Dear Reader...I can explain...sorry it took so long to update. Crazy life just got crazier. But a big shout out to all my readers who have been leaving comments. I am feeling the love and it helped me keep motivated during this time. So thank you. Enjoy!
Veronica's knuckles grip the steering wheel, the outline of her veins visible through her fresh spray-tan. Chase has been studying her for the last few days, making mental note of the subtle hints her body gives away as they continue their careful progress towards their destination. The closer they get to Neptune, the deeper the lines showed on her face, the more she chewed her thumb cuticle; at night, the restless sleep began, and during the day, the longer the silences became.
In L.A., they visited a spray-tan place owned and operated by the cousin of Veronica's street contact, Eli – or "Weevil" as he was known to most – who guaranteed them that, for a price, Maria would keep quiet about their zombie white skin. As promised, she was kind and helpful and chatted brightly about the times she visited her abuela in Neptune. Throughout their appointment, Veronica forced a smile and nodded, offering no information of her own, but keeping the conversation going with questions about Weevil as a child.
Speeding down the highway now, Veronica bites the tip of her free thumb, the music turned down to a whisper as they both focus on what was ahead for them. Her breath hitches as her finger points towards the front window and Chase follows it just in time to see the "Welcome to Neptune" sign flash by on the side of the road.
"We made it." Veronica's voice shakes slightly, and she pauses to take a cleansing breath. "We're home."
Chase squeezes her shoulder gently as her eyes fix firmly down the road ahead. "How long until we get to Mac and Wallace's place?"
"Not long."
Nodding, Chase slides his hand back behind her seat, still watching her profile for signs of distress. Slowly, she sucks the corner of her lip into her mouth, biting it, and he frowns.
"We don't have to stay here," he ventures quietly.
"What do you mean?" Her tone is as sharp as her glance.
"If this is going to be too hard for you to return, we can just stop here to regroup for a night and carry on. Major already confirmed I can access all my bank accounts without detection – we can go somewhere else and…"
"And where would we get brains?" she snaps. "Are we going to start killing people? Our brain tubes will only last us a few more days."
"No – I'm not suggesting that – but you said that Weevil used to ship brains up to you in Seattle – why can't he ship them elsewhere?"
A scoff, then a sneer, is his answer before silence falls in the car. For a second, he holds out the hope that Veronica is contemplating his suggestion, but then her words show him otherwise.
"Look – there are people I trust here – people who will look out for us. If we go somewhere else, we are completely on our own. At least here, if we run into problems, we have help. I told you…I've been a lone zombie surrounded by humans before – we need these connections to people to help keep us safe and alive."
He opens his mouth to argue and then closes it again. There was no point. He knew that arguing with Veronica was akin to trying to knock down a brick wall with your head – pointless and usually ended in a big headache. Raising his palms up in surrender, Chase lets out a deep sigh.
"Fine. This is your plan – you know best. But I'm just going to say that if we need to bug out of town, we have resources available to us."
"Duly noted. I will refer to it as 'Plan B' should we need it."
"Ooooohh…my plan gets a designation…" Leaning over the console, Chase gives her a quick peck on the cheek, and she giggles, her elbow rising to push him away.
"Stop it! I'm trying to drive here – quit trying to be all cute."
Sitting back in his seat, Chase grins, glad to have put a smile back on her face, even if it's only briefly. "I wasn't trying to be cute – I was just trying to show my beautiful pretend-wife some appreciation."
"Well, your pretend-wife would appreciate if you waited until I stopped driving so, I can show you some proper appreciation back."
Weaving his fingers together, Chase places them behind his head. "Deal. I hope Mac and Wallace don't judge us too harshly for making out in their driveway."
"You're forgetting that I lived with them for years. Do you know how many times I've walked in on them making out in various rooms in that house? Millions. And I'm fairly sure I heard Jeremy being conceived when I came home from a stake-out one night."
"Oh God. How am I supposed to look them in the eye with that information in my head?"
"They have sex. They know we have sex. Let's all just be adults about it, shall we?"
"Wait? They know we have sex?"
Veronica shrugs, not a hint of embarrassment about her. "I may have bragged…"
"I knew it!" Chase laughs. "There was something in Mac's voice when we were on that conference call – like she knew more than she was letting on."
"Oh yeah. Mac knows everything."
Cocking his eyebrow, Chase grins. "Everything?"
Tossing him a conspiratorial arch of her eyebrow, Veronica coos back. "Every-thing."
His eyes light up with glee at the thought of her mentioning their exploits to her BFF. There was something about the idea that he was so good, she felt the need to brag about it, that bolstered his ego in a big way.
"Oh no…I shouldn't have told you…" She groans, bringing the car to a halt in front of a row of houses. "Now we'll never squeeze your swelled head through the front door."
Glancing over at the two-story blue house, with a white front door and shutters, Chase shrugs. "Seems like it'll fit to me."
A sharp laugh escapes Veronica as she turns off the car, shaking her head. Snatching up the leather gloves on the centre console, she extracts the bigger pair from the pile and slaps Chase playfully across the arm with them. Taking them from her, he slides the first one on, pressing in between his fingers so the soft brown leather fits snugly against his skin. They were both sure to trim their nails every day to ensure they didn't accidentally scratch someone – a gas station clerk, a customer service person in a shop – along the way, but their paranoia that they may scratch her friends, or Jeremy, made them take some stricter precautions for their time with the Fennels.
Raising her hands, she wiggles her protected fingers at him. "No glove, no love."
"That really never gets old for you, does it."
"Nope," she states, popping her 'p' for emphasis. "I have my dad's sense of humour – if it's funny the first time, it's funny the millionth time."
Shaking his head, Chase focuses on the house once more. The white picket fence, and large porch surrounded by climbing vines, gave the illusion that this could be any normal house in America. But Chase knew better. He knew the tragedies that this house had seen. And even though there was now a child's swing hanging from the large tree out front, and a bright orange basketball hoop on the driveway, to Chase, it still had an air of something from a horror movie to it.
Veronica pats his knee and he turns to see her smiling softly at him. "Come on. Time to meet my family."
Leaning towards her, his lips brush hers, hesitating for a moment as she reciprocates in the gentlest kiss. Pulling back, he nods, reaching for the door handle.
"Okay. Let's do this."
Emerging from the car, Chase stretches, keeping his eyes on the house. To his surprise, the door flies open and a woman – about Veronica's height, with short mauve hair, in jeans and a black tank top – steps onto the porch and waves at them.
"You're here!" she calls out as she hurries down the front steps, barefoot, towards the fence. Throwing open the gate, she takes a step before Veronica appears in front of her, enveloping her in a big hug.
"There was construction along the way – I hope you weren't worried…" Veronica is rocking her friend back and forth as they continue to hug.
"What? Mac worry?"
A voice calls out from the house and Wallace appears, in a purple basketball jersey and black shorts, Jeremy perched on his hip as they both grin down at the scene on the street.
"Pft. I never worry. And once I finally implant that tracking device in under your skin, I'll truly mean it." Releasing Veronica, Mac walks over to Chase, her hand outstretched, a wide grin on her face. "And you must be Chase – great to finally meet you in person – Veronica has told us all about you."
Shaking Mac's hand, Chase nervously runs his other hand through his hair. It had been a long time since he had met any woman's family and his stomach tightens, hoping he lived up to whatever ideas Veronica had given them about him.
"Nice to meet you too. Veronica has told me a lot about you guys."
"Mac is lying, we know nothing about you – absolutely nothing." Wallace calls out with a wide grin as he and Jeremy descend the steps towards them. "Baby, don't embarrass the man before he gets in the house and I get a chance to kick his butt on the court once or twice. Leave the embarrassing to me."
Extending his hand, Chase steps towards Wallace and the shorter man shakes it firmly, still holding his son with the other hand. Jeremy smiles up at Chase and waves and he waves back, unsure of what else to do around the tiny human.
"Trash talking without even letting me unpack my bags." Chase chuckles, placing his hands on his hips as he shakes his head. "Now I can't wait to get on the court."
Jerking his head towards the hoop in his driveway, Wallace laughs. "All ready and waiting for you…"
"Sweet fancy Moses…" Mac rolls her eyes, stepping up to Wallace and wrapping her arms around his free arm. "Give them time to settle in! I know you're all excited to have a new friend to play with, but be cool, honey."
White Fang barks from the back seat and they all turn to see the dog panting in the window, wagging his tail happily at the group outside.
"Puppy!" Jeremy squeals, stretching his arms towards the car. "Puhhh-peeeee!"
Veronica quickly steps over to open the door and White Fang flies out, yipping happily as he runs around everyone's feet. Jeremy squeals again, reaching down towards the ground and Wallace is forced to put him down. Immediately, the boy starts chasing the dog as fast as his chubby little legs can manage and White Fang continues happily, barking as he circles Wallace again and again.
The frenzy of activity leaves Chase slightly dazed as he takes in the pure joy of the situation. He remembers this feeling – back when there was Harrison and Vivian, his parents – a contentment that could only be found by being with your people, your family. But for so long he had no family. Until Veronica. Until now.
Sidling past the spectacle, Veronica smiles at him as she continues to the back of the car, opening the trunk and pulling out her backpack.
"We should take this circus inside. It's been a long trip and I could really, really use a piping hot shower and a change of clothes."
Nodding, Chase refocuses on White Fang and points at the dog as he passes by. "Fang! Sit!"
At once, the dog stops in his tracks, causing Jeremy to tumble over him, screaming and laughing as he crashes down into the soft grass. Cringing, Chase realizes it could have been a dire miscalculation on his part if they were on the sidewalk, but the boy regroups quickly, turning to rub Fang on the head, now that he had caught up.
"Nice puh-peeeee! Sof' puh-peeeee!"
"That he is," Chase concurs to the little boy. "His name is White Fang."
"Wah-fang!" Jeremy repeats. "Nice Wha-fang."
"Close enough." Wallace shrugs, keeping his eyes on the dog and his child. "You guys grab your stuff – I'll watch the short ones."
Veronica rests her hand on Chase's shoulder and smiles. "Come on. Let's go inside."
Pursing his lips, Chase nods in agreement, glancing between the car and the house. Veronica stays unmoving at his side, her gaze now fixed on the house, and he wonders what she's feeling right now. Turning on his heels, he goes and collects his backpack, grabbing the cooler of brain tubes as well before slamming the trunk door behind him. Walking up to Veronica again, he takes her free hand and smiles.
"Come on. Let's go."
Sweeping her arm towards the door, Mac smiles. "After you. I can't wait to show you what we've done with your room."
"Well, the pictures you texted me look pretty nice," Veronica says as she continues up the walk with Chase. "Alicia must be really comfortable when she stays over."
"Oh, my mom hates it." Wallace laughs and Chase glances back to see him pick up Jeremy, slapping his hand on his leg for White Fang to follow. "She's more of a flowers and patterns sort of woman. She may love Mac, but they have very different aesthetics."
"Well, anything is a step up from beige walls and old wood furniture – and that sofa bed…" Veronica shudders as they step up onto the porch, the open door waiting for them.
It's then that she pauses, and Chase stops short, watching as she takes a deep cleansing breath before pushing herself through the doorway, stopping again in the hallway to look around. The main floor of the house is painted in a deep maroon, setting off the warm tones in the old hardwood floors and cherry-wood mouldings. To the right of them is a large open kitchen and sleek wood dining table; to the left is a living room, with toys scattered on and around the contemporary leather couch and chairs. Dividing the main floor, a few feet in front of them, is a staircase leading up to the second floor, with black child safety gates at the top and bottom. Veronica jerks her chin towards the living room and begins walking, dropping Chase's hand. He follows her through the room to the back of the space, three doors presenting at the end of a short hallway. Reaching for the one in the middle, Veronica opens it and gasps as the light streams in.
The wall across from them is a deep, rich grey, a tufted, grey fabric headboard and queen-size bed against it; the rest of the room is a softer grey, verging on white, and the sunlight streaming through the window in the room makes it feel warm and inviting. There's a wooden desk and dresser set near the bed, with framed photos on top of Veronica, Mac, and Wallace together.
"Oh Mac, it's beautiful," she gushes, her hand covering her heart.
"I knew you'd like it," Mac states from behind them, adding softly. "I hope you're not too upset; we got rid of some of your dad's furniture."
Shaking her head, Veronica smiles. "No. It was time. But thank you for keeping his desk. It looks beautiful in the space."
She steps into the room completely and Chase follows, dropping his backpack on the bed and surveying the scene. He can hear White Fang and Jeremy now chasing each other on the main floor and he smiles, first at Mac, then at Veronica. But she doesn't see him – her eyes lost in scanning the details of the room. Her hand sweeps over the crimson duvet, following it all the way up to the fluffy grey throw pillows at the head.
"I'll let you guys get settled," Mac says, stepping into the room and placing her hand on the doorknob. "Chase, the bathroom is the door on the right in the hallway – the washing machine and dryer is the door on the left, if you guys need to throw something in. You guys take your time washing the wilderness off yourselves – no rush for dinner."
"Thank you, Mac. For everything." Chase nods and her smile widens.
"Hey – no problem. We're all family now. That's what family does."
Stepping back out of the room, Mac closes the door behind her and Chase loudly exhales. Turning toward Veronica, she finally meets his gaze, a smile across her lips, but in her eyes a sadness he hasn't seen in a while.
"So…this is home."
With a small sigh, Veronica swings the backpack from her back, dropping it on the bed before glancing around again.
"Yeah. This is home."
It's a good hour before the two emerge into the back yard, showered and smelling more like humans than animals – their filthy camping clothes in the first of what Chase knows will be a marathon of laundry loads. Veronica is in a simple striped black t-shirt and shorts and Chase is in his last clean pair of jeans and a t-shirt as well – both still wearing their gloves, just in case. On the raised deck, Mac and Wallace are sitting at a patio table, Jeremy seated on the steps, laughing hysterically as tiny White Fang and enormous Ralph tear across the lawn after a tennis ball. Ralph snatches it first as Fang jumps around the larger dog before they both trot back to Jeremy to give him the ball. The toddler enthusiastically picks up the soaking wet ball and throws it again, screaming with glee.
"Jeremy has a good arm," Chase says as he pulls up a deck chair next to Wallace. "You already have him signed up for baseball or football?"
"Both," Wallace replies with a chuckle as Mac narrows her eyes at him. "Although they frown on players still in diapers in the pro-league."
Veronica walks past them all and stands near the edge of the deck, leaning on the thick wooden railing as she glances down at Jeremy.
"I still can't get over how one minute he looks like you, Mac, and the next he looks like Wallace. Genetics are a crazy thing."
"I know. Who knew he'd have my big, curly hair," Mac teases, winking at Wallace.
Smoothing his hands over his short, curly, black hair, Wallace chuckles. "I haven't rocked a 'fro in years. You're right – it must be your genes."
Glancing at couple, Chase smiles. Their affection for each other radiates between them, filling Chase with a deep warmth just being in their presence. It was obvious that Mac and Wallace had for years what he had always looked for – they were married to their best friend.
"How's your organic garden this year?" Veronica asks, her back to the group, still surveying the large back yard.
"Really great. I'm experimenting with three types of carrots, since those are Jeremy's favorites." Mac leans forward and takes a sip of her iced tea. "And your dad's apple and plum trees have been flourishing since Wallace took that course on pruning them properly last year."
Veronica lets out a little groan. "Ugh. It pains me every time I realize I can't just go and pick one off the tree and taste it. I miss fresh apples. When I was little, I used to climb up and pick one and just sit in the crook of the branch and eat it."
Looking out over the yard, Chase focuses on the old trees surrounding the edge of the yard. The apple tree is in the corner of the lot, creating a large canopy of shade under which a wooden sandbox is situated. He can imagine a pint-sized version of Veronica, scampering up the side of the thick trunk, blond hair flying in the breeze.
"We had a metal swing set and my dad had to set the legs into concrete because I would swing so high the whole thing would shift and jump in the grass; he never tried to stop me from doing it – just made it safer. And the deck – we used to pretend it was a pirate ship and make each other walk the plank and jump from the railing into a blow-up swimming pool below." There's a softness to Veronica's voice, a wistfulness that Chase rarely hears, and he leans his elbows on his knees, trying to get closer to her to listen. "When Backup was a puppy, I spent hours back here, trying to train him to do tricks or throwing the ball. Only ever managed to teach him that trick where he would balance his dog treat on his nose – he would toss it in the air and eat it on command. God, he loved this back yard…"
Her voice drops suddenly and a chill runs down Chase's spine. He knows exactly why she's stopped – her triggers becoming absorbed into his subconscious. Backup in the backyard, barking, while Duncan was upstairs…
"I bought Fireball Whiskey!" Mac interjects quickly, shooting a nervous look between Wallace and Chase.
She knows too, he thinks and nods to her a silent thank you for saving Veronica from herself.
"Perfect. A drink before dinner is exactly what we need." Standing, he steps to Veronica's side, his hand coming to rest on her hip and he feels her tense under his touch.
"I'll grab it – be back in a sec."
Mac disappears into the house and Chase looks down at Veronica, still staring across the yard to nowhere in particular.
"Mama Leone's delivery should be here in about an hour," Wallace states. "Extra peppers for you guys."
Veronica's head bounces in recognition of his words but she stays silent, choosing instead to shimmy herself closer to Chase and he responds, his arm shifting around her waist to hold her tightly. He kisses the top of her head and she finally looks up at him with sad, tired eyes.
"The fact that Renegade has the same name as your favorite Italian restaurant is still the weirdest coincidence in the history of coincidences."
Veronica snorts, laughing at his statement. "You know…honestly, I never really thought about it too much. Maybe Major should thaw her and we can ask if she's somehow related to the owners."
Rolling his eyes, Chase shakes his head. "Don't give him any ideas. I can see him thawing her and trying to smuggle in every person in America in need of saving, with Liv's help."
"And what's wrong with that?" Wallace states, leaning back in his chair. "Saving a person's life? So, what if they're a zombie afterwards?"
"In theory, yes, absolutely a great idea. We even did that in the Seattle hospital when Discovery Day happened – saved the sick and the dying," Chase states, turning to face Wallace again. "But the problem is that the Government never made good on their promise to send us enough brains, so everything is rationed, and a hungry zombie can create pretty big problems for the human population in Seattle. It was all about balance and unfortunately, bringing too many people into the city meant that the balance was tipped in a very bad way."
Nodding his understanding, Wallace scratches his soul-patch under his lip. "I get you. And it seems like, out here, the only people who are willing to help are the one who are not on – how do I put this – the correct side of the law. Like our friend Weevil – who, by the way, texted to say he will see you both tomorrow. Says he can't wait to meet the man who made him a millionaire."
Stepping out of Chase's arms, Veronica walks over to her patio chair and grips the top, her eyes narrowing at her friend across the table. "Millionaire you say. He's really made that much running brains to Seattle?"
"Well….okay…don't know about millionaire, but he does have a house just outside the 09'er zip code now," Mac states, walking outside with a tray filled with different liquor bottles and several glasses. "So yes, his little business running brains up to Seattle for you seemed to spark a career change for our boy. I mean, he's still the same old Weevil – his bike is just a lot nicer. He also said something about wanting to personally shake Chase Graves' hand to thank him."
Chase and Veronica burst out laughing at the same time and he approaches the table, reaching for a glass as Mac pours a generous shot of whiskey. He pauses as she does the same for Veronica while Wallace pours two bourbons for them. In unison, they raise their glasses at each other, revelling in their togetherness.
"A toast…" Mac begins. "To old friends…"
"…to new friends…" Wallace adds.
"…to family…" Veronica says.
For a moment, they all look at Chase and he smiles, raising his glass higher. "…to life…"
