Chapter 3: The Fallout

The next day one of Kane Enterprise's rivals announces that they have offered Miguel Garcia's family one hundred million for the exclusive rights to Miguel's patents. Logan smiles as he reads the paper. Veronica has a huge win as a lawyer against one of the biggest firms in California and her family is set for life financially.

His phone rings and he looks at it and sees it is Duncan. Answering he listens as Duncan greets him. After a few minutes of talk, Duncan asks Logan for a favor. Unsure, Logan asks what he wants and is surprised to find out that DK wants him to talk to Veronica for Kane Enterprises. He just needs to get her to hold off on signing with another company until he and his father get a chance to talk to her. Immediately Logan understands that he is being manipulated again. DK talks about how his family has a negative history with Veronica and how she has influence over the Garcia family. Interrupting, Logan says, "I'm out. I lost my friendship with Veronica because I sided with your father when he forced her to sell her shares in Kane Enterprises only to find out it was part of the plot to force her to move to LA. I am done listening to the Kane lies." Logan hangs up.

He almost frantically phones Wallace and tells him that the Kanes called him and that they tried to use him to manipulate Veronica into holding off on the deal with Big Seven Software until they can get a stay in court." He adds worriedly, "I think they will try something else now I said no."

Wallace says, "Veronica is here. I'll put her on."

When Veronica gets on the phone, Logan tells her what he knows and what he suspects. He says, "I told them I am out but they are too smart to be relying on my influence over you. "

Veronica gently interrupts, "Logan, I know you sold your shares after Jake forced me out of Neptune. I know you don't have anything to do with Jake Kane." There is a short silence and Veronica continues, "I appreciate your concern but I anticipated that Jake Kane will use whatever legal means he can to stop Graciella from taking control of Miguel's patents."

There is a pause while Logan calms himself down. She obviously takes Wallace's phone to a more private place so that they can talk; he hears the background noise become muted. She continues, "They are actually smart to try and recruit you to talk to me. They know that despite the fact we have been estranged for a few years, there is a history between us and I will listen to you."

Shocked that she is admitting he has some influence over her, he says, "I am sorry for helping Jake and Celeste force you out of Neptune. I wasn't a good friend to you."

"I saw you at the trial, " she shares.

He tells her honestly, "You were impressive!"

Pleased she says, "Thank you." There is a short pause and she offers, "Would you like to come to the family celebration?"

Shocked he answers, "I would but I am not sure a celebration is a good time to talk to you." He adds questioningly, "How many days are they planning on celebrating?"

Laughing she tells him, "We like to enjoy life but today we got some good news so are having a second celebration."

"One hundred million dollar good news?" he asks.

Her voice teasing she says, "I cannot confirm or deny any potential or actual deal at this time." Logan smiles. Veronica has already made a deal with another company. She and her family are now essentially out of the legal battle. She sold the patents before Kane Enterprises could get a stay in court. Now even when Kane Enterprises appeals, the lawyers for Seven Brothers Software will represent Graciella Garcia. Logan has a lot of experience with lawyers. He knows that most lawyers have their own company's interests to consider. Another lawyer might have held off signing with the Seven Brothers' Software firm and tried to bargain with Kane and other companies to get the best deal. Then they would get paid for all the appeals and meetings. Instead, Veronica chose to do what is best for her family, She is a loyal person. He knows how rare that is.

"I understand," he murmurs quietly.

Veronica thinks that Logan does understand everything and relaxes. It is good to talk to someone who understands you; it's good to talk to him again. After a short pause she goes back to the idea of Logan coming to her family celebration, "There is great food and drinks, dancing and music at a Garcia party but..."

Logan asks, "But?"

"Well now I have three brothers, two brothers in law, a scary mother, two sisters, and three sisters in law as well as an abundance of aunts, uncles and cousins who all feel like it is normal to be in each others' business," she tells him. After a short silence, she tries, "Did I mention the great food?"

Smiling Logan agrees, "OK, I can't resist good food." He wants more than anything to see her and talk to her; even if it is a family get together and he won't know anyone but her.

She gives him the address and suggests, "Park your car down the block. It will be a madhouse once everyone arrives."

Logan tentatively parks down the block and walks towards the Garcia house. Veronica is right; there is a loud celebration there. As he is let into the house and enters the back yard, he realizes that no one is going to call the police as most of their neighbors are over. There is a huge barbeque and it looks like they are smoking a few briskets, chicken and pork ribs. The women are setting up a table under the shade of a huge tree.

After a few moments of standing there, Wallace finds him and takes him over to the makeshift bar. He is greeted and introduced around. He asks for a beer and is given a bottle from a large cooler filled with ice. The talk is relaxed and happy. Logan quietly asks where Veronica is and looks over to the other side of the yard where Wallace points. He sees Wallace's fiance sitting with a few of the women and immediately sees Veronica holding a bottle feeding a tiny baby. His breath sucks in and Wallace laughs when he notices Logan's reaction. He teases, "It's her niece!"

Logan wasn't as concerned about the identity of the infant as he was about how his heart skipped seeing her holding the baby. Of course Wallace knows that Logan's reaction is more about his love for Veronica than worry about the baby being hers. He leans closely and says, "Neither of you will ever be free of the other. Just put yourselves out of your misery; make her yours and never let her go."

Shocked, Logan looks at Wallace and points out, "I need to catch her first."

Leaning forward Wallace looks the tall brunette in the eyes and advises, "Look around. Veronica is not running anymore."

Logan meets his gaze honestly and comments, "This is a day for celebration then." Leaning back he takes a sip of his beer as he thinks about what he has been told. Is it possible that Veronica is settled and not going anywhere?

Of course the women have noticed Logan. They see how the tall, rich, handsome, sexy man is looking at Veronica. They are pleased as they all believe that she loves him. It is quite obvious that he loves her too. It looks like there may be another wedding in the future and perhaps some more children.

The music is turned up and Miguel Jr. jumps up and yells, "Let's dance. We have a lot to celebrate."

Logan watches as Veronica joins in the celebration with her family. She dances with her siblings, friends, cousins and nieces and nephews. She walks over and puts her hand out for Logan's and asks, "Dance?"

Standing he says, "I would love to but I am not sure I know a lot of the steps to this music."

Meeting his gaze she tells him, "I'll teach you."

He nods and takes her hand walking over an open area to learn some new dance moves. He has to admit that beat is easy to follow and it is good to hold Veronica in his arms again. He looks over and Wallace and his fiance are out dancing as well.

The food is excellent and after they eat, the house is clean and the family has all left, Logan and Veronica are left with Graciella Garcia. She looks wiped out and she tells Veronica that she is so grateful that she came to help her with the lawsuit. Lapsing into Spanish, Logan sees the tears in her eyes as she hugs the woman she has come to think of as a daughter. Veronica holds her and the love between them is obvious. Gently Veronica asks her if she can make her some tea and she tells her she is going to bed and will see her in the morning. She tells Logan goodnight and that she is happy to meet him. At the doorway she turns and says, "Miguel was so proud of you."

Tears instantly fill Veronica's eyes and she chokes out, "Thank you."

Smiling at the tiny blonde, she nods and turns to head to her room leaving them alone in the living room. Logan having heard from many members of the family how much they love Veronica and how grateful they are she has helped them deal with Kane Enterprises. He looks around as he sits next to her on the couch and asks, "Do you live here when you are in Neptune?"

Nodding she says, "I live with Irene and her family in LA but once they have some of the settlement money, they won't need my financial help anymore." Looking up at Logan she tells him, "I guess I will be looking for another place to live because of the Kanes."

He smiles at her and points out, "But this time it is a good reason."

She nods and her face sobers as she tells him, "Thank you for staying for the whole party. I know my family can be a lot to take in at once."

Shrugging he tells her, "I can't for sure say I remember all their names much less their friends names."

Laughing she agrees, "There is a lot of us."

"Thank you for inviting me to the celebration. You delivered on the food, music and fun," he tells her quietly. He can see she is really tired and he checks, "I know we need to talk but perhaps we can go to dinner tomorrow or something."

Veronica looks up at him and says, "I would like that."

Happy that tomorrow night they have a date, he reaches over and pulls her farther into his arms and they sit quietly absorbing each other and the peace of the moment. Sighing Veronica settles into his arms and relaxes against him. He always seems to know just what she needs. She is so wound up from everything that has happened this week and now she just needs to unwind. Being held by and holding Logan is the perfect way for her to relax and absorb all that has happened.

Logan for his part is content to just hold Veronica in his arms. He has missed her and he wants to talk about what happened between them. But right now, it is great to just hold her and let her relax. Logan has loved watching Veronica tonight. This is a Veronica he hasn't seen in a long time. She is just a woman who has a big, crazy family and she is happy. He can see that she is deeply relieved that the family is done dealing with Kane Enterprises and he can't blame her. She was essentially alone against one of the biggest law firms in the state of California and the stakes were high.

At breakfast the next morning Logan tells Dick and Mac about the huge celebration at the Garcia house. He talks about the great food, music and how he learned a few new dances. He looks at them both and tells them that he is taking Veronica to dinner tonight and they are supposed to talk.

Mac sees how excited Logan is about seeing Veronica again. Dick asks, "Where are you taking her?"

"Mama Liones," the tall brunette answers easily.

Frowning Dick points out, "Perhaps you should take her somewhere new not a place where you have a lot of memories."

Meeting his best friend's gaze, Logan says, "No, today is a day for the past. We are going to the cemetery after lunch. She wants to visit Meg, Lilly, Miguel and her Dad. I want to visit Lilly and my mom."

Mac and Dick look shocked. Mac finding her voice says, "You go almost every time you are here, don't you?"

Taking a bite of the delicious spinach quiche, Logan chews thoughtfully and after he swallows, he tells her, "I do. They were both a big part of my life when I lived here."

Dick looks a little sick as he tells Logan, "I don't visit Cassidy's grave." Mac looks at him in concern. She doesn't like to go there either.

Logan looks at his friend and tells him, "It's not the same situation with Lilly and Mom. Lilly was just a wild, beautiful, spoiled girl who got in over her head. She didn't deserve to have her life ended by my sick fuck of a father." He adds, "My mother had years of emotional trauma and although I was upset at the time, now I can't blame her for having enough and ending the pain."

Mac and Dick sit there shocked at Logan's open manner. He is normally very closed about his past. Logan locks his gaze with Dick's and says, "I never go and see my father's grave. Once I got control of my inheritance, I had him moved away from my mother. She suffered enough being next to him. I had him put way across the cemetery in an unmarked grave. I changed the head stone on my mother's grave just to be her alone. The plot beside her I had made into a rose garden. My mother loved roses. Aaron lived for his fame and the adulation of his fans. Now there is nowhere for them to come and visit. No one knows he is lying there unmarked."

Dick doesn't even know what to say. He looks at his friend and sees that he has handled the past as best he can. Logan says, "Cassidy was fucked up by Goodman and your parents. I can't condone what he did and how many people he killed and lives he ruined." Shaking his head, he finishes, "But sometimes when I am thinking about him, I think about the Cassidy I knew before he raped Veronica and started killing. I think of him learning to surf and drive. I think about how quiet he was and how he enjoyed being part of the gang. I think about how smart he was and how he loved making films."

Tears well up in Dick's eyes and he chokes out, "I think about him like that too." Mac reaches over and takes his hand.

Logan says, "Anyways, sometimes I go to the cemetery and I tell Lilly and my mom what I am doing. Today I will go with Veronica. " He excuses himself and heads upstairs to shower. He is meeting Veronica at eleven.

When they park outside the cemetery, Logan shuts off his vehicle and looks ahead. He says, "You know we have too many people to visit here for people our age."

Veronica looks over at him and agrees, "We really do." She sighs and gets out of the vehicle and goes to the back with Logan. Today they both stopped and bought flowers. Veronica bought Lilly and Meg bouquets of yellow roses. She bought her dad and Miguel each a plant. Logan bought Lilly some pink Lilies and his mother some beautiful red roses.

When they get into the cemetery grounds, they stop. Veronica says, "I was planning on visiting my dad first and then Miguel."

Nodding Logan says, "I will go and spend some time with my mom. Take your time and text me when you are ready to go and visit Meg and Lilly."

Smiling that he understands that she might have a lot to say to her fathers today, she nods and then heads up the path towards her father's grave. Logan turns the other way to go and see his mother's grave. He shakes his head that Veronica has brought a garbage bag and some gardening tools to tend to their graves. She told him that the Garcias' tend to her father's grave when they visit Miguel. He just pays for someone to come and keep care of the rose bushes and trim the grass.

When Logan gets Veronica's text he closes the book he was reading to his mother and tells her that he will see her soon. He gently touches her headstone and then walks towards Lilly's grave. He detours over to Keith Mars' grave on his way over. He sees that Veronica has left the plant and has trimmed the edges of the grave and left it looking neat and cared for. He sees there is a crystal goblet full of what looks like champagne. He smiles. Veronica celebrated with her dad. Going down on one knee he says, "Mr. Mars, I know that you have been watching and you know that I messed up again and helped the Kanes drive Veronica out of Neptune." Taking a deep breath he says, "I just wanted you to know that I will never make the mistake of listening the Kanes again. I will do everything I can to help her and be there for her."

He stands and nods respectfully to the headstone and then wanders down the path towards Lilly's grave. When he gets there he sees that he beat Veronica there. He guesses that she stopped at Meg's grave on her way. Estimating that he has a few minutes, he puts his flowers down by her headstone and says, "Hey Lil. I thought I would come and say hello." He talks to her about how the trial between Veronica and her father's company happened this week. He proudly tells her that Veronica kicked ass and how she unselfishly did what was best for her family. He says, "You would have loved it; she had your dad and brother served in the courtroom after she won." He laughs aloud at the memory. He looks up and sees Veronica approaching and says, "Here she is now Lil; Veronica the Conqueror."

She stumbles as she walks towards the grave and Logan immediately stands up to help her. His eyes widen as he sees the goofy look on her face and the reason for her sudden lack of coordination becomes clear. Smirking he takes her arm and helps her sit beside Lilly's grave. After they are settled, he teases, "Lil, Veronica started celebrating without us."

Knowing she has been busted, Veronica giggles and reaches in the bag she is carrying, pulls out the bottle of champagne and three glasses. She pours one for Lilly and then one for each her and Logan. She raises her glass and says, "To Justice and the American Way."

Amused Logan raises his glass and drinks. He toasts, "To beautiful women and champagne."

Laughing Veronica raises her glass and takes another drink. Logan asks, "Did you leave a glass of champagne on Meg's headstone?" Nodding solemnly, she says, "We toasted to a few things."

Inwardly smiling, Logan tells Veronica that he told Lilly about the trial. Veronica looks at the headstone and starts telling Lilly about how her Dad and brother are soulless, corporatists. She stumbles over the words and Logan laughs aloud. He toasts, "To soulless corporatists and the day they meet their match."

Veronica lifts her glass and takes another sip . She then toasts to friendship. Logan clinks his glass to hers and they both drink. Veronica is so cute drunk and he thinks about if he should take her for a late lunch to get some food in her and help her sober up. They talk for a while about good times they had together in Middle and High School. After a long, comfortable silence, Logan tells Veronica he will carry everything to the car and wait for her there. She smiles at him appreciating that he is giving her a few moments alone with her best friend.

When Logan is gone, Veronica lays on her grave and looks up at the sky. She tells her friend that she is going on a date with Logan that night and how she really hopes everything goes OK. She thinks about how much she misses Lilly and says, "I love you Lilly. I think I might love Logan too." She lays there and after a while says, "It's funny but I never understood how you could fool around on Logan. I know you were young but he is really a great lover and caring boyfriend." After another long pause she adds, "I guess we were both stupid and didn't grab a hold of a great guy and never let him go."

Rolling over and laying on her stomach, she looks at the headstone and says, "If Logan wants to try our relationship again, I am not going to make the same mistake again." Content with her proclamation, she puts her head down and closes her eyes.

After a half hour of waiting, Logan heads back to Lilly's grave to see if Veronica is OK. He finds her sleeping and has to smile. She could never hold her liquor. Bending down her picks her up in his arms and says, "We'll see you next time Lil," as he carries the tiny blonde back to the car. Waking up a little Veronica waves goodbye to her friend and pouts, "I can walk you know."

Teasing Logan says, "It makes me feel more manly to carry you."

Smiling Veronica wraps her arms around his neck and says, "Well then carry on my strong, handsome man."

He enjoys holding her and notices that she used the possessive form when talking about him. He hopes she means that he is hers because he wants them to be together more than anything.

It turns out that Logan takes Veronica home to sleep for a few hours before he is going to pick her up for dinner. He tells Graciella, Miguel Jr. and his wife that Veronica had a glass of champagne with Keith, Miguel, Meg and Lilly. He adds, "We might have made a few toasts talking to Lilly."

They all immediately understand that she is tipsy and Graciella helps her to bed. Miguel Jr. laughs and tells Logan that he will make sure she wakes up in time for their dinner date. Logan easily tells him that he will change the reservations to eight pm so she can sleep longer. Miguel is impressed at how Logan looks after Veronica.

During supper, Veronica admits that she was worried that Kane Industries would tie her up in court for years and then her family would never get any compensation for the patents. The only reason that this trial worked out in her favor was they were the defendants. She talks about instead of suing Kane Enterprises when they refused to release the patents, she had chosen to file a DFEH complaint with the State of California. She had cited that Miguel Garcia didn't get the monetary compensation partly because of his race. The State had immediately started an investigation. It would take close to two years but in the meantime, the patents would be held in limbo until they finished their investigation. Logan had laughed really hard when she told him. He had thought it was brilliant. Kane would have State investigators poking around his company, asking questions about discrimination policies and Miguel Garcia's patents. In addition, Kane Industries was barred from using the patents until it was decided who actually owned them. Veronica had banked on the fact that Kane needed one of those patents and couldn't wait the two years. It had paid off because Kane Industries took Miguel Garcia to court to retain legal use of the patents for thirteen more years. Once Miguel Garcia was the defendant, her chances of winning went up. Since she was the defendant, she asked for a jury trial. Kane Industries probably had a lot of judges in their pocket. Then she only had to get one of the jurors to vote her way instead of all of them. She had quietly admitted to Logan that she had the one hundred million dollar deal in place before the trial. The lawyers for Seven Brother Software were there for the verdict and she had Graciella sign the patents over to them immediately after the trial before the Kane lawyers could file the next injunction. She added, "That was why I didn't call any witnesses. I had to make sure that we could file the sale of the patents before five pm." She looks at Logan and admits, "We beat them by an hour."

Impressed he had told her that she had 'nerves of steel' during the trial. Shaking his head he thought of the risk she took during court. If she lost then Kane Industries would have gotten one hundred percent of the money for the next thirteen years and likely the patents would have been worthless after. If she lost, it would have cost her family one hundred million dollars. He can't believe how cool and calm she was during the trial. No wonder she looked relieved when the verdict was read. Then she calmly served Kane Industries with a cease using the patent order; the whole time knowing that lawyers for Seven Brothers were waiting in another room for her. The stress much have been off the charts... he thinks she is absolutely amazing!

Veronica is excited to find out that Logan lives in LA. He and Dick buy real estate and either resell it later or rent it out. They are both into commercial buildings. They have an office in Neptune and one in LA. Dick spends most of his time in the Neptune office while Logan has been working out of the LA office. Logan stays with Dick and Mac when he is in town while Dick stays with him in LA when he is there. It works out well for them. Dick has a way with financing and Logan has an eye for properties that need development. They bought a run down building in down town LA, downed it and then built a large office tower. Now it is in a section of downtown that is expanding. The tower has a 5% vacancy right now and they are pleased with the profit they are making there. Recently they bought a lot of land where there used to be a race track. They built an upscale shopping area and it has been doing really well. Veronica listened fascinated; Logan is his own boss, strong and confident.

Between them is a lot of history but right now they both have hope for the future. Neither is dating anyone seriously and they both would like to date and see where their relationship can go. Perhaps they will find they should just be friends because they can't make it as a couple. But perhaps they are going to make it this time.

Just before dessert is served, Logan asked Veronica if she felt vindicated in her dealings with Jake Kane. She had shaken her head and told him that it was never about Jake Kane. "I was a little surprised when he targeted me but once I learned that Duncan was coming back to Neptune, I understood what it was about. That was part of Lilly's problem. She knew that her parents were all about Duncan." Looking him in the eye she said, "Celeste and Jake didn't have to worry. I didn't want Duncan." She shrugged and added, "They just didn't know that you had my heart and you wouldn't give it back."

He smiled at her and said, "And I never will."

That made her smile. She takes a bite of her lime cheesecake and gets a look of bliss on her face. After a few more bites, she continued her thought about Jake Kane, "Once Kane Enterprises refused to give Graciella the rights to Miguel's patents, I was really worried. It was really David against Goliath. Realistically, I didn't like our chances."

Nodding that he understood, he comments, "The Kane name means a lot in this state. Not too many people are going to be able to win against them." He reaches over and puts his hand over hers on the table, "I am so glad it worked out for you."

Nodding she says, "The money will set the kids up for colleges and even allow them to start their own businesses. Graciella is going to be very careful and make sure that they are in control of the money instead of it having control of them."

Meeting his gaze she adds, "I have a friend from UCLA who is going to help them with investments and teach them how to manage their money. Graciella is going to insist that everyone take her course before she gives them any money."

"I think that is a very good idea," he tells her, "It took me a while to get control of my money."

Her face softens as she thinks about his struggles when he was younger. Quietly she says, "You are doing well with it now though. I am very proud of you."

Pleased he tells her that he would like to show her around the project he is working on now. Smiling she says, "I would love to see it."

He asks her about her work and she describes how she has a small office off in the corner and she likes it that way. She works alone most of the time and she is not on big cases. She just does contract law. It is not flashy but she is not working long hours and she doesn't have the pressure to perform. She just does her work and goes home.

"It sounds nice actually, " he tells her and she smiles happily at him.

She gets a funny look on her face and Logan seeing it questions her on what she is thinking. She tells him that she negotiated her contract with the firm and most lawyers make a large amount of money per hour but I chose to make one percent of what I earn for my clients. She adds, "Last year I negotiated over three hundred million dollars for my clients."

Whistling Logan says, "So you made three million dollars?"

Nodding she tells him, "No one at the firm knows that except the payroll department and the senior partners."

His smile spreads and he exclaims, "I love it! Everyone ignores you and looks down on the work you do and you made more than most of them."

Her eyes sparkle that he gets it. "I stay below the radar. I don't have to run in the hamster wheel and I make the firm a lot of money."

Curious Logan says, "I heard from Mrs. Navarro that you kept Mars Investigations open."

Veronica nods happily and tells Logan that Weevil is doing the name proud.

"I also heard from Irene that you used part of your dad's insurance to pay off creditors who were hounding Graciella and Miguel." he adds slowly.

Veronica sighs and says, "I couldn't sit and watch the people I think of as family worry over their finances anymore."

He squeezes the hand he is holding and tells her, "You are so special."

Touched she shakes her head and tells him, "I have learned how to belong to a big family. Miguel and Graciella just took me in when I had nobody. They call me their hija del corazon" Looking at Logan she translates, "Daughter of the heart."

He smiles and then asks, "I should have paid more attention in Spanish classes, shouldn't I?"

Laughing she agrees, "You really should have."

The next morning, Logan looks at the paper and the news that Miguel Garcia's family has sold his patents to Kane Industries biggest rival is front page news. Seven Brother Software has filed an injunction preventing Kane Industries from putting out their next generation of smart phone and their next operating program as they are both based on patents that Seven Brothers now has rights to.

The stock prices of Kane Industries has dropped today to a five year low. Kane Industries has released a statement that they still own the rights to the patent because they filed in Neptune Court to stop the sale of said patents. Logan feels badly for Dick and Mac. They have a lot of money tied up in Kane Industries and right now it is worth half of what it was worth last week.

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