Neptune High School - Day

Mercer Hayes. That name has been haunting ever since I heard it. Of course I heard about the Hearst rapist, and how my mother almost became a victim, but it classic V. Mars style, she solved the case and put him away. It would have been nice to know that he was let out. Isn't that supposed to be a priority. Let the person who was the main reason they were put in jail in the first place know they were out?

Chris was jolted out of his daze when another body collided with his. He looked to the person, and smiled. "Hi."

"Hi." Claire said as she took his hand in hers. "So...you never called me back last night. A girl could think that she had been used and thrown away like a piece of trash." Claire said playfully.

Chris kissed her. "Sorry. I have some...good news...I guess it's good news."

"What is it?" Claire asked.

"I know who killed my mother." Chris stated.

Just then, Penny made her way into the crowd. "What?! That's great." Penny said as she hugged him. "So, who did it?"

Claire, annoyed, urged Chris to tell them. "It was Mercer Hayes." Chris said with a sigh. "Which, while it's a definite lead...I have no idea how to find them."

"But now your dad can handle it right?" Claire stated.

Chris shrugged. "He's looking into it. I don't know how long it'll take."

"This is a good thing, Chris." Penny said with a smile. "This is the closure you've been waiting for. Your dad will find him, and then he'll pay for what he did."

"Yeah, I hope so." Chris stated. "In the mean time, I've gotta help out where I can." Chris said as he kissed Claire one last time and walked off leaving Penny and Claire alone together.

"Loser." Claire said to Penny.

"Walking STD." Penny said quickly as they both went their separate ways.

Echolls Residence - Later

Chris made his way to the Echolls house. Every time he saw it, he couldn't believe that someone lived in a house that big, but then again, this was Neptune. The land without a middle class.

Only one person I know who was close to the rape case, and that's Logan Echolls. My ex-possible father, who for all intents and purpose could die for all I care, but if he could help, then a visit was worth the frustration of having to be in the same room with him.

Chris rang the doorbell, and Laney answered the door. "Hey, Laney." Chris said smiling slightly.

"Chris. Well, this is a surprise. I didn't know you were that taken with me." Laney said jokingly. "I've gotta tell you. I'm not one to cheat with by best friend's bf."

Chris laughed slightly. "Know what happens when you assume?" He said with a wink.

"What can I do for you?" Lane asked.

"Not that I wouldn't enjoy your company, I'm actually here to see your father...is he around?" Chris asked. "It's important"
Chris stated more seriously.

"Yeah...sure." Laney said as she allowed him to come inside.

Chris followed Laney through the large entry way to the kitchen, where Logan was reading over a document. "Dad, someone is here to see you."

Logan looked up, and was shocked to see Chris standing there. "Bestill my heart. Christopher Mars. I knew you wouldn't be able to stay away too long. What am I being accused of today?" Logan said setting his papers down.

"Can you give us a minute?" Chris said looking to Laney. Laney nodded and made her way out of the room. Chris turned his attention back to Logan. "I know who did it."

"You're going to have to be more specific." Logan stated.

"I know who killed my mother." Chris said flatly.

"Let me guess, it was Logan Echolls, in the Mars' Apartment with the knift." Logan said evily.

"Mercer Hayes." Chris said only the name.

Logan's face immediately went serious. His face hardened. Chris had never seen a reaction like this from him. "How...It's impossible...are you sure?"

"Yeah. The dates I had found...they weren't dates. My mom had written them out in code, which gave us Mercer's name. He was released 6 months ago." Chris stated.

"I..." Logan looked almost appologetic...pain clearly could be seen on his face. "Why are you here?"

"Well...I was hoping since you two were friends...or whatever...you might know where I...or my dad could look." Chris stated.

"I haven't seen him in 18 years." Logan stated. "I wouldn't even know where to tell you to begin."

"Well, it was a long shot." Chris said as he turned to leave.

"I'll get my P.I.'s on it immediately." Logan stated.

"Thanks." Chris said as he made his way out of the room.

Neptune High - Evening

Chris made his way through the halls. It was almost dark, and the school was pretty much abandoned, aside from the basketball team practicing in the gym. Chris went to his locker and opened it.

"Mr. Mars, can I help you?" Principal Mayes said causing Chris to jump and turn around.

"Sorry, Principal Mayes. I forgot one of my books." Chris stated grabbing a book.

"That's quite alright." Principal Mayes stated. "How are you holding up? Your grandfather...how's he doing?"

Chris sighed, but before he could answer, his phone rang. "Sorry, it's the hospital." Principal Mayes motioned for him to take the call. "Hello?" Chris stated.

"Chris, it's me." Keith said from the other end of the phone.

"Grandpa. You're awake." Chris said with a smile. "I figured it out. I know who did it." Chris stated.

"I knew you would, but I've got some more news. It's worse than we thought." Keith stated.

"He's awake...that's great!" Principal Mayes stated...seeming a little bit aggitated.

"Who is that?" Keith asked.

Chris nodded to Principal Mayes. "It's just Principal Mayes. I forgot a book at school, and I needed to get it." Chris stated.

"Chris. I need you to not react right now." Keith stated.

"Okay." Chris said confused.

"Principal Mayes isn't who he says he is. He is Mercer Hayes." Keith said frantically.

Chris turned around to be more private. "Ok. Yeah. I'll...uhh...see you in a little bit." Chris stated nervously. "Love you, too."
Chris said as he hung up the phone and turned his attention to Principal Mayes...Mercer. His mother's murderer. "He's awake."
Chris said with a mock smile. "I've got to go see him. Thanks for your concern." Chris said as he tried to make his way towards the exit, but Mercer stood in his way.

"You know...you aren't as good of a liar as you think." Mercer said...his voice much more darker now. "You and your mother have that in common." Mercer said with a smirk.

Chris tossed his stuff at him and took off towards the other exit behind him, but it was locked. When he turned to run, he was met with a large blow to the head and he slumped to the floor unconscious.

Neptune High - Night

Chris' eyes fluttered open. His head was killing him. He tried to focus, but all he got at first was that he was still inside the school. He was in a classroom...he was tied up. Panicing, he tried to wrestle out of the ropes.

"It's no use. I'm pretty good at tying ropes." Mercer stated.

"Why? You were free. You could have gone your own way." Chris stated. "Now you'll get caught for sure."

"I don't think so, Mr. Mars." Mercer stated. "You see...you were so distraught over your mother's death, that you finally just ended your life...at least that's what your note is going to say." He said with a smirk. "I think I missed my calling."

"My grandfather knows the truth. He'll tell my dad." Chris stated. "That'll be taken care of."

"What do you mean?" Chris said panicing again.

"You don't think I did this alone, do you?" Mercer said.

Chris was in shock. A partner? Who? Who else would want his mother out of the way? The door to the room opened, and Logan Echolls walked in. "You son of a bitch." Chris yelled as he fought and struggled to get out of his restraints.

Logan shooks his head no, and was immediately followed in the room by Sherrif Lamb. "Dad? Dad! It's Mercer. Principal Mayes is Mercer. He killed my mother." Chris stated frantically.

Lamb looked to Mercer and then back to Chris. "Duh!" He stated as he shoved Logan into the room.

"I didn't know were having an audience." Mercer said towards Lamb.

"Well, Mr. Echolls is smarter than he looks." Lamb said with a shrug.

"You won't get away with this." Chris stated.

"Well, not necessarily the plan, Kiddo. You see...this is my big break. Your mother had been making my life a living hell. My life was always going to be stuck in this shithole of a town. When I tried to break out, finally try out for the FBI, you know what stopped me?" Lamb stated.

"Your lack of policing skills?" Chris stated.

"That's funny, but wrong. Veronica Mars." Lamb stated. "That was it. I tracked down Mercer here...gave him a chance at revenge, and in return, I get to solve the mystery, and he gets to disappear."

Chris was speechless. "That's your kid, you sick bastard." Logan stated, but was immediately punched in the face. "Yeah, about that...I switched the results." Lamb said wickedly. "Oopsie."

Logan's eyes went to Chris'. Chris was finally able to retreave the pocket knife he kept in his back pocket and began cutting the ropes unnoticable to the other occupants of the room.

"Now, where to begin?" Mercer stated as he stood up, pulling a large knife from the table beside him. "Father..." he motioned to Logan. "...or son." he motioned to Chris. As Mercer inched closer to Chris, Chris was finally able to cut the ropes on his hands, and when Mercer was close enough, Chris sent a hard punch to his face, shocking both Mercer and Lamb and giving Logan a chance to get a jump on Lamb.

Logan elbowed Lamb in the stomach, causing him to drop the gun. They wrestled for it. Both of them sending hard punches to each others face, while Chris scrambled to get his feet untied. Mercer finally recovered, and went towards Chris. "You little bastard." He said as he lunged at him causing the chair to break and Mercer to begin choking Chris.

Chris struggled for breath. His hands hitting Mercer with little force. Logan was able to knock Lamb unconscious, and grab the gun.

BANG!

Chris' eyes shut close as the shout rang through the entire room. Opening them, Mercer was in shock. His hand moved to his chest where blood seemed to be pouring out. Chris pushed Mercer off of him as he pushed himself agains the wall as Mercer collapsed to the floor lifeless. Chris looked to the window as sirens could be heard from outside. A sigh of relief escaped his mouth as his eyes went to Logan.

Neptune Memorial Hospital - Night

Chris' eyes opened slightly. He was in the hospital. In an uncomfortable chair. Keith was still sleeping in the bed next to him.
The door opened, and Chris's eyes went to the person who entered. "Hey...what are you doing here?" He asked.

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Okay, so I know I ended the story on a cliffhanger, but the Veronica Mystery has been solved. I hope everyone enjoyed it. I am still willing to continue this fic, if there are enough people who would like to see another mystery being solved by Veronica's offspring and the stories that come along with our new characters. I will promise more Mac. More Dic. and of course, more Logan.
Please review and respond.