Chapter 1

Tucked underneath the soft gray comforter, she rested. Most of her clothes from the day before had fallen in a pile near the over-flowing laundry-hamper. The light emerging from the blinds in bars woke Veronica up to an empty bed. Glancing at the alarm clock, the bright red numbers read 7:30am. She mumbled something unintelligible.

Veronica begrudgingly got out of the king-size bed, dressed in only a long t-shirt and underwear, and took a few steps toward her dresser. She pulled out a bra, plain blue v-neck, and her favorite pair of jeans. She made sure to check the mirror in the attached bathroom and brush through her hair a few times. Veronica then ambled downstairs to the aroma of bacon grease and toast filling the room. Logan was by the stove in the kitchen, standing in his boxer briefs and a baggy white shirt, finishing up the last round of strips. Pony was wagging her tail following Logan's every move. On the counter was a plate of eggs, bacon, and toast with Veronica's name on it.

"Hungry?" He asked, beaming, once she came into view. His cut above his left eye was barely noticeable but the skin around the area turned ever so slightly a shade of purple. "There's toast, bacon, and eggs."

"Yes, I can see that." Veronica gave him a warm smile. She walked over to the plate and nibbled on a piece of bacon. Pony ambled towards Veronica trying to gouge a bite with little luck. "You've already had your breakfast," she cooed. Veronica then quickly moved over to the Keurig, grabbed a mug from the shelf above, and made herself a single cup of french vanilla coffee. "Trina still here?"

Logan switched the knob off on the stove and placed the skillet off to the side. He turned facing Veronica. "Yeah, I'm letting her sleep off the hang over."

The two of them sat down at the dining table for a nice, quiet breakfast which was disrupted almost immediately by Trina stumbling in, groggy, with her clothes on from last night wrinkled and stained, make-up smeared all over her eyes and strands of hair balled up in knots. In her mid-thirties, Trina Echolls still acted childish. She recognized Logan first. "What happened last night?" She sat down in a chair next to Veronica. Trina looked quizzical at her for a moment. "Nice to see you Veronica. Visiting?"

Veronica smirked. "No, I live here."

Trina's mouth fell open. She swallowed hard. "Oh. Good for you two after all these years. I am so happy for you." Veronica assumed Trina was trying to be sincere but there was still an air of condescension in the way Trina uttered those last words.

Veronica nodded with a stuffed face full of bacon. "Thanks."

A few moments of awkwardness soon passed.

"So...Where's Rob?" Trina asked, breaking the tension, while stealing a piece of toast off Logan's plate. She winced a few times being barely able to see out of her eyes. Rubbing them only made matters worst. Her head throbbed. Internally, she felt like a truck ran over her and then got hit in the head with a bag of bricks.

The three of them all looked in different directions for a moment. Staring off in silence.

"You don't remember?" Logan questioned, his attention back to his sister. "Anything?" This morning was in the running for the most uncomfortable breakfast of the year.

"No." Trina contemplated what to say next while piecing together the events of the night in her mind. "I remember walking into the '09er and then everything went fuzzy like on an old analog TV."

"Your guy is probably asleep in some alleyway." Logan shook his head in indignation. "After he punched me in the eye. What the hell did you two take?"

"He, what? I, I mean, it was just MDMA..." She trailed off. Her mouth curved upwards. "It's fine. I'm fine. Don't worry about me." Trina got up after finishing the last bit of toast. She lost balance and had to hold on to the back of Veronica's chair. "Mind if I take a shower? Freshen up a bit?"

Veronica glanced at Logan with an eyebrow raised. He audibly sighed and then nodded. An unspoken conversation between them. "Sure Trin, go on ahead," Logan answered.

"Thanks. I'll be out of your hairs in no time."

Not soon enough. Veronica whispered under her breath while staring down at her half-eaten eggs.

Logan was next to rise up. He brought all the dishes over to the sink and began washing a few when his phone buzzed loudly. Wiping his hands against paper towels, he went to checked his inbox filled with texts. He stopped dead in his tracks. "Veronica?"

"Yeah." She perked up.

"Remember Connor Larkin?"

"Oh yeah." Veronica's voice raised up an octave. "It was the summer after college freshman year. He was a big movie star. I was just a fan. Things got hot and heavy. The tabloids said it would never work. He then went off to shoot a TV show pilot and I never saw him again."

"Right, okay..." Logan's facial expression hardened. He flipped through message after message. "I just got informed he's dead." Hardly someone he kept in touch with; however, he had known Connor a long time.

Veronica frowned; her fork slipped out of her hand and fell to the floor with a loud thunk. Worst breakfast ever.

*x**x**x**x*

*Breaking News: Connor Larkin, best known for his blockbusters in the early 00s, died of an accidental overdose in his Los Angeles apartment early May 14th. He was 34.*

All over every media outlet from ABC, NBC, E!, TMZ to Facebook and Twitter revealed the special report. Articles detailing the tragedy of the late teen heart-throb who never quite made it to the big time cropped up everywhere. Images of his chiseled features and million dollar smile flashed on every screen.

The actor's last movie premiered on Lifetime. A sizzling steam pile of shit called the Husband's Revenge. He played the home-wrecker, a wealthy stock broker with an affinity for going after married women. Larkin had previously starred in two TV-dramas in the past, though both were cancelled after only one season. His most popular movies were filmed during his heart-throb years. The ones made when Aaron Echolls was still alive. When teenage girls still pinned a magazine clipping of Larkin up on their walls next to Chad Michael Murray and Adam Brody. Many years passed since then and no academy award nominations or box office hits later, Connor Larkin had been relegated to TV-movies and guest spots on E! to stay relevant.

In the late afternoon, evidence proved he had overdosed on a deadly mixture of prescription drugs including alphrazolam, diazepam, doxylamine, and hydrocodone. Some were even ruling it a suicide. His girlfriend of six years, also an actress on a popular CBS show, found him that morning not breathing.

Around five pm, Veronica drove toward the Warehouse District. On her way, she witnessed two stop-and-frisks. She filmed the second one of a boy no older than sixteen getting pushed up against the cop car and threatened with a taser. Veronica contemplated on letting Mac post it to YouTube with the label, Police Brutality. It wouldn't change anything really. Deputy Lyles would just get a slap on the wrist. She needed to catch him doing something bigger for Langdon to take action; however as Keith numerously stated, it was more of his concern. As Veronica entered the empty office, she noticed the phone on Mac's desk flashed with six new messages.

An hour passed by. Mac finally arrived later than expected. "Sorry, I couldn't find my keys."

"How was the date?" Veronica inquired. Mac had been in Best Buy looking for equipment one day when she began talking to a 30 year old, MIT grad, buying cable connectors. He worked as a computer programmer for a private fortune 500 company in Neptune. Zachary Eberhardt had tousled brown hair and a lanky physique but his green eyes were mesmerizing. A week later, they ran into each other again at Java the Hut and he had asked her out.

Mac sat down at her desk, organizing a few things before peering back up at her best friend who was eagerly waiting the details. "Zack ended back at my place."

"Mac-Attack!" Veronica clapped her hands together in excitement. "So it went well?"

"Yeah, I mean there was no moment during the night where I wanted to gouge my eyes out with an ice-cream scooper." She gave Veronica a coy smile. "He wants to go out again next weekend."

"That's great! Logan and I will have to get drinks with you two soon."

Mac's eyes widened. "O-oh I dunno about that yet. Anyway, new case?"

"Just a fraudulent claim. I need you to find his true identity by working some of your hacker magic." Veronica handed Mac a paper with scribbled information.

Mac slumped in her chair somewhat disappointed. "Easy."

Before Veronica could get another word in, a beautiful woman with high cheek bones and long, luscious blonde hair strolled in. Her outfit alone could pay six months worth of the Mars' office rent. The oddly familiar face had on an expensive Marchesa white blouse, Armani pants and wore sleek, black Jimmy Choos. Her piercing blue eyes were blotchy from the looks of crying all morning. "May I speak to Ms. Mars?"

"That's me." Veronica took her hand out. The woman mindlessly shook it. "How can I help you?"

The woman sniffled before responding, "Can we talk in, er, private?"

"Right this way." Veronica led her through the glass door and showed her to the seat across from her comfy leather chair.

The woman's eyes darted around the room. "Not to sound cavalier, but has anyone told you to update your office? I feel like I just stepped onto a set from the '70s."

Veronica pursed her lips. "Yeah, I'll let my interior decorator know next time she's in town."

The women gazed at Veronica intently. "Sorry, it's been a rough day. I'm Marcie Jacobs. There hasn't been one cop to take me serious. I heard you were the one to seek for these kinds of matters." Marcie had a look of disbelief strewn across her face. Veronica didn't exactly fit the stereotypical appearance of what Marcie had in mind for a private investigator. At five foot two, Veronica could still pass for a cheerleader.

Veronica gasped realizing Marcie Jacobs was the actress who played an FBI agent on the number one show on CBS. She was also the long-time girlfriend of Connor Larkin. Veronica chest tightened and regained her composure. "And that would be?"

Marcie sat down and cupped her hands in her lap. "I want you to find the person or persons responsible for the death of Connor Larkin."

"Marcie Jacobs, right? You were the one who found him. I am so sorry for your loss." Veronica recalled back to the new reports. The LAPD had a open-and-shut case. "What's makes you think it wasn't an accident?"

"I know Connor. I love him. We've been together for almost seven years. He's not going to take a bunch of pills when just a week ago..." Two tears streamed down Marcie's face, "...he found out I'm pregnant. He couldn't have been more elated." She quickly wiped the salty tears away and tucked a few loose strands of hair behind her ear. Feeling vulnerable, her facial features contorted into a sharp frown. She leaned closer. "Look, I've got a bunch of ass-hat paparazzi following me around and newscasters asking for interviews and the what-not. Not to mention, if word gets out I'm pregnant... I'll be staying at the Neptune Grand suite until all this settles down. We've always preferred our privacy."

"Were you with him the night before?"

"No, but..." She took a deep breath. "Connor wasn't an addict. I'm not even entirely sure how he came into possession of some of these drugs they are saying were in his system." Marcie paused possibly to control herself from tearing up for the umpteenth time. "Are you on the case or not?"

"Yes." Veronica knew many celebrities had died exactly similar ways. Heath Ledger. Philip Seymour Hoffman. The story of an unfortunate incident seemed completely plausible. However, Marcie had a good point. Would a future-dad risk mixing drugs together that could end up being fatal? Especially with no past abuse before? Had he been depressed? Where did the drugs come from? Did his physician prescribed them to him? Why? Veronica's mind was now flooded with questions. Marcie tried her best to fill in some more gaps.

Connor Larkin had, maybe not on the big screen, a life worth living for at home.

"There's a few things first..." Veronica listed her hourly rate among other necessities.

"Fine, fine. I'll agree to anything you need. Money is not an issue." Marcie Jacobs pulled out the Galaxy S7 and left it on top of the desk. "This is his phone. Maybe you can check with the people he has been in contact with last."

"Thank you Marcie. I'll also need the names of Connor's regular physician and if he sees a psychiatrist."

Marcie quickly wrote four names down a blanket sheet of paper. "Dr. Christopher Magnusson-Lanza. He's a doctor to a bunch of stars." Marcie stood up. "I go to someone else entirely. He'd be someone I'd like to question. Unfortunately, Dr. Magnusson-Lanza has been busy appearing all over the news channels." Marcie put on a brave face. "I didn't know what else to do."

Veronica nodded, taking everything in while remaining calm. She could tell underneath the cool exterior and layers of make-up that this was a woman completely and utterly distraught inwardly by the news of her lover. Veronica had an instant appreciation for Marcie. The fact she was even able to get out of Los Angeles and drive all the way to Neptune to find answers and prove her theory was right showed strength. Marcie Jacobs didn't crumble. "If you need me for anything, don't hesitate to call. Here's my card."

Marcie Jacobs reviewed the words on the card in the palm of her hand. "I just want some piece of mind and justice to be served."

"I'll try my best." It was quickly becoming Veronica's catch phrase.

*x**x**x**x*

Veronica and Mac stayed at the office for most of the night piecing together Connor Larkin's life hoping something would stick out at them. Wallace wearing green sweats came over around eight bringing a medium size pizza and a box of wings.

"His past phone records indicated that he received several calls the night before from his publicist, Marcie, and two guys, Alexander Webster and Gregory Bua." Mac started to say. "Long-time friends."

"None with any priors." Veronica added. "On IMDB, Alex Webster is a producer and Greg Bua is a screen writer for indie flicks. They don't seem likely but we can add them to the list."

"Why is it so hard to believe maybe Larkin simply had problems he couldn't handle and to him drugs were the solution?" Wallace mentioned while yawning. The clock on the wall's short hand pointed at ten. It had been two full hours of research. "I love you both, but this seems pretty cut and dry."

Veronica glared at Wallace. "The only drugs Marcie has ever seen him use are marijuana and ecstasy. From what she told me, Connor didn't take depressants and never had. There was no bottle of Xanax or sleeping pills anywhere in the house. She didn't seem the type to make this stuff up. So why would he take a bunch of prescription drugs out of the blue?"

"His career? Have you seen any of his movies in the last five years?" Wallace challenged.

Mac and Veronica both in unison said, "No."

"Neither has America." Wallace rubbed his temples. "What does your dad think?"

Veronica thought back to the text conversation she had with Keith earlier. "He agrees. Something is off."

Veronica glanced down at scattered papers. None of it made sense. Had Connor Larkin become a has-been? Would that be enough to drive someone to resort to a lethal combination of drugs? She would need to speak to Marcie again. Maybe the couple were secretly having problems. Maybe Connor didn't want to be a dad in the first place and was stressed and couldn't sleep. Maybe, shit just happens, Veronica thought. It wouldn't be the first time the universe gave a big F-U to someone.

*x**x**x**x*

By the time Veronica arrived home it was midnight. Everything was eerily quiet. Pony fast asleep. She dropped her bag and shoes by the stairway. Her mind still racing going over scenarios. Logan came down the stairs.

"Hey, sorry, I know we had plans. New case. You're not going to believe it." Veronica looked around. "Did Trina leave?"

"She went back to her room at the Neptune Grand. She asked for a 10,000 dollar loan as her form of a goodbye hug. Hmph. After telling her to get an actual job, she flipped me off on the way out."

"Typical. Anyway, the actress, Marcie Jacobs, came to the office this afternoon. She thinks Larkin was drugged on purpose. Someone could've wanted him dead. I'll probably be in Los Angeles sometime this week."

"Jeez." Logan scratched the back of his head. "I remember Marcie when I used to still see Connor around. How's she holding up?"

"Better than I would." Just like that the words escaped her mouth like traitors. She had been thinking subconsciously about it since Marcie left Mars Investigations. She shook her head not letting the thought reach the surface.

Logan knew exactly though. "We've been through this. I would never let that happen."

"I know." Veronica, exhausted, looked at the stairs as if they were some impossible barrier. "Ugh, we should really consider installing an elevator."

Logan crookedly smiled. "Nah, come here." He pulled her closer and lifted her off the ground. He then carried Veronica all the way up the stairs. When they reached the bedroom, he gently placed her on top of the comforter. The room was almost pitch-black.

"I stand corrected." Veronica added. She looked dreamily up at Logan. "And chivalry isn't dead after all. Maybe I'll find a unicorn next." She quipped. It was her defense mechanism. Keep everything light and airy.

"Hmm...not sure on the unicorn, but I have a pet leprechaun, Séamus. He brings me gold every month." Logan laid down next to Veronica. His arms propping him up.

"Ah, so that's where it comes from!"

Logan chuckled showing his perfect white teeth under the moonlight.

He can't help but be mesmerized by her and likewise. Her eyes bore into his. Logan moved on top of her sending a trail of kisses down her neck, electrifying her. His tongue swirled inside her mouth while pinning her arms to the sides. If she had been cold from the outside, Veronica now felt like she was on fire.

Her heart beat accelerated. He stripped off his sweater and unzipped his jeans as she simultaneously pulled her pants off and removed her blouse. They wanted each other badly knowing that in another few months he'd be gone again off on another mission or she would be off on a dangerous case by herself. A few seconds passed and they settled back into their old rhythms. Logan pushed his body up against hers. Veronica's legs pulled closer to her abdomen. His lips pressed hard against hers. Tingles were sent to every fiber of her being and Veronica's cheeks flushed with color. They were both irrevocably in love with each other in that moment; time and space melted away.

Author's Note: Let me know what you think especially if you have questions! I aim to please. :)

So things are light and airy now for everyone but shit will hit the fan. Stay tuned.

(This chapter has been updated)