CHAPTER TEN

If there were stages to anger, Logan was cycling through them at a rapid clip. He'd moved beyond tense to extreme agitation. Before he could get to the explosion, Veronica spoke up. "Uh, married." She waved her wedding and engagement rings at Duncan. "And pregnant."

"I've been giving this a lot of thought."

I bet you have. Veronica glanced at Logan. His hands were curled into fists and the muscles in his cheek were throbbing in time with the clenching and unclenching of his jaw. Unaware of the potentially dangerous situation, Duncan kept talking.

"If you took over for Lisa, the only person you'd be spending any time with is Karen and Lisa told me on Friday she didn't think Karen was involved."

That was true. It was the reason her dad and Lisa both felt that Mac needed to be involved- to get close to the other people on the project.

"Plus you coming to work there right after Lisa was killed would be…" He searched for the right word and chose, "Suspicious. These are very smart people Veronica. It's not going to take them long to figure out who you are and see you as a threat."

If she wasn't so annoyed, she would have to commend him on his reasoning; Duncan had accurately pegged what she'd been worried about all day. It was why her father wanted to move in here and why Logan wanted to wrap her in Kevlar and buy a tank.

"Veronica, I, uh…care about you; I don't want to see you hurt, or worse, because of this, because of me."

When he stumbled over the word care, Logan's lips curled in a contemptuous sneer and Veronica knew what he was thinking- that 'care about' wasn't what Duncan wanted to say. "I still don't see how my pretending to be your girlfriend is going to help."

"You can come and go as you please at Kane Software under the guise of visiting me. When you ask questions, they'll think it's just your interest in my work. You'll have access to all the employees." The way he ticked off the answers made it seem like he was reading from a prepared list. "And, the party Celeste threw last night? It was sort of a meet-and-greet; a way to introduce the Smartpaper engineers to some key stockholders and future investors. Since it was…since it ended early, she can throw another one and I can introduce you."

"As your girlfriend." Logan's head spun around and he gaped at her. Veronica offered him a tender smile and gave his forearm a reassuring squeeze, but he only snapped his jaw closed and turned away. Frowning, she looked at Duncan. "You said yourself these are smart people, how are they going to believe we're dating? It's not like I can hide the fact that I'm pregnant."

Her baby bump appeared a lot sooner this time around than it did with Wyatt; Dr. Villella said it was because the muscles were more flexible and not as firm. She was already wearing maternity clothes for comfort, but…Veronica glanced at her stomach- maybe if I wear a body shaper and layer my clothes?

"My deal with the authorities, it took a long time to hammer out the details." Duncan shifted in his chair and scratched the back of his neck. "My whereabouts for the past year haven't exactly been a secret."

Veronica's gaze narrowed. "What are you getting at?"

"Both Celeste and Lizzie came to visit us in Hong Kong." He averted his gaze and rubbed his forehead. "You could've come too."

"What the fuck?" Logan abruptly stood, knocking over his chair. "First you want my wife to pretend to be your girlfriend and now…now you want people to think my baby is yours?"

Duncan started to rise out of his chair. "Maybe you should check your ego; this isn't about you. This is about keeping Veronica safe. Shouldn't that be your top priority?"

"Don't fucking tell me about priorities. This is my family we're talking about and I don't give a shit about your project. The only reason Veronica is investigating is because of Mac, not you." Logan was advancing on Duncan as he spoke.

Veronica got up. "Why don't we calm down and discuss—"

Logan twisted his body around to face her. "Are you actually considering this bullshit?"

"I think we need to take a step back and look at the big picture."

"Oh I can see the big picture; it's abso-fuckin'-lutely crystal clear." When she didn't respond, he tossed his hands in the air. "Fine. Whatever. Do what you want."

The 'you always do' remained unsaid, but Veronica heard it and it made her mad. That was the old her. This was not how they handled things now. Her eyes met his; beneath the anger, she could see…fear. "Logan." It was a soft and gentle reminder that they weren't the ones fighting and that she loved him.

He backed away from Duncan and righted his chair. "I need some air."

Veronica watched him stalk out of the room. The not-so-quiet thud of the back door signaled his departure from the house.

"I'm sorry Veronica. I didn't realize he'd get so mad."

"Really Duncan?" She chastised. "You thought you could suggest telling people that I cheated on him and was having a baby with you and he wouldn't get mad? Did you expect him to pat you on the back and say hey that's a great plan?"

He dropped into his chair. "I didn't think about it that way. Honestly, I was just thinking about you and your safety."

"I'm his wife, not yours and, frankly, I don't need either of you making decisions for me and telling me what to do, but if anyone has the right to be worried about me- it's Logan."

Duncan nodded. "I should go apologize to him."

"That's not a good idea." She rubbed the bridge of her nose. "Just give him some time to cool off." If he went outside now, his chances of remaining in one piece were not good.

There was a stretch of awkward silence while he thought about her advice. "You know, the hardest part of being on the run was missing the people: my family, friends, you and Logan. I've only been back two weeks and I feel like I'm messing it all up. It's hard for me; I didn't think things would be exactly the same as when I left, but…" He shook his head. "Maybe I did just expect to come back and pick up my old life like nothing changed."

Did that include us? Veronica started clearing the table. "Maybe we should skip dessert."

"Then I guess it's a good thing we didn't mention the ice cream in front of Wyatt, huh?" The attempt at humor did little to relieve the tension in the room. He got up to help her clean. "Just forget my plan. I don't want it to ruin my friendship with Logan." A wry smile twisted his mouth. "Well, anymore than it already has."

"I think…" There were parts of his plan that would definitely work. A party would be a good place to meet everyone while they were relaxed and off-guard. Plus unfettered access to Kane Software would allow her to monitor all the employees, not just those involved with Smartpaper. Am I really thinking about doing this? "Let me talk to Logan and we'll work something out."

Duncan started to load the dishwasher. "We've been friends since we were five. I'm glad he's happy Veronica and I don't want to ruin it."

She frowned. Was he talking about the friendship or Logan's happiness? She finished storing the leftovers in the fridge. "Logan is pretty forgiving." Another gross understatement. For all the hurt he'd suffered, he still had a generous heart and an overwhelming capacity for forgiveness. Their marriage was proof of that. He'd forgiven her and taken her back so many times; taking a chance and opening himself up to the potential of unbearable pain later all just to be with her.

"He told me he didn't care; on the phone this afternoon, he told me he didn't care about Aaron. Detergent?"

The non-sequitur threw her for a minute. "Under the sink."

After filling the dispenser, he returned the detergent to the cabinet and started the dishwasher. "How did you know?"

"I found the wire transfer you sent to Clarence."

"It's not really proof." He hedged.

"No, it isn't." If he was looking for more of an assurance from her, he wasn't going to get it. "I should check on Wyatt and go talk to Logan."

"I'll come get Laurel."

Veronica started down the hall and stopped. "Why was Lauren Sinclair at the hospital with you?"

"I told you the Sinclairs would be at my mom's party." That wasn't really an answer. She put her hands on her hips and waited for more. Duncan shrugged. "When the Sheriff told us about the accident, Lauren insisted on coming with me. She didn't say why and I didn't ask. I assumed she knew Mac."

Satisfied with his answer, she continued down the hall to the bedroom. The girls had given up on playing boat and they were sprawled across the bed watching Peter Pan. Wyatt was on her side in front of Laurel, head on a pillow and thumb in her mouth. Her eyes were half-closed and she'd probably fall asleep soon if Veronica left her alone.

Seeing that the baby was almost asleep, Duncan put his finger against his lips and motioned for Laurel to join him. Reluctantly, she slid off the bed and followed them from the room. Veronica waited until they reached the front door before speaking. "Thanks for playing with Wyatt."

Laurel shrugged. "We mostly watched the movie."

Duncan paused with his hand on the knob. "Call me after you talk to Logan and let me know what you want to do."

As he opened the door, Veronica remembered the photos. "Wait, don't forget your pictures." She crossed to the coffee table and found the pile she'd created for Laurel. Not only had she given her all the ones of Meg, she'd included any solitary photo of Duncan and tossed in a few of Lilly.

"I can really keep them?" Her eyes widened in surprise.

"Of course you can." Laurel gave her a quick hug and bounded out of the house before Veronica could say anything else. If it was hard for Duncan, she couldn't imagine how it was for Laurel. All those years of not getting too close to anyone for fear that they would discover your secret. Moving from place to place and always being the new kid.

Duncan was staring after his daughter. When he turned back, he looked sad. "Thanks for that. She's…lonely and she was really excited about coming here tonight. She likes you and Logan and Wyatt."

Veronica felt bad about cutting the evening short. "Maybe one night this week she can come back? Eat that ice cream?"

"Just let me know when."

"I will." She closed the door behind them and went to the yard in search of her husband. The pool lights were on and steam was rising from the heated water, but there was no sign of him. "Logan?" Moving closer to the pool, she found his clothes in a pile on a nearby chair. His head broke the surface of the water, but before she could say anything he went back under.

She circled the pool to stand at the edge where he would come up for air and watched him swim his underwater laps. It's definitely a great view. Kicking off her shoes, she sat down and dangled her feet in the water. He surfaced almost immediately, a few feet short of where she sat. "Where's Wyatt?"

"Asleep on our bed."

He wiped the water from his face. "Are they gone?"

"They just left." He swam to the other side of the pool, put his hands on the edge and hoisted himself out of the water. Forgetting his clothes, he started walking toward the house and away from her. "Where are you going?"

"Inside."

Guess the swim didn't help him cool down at all. Veronica gathered his clothes, picked up her shoes and followed him into the house. "Are we not speaking to each other?"

"I think what we're doing now is considered speaking."

"Really? Because it feels like fighting."

He just shook his head and continued moving. Veronica let him go. No sleep last night coupled with a long day, topped off with a dose of Duncan and she was too tired to fight with Logan. She lay on the sofa and closed her eyes. She felt wretched. Her eyes were dry and gritty, her feet hurt and her back was aching. And I want ice cream. The fluttering in her tummy told her the baby agreed- it was ice cream time, but she didn't want to move.

"Are you okay?"

I don't want to move and I don't want to open my eyes either. "I'm fine." She slowly opened one eye. Logan was standing over her, clad only in a pair of boxer shorts with a towel draped around his neck. She swung her legs off the sofa, put her hand on the cushion and started to push herself upright.

"What do you want? I'll get it."

"The Mexican Hot Chocolate ice cream."

He smirked. "Do you want it in a bowl or should I just bring the carton and a spoon?"

"What do you think?"

"Carton and a spoon it is." It didn't take him long to return with the ice cream. He handed it to her, pushed the coffee table out of the way and moved the ottoman over for her legs. "Are you sure you're feeling okay?"

"Why do you keep asking me that?"

"It's not like you to turn down a good fight." He lifted her legs, sat on the ottoman and put her feet in his lap. Veronica wiggled her toes at him. "Is that a hint?"

"Too subtle?" He started massaging her feet. "God that feels good. You are the best husband ever."

Logan arched an eyebrow. "I think we should go to the emergency room or at the very least I should check you for a fever." She stuck her tongue out at him. "What? Fever causes delirium."

"I'm not delirious." Veronica sucked the ice cream off her spoon. "Are you done being mad at me?"

"No. I get ice cream and give foot rubs to everyone I'm mad at."

"That must take up a lot of time in your day."

He nodded. "It can be a real hassle scheduling them all in, but I make it work." He moved to the next foot and dropped his gaze. "What did you and Duncan decide to do?"

She jabbed his stomach with her toes. "You're an idiot."

"Wow I love you too honeybunch."

"Duncan and I didn't decide anything. In case you've forgotten, I'm married to you. That makes you my decision-making partner. And, if it makes you feel any better, Duncan said we should forget his plan." Veronica took another mouthful of ice cream.

"So you're not going to do it?"

"I don't know." She leaned back and closed her eyes. "I've been thinking about it all day or trying not to think about it. No unnecessary risks, that's what we said."

"I wanted to put it in our wedding vows." He was only half-joking.

"Duncan was right; taking over Lisa's job would be a big risk for no reason. I'm not going to learn anything more than she did, which was nothing."

"Nothing didn't get her killed."

Veronica shook her head. "It's more likely that Mac learned something or saw something." Logan removed her feet from his lap and stood. Her eyes popped open. "Where are you going?"

"I'm not okay with this. I don't trust Duncan when it comes to you." He dragged a hand through his hair. "I need you to not do this."

"Can you just sit down and talk to me?"

He dropped into the chair next to her, but he didn't look happy about staying. "Go ahead explain to me how this is a great idea."

"I think it's a shitty idea and I don't want to do it." Both of his eyebrows shot up in surprise. "I wouldn't be able to stay here with you and Wyatt, I'd have to tell everyone I cheated on my husband, and," she gave an exaggerated shudder. "I'd have to pretend to be dating Duncan."

Logan smiled. "Then why all the hemming and hawing."

"First, I don't hem and haw, I carefully consider and weigh all my options and second, there are parts of his plan that sound good." She scraped the container for the last spoonful of ice cream before putting it on the coffee table. Logan eyed the empty carton, but he wisely kept all comments to himself.

"Which parts? Because I hated the entire thing." He left his chair and joined her on the sofa. Dropping an arm around her shoulder, he pulled her closer and kissed her temple. "Well except for the bit about keeping Veronica safe, that I loved."

"Shocker." She rested her head on his arm. "Access to Kane Software would be helpful and that party sounds promising."

"You actually want to go to a party thrown by Celeste Kane? Definitely delirious."

Veronica rolled her eyes. "I could pretend to be someone else? Wig, makeup and," she affected an English accent. "I could speak like a right proper Brit."

"You're good, but not that good. Anyone who knows you, like the Sinclairs, would see right through a disguise." Logan splayed his hand across her belly. "And even if you were pretending to be someone else, there's still Duncan."

"And you don't trust him with me."

"Hell no. This is the guy who went to your job every day for three months straight and sat there for hours in his effort to win you back. It didn't matter that we were dating; just like it doesn't matter to him that we're married."

"It wasn't every day and he wasn't trying to win me back. I'm not a prize in a contest." He slid his fingers under her chin and tilted her head back. Leaning in close, he studied first one side of her face, turned her head and inspected the other side. "What are you doing?"

"Looking for the Duncan-sized blind spot you still seem to have."

She pulled her chin out of his hand. "You're not funny you know."

"I'm not laughing Veronica." Logan popped off the sofa like he was on a spring and then started pacing. "When you thought he killed Lilly, did you go to the cops and turn him in? No. When he kept Meg's pregnancy a secret from you, did you break up with him? No. When you thought he might have slept with Kendall, did you install a tracker on his car or bug his room? No." He stopped moving. "I can keep going if you haven't seen the pattern yet."

It wasn't difficult to spot his let's compare your treatment of Duncan to your treatment of me pattern. "That was a long time ago."

"Yet you believe his plan is him trying to be helpful." He shook his head. "He's the one who suggested you work undercover at Kane Software in the first place. It's The Hut only in reverse- this time he gets you to spend every day at his job. How many other clients tell you how to run an investigation?"

"Why didn't you say any of this then?"

Logan rubbed the back of his neck. "Because you turned him down."

When her father asked 'and Logan's okay with that,' apparently the answer should have been a resounding no. "I love you Logan and I swear if this case wasn't about finding out who killed Lisa and put Mac in a coma, I would walk away. It's not about Duncan."