Neptune High - Day

So, Coop has a problem, and it's up to me to fix it. To be honest, I thought the task was going to be a bit more involved...or dangerous, with Coop being the leader of a biker gang, but breaking into the principals office and retrieving a lighter that belongs to her father, sounds like a piece of cake.

Chris made his way through the halls of Neptune High. Passing by the Principal's office, he stopped and got a drink of water keeping his eyes on the office. The office was filled with people, and the door was closed, which meant that either Principal Mayes was in the office, or it was locked, meaning Chris wasn't going to make it in during school hours.

"Hey Mars." Laney Echolls popped up from behind Chris.

"Ever think of wearing bells?" Chris stated sarcastically as he wiped the excess water off of his lips.

"Wouldn't really go with this outfit." Laney said motioning to her clothes. "So, whatcha up to?"

"Just soaking in the wonder that is Neptune High." Chris stated lying. Laney was new...to his life anyway, and he wasn't exactly ready to trust her...plus, if this girl was anything like Lincoln, he definitely didn't want anything to do with her.
"What about you, Echolls? Adjusting to life back in Neptune?"

"Ah, yes. Well, Neptune High is predictable, and easy to maneuver. Take for instance, I was able to snake teacher's aide from Marney Simpson 6th period, and now I've got nothing to do." Laney smiled.

"Shouldn't you be aiding the teacher?" Chris asked.

"Nope. The new teacher's lounge my father donated is plenty aid for the rest of the year." Laney said with a smirk.

"Teacher's aid, huh?" Chris wondered.

This could be too good to be true.

"Yup." Laney stated.

"So, how are you about favors?" Chris said raising his eyebrows.

Lamb Apartment - Evening

So, Laney has become an ally, much to my belief. Still not sure if I can completely trust her, but I guess the true test will come later. It's been strange staying at Lamb's apartment. Yeah, he's my father, but I've known him a few months. With no change in Gramps' condition, it looks like I'm here for the long haul.

Chris walked into the door, the smell of food hit him immediately.

"Hey." Chris said as he took a seat at the counter. "What's for dinner?"

"Tacos." Lamb said as he handed Chris a plate. "Its like one of the only other things I can make." He said with a shrug. "I'll work on it."

"Tacos are good." Chris said with a smile. "You off early tonight?"

"Just for dinner." Lamb stated. "I have to head back when we are done here, but I should be able to clear my schedule for the weekend...if you want to do something."

"Not necessary. I'm thinking we should make this as easy of a transition as possible. You don't have to spend all this time with me. I mean, we're stuck with each other regardless, there is plenty of time for getting to know each other." Chris said.

"I know. I just feel bad for missing out on your childhood." Lamb said with a sigh.

"Yeah, well, we'll have more time when I figure out who killed my mother. Then...we'll celebrate." Chris said, a frown now on his face.

"Any headway on the dates we found?" Lamb asked.

"Nope. I am beginning to think they mean nothing...or at least have nothing to do with who the murderer is." Chris said with a sigh. "I'm at a loss. I don't know what to do."

"Maybe you should leave it to me." Lamb stated. "You shouldn't have to worry about it."

Chris gave him an all familiar look.

"I didn't think so." Lamb said as he set his plate down. "I guess I better get going." He said as he headed towards the door.

Chris looked to Lamb. "Hey, Dad."

Lamb stopped and looked to Chris....shocked at what Chris had just called him. "Yeah?" Lamb asked.

"Thanks for dinner." Chris said with a small smile.

"Any time." Lamb stated as he left the apartment.

Neptune High - Night

Chris and Laney made their way through the dark halls of Neptune High...flashlights in hand.

"Thanks again for this, Laney. I really owe you one." Chris stated as they made it to the main enterance of the office.

"Don't sweat it. You're my best friend's boyfriend. It's all good." Laney said with a small.

Chris was astounded. "How are you anything related to Lincoln?" He said with a small chuckle.

"Well, for starters, I'm not an ass. And secondly, I'm adopted." Laney said as she used her key to open the office door.

"Oh...I'm sorry...I didn't know." Chris stated feeling bad.

"I'm not. I'm rich. I've had a good life. Nothing to complain about." Laney said as they came to Principal Mayes' door. "This is where your spy magic comes in." She stated.

Chris got down on his knees and pulled out a small lockpicking kit. After a few minutes, the lock opened, and the knob turned and granted access to the office. Chris went in, followed by Laney. He looked around. "So, is your dad always such a..."

"Monster?" Laney finished. "Not all the time. He's a good guy. He's just been through a lot...ya know."

"I guess." Chris said with a shrug as he spotted a small box under the desk. Searching through the box, he pulled out a lighter. "Found it." He said with a smile.

Lamb Apartment - Night

After dropping off Laney at her house and the lighter with Coop, it was time for some relaxation. My dad was right about one thing. I wasn't going to solve my mother's murder as fast as I'd hoped, but my life has to go on.

Chris and Claire laid in bed, covered by the blanket. It was obvious what had just happened, and both of them had smiles on their face.

"So..." Chris stated as he looked at Claire.

"So..." Claire stated with a small chuckle.

"That was nice." Chris said as he wrapped his arm around her.

"Yeah...it was." Claire said as she rested her head on his chest.

Chris' phone rang loudly. He grabbed it quickly. "Hello?"

"What? I'll be right there." Chris stated as he got up and began getting dressed.

"What is it?" Claire asked.

"I'm sorry, I have to go. That was Mac. She thinks she cracked the code." Chris said as he knelt down and kissed Claire on the lips. "I'll call you later." He said as he left the room and the house.

Mac Residence - Night

"Okay, so after cross referencing all the dates with every important dates in your mother's life as well as the cases she had worked on I came up with zilch." Mac stated.

"Okay...then I don't know why I had to come here if we are exactly where we left off." Chris said frustrated.

"So, then I thought about your mom and how she worked, and that the dates were probably some type of code. So I worked it out and after a few hours, I think I found an answer that makes sense." Mac said hesitantly.

"What is it? What did it say?" Chris asked eagerly.

"Mercer." Mac said.

*******************************************************************************************************

Sorry it's been a while. Life's been crazy. Anyways...hope you like the new update. Yes, the next Chapter will conclude the mystery of Veronica's murder, and I still have some twists in the story that I hope you all enjoy. As always...please review and respond.