waited for Veronica to pull out. She bit her lip, and back at zero. Waiting for him to leave she dawdled making a few phone calls checking in on work, calling Alicia to check on her dad. Knowing he wouldn't leave she decided to cave. She went back to the Camelot. Eli thought to himself how he loved and hated her persistence. He kicked his bike into gear and left the bar parking lot.
Arriving back at her motel she found an envelope, "Really Logan", rolling her eyes she picked it up and opened it wondering what sadistic quote he had come up with. In perfect script it read, "When the cat's away, the mice will play". This was not from Logan, and now she was pissed. She spun around to see if someone was watching and then went into her room. It had been broken into, taking everything in. Vandalism everywhere, tears, broken lamps. Well Frak. She scoured the room to find nothing. No finger prints, no mess ups. Veronica went to the front desk to check surveillance, already knowing the answer to that. of corse there was nothing it was the Camelot. She was the surveillance if paid well enough. She drove back to the hospital against her best judgment. Unsure what to make of this warning. Someone wanted to play. Game on.
She played it cool. Knowing that if she showed emotion there would be more chaos to ensue. She made it to the room and stared at her dad, but fixated on the fact someone wanted to mess with her. She felt a cool hand clutch hers. It was Alicia, "I'm sorry honey." Veronica acknowledged trying to fight tears. She looked down at her dad. Keith remained still, he was hooked up to tons of wires, tubing, and beeping things. His chest exposed with bandage wraps and bruising. Veronica still bitter about postponing his life. Wallace came in and broke the silence to remind his mom they had to take care of some insurance business, and make Darylls game. Veronica decided it best to stay contemplate, and micromanage the staff since her dad couldnt advocate for himself. While here she heard back from her boss about prolonging her stay. She called Weevil to insist he take her. Again a shut down. She decided against telling him about the note card. It was a need to know. On that note she brought out her laptop and started uploading the whole lot of nothing she knew. Again looking over what she knew there was a gunshot from what she assumed was a 9mm or a 22 bullet due to her dads wound, if she could get ahold of the bullet she could send it to her lab in Portland and get an idea of what kind, and where the gun came from. It wasnt much but she had to get something to work with. Her vic was heavily beaten first. He was found at the Riverstyx no witness, found a few hours after. A dishwasher had something, but Weevil was working on that. This was eating at her. This whole thing had been orchestrated it was almost flawless, and defiantely deliberate. They didn't want him to die. They knew he would live. Who in Neptune wanted Veronica's attention, and why? And now a note. At least she could send that off. Not that it would do any good she already messed with it tampering it, and she didn't find any finger prints on it. But still just incase.
Alicia had come back a few hours later reliving Veronica to do what she needed. Veronica took advantage of this to drop the evidence in the mail for her team back home. A blood-shot Veronica packed up her shoulder bag and took off. She called Weevil several times with no luck. Of corse. She was unsure what to do about the hotel so maybe she would find Weevil out by the docs. Again no luck. The blond decided to nap in her car. It had been a quiet evening. Warm. She was sure no one would mess with her in the open. So she snuggled in her seat and passed out. Even if for a moment. Which is exactly how long it felt. Zero hundred hours and the crink crept back up. A very uncomfty Veronica straightened herself out. Looking at her phone no missed calls. The Grand was sounding really good now, but her stubbornness was showing. She turned the switch and idled her rental car. After debating Veronica decided it best to head to the diner. She ordered coffee, unsure of what to order. She reached for her laptop realizing the cord was missing. And just when pancakes sounded good. She ordered the coffee plus one for Alicia to go. The grumpy, sleep deprived girl headed back to the hospital.
Veronica came down the halls caffeine in tote as she got to the doorway her heart stopped. "Dammit", silently slipped out of her mouth. Three days she though, three days she had been lucky enough to not run into him. If it weren't for the stumble in her stride she may have been able to back out. Why on earth would Logan Echolls be visiting at one in the morning. Logan's eyes piercing hers. Even after all of these years. The look on his face was hard to read. compassion, concern, and dashed with cynicism.
"If you want to interrogate me you'll have to wait, I'm visiting the Sheriff", he answered flatly, "on that note how bout you just contact my lawyer."
"Really Logan", she said.
"Well since your here I'll guess I'll come back during visiting hours." he said. His statement just enough to send a bitter pang of hurt to her throat.
"What do you want me to say", she managed. By this time Logan was pushing her out the door into the hallway. "Obviously nothing, I believe we have tried this conversation on several occasions, and you pretty much summed it up over the last how many years", Logan said in a lowered voice.
"I'm sorry," she said and bit her lip.
"Are you really still that arrogant," he started to say.
"I just don't need..." as she tried.
"Yeah I know help, also figured that out awhile ago", he interrupted and turned to walk away.
"Logan wait, please", she looked at him eyes honest. His eyes looked back to her his look filled with pain, but softer.
"Why Veronica. I can't play your games", he just stared. Unsure of her motives.
"I have coffee please don't go", she said as he just stood there.
"If I don't go you will pull me in again", he sounded like a child who had been confused and hurt.
"I'm sorry Logan", she said. He paused there reluctant to stay. Finally came back over to her. Her essence the same airy smell.
"I'm only staying for the coffee", he said still confused, but in a nicer tone. She smiled sadly.
"I don't know what is going on anymore", she said.
"Well that's a first". Logan said.
"I'm serious Logan.", the blonde said. Raising the cup in his direction. He took it from her hand. The slightest brush between then zapped with a tingle of electricity. Neither acknowledged it, but both felt it. He wet his lips and took a sip, butterflies stirred in her stomach.
"I'm sorry about your dad", he said quietly.
Veronica nodded in agreement. "I'm sorry about the coffee", she said trying to cover her sadness with humor. Logan smiled and shook his head. Logan and Veronica sat in the lobby chairs outside of the room, and conversed over trivial things without arguing. The sandy-haired guy just listened to her unintentionally vent. Logan glanced up his phone looking at the time.
"I really should get going", pausing he said with a hesitant breath," I have work today".
"Oh you do", Veronica asked subtly intrigued but aware since she had seen random reviews on his films.
"It was good to see you", they both said in unison.
Logan got up and looked down over her, " You know, when you get done here, or if you want to talk? Ill even bring my super sleuthing cereal kit for a steak out. I hear your residing at the Camelot" he said as he kicked the ground with his feet and gave a small smirk.
"Ummmm yeah well see", unsure if she wanted to agree or not. The boy nodded and left. She replayed the entire convo in her head about 500 times and the what ifs. Although the fact she knew he was the Camelot really bugged her. Of corse he did. Not that she should return there since someone had messed with it. She couldn't go to the grand. That would be an epic fail. Especially now since she had seen him. Oh Veronica what have you done.
