A/N: So, guess what italics represent. Anyway, I would just like to reiterate that this story is fictional, and any resemblances between characters in this story and any real-life persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. Also, while I am well aware that in real life, death-row inmates in California are more likely to pass away from old age than to actually be executed by the Department of Corrections, that doesn't make for good drama, so I took some artistic license. Also, while this story is overall rated T, I think this chapter should probably have an M rating; I'm not going to change the rating for the whole story, but I wanted everyone to be forewarned. I would also like to give another thank you to all my reviewers; you guys are the best. And now, I know you've all been waiting patiently for this one. Here it comes:

"And those remaining will hear and will fear and will not still continue to do such an evil thing in your midst. And your eye shall not pity: a life for a life, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a hand for a hand, a foot for a foot." Deuteronomy 19:20-21

"Maybe you missed that 'eye-for-an-eye' section in your Bible."

November 1, 2005

2:46pm

Warden Jill Brown walked through the hall of the condemned prisoner unit of San Quentin, flanked by two guards. She ran her hand through her short reddish-brown hair. This was definitely the part of her job she liked the least. Finally she arrived at her destination. Although San Quentin had in its history housed many notorious criminals, few if any even approached the fame of the occupant of this cell.

"Inmate Echolls."

"Warden Brown. What can I do for you?"

"I'm sure your lawyers have informed you that the Supreme Court of the United States has refused to hear your appeal."

"Yes, just like they informed me that the State Supreme Court had upheld my death sentence. I really don't know what I'm paying these people for."

"You're to be executed this Thursday."

"I guess this is good-bye then."

"There are still some decisions you have to make before then."

"Like what?"

"How you want to be executed, for one."

"Firing squad."

"I'm afraid that's not an option."

"Well, what are my choices?"

"Lethal injection or the gas chamber."

"They're both so appealing, what if I can't make up my mind?"

"Then it's automatically lethal injection."

"The gas chamber then."

Anything to inconvenience you bastards at least a little.

"You're also entitled to a last meal."

"Can I order out? The food here isn't exactly the best I've ever had."

"No, you can't order out, but you can have whatever you want from the kitchen here."

"What do you recommend?"

"The steak is your best bet. With mashed potatoes and gravy. Apple pie is the best dessert."

"Sounds good. But I want the steak rare. And don't skimp on the gravy. Any chance of getting a beer to go with that?"

"Sure."

"Is that all, then?"

"No. The law also entitles you to have one or two 'ministers of the gospel' present at the execution. If you like, you can also meet privately with one beforehand. We have a chaplain's service here, or we can have someone brought in, if you want."

"I'd like to see Father Paulsen from St. Thomas' church in Neptune, but I'm not sure I want him at the main event."

"We'll ask him to come, then. You can also have up to five family members present."

"No. I won't put my children through that. They've been through enough."

"Well, I'm required by law to invite twelve 'upstanding citizens' to witness the execution. Certain acquaintances of yours from Neptune have requested to be among the twelve."

"Are we playing 'Guess Who'?"

"No need. Jake Kane is one of them."

"Doesn't 'upstanding citizen' imply someone who's not in prison himself?"

"He was paroled last week. The rest of the Kanes will be there too. As will Veronica Mars."

Figures that vindictive cunt would want to be in at the kill. She's probably mad they won't let her do it herself. Little dyke had to have been queer for Lilly. Probably only went with Duncan to get close to her. Probably got involved with Logan just to get me. Still, hot little number if you ignore her personality. I would have loved to have nailed the bitch.

"No surprises there."

On second thought, no, I wouldn't want to get frostbite.

"Well, I'll be seeing you in two days then."

"Oh, I can't wait."

The warden turned on her heel and headed back toward her office.

November 2, 2005

3:14pm

Fr. Paulsen walked past the various cells of San Quentin's death row, trying to avoid the stares of the various inmates he passed. When he accidentally met the cold gaze of one man, he shuddered visibly, and reflexively tugged at his white collar. When he reached Aaron Echolls' cell, the guard who had accompanied him called out for the cell to be opened. Paulsen walked in. The cell door slammed shut behind him.

"Hello Aaron."

"Eric. Please have a seat," began Aaron pleasantly enough, but without rising to greet his guest. "I'm sorry I can't offer you better hospitality, but…." Aaron trailed off.

"No, of course. It's been a long time. I guess it would be silly to ask how you're doing." When Aaron did not respond, he continued. "So, this," he said gesturing vaguely upwards to indicate the cell and the prison, "is never something I've been called on to do before, but I take it you wanted to confess…."

What, you think I owe anyone an apology for my life? Or what, I'll go to hell? Please, save those fairytales for the weak-minded sheep.

"Actually, I wanted to ask you how Logan's doing. He hasn't come to visit me at all, not that I can really blame him, but the last time Trina was here, she mentioned that he had started going to church again."

"Yes, that's right," said Paulsen, brightening. "He's been a regular at Sunday Mass at St. Thomas' for the last seven weeks."

I wonder if that's his mother's influence. Lynn always was pampering the boy, and she always had a soft spot for that sort of nonsense. It's too bad though. I tried so hard to toughen him up, teach him to be a man. I wonder if he's taking refuge in this nonsense just to spite me.

"Did he mention anything about why he started going? Trina wasn't able to tell me," asked Aaron, feigning fatherly inquisitiveness.

"Oh, yes," answered Paulsen eagerly. "I mean, he never told me directly, but I gathered it's largely been the influence of his girlfr—" Paulsen stopped suddenly, realizing what he had just said.

"Veronica Mars? Don't worry about it," said Aaron easily, shrugging off Paulsen's sudden awkwardness with a reassuring wave of his hand. "It's no big deal."

"What's strange is that she doesn't come herself."

Strange? It makes perfect sense. Of course that castrating bitch would want Logan to go. She wants to keep him a docile little boy she can control. Now Lilly, there was a girl who appreciated a real man.

"It's not so strange," answered Aaron thoughtfully. "I think I finally understand her, now, actually."

"Well, I suppose that's a good thing. So, are you sure you don't want to confess, or take Communion? I mean, I brought the wafers and the wine, so…."

"I'm sure," said Aaron with a bit of a smile.

"Well, do you want me to be there, at the…." Paulsen trailed off again.

"Execution?" finished Aaron after a moment had passed. "No, I would have to say definitely not."

Why would I want you there? What, are you going to work some miracle to stop them from killing me? Oh, right, no, you're just going to help me get in to 'heaven.' Please. Just because my son turned out to be a little weakling who leans on mental crutches, don't think I am.

"Well, I guess this is good-bye, Aaron."

"Guess so."

November 3, 2005

11:51pm

Aaron finished off the last bite of his apple pie, and took the last sip of his beer. The cell door opened. He stood and strode confidently out the door. He walked down the hall steadily. The guards fell in around him almost deferentially.

"Dead man walking!" yelled the lead guard.

I won't have these people telling everyone about how Aaron Echolls had to be dragged from his cell kicking and screaming. Have to let them know that I'm not afraid. Show them how a real man behaves.

They came to the execution chamber. Aaron sat down in the chair and relaxed as they strapped him in. The doctor attached sensors to his chest that would allow him to monitor Aaron's vital signs from outside the gas chamber. Then he and the guards filed out, sealing the door behind them.

Through the plexiglass front of the chamber, Aaron could see Warden Brown standing next to the man responsible for activating the chamber. A few paces to her right and towering over her was Jake Kane, who looked as though he had grown thinner in the last few months. There was a haunted look in his eyes.

Jake, you don't look too well. I guess minimum security prison doesn't suit you so well. I'd have loved to see you in here.

Standing right in front, her face practically pressed up against the glass, was Veronica Mars, a smug grin on her face. Aaron grinned right back.

Do you think I'm afraid, bitch?

The warden gave the signal, and Aaron heard the gas start to flow in. He made a show of taking deep, steady breaths. After some moments had passed, he started to feel light-headed and even drowsy. He had to work to keep his eyes open. He also started to feel increasingly warm.

Why is it so hot in here?

Then he saw that Veronica's lips were moving. He could not have heard her through the plexiglass, of course, but she was not actually speaking aloud in any case, not wanting any of the others to hear the message she was mouthing to Aaron.

Aaron strained his eyes to make out what she was silently saying. For some reason he had to know what she was trying to tell him.

"Aaron…as the gas…starts to work…you'll start to feel drowsy and warm…."

Yeah, so?

"The sleepiness…is an effect…of the gas…but the heat…." Veronica shook her head with a grin.

It was then that Aaron began to struggle desperately against the leather restraints.

"No! No!" he cried out. Of course, no one could hear him, although they could all see his struggles. After a few moments longer, however, his struggles began to weaken, and then stop altogether.

"It's over," said the doctor, finally. "He's dead."

"Oh, it's only just begun," answered Veronica softly.

The end.