The Interrogation Specialist 4
Chapter 4: Off the Case
Story So Far: Dick Casablanca's is involved in a case that Veronica Mars, FBI is investigating. She interviews Casey Gant and Logan Echolls. Knowing she has a conflict of interest working for the government, she sends Eli Navarro who works for Mars Investigations to assist Logan.
Logan sitting waiting for Dick in the visiting room at the prison is deeply upset. Logically he knew that Dick probably wouldn't get bail but actually watching them take him back away and knowing that he would have to remain in prison until his trial was really difficult for Logan, Casey and John. When Dick is escorted in, Logan finds it difficult to see Dick in the prison jumpsuit. What is worse is that he that Dick looks really scared. When they are alone Logan immediately checks with Dick that he is OK and then asks what his lawyer said. The two men spend a few minutes talking about Dick's view of his situation.
Logan tells his friend that it appears that the DA is not going to include him and Casey in the indictment. He tells him that Veronica wasn't there the second time and describes the guy who did interview him. interviewed him. Dick angrily guesses that he is Veronica's partner. He adds, "He's the asshole who handcuffed me."
Logan looks at his friend and quickly explains that he has hired Mars Investigations to help them and that Weevil is one of their PIs. When Dick balks at using Mars Investigations, Logan immediately points out that there are some less than savory PIs out there and they need someone good. He says dismissively, "We don't want a Vinnie Van Lowe." Logan frowns at Dick's comment that he doesn't really want the PCHer helping him. Firmly he says, "The smartest thing you can do is to tell Weevil everything. He will be looking for information to help you."
They spend the rest of their time talking about contacts they have in the Attorney General's Office and the District Attorney's Office. Near the end of their time together he reminds his close friend, "Casey, John and I have your back. Be respectful to Weevil and answer all his questions." He looks him in the eye and says firmly, "Your best bet to get out of here is to tell Weevil everything. He works for me."
Dick agrees to talk to Weevil and tells Logan he is worried about his move to the general population. Logan tells him they are going to work on keeping him safe now and getting him out as soon as they can. The tall blonde feels a little relief knowing his friends are helping him.
Logan reiterates, "Your team of lawyers and investigators is working on getting you out but this is a federal mess you are in. You are facing time in jail Dick, real time. Money and all of our contacts will help but won't get you off or out on bond." Logan meets Dick's gaze and says, "We have been friends a long time. I am pissed you hung me and Casey out there."
Dick shrugs and says, "I didn't think it was a big deal."
Logan looks at his friend and sees that he really doesn't get his part in the whole scheme. He doesn't see that he convinced other people to invest in the company. He is actually genuinely shocked to find that the company wasn't really investing the money they got. Logan comes to believe that Dick was set up. He really hopes that Weevil can prove it.
Logan waits to talk to Weevil after his visit with Dick. Weevil looks troubled telling Logan that Dick knew he was transporting government documents. Pausing he tells Logan, Dick did know that he was taking the files to be destroyed.
Logan frowns understanding the significance of what Weevil is telling him.
Weevil meets Logan's gaze and adds, "He admits telling other people to invest. He say that when he was in the board meetings, they talked about how different investment ideas. He doesn't understand how the company really made all that money for him. He still thinks that they bought stocks and invested in businesses that did badly. He knows that a lot of people lost money but he feels like it was a risk they took just like he did."
Logan sighs and admits, "It is possible that Dick was strung along by the other owners. He wasn't around all that much. In fact during that time he and John went surfing in Australia for three months. It probably wouldn't be that hard to keep him out of the loop." Meeting Eli's gaze he adds, "You are right in that he doesn't really care about the fallout for the other investors."
Weevil is a little relieved to see that Logan looks upset at how innocent people were duped out of their life savings. He knows that in high school the four guys didn't care about anyone but themselves. He thinks now that at least Logan is showing some concern for the other investors.
After a discussion on finding out more about the men that Dick told them recruited him into the company, Weevil points out, "The Feds are going to be able to make a good case against Dick. I am not sure if they will try and roll him or not."
Logan nods that he understands what they are facing. Worried he asks Eli if he has any connections on the inside to protect Dick now he is going into the general population. Eli immediately knows what Logan is asking and says, "I don't but V might."
Eli almost smirks at the pained look that crosses Logan's face. It is clear that he doesn't want to ask for Veronica's help right now. He looks at Logan and points out, "I don't know all that went on in high school and college but Dick was the worst to her."
Sighing Logan nods and says, "I know." After a short silence Logan continues, "I have to ask Veronica. The worst she can do is tazor me."
Laughing Eli points out, "She's not that helpless, weak girl anymore. She can really hold her own now." He sobers and tells Logan, "She is in a good place now. She is off the streets and in white collar crimes. She has earned a lot of respect and she is safer."
Carefully watching Logan's reaction, Eli sees that he is genuinely happy she is having a successful career in the FBI. Logan admits, "I am not surprised. I always thought she would do well as a Fed."
Thinking about the upcoming conversation between his friend and her rich ex, Eli is concerned, "You can't call her. It might be a conflict of interest." He watches as Logan frowns at the thought that he might not be able to talk to her. The PI suggests, "I can talk to her and see if she will agree to a meeting."
Grateful for the help, Logan thanks Eli and watches while he opens his phone and dials. When she answers, Eli asks, "V, what are you craving for supper tonight?" After a short pause Eli continues, "How late are you working?"
The worried young man watches as Eli listens for a little while and when he sees the concerned look cross Eli's face, Logan immediately becomes more alert. Eli into the phone says, "Sorry V." Once Eli hangs up he turns to his client and tells him, "Well you might as well come with me to see V. She is off the case." Now Logan is very concerned that Veronica got in trouble for helping him.
Eli walks with Logan to their vehicles. The former 09er heads towards his Benz and is not surprised when Eli stops at the motorcycle parking area. Of course Eli has a bike. Eli says, "Follow me. It's about fifteen minutes from here."
Logan nods and gets in his car. He follows Eli to the downtown area. They pull into an old high rise that has been renovated into condos. Eli codes them in and waves Logan through. Logan parks in the visitor area, gets out and walks over to where Eli has parked his bike by the door.
Glancing up at the twelve story building, Eli says, "V bought in a couple of years ago. Her dad and I helped her renovate and paint. It's pretty nice."
Logan nods as he looks at the older brick on the outside of the building. He is happy to see that there is a security guard at the desk in the lobby. He is an older man who immediately nods to Eli. Eli walks closer to talk to him. He says, "Can you please register Logan as a visitor tonight?" The guard nods and Logan steps forward to show his ID. He wonders why Eli is allowed to decide who can come in Veronica's home.
Eli as if reading his mind, tells him as they enter the elevator, "I stay here whenever we have a case in LA. Keith also stays here. V is not always home so she put us on her list of visitors allowed.
To Logan's surprise, Eli pulls out his key ring and keys in the elevator to start. He depresses the sixth floor and the elevator doors close and the elevator begins to move. Seeing that Logan is curious about the security at Veronica's home, Eli tells Logan that if you try and key in a floor the key is not allowed on, the elevator stops. He knows that Logan was very protective of the tiny blonde and it is clear that he is relieved she is living in such a secure building.
They get off the elevator and Eli uses another key on his ring to open Veronica's front door. While he closes the door, he tells Logan that it is a two bedroom condo. Logan sees that the ceilings are high and it has an open feel to it. There is a good sized living room, dining room and kitchen on the main floor. The kitchen has an island with four stools for sitting. There are new appliances, granite countertop and modern white cupboards. The open area also has a modern feel with leather couches, brightly colored pillows and a multitude of large unframed photographs on the wall. There are retractable shutters on the windows and sheers as curtains. Logan notices there is a decent sized patio that she can barbeque on and sit to enjoy the view. There is a great view of the downtown area. A winding staircase leads up to the bedrooms.
Eli walks over to the fridge and opens it. "Beer?" he asks.
Logan nods and goes over to sit on a stool at the island. He comments, "It's nice." Looking around he adds, "I especially like the pictures." Nodding his thanks for the beer he removes the lid and takes a drink.
Eli likes the pictures as well. They are of the beach and different places in LA. The beach picture is the only one in color. It is three large pictures set about a foot apart on the wall that are different sections of a panoramic view of the same beach. He says, "V should have majored in photography. She is talented." Logan nods and Eli sees that he knew they were hers.
Eli pulls a takeout menu from a drawer on the island. He looks at Logan and tells him, "V says she wants Chinese." Logan nods that Chinese is acceptable but adds, "Anything you guys want is Ok but I am allergic to shellfish."
Nodding his assent, Eli goes to the phone and places an order. Logan notices that he orders extra egg rolls for Veronica. It is clear with his comfort in her home and his knowledge of where things are that Eli is close friends with Veronica. Logan wonders if they are more than friends now.
A little uncomfortable alone with his old nemesis, Logan starts up a conversation, "How is your grandmother doing?"
Eli smiles ready to talk about his Abdulla. Logan paid off her mortgage and gave her a very generous severance pay when he moved to LA. He knows his grandmother was always very fond of Logan even if Eli never understood why. He tells him, "She is great!" He adds, "My youngest cousin is in high school so she is almost done raising us."
Logan smiles and says, "Say hello to her for me."
Eli returns his smile and assures him he will when he talks to her later. Logan asks how Mars Investigations is going and how Eli got into the business. Eli laughs and says, "V arranged it. She helped me study for my PI license and when she moved she got her father to give me a try." He pauses as if thinking and then adds, "Well a second try."
When his former foe looks at him curiously he tells him the story of his short-lived first week as a PI.
Logan shakes his head after the story is over and admits, "I don't think I could have done nothing either but I do see Mr. Mar's point."
Eli smiles his agreement but does share, "Keith taught me there are better ways to handle tough situations."
The two men take a sip of their beer and Logan asks about his personal life hoping he doesn't hear that Eli is dating Veronica. The former gang leader smiles happily and says, "I am married to Carmen." He goes on to talk about how long they have been married and shows Logan pictures of their two children.
Surprised Logan looks at the pictures and sees a girl with dark hair and dark eyes who looks to be about four and a boy who is shorter but more solid who Weevil says is two. It is interesting for Logan to listen to the pride and happiness in Eli's voice as he talks about his family. He tells Logan that they bought a house not far from his Grandmother's and close to Carmen's family as well. He talks about how Carmen works part time and her mother or his grandmother watch the kids.
When asked Logan tells Eli he is dating but not seriously. He is more open about the Foundation he started and he does admit to currently writing a screen play for a possible movie. They talk about Neptune and the people they both knew for a few minutes until the door to the condo opens and Veronica walks in.
The two men watch as she removes her gun and holster and locks them in a key pad cabinet in her closet. She hangs up her coat and then walks into the kitchen. She pauses only a moment when she sees Logan sitting in her home. She lifts the bag of Chinese food and says, "I thought it was more than usual." The two men watch as she sets the food on the island. She looks at Eli and tells him, "I ran into the deliver guy at the front door."
She is engulfed in a hug by Eli. She smiles as she hugs him back and asks about Carmen, the children and then her father. Eli shrugs and shares, "We try and keep him in the office V but sometimes he wants to go out."
She nods her acceptance and reassures him, "I know." She looks over at Logan and greets, "Hey."
He smiles at the greeting she used to give him in high school and college and answers back, "Hey."
Breaking the slight tension, the petite federal agent states, "I'm starved. Let's eat." She heads over to the bathroom off the kitchen to wash up." The two men smile. Eli opens a cupboard and gets out some plates. Logan can see his comfort in Veronica's condo.
The three just sit at stools on the island and pass the boxes of food around. As they eat Eli tells Veronica he's sorry she got pulled from the case.
Without much expression she helps herself to more fried rice she then admits, "I asked to be excused."
Eli looks at her in surprise, "Really V?"
She nods as she swallows a bite of her rice. Looking up she meets his gaze and then Logan's. She looks back at Eli and tells him, "Dick is not worth it to me. I am not going to risk my future for this case."
Logan is a little taken aback but he can understand how she feels. It is just a little hard to hear because Dick is one of his best friends.
Eli comments knowingly, "Now that Logan and Casey are essentially in the clear, you don't need to be involved."
The tiny blonde doesn't acknowledge or deny Eli's statement. She has become a master at holding her thoughts and feelings inside.
Logan though knows her well enough to tell that she did stay involved until he was in the clear. He is touched that she still cares enough about him even after this much time.
Suddenly she digs in her pocket and pulls out her cell phone. Logan realizes that it must have vibrated. She sees who is calling and immediately answers. Her voice is firm and sure, "Mars." She mostly listens and occasionally answers, "Yes, sir."
The two men both figure that she is talking to her boss and wait patiently for her to finish the conversation. She finally finishes with, "I understand." At the end she says, "Yes I will be there in the morning. Goodnight sir."
Without making eye contact with either man, she hangs up and puts the phone back in the pocket of her pants. She doesn't explain the call but both Eli and Logan could sense the formal tone of the conversation. It actually didn't sound that good for Veronica.
When the silence continues, Eli finally questions, "V?"
She looks over at him giving him her attention noting his concern. He outright asks, "Are you in trouble with your boss?"
She immediately shakes her head and answers, "No, for the next little while I have been temporarily transferred."
A little shocked, Eli exclaims, "They couldn't have just put you on another case in your division?"
Veronica pauses and Logan can tell she is thinking what she should tell them. Finally she shares, "Actually Eli, I am being given a training assignment." Her face softens a little knowing he cares about her. She meets his gaze and adds, "It's really a good thing; it's preparation for my future."
The PI looks closely at her expression and sees that she is not going to talk about it further but can also see she is not lying. He says a little tentatively, "Congratulations?"
She smiles easily, "Thanks."
Logan is listening carefully and he is a little surprised to find that he is not as accepting that this training assignment is good news. He finds he wants to know more about where she is going and what she will be doing. He believes that she is doing well and her bosses would send her for further training but he is concerned because he can see that she doesn't want to talk about this new training. That alone is enough to put his senses on alert. The issue, of course, is that he hasn't talked to her for years and really does not have the right to question her.
Eli tells them he is going to his room. He says, "I want to talk to Carmen for a while and then I need an early start in the morning." Both the remaining two know that he is giving them privacy for their talk.
Veronica looks at Eli and tells him carefully, "I'll be out of touch for a few weeks. I'll talk to you when I can."
Frowning a little at the news, Eli walks over and gives her a hug. He says, "Be careful V."
Returning his hug she tries to reassure him, "I will. You too." He nods at her and leaves the room.
Turning Veronica looks over at Logan and asks, "To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit to my home?"
"So you think seeing me is a pleasure?" he teases.
Smiling a little, she smartly responds, "Seeing you is always a pleasure."
He is pleasantly surprised at her easy manner with him. He knows that she has never understood but when she smiles one of her genuine smiles, he is always deeply affected. He smirks and volleys back, "Of course it is." He adds leering a little, "Seeing you is a treat as well."
Although Veronica had not expected to see Logan in her home, she finds she is not uncomfortable having him there. She shakes her head a little at his teasing but makes no comment; instead waiting patiently for him to talk. If it is even possible Logan Echolls has grown more handsome and appealing since college. His hair is a medium brown with natural highlights probably from the sun if he still surfs. It has a gentle, natural wave that is still there even though he keeps his hair shorter than when she last saw him in college. She still has the same urge to reach up and gently push his hair back from his face. He is still tall, lean with a muscular body that she imagines is very attractive to the opposite sex. Now instead of walking with that youthful insolence she remembers, he seems relaxed, confident, ready to show the world what he has to offer. She is truly impressed and she has to admit very happy at the changes she sees in him. The unsettling thing about him is that his beautiful brown eyes that so affected her when they were young, still make her heart skip like a school girl's. She knew him well back then and his eyes were really the window to his soul. It sounds so naive and youthful when she thinks about it but Logan was able to show so much of himself to her with his eyes. She felt joyful when they sparkled with laughter or with the mischief so often present there. When his eyes were soft and a light brown, she actually felt loved and cherished without him even physically touching her. Of course she liked how strong he was and how gentle he was with her and she loved being held in his arms but let's face it, there are lots of strong, handsome men who are masterful at hugging. No it was the physical touches combined with the truly beautiful, gentleness of his eyes that broke through her walls and made her love him like she has loved no other man in her life so far. The physicality between them had been strong. When his eyes darkened with desire, she felt sexy and a part of her responded to the male in him. Now fate has thrown her back in his orbit and she is unsure what to think about the fact that he is standing in her kitchen.
This meeting this time together is not about them though; she can feel that. Logan is here for an entirely different reason so she waits quietly, patiently for him to talk to her.
Logan sees her quiet manner and watchful gaze. Unaware that he is thinking along the same lines as her, he sighs and openly admits, "I wish I was here to reconnect with you." He adds a little sadly, "After all this time, I would rather talk to you about what you have been doing and tell you about my life."
As well as he knows her, she understands him. She has wondered how he is doing over the years and was worried when his name came up in this investigation. It seems that he will always mean something to her. She states, "But that is not why you are here."
He knows that she has jumped to the next step in their conversation so he answers, "No, I wanted to see if you can help keep Dick safe in prison."
It is Veronica's turn to sigh. She admits, "I have contacts there." When she doesn't continue Logan immediately understands what she is not saying. She can help him; she is not agreeing to help though.
Deciding to lay the cards on the table, the handsome young man shares, "I know that you have a very negative history with him and it is clear that he was an idiot getting involved in the investment company." He stops and almost helplessly finishes, "Dick is one of my best friends. It hurts me to think of him in danger in prison."
Veronica looks at Logan and sees the genuine emotion. Inwardly she has to admit that he has always been a good friend to the few people he has trusted. Although she doesn't understand his loyalty to some of his old 09er friends, she can respect it. That doesn't mean that she wants to help though.
In the face of her continued silence, Logan flounders a little, "None of us has the contacts to help him stay safe in prison. I am really sorry to involve you." He finishes, "I had nowhere else to go."
Finally she meets his gaze and says firmly, "As far as I am concerned, Dick already has enough people helping him. I am more concerned with the victims. Right now thousands of people are working a second job trying to make ends meet, worried about losing their homes, trying to figure out where to move now they lost their homes, trying to find a way to help their elderly parent make ends meet, moving grandma and grandpa out of the only home they have known since they got married, worried about their next meal, worried about affording their medicines..."
She stops and it is clear that she is very upset. She looks at the man who holds a special place in her heart and shares, "I had to help interview them Logan. I had no answers for their questions about what help was there for them because truthfully, no one gives a damn about them. There is no help for the victims."
She abruptly stands and walks into the kitchen. She starts cleaning up the remnants of their meal putting dishes in the dishwasher. Logan follows and stands at the island watching her. He can see she is upset. He doesn't really know what to say. He knows that to her, Dick is just that 09er who never cared about anyone that wasn't from his zip code. He watches as she wipes the counter top of the island and instantly is transported back to how she would clean out her bedroom at the apartment, the Mars Investigations' office or her locker at school when she was deeply upset. It appears that cleaning is still cathartic for her.
Impulsively he reaches across and grabs her hand stopping the restless movements. Although they are no longer close, he still doesn't like to see her upset. He admits, "I don't know what to say."
Veronica pulls her hand from his and continues, "Logan, the financial loss was a direct consequence of the fraud but there were indirect consequences as well." She meets his gaze and adds carefully, "The increased stress contributed to increased divorce, alcohol abuse, drug abuse, physical abuse…" Logan flinches a little at her words. She pauses and then continues, "Increased illnesses, children wrenched from their secure childhood…" Logan can hear the sadness in her voice. She quietly says, "There have been cases where one spouse or child gets sick and they can't afford medicines they need; as well there have been a few suicides."
Logan sees her upset over the toll of these crimes on ordinary people. She adds, "They made the choice to invest but they were deliberately lied to, misled and swindled by people for financial gain." What she doesn't add is, "by Dick." Logan immediately knows that she thinks Dick was one of the men who set the victims up.
Immediately defensive he says, "Ronnie, Dick was not part of the scam. He invested his money as well."
She turns and looks at Logan meeting his gaze. She explains her voice impassioned, "You believe that Dick was an 'idiot' to get involved and that he was a victim as well." He sees the quote marks she makes with her hands around the word idiot and sees that she really thinks Dick deserves to be in jail. She continues, "The fact is he actually graduated college with a degree in business. He had an office in the building, he met with a lot of the victims encouraging them to donate, he attended board meetings and his signature was on a lot of the paperwork. He was the one who took the files to be destroyed. Whether you want to believe it or not, Dick was a part of the company. He either looked the other way or didn't care."
Logan immediately shakes his head and tells her, "I know Dick. He is not like his father. He did not deliberately set out to steal money from people." He adds, "Ronnie, he wasn't even around most of the time. He and John were in Australia for part of the winter."
Assessing the situation, Veronica sees that she and Logan are going to have to disagree about this.
The young man can see that she doesn't believe him. Putting his hand on her arm Logan quiets his voice, "He's like a brother to me Ronnie. This whole situation is fucked up. The DA and lawyers can work out the consequences but right now I am worried about Dick's safety."
She steps back and turns from him, his arm falling from hers. Pensive, she looks out the kitchen window for a few minutes. He recognizes the look on her face; she is thinking deeply. Logan waits for her to talk. He is really concerned at how the conversation is going. Even though they have been apart, he never doubted the connection between them. He could always get through to her before. Now she is behind a wall and he is worried that she will choose not to help Dick even though it means a lot to him. The most worrisome thing is that she is not reacting like he thought she would. The Veronica he knows uses all situations to her advantage. He anticipated that she would bargain for something she wanted in return but she would agree to help. The fact that she won't use her ability to protect Dick in prison as a bargaining chip is very telling to the young man who waits for her to make a decision. She really does not want to help him.
Without turning back she tells her old friend turned nemesis turned boyfriend turned ex, "In high school and college, I helped others but most often they were paying PI cases. Now I have taken an oath to protect the public and help the innocent." Turning her head she looks at him briefly and says, "I work for the victims now."
Truly alarmed at her tone of finality, Logan points out, "Life is not always black and white. Most often they mix into various shades of grey. Dick is not the villain in the black hat."
Unhappy at the direction of the conversation, Veronica looks back at the view of the city. she loves the view. She is far enough away from the street to see the bustle an activity but she is not involved. Coming to a decision she firmly says, "I won't do it for him." Turning and facing him, she leans on the counter and adds, "You are going to have to ask me to do it for you." She waits with her arms crossed, her stare unwavering.
Logan's heart sinks. Veronica is going to make him outright ask her to do something he knows she doesn't believe in and doesn't want to do. She is letting him know that she will see this as treading on their friendship.
There is a pause as the two stare at each other. Logan can see no other way out of the situation. He has to help Dick stay safe. Sucking it up he asks, "Veronica will you please make sure Dick is safe in prison?"
She meets his gaze and then looks down at the floor for a few seconds. Logan's heart skips in his chest. He recognizes that look on her face. It is deep disappointment and hurt. He never wanted to ever see that look on her face again; he never wanted to be the one to put that look on her face again. It was there the summer between their junior and senior year when she was upset about his war with the PCHer and it was there after Alternate Prom when she came to talk to him at the Penthouse and caught him with Kendal. When she looks back up, she has no expression on her face. She answers, "I'll see what I can do. No promises."
He nods in understanding; unsure what to say to make things better. He doesn't know if there is anything he can say to help her understand and decreased the pain she is feeling. When he goes to thank her she put up her hand forestalling what he is going to say. Her voice formal she directs, "I would like you to leave now please Logan."
He looks at her and sees that her face and manner are closed. The time for discussion has passed. He doesn't know what to say anyways. Reluctantly he follows her over to the front door of the condo. Veronica opens the door and goes to the elevator. She uses her key to call it and it arrives very quickly. She doesn't look at Logan again. The silence between them is deafening. Although her face and body is more controlled than when they were younger, he can feel the upset pouring off her in waves.
Logan wants to talk to her but he can doubts she will hear him right now. Once the elevator doors open she puts her key in and depresses the Lobby button. Unhappy, Logan steps in and turns to meet her gaze hoping to see a glimmer of an emotion besides disappointment and resignation. He doesn't.
She turns without speaking and walks back to her condo door. That is the last he sees of her as the elevator doors close.
He feels her upset and disappointment right to his soul. He has asked her to do something she doesn't feel right about doing. She is going to do it for him because of how close they were in the past.
Logan leaves the elevator when the doors open and goes to his car. He is deeply upset. He has the feeling that Veronica is now done with him.