Chapter 26 - A Happy Day

AN 1: All right, folks, it took me longer than I would have liked, but here is our next chapter. Veronica and Logan have been quite busy dealing with a lot of things going on (recap at the beginning of Chapter 24). We're finally going to start veering back toward some of the original plot points. Also, there is a moodboard for this chapter on Tumblr if you're into that sort of thing.

TW: non-graphic, canon-typical mentions of sexual assault/rape

It was Logan's day. Really. He didn't get many of those, but this was one of them.

He'd taken Wallace's suggestion to do something nice and had Mrs. Navarro put together a cooler of Veronica's favorites. His plan was to sneak her off-campus, and he'd already cleared the project with Mrs. Dent. They were going to photograph trash on the public beach that could be used with the planned feature in the next edition of the Navigator. He'd also promised to have Veronica take some artistic shots for the upcoming student art exhibit. Since she had thus far refused to consider participating, it was going to take some of Logan's best effort to convince her.

Logan bounced as he waited just outside of journalism. He'd been in the classroom, but Duncan was in attendance today and kept staring at him. It'd been uncomfortable, and there was no way Logan wanted to have any kind of encounter between the three of them today.

Because it was Logan's day!

The squeak of a rubber sole on the floor caught his attention, and there was Veronica. She was dressed in those biker boots that did things to him, a denim miniskirt and a floaty floral-looking top—something more like she would have worn before Lilly. His heart ached at how beautiful she looked. And wow, did it feel good to let himself think these things. Holding it at bay had been more painful and difficult than he had realized these past weeks.

"I have a surprise for you," Logan called out as Veronica approached.

She tapped her lip. "A surprise, pour Moi?"

"Oui." He smirked and walked to meet her.

"And would this surprise require ditching class? Because I can't really risk my dad getting a call this close to, you know," she whispered the last, glancing around.

"Not to worry. I have permission and a pass for us both." Logan held up the green slip of paper that would get them off school grounds.

"Impressed."

"I know people too." He held his arm out to her.

Veronica smiled, and it melted something inside him. So many smiles in his memory from this girl. Seeing her like this again—knowing he was a big part of it—just meant the world to him. He'd made so many bad decisions but deciding to give this a chance—to try being friends, to see where these feelings they both had might go—it was like being reborn.

Logan quickly guided them out of the school and to his Xterra. He pointed to the back. "We've got food back there, and our pass is good through the end of lunch."

"Now I'm even more impressed. So tell me, Logan, where are we going?"

"To the beach."

"Huh, kind of anticlimactic as far as surprises go."

"The location isn't the surprise."

Logan weaved in and out of traffic until they reached the entrance to Dog Beach. He hustled Veronica, who had asked him half a dozen different times what the surprise was, to a quiet spot with a bit of privacy.

She settled onto the blanket and started pulling at her boots and socks while Logan opened up the cooler.

"Okay, I believe I have demonstrated an unequaled amount of patience. What's my surprise?"

"You barely made it ten minutes." He pulled out a container of some kind of finger food and looked up to find her pouting. "Fine, fine. So I was talking to my mother earlier this week about our costumes for the party on Saturday." He handed Veronica the container and went digging for drinks. "She's very excited we'll be attending, by the way. She has insisted that you let her help you with yours. She's arranged to have her favorite costumes pulled out of storage and has her tailor booked for tomorrow afternoon."

Veronica's mouth hung open, her food forgotten. "Your mother did all that? I…why?"

"Veronica," Logan scolded, finding a coke. "My mother adores you, and she loves playing dress-up, so it's the perfect storm. She's really excited. Is this okay?"

"More than okay. I just…I can remember when she would let Lilly and I dress up in her fancy stuff. This is really special; it means a lot to me."

Logan leaned into Veronica and wrapped his arms around her, his lips pressed to her temple. "It means a lot to my mom as well. And to me. I know it doesn't make up for what happened, but I want to keep making new, better memories. Moving forward and all that."

Veronica shuddered in his embrace. Logan pulled away. "Are you okay? I didn't mean to upset you."

"No, no. I've gotten so used to not letting myself feel, and now that I'm trying to let that back in, sometimes I feel overwhelmed. Even just telling you this right now is making my heart race. But, and this may make me incredibly stupid, but I feel safe with you, I always have."

Her eyes sparkled in the late morning light, shining with moisture that could almost be tears. She cupped his cheek, and pressed her lips to the side of his mouth, warm and soft. His heart raced. She'd kissed him, but then she settled back onto the beach blanket, shaking her head.

"Sorry, that was—"

Logan pulled her tight to his chest again. "I feel safe with you too," he said, kissing the top of her head. "Don't be sorry for sharing how you feel with me. I"—he swallowed—"I've fucked up so much. And I know I'll fuck up more. But this, with you, you need to know it means so much to me, Veronica."

He shifted his hand up to tangle in her hair and lowered his head. He met her lips slowly, just a gentle press, and pulled her back into a hug. Veronica's heart fluttered rapidly against his chest. He held her while they both caught their breath. It was a relief that she seemed to be just as affected as him.

After a few minutes of listening to the waves crash, muffled against his shoulder, Veronica said, "I have something I want to tell you."

Logan started to pull back, but she gripped him harder. "No, I need this"—she pressed against him—"I don't think I can get the words out if I'm looking at you."

Now she had Logan afraid that he'd gone too far. Did she not want him to kiss her? She had kissed him first. What could she possibly have to say that she couldn't look at him for? He took a deep breath, the urge to argue or push back warred with his need to support whatever Veronica needed. So he just held on tight and hoped she wasn't about to crush all his hopes.

"I"—her voice cracked—"made an appointment to go back to Planned Parenthood." Her body shook, and her indrawn breath sounded almost like a sob; she sniffled. "I never did all of the tests they recommended after…after." Logan nodded his head against her. "I decided it was time to finally close the book on that. I need closure. I'm ready to start looking into who did this to me."

He held her tighter. "I'm so proud of you, Veronica. You are the bravest person I know."

"Will it change how you feel about me?" she asked, her voice just more than a whisper.

"No!" He rubbed his hand along her spine to soothe her anxiety and softened his voice. "I'm furious that someone hurt you. Whatever you need, whatever I can do, say the word. But it changes nothing. I want to be with you, and not just as your friend." He held her and waited for her to say more, but when she didn't, he asked, "When do you want to start?"

"Not today. But after the whole sting operation, I want to talk about that night. I want you to help me investigate."

She was going to kill him, but maybe, just maybe, she'd forgive him too. She'd forgiven a lot.

"Whatever it takes, I'll be there with you."

"Thank you. Now, I want to walk along the water and get some of those pictures we're supposed to be here taking. You ready?"

"Yeah. I'm ready."

On the drive back to campus, Veronica flipped through the images on her camera. She'd gotten a few really great ones of the tide going out and revealing creatures in the sand. She still wasn't entirely convinced she should submit any of them to the exhibit. But there were definitely a couple she would get printed.

"We still have about twenty minutes until lunch ends. Did you want to go back in or just hang out here?" Logan's eyes flickered to the backseat. "Sorry, that's not what I meant. Um…unless you want me to mean that. Oh god, let's just go."

Veronica laughed. "Logan Echolls' legendary backseat." Then it hit her. All the things she'd heard. Conquests. Lilly…

"Fuck. Veronica, I'm sorry. I understand if it's…too much. I just, really want you to give me a chance."

She shook out her shoulders and turned to meet Logan's defeated eyes. "No, it's fine. I was making a joke. It's not like it's a secret. I know you've been with other girls. I know you loved Lilly."

"None of that changes what I feel for you. That I care about you. Other than Lilly, you know I didn't care about any of those other girls."

Veronica nodded. "I know that. This is going to be hard. We have a lot of baggage." She looked out the front windshield. "Do you think we could keep this"—she waved her hand between them—"to ourselves for a while. There's just a lot of pressure, and I don't think our classmates will make it any easier."

Logan tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and leaned in, kissing her cheek. "Does that mean you'll let me take you on an actual date? Not just 'see where things go'?"

"Oh."

"If not, if you're not ready for that—"

"No, no, I think that sounds nice. A date. Where?"

"Let me worry about that. I'll figure something out."

"Okay."

"I really want to kiss you again." His fingers tangled with her own.

Veronica's cheeks heated, and she looked down at her lap. Logan always wore his heart on his sleeve. It was going to take some adjusting on her part. Then, just as she was about to offer up a kiss, a knock on the window broke their moment.

"Veronica!"

She dropped contact with Logan's hand and shifted in her seat to see Casey standing at her window. Logan groaned unhappily behind her as she rolled the window down. "Hey, Casey. Did you need something?"

"Yeah, I was wondering if I could hop the line. Do you have a couple of minutes so I can give you the details about that thing we talked about? I know you said you'd call, but I'm worried the situation might escalate."

"Sure." Veronica turned back to Logan. "You ready?"

He nodded and opened his door with a quiet huff.

Boys…Veronica waved to Logan. She wasn't sure what to say now that they'd taken a step forward in their relationship. She was in a relationship with Logan Echolls. Somewhere Lilly had to be cackling with glee.

"Listen, this girl, she's a runaway. I didn't know she was underage—"

Veronica groaned. "Please don't tell me you aren't worried about statutory rape charges."

"What? No, nothing like that. But her home life was bad. I mean, really bad. The guy who runs the collective is letting her stay, but if her parents were to track her down…"

"Ah, I see. And that would be bad for the…collective?"

"Yes, but, more importantly, for her." Casey squeezed her shoulder. "Can you help me, help her?"

An underage runaway trying to escape an abusive home. It hit a little too close for comfort. But it also gave her an opportunity.

"Yeah, I can try. You mentioned needing a PI and lawyer. Why not use your family's?" She didn't have any issues helping Casey out per se, but she was confused.

"There are some tensions there. I'm avoiding any disruptions while some larger issues get settled."

"Wow, vague much?"

"Sorry, it's complicated. But I don't want my family involved in this, and she needs help."

"All right, I get that. Like I said before, I have a lawyer, and you know I have the PI angle handled. Let me ask about options, and I'll get back to you tomorrow, hopefully."

After that, the rest of Thursday wrapped up like any other day. Teenagers were cruel and smelled like Axe body spray and hormones. It was enough to make Veronica wish she could just take her GED or convince her father to send her off to some fancy boarding school.

She didn't really mean it but still…

Of course, if she went off to some fancy boarding school, she wouldn't get surprise beach lunches with Logan.

Logan. Soft lips pressed to hers. His hard body, warm and safe.

The Veronica of before warred with the after. The decision to trust felt wrong, like she was being incredibly stupid. But, she couldn't resist. She didn't want to fight the way she felt, not anymore. Letting herself be present and feel—both the good and the bad—was really testing her resolve. But the hesitation she felt when she was alone dissolved when she was with Logan, which had to mean something.

Yeah, like you can't control your teenage hormones, Veronica.

Could that really be all it was, hormones? What was love anyway, if not a chemical reaction? She shook her head and cut off her internal arguments. She had things to do, people to meet, places to be.

That's right, push it back; it'll still be there later to dissect.

She made her way into the computer lab looking for Mac's bright blue hair, but there was no sign of her. Mac's earlier text message had said to meet here after school, so Veronica decided to put her wait time to good use.

A quick call to Action News was simple enough. Perky cheerleader voice, ready, OKAY! And that video footage was headed for a mailbox near her.

Up next was something somewhat more sensitive. She'd made promises to both Casey and Logan. She finally had her excuse to talk to Cliff that wouldn't necessarily lead directly back to Logan.

"Cliff McCormack and associates."

"Who are you kidding, Iris? There are no associates."

"I'll have you know, Veronica, your father, is most certainly one of Cliffy's associates."

Veronica couldn't help but laugh. "Too true. Any chance the big man is in this afternoon?"

"He should be back from court by four, give or take a bit. You want to pop in, Dear?"

"Yeah, I have a couple things I'd like to run by him and then maybe a new client for him."

"You know we're always looking for those. I'll pencil you in, Doll."

"Thanks, Iris." Veronica ended the call and glanced around the computer lab just in time to see Mac walk through the door.

Veronica waved and offered Mac a smile. She was nervous about this meeting. She had been more than a little surprised to get a text so soon after their first meeting.

Mac dropped into the seat next to her and started tugging things out of her messenger bag.

"Tell me you've got something good for me, Mackenzie."

"Well, I've got something for you," Mac said with a grimace. "How good it is, remains to be seen." She set up her laptop and showed Veronica a screen filled with what she assumed was computer code, and then she saw it.

"You got a location. Those are GPS coordinates."

"They are, but they aren't precise. In fact, these numbers—" she pointed to the series of digits on the screen "—represent nearly all of Balboa County. I'm running some different programs to see what I can find out. What I can definitely tell you right now is that these images were taken with a digital camera. There is encrypted metadata present that once I can find the right collaborator, will tell us what make and model of camera was used."

Veronica considered this; digital cameras weren't exactly uncommon. However, most of the people at school still shot with film. Having a setup like her own was not the norm, even among the '09ers. Hell, most of her peers were still using those kitschy Kodak disposable cameras, even Logan.

"That actually helps. So we know the upload came from Neptune or the surrounding area. It's not some random 'razzi, which aligns with what we were already thinking. So, good to have some supporting evidence. Unfortunately, that also means it's likely a friend, which again supports my current hypothesis. Damn, I was really hoping that wouldn't be the case."

"Why? Won't it be easier to exact revenge on someone you know?"

"Well, sure, but also harder. Logan probably can't just pay them off to leave him alone." Veronica rubbed her temples. "Please keep digging. Hopefully, you can get something specific enough to find the person, or at least in which neighborhood. My plan changes depending on '09er status."

"You got it. I'll reach out when I have more," Mac said, and waving at a small group of students hovering by the door across the room. "Tutoring…"

"Gotcha, thanks for slipping me in. We'll talk soon."

Veronica grabbed her bag and made a hasty exit. She had some time to kill before her meeting with Cliff. Maybe she could even grab a quick bite to eat and go over how she wanted to approach him. As she reached her car, her phone buzzed.

"Pater, to what do I owe this pleasure?"

"Hey, Kid, I was hoping you could come by the office. First, I want to go over a few things, and then I need you to drop a client file off with Cliff before I have to head out."

"What a happy coincidence. I had already planned to take those files by, and I was just debating between our dinner options. Greasy burgers or greasy tacos?"

"Tough call. Dealer's choice, I've got a date with a big juicy steak, so I won't be joining you."

"Dad! Cholesterol!"

"Doc says I'm tip-top, and the 'ole lady thinks so too."

"Ewww. Yeah, yeah, old man, keep that to yourself. I'll see you soon." Veronica made a gagging sound and ended the call. Sometimes she really wished her father didn't have a girlfriend.

Logan smiled as he traded out his books for what he would need that night and placed them in his backpack. He'd had a great time with Veronica on the beach. They were really making progress wading through all of their shit. And she'd kissed him. They hadn't made out or anything, but if anyone had asked him a month ago if kissing Veronica Mars would make him feel this way, he'd have laughed in their face.

The way he and their classmates had treated her made him ill. He'd been such an asshole, and whether directly or indirectly, he was at least partially responsible for what had happened to her. And he hated it, hated himself. He was going to have to confess what he knew so that she could do a proper investigation. But even with how scary that would be, he couldn't help but be optimistic that they would get through it and that he would be there for her. He was just getting ready to close his locker when a hand settled heavily on his shoulder.

"Logan!" Dick said with far more enthusiasm than even the end of the day warranted. "I'm so pumped for this weekend."

Logan took a deep breath. He was really trying not to be annoyed, especially after learning what his friend had done for him. Getting Veronica to pick him up from the fights and avoid the paparazzi had saved him from worse punishment. But…Dick's enthusiasm for life, in general, was a lot for Logan to deal with sometimes.

Logan shrugged Dick's hand off his shoulder. "Yep, me too."

"Of course, you are bro, Ronnie'll be dressed in something slinky, I'm sure."

"If you say so."

Dick leaned into him. "I thought it might be fun, you know, after the sting if we all rooollled down at the beach."

Logan flinched. "I'll pass, Man."

"Come on, I bet Ronnie could use the chill out too. Who knows, you just might get lucky."

Logan turned and gripped Dick by the collar. "Fuck! What is wrong with you?"

Dick pulled back. "Nothing. What the fuck is wrong with you?"

"Don't talk about Ronnie like that, and no drugs!"

"Since when are you so uptight? And seriously, I know we're all getting along with Ronnie again, which I am particularly pleased about," Dick said with his hands up in surrender. "But, when she relaxes, she's a good time."

Logan's temper boiled, but then Dick's words started to penetrate his brain. He took a calming breath and focused on what would matter the most, Veronica. "What do you mean by that?"

"Oh…right, you'd already left. Well, last year…who am I to judge someone for how they choose to grieve? We all needed to let loose; you know?"

"Dick, I think you may need to explain to me in more detail exactly what you mean by that."

FLASHBACK

"When I think about you, I touch myself."

Veronica wobbled in his arms, and Dick let them fall back onto the couch next to Casey. "I like your hair," she slurred in his ear as she gripped his hair hard, but it didn't hurt.

Dick slid his arms around her and smiled. She had a bright halo around her. Little Ronnie Mars looked like an angel. He felt so warm, and she was so shiny. He leaned in and kissed her, his whole body tingling.

"What the fuck!?" Madison's strident voice pulled him from the moment.

"Yeah, um…what are you doing?" He passed Veronica over onto Casey and then chased after Madison. Wasn't she supposed to be nicer if they were rolling together?

END FLASHBACK

Dick took a deep breath, putting a little distance between himself and Logan. It took a great deal of Logan's self-control not to drag him closer and headbutt him right across the bridge of his nose. But he knew what Veronica would say, what she would think.

Logan shook his head. "Do you have any idea? No, of course not. She wasn't grieving, you idiot. Someone drugged her. Though at least now I can cross you off the list."

"The fuck?"

"And no being Neptune's biggest gossip about this. Keep this shit to yourself, or these calming breaths I'm staying focused on will stop, and I'll embrace being Aaron Echolls' son. Catch my drift."

"Yeah, Dude, I follow. But"—Dick's brain seemed to catch up with what he had said—" Fuck. Is she okay? She's not." Logan loved Dick like a brother, but he was not the fastest thinker sometimes. "She hasn't been the same since then. Not Lilly's death." Dick shook his head. "Logan, I need to go."

Before Logan had a chance to stop him, Dick disappeared around the corner.

Logan took another slow deep breath, counting in and then out. The events Dick had described happened before Duncan had "rescued" Veronica from the salt lick. Logan had a bad feeling that dancing and kissing Veronica wasn't the last time Dick had seen her that night. Something about the way Dick had taken off made Logan think he'd remembered something more. Dick had left Veronica with Casey, but Casey hadn't mentioned it. It made Logan suspicious of the person he'd put trust in to help them. Had he made a mistake?

"Logan?"

Speak of the devil… "Casey. You know I just heard something interesting about you from the night of Shelly's party."

"Yeah, I heard what Dick told you. But, I swear, it did not go down the way he described."

"Care to explain?"

"Let's walk and talk." Casey gestured down the hall. "First, he did push Veronica off onto me. I helped her stand, and she wandered away. She seemed drunk, and at the time, I didn't think anything about it. Everyone was drunk. I left with Darcy not long after." He pushed the door open and stepped out onto the quad.

Following him out, Logan asked, "And Darcy would back you up?"

"I don't see why not," Casey said with a shrug.

Thinking it over, Logan nodded. He'd accept it for now. But he seriously needed to have a conversation with Wallace. One that probably included Casey. And then, he had to tell Veronica. Things were getting out of control, and if she found out all the things he knew and that he continued to pursue their relationship—she'd castrate him.

"Why did you want to talk to Veronica earlier?"

"Oh, I talked to her yesterday about a friend."

"A friend?"

"Yeah, Logan, a friend. I've been staying out at that collective—"

"—cult."

"It's not a cult. But this girl, she needs help, and Veronica is the right person to do it."

"It's not going to put her in danger or get her in trouble, is it?"

"Danger, no. Trouble, not any worse than what she normally gets up to."

Logan nodded and opened the door to the Xterra. "Okay, just…"

Casey nodded. "I'm only interested in being her friend. If that's what you're worried about. Also, I meant about looking into the drugs. I've had some family stuff and haven't been able to, but I will. I want to help make this right."

Shaking his head, Logan climbed into the driver's seat. "Maybe you could try to talk to Dick? He knows something, but I don't think he's going to tell me. After that, I think we all need to talk."

Patting the hood of the truck, Casey nodded—"Will do."—and then walked away. Logan decided to take a little drive and try to decompress a bit. He had a lot to think about heading into the party/sting operation on Dick's stepmom.

Veronica rummaged around in the storage closet, trying to find a different concealable camera. She wanted to make sure there wasn't any doubt about identifying the faces of whoever went into the sting bedroom.

She was really regretting helping the Casablancases, though. She had no love for Sadie, especially given she seemed to prey on high schoolers, but this just seemed overly complicated.

She groaned as it hit her that they'd missed an important detail.

"Dad, what if they're wearing masks?"

"Masks?"

"Yeah, you know, those things people cover their faces with when in costume?"

"Well, sure, Honey, and I want to just say how grateful I am that you don't know this. But most people would take the mask off for sex."

Veronica scrunched her face up. "Unless they're into it."

"Hm…well, true. Okay, fair enough. We'll do a setup at the door. Someone will snap a picture of everyone as they come in and indicate who they are from their invitation."

"Yeah, that could work."

"Easy peasy." Keith chuckled from where he leaned against the door frame into his office.

Veronica turned back to the closet and grabbed the last of the small cameras. She brought them over to her desk and started sorting them by the image quality and lens type.

"Here are those files for Cliff. You said you'd drop them off." Keith held out a stack of manilla envelopes.

"Sure, what are they anyway?" Veronica asked, accepting them and sliding them into her messenger bag.

"Just a set of background checks for a few of his clients."

"Ahh, our bread and butter."

"Well, at least the bread. This doesn't pay enough for the butter. We'll have to settle for margarine."

"Gross. Good thing we've got this case for the Casablancases. You know what? That tasted bad in my mouth. Are you sure we should do this?" she asked. Her unease about this job had been growing with each day. She was somewhat looking forward to the costume part. She did enjoy a certain amount of role play, after all. But there was still something about how Cassidy had approached her that was off.

"Yes, we should. It's a good payday, and more than that, there's something off about this Sadie woman. I don't like the idea of her preying on high school boys."

Veronica snorted. She disliked that about Sadie as well, but… "I'm sure most of them like it."

Keith shook his head. "Don't be so sure, Honey. Her stepsons take exception to her behavior, and Logan sure seems disgusted by it."

That was true; he'd mentioned it to her before as well. "Logan's different."

"That may be. Logan certainly has been the object of more attention and scrutiny than is typical for someone his age."

"Yeah. And Beaver and Dick hardly count. They're just upset she's spending their dad's money."

"Point. That aside, I still think this is worth doing. I'll admit to having some reservations about having you this involved, but—"

"But, I can blend, and you cannot. Well"—she patted her bag—"I'll run these to Cliff. I still have homework to do."

"Okay, Honey, don't wait up. I'm having dinner with Rebecca."

Veronica swallowed down her displeasure and smiled, hoping it didn't look like a grimace. "Okay. I haven't decided what I'm doing yet, do text or call if you need me. Have a good night, Dad."

"You too, Veronica."

She pushed through the door and debated the merits of going to bed early. She made her way down the stairs and out to her car.

It was a sunny California day, like so many of them are, and Veronica had to admit that a little sun therapy went a long way. So she put the top down on the Le Baron and cranked the radio.

Things had been going well, or at least better. Even the thing with Wallace's mom, while still an issue, seemed less pressing now that he had a means of placating her. And Logan…she was almost afraid to think about how things with him were going. They were good. Really good. Spending time with him, being with him, was revealing those places inside herself that she thought were gone. The soft places where she still liked pink fluffy sweaters and playing MASH. Well, maybe not that, but emotions that weren't just anger and fear. She felt safe, and she suspected that was a big reason why she had finally been able to start making moves about her assault. Her rape. He knew, and it hadn't changed his feelings for her.

But today wasn't about that; there would be time for that later. Today was about gathering intel for Casey.

Admit it, Veronica. You're hoping to find out more about how you can help Logan too.

She'd been looking for an excuse to talk to Cliff that wouldn't risk exposing Logan, and Casey had dropped it right in her lap. She couldn't be upset about that. Because one of these days, Aaron was going to cause permanent damage to Logan, or worse. And she could not have that.

She parked her car and checked the clock. Just after four, so Cliff should be back from court. She glanced around the parking lot and spotted his car, so she grabbed her messenger bag and headed over to his office.

"Veronica!" Iris greeted. "He's in."

"Yes, yes, I'm here," Cliff's rich baritone called out as she strode into his small office. "Veronica Mars, I'd say it's always a pleasure, but unfortunately, it rarely is,"

"Oh, come now, Cliffy, think of all the good times we've had. And I've helped more than a few of your clients."

"Well, I didn't say you weren't useful, just that our interactions weren't pleasurable. For example, did you bring me a gift? Nice cigar, a bottle of wine?"

"Cliff, I'm seventeen."

"With an excellent fake ID."

Veronica coughed and adjusted her messenger bag. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Sure, you don't. Next time remember your hostess gift."

"Don't you mean host gift?"

"I meant what I said."

"No wine or cigars, but I do come bearing these." She pulled the files out of her bag.

"Keith mentioned the background checks I needed. Not quite a gift since I'm paying for them, but I suppose they'll have to do." He shrugged and accepted the files.

"Glad you'll accept. So, there is one other thing. Cliff, I've got a hypothetical for you, if you don't mind," Veronica said, taking a seat in one of the client chairs.

"Sure, Kid, what's on your mind?" he asked, leaning back in his chair.

"Let's say I knew a kid, sixteen to seventeen years old. They've run away from home due to abuse. What are their options?" she asked, grabbing a legal pad from her bag.

"I assume you mean besides returning to the custody of their guardian?"

She nodded. "Yes, besides that."

"Not much. Emancipation, which is one hell of a trick to pull off. More likely, taken by the state and at that age"—he frowned and shook his head—"placed in a group home. I'm sure I don't need to tell you, V, those are not nice places."

She made a few quick notes. "So emancipation is difficult to get?"

"Depends on the situation and the resources of the minor. You'd have to prove that they can provide for themselves and would be in a more beneficial environment without an adult guardian. Most judges don't like it. And depending on the resources of the guardian…" Cliff shrugged with a sigh.

"And what if they are currently living with their abuser?"

"Well, that's a different type of complication. Both are hard to prove. A history of running away is usually the biggest problem."

"How's that?"

"It doesn't do the minor any favors—suggests immaturity in the eyes of the court."

"What if we're talking about a different scenario? No runaway issues, but other behavioral issues, flights at school, detentions."

"V, you promise this is just hypothetical. You're writing a paper or something."

She shrugged. "If it wasn't?"

He grumbled into his hands. "Then I'd tell you it's an uphill battle. That the more money the family has, the lower the chances for success are. That if the minor child had evidence, medical records are best, pictures, witnesses, then we might be able to do something. But sometimes the solution isn't great either."

Veronica nodded, made a few more notes, and moved to stand. "Thanks, Cliff."

"Anytime, Kid. You have someone who needs to come talk to me—we'll do the dollar contract."

"I appreciate that," she said, sliding her bag onto her shoulder and putting the notepad back.

"One last thing," Cliff said as she moved to walk out the door. "The runaway…"

She turned back to him. "Yeah?"

"Hypothetically, sometimes running out the clock is the best choice."

"I'll keep that in mind. Thanks for the consult."

Cliff nodded his head, and Veronica slipped out the door, not comforted in any way by their hypothetical conversation.

After walking Veronica out, Keith had worked on packing up all the supplies they would need to step up the sting at the Casablancas home on Saturday morning. It wasn't ideal, but it would pay the bills. One way or another, they'd either catch Sadie in the act or show that she wasn't up to what they suspected. Keith was very confident they would be catching her in the act. His conversation with Logan alone was enough to make him quite confident. And that would mean an excellent payday.

The bell over the front door clanged, much to Keith's surprise. He moved out of the storage closet and looked to see who had just entered the office.

"Keith?" Rebecca's familiar voice called out.

"Rebecca, hello! Aren't you a sight for sore eyes? What are you doing here? I thought we were going to meet later."

She held up a bag of take-out. "I thought it might be nice to stay in. I know you had planned on us going out." Rebecca fumbled the bag. "Sorry, I should have called first."

"Not at all; staying in sounds fantastic." Keith walked over to give her a kiss in greeting. "I'm very happy to see you." And he was. Keith didn't get to spend all that much time with Rebecca, but he found the time they did spend made him feel like maybe things were okay. "In fact, if you don't mind, I could use a little help with the prep for my weekend case before we dig in?"

"Not at all! I'm a fan of the multitask. So what case are you working this weekend? Some scandalous socialite selling off her much older husband's artwork?"

Keith laughed. "Not quite, but closer than you might think. I actually can't talk about it, as it's rather sensitive. I'll start working on a story to share the details without sharing the details."

"Will Veronica be helping?"

Keith paused. It always made him uncomfortable to admit when he had to use his daughter to keep their business going, but Rebecca knew, and it felt better to tell the truth about it rather than brood. "Yes, she'll be operating equipment and tracking from a safe room."

"Oh, wow, that sounds important."

Keith sighed. "It is. She's better with the fancy computers and cameras than I am at this point."

"Well, for the best, really. At least she'll be busy and not at the awful Casablancas bacchanal. I swear last year we ended up with two pregnancies at the school from the lack of parental supervision at that party."

"I didn't hear about that!"

Rebecca laughed. "You wouldn't have. Very hushed up since they were, shall we say, important citizens."

"Wait. Pregnancies aside, you'd be worried about Veronica at one of those parties?"

"Like you said, not for that reason, but yes."

Rebecca looked incredibly uncomfortable, and Keith, recognizing it, pounced.

"For what reason then?"

"You know why, Keith."

"Yes, I do. But I want to know what you know."

"That she's been bullied, had horrid rumors started about her, and been verbally attacked." Rebecca sighed.

Keith had debated bringing it up with Rebecca. But had chosen not to too many times. Now he found himself unable to stop the words from tumbling out of his mouth. "How could you let them treat my Veronica like this? Why didn't you stop it?"

"I did try, Keith. I begged Veronica to lodge a complaint or to at least talk to me about what she was going through." A tear tracked down Rebecca's cheek. "We all saw it, but she wouldn't let us help. You know I spoke to your…wife."

"Lianne? Really?"

Rebecca nodded her head. "Twice, actually. She assured me that you had Veronica in private counseling and that she was working through her grief. What more could I do? I know her teachers didn't allow the name-calling in the classroom, and her grades never so much as faltered. So, without her reporting it and with what Lianne told us…"

"Your hands were more or less tied. I just can't believe Lianne never told me that she spoke with you. No, I can believe it. What I really can't believe is how blind I was to what was happening around me. I was so wrapped up in the lies, I missed the other impacts Lilly's death was having."

"It's not your fault, Keith. You were doing the right thing."

"What about Logan?"

"What about him?"

"Did you reach out to his parents?"

"I really…look, what I'm going to tell you can't leave this conversation. I could lose my job."

"I understand."

"I did reach out to Lynn and Aaron. Logan has spoken to me several times. But, Keith, he has evasion skills that go beyond just being too smart for his own good. And he is smart; when he applies himself even a little, he excels."

Keith nodded. He knew Logan was bright; he'd seen him work with Veronica before and more recently. They seemed to be on a similar intellectual level. "I think something's going on there. He's always been wild, but I can't quite put my finger on it. You know he's been staying with us—a lot."

"I know it makes you uncomfortable; what's happening between him and Veronica. But I really think it's the right decision, giving him a place in your home, where he feels safe."

"I want to ask him about it, but I'm concerned it might push him away."

"It almost certainly would. I'm under the impression that he'll have money of his own once he turns eighteen."

Keith nodded. "I think so. Veronica would probably know."

"My suggestion would be to keep building bridges with him. Develop trust there. And please, try not to overreact as he and Veronica grow closer. The word on the school gossip grapevine is that they're a couple, or if not, that they will be very soon."

Groaning, Keith dropped his head onto Rebecca's shoulder. "I'll do my best. Being a dad is a trial."

"You're a great father, Keith. Now, what can I do to help you with all these gadgets?"

He laughed. He appreciated the compliment but was pretty sure it wasn't true. "We're going to pack them into these bags and write an inventory list." He handed her a notepad. "You just write the numbers I give you, and I'll pack."

"Sounds good." She smiled at him, and they set to work.

After her long day, and considering the even longer weekend ahead of her, Veronica laid down in bed early and tried to just do some quiet reading for lit. She was startled awake an hour later by her phone's text alert.

From Logan Echolls to Veronica Mars, 10:47 pm:
Sweet dreams, Veronica.

She reread the text and felt warm and gooey all over again before she hit reply.

To Logan Echolls from Veronica Mars, 10:49 pm:
Goodnight, Lo. I'm looking forward to tomorrow.

AN 2: Huge thanks go out to Bondopoulos. Six years she's stuck around on this story! Some days I can't believe it has been that long. Thank you to all of you for sticking around and to those new to the story. Your continued support keeps me coming back. Very special thanks are also owed to jmazzy (allthevmff), whose regular check-ins and encouragement are directly responsible for this chapter! Thank you!

I've been working on Chapters 27 & 28 during Nano. So, here's hoping I have at least Chapter 27 for you before 2022.