Sometimes You Can't Make It on Your Own
Chapter 13: Meet the Parents
A/N A shorter chapter. Short meaning 6000 words instead of 10,000. This is the final chapter for day 3, and picks up in their motel room after their walk back from the bar. Veronica stood up for Logan to three guys who insinuated that a pretty boy couldn't be a real man. Her defense of him pretty much got him insanely turned on.
Veronica – Day Three – Lakeview Court Motel – Room 118 – Dallas, Texas
Logan unlocked the door to their room, and headed straight for the bathroom without saying a word.
Veronica tugged off her boots, put her wig away in her trunk, and pulled out a pair of sleep shorts to slip into once Logan came out of the bathroom.
Eager for an opportunity to check her email, Veronica located her computer bag and - after struggling with a stuck zipper – pulled out her laptop. She selected one of the beds, propping a pillow behind her back and plugged in her computer.
Wow. This is actually comfy for a motel.
She hit the power button, and was waiting for the machine to boot up when she heard the sound of the shower.
Poor Logan. She chuckled softly. Probably taking a cold shower.
Yeah, right. Logan is not going to take a cold shower. Logan is going to relieve himself in the shower. What did he say about a rotation? Oh God! No visuals, Veronica! Don't even think…Damn! That was a visual.
Veronica fought hard against the images bombarding her consciousness.
- Logan in the shower…
She scanned for and configured the Wi-Fi connection.
-Logan running a soapy ocean-scented hand down his chest…
She brought up her VPN client and logged in.
-down his abs…
Waited for the confirmation message.
-down…
Typed the URL for her webmail account into the address bar.
-down…
Waited for the site to load.
-water streaming over his perfect body – over the flat surfaces of his back and abs, over the rounded surfaces of his ass.
Entered her User ID
-She inhales as he touches himself…
Entered her Password. Clicked Log In.
She fought it as hard as she could, but finally surrendered to the fantasy, closing her eyes.
…his long fingers close around his erection, giving it a tug. She lets out a whimper, and his eyes shoot up, catching her watching. Why is she watching? A slow lazy smile spreads across his face and he holds her eyes, refusing to release her, while he escalates what he's started.
Veronica felt an intense tingle radiating between her legs and squeezed her thighs together as tightly as she could.
STOP THINKING ABOUT THAT, VERONICA! STOP THINKING ABOUT HIM!
Veronica shot off the bed, and began pacing the room. From one end to the other end. Twice. Three times.
She brought up a mental image of Duncan. Safe and steady Duncan. Holding his hand at the lunch table. Kissing him in his car. She thought of Troy. Adorable, flirty, Troy who could care less who saw him pursuing the school pariah. Johnny Depp, perhaps? Anything but the thought of what Logan was currently doing in that shower.
On her third pass, she noticed the photos. When had Logan found the time to frame the Homecoming photos of the Fab Four from her bedroom? And why was he decorating a motel room? She shook her head in amusement. Everything about the boy was a contradiction. Such a guy most of the time, but sometimes…Such. A. Girl.
She picked up one of the photos. Lilly had provided Veronica with copies of each of the pictures Celeste had taken. This was one of her favorites. She and Lilly huddled close together, while Duncan smiled and Logan threw his head back and laughed.
I want to see him laugh like that again. I don't think he has since her death. Actually, he never even smiles anymore. Except for these past three days when we were going at it.
She set down the photo and picked up the second, a photo of Logan and Duncan on the beach, barefoot with their pants rolled up like millionaire versions of Tom and Huck.
Flashback – Homecoming Night – September, 2003 – Crescent Beach – Neptune, California
Mama, just killed a man
Put a gun against his head
Pulled my trigger, now he's dead
"I say it every time, Duncan. When the singing begins, the drinking ends." Logan complains, trying to snatch away Duncan's champagne bottle.
"No Logan, don't stop him," Lilly pleads. "I'm getting it all on tape this time."
Mama, life has just begun
But now I've gone and thrown it all away
Mama…whoooooo
"Wow, Duncan." Logan laughs. "That's quite a falsetto you have there."
"Ha!" Duncan says. "You haven't seen falsetto yet." He changes songs.
Well, you can tell by the way I use my walk,
I'm a woman's man, no time to talk.
"The Bee Gees?" Veronica snorts, while Logan holds his hands over his ears as if in pain.
Duncan doesn't get the hint and continues with the song, adding in dance movements circa 1978.
"John Travolta ain't got nothing on you, DK," Logan taunts.
"Let's see your moves, Logan," Lilly demands, shoving her boyfriend towards her brother.
"Whatever. You couldn't pay me to dance to Duncan's awful drunken singing!"
"Yeah, but we can dare you," Veronica challenges.
"So this is a dare?" Logan flashes his ornery smile, and goes to stand on Duncan's left.
Whether you're a brother
Or whether you're a mother,
You're stayin' alive, stayin' alive.
Feel the city breakin'
And ev'rybody shakin'
And we're stayin' alive, stayin' alive.
Duncan is hitting his stride, doing slide steps (as well as he can on the sand), hand rolls, and the infamous point to the sky.
Logan takes a minute to pick up Duncan's moves, then – as usual – the student surpasses the master. Logan has always been graceful, and he's twice the ham that Duncan is.
Suddenly, the two undisputed kings of Neptune High are dancing around on the beach like a couple of spazzes while their girlfriends howl with laughter.
Ah, ha, ha, ha,
Stayin' alive.
Stayin' alive.
Ah, ha, ha, ha,
Stayin' alivvvvvvvve.
They're doing synchronized Travolta side hip-thrusts when Veronica snaps the picture.
Veronica – Day Three – Lakeview Court Motel – Room 118 – Dallas, Texas
Veronica sighed and ran her thumb lovingly over one of the faces in the photo. After a moment's hesitation, she repeated the gesture for the second face, and returned the photo to the dresser.
My boys. I never thought things would ever change.
The third photo – one of herself and Lilly – was even more painful.
Flashback – Homecoming Night – September, 2003 – Crescent Beach – Neptune, California
"Guys…Can't…Breathe!" Veronica cries from the center of a tangle of arms. She isn't sure how hugging her wonderful – virgin! – boyfriend has turned into a group hug, but she secretly loves it. After her father, Veronica loves these three more than anything. Being in their arms is the best place in the world.
Duncan is the first to let go, asking, "Whose turn is it anyway?"
"I can't remember," Logan replies, pulling back. "I'll go. I've never…Damn…why can't I think of anything I've never done?"
"Because you're a slut," his girlfriend answers affectionately.
Veronica takes a turn. "I've never…prank-called a teacher just to hear his voice."
"Never did that," Logan notes.
"Oh my god! I can't believe you told them that!" Lilly squeals, taking a long drink of champagne.
"Which teacher?" Duncan asks.
"Mr. Rooks. Who cares? He's totally hot! And now it's my turn, Veronica," Her grin is evil.
"Dare! Dare!" Veronica yells.
"Wrong game, Veronica!" Logan laughs. "You already tried to pull that one earlier, anyway."
Lilly inhales dramatically, ready to let loose. "I never…" Three sets of eyes turn to her in anticipation, but her mischievous eyes are on Veronica. "I never…rubbed MammoMax on my boobs to make them grow."
"Well thank God for that," Logan says. "I already wake up all the time from suffocation nightmares."
"You. Are. So. Dead." Veronica growls, her eyes narrowing dangerously.
"First you have to catch me!" Lilly laughs, pulling her dress up to her knees and taking off running down the shoreline.
Veronica drops her shoes, lifts up her dress, and takes off after her best friend. Right as she is about to catch up, Lilly freezes, causing Veronica to run right past her. She ducks and weaves and runs back in the direction from which they came, Veronica right behind her. As they approach the boys, Logan tries to corner Lilly, but she twists away and runs out into the surf with Veronica on her heels.
Veronica – Day Three – Lakeview Court Motel – Room 118 – Dallas, Texas
The photo showed Veronica and Lilly running through the waves at the moment Veronica reached out to grab Lilly by the wrist. Their moonlit faces were laughing and flushed from the exertion, as their hair blew behind them in the wind.
Veronica's smile was bittersweet as she set down the photo. It had been the last time she and Lilly had ever played like children.
The final photo was a candid of herself and Logan in the limo. She could still remember the moment that photo was taken.
Flashback – Homecoming Night – September, 2003 – Limousine – Neptune, California
"Veronica…Truth or Dare?" Lilly's voice calls out.
"Truth," Veronica answers, not willing to risk one of Lilly's dares.
Lilly's eyes twinkle in satisfaction, and Veronica instantly regrets her choice. What was Lilly planning? "I meant Dare," she says. "Definitely, dare."
"Too late, you picked Truth," Lilly giggles. "Veronica, who was your first crush?"
Veronica's stomach drops. -Don't look at Logan. Whatever you do, do NOT look at Logan.-
"Casey Gant, seventh grade," she replies carefully.
"Liar," Lilly accuses, looking pointedly at Veronica with disappointment. "I wasn't asking for your second crush. I wanted your first secret crush."
"I'm not lying!" Veronica insists, blushing and unable to look Lilly in the eyes. Duncan's eyes are skeptical as well and she doesn't dare look at Logan.
Veronica has never discussed it with another living person. Lilly can't possibly know. Right?
"Oh, just admit it, Ronnie." Logan says, sliding closer to her and throwing an arm around her shoulder –God he smells amazing – "You fell for the old Echolls' charm, and I stole your heart one hot fudge sundae at a time."
Veronica can't resist the grin tugging at the corners of her mouth.
– Thanks for the save, Logan!—
She touches her heart with her left hand, and Logan's cheek with her right, speaking melodramatically as a camera flash goes off in her peripheral vision. "Drats! You've caught me, Logan! And I thought I was hiding my secret passion for you so well."
Lilly's eyes are sparkling with self-satisfaction when Veronica turns back around. Minutes later, she asks Logan what he thought about Veronica when he first met her.
-Is she trying to give me a heart attack tonight?—
Veronica pretends to be disgraced when Logan admits he thought she was hot at twelve, but the butterflies in her tummy take flight.
-He thought I was hot! But not hot enough, I guess.—
Before she knows it, Lilly is bestowing her first and only girl kiss, and the moment has been broken.
Veronica – Day Three – Lakeview Court Motel – Room 118 – Dallas, Texas
Veronica smiled sadly, and set the picture down on the dresser. How she wished Lilly was around today to interrogate her. She would answer any question – even that one – if only to have her back.
She changed out of her jeans, since Logan would be in the bathroom for a while, and then sat back down on the bed and picked up her laptop. Before checking her email, she brought up tracking software, and entered a serial number. The tiny blip in the screen showed that Liam Fitzpatrick's Barracuda was within ten miles of where she'd abandoned it on the freeway. She wondered whether it had been impounded, or if Liam had it towed to a garage.
There was an email from her father waiting in her webmail account.
Darling daughter,
You're grounded until you're 40. Make that 45. What were you thinking going after the Fitzpatricks all by yourself? I'm going to end up in an early grave worrying about you.
On the bright side, Lamb doesn't seem inclined to organize a manhunt for you three. On the dark side, we both can guess at his motivation.
I've started an investigation into Liam Fitzpatrick, but he's fallen off the grid. There have been no sightings of him since you disappeared.
I'm highly concerned about you roaming the country with those two boys. Duncan Kane is flat-out dangerous, Veronica, and don't think I'm not aware of the way Logan turned against you. How could you possibly think that traveling with those boys could be a good idea?
Veronica, it is taking all of my self-control not to come searching for you. Don't make me regret this decision.
Love always,
Dad
Veronica smiled wistfully, missing her father terribly. She had to find some way to get Liam Fitzpatrick off the streets, so that she could go back home.
And why does the idea of going home give me a pang of regret?
Sighing, she started an email for her father.
Dad,
I am so sorry for what happened. I should never have taken that case on my own. I was over my head, and now I've ruined three lives.
Liam has fallen off the grid because he's been chasing us across the country. I have to hand it to you, you weren't kidding that those evasive driving lessons would come in handy. I've planted a tracker on Liam's car, so he won't be getting close to us again. We've videotaped him threatening our lives and chasing us in a car, but unfortunately, criminal threatening is only a misdemeanor, and the chase video didn't pick up Liam's face. We won't be able to prove that he was driving the chase car. We're going to need something bigger to put him away.
Duncan hasn't been any danger to me. He's been out of it the entire time. And Logan has been surprisingly amazing. Who would have guessed that he could be almost as protective as you are? Having him around is the only thing that makes me feel safe. We're going to be okay, dad, I promise. I can't tell you where we're going, but I'll check in every chance that I can get.
Please keep searching for dirt on Liam. I miss you so much. I also miss Wallace, so can you create a webmail account for him and explain how to contact me without being traced?
Love,
Your darling daughter, Veronica
Veronica re-read her email, and then remembered to send him the phone number for the prepaid cell Weevil had picked up for them. Satisfied, she hit send.
Veronica glanced up and then quickly looked away as the bathroom door opened. Logan came out wearing only a towel around his waist. She brought up Google, but couldn't think of anything to search for. It felt very different being alone with Logan in a motel room, versus when Duncan had been with them. A palpable tension lingered between them. An awareness.
The sound of a dresser drawer opening drew her attention again, and she watched as Logan selected a pair of boxers and slid them on under his towel. She quickly looked back at her laptop when Logan's eyes found hers in the mirror. An image of Logan's sex-tape flashed in her mind and she squeezed her eyes closed. She didn't look back up until he bounced onto the bed next to her.
"Whatcha doing?" he asked.
"Nothing," she replied, stiffly.
"I can see that. Enjoying that Google logo?"
"It's pleasant and colorful."
"What's wrong? Is it because of earlier? You can relax; I took care of that in the shower."
Veronica covered her face with her hands and made a noise that sounded somewhere between crying and hysterical laughter.
"What? I'm a guy! It's perfectly normal."
"Too. Much. Information!"
She lowered her hands from her face to find him staring at her with amusement.
I'm glad you're amused. Is this your latest method of torturing me?
"You can't even tell me that you don't do it too, Veronica."
"Logan…"
"Do you have a certain fantasy you think of when—"
"LOGAN STOP!"
He laughed softly, his eyes twinkling and unapologetic. His wet hair was sticking up in every direction, and she wanted reach out and fix it. Instead, she snapped at him. "Put some damn clothes on already,"
"Yes ma'am," he mock saluted her. As he starting to rise, Veronica put her hand on his shoulder.
His bare, muscled – did I mention naked? – shoulder.
"Wait a sec," she said, and leaned over to examine the largest cut on his ribs, her fingers ghosting across his skin. "You're going to need some more peroxide and Neosporin on that cut."
Logan smirked and laid back down, his arms crossed behind his head. "Be gentle with me, Florence Nightingale."
"Do it yourself!" Veronica said, shoving him away.
"Okay, but if I get gangrene…" Logan said, getting up and heading to the bathroom.
Veronica sighed and hoped that her father would find something on Liam soon so that they could go back home and life could go back to normal.
But 'normal' means Logan hating me. Can I live with that again after these past three days?
Logan – Day Three – Lakeview Court Motel – Dallas, Texas
After cleaning and dressing his wound, Logan threw on a tee shirt, and flopped down next to Veronica on the bed, to see what she was doing on her computer. She still wore her layered tanks from earlier with a pair of striped boxers, and her hair was pulled back in those cute little pigtails he loved so much.
"Can you please go sit on your own bed?" Veronica asked without looking up from her computer.
"Why did it suddenly get icy cold in here?"
Veronica shrugged and would not meet his eyes.
"Come on, I thought we were friends again."
Veronica's eyes were flinty when she looked up at him. "That's the problem. We shouldn't even try."
"What?! Why not?" He asked, unable to hide the hurt in his eyes.
Why is she acting like this? What happened between dinner and now?
"Because I remembered what "normal" is, Logan. My dad is working to put Liam behind bars so that we can come home. And when we get home, things will go back to normal."
"Isn't that what you want?" he asked.
"Normal is you hating me, and I'm going to have to lose you all over again. So what's the point in even trying?" She avoided his eyes, her words coming out in a stream as she closed her laptop, setting it on the far nightstand.
"Veronica…"
"I've been almost having fun with you Logan. Enjoying your company, and your sarcasm. And it's just going to make it hurt that much more when you flip back to jackass mode."
"I don't plan to flip back."
"Were you planning to flip the first time? Did you plot it out in your evil schemes journal? With graphs? And diagrams? A flowchart, perhaps?"
"It's completely different this time."
"How?"
Because I've woken up wrapped around you for the past two mornings. Because I've held your hand about twenty times in the past couple days, and I want to keep doing it – in Texas, in Florida, or in Neptune, California. Because you defended me to those guys. For me. Nobody in my life has ever defended me. Not my escapist mother. Not my psychotic father. Not my flaky sister. And not my cheating girlfriend. Only you.
Because we finally work…together. We fit.
He blew out a puff of air. "I'm not angry anymore. Back then, I felt this need – compulsion – to hurt you. Now all I want to do is to keep you safe."
Veronica's mask dropped for a moment – revealing a glimmer of hope on her face – then morphed into wariness.
"And when we get home and you don't need to keep me safe anymore?"
"Well for one, I don't see us ever going home. They'll never catch that crafty bastard. But, if by some miracle, we were able to go home? I'm still going to worry about keeping you safe. Now that I know what you've been up to this past year, Invincible Veronica Mars." He tapped the tip of her nose. "Somebody needs to keep an eye on you."
I see a hint of a smile. I'll get her to thaw.
"Look me in the eyes, Ronnie. Am I lying to you?"
Her blue-green eyes inspected his darker eyes. "Ah. . . em . . . I don't know."
"Yes you do. You need to start trusting your instincts again. You know me better than almost anyone. Am I lying to you?"
"No," she exhaled, as if the word had been forcefully pulled from her.
"No, I'm not." Logan smiled softly. "We make a good team, Ronnie. Brawn and brains."
"You forgot beauty," Veronica said.
"Why, thank you! Good genes, I guess."
"I was talking about me, you dork."
"Oh…I just thought…well you did call me a Greek God earlier."
"Ass!" Veronica laughed and shoved at his shoulder.
Logan put his arm around her and squeezed. "So we're good now? Friends?"
"Yeah," Veronica agreed softly with a shy smile.
"I don't want to be friends like we were before," Logan said.
Veronica's eyes narrowed and she tensed under his arm.
"No. What I mean is, I like what we have now."
"How so?" Veronica tilted her head.
"The snark. The bickering."
She raised an eyebrow.
"It just works for us, don't ya think? It's a lot more fun than putting you on a pedestal."
"You never put me on a pedestal." Veronica rolled her eyes.
"I always put you on a pedestal. You were good and pure, and untouchable."
Veronica snorted. "And now? I'm damaged goods or something?"
"Well you're definitely touchable," he said in a soft, honeyed tone. The hand that was around her shoulder skimmed down her bare arm to her wrist, fingertips barely brushing her skin.
Veronica shivered all over, and Logan laughed softly.
That will never get old.
[C-NOW News logo – All News All Day – fades to an enhanced still of Logan carrying Veronica away from the scene of the crime]
"They're still using that stupid shot that makes me look like a sap," Logan complained.
Anchor: Next up, we go to Ann Marler in Neptune, California.
[Split screen displays showing the news anchor on the left half. The right half shows Ann Marler at an unidentifiable location]
Anchor: Ann, what can you tell us about the footage we're about to see?
Marler: The video you're about to see was taken by Madison Sinclair, a student at Neptune High School. She was the last person to see Logan Echolls and Veronica Mars before they disappeared.
[Split screen changes to a single screen showing Logan and Veronica in the accessories department at Target.]
Anchor: I understand that this footage was taken at a Super Target on the outskirts of Neptune, California.
Marler: That is correct.
[The video footage shows Veronica holding up several pairs of sunglasses to Logan's face. Logan tries on several hats, does a little spin-step that makes Veronica laugh, and then adds some accessories to the cart.]
Anchor: Were you able to identify any of their purchases from the video?
Marler: Unfortunately, the video was made with a cell phone. Attempts to enhance the footage were unsuccessful.
[The video footage shows Veronica comparing two unknown products. In the background, Logan reaches for a small box and slips it into his cart, stashing it under a stack of clothing. After a moment, he grabs a second, stashing it as well. Finally, he shrugs, turns back, and grabs all of the boxes from the rack – six...seven…eight of them, stashing them all at the bottom of his cart.]
Veronica looked at Logan and laughed. "What are all those little boxes? I don't remember seeing anything like that."
"Condoms," Logan shrugged.
"EIGHT boxes worth? Planning on having a lot of sex?"
"Um…yeah," he said in a well-duh voice.
"So much for not wanting to be a man-whore anymore," Veronica sighed, rolling her eyes and shaking her head distastefully.
"Maybe I'll use them all on the same girl, genius. Maybe you'll end up using them with a guy." -Over my dead body!- "Maybe Duncan will." -But not with you.- "You'll thank me when you're feeling horny."
Veronica glared at him. "Not going to happen."
Oh please! Anyone who fights as passionately as you do gets horny. Probably fairly often. ...I can hope.
[The video footage shows Logan and Veronica at the checkout. Veronica covers his eyes with her hands. After which, Logan lifts up a bra and examines it. Veronica slaps his hand.]
"I still think you should model that one for me," Logan suggested.
"I still think you're delusional."
[The video footage shows Logan and Veronica leaving the store. He ruffles her hair and kisses her on the forehead. Video fades to split screen with the anchor on the left side and Ann Marler on the right.]
"We look like we're really together," Veronica observed. "Although I suppose that's the effect we were aiming for."
"I think we look great together," Logan said under his breath.
Anchor: Ann, I understand that you interviewed the parents of Logan Echolls and Veronica Mars this evening.
Marler: Yes Dorothy, I had the chance to sit down with Lynn Echolls and Keith Mars earlier this evening.
Anchor: And how were they handling the disappearances of their children.
Marler: They were both worried and shaken, as would be expected.
Anchor: Let's go to the tape.
[Split screen is replaced by a studio set with a white chair, occupied by Ann Marler, and a matching sofa occupied by Keith Mars and Lynn Echolls. Keith wears a plaid button up, and Lynn wears a chic suit in a pale mauve.]
Marler: I'd like to thank you both for agreeing to this exclusive interview. Are you two acquainted with each other?
Lynn: (warmly) Oh yes, I've known Keith for years. Our children used to be…
Keith: (also warm) Friends.
Marler:(to Lynn) I understand your husband, Aaron Echolls, couldn't be here tonight.
Lynn: He's in the Czech Republic filming his next movie: Inferno of Retribution, Although he is unable to return home due to contractual obligations, he's still concerned about our son and his friends.
Marler:(to Keith) Where is Veronica's mother?
Keith: (sadly) My wife, Lianne, left town in January.
Marler: Has she contacted you since Veronica's disappearance?
Keith:(sighing) No, she has not.
Logan peeked at Veronica out of the corner of his eye. Her eyes were hard, and her lips were tight.
"Sorry about your mom," he said. "She should hook up with my dad, and together they could achieve unsurpassed levels of parental unconcern."
"He'd have to lure her away fr—" She trailed off.
Lure her away from whom? Wonder what that's all about?
Marler: Why do you think your children ran away instead of going to the police?
Lynn: Logan can be very… protective…of the people he loves. He's been protecting Duncan since they were five years old.
Keith: Veronica said that they were leaving out of fear of Fitzpatrick retaliation, not fear of prosecution.
Marler: So you're in contact with Veronica?
Keith: She sent me an e-mail before she left. When I tried to respond, I received an e-mail bounce notice.
Marler: I understand you were in Colorado when Ciaran Fitzpatrick attempted to rape your daughter. Do you often leave your daughter home alone?
Keith: (sighing guiltily) I left town because I had a lead on a bail jumper. Yes, I do leave my daughter home alone on occasion to bring home bail jumpers. It's tough being a single father with only one marketable skill. We had to sell our home and move into an apartment. Collecting bounties is my main source of income. Veronica has had to grow up very quickly in the past year, but she has always been a very responsible and resourceful girl.
Marler: When did Veronica start working at your detective agency, and what are her job duties?
Keith: Veronica had already become a loner when I opened the agency last January. She tried to hide it from me, but I know that all of her friends turned against her because of my actions in the Lilly Kane investigation. She came to work for me right away, answering the phones and doing database research.
Marler: She eventually graduated to field work?
Keith: Some girls dream of being an actress when they grow up. Others want to be singers, veterinarians, and mothers. Since Veronica was a small child, she's wanted to be an F.B.I. agent, and she's never wavered in that determination. She's an amazing investigator, and she has great instincts. A couple months after opening the agency, I agreed to allow her to do basic low-risk stakeouts.
Marler: Would you have considered Veronica's actions of a few days ago a basic low-risk stakeout?
Keith: Absolutely not. If I had been in town, I would have forbidden her from getting anywhere near that case. The client had offered an unusually large paycheck, and Veronica may have believed that the risk would be worth the reward. It would have paid the rent for several months.
Marler: Mrs. Echolls, do you feel any resentment or blame towards Veronica for dragging your son into this disaster?
Lynn: Do I blame Veronica? Absolutely not! She was a victim. There is absolutely no excuse for violence against women. But, to be honest, I adore Veronica, and I'm proud of my son for being there for her when she needed him.
Veronica silently thanked Logan with her eyes, and Logan nodded back.
Marler: Do you have any idea where the kids could be headed?
Lynn: I have no idea.
Keith: I have no leads as of now.
Marler: What are they doing for money?
[Lynn begins to speak, but Keith shoots her a warning glance]
Keith: We don't know. They may have some cash.
Marler: Why does your daughter fear retaliation from the Fitzpatrick family?
Keith: When people go up against Liam Fitzpatrick, they have a tendency to disappear. During my tenure as sheriff, seven different disappearances were linked to Liam Fitzpatrick, but we never were able to find enough evidence to convict him. My daughter referenced these disappearances in her email. She and the boys left because they fear for their lives.
Marler: You both saw the video of your children at Target. Their schoolmates claim that they're enemies, but in the video Logan and Veronica appeared to be very friendly.
Lynn: Logan and Veronica were very close friends for three years. This last year – since the death of Logan's girlfriend, Lilly Kane – has been very hard for him. His friendship with Veronica was one of the first casualties, but I don't think they could be called enemies. I know that Logan held on to all of the souvenirs of their friendship, such as photos, notes and cards in a small box in his closet. That's not something an enemy would do. I imagine it was instinctual for them to fall into their old ways when they once they were back on the same side.
Marler: Did the notes provide any clues as to where they could be heading?
Lynn: No, they were the typical notes kids pass in class, about their teachers and their friends.
"You kept the notes?" Veronica asked.
Logan shrugged noncommittally.
Thanks a lot, mom. Now the entire world knows I'm a sentimental sap.
Marler: Both Madison Sinclair and Jake Kane claim that Logan and Veronica are dating – actually admitted to dating. Is that true?
Keith: No, Veronica went on a date with another boy from school the night before she disappeared.
Lynn: I don't think so. Logan only just broke up with (a look of distaste crosses her face) another girl last week. A mother can hope, though.
Marler: Are you saying you would be happy if Logan and Veronica were dating?
Lynn:(giggling) Of all the girls – both friends and girlfriends – Logan has had to our house over the years, Veronica was always my favorite. I think she would be great for him.
"Oh my God," Logan said, running a hand through his hair. "We're being 'shipped by my mom now?"
"What does 'shipped mean?" Veronica asked.
"Never mind." Logan shook his head, both embarrassed and amused.
Marler: Mr. Mars, do you share Mrs. Echolls hope that your children are dating?
Keith:(looking uncomfortable) Umm…Well…I…"
[Lynn chuckles softly and puts a hand on Keith's knee reassuringly.]
Lynn:It's OK, Keith. It's harder with a daughter and I know Logan can be a bit…difficult.
Keith:(his eyes thanking Lynn for the 'save') Logan can be reckless and impulsive, and has no respect for authority – not the top qualities a man wants in a date for his daughter.
"Guess we shouldn't start planning the wedding just yet," Logan muttered.
Keith: On the other hand, Logan can be very brave and loyal. And with Logan Echolls, what you see is what you get – even if it's usually sarcasm. As annoying as it can be when he refuses to kiss-up to authority figures, it's also a relief. You know he's not going to turn into another person the moment you turn your back.
Lynn: (amused) That sounds like my Logan.
Marler: So you wouldn't be opposed to Logan dating your daughter.
Keith: (Putting hands up in protest) I didn't say that. Let's not get ahead of ourselves here.
Marler: And what about Duncan Kane.
Keith: (stiffly)That, I would be opposed to.
Logan and Veronica looked at each other again. Veronica shrugged.
Looks like Jake Kane isn't the only parent that doesn't want Veronica and Duncan together. Wonder what happened there?
Marler: Mr. Mars, what caused the rift between the Mars and Kane families? Rumors say that there were issues even before the Lilly Kane investigation.
Keith: No comment. Let's leave the past in the past. I'm here to discuss my daughter's disappearance.
Marler: Okay, Is there anything else you'd like to say to your children?
Keith: Veronica, I'm working on it. We'll find a way to get you back home safely. I promise you, and I love you. I need you to err on the side of caution. Avoid unnecessary risks. Eat something other than ice cream. And don't forget your education – find some way to study, even if you don't have a teacher. I love you Veronica.
Lynn: Logan, I love you very much, and I'm proud of you for being such a good friend. Stay safe, and hopefully we can get you back home soon.
Marler: So you don't advise them to turn themselves in?
Keith:(quietly, looking straight at the camera) No. I think if they turned themselves in, they would meet with an 'accident' before they ever made it back to Neptune.
Marler: Are you insinuating corruption in the Sheriff's Department?
Keith: That is exactly what I'm insinuating.
Marler: Is there any way that you're saying that because you were forced out of office?
Keith: No. If my replacement were competent, I would advise Veronica to turn herself in immediately.
Marler: I would like to thank you both for agreeing to this interview. All of us at C-NOW sincerely hope your children come home to you safely. Back to you, Dorothy.
[Studio shot is replaced by shot of anchor.]
Anchor: Thank you, Ann. Stick with C-NOW for up to the minute updates on this story and others. Next, Lindsey Lohan spotted at the Galleria arguing with Dina over her next film.
Logan slid between the crisp white sheets, while Veronica prepared for bed in the bathroom. He became inexplicably nervous when he heard the water turn off.
Like a virgin on his wedding night.
Logan had come out of the womb knowing how to talk to girls. He didn't even have to be nice to them to have them eating out of his hand, although he didn't see any point in being rude. Even Lilly, who he'd loved and worshiped, who had cheated and broken his heart, had never made him nervous.
That sole honor belonged to Veronica Mars. She'd been twisting him in knots for years, and showed no signs of stopping now.
The bathroom light turned off, and his heart pounded as she stepped out of the room.
"So…are you sleeping with me tonight?" he asked nonchalantly.
"No…well since Duncan isn't here, and we have two beds…" she shrugged and pulled back the blanket on the other bed, climbing in, and turning to face him.
He did a passable job of hiding his disappointment. "Oh...I just thought…if you were worried about having nightmares…I'm here."
Her eyes lifted to his as he reached for the wall switch to turn of the sconce.
"I'll be fine, Logan. But thank you for offering." Veronica said, and he could see that she was grateful.
"No problem." He gave her a small, reassuring smile, and turned off the light.
Veronica – Day Three – Lakeview Court Motel – Room 118 – Dallas, Texas
"Logan," Veronica whispered, kneeling down on Logan's bed, sitting back on her heels. It was 1:43 A.M., and she felt guilty for disturbing his sleep.
Nothing.
"Logan." Veronica whispered again nudging his shoulder.
"Hmmm? Veronica?" His voice was sleepy.
"I'm sorry for waking you up so late. Does your offer still stand?"
"What offer?"
"I had another nightmare," Veronica admitted, trying to keep the fear out of her voice. It had been worse than the last one – Ciaran had held her down, while Liam attempted to rape her.
Logan opened his arms wide. "Get over here."
Veronica smiled in the dark, and lay down on her side with her back to Logan. His arms went around her, pulling her snug against his warm chest, and adjusting the blanket over them both. She closed her eyes and breathed in safety and contentment, and something else she couldn't name...or wasn't prepared to name.
"I've got you, Ronnie. You're safe." He whispered, lifting up enough to kiss her on the cheek, before dropping his head back to the pillow and swiftly falling back to sleep.
Safe.
A/N Thank you so much to DalWriter for beta-ing!
A/N2 – Again, the reviews…You guys are amazing. I can't believe how supportive you guys are, and it makes me want to try so much harder to give you a better story. I'm outlined and plotted out all the way to the end, but I'm constantly adding more dialogue and self-reflection in the hopes of making the story better - which is how these chapters become enormous. I'm plugging away at the rest of the story as fast as I can. Day four is shaping up to be pretty huge as well. Who knows how many chapters it will translate to?
A/N3 – Please be patient on the LoVe. You all know I LOVE my LoVe, and I promise I won't let you down. But they have a years' worth of resentment to get past, so it's UST…for now. Lots of it.