Chapter 29: Coming Home
*****A Few Days Later*****
Veronica was having lunch with Logan, Jason, and Weevil on campus. They were brainstorming leads for the case. She made a point of including Logan, so he wouldn't worry so much.
"I know Max. He's a clever cheater, but he's no killer," Veronica said.
"We know better than anyone the monsters that can live under the harmless mask," Logan reminded her.
"We've looked at all the guys they've dated. Jake, one of Dick's fraternity brother, is the only one who dated two of the three women," Weevil told them.
"But he has an alibi for Autumn's murder," Jason added.
"This is frustrating," Veronica said. "What are the odds that there would be two killers on campus killing women?"
"Not very good," Jason said. "If we can't place Max at the scenes of the other two murders, we should operate under the assumption that Max isn't our guy, I think."
"I agree," Veronica said. "The police can follow the two separate killers' theory. We'll go the other route."
"I hate to say it," Weevil said with a grimace. "But we may not get any real proof until there's another killing."
"Unfortunately, you're probably right," Veronica said with a sigh.
"I've got to go by the paper and get the article in for our modeling camp," Logan said as he looked at the time on his cell.
"Mac told me that the flyers were already printed up," Veronica said.
"A modeling camp?" Weevil scoffed. "That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard."
"We should get Jazmin to come. She's beautiful enough to model," Logan said, a mischievous smile on his face.
"Very true," Veronica said, joining her husband's plan to torment Weevil. "She'd be a natural."
"I could see that," Jason said easily. He turned to Eli. "What do you think?"
Weevil glared at all of them. "Jaz is a talented photographer. She doesn't need to be some hot model for sex-crazed men to ogle!" he replied.
They laughed. Teasing Weevil never got old. Logan kissed his wife and said goodbye to their friends because he needed to speak to a professor before class.
"So what's Joseph up to today?" Veronica asked. "Why hasn't he gone back to Chicago?"
"He's going home with us on spring break," Jason said. "It's doubtful that he'll return."
"He's been less annoying since he moved out of Jason's," Weevil said with a smirk.
"You mean since he's not constantly around Jazmin?" Veronica asked knowingly.
"That helps," Weevil acknowledged.
Jason laughed. "Lately, he's been actually helpful for a change," he remarked.
"So when does Trina move to New York?" Weevil asked her.
"She's going to be gone next week to finalize the purchase on the location for the new office," Veronica said. "I think May is when she plans on moving for good."
"And little Richie?" Weevil asked.
"I think he'll stay the summer with us," Veronica said. "When classes start in the fall, she'll come get him."
Jason and Weevil gave her a sympathetic look. "Are you going to be okay with that?" Weevil asked.
"I don't really have a choice," Veronica said glumly.
"It's time for our next class," Jason told Weevil.
"We'll check in with you later," Weevil told her as he got up from the table.
Veronica said goodbye and noticed Duncan in line. When he turned toward her looking for a table, she waved at him. Smiling, he walked toward her and sat at her table. "Hey, Veronica. How's things going?" he asked.
"I'm pretty good. Busy helping the guys with the case and midterms. How about you?" she asked.
"Good. Last game for the season is this weekend. Can you guys come?" Duncan asked.
"I think so. Dick's supposed to have all the details ready for us to take over the modeling camp that starts Monday of spring break. We'll have the baby, but he can come," she said, liking the idea.
"Would you mind bringing Lily? She's not got to come to any games but one. She'd love to come with you guys," Duncan said. "Would she be too much?"
"I can get Wallace or Dad to come help. It'll be fun," Veronica smiling.
"Great! It's Saturday at two," Duncan supplied.
"So how's things going with you and Kayla? Still seeing her?" Veronica asked casually.
"Yes, I am, and it's fine," Duncan said with a shrug.
"Just fine? That's it?" Veronica asked.
"It's actually what I want it to be," Duncan said, taking a bite of his burger to avoid talking.
Veronica said nothing for a few minutes, deciding how to proceed without upsetting him. Finally, she just went for it. "Why are you dating Kayla still when you could be dating Parker?" she asked.
Duncan finished swallowing and took a drink of his soda before answering. "I don't know," he admitted. "She told me she loved me, you know."
"What? When?" Veronica asked in surprise.
"A week or so before she broke up with Piz," Duncan shared.
"She broke up with Piz because she's in love with you?" Veronica asked. She'd had her suspicions, but Parker wouldn't come out and say it.
He shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe," he said, not looking at her.
"How do you feel about her?" Veronica probed.
"She hurt me, Veronica. More than Meg. More than you. What do you want me to say?" he asked crossly.
"You know Logan and I hurt each other over and over," Veronica reminded him.
"Yeah, I know," Duncan said, looking away from her. He was afraid to hope that things with him and Parker could ever work out. He'd been disappointed too many times with Veronica, with her. He had Lily, so he was content.
Veronica reached out and put her hand over his. "It's okay to want more, Duncan. Parker is the girl for you. She always has been," Veronica said. She squeezed his hand and got up. "Think about it, Duncan. Don't be afraid to love."
Duncan watched her walk away. Of course, he'd think about it—it was all he'd been thinking about.
*****The Next Day*****
Mac went to the hospital before class because Lauren was being released today. The doctor had kept her a few days more than she wanted to stay, but he said it was necessary. They wanted to make sure her liver was responding well to the meds. So far it seemed to be working, so they were going to release her today.
Lauren was already dressed and waiting impatiently. "I wish the doctor would get here already!" Lauren complained.
"You know he doesn't begin his rounds until ten," Mac told her. "How do you feel? You're looking much better."
"I feel better. Today was the first day I woke up with any real energy in a long time," she said.
"That's good," Mac said, smiling. "So have your friends been by to see you?"
"Ryan has been by every day. Ryan brought Kristen by last night," Lauren said.
"What about Brad? Has he been by?" Mac asked. Lauren knew she'd seen the kiss, but she refused to talk about it much. Mac didn't want to upset her, so she hadn't pushed.
"No," Lauren said, looking sad.
"You know sometimes guys freak out when a girl they care about gets sick," Mac said. "Dick did when I said I was going to give you my bone marrow."
"Really?" Lauren asked in surprise. "But he's so crazy about you."
"Yes. But fear is powerful. Fear for someone you love or care about can cause you to do things you wouldn't normally," Mac said.
"Why? I don't get it," Lauren said.
"Different reasons," Mac said. "Some people see sickness as a sign of their own mortality. Others become paralyzed with fear of losing the person who is sick."
"So which do you think is Brad?" Lauren wondered.
"Maybe a little bit of both," Mac said. She moved next to Lauren on the bed and put her arms around her shoulder. "Brad is a good guy, though. He'll figure things out. Give him time."
"I think he kissed me and realized what a mistake it was," Lauren said glumly.
"Maybe," Mac said. "Or maybe he's just scared."
"I'm not going back to school this week. Then next week's spring break. I'm not going to see him," Lauren said.
Mac smiled knowingly. "Oh, I'm sure you will," she said. "He won't be able to stay away. I can promise you that."
Lauren rested her head against her sister. It was so nice having a sister that understood her so well. She loved Maddie, but Mac was her blood. The genetics couldn't be denied, nor could the connection that was always there.
******Saturday******
Logan and Veronica showed up at Duncan's soccer game about ten minutes into it. Wallace and Darrel were already there. They had Lily and Richie in tow. Also, Logan's brother Charlie and his wife came with them with their daughter who had just turned three. Lily was so excited to have another girl close to her age that she hadn't stop talking since they met. The contrast in the two little girls was striking. Lily was golden with her California tan and blonde hair. Logan's niece was pale with black hair. She was utterly gorgeous, though, and had the most amazing large brown eyes. She also was shy and quiet and completely fascinated by her new friend. The two girls were holding hands and fast friends as soon as they met, and Logan couldn't have been happier.
Logan hadn't got to spend much time with his brother since they'd had the dinner at his house. He'd met him for lunch once, but they hadn't got to have the kids together before. Kim's mother always seemed to have their daughter whenever he went to Oceanside to visit. All the details of the model camp were complete. There was nothing to do until Monday morning, so they finally had the time to invite Charlie and Kim. He wished Trina was here, too. She'd not got to spend much time with their brother since he'd reconnected with Charlie. Logan made a point of calling him once a week, determined to build a real relationship with his brother. It made him happy to know Charlie seemed to want to connect, too.
"We're so glad you guys were able to come to Neptune today," Veronica told them, smiling as she turned Richie to face the field. He had on a tiny Hearst Bison outfit that Dick had special ordered for him. The stores in town didn't sell any for babies. They only had toddler sizes. Lily proudly wore hers and was pointing out her daddy to all who would listen. For the first time, Lily ignored Darrel in favor of her new friend.
"Look, there's Parker!" Lily said in delight, pointing down to the cheerleaders and waving. "She's a cheerleader. I'm going to be one when I get bigger. My Aunt Lilly was a cheerleader and my mommy. Daddy says it's in my blood!" Logan's niece was solemnly listening to her every word. The adults were amused.
During half-time, Parker came off the field. "Hey, guys," she said. She was carrying small pom-poms.
"Hey, Parker," Veronica said. "Do you remember Charlie and his wife Kim from the wedding?"
"Sure. It's good to see you guys again. This must be your daughter," Parker said, smiling at her.
"This is Tanya," Lily said. "She's my cousin. Not really but Logie said I can call her that if I want, and since Aunt Lily is in heaven and can't give me one then Richie and Tanya can be my cousins."
The adults listening found her remarks both sad and sweet. It was Kim's first time to meet Lily Kane, and she found the very American little girl very surprising. She was bold and confident like most Americans, but it was unusual to see it in one so young. Tanya was much shyer. Kim believed that Lily would be good for her.
"That's awesome, Lily. I have something for you. If I knew you were going to have your cousin with you, I would've bought her one two," Parker said, casting an apologetic look toward her parents. She held up two miniature pom-poms. "I thought you'd like them."
Lily looked delighted with the gift. "I love them! I can give Tanya one, so she can cheer, too," she said generously. She handed one to Tanya, who wasn't sure what to do with it.
"Say thank you," Kim told her daughter. "That's very sweet of you, Lily."
"I'm sweet. My daddy says that all the time," she said with a touch of the Kane arrogance. The adults laughed and watched as she demonstrated how to use them.
"Thank you," Tanya said, giving Parker a shy smile.
"You're welcome, sweetheart," she said. "Well, I've got to get something to drink before the second half starts, so I'll catch you all after the game."
"Thanks, Parker," Veronica said, smiling at her friend.
A minute after she left Duncan came up to say a quick hello. Logan decided to be devious. "So DK, any plans after the game?" he asked.
"No, why?" he asked.
"I thought you could host a cook-out at your house. All that space," Logan said with a grin. "My wife gets tired of cleaning up after me."
Veronica laughed. "That's true, but I don't mind having our friends over. But I really like the Kane hot tub. That's one thing I miss," she said.
"You can come over. Mom and Dad aren't in town anyway," Duncan said.
"Even better!" Logan said with a snicker.
Charlie looked surprised at his rudeness. "Logan, that's not very nice," he said with disapproval.
"Oh, it's not me. It's Veronica they hate, and as her husband, I have to hate those who hate her on principle," Logan said.
"It'd be great to have everyone over. It's been too long," Duncan said. "Many are already out of town, though."
"Or will be heading out," Veronica said. "Dick and Mac are leaving in a few hours. Jazmin and Jason already left for Chicago. Thea, too. I don't think Parker leaves until tomorrow."
"I'll invite some of the guys on the team," Duncan said.
"Look, Daddy," Lilly said, waving her new pom-pom. "Parker got me pom-poms. I gave one to Tanya,"
"That's very nice of you, sweetheart," Duncan said, kissing her. "I've got to go, though. I'll see you after the game."
Duncan didn't know what to do about Parker. He knew Parker well enough to know that she didn't think of Lily as a way to impress him. It's just what she did. It was one of the many qualities he loved about her. However, he was just afraid to get close to her again. What if she changed her mind again? He wasn't sure he'd be able to deal with the disappointment again.
Across the field the killer was watching the game, his eyes on his next targets. The cheers and laughter from the crowd didn't register. All he saw were targets. They would soon know pain. He chuckled. They would never see it coming.
******Kanes'******
Duncan had called his housekeeper after the game to get patties and hot dogs ready for an impromptu barbeque. She managed to do that and have a potato and fruit salad ready. Chips and drinks were also ready to go. Several of his teammates came and jumped in the pool right away. Veronica and Logan staked out the hot tub with Charlie and Kim while Keith and Alicia were entertaining the kids inside. Veronica had invited them to join the small party, knowing they'd love to meet Charlie and his family. Charlie and Kim had a bit of trouble letting their daughter out of their sight in a strange house that was the sight of a notorious murder. Logan, however, assured them that no one would do a better job watching them than Alicia and Keith.
"It's great having in-laws you can trust, isn't it?" Charlie said as he settled into the hot tub next to Kim.
"It's great. Keith is the father I wish I'd had," Logan said.
"Where does your mother live?" Kim asked Veronica.
"She's in the Portland area. We've recently reconciled, and she came down for my wedding," Veronica shared. "I'm hoping that she'll relocate back here eventually. When Trina moves away with Richie, I'll be particularly lonely for more family, but Alicia is great. I love her a lot."
"They seem great together. Was it weird having your best friend's mom date your dad?" Charlie asked.
"At first. They got together the first time when we were in high school," Veronica told them. "Then about two years later, they reconnected for good. It's made us all family."
"Alicia treats all of our friends like family," Logan added. "Weevil and Dick's mothers were particularly neglectful, so it's been great. My mom did the best she could, but our father drove her to suicide."
"You know, Logan, not one person can cause another person to kill themselves," Charlie said.
Logan's eyes flashed. "That's not true! You have no idea what she had to put up with. The affairs he flaunted, the way he treated her," Logan said. "She took that nose dive off the bridge right after the last one. It was the final straw."
"That must've been awful for you," Kim said, giving her husband a pointed look.
"I'm sorry, Logan. I wasn't trying to upset you," Charlie said. "It's just hard for me to reconcile the man I knew with the monster you all knew."
"Monster is exactly the way I'd describe the man who tried to burn me alive after I discovered he killed my best friend," Veronica said with a grimace.
"Okay, let's not talk about dear ole Dad," Logan said. "Trina feels as you do, so maybe you two should get together and talk about the good times. I can't do that. I don't want to bum you out, so let's talk about something else."
"That's fine," Charlie said, relieved. It was great having a brother who was so welcoming and determined to know him, but the nightmare he lived through was hard to take. However, he didn't want Aaron to come between them.
"Hey, there's Mac and Dick," Veronica said, waving to get their attention.
"I see we didn't waste any time," Dick said, leering at them in the hot tub. He was wearing a t-shirt that said Ice Bank with the words Mice Elf under it. Logan read it and burst out laughing.
"Love the new shirt," Logan said, grinning.
Dick gave them a proud look. "Mackie got it for me," he said, smiling in approval at his girlfriend.
"I saw it and thought of Dick for some reason," Mac said with a smile.
Kim was frowning and reading the shirt, not getting. "I'm sorry. I don't get it," she said.
"Read it out loud," Dick told her eagerly.
"Ice Bank Mice Elf," Kim said. Charlie laughed. She read it again slowly, trying to puzzle it through. "I spank myself." Then she groaned as she realized how the words sounded.
Everyone laughed.
"Do you two want to join us?" Veronica asked.
"Sorry. We can't," Mac said. "We're on our way to the airport, but we wanted to stop by and say goodbye before we left."
"Where are you going?" Charlie asked.
"To India to do good deeds," Dick said proudly.
"We're volunteering with Doctors Without Borders," Mac explained. "Our friend Thea's dad is a doctor that works with the organization. He's going to be guiding us."
"That's amazing," Kim said. "I'd love to do that."
"Veronica and I might go this summer," Logan said.
"Where's Richie at?" Mac asked.
"Gotta kiss little dude goodbye," Dick said. "Won't get to see him for a whole week."
"They're in the family room playing with Lily and Tanya, my niece," Logan said.
Dick's eyes lit up. "Another little princess to spoil? Sweet!" he exclaimed.
Logan got out of the tub. "I'll introduce you and check on the parentals. Keith and Alicia are watching them," Logan said.
"Nice to see you again," Mac said, waving goodbye to Kim and Charlie.
"Your friends are all so nice," Kim commented.
"Yeah, we're lucky. We've been through a lot together," Veronica said. "Ready to jump in the pool and cool off?"
"That'll be a shock," Charlie said, smiling, but they all got out, heading to the pool.
Outside the house, Parker wasn't sure coming to Duncan's was a good idea since he'd probably have Kayla there, too. However, she had nothing to do until her plane left early in the morning, and Jessi and Rhonda would both wonder why she wasn't there. She didn't want to answer any uncomfortable questions, so she decided to at least make an appearance.
As she pulled up, she saw Jessi getting out of her car. Parker was surprised to see Joseph with her. She waved at her friend, who waited for her. "I didn't know you were still in town, Joseph," she said to him.
Jessi was holding his hand and smiling up at him. "Isn't he gorgeous? We've went out a few times, so I thought I'd bring him here since I have to leave to visit my parents tomorrow," she said.
"You didn't go back to Chicago with Jason and Jazmin?" Parker questioned him.
"No, there's so much work to do that Nico asked me to wait until next week when Jason returns," Joseph said. "I may stick around until this killer is caught, though. It's some twisted shit."
"You saw one of the victims, didn't you?" Parker asked with sympathy.
"Yeah, I found the second girl," Joseph said with a grimace. "Not a memory I want to repeat. I'm hoping we can help catch them before more bodies pile up."
"I'll be glad to leave town tomorrow," Jessi said with a shudder.
They walked around the house to the pool where the party was at.
Duncan saw them come in. Kayla was with him. She watched him watching Parker and Jessi. Frowning, Kayla observed his eyes tracking the two girls. At first, she wasn't sure which girl he was looking at until Parker stepped away from Jessi. Then she remembered. "That's your ex, right?" Kayla asked, indicating Parker.
"Yeah, I guess," Duncan said, uncomfortable.
"Did you break up with her or did she break up with you?" Kayla asked.
"She broke up with me to get back with her ex," Duncan said, trying to be expressionless.
"Did you love her?" Kayla asked.
Duncan frowned down at her, not liking the sudden questions. Things with Kayla were always easy—that's why he liked her. "What does it matter?" he asked.
"Duncan, you and I are having a good time," Kayla said, giving him an easy smile. "I really like being with you, but I'm not looking for love. However, I don't want to keep you from it either. Parker doesn't seem to be with anyone right now."
"No, she broke up with Piz," Duncan admitted.
"Do you still have feelings for her?" Kayla asked.
"I don't know. Maybe," he confessed.
"Don't let me stand in your way," Kayla said. "I'm going to go home for break. When I return, if you don't call, I'll know why." She stood up on her tip toes and kissed him goodbye.
Duncan watched her leave in bemusement. Then his eyes focused on Parker, who had witnessed the kiss. She looked hurt and was walking toward the house.
For a split second, Duncan hesitated. Then he went after her. "Parker! Wait!" he called out as she went through the kitchen doors.
Parker turned and faced him, feeling unsure. Coming had been a mistake. She didn't need to watch him with his new girlfriend, nor did she have a right to be upset. She was surprised when Duncan reached out and grabbed her hand.
"Don't go. I want to talk to you," Duncan said. He let her into the TV room, shutting the door behind them.
"Shouldn't you be with Kayla?" Parker asked pointedly.
"No," Duncan said, smiling warmly at her. He reached for her other hand. "Kayla figured it out."
"Figured what out?" Parker asked, puzzled.
"That I'm still in love with you," he said, his heart in his eyes as he looked at her.
Parker's eyes widened in surprise. "You are?" she asked, her heart thundering in her ears.
"I am. If you're serious about wanting to be with me and are finally over Piz, I'd like us to be together," Duncan said.
"Piz and I are over for good," Parker assured him. "I love you, and I'm sorry that I hurt you. I won't again."
Smiling, Duncan pulled her close and kissed her. Kissing her again felt like coming home, and he never wanted to stop. Maybe, this time, he could finally have his own happily ever after.
*****Chapter End******