The Explanation

As Logan suspected, his transfer becomes permanent. He likes his new team and his new job. A few months later, he is called back to LA for a debriefing. When he gets in the vehicle to go to the meeting, Logan sees that it is only him, Veronica, an agent in the front passenger seat and the driver. Veronica turns and looks at him. She tentatively greets him, "Logan."

He nods at her but doesn't say anything. The driver interrupts, "The drive will take about thirty minutes as I need to make sure we aren't followed."

Veronica nods. She turns back to Logan and informs him, "I have to make another deposition tomorrow and then I need to disappear again." Logan had heard rumors that Veronica was in witness protection. Meeting his gaze she says, "I asked for time to meet with you if you will agree to it."

Surprised at how timid she is, he points out, "I thought you would have everything figured out. I am sure my agreement is not needed."

He can tell his comment struck home but she carries on with what she needs to say, "I cut relations with Wallace and Mac because I knew that when the sting was over, they would be in danger. Both Roscoe and Mendez will be able to get back at me even from prison." Pausing she adds, "There is no way I could cut out my father. No one would believe he and I are estranged. He is currently hiding and we are going to Protection together. "

She looks out the window and then back at Logan before she adds very quietly, "I told the FBI that I felt you were also in danger."

Looking shocked and then put out, Logan questions, "Why do you think I could be in danger?"

After a long pause where Veronica tries to think about the best way to word what she has to say; she finally settles for, "I am not positive that I was able to adequately hide my emotions when you were sent in undercover." She looks down and then back at him explaining, "Agent Howard believes you matter to me. The DEA team marked you as a threat to the operation because of how well you know me." Shaking her head she finishes, "I don't know what Roscoe thought about my relationship with you. I did my best to show him that I was over you but I don't know if he believed me. Plus you are FBI and if he were to hurt you, it would sent a message to the FBI and hurt me; double win."

He sits back and runs his hand through his hair and swears softly. He had not thought that he would be included in the list of people in danger because they matter to Veronica Mars.

He looks over at Veronica and sees her looking at him with an apologetic look on her face. She admits, "Agent Howard says he talked to you. I hope you know I never meant to mess up your career."

Logan reassures her, "I know. Agent Howard explained that you didn't know I was FBI and when you found out, you tried to protect me."

Veronica looks at him and bursts out, "I am so sorry Logan. I endangered you again."

"Ronnie, when I hit Gory, I did that on my own. You didn't cause me to be in danger." Logan tells her firmly.

Shaking her head she says, "You were protecting me." Meeting his gaze she whispers and he leans closer to listen, "Please come with me to the safe house tonight. Let me tell you everything you deserve to know."

Closer he sees the tears and worry in her eyes. He nods and then leans back. He hopes that she would let him explain if the situation was reversed. Besides, it is Veronica and he finds that he wants to know everything even if he is upset at how he was used.

Across town situated in a small two bedroom house, Veronica heads into the bedroom to change. She asks Logan if he will make coffee for everyone. He heads into the kitchen and sees the blinds are closed. He finds the coffee and starts the pot.

Veronica, changed into sweats and a t shirt, comes out into the kitchen. She makes both agents a coffee and carries the cups to the agents watching the front and back of the house. Logan can see they have guarded her before and she knows what they take in their coffee.

When she returns to the kitchen, she goes to the fridge and begins to pull out ingredients to make dinner. Not knowing what to say, he sits at the island and watches her work. She is cooking chicken and adding spices. Veronica sees his questioning gaze and tells him she is making chicken tacos. He looks at her and asks if he can help. She quietly answers, "Can you cut up the lettuce, tomatoes and cheese?"

Nodding he goes to the fridge and sees that is it stocked. He looks at her in question and she says, "I bought this house before I bought the club. I thought I might need a safe house." There is a pause and she adds, "I had Mac set up a dummy rental corporation so my name was never involved in the sale or rentals." There is a pause and she adds sadly, "Back when Mac was my Q."

Logan looks over and sees her upset that Mac is not her friend anymore. He thinks about how much she gave up for this undercover job and feels badly for her. He can see she is really hurting. She points to the crisper and instructs, "It looks like the lettuce, peppers and tomatoes are in there.

She watches as he pulls out the ingredients to cut up. She reaches in and pulls out the sour cream, salsa and guacamole. She tells him as he watches her, "I would make the salsa and guacamole but tonight we will just have to live with store made."

He finds a knife and the cutting board and gets to work. Veronica goes back to the stove and stirs the meat. She continues with her explanation, "This house is near a university so the neighborhood has a lot of students coming and going. None of the neighbors suspects this house is a safe house." Looking at Logan she adds, "For years Eli's cousins lived here while they went to university. They don't know that I own the houses. They just know someone Eli knows owns the houses and owes him a favor. They lived here and looked after the house for four years. Now the son of a coworker of Eli's cousin lives here while he goes to UCLA. He thinks he is renting it from Eli. He is back in Neptune for the summer so the house is sitting empty. I had the FBI check the house out and then stock it for when I came to LA for depositions this time."

"I am not surprised that you plan ahead," he comments.

While she is talking, Veronica sets four plates, utensils and napkins on the island. She gets four glasses and a water pitcher as well. She says, "We can all just load up and eat." Looking meaningfully at Logan she says, "After supper, maybe we can talk in private."

He nods and continues chopping while Veronica sets out the ingredients buffet style on the island. She tells him quietly, "I'll take the back bedroom if you will take the front window. After Agents Fisher and Alaniz eat, then we can eat."

She pours a cup of coffee, fixes it how she likes and then heads into the back bedroom to relieve Agent Fisher. Logan pours a coffee as well and heads into the living room to relieve Agent Alaniz.

Once they are all done eating, Veronica and Logan clean up the kitchen. They make another pot of coffee and then Veronica heads into the master bedroom. Logan follows her. She sits in the chair and waves to the other chair beside hers. When Logan is settled, Veronica says, "If you will listen, I want to tell you the story of my owning the club, the plan to catch Roscoe and anything else you want to know."

Without saying anything, he waves to her to start. She leans in and explains, "Only Agent Howard knows the whole story of how I got the money." He gives her a look like he is not surprised she wasn't completely forthcoming. She shrugs and admits, "I know I am secretive but I think once I tell you the whole story, you will understand."

He is surprised to find out that the money came from Jake Kane. While she was in college, Jake set her mother up in a wonderful condo in Neptune. She didn't work. She just stayed there for when he could see her.

Logan looks at her wondering how she feels about the fact her mother was in the same city as her and didn't try and contact her. Meeting his gaze she makes a wry face and admits, "I was upset when I found out." There is a short silence and then she adds, "I am surprised that Dad and I didn't run into her. I guess we didn't get over to the 09er section of town that often." Logan sees her disgruntlement and wonders again how a mother can be in the same town as her child and never contact her. Veronica gathers her thoughts and explains that Jake Kane set up a trust of five million dollars for her mother. Veronica tells him, "She mostly lived off the interest. She was able to travel and enjoy life while she waited for Jake to have time for her."

Logan frowns and finally comments, "That's fucked up!"

The tiny blonde gets a small smile. She couldn't have said it better herself. There is a pause and Veronica gets a sad look on her face. She quietly admits, "Now I am kind of glad that she was able to travel and enjoy life and even see Jake when he could." Logan looks like he doesn't believe her and she enlightens him, "She got cancer just before I quit the FBI. I went to Neptune and stayed with Dad. I visited her every day."

There is a long pause while Logan just listens. She is clearly upset so he just gives her time to talk. "Jake hired nurses..." she starts. Then she adds, "He was good to her; holding her at night, watching movies with her when she was awake..." She looks towards the window gathering her thoughts and then finishes, "He was there at the end."

Logan sees her pain. He asks, "Were you able to be there with her as well?"

Nodding she says, "When she got sick, I just let the past go." She looks at Logan and meets his gaze explaining, "I was there and it made her happy."

"I'm glad you were there," he comments. Thinking he asks, "Did you get to talk to her; really talk?"

Shaking her head, she tells him, "Mom was not interested in clearing the air between us. She just wanted to live in her pretend world up until the end."

"I'm sorry," he tells her. He understands that it would be really disappointing for her to sit with her mother while her mother pretends that things are great between them.

Reaching over Veronica takes his hand in hers. She turns it over and looks at the palm for a few seconds while she gathers her emotions. Finally she rubs a line on his palm and shares, "Really Logan, what reason could she give me that would explain the choices she made?" Looking up at him she knows he understands her anger and her pain. She adds, "What reason could your mom have given you for everything that you would understand?"

Logan looks surprised that she brought up his mother but he understands what she is telling him. There really isn't a good reason to abandon your child and in his mother's case abandon him to a man who might have ended up killing him. He turns his hand over and entangles their fingers. He tells her, "I have come to accept that she was just a young girl who picked a man who broke her down physically and emotionally."

Veronica nods. She agrees, "I think you are right. What good can come out of hating our mothers?"

Logan squeezes her hand gently and waits for her to continue. She takes a deep breath and lets it out shakily, "Jake was pretty broken up when Mom died. He paid for her funeral and he got two plots. I think when he dies, he is going to be buried next to her." Her eyes tear and she says, "Couldn't be with her in life so he will be by her side in death."

Shaking his head, Logan wonders aloud, "Messed up or a messed up Romeo and Juliette story?"

Veronica gets a small smile at his comment. It is always good to talk to Logan. He understands how she feels and she doesn't have to explain everything. She carries on, "He left the five million in Mom's account and she left everything to me."

His eyes widen and he finally understands where Veronica got the money to build the club and her condo. Veronica is not owned by anybody. She was the owner of her condo and bar, free and clear. Frowning, he asks, "Why didn't the money appear as an inheritance?"

She tells him, "Oh, that's because Celeste is divorcing Jake and my inheritance is technically part of Jake's assets and that money is frozen right now." She looks down at her hands for a few seconds. Then she adds belatedly, "Jake has been putting money in my account each month from one of his overseas accounts. "

Shocked Logan thinks about it and states, "Jake is giving you the money behind Celeste's back."

Veronica meets his gaze briefly and then looks back down at their joined hands. Logan can see her taking deep breaths to relax and get a hold of her emotions. Finally she meets Logan's gaze again and admits, "Jake and I bonded sitting beside my mom's bedside. We talked about Lilly and Duncan. He talked about his relationship with my Mom." Shrugging she adds, "I think he is lonely and it was nice for him to talk to someone who could understand."

Logan lets go of her hand, leans back in his chair and repeats in a wondering tone, "Jake Kane fronted you the money to build your club and condo and now he is making monthly payments from a foreign bank account."

Frowning she tries to explain, "Jake wants me to have the money. He says my mother wanted to give it to me." Shaking her head she admits, "I refused it at first." She adds meaningfully, "Jake doesn't feel badly about his affair with my mother or ruining Dad's reputation, but I think he actually feels badly about how I was affected." Shaking her head she shares, "He never really thought I was his child. He says the timing wasn't really right as Mom and Dad were living in the Seattle area and he didn't get to see my mom that often." Logan nods his understanding of what he is being told and that encourages Veronica to continue, "He told me that he really wants to help me. He said Lilly would have wanted it and Duncan would be happy to know I got the money."

She bites her lip and admits, "I knew that the DEA and FBI were going to set up the club for the operation but I thought that if I was going to give up a few years of my life, I would actually run the club to make a profit. I guess I thought if I did well, I could pay Jake back." Knowing he has seen her finances, she tells him, "I turned in the money and the interest from the money Roscoe gave me but I almost made enough to pay Jake back."

Logan's mind races as he thinks about the money in Veronica's bank account. No wonder she didn't talk about where it came from. She doesn't want to have Celeste find out Jake is helping her. "That is why the money is untraceable. Jake doesn't want Celeste to know about it." Veronica nods. Logan carries on, "That is why you were able to buy building and land for the club and your condo? Jake fronted you some of the money and then makes payments each month?"

"He would have given me all of the money at once," Veronica explains, "but I asked Jake to give me some upfront and then make the one hundred thousand dollar payments each month once I decided to go undercover. The Feds fronting me the money could leave a trail and it worked out well that they didn't know where the money was coming from."

Amazed, Logan agrees, "We spent so much time trying to find out who was giving you the money and if it involved Roscoe."

There is a long silence as Logan thinks about what Veronica has told him. Curious, he asks, "You gave your Dad money for Mars Investigation?"

Nodding Veronica explains that she told her dad the money was from her mother. Of course her dad didn't want anything to do with it but she told him that she needed him to trust her; she needed to know he was in the office and protected. Looking Logan in the eye she explained, "I never said Jake's name because I knew the FBI would question Dad."

Logan asks, "He didn't know you were going undercover?"

She immediately shakes her head and shares, "Agent Howard thought my father's negative reaction to my new career would be more convincing to my cover."

"It was," Logan agrees. He thinks about the whole plan and is really impressed. Veronica's ability to plan is absolutely unbelievable. He shakes his head and then quizzes, "How did you make so much money with your investments? I thought I was doing good investing my money but you really put me to shame."

She grimaces and admits, "Jake sends me investment information that he gets from his Castle buddies."

The tall young man looks taken aback and then he smiles. It isn't technically illegal but the Castle gives each other information on the businesses they own and work for. It gives them a leg up on investment opportunities. He shakes his head and says, "You always did know how to use your contacts to your advantage."

She looks a little shamefaced as she shares, "I figured my career with the FBI would be over after the operation and I didn't know if Odyssey would make money so I decided to take advantage of things I learned.

Curious he asks, "Agent Howard says that you and he came up with the idea of a fallout between the two of you and for him to suspend me for researching what happened."

Veronica sighs and nods. She explains, "I also thought if you and I had a falling out, it might minimize our relationship and keep you safer."

Logan runs his hand through his hair and closes his eyes as he thinks. Finally he says, "Brilliant plan Veronica. I am really impressed at how well you did undercover."

"Thanks," she shyly says and then she bites her lip. Looking at him she says, "Roscoe is really upset with me right now. The DA has my testimony for the drug smuggling, the money laundering as well as a couple of murders, robberies and enforcement. Quite a few of Roscoe's men will go down as well."

Logan asks about how Mendez became involved. Veronica explains that he came one night and pretty well forced her to help him with his drug trade and money laundering. She adds whimsically, "It was like he was asking to go to jail."

Logan laughs and agrees, "He thought Roscoe had a good thing going and wanted to muscle in?"

Veronica nods. She says, "That is why I was arrested later than originally planned."

There is a long silence while Logan processes everything he has learned. Veronica ventures, "I hear that there is a hit out on me. Agent Howard thinks it is from Roscoe even though my testimony is not technically needed; it is punishment."

Logan has already heard about the danger to Veronica's life. He looks at Veronica and says, "You need to let the FBI protect you."

Immediately she nods her agreement. She reassures him, "I know that there is a lot riding on my testimony. Most every conversation I had with Roscoe is on audio but it will cement things if I do well on the stand."

He is worried about her but doesn't show it to her. She has enough to think about right now. He comes back to her saying, "Aren't you going to ask me about my relationship with Roscoe?"

Logan looks at her and tells her, "I heard the tapes of you telling Roscoe he is married and that is line you will never cross."

Relieved Veronica chokes up. She didn't want Logan to think she would have sex with someone for a case. She doesn't like the world thinking she was someone who would have a relationship with a married man but her father and Logan bother her the most.

He sees her relief and reaches over to push the bangs from her forehead. "Veronica, thanks for being so honest and telling me about Jake and your Mom."

She sees his hesitation and says, "Ask me anything Logan."

Looking into her eyes, he sees her. This is the Veronica he loves and remembers from when they were together. It is really sad that they are parting and now they are finally being open. His opening question does not surprise her, "Are you in contact with Duncan?"

Immediately she shakes her head, "No, Jake is though and told me that Duncan is married and has another daughter. He lives in Australia. Jake says he is happy and that Lilly is growing up happy and secure." After a pause she asks, "Did you want me to ask Jake for his phone number or address for you?"

Logan shakes his head negatively and shares, "It is probably better I don't know."

Veronica waits for him to talk. After a short silence, he queries, "Did you really look for my mom?"

She bites her bottom lip and admits, "I did." Shrugging she tells him, 'I always wondered why they didn't find her body." Putting her hand to her chest she tells him sadly, "I never found a trace of her. Not even some random citings in another country."

He nods his understanding. His face shows no anger that she looked and no disappointment that she couldn't find any hope she might be alive. Meeting her gaze he lightens the mood between them, "I am curious. How did you get my phone number and how did you get into my mansion?"

She smiles a little and admits, "I took Dick's phone while he was at the club and got your number." He shakes his head and has to smile back at her. Carrying on, she tells him meaningfully, "As well as your dog walker's name and number."

Logan gets a look of aha on his face. Security texts his dog walker the new code each time it changes. Dick has her number in case he has to leave quickly. Dick keeps care of his place and of course his dog. All she had to do was piggyback his dog walker's phone to get the code to his gate and house. Puzzled, he asks, "How did you get Lariot to let you in?"

"Can't you believe he just loves me?" she questions.

He agrees, "I can. It's just he is just well trained."

Meeting his gaze, she admits, "I wore one of your shirts."

He looks at her blankly for a minute and then he starts to laugh. It's absolutely perfect! She walked in like she owns the place and then when Lariot rushes up to check her out, she lets him smell his master on the clothes she is wearing. He shakes his head at her and says, "You are one of a kind Veronica Mars."

She smiles at him enjoying his amusement but her smile fades. She takes a deep breath and admits, "The few weeks that you were back in my life were the only good weeks of the whole set up." She meets his gaze and says, "It actually felt good to be talking to you again and having you persue me; even when I found out you were undercover."

He sees the blush on her cheeks and he is touched. He can see she is being honest and open with him. He agrees, "I enjoyed being with you aside from the constant audio part."

She leans closer and whispers, "Those forty eight hours that never happened, meant a lot to me." She tries to explain, "It is something real that can't be taken away from me." Logan nods. He does understand what she means. So much of her life the last three years was acting so having real conversations and real emotions was important to her. Veronica leans back and looks at him. She says, "Thank you for listening. I wouldn't have blamed you if you refused to talk to me."

He shakes his head and replies, "Veronica, I am proud of you. I am really happy that Roscoe and his group are going to jail. You did good work."

She meets his gaze and tells him openly, "It's wrong that my decisions affect my Dad, Mac, Wallace and you."

To Veronica's surprise he smiles a little and says, "It's not wrong. It is the price of what we do."

"Thank you for understanding. I know it doesn't help but I am really sorry that my career affected yours," she tells him.

He gently shakes his head and admits, "I was upset that you and Agent Howard used me but now that he explained, I understand a little better."

Biting her lip she asks, "What are you going to do?"

"I don't know," he admits. He hears the new team arrive to guard Veronica and says, "I should be going."

Nodding she asks quietly, "I need a favor Logan but you can say no." Concerned he looks at her as she tells him that she would like him to talk to Wallace and Mac; make sure they understand the dangers of even attempting to talk to her or Keith and tell them she is sorry. She adds, "I ended up not treating them properly and they deserved better."

Logan nods. He says, "I'll talk to them."

"Thank you," she chokes out. Logan can see she is upset at the loss of her friends and it is hurting her that she is going to have to go away.

Standing, Logan looks down at Veronica, "Goodbye Veronica." Unable to talk, she just nods. He leans down and pulls her stand in front of him. Looking down at her, he says, "Be very careful Veronica."

Nodding she answers tearfully, "You too!"

He takes her face in his hands and looks at her. He finally tells her quietly, "You are the love of my life."

Crying openly she shares, "You are the only man I ever loved." Leaning down he kisses her and leaves. She sits back down in a chair and listens as the two arriving agents take over her protection while Logan and the other two agents leave.