Sometimes You Can't Make It on Your Own

Chapter 4: Day One: Logan falls in love…with Target.

Logan – Day One – Echolls' Estate

Logan figured he could practically pack in his sleep. His parents had been dragging him around the world since he was a small child – on movie locations, Cannes, and Sundance, plus the regular parade of vacation spots, and he typically dressed in a 'uniform' anyway: cargos in khaki or olive, tee shirt, and a button-up.

Actually, the 'uniform' might end up getting them caught. He would need to stop with the layering and either wear the tee shirts alone, or button up the shirts as he'd done earlier today. He would have to wear more jeans and fewer cargos. It wasn't much of a loss. The girls checked out his butt more when he wore jeans anyway.

His suitcase open, he added jeans, some lesser-worn tees and button-ups and hoodies, his black zip-up cardigan, shorts, swim trunks, socks and boxers, two pair of shoes and his laptop.

He smirked as he packed up all of his Aqva scented grooming products in a hanging shower bag – can't have Veronica mistaking him for Duncan in the dark.

But she thinks I smell better!

Looking in the mirror, Logan said a silent goodbye to Lilly as he unscrewed the clasp on his pookah shell necklace. His heart was breaking for having to leave Lilly's gift behind, but he might be identified by it. He reverently placed it in a wooden box and closed the lid on that chapter of his life.

Logan dug through his accessories drawer until he located a pair of Oakley wraparound shades he'd worn only once – he looked good in them, but nothing like himself – which now made them an asset. Adding a baseball cap made him barely recognizable. He would have to do something about the hair, though. The blond tips were noticeable and he couldn't wear a hat 24/7.

Logan scanned his room, considering what else might be useful. What a joke. This wasn't his room. It was a professionally decorated, generic one-size-fits-all guest room that he happened to sleep in. His room should look like it belonged to someone who was sixteen instead of forty. He should have some posters – maybe Alyssa Milano, or movie posters – maybe Tarantino or the Cohens – nothing with his father's face on it. He certainly shouldn't have the framed photos of the Echolls family farce. Why had he allowed those photos to remain all these years? Actually, he liked the one of himself with his mother. He slipped it between several shirts in his suitcase. He finished by packing up his laptop and a few PlayStation games. He would pick up a new console later.

He stopped in his parents' room. He wasn't sure if he would ever be able to come back if he left now, so he wanted something with which to remember his mother. After choosing a memento, he snagged some expensive sunglasses for Veronica. He wondered if any of his mom's other belongings could be useful for her, but then remembered that the two women were separated by a good six inches.

Go someplace where you can blend in? Now where can two California rich boys and a tiny blonde pest blend in, far far away from California?

As he walked down the hall, the movie poster for Around the Bend caught his eye, sparking a memory...leading to a different memory...leading to a plan. A smile slowly slid across Logan's face.

He headed to his father's office, and lifting the hinged seat of the leather chair to reveal Aaron's secret hiding space, he found exactly what he'd been looking for.

In his truck, Logan stowed his luggage and an empty bag for Duncan – he did not want to have to search the Kane house for suitcases – and headed back to the poolhouse with a box. Weevil was gone and Veronica seemed to be in a daze when he returned.

"Time to go." He said, and she jumped, startled by his voice.

"You're all packed?" she asked. "You were quicker than I expected."

"I have a lot of practice, and we're on a schedule here." Logan said, tapping his watch.

She examined him. "Wow, with the hat and the shades, I barely recognize you."

"That was the point." He removed his glasses and stuffed them in his front pocket and then grabbed a screwdriver from the drawer of an end table, and began unscrewing a vent near the ceiling.

"You learned that from Lilly." Veronica said, surprised.

"No, Lilly learned that from me." Logan answered, grinning at her over his shoulder and extracting a key from the vent.

"It's almost endearing that I need a key to the liquor cabinet, dontcha think?" Logan asked. "It's OK for me to fuck underage girls on camera for dad's entertainment, but God forbid I partake in some liquid refreshments."

Logan began pulling bottles from the shelves and arranging them in the box, tossing in the videos from the secret cabinet as an afterthought. He would dispose of them as soon as possible

"What the hell, Logan? Are we running away or going on a drinking binge? If you think for a moment, I'm going to let you get behind the wheel while you're drinking, you can forget about it."

"We'll need to stop for the night some time." Logan answered. "And how else will I be able to deal with your attitude without alcohol?" He carried the box of liquor to the truck, and came back for Duncan.

"We'll need to use cash. Do you have your checkbook?" Veronica asked.

"Gold-digger."

Smirk.

Logan – Day One – Kane Estate

Getting into the Kane house to pack for Duncan was easy. Getting out was the hard part.

They left Duncan waiting in the car. Inside, Logan packed up rarely worn clothing and shoes, while Veronica gathered his checkbook and his laptop. Logan grabbed Duncan's grooming supplies from the bathroom, and snagged a couple of Duncan's PlayStation games on the way out.

As they were leaving, Veronica slipped into Lilly's bedroom.

"What do you think you're doing?" Logan asked in an urgent whisper. "I can't go in her room. I just...can't."

"Give me a second." Veronica said. "I'll meet you out in the car."

"Come on, Veronica. We can't get busted." He sighed and walked away when she didn't respond.

Logan laced a pair of shoes on Duncan, before climbing behind the wheel. What was Veronica trying to pull now?

"Oh hell!" Logan said when a red Jaguar pulled into the driveway. Celeste paused next to Logan's X-Terra, looking at them disdainfully, before continuing on to the garage.

Damn! Damn! Damn!

Logan got out of his truck. How was he going to get Veronica out, and what the hell was she doing in Lilly's room? Should he be expecting police sirens any minute now?

He headed back into the Kane house.

"Oops! Forgot my car keys." He shrugged to Celeste who was sorting the mail over a trashcan. She gestured dismissively.

Logan took a deep breath for courage before pushing open Lilly's bedroom door. He found Veronica on a chair, trying to loosen the screws on Lilly's vent.

"Hey!" He hissed at her. "Celeste is here. You need to get out right now."

"Give me a second." Veronica whispered.

"We don't have a second." Logan answered. He grabbed Veronica's by the hips and lifted her from the chair to the floor.

"Damn Logan! I need to check that vent." Veronica said, attempting to climb back up on the chair. Logan's arm around her shoulder stopped her short as he steered her towards the door.

"No time. Get out to the truck, and I'll try to distract Celeste."

Frustrated, Veronica grabbed the red dress she had already set on Lilly's bed. Logan opened the door and peeked out into the hall.

"Clear."

Veronica followed Logan down the back staircase, hugging the wall. He peeked around the corner, and found Celeste pouring herself a glass of wine.

"Hi again, Mrs. Kane." Logan said, stepping into the kitchen.

Celeste glanced up, annoyed. "Logan."

"Mind if I grab a bottled water on the way out? It's a scorcher today."

Celeste gestured toward the fridge and turned to ensure he took only water. Logan's eyes met Veronica's giving her the "NOW" signal, and Veronica slipped out the back door.

"So what's Duncan pouting about this time?" Celeste asked.

"I'm sorry?"

"He wouldn't even look at me when I pulled in. He's obviously pouting about something."

"Oh." Logan said. "Well, he wasn't too happy when he heard that Veronica Mars went on a date..."

Celeste stiffened. "Duncan is dating Shelly, who's a perfectly appropriate girl. Why should he care about Veronica Mars? Do me a favor Logan, and keep Duncan far away from that girl."

"Um...OK. I'll do that. Talk to you later, Mrs. Kane."

Logan caught up with Veronica at the back of the house. As they rounded the back corner, they found themselves face-to-face with Jake Kane.

"Veronica?" Jake asked.

"Mr. Kane," she stared down at the ground.

"What are you doing here, Veronica?"

"I came to...get my dress." She held up the red dress uneasily. "For Homecoming. It was in... her...closet."

"Oh…" Jake said. "Homecoming? Are you?...and Duncan?"

"No. She's my date, Mr. Kane." Logan provided the save.

"Oh...you and Veronica?..." Jake Kane managed to appear both relieved and concerned at the same time.

"What can I say? It just snuck up on us." Logan grinned and put an arm around Veronica, leaning over to kiss her on the cheek.

"Oh…" Jake examined Logan. "Well...make sure you treat her right. She's like...family"

Jake reached out hesitantly to touch Veronica on the arm, and Logan felt her shoulders stiffen under his arm. He pulled Veronica closer, and out of Jake's reach and the tension eased out of her body.

"Will do, Mr. Kane. Well, we have to be going now. Catch ya later."

"Yeah...sure. Hey, find out what's bugging Duncan, will you? He didn't even wave when I pulled in."

"Oh, well he's not too happy about this." Logan gestured to himself and Veronica. "But we just couldn't fight this feeling anymore. We've forgotten what we started fighting for."

"Ahh. I see." Jake said, looking uncomfortable. "OK, have fun, kids."

"REO Speedwagon? Really?"

Logan grimaced. "It was the first thing to pop into my head. I hate lying to him. He's like a father to me." Logan said as they walked away. "On the other hand, what does it matter? I'll probably never see him again."

"Well, we do have to come back someday." Veronica said.

"And I'm the one who's dumb?" Logan asked. "We can't ever come back, Ronnie."

"Oh! You put shoes on Duncan," Veronica noted, changing the subject as they climbed into Logan's truck.

"Yeah. I can manage to be competent occasionally." Logan said. "Now explain what you were doing in Lilly's room." He started the truck and pulled away from the Kane mansion.

"Your liquor cabinet key hiding space made me wonder if anybody ever searched Lilly's vent after her death. All I needed was one more minute. Your timing really sucks, Logan."

"I'll remember that next time you need me to rescue you from the bad guys. What could you possibly have expected to find in there?"

"Maybe a clue as to who murdered her?"

"Oh, you definitely need a clue all right. Here's one: Abel Koontz confessed."

"That man did not kill Lilly."

"Then why would he confess?"

"Your opinion of me means less than nothing, so I'm not going to debate this with you. All I will say is Lilly had a big secret. Those are the last words she ever spoke to me, and I think that secret got her killed."

"Right…it's a big conspiracy. And what makes you think you can steal Lilly's clothes from her room?" Logan demanded stopping at a red light.

Veronica held up the strapless red satin dress for Logan. "Look at the size of this. Do you really think Lilly could have fit her boobs into this dress?"

"Lilly preferred to have her boobs spilling out of her dresses." Logan grumbled.

The car was silent for moment, and then their eyes met and they both snickered.

"True, but I promise she bought this one for me after last year's Homecoming because I was…" Veronica made air quotes. "Suppressing my hotness behind yellow cotton dresses."

Logan smirked.

"And as you can see…" Veronica motioned to herself. "I am now blessing the world with my hotness, so I thought it would be appropriate to take my dress. Every fugitive needs a good party dress."

Logan looked Veronica up and down. "If this is your idea of blessing the world, I'd hate to see your curses." He drove away as the light turned green.

Veronica – Day One – Mars Investigations

They made a quick pit stop at Mars Investigations, during which, Logan sat on the corner of the reception desk flipping through a U.S. Atlas, outlining paths with a highlighter, while Veronica rounded-up some supplies. Duncan remained in the car.

Veronica placed the small trunk she liked to refer to as her Box O' Disguises on her desk and returned to the supply closet. She scanned the shelves, gathering tools and gadgets she thought might be useful for life on the run into a separate tote bag on the desktop.

Sorry dad, but I'm sure you would happily replace any of this stuff in order to keep me alive.

"You planning some extracurricular fun, Mars?" Logan asked dangling a pair of handcuffs from his index finger. "Don't think you'll need the cuffs, Duncan will stay exactly where you put him these days."

Duncan? Somehow, I can't picture Duncan being into the kinky stuff, or anything other than vanilla. Now Logan, on the other hand...Ugh!

"We need to be prepared in case Liam Fitzpatrick finds us, or bounty hunters." Veronica said, slapping the handcuffs out of Logan's grasp. They fell to the desktop with a clink.

"Fine, I get it." Logan sighed. "I still may want to borrow these for some extracurricular activities of my own, though." He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.

And there we go. Right back to that visual.

Veronica scowled at him and took a seat at the desk. She opened her laptop and fired off an email to her father from her main account to his.

Dad,

By now, you must be aware of what happened at the Community Park. First, you need to know I'm fine. The boys arrived on time to save me. I am a little battered and bruised, but otherwise, OK.

We are not going on the run to evade the police. With the Kane's money and influence, they could get Duncan off - he was defending me after all. We're running from the Irish Mob. The Fitzpatricks. After speaking with a source who is familiar with them, we were strongly advised to leave town as soon as possible.

We have learned a bit about the Fitzpatricks today. Their head, Liam Fitzpatrick is extremely dangerous. The only person he has ever been close to is his brother Ciaran, who has served time for Liam and has taken a bullet meant for him. In return, anybody stupid enough to go up against Ciaran has ended up dead or missing.

We're positive that were we to stick around, Liam would kill us. Even worse, he might hurt the people we love.

I deeply regret the need to do this, but that darn survival streak runs strong in our side of the family. If I were to make any contact with you, Liam would try to use you as bait, so this is my last 'goodbye'. I am closing down this email account to remove temptation. You will not be able to reach me by any method.

You absolutely, positively, must not search for us. Be safe, and let me go, knowing I am out there somewhere loving you.

Love,

Veronica.

Veronica then logged-on to her VPN account. Using it ensured that her ISP had no record of her activities. Even if the authorities located her email, it would be traced back to a shared IP address in Seychelles where the VPN Company did not keep any records of activities.

Keith had set up secret webmail accounts for each of them to be used in an emergency. Using hers, she typed-up a second email to her father. Once he'd realized she was gone, he would check his secret inbox first.

Dad,

The only way to bring me home is to get Liam Fitzpatrick off the streets. Between the drugs and the money laundering, there must something you can nail him on. Whatever you do, don't let him catch you investigating.

I am so lucky to have a father who has taught me everything he knows about survival and street smarts. Keep faith, I remember all of your lessons. I will stay safe, and I'll try to stop the two knuckleheads from getting into any more trouble as well.

I won't be able to email every day. It will depend on the availability of Wi-Fi, which isn't likely in the dive motels where we'll be staying. I will check-in when I can. Always routed through the VPN, of course.

I need you to promise not to try to find us. If you refuse, I will be too worried about you to keep my head straight.

Feel free to share the other email with the press when they come calling. I hope that the statements about not staying in touch will be enough to prevent Liam from trying to use you as bait to get to me.

You're my daddy,

Veronica.

"You sending a love note to your boy Troy?" Logan asked without glancing up from the atlas.

"What do you know about Troy?"

"I know he's a player, and he's been paying a lot of attention to you lately."

"Why should you care who pays attention to me, and what makes you think he's a player?"

"Come on, Veronica. I'm a guy."

"And a player."

Logan shrugged. "Qualified to judge, then. So, you sending him a 'Dear Troy' letter?"

"It would be the right thing to do, but it's not safe to say goodbye to him or Wallace. Either one of them could try to stop us from leaving if they read the email too soon, so I guess they will hear when everybody else does. It doesn't seem fair or right."

"Well, I've never really met your friend Wallace, but trust me, you're better off without Troy Vandergraff."

"Right…I'm better off running away from the guy who's been nothing but nice to me, with the guy who's been nothing but a jackass for the past year. That's perfect logic…for a masochist maybe."

"Masochist? If you want to be spanked, you need only beg. And plead."

Veronica ignored Logan, imported all of her Fitzpatrick surveillance photos to her laptop, and then slipped the memory card into the Fairlong case-file. She set to work cancelling her email account to prevent anybody from trying to reach her by that method, and then retrieved Keith's disguise case from his office.

Popping the latch, she dug through the contents producing a pair of eyeglasses.

"Stay still." She said, leaning forward, and placing the glasses on Logan's face. She stepped back to view the effect.

"Come on, Veronica, what are you doing?" Logan complained.

"I'm trying to disguise you." She discarded the first pair of glasses.

"My vision is perfect."

"So? These are fake glasses." She dismissed a second pair.

She settled on the third pair of glasses she tried on Logan. "Wow. You actually look pretty good in glasses."

Logan feigned nonchalance. "You have a mirror?"

Veronica held up a travel mirror.

"Yeah, not too bad." Logan said. "These might help me pick up those girls who claim they only like smart guys."

"That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard. You're already a smart guy playing-dumb. Now you want to be a fake dumb guy playing-smart?"

Logan shrugged his shoulders, conflicted on how to react. Should he be proud because she had admitted he was smart, or embarrassed that she had called him out for being a fake?

"So...Running from the law and cruising for smart girls." Veronica exhaled. "Sounds like my kind of vacation."

On impulse, she pressed a fake mustache under Logan's nose. Laughing hysterically, she held up the mirror for him again.

"Awesome!" Logan said. He slapped Veronica's hand away when she reached out to take it back. "Hey! Hands off my porn 'stache! I'm keeping it!"

She rolled her eyes. "Don't even think about wearing that thing in public with me, or I'll dump you somewhere remote. Like the desert." She said, handing him the plastic case for the mustache. "The baseball cap and shades can be used for everyday blending in."

"I don't like blending in." Logan said, although he had been thinking the same thought earlier.

"Obviously Frosty." Veronica eyed the tips of Logan's hair with distaste. "But, I don't like being caught and tortured by Irish hoodlums."

"Fine, I'll do my best to blend." Logan said.

"I'll believe it when I see it."

"Trust me, Veronica."

"I don't trust anybody."

"You're the most trusting and gullible person I've ever met."

"Yeah, I was." Veronica admitted, eyes hardening. "Until you taught me not to trust anybody."

Logan's face shifted from hurt into guilt and then into indifference. He turned his attention back to his Atlas.

She made a guess about which glasses would suit Duncan, and tossed them in the box.

"Let's go, Logan," Veronica said packing up her laptop and snagging Mrs. Fairlong's check. She had earned that money in the worst possible way, and Mrs. Fairlong had her justice - although not in the manner in which she had expected. She moved the Fairlong file to the center of the desk to catch her father's eye, and then, handing her trunk to Logan and grabbing her box, locked up the office.

"How are we going to get Duncan's money?" Logan asked. "We can't send him into the bank to make a withdrawal."

"Not into the bank," Veronica said. "You can use the drive-up teller. We will have a check made out to cash. Stick the check and his driver's license into the container and send it up the tube. As long as the teller can look out the window and actually see him sitting in the car they'll probably cash it."

"But with a check that large wouldn't they check his signature card?" Logan asked.

"Haven't I ever mentioned I'm a master forger?" Veronica asked. "I could do Duncan's signature in my sleep."

Logan gave her a little grin. "You are so not yellow cotton anymore, Veronica Mars," he said in a Lilly Kane voice.

Veronica – Day One – Neptune Savings and Trust

"Here goes." Veronica breathed deeply as she stepped into her bank. Logan had dropped her off a moment earlier, before arranging Duncan in the front seat, and driving off to Duncan's bank.

"Hey June." Veronica said, approaching the first available teller. "I want to deposit this check into the business account and withdraw the same amount."

June smiled at her, looking down at the check.

"Twelve thousand dollars, Veronica? You sure your father would want you to withdraw an amount so large?"

Veronica gave her a conspiratorial smile. "My dad knows nothing about this case – this one was all mine. I met with the client this afternoon, solved the case in two hours, and fully earned that fee all by myself. The thing is, I need the cash for my dad's birthday present. His birthday is next week and for the past two years he has not stopped talking about this high-tech bug-sweeper disguised as a cell phone. Now with this money, I can finally buy it for him."

June gave Veronica a warm smile. "Your father is a lucky man to have a daughter who loves him so much," she said, as she counted out a stack of crisp hundred-dollar bills.

Veronica grinned when Logan's truck pulled up in front of the bank. "Worked like a charm," she said. I was born to be a con woman."

"Good for you," Logan said. "I, on the other hand, am not cut out for this sneaky stuff. I keep waiting to be surrounded by a SWAT team."

"You've got the money?" Veronica asked.

"Yeah, seven thousand from Duncan's account, ten from mine."

"Ok, so that gives us twenty-nine thousand in cash." Veronica said. "Oh my God, we are just asking to get robbed." She rubbed her hands over her face. "Head to my house to meet up with Weevil, and then on the road we go."

Logan – Day One – Sunset Cliffs Apartments

Logan was not good at waiting. In fact, patience was not a virtue he had ever even desired to possess. After ten minutes of waiting in the truck bored, Logan followed Veronica up to her apartment. He heard noises coming from an open door at the end of the hallway.

"Wow Veronica. My closet is bigger than this room." He said as he stepped into her doorway.

"Screw you, Logan." She answered, rooting around through her closet.

Backup, Veronica's pit-bull came bounding over to greet Logan enthusiastically. "I see at least one member of the Mars family missed having me around." Logan's asshole father had always refused to allow him to have a dog, but he had always loved this one.

"Traitor!" Veronica accused her dog.

Logan crouched down to baby talk to Backup. "Who's a big guy? Bet you missed your Uncle Logan. I know all the perfect scratching spots, huh?"

As if understanding, Backup rolled onto his back, exposing his belly for a good scratch.

"What are you planning to do with the dog? Can we bring him with us?"

"Sure. A large pit bull will really help us blend in. Are you crazy, Logan?"

"No. I just like your dog, OK?"

"I stopped by Mrs. Robinette's apartment and asked her to feed and walk Backup until my dad gets home. She loves him, and she owes me anyway."

"I think we should bring him with us."

"Logan, we'll be staying in dive motels where you can't have dogs. Plus, my dad is already losing me; I can't take his dog too! Go wait in the car."

"Nope," Logan smirked, and didn't bother making an excuse. He was, admittedly, a nosy bastard who never missed the opportunity to snoop through a medicine cabinet, rifle through drawers, or flip through somebody's notebook.

He moved across her room, running his hands over everything, smiling as he watched her twitch in annoyance. It had been so long since he had been able to get a reaction out of her – even with the headlight incident last week she had barely flinched.

She has never had to use a professional decorator, so why doesn't her room show more of her personality? Photos of strangers? Is she trying to hide from herself?

He stopped at her desk taking in her wall of photos. Very telling. Photos overlapped other photos, and he brushed some aside to see what was underneath. Strangers on top, but underneath...Lilly. Duncan. Himself.

He found a picture Lilly had taken of himself with longhaired Veronica in his arms wearing the world's most modest baby pink bikini. She was laughing and holding on to his neck for dear life as he held her over his pool about to toss her in. It was hard to believe there had been a time when he had been that guy and Veronica had been that girl. It seemed like centuries ago, rather than merely a year. He couldn't stop staring at the photo. He wanted to possess the photo, so he looking over his shoulder to make sure Veronica wasn't paying attention, he pulled out the tack and slid the picture into his back pocket.

No Dick on this wall. No Madison. No Shelly. No Meg. But he was up there, and after the animosity between them, he couldn't understand why she hadn't cut him out of every single picture, or why she'd even hung pictures that included him – they were already enemies by the time she'd moved to this apartment.

"Hey Veronica, don't pack much. We'll get you all new clothes."

"And why would we want to do that?"

"Because, you have a look. Short skirts, tall boots. I have to change the way I dress too."

"We have to make that money last. We can't afford to waste it on stuff we already own."

"I was just thinking since I'm going to have to cut-up the no-limit black Amex, we might as well use it one last time to stock up on clothes and supplies."

"That's actually a pretty good idea." Veronica admitted. "But there would be a record of whatever clothing we bought."

"So just pick out nondescript stuff. Plain hoodies, t-shirts, jeans. Then you'd look just like everybody else."

"I'm already nondescript enough."

Logan laughed out loud. "Nondescript? All of the girls ridicule your clothes and all of the guys want to get you out of them. You are never nondescript."

"You're so full of it about the guys. Not every guy is a player." Veronica said. "But you may have a point about my clothing. OK, I'll only pack essentials."

"Bring at least one pair of those boots, though."

"Why?"

Because they're hot.

"You'll never know when you'll need them."

Logan pulled down a few pictures of the four of them and handed them to her to pack.

"Why?" She asked.

"Why not? They won't do you any good here."

She relented and packed them in her bag. "I'll bring the pictures, but they're mine. Don't even think of cutting me out of them."

"Never crossed my mind."

"Find my camcorder on the shelf." Veronica said.

Logan located the video camera and stuffed it in Veronica's bag for her. He wandered back to the wall of photos when one of them caught his eye.

"So Duncan's dad is cheating, huh?"

Veronica looked up.

"You have a picture of him outside of the Camelot. And we both know Celeste wouldn't be caught dead at the Camelot. So who's the other woman?"

"Get away from my desk, Logan.

"Who's the other woman, Veronica?"

"Everything on my desk is private."

"Hello? You just watched my sex tapes! Talk about private!"

Veronica's face turned red. "Only the first one! For a split second." She insisted, spinning on her heel.

"Wow Ronnie!" Logan laughed. "You're more embarrassed than I am. It was just sex. Rumor says that you should be used to it."

"Go. Wait. In. The. Car. Logan." She answered through gritted teeth. Logan ignored her and threw himself onto her bed, propping up his head with her pillows. She must use coconut-scented shampoo, because the scent had transferred to the pillows. It was a nice subtle scent – not overly fruity like so many girls' hair.

"So, uh…how many guys have you had in this bed before me?" Logan raised his eyebrows at her.

"Get the hell out of my room, Logan!" Veronica yelled, picking up a shoe and throwing it at him.

Logan jogged out of the room laughing. Veronica Mars all riled up and angry was a thing of beauty. In fact, after raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, it was one of his favorite things.

Logan – Day One – Sunset Cliffs Apartments

"An Explorer? You expect me to drive this thing?" Logan sneered. Weevil had arrived while he was waiting for Veronica to finish up.

"I can take it back and bring a mini-van."

"Goody!"

"It's only two years old and has all of the extras. Plus the cops won't look twice at this thing."

"Neither will the girls." Logan muttered as he began transferring bags and luggage from his XTerra to the back of the Explorer.

"Oh, I'm so sorry." Weevil said in mock consternation. "I was under the impression you were trying to stay alive. Wouldn't want to affect your sex life."

Logan considered the last bag in his XTerra – Ciaran Fitzpatrick's backpack – for a moment and then, shrugging, tossed it into the Explorer. Who knows when they might need a pain pill? "Fine, I'll drive the damn Explorer, but if I'm overtaken with a sudden desire to wear mom jeans, I'm coming after you."

"Anything happens to Veronica while she's under your care, I'll save you the trip." Weevil threatened.

Logan smirked, stepping up into Weevil's personal space. "Does Ronnie know you're hot for her?"

"Does she know you're in love with her?" Weevil smirked back.

"In love?" Logan barked out a laugh. "Try the complete opposite."

"The complete opposite, huh?" Weevil said. "So you're saying you're indifferent to Veronica? Cause I can point to two broken headlights that say otherwise."

"No hate is probably the word I'm looking for." Logan said. "Not sure how you could read anything else into it."

"Eh...you know what they say about a fine line." Weevil said. "I see the way you watch her all the time. The way I see it, she's the one thing you can't have, right? Daddy's money can't buy her and Lilly and Golden Boy stand between you. So if you can't have her, you're gonna make sure nobody else does either, right? Is that how things work in your twisted little mind?"

"Wow. I take back what I said. You're not hot for Veronica, you're hot for me. Do you spend all of your time analyzing me?"

Weevil ignored the dig. "Too bad the new kid hasn't been falling into line, huh? Bet that really pisses you off. I've seen you sizing him up."

"You know nothing!" Logan said, a slight flicker of uncertainty in his eyes before his face settled into amusement. "Deflect all you want. Doesn't change the fact that you want her. Too bad she's coming with me."

Weevil's eyes narrowed, and Logan couldn't resist twisting the knife. "Maybe I will hit that. She'd hardly be the homeliest chick I'd ever been with, and after a good flea bath…" He glanced up guiltily at the sound of a door closing and saw Veronica approaching with a bag.

Why does Weevil bring out the worst in me?

Weevil – Day One – Sunset Cliffs Apartments

Hit that? Did that rich punk just refer to Veronica like a cheap piece of ass?

An image flashed in Weevil's mind. Lilly Kane, bruises on her arms. He stepped up into Logan's face. "I'm just looking out for her, so if you think you're going to lay a hand on her like you did Lilly-"

"Don't you EVEN say her name!" Logan said, voice rising. His eyes became steely.

"Actually, she kind of liked it when I said her name." Weevil leered at him.

Why am I doing this? Let it go, Weevil. They're about to take off. Logan Echolls will be out of your life for good.

"LIAR!" Logan shouted. "You never touched her. She wouldn't spare two seconds for a pork rind like you!"

"Never touched her? Nipple ring on the right side. Birthmark on her left ass cheek that looked like-"

An expression of horror came over Logan's face before he shoved Weevil hard.

Now it's on, rich boy!

Right when Weevil shoved back, Veronica stepped in front of him. His shove caught her on the chest, slamming her back into Echolls' arms.

"Veronica…" Weevil said, reaching out a hand, his face shamed.

"Don't you fucking TOUCH her!" Logan shouted, wrapping his arms around the front of Veronica as he twisted her out of Weevil's reach. "Don't you think she's been manhandled enough today?"

Weevil found the confirmation he had been looking for. Logan Echolls was an ass. He had gone-after Veronica after Lilly's death, destroying her reputation, but Weevil had seen the expression on Logan's face as he pulled Veronica back out of his reach. If that look were any indication, he would protect Veronica with his life.

Veronica looked at Weevil with accusing eyes.

"Veronica, I never meant to push you," Weevil implored.

"How much do we owe you for the truck?" She asked, pulling herself free from Logan's arms.

"Nothing." Weevil said. "Logan's truck will cover it."

"No it won't!" Logan said.

"If by some miracle you end up back here in Neptune alive, daddy's insurance money will get you a new one."

"Hell!" Logan said. "Fuck it. Let's go Veronica."

"Keys?" Weevil said, and Logan practically threw them at him before headed for the Explorer.

"Shouldn't we take Duncan with us?" Veronica called out, pointing at the back seat of the XTerra."

"Fuck." Logan said stalking over to get Duncan and helping him into the back seat of the Explorer.

Weevil took Veronica out of earshot.

"So hey, give me your car keys and I'll bring your car home from the park for you."

"How?" Veronica asked, handing him her keys.

"Felix has a date, so I guess I'll take Thumper. He can drive my bike while I drive your car."

"Can we trust him to keep his mouth shut?" Veronica asked.

"I trust Thumper with my life." Weevil insisted. "Hey. I'm really sorry you got in the middle of that shit with Logan."

"It was an accident. But why would you try to hurt him that way? Don't you know Lilly was his life?"

"Lilly was my life too." Weevil said quietly. Veronica looked shocked. "We had a thing…I was in love with her, but she kept leaving me and running back to him every time he crooked his finger at her."

"She never told me about you, Weevil, but Logan was her boyfriend. They were together since Junior High, and they always ended up back together."

Weevil nodded, his face miserable. "I know that. I thought he knew about Lilly and I. I always thought she was with me to rub somebody's face in it. I thought it was him."

"If she wanted to rub anybody's face in it, it would have been Celeste's. Lilly lived to annoy her mother. You didn't deserve the way she treated you, but neither did Logan. He's a victim here, too."

"And you didn't deserve the way they treated you after her death. Why do you care if those two live or die?"

"You could never understand."

"Try me."

"Families have feuds, and sometimes become estranged, but it doesn't make those feelings go away. I'd still do anything for those two idiots."

Weevil gave her a small smile. "As much as I hate the bastard, I think Echolls will take good care of you."

Veronica stared at him in disbelief, and he laughed. "You ever think maybe I'll be the one taking good care of him?" She asked.

"The thought has crossed my mind. Hey Echolls, come here." Weevil called out.

Logan walked up, arms crossed, body tense, still looking for a fight. "What?"

"…I shouldn't have…gone there before, but you were pissing me off, and I thought you'd known all along."

"I didn't know. I knew there was somebody, but not who." The fight went out of Logan. "I guess…I shouldn't have said…" a quick glance at Veronica "…what I said either."

Logan and Weevil nodded at each other.

"What'd he say?"

"Never mind." Both boys answered.

"What?" Veronica insisted.

"Your ID's." Weevil said, pulling out three fake driver licenses. He handed the first to Veronica.

"You're Victoria Marshall. 22 years-old, from outside of Seattle. You're driving across country to take your brother, Declan Marshall to a psychiatric hospital." He handed her a second license for a 21 year-old with Duncan's picture, and the name 'Declan Marshall'.

He handed the third license to Logan.

"Nolan Ellis?" Logan said, thinking the name over and apparently having no issue with it. "I can live with that. 23 years old? So I get to be the oldest for once?"

"Yeah." Weevil said. "You're Victoria's loving fiancé."

"No." Veronica and Logan said simultaneously.

"Why can't Duncan be the fiancé, and I can be the brother?" Logan asked.

"That story wouldn't be plausible. He's catatonic. A sister would have the legal right to hospitalize him. A fiancée wouldn't. Veronica and Duncan seem more like brother and sister, anyway. Even when they were together, they were as interesting as watching paint dry."

"Hey!" Veronica protested as Logan snickered.

"Then I could be her other brother."

"You're her polar opposite in looks, and the two of you are more believable together. Anybody can see that you fight like an old married couple. And like I said earlier, you two deserve each other."

"I love you too, Weevil." Veronica snarked.

"Why does she have to have a fiancé at all?"

"Wearing an engagement ring could keep her safe from guys looking to score. V, you still have that ring you wore for that one case you helped me out with?"

"Yeah in my Box O' Disguises, but what makes you think I need protecting from guys looking to score?"

Logan and Weevil both looked at her in disbelief.

"For a hard-ass bitch, you sure are naïve about the ways of men." Logan noted. "Fine, sign me up for fiancé duty."

Veronica glared at him.

"Wow, we've been engaged for 30 seconds, and you're already scowling at me like a wife." Logan checked his watch and asked, "Are we done here?"

"Almost." Weevil said. "Necklaces, V." He held out his hand and Veronica removed her necklaces. "Phones?"

"At home." Logan said and dug through Duncan's duffel for his phone, handing it over to Weevil. Veronica handed hers over as well.

"Here. I picked up a prepaid cell that you can use to get a hold of me." He handed Veronica a cell phone. "If you need me, text me with the words 'tattoo idea' and I'll go somewhere private to call you back. Keep in touch V."

"I'll try."

"Don't let those two idiots walk all over you."

"As if." Veronica said.

"You'll probably want to buy some new shoes, V. You're kind of known for wearing those boots."

Veronica sighed heavily. "Do you and Logan compare notes or something?"

"Hardly. What'll you do for disguises?" Weevil asked.

"Baseball caps and wraparounds for the boys. I guess wigs for me. I have several in my box. And glasses."

"Good. Hey, you take care, girlie." Weevil said. He reached out as if to hug her, but she flinched away, and he ended up dropping his arms awkwardly.

"I'm sorry Weevil, it's just..."

"No need, V. I understand." Weevil waved and climbed on his bike.

He reflected that she didn't seem to have any problem with the Echolls kid touching her. In fact, it appeared that she drew comfort from him – even after the way that he had treated her. They were two very dysfunctional individuals - or three if you threw in Duncan Kane. They all deserved each other.

Veronica – Day One – Super Target – Neptune Outskirts

It took quite a bit of convincing to get Logan to stop at the Super Target on the way out of town.

"Veronica, that stuff is crap. It will fall apart. Let's go to Nordstom's."

"Logan you are such a snob. I thought you wanted to stock up on supplies. We can stop at Nordstrom's and then a grocery store, or we can get everything in one store at Target."

"What if somebody sees me in there?"

Veronica's mouth dropped open. "If somebody sees you, we have bigger problems than your snobby sensibilities."

"Fine." Logan pouted.

They stopped at the Super Target on the outskirts of town.

"Last chance to run up the plastic." Logan said. "How should we do this?"

"They'll be able to get ahold of the credit card records right away." Veronica said. "So if the item can be used to identify us, such as distinctive clothing or disguises, we pay cash. Cash for gasoline, so they can't identify what we're driving. Plastic can be used for anything else, but I guess it will be a case-by-case basis.

They cracked the windows and left Duncan in the vehicle.

"Get your own cart." Logan said, pushing one in Veronica's direction. "No limit, and I hate my dad, so...whatever your heart desires."

"So you're really going to buy stuff for me?" Veronica asked, giving him one last chance to back out.

Logan grinned. "Your birthday was three weeks ago, right? Think of it as a hundred little birthday presents."

Veronica stared at him prepared to argue.

Am I crazy? Run Veronica, before he changes his mind.

Logan was reading her mind because he called after her "I won't change my mind, Ronnie. But we're in a hurry."

"Don't have to tell me twice. Grab some stuff for Duncan while you're here."

First stop, Women's department. She gathered yoga pants, plain T-shirts, strappy tanks in several colors, and plain zip-up hoodies. She rarely wore shorts, so she tossed in some shorts in khaki, olive and black, two pairs of denim shorts and several pairs of jeans. Moving on, Veronica gathered a handful of sleep shorts in cute prints and plaids and two packages of socks. She'd always had be practical and worry about money, so she went a little bit overboard on bras and panties, collecting sets in various colors and patterns, in laces and satins. Black push-up bra? Why not? Matching satin thong? Why not? Lilly had always claimed that thongs were more – not less – comfortable. She would try the butt floss this once.

Next up, Shoe Department. Veronica collected several pairs of flip-flops, some Keds, some plain flats, and on a whim, she grabbed a pair of strappy silver heels to go with the red dress she would never have an occasion to wear.

In Sporting Goods, Veronica grabbed three sleeping bags - just in case of emergency.

In the books section, she found a travel guide for Seattle. She could study it so she'd know details for their back-up story. She would hate to run into somebody who was actually from the area if she couldn't answer any questions about the city.

She caught up with Logan by Electronics in a slightly manic state. "I love this store! You wouldn't believe the stuff you can buy here, V!" he said pointing to his shopping cart, stuffed to almost overflowing.

"Yes, actually, I would. And you're calling me V now?"

"Yeah, well Weevil calls you that, and it occurred to me that if I call you V, I won't have to worry about messing up when I'm supposed to be calling you Victoria."

"Good point, and I suppose that's better than Ronnie." Veronica peeked into his cart and laughed.

"Logan, what the hell is this?" She held up a small black sculpture of an amorphous couple entwined in an embrace seeming to melt into each other."

"I think it's kind of hot." He pouted. "The pose reminds me of this Rodin I saw once, and I've never been allowed to decorate before."

Veronica sighed. "Okay…We'll be sure to call our flea-bag motels to have them install mantels for your objet d'art before we arrive."

"Fine." He pouted and set it on a nearby shelf.

"No, it's your Amex, Logan. Go ahead and get it. Just remember it's taking up space in the truck."

Logan grinned and placed it carefully back in the cart. He added a PS2 game system, a Nintendo DS, and a portable car DVD player.

"Glad one of us has their priorities straight." Veronica teased.

"We won't be running forever." Logan said. "We'll have to settle down eventually."

Settle down? With Logan and Duncan? How can this be happening?

Veronica examined the section with music released in the past year or so. The Explorer didn't have an auxiliary input, so she tossed a handful of CDs in her shopping cart: The White Stripes, Muse, The Strokes, Death Cab For Cutie, Outkast, Green Day and The Killers.

"What's all this?" Logan asked, flipping through her selections.

"Stuff that'll keep us awake while we're driving." Veronica answered.

"Have you ever actually tried staying awake on Death Cab?" Logan asked.

Veronica snickered and tossed in Ray LaMontagne for the fun of it.

They moved together to the food section – using Veronica's cart, as Logan's was full – tossing in chips, cookies, Twinkies, Ho-Ho's, bottled Starbucks drinks, cereal, Pop-Tarts, bottled waters, Pepsi and Skist.

Veronica stopped in front of nutritional drink display.

"You don't actually drink that crap, do you?" Logan asked.

"No, but what if Duncan doesn't snap out of it right away?" Veronica asked. "We probably won't be able to get him to eat solid food."

"Good plan." Logan agreed and grabbed several cases.

Veronica located a box of straws and tossed it in the cart.

They moved to the Accessories department where they picked out some extra sunglasses and baseball caps. Logan tried on a fedora.

"Hello, Justin Timberlake." Veronica said, trying to keep her eyeballs from popping out of her head.

"It doesn't work for me?"

"Trust me. It works for you." Veronica said.

Holy crap does it work for you!

"You should get two of them."

Logan grinned and picked out a second fedora doing a J.T. dance move as he dropped it in the cart.

Veronica gaped at him.

Who are you?

At the checkout, they divided their purchases up by cash and credit card. Veronica put her hand over Logan's eyes when she put her bras and undies on the belt.

"Bras, Veronica? I hope you remembered to grab some of those little silicon thingies to fill them with."

"Ass." Veronica grumbled.

She smacked his hand when he picked up and examined her black push up bra. "Guess you won't need to stuff this one," he noted.

Veronica groaned in embarrassment and handed the bra to the cashier saying she changed her mind about it.

"No she didn't. Ring that thing up." Logan said.

The cashier looked questioningly at Veronica.

"Don't look at her. I have the money. Ring that thing up."

The cashier nodded and obeyed, while Veronica looked at the floor in mortification.

"What the heck is that?" Veronica asked when Logan added a very large box to the belt.

"I found us a little refrigerator for our truck!" Logan said proudly.

Veronica smiled up at him. Practicality and frivolity in one package. She would never figure Logan out.

Madison – Day One – Super Target

Madison Sinclair was already having a crappy day when she saw the most horrifying image she could ever imagine: Logan Echolls and Veronica Mars laughing and flirting at Target.

This cannot be happening! All I have ever wanted since Junior High has been for Logan Echolls to notice me, and now he's hooking up with Veronica? He would rather be with his worst enemy than me?

Sure that nobody would believe her in a million years, Madison pulled out her phone and began recording. Veronica lifting several pairs of sunglasses to Logan's face. Logan trying on hats for Veronica. Veronica covering Logan's eyes at the checkout. Logan lifting and ogling a black bra, and Veronica slapping his hand. Veronica smiling at Logan.

Madison decided she had to know what was up. She headed them off by the exit door.

"Hey guys. So are you…like…dating now?"

Some silent communication passed between Veronica and Logan, and then Logan's arm slid around Veronica, pulling her close. He leaned over and brushed a kiss on Veronica's cheek.

"It's none of your business, Madison, but yes, we're dating."

"But you two hate each other. You're always fighting." Madison objected.

"Well, that's why our make-ups are so...passionate." Logan smirked. "Right cupcake?"

"You know it Logie-Bear." Veronica flirted.

"I'm going to need for you to keep this to yourself for a couple days, Madison." Logan said. "Duncan needs to hear about this from Veronica and me."

"And why exactly should I keep quiet?" Madison asked.

"Because you're not the only one with dirt."

"What dirt do you have on me?"

"You tried to give me head at Enbom's with your boyfriend in the next room."

"Nothing happened!" Madison shrieked.

"That was because I rejected you?"

"Wait! When was this?" Veronica asked.

"Don't worry. It was way before you, baby." Logan said reassuringly.

"It better have been! For Madison's sake."

Logan grinned down at her affectionately. "You're so hot when you're territorial, Sweetpea. Well, Madison, we're out of here. Enjoy your win."

"My win?"

"Yes, once you've spread this all over the school, you'll win Gossip for the week. Probably for the year. What could be bigger news than Veronica and I together? Celebrate!"

Madison watched them leave, completely wrapped up in each other. She watched as Logan ruffled Veronica's hair and then kissed her on the forehead. She had always suspected they had a thing for each other - even when they were dating the Kanes.

Lilly Kane, Caitlin Ford, and now Veronica Mars. Why do I always have to stand back and watch him waste himself on skanks? I've done one skanky thing in my life - throwing myself at him at that party - and he's throwing it in my face and humiliating me in front of Veronica. Two days, Logan? Fine! But I can't wait to release this video. I can't wait for the entire school to see who you'll lower yourself for.

Logan – Day One – Super Target Parking Lot

"You know that whole charade wasn't necessary." Veronica said, once they were out of Madison's line of sight. "We'll be forced to pretend we're a couple soon enough."

"Oh, but it was necessary." Logan answered. "It kept Madison's attention on us and not our purchases. She's a nosy bitch. She might have even followed us out here. Imagine if she had seen the truck. Or Duncan."

Veronica grimaced. That would not have been good. "Good thinking. So you rejected Madison? I'm surprised. I didn't know you had any standards."

"I don't, really, but it was Madison." Logan noticed Veronica wincing as she lifted bags and boxes into the Explorer.

"Hey, you want another Oxy?"

"It's only been a couple hours since the last one, and I had an odd…reaction to it."

"What kind of reaction?"

"I don't want to talk about it." Veronica climbed into the truck and Logan followed climbing behind the wheel."

"OK. But if it hurts, take one while you can. I'll drive tonight, but tomorrow, we'll have to take turns, so you'll be out of luck."

"Maybe once we get to a motel. I don't feel right about taking one so soon after the last one."

"Whatever makes you happy." Logan shrugged.

"Why are you being nice to me?" Veronica asked warily.

"Temporary truce for today, I guess." Logan shrugged, distractedly. "I'm too stressed out to be an asshole right now. Maybe tomorrow I'll be back to my usual self."

"Good to hear." Veronica said. "Wouldn't want people to think you actually had a soul."

Logan flashed her a grin.

"You do realize…out there? You're Nolan Ellis. No famous parents. No millions. No nepotism. No popularity. Think you can survive on your own merits? Think you have any merits?"

Logan sat quietly for a moment. He hadn't thought of that. The idea excited him.

"Yeah." He answered, voice soft and eyes shining. "It's like a fresh start out from under the Aaron Echolls shadow. I can invent Nolan Ellis and make him exactly who I want him to be. No expectations from the parents. No expectations from the friends." He smiled. "Bring on the real world! I'm ready for it!"

Why is she looking at me like she's seen a ghost or something?

"Ready to bust out of this one-horse town?" Veronica asked quietly.

"I've never been so ready for anything." Logan answered and put the truck in Drive.

A/N: No, I'm not planning a VMars/Revenge crossover (don't rule out all crossovers though - I have something thoroughly ridiculous planned for much later in this story - probably the chapter I'm most looking forward to writing.)

The alias names were just an amusing coincidence. I Googled - "names similar to Logan (or Veronica, or Duncan)". I wanted to come up with names similar enough to their current names, that they wouldn't stand there looking dumb when called by their alias name. I chose Victoria because it's four syllables, starts with a "V" ends with an "A". Veruca would have been an even better fit, but they're trying to lay low, and who would ever forget a girl named Veruca? So Victoria it is. I went with Nolan because of the long "o", and ends with an "an". I could actually see Logan turning around if he heard the name Nolan. Morgan might have been closer, but I've always liked that better for a girl, and I've already used it for Logan's daughter in the other story. And then there's Declan. It's about as close as you can get to Duncan - without actually being Duncan. It wasn't until I came up with that name, that I realized that Nolan, Victoria and Declan are all main characters on Revenge. So...happy coincidence. Funny huh? Wonder if the Revenge writers are VMars fans. I must admit, Logan and Nolan share a certain...something. There's a cute Tumblr picset that matches up characters between Vmars and Revenge, and Logan = Nolan = The Snarker. Wait...I'm rambling, aren't I?

A/N2: Thanks so much to debbieja and fatherlessgirls for beta-ing. I seem to have a bad habit of having people drive away without ever getting into the car first. Thanks for catching those.

A/N3: Ready to hit the road? Tell me what you think. Feedback is greatly appreciated. I love to know what you all are thinking. What parts you liked, what parts you didn't. Am I cranking up the UST too quickly? I'd rather have it on a slow simmer, but it's so hard to resist. Let me know what you think.