A/n: Thank you all for the reviews and follows- they really make my day. As always I'm happy to hear the good and the bad.

CHAPTER 7:

Cindy Mackenzie turned out to be disappointingly normal, just another thirty something that lived in SoCal; apart from the faux Mohawk she was currently sporting. Given Dick's bouncing between trepidation and some strange eagerness regarding making introductions, Logan had expected to be faced with a brilliant woman with less than average social skills or beautiful woman with an average skill set. Cindy, call me Mac, ended up being neither.

"So Dick here tells me you work for Kane software."

"Did," she corrected automatically. She was a tiny person, and Logan stepped aside to avoid crowding her. He wasn't here to intimidate but rather befriend; see if there was something here he could salvage.

"Mac. Dude. You should stop by this, uh party I'm having," Dick interrupted looking all sorts of happy.

Mac shook her head flashing a fake smile. "I'm busy."

Dick opened his mouth to complain that he hadn't even mentioned the time or location when Logan smoothly cut in. "So I hear you went to Neptune High."

"Yeah," Mac confirmed looking wary. It was bad enough that she had to deal with Dick's intrusiveness- he had developed a strange fixation with her despite her severing all connections with the Casablancas. And now he had brought his supposed friend to meet with her. Not that she hadn't heard of Logan Echolls- the boy, no, man had practically been a legend in her brief time in a high school that she'd just as rather forget. Deciding it was best to not beat around the bush, Mac tried to be as direct as possible. "What is this regarding really?"

"Cindy, I mean Mac?" Logan tried to remain as professional as possible as she nodded. "I'm with the LAPD. Just had a few questions regarding Kane software and their security systems."

"Is this regarding Veronica?" Mac demanded to know. She didn't have very many friends, but she'd just as like to keep the few that she did have, particularly when said friend had come through more than once in a tight spot.

Dick looked distinctly uncomfortable, practically squirming in his seat when Logan clarified. "Not an investigation. I'm trying to help Veronica. Just looking for a little information." He spoke soothingly.

Yes, and the sky was pink. Mac grit her teeth, "I don't know anything and even if I did, I wouldn't be in a position to tell you anything, Lo..Detective Echolls."

"Call me Logan," he said, pushing his hands deep into the pockets of his shorts. "Like I said Mac," he spoke purposefully, "I'm not here on official business. I just want to help. I just have a couple of questions. And I assure you that it has nothing to do with the Kane murder."

"Nothing?" Mac looked suspicious. She shot an angry glare at Dick who seemed to be avoiding all eye contact. He knew he was in for a world of hurt once she got rid of Logan. "You're sure."

"I assure you," Logan promised solemnly. "This is regarding a completely different issue." It wasn't a total lie- it wasn't exclusively about Duncan's murder.

"And you weren't able to get in touch with the Kanes or their legal counsel?" Experience had taught not to be too trusting.

"Well, you know." Logan threw his palms up. "The Kanes are going through a decidedly difficult time. And when Dick mentioned that you work, sorry worked for Kane software, I thought what the hell, maybe I could give it a shot."

Mac looked at him intently as though weighing the options in her mind. He desperately hoped she would shed more light into the security system. It was well established that Veronica was hiding several things from him, but he needed to make sure that the little information that she did share was accurate.

But with his only possible lead folding her hands and looking like she was about to reject his request once more, he tried cajoling her one last time. "How about you hear me out and then you can choose to answer, or not. Fair?"

She stared him unmoving and Logan took that as a sign to continue, "I'm not sure how familiar you are with the security systems from Kane. But how would one go about circumventing the system say one of those fancy biometric ones."

Mac's posture relaxed, and she looked visibly relieved. "You could probably get this from the website, but most of Kane's systems are backed up online. So the video feed uploads instantly sending alerts to your phones, tablets or computers- whatever you have hooked up to the system. And biometric scanners provide the initial access. Sort of like a key code except your biometrics would have be in the system if the owner isn't home to allow you access."

"Wait, you said the feeds are available online?"

Nodding, Mac remarked, "pretty sure we've had that option since Gen 1. Not that it's surprising but even the security systems you get at Costco allow for instant network access. That way even if the cameras are destroyed, you have your copy of the security feed instantly. Depends on your set up of course, some people choose to just get snapshots and not the entire video. Data limits."

Logan was oddly encouraged. "So this security feed or snapshots or whatever- they would be on the person's phone or email?"

"Yeah," Mac repeated slowly.

"And if someone wanted to turn off the video?"

Mac looked pensive. "I'm pretty sure most of the current systems run 24/7 but if you really wanted to turn it off- there would be an ID patch left behind. You can't completely turn it off- I'm pretty sure they're backed up on the company's servers."

"And that would allow you to pinpoint the person."

"Yeah, pretty much." Then suddenly as if another thought occurred to her, Mac asked. "What did you say this was for again?"

Logan smiled widely. Maybe there was a chance of untangling the threads. "Just interested in the newer systems. Considering getting one myself, you know. Fan girls can't stay away."

Mac forced another awkward smile as if she understood.

She really didn't.

Wallace did not consider himself an expert on domestic matters, particularly those concerning a privileged life style. But even he was pretty sure that the woman clearly missed several spots while attempting to clean the counter.

And if he wasn't mistaken, she was very surely glowering at the sponge in her hand looking as though it was sprouting a head.

He might not be an expert on housekeeping, but Wallace liked to think he was good at his job. And a large part of being a good cop meant reading the signs; the micro-gestures. The woman was nervous, her back, ramrod straight, her eyes darting and her hands fidgeting.

Maybe she did steal.

She also seemed deep in thought- as though she were contemplating her next heist, rather than cleaning the counter. Or maybe it was more of a lover's quarrel. His first impression of the supposed housekeeper hadn't been anything to write in his diary about. But given that he was still groggy from sleep, his observational skills weren't quite up there yet, he hadn't noticed any flashing lights. At least not until he watched Logan train his eyes at her.

He had almost asked if Logan had decided to get to know the housekeeper. In the biblical sense.

As per usual, Logan had deflected his question with a joke. Yes, we banged at the bar last night and I brought her home and couldn't think of anything else to say.

There were so many things about Neptune that he didn't get.

"So sir um, could you let Mr. Echolls know that I'm going to step out to get some groceries?" A hesitant voice broke through his thoughts. Wallace paused for a second since it wasn't in his place to be demanding things, but then again wasn't shopping a part of her duties?

He looked at her uncomfortably. "Um, maybe you should wait till Logan gets here?"

She turned her wrist sparing a quick glance at her watch before clearing her throat. Her voice was far firmer this time. "It's approaching noon. Just thought I could grab a few things from the store. It's barely ten minutes away."

Well that made sense. "Do you need a ride?"

"Oh no," she smiled brightly. "I usually take one of the cars here. I'll be back really quickly. Before you even know I'm gone. Do you have any requests for lunch?"

Unaccustomed to such questions, Wallace demurred. The housekeeper, April did she say it was, seemed to be in a rush, gathering as many items as she could, including a bag that seemed to materialize out of nowhere.

Like she had been planning it, a voice whispered in Wallace's head; words that he shook off mostly because it seemed to ridiculous to do anything but. He opened his mouth to stop her when she tilted her head.

"Lasagna okay? I make a mean pasta."

It was difficult to think much when food was involved. And if lunch turned out to be even half as good as breakfast, he could be convinced to move here.

Veronica was sweating bullets by the time she got one foot out of the house. She tamped down any feelings of victory as she jabbed the key into the ignition with shaky hands. She had grabbed the first set of keys she could lay her hands on and hoped to high tail the hell out of there. The engine roared to life and she allowed herself a tiny breath of relief when the passenger door opened right next to her.

A far too familiar face peeped in, with a tight smile. "Going somewhere?"

Desperate, Veronica tried to remain as calm as possible. He couldn't possibly hear her heart thudding or the blood rushing through her body. "Thought I'd visit the local store. Get some groceries?" It a weak excuse and she expected him to haul her out immediately.

Probably even hand her to local authorities. Fuck. Not Lamb. Anybody but Lamb.

"Oh good, so you don't mind if I tag along."

Fuck, fuck, fuck.

Hush permeated through the car as Veronica weaved through familiar lanes. Neptune hadn't seen much in terms of general development, and the 'grocery store' that the 09ers visited had remained the same through the years. She supposed she should thank her lucky stars that it was a short drive.

Ten awkward minutes of silence- ten minutes where in she could formulate a believable explanation as to why she was trying to get away before Logan got back. She waited for him to make the first move because well she was the one caught with her hand in the proverbial cookie jar. And it would give her something to go off on.

"I didn't think you were serious," Logan said, looking amused. When met with confusion, he spelled it out, "about the grocery thing."

Veronica fiddled with the keys in her hands. "Well didn't get the memo Sherlock. So maybe next time you want to write things down in that detective manual of yours."

"So what are getting here?" Logan asked, completely oblivious to the butterflies that flittered and fluttered around her tummy.

"Stuff." The car beeped twice when she pressed the button and Veronica broke into a near jog to keep up with his longer strides. She wasn't quite sure what his game plan was but she wasn't about to confess to anymore than she had to.

Logan hummed under his breath and moved forward picking up a cart. "So you know what you're doing? I was gonna suggest take- out, but ok."

The question caught her unawares. She had assumed Logan had some inkling of her past when he had introduced her as the housekeeper but seeing his confusion she realized that he had probably panicked and blurted out the first thing that popped in his head.

Thank you, mom. There weren't too many times that she was grateful that Lianne had left home when she did- but this was definitely one of those unique situations. Early abandonment had meant Veronica had gotten more than proficient in the kitchen- a talent that had helped her through quite a few scrapes.

Busted for breaking into the principal's office? Chocolate chip cookies. Busted for sneaking into the boys' locker room? Snickerdoodles.

And apparently, busted for allegedly murdering her husband? Lasagna.

"Yeah, kinda," she answered off-handedly.

"Yeah great," Logan seemed distracted as he spiked his hair between fingers. "So listen." He stopped by the produce aisle as Veronica rummaged through the greens. "Do you think you could get into Duncan's email?"

"What?" Veronica was so surprised that she dropped the plastic bag she was holding. "Isn't that illegal?"

Logan grinned his face taking on a quality she hadn't seen before. "So is aiding and abetting a fugitive. Don't see me complaining, do you?"

She smiled back despite herself- it suddenly felt like the old days- like they were sharing a secret. But the grin on his face disappeared so quickly that she was left staring at the back of his head.

"So?"

Veronica shrugged. "Might be able to guess I suppose. I definitely know the passcode to his cell phone."

He thought for a few seconds. "So this security system that you guys supposedly had. Did it send you constant updates?"

"I don't think so. Why though? Find anything?" She was definitely interested in knowing more.

"Sure," Logan drawled. "Right after you explain what you were doing at the bar the other night and why you were trying to get away a few minutes ago. Listen Veronica," he sounded tired. "This isn't going to work if…"

Veronica looked questioningly waiting for Logan to finish his sentence but his eyes seemed trained behind her and his body stiffened. It didn't look good.

She started to reach towards him when Logan rushed forward. "Son of a bitch."

If you asked Logan he'd tell you he was a patient man. After all he hadn't lost his shit despite running into a wanted murderer at the bar last night, or when he brought her back home with that ridiculous two bit story that wouldn't last a ten minute interrogation, or even when she had been trying to slip away.

He had bided his time, waited for her to come clean despite every instinct in his body telling him that she was just another big fat liar.

So yeah, he was a patient man. But when he ran into Weevil looking at Veronica familiarity glinting in those eyes, he knew the newly improved Logan wasn't going to last.

He reacted like the old Logan, grabbing the dress shirt of one Mr. Eli "Weevil" Navarro and swinging his fist.

Weevil to his credit was apparently doing a far better job in his new and improved life since the delinquent didn't immediately tackle him. Instead Weevil backed up, kept his hands at his sides and pled. "My daughter and wife. They're here."

Even the Mexican scum was apparently meant to lead a better life than him.

Round eyes and a pipsqueak voice sounded from behind the cart, and Logan forced himself to let go of the fabric in his fists. He pulled back and forced a chuckle, "hey there! Just saying hi! Your daddy and I are friends."

Weevil seemed to thank him inaudibly and Veronica had hurried to catch up to them. Logan looked between the two, guilt clearly etched on their faces. He rubbed his temples- barely noon and he was already running himself down. The next step seemed obvious.

"Coffee?" Logan suggested.

Weevil shot a smile at Veronica who seemed oddly quiet as they settled into the patio area of the grocery store. They sat in silence mostly because Logan gained some perverse satisfaction in seeing them both sweat.

"So," Weevil cleared his throat. "Thanks, you know for back there."

Logan nodded. If he were to be honest, Weevil's life did seem to have turned around almost completely. He looked like a regular family man, a dad complete with his khakis and dress shirt, toddler and beautiful wife in tow. "What's her name?"

Weevil looked confused but played along. "Valentina. She's two and has me wrapped up on her little finger." The last line was said with a laugh, almost like he couldn't believe it himself.

Yeah, you and me both, buddy.

"Not really here to swap stories bestie. So you knew?" Logan didn't have to clarify what he meant by that.

Weevil briefly considered lying but seeing the way Logan's jaw ticked, he figured it was probably for the better if he did come clean. "Yeah. Sorry Vee," he threw out an apology. "Vee here showed up the day after the murder and,"

"And I let myself into my dad's office," Veronica cut him off unceremoniously. She wasn't the most gracious of friends, but if she had one thing going for her, it was loyalty. "Knew where everything was. Eli had nothing to do with this."

Logan's eyebrows rose up almost to his hairline. He rolled the coffee cup between his palms, allowing the heat to seep through. "Right."

"Seriously," Veronica insisted. "Besides I've had some experience with fake IDs while I was the receptionist back in high school."

"While you were playing Nancy Drew? Did you have a decoder ring?"

Weevil and Veronica both glared his way but given that he currently had the upper hand here, they both ignored his sarcasm choosing instead to combat Logan's jabs with little felt magnanimity.

It really wasn't much of a game if the other party didn't play.

"Ok, how about I go first. I checked up on your alibi. Seems to hold. And if ese here is to be believed, you were here the next day. Second, I might have gotten hold of someone who could help us with the security feed the night of Abel Koontz's murder. So if that clears out too, then you're out of the woods."

Veronica blinked for a second, unsure of Logan's intentions. She breathed in deeply and looked at Eli who seemed to be trying to remain as distant as possible.

"Well, Foam's up is one of the twenty 'teen' hangouts that have opened up in the last three years. So we," Veronica paused. "I was thinking if somebody was to scope potential high schoolers to pick up. These would be the places. They're cheap, don't check ID, have a huge following with the 'in' crowd. I mean any popular guy in Neptune would probably bring his date to a place like this."

"Twenty?"

"Give or take," Weevil said. "They crop up and close down before you can say boo. The turnover period for these bars has been like 3-4 months. Tops."

"And Duncan owned all these?"

Veronica winced. She probably should've come clean before Logan had started putting things together. "Co-owned."

"Right. With Dick's brother."

If either Veronica or Weevil were surprised, they tried not to show it.

Logan leaned back and folded his arms. "So have you guys checked out Cassidy Casablancas yet?"