Chapter 28

Keith Mars used the employee entrance of the Neptune Grand and the service elevator to get to the Presidential Suite and Logan Echolls. It was Logan's go to hiding place when things got tough, he hadn't need it much the last few years but with Logan and bad luck, when it rained, it poured.

Dick answered the door and seemed unsurprised to find a Mars on the other side. "Hey Sheriff, come on in."

"Thank you Richard."

"Can I get you anything, water, soda, an alibi?" Dick led Keith into the living room and to Logan who was pacing back and forth behind the couch.

Logan stopped dead in his tracks when he saw Keith. "Is Veronica ok? Did something happen?"

Keith chuckled to himself, Logan's world was on the verge of collapse and his concern was Veronica, "She is fine Logan, but I do need to talk to you, preferably alone."

"Dude this is my humble abode." Dick did not like being left out.

"Dick it's probably best if you gave us a few minutes, please. Right now the less you know the safer you will be."

"Screw safe, Logan. You are my family and if you are in trouble I've got your back. So no, I'm not leaving." Dick sat himself on the couch and folded his arms over his chest.

Logan looked at Keith and shrugged. "Keith is this about Lester's new book?"

Keith nodded following Logan's lead "I think that you need to talk to him and convince him that letting Leo read what has been written so far might help with the investigation."

"What investigation?" Dick sat up.

Logan took a deep breath and sat on the couch next to Dick "Someone is committing murders from the new but not finished Betty March book. And since I can count on two fingers the number of people I know have the read the book, we have no idea who could be doing this or why."

"Shit. Logan that is messed up." Dick rubbed his face. "So you let Veronica read it?"

Both Keith's and Logan's jaws dropped. Keith spoke first "Logan said two fingers, why would you think Veronica would one of them?"

"Come on, contrary to popular belief I am more than just a pretty face. Like I didn't know my best friend was a bestselling author." Dick was amused by the shocked expression on the men's faces.

"Dick, I'm sorry I didn't tell you. I just thought it would be easier. I needed Keith and Cliff's help to make Lester appear real and I didn't want you to get sucked into all the lies. Wait, does this mean you've actually read them?'

Dick laughed "Yes I have read the Betty March books, thanks for making me the smart brother in them by the way."

Logan joined in on the laughing "You are very welcome."

Keith cleared his throat. "Gentlemen, can we get back on topic here."

"Sorry." Logan ran his hands through his hair. "You really think letting Leo read the book will help?"

"It would at least give them a place to start. And I can take it to him, explain that you saw the pictures and recognized them from the chapters that Lester had sent you and you reached out to get him to help with the investigation." Keith leaned against a chair.

"But what if they want to bring L.E. Lester in for questioning?" Dick asked.

"We simply remind them that Lester is a well know recluse so no one really knows where he is. But that as his manager and confidant Logan can answer any questions they might have about the story." Keith looked at Logan, "What do you think?"

"I think it might be our best option right now. Has Mac found anything yet?"

"Mac! Why is she involved?" Dick was a little louder than he had meant to be.

"Whoa, Dick she just designed the program I write the books on. Mac is checking the system to see if I was hacked, that is her only involvement. She doesn't know it's me." Logan was surprised by Dick's outburst.

"Cindy said it might take her a day or two to get the information." Keith noticed Dick relax as he learned Mac was not directly involved.

"Just analysis stuff for Mac, no in the field missions, you got that. She is too important." Dick caught himself "As a business partner and client of Casablancas Concepts and Creations."

Logan tilted his head as Dick avoided all eye contact "Dick, something you need to share with the class?"

Dick stood "No. I just don't want any more friends sucked into this nightmare than there has to be. Besides I have a girlfriend. And I should go check on her now. Just let me know what I can do to help." Dick quickly made his way out the door, "Sheriff, Logan."

Once the door clicked shut Keith let out a breath, "Well that was interesting."

Logan nodded "Dick is always full of surprises."

Keith sat down in the chair next to the couch and looked at Logan, "I talked to Veronica about the book and the murders. I have a theory but I know you aren't going to like it."

"What is it?"

"What if this is about your Dad?"

All the color drained from Logan's face. "Aaron?"

"Look your father's fans were never subtle. And no one has stepped up to claim responsibility or tease the cops with clues so they aren't doing it for personal fame and notoriety."

"So at least it's not Trina." Logan let out a bitter laugh.

"Logan, we still have no idea who or what we are dealing with, so you have be smart and just being a smartass doesn't count."

"Well then I am in trouble."