This is show I haven't abandoned this story. I hope to update more frequently (or, you know, just update).

Later that Day

They arrived at the apartment and settled in—Veronica next to Logan, and Mr. Mars seated across from them. The interrogation began.

"So, one of you want to explain to me what is going on?"

Logan and Veronica shared a look. Clearly, things had been discussed during the car ride. Logan placed a comforting hand on Veronica's knee as she sighed dejectedly, "It's not good, Dad."

She told him everything, beginning with the video of her and Piz, its dispersal among the students at Hearst, how this was connected with the Castle, Mr. Kane's involvement with the secret society, the cause for her break-in and consequential theft, the confessions of the members of the Castle, the discovery of the Sorokin crimes, and ending with Logan's retribution against Gorya Sorokin.

Silence descended and it was painful. Veronica sat full of nerves and apprehension, waiting to see how her father would react, scared of disappointing him again.

"Veronica," it was one word whispered on an exhale conveying frustration, worry, anxiety, but foremost love.

She looked up to see her father cross the room. He enveloped her in a hug.

"We'll take care of this, sweetie. The operative word here being 'we.' No handling this by yourself this time. We're going to get through this."

"I know we will. Besides," she looked over her dad's shoulder at Logan who nodded in confirmation, "I have a plan."

Mr. Mars sat in stunned silence as he listened to what Veronica had concocted. To say this was dangerous was an understatement. There were a lot of factors she was taking for granted. She would also be relying on some people he didn't think were the most reliable. He was just glad that she was sharing this plan with him this time, unlike with Duncan's great escape, and the Castle infiltration. Hopefully, he could bring a level of clear-headedness and safety. Yet as he continued to listen, he realized that his little girl was not taking any chances with either her or Logan's lives.

He finally replied sardonically, "At least you've decided to actually use the FBI this time, instead of just playing them."

"Well, Agent Morris did leave me her contact card, and I'm not one to look a gift horse in the mouth."

"What about the less law enforcement side of your plan? Do you really think the Kanes will help you?"

"I do have a pretty big bargaining chip," she shrugged modestly.

"Do you think Duncan will agree to help? He is basically giving up his freedom."

Surprisingly, it was Logan who answered this question. "Nowhere in this deal does it say he has to come back to the States. He can stay right where he is, safe and with his daughter. And he will help. We've been in contact off and on."

Mr. Mars looked accusingly at his daughter. She threw her hands up in exasperation, "Hey, don't look at me. When I got Duncan out of here, we agreed that I wouldn't have any contact with him, just in case I was still being watched. This was all him," Veronica happily placed all blame on Logan.

Logan in turn quickly blamed Duncan, "It's was all his idea. I was shocked when he first contacted me. He just wanted someone who could update him on his friends and family. Despite all that we went through, we are still friends, and he elected me to keep him in the loop. How could I turn him down?"

"He contacts you directly?" Mr. Mars thought this was foolish. He didn't feel the need to hide his derision.

"No, that would be stupid," Logan replied.

"Well, if the shoe fits."

"Dad!" Veronica admonished. "We don't have time for this."

Logan continued knowing that a little mockery wasn't the worst abuse he had ever received, "We go through a couple different means of communication. Since I've taken over all of dear old dad's estate, Duncan sometimes contacts me as a very affluent, yet eccentric potential buyer, who will only work with me directly. I also have a post office box under my mom's maiden name that he writes to. These forms of communication are only known to Duncan. We both have anonymous and innocuous e-mail accounts set up for us by Mac…"

"Wait," Veronica interrupted, "Mac? Mac Mackenzie? Cindy 'Mac' Mackenzie?"

"The one and only. You know, that girl is really handy with a computer."

"Yeah, I know," Veronica was still somewhat baffled that two of her closest friends actually worked together, and kept it from her. "Huh," was all she said as Logan continued.

"I've also created a rather extended and drawn out mailing system to get replies to him without being suspicious. By the time my letters get to him there's been so much handling by different people it's impossible to suspect that the ending location is a known criminal."

"If it goes through so many hands how does Duncan know it's from you?" Mr. Mars asked.

"They're all headed with an inspirational quote of the day."

Veronica accepted this, but Mr. Mars was still a little perplexed even though he nodded his agreement before looking at his watch.

"Well, it's late, and you two have to go to the station tomorrow. And, if I'm not mistaken, there's going to be little rest for us after that."

Veronica got up to get ready to change, leaving her dad and Logan together. Mr. Mars found some extra blankets and a pillow for Logan.

"Thank you, Mr. Mars," Logan said quietly.

Mr. Mars looked at him sharply and noticed a new sense of sincerity in Logan. Death threats certainly change a person, he thought regretfully as he silently squeezed Logan's shoulder in welcome.

"It'll be okay," he assured Logan.

As Logan turned off the light, Mr. Mars heard him reply, "I hope so."