LoVe on Track

Veronica leaves town with the FBI team and is going to be gone at least a week. This girl is only missing, not a murder case, but may be tied to a killer they are chasing who targets recently engaged women. The team could be back quickly if she is found alive or they may stay a while if she becomes one of their cases. Either way, they will help the locals for a few days at least. Although he doesn't like when she leaves town, he knows that she works as part of the team and she never goes anywhere alone.

When Casey invites him to go surfing, he tells his friend that both Dick and John are back in town and planning to be there with the group. Logan, after some thought, agrees to go. He arrives, unloads his truck and gets ready to surf as usual. Happy to be out surfing after long hours of enforced indoor time writing, he wades out and joins his friends. It is a beautiful day and the waves are good. He enjoys the morning surfing with his friends and catching up with everyone's news. He is a master of visiting with people and keeping things superficial.

While they are getting dressed after surfing, Logan arranges to meet everyone at the restaurant and offers to drive Luke there. On the drive, Luke updates Logan on his minor league ball career and what his agent tells him. Logan is pleased that Luke is doing well. The travel schedule sounds grueling. He is especially pleased that Luke may be called up to the majors this year. Logan, when they arrive at the restaurant, bookmarks the team website on his web browser and agrees to see if he can make it to any of the games. He comments, "It would be fun to take Ronnie to Spokane and see a few games. We could make a short holiday of it." He pauses and then adds, "Although I might just bring Dad. He loves baseball and we could have a guys' weekend." Luke notes that that Logan is close to Veronica's dad and he is happy for his friend. Obviously thinking, Logan shares, "Maybe Wallace would like to come too."

Dick and John look up from the table as Luke and Logan approach. They see that Logan is enjoying his conversation with Luke. When Luke asks how Wallace is doing, Logan updates Luke on Wallace's life. Logan, as they approach the table, asks Luke if he is dating anyone. They sit down the table from where Dick and John are sitting. Luke is telling Logan that it is hard to have a relationship when he travels so much and he plays baseball almost every night during the season. Logan asks the waitress for a water and picks up his menu as he listens to Luke talk about how even in the off season the team is requiring him to go to Arizona and train.

Logan, when asked, tells the group he is working on a screenplay. It's different for him because it is a spy thriller. It is interesting to see how excited he is about the opportunity as it is a very influential producer who sought him out. Dick and John can see that they are on the outside of Logan's life now and it is not a good feeling.

When Logan arrives at Casey's for the party in the evening, he doesn't get trapped alone with Dick or John. He spends some time talking to a few people he hasn't seen in a while. The highlight of the evening for Casey is when Logan loudly tells Madison he heard the news that her husband moved out of their mansion. She looks embarrassed. He looks at her with question, "Did he find out about your trip to Hawaii with Dick?" He ignores her explanation that she had a separate condo in Hawaii and looks over at his friends adding dramatically, "I heard that he is asking for a paternity test." When Madison gets upset and denies she is pregnant, Logan nods his head in understanding and says meaningfully, "Oh, I see. A negative paternity test would violate your pre nup, wouldn't it?" The guys all smirk at Logan's clear jab that she is a money-grubbing slut. He looks sympathetically at her and suggests, "You know another option would be to have the baby and put it up for adoption. There are lots of couples that can't have children who would love to adopt your baby." He puts his arm on hers and says, "You were adopted or something, weren't you?" Very upset she almost screeches that she is not adopted and she leaves the room quickly. Logan grimaces and says to the guys listening, "Wow I heard pregnant women can be emotional."

Casey shuts off the video application on his phone. He knew when Madison walked over to where Logan was visiting with some of their old classmates that Logan was going to get back at her. He looks over at Vanessa who is laughing hard at Logan's very public put down of the girl who tried to upset his wedding. He smiles at her as he forwards the video to Veronica. His girlfriend shakes her head and comments, "He really would make a great trial lawyer."

Later when Veronica calls Logan, he answers and pointedly walks away from Dick and John to continue his conversation in private. The two can see that they are not going to be privy to anything important in his life. Logan is sad to hear that they found the missing girl and they were too late. Veronica tells him that they think this is the same killer as the victims in LA and San Diego. Sounding a little upset, she explains that she although the fiancé is often the first person the local police suspect, her interview ruled him out. She adds, "He is devastated."

Logan thinks about how the young man was planning his future when it was ripped away from him. He thinks about how important Veronica is to his future and how it would be unbearable if she was taken away from him. He hopes that Veronica and the team catch this killer before he hurts another woman and the people who love her. He spends a few minutes telling her about the party and surfing today. She tells him that she loved the video of his conversation with Madison. He innocently tells her that he didn't realize that bringing up her pregnancy would upset her. He also tells her he is thinking of asking her dad and perhaps Wallace to go to Spokane with him to see Luke pitch. She thinks her dad would really enjoy it and tells him that it might be a good break for Wallace as well. When Logan comes back to the group, one of the guys asks if that was Veronica and Logan merely says, "It was." He doesn't say anything else about her. He turns to Tom and asks him about how his new business is doing and listens attentively to the issues he is having.

Just before he leaves, he turns to John and Dick and asks, "Did you hear that Hank Gerada is being investigated for income tax fraud. I read he is facing a huge fine from the government and that his ex-wife has filed for a change in her alimony and child support payments now that she found out he hasn't been reporting all his income." Dick and John immediately know that Logan is the one who is ruining the PI's life. When the guys standing with the group ask who Hank Gerada is, Logan says, "Oh, he is an old friend of Dick and John's."

Logan looks at Casey and says, "I'm heading out. I'll call you tomorrow. Maybe you can come over for supper." When Casey nods, he adds, "Scott showed me his special steak marinade rub. Maybe I'll try it on you before I grill steaks for Veronica."

Laughing Casey comments, "I see how it is."

"It's always been like that, " Logan retorts as he leaves. The group notices the easy relationship between Casey and Logan. It was weird to see the divide between Logan and Dick. For almost as long as they can remember, you didn't see Dick without seeing Logan. They often lived together and went on holidays together.

Luke looks at Dick and John after Logan has left and asks, "Did you and Logan break up? There was no announcement?"

Annoyed, Dick tells Luke to shut up. Casey enjoying Dick's discomfort says, "Oh didn't you hear? Dick and John hired a private eye to break up Logan's marriage. The PI sold all his pictures of Veronica and the gay guy she works with to the tabloids."

Dick and John are angry that Casey picked a public venue to discuss it. Luke and the others look at Dick like he is crazy. Everyone knows how much Logan hates the press. None of them would even consider talking to them. Logan would never trust them again. Luke says, "Dude, no wonder Logan isn't talking to you anymore. What were you thinking?"

Dick angry spits out, "Veronica is using Logan. We just wanted to get her out of his life."

Casey comments rudely, "Nice job! Now you are out of Logan's life." The obviously upset CEO walks off and goes over to another group standing on the other side of the pool. Dick watches him walk off. Casey has already been very verbal with him on how his stupid decision to hire the PI could have resulted in Veronica and Logan being transferred.

Veronica sits on the deck drinking her coffee watching the sunset on the beach. Logan looks out the floor to ceiling window and sees her relaxing out in the back entertainment area. He goes to the fridge and pulls out a beer and then exits out the back door to go and join Veronica.

She looks over and sees him coming up the back way and smiles. This house which seemed so extravagant is just perfect for them. They often sit in one of the smaller entertainment areas. Tonight she started up the gas fire pit and she is sitting comfortably on the plush sofa with the netting down watching the sunset. It is warm, bug free and has a wonderful view.

Logan sits beside his wife and feels all the tension leave his body. He is home. He is safe and he is loved. He only hopes that he provides just as much contentment, security and love to Veronica. This is really one of the best feelings in the world. He wraps his arm around her and leans in to kiss her hello. For a while they talk about their respective days. Veronica asks Logan if he ate supper. He tells her that he had supper delivered at the Foundation.

Veronica smiles at how happy her husband is and how open he is with her. He has a lot on his plate. He worries about all aspects of his Foundation and gets stressed as he deals with all the actors, director and others on the set. Each of them wants him to work miracles with the screen play and none of them understand that it takes time to properly write. Many nights he has been up all night rewriting scenes and portions of scenes for a shoot the next day. Thankfully he can do most of his work on line so he gets to stay at home or at least in LA.

Concerned about the long hours he works, she sat him down and asked him to ease up on his day to day responsibilities at the Foundation. He looked reluctant when they first talked but it was clear he understood her concerns. It was actually funny how their roles have changed. She was always running on the hamster wheel trying to get everything she had to do done when they were dating and he seemed to just coast through classes and spend the rest of his time surfing and partying. Now she works long hours but when work is done for the day, she goes home and relaxes. Logan is the one on the hamster wheel.

Yet once he is done work, Logan knows how to relax. He is a master at enjoying the moment. She guesses that is one of the positive things that he learned growing up with an addicted and an abusive parent. The good times were few and far between and you had to learn to take what good you could. After a few moments of peaceful contentment, Veronica turns slightly and looks at the man she loves. She says, "I picked Mac up after your meeting and she took me out to dinner."

Smiling he comments, "I noticed she skipped out right after the meeting ended." Taking a sip of his beer he asks, "How is Mac? I didn't get to talk to her at all today."

"She is really good! She is very busy in the planning phase of opening her new company." Veronica shifts a little closer to Logan and adds, "She offered me a job."

Surprised, he repeats, "A job?" He pauses and adds, "What job does she think would interest you more than being a Fed?"

Putting her hand on his leg she explains, "She thinks I would make a great Head of Security."

Immediately he agrees, "Well you would, but you are also a kick ass agent for the FBI."

Pausing she meets his gaze and explains, "When she first asked me, I kind of blew her off but she insisted I listen to her whole pitch before I make a decision." Grimacing wryly at Logan she adds, "She is a good business woman." Smiling Logan agrees. He saw her in action with the Grade Your Ass Website. She was relentless at times. Raising her hand to gently rub Logan's shoulder and upper arm she says, "She actually made a very good case for me leaving the bureau."

Frowning a little in disbelief he says, "OK, wow me then." He turns a little so they are almost facing each other.

Veronica smiles a little and starts, "Well Mac researched it and there is a glass ceiling at the FBI for women."

Impressed at the first volley, Logan returns confidently, "There may be but you will punch through it."

Her smile grows a little at his belief in her,"I am very well prepared for the Head of Security job with my FBI training." She carries on, "Mac also really believes I will like it."

Logan looks at her speculatively. He asks, "Why does she think you will like it?"

"I will have complete autonomy on setting up the security for the building and staff. I will be involved in checking out hires and the staff on a regular basis. I will be able to hire who I want for security. Mac has set up a large budget for me to work with," the tiny blonde tells her husband.

Logan thinks about what she is telling him and he has to admit, his wife will appreciate the independence. She hates at all the rules involved in working for the FBI. Veronica continues, "Apparently I will make little pay and work long hours until I reach the top at the FBI."

"The money doesn't matter to us and I don't mind if you have to work," he dismisses.

Tiling her head she says, "I will work long hours for Mac while I set up the security but then I will be able to work when I like unless something is going on. I can hire a second in command who can take some of the workload for me." She wiggles a little closer and tells Logan how much money she will make, the benefits and the responsibility that Mac is willing to give her in the position.

He admits, "Those are pretty good perks."

Veronica points out, " When you need me to be at premieres or things for your work or Foundation, I can probably be there. I won't be transferred if I work for Mac. The fact is the job in security is better for accommodating our lives."

He is getting more used to her thinking of them first but when she does, he still feels that tug deep inside. He leans in and gently kisses her and says, "I love that you put us first Ronnie but I don't want you to change jobs for me."

She gently puts her hand over his lips and reassures him, "I know you truly just want me to work where I am happy. This discussion is just about pros and cons of each job."

He nods and turns his cheek into her hand stating, "I get it. I just don't want me to be the deciding factor in your decision. A job that makes you happy is important to your well being and therefore important to us."

Touched she gently caresses his cheek and tells him openly, "I am so happy with you Logan. I love you so much." He wraps his arm around her pulling her even closer and he kisses her. He puts his feelings into it. After a few minutes of kissing Veronica cuddles into Logan and they both watch the fire. Quietly she continues, "Mac really surprised me at the points she made." She looks up at him and continues, "She says that it is only a matter of time before our tendency to attract attention from the media torpedoes my career in the FBI."

Logan looks a little upset at that observation. Before he can say anything, Veronica says, "I actually have been thinking the same thing. I think that Mitch covered for me this last time with his superiors. I hear that they were displeased to have negative publicity about two of their agents." She tucks her hair behind her ear and adds, "I have been wondering when the sword is going to fall." Looking up at him she says significantly, "Not if, when."

Disturbed at what she is saying, Logan finds that part of him has to agree with what she is saying. The press will likely find something juicy to write about and they will be back in the spotlight again. He hates it but he knows that there is nothing he can do about it. It is a part of his life, a hateful part. Veronica takes his hand and squeezes it. She says, "Mac also made a couple of other good points." Logan looks disgruntled and Veronica laughs stating, "She was very well prepared and made a good pitch."

He comments, "I wish she would have let us invest in her company. She is going to make millions."

Amused she laughs aloud and agrees, "She is."

Logan hugs her and after a few seconds of holding her, asks, "OK, what were her other points."

Putting her head on Logan's chest she talks about how the job as head of security is a much safer job. Right now she is not actively chasing criminals but she could be transferred to job where she is in more danger. Mac also pointed out Logan and her father would worry less if she was working in an office. She also mentioned that IF Veronica got pregnant and when her children were young, she should be in a job that is less risky.

He takes a deep breath and lets it out stating, "Wow, she really pulled out the stops."

Nodding she pulls away a little and says, "She really did." She looks at her wonderful husband and adds, "She saved her best reason for last: Mac told me that she needs me. It is crucial that she has someone she trusts as her head of security."

His eyes widen and his mouth drops open a little as he takes in the complete pitch that Mac made. Veronica smirks at Logan's reaction. She imagines that she looked the same. She had not anticipated how thorough Mac's pitch was going to be. Logan closes his mouth as he sees Veronica's smirk and says, "I am not surprised Mac wants you to head security. I must admit that I am blown away by the thoroughness of her pitch though."

Veronica tilts her head and reaches up to run her hand through Logan's hair to the back of his neck. "Honey," she sweetly asks, "Can I borrow five million dollars?"

"What?" he exclaims shocked as she doesn't even like to use her credit card and now is asking for five million dollars. He examines her face closely and sees she is serious. He mentally shrugs as he is sure she has a good reason for asking, "Of course. Take the money out of our joint account."

She leans up and kisses him, "Thank you." Before he can ask any more questions she wraps her arms around his neck and deepens the kiss. He is a man who has never made money an issue between them. She knows that he would give her whatever he had. She feels very lucky to be with him. Responding to her ardor, he wraps his arms around her and pulls her into his lap. Although he is curious about what she wants the money for, he is not one to miss out on some Veronica loving time for questions. He can ask her later.

Much later he is laying in bed holding his beautiful wife after another round of lovemaking when he remembers to ask, "Hey, what do you need the five million dollars for?"

She smiles a little sleepily at him and points out, "Mac may be a good negotiator but she is still a rookie next to me. I don't want to work for Mac, I want to be a partner."

He looks at his tiny wife and a slow smile stretches over his face. Curious he asks, "What percentage did your five million buy?"

She rolls over to face away from him pulling his arms around her as she snuggles into his warmth, "Twenty six percent."

"Wonderful," he comments. "I love a smart woman."

She yawns and tells him, "I will take the position as head of security and I won't get paid." Her voice obviously tired starts to drift as she adds, "So you are going to have to support me until Mac makes us richer."

He smirks at how she words her deal with Mac. He nuzzles the back of her neck and points out, "The paps are going to love that you quit work."

Relaxed and content she agrees, "Yes, all their dire predictions about me have come true." She feels her husband's chest bouncing with his amusement. She continues, "I will for the most part be a silent partner but now Mac will have more startup capital and can move the date up for the development of her first project." She adds, "Plus I will be in meetings with her." Yawning she finishes, "I am a really good judge of lies and a pretty good negotiator."

"When are you going to put in your resignation from the FBI?" he asks curiously.

Almost asleep she says, "Tomorrow." After a final snuggle she says, "I will have a few weeks off before I start work for Mac so I want to spend some quality time with you before I get busy at my new job." Her voice is slower and she adds, "We could have a holiday together before I start work with Mac... you will be finished your edits by then..."

With her final comment his tired wife falls asleep. Logan lays there holding her thinking through what it means that Veronica is leaving the FBI. Mac is right in that he does worry about her safety and her new position will be much safer. He is also blown away at how she is thinking about spending more time with him and possible children they may have in the future. He feels the warmth between them physically right now but it is the emotional warmth that is filling his heart right now. She keeps proving over and over that she is with him for the long run. He knows that his insecurities are from his childhood but he is so amazed and so very touched each time she talks about him as there in the future and each time she so effortless centers her life around him. He is the happiest he has ever been and he is not grasping her with both hands afraid she is going to leave and he is going to lose everything. He is holding her but he is not desperate; no, he is so very comfortable and so very content.

Logan and Veronica are sitting on the deck of the yacht. He lifts his head and enjoys the feel of the wind on his face and holding his wife in his arms. Phil and Phyllis are down in the galley making supper. They insisted that they would cook the meal and provide the refreshments as a thank you for being able to use the yachts whenever they wanted. Logan had easily accepted the invitation. He has learned to let people do what they need to feel like they are paying him back, even if it is really not necessary. He honestly doesn't mind when Phil and Phyllis use the yachts. The boats are insured so as long as their friends are safe, it is all good.

Logan thinks about his family. His accountant tells him that Wallace is paying back the loan he took to start his company with interest even though the contract does not stipulate that he pay interest. He gave up telling Wallace it is not necessary for him to pay it back right now and he should focus his finances on the company instead of paying him back. Wallace is Wallace and he feels that he should pay back the loan before he spends more money on the company.

Daryl is doing well in college and his grades are good. Logan, without Keith and Alicia's knowledge, opened an account for Daryl to use for expenses. Although he has a full scholarship, Logan feels that he is a young man who should be having fun and going on dates instead of just working at a job he doesn't care about, studying and playing basketball. Daryl easily accepted the money thanking Logan for helping him. He is taking Business Management and has plans to play basketball after college. He talks with Logan and Veronica a few times a week. Logan kept a close eye on how the team is doing and he loves to hear his younger brother talk about his experiences in college. Daryl has Wallace's strong moral compass but he is so much more relaxed about life than his older brother.

Keith has used the money that Logan invested in Mars Investigations to move to new offices and hire two more investigators besides Eli. Eli tells Logan that Keith mostly stays in the office running the firm and keeping up on all the cases. Logan is happy that Keith is not chasing bail jumpers anymore.

Alicia is a gem on the Lynn Foundation Board. She has a way of getting right to the heart of each issue and she doesn't believe that something can't be done. She knows there has to be a way and they just have to find it. She was the one on the board who loved the idea of adding a long term follow up component to the mission statement.

Logan immediately saw that she would be the right person to be Executive Director of the Outreach Program. She is perfectly suited to meet with the government officials and to handle the multitude of educational programs and businesses in the community that the Foundation would have to affiliate with. He met with her alone and asked her to quit her job at Kane Industries and work for him. She refused at first but soon came to see that Logan really wants and needs her help in setting up the Outreach Program. Logan offered her a competitive salary and benefits, a car to bring her to and from Neptune, and autonomy to run the program. Veronica had looked at Logan in admiration when he talked to her about hiring Alicia. She said, "She is Executive material. If Kane Enterprises did not see that, that is their loss." Logan had definitely agreed and he has not been disappointed. Alicia is a true leader. She believes in what the Foundation is doing in general and what the Outreach Program is doing in particular. She is organized, professional, hardworking and her staff love her.

The Foundation means a lot to Logan. He thinks about his conversation with Veronica about the hours he put in at the Foundation. She pointed out that the Executive Director's job is more than full time. He can't handle it and his writing. Logan understood and with her support, eased himself away from the day to day running of the Foundation. He made Irene the Executive Director. Irene hired a really motivated and competent man named Jason Stockton to take over her role as Executive Director of Site One and she hired a young man who interned with the Foundation during college to be her Executive Assistant. Catherine is Executive Director of Site Two. Alicia is the Executive Director of the Out Reach Program. Although it bothered him at first to step back from the day to day running, he knows it was a change he needed to make in his life. Truthfully he could not be more pleased at how well things are running at the Foundation.

"I am not sure if I should be offended or not that you are ignoring me," his beautiful wife's voice brings him out of his introspection.

He looks at her and smiles, "I apologize." Leaning down he kisses her temple the whispers in her ear, "This is nice just sitting here with you like this on the water, away from most everyone."

Nodding she agrees, "It is nice." After a few moments she questions, "I was wondering how you are feeling about what happened between you and Dick and John?" He looks at her in question and she explains, "It has been a few months. Does being out on the water make you miss them?

Touched that she worries about how he is feeling, he says, "I do miss them." He ventures, "Old friends are the best friends because they know the real you and like you anyways."

Leaning a little closer the tiny blonde tells him, "I have to agree with that. I don't have to explain what I am thinking or feeling to Wallace, Weevil or Mac. They just know."

Nodding his agreement Logan takes another deep breath of ocean air as he thinks. His best friend and spouse looks at him with sympathy. She knows how much he values loyalty and friendship. He has overlooked a lot with Dick and now John. He feels that they have had his back so many times over the years. He knows they don't just care about him because of his name; they care about him. "I'm sorry you have to go through this, " she offers, "I know you have so many memories of things you have done with them."

Looking at her he sees that she does feel sympathy for his predicament. He says, "I am sorry that they caused you difficulty at work."

"I know are," she reassures him. Taking a deep breath herself, she says, "Tell me what you are thinking."

Logan looks at her and admits, "I do miss them." He adds slowly, "I am used to going surfing with them, partying with them and just generally hanging with them. I guess I still wish I had that."

She nods her understanding as she looks up at him. Logan meets her gaze and openly tells her, "I know that I did the right thing." He looks back out at the water and adds, "I guess I sometimes still have trouble believing that they hired the PI to break up our marriage."

There is a short but comfortable silence as Logan puts his thoughts together and Veronica waits for him to tell her what he is feeling, He looks back at her and starts, "They know I have a history with women fooling around on me so they knew that I would react to the evidence of your infidelity." He pulls his arm away from her, twist a little in the seat so he is facing her and turns his hand up in unspoken request. Veronica immediately puts her much smaller hand in his. He confesses, "If the PI had picked someone else you work with, that isn't gay, I may have had doubts," Logan quickly continues, "I would have talked to you and we would have worked it out but it probably would have caused us some problems."

Instantly indignant, she exclaims, "I would never have fooled around on you."

He holds onto her hand when she starts to pull it away and he admits, "My jealousy and doubts would not have been reasonable. I get that." He continues when she relaxes her hand in his adding, "Everyone has emotional buttons that can be pushed and insecurity about being able to keep a woman happy is one of mine."

Her shoulders relax at his explanation and she says, "It shouldn't be. You are every woman's dream man." Squeezing his hand with hers she says, "I get what you are saying though. You feel that Dick and John used their insider knowledge of you against you."

"That's it," he agrees relieved that she understands him so well. He says, "I trusted them and let them get to know me. They used that knowledge to try and hurt me." He gently rubs her knuckles with his thumb and then adds, "The truth is I knew that I was going to have to end our friendship. They just wouldn't let go of their animosity towards you. I should have done it a lot sooner. For that, I am really sorry."

She looks at him with so much love and understanding that he feels choked. She says, "I know Logan. You are loyal and caring. I love those things about you."

"And you forgive me when I am stupid," he adds smartly, "I love that about you."

Laughing she reaches up and wraps her arms around his neck, moving closer to kiss him. Phil coming up from the galley smiles when he hears her laughter and sees Veronica kiss her husband. He has come to see that although Veronica is very prickly and difficult to get to know, she is open with Logan. They are good for each other and they make each other happy. He has a soul mate in his life and he is glad she has that in her life. He interrupts them, "Supper is ready."

The kissing couple breaks apart and Veronica says, "Great, I'm starved." Smiling Logan stands and puts his hand down to assist her to stand. He adds, "The fresh air makes me extra hungry." The couple walks hand in hand towards their dinner.