Lilly's Waiting

by Josielynn

Logan and Duncan get more than they bargained for when they go to visit Lilly's grave. Rob Thomas owns the characters. I just enjoy them.

12. Chapter 12

Story so far: Logan and Duncan overhear Veronica at Lilly's graveside. They learn she has cancer and is dying. They also learn she can prove Abel Kunz didn't kill Lilly. In the hospital, Logan ends up rushing into Veronica's room begging her not to go to Lilly and to stay because he needs her. Logan once Veronica's heart rate rises professes he knows she is going to get better. She does and while she is recuperating at home, Logan does some soul searching and decides he needs to make changes. Logan worried about how Veronica is taking that Duncan and Meg are dating talks to her in the hallway at school. The rumors have them dating. Logan frustrated meets with Veronica at a burger bar to discuss how to handle all the rumors about them. To Logan's chagrin a tabloid publishes a picture of him and Veronica at the restaurant. Now the rumors at school are even worse. Lynn Echolls invites Veronica to be a part of the fundraiser fashion show and dance. At school on Monday, Veronica walks up and kisses Logan in first period. Logan goes along with it but is waiting after school to find out what is going on. They talk at the beach and Logan breaks down sharing with Veronica why he decided to change his life. They finish their talk at Veronica's apartment where they discuss her rape, her feelings towards Duncan and Lilly's murder case. Now back to the story.......

Veronica is walking down the hall with Mac. She says, "Mac how are you coming on our other project?"

Mac looks around and sees they are alone. She says, "It's going well. I had no trouble getting into Beaver's account."

Veronica looks at her friend carefully and says, "Did you find what I suspected?"

Mac nods and says in a puzzled tone. "Yes. I'm just in awe and a little afraid of how you knew."

Veronica looks upset for a second and said, "I was hoping I was wrong."

Uncomfortable, Mac says, "Well let me know if there is anything else you need."

Veronica nods and walks quietly off towards her classroom.

****

At lunch Logan is waiting beside Veronica's locker. She smiles when she sees him and goes into his arms for a kiss before she opens her locker. Logan happy to see her says, "You've been a busy bee this morning."

Veronica frowns at Logan and says, "No busier than usual. Why?"

Logan pulls out a picture of Madison and Sheriff Lamb from his binder. He says, "I am assuming this email that went out to the whole student population was your doing."

Puzzled she takes the email from Logan and looks at it. She says, "Wow I knew Madison had horrible taste in men but Dick and Deputy Lamb….?"

Not fooled Logan smiles and takes the picture back from her. He leans in and kisses her gently and says, "I am going to assume that this is one of those different levels of guilt we talked about."

Veronica looks up at her boyfriend and says, "It is."

He leans down and gently caresses her face. He says, "If you ever need my help you only have to ask."

Her face softens and she hugs him nuzzling her face in his chest. She says, "I love you so much Logan."

His arms tighten around her and he says, "I love you too Veronica."

She pulls away from him and looks up at him her eyes shining with her happiness. She says, "I don't need your help with the payback thing…"

Veronica caresses up Logan's chest and gently rubs his neck. She looks around and sees no one is near. She says very quietly, "We need to work on Lilly's case."

Logan nods and says, "When?"

Veronica says, "After surfing, pick me up at Dad's office. I need to talk to him about something else and then I have to pay bills and file."

Agreeable Logan says, "Dinner and then sleuthing."

"In the meantime, let us go to lunch so I can enjoy the fallout of Madison's really unfortunate choice of lover." Leaning up Veronica gives Logan a peck on his lips.

Shaking his head at her, Logan says, "You know this picture is going to make the news and Lamb may get into a lot of trouble."

Veronica looks at Logan and says, "He should go and see the Wizard."

Laughing Logan says, "He really should."

He puts his arm around her and walks with her towards the quad. "Let's go to lunch Dorothy."

****

At lunch Madison had walked over to Logan's table and loudly accused Veronica of following her and taking the picture.

Pissed off that Madison could even blame anyone but herself Logan had stood up and very publicly told Madison she was a cheating slut and maybe she should go and sit at a table with the other girls that slept with older men like Susan who was pregnant with Mr. Rook's child and Pam who was sleeping with the IT guy. The Quad had gone absolutely silent at his proclamation and his stare down with Madison.

Logan had sat down and then when Madison had stood there with her mouth open., Logan had said, "Beat it Madison. I believe there is room for you at a table by the garbage cans!" The students in the Quad had watched silently as she stalked out of the Quad and slammed the door to the school as she went in. Following her were Pam, Susan and Carrie.

The students watched as Logan turned to a stunned Veronica and gently put his hand up and closed her mouth. He said, "Casey, pass the egg rolls over would you?"

Casey had without commenting picked up the carton and passed it over to Logan who calmly opened it and put an egg roll on Veronica's plate and one on his before passing the carton over to Cole.

The students in the Quad started to talk and go back to their lunches. The 09ers sat in shock after Logan's confrontation with Madison and Veronica's obvious surprise. Well all except Dick who started laughing loudly from his spot at Duncan's table.

Logan had turned to Veronica who was looking at him with a clear question on her face. He smiled at her and said, "What? I know things."

Veronica couldn't help but smile at her boyfriend. Casey and the rest of the table overheard their conversation and smiled at Logan's imitation of Veronica.

They were all eating when Meg leaned into Veronica and said, "Thank you for going with me to the doctor."

Veronica looked at her friend and said very quietly, "Logan and I will be there for you the whole way."

Meg whispered back, "About that… I need to talk to you."

Veronica said, "I happen to be free right now."

Meg smiled and said, "Let's sit out front of the school for a few minutes."

Veronica nodded. She leaned over and got Logan's attention and whispered to him that Meg wanted to talk to her. Logan nodded and gently kissed her goodbye.

Veronica grabbed her messenger bag and walked into the school with Meg. Duncan watched them go with a worried look on his face. Logan noticed the look on Duncan's face.

Logan's attention was taken back to the guys at the table as they talked about surfing that afternoon. Logan assured them he was still going.

****

After school Logan walks with Veronica towards her car. He says, "Duncan caught me by my locker after lunch. He wants to talk to me tonight after surfing."

Veronica looks up at her boyfriend and comments, "I'm surprised and then I'm not surprised."

Logan turns her against her car and leans down trapping her between his body and the door of her car. He knows they are still attracting a lot of attention especially today as Madison was taken in to the police station to give a statement about her under aged affair with the Sheriff who was relieved of duty pending an investigation.

Veronica looks up at Logan enjoying the closeness of his body. She says, "What do you think he wants to talk to you about?"

Logan nuzzles her neck and says, "Maybe about Meg; maybe about the fact he and I aren't really friends anymore; or maybe about the fact I have totally and utterly fallen under your spell."

Turning her face so her mouth is close to Logan's, Veronica says, "Mmmmm, I like the sound of that last one." She leans in and kisses him.

Logan ends the kiss and says, "Do you have any advice for what to say to my friend who had sex with you when you were unconscious and is not standing beside a really sweet girl who he got pregnant?"'

Veronica looks at Logan's mouth and says her voice a little vague, "I know you'll handle it."

She leans closer so their mouths are only inches apart. She points out, "I'm just standing here wondering why your lips are moving and they are not touching mine." Veronica pouts, "It seems like such a waste."

Logan smiles and leans down putting his lips over hers. He only pulls away when he hears Casey yell, "Enough already Logan, let's go."

He says, "Why do there have to be so many people in this world?"

Veronica smiles and says, "Call me after your talk with Duncan. Maybe we can meet after supper?"

Logan gives her one last kiss and backs away from her. He gives her a small salute and says, "Sounds good."

He turns and walks towards his Xterra. Veronica smiles happily and gets in her car.

****

Veronica sits at her desk in her dad's office paying bills. When her father comes out of his office she says, "Dad I need to talk to you about something and my friend Meg is coming here to talk to you about something."

Keith looks at her and sees her seriousness. He comments, "Wow two somethings in one day. I feel special." He sits down in the chair across from her desk.

Veronica smiles a little at his attempted humor. She says, "My something is….complicated and the law should be involved but the person involved will not want the law to be involved."

Keith listening to her rambling explanation frowns. He knows that his 'shoot now ask questions later' daughter wouldn't come to him for help if she wasn't over her head. He thinks about this and finds it worrisome.

He questions, "Am I to understand that you want me to agree to help you or advise you but not involve the law?"

Veronica sighs and nods. Keith waits and when she is not more forthcoming he clarifies, "You know that I still believe in the law and I would not want to know something that needs to be reported and then not report it?"

Veronica nods again. Keith waits and Veronica says, "I was thinking that I could tell you an issue, say hypothetically, and you could advise me on what to do."

Keith again clarifies, "Advise you on what to do hypothetically?"

Veronica nods. Keith says, "Are you going to tell me who this hypothetical case involves?"

"No," she answers, "But if you were to guess who the hypothetical person was, I wouldn't be surprised."

Keith's face looks grave. He says, "You are putting me in a bad position Veronica. Is it that important to you?"

He watches as she shifts uncomfortably and bites her bottom lip. She says, "It is."

Keith leans back and looks at her. He says, "OK. We will talk on the beach when we walk Back Up."

Veronica nods her agreement. She says, "Thanks Dad."

He says, "I know I am going to regret this." He gets up and goes back into his office.

Veronica smiles happy that she can always rely on her father. She goes back to paying the bills.

An hour later the office door opens and Meg walks in. She comes over to say hello to Veronica. She says, "My parents think we are shopping."

Veronica makes a face at her friend and comments, "They don't know me that well if they think that."

Meg smiles but it doesn't reach her eyes.

Veronica seeing Meg's worry says, "My dad is the best. You can trust him."

Meg looks at the office door and reluctantly nods. Veronica goes over and knocks on her father's office door. She opens it when he answers and says, "Meg is here Dad."

Her father says, "The other something?"

Veronica smiles at him and nods. He says, "Send her in."

Veronica opens the door wider and ushers Meg in. She closes the door after her and goes back to her desk.

****

Veronica walks along the beach and watches her dog chase some birds. He is so happy that it makes her smile.

Keith watching his daughter says, "So you have been happier lately." He adds, "Does it have to do with having a new beau."

Veronica looks incredulously at him and says, "Beau? Next you'll be talking about arranged marriages and dowries."

Keith pretends to think and says, "Although the Echolls are rich, I'm thinking I may have to pay them to take you."

Frowning Veronica says, "Ha, ha."

They walk a few more steps and Veronica says, "I am happy dating Logan."

When she doesn't seem inclined to continue, Keith encourages her, "I can see that."

She looks at her father and says earnestly, "He's changed so much. He's…."

Keith looks at her and waits for her to finish. She doesn't but Keith sees a little blush on her cheeks. He says, "He's what?"

Veronica looks a little sheepishly at her father. She admits, "I was going to say almost perfect and then I realized how stupid that sounded."

Keith looks surprised then says quietly, "It's not stupid."

Veronica walks farther and then turns and looks at him. She says, "I really wish I had met Logan after I was cured."

Keith sees her worry and asks, "You think he might not want to be around you if your cancer comes back?"

Veronica immediately shakes her head. She says, "We already talked about it. He knows the risks. He knows I have to have blood work and x-rays and he knows it's a bad cancer."

Understanding, Keith nods and says, "I'm not sure what you mean then."

Veronica tells Keith that she had planned not to date until she was cured. Until then she was going to enjoy her life, work and go to college. Then after she might find someone to be serious about.

Keith does not miss that Veronica sees Logan as a guy she is serious about. He says, "Life doesn't always work out as we planned."

Veronica looks at Keith and says, "Don't we know it."

He nods his head in agreement. Veronica says, "I really care about him." She pauses and says, "I feel selfish that I am dating him sometimes."

Keith goes over and hugs his daughter. He says, "He's lucky to have you."

Veronica smiles and says, "You have to say that. You're my dad."

He smiles and says, "I mean it though."

Veronica hugs him back. She says, "It's unfair of me to date him when I don't know if I am even going to be here next year."

Keith feels a pull in his chest at her words. He says, "None of us knows that."

"But the difference is I have cancer." Veronica says firmly.

Keith says, "No offense but it is not your choice Veronica. It's Logan's choice." He adds, "As long as he is fully informed, then it is up to him to decide the emotional risk he wants to take."

Veronica sighs and says, "That is what he says, "

Keith decides he likes Logan even more. He says, "You are worth it."

She puts her head on his chest and hugs him.

As they walk back home, Keith says, "Maybe you'd better tell me this hypothetical situation you found yourself in."

Veronica takes a deep breath and says, "OK, suppose hypothetically that I just found out about a student in my grade that hypothetically has been physically abused for years by his father."

Keith immediately says, "You would have to report it."

There is a pause and Keith sees that Veronica was expecting his answer. He waits.

"Further suppose that this person would deny it if I reported it and it might get worse for this person." Veronica drawls slowly while looking at her father.

Keith says a little warningly, "Veronica."

Veronica says, "Dad I really need you to do what is best for this kid not what the law says is the best."

Keith looks a little taken a back. He says, "You think in this case they aren't the same thing?"

Veronica nods.

Keith walks back towards their apartments with her. After a few minutes he says, "OK, I will listen to what you think is best right now but I need you to understand that as I look into it, I have to do what I think is best."

Veronica nods and says, "I trust you. It's just it is a special case."

Keith says, "OK, tell me everything you know."

****

Keith sits in his chair and looks blankly at the TV. Veronica has gone out with Logan for a few hours to his house. He was reluctant to let her go over there after everything she told him but she assured him she would call if she needed anything.

She looked at him and said, "Nothing has changed Dad. We just need to figure out what to do. Logan will turn eighteen soon and I will take him to college and get him away from his dad. I will just make sure he is not around his father when he is home from the set."

She had paused and then looked at her father and said, "It's Lynn we have to worry about. Who will Aaron take his temper out on after Logan is gone?" Her eyes had narrowed in the someone needs to pay way and she added, "And some doctors and nurses need to have their professional licenses revoked."

Keith had looked at his daughter in surprise but had seen that she was going to make sure that they paid for how they had prolonged Logan's abuse.

Keith thinks about Veronica's claims that she saw Logan without his wet suit on and she saw old scars on his back. She talked about the round scars that looked liked the cigarette burns scars. Keith recalls finding Veronica looking through a file one day while she waited in his office. She had been very upset and he had been upset he had left the file where she might see it. He had explained all the injuries on the child and had held her as she cried. She had not understood how anyone could hurt a child like that. Keith had not either. He still didn't.

He thinks about Logan's behavior and how Lynn seemed so helpless and felt so much guilt about Logan. So many things click into place for him regarding Lynn and Logan Echolls. Logan's behavior over the years makes more sense now. He is not just the spoiled son of a rich movie star. He's a physically, mentally and emotionally abused kid. Keith wonders why he didn't see it before. He knows that he is going to find out that a lot of people knew but didn't say anything when he starts looking into it.

Keith is even more impressed that Logan sought help and has worked so hard to become a better person. He thinks he needs to develop a trusting relationship with Logan.

Keith also thinks about his talk with Meg Manning and how she admitted she is pregnant and Duncan is the father. He is angry at Duncan for abandoning Meg. He is grateful Veronica got away from Duncan.

He thinks about what she said about her father and mother and how they treated her and her sisters. Her pleas to help her before they try to get a hold of her baby were heartbreaking.

Keith thinks about the wealthy families in this town and how messed up some of them seem to be. He understands Meg's and Veronica's concerns that justice is not readily dispensed to the wealthy.

He thinks about how to handle both the issues. He may need to bring in help for these ones.

****

Veronica sits beside Logan in the pool house. They are talking about his visit with Duncan. Unsurprisingly Duncan was not receptive to Logan's criticism of his having sex with an unconscious Veronica and his not admitting that Meg is pregnant with his child.

He says, "I'm sorry Veronica. I am going to need a drink for this conversation."

Veronica frowns at Logan in concern. It is obvious he is upset. He goes over to the vent and pulls it off and pulls out the key to the liquor cabinet.

Surprised at his actions, Veronica comments, "You learned that from Lilly."

Mockingly he comments, "She learned that from me."

He opens the liquor cabinet and pulls out a bottle of Jack. He pours some in a glass for Veronica and himself.

Handing Veronica her glass he takes a large gulp of his drink. Veronica takes a small sip of hers and grimaces. She looks at her boyfriend and sees he is upset after his conversation with Duncan.

Knowing this is something he has to get out, Veronica waits patiently watching him.

After a few sips of his drink and long minutes filled with silence, Logan takes Veronica's hand and says, "I think Duncan still wants you."

Veronica looks at Logan and sees he is insecure about their relationship now he is sure Duncan wants her back. She frowns and thinks. She looks down at her hand and watches Logan as Logan traces the lines.

She ducks her head until she can meet his gaze. When she is sure he is looking at her, she says, "I'll be aware of it so he doesn't interfere with us." She sighs and looks down at his hand. She adds, "I don't want him. I don't admire him. I don't think of him as someone I would be interested in anymore."

She looks up and meets Logan's gaze. He sees the truth in her eyes. She adds, "You still see him as the perfect guy with the good grades, good manners and headed for a senator or White House bid. You see yourself as messy and a guy who isn't good enough for a good girl."

Logan looks at her as she moves closer to him. She puts her hand up and caresses his face. She says firmly, "I see Duncan as a liar, coward and a guy who had sex with me when I was unconscious."

She adds slowly, "Not unlike the other guys who had sex with me when I was unconscious."

Logan recoils a little at her phrasing. He knows she means it.

Her tone softens as she says, "I see you as the guy for me. The guy who gets me. The guy who makes me feel so secure and so wonderful when he touches me."

Logan's eyes darken at her words. He pulls her into his arms and lowers his head to kiss her. Veronica immediately responds winding her arms around his neck and kissing him back.

****

When Veronica gets home her father is sitting in the living room reading the paper. She goes into the kitchen and gets a bottle of water out of the fridge. Leaning on the island she asks, "Dad when you checked Lilly's room after she was murdered, did you check the vents?"

Keith Mars looks at her and says, "No, I don't think so. Why?"

Veronica plays with the bottle in her hand and says, "Something Logan said tonight reminded me that Lilly kept things hidden there."

Frowning Keith says, "Do you think there might be something important there?"

She looks from playing with the label on her bottle and says, "I don't know but that is where she would have hidden anything important."

Keith says, "I was just reading about a party at the Kane's on Friday night for the governor."

He opens the paper to the society section and shows it to Veronica. He says, "Think Logan can get an invite?"

Veronica says, "He can probably go with his parents."

When Veronica starts walking to the door of her bedroom, Keith's voice stops her. "I asked Gerald to deal with the hypothetical student you know."

Veronica with her back to her father says, "Does Uncle Gerry understand this situation is hypothetical?"

Keith answers easily, "He does."

Veronica nods and thinks about her godfather who is a policeman in Seattle and decides he is a good choice.

Her father adds quietly, "I am going to handle Meg's case."

Veronica nods and says, "Goodnight Dad."

He easily answer, "Good night Veronica."

****

Weevil steps out from around the corner after Veronica walks into her classroom. He says quietly to Logan, "We should talk."

Logan says a little sarcastically, "It's not 'take a future criminal to work' day."

Weevil frowns and says, "It's about V."

Logan immediately sees the seriousness and walks over to him. Weevil backs up into the doorway of a closet. He looks around and sees they are alone. He says, "V asked me to talk to the smart rich white boy." He pauses and adds, "Get him to admit what he did to her."

Logan's face darkens. Logan says, "Did to her?"

Weevil says, "I could see she was getting payback to the rich white boys. I figured they hurt her. I asked her to let me help."

He looks at Logan and meets his gaze. "I figured you didn't know. They are all walking."

Logan nods and then says, "She asked me to stay out of. She said she was getting her revenge, her way."

Weevil nods in understanding. Logan adds, "I haven't been able to be around them since."

Weevil figured that is what happened. He had noticed that Logan wasn't with his usual friends and he didn't hang with his best friend Duncan much anymore. He totally ignored the loud blonde and his smart brother.

Weevil says, "I had my own revenge planned on the small Cassablancas."

Logan can see that Weevil planned to give Beaver a beating.

Weevil looks around again. He says, "We picked him up and worked him over. He admitted he was the one who gave her the ...." Weevil stops obviously not knowing if Logan knows.

Logan nods and Weevil can see he knows. Logan asks, "Did he admit it?"

Weevil can see that Logan is going to devise his own payback. Weevil says, "I need you to see this."

Weevil holds up his phone and depresses a play button. Logan takes the phone and watches the video.

Logan feels his breath catch at what Beaver is saying. He is tied up and masked guys are holding a gun to his groin and he is admitting everything. Logan feels like he might throw up at what Beaver is saying the 09ers did to Veronica and who was involved.

Weevil watches as Logan pales. Then as Beaver is getting his beating, he admits his deep, dark secret. He talks about being raped as a little league player by his coach and then he hysterically names his coach. He says that is how he got the STD he gave to Veronica. Logan's mouth drops open and any color he had left in his face leaves it.

Weevil says, "I wasn't expecting this. I was going to make him pay for what he did to her and get names of any other guys who hurt her."

Logan nods but really doesn't know what to say.

Weevil says, "Something has to be done."

Weevil looks around and says, "The sheriff won't do anything."

Logan nods in agreement. He says, "This is going to be tricky."

Weevil says, "The rich white boy was plenty broken up after. We left him at his car."

Logan nods obviously thinking. He finally says, "I know someone."

Weevil sees Logan has an idea. Logan says, "Send the video to me."

Weevil nods and walks away. Logan stands there for a few seconds and then walks towards his first period class.

Logan sits thinking about what to do. He goes to a quiet area and pulls out his phone and dials. When the phone is picked up he says, "It's Logan Echolls. I have a story for you."

He listens and says, "It will be a big story."

He listens again and says, "I have a video to send you. You can never use it but it will lead you to the story."

****

Logan dials Mac and says, "I need you to edit a video for me."

He listens and says, "I need some sentences removed."

He nods and says, "Now would be best."

*****

He texts Veronica before lunch and asks her to spend lunch in the music room with Meg. He tells her he is going to send them lunch.

Veronica puzzled agrees.

****

Logan sits at lunch and hears Dick and the others talk about how Beaver was kidnapped and beaten. They talk about how the guys had hoods and Beaver is in the hospital. They think it may be the PCHers but they can't figure out why they were wearing hoods.

Mr. Cassablancas called the sheriff's office and Lamb picked up some of the PCHers but they all had alibis being in church for a special service.

Logan smirks a little and continues to listen. Dick tells the guys that Beaver won't talk about what happened and said that the masked guys asked for money. Logan thinks it is interesting that he didn't mention Veronica or Little League to the doctors, police or his family.

Logan sitting with Casey and Cole tells them that Veronica is eating lunch with Meg today and won't be joining them. He orders them all Italian for lunch.

Logan gets a beep on his phone and it is from Veronica asking to meet with him after school. He texts her back that he misses her. Casey sees and starts teasing him. Logan pushes his shoulder and goes back to his text ignoring the teasing.

****

After school Logan meets Veronica at her locker. He is waiting and she walks up and stands in front of him. He looks down at her but remains leaning on her locker. She walks closer and leans into him and wraps her arms around him. She says, "I enjoyed lunch with Meg."

Logan looks down at his girlfriend and says, "Good."

She meets his gaze and says nothing. Logan knows she is waiting for him to explain. He reaches up and gently caresses her face and then brushes the hair tenderly back from her forehead. He says, "You look beautiful."

He says nothing else but continues to look down at her. Veronica gazes up at him and says, "Thank you."

Veronica can see he has something bothering him. She knows that if she waits he will tell her. She says, "I have to go to Dad's office for a while. Then I think we should meet."

Logan nods. He knows she is waiting for him to tell her what is bothering him. She is not going to push or pry.

He runs a finger along her brow, down her cheek and over to her lips. He slowly and gently traces her lips. Veronica stands still allowing his touch. The students walking by see Veronica leaning into Logan and Logan gently caressing her face. It looks like a very loving gesture.

Weevil walking up the hall towards the parking lot sees the couple and sees Logan's gentleness with her. He knows that Logan is going to tell her probably tonight. He can see Logan is feeling especially protective right now. He saw that Veronica was not at lunch and figured Logan was going to keep her away from the 09ers and their anger at the small white boy's beating.

Logan says, "I'll pick you up at 6pm."

Veronica says, "OK."

Logan slowly stands keeping his arm around Veronica. He turns her to face her locker and waits while she puts in her combination.

****

Logan and Veronica lay in the hammock looking up at the night stars. It is quiet and private in the Echolls back yard. Logan has his arm around Veronica and she is laying snuggled into his side with her head on his shoulder. Her arm is across his chest and her leg is nestled in between his legs. They are both comfortable and relaxed.

Logan says, "Why can't we have normal problems?"

Veronica shakes her head and says, "I don't know."

He takes a deep breath and looks at her. He asks quietly, "Are you going to be OK?"

Veronica nods and says, "I knew he was one of the guys that raped me. I got Mac to check their health records and surprisingly he was the only one with an STD."

Gently caressing his chest Veronica continues, "Mac hacked into his live journal and he wrote about it."

Logan says, "Why did you get Weevil to beat him up?"

There is a short silence and Veronica asks, "You mean why not you?"

Logan nods. He says, "I want you to come to me for help."

Veronica leans up and looks down at Logan. She says, "You wouldn't be able to get the truth out of him like Weevil could." There is a pause and she explains, "Beaver knows you won't actually kill him. He doesn't know that Weevil won't."

Logan sighs and nods. Logan is quiet for a while. Finally he says, "It was awful hearing him tell about what happened to you that night. Dick and Sean taking you there and leaving you there. John and Luke laughing when Beaver came out knowing you were in there and had just been raped."

He adds, "Then listening to him admitting he had been raped by his coach was awful."

Veronica nods. She says, "It was horrible to hear."

Logan says, "Are you OK?" He adds, "I wasn't sure if I should let you see it or not."

Veronica says, "I had to see it. I had to know."

Understanding Logan nods his agreement but says, "It bothered me to hear it. I can't imagine what it did to you."

Veronica meets Logan's concerned eyes. She says, "I don't know how I feel about it right now."

Logan wraps his arms around her and she puts her head on his chest. She says, "It helps you are here."

Logan reflexively holds her closer.

They lay together getting reassurance and comfort from each other.

Veronica lying on top of Logan feels him shaking. She leans up and looks down at him in question. Shocked she sees the tears and watches as his face contorts in pain. He says, "They were my friends." He chokes out, "What kind of guys are they?"

Veronica gently wipes his tears. Logan looks at her and says, "I made it OK for them to do that to you."

Veronica shakes her head and says, "No Logan. You never told them to physically hurt me. They chose that themselves."

Logan takes a deep breath and says, "Is that what you meant by different levels of guilt?"

Nodding as he gently runs her fingers over his cheek, she says, "Beaver raped me. The other four just knew about it and encouraged it. I'm sure Dick told Madison so most of the 09er girls knew and just spread the rumors about me anyways."

"All have some guilt, just different degrees." she adds.

Logan pulls her so she's on top of him. He leans up and kisses her. He says, "Are you sure I can't punch them?"

Veronica smiles and says, "I can't really be upset about what I don't know about now can I?"

Logan smiles and says, "That is true."

He puts his hand behind her head and pulls it down so he can kiss her.

After the kiss plays out Logan looks up at her and says, "What punishment did you decide for Duncan?"

Veronica looks down at her boyfriend and says, "Meg went to my dad for help."

Logan looks up at her and nods his approval. Veronica goes on, "He will help her get the evidence she needs to make sure that her parents don't ever get custody of her baby and she is hoping she can get her sisters away from them when she turns eighteen."

"I hope so too." Logan empathizes.

Veronica's eyes soften as she looks down at him. She knows he hates that Meg and her sisters had to go through their 'punishment'.

Veronica says, "I was going to make sure that Duncan never became a senator or the president. I was going to make sure the information on his epilepsy got out."

Logan watches her waiting for her to tell him what she is thinking. She adds, "I decided now to just make sure that Duncan and the Kanes don't get custody of Meg's baby."

Logan looks surprised. He says, "How?"

Veronica tells him about how she videotaped Carrie's statement about Duncan having sex with her. She talks about how she has audiotape of Duncan confessing he had sex with her knowing she was his sister. She has video of Jake having an affair with her mother. Finally she tells him that she will use the proof she has of the Kanes' covering up Lilly's murder because they think Duncan did it.

Logan shocked says, "You'd give up finding Lilly's murderer?"

Veronica shakes her head. She says, "No but all of the information I have on Duncan and the Kanes will not look good for them in court. It will ensure that Meg will keep custody of her child and she won't have to worry about her parents, the Kanes or Duncan."

Logan sighs and says, "Good."

After a prolonged silence Logan says, "I still have trouble believing it is really Duncan acting like this."

Veronica sees his pain and sees he is trying to come to terms with the kind of guy Duncan has turned into.

She softly caresses his face and offers quietly, "I'm sorry."

Logan immediately says, "None of it is your doing."

Veronica says, "But I can see you are hurting."

Hugging her close he says, "It helps to have you."

Veronica after laying with Logan and relaxing for a few minutes, says, "Are you OK with looking in Lilly's vent at the Governor's party?"

Logan nods and says, "Sure. I'll bring over what I find right after."

Veronica nods and says, "OK. Dad will be at home if we need him."

****

AN: The next chapter is the last one for this story. It took a while to get this chapter done as your wonderful and spot on reviews made me realize that I left too many story lines open. I added this chapter to help tie up more of the loose ends. Thanks again for all your help. Please review and let me know what all I have to make sure is explained in the last chapter. You guys are the best!