DISCLAIMER: I don't own any rights to Veronica Mars. This story is written as a tribute only. No celebrity endorsement is implied by product placements. All real persons' names are used in the sense of "wouldn't it be cool if this person had this gig?" The institution discussed in this fic is not a real institution. No harm or insult is intended to any real-life organizations or to any participants in the meetings of these organizations. Again, this fic is not intended for those under the age of 17.
A/N: Beta-ed by Kazy and Poniesforall. Thanks to zaftig-darling for legal advice on this update, but I stress that any legal errors are my responsibility, as are any other mistakes.
Many apologies for the delay in updating. Thank you for reading my story.
Last time on The Year of Living Dangerously Part II-Just the important stuff from chapters 107-113:
( for the whole overblown "previously on", see my journal.
vanessagalore•livejournal•com/93576•html )
THIS SUMMARY REFERS TO THE CHAPTER POSTED 12/19/08; GO BACK AND READ CHAPTER 33 IF YOU MISSED IT.
While interviewing Ms. Denenberg about her husband's medical practice, Dave, the guard from Briar Hill, shows up and threatens retribution. Keith takes steps to protect Ms. Denenberg: he files for an order of protection and arranges for her to stay with Rebecca James. Veronica is jolted by Dave's appearance; she notes Dave's use of the phrase 'Connie McConArtist' and begins to obsess about the operation, what it will be like to testify, and her own personal failings that have exacerbated the current tenuous situation. Despite the apparent success of the undercover operation, she regards it as just another in a long string of failures and focuses on her character flaws. Logan misinterprets her preoccupation. He thinks that Dave has reminded her of his complicity in her abuse at the school; he worries about Veronica and feels ashamed of what he perceives at his incompetent actions during the operation. They also receive a threatening phone call from someone purportedly representing the Association of Therapeutic Schools Alumni and Parents.
Leo, continuing to investigate Kendall's murder, interviews Jeff Ratner. Ratner reluctantly admits that, on the night of her murder, Kendall persuaded him to give her a ride to a commercial area in Neptune, where she got into a Lincoln Navigator SUV, apparently with someone she knew and expected. Kendall failed to return at the appointed time. Ratner also confirms that Duncan and Kendall, by all appearance, had a brief relationship while staying at the Neptune Grand. Leo tracks down the car, which was stolen from Lawrence Crawford while the family was on vacation. The theft appears to be an inside job: Leo interviews two employees, Bridget Mulvaney and Joachim Sevilla, and plans to speak with Crawford's son, Jennings. One distinguishing and possibly traceable feature of the stolen SUV is its premium sound system.
Between the threats from Briar Hill and possible payback from the Fitzpatricks over their investigation into Dr. Griffith, Keith becomes concerned about their safety. He knows that Veronica might be unable to draw a weapon with her shoulder injury and gives Logan a handgun, after carefully instructing him in its use. The gun upsets Logan and Veronica extensively.
Weevil and Wallace come over, and they research the Fitzpatricks, incorporating some photographs that Weevil has taken while surveilling in recent days. They identify Kendall's contact when she was siphoning money from Richard Casablancas, Sr., as Gerry Black, and ask Dick if he recalls the man. At the end, several surveillance photos remain unidentified, although Veronica thinks one young man is familiar, without specifically remembering the context that she knows him. Weevil teases Veronica a little too hard about her old habits of blackmail and favors, and she breaks down as she is reminded of Klein's vicious confrontation at the school. Logan comforts her, and she grotesquely tries to force him to make love to her despite her obvious anxiety and depression. She ends up crying herself to sleep in his arms.
They mount a complicated operation to infiltrate Dr. Griffith's medical office; Keith manages to clone the computer of Griffith's office manager, Karen Fillipelli, and they begin tracing the flow of money in the practice. Veronica masquerades as a State Medical Board investigator and obtains evidence that Griffith's anesthesiologist was being paid for services while working elsewhere. Mac contacts Veronica and tells her she is being released from Witness Protection and will return to Neptune in a few days. After a long day of investigating, Veronica lies down for a nap; she and Logan make love after a tortured discussion of what the future might bring for them.
Logan reaches out to one of Hannah's friends from high school. The girl, Julie Silver, reluctantly admits she helped Hannah after escape by providing money and a place to stay with her eccentric, ex-hippie aunt in Rio Linda. The aunt, who was using the name Katey Shaffer, went through a deprogramming experience in her youth and was estranged from Julie's family. Julie tried to contact her aunt after the news of Hannah's murder with no success; she provides Logan and Veronica with the last known contact information.
Keith meets with Leo; he offers to trade evidence on the Fitzpatricks and Duncan's photo of Dr. Griffith meeting with Kendall in exchange for immunity for Duncan on the felony breaking and entering charges. The hope is that Veronica won't have to testify, to prevent her from possibly being charged as an accessory in the kidnapping. Leo reluctantly accepts the deal. Keith admits he committed arson to neutralize Vinnie's threat to expose Veronica's involvement in the kidnapping. Leo explains that he is bitter toward the Mars family because of the death of his developmentally disabled sister, who had to be institutionalized when Aaron refused to pay off Leo for the stolen sex tapes. When Keith's evidence is added to his previous suspicions about Kendall's murder, Leo is convinced of Logan's and Veronica's innocence in the matter of Kendall's murder, and he sets out to arrest the Fitzpatricks and Dr. Griffith. Keith tries to warn Leo that there might be an FBI agent or other law enforcement person who is working for the Fitzpatricks, but Leo dismisses the idea.
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VERONICA MARS
10:00PM SHO ch: 340 60min 2009 TV-MA
Due Process
Veronica, Logan, and Keith regroup and focus
their investigation; Dick visits; Leo pursues
Dr. Griffith.
Veronica: Kristen Bell. Logan: Jason Dohring.
Keith: Enrico Colantoni. Dick: Ryan Hansen.
Leo: Max Greenfield. Mrs. Griffith: Jennifer
Westfeldt. Deputy Clark: Zadran Wali.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED FOURTEEN: "DUE PROCESS"
Thurs. 3/19/09 evening: Sunset Cliffs Apartment, Neptune, CA
Veronica, peering intently at the screen of her laptop, turns around at the sound of a key in the door. Keith walks in and tosses his keys on the counter beside her. "Well?" she says impatiently. Logan stands up anxiously and joins them.
Keith nods and puts his arm around her shoulders. "It worked; Leo agreed to give Duncan immunity. Leo's rounding up Griffith and the Fitzpatricks, and the district attorney will sort out the charges later. The picture was pretty compelling. At the very least, I'm sure Griffith will provide information about Kendall in exchange for a reduction in the money laundering charges."
Veronica exhales loudly in relief. "Duncan?"
"I don't think you have to worry about the custody case any more, Veronica. I'm sure the hearing will be dismissed tomorrow when Duncan's attorneys reveal that their client has immunity on the breaking and entering charges." He sits down next to his daughter, and she leans against him. His weariness overtakes him; he closes his eyes momentarily and tries not to worry that he's forgotten something.
"Good," Veronica comments. "I hope that bastard Stewart Manning goes to jail for the rest of his life."
Keith silently agrees. "What are you working on, honey?" He peers over her shoulder at the computer and sits down on a stool next to her.
Logan explains, "I got in touch with one of Hannah's friends. She admitted she helped Hannah after she ran away from the school."
Veronica quickly summarizes Julie Silver's story about her aunt in Rio Linda. "Hannah thought of somebody who would be sympathetic and ran to her."
"She must have realized pretty quickly that she needed help," Keith muses. "What have you learned about the aunt? You said her name was...."
"Katey Shaffer," Veronica finishes. "It's an alias. Née Katherine Silver. She's been under the radar since the early seventies. Kate Shaffer shows up in 1978, applying for a driver's license in Yreka; then in 1988, she changed her address to Sacramento. She let the license lapse after that. I think the social security number she was using is false, and she probably knew she'd be caught with the increased security precautions on drivers' licenses." Veronica swivels the screen to show her dad the driver's license photo from 1988. "So this picture is twenty years old. She doesn't own any real estate or have any credit cards, and she's never even registered a vehicle with the DMV. Julie said she was pretty much a hippy, still living like it was 1968."
"Born in 1955; she'd be fifty-three or fifty-four," Keith thinks aloud.
"I ran the Photoshop aging program on the photo and came up with a few possibilities. She's got to be working some kind of job off the books, a waitress maybe. The phone number that Julie had has been disconnected since," Veronica checks the screen, "Since mid-November of last year. No residential address listed on the account, just a billing address."
"November was two months before Hannah was killed," Keith muses, calculating backward. "Maybe they moved, and something happened at the new address."
"The phone number was listed under the name of K.C. Sanford. He owns several houses, apparently rentals. We can start with him and find out where Katey and Hannah were in November and maybe trace them from there."
Logan chimes in, "Maybe something happened in November, something that made them pull up stakes and move."
"Something or someone," Veronica agrees. "I ran Dr. Griffith's credit cards, Dad, to see if he's ever been in Sacramento or Rio Linda. No charges anywhere near there for the past year."
"That doesn't prove anything," Logan observes.
"Do you really think he killed his own daughter?" Veronica asks curiously.
Logan shakes his head. "No. I think it was Liam."
Keith says, "Liam was in prison in January, awaiting trial on the racketeering charges, with Vinnie and half of the Fitzpatrick family."
"Okay, one of Liam's flunkies," Logan amends. "To punish Dr. Griffith for making a deal with me."
Veronica asks, "But how did they find out about the deal?"
"Kendall told them, I guess," Logan says thoughtfully.
"I don't think so. She was scared of Liam; you remember how frightened she was when we threatened to call him," Keith interjects. "We're missing something. Something set this in motion, and I don't think we're seeing it."
"We might not ever find out," Veronica adds. "Unless Liam talks."
Keith pushes himself up off the stool. "You know, I think a celebration is in order." He goes to the refrigerator and pulls out a carton of ice cream from the freezer.
"Ice cream? No champagne?" Logan observes drily.
"We Mars have simple tastes," Veronica retorts gently.
Keith puts the carton on the counter along with three spoons. They share the ice cream in silence for a few minutes. Keith tells them Leo's story about his sister. He makes sure to omit Aaron's desire to retain the videotapes and simply states that Aaron reneged on his deal.
"Leo really loved his sister," Veronica comments quietly. "He talked about her all the time."
"Everything about that case was a tragedy," Keith agrees.
"Yeah, my dad was an expert at hurting people," Logan mutters bitterly. Veronica puts her hand on his arm to comfort him, but he continues angrily, "It was typical for him to use someone else's weakness like that. You could count on him to—"
The doorbell interrupts his comment.
Keith looks at them with raised eyebrows; Veronica shrugs that she doesn't know who it could be. He goes to the door. Dick is standing there, escorted by the security guard who has been observing the apartment from the parking lot. The guard asks, "You know this guy?"
Aggrievedly, Dick says, "Ronnie, tell this guy I'm cool."
"I don't know about 'cool', but yeah, we know Dick. It's okay," Veronica replies. The guard nods and walks away.
"I got your email." Dick walks over to Veronica and waves a printout in her face featuring the photo of Gerry Black that she had emailed to him. "I've been thinking about it; I do remember this guy. He was hanging around right after the wedding. Kendall said he was an old friend. My dad got tweaked about it, and they had a huge fight."
"You're sure it was this guy?" Veronica presses. "It's important."
"Yeah, I'm sure. Kendall was being a real bitch about it, as usual. Slamming doors and screaming matches until the middle of the night. Dad put his foot down and said he couldn't come over anymore; then he bought Kendall some diamond earrings, and they made up. Repeatedly, if you know what I mean," he concludes salaciously, pumping his pelvis in Veronica's direction.
"We get the picture; there's no need to illustrate," Veronica retorts. "His name is Gerry Black, and he's one of Liam Fitzpatrick's flunkies. I have photos of Kendall delivering a gym bag to him, probably containing cash Kendall siphoned from your dad's real estate deals."
"Kendall really was stealing from my dad?" Dick asks. "She always acted like she didn't understand anything about business."
"She was a con artist, Dick," Logan explains. "She was using your dad and me, and working with Liam."
"I always thought Kendall was attracted by your superior sack quotient, you know, bodily hotness divided by endurance," Dick muses.
"Too bad I didn't engage my brain when she flirted with me," Logan observes.
Dick snorts. "Like you had a chance. You were all emo over Ronnie, and Kendall was strutting around in a bikini...erectile discombobulation on a daily basis. Half the time when you were over, you were holding a pillow over your crotch."
Keith shakes his head, laughing quietly despite himself.
"Wow, thanks for sharing that delightful image," Veronica says sarcastically.
"Hey, we wouldn't have objected if you came over and showed off your swimsuit, Ronnie," Dick shoots back. "We don't discriminate against the smaller cup sizes."
"You know what they say, it's how you use it. In your case, I'm betting that's somewhat incompetently."
"There's nothing wrong with your ass, either. Mmm, mmm, good." Dick leans a little, scoping out Veronica's backside perched on the kitchen stool.
"Hey," Keith says, starting to get annoyed. "Watch it."
"Whoops. Sorry! Your daughter is so delightful, Mr. Mars," Dick says. "I'm sorry I objectified her. I learned in my Women's Studies class that the feminist imperative is to judge a woman by her accomplishments. And Veronica's accomplishments are legendary, to say the least."
Veronica begins, "It's okay, Dad. Dick can't help being a giant jackass, it's genet—" She stops short. It's like you're this giant jackass piñata begging for someone to beat the candy out of you, she remembers saying angrily, letting her irritation over the sex video fly toward the nearest target. I always had to slap him down, harder than necessary. He's Logan's best friend after all.
Dick and Logan stare at her, surprised by her restraint, and Veronica looks back uncomfortably. Dick says, "You feelin' okay, Ronnie?" He reaches out the back of his hand to feel her forehead for a fever.
"Yeah, I'm fine," she says briefly, brushing his hand aside. "Dick, thanks for coming by with this information. Do you think you could stop by the sheriff's department and tell Sheriff D'Amato about this? It would help a lot."
"Of course. Is he still harassing you guys?" Dick asks.
Veronica shakes her head. "I think we're going to be okay. But every little bit helps. And Dick...I heard from Mac today. She's going to be coming back to town on Sunday."
"Yes!!" Dick begins to jump around the room, almost knocking over a lamp. "Fan-friggin-tastic!!"
Logan quickly reaches out a hand and steadies the lamp. "Dick, try to have an appropriate reaction for once in your life," he advises in amusement.
"Impossible. Inappropriate is my middle name," Dick replies, grinning happily. "You talked to her, Ronnie? What'd she say?"
Veronica replies, "She said the FBI agents were a bunch of tight asses. It sounded like they were still questioning her."
"D'you think she really outed the whole Russian mob like people have been saying?" Dick asks.
"I don't think they'd let her out of Witness Protection if she did, Dick," Logan says logically.
"Yeah, you're right," Dick says thoughtfully. "I think this calls for a party. Maybe...'The Revenge of the Nerds Rager'. Jello shots, full-contact beer pong...."
"Oh, that totally sounds like Mac," Veronica snarks without thinking. "I frequently heard her exalting the sublime aesthetic of alcohol-based entertainment at fraternity events."
"What? Oh, you're mocking me again. That's sweet, Ronnie."
Veronica flinches imperceptibly. Even when I'm trying not to be a bitch...I can't even help it anymore. Aloud, she comments lamely, "I'm sure she'll love it."
Dick shoots a glance at Logan. "Uh...okay. I'll let you know what's going on."
"Sounds good," Logan replies. He escorts Dick to the door.
Keith says quietly, "Everything okay, honey? I swear to you, Leo was convinced by the evidence we brought him. I don't think he'll be bothering you or Logan any more."
"I know," she answers. Avoiding his concerned gaze, she adds, "I'm just tired, Dad." I'm just a soulless piece of crap is all, Dad.
Keith stares at her, not believing her one bit. "Talk to me, Veronica."
She looks down uncomfortably. Logan sits back down beside her and puts his arm on her shoulder. "Don't," she says.
"Are you hurting more? I'm sorry," he replies.
"No, just...I don't know how to do this, okay?" she blurts out finally.
"Do what?" Keith asks in confusion.
"God, I can't even have a normal conversation with Logan's best friend," Veronica says bitterly. "All I do is mock the people who are supposed to be my friends. Dick came over to help."
Logan says incredulously, "You're kidding, right? That was Dick, who made your life completely miserable in high school. You should see what he wrote about you in the bathroom stalls." He immediately regrets his words when he sees her face.
Out of nowhere, she remembers, 'Make sure you suit up. You don't know where she's been.' Veronica shivers as she recalls Dick throwing a condom at her...Am I really remembering this, or is it what Sean told me? She passes her hand over her forehead as her head begins to throb and ache. Suddenly, she flashes on Beaver finding her in the journalism room at school. She closes her eyes as her headache increases in intensity. Something about...why can't I remember? If I could just....
"What is it, honey? Is your shoulder worse?" Keith asks with concern.
"I'm not sure," she mutters quietly, her eyes still closed.
"I was going to suggest that we head up to Rio Linda and ask around about Katey Shaffer this weekend, but I think we need to stay home and just rest, Veronica," Keith worries.
"Dad, no!" Veronica protests, her eyes flying open. "If Liam was involved...we need to work on this." She closes her eyes again, as her head throbs again. Veronica tries to push the pain away and opens her eyes to look at her dad. "I want to do this. I...I'm doing better when we're working. You see that, right?"
Her dad nods. "Yeah, actually I did notice that. But—"
Veronica sighs loudly and interrupts, "Dad. I...I'd like to stop in L.A. first. It's on the way; we can stay over at Logan's house and head up to Sacramento first thing on Saturday."
Keith looks at her in puzzlement. "L.A.?"
"I want to ask Mike what he's learned."
Logan frowns, thinking about their last meeting at the FBI before they left for Vermont. It had been all too apparent that Mike Fields still had feelings for his ex-girlfriend, and Veronica had seemed oblivious. And Mike's friend, Lynley, had been an ass when Logan was sure Veronica needed to end the operation at Briar Hill. He has a flash of anger, recalling his words to Lynley: 'I don't take orders from you, dickhead.'
Veronica continues, "We've been so busy investigating Griffith and dealing with Leo, we haven't even asked Mike what he found out from that list that Mac got of everyone who had accessed the Slasher files. He was supposed to get a message to you while we were undercover."
"I never heard from him," Keith replies.
"You don't think—" Veronica looks at him, panicked. She quickly slides off the stool and gets her cell phone. She accesses Mike's number in her contact list and hits 'send'. She paces impatiently, muttering, "Pick up, pick up, pick up." Finally, she sighs in relief. "Mike. It's Veronica....yeah, I'm okay. It was hard....I know. You talked to your friend Lynley?...He's exaggerating...No, it wasn't...Really, I'm okay...I'm okay, Mike...." Her voice starts to break as Mike presses her for details about the operation.
Keith motions to the phone, and Veronica says in relief, "My dad wants to talk to you."
Keith takes the phone and walks into his bedroom. The conversation continues in a muted tone.
Logan embraces Veronica; she sags against him wearily. "I was scared someone got to him," she whispers. "Another mistake...."
"Veronica, shh," he replies quietly. "I'm sure he's okay."
Keith walks back into the room and puts Veronica's phone on the counter. "He said he doesn't have anything solid on Hannah's murder. He's eliminated a few people, but that's it." He hesitates before continuing, "After the bombing, Mac felt she had to tell her handler about contacting Mike, and Mike was suspended from the bureau. Mike said his supervisor told him that Mac insisted that it was all her fault and she wouldn't cooperate anymore unless the FBI reinstated him. So Mike expects the suspension will be rescinded."
"That sounds like Mac," Logan comments.
"I told him we'd like to meet sometime tomorrow afternoon. We have to go to Duncan's hearing in the morning, and assuming the Mannings' lawyers are smart enough to drop the custody suit, we can head up to L.A. after that. You're sure you're up to this, Veronica?"
She nods. Tentatively, she asks, "Dad?"
"What is it?"
"Do you think...would it be okay if we found time for me to...." She sighs and takes a deep breath before blurting, "I'd really like to talk with Logan's shrink again."
Keith is shocked into silence, realizing this must be her primary reason for wanting to go to L.A. He remembers how reluctant she was when he insisted she visit a counselor after Lilly's death, and Veronica's request scares him.
"It's no big deal," Veronica hastily amends at his expression. "I just...I have something I want to talk to her about."
"Of course. Logan? Can you set it up?" Keith requests.
Logan kisses the top of her head and takes the cell phone. He paces as he talks, casting worried glances at Veronica, which she does her best to avoid.
"It doesn't help when you guys do that," she mutters.
"What, honey?" Keith says.
Veronica says, her voice breaking, "When you pity me like that. When you look all worried because I'm so messed up."
"Veronica—"
She takes a deep breath and shudders. "I can't help it, okay? I just keep thinking if only I hadn't gone after Gory, if only I hadn't helped Duncan kidnap the baby, if only I had listened to you when you told me the undercover operation would be too dangerous." She closes her eyes. Get a hold of yourself, Veronica. Don't let them see...hold it together. She opens her eyes and says firmly, "I'm okay. Just...I'd like to talk to someone who's not...involved. And she understands about the school, what it was like there."
Logan terminates the call and sits back down opposite her. "She'll make time for us late in the day." He takes Veronica's hand. "It's going to be okay. We got through today. Leo's going to leave us alone."
Veronica nods. Then why do I feel so scared?
Thurs. 3/19/09 evening: Griffith Residence, Neptune, CA
"Open up! Sheriff's Department!" Leo calls out grimly, pounding on the door to Tom Griffith's house. After a short delay, Mrs. Griffith opens the door, visibly upset. Leo hears a baby crying somewhere upstairs. "Ma'am...is your husband here?"
She shakes her head. "He got a phone call about ten minutes ago. He wouldn't talk to me about it. Tom grabbed his wallet and a small bag, and ran out the back."
Leo looks out the window; there are two cars parked in the driveway. "Do you have another vehicle?"
Mrs. Griffith shakes her head again, the tears streaming down her face. "No. I think someone picked him up. What's going on?"
"You didn't see the car that picked him up? What about his cell phone?" Leo asks, ignoring her question. "Did your husband take his cell?" he presses, hoping against hope that the doctor's phone could be tracked.
"No. It's on the counter," she answers, pointing. "I want to know what's going on."
Leo thumbs his radio. "Suspect is not on the premises. I want an alert at the border and all the local airports. Suspect is presumed to have left in an unidentified vehicle at approximately 2200 hours. Sacks, I want a tracer on all of Griffith's credit and ATM cards." He turns to Mrs. Griffith. "Is there someone who can watch your baby? A neighbor? You're going to have to come down to the station. I'll explain further down there."
She nods nervously. "Annie, next door."
Leo directs one of the deputies to go next door. "I'll need to look at your husband's desk. His computer, his papers, his files." Mrs. Griffith leads him to a desk with neat piles of papers. Leo shuffles through, quickly determining that the papers are merely household bills. "Deputy Clark, we're going to take this computer with us."
Leo triggers the radio again. "Sheriff D'Amato here. What's the status on the arrests?"
The radio crackles, "Ciaran and Padraig Fitzpatrick are in custody. We're proceeding with a search of the premises."
Leo barks, "Davis, report."
"Davis here. Liam's gone. The house is empty, Sheriff," a different voice responds over the radio.
"Shit," Leo mutters under his breath. Aloud, he directs, "Issue an APB on Liam and Dr. Griffith. This is a priority. I want all eyes on this. Contact all the adjoining counties and stress the importance of cooperation, Sacks."
"Got it, Sheriff," Sacks replies faintly over the radio.
Leo turns to Mrs. Griffith. "You said your husband got a phone call. Cell phone, or the telephone?"
"Cell phone," she replies, pointing at the device.
Leo takes the cell and accesses the call list. He dials the last incoming number, listed as unavailable; a message informs him that the call cannot be completed as dialed. "Clark, take the phone into evidence as well," he notes, handing the phone to the deputy. "See if you can find out anything about the originating number of the last incoming call."
Clark nods. "You want us to search the premises?"
"I want you to canvass the neighborhood first. See if anyone saw Griffith or a car. Then I want you to tear the house apart. I want every inch of this property examined," Leo replies. "If there's a clue where the doctor ran to, I want it found." He turns back to Griffith's wife. "Where do you think your husband is?"
"I don't know! What's going on? What's happening?" she answers tearfully. "Tom's done nothing wrong. We've been through hell lately with his daughter's murder. Why are you doing this?"
"Apparently there are some serious irregularities with your husband's business. His unavailability for questioning doesn't look good."
"Irregularities?" she replies, puzzled. "What are you talking about?"
"Money laundering. Suspected racketeering."
Mrs. Griffith is stunned into silence. After a moment, she sputters, "That's ridiculous."
"Dr. Griffith is also wanted in questioning regarding the murder of Kendall Casablancas," Leo adds. "Do you happen to know where your husband was the evening of March 11?"
Mrs. Griffith stares at Leo. She blurts out, "I want a lawyer."
"You're not under arrest, Mrs. Griffith."
"I want a lawyer," she says forcefully. "This is a huge misunderstanding, and I want an attorney."
"Suit yourself," Leo says noncommittally, motioning toward the phone. "Have him meet us at the department," he comments, as the deputy escorts the next-door neighbor into the front door. The woman quickly embraces Mrs. Griffith before heading upstairs to take charge of the baby.
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VERONICA MARS
10:00PM SHO ch: 340 60min 2009 TV-MA
The Eye of the Storm
Anxiety about Duncan's hearing; Leo asks
for help.
Veronica: Kristen Bell. Logan: Jason Dohring.
Keith: Enrico Colantoni. Leo: Max Greenfield.
Shephard: Granville Van Dusen. Ford:
Jim Holmes.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED FIFTEEN: "THE EYE OF THE STORM"
Thurs. 3/19/09 evening: Sunset Cliffs Apartment, Neptune, CA
Keith turns on the television, anxious to hear the local news. With a few minutes to spare before the ten o'clock broadcast on the CW and Fox networks, he surfs around the channels, hesitating momentarily on each channel before moving on. On CNN, a couple talking heads are discussing something intently, and Keith blows past with barely a pause.
Veronica hears the name 'Kane' and exclaims, "Wait! Go back."
Keith returns to the previous channel, and they read the graphic behind the two men: 'CNN: Prima Facie Evidence...with Legal Analysts Jack Shephard and James Ford.' The lettering dissolves to a flashy logo, 'The Billionaire Heir and the Baby: Kane v. Manning'.
Veronica says sarcastically, "At least they've stopped calling her the coma-baby."
One of the men is pontificating somberly, "It all comes down to the best interests of the child. There's little case law to guide the judge."
His companion speaks, ticking off his points on this fingers as he proceeds. "Let's review the facts of the case. In December 2005, Meg Manning, who had miraculously survived a bus crash several months earlier, seven months pregnant and just a few weeks out of a lengthy coma, suddenly succombed to a blood clot that lodged in her heart. Her baby, a daughter, survived. Meg had identified the father as Duncan Kane, son of billionaire computer innovator, Jake Kane. In January 2006, after Meg's parents, Stewart and Rose Manning, announced their intention to file for sole custody of their granddaughter, the father, Duncan Kane fled from Neptune, California, having kidnapped the baby whom he presumed to be his daughter. Despite the best efforts of the FBI, Duncan Kane eluded capture and remained on the run for three years."
The first man asks, "Many legal experts have questioned why Duncan Kane felt he had to kidnap his own daughter rather than fight the grandparents for custody in court."
"There has been a lot of speculation about that, Jack. In the Aaron Echolls murder trial several months later, there was testimony that Duncan Kane suffered from seizures that caused him to have uncontrollable, violent fits. In addition, there have recently been rumors from sources close to the case that the Mannings have evidence of a felony committed by Kane while Meg Manning was in a coma."
"Are you suggesting blackmail, James?" Jack echoes.
The other man shrugs. "Immediately after Meg's death, the grandparents claimed that the mother had wanted the baby raised in their religion and based their suit on that. But who knows what evidence they might have produced for a judge if Kane had fought their request for physical custody in court."
"At the time, it looked bad for Duncan Kane that he ran. It was thought that there must have been something to those rumors of violent and uncontrolled seizures. His behavior seemed to proved that he was unstable," the legal expert comments.
James states dramatically, "And then one month ago...Kane returned to Neptune and dropped a bombshell." The graphic changes to a picture of Duncan, grasping Veronica's hand tightly, on the steps of the Balboa County Courthouse.
Logan physically flinches at the image, remembering what he had thought when he first saw it while hiding in South Padre Island: that Veronica had reunited with Duncan. He can't help thinking how close he came to ending it all that night.
Veronica notices his discomfort and turns to look at him; he shakes his head slightly and whispers, "I want to hear what they're saying." She focuses on the screen again and resolves to talk to him later.
On the television, Jack Shephard is continuing his recitation of the legal saga. "Kane negotiated a plea agreement with the Balboa County District Attorney that cleared him of the kidnapping charges, but a paternity test showed that the baby girl he'd been raising was actually the product of an incestuous relationship between the mother and her own father, Stewart Manning..."
"Who's now been indicted for child endangerment and unlawful sexual activity with a minor child." James looks thoughtful. "So now Duncan Kane's actions three years ago have been cast in a new light; although Kane himself has refused all interview requests, the speculation is that he took the girl to prevent the grandfather from abusing her."
Jack nods solemnly. "However, Rose Manning, Stewart's wife, has not been charged with any crime. And she's still pursuing custody of her granddaughter."
"Who is also, technically, her stepdaughter," James adds.
Veronica makes a face. The complicated relationships are impossible to summarize in a single term, she thinks. Poor Lilly.
"But Kane was not deterred, and he himself has filed for permanent custody of the girl he considers his daughter. At this point, the guardian ad litem for the child has petitioned the court to begin the process of terminating Stewart Manning's parental rights, pending the outcome of the incest trial. In the meantime, the grandmother and the 'kidnapper' are fighting for physical custody and visitation rights. And, if Stewart Manning is actually convicted of incest and his parental rights are terminated, Duncan Kane and Rose Manning will presumably be battling for the right to adopt the girl."
"Whew! What a mess. Who has the better case, the blood relative who possibly condoned sexual abuse, or the kidnapper with no biological relationship to the child?"
Veronica blurts out, "Any idiot can see—"
Keith agrees, "Yes, Veronica. Shh."
The legal commentator replies, "I think it's all going to come down to the best interests of the child. I'm curious to see if this felony that's been hinted at comes out at the hearing. And the judge is going to want to hear Duncan's story and will listen carefully to the reports from the guardian ad litem and case workers."
"We'll have an update tomorrow on a decision, if any, from the judge in the Billionaire Baby case."
As the theme music for 'CNN: Prima Facie Evidence' plays, Keith uses the remote to flip through the channels again, landing on the local Fox affiliate as the ten o'clock news begins.
Veronica says quietly, "Do you think he'll win the case?"
"I don't know," Keith replies honestly. "I think it depends on the judge. You heard what they said: it's going to come down to the best interest of the child. Some people think biology trumps everything else."
"Look at Mac," Veronica observes. "They didn't switch her back when they found out about the mistake. And she's okay. Don't you think—"
"It doesn't matter what I think. If the judge perceives the kidnapping as foolish and criminal and sees Mrs. Manning as another of Stewart's victims, he might...." Keith shrugs.
They lapse into silence as the local news begins. Keith is overtly nervous, fidgeting and restless, but doesn't speak. He keeps switching back and forth between the local broadcasts on the CW and Fox, expecting to hear a breaking news bulletin about the arrests.
All three are lost in thought as they watch the news stories, hoping for an announcement from the Neptune Sheriff's Department. Each of them is also secretly worried about the next day's hearing—terrified that the judge might question Duncan closely about the actual kidnapping plan. If Veronica's involvement in the kidnapping somehow comes up, they know that Duncan might be forced to testify against her. For the millionth time, Logan wishes that Duncan had just stayed away; Keith and Veronica are more pragmatic, but they too long for an easier solution than tomorrow's nerve-racking hearing. The tension in the room seems to increase with every minute that goes by without news of an arrest; too much is going on, and the uncertainty is overwhelming.
At eleven o'clock, Keith flips the channel to the ABC affiliate and begins tapping the remote nervously against his leg.
Veronica, snuggling on the couch against Logan's shoulder, suggests quietly and without conviction, "Maybe there's a news blackout."
Keith sighs and surfs to the NBC and CBS local affiliates. "Something's wrong," he mutters. "I wish I'd kept that police scanner." There's a knock on the door, and Keith jumps to his feet. He glances out the window and sees a police cruiser in the parking lot. He opens the door to Leo D'Amato.
"Keith," Leo says.
"What's going on?" Keith asks without greeting him.
"Can I come in?" Leo responds. Keith opens the door and allows him to enter. "We got Ciaran and Padraig Fitzpatrick, but Griffith, his office manager, and Liam got away. Someone warned them." Leo meets Keith's eyes, tacitly admitting that he should have listened more closely to Keith's information.
Keith sighs. "I was afraid of that. And the office manager had to have known everything that was going on with the money laundering. I bet it was a priority to prevent her from talking to you." He glances at Veronica and Logan before continuing. "I doubt she'll be found alive."
Leo massages his shoulder, trying to release some of his obvious tension. "Maybe we should have just gone after her first and tried to get her to turn on the others."
"There's no point second-guessing yourself now," Keith offers. "I'm sure you'll get them sooner or later. You probably set up road-blocks and alerted the border authorities, right?"
Leo nods morosely. He spies several large sheets of paper piled on the kitchen counter; he recognizes the name 'Kevin Bray' written in large letters and frowns. He walks over to look more closely. "Bray," he muses as he thinks about the recent occupant of his drunk tank. "What's this?"
"While we were preparing our case, we were trying to organize what we knew about the Fitzpatricks," Keith explains.
"Mind if I take a look?" Leo asks.
Veronica thinks, What a difference a day makes. They watch as Leo sorts through the papers, apparently absorbed by his thoughts.
Abruptly, Leo says, "I want to know exactly what you were talking about when you said you suspected the Fitzpatricks had a contact in law enforcement."
Keith replies, "Vinnie told me that Liam has a contact in the FBI. I don't know if that's true, but there certainly seems to be some evidence of tampering by someone in law enforcement in the dismissal of the charges against the Fitzpatricks last month. You and I know that was a solid case, and somehow someone made sure it went away."
"That's a pretty serious accusation, Keith."
"Tell him," Veronica urges.
"What?" Leo asks sharply.
Hesitantly, Keith explains, "There are some irregularities in Hannah Griffith's murder that don't match up with the other victims of the Saturday Night Slasher."
"We think she was killed by a copycat killer, someone who knew all the details of the investigation into the Slasher," Veronica adds.
"What's your evidence of this?" Leo responds harshly.
Veronica flinches at his tone.
Keith objects angrily, "Watch it! We helped you a lot tonight."
"In order to get your friend Duncan out of a jam," Leo comments, glaring back. "Who knows how many laws you broke getting that evidence anyways?"
"What is your problem?" Logan interjects. "I know we embarrassed you about the tapes, but—"
"I really don't believe you're all that reformed, Echolls. You may have fooled these guys, but I know you'll be drinking and causing trouble soon enough."
Logan pushes off the couch; Veronica grabs onto his hand tightly and says, "Stop it. Stop it!! I can't take this." She draws the back of her hand over her eye, wiping away a tear. She tugs at Logan's hand and gets him to sit down. "Leo, please."
Leo stares angrily at the three of them.
Veronica continues, "You knew we didn't have anything to do with Kendall's death. You knew it. It doesn't matter what evidence we gave you; you knew we were innocent long before Dad came to you tonight."
Leo's face is stony and stubborn for a long beat; finally, he nods and agrees with her. "There were some discrepancies in the case," he allows.
"I'm sorry we did what we did," Veronica says impulsively. "If there had been any other way....Leo, Dad told us about your sister. I'm so sorry about Tina. I know how much you loved her."
"Yeah," he mumbles, avoiding her gaze.
Veronica pushes herself off the couch. "Let me show you why I think Hannah wasn't killed by the Slasher." On her laptop, she pulls up the list of the dates and the dates of the full moons; she shows him how all the deaths until Hannah's coordinate with full moons on Saturday night. "I just stumbled on it," she explains. "I wasn't really investigating the serial killer. I noticed that Hannah's death didn't fit the pattern. But...you know about the mutilation, the heart cut into the victims' chests?"
Leo nods.
"The killer knew about that, and he knew that Hannah matched the profile of all the other victims. Except of course, she wasn't really a prostitute."
"What?" Leo asks.
"There's no evidence that she was a prostitute," Veronica argues. "She was found in an area frequented by hookers, and she'd been given heroin, but she wasn't a routine user of the drug, and she had never been arrested for solicitation. You know that that's extremely unlikely."
"Maybe she just started," Leo suggests.
Veronica shakes her head. "Somebody who knew the details that had been held back from the press was involved in her murder. And now that we have evidence that Griffith was connected to the Fitzpatricks...." She shrugs suggestively.
"Why would the Fitzpatricks kill Griffith's daughter?" Leo asks.
"To keep him in line maybe," Keith interrupts grimly. "Maybe he wanted out of the money laundering business, and they showed him what would happen to his family. You and I know the Fitzpatricks wouldn't hesitate to kill someone standing in their way."
"You realize that you're not safe with them on the loose?" Leo says.
"Even if you catch Liam, we're not safe as long as their pet FBI agent is free," Veronica retorts.
Leo sighs. "You've just made my job a hundred times harder. How am I supposed to pursue this without the FBI knowing what I'm doing?"
"We've got a few leads. Here, let me show you." Keith spreads out the papers and motions to the diagrams. "There's only a few Fitzpatrick associates that we haven't identified. We're trying to find a connection to somebody in the FBI." He shows Leo the three unidentified photos. "Do you know any of these guys?"
"This one," Leo says, tapping one of the pictures. "It's Tommy Shaw's big brother, Andy. He's got a straight job working for a plumbing supply company. But I think sometimes he can be persuaded to be the muscle for the Fitzpatricks when he needs some extra money. I don't know these other two guys."
Veronica sends the picture files to print. "Maybe you could work on identifying them as well," she suggests, handing him the printouts.
Leo nods, sighing. "In between hunting for Liam and Griffith," he says. He taps the chart. "This guy, Kevin Bray? He got himself arrested on Tuesday night for drunk and disorderly. He came up with a story that he witnessed Echolls meeting with Kendall Casablancas in Waterside Park the night she got killed."
"That's ridiculous. I was in Vermont that week," Logan contradicts.
"I know. But the Fitzpatricks didn't know that. He was the second witness that made a point of connecting you with Kendall."
"The second witness?" Veronica asks.
"The first one was a maintenance worker at the Neptune Grand, Oswaldo Cortez." Leo nods at Logan. "He told me about your affair with Kendall three years ago."
"Cortez? As in Hector Cortez?" Veronica asks incredulously.
"Yes, Oswaldo is his cousin. You know Hector?" Leo asks suspiciously.
"All I know is Hector took over leadership of the PCHers," Veronica says obliquely, omitting any reference to the PCHers' connection to the Fitzpatricks. Logan subtly shoots her a glance, and she nudges him to be cool. "Logan, do you remember any nice maintenance men from the Neptune Grand spying on you and Mrs. Casablancas?"
"You know how I like to mingle with the little people, snookums," he replies. "But no, I don't remember anyone named Oswaldo."
Leo snorts quietly. "You're holding out on me again, Veronica. It's a dangerous game you're playing. What do you suppose Oswaldo's beef is with you, Echolls?"
"The usual, I think. I'm rich, white, and free. At the time I was seeing 'Mrs. Casablancas'," he nods at Veronica, "I was pretty much universally hated by everyone with brown skin because they thought I killed Felix Toombs."
"So, what, he's still getting back at you for that? Even after you were exonerated?"
"Exonerated...that word has such a nice ring to it," Logan comments sardonically. He sees Leo's exasperation and amends, more cooperatively, "I don't think the PCHers will ever be my biggest fans. I never did anything to endear myself to the Latino population, and most of them probably still think I did something that night on the Coronado."
Leo exhales loudly and turns to Keith. "Do you mind taking me through these charts? Maybe I'll see a connection that you haven't."
"All right," Keith agrees. He spreads the papers out on the counter and begins to go through each of the names, summarizing their research and all the connections they've found. Leo asks questions from time to time, clarifying Keith's conclusions.
Veronica rests her head against Logan's shoulder, and they listen as the two men talk through all the complicated relationships. Keith tells a few stories from arrests during his time as sheriff to illustrate his points. After a while, Logan realizes that Veronica has dozed off.
Keith finishes a long explanation about a successful prosecution of one of Liam's henchman. He turns the page, pointing to the name 'Daniel Mulvaney', and begins to tell what he knows about the man.
"Mulvaney?" Leo interrupts sharply. "Dammit! I knew that name sounded familiar."
"What?" Keith asks, confused.
"We've identified the car that took Kendall to Waterside Park. It was reported stolen by Lawrence Crawford, whose housekeeper happens to be Bridget Mulvaney."
"And Daniel Mulvaney was the eyewitness who claimed to see Veronica when she supposedly murdered Clarence Wiedman last fall," Keith says, nodding. "He was Danny Boyd's cellmate at Salinas State Prison. We've been assuming that he's been working for the Fitzpatricks since his release. We had him followed, and Mulvaney was hanging out with Liam in the River Stix."
"So Daniel Mulvaney had access to the vehicle through Bridget, who is probably his sister, or maybe his mother," Leo muses.
Keith moves over to the laptop and enters Bridget's name in the PryingEyez database. "His aunt. And it looks like she shares an address with her nephew." He turns the screen so Leo can see it. Leo tells Keith about the efforts to recover the Lincoln Navigator; Keith suggests he should concentrate on a few chop shops, known to fence items for the Fitzpatricks, that are located on the outskirts of San Diego.
They continue talking about Mulvaney and various other Fitzpatrick cronies. As they converse, they gradually begin to be more at ease with each other.
Finally, Leo stands up and says he'll be in touch. He notices that Veronica is sound asleep, and he looks abashed. She appears fragile and weak, huddled against Logan. "Is she okay? I can't believe she just fell asleep. We've been talking about murderers and drug-runners."
"She's exhausted," Logan replies. "The undercover operation was very stressful. And it's been rough since we got back." He meets Leo's eyes briefly before looking away.
"Her shoulder's going to be okay?"
"They think so. She needs to have surgery when she's a little stronger," Keith explains.
Leo stares at her. She's drowsing and completely unaware, her mouth gaping a little in sleep and her body relaxed against Logan's. "Take care of her. I'm...I'm sorry. I let my feelings—"
"Let's try to move on," Keith suggests. "We'll be in touch, okay?"
Leo nods and leaves wordlessly, his face betraying his discomfort.
Logan says, "I'll put her to bed. She really is exhausted." He eases her into his arms and lifts her easily, carrying her into the bedroom as Keith watches.
A few minutes later, Logan returns to the living room, nervously brushing his hair back from his forehead. He asks Keith, "Do you really think this trip to Rio Linda is a good idea? With Liam on the loose, and probably out for blood? If there really is a mole in the FBI, they'll know who provided the evidence for these arrests."
"I'm hoping we'll find out something in Rio Linda about whoever's helping the Fitzpatricks. I think finding Hannah's killer is the only way to do that. We'll always be in danger if we don't. We'll take Kavner and the other guard with us. They can follow us and make sure we're all right while we're asking around."
Logan nods, comprehending but not happy about it.
Keith adds, "And I think it's good she's asking for help...asking to see your therapist."
Logan scoffs. "I'm not so sure. It's something she feels that she can't talk about with you and me." He looks up and meets Keith's worried eyes.
Keith suddenly yawns. "It's been a long day. We've got the hearing first thing. Let's see how she's doing in the morning and decide at that time."
"Okay," Logan agrees.
"She's going to be all right. The two of you are going to be all right. Try not to worry," Keith says reassuringly.
"Yeah." Logan walks back into Veronica's bedroom.
Keith watches him, noting the slump of his shoulders. I don't know how to help them. Maybe this therapist will help. He tries to pinpoint the moment when Logan's well-being became so important to him; he realizes that when Logan begged him for forgiveness, his anger over Logan's missteps had...well, not disappeared, but lessened in an essential way. He reluctantly acknowledges that he's grateful for another strong man to help him watch over his daughter. Veronica seems like anything but a 'badass, action-figure daughter' lately, he thinks ruefully.
Keith picks up the phone and dials Wallace's number. "Wallace, it's Keith. I'm sorry to call so late....Yes, everything went fine. I think it will be all right. Duncan got his immunity agreement....Don't be so hard on Duncan. He was in a bad position....Yes, I agree, that would have been better. Listen, Wallace, I think if everything goes well at the hearing tomorrow, we're going to head up to Rio Linda. I'd like you to work on a couple things for me. I don't want you taking any chances, and you're going to check in with me every step of the way."
In the bedroom, Logan shuts the door soundlessly and tiptoes into the room. Veronica is sleeping soundly under the covers, lit only by the dim light on the nightstand. He sits in the chair at her desk and watches her sleep. He thinks about finding her that night five years ago by the pool, lying sleepily, uncomprehendingly, on the lounge chair. She had looked beautiful that night, in a lacy white dress with a tight black choker around her neck; she had been wearing a little more makeup than he liked, but every boy had checked her out surreptitiously when she entered the party with her head held high. He had reluctantly admired her for her courage that night: she wasn't going to let them ostracize her without a fight, despite Logan's best efforts to trash her reputation.
He remembers the usual ache in his guts when he saw her walk in the door. She was as always the reminder that everything had changed when Lilly died, and her stubborn and unyielding refusal to go against her dad was so typical of her, and so frustrating and painful for him. He can still recall the pathological hatred he had had for her; it was as irrational and stubborn as she was.
Logan had stood above her as she lay helpless on the lounge chair. He tries to recall what he could have been thinking that night. He could have picked her up in his arms and taken her to a bedroom and locked her in for the duration. He could have called her father to come and get her. He could have even just left her there by the pool to sleep and sober up. He can't really remember making a decision to call everyone over to mock her; it just seemed to happen, almost as if the tragedy that was set in motion was attached inexorably to his own miserable existence. His father had taught him about cruelty, and he had embraced it that night when what she had needed was his help.
Then Duncan—solid, unswervingly upstanding Duncan—had walked over and insisted that they stop what they were doing immediately. Duncan had tried to be her hero that night, and Logan recalls feeling ashamed, humiliated even, when Duncan had looked at him accusingly. Duncan had put aside his anger at her and her father and tried to do the right thing. So he had punished Duncan for his good instincts by drugging him; two years later when Logan was listening to them making love in the next room at the Neptune Grand, he knew it was his penance for his shabby treatment of her that night.
How do you make that up to someone? I've been trying for five years now. It'll never be enough. I've tried to be her hero for so long now...and tomorrow she'll see him again: Duncan Kane, willing to give up his life for his child. How can she fail to see the difference between us? She never says it; she never says 'how could you have left me there?' But then again, we never talk about it.
He drops his head into his hands and just lets the regret wash over him.
She stirs restlessly and opens her eyes. "Logan?"
"I'm here," he replies quietly. "It's okay." Now...I'm here for you.
"Come to bed," she says in a hushed voice.
He gets undressed and slips into bed, pressing himself into her back, molding himself to her small and fragile body. She seems to settle into him, relaxing and letting go as he draws her closer.
His lips brush against her hair as he forms the words without sound: Love you, Veronica.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
VERONICA MARS
10:00PM SHO ch: 340 60min 2009 TV-MA
In Loco Parentis
Duncan's custody hearing.
Veronica: Kristen Bell. Logan: Jason Dohring.
Keith: Enrico Colantoni. Duncan 2.0: Chris
Carmack. Attorney Allen: Jeff Austin. Judge
Ferris: Don Worley. Celeste Kane: Lisa
Thornhill. Jake Kane: Kyle Secor. Lizzie
Manning: Anastasia Baranova. Duncan's
Attorney: James Patrick Stuart. Bailiff:
Thomas Nelson Webb. Intrepid Reporter:
Vincent Spano. Man: Trev Tommasi.
Kavner: Eric Bana.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
ONE HUNDRED SIXTEEN: "IN LOCO PARENTIS"
Fri. 3/20/09 morning: Balboa County Courthouse, Neptune, CA
Veronica, Logan, and Keith sit directly behind Duncan, who leans over to whisper something in the ear of this attorney. Duncan glances over his shoulder at them and acknowledges Veronica's smile of encouragement. Jake and Celeste Kane are seated two rows back. They steadfastly avoid looking at Veronica and the others.
The judge asks, "Mr. Allen. Have you heard from your client? It's 9:10; we have a very full docket today and need to get started."
On the other side of the room, the Mannings' attorney stands up and says, "No, your honor. I've tried to contact Mrs. Manning by cell phone with no response. I'm sorry for the inconvenience. I'm sure she'll be here momentarily."
Lizzie Manning walks in the back of the courtroom; the room begins to buzz with speculation. She makes her way to the front and sits down next to Veronica.
Duncan turns and asks her in a low voice, "Where's your mom?"
"I don't think she's coming. She called me early this morning, upset about the news that you had worked out a deal with the prosecution," Lizzie explains in a whisper. "She wanted me to lie about Grace."
"I'm glad you're not living with her, Lizzie," Veronica comments.
Lizzie sighs. "I've decided to ask the courts for custody of Grace. Duncan said he would help with my expenses and pay for my attorney."
Veronica takes her hand and squeezes it gently. "It's hard to go against your parents like that."
Lizzie nods, her eyes brimming with tears. "You can't imagine." She looks around. The whole courtroom is staring at her; she says morosely, "Everyone thinks he was doing it to me, too."
"I don't," Veronica replies.
"I want to move far away from here, somewhere where nobody knows about the Mannings and the coma-baby," she says bitterly.
"Thanks for doing this for Duncan," Veronica says softly. "And for your sisters."
The judge clears his throat before Lizzie can reply. "Mr. Allen, it appears that your client is not going to show."
A woman stands up. "May I approach, your honor?" Judge Ferris nods, and she walks to the front of the room. "As the guardian ad litem for Faith Manning, I would like to ask the court to proceed with the assignment of physical custody for the child. It's my understanding that Mr. Kane and Ms. Elizabeth Manning are able to provide evidence of the abuse that was occurring in the Manning household. That combined with the DNA evidence of the child's parentage is sufficient evidence to deny Rose Manning's request for custody. I've received reports from the foster home and the psychologists who have evaluated all the parties to this dispute. Mrs. Mannings' persistent denial of abusive behavior when confronted with the facts of her granddaughter's parentage and her refusal to accept counseling and other support from Child and Family Services indicate a severe problem. Her husband is under indictment for three counts of child endangerment and one count of unlawful sexual activity with a minor child, and yet Mrs. Manning refuses to admit that family counseling is warranted. She has said more than once that she believes the DNA testing to be fraudulent and counter to her religion."
"Yes, I've read the reports from the psychologists," the judge concurs. "Mr. Kane. We have a little latitude here in Family Court. I would like to question you." He motions that Duncan should take the witness stand.
Duncan's attorney nods encouragingly at Duncan, who stands up hesitantly and walks to the witness box. The bailiff swears him in, and Duncan takes a seat.
"Mr. Kane," Judge Ferris begins, "Tell me your impression of the situation in the Manning family. I'd like to know why you took such a drastic step as to flee the country with the child you believed to be your daughter."
Mrs. Mannings' attorney stands up. "I protest this vigorously. This is clearly inappropriate with Mrs. Manning not available to defend herself."
"If she wanted to defend herself, she could have attended the hearing today," the judge responds drily. "I can read between the lines, counselor. It's obvious to me that your client was threatening the witness with prosecution for breaking and entering, and, now that he's reached an agreement with the Balboa County District Attorney, that threat is no longer viable." He turns to Duncan and repeats, "What was your impression of the situation in the Manning family?"
"When Meg and I were dating, Mr. Manning seemed to be very controlling," Duncan begins hesitantly. "She had a strict curfew, and we had to provide a lot of details about where we were going and who we were with."
"Was that there any hint of inappropriate behavior on Mr. Mannings' part?" the judge presses. Mrs. Mannings' attorney rises and opens his mouth to object, and the judge says sternly, "Sit down, Mr. Allen."
"No," Duncan says thoughtfully. "He was very angry toward me and lectured me about God several times, but I'm sorry to say that I didn't realize what was going on."
Logan shifts uncomfortably in his seat; he remembers trying to talk to a teacher once when his father had lashed him viciously with the belt. The teacher had advised him that sometimes grownups get mad and it didn't mean that they didn't love their children. Logan had stared back, realizing that he wouldn't get any help from this quarter; Aaron had been appearing on talk shows to promote his latest movie and always held up photos of his beloved children for the cameras to shoot a close-up. The teacher was blind to Aaron's faults, and Logan had nodded and walked away, resolving not to bother asking for assistance again. He glances over at Lizzie, wondering how bad it was for her and if she had ever tried to ask for help. She catches his eye, and he looks away quickly and concentrates on Duncan, fidgeting uncomfortably in the witness chair.
Judge Ferris shuffles through some papers in front of him. "This agreement with the district attorney seems to indicate that you broke into the Mannings' house. What was the purpose of this break-in?"
Duncan's eyes light on Veronica momentarily before he focuses on the judge again. "After the bus crash, while Meg was still in a coma, her sister Lizzie approached me about Meg's laptop computer. Lizzie was concerned about the personal documents Meg had on the computer; she knew her parents would be upset and was trying to protect her sister. Lizzie and I managed to figure out Meg's password, and I was able to read her emails. She had been contacting the Department of Child and Family Services about an abused child that she was worried about. The emails implied it was a young boy, between 7 and 10, who was being abused. At first, I thought it was one of the children Meg was baby-sitting. Baby-sitting was one of the few extracurricular activities that Meg's parents approved of."
The judge makes a few notes. "So the break-in was..."
"Meg wrote that the abused child had been forced to write books of admonishments...things like 'I was bad, I deserve to be punished', over and over again. And it sounded like she had managed to get one of the journals as proof and was going to turn it over to DCFS. The emails said the child was being locked in a closet for punishment: I was worried about him, and I wanted to get that journal."
"Why not just ask her parents for the book? Or ask them to contact DCFS on your behalf?" Judge Ferris asks logically.
Veronica reflects, Why didn't we just ask Lizzie to look for the journal? We went right to covert ops mode: Duncan in his black turtleneck, breaking in when her parents were at church group...what was I thinking? Clearly, my preference is always to commit a felony. She looks back up at Duncan, who is considering the judge's question carefully. She knows he is struggling to keep her name out of his testimony if possible.
"I was the sinner who had knocked up their daughter," Duncan replies bitterly. "They weren't even allowing me to visit her and were barely civil to me."
"So you broke into their house."
"I knew where their key was hidden, so it wasn't actually....My intention was to get the journal and leave, but we—" Duncan stops short, realizing his mistake.
"We?" the judge echoes, surprised.
Veronica smiles wanly at Duncan and nods that he should go ahead. Logan grabs her hand and squeezes it, and they trade a glance. He feels the intense anxiety and nervousness emanating from her. Damn it, Duncan. Why couldn't you be more careful? Logan sighs unobtrusively, and Veronica grasps his hand a little tighter.
"My friend Veronica Mars was with me," Duncan explains reluctantly.
The courtroom buzzes with the revelation, and heads swivel to stare at Veronica. Judge Ferris bangs his gavel. "I'll clear this courtroom if necessary. I've allowed these proceedings to be open because the excessive public interest has led to false rumors and innuendoes in the press about judicial prejudice, but I can still reverse that decision." The murmur dies down.
"Mr. Kane, tell me what happened at the Manning house," the judge continues.
"We looked around for the book that Meg had mentioned. We found it in the air vent in Meg's room. Veronica looked at the writing and thought it didn't look like a little boy's writing." Duncan's eyes meet Veronica's again before he plunges ahead. "We went into Meg's sister's room. Grace. We found a stack of journals, all filled with the same sentence over and over again: 'the path to God is paved with righteousness,' and we realized that Meg was really looking for help for her sister. We heard something in the closet; Veronica found a secret door, and we found Meg's sister locked in a small space. We tried to get Grace to come with us, but she refused and said that her parents could tell if the door had been opened and would punish her. Grace said, 'I don't want to be tested. Daddy said I'm not ready.'"
The Mannings' attorney jumps to his feet and says strongly, "Objection! This is hearsay, your honor."
"Sit down, Mr. Allen. This is Family Court, not Matlock. I'll allow the testimony. I can interview Grace if there's a question about the accuracy of Mr. Kane's statements. Continue, Mr. Kane. What happened then?"
Duncan says, "The Mannings came home before we could get Grace out of there. Mr. Manning threatened us with a baseball bat and called the police. Sheriff Lamb came and arrested us."
"There's no arrest report in your file," Judge Ferris says, leafing through the paperwork.
"He put us in the squad car, drove around the corner, and let us go. I don't know why."
"Did you pursue the abuse report on Meg's sister?" the judge asks.
Duncan flushes. "No. Lamb acted like he didn't believe us. Who could we have told? When Meg died, I consulted an attorney who told us that Lamb's failure to charge us would serve to bolster Mr. Manning's custody case. And if we told what had happened, both Veronica and I would be charged with a felony, breaking and entering. The attorney advised me that the felony would count against me if I tried to get sole custody."
"It's ridiculous. You were assumed to be the natural father. You would have been granted at least shared custody," the judge explains.
"Unless I was in jail," Duncan retorts. "And I believed that any time spent with the Mannings would be harmful to my daughter. Meg had begged me not to allow them near our daughter." His voice hitches a little on the expression, 'our daughter'.
Veronica recalls those emotional consultations three years ago with the family law attorney in Los Angeles. The attorney had said there were two possibilities: the Mannings could say that Veronica and Duncan had made up the abuse story and paint Duncan as an unstable person subject to epileptic fits, or the Mannings could insist on pressing charges against the two of them for burglary. The felony charge could mean jail time, and the Mannings would be guaranteed sole custody at least until Duncan served his sentence, and, with Celeste refusing to support his petition, Duncan had convinced Veronica that it was hopeless. He was going to run, with or without her help.
Veronica had begged Duncan repeatedly to tell her dad, but they both knew her father would have insisted they let the courts decide. For Duncan, the possibility that Veronica might be convicted of a felony along with him was the final straw that convinced him to kidnap the baby and run. She had lain awake night after night trying to think of an alternate solution while Duncan pretended to accede to his parents' wishes. At last, she gave up and made sure that Duncan got away cleanly. She had always felt that the day when she said goodbye to Duncan forever was the day she became an adult and relinquished her last childish fantasy of a happily-ever-after. Somehow, even after everything that had happened—Shelly's party and all the misery of Lilly's murder and the subsequent investigation—Duncan had still represented that for her. Or at least she had thought he did.
Veronica shakes her head to clear these dark thoughts and focuses on Duncan, who looks uncomfortable and stressed on the witness stand. His attorneys had obviously told him to play down his wealth and status; Duncan looks handsome, but Veronica knows that this is probably his least expensive suit. His tie is conservative, and his hair is cut, not styled.
"So you decided to run with Faith?" Judge Ferris asks, scribbling a notation in the file.
Duncan says solemnly, "It was a bad decision, made under stress. I regret not pursuing all my legal options at the time." Duncan's attorney nods subtly; they had gone over the wording of this statement numerous times.
Attorney Allen stands up. "I'd like to question the witness, your honor."
The judge nods. "I'll allow it."
As the attorney approaches the witness stand, the room mutters approvingly. Logan hears a woman whisper, "What choice did he have? He was protecting his daughter from those creeps." Logan glances at Veronica surreptitiously; he knows she regrets what she and Duncan did, but she'll defend their intentions to the grave. Duncan's heroic grand gesture is a textbook example of Veronica's firm belief that the ends justify the means. He flashes again on Duncan trying to come to her rescue at Shelly's party—trying to rescue her from him and his depravity—and he exhales in frustration and guilt. Veronica turns to look at him, and he pretends to smile at her. He remembers how she had been completely willing to forgive him: 'I'm going to choose to think of the salt lick as one of those not real things.' But, of course, that was when she couldn't really remember the salt lick. Who knows what memories were stirred up when Klein was doing his sick therapy? Logan swallows the bile that rises in his throat and tries to pay attention to the hearing.
The Mannings' attorney paces for a while before he begins to speak. His face is disapproving and incredulous, in stark contrast to the general mood of the courtroom. "So Sheriff Lamb declined to arrest you?" Allen asks scornfully.
"Yes, that's correct."
The attorney turns to the courtroom and looks overtly skeptical. "Why would he do that?"
"I believe he intended to blackmail the Mannings," Duncan replies matter-of-factly.
The courtroom surges loudly, and the judge bangs his gravel. "Order!"
"Your story is more ridiculous all the time," the attorney observes sarcastically, and Duncan's attorney stands up to object. Allen says quickly, "Withdrawn. Mr. Kane, do you have in your possession one of the journals that you say the Mannings forced Grace to write?"
"No, of course not, we were physically escorted from the premises in handcuffs," Duncan says. "But I do have video and audio tapes that document the abuse that was going on in that household."
As the courtroom goes wild, the Mannings' attorney says in a loud voice, "Your honor, the authenticity of those recordings has been disputed. Our experts have shown that the recordings have been edited and are a complete fabrication. And the witness is not allowed to introduce physical evidence in this manner."
The judge sighs. "Mr. Allen. How many times do I have to remind you that this is Family Court? I have great latitude in accepting evidence into cases. When you are dealing with the abuse of a child, we are unlikely to have physical evidence that meets a high evidentiary standard. I believe your specialty is personal injury? I wonder about the wisdom of the Mannings in engaging you for this matter."
The attorney flushes at the judge's aspersions.
Judge Ferris continues, directing his remarks to Duncan, "Mr. Kane, how did you come into possession of this evidence?"
"It was sent to my parents anonymously," Duncan lies smoothly. Leo D'Amato had made it clear that he could not afford to substantiate the evidence when he gave it to Duncan's parents, and Duncan's attorney had been kept in the dark about the recordings' origins. "I assumed that someone was using the recordings to blackmail the Mannings, and the most likely candidate would be Sheriff Lamb."
"But you have no proof of that?" the judge asks.
Duncan shakes his head. "No. However, my attorneys have discovered a pattern of withdrawals from the Mannings' accounts that could be explained by a series of payoffs." Allen stands up angrily, and Duncan quickly says, "Of course I can't prove Lamb was blackmailing the Mannings."
"I'm going to ignore that supposition," the judge remarks. "Bailiff. Is this recorded evidence available?" The man nods. Judge Ferris rifles through the paperwork in the folder in front of him. "I assume there are expert depositions regarding the authenticity of the recordings from both parties?"
Simultaneously, the two opposing attorneys rise and says, "Yes, your honor."
"All right then. I'd like to review this evidence and the supporting paperwork in chambers. Twenty minute recess."
"Your honor...I haven't finished questioning the witness," Allen protests vigorously.
"I'll decide whether to allow this evidence. Perhaps we won't need to draw this out any further," the judge says wearily as he rises from his seat.
The bailiff says quickly, "Twenty minute recess."
The room is buzzing with rumors. Several reporters make a beeline for the pay phones in the lobby. One reporter moves to approach Veronica, and Keith preemptively puts an arm around her and says, "Not a chance, buddy." They stand to stretch their legs and walk to the side of the room to converse quietly away from eavesdroppers.
Veronica whispers to Lizzie, "Are you okay?"
Lizzie is white as a sheet. "I really don't want to testify."
Duncan's attorney overhears her and replies, "I think the judge is going to accept the recordings as evidence. It looks bad when the parent suing for custodial rights fails to appear; Mrs. Manning already has a huge strike against her. We'll move for summary judgment, and we won't need your testimony."
"I'm still going to have to testify against my dad in the...incest trial," Lizzie says shakily. "I didn't know what was going on...I couldn't stop it!" she whispers intensely.
Keith replies, "Of course you couldn't. Lizzie, your sisters need you to be strong. We'll help you, I promise."
"I still can't think of Faith as my sister. She's my niece." Lizzie adds weakly, "I just want to get away from here."
Duncan comes up to her and hugs her gently. "It's going to be okay, Lizzie. We're going to get through this. Thank you for helping me and Lilly."
Lizzie leans into him and cries softly. Veronica notices a man maneuvering in the crowd; she watches as he clicks a pen in their general direction. She turns to her dad. "Dad, that man has a camera." She nods toward the man who now appears to be looking elsewhere.
"Are you sure, Veronica?" he asks.
"It's that same pen camera we have," she explains.
Keith finds the bailiff and whispers in his ear. The bailiff nods and takes the man by the arm; he leads him back to one of the security guards, who carefully frisks the man and examines his identification. They watch as the bailiff confiscates the camera, with the man protesting loudly.
"Thank you, Veronica," Lizzie says gratefully.
"'Kane Heir Embraces Abuse Survivor,'" Logan says under his breath. "What a bunch of jackals. I remember half of these guys from my dad's trial."
"Trust Neptune to bring out the crazies," Veronica remarks.
"That's because we are the crazies," Lizzie replies bitterly. "I hate my dad. Every day there's a new article speculating about why my dad raped my sister and not me."
"Oh god, Lizzie," Veronica says sympathetically.
"Abusers don't operate according to logic," Logan says quietly. "My dad never touched my sister either."
"Are you okay, Logan?" Veronica asks with concern. "Maybe you should go home. This has to be...." She sighs loudly and concludes lamely, "I'm sure this is awful for you."
"No, I want to be here for you, Veronica," he protests. "I'll be all right. It actually feels good to see someone fighting so hard to help a child."
Veronica hears the unspoken protest that no one had fought for him. "Logan...."
Logan shakes his head, unwilling to discuss it further. "I'm staying."
Duncan excuses himself to go speak with his parents. They watch as the Kanes converse inaudibly. Celeste does not look pleased by the proceedings.
Logan nods toward Duncan's parents. "Duncan's parents aren't much better. Celeste looks like she's taken a dose of castor oil."
"They love him in their way, I guess," Veronica comments. "They just wanted a different life for Duncan, especially after Lilly died."
"Celeste is horrified of scandal," Keith adds. "I doubt she'll ever really get over this. I hope Duncan can find the strength to get through this on his own."
"I think if he gets custody he'll be okay," Veronica replies.
"We'll help him," Logan says.
Veronica looks at him in surprise; up until now, he has never declared his support for Duncan very strongly.
Logan adds more emphatically, "I'm not going to let our old jealousies define our relationship any longer." The words are difficult and scary, and irrevocably tinged with his looming insecurities, but he means it. "He's a part of our lives, Veronica. Forever. I want us to help him."
"I know. I do too," she agrees.
The bailiff announces that the judge is returning and everyone needs to take their seat. There is rampant speculation in the room as the judge walks in.
"I've reviewed the evidence. I'm convinced that there is reason to believe that the recordings are authentic." Judge Ferris looks sternly at Mr. Allen, encouraging him not to object further. He looks at Duncan's attorney. "Do you have a motion?"
The attorney stands up quickly and says, "Yes, your honor. Move for summary judgment in the case of Kane v. Manning."
"Granted. I hereby order that the custodial petition of Duncan Kane be granted."
"Objection, your honor," the Mannings' attorney protests over the murmurs of the observers in the courtroom.
"Mr. Allen. Based on the evidence I just reviewed, I'm going to encourage the district attorney to file additional abuse charges against Mrs. Manning. I'm also signing an emergency order to remove Grace Manning from her mother's custody. Elizabeth Manning?" the judge asks, looking around the court.
Lizzie stands up hesitantly. "I'm here, your honor."
"I see here that you've expressed a willingness to take temporary custody of your sister Grace. Is that true?"
"Yes, your honor."
"I'll have the Department of Child and Family Services schedule an evaluation as soon as possible so you can take on that duty. Are you prepared to be your sister's guardian, Ms. Manning?"
"I'm scared, your honor," Lizzie admits in a low voice. "I...I didn't expect this."
"You'll have the full support of this court. Have your attorney file the necessary paperwork as soon as possible. I'm counting on you, young lady."
"Thank you, your honor," Lizzie says tearfully. She sits down, and Veronica hugs her gently.
"Mr. Kane." Duncan stands up and focuses on the judge's stern face. "I'm placing a few temporary restrictions on your custody. I'm requiring you to post a $500,000 bond as a guarantee that you will not take Faith Manning out of this court's jurisdiction, and you will not leave the country for any reason without prior permission of the court. You will allow weekly supervised visitation from Mrs. Manning, assuming she is not incarcerated for her part in this tragedy. I expect that you will encourage your daughter to have a strong relationship with her half-sisters, and I will hear a report from you in six months on how you are facilitating that. You will be subject to surprise visits from the Department of Child and Family Services, and you will report to them on a regular basis until this court is satisfied that the situation is stable. And this custody order will be completely rescinded if you are convicted of any misdemeanor or felony other than a moving violation. You will complete a series of parenting classes, and I expect both you and your daughter to receive counseling on a regular basis. Is that clear?"
"Of course, your honor. Thank you, your honor," Duncan says, relieved and dazed by the judge's words.
"Good luck to you, Mr. Kane," Judge Ferris says. "I expect all parties to fulfill their responsibilities in this matter. These children have been through enough. This matter is adjourned for six months, at which time I'll hear progress reports from all the parties and the Department of Child and Family Services, and we'll consider a permanent order of custody at that time. Do not disappoint me." He bangs the gavel loudly and stomps off to his chambers.
The courtroom explodes. Mrs. Dominguez, Lilly's court-ordered social worker, pushes through the crowd and comes up to Duncan. "Congratulations, Mr. Kane. I'm so happy for you."
"Thank you, Mrs. Dominguez. I saw the report you wrote. My attorneys said they've never seen a more supportive assessment," Duncan says gratefully.
"I think you and Lilly have a wonderful relationship. Biology isn't everything, you know. Believe me," she responds strongly. "I'm going to ask to be assigned to your supervision. I'll drop off Lilly later this afternoon, Mr. Kane. I assume there won't be a problem posting the bond that the judge asked for?"
"I'll have my attorneys take care of the bond immediately. Thank you again." Duncan moves toward Keith. "Mr. Mars, I'm not sure this would have been possible without you and Veronica. Thank you for what you did. I can never repay you."
"Just love your daughter, Duncan. Follow the judge's instructions to the letter. And you and Lilly are welcome for dinner anytime," Keith replies.
Duncan laughs quietly. "You know, Mr. Mars, I need to look for a job. Do you know anyone who's hiring? I don't have much experience, and I never graduated from high school. I have a notorious past, and, as a single parent, of course I'll need flexible hours too. I'm sure that employers will be knocking themselves out to hire me," he concludes sardonically.
"Don't forget you were Student Council President," Veronica reminds him. "Go, Pirates!" She pumps her fist in a rah-rah motion. She adds sweetly, "I'm sure Mrs. Donaldson will give you a reference."
Keith smiles. "Let me think about that, Duncan."
Several security officers approach and offer to escort Duncan through the private elevator to his waiting limousine in the parking garage. Jake and Celeste Kane join him, steadfastly refusing to look at the Mars family.
Keith, Logan, and Veronica leave the courtroom and walk out of the building. When they exit the front door, they are confronted by a mass of reporters. "Mr. Echolls, can you give us a comment about your recent arrest for assault and battery?" "Ms. Mars, Peter Klein has accused you of entrapment in the Briar Hill case. Would you care to give us a comment?" "Logan!! Over here!"
Veronica grimaces at Logan, who draws her close to him. Lightbulbs flash in their faces. "Ms. Mars, is it true you were Sorokin's intended target at the Mackenzie funeral?" "Logan, have you been to visit Carrie Murray in the hospital?" "Any reaction to Duncan's stunning victory in his custody case?"
Keith mutters, "You knew they would get onto the story eventually."
"Yeah," Logan replies sarcastically. "It's been too quiet lately...almost three whole days without paparazzi."
"If the disguises aren't working any more, I want to get my regular hair back," Veronica says petulantly. She shakes her curly locks in disgust.
"Of course they knew you would be at the hearing; you were on the witness list, Veronica," her dad reminds her.
A particularly intrepid reporter shoves several others aside and pushes a newspaper in Veronica's face, despite Keith's best efforts to shield her. "Is it true that you feel responsible for Lilly Kane's murder?" he asks smarmily.
Keith says, "Veronica, no!" but she grabs the paper and helplessly examines the headline: 'Veronica Mars: "I Was Responsible For My Best Friend's Death."' The subheading reads, 'Briar Hill counselor refutes private investigator's story; releases 'guilt letter' written by Mars while attending the specialty school.'
Veronica feels nauseous as she sees a picture of Alyssa, the group therapy leader from Briar Hill. Sickened, she recognizes the words she wrote during her 'therapy'.
'Dear Mrs. [Kane],
Your daughter was the most beautiful person I ever knew. I loved her with all my heart....I'm writing this letter to beg you for forgiveness. I did a terrible thing, and I hurt everyone around me with my actions. I'm trying to become a better person by admitting my guilt....I'll never forgive myself.'
Next to the text, Alyssa is depicted in front of a blackboard, on which is written, 'Drugs: Why We Use.' She appears to be concerned and troubled in the photograph. The caption reads, 'Alyssa Catano, LPC, CADC, has spent her career focusing on drug abuse and personal responsibility.'
Logan approaches the reporter, intending to push him out of the way by force.
The reporter smiles falsely and says, "I don't think you want to do that, Mr. Echolls; don't you have an assault charge pending already?"
Fuming, Logan withdraws. "Excuse me, sir, can you let us past?" he says through clenched teeth.
"Of course. Here's my card if you want to tell your side of the story, Ms. Mars," he replies, pushing a business card toward Veronica.
Veronica is unable to move and sags against her father. "Dad," she says weakly.
"Do you have a comment, Mr. Mars? What's your reaction to the statements from Peter Klein and Alyssa Catano that your daughter suffered a nervous breakdown while you were trying to falsify evidence about the school for your client, Stephanie Denenberg? A 'witch hunt perpetrated by bottom-feeders' was the phrase that Klein used."
Keith gapes at the preposterous insinuation. He recovers and says, "No comment."
"Ms. Mars, how does it feel to have your personal revelations in therapy splashed across the front page? Peter Klein said this morning that he felt you might be a danger to yourself."
Veronica's eyes well up with tears, and she whispers, "No comment." Frightened, she glances at Logan's infuriated face.
He meets her eyes intensely, and, for a split second, she swears she can hear his impassioned thoughts: 'Go get 'em, bobcat. You can do it.'
Veronica breathes in and draws herself up to her maximum height; in a firm, loud voice, she stares directly in the reporter's eyes and states, "No comment at this time." Cameras click all around her, and she forces herself not to flinch. Out of the corner of her eye, she sees Logan's mouth twitching in a slight smile at her courage. "Excuse us, please," she says haughtily.
Keith practically scoops her off her feet and forces his way through the reporters, with Logan close behind. Kavner shows up and helps them push their way through the crowd to Veronica's Saturn. Keith unlocks the doors and helps Veronica and Logan get into the backseat and walks around to the driver's side. A young man is leaning against the driver's door.
"Excuse me, do you mind?" Keith asks impatiently.
"Keith Mars?" the man asks. When Keith nods without thinking, the man pushes a thick envelope in Keith's hand and says, "You've been served." He walks away nonchalantly without a second glance. Keith sighs. He withdraws a bundle of papers; it's a countersuit from Peter Klein. He gets in the car and locks the door.
In the back seat, Logan is cuddling Veronica, who has given up trying not to cry. He asks, "Who was that?"
"Nothing," Keith lies smoothly. "Let's get out of here." They head for the freeway to Los Angeles, with Kavner and his partner trailing behind in another vehicle. A few audacious paparazzi try to tail them, but Kavner maneuvers his vehicle in front of them, and Keith hits the accelerator and leaves the journalists far behind.