Lives Ruined, Bloodshed

Chapter 18

Veronica agreed to meet Hitch at a restaurant bar in San Diego. The restaurant wasn't busy, but Hitch has always liked places that weren't overflowing with people. He also has a preference for a particular type of scotch, and by preference, he refused to drink anything else. If the place he was at didn't have it, he stuck to water, or he left. The restaurant was a nice place, the lighting dim to give off a relaxed, almost romantic, vibe.

Hitch was sitting at the bar, nursing a scotch as Veronica walked in. She pointed to him when she approached the hostess and then took the stool beside him.

"Veronica Mars, look at you." Hitch smirked as he took in her outfit.

It was rare that she wasn't in her work clothes, lots of black pants, plain button-ups, and boots. But she was on holiday and enjoying the warm weather, so she hadn't bothered to change out of her denim shorts and sheer button up before she'd come to meet him.

She said, "I'm on holiday."

He nodded. "Looks good on you."

The bartender approached them. "Can I get you something, miss?"

Veronica nodded. "I'll have a scotch and coke, please."

The bartender nodded and stepped away to make her drink.

"So, what was so important that you flew all the way over here to see me? You could have just waited till I came back home," said Veronica.

Hitch said, "That is true, but I thought you might want some time to think this offer over."

Veronica gazed at him with curiosity.

"How would you feel about moving back to California?" he asked.

Her eyes widened. She didn't really believe what he had said. "Seriously?" she asked.

"You heard about the San Diego office being understaffed. Whitaker wants some good agents to fill the spots, and I can't think of anyone better." Hitch smiled and took a sip of his drink.

The bartender placed down Veronica's order and then moved back down to another customer.

"What would I be doing? Same as now?" she asked.

Hitch nodded. "That and more."

Veronica frowned.

"Whitaker doesn't have the time to properly run both the LA and San Diego offices. He's been looking for someone to take over the San Diego office for him."

"Wait, he wants me?"

Hitch smirked. "Yep. You would be getting a promotion. Be a Unit Chief, just like me. You would have around twenty agents working under you that you would be responsible for, and you would report to Whitaker."

Veronica didn't know what to say. She picked up her drink and took a big sip, trying to process Hitch's words.

"So, what do you say?"

Veronica frowned. "What do I say? I have no bloody idea what to say."

Hitch laughed.

"Are you sure Whitaker wasn't high when he agreed to this? I mean, come on. I break way too many rules for these higherups to think this is a good idea."

Hitch shrugged. "What can I say? You made a hell of an impression. Besides, your work speaks for itself. Your resolution rate on your cases is higher than anyone else currently in Virginia, and you have cracked some crazy cases. If anything, I'm surprised they didn't promote you sooner."

"But I've only been an agent for four years. There have to be people who deserve it more than me."

"The FBI have a lot of great agents. Some of them have been with the bureau for a long time. But not everyone can solve crimes and run an office." Hitch finished his drink. "Don't worry if you don't have an answer now. Think it over, and then let me know."

Veronica nodded and stared at her drink. The job would be an amazing opportunity. She would be leading agents, not just working her own cases, which would mean that she would be back home. That meant she would be with her dad, Mac and Wallace, and Logan. They wouldn't have to deal with a long-distance relationship. And it also meant she wouldn't be travelling as much for her cases; they would be focused around San Diego and Neptune. But as amazing as it all sounded, Veronica didn't know if she felt ready. In the last four years, she had learnt a lot, her promotion to a Senior Special Agent hadn't been expected either, but she believed that had more to do with the case she had solved not long before it was granted. But she had also made many mistakes, ones that she couldn't take back and that Hitch had been there to help her through them. If she took the job, she would be responsible for all those Agents and all of their mistakes.

Hitch nudged Veronica's arm and smiled. "Don't look so freaked, Mars. Take the next two weeks, think about it. You don't have to take it if you don't want to."

Veronica nodded. "I know. It's actually kind of perfect timing, really."

"How so?"

"I reconnected with Logan."

Hitch smiled. "Did you now?"

Veronica blushed, feeling slightly embarrassed to be mentioning her relationship with Hitch. Even though he knew almost everything that had ever happened to her, it still felt strange when she shared things with him. "Yeah. We want to see if we can work out our relationship."

He said, "Well, being in San Diego and not Virginia would probably help."

"That it would."

"Anyway, take your time. No rush."

Veronica caught a cab over to see Logan. She had only been away for him for eight hours, but she found herself wanting nothing more than to snuggle up with him.

After spending an hour with Hitch, Veronica was a little tipsy and feeling good about herself, but she also couldn't stop thinking about the job she had been offered. It was a hell of an opportunity; promotion, pay raise, closer to those she loved. But it came with a lot of responsibility.

The cab arrived at Dick's beach house just after ten. She paid the cabby and walked to the door, tripping over her own toes just as she reached the door. She hit the door, using it to catch herself and started laughing. Veronica pushed herself back up and found the door being opened by Dick.

"Ronnie," he smiled.

"Hiya, Dick." She grinned.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

She nodded. "Just a little tipsy."

Dick laughed. "Now, that's something I haven't seen in a very long time. Veronica Mars, intoxicated."

Veronica shrugged.

"What's this I hear about an intoxicated Bobcat?" Logan appeared down the hall.

Veronica smiled and stepped through the door towards him. "I may have had a few drinks." She stepped into his arms and pushed up on her toes to kiss him hello.

"Is that so?" Logan smirked.

Veronica shrugged. "I missed you." She reached for another kiss.

Dick made a small gaging noise but left them to it.

"I missed you too." Logan brought a hand up to cup her cheek. "Are you staying here again?"

She nodded. "If you'll have me."

"Gladly."

Logan led her back to the living room, where a movie was paused. Dick sat on the couch, his feet propped up on the table.

"Whatcha watchin'?" asked Veronica.

"Walk of Shame," said Dick. "It has Elizabeth Banks and she is smokin'!"

Logan took a seat on the other end of the couch and pulled Veronica into his lap. She took a second to kick off her shoes before she snuggled into his chest. They were about halfway through the movie, so Veronica didn't really know exactly what was going on, but it seemed basic enough. She found herself unable to really focus on it, so she turned to stare at Logan. She traced her hand over his stomach, feeling and remembering the lines she had traced across his bare chest earlier that morning. Veronica smirked as she thought about the syrup she had poured down Logan's chest. That was hot.

Veronica glanced up and noticed Logan was watching her. She smiled and shifted, bringing a hand behind his neck. She leaned in, turned her head slightly and kissed him. It was gently and somewhat teasing as she nibbled his bottom lip. Logan cupped her hip and shifted her body closer as he pressed into the kiss. Veronica ran her other hand across Logan's cheek and into the short hairs at the bottom of his neck.

"Seriously, would you two quit the lip-smacking? I am trying to watch this," grumbled Dick.

Veronica smirked and proceeded to push her tongue into Logan's mouth. She purposely moaned, making it loud enough to make Dick throw a pillow at them. Veronica broke the kiss and giggled as she pressed her face against Logan's shoulder.

"Drunk Ronnie is just rude," said Dick.

Logan chuckled softly. "If you hadn't complained, she wouldn't have done anything."

Dick grumbled.

"Where's Mac?" asked Veronica. "Why isn't she here for you to lip smack with?"

"She has a meeting early tomorrow, so she went to bed early. Leaving me to listen to you two." Dick pouted and hugged a pillow to his chest.

Veronica sighed. "Oh, I'm sorry, Dick. I'll just take Logan to his room, so you don't have to watch." She tried to push herself to stand but found herself trapped by Logan's arms.

"Bobcat, be nice. Let's just finish the movie, and I'm all yours." Logan squeezed his arms around her and kissed her cheek.

She sagged against him. "Fine. Watch your movie. I'll just go to sleep right here." Veronica closed her eyes and snuggled into Logan's chest; he was extremely comfortable. She listened to the sound of Logan's heartbeat; she felt the small patter against her cheek and let the beat send her off to sleep.

Veronica did stir, but not until the movie was over. Logan managed to pick her up in his arms and started to walk her towards his room. She felt the movement and lifted her hand to grip his shirt.

"Go back to sleep," Logan whispered.

Veronica moaned but snuggled into his chest. She felt him place her on the bed and remove her shorts, as well as her white top. The bed was slightly cold, and that woke her up more. Veronica opened her eyes to see Logan move to his bathroom wearing flannel bottoms and started to brush his teeth. She sat up and removed her bra, not wanting it to dig in while she slept, before moving towards the centre of the bed.

Logan smiled at her as he climbed in beside her. "Night, Bobcat."

Veronica wrapped curled into his side and let sleep take her.

The morning came, and Veronica woke to Logan kissing her neck. She was lying on her back, Logan's body hovering over her. Veronica lifted a hand up to touch him, her fingers finding his shoulder cold to the touch.

"You're freezing," she mumbled. A small moan came out as Logan sucked a particular spot on her throat. Her hand ran up his arm to his neck, her fingers brushing his hair. "And wet."

Logan smiled against her skin. "I was surfing with Dick."

Veronica opened her eyes, squinting at the bright room. She took in Logan's damp appearance; his forehead had a few water droplets sitting below his hairline. "And you thought you'd wake me up because?"

Logan's lips formed her favourite smirk. "I thought perhaps you like to join me in the shower."

Veronica found herself very awake as she grabbed the back of Logan's head and pulled him down for a firm kiss. He tasted like the ocean, the salt on his tongue and lips. And while seawater wasn't a pleasant taste, on Logan, it was amazing. "A shower sounds great."

Logan pulled Veronica up and out of bed, a small yelp coming from Veronica as his cold hands grasped her thighs as he carried her into the bathroom. She couldn't help but giggle as he stripped her off her underwear and her tank top before pulling her under the hot spray with him. And thank god for the lifestyles of the rich that provided fantastic water heating because the water was still hot by the point they were both satisfied with one another.

Once they were dried, Veronica commented about remembering to pack an overnight bag before stealing another one of Logan's shirts and putting it on with her denim shorts, making sure to tuck the shirt in. Logan made them both breakfast, this time going for something simple, making a good amount of bacon and eggs, and making enough for Dick. Then they sat out on the deck and ate.

Logan sat back in his chair and watched Veronica eat another piece of bacon and asked, "So how was catching up with your boss?"

Veronica's smile faded, and a pensive look took over. "It was fine."

Logan grabbed the leg of the chair she was sitting on and pulled it towards him, leaving almost no room between them. "Okay, now try to the truth."

Veronica sighed. "No, it was. Hitch is a great boss and a good friend. He kind of just dropped a bit of a surprise on me." She hadn't considered what to say to Logan.

"Oh no, not a surprise. How dare he!" Logan mocked her slightly, a teasing grin plastered on his face.

She laughed and shoved his shoulder. "Shut up."

Logan leaned forward and pressed a kiss to her shoulder. "It can't be that bad."

"No, it's not. I got offered a promotion."

Logan's eyes widened. "That's amazing."

Veronica smiled and nodded. "It is. I would be a Supervisory Special Agent, same at Hitch."

"Look at you, conquering the FBI." Logan placed at hand on her thigh and squeezed.

Veronica bit her lip and sighed. Seeing how excited Logan was for her made her feel good, but she didn't know if she was ready yet.

"Why don't you seem as thrilled as I do?" he asked.

She explained, "It's a lot of responsibility. At the moment, if I mess up, it's my problem, and I deal with it. But as a Unit Chief, I would be responsible for a whole group of agents and their mistakes. And I don't really know anyone in the San Diego office."

Logan pulled back slightly. "The San Diego office? The jobs here?"

She nodded. "Yeah. I would have to move back to California."

Logan's face seemed to glow. "So we would be together. Not many miles apart."

Veronica smiled. "Yeah."

He reached over and kissed her.

Seeing Logan so excited for her to be with him made Veronica want to jump on the role. But there was that voice. And it wasn't just about the job. What if she messed it up? Veronica loved Logan, but what if she sabotaged their relationship again? She didn't want to hurt him.

Logan stroked her cheek. "I don't want to push you into saying yes, and I know I may be a bit biased, but you would be amazing if you took the job."

Veronica grabbed Logan's hand and squeezed. She liked to think she would be. But moving back to California would be huge.

Logan's phone started to ring on the table, pulling his focus away from Veronica. It allowed her to sink back in the chair and close her eyes for a moment. She didn't want him to realise how freaked out she actually was.

"Carrie, hey," Logan answered his phone.

Veronica's head snapped up.

"Did you call your sponsor?" he asked. The happiness on Logan's face became clouded with a deep frown.

Veronica grabbed the hand he had on her thigh and laced their fingers together.

He said, "Yeah, of course. Call your sponsor; I'll be there in an hour."

Veronica looked down at their joint hands and felt him squeeze. She lifted their heads and pressed a kiss to the back of his hand.

"Bye." He put down the phone. "Carrie had a relapse."

She nodded.

"If it's okay with you, I can give you a lift back to your dad's and then I'll go check on her." He used their joint hands to pull her out of her own seat and into his.

Veronica sat on Logan's lap and placed an arm around his shoulders. "Okay." They shared a soft kiss, but Veronica didn't really know what to do. Carrie being in Logan's life wasn't something she could control, and she had no right to come back and tell him to cut her off. But she couldn't help but worry.

"So, about your job offer," said Logan. "Are you going to take it?"

Veronica let out a slow sigh. "I'm not a hundred per cent sure. I mean, the idea of being close to you and my dad, Mac and Wallace, that's great. But it's a big change, and it's a little scary." It felt good to tell him that she wasn't so sure.

Logan said, "It may be scary, but I have nothing but confidence in you, Veronica Mars."

She stroked his cheek and smiled warmly.

Veronica's phone started to ring, making them both sigh as she reached over to grab it. It was Walsh. Veronica answered, "Miss me already?"

Walsh sighed. "I do, actually, but not why I'm calling. I just got a call for a home invasion. How do you feel about helping me out again?"

The front yard is taped off. Cop cars lined the street, blocking the neighbours from getting too close. Veronica and Walsh flash their badges before stepping under the tape and walking towards the front door. As they stepped into the main living room, Veronica took in the sight of the two victims. On one side of the living room was a man, he was bound to a chair that had fallen over, and there was a large pool of blood around him. On the other side of the room was a female. She was laid out on the floor, her legs open wide. Her eyes were wide open, and dark bruising had formed around her throat.

"Our victims," started Walsh, "Tristan Kimberley, 32, and Mandi Kimberley, 30, husband and wife. They have lived in this home for four years. Tristan is a successful real estate agent, and Mandi was a food blogger."

Veronica frowned. "I never got the whole food blogging thing. I mean, I love food, but I don't care what someone else is eating." She moved across to look down at Tristan Kimberley's body.

"I like finding new recipes. Keeps my boy happy," said Walsh.

"You have a kid?" asked Veronica.

Walsh nodded. "He's four, and surprisingly, will eat pretty much anything."

Veronica smiled. "Sounds like me."

Looking at Tristan's chest, Veronica noted the number of stab wounds. Someone with a lot of anger had killed him.

"Walsh, hey. It's been a while."

Veronica looked up to see a middle-aged woman with brown hair, the bottom half dyed purple.

"Lucy, it's good to see you," said Walsh. "How was your holiday?"

"Relaxing," said Lucy, "but I missed this."

Veronica smirked. "You missed the dead people?"

Lucy turned to Veronica. "Oh no. Not that. Just the whole mystery solving thing. I always thought I'd like to be a detective, used to read all the true crime stories I could when I was a kid – still do – but I don't like guns, or being violent, or people shouting, so I decided this was the next best thing."

Walsh seemed to hold in a laugh and said, "Lucy, this is Agent Veronica Mars; we have been borrowing her from Virginia. Mars, this is Lucy, the best forensic person we got."

Veronica reached out and shook Lucy's hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

"You too."

Veronica looked back at the first victim and asked, "So what can you tell us?"

"Well," Lucy placed down her bag and said, "Tristan Kimberley was bound to the dining chair with rope. He was beaten severely, and from the looks of the bruising on his face, I would say it happened during the initial attack. It's hard to tell if he sustained any additional injures around his chest and stomach due to the blood, but his right femur was broken. It was defiantly the stabbing that killed him, he bled out, and I would out time of death around midnight last night."

Veronica nodded. "And Mandi Kimberley?"

They walked across the room to where Mani was lying on the floor.

Lucy sighed sadly. "Mandi was strangled to death, and from the bruising, I would say it was done by hand."

"Any sexual assault?" asked Walsh.

"It looks like it," said Lucy. "The coroner will be able to get you exacts once they've had a look, and I took a sample from fluids I found, but it looked like semen to me."

"Time of death?" asked Veronica.

Lucy frowned. "I would say later than Mr Kimberley. I would say probably around two or three am."

Veronica frowned. "So she was kept alive longer. Maybe they wanted her to watch her husband die."

Walsh said, "Or maybe they weren't finished with her."

Veronica took in the room. She took in their victim's clothes and the objects in the room. Wine glasses, a plate of what looked like an appetiser. She walked across the main hall and into the dining room; the table was set for three people, the nice china looked like it had been chosen. In the kitchen was a half-made meal.

"Mars, what are you think?" asked Walsh.

Veronica turned back around. "Why am I always telling you? You tell me."

Walsh smirked and nodded. "Well, whoever did this knew them. I would say a man, considering the possible sexual assault on Mrs Kimberley. And also the use of his hands to strangle her, that would take a lot of strength."

Veronica nodded. "I agree. But I don't think this was just any friend; this was someone important to them. The table is laid out with what looks like expensive china; they are both dressed up. This was someone they wanted to impress."

Walsh said, "So perhaps a business dinner?"

"Could be." Veronica took one last glance around and moved back towards the living room. "Who found the victims?"

Lucy pulled a book from her bag. "Tristan Kimberley's older brother, Jenson."

"Is he still here?" asked Veronica.

"No. Officer Sky took his statement and contact information and sent him on his way," said Lucy.

Veronica frowned. She hated it when officers did shit like that; they thought they were helping when really it just gave her more work. "Alright, Walsh. Let's go talk to Jenson Kimberley."

Thank you so much for reading.

I would love to hear what you think. Even if it's as simple as a 'can't wait' all feedback is appreciated.