So, wow, everyone sees where the end of that chapter was going and they are NOT happy about it. All I can say is … Bare with me! Hopefully you will settle down a little after this chapter ;) Remember: this fic is about Veronica the "hurricane". Hurricanes are vicious, maddening storms that pick up strength over water, and only when they are confronted with a giant, unmoving land mass do they subside and give in. Veronica has to be confronted by the giant, unmoving land mass before she is calmed. Please hang in there.
Chapter Eight: It's Always Been Him
Veronica ran into Duncan's arms, glad to see a friendly face.
"Damn, it's good to see you, Mars."
"Same, here. My life lately has been a series of shitty days, one right after the other, so it's really nice to be here with you – away from all that."
A strange cloud covered over Duncan's eyes, as if she'd said something that stung him. He quickly glazed over and resumed his smile.
"Come. Lily's waiting for us."
Veronica squealed. The prospect of seeing the little girl she helped escape some horrible nightmare of existence with Meg's parents thrilled her.
She wasn't disappointed. She played with the sweet girl with the bright eyes for hours. She reminded her so much of her namesake and it made Veronica ache for her friend. When sleep finally beckoned Lily, Veronica found she was just as exhausted as the little girl.
"Wow. That was exhausting!"
"She loves you. I've never seen her so happy."
"I'm glad. It was so fun." Veronica's smile faded slightly. "I really miss Lily."
"Me, too. She's so much like her."
Veronica smiled. "She really is."
"So…you mentioned shitty days…let's talk about that…"
"Yes, let's. What do you know about what's been going on back in Neptune?"
"What do you mean," Duncan asked, feigning ignorance.
"Don't play this with me, Duncan. I know you had something to do with all this."
"All what?"
"Enough, Duncan. Tell me what's going on. I thought Gory was out of my life for good. He apologized. I haven't seen him since. Then Clarence Weidman sends me on this "mission" to Cancun and I find out Gory's not gone, after all."
Duncan exhaled. He took a deep breath before beginning.
"Gory is gone, but, unfortunately, his baggage is not. He bitched and moaned to his father after my dad put him in his place. Gory's pretty much over it, but now his dad wants his pound of flesh, and he's going after Kane Industries. Don't fret, though, you and Logan will be safe. We just needed the info you gave us. Clarence will be dealing with them shortly."
Veronica felt a lump in her throat. She was all too sure she knew what Duncan meant by "deal with" when Clarence Weidman was involved.
"So, am I, like, working for him now? You?"
"No, Veronica. Look, the truth is, Clarence looks out for me. I mean, technically, he works for my dad, but that's just semantics. He works to protect my interests. ALL my interests," Duncan stressed in her direction.
"Duncan…"
Duncan leaned in, Veronica all too aware of his intentions. She pushed him away.
"No, Duncan. You can't. I…it's…"
"Logan?"
Veronica nodded silently.
"It's always been him hasn't it?" Duncan asked, his eyes filling with sorrow.
"Not always," she smiled.
"Yeah, I think it has been."
Veronica felt tears rise to her eyes. Just the mention of her name made her ache for him. She knew she screwed up and needed to be near him again—to apologize.
"I need to go home, Duncan."
"I know," he said, rising. "The truth is, Veronica, I will always love you. I can't help it. But I know that you will always love Logan, and I have to accept that. If he makes you happy, then I'll be happy."
Veronica couldn't respond. She just didn't know what to say. She was grateful Duncan was looking out for her, but he was right. It had always been Logan.
…..
"Dad? I'm home." Veronica called as she walked in their apartment that Sunday morning.
Keith came down the hall with a very unreadable expression. Veronica bit her lip. She knew he wasn't going to be happy with her. While she had taken his advice, she was sure he hadn't literally expected her to pick up and leave town. Especially without telling him where she was going. She just hoped the few texts she'd sent would appease him.
"Baby girl, I really hope you made some breakthrough these past few days, because I'm trying really hard to be understanding about you just up and leaving without telling me where you were going."
"Didn't you tell me to leave town if I needed to?"
"I'm sure you didn't think I meant…"
Veronica rushed into her dad, enveloping him in a bear hug.
"I know, I know. I'm sorry, Dad, but I did have a breakthrough. I am back, and ready to make sense of this crazy life I have. I am so sorry for all I've done to screw things up lately. I will spend every day this summer trying to make that up to you."
Keith tightened his lips, deciding to give Veronica the benefit of the doubt.
"Fine, you can start by making me something to eat. I'm hungry."
Veronica smiled. She began making her dad pancakes while he worked a case. She took her phone out and sent a short text.
I'm back in town. Can we talk later? Please?
-V
It was after they finished eating and she began cleaning up that her response came.
I guess. Come to the Grand. 1:30
"So, Dad? About that 'making-it-up'?"
"Yes?"
"I have some making-it-up to do to other people, too?"
"Logan?" Keith asked, frowning only slightly.
"Yeah."
"Fine, but remember what I told you before you left."
"I remember."
"Go, then. I'll finish the dishes."
Veronica gave him a peck on the cheek.
"Thanks, Daddy-O."
