This chapter has really kicked me in the ass. I like too much of it to rewrite the parts I hate. I didn't want to break it up for better flow, but maybe I should have. I just want to get it out so I can move on and not fret over it. It's kind of a filler, but, hey, who doesn't have a shitty chapter every now and then?

'Even if our success was as good as dead; our worst critics were in our head' - Bayside

Apologies for any mistakes.

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It was another hot day in Neptune. The Mars' air conditioner wasn't fixed yet. Not only was it hot, it was humid. It was unbearable. So in true Veronica Mars fashion, she was sweating up a storm as she staked out her own apartment. The last two days she sat inside impatiently waiting in next to nothing; a sheer tank over her bikini top and a pair of shorts that would make Lilly proud. She was desperately waiting for a second secret message. It was either that or a reveal. Nothing came of it. The longer she sat around the more she thought she had to leave to receive a message. It was frustrating doing nothing and being completely on edge. Torn between here and there and alone with her thoughts. It was a constant circle of being annoyed with her Dad, remembering Duncan, and wondering about Lamb.

Lamb was a big reason she didn't want to leave the house and her dad was a reason to go. The delusions of Duncan Kane made her stay. She was driving herself as crazy as the heat made her feel hot. Lamb - she could handle seeing him again. She always managed it before. Though, it was different now. She didn't know why.

Giving a final tap of her fingers along the surface, she stood from the kitchen barstool to retrieve her bag and keys.

It wasn't like there was a promise of another note. She was possessed by this idea and stretching it out to be something it wasn't. The rational part of her brain realised this was irrational behavior. She was obsessing. When it came to Duncan Kane she was always obsessive. It was part of the reason she was a joke to the 09ers. But, he was her first love and it wasn't like he didn't obsess over her. It was a reminder that there was a world out there worth exploring, a much cooler one at that. Even if it was to slap Dick on the back in congratulations. Send a pic to Mac of the ocean and wishing she was there. Or actually hanging out with Wallace.

Stepping foot in her bedroom, her eyes were immediately drawn to the cookie fortune. She slid her finger along her desk and twirled the skinny paper. After receiving it, she inspected it front and back. The back had a handwritten message. It was a riddle that she didn't understand. She had been working it over in her mind ever since.

The hideout.

Mexico? That didn't make sense. Why would he still be in Mexico? It wasn't what they talked about. If he did deliver the message himself why would he make the choice to return back to his hideout? Logan told her his face was still plastered around Tijuana.

Logan. At least one thing was right in her world.

Logan! Logan would know! He had to! She should have thought of that before. Through everything, thick and thin, Logan and Duncan were friends. She had to see him! It didn't hurt that the Neptune Grand had a nice air conditioning system. He was usually cooped up in there studying. She didn't want to call. Not after the last awkward call they shared. Her fingers were crossed that she'd catch him there. Alone.

She snatched her bag and keys and rushed out of the room.

At least she had a destination to go to now. Better than driving around aimlessly and bugging Wallace and his girlfriend.

She grabbed a bottle of water for her trip to Logan's just as her dad stepped through the door. She greeted him with a smile and brushed past him to leave.

"Veronica, can I have a moment please?"

Her hand was frozen on the doorknob. "Can it wait? I kind of need to be somewhere."

"Your romantic past can wait."

Veronica pursed her lips and let go of the doorknob. It was clear this wasn't going to be a quick comment or a simple favor. This was a serious manner. She took a seat on the couch, her father in his striped chair to her left. "I can't handle Mars Investigations while being sheriff."

"I'm doing all I can to lessen the workload." Just perfect. Her life is continuing to fall apart. The P.I business was all she had going for her right now. Her one constant. The one thing that wasn't so out there and weird, even with some of the more unusual cases.

"You're doing an amazing job too. The FBI doesn't know what they're missing."

"Believe me, Dad, they know." She shifted her weight, building up her wall. The room fell silent as they reflected on why Veronica was home. Keith cleared his throat to continue the conversation. Veronica prepared herself for bad news softened by an equally bad joke. What she received instead had shocked her.

"I want to officially sign the business over to you."

"What? Dad, Mars Investigations is your baby. I mean, I think that you love it more than me." Okay, so maybe bad jokes ran in the family.

"I'll have you sign the papers during dinner tonight." He was quick to add, "at the diner."

"Okay...? Is that it?" There was something weird about dinner. She just couldn't pinpoint it.

"You're free to go."

Finally. She could go -

Wait a second. Romantic past? How did he know?

"Dad?"

He looked up at her completely unabashed with that trademark knowing glint in his eye. "Mr and Mrs Manning's trial has allowed certain things to change around here."

She couldn't fight the grin on her face. "So Duncan..."

"I might have helped him come back."

"Do you know where he is?"

He shook his head. He knew, he just wasn't going to say. It was infuriating. Then, something else came to light. Veronica had kept it to herself, stewing in the newfound information of two men. They never got a chance to talk about it.

She took a deep breath for composure's sake. She smoothed out her tank and then narrowed her eyes on him. Not menacingly, but to make sure she didn't miss his reaction. "You knew, didn't you?"

"About...?" He had a secretive smile on his face.

"Lamb. He's..." She felt a tingle run down her spine. "Alive."

"Is that something you wanted to know?"

"It would have been nice to be informed. How long have you known anyway?"

"Do you remember when I told you about checking into Kendall Casablancas' hospital records?"

She nodded. Her eyes widened. He kept it from her that long? "Why didn't you tell me?"

"It wasn't my secret to disclose." He paused. His hands went to his belly. He beat on it like a bass drum. "I'm thinking about getting a pie at the diner."

"Pie?" She shook her head. She didn't have time for this. "I'm going out for a bit. Do you want me to meet you there tonight?"

"Around seven."

She nodded. "I'll bring a pen."

Keith laughed. "May I ask where you're going?"

"Logan's."

From the look in her father's eyes, she couldn't have arrived at Logan's sooner.

Lamb was nervous.

His hair was a wreck. It was long and spiky in spots and shaved close in others. He wasn't comfortable getting it cut. He didn't want to see their reaction, even worse, he didn't want to hear the gasp of disgust. He didn't think he could shave it himself. The thought of cutting his head open more had him shivering. He didn't want to ask Sacks to do it. It was too hot for a cap. Oh, what the hell, he'll wear a damn beanie.

His clothes were frumpy and wrinkled. He had on loose fitting slacks with slip on canvas sneakers. A simple black tee, once snug on his fit body, hung on his torso and arms. It was all a reminder of his hospital stay. Like the pills he avoided taking. He could have worn a better shirt, but he didn't trust his fingers to work the buttons. A better outfit would look like he was trying too hard, anyway. This had to do it.

He was just incredibly uncomfortable.

He didn't know why he cared so much. Maybe because he saw her and some part of him wanted her to be impressed. It was apparent how much he changed today. Just last week he was fine with his hair. He was fine wearing his sweatpants everywhere. They were comfortable, unlike his old uniform. Moreover, his junk could breathe freely.

He smiled. He frowned. He sighed.

He was pathetic.

He grabbed a beanie from the shelf in his closet. He detested the dark gray material. It didn't feel right as he weighed it in his hands, but he felt better after putting it on. His vanity clearly didn't waver in his changed ways.

He stood tall in front of the full body mirror on his bedroom door. He puffed out his chest and took in his appearance. Horrible.

He didn't know. He was having an off day. The night brought on so much pressure. He was going to a place he frequented before he disappeared from the public eye. It was one of his favorite places in Neptune. The women he used to charm with a smile and a compliment. They lusted after him. The patrons were friendly. He would chat with them on a good day and they left him alone on a bad day.

He was sheriff then. He was riding high on his fifteen minutes of fame. They loved him.

Tonight would be different. He had faded away and was officially returning to the public. At least that's how it felt. They probably didn't even notice he was gone.

He exhaled deeply.

He really was pathetic.

He had to get on with it eventually. He had a reason tonight. He had a reason to be courageous and put on a brave face. It always went back to her; Veronica Mars.

Logan wasn't home. Well, he wasn't answering. She could hear noise coming from the other side of his door. He was purposefully ignoring her knocking. She could hear video games. She heard that familiar laugh that had her heart racing.

She dug her phone out of her pocket and dialed his number.

"Veronica, now's not a good time."

"Answer the door, Logan." She let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. Her breaths were shallow and fast.

"I can't do that. I kind of promised your dad that... um... I'd stay away from you?" He was a terrible liar. He should have known better really. She always got to the bottom of a mystery.

"Logan, I know." He hung up. She tucked her phone back in her pocket. She heard him inside his suite. The pattering of his bare feet getting closer.

The door opened with a soft click. It peeled open slowly revealing the puppy dog eyes of her ex-boyfriend. Logan didn't open the door past his body.

"I promised your dad you wouldn't know." He looked down and around the hallway.

"Since when have you listened to my father?"

"Veronica." He shook his head methodically. He knew when to throw in the towel. Veronica was going to win no matter what. He opened the door and let her in.

There he was. He was standing nervously with his hands clasped in front of him. He had on plaid shorts and a gray polo tee. He didn't look like the boy she was in love with in high school. He shedded every ounce of his boyish features. He was a full grown man. His body sculpted and unbelievably tan.

He gave her that same shy smile though.

She ran to him. She threw her arms around his neck and breathed in his scent. Somethings never change. He had his arms tight around her waist, squeezing her.

"I missed you so much," he whispered, choking up.

She held him tighter, afraid to vocalize how much she missed him. How many times she imagined seeing him again. When they pulled away from each other, she had the decency to look sheepishly back at Logan. He gave her a half-hearted sympathetic smile.

She wiped her eyes and looked up at Duncan. "Where is she?"

She never seen him smile so big.

Veronica was looking over the diner menu across from her dad. The menu acted as a good prop. She knew what she wanted already, but was avoiding mentioning Duncan. Besides, they were there to eat and officialize Mars Investigations solely as her own. They weren't there to talk about Duncan Kane and how well he was doing. They certainly weren't going to discuss how beautiful his daughter became. She looked so much like Meg, but had those Kane eyes and Lilly's smile. She was going to be a heartbreaker.

She glanced over the top of the menu at her dad.

Keith was staring at her. He was waiting for her to crack. She licked her lips and set them in a firm line, finally setting down the menu. Her arms folded on the table in front of her and she leaned forward. She might always win, but that 'always' was null and void when it came to her dad.

"He's staying with Logan."

"You have to be careful right now. He's still wanted for kidnapping."

"They told me."

Keith reassured her that the trial would be over soon. Keith admitted to tracking him down since Aaron Echolls' murder. Veronica was astonished and a little offended. They had a laugh over the names Duncan used over the years. Some were clearly fake. There was only so much a girl could teach him before they pulled off one of Neptune's biggest cold cases.

Where is Duncan Kane? The papers still brought it up. It was a hot topic lately. It coincided with the Mannings arrest. The speculation of why and what she could do without. The where, Veronica smiled, she knew where now.

She probed for more information. Keith wasn't going to cave. Here nor later. She respected him for doing his job. Protecting the privacy of everyone involved (more or less). That didn't mean she couldn't and wouldn't beg. Veronica gave him a look that clearly showed just how annoyed she was. He didn't give into it, but she did. She put down her defenses and noticeably sulked.

She mustered up all the acting skills Trina taught her. Her best Shakespearean. Dramatic hands and all. "To pie or not to pie? That is the question."

Keith grinned. "To pie."

Their menus were placed to the side for the waitress to pick up and take their order. Veronica physically relaxed in the cool air of the diner, but continued to let her mind wander.

Duncan was back. He really was back!

The never ending loop her mind put her through wasn't finished. The cycle wasn't complete. She was missing one person. Her dad's random act of weird, bringing up pie in the middle of their conversation about Lamb, yeah, that became clear real quick.

It got fishier, and no one ordered the fish. That was actually part of the problem. She ordered her food first. Then her dad ordered his meal and another. When the waitress walked away, she was about to question him when the diner door bell rang.

He could feel everyone's eyes on him. He didn't look around to notice if it was all in his head or if they really were staring. It didn't matter. It wouldn't take away how exposed and vulnerable he felt. He was thankful for the the beanie on his head. It wasn't tight and obvious. It was loose, but secure. He needed all the security he could get.

He want to avoid looking around, and lucky for him, he didn't have to.

"Don. Over here."

Keith Mars was waving him down. His eyes followed the sound. There was the man's smiling face and a panicked Veronica.

Don furrowed his brows when she slid down in her seat. He took his eyes away from her and watched the floor as he made his way over to them.

Seeing them brought back the memory of when they were together there before. He had come in on his lunch hour to pick up his call-in order. He was the biggest prick to walk the earth, so of course he had to sit at her side, across from Keith. He had to open his big mouth and bring up the one true friend Veronica ever had. It was about upcoming anniversary of her death for fuck's sake. Could he be a bigger asshole?

Yes. And he was.

When he got up to leave the diner that day, he looked back at her, suddenly taking in account her feelings and the wound he picked at. He swallowed his shame and walked out. The words to an apology on the tip of his tongue.

But 'smell ya later'? Really, Veronica?

"I ordered for you. I hope you don't mind."

"No, not at all. I'm sorry I'm late." He brought up a chair to the side of the table. He didn't want to sit next to her in the booth and a man needs his space, so he didn't sit next to Keith. Both of them seemed to notice.

He shifted his gaze to Veronica when she moved her water and silverware out of his way. She was trying hard not to look at him. Biting her tongue to keep from saying something stupid.

There was a lack of conversation between them. It was tense. Did he expect anything different? While Keith was warming up to him and visa versa, things with Veronica were harder to comprehend.

"Thanks for inviting me out tonight. It does me some good to get out of the house."

"He invited you?"

He bit back a snarky remark. That was one thing they definitely had in common. "Is that okay? Is it okay he asked me here?"

She hummed a response that seemed more like it wasn't a response, if that made any sense. She continued, "there's been a lack of communication going on with everyone." It was hard to say who the blow was towards, but both men felt the effects.

Mission accomplished.

Lamb made quick work of getting his food to go. He knew better than to walk on eggshells. He still had to work on getting Veronica to see he changed. It wasn't going to be an easy task, but he wasn't going to suffer through it tonight. He was already in an uncomfortable state to begin with. He wanted to go home to eat and sleep. He'll deal with it all tomorrow.

He carefully stood from the table, trying to ignore her eyes on him, watching him in his weak moment on shaky legs. Keith stood from the table. He had a hand on his shoulder to steady him. It was embarrassing.

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah. I probably should have took my medication today," he explained quietly.

"Can you make it home alright?"

"Yes." His answer was firm as he snatched his to-go bag. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"Tomorrow? What's tomorrow?" Veronica's eyes flicked back and forth from Lamb to Keith.

"Your dad didn't tell you?"

She raised an eyebrow. Her impatience clear. His interest piqued.

In his moment of weakness, this was a victory. He smirked. "I'm fixing your air conditioner."

Keith turned to her. "I'll be working. You'll need to be at the apartment."

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I promise the next chapter will be better.