Chapter 20: Fall-Out
******Where We Left Off******
Wallace shook his head to clear it. He looked down at his hands in dismay. Surely, they didn't belong to him. His knuckles were bleeding and broken. He looked down at the bloody face of the man who minutes before he had hated with every fiber of his being. Now all Wallace felt was hollow and empty. What did he do?
The piercing sirens of police and ambulance filled the air. Those underage either scattered or dumped their drinks. Dick looked at him like he was a stranger. "Dude!" was all the words he could seem to form.
Two deputies pushed through way through the crowd. "What's going on here?" Sacks demanded. Wallace felt a bit relieved when he spotted Leo's familiar, friendly face.
"Wallace, are you okay?" Leo asked him quietly.
For a second, Wallace gave him a blank look. Then he said, "I don't know. I guess."
Dick pulled out his phone and quietly called Logan. Chip began explaining to Sacks what happened as the paramedics came in and began working on Sean, who had finally regained consciousness. Wallace felt himself sag in relief. At least he hadn't killed the guy.
After the paramedics wheeled Sean out, Leo said, "I'm sorry, Wallace, but we're going to have to take you down to the station. The Sheriff can sort this out." Leo couldn't bring himself to put handcuffs on Wallace. His affection for Keith and Veronica wouldn't allow him. A few angry grumbles from the spectators noticed that Wallace was led out without cuffs. Since Sean was with most of them when Duncan was sent to the hospital, no one believed Sean was guilty of wrong doing except for Dick and Chip. Chip, however, knew he was in an untenable position. He may be president of the fraternity house, but it wasn't a dictatorship. His influence could only go so far. Sean was being particularly clever about making friends with all the guys. Dick was extremely popular. Most of the guys liked Logan and Duncan. But some didn't appreciate Dick's loyalty to someone that wasn't a brother. Chip couldn't help but be worried that this would force Dick out of the house. If Chip wasn't careful, it could force him out, too. After all, he was the one who invited Wallace to begin with.
*****Neptune Sheriff's Department*****
Keith was at his desk reading a report when one of the deputies came in. "Sir, your stepson was brought in."
"What?" Keith asked in confusion.
"Wallace Fennel, your stepson. He beat Sean Sorokin unconscious at a frat party," the deputy informed Keith.
Keith got up. "Where is he?" Keith asked in concern.
Wallace was getting fingerprinted when Keith located him. "Assault and battery," Sacks explained. Then he filled in Keith on the witnesses' testimonies. A few minutes later, Dick appeared. Keith headed toward him, figuring he'd know what happened.
******At the Beach House******
Logan wasn't sure what to do. Veronica was taking a nap because she'd agreed to take the midnight to four shift for Eli and Jason. Logan had every intention of joining her, so he wasn't too concerned. However, Dick just called and told him that Wallace was probably going to be arrested for beating the crap out of Sean Sorokin. At first, Logan thought Dick was making a joke. Then he realized Dick wasn't laughing. He kept saying, "Tell Ronnie it isn't my fault. Tell her I'm not even here, okay?" Logan realized that Dick was too panicked to be making the entire thing up. Should he wake Veronica or go down to the Sheriff's station himself? He looked at the time. It was just ten. He could go see how Wallace was then come back home to tell Veronica. Logan couldn't imagine that Wallace would appreciate Veronica seeing him like that anyway.
******Jason and Daisy******
Daisy wasn't sure what possessed her to suggest that she come along with Jason on his stake-out. She thought at first it'd be exciting. However, after about a half hour, the excitement wore off. Daisy was bored. When she was bored, she wanted to play.
"I'm hot," she said. She kicked off her sandals. Jason rolled down a window. Daisy smiled at how clueless he was. Then she unbuttoned her blouse. Finally, Jason gave her the attention she was seeking.
"What are you doing?" he asked.
"What does it look like I'm doing?" she asked innocently. "I'm hot. You don't want me getting all hot and sweaty, do you? That's not very attractive." She flashed him an impish grin. She fanned her stomach with the tail end of her shirt. Jason was watching her every move.
"You're punishing me, aren't you?" he asked pointedly. "I'm sorry I don't have much free time this week. This case can't go on forever. I'll make it up to you this weekend. I swear!"
"Oh, I know you will," she said arrogantly. Then she slowly peeled off her shirt, flashing her perfect bosom. She turned away and looked out her door. "Don't mind me. I don't want to distract you from your oh so important job."
Jason groaned. "You are a cruel woman!" he complained. He looked at the house he was watching. His client had a date. What could happen? He leaned over and gave Daisy the attention she was obviously seeking.
Ten minutes later, he had convinced her to lose the bra when a loud shattering of glass pierced the night air. Jason sat up and looked. He saw a man running from his client's property. Jason grabbed his camera. He didn't have a clear image, but he snapped a picture. He jumped out of the car, so he could get the plates.
Just like that, Daisy was left alone. She had never been so singularly dismissed before, especially not when in such a state of undress, that at first she was paralyzed in shock. Trying not to feel insulted, she began putting herself back together. She pulled out her phone and called her stepbrother. "Chip, can you come get me?" she asked. She listened in dismay as he explained what was occupying his attention. He asked for her address. She told him where she was at. Chip promised to send a brother to pick her up. She looked out and saw Jason talking to a woman who she assumed was his client. A dark-skinned man stood next to her and wrapped a comforting arm around her. Daisy decided to get out of the car and stretch her legs.
A few minutes later, a patrol car pulled up. Her ride pulled up right behind it. She went over to the car and told Jake to give her a minute. She knew Jason had a job to do, and she was obviously a big distraction. Although she did enjoy tormenting him, she knew fun time was over. If he was typical of most guys, he'd be mad that she distracted him. She considered just leaving. However, that seemed like a cowardly thing to do. And she was not a coward. She walked over to Jason. "Excuse me," she said, interrupting his conversation with the cop. Jason looked at her. "I've got a ride, so I'm going to go. You seem to have your hands full here," she said.
"Okay," Jason said distractedly. Then he turned away, ceremonially dismissing her. Daisy tried not to be hurt, especially when the woman began yelling at Jason for bringing his girlfriend and not getting the picture she needed.
Daisy knew that if she was a better person, she'd feel sympathy for Jason. Instead, she felt a bit smug that the woman was giving him the tongue lashing he so richly deserved. She knew she was a spoiled brat, but she wanted so much. If Jason couldn't be what she needed, she'd rather know now than be hurt later. Men were so often a disappointment and more trouble than they were worth. Daisy couldn't help but hope Jason wouldn't be like all the others.
A half an hour later, Jason was relieved when his uncle arrived to take over. He had never felt so completely out of his element. He couldn't help but be grateful that he was basically playing at detective. It was abundantly clear that he was not really cut out for this kind of thing. Not only was it painstakingly slow going but burning the candles at both end wasn't really a good idea. Even though Logan didn't like the idea, Jason was grateful that Veronica wanted to help out. Maybe one of her dad's deputies would be willing to work on a part-time basis. If he learned anything tonight, it was that they needed someone that had more experience on the job. Nico could only do so much when they had cases like this.
When he got in his car, he pulled out his phone to see if Daisy left him any messages. He was annoyed with himself, not her. Daisy was who she was. He loved that about her. If he was honest, he let her come along to help relieve the tedium of the stakeout. His first one was a real drag. He had to call Veronica because he couldn't stay awake. Eli wasn't going to let him forget screwing up tonight. Checking his messages, he saw Daisy had sent him a text. Wallace got arrested for beating up Sean. Sean's in the hospital. XOXO.Jason read the text again, not believing it. "Wallace?" he said out loud. He started his car. There really was never a dull moment in this town. It was like a little Chicago. Complete with conspiracy, danger, and acts of shocking violence.
******Back at the Sheriff's Department******
Keith was studying his stepson in disappointment and a tinge of disbelief. If it was Logan or even Veronica getting picked up, he wouldn't have batted an eye. Wallace, however, was the one he never worried about. Sometimes he really thought Wallace was a perfect son. He worked hard in school and in basketball. He made friends easily. He respected his mom and made time for his younger brother. Keith couldn't have asked for a better stepson. Nor could his daughter find a better friend. "Are you okay, son?" he asked Wallace.
Wallace shrugged. "I'm sorry. I don't really understand what happened. I was playing pool with Dick, having a good time. Then Sean came over acting like an arrogant ass with no worries. Here he put his cousin up to planting bombs while he keeps his hands clean. It made me so mad. I couldn't think of anything but knocking that smug look off of his face. I hit him with the pool stick once and then just started wailing on him. I couldn't seem to stop," Wallace said. He rubbed a now bandaged hand over his face. "I didn't know I was capable of that." He seemed a bit horrified at his self-discovery. Keith understood. That horrible night when Aaron tried trapped his little girl in a freezer and set it on fire, Keith had never felt such rage. He wanted nothing more than to rid the planet of Aaron. No one was ever more smug or arrogant than Logan's father.
"It happens to all of us at one time or another. If you were sober, I'm sure you would've resisted your baser impulses," Keith said.
"I just had a few beers. I wasn't drunk," Wallace said.
"Any alcohol loosens inhibitions. It won't make someone do something contrary to their nature normally, but it often lifts our normal reigns on our self-control. I know you've been upset over Julie. You can't be so hard on yourself. You couldn't have known. She was the perfect plant," Keith said.
Wallace nodded. But he didn't really want to talk about her. He just wanted to forget he ever met her. "What happens now? Do I have a record?" he asked.
Keith looked grim. "I'm sure Sean will want to press charges. If he does, you're looking at a first degree battery charge," Keith said. "I've already called Cliff."
Wallace looked ill. "Am I going to jail?" he asked, a hint of panic in his voice.
"No. You have no prior record. You're an outstanding member of the community. A star player at Hearst. You'll probably get probation. Cliff can plead it down. Don't worry. I've already paid your bond, so you'll be able to leave soon. Dick is waiting. I'm sure he called Logan," Keith said.
"Did you call Mom?" Wallace asked.
"I thought I'd wait and tell her in person. You go see her tomorrow after class," Keith said.
Wallace nodded in agreement.
Leo came in. "Sir, Logan is here. He didn't bring Veronica, but he wants to see you," he said.
"Send him in here. Have Dick come, too, please," Keith said.
A minute later, Dick and Logan came in. "Dick filled me in. Are you okay?" Logan asked, looking at Wallace's wrapped hands in concern.
"I'm okay," Wallace said. "Where's Veronica?"
"She was asleep. I thought I'd come down and find out what was going on before telling her," Logan said.
"Thanks for that. I'm really not up to dealing with her right now," Wallace said wearily.
"I figured," Logan said. He turned to Keith. "Is Wallace in real trouble?"
"It depends on Sean. If he wants to pursue this, Wallace will be brought up on charges," Keith said.
"Why wouldn't he? Wally humiliated him in front of the entire house. He'll be out for blood," Dick said.
"We'll find out soon enough," Keith said. "In the meantime, I want to meet with you three, Veronica, and Duncan tomorrow afternoon. Will you be done with class by four?"
They nodded. "What for?" Dick asked.
"We need to talk about Gory, and what we're going to do about Sean," Keith said, giving them a pointed look.
"Wallace doesn't need to be there," Logan said quickly.
"No, I don't. If there's anything I need to know, Veronica will tell me," Wallace said in agreement.
Keith was silent a moment. Then he said. "Fine. Call Duncan. Have him meet us at your place. If he's not up to it, we can meet at his house."
"Okay," Logan said.
"Wallace, you'll probably have a court date on Monday if the D.A. decides to file charges," Keith said.
A deputy came in and handed Keith a piece of paper. Keith looked at it. "Okay, Wallace, you can go now. You've been processed. I'll prepare your mother," Keith said.
"Thanks, Keith," Wallace said. He followed Logan and Dick out of the room.
"So what do you want me to tell Veronica?" Logan asked.
"That I had a psychotic break brought on by my lousy taste in women," Wallace said only half joking.
Dick snickered. "Dude, you totally lost it, so I'll back that!" Dick exclaimed.
"I don't think that'll satisfy her. It might make her do something foolish," Logan said.
"She already tasered Sean this week. Chip told me. Daisy was there," Dick said proudly.
"We've got to take that thing away from her before it gets her in real trouble," Logan said with a shake of his head.
"You'd have better luck getting Mac's laptop from her," Dick said with a laugh. He threw his arm around Wallace. "Come on, Sugar Ray. I'll take you home."
*****Back at the Beach House*****
Logan went ahead and woke Veronica up when he made it home. When he told her what happened, her reaction was expected. "What? I'm going to kill Dick!" Veronica exclaimed.
"Dick was afraid you'd blame him," Logan said with a grin.
"He takes Wallace to a party, gets him hammered, and lets him get in a fight with the enemy! Of course, it's his fault!" she insisted angrily.
"From what I heard, it wasn't much of a fight. Sean didn't get in a single hit," Logan said, a note of pride in his voice.
"Don't sound impressed! Don't you dare encourage Wallace! I love that he's sweet and gentle. You guys have completely corrupted him!" Veronica complained.
"We have? Who's the one going around tasering people? Dangerous people, I might add," Logan said pointedly.
Veronica looked guilty for a minute. Then she frowned. "No one would blame me. Sean is an arrogant bastard and deserved it," Veronica said.
"I think his smug demeanor is what set Wallace off. Dick said Sean taunted Wallace with mention of Julie," Logan said.
Veronica winced in sympathy. "I never got much of a chance to know Julie, but there were no signs at all. He really can't blame himself. I'm the least trusting person I know, and I wasn't suspicious of her. Duncan's pretty cynical these days, and neither was he," Veronica said.
"I know. But it's got to burn. No one likes feeling like a fool," Logan remarked. "But I have worse news."
"Really? What?" Veronica asked.
"Your dad wants to have a little meeting with us, Dick, and Duncan tomorrow afternoon to discuss Gory. He wanted Wallace to be there, but I told him that wasn't necessary. I think he got my hint. Wallace agreed and told him that you'd let him know anything he needed to know," Logan share.
"Dad wants to talk to all of us all at once?" Veronica asked. "That can't be good."
"That's what I was thinking," Logan said. "So are you ready to go on this stake-out?"
"You don't have to go, Logan. I'll be fine," Veronica insisted
"I know you will be because I'll be there," Logan remarked. He grabbed a pillow off the bed.
"What's that for?" Veronica asked.
"You are the one getting paid. I'm going to sleep. I'll be next to you the entire time. I'm a light sleeper," Logan said with a smirk.
Veronica rolled her eyes. "My hero. I feel safer already," she said dryly. She grabbed her purse and led the way out of the room.
*****The Next Day on Campus*****
Wallace didn't feel like going to class. He decided, instead, to go downstairs and do his laundry. He had some chapters to read, so he took his books with him. There was no way he was going to do his laundry at his mom's this weekend. His discussion with her earlier that morning was bad enough. She had been so upset at his actions that she cried and kept asking where did she go wrong. It took a lot for him to convince her that it was an isolated incident that would never happen again. She wouldn't believe him until he promised to see a counselor to talk about his sudden rage issues. Wallace sighed in defeat. For a guy who couldn't even stand up to his mother, he wasn't sure at all how he managed to lose it so completely last night.
It was close to noon when he put his first load in the dryer. He looked up in surprise when Sean Sorokin walked in the room. He was blocking the only exit. Wallace looked nervously at him. The guy had a strip of white tape over his obviously broken nose. His face was covered with bruises. He looked like Piz did that day Logan lost it on him. Wallace still couldn't believe he had done that. No matter his suspicions about this guy, Wallace didn't want to be the type of man that did such a thing.
"I am really sorry, Sean. I honestly don't know what came over me," Wallace said before Sean could speak.
Sean looked at him in silent contemplation. He nodded. "I know. Can we talk?" he asked, surprising Wallace further. Wallace relaxed when he realized that Sean didn't seem determined to kick his ass. He went over to the table he was using and gestured for Sean to sit down in the open chair.
"Out of all Dick's friends, I think you'll be the most reasonable. Dick is as loyal as a puppy, so I know he won't really hear anything I have to say even though we're in the same fraternity," Sean said, a note of disapproval in his voice.
Wallace didn't know what to say to that, so he just nodded to indicate he was listening.
"I want to explain about Julie. Her family calls her Jules. She grew up chasing me and my brother Gory around. She idolizes us. She likes what we like and hates what and who we hate. She's like Dick in that way, extremely loyal. When Gory came back from Hearst full of tales of the abuse he'd experienced at the hands of certain students here, Jules was upset on his behalf. Gory never tells her things he might've done to incite. He always paints himself the victim. I know better. I know what an ass he can be. He especially doesn't handle it well whenever he feels beat by a woman. His hatred for Veronica Mars ran deep. I tried to joke about it with him, but it didn't work. Now I'm telling you this, so you'll believe me when I say you and your friends got a lot of things wrong. I'm not your enemy," Sean said sincerely. "However, my brother was. I know he hired a hitman to kill Veronica."
Wallace couldn't believe what Sean was confessing. "Why would you tell me that?" Wallace asked.
"Because I want you to trust me. Because I need someone to get through to your friends. I don't want things to keep going like this. Jules did not come here with me. She came here on her own. When my dad's right hand man gave us the name of the man he suspected killed Gory, she came unglued. Naturally, she had no idea about what Gory tried to do to Veronica. He only tells her things that paint him in a good light. We only had suspicions and no real proof. My dad and uncle said we had to wait because Gory could've just taken off. Wiedman being in town the week Gory disappeared could've been coincidence since he frequently came with Jake Kane on business," Sean shared. "This wasn't good enough for Jules. She's highly intelligent. Always been able to pick up anything very easily. Her skills range from hacking to fixing cars."
"Don't forget acting. She was a class A actress," Wallace added bitterly.
Sean nodded. "She wasn't acting completely, Wallace. When I got permission to track her down, I confronted her. She told me her plan. Duncan was immune to her appeal, but she thought you were cute and the only other single guy around Duncan."
"So she told you she was going to kill Wiedman?" Wallace asked sharply, not really wanting to discuss how she played him for a fool.
"No. She told me she was going to get the proof we needed. I didn't know she'd take matters in her own hands, especially not without consulting me," Sean said grimly. "I'm sorry she used you."
"Not as sorry as I am," Wallace said in disgust.
"I know last night I baited you. I'm sorry for that," Sean said apologetically.
Wallace kept getting one surprise after another. He felt conflicted. He knew he was talking to the enemy, but it had been Wallace and not Sean that had behaved like a crazy person last night. Looking at Sean's battered visage, Wallace couldn't help being angry with himself. Nor could he ignore the sympathy he instinctively felt for Sean. The guy may be an ass, but they really didn't know how guilty he was. Both Dick and Logan came off as real asses when he had first met them. "I am sorry for attacking you. I've never done anything like that in my life. I didn't know I was capable of that," Wallace said.
"Some of us discover things we didn't know we were capable of when we're pushed too far. I didn't plant any bombs or tell Jules to. However, the thought of your friends having killed my brother makes me really angry. Knowing that they've gotten away with it and are going on with their merry little lives fills me with rage. I want to beat someone senseless. But my dad told me if I got picked up by the police or charged with anything that he'd break both my legs. With my dad, that's no idle threat," Sean shared.
Wallace winced in sympathy. He guessed not all mob dads were like Jason's teddy-bear of a father.
"But what I want to know, Wallace, is if you can look me in the eyes and tell me the truth. Did your friends have my brother killed?" Sean asked beseechingly.
Wallace gave him a straight look. "My dad is a homicide detective in Chicago. My stepfather is the Sheriff here. Do you honestly think I'd be party to anyone's murder?" Wallace replied.
"Maybe not. But from what I have learned, you are Veronica Mars's best friend. Surely, she tells you everything," Sean said.
"Veronica and I are very close. But we let each other live our lives. She told me Gory was in hiding like the coward he was. I know she'd never approve of having anyone gunned down no matter who they were. She believes in the law. She's going to be an FBI agent," Wallace defended.
"Okay, but if she knew after the fact, would she report it? If it was either the man she loved or the man she used to love, would she tell?" Sean asked.
Wallace couldn't reply. Doubts were setting in. Sometimes he was better off not knowing. A part of him did have his doubts about his friends' actions. He knew Logan and Duncan were capable of things that he wasn't. He knew they'd done something to get Gory to leave Hearst. He also knew Dick would do anything they asked. Feeling a bit sick, he looked at Sean. "I honestly don't know. Veronica is not predictable," he said.
Sean nodded. "Okay. I just wanted to clear the air. If your brother disappeared, wouldn't you want to find out what happened to him? Wouldn't it bother you if the people responsible for his disappearance acted like it was nothing?" Sean asked.
"You don't know they're responsible for anything. You just said yourself that Gory was guilty of trying to kill Veronica and nearly killing Logan. He could very well be on the run," Wallace pointed out.
"True. I can't believe he'd go so long without contacting me, though," Sean said doubtfully.
"What if it was the only way he thought he could stay hidden and free?" Wallace suggested.
Sean looked thoughtful a minute. Then he said, "The truth will come out, Wallace. You need to quit putting your head in the sand and pretending you're not involved. You are. As long as you're friends with all of them the way that you are, you're involved. I understand loyalty. I admire it even. Just make sure you're loyalty to your friends doesn't come with too high a price." After saying that, Sean got up. "As far as you and I go, I'm not going to press charges. I'm not after you. I know you had nothing to do with my brother's disappearance. I just want the truth. Maybe you can help me find it."
Wallace watched him leave. Wallace may have told his dad and Sean that his friends were innocent. However, a part of him never could believe it. They had too many discussions without him. The talk going on today with Keith later was an example of that. He knew they wanted to protect him, and he appreciated their tact. A part of him understood why they'd have Gory killed. Logan and Duncan saw the world in greys. Veronica was more like him, but she loved her friends. They were her family. Wallace didn't think she had it in her to turn any of them in to the cops unless they were a continuous threat. Wallace thought about what he did last night. He didn't like the person he was becoming. He betrayed Jazmin, a truly wonderful woman. Now he was doing things he never would've believed. Wallace knew that he needed to make some major changes in his life. Things couldn't continue like this.
*****At the Beach House*****
Veronica couldn't believe she hadn't managed to corner Wallace yet today. He wouldn't return any of her calls. Nor was he in his room when she went by his dorm. She knew him well enough to know he was probably very upset with himself. The doorbell rang. Since the guys were out on the patio, she went to answer it. Her dad gave her a smile, so she relaxed a bit. "Come in," she said. Instead of complying with her offer, he grabbed her hand.
"Honey, I just want to know before I talk to everyone if you've told Logan about the baby," Keith inquired.
"No, not yet. We had an issue to get through first. I was thinking of telling him this weekend, though. But I'm not sure. He's acting overly protective enough. If he found out I was pregnant, he wouldn't let me help Eli and Jason on their new case," Veronica admitted.
"Honey, you can't keep this from him. You know he'll be upset if you keep waiting to tell him. Nor would he appreciate you putting yourself at risk for a case," Keith said.
"I'm in no danger. He even went with me last night on a stake-out. He insists on babysitting me like I'm a child. If he found out I was pregnant, he'd be even worse," Veronica explained.
"Only because he loves you. Don't do anything to hurt that love, sweetie. When you take it for granted, it can be lost," Keith advised.
"I'm going to tell him soon. I promise," Veronica assured him. She didn't want to risk losing Logan. She'd tell him when the timing was perfect. Being wrapped in cotton so early wasn't what she wanted, however. The news could wait a few more days.
Logan came into the room to see who'd arrived. Dick and Duncan were right behind him. They greeted Keith. Keith walked into the living room and sat down in a chair. "Have a seat. We need to clear the air," he said to them.
They exchanged looks. Feeling a bit nervous to have Keith's piercing intelligence focused on them, the boys sat down.
Veronica, however, was used to her dad and easily sat down on Logan's lap. "What's up, Pops?" she asked with a grin.
He gave her a silent, contemplative look. He couldn't use her pregnancy in this talk, but it was the reason he decided to go this route. "The time for secrets, evasions, and lies is at an end. The four of you are going to tell me the truth. Only the truth will help you now. Do you understand me?" he asked, looking them each in the eye.
They nodded. Dick looked a bit terrified. Veronica had lost her easy manner while Duncan and Logan carried guarded expressions. "I need to know. I cannot help you unless I know the truth. Did any of you have anything to do with Gory's disappearance? Is he dead?" Keith asked pointedly.
Dick wanted to throw up. He looked to Logan. Logan and Duncan looked at Veronica. They knew that it was up to her. Could she continue lying to her father?
*****TO BE CONTINUED*****