Dick's Plight: Part 2

Logan leaves the waiting room and allows Veronica to lead him to a quiet corner of the corridor. He looks down at his girlfriend and apologizes, "I'm sorry about that."

Veronica waves dismissively, "I don't care what John thinks." She takes Logan's hand and shares, "I talked to an officer I know in the LAPD and he says that the guy who shot Dick has been booked and is awaiting a bail hearing."

Logan nods and comments, "Good."

The worried young woman steps closer to her boyfriend and adds, "Logan, he is an elementary school principal who helps run the local teen center."

Frowning Logan looks down at her and shakes his head in disbelief. He says, "I guess the loss of his son and marriage pushed him over the edge."

Nodding she agrees, "When you lose everything, you have nothing to lose." She looks up at him and says sincerely, "He never should have taken the law into his own hands."

Appreciating her support, Logan wraps his arms around her and holds her close. This whole situation is fucked up. He is worried sick about Dick. His wounds sound serious and the operation to save his life seems to be taking a long time. He is not sure if that is good or bad news. Now John is being a complete ass about Veronica. At times like this he wishes he was the over emotional teenager who used his fists to handle his anger. He knows it is wrong to punch whoever pisses him off but today John is really tempting him. They are all hurting and they have to be careful that they don't say anything they will regret. However a real heart to heart conversation with John is definitely needed in the near future.

Veronica goes on tip toe and gently kisses Logan. She says, "Look, I used my FBI status to get a booth in the doctor's transcription area. I will be out of the way but I will still be here if you need me." She adds, "As a bonus, I can get some paperwork done while I am waiting."

Immediately shaking his head he tells her, "No, John has no right to attack you like that. None of this is your fault."

Reaching up to cup his cheek she openly tells him, "I got an idea on my latest case. I wouldn't mind looking a few things up." Meeting his gaze she reassures him, "There is only one 09er's opinion that matters to me." Flirting obviously she adds, "As long as he likes me, I am good."

Smiling, he squeezes her gently as he responds to her teasing manner, "I more than like you."

"I love you Logan." Caressing his cheek she earnestly shares, "You are the most important person in the world to me. Can I do anything to help you?"

Touched at how she is worried about him and willing to do whatever he needs, he says, "You just being here helps." He leans his cheek into her touch and sighs. Veronica waits patiently to hear what he is thinking. Finally he tells her, "It just seems to be taking so long."

Nodding she says, 'It is like every minute seems like an hour."

"It really does, " he agrees. He pulls her into his arms and holds her close absorbing her warmth. "You shouldn't wait here. You should go home. You can work on your case there. I will call you when I know something."

Shaking her head against his chest she tells him, "I will just be thinking of you and worrying." Pulling back a little so she can look up at him, she adds, "I am already here. I will get Larry to bring my lap top from the car and I will get some work done while I wait. If you need me, I will be close and I can get you guys coffee and something to eat if you need it." She stops any further concerns by pulling his head down and looking directly into his eyes. Teasingly she says, "I have decided."

He smiles and leans down and kisses her. "Well I know better than to argue with you when you have... decided."

That decided, she tells him, "I ordered some deli sandwiches for the nurses and you guys. I will text you when they arrive. Please text me if you need anything." She motions to the area where she will be sitting and although Logan is not happy that Veronica is being treated like things are her fault, he does see that right now is not the time to sort things out with John. He gives her a last long hug and then heads into the waiting room to wait with Casey and John.

A half hour later Logan gets a text that the sandwiches have arrived. He excuses himself and goes out to get them. The nurse at the surgical desk sweetly thanks Logan telling him that the dinner is much appreciated. She says, "Of course we will all really enjoy the tray of desserts."

He realizes that Veronica has given some thought to the staff and how busy and tired they must be. He easily answers, "You guys deserve a little spoiling for all the hard work you do."

The woman smiles at his gallant answer and genuinely says, "Thank you for thinking of us."

Logan takes his bag and looks in the cubical for Veronica. She is not there right now so he leaves her a sandwich and heads into the waiting room to make sure that Casey and John get fed. John has stepped out to answer a call so Logan walks over to where Casey is waiting. Looking away from the television, Casey sees the bag of food and guesses that Veronica is looking after them. Logan mentioned that Veronica refused to go home and is working from the doctor's dictation area so she can be there if he needs her. Casey meets Logan's gaze and tells him, "I hope to have a relationship like the one you have with Veronica someday."

Smiling that his best friend understands how great Veronica is, Logan honestly tells him, "I hope you get that too."

Meeting Logan's gaze, Casey points out, "John is just the right girl away from learning about what is really important."

Frustrated Logan shares, "We grew up so entitled and arrogant. The world owed us because of our parents; we didn't have to earn anything." Leaning forward Logan quietly tells his friend, "We took the special privileges that we were given in high school and college and didn't care if it was unfair." He looks at Casey and adds, "We did what we wanted and no one really stopped us." Casey nods his agreement waiting to hear Logan's point. Logan pauses a few seconds and then points out, "I didn't even think of the consequences when I helped Dick. It never occurred to me that someone would be upset enough to hurt Dick or us."

Agreeing Casey says, "I didn't either."

"I talked to my head of security and he admitted that Veronica updates him at least once a week," Logan confesses.

Casey nods, "Same here."

Logan looks around to ensure that they are not overheard and adds, "I talked to the head of Dick's security. Dick has received threats and he did warn Dick that he has increased risk if he stays in LA." He pauses and finishes, "John is mad that Veronica didn't protect Dick but the truth is Dick put us all in danger by hanging around us when he is a target."

Casey scratches his temple area and shares, "He didn't warn me he received threats. He stays at my place when he is in town. We go out a lot together." There is a pause while both men think. Finally Casey ventures, "This is the second time Dick has put us in danger without warning us. We could have been in real trouble for transporting those bank documents across state lines."

Sighing Logan says, "I confronted Dick and he blew me off telling me he didn't think it was a big deal."

Their gazes meet and a little tentatively Casey adds, "It's clear he didn't think he was in any real danger from the threats he got but I am a little concerned that he didn't warn us."

Sighing Logan looks over at the window as he thinks. He looks back at his best friend and says, "I don't want to think about his behavior right now but once he is better, I am going to talk to him about putting his friends in danger."

Casey nods and the two young men open the bag of sandwiches and each pick out something to eat. As he unwraps his turkey and Swiss on wheat, Logan ventures, "I feel old around John and Dick sometimes. John is supposed to be working his way through the company to eventually take over from his father someday and he seems to party more than he works." He adds slowly, "Dick won't finish college or think of doing anything besides partying."

Laughing Casey teases, "It is actually quite ironic that you are discouraged with Dick and John's lack of productiveness. I wish our fellow Neptune High students could hear you now."

Logan has to laugh as well. Once he started screen writing and working on his mother's foundation, he was less of the party boy he was in college. Now that he is with Veronica, he doesn't party with his friends as much. He used to see Dick almost every day and John often stayed with him when he was in town. Now he has to make time to see them. The truth is, he misses them sometimes. They both turn when John arrives back and asks, "What is so funny?"

"We were just talking about that time Dick didn't move his truck and the tide came in while we were partying at the beach," Casey tells him.

John's smile grows as he thinks about Dick trying to get his truck to move through the loose sand. John shares, "Remember when Dick talked us into to flying to Hawaii for a long weekend to surf in our sophomore year?" The guys all laugh at how wild they got that weekend. Dick's father had been pissed at the hotel bill for cleaning the pool, repainting their suite and for the furniture they threw off the balcony to the pool deck.

The worried petite blonde peeks in and sees the three young men laughing hard together. They are eating and talking easily. She imagines they are telling stories about some of Dick's more outrageous escapades. Although Dick Cassablancas is annoying and she often wishes she could taser him, she has to admit that he is a man who knows how to enjoy life. Pleased that the guys are doing well now she is not there to cause tension between the long time friends, Veronica heads to her cubicle. She has been looking for some connection between the victims but is now narrowing her focus to something medical related that they all used like a doctor's office, laboratory, radiology or even physical therapy place. She wishes she had Mac to help her.

An hour later Veronica texts Logan that the second surgeon arrived and is scrubbing to go in. She adds that the nurses believe it is good news that Dick is stable enough after chest surgery to have arm surgery.

Logan gets his multiple text message and a big smile crosses his face. He looks up at his two friends and says, "Our pixie spy just texted me that the orthopedic surgeon has scrubbed in. She says the nurses think it is really good news that Dick is stable enough to have the arm surgery now."

A relieved smile lights up Casey's face and John realizes that Veronica didn't go home. She is outside the waiting room waiting for Logan. He has to admit that he is surprised at how she looks after Logan. He looks over and sees how happy Logan is to hear good news about Dick. Dick had shared with him how Casey and Logan had talked to him about the annoying, vengeful blonde. Logan has been really clear that Veronica was it for him and he wanted to keep both of them in his life but he would not tolerate Dick treating Veronica disrespectfully. Casey had told Dick to open his eyes and see how happy Veronica made Logan and be happy for him. Although Casey seems to be following Logan's instructions on Veronica, both John and Dick privately are sure that Veronica is using Logan. They do not get why when he can have any girl he wants, he wants her. She treated him like dirt in high school and college.

A few minutes later the trauma surgeon comes into the waiting room. He looks tired but he easily walks over to talk to the worried young men. After he shakes their hands and introduces himself he tells them that Dick is in critical condition and will be transferred to the trauma ICU once this arm surgery is completed. He describes the damage to the blood vessels around the heart. Briefly he describes how they had to put Dick on the heart lung bypass machine during the surgery. Casey, Logan and John listen as the surgeon tells them that Dick is not out of the woods yet and the next 24 hours are critical. Before he leaves he says, "Dr. Bernard will come out and update you on Dick's condition once he is done." Relieved at the good news, the young men shake the surgeon's hand again while thanking him. Logan follows the surgeon out to update Veronica.

Casey watches Logan leave and a small smile graces his face. Logan doesn't even know how much his life is changing now that he is back with Veronica. He is so grounded now. It is painfully clear when he is around Dick, John and some of their other 09er buddies from high school. Logan is still a lot of fun and has that sarcastic sense of humor but he is calm now. There isn't that sense of desperation and wildness that was prominent when they were in high school and college. Logan is secure in his relationship with Veronica and he is able to work towards the future. He has a home, family and that foundation has made the difference for the young man who grew up in the wreckage of Aaron's violent insecurities and Lynn's drunken neediness.

John watches Logan leave to go and find Veronica. He comments, "Logan is so whipped!"

Smiling Casey says, "She is really good to him and for him." Meeting John's gaze he adds meaningfully, "Logan has a home and family with her." John immediately understands what Casey is telling him. Like most of the students at Neptune Middle and High School, John was envious of Logan's life with his famous parents and extravagant lifestyle. He learned though that he was the lucky one with his conservative hard working parents who were always there for him. He still is disturbed when he thinks about the abuse and the darkness that his friend dealt with at home. A few weeks ago he was talking to his mother and he told her that Logan was now living with Veronica Mars and he was domesticated and boring. His mother had smiled and said, "I'm so glad he is not alone anymore." It had made John think about how Dick, Casey and Logan were actually alone. They didn't have anyone in their families that cared about them; no one to spend holidays with. They spent the holidays together. Now Logan spends holidays with Veronica's family. John has no doubt that Veronica will get Logan to marry her. He is very wealthy and she mostly dates rich guys. He guesses that she will fool around on Logan and tear his heart out like she did in high school and college. Logan's friends will be there to pick up the pieces when that happens. He doesn't understand why Logan has such a weakness for her.

Meanwhile Logan is holding his girlfriend and hugging her in relief. She has her arms wrapped around him and is happily rubbing his back as he tells her what the doctor told them. He tells her that one of them will stay with Dick for at least the next 24 hours.

Nodding Veronica says, "That is a good plan. You should give me your phone and I will charge it off my laptop. Since you sign for Dick, the staff needs to be able to get a hold of you at all times."

Logan looks down at her after he hands her his phone. He loves this woman so much and it always touches him when she looks after him. He knows it is no big deal to her. She and her father looked after each other; it is what most families do. To Logan, the way she looks after him shows how much she cares and he values having that sense of a loving family in his life. Reaching up he cups her cheek and lifts her face. Leaning in close he says, "I really appreciate all you do for me."

Not one to stop the progress of being kissed by her man, she says, "My pleasure,' as she leans up to encourage him to kiss her. He does.

Later that evening, Veronica returns to the hospital to give Logan the bag she packed for him. When she arrives in the ICU waiting room she texts Logan to come and meet her. A few minutes later he arrives and she smiles at him. She asks how Dick is doing and listens dutifully as Logan tells her that Dick is still on life support but seems to be holding his own. Pleased for Logan she says, "Good news," as she hugs him.

John leaves the ICU in time to see Logan hugging Veronica. He knows that Veronica went home but she must have come back to see Logan.

The petite blonde it telling her man, "I brought you a change of clothes and some toiletry items." She hands him the bag and adds, "I also brought your phone charger and your lap top."

Gratefully Logan takes the bag and exclaims, "Great! I can't wait to change."

Quietly she teases, "I snuck in a container of Mrs. H.'s double chocolate cookies and some bottled water." She adds as she gently caresses Logan's arm, "If you wave the cookies under Dick's nose, he'll wake up for sure."

Laughing lightly he agrees, "He loves chocolate."

John is surprised that Veronica made the trip back with Logan's things instead of just sending them with the driver. As he listens he sees that Veronica actually does look after Logan. She is there to support Logan even though she doesn't like Dick or even him and Casey. He watches Logan get comfort from the tiny, noisy blonde and then lean down to kiss her goodbye.

When Casey comes out of the ICU, he walks over to where Veronica is hugging Logan goodbye. He says, "Hey Veronica, can I get a ride with you to my place? I had my driver bring me from work."

Nodding easily she says, "Sure, no problem." Turning to Logan she asks, "Does John need a ride as well?"

John who is still standing in the other doorway is surprised that Veronica thought of him. Logan who is not sure if John needs a ride, says, "I'll ask him when I go back in."

Casey adds, "He left a couple of minutes ahead of me."

John walks further into the waiting room and they all notice him. Logan asks, "John do you need a ride back to your place?"

Shaking his head he says, "No thanks. I actually drove here."

Casey looks at his friend and asks, "Are you going back to your parents' place tonight?"

John nods and easily answers, "Yeah, I think I will."

Turning to look at Veronica, Casey points out, "My place is on the way for you. Do you mind dropping me off?"

Immediately shaking her head, she tells him, "No, it's no problem."

Logan looks back at Veronica when she tells him, "I arranged for pizza delivery for the unit at midnight." Pleased, Logan smiles at her and is even more touched when she adds, "I ordered you a medium meat lover's as well." Fixing him with a bossy look she adds, "Please eat a little."

Wrapping his arms around her, he gives her a quick hug, "Thanks for worrying. I will be OK."

Shaking her head as she looks up at him she teases, "I am just making sure you eat something besides cookies."

Laughing he leans down and kisses her and promises, "I will."

Looking at him doubtfully she slowly adds, "OK, call if you need anything."

Casey and John watching interested in the easy and genuine relationship between the couple. Logan is obviously used to his girlfriend taking care of him and giving him comfort. She hugs him and rubs his back while they are talking. It is funny to see such a tiny woman holding Logan and fussing over him. It is clear that Logan soaks up her love and concern. Both young men know what he didn't have that as a child and it is actually nice to see him so happy.

Looking over at Casey Veronica quietly tells him, "Whenever you are ready to go, let me know."

Nodding Casey says, "I am just going to say goodbye to Dick and then I'll be ready." He looks at Logan and tells him, "I'll relieve you at seven."

"Whenever you get here," Logan assures his friend. "I will call if anything changes."

Smiling Casey says, "Good." He turns and heads into the ICU to see his friend again.

John walks closer to Logan and adds, "Are you sure you don't want me to stay with you?"

Shaking his head he looks over reiterating, "No, I'm good. Tomorrow the doctors will round in the early morning and if Dick is still doing well, I'll head home then."

John assures his taller friend, "I'll be back in the morning. I want to hear what the doctors have to say."

"Good," Logan comments as he fist bumps his friend.

After John leaves, Veronica looks up at Logan and asks, "Are you sure you don't want me to sit with you tonight?"

Smiling at her offer he reassures her, "I will be fine. I have paperwork to do and I will come home to sleep after the doctors round."

She leans up to kiss him saying, "OK, but promise you will call if you want to talk or you need anything."

"I promise," he vows as he leans down to kiss and hug her.

When Casey comes back, he tells Logan to be sure to call him if he needs him. Logan smiles and tells Casey he will. Casey waves to the door and walks with Veronica towards the parking lot. Veronica opens her phone and tells her driver she is on the way down. Logan watches them leave and then heads back into the ICU with his bag.

Casey looks across the seat at Veronica as the car leaves the hospital parking lot. Tentatively he says, "Veronica, I wanted to apologize for how I treated you in high school."

Surprised, she looks at him and dismisses, "It was a long time ago."

He puts up his hand and says, "You had never done anything to me. I should never have joined in the torment." He meets her gaze and tells her, "I would like us to be friends." Before she can say anything he adds, "I was so messed up after my parents had me deprogrammed." He looks out the window as they drive for a few seconds and then looks back at her. He admits, "I am finally just finding out who I really am."

Really surprised by the conversation, Veronica can read his sincerity. She is unsure what to say so she tries, "I can't imagine what you went through after losing your grandmother."

He looks at her and then making a decision, he starts to talk about what happened to him after his grandmother's death. He talks about all the therapy he has had and he admits how alone he has felt. He says, "The only thing that kept me sane was working at the company that meant so much to Grandmother and my friends were there for me."

He looks over at Veronica and is gratified to see that she is listening. He tells her he is really happy that she and Logan are back together. He says, "Logan has been lonely too."

Touched she admits, "I am very lucky."

Casey smiles at her and answers, "He is lucky too."

Tired from his early start that morning and the long hours of waiting to hear news about Dick, Casey is ready for bed. He calls Logan before he goes to bed to get an update and is gratified to hear that Dick is still holding his own. He is hopeful that Dick is going to survive his attack and he is a little relieved that he talked to Veronica. At least he got to apologize for how he acted in high school and perhaps, clear the air a little.

The next morning, Veronica is hard at work in her office. While she was sitting waiting for Logan to get news about Dick's surgery, a thought crossed her mind. All the visitors in the waiting room were from different places in the city. They seemingly had nothing in common, yet they were all in this one place at the same time. What if the killer actually met his victims someplace away from the neighborhood? This last killing was different from the others. It was the same MO but this victim seemed more rushed and more spontaneous. The profile was of a methodical man who planned and executed the crimes down to the last detail. This last victim did not meet the complete profile. Perhaps the difference between this killing and the others is that this victim met him in the same place the other victims met him but this victim went to the bar and saw him in the neighborhood. Alternately the killer could have dated the latest victim and then met her where he met the other victims and the killer could not have someone knowing his other identity.

It really makes more sense if this latest murder was not planned. This poor girl stumbled on the killer's real identity and he killed her. She probably wasn't even aware of the significance of what she knew yet. Deep inside Veronica knows that the latest victim knew something about the killer and it got her killed.

Phil comes into her office and says, "You have an idea to run by me?"

Nodding she starts explaining her idea, "When I was waiting at the hospital last night there were a lot of different people there with nothing in common except that someone they loved was having surgery that day." She goes on to talk about how they can't seem to find the common denominator linking the victims but the profile tells us there is one. She focuses on how the latest victim did not completely follow the profile. She talks about how she suspects that the last victim met the killer like all the other girls did but ran into him at the bar or in the neighborhood. The killer was spooked and decided to kill her.

Phil leans back thinking about what she is thinking. Veronica adds confidently, "This guy has another identity and once we figure out what it is, then we will be able to tie him to the others. He is secure in his other identity but he is scared that we are going to be able to tie him to the latest victim through the neighborhood."

Nodding Phil says, "That makes sense. That explains why he denied knowing her when there are pictures of her with him out there."

Leaning forward in her chair Veronica enthuses, "He works or volunteers somewhere else. I am leaning towards medical related."

"If he does work or volunteer somewhere medical related, that would explain how all the victims seem to be unrelated," Phil ponders aloud.

Showing a little frustration she admits, "I have been searching but I can't find anywhere he may have met these women."

Laughing Phil teases, "Padawan, it is time for you to learn." Phil opens his phone touches a button. Veronica listens as he talks to the tech wiz on their team and tells him what they suspect. After he hangs up he tells her, "Impressive as your computer skills might be, Lester makes you look like a preschooler." He stands and suggests, "Let's see what he comes up with."

He heads out and Veronica smiles. She really could get used to having a 'Mac' on the same team as her. She focuses on revisiting her interviews with the victims' co workers, friends and families. She may need to follow up with them on recent doctor visits or trips to certain clinics. There has to be some connection she is not seeing. Phil walks back by her office and sees her reading the notes she made in the files. She is hardworking and driven. She is a real asset to the team. They are all gaining respect for her.

Logan arrives home and works out before he heads to bed. Dick is going to be taken off the breathing machine today. The nurse tells him that he is ready to breathe on his own now. His condition has steadily improved through the evening and night. He is now responding to his friends and writing notes.

After showering, Logan crawls into bed physically and emotionally exhausted. He has been up over 24 hours only getting a little sleep during the night sitting beside Dick's ICU bed. The nurses were great about explaining everything and letting him be there to calm Dick the short periods he was allowed to awake from sedation. The tired young man wraps his arms around Veronica's pillow and hugs it to him. It isn't her but it smells like her and it helps him relax. . It has been really tough to see Dick so critically ill. He had tubes coming out of everywhere. Casey and John both arrived early this morning and will be there for Dick. Logan knows they will call him if Dick's condition changes. He set the alarm to wake him at three pm. He will head back up to the hospital then to relieve the guys.