A/n: I had a lot of trouble writing this chapter mostly since all I wanted to write was pwp - so that might explain some of the choppiness. But the next couple of updates should be a lot faster. Thank you guys for the r&r- it's mucho appreciated. I'm still unsure about the review etiquette so I try to not and spam people, but I will try and get to people individually.
CHAPTER 8:
"But first things first," Logan drew in a deep breath and clutched at his coffee cup. "What else do you guys know about the case? "
Silence greeted Logan; Veronica and Weevil looked to each other as though debating who would answer and finally it was Veronica who spoke, "well… we were sort of working under several assumptions. There have been girls missing every 2-3 months and the disappearances have only been noticed at the end of every school day."
Logan nodded before realizing something, "you don't think they went missing during the day do you? I mean the school would've noticed."
Weevil looked away, "unless there's someone on the inside. Plus who here at Neptune hasn't skipped out on a couple classes here and there. You know the deal man."
"Actually, I was thinking maybe they even went missing towards the end of the day. Fewer people notice. Plus what's the one thing teenage girls can't resist?" Veronica chimed in.
"Vampires." Logan seemed certain of the fact.
Veronica shook her head fighting the smile that nudged at her lips. "Boys. But they've got to be meeting them somewhere right?"
"Oh you mean, like at school?" Logan piped up. Veronica's eyebrows furrowed together.
"Well yeah. Say you use the bars to scope out girls. Pick your targets and then have your inside man hit on them at school. There you go." Veronica's eyes gleamed and her body leaned forward. She was enjoying this far too much.
Logan shrugged, looking less than impressed. "Too complicated. Maybe one or the other, but two different venues seems a little far-fetched." Even he had to admit, it was a plausible theory even if it seemed a little too cinematic for his taste. In his experience – the best answer was the simplest of them all. Common criminals tended to be predictable, simple and most importantly- arrogantly stupid. "So what do you guys know about Cassidy? Speak to him yet?"
"Cassidy? No I haven't, at least. It's a relatively new lead, and if you hadn't noticed, I was following up on it when…" She waved her hands gesturing towards Logan.
Logan smiled broadly. "Your gratitude is endearing Mars. Now what can you two tell me about him?"
"Honestly?" Veronica frowned. "Not very much. I picked up a couple jobs from him back in high school."
"You don't say…" Amusement danced in Logan's eyes every time Veronica brought up what he considered her after school activity. He could almost see her stalking the hallways, magnifying glass and decoder ring in hand. Something told him that she wouldn't appreciate that image very much.
Veronica's patience while never her strong suit was starting to fray. "Well yeah. I did a background check on that step mom of his. Turned out she was sleeping with some college kids on the side. And oh! I maybe hung out with him a couple times when he was dating Mac. He was your typical nerd. The kind that would mostly go unnoticed at Neptune High unless your last name was Casablancas and you had a brother named Dick."
"So what you're saying is that this Cassidy could be the real brains behind the operation," Logan noted. "No offense, the other option would've been the Donut but I'm having a hard time reconciling scheming and brilliance with Duncan Kane."
"Oh yeah. I know those two- I mean Mac and Cassidy were trying to tutor me. Kid's scary smart" Weevil cut in, as though just remembering something. "Was a bit of a wuss though. Almost terrified that I was gonna slit his throat or something."
"Or somethin' huh?" Sometimes Logan had trouble keeping his mouth shut. Like so, when Weevil was actually trying to be somewhat helpful instead of lunging at his throat. He shot a mildly apologetic look towards Weevil and followed up on their conversation dutifully. "So you had no clue that he was best buds with the Duncan?"
Veronica frowned. "No, that's the odd thing. We spent a fair amount of time with…you know way too many high school friends, and Cass' name never came up. I don't remember Duncan being particularly close anyone back then, well at least he'd had a conversation with Dick and some other guys. And I definitely haven't seen him in any of the usual business dinners."
"Dated Mac huh? And then decided to hook up with Madison? That's a like big leap, don't you think?"
Veronica and Weevil both seemed surprised and Logan tried to not be smug. "What? Don't tell me you guys didn't get your copy of 'where are they now'? Small towns, amirite?"
Weevil nodded. "Don't need to tell me twice man. It's why I went far far away to find my bride."
The men shared a rare smile and Veronica rolled her eyes. "Well if you two are done flirting, you mind filling me on this Madison thing."
"Oh look at that. Poor little Veronica. Sulking after being left out of the loop?" Logan teased before catching the look on her face. "Dick mentioned it."
"And you mean Madison Sinclair? Queen bitch who.."
"Yep," Logan popped the word between his lips.
"And you're s.."
"Yep," Logan confirmed.
"Wow Mac didn't say anything of that sort. And I thought," she looked to Weevil for back up.
"Hey! What do I know? Besides I hear Madison had this sweet pole dancing class for celebrities and such. Maybe the geek was looking to get with the hottie you know? Kinda like beauty and the beast."
"Yeah, no that makes total sense." Veronica said, her voice dripping sarcasm.
"So," Weevil drawled. "What's our next move?"
Within a fraction of a second, Logan turned serious, his body snapping effortlessly into the role of a police officer. "Well for starters, I need you guys to be honest, especially," he said emphasizing the word for effect, "if I'm helping you out. So is there anything else I need to know to go about this case?"
Weevil looked at Veronica before answering, "I agree man. You pretty much got what we have."
Logan looked at him intently. "Everything? You mean like this stuff about joint properties, social scenes, last victim, things that were supposedly in Keith's file that magically disappeared? Like that kinda everything?"
Weevil had the decency to look away but Veronica simply stared refusing to show any outward reaction. "You know what we know thus far. I have the files and," she swallowed, "of course you'll get them. And about the living arrangements…"
"Not up for negotiation," Logan growled, shutting that down immediately. "But a little more information about the missing girls would help."
"Well I'm sure blondie can fill you in, seeing that you guys are…" Weevil appeared to search for the exact word, "cohabiting. I have to get going…if you need me,"
Logan rolled his eyes. Who knew Weevil had a flair for the dramatic? "Yep. I know where you live."
It hadn't been too hard for Logan and Veronica to continue their pretense of domesticity given that she actually seemed to have some clue as to what was needed, or where it all began. Years of living alone meant Logan had all the fast food joints perfectly categorized by zip and health codes. And on occasions that he craved a homemade meal- Wallace and his wife almost always obliged; apparently and very fortunately, Veronica did not belong to his category.
Somewhere between picking out the freshest bunch of spinach and grabbing a tub of ricotta, they had settled into an easy camaraderie- bantering over the lowest unit price and the weather, both completely aware that they were only postponing the inevitable.
There still were things to be sorted, case details to be discussed.
"So," Veronica cleared her throat as they drove back. "Detective huh?" She hadn't meant to sound so lame except that was the best she came up with it after tamping on the urge to continue with the mundane or ask why Logan was suddenly willing to help her.
Nothing like good old fashioned denial.
Logan peered at her curiously, his eyes fixed on her as though trying to determine if she was serious. He shrugged, "why not right?"
"I didn't think you had a thing for law enforcement."
A bark of laughter escaped his lips. "That is true, I suppose" he said wryly. "Guess it was just something I wanted to do you know, given everything." He didn't seem to want to expound further.
She really should've taken that a sign to shut up, except she really wasn't very good at taking her own advice. "Is it because of your dad? Aaron?" There it was- the words had tumbled out there- there was no going back now.
Logan hummed, his gaze firmly trained on the asphalt ahead. For a brief second, Veronica wondered if he was even going to answer. If their positions had been reversed, she probably would have tried to change the subject. It was a sensitive issue and she of all people did not appreciate scratching at scabs. But Logan for some reason didn't seem to share her reservations.
"Would you be surprised if I said it was because of Keith?"
Veronica was, and she nodded her voice small and husky, as she tried to get the words out. "Why?"
Three years should've helped form some sort of protective shield to prevent her from crumbling every time she heard her dad's name, but thus far, no dice. Suddenly it became imperative that she knew more. Unfortunately for her, Logan was done playing nice for he ignored her and chose to turn up the volume on the radio.
If he pretended he didn't hear it, maybe he wouldn't have to answer.
Logan had to admit that bringing Veronica here had been a bad idea. Add in Wallace, a dash of half-baked lies and he had nothing but a big, fat mess in his hands. A mess that only worsened when he pulled into the driveway and caught sight of the red convertible.
"Little brother! How are you?" a red-haired woman sauntered out in a silk robe, a sun hat placed perfectly atop her head. She held a pink cocktail in one hand and a beer in the other as she approached his very confused, and perhaps mildly relieved partner. "I didn't know you worked with such a delightful man."
Trina. Fuck.
"Hey Trina," Logan drawled, unconsciously blocking his sister's view, hiding Veronica's tinier frame behind his so as to buy a few precious seconds to gather his thoughts. Come up with viable explanations.
Like why some random woman was pretending to be a housekeeper here.
He really hoped Trina's powers of observation hadn't magically gotten better overnight. She never paid attention to the help before and today would really be the worst day to start. Logan desperately sent out a little prayer to anyone who might be listening when Wallace crossed the threshold quickly and cut in.
"Lemme help, April."
Well that was one complication out of the way.
"So," Trina drawled, her eyes darting to the quickly retreating figures. "I hear we've gotten ourselves a housekeeper. A young'un too. Color me excited."
"Trina."
"What? You're a detective and suddenly you think you're the only one who's allowed to ask questions around here?"
"Trina."
His sister blinked at him before shrugging. "Whatever. Didn't say anything to that buddy of yours but she better not be stealing the silver."
"She won't," Logan gritted his teeth. He didn't like trusting Trina with anything, much less owing her for not bringing this up in front of Wallace. It was not a pleasant spot in be in. With Trina, there were always strings attached.
"Couldn't care less who you're banging on the side, pal. Oh by the way, next time…"
There it was.
Home sweet fucking home.
"Hey," Logan croaked, his throat dry from the heat outside.
Veronica had kept her end of the bargain. She handed over her files (copies of course) discretely before rolling up her sleeves and going to work. If Logan had been pleasantly surprised that lunch was delicious, Trina and Wallace composed love songs in honor of pasta. All the while making noises that he would have rather not have ever heard.
But it had alleviated some of the awkwardness that still lingered around from the car ride and for that, he was grateful.
"Hey," Veronica replied, her voice soft. She watched him questioningly as he led her out and towards the pool house. Memories of sultry summers and Lilly's laughter- don't be a loser 'ronica- assaulted her as Logan slid open the French doors- memories she blinked away as she attempted to focus on the present. "Wallace? Trina?" She wondered out loud.
"Wallace is taking a nap. And Trina…probably at a purse opening somewhere."
Veronica nodded. "Sooooo…."
Logan seemed lost, his eyes unfocused as he struggled to pull it together. "Um yeah. Thanks for lunch. I know it's hard, but Wallace…he's leaving tomorrow." He took in a deep breath- he wasn't sure if it was heat but Logan was having a hard time breathing. "It should get better. I'm pretty sure Trina already thinks we're…" Logan ducked his head, looking somewhat bashful, "we're you know…"
"I know what?" Veronica's lips curled in a smile. She decided she liked this Logan.
"Together," Logan completed. Veronica raised an eyebrow and he shrugged, "hey don't tell me. Guess girls don't really change much."
"They don't," Veronica agreed. A strange feeling crept up her neck and she pushed it aside. Stop flirting, Veronica, a voice appeared to coo in her head. She was just making conversation, being friendly.
"So, yeah," Logan scratched his scalp. He looked as though he just wanted to be doing anything but be here. "So you don't have to try and skulk away a second time. Plus I'm pretty sure even if Wallace was curious or something he isn't going to be putting me on the spot."
"Oh yeah. How come?"
"You know," another breath whooshed past his lips, "he's convinced my brains have been scrambled. Emotional trauma from coming back to Neptune. He doesn't do well with emotion. He's good guy but…" Logan was rambling. "No one wants to deal with the already messed up guy you know. Never know when I might go on a rampage I guess."
It was probably his vulnerability that was her undoing, her heart clenching in pain for the boy who looked the exact same way, years ago, almost every time Lilly broke his heart. She moved closer, involuntarily. Later she would tell herself that it was merely for comfort- for assurance that he wasn't nearly as far-gone as he thought he was.
At that moment however, she didn't think much when she stepped forward, her hand reaching for his cheek, guiding his jaw as she raised herself on the tips of her toes and pressed a kiss to the corner of his lips. Realizing what she had done, Veronica pulled back almost immediately.
She looked up to Logan, his expression was unreadable, ready to offer an apology when his arm tightened around his waist and he pulled her in, head slanting as he slotted his mouth firmly against hers. It was effortless from there- to wrap her arms around his neck as he lifted her up against him, one large palm splayed across her ribs while the other cupped her side of her hips, holding her in place, mind and body spinning as his tongue licked its way into her mouth.
Eyes wide open, Veronica gasped out loud, arching, panting and groaning as she matched his movements her tongue flicking out to engage with his. She really should be pulling back- put an end to this except she seemed to have lost all motor control apart from her hands and lips. She needed to get closer, to wedge into his body, and she whimpered in impatience urging him to hurry up, to…
But as abruptly as it began, she was thrust away. Logan swallowed hard, exhaling in choppy pants, his hands fidgety and wringing as though they needed something to hold on to. He pinched the bridge of his nose, willing himself to calm down while Veronica stood frozen. Open mouthed.
She should be apologizing, but the sorry seemed stuck somewhere between her throat and brain.
"God," he coughed, "I need a drink. Fuck. Should've asked Trina for the key."
"The key?" Veronica managed, still trying to recover. What the fuck was she thinking?
"To the liquor cabinet?" Logan kept his eyes averted, trying to be indifferent to the palpable change in the atmosphere.
Oh that kind of key. "I can help."
Seconds later Veronica fiddled with the bobby pin, jamming it into the keyhole while listening for the click. The lock turned and she swung open the door with flourish.
"Wow, Nancy Drew at her finest. I'm almost impressed."
"Shut up," she countered good-naturedly. She would apologize later, or maybe they would just forget the fact that she had shared one earth shattering moment in the worst of circumstances. Never talk about it ever again- it would be an unspoken agreement. Should've pushed him away, Veronica. On second thought, maybe it was best she come clean. She was about to say something when her eyes landed on the shelf above the Hennessey.
A row of tapes complete with girl names and dates- including Lilly- 2004. Her stomach plunged several stories, dread eclipsing all other emotions. Whatever this was, it wasn't going to be good.