Disclaimer: I do not own Veronica Mars. Everything belongs to Rob Thomas, that whore.
Author's note: I hate excuses but everyone knows how hectic school can be, especially college,. Well, I'm finally done. I promise, really, truly, promise that updates will be more frequent now that I have nothing to do. I love summer. Okay, now about this chapter. It's not my best but there needed to be a lead-in to the next drama in Neptune. I cannot wait to write the next chapter. Read and review!
--
The rest of that day went on like any other. After Veronica gave her statement at the Sheriff's Department, her and Logan went back to his house per Keith's orders. Veronica lopped on the couch and reached for the clicker as Logan went to the fridge to grab drinks. She flicked on the television just as Channel 12 was interrupting their broadcast of Little Rascals.
"This is Mike O'Sullivan with Channel 12 breaking news. This afternoon, Veronica Mars, daughter of Balboa County Sheriff Keith Mars, was held hostage by Stuart Manning, prominent business man in Neptune, California." Veronica quickly switched the channel.
"Manning, a strong supporter of the late county commissioner Woody Goodman, is charged with two counts of criminal restraint and eight counts of child endangerment. Channel ten has also learned that Manning's daughter, Grace, was found in an unconscious state and was said to be kept in a small room inside of her closet. The girl was taken to a local hospital but was released shortly after." She switched the channel again.
"Leo D'Amato, deputy sheriff in Neptune, was tipped off of the event by an unknown source. D'Amato was held at gunpoint and forced to shoot Manning. Manning is in stable condition at Neptune Memorial Hospital. His wife, Rose Manning, is being held at the Balboa County Sheriff Department and is being charged with five counts of child endangerment as well. Stay tuned to Channel six news for more coverage of this breaking news." Logan sat down, reaching over and grabbing the remote to turn off the TV.
"Maybe we shouldn't watch television" Logan said. Veronica nodded and rested her head on his shoulder. "Tired?"
"Sort of but I should wait for my Dad to call. I'm sure he wouldn't like me sleeping over at Casa de Logan."
"Well, actually, he would."
"What are you talking about"
"Before we left the Sheriff's Department, your dad told me that he wants you to stay at my house for a few days. You know, lay low. He knew that if he told you, you'd want to stop at the apartment and get your stuff but he said there's going to be a media circus surrounding the complex so he's sending Mac over to get stuff for you."
"Well okay then." Veronica said, sitting up. A mischievous look came over Logan's face. "No, no, no. This does not give you a three-day sex pass, Mr. Echolls."
"Veronica, I was not thinking of that. My, you have a dirty mind."
"Ha. Right."
"Question, why not though?"
"Because I said so." Logan's eyes glazed over as he gave Veronica his sad puppy dog eyes. Veronica shook her head insistently until Logan leaned over to start kissing her on the neck. She quickly stood up and took a seat on the adjacent chair.
"No means no, Logan. Seriously, I don't even know what we are. Are we just friends who kiss or are we actually back together?"
"I hope we're back together. I mean, Veronica.." Logan paused, looking her straight in the eye, as he tried to explain but Veronica interjected with a kiss.
"Never mind. The look in your eyes just said it all."
--
Mac waited patiently at the door wrestling with a duffle bag, messenger bag and backpack full of Veronica's belongings. She rang the doorbell again. As she reached into her pocket, Mac felt someone lift the duffle from her shoulder.
"Hey Mackie, what are you doing?" Dick said, leaning in for a kiss then grabbing the messenger bag from her other shoulder.
"Hi. I've only been waiting here for like ten minutes. Mr. Mars asked me to stop by Veronica's place and pick up a few things for her. She's staying here until the media craze dies down but Logan is not answering!" Mac rang the bell three more times. "I KNOW YOU'RE IN THERE LOGAN ECHOLLS, OPEN THE DOOR!"
"Calm down babe." Dick grabbed a key chain from his pocket and waved it in front of Mac's face. "I have a key, remember?"
Mac swiped the key from his hand and quickly opened the door. Dropping her only remaining bag near the entrance, she proceeded cautiously into the living room, expecting only the worse but stopped only to find Logan and Veronica asleep on the couch.
"Mackie, are they here?" Dick shouted then went into the kitchen Mac turned around to shush him but before she could, Logan sat up.
"Well hello. Thanks for the wake-up, Dick." Logan said gently shaking Veronica awake then getting up to follow Dick. Mac walked over to the couch and sat down next to Veronica.
"Hey."
"Hi." Veronica quietly said. Mac reached over and threw her arms around Veronica and squeezed tightly. "What's that for?"
"I'm so glad you're safe." Mac said, pulling her arms back. "Okay, end of Hallmark moment."
"I'm sorry. I just wanted to throw that out there. I know everyone told me to be more careful and like I told Logan, I promise, I mean, really promise to this time."
"Good." Wallace said, walking into the living room and sitting down next to Veronica, putting his arm around her.
"Nice of you to ring the bell." Logan said, three drinks in his hand, as he returned to the living room. "I really need to get a better security system."
"And lock me out? Your best friend? Amigo mejor?" Dick tossed a bag of chips to Wallace.
"That is the plan." Logan said, flopping down on the couch.
"By the way Dick, when did you learn Spanish?" Veronica asked.
"All those trips to TJ. Everyone down there wants to be your amigo mejor but I said, no can do Manuel, Miguel, Taco.. I have one back home."
"I like to pretend I don't know him sometimes." Logan said and Mac nodded along conspicuously.
"So V, you alright? I was worried when I heard your name on the news." Wallace interrupted the light conversation.
"Yeah Wallace, I'm okay. I mean, I was really scared but R. Kelly got me through it."
"R. Kelly?" Everyone asked in unison.
"Yeah, you know, that Trapped in the Closet song? The one with the 27 videos?"
"Yeah." Wallace nodded.
"Well, I kept singing those. They kept me calm."
"Why?" Mac asked.
"Well, Wallace showed them to me one time. I think I had a cold or something so to cheer me up, he started acting them out. I thought of that and I started to think of all the amazing people I'd be leaving behind if I didn't just fight through the fear."
"I'm glad I could help, BFF." Wallace leaned over and hugged Veronica. Mac leaned over and joined the hug. The three sat in silence for several minutes. Finally, Dick broke the quiet.
"Hey Ronnie."
"Yeah, Dick?"
"Don't get locked in any more closets, unless it's with me." He said, winking. Mac gave him an evil glare as Logan punched him in the arm.
"Sure, Dick. I promise I won't"
--
The next few days went by quickly. The news of the Manning arrest continued to fill the newscasts each day but Logan popped in movie after movie to keep Veronica from watching it obsessively. It wasn't until Britney Spears started to streak outside of her house, that the news cameras finally backed off.
"You know, you don't have to leave." Logan said as Veronica packed up clothes into her duffel bag.
"Yeah, Logan. I do."
"You know, my offer for you move in still stands." Veronica paused. She liked the idea of living with Logan.
I would have more freedom. Plus, I know Dad wants to move in with Alicia, so maybe.. no. No. Bad idea Veronica.
"I can't move in with you Logan. I don't think my Dad would be up for me moving in with my recently un-ex boyfriend in his huge house."
"Well, maybe I can help you reconsider," Logan said, kissing her neck. Veronica pulled away and continued packing.
"Woah there buddy. I have to get down to Mars Investigation before class tomorrow. I have a lot of paperwork to catch up on."
"Only paperwork?" Logan questioned.
"Yes, only paperwork. Promise." Veronica said, giving Logan a quick peck on the cheek. "Call you later, lover." Veronica winked.
"You are so naughty, Veronica." Logan flopped down on his bed.
--
After dropping off her things at her apartment, Veronica headed over to Mars Investigations to catch up on paperwork, as she had promised Logan, and make a few last minute case cancellations.
"Honey, I'm home," Veronica said, walking into the office.
"V, hey. You okay? I saw everything on the news but your dad said you were staying at Logan's for a few days so I thought I'd wait until you came back to make sure you were okay. Your white boy and I don't get along very well,"
"Yes, Weevil. I'm fine. Thank you for caring." Veronica patted Weevil's head and sat on the edge of his desk. "How are things going down here?"
"Well, I made a few calls to some clients with high-risk cases and told them we would not be able to accommodate their needs. Also, there is two stacks of files on your desk. One needs to be followed up on and the other just needs to be signed. Other than, I kept everything under control."
"Weevil, you're talking so quickly. Usually, when people talk that quickly, they're hiding something. Is there something you're not telling me?"
"V, the DA called."
"And..?"
"The Manning's decided to drop all the charges against Duncan since they would not be able to take custody of their grandchild anyway. The DA decided that if Duncan returns to the states, he would face minimum sentencing, community service at the most, for evading the FBI. An agreement is being drawn up now."
"Why now?"
"After the Manning arrest, they assumed Duncan was taking his daughter for her own protection. Since he is listed on the birth certificate as her father, he has legal rights."
"So that means Duncan can come home?"
"Yeah. Your dad knows that you've been in contact with him. He said that Mac slipped one day. He wants you to tell him."
"Wow, okay. I'll be in my office." Veronica walked into her office. She sat at her desk contemplating her next move. Duncan Kane, her first love, one of her best friends, could finally come home.
Logan? Veronica thought. Logan will think I still have feelings for him. I don't, I don't. I just want him to come home, to be with us again. Duncan and Lilly the second are all we have left to remind us of Lilly. He needs to come home.
Veronica reached into her bag and turned on her computer. She went into the locked files and searched through her phone book. Under the name James Robert Forrester was a phone number. Veronica picked up the phone and dialed each number with precision.
"Hello?"
"Duncan? It's Veronica."
"Veronica? What? Why are you calling me? They can track down this number. I need to go now."
"Duncan, no. The Manning's, they were arrested--long story, but the charges were dropped. You can come home." The line went silent. "Hello?"
"Yeah, I'm here. Uh, I don't know if I can come back there."
"No, Duncan, you have to. You can finally come home."
"Well, I mean, okay. Yeah, okay. We'll be on the next flight out. God, I can't wait to see you Veronica. Maybe we can start fresh. I have to go. I'll see you soon."
The phone dropped from Veronica's hand.
"What?!"
A/N2: Dun, dun, dun. For all my patient readers, a preview of next chapter. Duncan returns home to find that nothing stays the same for long. Will Veronica tell Logan about DK's return or will she hide her relationship? Wallace will get some lovin' action and a wedding is in the works.