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Author's Note: there is some exposition in this chapter. But the main thing to remember while reading this chapter is that EVERYTHING is happening concurrently.

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When Veronica was little, her dad used to read her fairy tales to get her to go to sleep.

The girls in them were always saved by their knight in shining armor and even when she was younger she didn't hold much faith in that.

But just like any little girl, she still had dreams about her own knight coming to rescue her.

When she was six, it was Super Grover from Sesame Street.

She was six remember, what was better than a furry blue monster that could fly.

When she was nine, it was Leonardo Dicaprio.

She went to see Titanic 10 times and Lilly made fun of her mercilessly for it.

Leonardo lasted until she was twelve and then someone new took over, it was Logan Echolls.

She never could figure out why.

Even when she started dating Duncan and Logan was with Lilly, he never lost that position. She never could figure out why he was always the one she wanted to save her. He was always the one she pictured in her dreams.

And then he'd turned on her and she couldn't seem to picture anyone anymore, not even after Logan himself saved her from that crooked fed at the Camelot.

Then at the end of that year, at the age of 17, she'd had a different kind of knight save her. It was her dad, he had saved her from Aaron Echolls.

When she'd gone back to Duncan a few months later he still wasn't her knight and he never knew why, but her dad wasn't either.

She didn't know who the position belonged to anymore.

That is until she found herself at the mercy of Liam Fitzpatrick and Logan showed up to save her.

She didn't want to admit it at first, she was still angry at him and she didn't want to admit that he had never lost his place as her knight. But she knew in her heart that he would always be the one to save her.

And when Beaver had her up on the roof, Logan proved himself to her again.

No matter how many times she wished he would just back off or let things go, he never did.

And deep down inside she knew why, it was because he really was her knight in shining armor, it was his job.

From the minute she'd woken up in Duncan's possession she'd waited for Logan to find her.

To ride in on whatever form of transportation he had and whisk her away, save her from the demons again.

So you can imagine how surprised she was when she heard Dick Casablancas' voice.

He was the last person she would have ever expected to show up.

But she wasn't mad or upset, she really couldn't feel much to be honest, the pain was too strong.

Dick was by no means her knight in shining armor…

But she didn't care.

Because the knight's trusty side kick was going to get her out of there.

Dick and Veronica

She was barely awake and she wasn't breathing right.

He wasn't sure, but he thought she might have a broken rib, or two. Dick didn't know much about medicine, but he did know that if she had a concussion, which was likely, she needed to stay awake so he kept talking to her quietly.

"Ronnie, I need you to stay with me ok."

"I'm tired."

" I know, but not now ok, we need to get you out of here. Do you think you can walk?'

He knew that was a stupid question, but when he asked, her eyes opened a little more and she gave him the 'you're a moron look' he'd gotten so used to and he couldn't help but smile. She was starting to come to a little more and Dick knew they needed to move. So he stood up from the bed with her still in his arms and started to walk to the door, but her voice stopped him.

"Oh my god Dick, where's Duncan? If he sees you he'll kill you."

He looked down at her and saw the fear in her eyes, he'd never seen her like that. He could tell she was in pain, but she was trying to hide it. But the fact that she knew what was going on was a good thing.

"He's down the hall in another room, we need to get out of the house, my truck isn't far. Are you ready?"

She tried to nod but it hurt her head, so she smiled. "Yes, take me home to Logan please. Mush mush."

Ah, that wit. Dick never thought he'd be so happy to hear it, but every word she said gave him courage. He knew they were going to make it, he knew she was going to make it.

He got to the door and opened it then he pulled it closed behind them and headed down the hallway. He was afraid to run, it would make to much noise so he moved slowly and neither of them spoke until they hit the stairs.

"How did you find me?"

"I had a dream."

"Hmm, how very Martin Luthor King of you. Tell me more of this dream."

He was happy to, the more he talked the more alert she became. If he could keep it up, he could get her out of there in no time and get her to a hospital. Dick looked down at her again, he could still see the pain in her eyes but she was smiling.

"I remembered a conversation I'd had with Beaver a long time ago. He wanted to buy this house from Duncan."

"If this house belongs to him, why did it take you so ling to find me?...And wait, how long did it take you?...I don't even know what day it is."

"You've only been gone a day Ronnie. He took you yesterday morning and the house wasn't under his name, it was under yours."

Once they were down the steps, Dick stopped at the foot of them and they rested for a second.

"Only a day? It feels like its been a year."

"I'm sure Logan will agree with you on that."

"Logan...Oh my god, Dick is he ok?"

"Yeah Ronnie, he is, he didn't handle it well in the beginning, but then he took charge, he even started ordering Weevil and CW around. It's too bad you weren't there, it was a good show." He said as he started walking again and they moved through the hall and down the corridor towards the kitchen and the back door.

"So this place is mine?"

"Home sweet home."

"Yeah right."

"We could burn it in effigy."

"Don't tempt me Casablancas. Did you just say effigy?"

"Thesaurus remember...and hey, I'm game for whatever Ronster."

"Yeah, well if this place really does belong to me, it won't for long, it's going on the market tomorrow."

"That'll be an interesting listing."

"Yeah secluded mansion; dreary interior, doors that lock from the outside, the perfect starter lair for would be kidnappers."

He knew this was good, she was becoming more and more like herself. "What are you gonna do with the money?"

"Buy a pony."

He smiled at her. "No, really."

"Really, I'm gonna buy a pony and then I'm gonna pay to have my head shrunk. Do you think Dr. Phil is available?"

He didn't laugh at that one, he knew she was right, after going through what she had over the last couple says she would need help, but it was strange to joke about it. He didn't even know what all Duncan had done to her. He wanted to ask her if… but he was afraid of the answer. He ended up asking anyways.

"Veronica, did he...?" Dick couldn't seem to get the words out, but he knew she knew what he meant. "I mean you don't have to answer, it's none of my business. But.."

"No Dick..." She started crying a little. "No. ...But... he tried."

He wasn't sure he believed her and she wasn't sure she believed herself, because she honestly didn't know for sure. He could have done anything he wanted to her while she was unconscious.

"I'm sorry Ronnie."

"Just get me home Dick, get me to Logan..." She stopped talking suddenly, like she had just realized that Dick was the one who had found her. "Dick, where is Logan?"

"Well hopefully he's on his way. I wasn't with him when I realized I knew where you were, he was out looking for you, so was everybody else, Weevil, CW, Wally, Meg and Leo. I couldn't reach them, so I came on my own. Mac's been trying to get through to them."

"You mean you came to save me by yourself?"

"Yep. I may not be the knight, but sometimes even the sidekick gets to save the day."

She gave him a funny smile. "Wow Dick, that's very against type for you."

"Tell me about it. So I guess that now that I've saved your life, that kinda makes you my bitch, huh?"

"Oh sure Dick." The sarcasm was back in her voice, talking was helping her forget about the pain she was in. "I'll let you explain that one to Logan."

"On second thought, maybe not."

They both laughed at that, but when they finally reached the kitchen a very loud, very angry yell came from upstairs.

"VERONICA!"

Dick and Veronica looked at each other, fear in both of their eyes and he ran for the door.

Duncan

His father was on the way but Duncan wasn't sure he had made the right decision calling him.

He thought his father would help him, help him hold on to her, get them out of the country. But that wasn't what his father wanted after all.

He'd told Duncan to finish it, he'd told him that he would never escape with her and that he needed to end it now and run.

But Duncan disagreed, he refused. She wasn't going anywhere, she was staying with him, even if he had to keep her tied up and sedated she would never leave him again. She just needed to heal and then they could go and that's exactly what he told his father.

He hadn't been happy, but he'd agreed to bring a doctor. Duncan wasn't so sure he trusted him though.

As he sat on the bed in the spare room he looked out the window.

He was still covered in her blood, but he still didn't feel any remorse. He couldn't, that feeling was dead to him now, all he felt was the anger and the obsession.

He didn't even regret having hurt her so badly. To him he had simply taught her a lesson, one that would aid him in his intention of breaking her.

He would wait for her to heal almost completely and then he would finish her off. He would do what he had planned to do before his rage took over. He knew it would take awhile but this time he had no choice but to be patient. He would wait until she was on the verge of mentally recovering, of being ok and then he would take her and he knew it would break her down for good.

Duncan knew how strong she was, but he also knew that she couldn't handle multiple blows at once, her mind couldn't take it.

His thoughts brought him back to the present and he remembered that his father would be there soon so he walked over to the dresser and pulled a gun out of the top drawer. He was glad he had bought it now. If his father tried to turn on him he would be prepared.

Duncan went to the door, left the room and walked silently towards the master bedroom.

But when he opened the door he immediately noticed that she wasn't on the bed.

He looked over at the chairs and she wasn't there either.

He started to panic

He ran to the bathroom nothing…

He could not believe this was happening and his rage burst through as he yelled her name.

"VERONICA!"

Weevil

We had driven nearly the entire way in silence.

We were following CW and I swear he was breaking the land speed record, but Logan was just sitting there looking determined.

I knew what he was thinking, I'd been thinking the same thing. He was contemplating revenge, I could see it in his eyes. It was something I knew well, I'd had that look before and I was sure I had it then.

V had done so much for me over the years, more than any other and I was gonna make Duncan pay for this. I just wanted to clear some things with Echolls first.

"What do you want done?"

He looked at me for a second not speaking, amost like he hadn't heard me and then he spoke. "Do I have to say it?"

"Nope, just checking. When we get there, you just get to her. Leave him to me."

He looked at me and I could tell he wasn't happy. "No Weevil, I want to be the one to take him out."

"No Echolls, you want to be the one to be there for V. Not the one sitting in a jail cell."

I was right and he knew it. I was willing to sacrifice some freedom for her, if it even came to that, I'd be able to get off on self defense and be out in no time. So would he, but he needed to be with her.

Plus, she'd kill me if I let him do it.

"Are you picking up what I'm putting down rich boy?"

"Yeah. Just do me a favor."

"What?"

"Make sure he suffers."

"It will be my pleasure."

CW

I had heard the entire conversation between Duncan and his father and it was imperative that we reached Veronica as soon as possible.

I had been aware of Jake's distaste for Miss Mars, but I was shocked when I heard him tell Duncan to finish what he had started. The comment solidified my beliefs that he was no longer the man I had gone to work for so many years ago.

Duncan of course refused to take his father's advice, but I was unsure of whether or not he would remain at that decision and we could not take that chance.

When Miss Mackenzie called about Mr. Casablancas it would be a lie to say I wasn't surprised, but I was impressed none the less. I had not taken him as the 'go in guns blazing type,' but his decision to go after her on his own was admirable. Hopefully it would buy us time.

When I'd informed Celeste of what was going on she was furious, I knew she would head straight to Jake. They had separated recently, their difference of opinion over Duncan had been the catalyst, but Jake's many affairs had not helped either. She hadn't even been aware that Duncan was in Neptune and when I informed her of Jake's instructions to Duncan, she, for lack a better term, 'flipped her lid.' She was not fond of Veronica Mars by any means, but she would definitely not want her only other living child inflicting harm on her, even if just for his sake. So I knew that she would give us the time that we needed.

I also knew by her reaction that I could count on her to aid me in my future exploits.

I always had liked Celeste.

Wallace

I just wanted to get there. If I could have sprouted wings so I could fly, I would have.

Nobody was talking and the only I could think of was what Logan was going to do to Duncan, I kept hoping he'd let me help.

I was trying not to think about what CW meant by V being hurt, he hadn't elaborated and nobody had pushed for more. I don't think anybody could have handled hearing about it anyways so maybe it was the right choice.

So I just sat there staring out the windshield willing the horizon to move towards us faster.

I looked back once and I almost started to laugh, something much needed at the time. Leo was staring at Meg with doe eyes. It was reminiscent of the way Logan looked at V during the beginning of their relationship, so I knew exactly what Leo was thinking. I couldn't help but wonder when that had happened. I didn't think they knew each other that well, especially with her being, you know, dead. But I guess it didn't really matter.

I still couldn't believe Dick had figured it out before the rest of us, I mean this was Dick Casablancas we're talking about for gods sake. But I had to give him props, he went after her, he didn't leave it the rest of us. I never could have imagined him going to such extremes for V of all people. But here's the thing about Dick, Logan is his best friend, the only one in his life that never walked away and he would do anything for Logan. So if that meant walking into the dragons den for the love of Logan's life then so be it.

I was beginning to realize how lucky I was to call them friends.

Logan

I knew Weevil was right, I would never admit it out loud, but its true.

Considering the situation a self defense plea would be inevitable, no jail time would be served and I'd hire him the best lawyer in California. Ok that's a lie, I'd hire Cliff because Ronnie would kill me if I didn't. Plus Cliff would do a better job than any of those $500 an hour pricks.

Of course none of that really mattered anyways, this would never be turned over to law enforcement, Duncan would be receiving a different kind of punishment.

I didn't know if Weevil would really take it all the way, I wasn't sure if I would either. All I knew was that if given the chance, I wasn't sure if either of us would be able to hold back.

But regardless of how far he went, Duncan would never get to Veronica again, I would make sure of that.

I was so close to her I could feel it, we only had a few miles left and some how I knew Dick was with her. I could feel that too, I didn't know why.

So we continued to sit there in silence, just waiting, wishing and hoping.

Weevil and I would never be friends, we both knew that.

But we had found a common ground in Veronica. She was the common ground for all of us, we were just a large group of misfits all stuck together because of her.

Veronica had given me a family again and when I got her back I would never let go.

Leo

It took me all of 10 seconds to stop hating Logan Echolls when I saw him sitting out there in the desert.

I finally understood what was going on between them and why she would never be with me. She had given her heart away years ago, even if she didn't know it then and he had never given it back, there was no way he ever would.

Of course none of that mattered to me anymore, because the other reason I stopped hating him…Was because I knew how he felt.

I had thought I'd lost someone once too and I had reacted the same way.

The only differences between the two situations was that my feelings for this person had been unrequited and it wasn't Veronica that I had lost.

As I sat in the backseat of CW's car on the way to get Veronica, I looked over at Meg and I smiled.

I wondered if this was how Logan had felt when he realized that he was finally going to get what he had wanted for so long.

Meg

I still felt horrible, I couldn't believe what I'd done. I had no excuse, the fact that I did it out of love for Duncan made me just as bad as him.

I didn't know if Veronica would ever forgive me and I was pretty sure that even if she did, none of the others would.

When I heard that she was hurt I lost it, I felt so remorseful I couldn't handle it and I decided that I would spend the rest of my life trying to gain their forgiveness.

That was the moment that any love I had left for Duncan left me, I could never love someone so unconcerned with human life. He had taken Veronica from everyone that loved her, he had left our daughter somewhere with someone she probably didn't even know and I didn't have any idea where to start looking for her.

I could feel Leo staring at me the entire trip, I knew what he was thinking, I was thinking the same thing and I wanted to say something to him, but it wasn't the right time, we would have that conversation later.

So instead of thinking about Veronica or Leo I focused my thoughts on CW.

He'd become a confidant, maybe not quite a friend, but someone I trusted and I knew he felt the same way about me. He'd been my only connection to the life I had left behind when I was in Miami.

A few months after I'd left Neptune he'd started coming to Miami more often, I didn't understand why at first. It took him 6 visits before he admitted the truth, he finally spit it out one night by accident.

His wife had left him, that was all he had said, a few months later he told me why. She'd been having an affair with Jake Kane himself. Jake didn't know that CW was aware of it. I wasn't surprised and I know that is terrible to say but Jake Kane is not a good man, I've known that for a while. I mean we're talking about the same man who had a 20 year affair with Lianne Mars for god sakes and speaking of that affair, it's still going on. CW's wife didn't know about it and when she discovered that she wasn't Jake's only mistress she left town. CW hadn't heard from her since.

I knew that was why he wanted to take the Kane's down. It had been his plan ever since he found out Duncan was heading to Neptune.

Now don't get me wrong, he never intended for Veronica to be taken, he would never have put her or any of the others in danger. He just didn't realize how far Duncan would go, I hadn't told him about the files either.

You probably wonder why he would tell me all of this.

Well he didn't.

I'm just a lot smarter than people give me credit for.

CW

I saw Mr. Casablancas' truck on the side of the road and pulled over, allowing Mr. Navarro to pull up beside me. Mr. Echolls rolled down the window and I spoke to them.

"Go in first, we will be right behind you." I handed Mr. Echolls a hand gun and told him to give it to Mr. Navarro.

"Mr. Echolls your only job is to get to Miss Mars and get her to safety. If you must run you will take my car, Mr. Fennel will drive. Get her to the nearest hospital and stay there with her, Meg will go with you. The Deputy and Mr. Navarro will stay with me here and we will take care of Duncan Kane. Is that clear Mr. Echolls?"

"Yes."

"Good, lets go."

Duncan

He ran for the stairs as he yelled.

She wasn't going to get away this time, he'd kill her before he let that happen.

As he reached the bottom step he heard the back door slam and he ran through the corridor, turning his head just in time to see Veronica framed in the bay window.

But she wasn't alone, Dick Casablancas was with her. Of all the people Duncan expected to come for her, Dick was at the bottom of the list. How the hell had he found her?

Before Duncan could stop himself he raised his arm and fired the gun at the window.

Dick

When I hit the door I just kept running, I'd heard him on the stairs and we were running out of time.

For a split second I worried that I'd made a mistake not running with her immediately, but he would have heard us and this would have happened a lot sooner. So no, I told myself it wouldn't have mattered.

I just needed to get to my truck and get her out of there.

We reached the edge of the bay window and I looked down at her, the vibrations from my running were making her pain worse, but I didn't have a choice and I could tell she knew that.

When we reached the middle of the window I heard her gasp and I looked over just in time to see Duncan point a gun at us and pull the trigger.

I ducked as the glass shattered around us. I didn't know if I was cut but I didn't care, I moved along under the window and when I got past it I broke in to a run again, looking down at Ronnie again to make sure she was ok. She didn't look like she'd had anymore damage done to her, she just looked scared and I just kept running.

But as I passed the side of the house...

I heard the front door open.

Duncan

The bullet missed them. "Fuck!"

He just watched as the window shattered and glass fell everywhere and then he turned on his heels and went for the door.

When he got there he turned the handle and remembered it was locked. As he fumbled for the key, gun still in hand, he kept yelling her name. He wasn't going to let her leave him again and he would kill anybody that got in his way.

When he finally got the door unlocked he ran through it and as he stepped outside he saw Dick pass by the corner of the house with Veronica still in his arms.

And then he saw two cars heading straight for them.

He just knew that Logan was in one of them.

Veronica

He got us through the door and I couldn't help but feel at least slightly relieved, at least I was out of the house.

The movement of his running hurt and I felt like my head was going to explode, but there wasn't anything I could do about it so I just tried to breath through it.

And then when he got to a large window I looked in and gasped as I saw Duncan pull a gun on us and pull the trigger.

Dick ducked and then glass was everywhere, he got us away from the window and then he started running again.

When we got past the house I saw Weevil's car coming towards us and I saw Logan's face through the windshield..

Logan

Weevil pulled ahead of CW and turned down the drive way.

It was long, surrounded by trees and after a quarter mile or so I could finally see the house.

Then, out of nowhere I saw her and it was like everything switched to slow motion.

I yelled at Weevil, he slammed on the breaks and I was out of the car in no time.

I just ran to them and all I saw was her.

I didn't hear Weevil yelling at me or any of the others either and I didn't see Duncan running out the front door with a gun.

I was oblivious to everything but her face.

It was like we were in our own little world, just the two of us.

When I got to her I pulled her from Dick and into my arms being mindful of her injuries, even black and blue she was still beautiful. She put her good arm around my neck, said my name and then she screamed.

I turned my head just in time to see Duncan raise the gun towards us and without thinking I angled myself in between him and Veronica and Dick who was still standing there with me.

I was looking at Veronica, because she was all that mattered, she was all that had ever mattered.

All of a sudden the slow motion was gone, everything sped up and I heard a shot ring out.

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