CHAPTER ELEVEN

Mac warned her that the only nonstop flights to Portland from San Diego in the morning were ridiculously early, but did she listen? No, which was why she found herself falling asleep on her feet, cursing the inventor of the alarm clock and seriously missing caffeine. Her flight was due to land at a quarter past nine. By the time she picked up the rental car, made the twenty minute drive to the hotel and got through check-in, she'd have maybe an hour to nap before she had to get ready for the funeral.

It was going to be a one day affair. The funeral service and burial were taking place at the same location, Sunset Hills Memorial Park, followed by a funeral lunch at the Piznarksi's house. This was not the way she envisioned meeting his parents and seeing his childhood home. She pushed away thoughts of Piz. It was easier to focus on the murder investigation because it kept her from having to deal with her loss.

The listening device she planted in Nico's office was a slim, flat rectangle with its very own SIM card inside. It wasn't the tiniest bug she owned, but its voice activation feature would call her cell phone whenever there was any detectable sound and it had enough power to transmit for nine days. She could also dial into the bug and listen whenever she wanted. Using double-faced tape, she'd stuck it behind the credenza while leaning over to straighten pictures.

She'd called the bug on the return drive to her office to make sure it was working. Her mistake was putting the call on speaker allowing Weevil to listen to Nico's, "interesting ways to make Rory pay off her interest," speech. It involved her spending a lot of time on her knees and prominently featured her breasts. Eww. Veronica disconnected the call, but not before noticing the grin on Weevil's face.

Parker arrived at the gate right as they were starting to board. Apparently, she'd decided to get ready for the funeral before landing in Portland. A tailored black pantsuit accentuated her lithe frame and both hair and makeup were flawless. Veronica didn't care that she in Logan's black Henley thermal shirt and maternity leggings looked frumpy in comparison, but she was envious of one thing- the steaming, hot cup of coffee Parker was carrying. She wanted to stand next to it and inhale its Arabica goodness. Could she absorb caffeine by osmosis?

"Good morning. I was afraid I was going to miss our flight, but I had to stop and get coffee, first. I can't seem to function without my morning cup." Veronica tagged along behind her as they boarded the plane and Parker kept up her running commentary. "Of course I didn't sleep very well last night, thinking about today, and poor Piz. I can't even imagine what his parents must be going through, to lose their only child and in such a horrible way."

Veronica murmured an, "mmm hmm."

"You look like you had a bad night too." She felt vaguely insulted by Parker's observation.

The Boeing 737 was a narrow plane with one aisle down the center and seats in rows of three on either side. Their seats were midway down the plane. Mac booked the aisle seat for Veronica and the window for Parker. Veronica usually wanted the seat next to her to remain empty, but this time she was hopefully watching each person who walked toward them, silently wishing for someone to sit between her and the chatterbox. When the steady stream of people dwindled to a few last stragglers, she knew her wish wasn't going to be granted.

She'd stowed her carryon in the overhead and her snack bag under the seat in front of her. She grabbed the bag of food and put it on the seat next to her before Parker got the idea of moving closer. "What made you decide to move back to California?" It was the safest topic she could find in her under-caffeinated brain.

"My dad died back when I was in college and then mom died last year so once I settled her estate, I realized there was no reason for me to stay in Denver anymore. I'd always loved California so it seemed as good a place as any. Besides, you can't beat the weather, right?"

"I'm sorry to hear, about your parents, I mean." Veronica retrieved her cup of apple slices and peanut butter. "Your dad's death, is that the reason you left Hearst?"

A sad, faraway expression crossed her face as if she were reliving the unpleasant experience, "one of the reasons. What about you? How do you like being back and working with your dad?"

"I'm really happy."

"That's good." It didn't sound like she thought it was good at all. Bitter, party of one. "If you don't mind me asking…" Uh-oh, those words usually preceded a question you would mind. "When did you and Piz officially break up? He made it sound like you were still together when he came out here."

Veronica did not want to talk about Piz. "We weren't. He ended things when I decided to stay in Neptune and continue to help Logan."

"Ah, the irresistible pull of Logan Echolls." Great, they were moving along from one bad topic to the next. "There's no way Piz could compete with that right? Are you guys an item now?"

Lie, Veronica, lie. "Yes. We're going to move in together when he gets back from deployment." From Parker's stricken demeanor, you would've thought Veronica announced she was a serial killer who liked to torture small animals. "What about you? Are you seeing anyone?"

It took a minute for Parker to recover her affable attitude. "I was and now I'm not. How is your investigation going? Are you making any progress? Does the sheriff have any suspects?"

One- me. "I'm making some progress. I've been trying to trace his movements in the weeks leading up to his death, reading his emails…" she let her sentence trail off, hoping that Parker would realize the ramifications of it and fill in some blanks.

She didn't take the bait. "Learn anything interesting?"

"Not so far. When you went for dinner with Piz, did he mention the name Nico Benedetti to you?"

At the mention of their dinner date, Parker's face remained impassive. "I don't think so. We spent most of the meal talking about you. Piz said you were going through a rough patch, but now that he was in Neptune, he was hoping things would go back to normal. Oh and we talked about real estate."

Veronica perked up, "real estate?"

"Yes. I just bought a house. Not in Neptune, but in La Jolla, that's why I had you meet me at Trulucks. It's on the beach, views of the ocean from every room."

Settling her mother's estate must have netted Parker some big bucks. Real estate on the ocean in La Jolla did not come cheap. "Congratulations."

"You'll have to come see it. Maybe when Logan gets back the two of you can come for dinner? I can invite Mac and Wallace, it will be like old times." She paused, "except for Piz."

Veronica resisted the urge to check her watch. Instead she stuffed her mouth with a handful of almonds and offered the container to Parker, who politely declined. This flight felt longer than waiting for Logan to come home. She could hear each minute ticking away. "We should definitely do that." Never. "So what else have you been up to?"

Parker blathered on about her new job working at some company doing something with someone. After awhile the sound of her voice took on a droning quality that synched with the hum of the airplane and Veronica fell asleep.

Parker gently shook her shoulder, "we're landing."

Her sleep haze took a minute to clear. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to fall asleep on you. I guess I was more tired than I thought."

"It's fine, Veronica. I'm sure last night was a rough one for everybody."

Once they disembarked, they waited in baggage claim for Parker's suitcase. It was a huge, unwieldy thing that blocked two seats on the shuttle bus and took up most of the trunk space in their compact rental. "Are you staying at the Comfort Inn too?"

Parker frowned at her, "you're staying at a hotel?"

"You're not?" If she wasn't staying in Beaverton, what was the big suitcase for? Multiple wardrobe changes and makeup?

"I'm staying at the house." Parker showed her a slip of paper with the address and directions.

"Oh," was the only response she had. She shouldn't be surprised or offended that Parker was staying at the Piznarskis, but she was both.

Veronica took the on ramp toward the interstate and Parker navigated. The drive took them thirty minutes, and fifteen minutes out of her way. She turned into the cul-de-sac and slowed to look for the numbers. The colonial was covered in beige siding and each window was framed with blue shutters. A brick portico protected the front entrance from the elements. Six cars were squeezed into the wide driveway in front of the two-car garage. She parked at the curb and popped the trunk for Parker. "Are you going to come in?" Veronica shook her head. "Okay, then, I guess I will see you later?"

"Do you need help with your bag?"

"No, thanks." As soon as Parker's suitcase was clear of the car and she'd closed the trunk, Veronica put the car in gear and headed back to the hotel. Tears welled in the corners of her eyes and she blinked them away. No, I will not cry. I will go to the hotel and get ready and… She pulled over and buried her face in her hands. Shit. Now that she'd allowed herself to cry, she couldn't stop.

She was really never going to see Piz again. Just because she didn't want to spend her life with him, didn't mean she didn't want him in her life. She'd hoped that in time they could be friends. Maybe, a long time once he learned she and Logan were having a baby and moving in together, but there was still a possibility and now that chance was gone. No more endearing smile and awkward dance moves.

Veronica wanted Logan. He would understand. She'd seen his grief over Lilly, his mom, Bonnie and he would get it. Loss was something they both knew intimately and if he was here she wouldn't feel so alone. She pulled herself together and drove the rest of the way to her hotel.

Since she'd slept on the plane there was no longer a need for a nap. She took a shower, did her hair and makeup, and got dressed. The gray, swing dress was made with a soft jersey fabric and had a wide black band at the empire waist. It fell just past her knees and came with a matching short black jacket. Veronica tugged on a pair of boots and grabbed her overcoat. When she checked in, she saw the Black Bear diner across the parking lot and that's where she headed now.

While she waited for something they called 'The Volcano,' three sweet cream pancakes, bacon, sausage, and eggs, she called the airline to change her flight. There was no way she was going back to the Piznarski's house for the funeral lunch and there was no reason for her to stay the night in Beaverton. The seventy five dollar fee and increase in ticket cost was totally worth it. She didn't bother calling her dad with the new travel plans. Her flight would get in late and she could just take a cab from the airport.

The idea of a cab made her think of Piz. When he showed up at Wallace's house Wednesday night he was drunk. Even if he had a rental car, there was no way he would drive himself to Wallace's house under the influence. There were two major cab companies that serviced the area, Neptune Taxi and Yellow Cab. If Veronica could see their call sheets for that night, they would give her a pick up address; an address, which might be in the vicinity of his hotel. It would certainly narrow down her Google search of hotels from hundreds of pages to one or two.

She finished up her second breakfast of the day and paid the check. Mac and Wallace were meeting her in the hotel lobby so they could go to the funeral together. Veronica put her bag in the rental car and checked out of her room while waiting for them. They weren't going to be happy with her change of plans, but she wasn't happy with them either. Neither of them mentioned staying at the Piznarskis and she was a little miffed at them for the omission.

The second Wallace saw her; he enveloped her in a big hug and she was done being mad. "How was your flight with Parker?"

"It was good, except for you know, the Parker part."

"Don't ever change Veronica, because your skills at making friends and influencing people greatly inspire me."

"The things I have yet to teach you my dear Wallace." She smoothed down the lapel of his dark, navy suit. "You're looking very sharp Mr. Fennel."

"The man makes the clothes."

Mac rolled her eyes. "I'm really sorry about Parker, Veronica." She looked around the lobby, "where is she? Do you have her tied up in the trunk of your car?"

"I thought about it, but I left my stun gun and zip ties at home. Airport security, it's a bitch."

"No, but seriously, where is she?"

"You don't know? Parker is staying with the Piznarskis."

Wallace's mouth dropped open "shut the front door. How did that happen?"

Veronica shook her head, "that's a good question. Ask her for me and report back." They left the hotel. "We need to take separate cars. I'm not going back to the Piznarskis after the funeral, I changed my flight."

Instead of being angry, Wallace looked concerned. "Are you okay V?"

She thought about joking her way through it then changed her mind. "I don't think I can handle it. Listening to his friends and family talk about him and sharing their favorite Piz stories. I just want to make it through the funeral and go home."

The service was held in the chapel on the grounds of the memorial park. It was a closed casket, for which Veronica was eternally grateful. But she couldn't escape seeing Piz. The family had set up poster boards with pictures of Piz throughout the room. It was a photographic journey of his life; as a baby, his first day at school, camping, and high school graduation. Veronica lingered by the photo of Piz going off to college. He was standing next to his car, packed with all his belongings and holding the 1967 Gretsch Astrojet red top guitar he loved.

"Hi, I'm Heather, Heather Brown. I went to high school with Piz." She tapped one of the pictures, "I was his prom date. Look at that hair, his I mean. You are?"

"Veronica Mars."

"Oh. It's nice to meet you Veronica." Her tone said it was anything but nice. She backed away and disappeared into the milling crowd.

It was a good turnout, which wasn't surprising. Everyone who met Piz immediately liked him. He was the antithesis of her. What was surprising was how like the Neptune High cafeteria tables it was; conversations ending when she got too close, whispers and long looks in her direction. She imagined the dialogue went something like, 'that's Veronica, I can't believe she came.' She should've just worn a scarlet B on her chest for Bitch and saved everyone the trouble of pointing her out.

No matter where in the room she moved, Piz's parents seemed to be at the polar opposite end. It was as if their internal radar let them know exactly where she was at all times. They were surrounded by friends and family and Veronica saw no need to intrude. They wouldn't want her condolences anyway, but Wallace clearly had other plans. He grabbed her hand and walked across the room with her.

"Wallace it was so good of you to come." Mrs. Piznarski hugged him. She was the same height as Wallace. Stocky in a Midwest, work hard for a living, kind of way. Her bottle-blonde hair was pulled back in a ponytail and her grief ravaged face wore no makeup. Her eyes were swollen and red and in the instant she turned toward her, Veronica felt the tears come back. Piz's mom pulled her into a hug, "and you too Veronica, Piz loved you so much."

"I'm sorry," Veronica mumbled the words into her shoulder. They disentangled themselves and then it was Mr. Piznarski's turn to hug her. He looked like Piz; same height and build and coloring. It was like staring into an older version of Piz. The Piz she would never get to see. "My Dad wanted to come, but he's not allowed to fly yet. He sends his condolences."

Mrs. Piznarski took her hand, "we got his flowers. Tell him they were lovely."

"I will." I'm going to catch him. I'm going to find the person that did this. The person who took Piz away from you.

After her interaction with Piz's parents, the mood in the room felt different. Defensive much, Veronica? The family pastor delivered the eulogy, and then a few friends including Wallace shared memories of Piz. When it was over, she pulled Wallace to the side. "I'm going to go, please give my apologies to the Piznarskis."

"But what about…" Wallace cut himself off, "are you going straight to the airport?"

"I have cabbies to track down and bugs to listen to. Hey, do you know what cab company brought Piz to your house?"

"Neptune Taxi. He didn't have any money so I paid for the cab."

"Do you perhaps remember the driver's name?"

"No Encyclopedia Brown, I don't. I was too busy trying to hold up Piz and pay the man."

"At least you know he was a man, that's helpful." She tilted her head, "want to be even more helpful and do me a tiny little favor?"

"There are no permanent files for me to steal here V."

"Could you ask around and see if anyone heard from Piz recently? And if they knew where he was staying? See if they know anything about the story he was working on?"

"I live to serve."

She patted his cheek, "that's the spirit."