Dick's Plight: Part 3

The tired FBI agent texts Logan from the back of their car. She ended up working a little later tonight. She and Lester worked together on trying to find a common place that all the victims could have met the killer. She was going to go home but now she is thinking she will stop at the hospital. He should be there by now. She looks at Logan's answering text and tells the driver she wants to go to the hospital instead of home. Then she accesses her web browser and orders Chinese food for the unit as well as for Logan, John and Casey. Finally she asks her security agent if they can stop for coffee. He smiles and changes lanes.

Logan receives a text and when he reads it, he smiles. He tells the other guys, "Coffee has arrived." The two young men who have been there the whole day dutifully follow Logan to the waiting room. A good cup of coffee sounds great now. It has been a long day!

They arrive to see the petite blonde waiting for them with a tray full of coffee. They gratefully go over to the tray while Logan goes over to hug his girlfriend. He says, "Hey Ronnie," as he enfolds her in his warm embrace. John while sipping his delicious coffee notices how genuinely happy she is to see Logan and how she snuggles into his arms like there is no place she would rather be.

A few minutes later they are all sitting in a corner of the waiting room and Casey is updating Veronica on Dick's condition. He was supposed to come off the ventilator but they are having problems with his blood pressure. It keeps dropping and the doctor is concerned that he is bleeding and they may need to go back into surgery.

John notices her frown and is surprised that she is worried. She asks, "When will the doctor decide if he has to go back to surgery or not?"

Logan tells her that he has been given two more units of blood and that the surgeon ordered blood work for later to see if he is stabilizing or if he has to take him back to the operating room.

Veronica's phone rings and she pulls it out of her blazer and answers, "Yes?" Nodding at whatever is said she answers, "Third floor, Trauma Unit."

When she hangs up from her conversation, Logan asks, "Who was that?"

Smiling at him she answers easily, "The delivery guy. I ordered Chinese for you guys."

Logan smiles and leans in to gently kiss her for her thoughtfulness. She stands and heads over to the elevators when she sees the deliver guy arrive. The men watch as she signs for and takes the smaller bag. She points to the door of the unit and the young man takes a larger bag into the unit. When Veronica arrives back in the waiting room, Logan questions, "You bought supper for the nurses?"

Nodding she says, "They work hard." Agreeing he takes the bag from her, sets it on the table and opens it. The three men look at their options and choose a container while Veronica sips her coffee. When Logan looks at her to see which entree she wants she shakes her head to his unspoken question and says, "I am going to go home and have Mr. H's leftover ribs." She tilts he head at him and adds, "Unless you didn't leave me any."

Laughing he tells her, "I had some before I came over but there are plenty left over; even for you,"

Ignoring his lighthearted jab at the amount of food she can eat, she sighs blissfully and states, "I love her ribs."

"I wish I had thought of hiring a great cook years ago," he adds teasingly, "We wouldn't have been apart so long then."

Laughing up at him she tells him, "Lesson learned." The two men watching are struck at how easy the relationship between the two has gotten. Veronica adds, "Oh, speaking of Mrs. H., she is making some of her famous chicken noodle soup for Dick. She says she will send it over when he can start to eat."

Nodding Logan swallows his bite of food and agrees, "That is a good idea. Dick loves her homemade soups"

Casey suggests, "We should coordinate and have most of Dick's meals made and brought in for him."

Veronica stays a few more minutes while the guys eat and she finishes her coffee. Then she looks at her boyfriend and tells him, "I am going to head home. I just wanted to bring the coffee by and see how Dick was doing." John sees that Veronica is respecting his desire for her not to be there. He is glad she is not going to stay. He is uncomfortable around her and upset at how she has interfered in Dick's and Logan's relationship. They were closer when she wasn't around.

Logan stands and says, "I'll walk you out."

She smiles a little at Casey and gives a vague wave in John's direction as she takes Logan's offered hand. Once they are out of the waiting room and walking towards the elevators, Logan quietly tells her, "Thank you for bringing us supper and coffee."

Smiling up at him she admits, "I really just wanted to see how you were doing." Changing the subject she asks him if there is anything she can do for him and if he is going to come home tonight.

He shakes his head and tells her, "Both Dick and John want to be here during the day when the doctors are here. I agreed to stay on the night shift until Dick is stable."

Nodding her acceptance she tries to lighten the stress she sees on her man's face, "OK but you are going to have to make it up to me when you can be home."

Appreciating her easy acceptance, he leans down to kiss her. He agrees, "I miss you so much when I can't hold you at night."

Veronica reaches up and gently caresses Logan's cheek as she quietly tells him, "I really miss you too. Dick is so lucky to have such good friends."

Her boyfriend sighs and asks her something that has been bothering him since the day before, "Ronnie, why didn't you tell me you were worried about Casey and me?"

It is Veronica's turn to sigh as she explains, "I would have if there were anything definite. I just kept in touch with Derek and the guys I know at the prison for now. In the last few months, the public interest has lessened so the FBI and security both felt your risks were low."

He points out, "I would have liked you to tell me you were concerned."

Veronica looks up at Logan and can see he is genuinely concerned that she didn't talk to him about her worries. "I actually thought Dick left the country after he testified." Pausing, thinking about how to word her concern, she adds a little tentatively, "I guess I assumed Dick talked to you about the threats made against him and you chose to ignore them."

Shaking his head Logan admits, "He didn't mention them to Casey or me."

The handsome young man sees the annoyance cross his girlfriend's face before she masks it. She merely says, "I see. Well I am sorry I didn't talk to you about it then."

He bends a little and looks her in the eyes and adds, "Dick uses the same security outfit that we use. I talked to the head of his security and he told me that Dick has been receiving threats but the number has lessened over the last few months. He also told me that he has been receiving weekly updates from the FBI and that his company checked out the list of higher risk victims you gave them. "

Meeting his gaze, she nods and agrees, "They did what they could. None of the threats were credible. I would have told you if any of the checks came up with a verifiable threat."

He wraps his arms around her and reassures her, "I understand your thinking. I am a little put out that you thought I knew about the threats and didn't listen to them." Before she can answer, he adds, "I am not that young man in high school who acted like we were invincible." She looks chastised and he relents, "I just want to know all the risks even if they are very remote."

"I should have talked to you," she shares, "I shouldn't have assumed that Dick told you about the threats." She puts her hand on his shoulder and promises, "I will let you know if I am concerned from now on."

He leans down and kisses her. The communication between them has become so open and honest. He can tell her his upset and they can discuss it rationally and without censure. This issue has not become a problem between them. His Neptune friends' attitudes have not been a problem either. They are able to support each other and discuss any concerns. Logan is so deeply impressed at how she takes his suggestions or even mild criticism and they come to some resolution. There is no blame; only working together to solve issues between them. It appears that over the years they have both learned how to problem solve and are both better communicators.

He looks into her eyes after the kiss is over and says, "I love how you keep care of me Veronica. You let me protect you and I will let you protect me. I have never had anyone want to protect me before." He meets her gaze and, as always, is touched by the beautiful light blue of her eyes and adds, "I love you for that."

Pleased she shares, "Oh Logan, I love you too."

Logan puts his forehead down to touch hers and he insists, "Ronnie, no work tonight please. You get home and relax; watch a movie, soak in the tub or just read a good book." Pulling back he gently caresses the dark circles under her eyes. She has been working very hard on the case.

"OK," she agrees, "I actually have a book I want to read." Reaching up to give him a peck goodbye she adds, "Please call me later."

"I will," he agrees smiling at her easy agreement, he gently kisses her and opens the car door for her to get in the back. He watches as she gets in and nods his head to her security driver before he shuts the door and waves goodbye to her.

The rest of the week at work, Veronica is busy re interviewing the victims' friends, family, co workers and classmates. Frustratingly she can't seem to find a common denominator between the victims. In her heart she knows she is on the right track but they are missing the elusive key. Just before lunch, she interviews the mother of the first victim. She doesn't have any useful information but as she walked Veronica to the door, the mail man arrived. A little teary she tells the petite agent that sometimes she still gets mail for her daughter. She tells her that just last week so got a letter from the Red Cross reminding her that it was past time for her to donate blood again. She says, "I sent them a letter to take Brenda's name off their donation list."

Veronica put her hand on the older woman's arm and gently squeezes it before she gets into her car. Once inside she pulled out her phone and called Lester. Without fanfare she asks, "What about blood donation?"

Lester begins to tap his keyboard and after a few minutes he excitedly calls Veronica back stating, "They are all registered in California as blood donors."

"I am on my way back to the office," she tells him. "Let's check volunteers with the Red Cross for our suspect."

In Lester's office, Veronica exhales loudly. Lester understands her frustration. All the of victims had donated blood a few weeks to a month before they died. However, the suspect is not affiliated with the Red Cross in any way. They had been excited about finding a possible tie between the victims but now they have hit another dead end. Thinking aloud Lester points out, "If you are right, he killed the last victim because she knew him away from the Red Cross." Pausing he says, "I don't understand why knowing his name or the fact he volunteers at the Red Cross got her killed."

Veronica sits up straight and exclaims, "Oh my god! He wouldn't care if she knew his name but he would care if she knew the name he was using at the Red Cross. His work at the Red Cross will tie him to all the victims. He is protecting that name."

Leaning towards his computer again, he says his voice rising as the talks, "Of course! He is using a false identity at the Red Cross. She donated blood and met the killer there. Then later she met our killer around her home and learned he had a different name. He probably gave her an excuse that held her for a while but in his mind he couldn't risk her knowing."

Pondering Veronica says, "She could have known him from the area and then met him when she donated blood. Either way, it sealed her fate when she found out his other identity." The two lean towards Lester's computer as he starts typing. He is eliminating older males, all the women and young males from the workers and volunteers. They both feel like they are finally on the right track.

At six pm Logan's phone rings. He leaves Dick's room and answers it when he sees that it is Veronica calling. Dick watches Logan leave and says to John, "I am surprised that Veronica lets Logan stay the nights."

Casey frowns at Dick and answers, "She has actually been good getting us coffee and keeping us fed."

John ignores Casey's praise and comments, "He could do much better."

Dick nods his agreement and Casey shakes his head. Those two still think Veronica is going to tear out Logan's heart like she did in high school and college. Thankfully they quit talking badly about her in front of Logan.

Logan happily updates Veronica on the good day Dick has had. He got out of bed and the doctor removed the tube from his chest. He is making steady improvement and will likely be discharged home within a week. He will be transferred to a private room tomorrow.

Veronica excitedly tells Logan she thinks they got the break they were looking for in a case and she is going to stay and work if he is planning on staying at the hospital with Dick. Logan is pleased that Veronica is doing well on her new team. He easily tells her he is staying overnight with Dick again but he would like her to let him know when she is heading home.

She agrees and hangs up after letting him know she loves him.

Logan walks back into Dick's room with a smile on his face. Casey teases him that it must have been Veronica on the phone because he has a stupid smile on his face. Logan flicks off Casey and heads towards his chair. He tells the guys that Veronica is working late because they may have caught a break in their latest case.

Dick bitingly comments, "So she is close to ruining someone else's life?"

"Well right now it is serial killers who have to worry that Veronica is after them," the tall young man says. He makes eye contact with his friend and adds, "You should be safe."

Casey laughs at Logan's dig but changes the subject, "I was thinking of ordering something to eat. What do you guys want?"

A few days later Dick is discharged and goes to Casey's mansion. They have hired a nurse to come in during the day and look after Dick, change his dressing, help him get dressed and just generally keep him in line. Casey, Logan and John are able to go back to their regular lives. Although Logan doesn't regret the time he spent at the hospital, he really misses Veronica. He texts her to let her know Dick has been discharged and he is headed home.

Veronica sitting at her desk smiles when she reads her sexy boyfriend's text . He will be able to spend time with her tonight for the first time in almost two weeks. Her team has found the suspect's connection to the victims and have gathered enough proof to arrest him. Part of the team has gone to pick him up. If everything goes well, she will get the chance to interrogate him. It is a very, very good day.

Mitchell sees his interrogator smile when she reads a text. He is impressed at her instincts with gathering and sorting information. She has an amazing memory for details and is very interested in the smallest detail when she asks questions. At first he wasn't sure about having a girl on the team much less a girl living with a rich, party boy. However he has to admit, she is a skilled investigator who is definitely going to be a real asset to the team. She is also a very hard worker and her rich boyfriend does not seem to interfere with her work.

Of course Mitch knows that his newest agent is living with Logan Echolls. Her picture has been in the tabloids since they rekindled their relationship now she moved back to LA. To Mitch's surprise, her boyfriend looks after her. A driver takes her to and from work and he sends the entire crew meals when they are working long hours. Mitch has to admit he loves the new coffee machine Echolls sent as well as the varied selections of tea and coffee he has delivered weekly to the office. When Veronica saw the original delivery she looked embarrassed and admitted to Phil that she complained that she missed the coffee from their coffee maker at home when she was at work. Phil, not at all shy about his coffee, immediately accepted the delivery and had the delivery man set it up and get it ready. Mitch looked it up on line; it is a very expensive coffee maker and he imagines the weekly deliveries are not cheap. Mitch thinks Veronica may have sent it back if Phil had not been there. Since that time, their team had come to love the new machine and really enjoyed going to the break room and making coffee or tea. Mitch noticed that Veronica had settled into accepting the gift in the spirit her boyfriend intended it and she accepted the teasing she took about being a princess in relatively good grace.

Of course Mitch read Veronica's file. Her past is well-known amongst the bureau chiefs. She solved the Lilly Kane murder when she was seventeen and since then solved the Neptune Bus explosion, exposed the Cassablancas' real estate scandal, caught the Hearst rapist, caught the students' involved in the fake ID scam, broke into the Castle organization, solved the Dean's murder and is suspected of helping her ex boyfriend leave the country with his child; all before she graduated from college. She is highly intelligent with almost perfect grades in college and on her pretesting for the bureau. She is a marksman and achieved very high scores on self-defense training. She has received excellent evaluations and was on the fast track to rising in her division.

According to her file, her Achilles' heel is her inability to trust and this leads to a disturbing tendency for her to work independently. Once her boss in White Collar requested her transfer, the higher brass in the FBI decided to put her on a team at this point in her career to see how she would respond. She worked well with her partner developing trust but taking direction from a team leader and following protocols for the good of the team is not an ability she has yet mastered. The hope is that Miss Mars will ultimately learn to trust and work as a group member.

Mitch was not given the choice on accepting her onto his team. That in itself is unusual. A team leader often has the final say. He knows that he has the reputation as a hard ass and he runs a very tight ship. He knows that he was selected to train her for that reason. The truth is she is still too independent working on ideas on her own but he has delegated teaching her to share ideas and work with the total team to Phil who is doing a masterful job of gaining her trust and leading her into an emotional connection with the team.

To him, Veronica's weak spot is Logan Echolls. His past history of an abusive father and alcoholic mother alone makes him a determent as the significant other to an FBI agent. Even more alarming, the young man has a checkered past; suspected in the murder of Lilly Kane, charged with the murder of a gang member in high school, a suspect in the unsolved murder of his father and he is suspected of assisting Duncan Kane in the kidnapping of Faith Manning. He has a history of being a wild young man with equally wild friends. Where Veronica fits in with his wild lifestyle and friends is not clear. They have a long history; they have known each other since they were twelve years old. They have had an on again, off again relationship for years. No, it is a definite unknown how her relationship with Logan Echolls is going to affect her career. Veronica does not talk much about Logan or his friends. In fact, she is very closed about her personal life.

Mitch was shocked at how much money was in their joint account and how much Logan dropped on buying the mansion they now live together in. Most of his money is in his private account but he is not protecting himself from Veronica in any way. He is not hiding his money from her or getting her to sign any papers limiting her access to his monies if they split up. Veronica herself seems to leave the accountant to pay their bills from their joint account. She obviously trusts Logan completely. Mitch noticed a large purchase from one of Logan's accounts at a well renowned jewelry store and he is guessing that soon Miss Mars will become engaged. It is more than Mitch spent on his house but it is only a small fraction of Logan's inheritance.

There has been speculation in the press when Logan and Veronica moved in together that they would be getting engaged or she was pregnant. Since that time there have been many stories about how they have an open relationship, Logan has other women, Veronica has other men and how they have wild parties at their home. Mitch is not sure about Logan's alleged affairs but he knows Veronica works long hours and really doesn't have time for other men. He also knows that she wasn't having an affair with her last partner and she is definitely not a flirt with the new men in the unit. No he suspects that Logan and Veronica are serious about each other. Mitch smiles as he thinks about how the young agent has caught and tamed the wild child of two actors. She is something else.

The girl in question packs up her things and heads to the door. Their suspect has refused to talk to the FBI and is being charged and processed so her day has suddenly become open. One of her team meets her at the door coming in while she is leaving. He asks, "Heading out?"

Smiling she murmurs, "Yes, talk to you tomorrow." He steps aside and watches as she punches the button for the elevator. It isn't even noon. It is really not like her to leave early.

Phil steps into Mitch's office and tells him, "The suspect asked for his lawyer before we even got him in the car. He won't say a word."

Nodding Mitch says, "It doesn't matter. We have enough on him." He smirks and adds, "That's why Veronica is headed home so early."

Phil watches Veronica walk into the elevator and says, "She sought out Lester and shared her idea about the Red Cross with him."

The information causes Mitch to smile and he states, "She is coming along."

Sitting the psychiatrist agrees, "Lester adores her. She gives him a huge list of things to look up. She doesn't trust anything with any of the people she interviews." Phil adds with a wry look on his face, "However when she has free time, she helps Lester get the information she asks for." There is a pause and Phil shares how she is intent on learning everything she can about everyone else's job. He talks about her learning to collect evidence and even spending some time with the forensic pathologist looking at samples and learning how things are tested. Finally he finishes, "She joined Tom and Brian's workout this morning."

Immediately Mitch understands Phil's point. She is immersing herself in the team; learning what everyone does and how she can help and fit in. There is something special about her. Shaking his head he says, "She is scary driven!"

Phil nods and then looks at his friend when he shares, "There have been concerns in her profile that she won't be able to keep up her focus and intensity without risk of burnout."

Mitch looks at the tall, thin middle aged man in question, "What do you think?"

Relaxing back in his chair Phil tells him, "I am not sure yet but I am coming to believe that her boyfriend keeps her grounded."

Surprised Mitch looks at his friend and sees that he is serious. Leaning back in his chair he says, "Who would have believed that the rich, spoiled son of two actors would be able to be emotionally supportive to someone else? Doesn't he hire that out?"

Laughing Phil says, "I checked him out. He has a butt load of issues but one thing is for sure; he is all about Veronica."

Intrigued Mitch asks, "Really?"

Nodding Phil talks about some of the rescues and beat downs he has heard about. He adds, "I am certain that I have only learned the more well known incidents." He pauses for a few seconds and tells his friend, "I know one of Logan's security agents. Echolls removed his best friend Dick Cassablancas from free access to his and Veronica's mansion." He continues after he takes a sip of coffee. Right now only Keith Mars, Alicia Fennel, Wallace Fennel, Daryl Fennel, Cindy Mackenzie, Eli Navarro and Casey Gant have the ability to use a code to enter the Echolls/Mars mansion. Everyone else has to ring in."

Mitch thinks about how careful Logan and Veronica are in their own home. Phil interrupts his friend's thoughts by adding meaningfully, "My friend in security says that Logan took Dick's name off the security list because Mr. Cassablancas was rude to Veronica at a party at their mansion."

They are both silent for a few seconds. Mitch is thinking about how by all accounts Dick Cassablancas has been friends with Logan since they were in middle school. To take him off the list of people with the security code to his house is very telling. Phil looks at Mitch and says, "My buddy says that Logan is very particular with Veronica's security team. He has men protecting her except when she is at work."

Mitch whistles. He had not realized that Veronica has more than a driver with her. He asks, "Does Veronica know?"

Nodding Phil says, "Veronica is not happy but has agreed to the security." Smirking he says meaningfully, "Echolls must be very persuasive." Mitch thinks about how independent his new agent is and how she is influenced by her boyfriend. Phil meets his friend's gaze and points out, "He has a lot of influence with her. She trusts him."

Mitch is pleased that she is opening up at work and at home. These are big steps for her. He tells Phil about Logan making a huge purchase at an expensive jewelers. Phil smiles and says, "Veronica's file has her anti marriage but I am going to bet that she will be engaged soon." Looking at the elevator where Veronica left a few minutes ago he says, "I think she went home to spend time with her boyfriend. He has been staying at the hospital at night with Cassablancas since he got shot. Veronica told me yesterday that he is supposed to be discharged today."

Laughing Mitch says, "I remember those days."

Veronica arrives home, resets the alarm and locks away her gun and credentials. The house is quiet. She heads into the kitchen and sees Mrs. H. is baking. Mrs. H. tells her that Logan went up to bed at 9 am.

Veronica talks to her housekeeper for a few minutes and is persuaded to let her make her a salad and sandwich for lunch. After visiting with her while she ate, Veronica goes up to the master bedroom to check on her man. He looks incredibly appealing laying there. He is on his back, his bare chest and abdomen exposed. Asleep he looks younger. Veronica adores the calm look on his face when he is asleep. Away from Aaron, away from the torment of his youth, Logan has slowly learned to relax and sleep in his well protected home. She loves that he is comfortable and feels safe there. She wants to provide him with security and love; a real home; a real family. She wants that more than anything.

Undressing she carefully crawls into their soft and massive bed. Pulling the covers down she leans closer and gently starts kissing his ear slowly kissing down his neck to his chest. She feels his breathing change and his body react to her touch. When her mouth gets down to lower belly and her hand gently touches the waist band of his boxers, his hands come up and grasp her shoulders pulling her up the bed to lay beside him. He says his voice husky from sleep, "Normally I would love to be woken up like this and let you finish what you started, but today I need to touch you and be inside you." Rolling her over and looking down at her he brushes the hair from her face and tenderly tells her, "I have missed you."

Smiling up at him she teases dramatically, "I think I am going into withdrawals."

His smile is immediate and he answers back, "Can't have that," as he leans down to kiss her.