Disclaimer: Still not mine. But I promise to take good care of them while I play.
Less reviewers for the last few chapters, I hope that just means y'all are as busy as me not that you've lost interest or didn't like it….
This story so far recaplet: Canon up until Echolls Family Christmas. Veronica copied Duncan's laptop hard drive to get his journal. Connor and Veronica were dating for awhile, until she and Logan finally managed to wfork through their issues enough to get together. Veronica took another paternity test and is a Mars, Duncan wants to date her again, awkwardness ensues. LoVe investigates the rape and the truth is revealed (but is it the whole truth?). Lynn tries to commit suicide, LoVe breaks up, Lynn disappears from the hospital, LoVe work together to find Lynn in rehab. Logan finally removes his head from his ass, but V isn't ready to try again. After some creative courtship methods, LoVe gets back together. Mac is dating Enbom. Casey has hooked up with the new girl, Nadia, who has ulterior motives and an unhealthy interest in Logan. Duncan and Meg are dating, and Veronica is worried. Alicia and Keith are going strong. LoVe find Leanne in Barstow, who blows the Kanes alibis out of the water. With Leanne in rehab, LoVe returns to Neptune. Jake asks Veronica to take another paternity test, Veronica refuses, instead pursuing the settlement documents between the Kanes and Able Koontz, only to be thwarted by Weidman. Veronica gives Logan 16 wishes for his belated 16th birthday present. Keith finds out about Veronica's investigation, and father and daughter agree to work together. Fun is had in Cabo over spring break. Back in Neptune, Mac's parents tell her about their new plans to address the baby switch, and several teen pregnancies at Neptune High spawn an expanded sex ed program. Keith isn't happy to learn that Veronica is having sex with Logan, and they fight over their relationship. The Mac/Madison baby switch goes public, prom is approaching, Alicia got in trouble for the bug V/Wallace planted leading to a fight between Keith and Alicia. Logan found out about V's investigation into Lilly's murder and wants to help. Logan realizes something about the rape after reading Duncan's journal.
Thanks for the reviews, the next chapter will be up on schedule, I'll most likely have it up on Sept 10 or 11.
Chapter 34
(Wednesday cont.)
Open in the Mars apartment. Logan and Veronica are both quiet and contemplative after Logan's revelation. Trying to retain some normalcy, they watch TV together for a few hours but both are more focused on their inner thoughts than on the screen. Later, they crawl into Veronica's small twin-size bed and Veronica gets comfortable against Logan's side with one arm and leg thrown over his body.
Veronica: I'm glad you're here.
Logan: I'm glad you still want me here.
Veronica: Logan. Nothing's… (She breaks off)
Logan: What?
Veronica: (Tilting to look up at him to meet his eyes) I was going to say nothing's changed. But for you it has.
Logan: How could you say that? (He rolls onto his side, dislodging her from his body and facing her fully, their faces only inches apart) Of course this changes things.
Veronica: Not really. Not for me. I couldn't remember anything about it before, I still don't. I know you wanted to excuse Duncan, (Her eyes drop then rise to hold his) but for me, in my mind what happened was always rape Logan. (Quietly and with no censure) I know you thought differently. I know you wanted to believe it was something else.
Logan: (Voice rising in anger) You don't remember because you weren't awake. (Deliberately calming himself with deep breaths his nostrils flaring) How does that not change things?
Veronica: We don't know if I was awake or not.
Logan: (Adamantly) I do. I…
Veronica: (gently) You don't. I don't. What you said makes sense. But, Logan, I think… I've had to accept that I'll never really know what happened that night.
Logan: And you're OK with that? Just like that? I don't think I can be OK with that.
Veronica: You don't have a choice. (Slight smile) And no, it's not easy. I have to work at it. But I can't let it consume me. Being with you, being able to talk to you and Alicia and Wallace about it, somehow it makes it easier.
Logan: (Unsure) Yeah?
Veronica: (Sure) Yeah. (Reaching out to run her hand up his arm, looking him directly in the eye) You knew that, right? That you've helped me?
Logan: (Frowning, self-recrimination clear on his face) How could I when I've been supporting Duncan this whole time?
Veronica: You helped me, Logan. Having you here with me helps me. Knowing that you know and don't judge me, helps me.
Logan: (Frustrated) Why would I judge you? You're the only innocent one in all of this.
She shrugs and Logan wonders again if she ever talked to a counselor about it.
Logan: (Cupping one hand around her jaw) You know you can talk to me about it, about anything right? Even if you want to yell at me for being such a jerk to you last year.
Veronica: I know. I guess, I don't know what talking about it will do for me. I mean it's better to not have it be this big secret that only I know, but what am I supposed to say? That I'm mad? That I'm hurt? (Her mouth is tight, her eyes narrowed and a V forming between her eyebrows) That any time it crosses my mind I feel dirty? That I…
Logan: (Interrupting) You're not dirty Veronica, you're…
She shushes him with her hand on his mouth.
Veronica: (Slight smile) Thanks, but one thing I know is that it's OK to feel however I feel, Logan. When I think about it, my skin crawls. I feel wrong. (Pause) I have to work through the emotions. (She smirks at the psycho babble lingo, then her face is serious again) This is gonna be a part of me for the rest of my life. I think about it less often than I used to, but sometimes, something reminds me, and it's all fresh again. I know what happened wasn't my fault. But it happened and it changed me. I'll never be that girl again.
She pauses again and Logan waits, feeling like a vice is tight around his chest constricting his ability to breath. He wants to encourage her to keep talking, wants to wrap her up into his arms and never let anything or anyone hurt her again. But instead he waits silently. His eyes carefully scour her face for information, wanting to read there any truths she might not be willing to give voice to.
Veronica: (Wavering) The video of Carmen. I remember the lights. Those stupid lanterns. I knew then that what happened to Carmen, happened the same night.
Logan: (Swallowing thickly) I'm sorry.
Veronica: 'S not your fault. (Holding his gaze) I wasn't feeling so great yesterday (Self-deprecating smile) and I wanted you to come over. But I didn't want to actually tell you that.
Logan: Why? I would have come over Veronica.
Veronica: I know. But I have to be able to do this on my own.
Veronica seems relatively at peace with it at the moment. It's Logan who feels like he can't breathe. He reaches out to cup his hand around her jaw, rubbing his thumb lightly over her smooth skin.
Logan: (Intensely)I love you. I loved you then, and I love you even more now. I'll love the next incarnation of you. too.
Veronica: (Leaning her head into his hand and his thumb strokes her cheek) I love you too. The slightly less jaded boy I knew before, and the you I know now. (Squints at him) The jackass you acted like last year, I could do without, but…
She smiles and slides forward to kiss him softly. They fall back into silence, Veronica cuddling into Logan's chest, breathing in his familiar scent. Some time later both realize that sleep isn't going to come easily that night. Logan takes a book ('Birches', by Robert Frost) out from his bag and Veronica decides to read through some of Lilly's emails.
She sits at her desk and opens email after email. Most of them include hints at some of Lilly's flirtations and efforts to antagonize her parents.
Veronica Voiceover: Lilly must have used this account for stuff she didn't want Duncan, Logan or I to see.
There are some emails from Troy and Dominic among others. Veronica shakes her head.
Veronica Voiceover: How did I never notice any of this?
Noticing a few labels on some of the messages, Veronica goes into the label management and sees that Lilly had sorted messages into folders. Clicking on one labeled 'Chasing Amy', she sees several messages from Serena Assi, spanning two years. Veronica sits back, remembering the scandal. Serena Assi's father was Thomas Assi, a conservative republican Congressman with the U.S. House of Representatives. Political pundits said he had higher aspirations - but that had all changed when his teenage daughter had made headlines for coming out as a lesbian, the month after her father sponsored legislation that would ban gay marriage. Her father had made his name on the national stage the year before by proposing legislation in the House to not allow gay couples to adopt or become foster parents. The legislation had never made it out of committee, but he had kept going, financially supporting a ballot measure in California that would do the same.
Veronica Voiceover: He sold himself as a conservative values man with the perfect family. But when his high school junior daughter came out he went into damage control and publicly disowned her.
There are several pictures of the girls together attached to the messages, showing two young happy faces, beaming at the camera.
Veronica Voiceover: (Surprised) Lilly dated a girl? The scandal happened when Lilly was a freshman and I was still in middle school. I remember the paparazzi and media being in town for a few days until Serena just disappeared.
She continues reading, and a few messages later sees that Serena's parents had sent her away to boarding school in Switzerland. But Serena wrote to Lilly that she wasn't going to let her father pretend anymore.
Veronica Voiceover: A few weeks after Serena disappeared, the media were losing interest. Then suddenly, the Washington Post ran a front page story on Assi's extramarital affairs, questionable fundraising, and secret offshore accounts with deposits from conservative religious groups and military contractors. He resigned in disgrace.
Veronica goes back and starts reading from the earliest messages. Lilly had sought out Serena and a relationship had blossomed from there.
Flashback
Summer before Lilly's freshman year at high school. Kane living room. Lilly and Veronica are watching music videos and reading gossip and fashion magazines. Their laughter abruptly halts when Celeste enters the room.
Lilly: Hello mommy dearest. What offense have I caused today?
Veronica: Hi, Mrs. Kane.
Celeste: (Haughty) Veronica. Lilly, may I speak to you in private?
Lilly: I don't see the point in that, Celeste. I'm just going to tell Veronica whatever you say to me anyway.
Veronica looks uncomfortable.
Celeste: Lilly. I just heard about your behavior this weekend from Mrs. Gant. (Seething but trying to appear calm) I will not tell you again, Lilly. You will not disrespect this family with your behavior anymore.
Lilly: (Angry but acting nonchalant) Or what? What are you going to do?
Celeste: Lilly, I just don't understand you. You could do so much with your life but not if you don't learn to buckle down and behave like a civilized, refined young woman. Do you have any idea how I feel when I hear Sarah Assi talking about Serena's accomplishments? What am I supposed to say when asked about my daughter? Serena is a nice, well-bred young woman. (Her eyes drift to Veronica and harden) You would do well to associate yourself with her. Learn from her.
Lilly: You're kidding, right? Serena's an unhappy, repressed lapdog. (Stands up to face her mother with full attitude on display) But you're right, she is well-bred. Like a good little doggie. She sits, speaks and rolls over on command.
Celeste: (Sharply) Lilly! That is enough!
Lilly: I'll be the one to decide what is and is not enough Celeste. (Shaking off her bad temper) Come on Veronica. Let's go upstairs. At least there we can have some privacy.
Veronica gets up quickly and leaves the room heading upstairs. Lilly turns to follow her then looks back at Celeste with a deadly smile.
Lilly: (soft sweet voice that promises darkness to come)Oh, mummy. Be careful what you wish for.
End flashback
Veronica Voiceover: Lilly must have known Serena was into girls. She set Serena up to fall.
Veronica can read in between the lines in the emails that Lilly wasn't really interested in Serena, but had obviously enjoyed the forbidden quality of their relationship. Serena on the other hand appeared to have genuine emotions for Lilly, writing endlessly about her love and when they would be free to be together openly.
Even after Lilly had dropped Serena, Serena had continued to email, appearing to not hold a grudge against Lilly, maybe never knowing that Lilly had never really been interested in her - just in ruining the girl that Celeste held up as an example for Lilly to follow.
Tired now, Veronica thinks she could sleep so she crawls into bed next to a sleeping Logan, carefully lifting the book off his chest and turning off the bedside light.
---------------
(Thursday)
The next morning Logan is stuck to Veronica like glue at school. After getting her books from her locker, he drags her down the hall to his. She plays like he's annoying her with his actions, but one view of Duncan in the hallway wipes the amusement from her face.
Veronica is standing with Logan, Dick, Rams, and Luke by Logan's locker.
Luke: Who's winning?
Dick: Rams is, man. He's killing Chester.
Rams: Yeah, what can I say? The ladies love them some me.
Veronica: Winning what?
Logan: (Casual tone, but quick) Nothing, just a stupid bet.
Rams: Yeah, it's nothing. Just some fun.
Dick and Luke both look away not meeting her gaze. She narrows her eyes on them, knowing instantly that they're up to something. Something that she won't like.
Veronica: (To Logan, sugary sweet) Snookems.
Logan: (Cautious) Yeah?
Veronica: (Smiling) What are you and your oh so charming friends up to?
Logan: I'm not up to anything, Sugarpuss. Where's the trust?
Veronica opens her mouth to respond but stops when Duncan walks up to them, greeting the guys easily.
Duncan: Luke, Rams.
Veronica tenses and unconsciously shifts closer to Logan, as he takes her hand in his.
Duncan: (Smiling) Logan. What's up? You missed some good waves this weekend.
Duncan reaches out to bump fists with Logan, but Logan is already turning his back on his friend and pulling Veronica down the hallway. Dick sees Logan's uptight expression as they move past and frowns looking from Logan and Veronica's retreating forms to Duncan.
Luke: Well, that was awkward.
Duncan looks troubled then smoothes his face, shrugs and starts talking about the party next weekend at Chester's house.
Dick turns to follow behind the couple to his and Veronica's English class and waits outside for Logan. Meg walks up to the door and Dick checks her out, whistling playfully. She is wearing a tight pink tanktop and a short white skirt.
Dick: Meg-alicious. You're earning your nickname today.
Meg: Thanks, Dick. That was an almost respectful.
Dick: Of course. I'm fully reformed now.
Meg: Really? (Smiles) Time will tell. (Motioning to the classroom) You coming in?
Dick: In a minute. (Winks) Save me a seat?
She nods as she walks past him. Inside the classroom she smiles, seeing Logan with Veronica. Veronica is trying to shoo Logan out but he isn't budging. As she takes her seat, Logan's smile falls and he looks at her with an intensity that makes her uncomfortable.
Veronica: Hi Meg.
Meg: Hey. Um, hi Logan.
Logan stares at her for a moment more then his eyes shift to Veronica again. They stare at each other, obviously having a silent conversation that Meg is not privy to. Veronica smiles gently.
Veronica: I'll see you later.
Logan: Wait for me after class, I'll walk -
Veronica: (Interrupting firmly) I'll see you in journalism. Not before.
Logan: Veronica.
Veronica: Kiss me and get to class Logan. Nothing's changed.
She tilts her head up and he kisses her lightly.
Logan: Everything's changed. (Forcing his tone to be lighter) And you just lied to me. What's the penalty for lying?
She shakes her head but tilts her cheek up to accept another kiss before he walks out. At the door he looks back at the girls his eyes dark and pensive, drifting over Veronica to Meg. Meg frowns not understanding the emotions she sees as he meets her eyes. Blinking in confusion, she turns to Veronica.
Meg: Did I do something wrong?
Veronica: I doubt it. You're Saint Meg after all.
Meg: I haven't heard that nickname in awhile.
"Saint Meg" was what Lilly had called Meg.
Veronica: I guess not.
Meg: Seriously, Veronica. Logan looked…upset at me?
Veronica: (Smiling, but it doesn't reach her eyes) It's nothing you've done.
Meg notes that Veronica didn't say that Logan wasn't upset. Just that Meg hadn't caused it.
Meg: OK.
In the hallway, Logan walks a few steps blindly, focused on his inner thoughts: namely, how he was supposed to be around Duncan now. He walks directly into Dick, who had put himself in Logan's path.
Dick: Dude.
Logan: Oh, hey man. I'll see you later.
Dick sidesteps to stay in front of Logan.
Dick: Is something going on?
Logan: Nah.
Dick: (Serious, reaching out to stop Logan again by the arm) OK. I'll rephrase. What is going on?
Logan: It's nothing man. (Dick just stares at him) It's nothing I can discuss.
Dick: (Stepping back and holding up his hands in surrender) OK. If you say so. So there's no need to stick close to Ronnie today. Good. More time to figure out which lucky girl to take to prom.
Logan: (Stopping and meeting his friend's eyes, trying to look and sound light and easy) Actually man, maybe you want to walk Veronica to her second period class?
Dick: (Shrugging) All right.
With the simplicity of boys, both nod and move on about their day.
Dick walks Veronica to History, stopping Enbom at the door. Veronica rolls her eyes as the two boys talk briefly, Enbom's eyes flickering to her fleetingly. He nods and then comes in the classroom to sit next to Veronica, as is their norm now.
Enbom: Should I even ask?
Veronica: Don't bother.
He shrugs his acceptance, but she can see the wheels in his mind turning. Dick might blindly obey Logan's cues but Enbom usually questioned things.
Wallace: (Taking his seat) Ask about what?
Veronica: Nothing.
Wallace: Right.
Wallace and Enbom share a look.
Enbom dutifully delivers Veronica to Journalism, where Logan is waiting anxiously for her outside the door. Enbom nods at Logan and continues down the hallway. Veronica stands with her head cocked to one side and hip thrust out, clearly indicating that she finds Logan exasperating. Her obvious annoyance makes him smile and he raises one eyebrow, challenging her to voice her complaint. She purses her lips into a compressed look of ire and walks haughtily into the room. Logan's smile widens and he follows her closely, already knowing that Duncan is not there yet.
In class Logan manages to maneuver Veronica into a corner computer workstation and they spend the period annoying each other in an effort to distract themselves from Duncan's presence.
Veronica: I'm not writing a column about whether this version of Halo is better than the last. It would only be two words long: 'Who cares?'
Logan: I know you can do better than that.
Veronica: Ok. How about four words. (Holding up a new finger for each word) 'Who gives a fuck?'
Logan: Baby, this is a 'He-said/She-said' column; Halo is an important part of any guy's life. You could at least try to care about the same things as me.
Veronica: Like beer pong?
Logan: Hey, you like beer pong too. Or you would if you didn't completely suck at it.
Veronica: Is that supposed to hurt my feelings? That I'm not good at throwing a ping pong ball into a cup of beer? Really?
Logan: How about we write the column about whether you can make your girlfriend less bitchy?
Veronica: That's also gonna be a short article. Hmm, I'm not sure how I would start, but the last sentence would be 'Enjoy being single, loser.'
Logan: (Smirks) I heard that you could actually change a girl's attitude (He leans in and lowers his voice) by fucking her. (His eyes lower to her mouth pausing there before drifting down her body, focusing on a bit of stomach showing) Apparently there's some protein in sperm that acts as an antidepressant.
Veronica reaches out to tilt his chin back up so his eyes meet hers, but her eyes are shining and she is trying to suppress a smile.
Veronica: How about we write about why girls want a guy to look her in the eye? And you can attempt some lame justification as to why that is so difficult.
Logan: (Shrugs) OK.
Veronica: OK? Just like that?
Logan: Well, it's a good one. A classic male/female communication breakdown.
Veronica: All right.
Logan: But - I think we should revisit my topic idea. Do some research. (She quirks an eyebrow) I'll annoy you, then… (His dark eyes bore into her promising good times to come). We can document the results.
Veronica: (Sighs, shaking her head) I assume the experiment would need to be repeated?
Logan: (Acting serious) Oh, several times at least.
Veronica: I am a firm supporter of the sciences.
Logan smirks back at her. They spend the rest of the period arguing good-naturedly about their column. Leaving class, Logan walks Veronica to her locker then to the gym. Just before entering the girls locker room Veronica turns back to Logan.
Veronica: You realize that in order for your little reduce the bitchiness experiment we'd have to document my moods for several days without the…variable.
Logan grabs her hand and pulls her back towards him.
Logan: Not true, Dr. Ruth. We can document your mood on successive days. One morning without, one with. The next day, the afternoon. You get the picture.
She smiles and shakes her head.
Veronica: You're incorrigible.
--------------
Logan sends Luke to walk Veronica from PE to lunch. Veronica tries to be annoyed but can't manage it. She knows Logan only has good intentions. And she uses it to her advantage talking to Luke about prom and Carmen. Luke sits down at her table where Wallace is waiting. Wallace notes the reappearance of her 09er escort service and looks at her.
Wallace: Why do you suddenly have a rotating guard of 09ers? Did something happen?
Veronica: I'll tell you later.
Her attention is caught by something across the quad and Wallace looks up to see Logan and Duncan facing each other. Duncan looks confused, while Logan looks awkward and tense, his face tipped down as he scuffs his foot on the ground. Duncan is speaking but they are too far away to overhear the words. Logan shifts restlessly on his feet and Duncan becomes frustrated as Logan continues to look at his feet and not respond to whatever Duncan is saying. Duncan's voice rises and now most of the quad is paying close attention to the reigning 09er leaders as they face off.
Duncan: What the hell, man? I thought we were supposed to be friends?
That manages to get a response from Logan at last. He looks up and his eyes flash dangerously.
Logan: I thought so, too. But you haven't seemed to have much of a problem avoiding me lately.
Duncan: Is that what this is about? I've been busy. You know how it is. When are you free this week, let's hang out.
Logan: No.
Among the interested audience in the lunch quad are Nadia and Noah Dawson, keeping to themselves as usual. Nadia watches the interaction between Logan and his best friend with hawk-like intensity. Noah is more laid back, his eyes drifting from the guys to Veronica.
Duncan: OK,(Tone indicating that Logan is being difficult) how about next week?
Logan: No. I mean NO. No. Period. And no. I don't know how it is. I don't know you. I thought I did, (Shaking his head) but man, was I wrong.
Duncan looks confused and the rest of the 09ers are getting nervous. This doesn't look like something that will be easily mended. Logan looks like he wants to say more, maybe even wants to hit Duncan, his body coiled with tension, but he sees Veronica out of the corner of his eye and settles back on his heels. He turns and blandly looks at his longtime friend, then the rest of the lunch quad. Raising his head high he walks with casual ease to Veronica's table. As he passes the 09er guys normal table Dick and Rams stand and follow him to Veronica's table.
Veronica Voiceover: Looks like Logan just drew a line in the sand and people are already taking sides.
Wallace: (To Veronica) You gonna explain that later, too?
Veronica's eyes are glued to Logan as he sits down opposite her at the table. Receiving no answer, Wallace turns to Logan.
Wallace: Man, you keep this up and you're going to officially loose your jackass status. (Nods) Good job.
Veronica breaks her stare with Logan long enough to roll her eyes.
Veronica: Where's Mac? I'm surrounded by testosterone-impaired idiots, I need some more estrogen around.
Dick: (Making a gross face) We're about to eat Ronnie. Keep all that female reproductive crap to yourself.
She makes a face back at him and kicks him under the table. Logan smiles and everyone else enjoys Dick's complaining as they chow down on Mexican food.
About half way through lunch Rams gets up, looking down at Veronica, he pauses.
Rams: Um… I see someone I need to talk to.
He looks awkward then walks away. Veronica turns to watch him sit down at a table with Amanda, the girl Logan had been flirting with at Madison's birthday party. Rams and Amanda talk briefly then Rams stands up and comes back towards their table with a large smile. He looks past them to where Chester is sitting and rubs his thumb against his fingers in the international symbol for money. Chester flips him off. Veronica frowns, still not understanding what their bet was about, and knowing that they were deliberately trying to keep it from her. A loud noise draws her attention to another table as Kate Rakes slams her water bottle down on the table and stands up to glare at Rams before moving into the school. Rams looks less happy when he sits back down at the table.
Veronica: I hope whatever bet this is, is worth pissing Kate off for.
Rams looks unsure.
At the end of lunch Chester walks past their table with an evil smirk at Rams.
Chester: I got Roxie. Better be careful, I'm catching up.
---------------
After lunch, Logan unhappily walks Veronica to Calculus, the only class other than Journalism that she shares with Duncan. Logan stops at the door, not releasing Veronica's hand from his firm grip.
Veronica: (Head tilt) You're going to give yourself an ulcer. Calm down. Nothing is going to happen. Duncan barely even talks to me. (Reassuring) It'll be fine.
Logan still looks tense.
Veronica: Logan. Go.
She pulls her hand from his, then pushes up on her tip toes to kiss him. While their lips meet his hand curls around her jeans' waistband, holding her close again.
Logan: Well, I'm definitely not going now.
Veronica: (Laughing) Go!
Mac appeared at that moment and Logan finally relinquishes his hold on Veronica.
-----------------
Leaving Physics Veronica finds Casey waiting for her and shakes her head. Mac, Casey and Veronica walk down the hallway together.
Veronica: Case. I consider you to be one of the more intelligent, level headed 09ers.
Mac: Dammed with faint praise.
Casey: (Grinning at Mac, speaking to Veronica) But?
Veronica: But here you are, taking your turned as my assigned escort between classes.
Casey: A friend asked me for an easy favor, and since it fell nicely in line with a need of my own…
Veronica: (Sighs) All right. As long as you have an ulterior motive.
Casey: Yeah. (Losing his humor) Maybe we could speak alone?
Mac raises one eyebrow.
Veronica: You can speak freely in front of Mac. She has the highest security clearance. (Seeing that Casey is not amused) Or not, if it's personal.
Mac: I can go.
Casey: (Quickly) No. No, if Veronica trusts you, I don't have a problem with it.
Veronica: So, what's up?
Casey: It's Nadia.
Veronica: (Frowning) Yeah. I meant to talk to you about her. (Pausing) I haven't seen you with her lately.
Casey: No. We're not together. In fact, if I never saw her again - it would be too soon.
Mac: What'd she do?
Casey: She's crazy. And not in that girl/relationship crazy way. I mean seriously nuts.
Veronica: Like needs-medication crazy?
Casey: No. Like needs-to-be-locked-up-in-a-loony-bin crazy.
Mac: Why do you think that?
Casey: Look, I don't want to go into details but she destroyed my room, all my clothes, my old pictures of friends and Darcy… Everything.
Mac: Why?
Casey: Because I didn't answer a question to her satisfaction.
Veronica: (Slowly) OK.
Casey: She was always trying to get information about us. You, Logan, me, Duncan. Lilly. Other people. (Looking at Mac) You too.
Mac: Me?
Veronica: Why?
Casey: I think she's obsessed with Logan. I know they knew each other before…
Veronica: Yeah. In New York. She wanted him, he was with someone else.
Mac: Obsessed is a strong word.
Case: And I don't use it lightly. At first I though she was just trying to get to know how everyone fit together, then I realized it. She just wanted to know who people were in relation to Logan. And how she could hurt or manipulate them.
Veronica: To get to Logan.
Mac: Wow. Logan has his own stalker. Must run in the family.
Veronica: (Vehemently) Logan is nothing like his dad.
Mac: (Conciliatory) OK. Sorry. I didn't see the hidden landmine.
Veronica: Sorry, Mac. Sore subject.
Casey: Look, just be careful ok. She's getting careless. I found a bunch of pictures she had of Logan. Like paparazzi pictures.
Veronica: Surveillance pictures.
Casey: Yeah. And she sees you as the main obstacle in her way.
Mac: And if she wants to hurt Logan, Veronica would be the best way to do that.
----------------
Luke walks Veronica out of school after their seventh period Spanish class and if he hadn't agreed to talk to Carmen about prom, which made Veronica happy, she thought she might have steam coming out of her ears. Being escorted around school for even one day by 09ers, even if she would call a few of them (namely Luke and Enbom) 'friends', was testing her patience.
Climbing into Logan's Xterra she opens her mouth to voice her dissatisfaction, but he beats her too it, his words making her frustration inconsequential.
Logan: My grandma called.
Veronica: (Sharply) What did she say? Did she find anything?
Logan: I don't know yet. She left a message, I just saw her name on the display.
Veronica: (Impatient) Well? Check your messages.
Logan: (Amused) Can it wait till I'm not driving?
Veronica: (Huffs) Fine.
Logan: (Smug) Safety first.
Veronica: Keep pushing it, I'll remember why I was so annoyed with you earlier.
Logan: (Flatly) You're going to have to get over that annoyance. Especially since I talked to Casey today.
Veronica: (Sour) Great. Remind me to thank him for that later.
Logan: Don't worry Sugarpuss, I thanked him for both of us.
Logan drives to Veronica's apartment, and once inside they check to make sure Keith isn't home Logan, plays the message on speakerphone.
Logan: Let's see what the old battleaxe found out.
Grandma Lester: Hello Logan. I have some information for you regarding your rather unusual request. I would leave it on your voicemail, but if I actually want to speak with my grandson, I apparently have to play games. Call me back.
Veronica: Busted.
Logan: Shut up.
Veronica: Call her.
Logan: I am.
The phone rings.
Grandma Lester: Lester residence.
Logan: Hi, Grandma. It's Logan.
Grandma Lester: Logan. You returned my call.
Logan: I always return your calls, Grandma.
Grandma Lester: Perhaps. But you do not call me unbidden.
Logan: (Sighs) Veronica's here with me Grandma.
Veronica: Hello, Mrs. Lester.
Grandma Lester: Logan, why didn't you say she was there? I would not have aired my grievance with you.
Logan: (Slumping down) Sorry.
Grandma Lester: Since you heard that Veronica, perhaps you could encourage Logan to take pity on his elderly, doddering grandparents. Growing old has few distinctions, but hearing from a grandchild is one of them.
Logan: (Groaning) Grandma…
Veronica: I will, Mrs. Lester. Logan is lucky to have you. Not that I think you are elderly or doddering.
Grandma Lester: Smart girl. You would be similarly smart to keep this one, Logan.
Logan: I know. That's why I took out the LoJack on her.
Veronica glares at Logan who smiles back serenely.
Grandma Lester: I don't understand.
Veronica: Did you find something, Mrs. Lester?
Grandma Lester: Yes. And I think we've moved past the formalities, Veronica. You know my daughter's dirty secrets, and I now know one of yours. Call me 'Eleanor'. Or if you like you may call me 'Grandma'.
Veronica and Logan both look surprised.
Veronica: Oh. Thanks. Um. Eleanor.
She makes a face.
Grandma Lester: (Dryly) Perhaps you would be more comfortable addressing me as my grandchildren do behind my back, as 'Grandma Hatchet'?
Logan's mouth falls open.
Grandma Lester: Close your mouth, Logan, dear. You'll catch flies. And Veronica will hardly want to kiss you then.
Logan: Wha -How -When?
Grandma Lester: I have hardly managed to keep this family together and solvent by being unobservant Logan. You and your cousins are not as sneaky as you think.
Veronica giggles.
Veronica: I would love to call you 'Grandma Hatchet'.
Grandma Lester: (Amused) Good. Now, down to business?
Logan: Sure. Why not?
Veronica: Did you find the account?
Grandma Lester: It was not easy and I believe a bribe or two may have been involved, but yes. We have identified the account and managed to get a complete record. I know when the account was created, under which identity, and all the deposits and withdrawals - including where those deposits came from. I assume you would like a paper copy of all this information.
Veronica: Yes. As soon as possible.
Grandma Lester: Of course. Now; my accountant managed to find the account the deposits originated from - and that was quite a feat considering the account was hidden within several shell companies. In the end, however, it was clear - though not legally provable - whose account it was. I feel the need to warn you. You may feel as if this man is your friend. That you have known him for many years and therefore are safe -
Logan: (Interrupting) We know the money is from Jake Kane, Grandma. We just needed to prove it.
Veronica: And I know that he is not his public image. No one amasses that much wealth and power without gaining enemies, and stepping on people.
Grandma Lester: I will send you the information. Again I caution you to be careful. Some of the shell companies he was using to hide this account do less than unsavory work. Exercise discretion.
Logan: Thanks, Grandma.
Grandma Lester: You are both welcome. Now, Logan. I wanted to discuss your summer plans. I thought having a summer retreat this year for all the family would be nice.
Logan groans.
-------------------
That night, Logan and Veronica go out on a simple dinner date, and then return to the Echolls' estate. Bypassing the main house, they walk to the pool house, enjoying the quiet, peaceful time after a day of tension. They move back towards the pool house bedroom, but for once they are not pealing off clothes as soon as they cross the threshold. Instead Logan flicks on the track lighting along the side of the room and both of them lie back on the bed with their feet dangling off the end.
Veronica: (Rubbing her stomach) I'm stuffed.
Logan: You should be. You ate more than me and I'm twice your size.
Veronica: It was good.
Logan: (Smiling) I know. You know, I think there is something really sexy about watching a girl eat.
Veronica: (Turning her head to look at him) A girl? Just any girl?
Logan: (Rolls his eyes) You.
Veronica: That's better.
------------
Cut to Keith and Alicia out at a wine bar. They sip wine and sample a few slices of cheese off a plate. Their eyes are warm and their expressions soft and tender as they drink and talk. Keith reaches across the table to take Alicia's hand.
Keith: We've been dating for a while now.
Alicia: Several months. Our kids would consider that a long-term relationship.
Keith: (Smiling, but there is a shadow behind his eyes) I suppose so.
Alicia: (Squeezing his hand) Keith. You need to get used to the idea of Logan being in Veronica's life.
Keith: They're too young.
Alicia: They -so you're worried about both of them? Let's be honest here. You're concerned about Veronica. If she broke Logan's heart tomorrow you wouldn't spare a single thought for him.
Keith: She's my daughter, and he's-
Alicia: (Interrupting) He's the boy in love with your daughter.
Keith: They don't know what love is.
Alicia: She's seventeen, Keith. And as much as I want to agree, I can't. Veronica is a young woman, and old enough to know her own heart.
Keith: (Emphasis) Young.
Alicia: Yes, but she's emotionally mature. And while Logan may still be immature is some ways, he's absolutely in love with Veronica and completely dedicated to her. And she loves him right back. I'm afraid that if you keep this up, you'll regret it.
Keith: Keep what up? I backed off, let them stay together.
Alicia: (Amused) Yes; you dropped your demand that she break up with him, but you're kidding yourself if you think that she's comfortable with your objections to her relationship.
Keith: I can't change how I feel.
Alicia: Keith. (Reprimanding look) You can. And you will if you don't want to risk a chasm opening up between you and Veronica.
Keith: I know my daughter.
Alicia: And I believe I do too. I don't want to fight with you over this. But I support Veronica on this one. Logan is good for her.
Keith: Why do I always end up thinking that I've missed some vital piece of information in conversations with you and Veronica about Logan?
Alicia: Because you are. And no, I won't tell you. You have to trust me and your daughter on this one. Logan loves her. And she loves and trusts him. Don't try to interfere. If you're right and they aren't really in love, then it will fall apart soon enough. When they go to college, odds are they'll go to different schools. (Calmly adamant) But in the meantime, you need to respect their commitment to each other.
Keith: Alicia, if there is something I need to know, something about Veronica, you need to tell me.
Alicia: No. And if you tell Veronica I told you anything, you'll be spending a lot more nights alone, since neither she nor I will be interested in spending time with you.
Keith: Great.
Alicia: You'll back off?
Keith: Do I have a choice?
Alicia: No. But you could be more gracious about it.
Keith is silent for a long moment.
Keith: While I don't appreciate being on the outside of whatever conversations you're having with Veronica, I'm glad you two get along. That she has a woman she trusts that she can go to.
Alicia: (Swallows and looks emotional) I always wanted a daughter.
Keith smiles.
Alicia: I should warn you. I invited Logan to Sunday dinner. He'll need some normalcy after visiting his mother in rehab.
It is unsaid that Veronica will be visiting Leanne at the same time.
Keith: Alicia. Leanne …
Alicia: Yes. I suppose we should discuss it.
She pulls her hand from his, but he easily recaptures it.
Keith: I don't want to get back together with Leanne. I've moved on. (Smiles)
Alicia: But she could be different now, if she's sober, more like the woman you married...
Keith: Maybe. For Veronica's sake, I hope so. But it doesn't change things for me. Leanne and I should never have gotten married. She wasn't over her ex. I don't think she ever got over him.
Alicia: You're a good man Keith. To have stayed with her all those years… And it wasn't a mistake. You have Veronica.
Keith: Yes. (Teasing) If only she could have stayed a little girl forever, I could be happy.
Alicia: You don't mean that. You've raised a fine daughter, Keith. And she'll make a good life for herself. That's what makes us happy as parents. Knowing that we did the best we could to give them what they need to go out into the world on their own and make their dreams come true. As a parent, we'd sacrifice anything for that. We'd do anything.
Keith: We have raised some pretty great kids.
Both smile.
------------
Cut back to Logan and Veronica, lying silently on the bed side by side.
Logan: (Pulling her into his side, her head resting on his chest over his heart)Veronica. I don't want you to take any chances. Not around Duncan and not around Nadia.
Veronica: Duncan has left me alone for more than a year, Logan. And Nadia wants you. Or wants to hurt you. Not me.
Logan: Was Duncan leaving you alone when he asked you out earlier this year? 'Cause I don't think that qualifies as leaving you alone. And Nadia could come after you. We don't know.
Veronica: I'll do some research. Do you still keep in touch with any of the kids from New York? We should call them.
Logan: Why?
Veronica: 'Cause if we know how she's acted in the past we'll be better prepared for what she might do now.
Logan: Maybe. Yeah. There are a few people I could call.
Veronica: We'll do that tomorrow.
Silence.
Veronica: Logan. Let's make a deal.
She moves so she is lying on his chest, her chin resting on her crossed hands, looking him dead in the eye.
Logan: Why am I suddenly afraid?
Veronica: I'll agree to be careful not to be alone with Duncan, and not put myself in any situations where Duncan or Nadia could corner me.
Logan: And what would I have to agree to?
Veronica: You agree that I don't need an escort at school.
Logan: Veronica …
Veronica: No, Logan. I'm trying to be understanding about this.
Logan: This?
Veronica: You being protective of me. Overprotective. I think I've been pretty understanding about your jealousy, but Logan…I don't want your friends hovering over me every time I turn around.
Logan is silent. Finally he rolls them onto their sides.
Logan: I don't like it, Veronica. I don't want Duncan near you. But if you promise to be careful, I'll back off. But, the second something happens all bets are off.
They stare at each other for a long moment.
Veronica: All right. (Slight smile) See? That wasn't so hard, was it? We both managed to disagree and be reasonable enough to arrive at a compromise.
Logan: I feel so mature. Now, I need a drink.
Veronica rolls her eyes.
Logan: Water Veronica, not alcohol. It's hot.
Veronica: Sorry.
Logan: Don't worry. I'll let you make it up to me in just a minute.
She smiles as he leaves the room and flops onto her back, staring up at the ceiling. Directly above the bed is a pretty silver and dark wood ceiling fan. She frowns and her eyes narrow as she notes a line, the kind that you conceal wires under, running from the fan along the ceiling to disappear behind a set of double bookshelves on the wall. Looking back at the fan, she stands up on the bed to get closer and clearly sees an aperture hidden in the fan. Stepping off the bed she calls for Logan.
Veronica: Logan!
Logan: Just a minute.
She moves towards the bookcase and pushes on it feeling a small movement. Logan reenters the room carrying two glasses of water with lemon wedges just as Veronica slides the bookcase apart revealing a video recorder and two screens, both trained on different views of the bed. Logan sets the glasses down and comes over looking at the set up then at Veronica. She looks back at the bed, then goes over to it to check what the screens show. Both their faces are horrified as Veronica appears on one of the screens, waving her arm under the camera.
Logan: I didn't know I swear.
Veronica: I know.
Logan: You have to believe me, I didn't know.
Veronica: (Louder) I know.
She walks back to him, taking his hand and squeezing it.
Logan: You do?
Veronica: I trust you, Logan.
Logan: That bastard. That dirty, whoring bastard. This is my mother's home.
Veronica looks pained, sharing his disgust. She sees what appear to be flat-faced drawers beneath the recorder and pulls one open. It is full of tapes. Logan makes a nearly inhuman sound and rapidly jerks open the other three drawers. Scowling, he pulls one free and marching to the mostly for show gas fireplace, this being sunny southern California, throws all the tapes into the opening. Veronica stops him as he is reaching for the auto-start button.
Veronica: Logan, no.
Logan: That fucker won't be able to get off on watching himself fucking his whores anymore.
Veronica: No, Logan. This is evidence.
Logan: What?
Veronica: These tapes. They're proof that your dad cheated on your mom. If she proceeds with the divorce, he won't be able to dispute this evidence. There must be more than eighty tapes here.
Logan: (Swallowing hard) I'd have to tell her…
Veronica: (Quietly) She already knows, Logan. She knows.
Logan: What do we do?
Veronica: When does your dad get home?
Logan: Not until next week. Wednesday, I think.
Veronica: OK, so here's what we'll do. We need to get one of those fast VHS dubbing machines. We copy each tape and put it back in the drawer.
Logan: Why?
Veronica: Because then he won't know we have them. He'll think his secret is safe.
Veronica Voiceover: By the time Aaron finds out during the divorce, Logan will be safely away from him.
Logan nods and begins picking up the tapes from the fireplace putting them back in the drawer. Veronica helps and noting that the other drawers are in date order reorders the tapes properly. She frowns as she sees several gaps in the chronology, then shrugs assuming that those were times when Aaron was out of town.
Logan: I'll go to BestBuy in the morning. I'll have to skip school and copy the tapes all day.
Suddenly his face tenses and he punches the wall.
Veronica: What?
Logan: I can't cut school tomorrow, I have to be there with you -
Veronica: You don't. I'll be fine.
Logan: …and I need to talk to Meg.
Veronica's mouth falls open.
Logan: (Seeing her expression) What?
Veronica: You want to talk to Meg.
Logan: Yes.
Veronica: About Duncan.
Logan: Yes.
Veronica: What are you going to say?
Logan: (Frustrated) I don't know. Something.
Veronica: I already tried.
Logan: But you must not have said everything, cause there is no way you said to Meg Manning, princess of purity, "Duncan raped me and that's why I don't think you should date him." If you had she wouldn't be with him.
Veronica: (Deep, uneven breath) I told her…I basically told her I was raped. I told her Duncan was responsible.
Logan: Responsible. That's different than being your assailant.
Veronica: (Looking down)I didn't really know what to say.
Logan: I know. (Hugging her) I know. I'll figure it out.
Veronica: We'll figure it out.
Logan: Right. What you said.
They slump back down on the bed, exhausted. Veronica is playing with Logan's hand, keeping a physical connection between them, knowing it helped to calm him down. Logan leans over and kisses her cheek, making a trail to her mouth. She turns her head to welcome his kiss but as her mouth opens she gasps and stands up abruptly.
Veronica: Logan! We've been together in here! What if your dad - what if we were taped?
Logan looks shocked. Both turn to look towards the drawers full of tapes.
Logan: I don't… I don't know.
Veronica: (Looking ill) I guess it depends if the cameras are motion activated or if they have to be turned on in order to work.
Her stomach rolls with nausea, recalling each time she and Logan had been together in this room.
Logan: I'll kill him. I'll kill him if he recorded us, Veronica.
She hugs him tightly pressing her face into his chest, scared of a whole host of possibilities.
----
new AN:
Thanks for the reviews, the next chapter will be up on schedule, I'll most likely have it up on Sept 10 or 11. I'm not withholding the chapter, it just takes a little while to write it. It's a long one this time over 15k words.
AN:
I was going to go farther in this chapter, but I think if I leave it here, a mini-cliffhanger you might be more likely to review. So here's the deal. If I get a good amount of reviews (I'd like to hit 1000 for this story, I know, greedy bitch) with the recent downturn in reviews that won't happen. So. I'm going to withhold the next chapter until I get reviews. You want a chapter. I want reviews. Simple negotiation. So come on. Hit the review key.
As for the rape, some of you think it wasn't a rape, and some of you think Duncan should be in jail for the rape. I'm going to stand by my opinion, that while it might not be legally classified as a rape it was an obvious violation of Veronica, and Duncan was wrong from a moral standpoint. No excuses.
correction: in a previous author's note, I said something was going to happen with MacBom around this time. But I changed my mind. Sorry. They were going to break up but now they're not. At least not anytime soon. I think.
As some of you have noticed and commented on, I am teasing the MaDi supporters with tossing Mac and Dick together and giving them reasons to see each other in new lights. I will probably keep going, and I'll be teasing something else soon enough that should send you all squeeing. We'll see.
I had big plans initially for the Dawson kids story line, but it's kinda fizzled. There was so much going on already that it just didn't fit. I will close it out, but it's feeling a bit like I'm phoning it in.
Word count: 7,933