Truths Too Big to be Told

by jenwin23

Sequel to Some Truths Hurt. It's summer time and more than the weather is hot. Neptune is embroiled in class warfare, Veronica is looking into the mystery of another dead girl, the fallout from Lilly's case continues, and more secrets will be revealed.

14. Ch 14 Love and Other Burning Sensations

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: Summertime in Neptune. The guys were under suspicion for the car accident until they made a deal with the DA and said Chester was driving. Enbom left town to work for his Dad's company for the summer. LoVe are having their ups and downs, but seem to be learning from past mistakes. Keith is writing his book. The class warfare was getting out of hand, but after Weevil kidnapped Logan to play Russian Roulette with him things have died down. Aaron was released and is under house arrest. V is investigating what happened to Marisol Reyes, and there are disturbing developments. Meg's family goes off the deep end, with one daughter in the hospital with kidney failure and two more in hiding from the crazy parents and cultish reverend. Beaver got a strange email and the Casablancas brothers are spending a lot of time with Mac.

Logan makes a bet with Dick that means he can't touch V for a week. Jake and Weidman make an appearance and manipulate Veroncia to get what Jake wants, but at least this time she gets something she wants too, a chance to find a donor for Grace and help to set Meg free from her crazy parents. Veronica goes back to Winchester with a friend of Keith's and they make a grisly discovery. The Reyes family is rocked by Marisol's fate, and Miguel atones for his sins. The media focus on Veronica again for her involvement in finding Marisol and the other girls, and the FBI come to town. Weidman proves that he is an ally, and Keith's book is being pushed up. LoVe spends some time together after the bet, and MacBom are in a rough patch.

The new story is up, and consensus is y'all like it, but you think I should focus on this story. I get it, I do. And that is my plan, but I do have another idea…and I'm planning the next sequel in my brain in brief moments of spare time. This story is winding up now, summer is almost at the end (in ficNeptune). Anyway, thanks for reading and all the reviews. Y'all keep me thinking.

I hope you enjoy this chapter, it is packed with things you've been waiting for, and things I've had planned forever…

Chapter 14: Love and other burning sensations

(Wednesday, August 11)

Del Dios Park. Logan, Rams, Dick, and Harry introduce Enbom to their supervising park ranger.

Ranger: You got the same amount of hours as these jokers?

Enbom: Yes sir.

Ranger: Then you got some making up to do.

Enbom doesn't look excited by that prospect.

After assigning Enbom to pick up trash while the other guys walk the Highland Valley trail to note any shifting of the new trail stabilization measures they had just installed. Enbom looks confused and put out to be handed a trash grabber and bag while the other guys took a hike, literally, but then he nods, accepting that he is being hazed, and that their first jobs at the park had probably been worse.

For the rest of the morning they repair fences, taking turns pulling down damaged pieces and pounding in new posts. It is hard and physical work, made more tiring by the blazing sun overhead. Throughout it all, Logan is smiling hugely.

Enbom: Dude, where is June gloom when you need it?

Harry: Back in June?

Enbom throws him an annoyed look, and still Logan works, happily grinning.

Dick looks at Logan sourly, then grins, and slaps Rams on the back, alerting him.

Dick: So I lost the bet and Logan gets laid? How is that fair?

Rams grins and gives Logan a fist tap.

Logan: Get a smart girlfriend, and you'll see how much better life gets.

Dick loses his smile a bit, his gaze darting to Enbom then back to Logan who looks contrite.

Dick: Whatever, when you have a girlfriend you only have access to one piece of ass, if you're a free agent, the possibilities are endless.

Rams and Harry both grin.

Rams: So Harry, when are you gonna' get a girl?

Harry: As soon as I find one that can make me grin like that (nodding towards Logan).

They all laugh.

Dick: Dude, I never would have pictured Ronnie as the kind of girl who likes to get down.

Logan: (scowling) Don't. Don't ever picture her. Period.

Dick: Dude, it's Ronnie. When I think of her, she's in a nun's outfit. (grins at Logan) But underneath it she's naked except for some stripper heels and naughty underwear.

Logan glares.

Harry: I saw a thing on Manswers, they said smart girls are the best in bed.

The guys turn to look at Logan again, who grins again.

Logan: I'm not talking about Veronica with you assholes. That's a sure fire way for me to not be having sex.

Rams: Fine, we'll just ask John.

They all turn to look at John, who also doesn't want to answer.

Enbom: Yeah, no. Ditto on Logan's answer.

Dick looks annoyed and moves farther down the fence. Logan follows after him.

Logan: Sorry about that man.

Dick looks up at him.

Logan: For earlier.

Dick: Yeah. (forcing his humor) Whatever. So, did I tell you about the BJ I scored yesterday? Dude, I barely even had to turn on the charm and she was unzipping me.

Logan smiles and shakes his head as Dick continues telling the story.

Logan continues to enjoy his good mood throughout the day.

-VM-VM-VM-

At the Fennel home, Keith and Veronica are both home. Keith is in the living room looking over his schedule for the book publicity when Veronica enters.

Veronica: Hey Dad.

Keith: Veronica.

He looks at her suspiciously.

Veronica: What? I haven't even said anything yet.

Keith: I recognize that tone.

Veronica: (innocent) What tone?

Keith: That tone.

Veronica: I don't know what you're talking about.

She sits on the couch next to him and stares straight ahead. He goes back to his schedule, but keeps looking up at her.

Keith: What?

Veronica: Nothing, I'm just sitting here staring at the wall.

Keith: (amused exasperation) Yes, but why are you sitting here, staring at the wall?

Veronica: I thought we could spend some time together, but you, the about to be best selling author, are apparently too busy to spend any quality time with your daughter.

Keith: I'm not too busy.

Veronica: That's not what your tone said earlier.

He regards her with amusement.

Keith: So what do you want to do?

Veronica: Nothing, I thought we could go miniature golfing or something, but you have to work, so I'll just sit here next to you. Staring at the wall.

Keith: Get up, let's go. At least once you're trying to fish your ball out of the miniature river or tiny trees, you'll be too occupied to be sarcastic.

Veronica: (deeply disturbed) No. There is no circumstance that could rob me of my ability to be sarcastic.

Keith: Hope springs eternal.

Veronica: Hope springs eternal in the human breast; Man never Is, but always To be blest: The soul, uneasy and confin'd from home, Rests and expatiates in a life to come.
Keith: I don't know about your soul, but your poor golf balls will meet the afterlife soon enough.

Veronica: That's mean.

Keith wraps a arm around her shoulders as they exit the house.

Keith: So I guess this education thing is paying off huh? Quoting Alexander Pope to your old man. Soon we'll see if it's enough to get you into Stanford or Yale. (dreamy) Harvard. Columbia. Brown.

She smiles but there is a shadow in her eye as she thinks about college.

-VM-VM-VM-

Evening. Logan and Veronica pull into an underground parking structure in the Xterra. She turns to him full of nervous energy.

Veronica: OK. If my dad tries to get you alone, just go to the bathroom or stuff some food in your face. Do not tell a joke, at least not one that you're not absolutely sure is actually funny. (hard look) To other people. (thinking) Imagine telling it to Alicia. If she laughs, go ahead, if you get the disapproving look, can it.

Logan: (amused, he speaks lightly) It's fine Veronica, it's dinner, we've had dinner with your family before.

She looks at him like he's holding a grenade and not aware of the danger. Then looks over his outfit. He had made a good choice. He looks nice. Clean, respectable, without looking too rich. He doesn't look like he'd spent too much money on his clothes. She is wearing a pair of jeans and a dressy tank top which fits loosely.

Veronica Voiceover: Which probably means that his shirt is worth a normal person's monthly car payment.

They enter the restaurant, Pizza Nova and Veronica looks around for a Keith, Alicia, Wallace and Daryl. She only finds Keith. Sitting alone in a corner booth, only three place settings on the table. Her face fills with dread.

Veronica: It's a set up.

Logan: What?

Veronica: He's here alone. (she thinks quickly) Let's go before he sees us.

She turns around and tries to drag him back out the door but Logan holds firm.

Logan: And say what?

Veronica: I'm sick, you're sick, the traffic was horrible.

Logan: Stop. Breathe.

He turns her to face him, holding her shoulders lightly. She goes as still as if she were made of stone.

Logan: It'll be ok.

Logan traces his hand over her cheek, and she breaks free of her stare and looks up at him. He smiles lightly.

Logan: (patronizing voice) It'll be OK.

Veronica: You say that now, but one wrong word, one bad topic choice and he's trying to ground me to keep me away from you.

Logan looks hurt, but recovers quickly.

Logan: It's fine Veronica. He's your dad, how long did you think you were going to put this off?

Veronica: Is forever too much to ask?

Logan smiles and takes her hand leading her towards Keith's table. Keith has already seen them and watched their little display.

Logan: Mr. Mars.

Keith: Logan.

They shake hands.

Keith: Honey.

Veronica: Yeah, whatever.

Both Keith and Logan grin as Veronica slides into the booth, sitting between them looking extremely uncomfortable.

She grabs a piece of the buttered garlic bread rolls from the table and takes a big bite.

Keith: Traffic was OK?

He said traffic, but Logan and Veronica both know he means the parade of legitimate news reporters and their more dubious counterparts in the tabloids that had been following Logan, Veronica, and Keith in recent days.

Logan: Fine. Good choice on the restaurant.

Keith: Veronica loves the food here.

Logan: I know.

Veronica: This is a bad idea.

Keith: No, it's not.

Veronica: You only think it's not 'cause you came up with it. Planned it, laid the trap, and executed it like a special ops army ...whatever.

Keith: (amused) Ergo, how could it be bad? Math, sweetie. Me plus idea equals good.

Veronica wipes her fingers then issues a fake smile to her dad.

Veronica: Excuse us.

She pushes on Logan to slide out of the booth.

Keith: Where are you going?

Veronica: Hell? (Keith is not amused) No? How about the bathroom? We need to wash our hands.

Keith: Together?

Veronica: Yes.

She pushes Logan away from the booth then takes his hand and drags him back to the bathroom hallway.

Logan: You seriously need to chill out.

Veronica: No, you need to listen to me. New game plan.

Logan, amused, faces her as she wags a finger at him.

Veronica: No jokes. No innuendoes, no quips. Don't even think of alluding to having seen me

naked or (with increasing desperation) having touched any part of my body that does not have fingers.

Logan: Can I mention that my eyes have adored you?

Veronica huffs impatiently.

Logan: I got it. No calling you bobcat, no talk of milky thighs or entire afternoons sans clothes.

Veronica looks up to the heavens and groans.

Veronica: Let's go, there must be a back way out of here.

Logan: Veronica? (staring into her eyes, silently asking her to trust him) I won't say anything bad.

Veronica sighs, but holds out her hand in resignation. Logan takes it. He kisses her quickly and she lingers in the kiss, then breaks away. They grin at each, then she wipes away the lip gloss on his face. They both turn to enter their respective bathrooms to dutifully wash their hands.

-VM-VM-VM-

Fennel home.

Alicia: So how do you think it's going?

Wallace: Well there's nothing on the news yet.

Alicia: You and Veronica are so dramatic. It's hardly like Keith is going to threaten Logan, let alone do any actual bodily harm.

Wallace: Shows what you know. Keith can be scary.

Alicia: To you?

Wallace: No, but to any guy interested in Veronica, yes.

Alicia: Well he is her father.

Wallace: Yeah, and the former sheriff, and an expert marksman.

Alicia: Is he?

Wallace: I have no idea, but for some reason all the kids at school think so.

Alicia smiles.

Wallace: You do know she is gonna be pis…(breaking off) angry when she finds out we were all in on it.

Alicia: If Keith wants to have a dinner alone with Veronica, that is none of our business.

Wallace: I doubt she'll see it that way.

-VM-VM-VM-

Pizza Nova. A little time has passed and the meal is in progress. All three are sitting in the corner booth with Keith and Logan flanking Veronica.

Keith: So, what classes are you taking this year, Logan?

Logan: Well, I'm not actually sure. I might change my schedule.

Keith: Why is that?

Veronica looks surprised by Logan's answer, but interrupts quickly.

Veronica: (desperate) Logan is in the top 15 of our class.

Keith: Really? I didn't know that.

Logan: I do OK. But Veronica says it's cheating.

She levels a you-have-got-to-be-kidding-me slash kill-me-now look at him. Keith sits back an levels his best Sheriff's stare at Logan. Logan shrugs lightly, easily withstanding the combined stares of the Mars family.

Logan: I have a photographic memory. So while school hasn't exactly been a priority for me I manage to get good grades.

Keith looks at Logan with interest and a modicum of respect. Logan wasn't trying to kiss his ass or trying to pretend he was something he wasn't despite his obvious desire to have Keith like him. If Keith did it would be on Logan's terms, and for who Logan really was. Keith could respect that.

Keith: What about college?

Logan: What about it?

Keith: Do you have plans?

Logan: No.

Veronica: (squeaky) Where is this going?

Keith: My end game is to find out what Logan plans to do with his future.

Logan reaches out to take Veronica's hand and sets it on the table, in clear view. He rubs his thumb soothingly over the back of her hand as he answers.

Logan: I don't know. I'd always thought about taking some time after graduation to figure it out. Travel some, see the world.

Keith: I thought you'd traveled pretty extensively with your parents?

Logan: Yeah.

Keith: How is your mother?

Logan: She's good, thanks for asking.

Keith: I'm glad to hear it. I always liked Lynn.

The implication is that Keith hadn't really liked Aaron.

Keith: And your father?

Veronica: Oooh! Can we stay in the shallow end, please?

Her tone is light but the glare she sends Keith is serious. She turns her hand over and meshes her fingers with Logan, offering him support now as well.

Logan: It's OK Veronica. I haven't spoken to Aaron since before the night you had to rescue Veronica from him.

Keith nods again.

Keith: (slight smile) So, you never answered me about college.

Veronica: Isn't this food fantastic? I love this pizza. Whoever thought of putting pears on a pizza should win a prize. What do you think this sauce is? Besides delicious.

Logan and Keith both disregard her interruption.

Logan: I haven't given it much thought.

Keith: Veronica will be going to college in the fall.

Logan: I imagine she will.

Keith: (firmly) She will.

Logan doesn't answer, not sure what Keith's point was.

Logan: What schools is she interested in?

Veronica: Um, hello, I'm right here.

Keith: Yes, but you seem unable to participate in normal conversation. (to Logan) Stanford.

Logan: That's a good school.

Keith: Yes. But I want her to consider Ivy League.

Logan: I'm sure she could get in. Her grades are top of our class and knowing her, her SATs will be high too.

Keith: Yes.

They pause to eat a few bites. Veronica forces herself to remain silent, but she looks very edgy and uncomfortable.

Keith: So if you were to go to college, what major do you think you'd choose?

Veronica sets her drink down with a thunk, turning to glare a Keith.

Veronica: Oh my God, drop it already.

Logan: I really couldn't say. Not business, I don't think I'd like to be in an office all day. And not sales either, I've had enough of that kind of ass kissing already in my life. (cheeky) I could get paid to be me, you know open clubs, do interviews. Apparently being the offspring of a murderer doesn't get old. I'm still getting interview requests. Larry King wants me to come on with O.J.'s kids.

Keith: (supportive) It's only been a few months. Give it time.

Logan: Yeah.

Keith: Are you thinking about it? Doing the interview?

Logan: No.

Keith: Why's that?

Veronica: (with an uncomfortable chuckle and making the T symbol for timeout)Timeout.

Logan glances over at her and grins.

Keith: (to Logan) I'm sorry. I think it's a good call. I was just curious as to your reasons.

Keith turns to his daughter.

Keith: I didn't realize I had to have the conversation vetted.

Veronica: (forced cheer) I would've been happy to veto questions for you ahead of time.

Keith: Mmm, that would've been nice, huh?

Veronica: We could've packed a lunch and made a day of it. Instead of going mini golfing.

Keith: Missed opportunity, if you ask me.

Veronica: (darkly) A mistake you can learn from.

Logan follows their banter with pleasure.

Keith: What then exactly am I allowed to ask Logan about?

Veronica: I...

Veronica struggles to find a safe topic.

Veronica: Hobbies?

Father and daughter turn their gaze on Logan.

Logan: Surfing.

Keith: What's the attraction?

Veronica drops her fork.

Veronica: Don't answer that.

Keith rolls his eyes and sighs loudly in frustration. Logan laughs.

Logan: Veronica. Why don't you go to the bathroom?

Veronica: Did I spill?

She looks down at her shirt, not seeing anything.

Keith: No. But this might go quicker without your interruptions.

Logan: It's fine. Why don't you run over to the used book store a block down, I know you were going to make me go there after dinner anyway.

She looks from Logan to her dad then back again.

Veronica: (to Logan) I hope you know what you're getting into. (to Keith) And you had better behave yourself. I mean it. No talk of guns or bodies or anything resembling a threat. Got it?

Keith holds up his hands in surrender.

Logan slides out of the booth to let her out then waits for her to exit the restaurant before sitting back down.

Logan: Fire away.

Keith grins, then his face sobers.

Keith: What happened the night of the accident?

Logan: I'm not going to answer that.

Keith: Why?

Logan: Because if I did, I'd have to lie.

Keith: No, you could tell the truth.

Logan: The truth is that that night was a horrible accident. We all made a mistake. Several mistakes. And Chester died because we were all stupid. Now the rest of us have to live with that forever.

Keith: Fair enough. (pause) Did you learn your lesson?

Logan stares at Keith blandly.

Keith: Not to drink and drive?

Logan: I'd have to say yes.

Keith: So you don't drink and drive.

Logan: I haven't since the accident.

Keith: Good. (utterly serious) Never. Never ever drink then drive with Veronica. You may make it home, but if I find out, no one will ever find your body.

They stare at each other.

Logan: Right.

Long pause. The waiter appears to ask if their meal is alright but turns to leave quickly.

Logan: And while we're on the subject of protecting Veronica. I want you to know that I would never do anything knowingly to hurt her. I love her.

Keith: I know.

Logan: Then you should know that I'm going to do everything possible to make our relationship work.

Keith: I still have concerns about you two being so serious.

Logan: Because of our ages or because it's me?

Keith: Both.

Logan: Fair enough. But I'm not going to let her go. Not for as long as she wants me.

Keith stares at him, accepting the truth of that but still unsure of their relationship.

-VM-VM-VM-

When Veronica returns carrying a few books, they are discussing the merits of surfing. She sits down, forcing Logan to slide to the middle of the booth, all their dinner plates already cleared. Under the table Logan takes her hand and gives it a squeeze.

Keith: You taught Veronica to surf, didn't you?

Logan: Yeah. I love it and I wanted her to love it too.

Keith: (to V) Do you?

Veronica: Yeah. Not the way Logan does, but yeah.

Keith looks to Logan.

Logan: I'm not religious, but it's like a spiritual experience. You're part of something bigger, you know?

Keith nods.

Keith: So you're not religious?

Looking tortured Veronica begs for desert to end the evening.

Veronica: Stop. Enough. Even if that was just for me, I've had enough. Can we order desert so we can end this meal before the hellmouth opens and consumes this whole town?

Logan grins as does Keith and they order desert, one for each of them and two for Veronica.

-VM-VM-VM-

Logan drives Veronica home from dinner, parking across from the Fennels', he turns to her.

Logan: Do you think he'll ever like me?

Veronica: I think he does like you, it's how much I like you that is the problem.

Logan: It's not a problem for me. But I'm not a dad.

Veronica: You'd better not be.

Logan grins.

Logan: So how much do you like me anyway?

Veronica: (hedging) It's tough to say.

Logan: (affronted) Why?

Veronica: Because "like" is such a weak word. I like sunny days, I like ice cream.

Logan: (teasing) You more than like ice cream.

Veronica: Maybe, but it's a pale comparison of how I feel about you.

He smiles, content with her words and leans in for a kiss.

-VM-VM-VM-

Entering the house she finds Keith and Alicia waiting for her.

Keith: If it isn't my darling daughter.

Veronica: Keep going old man, and it'll be your body they never find.

Alicia smiles.

Alicia: Keith was just telling me what a nice dinner you three had.

Veronica: I'm not talking to you, you were in on it, I know it.

Alicia does not look guilty, in fact she smiles, clearly amused.

Alicia: Logan is a good...(she stumbles for a moment realizing Logan wasn't a boy, nor was he a man)

Veronica: (helpful) person?

Alicia: Yes, Logan is a good person, your father knows that.

Veronica: Oh?

She stares at Keith, waiting for him to acknowledge Logan's goodness.

Keith: He has a wild streak, but he's a good kid.

Veronica: (Southern accent) I like a man who's good, but not too good-for the good die young, and I hate a dead one.

She ponders her statement eyes turned upwards and Keith stands up to walk over to her and kiss her on the cheek. She smiles then walks towards her room.

-VM-VM-VM-

(Thursday, August 12)

The next morning Veronica is out of the house bright and early. She drives over to a café at the beach to meet Leanne and Shiloh for breakfast. Tensions seem to be eased between mother and daughter as Veronica talks to Leanne and tries to keep Shiloh's food on the table or in her mouth. The ease disappears as soon as Leanne broaches a new topic.

Leanne: Duncan is done with his internship in D.C., he's visiting his mother in Napa this week but once he is back I thought we could all have a family dinner.

Veronica freezes for a moment, looking at her mother with barely veiled disgust.

Veronica: That's not going to happen.

Leanne: (mildly exasperated) Veronica…

Veronica: No. Listen to me. Actually think about someone besides yourself for once. Duncan and I can never be a part of some happy little family that you and Jake want. (lowering her voice) We dated. I thought we were in love.

Leanne: You were so young.

Veronica: Is that your excuse? (hissing with disgust) We could have been siblings. We could have been committing incest because you were too much of a scared liar to face what you'd done. That's disgusting. (drawing herself up and reigning in her emotions) You're welcome to your high school romance, you're welcome to try to be happy in the ruins of your marriages, but you had no right to do that to me. None. If you ever loved me somewhere past all your selfishness, you would have known that.

She stands up and gathers up Shiloh and walks out of the café. Leanne throws down some money and chases after her.

Leanne: Veronica, I'm sorry. I know I should have told you, (desperate pleading) but I couldn't and then it seemed like it was too late.

Veronica: (hard) Whatever, Mom. I don't care what your justifications are. None of them will ever make what you did OK.

Leanne: (resolutely) You and Duncan are both Shiloh's siblings. You have to come to terms with that sooner or later. I know things between you are strained-

Veronica: (interrupting harshly) You don't know anything. How could you? You weren't here, and when you were you were still gone. Just drop it. Drop it and leave me alone.

She gets Shi into her car seat and drives off leaving Leanne on the sidewalk.

-VM-VM-VM-

Calming down Veronica takes Shiloh to the Birch Aquarium, letting the array of fish soothe her and charm Shiloh. She buys lunch from the cafeteria and sits down on the benches over the bluff near the tide pools to eat, feeding Shi applesauce and bits of bread.

Veronica Voiceover: As much as I hate to admit it, my mother has a point. Duncan is Shiloh's brother, if he ever takes an interest in her. I won't give her up, so I may have to learn to deal with his presence. But the thought of it makes my skin crawl.

-VM-VM-VM-

Leaving the Aquarium, Veronica heads to Java the Hut, ordering a coffee and sitting to wait for Meg.

Veronica: How's your first day back?

Meg: Like I never left.

Veronica smiles as Meg waves to the few reporters outside, paparazzi that had been tailing her ever since she went to Dancing with the Stars with Logan. The tabloids and entertainment media had blown the story up, manufacturing trouble in Logan's relationship with Veronica, and selling the story with the fact that Meg was living with Logan.

Veronica: Good. Just another day, right?

Meg bends down to coo at Shiloh who looks at her seriously for a moment then gives her a toothy grin.

Meg: Yeah, it's good to have something to do. This way they can get some pictures of me in my fabulous uniform.

She models the black pants, white shirt and shiny metallic fronted vest for Veronica, who grins again.

Veronica: Gorgeous, darling.

Meg: I know.

Meg leaves to seat a new arrival and then returns with a latte and a cookie for Veronica.

Meg: On the house. My manager says you and I are a goldmine of free publicity.

Veronica: Goody.

Veronica breaks off a piece of the cookie and hands it to Shiloh who gobbles it up then flirts up at Veronica for more, but Veronica withstands the cuteness and hands Shiloh a sippy cup of apple juice instead.

Veronica: How is Grace?

Meg: Good. (grimace) Well, she's holding on. I think the party will cheer her up.

Veronica: We still on for Sunday? (Meg nods) Has Lizzie been by to visit?

Meg: Just once. But she said she would be at the party. (wiry) She's learning to surf and working in a store in OB that sells stripper clothes.

Veronica: (laughing) Seriously?

Meg: Yeah, but hey she gets a good discount if you're interested.

Veronica: (facetious) Oh, yeah. Count me in.

Meg smiles.

-VM-VM-VM—

After community service, Luke meets Rams, Enbom and Logan at Logan's house. They open the garage doors and start working out on a set of free weights, a bench press and a punching bag hanging from the rafters. Nearby is a speed boxing bag, on that is used for speed, accuracy and stamina.

Enbom: Didn't we just work out?

Rams: Not enough to get me in shape for football, practice starts next week.

Luke: Soccer starts next week too, and I need to be in the best shape of my life so I don't get hurt and ruin my baseball season.

Logan: You still hoping for a college scholarship?

Luke's father had made some bad investments and while they still lived in the 90909 neighborhood, they didn't have the funds to live the lifestyle or pay for Luke to attend the schools he wanted to apply to.

Luke: Yeah.

Rams: I don't need a scholarship, but I want to play college ball.

Luke nods.

The guys continue to work out.

Rams: (to Enbom) So what's up with you and Mac?

Enbom: Nothing.

Logan: (dryly) We all saw that much.

Enbom: It's nothing.

Rams: Look man, if you're over it...

Enbom doesn't deny it.

Rams:...Then that's it. No worries. I'll tell Kate to start looking around.

Enbom: (not following Rams' train of thought) For what?

Rams: For a guy for Mac. To set her up.

Enbom: (startled) What?

Logan: Mac is our friend now.

Enbom: I know, (bleakly) Mac and Veronica, I get it.

Rams: No Mac is our friend. She's been around this summer. She's cool and she's a good friend to have when the shit hits the fan.

Enbom: (miserably) I know.

Rams: Cool. (digging at Enbom, speaking to Logan and Luke) So maybe one of those guys from Pan?

Enbom: What? What guys?

Luke: (playing along) That way he wouldn't have to see them together everyday.

Logan: (low simmering anger) No, not the moppet. He's around too much already.

Enbom: (confused) Who?

Luke: Some friend of Veronica's from Pan. Been to a few parties lately. Logan thinks he's interested in Veronica and wants to rip his balls off.

Enbom: (wirily amused) Some things never change.

Logan: (staring hard at Enbom) And some things do.

Logan stares at his friend who holds his gaze defiantly for a moment, then looks down.

Enbom: No. I'm not over it. Not over Mac.

Logan: And if you believe that, I have a mansion in the 90902 neighborhood to sell you.

Enbom: (with more feeling) Fuck off. I love her.

Rams: (slapping Embom on the back) Then act like it man.

Enbom: (softly) Yeah.

Luke: Yeah, OK, so are we gonna do each others' nails now or work out? All this talk of setting girls up and touchy feely emotions crap makes me want to go braid my little sister's hair.

They return to working out. Except for Logan he is wrapping his hands before putting on the boxing gloves. He looks at his nails idly.

Logan: I could use a pedicure.

All the guys laugh.

Logan begins to hit the bag, feinting and doing a combo of punches from jabs to uppercuts to haymakers with both his right and left side.

Rams: Hey Luke, so how old is your sister now anyway?

Luke's mouth falls open then snaps shut.

Luke: I will kill any one of you bastards that comes near my sister.

Logan pauses, grinning.

Logan: (grinning) So, I guess that means she'll be a freshman next year.

Luke glares at his friends, then turns to Logan.

Luke: (to Logan) Hey do you think Richie will be at tonight's party?

Logan loses his grin and turns to the speed boxing bag and nails it hard, sending it careening side to side violently.

Luke and Rams smirk, while Enbom just looks accepting of the status quo: jealous Logan.

-VM-VM-VM-

Veronica takes Shiloh back to the Fennels' and notes that the media following her keeps a safe distance behind her vehicle.

Veronica Voiceover: You know it's bad when you're happy that they'll still following you, but not trying to box you in or run you off the road.

Safely in the house with the window blinds drawn shut, Veronica spends the afternoon with Wallace, Daryl, and Shiloh. Keith comes home and watches over them from the doorway, smiling at their antics.

Veronica Voiceover: This is my family.

-VM-VM-VM-

Evening. Scene opens on a large party at Matt Barone's house. The house is on the side of a hill with an extraordinary view. Most of the partygoers are outside in the large back yard. There is an expansive outdoor kitchen, pool, gazebo, pool cabana, and gardens. The house itself was not large, but the property was impressive, the gardens terraced down the hill with trails leading to several sitting areas, all with ocean views.

Veronica arrives with Logan and Meg. They look around the party.

Meg: Wow. I think Matt invited everyone he knows.

Logan: (annoyed) And even people he doesn't.

Veronica follows his gaze to Richie and Curtis along with some other guys from Pan. There is also most of the Neptune basketball and football teams, and tons of 09ers.

Veronica: Cálmate.

Logan: (struggling with the Spanish words) Todo esta bien si tu…stay conmigo.

Meg: (translating properly) Todo irá bien si será que te quedes conmigo.

Veronica: Esa no es la forma en que funciona. Te comportas como un buen chico y te prometo que lo recompensan.

Logan: What?

He looks to Meg to translate.

Meg: I don't know, she lost me at funciona. But I think she said something about you being a good boy.

Logan: And getting a reward. Compensation.

Veronica: Well, not a punishment anyway.

Logan: Fine.

Veronica: Bueno.

Meg smiles, then wanders off to talk to some of her other friends.

-VM-VM-VM-

Party. Later in the evening. Veronica is talking to Mac. Enbom and Logan can be seen walking towards the girls carrying drinks.

Veronica: So, things are better?

Mac: Yeah.

Veronica: What did he say?

Mac: Nothing really, just that he was busier than he thought with work and coming home was a trip because of everything.

Veronica: I can see that. But my offer remains open, if a can of whoop ass needs to be opened, I'm your girl.

Mac: I assume this can of whoop ass is full of vengeance schemes since in a fair fight you'd be out for the count in the first five.

Veronica: Hey, you don't know that. I could take you.

Mac: Please, Bond, you may be cunning and a diabolical genius, but in a physical fight a butterfly stands a good chance of taking you.

Veronica: I'm armed.

Mac: I did say a fair fight.

Then both girls laugh imagining Veronica chasing a butterfly with a tazer.

The guys arrive.

Logan: What's so funny?

Mac: Just imagining Veronica in a throw down knock out fight.

Logan frowns.

Veronica: With a butterfly.

Enbom: (baffled) OK. I'd ask how this conversation started, but I know better.

Veronica: Aw, see you're so well trained.

Enbom: And Logan isn't?

Veronica shrugs.

-VM-VM-VM-

Party. Logan is leaning against the side of the outdoor kitchen counter with Veronica leaning against him. Music is playing in the background as well as a lot of conversations and laughter.

Veronica: So you talked to Enbom?

Logan: Actually Rams took lead on that.

Veronica: Rams?

Logan: Yeah, I think he really likes Mac.

Veronica: Why wouldn't he?

Logan: No reason. We all like Mac.

Veronica: Rams is a good guy.

Logan: You say that like the rest of us are not.

Veronica: Not good guys? (teasing) Huh. How'd you get that?

Logan: Rams burnt down the pool too.

Veronica: (lightly) Yeah. I remember.

Logan: But he's a good guy.

Veronica: Yep, but don't worry snickerdoodle, you have your moments.

She tilts her head up demanding a kiss, which he gives easily.

Logan: Well Sugarpuss, maybe now is an opportune time to remind you of my better qualities.

He takes her hand and pulls her down one of the garden paths. Finding a dark spot well past any other people, Logan pulls Veronica into his arms and kisses her deeply. She responds warmly, wrapping her arms around his neck. The kiss continues until Logan grips one of her legs and pulls it up, his hand sliding up the back of her thigh to cup her butt and pull her closer.

Veronica: Logan, anyone could come down here.

He doesn't seem to care and kisses her again, his hand sliding up her stomach under her shirt to cup her breast. She mutters a protest but it gives way to a soft moan as his hand dislodges her bra and caresses over her breast at the same time his mouth works its way down her neck.

She pulls his face up, meeting him in a kiss. This time when they break apart Veronica kisses her way up his neck to get to his ear. Tugging on the earlobe with her teeth gently, she complains.

Veronica: You pick the worst spots.

Logan: I don't usually hear you complain.

Veronica: That might be more a commentary on my weak will than on your decision making.

He grins at her then kisses her again, his hands cupping under her butt and lifting her off her feet. She wraps her legs around him, using them to help hold her up as Logan walks them to a large boulder on the edge of the pathway. Once there he hikes Veronica up, and sits down with her sitting astride him.

Veronica: (mumbling against his neck) I'm not having sex with you here.

Logan: I think the one time you said that to me before turned out to be a lie too.

Veronica: I'm not lying.

She bites his ear sharply, then soothes it with her tongue. His hands slide under her shirt and cup her breasts playing with her nipples. Her eyes close as sensation shoots through her.

Logan: We'll see.

He grips the hem of her short navy blue skirt and lifts it up, the fabric bunching around her waist, giving himself easy access to her. His hands take hold of her hips and grind her against him. Veronica can feel the heat coiling in her body and knows that if it goes much farther she won't want to stop them.

Veronica: Logan.

Logan: Shh.

Both his hands slide back under her shirt to find her breasts, pushing her bra completely up and out of his way. He begins kissing her neck again, but Veronica is distracted.

Veronica: Logan.

He continues kissing her until she pries his mouth away from her.

Veronica: Someone is coming.

She tries to scramble off of him but the other couple is very close now, thankfully they don't appear to have seen Logan and Veronica.

Logan: (whispering in her ear) Shh. And hold still damnit.

She can feel his insistent erection prodding against her and stops trying to get off him, still sitting astride his lap, her skirt pushed up and her shirt askew.

Logan: (whispering in her ear) They don't know we're here.

Veronica turns her head and sees that a few bushes and some coastal shrub are between her and Logan and who she can now see is Dick and Madison. She turns back to Logan mouthing their names "Dick and Madison?" Logan shrugs.

As they watch Dick pulls Madison to a stop and looks around briefly. Not seeing Veronica and Logan, who are both wearing dark colors, he assumes they are alone. He pulls Madison into a kiss briefly before pulling her shirt off and fondling her breasts. She simpers making a big deal out of enjoying it. Within a minute she is unzipping his jeans and kneeling before him. Veronica turns her shocked face to Logan, both surprised and in Veronica's case, disgusted.

Knowing that if they move or make any sounds they will be seen, Logan and Veronica sit through the sounds and sights of Madison giving Dick a blow job. Veronica drops her head to Logan's neck trying to block it out. Logan is less disturbed.

When Madison and Dick are done they walk back towards the party, few words spoken between them. Veronica waits until they are out of sight before turning to Logan.

Veronica: What the hell was that?

She scrambles out of his lap, straightening her clothes as she goes. Logan stays sitting.

Logan: The technical term? Felatio.

She gives him a dirty look.

Veronica: Madison and Dick are back together?

Logan: No, not as far as I know.

Veronica: Then what? She just let's him ...?

Logan: Yeah, it's not that uncommon. A lot of guys have...

Veronica: (obviously disapproving and judgmental) What? Friends with benefits?

Logan: (blasé but also watchful, knowing she is now spoiling for a fight) No. Well yeah, but I think this is more a case of fuck buddies.

Veronica: Nice. (sarcastic) So what defines a FWB verses a fuck buddy?

Logan: Well depends on the circumstances. A friend is just that a friend, someone you like and like to hang out with, and if you happen to hook up, all the better.

She gives him a deadly look.

Logan: For other guys. Single guys.

Veronica: Good recovery.

She looks at him, her expression inquisitive but also worried.

Veronica: So I- I suppose you've had both.

Logan: (very cautious, but truthful) I was single for over a year Veronica.

Veronica: I'll take that as a "yes." How many?

Logan: Do you really want to know? Because I offered to tell you before and you said no.

Veronica: Maybe I do now.

Logan: I don't know off the top of my head. Not that many.
Veronica: (obviously torn between wanting to know and very much not wanting to know) Rough guestimate.

Logan: The number of girls I've had sex with or - ?

Veronica: (interrupting) Yes.

Logan: Be sure Veronica. Be sure you want to know, because once I say it, I can't take it back.

Veronica: (biting her lip, she appears both resolute and hesitant) I want to know.

He stares at her for a moment before answering.

Logan: Sixty. I guess.

She gasps silently, not having expected that. She looks stunned but speaks quickly, seeming automatically, her brain engaged in trying to come to terms with this new knowledge.

Veronica: You guess?

Logan: I didn't keep track.

Veronica: So is it 60 or around 60?

Logan: Sixty or seventy. Probably closer to 70.

Veronica Voiceover: Seventy. That's one out of every 14 people at school. One out of every seven girls. (she grows increasingly upset as she works out the math) I know Logan had sex before he moved to Neptune, that's 70 in six years. What is that - almost 12 girls a year? (dully) He's slept with 70 girls, I've only slept with him.

Logan waits for her condemnation, watching her face as she processes this new information. After a bit of silence, she tries to lighten the seriousness of what he said.

Veronica: So if you do the relationship math on that really it's like 35.

Logan looks up at her, questioning, his eyes dark with self loathing and anxiety.

Veronica: Whatever number a guy gives you, divide by 2.

Logan: And whatever number a girl says, multiply by 3. But you're a 1. And I didn't lie. I promised not to lie to you and I didn't.

She stares at him, then holds out her hand. He takes it gratefully.

Veronica: Thanks for telling me.

Logan: Are we OK?

Veronica: Yeah.

She steps closer to him and kisses him softly.

Veronica: I love you, and I know you had a past. (smiles) I might not have thought your past was so populated, but...

They start to walk back to the party slowly. Logan glancing down at her full of questions and doubt. She seemed OK with this new knowledge, but Logan knew better.

Logan: I'm sorry.

Veronica: You don't have to apologize.

Logan: Stop. (he uses their joined hands to stop her) Let me say this. Most of those girls were just sex Veronica.

Veronica Voiceover: Is that supposed to make me feel better?

Logan: I didn't care about them, it isn't the same as what we have.

Veronica: I know.

Logan: It's completely different Veronica, I love you.

Veronica: I know. I said I know. I'm not going to lie and say this is OK with me. But I'm not judging you Logan. I knew who you were when we started this, and knowing the actual number doesn't change anything. It might just take me some time to get used to the idea.

Logan looks worried.

Veronica: But we're fine. We're better than fine. Capiche?

Logan: Yeah.

But he still looks worried, and stays close to Veronica for most of the rest of the night.

Cut to Logan talking to a group of kids from school. Veronica is at his side but is silent, not participating in the conversation. Her eyes move around the party, inspecting each girl as she goes. Wondering if Logan slept with her or not.

Veronica Voiceover: Maybe Emma, but not Kate. Logan wouldn't do that to Rams. Madison? Better not, or I'd… Kaitlin, yes. Carrie? I don't know. I doubt it. Shelly, I'm sure. Amanda, yes. Kylie, maybe. Nadine? Yeah. Ashley? Jasmine? Britta? Lucy? Peyton? Liz? Who knows.

-VM-VM-VM—

Logan leaves Veronica temporarily alone while he goes inside to find them two bottles of water. Veronica looks around and sees Dick talking to Beaver.

Veronica: Beaver. Do you mind giving me and Dick a moment?

Beaver looks anxious, but leaves quickly.

Dick: What's up Ronnie, do I offend?

Veronica: A little bit yeah.

Dick's looks says he doesn't know what he might have done to annoy her.

Veronica: I, unfortunately, saw you with Madison earlier.

Dick shrugs, looking away. His gaze lands on Mac standing with Enbom. She is laughing and his arm is around her waist. Veronica sees it too.

Veronica: I can't believe I'm going to say this, but you deserve better Dick. Better than Madison for sure.

Dick: Look Ronnie, no offense, but this is none of your business. If Madison wants to get on her knees and suck me off or let me violate her without having to put up with her normal bullshit, then why would I say no?

Veronica: (gearing up for a lecture) Because-

Dick: (interrupting) No. There is no reason. I have no reason to try to be any better than I am. This is me. I'm a single dude. If a girl chooses to be with me on my terms, that's fucking fantastic. Now scamper off and get back to Logan.

Veronica: Dick...

Dick: Look, you were trying to be nice. I get it. But I don't want to talk about it. I don't want to share my fucking feelings like a little girl unless I get to grow boobs to go along with it.

Richie wanders up to them obvious to the intenseness of their conversation.

Richie: Hey Veronica...

Dick: Back off dude, she's fucking taken.

Richie looks stunned.

Richie: Uh...

Veronica: Ignore him.

Richie: What?

Veronica: No, I am taken. (shakes her head) Richie knows that and doesn't care. Dick, he doesn't like me.

Richie: Me? I do.

Veronica: No, you don't like me-like me.

Richie: Oh, then no, I don't.

Veronica: See, everyone is OK.

Dick: (gloomy) You're OK, you have Logan. Logan has you. I bet even mop-top here has someone.

Richie: Me?

Dick: Who else?

Veronica: Ignore him.

Dick: I need a drink.

Veronica: (regretful) Dick…

Dick: (easy smile, but his eyes show his real feelings) I know. Don't worry about it Ronica.

She smiles sadly, Dick using her old nickname bringing up old memories of their always somewhat strange friendship.

Richie: What was that about?

Veronica: Nothing.

Veronica sees Logan come out of the house and heads towards him immediately, without saying goodbye to Richie. Logan looks irritated seeing her with him, but forces himself to calm down as she comes right to his side.

-VM-VM-VM-

Not much later Veronica is pulling Logan out of the house quickly. They pass Wallace in the living room.

Wallace: What's the rush?

Veronica: Uh, we need to get home early.

Wallace: Why?

Veronica: We have an early morning.

Wallace: Both of you?

Veronica has no answer to that so Logan steps in, his face serious, but his eyes glinting with amusement.

Logan: We have to get the tires on the Mini rotated.

Wallace: More problems? Seriously, I think you need to find a new mechanic. Weevil's uncle might give you a good rate, but he obviously doesn't know how to deal with the Mini.

As Veronica and Logan exit the house, both burst into laughter.

-VM-VM-VM-

(Friday, August 13)

The next morning Veronica is whistling as she reads the paper. The headline says it all, "Sheriff placed on administrative leave pending corruption investigation." Veronica is all smiles as she reads that Rogers had been appointed the interim Sheriff for Balboa County.

The article detailed a list of charges and evidence that were being considered by the DA, including accepting bribes, extortion, and several failures to conduct fair and impartial investigations.

Veronica's smile lasts until she checks her email. A message from Detective DeBraal is waiting for her.

---

Veronica,

I thought you'd want to know. The Riverside Coroner identified Marisol Reyes today from a break in her arm. They'll continue with the DNA testing, but it's conclusive. The other two girls still haven't had their identities confirmed, but the fourth body, the man we found is a local who went missing almost two years ago. The Sheriff said he had a history of trespassing and being a peeping tom. It's probably he might have seen our perp doing something, and was killed to keep him quiet.

Rachel

---

Veronica's good mood disappears.

She quickly emails Rogers and Lola Martin, Balboa County's coroner, and asks if they have received Marisol's autopsy records from Riverside.

Within minutes she is looking at a copy of the autopsy. Her face is serious and disturbed as she reads through the notes. Within the minutia of the report is the hard truth. Marisol had likely been dead for 12-14 months. She had been strangled, which was the cause of death, but she also showed blunt force trauma to her head. Her skull was fractured. There was also evidence of sexual abuse.

-VM-VM-VM—

Sometime later that day.

Veronica arrives at Logan's to find a bunch of cars in front of his house. She looks pale and shaky as she follows the sound of music and laughter and sees nearly 30 people drinking, sunbathing and playing volleyball on the beach. They are all laughing and happy and that only makes her feel worse.

Logan sees her and comes towards her leaving the volleyball game, his hair damp from sweat, dressed only in board shorts.

Veronica: Hey Logan. What's going on?

He kisses her on the cheek lightly, looking back over his shoulder as one of the volleyball teams scores.

Logan: On, uh, we're having an impromptu party.

Veronica: I can see that.

Logan: Scott and Marisa flew out to surprise me. Come out, join us.

Veronica: No, I'm kinda tired, I think I'll –

Logan: Don't go Veronica, come hang out, have some fun. Marisa and Scott both want to see you.

She looks up at him, trying to smile but her eyes filled with dark thoughts.

Veronica: Yeah. Sorry. I can't. I'm really not up to a party Logan, I'll just wait for you upstairs. I could use some time to decompress.

Logan: (frowning, growing concerned) Are you OK?

Veronica: (downplaying) It's nothing, just this case –

She stops talking abruptly as she sees a girl's hands slide around Logan's waist from behind and caress his stomach. His bare, unclothed stomach. Veronica's mouth literally falls open as a tall blond with curly hair pops around Logan's side. Veronica snaps her mouth shut as her face hardens into anger.

Blonde hussy: (baby talk)I missed you Logan, come back to the game.

Logan: Uh, yeah, it a minute.

He steps away from her and her hands slide off him. She pouts at him and Veronica glares at him with a lot of heat.

Blonde hussy: (dropping the baby voice) OK. Hurry back.

She leaves as Veronica continues to stare at Logan.

Logan: (awkward) Veronica –

Veronica: (interrupting, hard/angry) Save it Logan.

Logan: I didn't do anything...

Veronica: (hard sarcasm) Oh. OK. I'm just seeing things then.

Logan: I –

Veronica: (interrupting) Stop.

Logan: Listen to me. I –

Veronica: (interrupting) Go back to the party Logan. (faux simpering) You're missed.

She steps away from him, obviously leaving.

Logan: Veronica, wait.

Veronica: (angry and hurt)No. I came to see my boyfriend. But I guess he's not available right now.

She walks away and Logan looks upset. He is about to follow her when Scott and Rams both grab him and drag him to the water dumping him in.

Scott: (happy and laughing) You cost us the game, loser.

Logan: Whatever, if either of you could play worth a damn, we'd have been fine.

By the time he clears the water from his eyes Veronica has already disappeared from view.

Again he starts to follow her, but Enbom stops him on his way to the house.

Enbom: Logan do you have a first aid kit?

Logan: Yeah, why?

Mac: Nothing serious, Meg just cut herself on some glass.

Logan: Yeah, come on, it's in the house.

Finally Logan makes his way upstairs, but Veronica isn't there. He even checks the other two rooms upstairs before accepting that she is gone. He is coming down the stairs with his cell phone in his hand when he sees his cousin Marisa comes inside.

Marisa: Where's Veronica?

Logan looks upset, and doesn't answer, listening to Veronica's phone ring and her voice mail greeting start up. She hadn't answered his call.

-VM-VM-VM—

Cut to Veronica in her room, the sky is pale yellow and blue, the light faded indicating it is evening. Her cell phone rings. She sees Logan's name on the display and hesitates before she picks it up. Before she can speak, he is talking.

Logan: I thought you were going to wait for me upstairs.

Veronica: (angry) Oh, so you can have one girl upstairs and one on the beach? No thanks, I'm not in the mood for a threesome.

Logan: (angry and defensive) I wasn't with her.

Veronica: That's not what it looked like.

Logan: I'm telling you, nothing happened. Either you believe me or you don't.

Veronica: (brittle)Well, I can believe your words or my own eyes. Tough choice.

Logan: Damn it Veronica.

Veronica: I don't really feel like talking to you Logan. As entertaining as it is to feel like this and have these conversations over and over again, I do have other things to do. Let me know when you're ready to resume being my boyfriend and not the Party King Logan Echolls. I can't guarantee I'll be waiting for you, but it's not like you'll be lonely for very long regardless.

She hangs up.

A few minutes later she gets a deep down gut instinct that Logan is on his way over to talk to her. She grabs her bag and runs out of the house. Just as she turns the corner on the street she sees a flash of yellow in the rearview mirror.

-VM-VM-VM—

Scene opens on a well worn downtown street. A sign arches over the street, identifying the town as Oceanside (south of Neptune by about 20 minutes). Cut to Veronica inside a store called Amoeba, in a listening booth listening to some angry rock music. Her phone is sitting on a ledge inside the booth and shows several missed calls, voice mails, and text messages. It vibrates again, walking across the shelf's surface. She looks irritated, but ignores it.

Cut to later. Veronica is leaving the store with a few new CD's, and recommendations for other bands she might like from the helpful store clerk.

Climbing into her car, her phone rings for the 27th time and she gives into the irritation and picks it up, but stays silent.

Logan: Oh, very mature Veronica. I thought we were past this. You running away from me, you not trusting me.

Veronica: This isn't about me trusting you Logan. It's about your double standard.

Logan: What are you talking about?

Veronica: I put up with your jealousy and possessiveness all the time. Not because I like it, but because I know you and I care about your feelings, even when they're ridiculous. But you don't seem to care about my feelings.

Logan: Now you're being ridiculous.

She keeps talking, talking over him.

Veronica: I know you're not cheating on me Logan, but apparently as long as you don't kiss or fuck a girl anything else is OK. (mocking) 'Cause you didn't do anything, you just let it happen. (hard voice) How would you feel if I laughed and smiled as some guy flirted with me? Oh, right, I already know, you becoming a raging jealous mess. (taunting) Now, how would you feel if I let some guy run his hands all over me?

Logan is silent, breathing heavily into the phone.

Veronica: Yeah. That's what I thought. Doesn't feel very good does it? But you don't seem to care unless it's your feelings being hurt.

Logan: Where are you? We need to talk about this.

Veronica: No. Maybe you need to talk, but I don't. Talking doesn't seem to get us anywhere on this topic. And since I seem to be the only one in this relationship that cares about my feelings at the moment, I'm gonna have to look after myself. (issuing an edict) I don't want to see you right now Logan. I don't have anything else to say about this.

Logan: Veronica, please…

Veronica: Good night Logan. Don't bother looking for me, I won't be somewhere you'll be able to find me.

Logan: Please…

Veronica: (hoarse, hurting) No, sorry. Not this time. You don't get to make me feel bad for you when you're the one with some hussy hanging all over you right in front of me. Not after you told me...

Logan: Told you what? (he is angry that he told her, angry that she can't accept it despite her reassurances to the opposite, his tone is accusing) The truth, because you asked.

Veronica: (faltering) I did, I just didn't expect...

Logan: What? That I was just as bad as you always accused me of being?

Veronica: (regrouping and finding a deep well of anger that reenergizes her) Fuck you Logan, you were the one who threw around insults about my sex life while we were at war, not me. And yes, it makes a God dammed difference. Have you slept with her?

Logan: (genuinely confused) Who?

Veronica: (continuing) Before me of course, but have you? 'Cause if you think I wasn't happy to be around all the 09er girls knowing they hate me, then imagine how I feel about it now, knowing that you've slept with half of them.

Logan: I have not.

Veronica: Oh, right, your hunting ground is much larger than our school, or Neptune even. So what, you've only slept with a third of the girls in our class? A quarter? What is it?

Logan is silent.

Veronica: Yeah, that's what I thought.

Logan is left staring at his phone as the line goes dead.

-VM-VM-VM—

Cut to Logan lying alone on his bed, looking devastated. Voices waft up from downstairs.

Scott: What should we do?

Marisa: How the hell should I know?

Scott: Don't yell at me, I'm not the one who caused this.

Marisa: And I am? Never mind, I'm going to go talk to him.

Scott: Maybe you should try to call Veronica.

Marisa: I have, she's not answering my calls.

Scott: Fuck.

Logan drags himself up and down the stairs. He forces himself to appear semi normal.

Logan: Are you two ready to go?

Both his cousins look surprised.

Logan: Let's go, I promised you seafood with a good view.

Scott: Logan we don't have to...

Logan: Yeah we do. This is your vacation. Just cause I'm an asshole and Veronica hates me, doesn't mean you have to sit around and –

Marisa: (interrupting) Watch you mope?

Logan: Do you want to fucking eat or not? 'Cause the clock is ticking.

Scott: Yeah, let's go.

Logan: Great. There's a party tonight too, (mumbling) anything to distract me from my fucking mess.

Marisa: (frowning) Sure.

-VM-VM-VM—

That night at the party, Dick and Logan sit by themselves drinking hard. They don't talk much, just drink.

-VM-VM-VM—

(Saturday, August 14)

Java the Hut. Meg is working. Mac sits in the corner, at Veronica's usual table with her laptop and a black coffee. Meg's happy greeting draws her eyes up.

Meg: Oh, hey Richie. And Curtis. How are you?

Richie: Good. (introducing a third friend) this is Zeke.

Meg: (to Zeke) Nice to meet you.

Zeke: You too. (laughing) I've heard all about you.

Richie looks embarrassed. Meg is temporarily flustered.

Meg: Do you guys want a table?

Curtis: Yeah.

Richie spots Mac.

Richie: Hey, isn't that you friend...

Meg: Mac? Yeah.

Zeke: Cool. We'll sit over there.

They take the table next to Mac, who smiles at them distractedly then goes back to work on the Get the Dirt site.

Cut to later, Mac and Meg are both sitting, talking to the Pan guys, explaining the Get the Dirt website. The guys are impressed.

Richie: So you all work for the site?

Meg: Well, I do the manual entry. Mac is the genius.

Mac: And Veronica is the info bank and trouble shooter.

Zeke: That's awesome.

Dick, Beaver, and Harry enter the café. Meg stands up to go greet them. As she gets closer she registers that Dick is scowling at her.

Meg: What's wrong?

Dick: Why's that dweeb here?

Meg: Who? (looks over her shoulder) Richie? I thought you liked him.

Dick: No.

Harry: And Logan hates him.

Beaver: Logan hates any guy who talks to Veronica.

Meg looks annoyed. Dick continues to glare at Richie threateningly. She looks over her shoulder and sees Mac laughing with Richie, a large smile on her face.

Dick: (full of feeling) I hate that fucker.

Meg beings to get worried, and tugs on Dick's arm to stop him when he tries to move past her and towards Richie.

Meg: Dick, not here.

Dick: Huh?

Meg: Do not start a fight here. I work here. They frown on the whole blood shed in a place that serves food.

Dick: (pissy) Just cause Logan spends so much time in Veronica's pussy he's turning into one, doesn't mean the rest of us have.

He moves forward, and Meg grabs his arm again trying to stop him. As she is pulled along after him over to where Richie is taking to Mac, she realizes that Dick isn't just being an ass or being protective, he was being an ass because he was jealous and trying to "protect" Mac. She looks stunned at the realization, but realizes see doesn't have time to consider it now. She changes tactics quickly and moves ahead of Dick, smiling engagingly at Richie.

Richie blinks and smiles back, immediately turning his attention from Mac to Meg. Meg flounders for a second, unsure what to do next, but as Dick arrives behind her, anger rolling off him she smiles again and holds out a hand to Richie, inviting him to stand up. He does and she curves her arm through his leading him away.

Meg: Richie, you have to be my guinea pig.

Richie: I do?

Meg: You do. We have this new cake, and my manger wants us to get opinions on whether we should add it to the menu.

Richie: Cool.

Meg glances back over her shoulder to find Dick has relaxed and is sitting with Mac. He looks a bit awkward, but there is no mistaking the look on his face as he looks at Mac. Meg looks both concerned and wistful.

-VM-VM-VM—

Mars' apartment. Veronica enters with Backup and opens a few windows to air it out. She plops down on the couch and turns on the TV, staring at it blankly. There is a news break and Jake Kane appears on screen condemning Lamb. The anchor explains that the press conference was held to announce that the nationwide search for a donor for a local girl suffering from kidney failure had been a success, but reporters had jumped on the opportunity to get Jake on record about Lamb's suspension.

Veronica Voiceover: They found a donor for Grace.

Veronica calls Meg instantly.

Veronica: When is it happening?

Meg: Veronica?

Veronica: When is the operation?

Meg: What operation?

Veronica: (confused) Grace's?

Meg: (hopeful) What are you talking about?

Veronica: I just heard it on the news. They found a donor.

Meg: What?

Veronica: Yeah.

Meg: Oh my God. Nobody told me, I have to call the hospital.

After Meg hangs up Veronica sees in her phone log that among all the missed calls yesterday was a phone call from Jake. She hadn't had the wherewithal to listen to all of Logan's voicemails, so she hadn't called in to check.

Veronica Voiceover: Finally some good news.

-VM-VM-VM—

Fennel home. Veronica enters the house to find Wallace and Daryl playing video games. Wallace: (without looking up) Logan came by.

Veronica: And?

He pauses the game.

Wallace: And nothing, you said and I quote "tell him you don't know where I am." Which wasn't hard since I didn't know where you were.

Veronica: Good.

Wallace looks annoyed. She ignores him and walks towards her room.

Veronica: If he comes back you know what to do.

Wallace: Right, 'cause your bright blue car parked out front isn't a dead giveaway.

Veronica: Then lie.

Daryl's eyes widen. Veronica frowns.

Veronica: It's OK Daryl, this is a game. We're playing pretend, so lying is OK.

Wallace: (muttering) Playing pretend my ass. (louder) Logan must be a really good actor, 'cause he looked really upset.

Veronica slams the kitchen door shut behind her.

-VM-VM-VM—

Cut to Veronica's room. There is a light knock on the door. Veronica swings it open with a violent glare on her face. It's Alicia. Veronica smiles wirily.

Alicia: Veronica.

Veronica: Please, Alicia, not now.

Alicia: Why not now? You're upset, talking could help.

Veronica: No, 'cause you'll be all logical and compassionate and make me see that Logan doesn't mean to be a jack… butthead. You'll make me think about his good qualities (eye roll) or whatever and I don't want to.

Alicia: (amused) What do you want?

Veronica: Right now, I just want to be mad. I'm SO mad and I'm mad that I've let it get this far.

Alicia: Let what get this far?

Veronica explains about Logan's jealousy, her own feelings when seeing him with other girls, and his justifications for his behavior while expecting her to avoid all contact with the male sex. She leaves out the part about being mad about how many of those girls that Logan had slept with.

Alicia: So you're mad at yourself?

Veronica: (scoffing) No. I'm mad at Logan. Him and his stupid insecurity and damn (Alicia raises one reprimanding eyebrow) double standard.

Alicia: If you're sure…

Veronica: I am. (tentative smile) You can make me feel all immature and force me to be rational later.

Alicia: (smiling) OK. But just so you know, if you want someone to vent to about the double standard between men's and women's behavior, I could be a sympathetic ear.

Veronica: Thanks. Now go before you make me lose my righteous rage.

Alicia stands up to leave but pauses in the doorway, seeing several outfits lying on Veronica's bed. Going out clothes. Clothes that get attention.

Alicia: Just for curiosity's sake, what are you going to do?

Veronica's phone rings again, a ring tone that Alicia recognizes as Logan's, but Veronica ignores the call, sending it to voicemail.

Veronica: (matter of fact) Torture him.

Alicia: By ignoring him?

Veronica: Oh, no. That's just step one. (she sets down the dress and picks up a short skirt) I plan to be right in his face. (she picks up the blue strapless dress Logan had bought her in Cabo and holds it up) Educating him as to the error of his ways.

Alicia: (cautionary) Veronica…

Veronica: All's fair in love and war, right?

Alicia: I suppose, but be careful that you don't do something you'll regret.

Veronica: (pausing) I'm not going to cheat on him. I'm just going to show him exactly what I've had to see and put up with from him.

Alicia: At the risk of making you think I'm not on your side…try to be a little nice to Logan. Whatever you have planned, take it down a notch.

Veronica: (jaw tense) There you go trying to be all logical.

Alicia: (gentle) Sorry. It's the mom in me. I don't want to see you regret something. Anger fades, but regret is a nasty little bugger that hangs around for a long time.

Veronica stares at Alicia, knowing she's right, but unwilling to let Logan slide anymore on this topic.

Veronica: (considering, but still stubborn) If I do nothing, then nothing changes.

Alicia: I'm not saying do nothing. Just...be gentle. (she points to the blue dress) And wear that one.

Veronica smiles.

-VM-VM-VM—

Party. Emma Harris's house. It is a large Spanish adobe style house. The backyard is dominated not by a pool, common for most 09er homes, but by a large Italian marble statue. Emma's mother couldn't swim and had had the pool filled in when they bought the house. A small horse stable and yard are off to the side of the house.

Veronica enters the party with Wallace, walking purposefully through the house to the back yard. Wallace smiles at her encouragingly then veers off to get out of the line of fire.

Veronica moves through the party, looking for her quarry. She had seen Logan's Xterra outside, she knew he was here. Spotting Marisa talking to Kate, she walks over to them casually.

Veronica: Marisa.

Marisa: Veronica. (hugging her ) Thank God you came. Please tell me you're going to forgive him.

Veronica smiles, but it is hard and sharp. Kate grins.

Kate: Not quite yet, huh? Good for you.

Marisa looks worried for Logan then rolls her eyes.

Marisa: Dumb idiot, what did he do this time?

Veronica tells the story, leaving Marisa incensed, and Kate laughing.

Veronica: I need a drink.

Marisa: Hell yes.

They walk into the house to the kitchen for drinks.

Across the party Logan watches Veronica talk to the girls, waiting for her to come find him. A half hour later he is still waiting.

-VM-VM-VM—

Cut to later, Veronica is with Marisa, Scott, Enbom, and Mac. They are all talking, but she is watching the party, deliberately avoiding Logan's gaze.

Marisa: (whispering) What are you doing?

Veronica: Looking for a likely candidate.

Marisa: A candidate for what?

Veronica: For revenge. The problem is, Logan knows most of these guys. And he's not threatened by them.

Mac: Casey is here.

John looks shocked that Mac was offering helpful suggestions to help Veronica screw Logan over.

Mac: And Logan defiantly doesn't like Casey around Veronica.

Veronica: (grimace) Yeah, but Case is my friend, I'd feel bad.

Marisa: So explain the situation.

Scott: Like he hasn't heard already.

Veronica: Good point.

She spots Casey through the crowd and walks towards him.

Scott: I've got $50 on Logan throwing at least one punch tonight.

Enbom considers the bet.

Marisa: No way, that would just piss Veronica off even more.

Mac watches Veronica walk through the crowd and sees someone she hadn't seen in awhile come out of the house.

Mac: (to Scott) I'll take that action and raise you $50 that Logan goes Mike Tyson on someone tonight.

Enbom: Who?

Scott: Done.

Mac: (grinning) Easiest money I'll ever make.

Mac nods towards Noah Dawson and Enbom starts to laugh.

-Flashback

Scene opens at the Country Club. A party is going on, full of adults dressed to the nines. Cut to a parking area, next to a golf course. In the foreground we can see Logan and several of his friends, including Enbom, Rams, and Dick. On the ground at their feet is Noah. Rams is sitting on the hood of Noah's expensive retro Porche. He drags his hand over the hood issuing a sharp scratching sound. He is holding a small knife and uses it to dig a line drawing of a penis and testicles into the vintage paint job. He is grinning.

Logan leans down over Noah, his face threatening. Noah is bleeding but still maintains his look of bored, untouched superiority.

Logan: Stay away from Veronica. Permanently.

-End Flashback

Enbom: Oh man, I missed all this.

Mac: The fights, the drama?

Enbom: Yep. All of it.

He hugs Mac, looking at her with a smile then back to Logan who is watching Veronica as she finally makes her way to Casey's side.

Mac: Good to know.

She smiles, but there is still a seriousness in her eyes as she watches him drink steadily from his cup, like he had all night.

-VM-VM-VM—

Party. Veronica stops in front of Casey.

Veronica: Hey stranger.

Casey: Hey yourself. I just saw your dad.

Veronica: I heard. So what have you been up to?

Casey talks about trying to get the company in line so he can manage certain projects while taking a full load at UCLA in the fall.

Casey: So I got the CEO I wanted, but I'm still not sure I can trust him.

Veronica: Make it clear that if he conspires against you, he's out.

Casey: Easier said than done.

Veronica: You need someone who is at the company every day to watch out for you.

Casey: Like a spy?

Veronica: Like a loyal employee.

Casey: Know any candidates?

Veronica: I'll look around.

Casey: I should hire you.

Veronica: Yeah, my plate is already full.

Casey: Yeah. You OK?

Veronica: What joyous part of my life are you inquiring about? A little girl I found dead? My jackass boyfriend? My complicated family life?

Casey smiles.

Casey: Any of it. All of it.

Veronica: It's...whatever.

Casey: Yeah. I get it. (pause) So.

Veronica: So?

Casey: You want something.

Veronica: I do not.

Casey looks at her, calling her out on her lie.

Veronica: I already got what I wanted. I can't look, that would defeat my purpose, but you can. Does Logan look happy?

Casey looks, and Logan appears to be the opposite of happy. He is leaning against the house, surrounded by guys, watching Veronica with an intensity that could be felt.

Casey: (easily) So your motive for talking to me was to piss off Logan.

Veronica: No. That is just a happy bonus.

Casey: You're going to get me hit.

Veronica: He'd better not.

Casey: You keep ignoring him and talking to other guys. Tall, attractive, intelligent guys- like myself (she smiles) and Logan is going to hit someone.

Veronica: Not you.

Casey: Then let's find you someone to flirt with that you don't mind Logan hitting.

Veronica: (amused) OK. Lead the way oh wise one.

Now that Casey knows and isn't upset with her she plays it up laughing and smiling up at him, tossing her hair over her shoulder and generally doing all the moves that tell that a girl is attracted to a guy. She forces herself not to look at Logan. He may know it is a ruse, but she wants self doubt to set in, to make him hurt like she'd been hurt by his behavior with other girls.

She and Casey look around the party considering and rejecting several guys. Finally Casey spots Noah. He starts to laugh, wrapping his arm around Veronica's shoulders and turning her in the direction to see Noah. As he does Casey notes Logan's savage expression on them.

Veronica: (seeing Noah) No.

Casey: No? You don't want him to get hit?

Veronica: I don't care about that, I don't want to have to talk to him.

Casey narrows his eyes.

Casey: Why?

Veronica: Last time we (air quotes) "talked," I had to duck to avoid his lips.

Casey smiles wolfishly.

Casey: All the more reason to do it.

-VM-VM-VM—

Veronica decides to let Casey off the hook and says her goodbyes, moving through the party looking for fresh blood.

Veronica Voiceover: Someone Logan doesn't know, someone who doesn't know me.

She finds a group of guys from Hearst and easily strikes up a conversation with them. At first she considers playing the dumb blonde, but decides to just be herself. One of the guys, William, is average height and build, with blond hair and blue eyes. He is dressed like a male mannequin from Abercrombie and Fitch.

William: I'd ask what your major is, but, I'm guessing you're still in high school.

Veronica: I am. Do people really ask that?

William: What's your major? Yeah. It's pretty much the opening line in any college pickup.

Veronica: I guess I've heard worse.

William: Oh yeah?

Veronica: Something about playing war, and lying down so I could blow him up.

All the guys laugh.

Veronica: (flirty to William) So, what's your major?

William: Psychology.

Veronica: Really. Have you studied jealousy?

William: Sure.

Veronica: So what's it about? I mean what causes someone to feel so crazy?

William: Well, there are a few theories.

Veronica: And? What are they?

William: You're very interested in this, are you the jealous type, or maybe you've had a jealous boyfriend? (hopeful) An ex, maybe?

Veronica: Boyfriend. Current.

William: (disappointed) Ah. Here's the real question. Is jealousy really bad?

Veronica: (short) Yes.

William: Is it? There are a lot of studies that show that jealousy can make for a better relationship.

Veronica: (scoffing) How?

William: Jealousy heightens passion. It can lead to more intense sex. One partner is showing possession, and how he values the other, he might feel that his time with you is limited so he puts everything into every time you are together.

Veronica blinks rapidly, and William grins.

William: Am I right?

Veronica: Uh...(frowns, debating) A person can be intense and passionate with their partner without jealousy.

William: Well, yeah. But think about it. The heightened emotions, like after a fight.

Veronica: Make up sex.

William: Yeah. (happy grin)

Veronica: Huh. OK, so I'll concede that jealousy doesn't have to be bad. In fact, (confidential tone) I'll admit that I like it. Sometimes. Within reason.

William: So your boyfriend is really jealous?

Veronica: Really psychotically jealous. Let's hope you don't find out.

William: Is he here? (looking around)

Veronica: Yeah. (her eyes dart to Logan who is staring her down with a hard dark look) So talk fast, I want to know what the text books say about it.

William: Oh, (nervous) sure. Uh, well one theory, the more common one that we hear about, is that if a person is insecure then they're more prone to jealousy.

Veronica: Makes sense.

William: Yeah, and in lots of cases that might be it. You don't feel great about yourself, or you don't trust your partner, someone else comes along, you feel threatened...

Veronica: What's the other theory?

William: This one is more interesting. The idea is that there is a biological basis for jealousy.

Veronica: Huh?

William: It's in our genes

Veronica: (disappointed) Oh, right, the "I couldn't help it, I'm a guy" excuse.

William: Not exactly. It's like a genetic alarm. Think about it, we're only here because our ancestors, thousands of generations of people, were able to find and defend a mate, leaving offspring behind to carry on their genes.

Veronica: OK.

William: So, it's a basic strategy of ensuring that it is your genes that are passed on. Find a mate, defend her long enough to have a kid, and make sure the kid you raise is your own. People didn't live that long, they couldn't waste time pining over someone who got away, they had to find the best mate they could and keep them. Defend them against any threats.

Veronica: (pointed) Real or imagined.

William: Right.

Veronica: (archly) So, it's a Neanderthal thing.

William: (grinning) Pretty much.

Veronica: I knew it. I'm dating a fucking caveman. (musing) There were so many signs...

William: Yeah or you're dating someone who thinks he'll never find another girl as good as the one he's got, and will go to great lengths to keep you.

Veronica ponders that, her eyes darting to Logan again. He is still staring at her, rage clear on his face, but a bleakness has begun to creep into his eyes, she looks away.

Veronica: Thanks for the info, it's been...

William: Informative?

Veronica: Enlightening. But I should go. Before you experience jealous Neanderthal logic up close and personal.

She turns to walk away, but he stops her.

William: Hey. (she pauses, looking back at him) I live in Rast hall at Hearst. Third floor. Come see me if you decide try a new partner.

Veronica looks surprised, but a bit flattered, then nods and moves away from him.

As she slips around a small group of people, her eyes meet Logan's. He is directly ahead of her, staring at her like he had been for the whole night. She looks at him defiantly, then moves in another direction. He moves to intercept her.

Logan: Veronica, stop. Talk to me.

She doesn't stop, and he grabs her arm to slow her down, sliding in front of her to block her path.

Logan: Enough. I hurt you, you hurt me, it's enough.

Veronica: Not right now, Lumbergh, I'm kinda busy. In fact, look, I'm gonna have to ask you to just go ahead and come back another time. I'm meeting with every Tom, Dick and Harry that I can. (frowns) Well, not Dick or Harry, but you get my point.

Logan looks exasperated, and she smiles snidely at him and frees her arm, continuing on her way.

-VM-VM-VM—

Logan continues to stalk Veronica around the party, always keeping her in eyesight, torturing himself as she talks and laughs with any guy she can find.

Feeling his gaze on her again, she turns away from a conversation with Andrew Kettner (Rams' little brother) and Hank Didden (Harry's little brother). She turns to face Logan, meeting his stare without conceding an inch in their silent battle.

Andrew notices that they have lost her attention and nudges Hank. Both smile and move away leaving her alone. Dick approaches Logan, obviously drunk and claps him on the back drawing Logan's attention from Veronica for a moment.

Veronica Voiceover: My original plan was to find some guy to really rub in Logan's face. So far so good, but nothing to really drive the point home. Nothing like having him watch some other guy touch me like I had to watch...

A voice interrupts her thoughts.

Noah: Hello again Veronica.

Her eyes move to Noah Dawson, now standing next to her with a bland, bored expression on his face, but his eyes are gleaming in interest as she looks at her.

-VM-VM-VM—

---

-AN

I should have said in the last chapter, there was some liberal stealing from a few noir movies and a spoof noir movie. In this chapter there is an adapted convo from Moonlight - from freshies to fuck buddies. The line about Noah being rock bottom is from The Big Steal. And I had not planned on Logan telling V how many girls he'd been with, but the convo went that way. And if my math seems odd, I figured he had one before Lilly, a few each year he was with Lilly (during breakups) and then after Lilly died, I think Logan would have gone crazy with girls. So of you just think of 4 per month after Lilly died and before he and V hooked up, that is 56 girls.

I figure reviews are like questions in the classroom, if one of you thinks it or asks it, 10 more are thinking the same thing. So I want to address two recent reviews.

The first compared Enbom's actions to TV Duncan. Instinctive reaction: Ick. But I admit that is a fair comparison, but not one I thought about on my own. I have a specific circumstance from real life I'm drawing on here- in high school one of my good friends watched as her relationship disintegrated around her after a horrific car accident killed one of our other good friends. The whole world changes, you see it differently afterwards, and her boyfriend couldn't deal. He broke my friend's heart and as much as I wanted to hate him for it (we were all hurting too) I couldn' add to the similarities to the story, he was her first relationship too. He didn't have the balls to break up with her so he cheated on her at a party where he knew it would get back to her. It did, and she ended it. So I do hate him a little. Wussy bastard.

Second review: V is being mean to Keith. Ok, this one I don't understand as much. But I accept the viewpoint. I have to confess that I never had a good daughter/father relationship. It was bad, bad to the extent that if he had left and never come around, I might have had a better life. And since he wouldn't leave I kicked him to the curb of my life as soon as I was able. So writing Keith and V is a stretch for me. I can't draw from personal experience so I draw from the show and when I can't go there, I default to distance and more distance. Sorry. I know Keith/V should be close, and I'm trying to remember to add that in, it just doesn't come naturally.

But in my defense in regard to the Logan/Keith talk and V being adamantly opposed, that comes from the show. And I get it. I think V is distant with Keith about Logan because of Keith's previously expressed disapproval. (though on the show it was more V's discomfort with who Logan was as a person). Also, and this comes from me again, having two men who together know all sides of you together in the same room, talking, can be awkward. I hated it when my boyfriend and my brother first would talk to each other. HATED IT. I'm very private and that felt like a loss of control on crack. Not good. You should have seen the things I did to pry them apart. You know what is a great conversation ender for big brothers? Anything about their little sister having sex. Seriously, anything. But they got even with me, going shopping together at xmas and showing up to dinner wearing the same shirts. Which they also coordinated with an ex of mine. I almost left the restaurant, I swear. Train wreck. But again I got even by challenging them to eat Chinese mustard. I can't help that none of them knew how hot it was. Lesson here, don't F with me. I get even.

I did some research on jealousy, and found a great article on it on Psychology Today "Jealousy: A Voice of Possessiveness Past"

OK, this is a very long author's note, but I have one more thing. Some of you took exception to me saying Dick had few redeeming qualities. He does have some good characteristics (being loyal to friends), but does he show them in a way that adds value to his existence? Sure he defends his friends, stands by them is willing to burn a pool for them, but what does that equal besides trouble? His hobbies as far as I can tell are scamming on girls, drinking, pranks, and surfing. He's rarely willing to step up to help others or be kind to them, he doesn't do anything for anyone outside his small, rich circle of friends. So, yeah, I think he needs to have something else going on for him to even be close to Mac's equal. (spoiler alert) Even if he has a lot of great qualities he would need to show them.

Words 13,526

Sorry there haven't been codes, my thoughts have all been on the stories.