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.

RECAP: The kids are settling into a summer of hot weather and hot tempers. LoVe are healing their wounds. The Marses and Kanes are getting divorced. Duncan left town for a summer internship. Lynn is on Dancing with the Stars, Big Dick married Kendall and Jake has had Weidman watching V and Shiloh, while Leanne continues to drink. Logan moves into a new house. Shiloh is back with Jake and Leanne but Veronica still gets to see her. Aaron is confirmed at Lilly's killer, charged and released under house arrest. The war between the haves and the have nots escalates and finally the guys offer up Chester as the driver who caused the accident, but really it was Enbom. Mac knew and helped with the cover up. V is making slow progress in her investigation into the Reyes disappearance. Meg's little sister is in the hospital with kidney failure, and Meg is determined to see her parents punished while the Mannings try to find a way to get Grace a new kidney. The guys are making bets to remember Chester, and making amends for the pool fire by making anonymous donations to the community center and the firemen. The guys leave on a surf trip to Hawaii after Logan is kidnapped by Weevil's cronies and they "pretend" to play Russian roulette with some of his body parts.

Thanks for the reviews and the fun with the code. The last code was missing a word 'cause, apparently ff didn't want you to know. The last word in the sentence was "mistresses."

New poll up in my profile: who would you not mind seeing die in this story…

Chapter 7: Maybe God Can Explain

(Saturday, July 23)

Scene opens on Veronica in her car with Shiloh secure in her baby seat in the backseat of the Mini. Veronica stops at a red light and her eyes go to the radio in the dash as the station cuts from Gold Digger by Kanye West back to the DJs.

Male DJ: If you were at the airport today no doubt you saw a crush of media and paparazzi.

Female DJ: The photogs were there to get pictures of Logan Echolls and his friends as they left for a group vacation.

Male DJ: Woo-wee! Those boys are getting the hell out of dodge. All were cleared of any serious charges to do with the accident that took one boy's life and left another in a coma.

Female DJ: Insders are speculating that they cut a sweethearts deal with the District Attorney to stay out of jail.

Male DJ: I guess we'll never know.

Female DJ: In happier news, Lynn Echolls has advanced to the fourth week of competition on Dancing with the Stars.

Veronica frowns and changes the channel, before driving to the beach. She parks and is immediately met by Meg who helps Veronica unload the supplies and baby from her car.

Meg: Thanks for inviting me Veronica. I can use any excuse to get out of the house.

Veronica: Your parents still acting weird?

Meg: That's an understatement. I can't believe the CPS people believed them. I mean even the doctors said the damage was from long term dehydration and malnourishment. If they're not going to believe doctors, what chance do we have?

Veronica: We won't give them a choice but to respond to our proof Meg. Trust me.

Meg: You I trust. The system? Not so much. Not anymore.

Veronica: (smiling, referring to Mac's tendency to say "not so much") You got that from Mac.

Meg: (frowning until realization comes) You or Mac. Speaking of Mac, where is she? I thought she was meeting us.

Veronica: She is, but she was going to stop to pickup her little sister.

Meg: Lauren? (kind smile with sad eyes) That's nice.

Meg's smile drops at the reminder that if Grace was well she could be here too on the big sister, little sister outing.

-----------

After a long day at the beach Veronica drives back to Leanne's apartment. She is greeted with a smile from the doorman, Johnny, who she had befriended. He smiles at her and waves her to the visitor short term parking right in front, but he avoids her eyes as she gets closer.

Veronica: Hey Johnny.

Johnny: Veronica. And Miss Shiloh. (Shiloh grins) Just as sweet as ever. You two girls make a pretty picture.

Veronica smiles and cocks her head at him, giving him her best wide eyed don't-you-want-to-take-care-of-me look. He scuffs his feet then glances up quickly before looking away again.

Veronica: Johnny?

Johnny: (mumbling) Maybe you don't want to take all that stuff up in one trip.

He nods to the multiple bags that come with taking a baby out for a long day at the beach. Veronica loses her smile.

Veronica: She's drinking again.

He doesn't confirm or deny Veronica's accusation.

Johnny: Maria left earlier today. She might have said your mom wasn't feeling well.

Veronica takes in a deep deliberate breath that sticks in her chest before managing to release it slowly.

Veronica: Has Jake been around?

Johnny: I haven't seen Mr. Kane for a few days.

Veronica's eyes flicker to Shiloh's happy face then to the elevators. She shifts Shiloh to her hip and pulls out her keys. Handing them to Johnny, she issues a very tired, disappointed smile.

Veronica: Can you put the bags back in my car? I'm guessing I'll be right back.

Johnny: (eager to help) Yeah, sure, no problem.

Veronica carries Shiloh inside, dragging her feet as she goes. Punching the button for the elevator she has a short wait until it comes. Alone inside the elevator car, she bounces Shiloh and begins talking to the baby with a forced happy tone.

Veronica: Do you want to come spend the night with your big sister tonight?

Shi beams and claps her hands.

Veronica: You do? Aww, that's sweet. We can see Daryl and Wallace.

Shiloh: Drrl!

Veronica: Yes, you like Daryl don't you? And Alicia and Gra...Dad.

Veronica stumbled over Dad, having taken to calling Keith Shiloh's Grandpa in her head for some reason.

Shiloh: Drrl!

Veronica: (smiling softly) Or just Daryl. Whatever you want. (smiles) But every one else will be sad. Don't you want to see Alicia too?

Shiloh: E-sha?

Veronica: (slowly with very deliberate pronunciation to help Shi learn) Alicia.

It had been hard because Shi had taken to referring to Alicia and Keith as Momma and Dada during her time living with them. Which had been fine, but was now confusing. There was an unspoken agreement that they should all try to encourage Shi to call them Alicia and Keith, but so far it wasn't working out.

The elevator pings and the doors open releasing Veronica into a quiet hallway. She goes to Leanne's door and stands before it before deciding to knock rather than let herself in. She hated seeing her mother drunk, hated the rush of anger and disappointment that always followed. That last bit of hope she couldn't seem to extinguish dimming each time. The instinctive need to help, to fix, to find a reason and a solution rising up before she crushed it back.

So instead of using her key and letting herself in she knocked. When Leanne didn't answer, she smiled tightly and turns her face back to Shiloh.

Veronica: Looks like family dinner is on Saturday this weekend.

Downstairs Johnny hurries to open the building door then the car door for Veronica, handing her keys back after she gets the baby secured in the safety seat.

Johnny: I'm real sorry Veronica. (she nods) Tell your dad I'm still on the straight and narrow.

He salutes her and she smiles, teasing him as she walks around the car.

Veronica: Straight and narrow, huh? I don't know about that. I've seen you flirting with Mrs. Studebaker.

He smiles as she gets into her car and drives away, rushing back to his post to open the door to Mrs. Studebaker, an octogenarian widow who struggled every day to take her yappy miniature puddle for a walk without getting tangled in his leash.

----------------

Veronica and Shiloh are greeted with enthusiasm at the Fennels' home.

Alicia: Veronica. And you brought Shiloh with you!

Alicia comes forward and relieves Veronica of the baby. Shi begins babbling happily and smooshes her hands over Alicia's cheeks.

Veronica: Ah, you might want to watch where she puts her hands. We were at the beach and I haven't done more than rinse her off yet.

Alicia doesn't look bothered, instead she heads to the kitchen and begins talking to Shi quietly as she pulls out a bottle of baby wash and a wash cloth and begins running the water to warm it and give Shi a bath.

Veronica watches with a mournful smile from the doorway and she is joined by Keith.

Keith: Your mother isn't feeling well again?

Alicia: We're alone Keith. Daryl is with Wallace getting some groceries.

Veronica: Yes, let's not use euphemisms if we don't have to. She's drinking. Again. Still. Today. And she sent the nanny home. Or Maria left, I don't know or care which.

Keith: I'm sorry honey. I'll go talk to her.

Veronica: (angry, but keeping her voice low so as not to disturb Shiloh who is trying her best to give Alicia a bath too) No. This shouldn't be your problem. You're not her husband anymore...

Keith: But you're still my daughter and Shiloh is...well, she's part of the family now too. This could turn into something serious Veronica, and I won't have this resting on your shoulders alone.

Alicia makes a funny face at Shi that makes her laugh before turning to look over her shoulder at Keith and Veronica.

Alicia: (hard smile) Let your father talk to her Veronica. Or I could do it. I have a few things I'd like to say to your mother.

Veronica smiles briefly at Alicia's fierce expression before her worried eyes goes back to Shiloh.

----------------

(Sunday, July 24)

Veronica is in her bedroom alone. She is lying on her bed, her cell phone held up to her ear. She is smiling.

Logan: ...so now he's covered with scrapes. It looks like he took a drunken header on gravel.

Veronica: Yeah? (teasing) So why would Rams try to climb up a palm tree with his bare hands, and apparently more importantly, a bare chest?

Logan: (plainly) To get a coconut of course.

Veronica: (trying not to laugh) And you couldn't get one from room service? Wow, you must be slumming it.

Cut to Logan on a deck in front of a magnificent house right on the water on the North Shore. The sound of waves crashing fills the air.

Logan: Well here at Lani Loa, it's more a housekeeper thing than a room service thing.

Veronica: (frowning) You're not in a hotel.

Logan: (slowly) No.

Veronica: Is it a villa?

Logan: (cautious) It's a house.

Veronica: A very large, very expensive house?

Logan: (slightly defensive) Yeah.

Veronica: (put-upon sigh) So it's a villa.

Logan: Does it matter?

Veronica: I guess not. (her voice softens) How's the surf?

Logan: Fantastic, the waves were perfect. Larger that we're used to, of course, and I got pounded a few times, but it's amazing, I caught this one wave...

Later Veronica says her goodbyes softly and reaches across her nightstand to the small lamp and we can see a newspaper lying there. On the front page above the fold it says "DA Opens Probe Into Conduct of County Sheriff."

Veronica smiles and turns off the light.

-------------

(Monday, July 25)

Scene opens at Java the Hut, business is slow as the morning rush ends. Veronica enters and waves to Meg, seating herself at her regular table where Mac is already waiting for her.

Veronica: Mac-attack.

Mac: (not looking up from her book) Ronnie.

Veronica: (pouting) Now it's official. You've been spending too much time with Dick.

Meg: (arriving for her break, setting two cups of coffee on the table for her friends) Isn't any time with Dick too much time?

Veronica: (mouth held in a serious moue) You make a valid point.

Mac: (absently) He's not that bad.

Finishing the chapter, she closes the book and looks up to see Veronica and Meg's doubting faces.

Mac: What?

Meg: Nothing. (kindly) You're right. Dick's not all bad.

Veronica looks around widely, in an exaggerated motion.

Mac: What are you doing?

Veronica: Looking for the lighting bolt from the Gods. (looks back at her friends) For speaking blasphemy.

Mac and Meg smile.

Meg: (teasing) This coming from the girl who dates Logan-the-antichrist-Echolls.

Mac: I think the guys on Ahoy Maties call it Rosemary's Baby: the teenage years.

Veronica: (frowns) I need to find these guys and give them a piece of my mind.

Meg: Oh, that's right, don't mess with Veronica's man.

Veronica shakes her head, but laughs along with Meg and Mac.

Later. Only Veronica is at the table when Meg comes back over.

Veronica: So, what have your parents been up to the last few days?

Meg: I don't know. They're either in their room talking too quietly to be overheard, at the hospital or talking to our Reverend.

Veronica: Talking about what?

Meg: (worried) I don't know.

Mac can be seen coming back towards the table.

Veronica: (changing the subject quickly) So how are things with Dominic?

Meg: OK.

Veronica: Just OK?

Meg: Yeah, I think my drama is more than he was bargaining on.

Veronica: (lightly) Who would have thought Dom would shy away from any kind of drama.

Meg smiles in response.

Mac: (sitting down) You guys aren't fooling me. If you want to talk in private, say so. But just so you know, I'm willing to help. Whatever you need.

Meg: (smiling) I know. I'm sorry. I'm so used to keeping it a secret...

Mac nods, her expression serious.

---------------

Cut to Doctor Behr's office. Mr. and Mrs. Manning are sitting nervously in his office. He enters a grave look on his face.

Doctor Laurence Behr: Mary. Peter. I'm afraid it isn't good news. There is significant scaring and it's unlikely that Mary could conceive, let alone carry a baby to term.

Mary turns her head into her husband's neck and begins to cry.

Peter Manning: Is there anything we can do, we'll try anything. Whatever it takes to save Grace, we'll do it.

The doctor nods and Mary picks up her face.

Mary Manning: God will provide. He will. God rewards the faithful.

Peter Manning: Amen.

Doctor Laurence Behr: I'm afraid that you are just not a suitable candidate for IV, Mary. Your uterus, in my opinion, cannot bring forth another child.

Mary begins to cry again, the soft tears turning into sobs.

--------------

Scene opens 90902 neighborhood. Veronica's Mini is parked in front of a pink stucco house. Cut to inside. Veronica is sitting on the back patio with Sophia.

Veronica: I'm sorry, there are just no leads. No new witnesses, and the license plate number was lost. Even your nosy neighbor didn't seem to see anything.

Veronica Voiceover: Not that I believe her for a second. That nosy old biddy saw something, I just need to find the way to get her to talk to me.

Sophia: Who?

Veronica: The old lady who lives a couple houses down from Anna.

Sophia: Mrs. Rodriguez. Yeah. She doesn't like anyone. But she watches everyone like a hawk. I think she used to have the sheriff's office on speed dial.

Veronica: Used to?

Sophia: Our current Sheriff stopped responding to her calls.

Veronica: Oh.

Sophia: I saw the article in the paper on Sunday.

Veronica: (bright innocence) The one that said Lamb was being investigated for abuses of power? For taking bribes?

Sophia: (smiles knowingly) Uh-huh. Among other things.

Veronica smiles and looks across the overgrow lawn to an old car with three tires and one saw horse holding it up.

Sophia: You found Luis?

Veronica: I did. And I'm convinced he had nothing to do with it. I'm still looking into a few more leads.

She continues talking about Anna's ex boyfriends, and a client from the bar she worked at when Sophia's brother comes out onto the patio talking on his phone. He looks at Veronica and his eyes widen. He turns around to go back inside nearly tripping on the step.

His sister's voice stops him.

Sophia: Miguel, you remember Veronica.

Miguel turns back to his sister then looks at Veronica again, his eyes seemingly unable to find a position to hold on.

Sophia: She hasn't found anything new about Marisol.

Miguel: (uncomfortable) Oh. Uh. That's too bad.

Sophia: She found Luis. He's married with a child on the way.

Veronica tilts her head and smiles at Miguel, appearing very friendly but her eyes are keen.

Veronica: He was very broken up when I brought up Marisol. He said he thought about her every day.

Miguel pales.

Sophia: He was a good father. I hated suspecting he had anything to do with this.

Miguel begins to sweat.

Miguel: I, uh, I gotta go.

Veronica: (stopping him again) He said he just wanted his little girl to have a proper burial. (casual) That and he asked that if I found anything, that I give him a head start on the police.

Miguel turns and leaves quickly.

--------------

Cut to Veronica sitting outside the house staring at it when she is drawn from her revere by the sound of a motorcycle. She tenses and reaches for the ignition when she sees the bike coming towards her. She relaxes and sits back in her seat, her hand falling away from the ignition.

Weevil stops alongside her and she presses the button to lower the window.

Weevil: You know, I can't decide. Are you crazy or stupid? 'Cause just when I think I know, you change my mind.

Veronica: Ah, (wiry smile) not to imply that you're stupid, but what the hell are you talking about?

Weevil: Well, either you're too stupid to remember that this side of town don't like your side…

Veronica: I kinda live in the middle actually. I mean if you want to really think about the underrepresented in Neptune, the 90905 zip code is completely forgotten in the 02 verses 09 conflict, so…

Weevil: Whatever Blondie, you date the king of the assholes.

Veronica: And I'm friends with, I'm sorry, what would your title be? The king of the criminals? Peasants? Bolsheviks or bourgeoisie, I always get those confused. Or maybe you're just a common gang leader…

Weevil: (cocky) I don't mind being a gang leader, but you'll insult me if you call me common. Now, what's so fucking interesting about this house that you're sitting here like a bullseye on a target?

Veronica: I must be dumb, I thought you said you called the shots and I was under the impression that while we might not be friends, we weren't enemies, so why would I have a target on my back?

Weevil narrows his eyes at her, and quickly reviews the conversation in his mind.

Weevil: (plainly, a hit of surprise and speculation in his tone) You don't know.

Veronica: (frowning, concerned) Know what? Did something else happen? The 09ers? (weary) What did those dumbasses do now?

Weevil: Nothing. Forget it.

Veronica: (eyebrows raised) You brought it up.

Weevil: (nods to the house, changing the subject) What's with this house?

Veronica: Nothing.

Weevil cocks one eyebrow at her and sits back on his bike to wait for her to answer the question.

Veronica: What do you know about Miguel Reyes?

Weevil: He's what the boys call a banana.

Veronica: White on the inside?

Weevil: Yep. He never really made friends in the neighborhood, he hung with the skater stoner crowd mostly.

Veronica: What else?

Weevil: He was into drugs pretty hard a few years ago. Then he got locked up and got clean.

Veronica: What kind of drugs?

Weevil: Meth.

Veronica: (sitting back in her seat, turning to look back at the house again) So, that means he dealt with the Fitzpatrick's.

Weevil: Unless someone else is selling that crap behind the micks' backs.

Veronica: (refocusing on Weevil) How bad was it? His use, I mean?

Weevil: I don't know. (he looks at her with a mix of amusement and annoyance) You want me to find out?

Veronica: (smiling semi flirtatiously) Do you even have to ask?

Weevil nods and Veronica smiles genuinely and nods in acknowledgement. She turns the ignition to start the car.

Weevil: Yo, Blondie. You come to this side of town again, you call me first.

Veronica: (blasé) I'll consider it.

Weevil: Como dije, estás loca.

Veronica is unmoved, Weevil smiles in appreciation of her stubborn independence, then he softens and changes tactics.

Weevil: Listen, do it for my grandmother. She likes you. And she'd bust my ass if something happened to you over here.

Veronica smiles, amused that Weevil was a big mama's boy when it came to his grandmother.

Veronica: (shifting the car into gear) You know who else your grandma likes? Logan. You should think about that.

She drives away, leaving Weevil still sitting on his bike looking at the house that had held her attention earlier.

-------------

Night time. Weevil rides down an alley and stops outside a house with a screened in back porch. His uncle comes out. Weevil gets off the bike and gives the older man a complicated handshake. The sound of traditional instrumental Latin music comes from several houses and mixes with the RnB music playing in a few more homes.

They exchange small talk then get to the reason for the visit.

Weevil: Angel. I got a question about Eduardo Reyes' kid.

Angel: Sophia? (whistles) She is one fine chica, but I think she dates college boys Eli.

Weevil: , her brother.

Angel: What about him?

Weevil: Whatever. Do you know or not?

Angel: Is this about their missing cousin?

Weevil: Maybe.

Angel: Yeah. I know about Miguel. His tio and I came up together. Mario said Miguel was into some bad shit. They tired to hide it from Eduardo. That one was a real straight shooter. Don't know how he ended up with that crack whore of a sister.

Weevil: That's real informative. But I asked about Miguel, not the fucking family history.

Angel: (laughing, loud) My nephew tiene albondigasa chorros.

He leads Weevil to the side of the house to talk in private before both men go inside to have dinner with Angel's baby mama and infant son. He rubs her pregnant belly.

Angel: Did we tell you the good news yet? It's a girl.

Weevil smiles and hugs the woman.

--------------

Night. Veronica is sitting alone on a darkened beach. She throws a ball for Backup to chase as she talks to Logan.

Logan: So enough about they guys. What have you been up to the last few days?

Veronica: Nothing. (continuing quickly) Tell me more about this bet. You have to cliff dive?

Logan: I already did. The bet was to do it off the high rock.

Veronica: How high?

Logan: Pretty high. But nice try.

Veronica: (innocent sounding) What?

Logan: (deliberate, stubborn) What have you been up to? These last few days. When I haven't been there to babysit you on some of your more harebrained adventures.

Veronica: I don't need a babysitter Logan. And I don't have harebrained adventures. I follow leads.

Logan: Fine what leads have you been following?

She is quiet.

Logan: Veronica?

Veronica: Nothing. I just stumbled over something today. It could be bad.

She tells him her suspicions about Miguel.

Logan: (tension filling his voice) I don't want you going back over there to talk to him alone Veronica.

Veronica: I wasn't alone, Sophia was there.

Logan: Great another girl. How about you take Wallace, Backup and your friend Mr. Sparky, just in case.

Veronica: (deliberately light) Just in case what?

Logan: I don't know, but this way you'll be prepared.

She rolls her eyes.

Logan: Promise me Veronica.

Veronica: Promise you what?

Logan: That you won't go anywhere to do with this case alone. Not even to talk to people you think are your friends.

Veronica: (annoyed) Anything else?

Logan: (stubborn) I'm still waiting for the first promise, then we'll move on to the others.

Veronica: Have I mentioned how overbearing you can be?

Logan: Maybe once.

They are both silent, neither willing to concede.

Logan: You oughta have more sense than to take chances with strangers like this.

Veronica: It's funny, but practically all the people I know were strangers when I met them. And let's not forget the chance I took on you. (she smiles) That one seems to be working out in my favor.

Cut to Logan who is sitting on a couch alone, his face tense, holding his silence, waiting her out.

Veronica: I promise. OK?

He visibly relaxes.

Logan: Yeah. And remember, we're not allowed to lie, so you have to keep your promise.

She sighs.

Veronica: I know, I said I promise. Can we move on already?

Logan: Yeah.

More silence.

Veronica: Did you see your mom tonight?

Logan: Not yet. It's just coming on now.

The shot widens to reveal the guys coming into the house carrying a lot of beer and food.

Logan: We're going to make it into a drinking game tonight.

Veronica: How? Every time Tom Bergeron says something about Len being cranky you have to drink?

Logan: Yeah, something like that. Or whenever Bruno uses a double entendre, you drink.

The scene shifts to the large flat screen TV mounted on the wall. First it shows all the dancers sitting together in the green room, then it pans over the audience and Grandma Hatchet can be seen in the crowd sitting by a woman who looks like a softer older version of Lynn.

Tom Bergeron: The pressure is on, not only is the competition getting harder, but for Lynn Echolls this is the first time she'll perform in front of her mother and sister. Also in the audience....


(Tuesday, July 26)

Scene opens on Veronica at Mars Investigations. She's sitting at her desk, her laptop open before her and the office phone held to her ear.

Veronica: I'm sorry, but Mr. Mars is not taking new cases at this time. (listening) Yes, I know. I've very sorry that you had to meet Mr. Van Lowe, I understand your frustration. But... (listening) Mr. Mars has an associate out of LA. He's very good and reputable. Would you like his contact information? OK. It's Alexi Davies, 323-55-8989. Good luck.

She hangs up and rolls her eyes. Standing up she walks to the kitchen and returns with a glass of water. Sitting down, she rereads the information on the screen.

Anna had been dating two men at the time of Marisol's disappearance: Jack Hayes and Carlos Salazar.

Hayes was the son of stock broker Jack Hayes Senior and has a younger brother, Hunter. The family came from old money, earned from exploiting railroad workers, miners, and the Mexican residents in Southern California at the turn of the century. The family patriarch Grover Hayes, had made his money in a gold mine, and went on to find ways to make more and exploit others to get it. Grover had been one of the original backers of Hearst College and his name was still on the library.

Jack Hayes had a few small brushes with the law, DUI, fighting in his younger years, a drug bust later on, but nothing major. Nothing to indicate he was a pedophile or was capable of killing a little girl.

Carlos Salazar was a member of the South Side Pasas, the gang that most PCHers would grow up to join. The South Side Pasas were the only major gang besides the PCHers in Neptune County, but their operations stretched from San Diego to Long Beach. He was a small time player in the organization. A few arrests, some time served, but again, nothing that pointed to Marisol.

Carlos had been Anna's dealer back then, but she had been paying him in trade, so any debt she might have had would not have been a motive for taking her daughter.

Veronica was more interested in a regular at the bar Anna worked at that had shown interest in her then suddenly stopped coming in. Anna thought his name was Victor Gomes. Veronica searched for him again, not seeing any activity for the last few years. Pulling up a general Google search she finds an obituary for a Victor Gomes. Sighing she crosses his name off the list on the desk. Only one name is left.

Miguel Reyes.

The data on him isn't good. He had a record, several arrests for drug possession and burgulary to support his habit. From his record he was in the thick of his addiction around the time of Marisol's disappearance.

---------------

Leaving the office Veronica drives to her mother's condo to pickup Shiloh for the afternoon. Leanne is full of excuses for the previous Saturday, but her skin is unhealthy looking and her eyes are bloodshot. Veronica asks about Jake, and Leanne looks pleased that Veronica seems interested. She replies that Jake is in DC visiting with Duncan and lobbying for some legislation.

Back at the Fennels' home, Veronica makes lunch for herself, Shiloh, and Daryl and they sit down outside under the patio table umbrella to eat. The radio from inside the house plays through the open window and the DJs announce that Woody Goodman, owner of Woody's Burgers a world wide chain and San Diego's professional baseball team, the sharks, was forming an exploratory committee to explore his run for County Chairman. Veronica frowns a bit then shrugs, Chester's father the current Chairman was no prince, and Woody could hardly be worse. She turns her attention back to Daryl and Shiloh as they finish lunch and Shi chases Daryl who is chasing Backup around the yard. Veronica smiles.

Cut to later. Daryl is now playing tug of war with Backup who is not really trying but loses when he yelps as Shiloh grabs his tail and pulls unexpectedly. Veronica is in the background on the phone.

Veronica: I need to talk to Miguel.

Weevil: I'll talk to him.

Veronica: No. I need specific information, you'll just scare the crap out of him.

Weevil: Tell me what you want to know. (sarcastically) I'll write it down.

Veronica: We'll talk to him together.

Weevil: OK.

Veronica frowns, wondering about his easy capitulation.

Veronica: Seriously, you and Logan have more in common than you know.

Weevil: Now you're just being insulting. And I was nice to you.

Veronica: (sighs) Whatever. So he was really involved with the Fitzpatricks.

Weevil: Involved? No. But he owed them money and bought his drugs from them.

Veronica: How is that not involved?

Weevil: He was a client, not an associate.

Veronica: Fine. Are you free tomorrow? I want to talk to him right away.

Weevil: Then what's wrong with today?

Veronica's eyes go back to Shiloh and Daryl.

Veronica: I'm babysitting.

Weevil: I'm sure if you leave rich boy with a bottle of booze and some porn you can leave him alone for an hour or so.

Veronica: Funny.

----------------

Veronica's room. She is on the phone again with Logan. She casually mentions that she has a lead in the case an not to worry she won't be interviewing him alone. Logan asks about the lead and Veronica tells him about Weevil helping to get her information. She stops short of mentioning that Weevil will be the one accompanying her the next day.

Cut to Logan on the deck in Hawaii. The guys and a bunch of girls are visible inside the house behind him. They are watching Dancing with the Stars and explaining the drinking game to their guests.

Logan is very tense and opens his mouth to tell Veronica to stay away from Weevil, but changes his mind.

Logan: Be careful around Weevil Veronica. He's dangerous.

Veronica: Not to me.

Logan: No, maybe not to you.

Veronica: I wish you two would call a truce.

Logan: (determined, angry) That's not going to happen.

Veronica sighs.

Veronica: When are you coming home?

Logan: Thursday.

After they hang up Logan remains on the deck alone. He stares at the pounding waves with dark intensity. His expression is worried but also with a touch of mal intent.

He is roused from his revere by the sight of Dick and Rams trying to do the fire dance they'd seen preformed at a luau earlier in the week. Dick and Rams had lost to Logan in the bet of who could catch and ride the biggest wave earlier in the day and had to pay up.

------------

Cut to Meg sneaking into the secret room her parents locked Grace up in. She takes several pictures including a few showing the stacks of notebooks that Grace is forced to fill with "The path to God is paved with righteousness." Meg opens a book and takes a picture of the page before taking a few out of the closet with her and sneaking back to her room. Downstairs her parents are talking to their Reverend.

Their voices float up the stairs but Meg can only pickup a few words and phrases. "You must continue to believe in the bounty of the Lord." "Grace." "Can we…" "Don't worry about that."


(Wednesday, July 27)

Scene opens on Veronica exiting the Fennel home. Weevil is waiting outside on his bike. She slips on the helmet he hands her and they take off down the road.

They arrive at the Reyes home and watch as Miguel leaves the house. He climbs into an old blue Sentra and they follow him down to his job at Costco. He parks around back and as he is walking past a dumpster enclosure Weevil steps out from behind it and stops him in his tracks.

Weevil: Hey. You're Miguel right?

Miguel looks scared and his eyes search for a safe exit, he turns to walk the other way only to find Veronica standing there, blocking his path.

Veronica: Hi Miguel. You're not very talkative are you? (makes a this is going to be too bad for you face, her mouth pulled into a grimace) That's going to have to change.

Miguel glances over his shoulder to see Weevil talking towards him with deliberate menace and her rushes at Veronica. She looks surprised but braces herself for impact, moving to intercept him. Before he can reach Veronica, Weevil rams him from the back and knocks him into a car, setting off the alarm.

Weevil looks annoyed, both with Veronica and the car and grabs Miguel by to collar standing him up.

Weevil: That was a dumb move.

He looks over his shoulder to Veronica, who is cool and collected.

Weevil: You too Blondie. What were you going to do, let him flatten you?

Veronica: I'm tougher than I look.

Weevil is not impressed and drags Miguel back to his car throwing him into the backseat and climbing in next to him. Weevil tosses Veronica the keys.

Weevil: Drive.

Veronica: Does this make you Miss Daisy?

Weevil: Just drive.

Veronica: I always did like Morgan Freeman.

Weevil snorts out a laugh then his face straightens as he glares down at Miguel.

Veronica: I don't remember kidnapping being in our plan.

Weevil: Plans change.

------------------

Cut to a large garage, empty of people but full of auto mechanic tools and machinery. The door opens letting in a bright shaft of light.

Weevil: It's safe here. No one will be here until tonight.

Veronica: (looking around, confused) A garage that is only open at night?

Weevil raises his eyebrows at her like she's being stupid and she nods.

Veronica: Oh. Right. Chop shop.

Weevil: Where do you think all the cheap parts for your car come from?

Veronica: So I'm guessing when we leave, I'll need to forget ever being here.

Weevil: Yeah.

Veronica: (accepting) OK.

Weevil throws down Miguel, who he had been dragging along, forcing the older boy down onto the ground. Miguel looks around for an exit, his fear clear.

Miguel: You can't do this. It's kidnapping. It's against the law.

Weevil: (frightening) Think again. We just did it.

Veronica: (casual) Actually Weevil, it's good that he's a big believer in the law. Should make things easier.

Miguel: What things?

Veronica: I just want to talk to you.

Weevil: And I want you to answer. If you don't…

Weevil cracks his knuckles.

Miguel: (gulping) I don't know anything.

Veronica: (hopeful, cheerleader peppy, pleading tone) Like nothing? I find that hard to believe.

Miguel: I don't know anything about Marisol.

Veronica: (making another face, like she's surprised) Now why would you assume this is about Marisol?

Miguel: You're investigating what happened to her...

Veronica: You're right. See you do know something, and I'm betting from your reaction yesterday and today that you do know something.

Weevil: And you're going to tell us.

Miguel: No, I don't, I don't remember, I don't know…

Veronica: You do. You're lying. And I don't like it when people waste my time with lies.

Weevil steps towards Miguel and he cowers back.

Veronica: Weevil.

She shakes her head in the negative and Weevil shrugs easing back again.

Weevil: Just trying to speed things up.

Veronica: I don't think that's going to be necessary. Miguel here wants to help.

Weevil: Is that right?

Miguel looks unsure.

Veronica: He does. He loved Marisol. She was his cousin after all. And he agreed with his family to help me find out what happened to her.

Miguel: I did love her, I -

Veronica: (interrupting) Miguel. I don't care about the drugs. Or your involvement with the Fitzpatricks. All I care about is finding Marisol.

Miguel: (ashamed) I can't tell you.

Weevil: You can and you will.

Miguel: No, I –

Weevil moves in a pulls Miguel up by his collar, pulling his fist back to hit him to loosen his tongue, but again Veronica moves in to stop him.

Veronica: Just tell me what you saw. (helpful, offering a hypothetical situation) You were doing drugs. Maybe buying or stealing in order to buy some. You saw Marisol but you didn't want to say anything because you would have to admit to what you were doing. But I already know about the drugs, and I don't care. All I want to know is where she was. What did you see?

Miguel: (beginning to cry) No, no, I didn't...

Weevil: Fuck this.

Weevil hits Miguel dead on in the face knocking him back to the floor again.

Veronica: Weevil stop. We need him to talk.

Weevil: Yeah, and I'm trying to motivate him.

Veronica looks exasperated and kneels down to eye level with Miguel who is clutching at his bleeding nose and crying.

Veronica: Do you want to go home Miguel? Forget this ever happened?

He nods.

Veronica: Then just tell me. I promise not to tell your family. I just need to know what you know. Think of Marisol. She must have been scared. Crying. Someone took her. They took her and did God only knows what with her. Do you really want to live with that?

Miguel: (sobbing) No.

Veronica: (warm and reassuring) I know you don't. I know that. You're not a bad person. Now just tell me what you saw and you can go home. I promise.

Weevil shrugs to say it's OK with him.

Miguel: (sobbing, his words broken by gasps for breath against his tears) I never would have, I never would have done it...

Veronica: (frowning, puling back) Done what?

Miguel: I was in trouble, I owed Liam money....so much money... and he wouldn't give me any more meth until I paid….and I needed it. I needed it so bad…

Veronica: OK, it's OK. Just tell me...

Miguel: They came to me, offered me another way….

Veronica: (too stunned to be disgusted) What?

Miguel: (breaking down completely) I sold her. I needed the money. I sold her!

Both Weevil and Veronica disgusted and repulsed by Miguel's revelation, his sobs echoing around them.

--AN

Sorry for the long delay again. April is really a busy time for me. But I'm excited to get to this point in the Marisol mystery. The idea of someone selling a child to a pedophile is from real life. About a year ago on the news was a story about a 19 year old guy, who was babysitting a friend of his family, and sold the kid to a pedophile, delivering the kid to the hotel for just $200. WTF.

OK, so I'm fully enjoying the story again now, I think I was just having a phase earlier where the set up was dragging out. We're getting into some more dramatic mystery development and relationship stuff now.

Don't forget to vote in the new poll on my profile. Who will die may hang in the balance…

Some of you are making my heart happy with your votes to kill off Duncan...I could totally support that just so I don't have to find new synonyms for "impassive" or "dull." But you also want Kate or Clemmons or the Diddens dead? Sad.

New code, new info. This one might be a bit harder to figure out, or maybe codes just aren't my thing, either way the clue will help answer a question you already know, but won't give you the whole answer.

KEY: n=j

Jipmb aew mrnyvih fijsvi xli eggmhirx.

Whew. That was taxing on my brain.

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