DISCLAIMER: Characters of Veronica Mars, the canon events of their storylines, and recognizable dialogue belong to Rob Thomas.

A/N:

Chapter 3 occurs during a modified version of #1.11 "Silence of the Lamb."


Chapter 3

The holidays had come and gone much too quickly for my taste. It seemed like just yesterday we were setting up the tree and decking the halls, baking cookies and singing carols. Now, the decorations were back in their storage boxes and school vacation was over.

However, my pre-Christmas windfall had given me something to smile about. With my poker winnings, I had splurged a bit on gifts – a little something extra in my father's stocking, a show of appreciation for my BFF Wallace, and for myself ... a big deposit into my college fund.

Oh, yeah ... and during the after-Christmas sales, I got a new ornament to put on the tree next year. "What is it?" you ask. What else? A pony! Not a real live one. Not even life-size. But it was all mine!

I was trying to be good, saving most money that came into my hands, but I might need to think about spending some on car repairs, since lately the LeBaron had a tendency to stall. Other than that, life was just peachy keen, jellybean.

Dad was keeping busy helping the Sheriff find a serial killer.

My fellow students were falling all over themselves to pay me to dig into their parents' backgrounds, finding any and all dirt.

And in my spare time, I continued to investigate Lilly's murder.

[

[

When I was in need of a diversion to get Deputy Leo's keys for the evidence room, Weevil had nearly jumped at the chance to pull one over on the Sheriff's Department. I didn't realize until later that he had stood in the hallway listening while I talked and flirted with Leo.

As I arrived home that night, I saw his bike in the parking lot. After I climbed out of the car, I thanked him for his assistance. He had, after all, done a fabulous job.

"Got what you needed?"

I shrugged as I said, "I got what I was looking for. Not sure yet whether it'll lead anywhere."

"The deputy … that what you're looking for? Is that gonna lead anywhere?"

"What?" I wasn't entirely sure what he was getting at.

"I was in the hall for a while before I rang the bell on the counter. I know you do this kind of thing a lot, but that performance of yours was pretty convincing … if it was a performance."

I leaned against my car mere feet from where he was leaning on his bike. I wished that I could hear his thoughts. There was something in his eyes, something I couldn't quite read.

"One of the perks. Sometimes, I get to flirt with cute guys."

"Like the deputy." He sighed and looked down.

"Or a biker."

That caused him to look up. "Every time you talk to me, flirt with me … that's just part of your job?"

"Every time?" I pushed away from the car and took a step toward him. "Maybe not every time. Sometimes, I just want to see those beautiful eyes of yours up close and personal." I let out a light giggle as I tilted my head and flipped my hair.

He threw his head back as he laughed aloud. "Yeah, alright. But you know you can do better than that guy, right?"

"Like who? Got someone you want to fix me up with?" I inhaled sharply, in exaggerated surprise. "Wait – are you and the boys starting a matchmaking service? Branching out into legal activities? Smart move. It's good to diversify." I nodded approvingly.

"You done?" He looked away before saying, "I just meant you're too good for him. You're too good for the rich boys you used to hang with, especially ... well, don't get me started on the whole missing-car-with-a-piñata-full-of-steroids fiasco."

My name should be Cat because curiosity would be the death of me. "Do tell. What exactly should I be looking for in a guy?"

He looked like I had caught him off-guard. That was no small feat. Maintaining an unreadable expression when faced with unexpected situations … well, that was part and parcel of his daily life. I'm sure that his credo included the phrase: give nothing away. But under the circumstances, he should not have been surprised that I would turn it back around on him and call his bluff.

Clearing his throat, he recovered and said, "Smart as you are … well, I'll let you figure that out for yourself."

He turned to swing one leg over the seat of his motorcycle.

I said, "Thanks again, Weevil." But I was thinking: Still trying to puzzle you out, boy.

"Anytime, V," he said as he put on his helmet.

I turned to go inside, intent on listening to the CD of calls to the Crime Stoppers Hotline as soon as possible.

[

[

Since Wallace was busy with basketball, I had begun enlisting Weevil's help more often.

We were building trust. And brick by brick, we were tearing down our walls.

We were also circling one another, studying each other, trying to understand the other.

Or maybe it was an attempt to stall for time.


A/N:

Thanks so much for reading! Until next time …

~Jen

2 July 2016