A/N: Thanks to lex83, my muse. Flashbacks and VMVO are both in italics, as always. Feedback is and will always be muchly appreciated.
The sound of a downloaded ring tone broke up what was promising to be a most awkward conversation. Veronica glanced down at the cell phone she'd slipped in her pocket that morning. Getting back from the Sheriff had not been the highlight of her day.
"Well, now, Ms. Mars." The Sheriff drawled, leaning back in his chair.
"Sheriff, I've already told you everything you need to know about finding Logan...I just want my phone back." Lamb seemed to be thinking it over.
The Sheriff flagged down a deputy, purposely not Leo, and asked him to bring her cell phone out of the evidence locker.
"So, how's your father?" Lamb asked, clearly trying to get her to stop glaring at him.
"He's going to be fine." Veronica resisted the urge to get snotty. The deputy was back in a few more moments, handing her her phone before being wave away by the sheriff, the way she'd once seen Logan dismiss his wait staff.
Heading out to the cab she had waiting, Veronica kissed the phone happily.
She glanced at the caller ID and gave an apologetic glance to Meg and Duncan
"I gotta take this." Veronica said, hurrying through the halls to the nearest exit before answering the call.
"Hey, V, it's Cliff." Her favorite lawyer greeted her practically before she'd gotten her hello out.
"Cliff, what can I do for you?" She asked, stepping a few feet away.
"I've got some news, and some advice." Cliff answered. "I don't think you're going to like either one."
"Just say it, Cliff." Veronica hated to be short with him, but he had a tendency to drag things out. Out of the corner of her eye, she watched as a employee unlocked a closet in the hall of the hospital and came out with a set of hospital scrubs in hand. She pressed her hand to the glass, an idea forming.
"The Kane family wants to hold a press conference." Cliff rushed out, knowing what her reaction would be.
"What?" She managed a stutter.
How could they do this again?
"And now for the part you're really not going to like." He continued.
"Why do I have a feeling this is going to get worse?" Veronica asked.
"My best advice, as your lawyer in the Lilly case, is to attend the press conference and make a statement." Cliff finally replied.
"No." She exclaimed. "No way."
"Veronica, if you want Aaron Echolls to be prosecuted and get a guilty verdict, you're going to need the press on your side."
"I'm sorry, Cliff. I can't." Veronica managed to get out.
Talk about Lilly, and Logan, and Mr. Echolls to a bunch of strangers while standing next to the King of Neptune and his family? I don't think so.
"Consider it, ok?" Cliff encouraged before hanging up. Veronica sighed, and shoved the phone back into her pocket.
She dialed her phone as she walked towards the front of the hospital, setting her plan to see Logan in motion.
"Hey, Weevil, it's Veronica." She said, her tone exuding a false cheer-y sound. "Any chance you could give a stranded girl a lift?"
"Ordinarily, Veronica Mars, there are several ways I could answer that question, but since you've had a rough few days, I think I'll settle for a simple yes." Weevil replied.
I may not be able to see it, but I know you're smirking.
"My overtired brain thanks you." Veronica told him, eliciting a chuckle. "I'm at the hospital."
"Be there in a few." He promised. She pushed the end button, and skillfully dodged the mad throng of reporters that seemed to be everywhere she was today.
The Police Station, the apartment, and now the hospital. Who knew stalkers could be this much fun?
She knew she'd have to face them soon enough, and sighed, dialing her phone again. A different male voice answered this time.
"Cliff McCormick." He said.
"How's my favorite lawyer doing?" She chirped.
"Surprised that you're calling me back so soon." Cliff replied. Veronica hesitated before going on.
"I think you're right about the whole press conference thing." She finally spit out, putting a hand to her head.
"After I recover from my heart attack, I'll call the Kane lawyer and set everything up." Cliff promised. "I'll call you with details."
My heart leaps with joy.
Weevil pulled up just then, and she put the press conference out of her mind.
I've got more important things to worry about right now, anyway. Like the best way to sneak in and see Logan.
"Where to miss?" Weevil asked, handing her a helmet. She slipped it on and got on his motorcycle.
"To the office, Jeeves." She told him with a smile. Veronica glanced at the hospital one last time as Weevil peeled out, and headed for Mars Investigations.