Dick's Plight: Part 1

Weevil tentatively telephones Veronica. Although Keith shared how open Logan was to his visit, the former gang leader is not as sure that the rich, spoiled 09er will want him to stay at his home. However Veronica immediately reassured him he was welcome and she would have their housekeeper get the pool house ready for him. So later that afternoon Eli found himself turning his motor cycle into the exclusive gated community where the security guard in the booth looked at him suspiciously

Surprisingly, his name was on the list of guests allowed in. Logan had been home when he arrived and opened the gate to the mansion as he drove up. When he circled the driveway at the front of the mansion, a door on the attached triple garage opened and Logan walked out waving to an open area for him to park his bike.

Eli was really unsure about staying in the huge, obviously expensive mansion but began to relax as Logan showed him around assuring him he was welcome to use the games room, theater room, workout room and of course the pool and hot tub. Weevil had been blown away when he saw that Veronica had decorated the two bedroom pool house for his family. He had to admit she knew him well and he could see they would be comfortable there. Logan had offered to send a car to get his family but Eli told him that there were in school and Carmen was working. During the tour, Logan had given Eli his head of security's number and told him that he would give him the current gate code when he came as it was changed randomly. He also encouraged him to tell Carmen and his mother to call when they wanted to come to LA because his head of security would send a car to come and get them. Weevil is now better at reading people and he has to agree with Keith that Logan's offer to stay and use his cars is genuine.

Logan had already eaten but kept him company while Mrs. H. made him a sandwich in the kitchen. They had a really pleasant conversation catching up on each other's news and the gossip of common classmates at Neptune High. When Logan's phone rang and he excused himself to talk to his agent in his office, Eli watched him leave marveling at the changes in arrogant, angry young man he knew from high school and college.

What settled the worry in Eli's mind was how excited Logan was after security called him that Veronica was on her way home. Carmen and his children are his world and he recognizes a man that truly loves his woman. That night they had a few games of pool in the games room with both Eli and Logan holding their own against each other. Mrs. H. made them a wonderful supper. Weevil had actually felt comfortable in the pool house and had used the pool and hot tub before heading to bed. In the morning Veronica found him in the kitchen making coffee and getting himself something to eat as Mrs. H. did not come in until after Veronica left for work.

He promised Veronica that he would bring Carmen and the kids the next time. Logan arriving reiterated that his driver could take Carmen and the kids to Disneyland or somewhere while he was busy working. Logan kissed Veronica goodbye and headed into the library to get some work done before his meetings.

Veronica combined a private visit with her old friend with drinking coffee, eating fruit salad and toast before she had gone out the door to get in the back of the waiting car. Weevil was secretly pleased that Logan took such good care of Veronica. He could see that they were good together. Logan was not the wild young idiot he was in high school and college. Veronica was no longer prickly and secretive. Their relationship was close and they were good for each other.

Happy to see his friend so happy, Eli ate some breakfast and went out to the pool house to get his bag. With any luck he would get all his business done today and would be able to head back to Neptune later. He was contented that he was welcome to stay with Logan and Veronica when he was in LA and he knew that Carmen and the kids would be excited to stay in the pool house and do some fun things in LA when he was working.

Logan gets out of the back of the car and heads into the house. He sees that he is early and decides to get a couple of hours of writing done before Veronica comes home. Passing through the kitchen he says hello to Mrs. H. and gets a bottle of water out of the fridge on his way to the office. She tells him she is going to make ribs and will put them in the warmer before she leaves. Nodding his appreciation, he says, "Excellent, I love your ribs. I will see you tomorrow."

When he gets in his office he sits at his desk and looks over at his safe carefully hidden behind the bookcase. In it is the ring he had specially made for Veronica. Since she told him she would consider getting married if she didn't have to promise forever, he has been carefully planning a romantic night for his proposal. He is sure now that she will accept. He has waited this long to propose because she is just getting settled in her new job and he wants to give her time to adjust and settle in before they start planning their wedding. She has been so understanding about the press and so accepting of what it means to live with him. He feels really positive about a future with Veronica; they are both ready.

His phone rings and he pulls it out not recognizing the number but it is from the LA area code. he has a private number and only gives it out to close friends and family. He answers tentatively and hears a female voice ask, "Logan Echolls?"

"Yes this is he," the young man responds carefully.

"This is Nurse Settle from Memorial Hospital," the voice informs him. Logan's heart drops into his belly and his mind immediately goes to a dark place where Veronica is injured. "Your name is on Mr. Richard Cassablancas' emergency call list."

Logan immediately interjects, "Is Dick OK?"

"No," the nurse using a professional tone imparts, "I am sorry to tell you that he has been shot and is in the emergency trauma area. How soon can you get here?"

Logan estimates, "Twenty minutes."

She tells him, "When you get here, go to the desk and ask for me."

Logan says OK and hangs up. He calls his driver and runs to the door. During the ride to the hospital he calls Casey, John and Veronica. Casey and John answer him almost immediately. Veronica is in interrogation and he leaves a message for her.

An hour later, Logan, Casey and John find themselves sitting in the surgical waiting room. Dick had been rushed to surgery after being shot once in the chest and once in the arm. A nurse came out to get Logan to sign the consent form for surgery but they couldn't talk to the surgeon because he was already scrubbing up. The nurse told Logan that Mr. Cassablancas had lost a lot of blood and it was really touch and go depending on what damage they found when they opened his chest.

An hour later, Veronica arrives rushing through the door of the waiting room. Logan spies her and immediately stands going over to talk to her. He pulls her into his arms and holds her closely. She wraps her arms around Logan apologizing, "I am not sure why they didn't get me out of interrogation..."

Logan shakes his head and reassures her, "It's fine. We didn't get to see Dick. He was taken into the operating room before we even arrived."

Frowning up at him she walks with him back over to the guys and sits beside him. Logan immediately takes her hand and they sit closely. The guys tell Veronica what the nurse said and how long they have been there.

There are a few other people in the waiting room. They are mostly sitting in groups. Many are reading, watching television or talking on their cell phones. A television in the corner is airing a breaking news report on Dick's shooting. The reporter talks about Dick's involvement in the money scheme that resulted in thousands of people losing their whole investment. The reporter is speculating that one of the people who was ripped off is getting revenge. It turns out Dick's security guards jumped the man quickly but he got two shots off before they got to him.

Upset, John turns to Veronica and asks, "Were there threats against Dick's life during the trial?"

The three men look at Veronica. She admits, "I'm sure there were once he was charged and then once he got out of jail."

Angry Casey says, "But Dick didn't rate protection, did he?"

Logan bristles at the tone but before he can defend Veronica, she explains, "I don't know if there were specific threats. I know that Dick refused witness protection."

After a moment of shocked silence, Logan questions, "Do you think the guys he helped put in prison did this?"

Now it is Veronica's turn to look surprised. She admits, "I don't really know. I just came over here as soon as I got your message." She pauses and adds, "That was my first thought when I heard though." She looks at Logan and finishes, "Normally threats against witnesses are checked out. Witnesses are offered protection and if they don't want law enforcement protection, information on current threats are sent to the person and in Dick's case, their security team."

John spits out, "You could have kept up on the case and warned Dick but you hate him so you didn't bother."

Logan intervenes, "Veronica, could you please go and get us some drinkable coffee?"

She looks at him, sees he is in pain and she nods. He stands and assists her to stand stating, "Thank you."

Without looking at either guy she leans up and kisses Logan, picks up her purse and heads out the door.

Once she is gone, Logan turns to the John and tells him, "Veronica doesn't work in White Collar anymore. She was transferred to Violent Crimes a few months ago." Casey can see by the look on John's face that he didn't know. Logan carries on, "You probably didn't know because you were in Asia but Veronica took herself off the Dick's case once she knew I was not going to be charged as an accessory," Logan continues, "She was sent on a training mission out of the country before Dick even made his deal with the DA." Sighing at his obviously upset friend Logan points out, "She was the one who ensured that Dick was protected in prison. She has contacts there and they made sure Dick was safe."

Logan paces across the room and then back. Finally he says, "I had no idea that Dick was in danger from the guys he put in prison." He looks at the other two and adds, "I didn't know he refused witness protection."

Casey shakes his head and admits, "I didn't know either."

They look at John and see that he was aware that Dick refused government protection. John says, "Dick doesn't think the guys in prison are going to do anything. They are guys with business degrees; they aren't mobsters."

Casey shakes his head and tells his friends, "When I heard I just assumed it was someone who lost their money investing in the company." He shrugs and adds, "I assumed there were some threats because Dick hired a security team but I guess I just didn't think anyone would follow through."

Logan nods his agreement, "I don't think this was one of the guys Dick testified against." Grimacing he adds, "A professional hit would not have been jumped by Dick's security guards."

Casey looks at Logan and asks, "Have you talked to his security team yet?"

Shaking his head Logan tells his friends, "No his head of security is at the police station dealing with the police and the guys here at the hospital were not the ones protecting him when he got shot."

There is a pause as they all think about what happened to Dick. Finally Logan shares, "I guess even private security can't protect you against a crazy guy with a gun."

Pissed John says, "You guys may excuse Veronica all you want but she could have kept up with the leads on the case. She could have made sure that Dick was protected." He looks at Logan and spits out, "She didn't give a shit and now Dick may die."

John walks out of the room and slams the door. The others in the waiting room look at the doorway and then Casey and Logan who are sitting across the room looking shocked. Logan runs his hand through his hair in agitation and Casey sits down and puts his head in his hands.

Finally Logan sits next to his friend and suggests, "Maybe you should go after him?"

Casey shakes his head and answers, "No, let him have some time to cool down." Casey leans back in the chair and closes his eyes. Without opening his eyes, he tries to reassure his friend, "John isn't thinking clearly. He is just really upset about Dick and lashing out. Veronica's not to blame for Dick getting shot."

"I know," his best friend agrees. Sighing Logan shares, "Veronica interviewed a lot of the people who lost everything right after it happened. She believes Dick was involved."

Casey thinks about it and says, "I didn't think about it but there must be a lot of people who think Dick is to blame."

Looking out the window Logan says, "It looks like one of them decided to get his own brand of justice."

"Fuck," Casey says, "This is so messed up. Someone hated Dick enough to shoot him."

Upset Logan says, "I keep thinking about him on that table while the surgeon is trying to fix the damage."

Choked Casey says, "Me too."

The two men lapse into silence as they each think about what could be happening in that operating room.

Veronica arrives back a few minutes later with six coffees. Logan stands and takes the tray from her. He says, "Thanks for this."

His girlfriend looks at him trying to see how he is doing. He puts the coffees down on the table and pulls one out. She quietly asks, "Where is John?"

Casey taking the coffee from Logan answers quietly, "He went for a walk."

Logan can see Veronica is suspicious that John left because they argued but to his relief, she decides not to ask about it. She does ask if they have heard anything about Dick. Both men look pained and tell her that they haven't heard anything yet.

Logan asks Veronica who the other coffees are for. She puts the coffee for John on the table and picks up the tray with hers and two other coffees, "The two women manning the surgery information desk." Meeting Logan's gaze she explains, "It is always good to have the people who can get access to the information you want on your side."

Understanding, he leans down and gives her a gentle kiss and encourages, "Thanks. Go and do your magic."

Veronica leaves their part of the waiting room and goes over to the main desk. Casey, adding sugar to his coffee, asks, "What is Veronica going to do?"

Logan smiles a little and explains, "She is going to try and get information on how the surgery is going from the ladies at the desk." Logan adds, "She knows how to play all the angles."

Smiling a little Casey agrees, "I'll bet she does."

A few minutes later John comes back and Casey hands him a coffee. He doesn't say much after he asks whether they have heard anything and is told they haven't.

About 20 minutes later Veronica comes back sipping her coffee. Logan notices that she is putting her phone back in the pocket of her suit jacket. When she sits next to him Casey asks, "So what did you learn?:

She hesitates and looks at Logan for direction saying, "Mostly it is gossip. The ladies at the desk are not medical staff."

"Go ahead," Logan encourages her.

She tells the men that the secretary at the desk told her that they have called for four units of blood to the operating room where Dick is. Hesitating she adds, "They have called in a cardiovascular surgeon and the open heart surgery team to assist the trauma surgeon."

Horrified Casey says, "The bullet hit his heart?"

"Or the vessels around the heart," she explains. "Nancy also told me that they haven't called the orthopedic surgeon in yet. He or she is going to fix Dick's arm when the surgeon is done working on his chest wound."

Logan feels sick. He says, "So it is going to be a while yet."

"Apparently once they are finished the heart surgery and are getting ready to close, the orthopedic surgeon will start. Veronica takes a sip of her coffee and adds, "I got the impression that it is good news that they are getting the bone doctor organized. They must think he is going to be needed."

The three men feel a little relieved at her words. They are grateful at what she has been able to find out.

After a few minutes Logan asks, "What did Derek say?" Veronica looks a little surprised. Logan smirks a little and points out, "I know you called him."

Biting her lip she stalls, "The LAPD is in charge of the shooting."

Taking her hand Logan meets her gaze and tells her, "Please tell us what you know."

She tells them how the shooter was one of the victims of the scam. She tells the men how he invested his money because his four year old son had cancer and the regular treatments weren't working. The experimental treatments were expensive so he needed to get the money fast. Dick was at the meeting where his partners promised him that they could help him get the money he needed quickly so he mortgaged his house and borrowed money from all his friends and relations to invest with Dick and his partners. Logan, Casey and John all look horrified as Veronica continues the story, "He of course didn't get the money he needed for the treatments."

Logan, anticipating what happened next, states, "His son died."

"Four months ago," she confirms. A little reluctantly she adds, "The illness and death caused problems in his marriage and he and his wife have separated." The three men look at Veronica as she finishes, "He lost his house, his parents both had to go back to work. He has had to declare bankruptcy because he can't pay back all the money he borrowed."

Logan asks, "Did you interview this guy?"

Immediately shaking her head, she answers, 'No and neither did Derek." Meeting Logan's gaze she answers his unspoken question, "There were so many victims of the scam that we had to use a whole team to interview everyone and it took us a few weeks."

The men are all silent as they had not really realized the breadth of victims. Casey questions, "He blames Dick and his partners for everything."

"I'm not really sure. Derek told me that this guy hasn't made a threat against any of the men in jail or Dick. He doesn't own a gun and didn't recently buy a gun so he didn't come up on the FBI's radar."

Upset John says, "He choose to invest. No one forced him." Veronica looks at her coffee and doesn't say anything.

Casey shakes his head and tells his friends, "It is a fucking mess!"

Logan looking at Veronica sees that there is more that she is not telling him. He firmly asks, "Ronnie, what else did Derek say?"

She looks up at him in surprise. He continues, "I know you and I can see there is something you aren't telling us."

Veronica says, "It has nothing to do with Derek."

Logan tells her, "He is like a brother to us. Please tell us."

She looks at Logan and admits, "The FBI has been updating Dick's security as new information comes in. As a favor to me Derek has been updating Casey's and our security once a week."

Casey is surprised and exclaims, "He has?"

Sighing Veronica explains, "John is partially right. While I don't have computer access to the information on the case, Derek, as one of the investigators, does have complete access. I know Derek has been passing any new information to Dick's security team leader."

Logan looks at Veronica. Part of him is surprised but another part of him isn't. She doesn't like Dick but she kept up with any new information on the case.

The tiny blonde meets her boyfriend's gaze and shares, "My contacts in the federal prison have been keeping me updated on who Dick's partners communicate with."

Logan lifts her chin and asks, "Have his partners threatened Dick?"

Shaking her head she said, "I haven't really found out any concrete information or threats. I just kept security informed." Casey and John see how Veronica responds to Logan. It is clear that she is not holding anything back from Logan. She leans closer to Logan and quietly admits, "The truth is; I didn't do it for Dick although I did tell his security chief everything I learned. She pauses and confesses, "I was worried for you and Casey."

All three men frown and listen as she explains, "You and Casey were open with helping him and supporting him. Since you are both famous, it was covered in the media. People who were angry with Dick could also target you both for using money and influence to get him out of trouble."

Casey and Logan look a little worried. Veronica continues, "I asked Derek to update your security teams with whatever information he was sending to Dick's security chief. So far, no one has made specific threats against you but..."

Logan moves closer to her and says quietly, "But what?"

She bites her lip and looks at him, "It's just that there are so many people to watch. The scam hurt thousands of people and they all have families and friends who could be angry..." Looking at her boyfriend she shares, "It would be a full time job for a team of security agents to keep track of them."

"Oh Veronica," Logan tells her, "I had no idea."

She wraps her arms around him and says, "I was worried that the periodic checks done by the bureau would not be beneficial time wise so I gave the security leaders lists of the top candidates and they were checking on them themselves."

Logan is stunned at how Veronica had tried to keep them all secure. He sees her bite her lip and then she adds, "I don't understand why Dick didn't leave the country when he finished testifying. He could go away for a while and give things time to die down."

Frustrated with Veronica's attitude, John says, "Why should Dick have to hide? Because of you he had to rot in jail for months. He has the right to enjoy his life."

Logan has had enough. He says, "Veronica didn't put Dick in jail. It is not her decision who to charge." He stands and faces John before he continues, "Dick was in jail because he broke the law. John, he hurt a lot of innocent people getting involved in that investment scheme."

John steps closer to his friend and calls him out, "That's bullshit! Those people wanted to make a lot of money and put their money in risky ventures to do it. They lost. It was the chance they took."

Veronica's phone rings and she pulls it out of her suit jacket and looks at it. She looks at Logan and shows him who is calling. Quietly she says, "I am going to take this outside."

Logan nods and assists her to stand. He watches her quick steps as she puts the phone to ear as she is leaving the room.

Casey decides to intervene in the impending argument, "John we are all upset about Dick but you weren't in the courtroom and you didn't hear the case against Dick and the guys he testified against." He puts up his hand and adds, "None of that matters now though. The important thing now is that Dick makes it through the surgery and gets better."

"I can't fucking believe you two!" John spits out at Casey, "It is not Dick's fault he got shot."

Before it can escalate even more Logan intervenes, "John, we are all upset but right now Dick needs us to stay calm." Softening his voice he shares, "He is like a brother to all of us. Let's just wait and hope that he pulls through."

Casey adds, "Dick is strong. He will pull through. We will do what has to be done to help him recover and get back to surfing as soon as possible."

John accepts the olive branch but he is still angry that Logan and Casey are blaming Dick. He is the victim. He looks at Logan and says, "I know you love her but I would like Veronica to leave."

Logan looks angry and Casey is upset that John would ask Logan to send Veronica home. She is the one who sent Weevil to help and she kept Dick safe in prison. Now he learns that she was working with their security teams to try and keep them all safe.

Veronica, by this time, has returned and she interrupts what is sure to be an argument. She says, "Logan, can we talk for a minute please?"

He looks over at his girlfriend and she tilts her head towards the door. He takes a deep breath and let it out stating, "Excuse me for a minute," and he walks over to her. She smiles a small smile and takes his hand pulling him with her out the door of the waiting room.

After they are gone Casey turns to John and says, "Veronica is not responsible for Dick going to jail or his getting shot. She kept him safe in prison and she kept track of the guys he sent to prison."

"Whatever," John waves his friend off and adds, "She hates him and right now I don't want to sit with her while I am waiting to see if Dick will live."

Pissed Casey retorts, "As usual it is all about you. Logan is hurting too and whether you like it or not, Veronica is a huge source of support for him."

John quickly returns, "This is about Dick. He is the one who was shot and having surgery. Dick fucking hates her too. She shouldn't be here pretending to care if he lives or dies."

"Cassidy raped her and Dick set it up," Casey points out. "She was the victim."

Angry John spits out, "She was a fucking slut! Cassidy just took what she offered."

Casey sits down heavily. He can see that John doesn't care that Veronica was raped by Cassidy. Shaking his head he points out, "I suppose Cassidy didn't kill our classmates on the bus and he didn't blow up the plane killing the innocent pilot, flight crew and deputies?"

John frowns and defends, "That wasn't Dick."

"It also wasn't Veronica," Casey points out. "She is not to blame for all the bad things in Dick's life."

John waves Casey off and says, "She's a total bitch. It would have been better for Logan if she didn't come back to LA."

Shaking his head Casey says, "Logan loves her and you better accept that."

John pointedly reaches for the remote and turns up the TV.