Sorry for the long hiatus and that it's kind of short. Just wanted to get something up quickly. I'll try not to be so long next time!

Chapter Twelve: Leavin' On a Jet Plane

"I'm going to miss you."

"I'm going to miss you, too, dad. You stay out of trouble while I'm in DC."

"Who you talkin' to?"

"Yeah, but I've got Captain America here, and his super squad of bodyguards."

Logan rolled his eyes and reached for Keith's outstretched hand.

"I know, and you better take care of her, or else..."

"Don't worry, Sherriff Mars. I will definitely protect her."

"How many times do I have to tell you it's Keith? And it's not the protection I'm worried about, kid."

"Don't worry, Keith, I definitely fear you."

"Good."

Veronica and Logan boarded the private plane and waved goodbye to Keith. As they settled in for the flight, Logan got a sheepish grin on his face.

"You know," he started, "I always wanted to join the mile high club."

Veronica saw the teasing in his eyes, and just rolled hers.

"I figured you were a charter member," she remarked sarcastically.

"I was never much of a joiner," he retorted.

"Why so keen now?" she asked, sarcastically. "What's changed?"

"You," he said, softly.

Before Veronica could respond, their pilot announced they would be taxiing for take-off.

The flight was smooth and eventless. They landed at Manassas Regional Airport in Manassas, east southeast of Alexandria, where there was a black SUV waiting on them.

"Ok, I know the FBI didn't send a greeting party, so what's up with the black SUV?"

"Just thought you might want to get used to riding around in one."

"Well, the windows are blacked out and the whole nine yards. Where'd this come from?"

"Fed surplus store."

"Uh huh, if you tell me this thing is bullet proof, too, I'm getting back on this plane."

Logan remained silent. Veronica pretended to turn around to get back on the plane. Logan grabbed her arm.

"I didn't tell you that, did I?"

"No, you were cleverly silent."

"Veronica, this is serious. I thought we talked about this..."

Veronica interrupted, "I'm just kidding, Logan. Chill. I'm guessing this is why we landed here instead of Dulles or Regan?"

"Yeah. Too much red tape and all at a big airport. Regional airports are better for private planes."

"And tricked out SUV's," she added scarcastically.

She was sincere about joking with Logan, but she was more than a little unnerved about the armada Logan had hired on as bodyguards in the first place. Now, he had purchased an armour tank to escort her around in. This was going to be a looooong summer.

As they drove the near hour to Belle Haven to the townhouse, Veronica soaked up the surroundings. It was beautiful and breathtaking. She was once again surprised by the sight in front of her. Logan had the apartment fully decorated and furnished. It looked amazing. The pantry and refrigerator were stocked with food and there were cleaning supplies, and the whole nine yards.

"Wow! There is nothing your money can't do."

"Hey, I'd like to think it couldn't do much without me, ya know."

Veronica gave him a big kiss on the cheek.

"You're right. And I am so grateful for you. Thank you, Logan. I really wish you wouldn't spoil me," she said, "but I can't deny I like it."

She ran and jumped on their comfy new couch. He couldn't help but smile at Veronica's admission. It made him feel good to know she appreciated the things he did for her instead of begrudge them. He joined her on the couch.

"So, what shall we do this evening?"

"Veg. Can't we just stay in-we've got a kitchen full of food-and watch movies or something?"

Logan smiled.

"Sounds like a plan to me. Want me to whip up some yummy Italian?"

"Hmmm...you whip up a meal?"

"I told you...don't underestimate my talents."

"Oh, I don't."

"Then sit back and watch me work."

"Okay, then."

Logan made some fabulous pasta and salad for the two of them. They ate heartily and curled up on the couch for an all-night movie-thon. The sun flooded through the window the next morning, rousing the two, still curled up on the couch together.

"Morning, Sunshine," Logan whispered.

"Uhhh...five more minutes," Veronica groaned.

Logan kissed her forehead and eased up, leaving Veronica curled up in her sleeping position. He immediately headed to the shower. After several minutes, he came back to find Veronica still sleeping. He kissed her forehead again and went into the kitchen. He began making omelets. The smell roused Veronica.

"Well, good morning, Betty Crocker. When did you get so domestic, anyway?"

"Well, good morning, to you, too, Sugarbritches. For your information, I've learned to do a lot of things for myself the last few years. Being all alone tends to do that for you."

Veronica almost felt guilty for making him admit that, but she realized he wasn't angry or upset. He was in a very joking mood this morning.

"Well, I thought you just let room service handle everything."

"Ahh…you thought wrong, Miss FBI."

"I'm not Miss FBI, yet, and the Logan Echolls I know never cooked."

"Well," he said approaching her, slowly, "first of all, just because I never did didn't mean I didn't know how."

"And second?" she asked near breathless as she could feel the warmth of his naked chest and the fresh scent of soap just inches away from her.

"I'm not the same Logan Echolls you knew, am I?"

"I think we've established that already."

He grabbed a plate and spun around back to the stove. He lifted her omelet out of the pan artfully and handed it to her.

"So what do you want to do today?"

"I don't know. You have anything in mind?"

She looked at his smile. Of course he did. He probably had everything for the next three months all carefully planned and orchestrated.

"Well, I was thinking we could go bicycling around the lake, picnic in the park over there, and finish up tonight by catching a game in Arlington."

"A baseball game?"

"Well, not if you don't want to…"

"No, that sounds great. I just didn't know you were a fan."

"Well, Ms Mars, it looks like there is a lot you really don't know about me."

"Hmm, I guess it's a good thing I'm stuck halfway across the country with no one else I know but you, huh? I should have time to learn."

"I'm a good teacher."

"Oh, I just bet you are," she teased leaning in and kissing the tip of his nose. "I'm going to take a shower."

As she walked away, he mumbled," Maybe I need another one, too."

...

Logan and Veronica stumbled into the townhouse. After a FULL day of activity, they were worn out. The game was great, and they agreed that would have to be a frequent event for them.

"I'm exhausted. I'm going to bed."

"Really? I'm pumped. That was a great game! I'm ready to work out or something."

"Good grief, Logan. Well, you go work out or whatever...I'm hitting the hay."

"Goodnight, Veronica."

"Goodnight, Logan. Thanks for a great day."

Veronica headed off to bed. Logan turned on the television and thought about doing a few crunches when his phone buzzed. He looked at the caller id and frowned. Why would he be calling his phone...?

"Hey, Keith. Sorry, you just missed Veronica. She headed off to bed."

"Yeah, yeah. I forgot about the time difference for a minute. It's okay, Logan. That's better, actually. I need to talk to you."

Logan felt a lump in his throat.

"What's up, Keith?"

"The Sorokin's are aware you two are in the DC area."

"What? How?"

"Don't know. Apparently they have been tailing you while you were still in Neptune."

"But how do you know that they know where we are now?"

"I got pictures in the mail, Logan."

"Pictures? What pictures?"

"Pictures of you two getting off a private plane and getting into a black SUV. There was a note attached," Keith paused for a moment then continued, more solemnly, "You can run...but you can't hide."

"They sent that to you?"

"Yeah. I guess they figured with you out of town, they'd hone in on me."

"Shit!" Logan said, frustrated.

"I didn't want to upset you. Just watch your back, okay?"

"I am. Security follows us everywhere. They're very good. I don't think Veronica has even noticed yet."

"Good. Try to keep it that way. Keep her calm. She'll be safe during the day with the FBI, but the second she's out of there, she's a moving target."

"I won't let anything happen, Keith. I...I can't..."

"I know, Logan. But you can't protect her every second of the day. You're doing all you can."

"I know, it's just frustrating as hell not to be able to do more."

"Just hang tough, kid. I'm working on my end. Tell her hi for me, okay. On second thought...maybe you shouldn't mention I called you. I'll try her tomorrow."

"Okay, Keith. Goodnight."

Logan quietly walked down the hall to Veronica's room. She was sleeping soundly. He kissed her forehead and headed to his room for a long, sleepless night.

After wrestling with sleep on and off for a few hours, Logan gave up and decided to work out. He headed for the spare room they had designated their "work-out" room and poured himself into exercising until he saw the sun start to come up. He headed for the shower and then, the kitchen.

He was finishing up breakfast when a sleepy Veronica entered.

"Good morning, sleepyhead."

"Sorry. Guess I was tired from yesterday."

"I'm glad you got some rest. You'll need it for next week. Tomorrow's the big day."

"Oh, I'm pretty sure I won't need much energy for coffee runs and making copies."

"Oh, they're going to see how special you are and snag you up out of the doldrums of intern hell quickly, I'm sure."

She smiled at Logan. He believed in her so much. It was touching.

"You know, I could really get used to all these meals prepared for me."

"Good. It's the least I can do. While you're off keeping America safe, I'll be at home being all domestic and stuff."

"Logan Echolls being "all domestic and stuff"? I am now certain you have been abducted by aliens at some point."

"Make fun, Mars. You know you love this alien version of me."

Veronica smiled. She at the wonderful breakfast Logan had made and when they were done, they cleaned the dishes together.

"So…what's on the agenda for today?"

"I hadn't really made any plans. What do you feel like?"

As Veronica opened her mouth, her phone rang.

"Hey, Dad! How's it going…yep, we're pretty settled….we went to a baseball game last night. It was cool. You would have loved it. So what's up?"

Logan finished cleaning up while Veronica talked to her dad. He listened carefully to determine exactly what Keith was telling her. It sounded pretty non-specific, and he figured Keith didn't mention the pictures. Neither would he.

"So, how's your dad?"

"Good. He was just checking up on me, I'm sure."

"Probably. He worries."

"Pot? Kettle?"

Logan smiled and touched Veronica's cheek.

"There's a lot to worry about."

Veronica felt a lump in her throat. She could almost feel Logan's lips on hers. Just as she was about to close her eyes, she felt him turn and head off to the bathroom.

"I need a shower," she heard him mumble as he walked down the hall.

"Yeah, maybe I do, too," she said to herself.

...

"Here's your coffee, Super Agent Mars."

"Stop it. So what are you doing today?"

"It's a surprise."

"That doesn't sound good."

"Oh, nothing you'll have to come investigate me for later...unless you want to investigate..."

"Good grief, Logan...I'll see you tonight."

She pecked him on the cheek as she walked out the door to her first day as an FBI intern.

Logan got dressed and headed out, as well.

...

"That's the one I was telling you about. The girl from California. She's already done more "field work" than half our special agents. She got herself on the wrong side of the Sorokins. She could help us bring down one of the big Russian mob syndicates on the West Coast."

"You'd put a kid on a case that big."

"Don't let her age fool you. She's no more a kid than I am, Tom. She's dealt with more than most adults twice her age have. She's got grit and quick wits. She sometimes finds herself in a jam, but she's always getting herself out of it."

"What about that boyfriend of hers? Didn't you say he was some kind of movie star? And almost convicted of attempted murder? How's he involved?"

"No, his parents were movie stars. He was accused of killing some gang banger, but that didn't pan out. He's had a few run-ins with the law, but mostly just typical teen hell-raising. He's kept it pretty low-key since college."

"Until he got involved with the Sorokins?"

"Well, he didn't really get involved. No one knows, or will tell, the real story, only that he punched out the young one, Gory defending Mars' honor. Of course, that pissed off the young Russian…"

"Of course. You don't punch a Mafioso and live to tell about it."

"Apparently there have been some threats. I have a file."

"You know best, Tom, but be careful. No matter how mature you think she is, she's still a kid. And an intern. Don't let her go to far down that road."

"I got it, Dan. Trust me on this."

"Ok."

…

"So what did you want to learn on your first day?"

"This is my kind of internship."

"Seriously, Logan, you have to tell me your interests. You want to learn the selling business? Flipping? What?"

"I'm not sure. I like it all, I guess. I'm really interesting in learning how to flip for a profit."

"Learning or doing?"

"Learning by doing. Is there really any other way?"

"I guess not. Let's go look at my lists and I'll show you where we start."

She led Logan back to a large conference room where a table, filled with folders and files and loose paper, a few chairs, and a copy machine filled the room. They poured over listing after listing until Logan found one that sparked his interest.

"So, you want to make a offer," Connie joked.

"Sure, you think they'll take 10% less than asking?"

"Are you serious?"

Connie had only been teasing about making an offer. She thought he should at least look at the place.

"Yes. Call the agent now."

"Nope."

"Huh?"

"You call the agent. You're the intern. Make you're own offer."

"Yes, ma'am."