Work Text:
She opened the door at three o’clock in the morning. She smiled in delight, “I was hoping it would be you.”
Logan reached out and his fingers grazed her bruised cheek softly. “What happened? Who did this to you?”
She grabbed his hand and pulled him in. “Logan, I have to tell you something.” She sat him down on the couch.
“What is it?”
“They caught Lilly’s murderer tonight.”
“Is that what happened to you? You went after her murderer?”
She shook her head. “He came after me.”
“Tell me.”
“Seeing you hide the key to your liquor cabinet reminded me that Lilly used to hide things in her air vents too. They never found your letter to Lilly, so I went to the Kane’s to find it.”
“You didn’t believe me,” he looked away.
“I did. That’s why I needed to find your letter.”
“Did you?”
“No… We found some tapes instead.”
“We?”
“Duncan was with me. He caught me in Lilly’s room.”
Logan nodded grimly. “What was on the tapes?”
Veronica swallowed, dreading Logan’s reaction. “They were of Lilly and the man she was having an affair with.”
He tensed. “Who was it?”
“I don’t know how to tell you this,” she hesitated. “It was your father.”
He blinked, trying to process the information. “What?”
“Your dad has cameras hidden in your guest house. Lilly found them and the tapes… I think she was going to sell them to the tabloids or something.”
“He killed her for them.” He stood in anger. “Where is he? I’m going to kill him.”
“He’s at the hospital under police custody.” Veronica told him what Aaron had done that night – from hiding in her car and trapping her inside a burning box to being hit by a car and then arrested.
“This is perfect,” Logan said sarcastically. “My dad’s an adulterer, and a murderer. Your dad’s in the hospital from saving you and Duncan’s dad is in jail for obstruction of justice.”
“Jake and Celeste both thought Duncan did it. They thought he killed Lilly during one of his fits.”
He slumped down on the sofa. “I was beginning to think it was Duncan.”
“You had no reason to suspect anyone else.”
“You did.”
“And I was wrong. And I’m sorry.”
He shook his head. “I’m the one that’s sorry.” He took her hands gently in his. “He did this to you.”
“It’s okay, Logan.”
“It’s not okay. You should hate me for what he did to you and your family… to Lilly.”
“It wasn’t your fault. You didn’t do anything wrong.”
“You should hate me… but you don’t.”
“If anything, you should hate me. I accused you of so many things. It was my fault that you were a suspect in the first place.”
He studied her hands. “You called me. That’s why I came.”
“I wanted to warn you… you never picked up.”
“I was standing on the Coronado Bridge. Where my mom died.”
“Logan-”
“It’s a long way down… I don’t know how she did it.” His thumb brushed over the bandages on her hands. “Everyone always leaves me.”
Veronica shook her head, wrapping her arms around him. “I’m not leaving. I never left.”
“You did.”
“I told you that I had to ‘do whatever’ for a couple days,” she reminded with a small smile on her face, hoping that he would accept that. “I’m back now.”
“You know what, Veronica, if this is going to work we need to put all our cards on the table.” Pulling away from her.
She pursed her lips, “I understand.”
“Is there anything else that you need to tell me? Ask me?”
She looked down and thought for a moment, “There’s one thing I need to ask you.”
“Go ahead.”
“Did you know about the cameras?”
He frowned for a moment. “In the guest house? No.”
“So you weren’t planning on creating your own entertainment.”
He gapped, “That’s why you left, wasn’t it? Not because you were thinking about Duncan or Lilly, but because you found the cameras.”
“I overreacted… and jumped to conclusions. I realized that you would never do something like that… I was going to find you…”
“But?”
“Beaver told me that you weren’t in Tijuana on the day of Lilly’s death,” she stated softly.
Amused by the extremely bad timing of everything that had happened, Logan sighed, “Is there anything else? Worried that I plan on pimping you out?”
She punched him in the arm. “Of course not. I know how possessive you are.”
“You also know that I’m not a rapist or into making secret sex videos.” Logan grinned suddenly, “I’d ask you first.”
“Not a chance,” she smirked. She sobered, “Is there anything that you want to ask me? Or tell me?”
He thought for a moment. “Do you still have feelings for Duncan?”
“Duncan,” she sighed his name. “Honestly? No. I care about him, but I don’t think things would ever work between us. It’s too complicated.”
“More complicated than the two of us?”
“Celeste told Duncan that I was his sister.”
“I’m sorry. What?” he said in shock.
“My mom and Jake Kane were high school sweethearts. Apparently they were having an affair around the time I was conceived. Mom wasn’t sure who my father was,” she said quietly.
“Is that why Duncan broke up with you?”
“Yeah.”
“But he… with you…”
She laughed, “No! He’s not my brother. I guess Celeste said something that made Dad wonder. He had a paternity test done. He is my father.”
“So Duncan didn’t have to break up with you.”
She frowned, “I guess not.”
“You might still be together.”
“You don’t know that. So much has happened since then.”
“He still loves you.”
“I know… but I choose you… if you still want me.”
He cupped her face and kissed her softly. “Duncan’s going to kill me.” He kissed her again before leaning his forehead against hers, “Are you sure?”
Nodding, she smiled, “I trust you, Logan. I never really believed anything bad about you. It just took me awhile to realize it.”
His lips met hers again. “Promise me. Promise me that if you ever doubt me again, you’ll ask me first.”
“I promise.”
“I can’t go through this again.”
“I promise,” she said adamantly.
“Good.” He gave her a quick peck, then stood and picked her up.
“What are you doing?” she laughed.
He carried her to her bedroom. “You need to sleep.” He laid her gently on her bed. “You’ve been through a lot tonight. Rest.” He knelt on the floor beside her.
“Stay with me?” She held on to his wrist.
He climbed in beside her, so that she could curl into him. “Sleep.”
She felt his lips brush her forehead as sleep claimed her.
--
Veronica turned over in bed expecting to feel Logan beside her. She sat up in surprise when she didn’t find him. Rolling out of bed, she padded out of her room. She found Logan making breakfast.
She smiled and made her way to the counter. “You made me breakfast?”
“I made me breakfast,” Logan smiled.
She pouted, “You’re not going to share?”
“I might be convinced to.”
“I’ll be your girlfriend,” she offered in a playful tone.
He pretended to think about it for a minute. “Um, nope.”
“I’ll let you drive me when I go visit my dad.”
Their negotiating was interrupted by a knock on the door.
Veronica opened it. She hugged him, “Wallace.”
“How are you doing?” he asked.
“I’m fine… better.”
“Mom asked me to come pick you up.”
“Yeah. My car’s out of commission.” She waved him in, “Come on. Logan’s making me breakfast.”
“This I got to see.”
The boys nodded to each other in greeting.
“Wallace.”
“Logan.”
“Pancakes?”
“Don’t mind if I do.” Wallace took a seat at the counter, as Logan set a plate in front of him.
“What about me?” Veronica asked.
“Well it seems you already have a ride to the hospital, so no deal,” Logan smirked.
She wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her chin on his chest as she looked up at him. “What do you want?”
Wallace tried to ignore them as he dug into the pancakes. He didn’t hear what Logan whispered in her ear, but he did hear her agree to it.
“Later,” she promised with a smile.
Logan handed her a plate.
“I didn’t know that you cooked.”
“I don’t, but I can handle pancakes.” He flicked the box, “They’re instant. Just add water.”
“Still good,” Wallace commented.
“Ok, Wallace,” Veronica stated, “what have you heard?”
He shrugged, “The Kanes were charged with obstruction of justice.”
“It probably won’t stick. Their lawyers will have them out in no time,” she commented.
Wallace glanced at Logan before saying, “Aaron Echolls just got out of surgery. He’s in intensive care. The doctors are worried about some internal bleeding. Police are posted outside his hospital room. Trina Echolls has been talking to the press all morning.”
“Anything for her fifteen minutes of fame,” Logan said bitterly.
“Your dad woke up early this morning. Mom said the doctors want to keep him for a week before they release him. She said he’s going to be fine.”
Veronica felt a weight lift off her.
Logan knew that she was anxious to see her dad. “Hurry up and finish your pancakes. We’ll go to the hospital. I’m sure Clemmons won’t mind any of us missing school today.”
She smiled at him in thanks and began to eat.
--
Logan caught Wallace looking at him while he was doing the dishes. “What?”
“Nothing.”
“What?” Logan demanded defensively.
Wallace shrugged, “I’m just surprised you knew my name.”
“Big basketball star. Hard not to hear things.”
“Uh huh,” he said unconvinced. “You’re different than I expected.”
“Thought I’d be a pampered, first class ass?” he smirked.
“Aren’t you?”
“Most of the time.”
Wallace nodded, “Take care of her. She might not seem like it, but she’s a marshmallow.”
Logan nodded, “I know.”
--
They were bombarded by reporters as they made their way into the hospital.
“Mr. Echolls, how do you feel learning that your father was having an affair with your girlfriend?”
“Miss Mars, what was your involvement in your father’s continued investigation?”
“Why did Aaron attack you?”
“How do you feel learning your father is a murderer?”
“Can you make a statement, please?”
“Veronica, you are responsible for Aaron Echolls’ arrest. How did you discover that he was the culprit?”
“Logan, where were you while your father was in surgery?”
“Miss Mars! Mr. Echolls!”
They pushed their way through the crowd without saying a word.
Veronica was met by Cliff just inside the hospital doors. “What are you doing here?”
“Your father called. He wanted to make sure that you were protected from the press.”
“Have you seen him?”
“He’s resting. Alicia is still with him.”
“Have you heard anything about what will happen to the Kanes?”
“Their lawyers had them out of jail in six hours. The Sheriff didn’t have strong enough evidence to charge them. Most of what your father gathered was circumstantial.”
“The payoff?”
“Settlement for the patent.”
“They hid the fact that Duncan was the one who discovered Lilly.”
“No jury is going to convict parents who protected their innocent son.”
“Someone tampered with the body temperature.”
“There’s no evidence to prove the Kanes did it.”
“No, because Clarence Weidman did.” Veronica glanced at Logan before asking Cliff, “What about Aaron Echolls?”
“His daughter is hiring him legal representation since he is incapacitated right now. There’s a solid case against him, especially due to the fact that he attacked you and your father. He’ll be going to jail if he survives.”
“What do you mean if he survives?”
“There were complications during surgery. Being hit by a delivery truck is not something you can just walk away from.”
Veronica looked up at Logan. “Do you want to check on your father?”
He snorted, “Not really. I’d be more than happy if he didn’t survive.”
She took his hand, “Come on. I’ll introduce you to my father.”
“In case you forgot, we’ve already met.”
“I’ll introduce you to my father as my boyfriend.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Really?”
Wallace mouthed, “Really?” for only her to see.
She blushed, “Well, yeah. He already knows we were dating. Now he’ll know that we are again.”
“He’s not going to shoot me or anything, is he?”
“Now that he knows that you’re not a murderer, you have nothing to worry about,” she teased.
“I wouldn’t count on it,” Cliff muttered under his breath.
She smiled at Logan, “You don’t have anything to worry about.”
“I don’t know about that,” Logan smirked. “The last time we met, he told me to get away from you.”
“Come on,” she tugged his hand.
He obediently followed her into her father’s hospital room.
“Hey, daddy,” Veronica greet softly as she sat down on his bed.
Alicia excused herself and went with Wallace to the cafeteria.
Keith opened his eyes and smiled when he saw his daughter. “Hey.” His eyes traveled up and he saw the young man standing behind his daughter. He nodded his head, “Logan.” In that single word he conveyed his apology and his acceptance of the boy in Veronica’s life.
Logan grimly returned the nod.
“How are you?” She reached out and touched his face. “Nothing’s broken, right?”
“I’m fine.” Keith looked around, “Where’s your mom?”
Veronica looked down at her hands. “I kicked her out.”
“What? Why?”
“She’s still drinking… I think that she may have gone through your things before she left.”
“The check?”
“I didn’t see it.”
Keith looked up at Cliff who was standing by the doorway.
The lawyer nodded, “I’ll handle it.” He took out his cell phone and left to speak with the Kanes’ lawyers
“Are you okay?” Keith looked over her. He touched her bruised cheek.
“I’m fine. You’re okay… and he’s lying in a bed at the other end of the hospital under police custody. I’m okay.” She smiled, “And I’ll be checking the backseat of my car from now on… twice.”
“Your car’s totaled?”
“The Le Baron is no more.”
“I’ll take care of it,” Logan said.
Veronica touched his hand. “You don’t have to.”
“It’s the least I can do.”
“You’re not responsible for your father’s actions,” Keith stated. He studied Logan, “I imagine you’re happy to finally be out of his reach.”
“You knew?” Veronica turned to her father. “You knew that Aaron was… beating him?”
“I suspected.”
“And you never did anything?”
“I couldn’t. Not unless he pressed charges.”
“It’s why you always offered to drive me home,” Logan realized. When he was younger and stayed out late, the Sheriff would drop him off and speak with his mom and dad. “You kept him distracted until I could get to my room.”
“It was the only thing I could think of to protect you from him.”
Logan swallowed. No one had ever tried to help him before. He smirked, saying the only thing he could think of to say, “I’ll take care of the car.”
Veronica smiled, “Thank you.”
He simply kissed her head.
Keith smiled, “So you two are dating?”
“Dad, I’d like you to meet my boyfriend, Logan Echolls,” Veronica said playfully. “And I’m sad to inform you that Backup is no threat to him. Logan’s charmed him.”
“Huh? I guess I’ll have to think of something else.”
“Dad,” she said warningly.
“Someone has to keep him in line until I’m back on my feet.”
Logan snorted, “Ronnie here can handle that herself.”
“You got that right,” she smiled at her father. “He even made me breakfast.”
“Logan! What are you doing here?” Trina stormed into the room.
“Trina,” he said bitterly at his sister.
“Dad’s in intensive care and you’re here with the people that put him there?”
“Tell me if I’m wrong, but didn’t a delivery truck driver put him there?”
“Because he was trying to get away from them.”
“Yeah, after trying to set my girlfriend on fire, because she found evidence that he killed my previous girlfriend.”
“What evidence?” Trina narrowed her eyes.
“Let’s just say that if dad survives, he’ll be in jail for a long, long time.”
“Logan-”
“Go back to your reporter circus, Trina.”
She huffed and then left.
“Are you sure you don’t want to see your dad?” Veronica asked.
“There’s no love lost between us. I’ll be dancing a jig when he goes to jail for life.”
--
Aaron Echolls did not survive. He had been officially charged for the murder of Lilly Kane, and, given the evidence, Abel Koontz was released from prison.
Aaron’s will was read the day of his funeral, in which he left the majority of his holdings to his wife, Lynn. Logan being Lynn’s only heir received the bulk of Aaron’s estate. Trina was left with a personal wealth of four million dollars, which was a paltry sum compared to Logan’s. She left the will reading in a pout.
Logan’s first order of business was to move out. He wasn’t planning on staying in a house that plagued him with so many bad memories of his father.
Veronica was seated on his bed, looking around at the bare walls of his room. Moving people had been going in and out of the house for the past few hours packing his stuff. She watched Logan put some of his personal things into boxes.
“When are you coming back to school?” she asked softly.
He looked up, “What? You miss me?”
“I haven’t had the chance to show off my millionaire boyfriend yet,” she mocked.
“I’m going back on Monday.”
“You’ll have some catching up to do.”
“That’s why I have my brainy girlfriend. She’ll help me catch up.”
“You’re cheating on me?” she gasped.
He gave her a look.
“I’m not brainy,” she pouted.
“Top five even with all your absences? You’re brainy.”
“Well, watch out. I’m going to be super brainy next year. I’m going to try and get that valedictorian scholarship that the Kanes are offering. Rub in their noses that I can still get their money, even though I signed their waiver.”
He sat down beside her. “You know, if you need the money for school-”
She placed her fingers over his mouth. “I don’t want your money, Logan.”
“I want you to be happy.”
“I’m not dating you for your money,” she said pointedly.
He grinned, “Of course not. You’re dating me for my body.”
She laughed.
“Seriously,” Logan sobered. “I have more than enough money to cover your tuition and mine.”
She kissed him softly. “It’s nice of you to offer, but I’ll take care of it. Dad is saving most of Duncan’s finder’s fee to cover for college. Plus I have a whole year left. It took me a little more than that to save up the first time. I’ll just do it again.”
“You sure?”
“I’m sure.”
“The offers open… just in case.”
She smiled sweetly at him, “Thank you.”
“Well, I’m done here.” He grabbed the last box, “Let’s go.”
“I can’t believe you’re staying in my building.” She looped her arm through his.
“It’s just temporary. Trina’s going to move to LA and I’m selling the house. I’ll think about buying a place after school’s out.”
“You’re not going to miss this place?” She looked around the mansion.
He shrugged, “I spent most of my time in the pool house. The only thing I’ll really miss is my mom’s parlor. It’s the one place that reminds me of her.” He scanned the room, “The rest of it? It’s just a place.”
--
“Veronica?” Keith called from his office.
“Yeah, dad?”
“Would you come in here a minute?”
She glanced at Logan before going to her dad. “What’s up?”
“Bail jumper spotted near the border. I’ll be gone tonight… tomorrow at the most.” He was packing some files into his briefcase.
“Are you sure you can handle it? You’re supposed to be resting.”
“Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine. I’ll have backup.”
She frowned, “If you’re sure.”
He came around his desk and studied her. “Don’t stay over at Logan’s.”
“I won’t.” She smiled at her father’s concern. At his look, she sighed, “Promise.”
He kissed her forehead. Grabbing his suitcase, he asked, “Would you mind doing the background check for Cliff? Shouldn’t take you more than an hour.”
“I’ll get right on it. Be safe.”
“See you in a couple days.” Keith waved at Logan as he headed out the door.
Logan looked up at Veronica. “He has a case?”
“Bail jumper.” She sat back down beside him. “Get back to work. You’re supposed to hand this stuff in tomorrow.”
“Slave driver.”
“You know you love me,” she teased as she pulled her own books over.
He studied her profile for a moment before he turned back to his work.
He did.
--
“Ready to face all the stares and whispers?” Veronica looked at him from the passenger seat.
“Screw ‘em,” Logan muttered as he pulled the key from the ignition. He climbed out and walked around to help Veronica out. Taking her hand, they headed in.
“Mr. Echolls,” Clemmons greeted, “nice of you to join us again.”
“Nice of you to care,” Logan said bitterly.
“I’ll need you to come to the office for a moment. We need to update your personal information.”
Logan grinned falsely, “I’d loved to join you.” He gave her a look, “I’ll meet you later?”
She nodded.
Clemmons led Logan to Ms. James’ office.
“There’s just the matter of your legal guardian, your address and your emergency contact.” She placed the form in front of him.
Logan quickly filled out the form and handed it back.
She scanned it. Rebecca looked up at him in surprise, “Veronica is your emergency contact?”
Logan shrugged, “She’s the only one I trust to take care of me.”
--
Stepping out of the office, Logan ran into Duncan, who simply shrugged him off and continued on his way.
“Are you mad at me because my father killed Lilly? Or are you mad at me because I’m dating Veronica?” Logan yelled at him.
Duncan stopped, turned and walked back to him. “I don’t blame you for what Mr. Echolls did. You didn’t know Lilly was,” he swallowed, “having an affair with him. I do blame you for stealing Veronica from me.”
“We didn’t want you to find out like that. We wanted to talk to you first.”
“Like that would have made things better.”
“You dumped her almost two years ago.”
“I still love her,” Duncan gritted through his teeth.
“I can’t change how things happened, and neither can you. You can’t go back and change the fact that you broke up with her.”
“You don’t know what happened,” Duncan sneered.
“I do know. Veronica told me.”
He pulled back in surprise. “She told you?”
“Yeah.” Logan swallowed. He was pretty sure that knowing why Duncan broke up with Veronica made things worse.
“You know and you’re still with her.”
“What do you want me to do? Break up with her?” Logan shook his head, “I’m not going to do that.”
Duncan pulled back and punched him in the jaw.
“Duncan!” Meg shrieked when she rounded the corner and saw her boyfriend punch his best friend.
Logan looked up and studied his best friend, “Did that make you feel better?”
“Duncan, what are you doing?” Meg demanded.
Veronica and Wallace spotted Logan as they were making their dash to class.
“What are you doing on the floor?” Veronica asked Logan when she saw him. She didn’t need his answer when she saw Duncan and Meg. “Oh.”
Logan rubbed his jaw. “Just catching up with Duncan.”
“Should I leave?” she asked, “Do you still need time to deal with this testosterone display?” She looked pointedly at Meg.
Duncan and Logan both looked at the taller blond then at each other.
“I think we’ll settle this later,” Logan answered. “I have class.” He took the hand that Veronica held out to him and stood.
“That’s right. You have all those assignments that I helped you finish.” She tugged his hand, “Come on. Duncan, Meg, we’ll see you later.”
Wallace nodded at Duncan and Meg, and then followed after Veronica and Logan. “Man, you could cut the tension with a knife.”
“How’s your jaw?” she looked up at him.
“Fine.” He glanced around. “Get to class. You’re already late. I’ll see you guys at lunch.”
She looked at him questioningly.
“I’m fine. Go.”
Wallace tugged her sleeve, “Come on, V. History awaits.”
She waved at Logan and headed down the halls.
He leaned back against the lockers and took a deep breath to gather himself. Sighing, he made his way to class.
--
Silence reigned over the lunch table.
Wallace and Veronica had a silent conversation, both trying to get the other to talk.
Logan smirked, “I’m fine.”
“Well, you seem cranky,” Veronica pointed out.
Wallace nodded his agreement.
“And we can’t have that, can we?” Logan sighed, “Duncan’s pissed at me for ‘stealing’ his girlfriend.”
“You’re dating Meg now?” Veronica asked obtusely.
He glared at her.
She smiled, “If you want I can talk to him.”
Wallace shook his head in dismay. “You really don’t know how men work, do you?”
“What? Is there some guy rule I don’t know about?”
“Don’t steal another guy’s girlfriend.”
“I’m not his girlfriend. I haven’t been for a long time.”
Logan added, “Don’t date your best friend’s ex.”
“Duncan’s not the possessive type.”
“He is when it comes to you.”
“This is ridiculous.” She frowned, “So I can’t be friends with him because I’m dating you?”
“You can be friends with him. I can’t.”
“Boys are stupid.”
“Girls aren’t much better,” Wallace pointed out. “I’m sure Meg’s just loving you, right now.”
“Right. I noticed that she was being a little colder before.”
“Before, when?” Logan asked curiously.
“At your party… when you announced that I was your girlfriend. She seemed… annoyed.”
Wallace scoffed, “Girls. You can’t help it if Duncan still likes you.”
“New subject please,” Veronica sighed.
Logan rolled his eyes.
Wallace shrugged and turned to Logan, “When are you shopping for a new place?”
“As soon as school let’s out.”
“Any idea where you want to live?” Veronica asked.
“Another mansion?” Wallace asked, “House, condo?”
“Haven’t really thought about it. I considered living on a boat.”
Veronica wrinkled her nose, “Really?”
“What’s wrong with a boat?”
“Nothing.”
“I think it’s kind of cool,” Wallace grinned.
It was her turn to roll her eyes. “Of course you would.” She grabbed her bag, “I’m out of here. I have some things to finish for the newspaper.”
“You mean Clemmons hasn’t banned you from it yet?” Logan smirked.
“Funny.” She kissed him, “See you after school. Later, my BFF.” She waved at them as she headed away.
Logan raised an eyebrow at Wallace. “BFF?”
He chuckled, “Best Friends Forever.” He grabbed his books, “Told you she was a marshmallow.”
--
Duncan was waiting for Veronica at her apartment after school. He frowned when he saw Logan drive up.
“What are you doing here?”
Logan grabbed his bag, while Veronica slid down from the SUV, “I live here.”
“What?”
She came around the yellow monstrosity and explained, “He’s renting an apartment here until he buys a new place.”
“I can’t believe you!” Duncan shouted.
“What did you expect me to do?” Logan asked. “You knew I hated that place. I wasn’t going to stay there for longer than I had to.”
“You could have moved anywhere, but you chose here.”
“It’s not like I looked around. I knew there was an apartment for rent, so I took it.”
Duncan clutched his head in frustration.
“Duncan, why don’t we go inside? We can all talk.”
“No! We can talk here.”
Biting her lip, she looked at the two.
“So talk,” Logan urged.
Duncan ignored Logan and walked up to Veronica. “You’re not my sister. We can be together again.”
“Duncan, so much has happened since we were together-”
He shook his head, “That doesn’t matter.”
“Duncan, you know that’s not true. We’re different now.”
“Not so different. I still love you.”
She looked at him with sad eyes. She cupped his face, “I love you, too… but I’m in love with Logan.”
Both boys were startled by this admission.
Duncan pulled away in pain.
“We’re not doing this to hurt you, but we’re happy together.” Veronica took Logan’s hand as she spoke to Duncan, “I hope that some day you can be happy for us too.”
Duncan glared at Logan, “You took everyone from me.”
“That’s not true,” she said softly. “What about Meg? She cares so much for you.”
“She’s not you.”
“No, she’s not… but she’s who I used to be. I’m not the nice, sweet, innocent girl I was before Lilly died. I couldn’t be. I can’t be. Duncan, that’s the girl that you’re in love with… not me.”
“If mom hadn’t lied-”
“Celeste didn’t lie. She just assumed.”
“I wouldn’t have broken up with you.”
“You don’t know that. After Lilly died, things changed. All of us did. We’ll never know if our relationship would have survived. It took us a year before we could even talk to each other again.”
“Because you sided with your dad,” Logan said softly.
“I would have even if Duncan and I were still dating. I believed in my dad.”
“And he was right,” Duncan looked down at his shoes in shame. “My dad was hiding the truth.” He slumped down on the curb. “If your dad hadn’t been fired, Lilly’s murderer might have been found a lot sooner.”
“We’ll never know.”
Silence fell over them, each contemplating their existence.
Duncan sighed and rose. He headed to his car.
“Duncan, are we going to be alright?” Logan asked.
He shook his head, “No… not yet… but I think we will be.”
The blond couple watched as Duncan drove off.
Veronica sighed in exhaustion and sat down on the concrete walkway.
“You alright?” Logan sat down beside her.
She leaned her head against his shoulder. “Yeah. I’m just glad that talk is over with.”
“So you’re not a nice, sweet, innocent girl anymore?”
“I haven’t been for a long time.”
He nodded and then grinned. “So, you’re in love with me, huh?”
She smirked, “Nope, I just told Duncan that so he could move on.”
“Oh, then maybe I should ask Duncan if he wants to trade girlfriends. Meg seems like just my type,” he teased, saying over his shoulder as he stood and began walking towards his temporary home.
Veronica leapt on his back, wrapping her arms around his shoulder and legs around his waist. “Not a chance. You’re mine.”
Logan laughed as he piggybacked her to her apartment. “Now who’s the possessive one?”
She kissed his neck and whispered into his ear, “I love you.”
He pulled her off his back, so that she was standing in front of him. “I love you.”
Their lips met in a kiss.
The clearing of a throat pulled them apart.
“Dad! You’re back. How’d it go?” Veronica wiped at her lips and smiled up at her father.
Keith raised an eyebrow, “Caught the guy at the border.” He grinned and pulled out his check, “Twenty-five hundred dollars. I bought steaks.” He lifted the grocery bag up.
She took the cheque from his hands, “It’s beautiful.”
“Wallace and Alicia are coming over. Logan, you should join us.”
Logan was blushing as he nodded, “Thanks.”
“I’m going to get these babies ready for grilling,” Keith headed inside.
Veronica burst into laughter as soon as Keith disappeared inside. “You should see the look on your face.”
He leant his forehead against the arm he had braced against the wall. “How many times are we going to get caught making out by our fathers?”
“I don’t know, but it’ll be one of those things that we’ll laugh at when we’re older.” She tugged his sleeve, “Come on. My dad won’t bite.”
“Backup might,” Logan pointed out.
“Are you kidding me? You’ve got him eating out of your hand.”
Backup padded over to them when they entered.
“Hey, boy,” Veronica knelt down to greet her dog.
He nudged his body against Logan’s legs, seeking attention.
Logan smirked and rubbed the dog’s head.
“See, he likes you.”
“It’s ‘cause I’m so lovable.”
Keith walked through in his apron and was impressed. “You’re the first guy that Backup actually likes.”
Veronica smiled at the memory. “I had to lock Backup in my room every time Duncan came over. It even took Wallace a few visits before Backup trusted him too.”
“Well, he is a guard dog. He’s supposed to guard you.”
“True.” She headed towards the fridge. “When are Wallace and Alicia coming over?”
“Half an hour,” Keith answered. “I’m going to heat up the grill.”
“I’ll make mash potatoes.”
“I’ll watch her make mash potatoes.”
Keith snorted, “Alicia is going to bring vegetables.”
“Vegetables? They are a foreign concept to me,” Veronica joked.
“You know those frozen green and orange things we eat? Only fresher.”
“Oh, you mean peas and carrots. Those I know.”
“Veronica’s idea of healthy is cherries with her sundaes.” Keith was out the door.
“Hey, I’ve been known to eat an apple now and then,” she said defensively.
Logan smirked and settled on the couch, absently patting Backup’s head.
“You know you have to work for your supper?”
He raised an eyebrow in question.
She handed him a bowl of potatoes and a knife. “Peel these.”
“You really like to give orders, don’t you?”
“Look at it this way – if you don’t make it in life, at least you’ll have a fall back plan.”
“What? Potato peeler on a navy ship somewhere?”
“Exactly.”
--
They were sprawled across the hood of the Le Baron staring up at the stars.
“Nice of you to let Wallace play on your Xbox.”
“He needed something to do. He didn’t look very comfortable watching his mom and your dad cuddling in the living room.”
“It’s a change,” Veronica admitted. “Up until mom came back, I still had hopes that my parents would get back together and that we could be a family again.”
“You don’t want that any more?”
She shook her head, “Mom’s been a disappointment. I used my college money to pay for her rehab and she couldn’t even stick it out until the end. When she left, she tried to steal Dad’s money. He deserves better. Dad’s happier with Alicia than I’ve ever seen him.”
“So how do you feel knowing that Wallace might end up being your stepbrother?”
“I’ve got dibs on the top bunk,” she smiled. “As long as my dad’s happy, I’ll be okay with it. Alicia is a very nice woman.”
“It must be nice to have family you can count on,” he said wistfully.
She looked over at him. “I’ll be your family.”
He held her close, “I’d like that.”
--
“You’re really dating that white boy?” Weevil asked curiously.
Veronica smiled, “Yes, I am.”
He nodded. “Did he know that his father killed Lilly?”
Her smile fell. “No. He was so angry when he found out. I think if he had had the chance, he would have killed Aaron himself.”
“I can’t believe Lilly was sleeping with Aaron Echolls. Father and son.” He shook the image from his mind.
“I could hardly believe it myself.”
“That’s Lilly for you.” He pulled his helmet on. “See you later, V.”
--
Logan was sitting on the hood of his car staring out at the ocean. Veronica was on a stakeout for her father. She had forbidden him from going along after he had distracted her the last time and she had missed her money shot.
School was almost over and he wanted to start looking for a place to live. He was getting tired of staying in the tiny one room apartment. He needed more space, more luxuries, more privacy. Although he wanted all those things, he was reluctant to give up his proximity to Veronica.
Living two apartments over allowed them to spend almost all their time together. They’d see each other just before bed and again when Veronica went over to wake him up.
His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of motorcycles approaching. He rolled his eyes and looked up only when Weevil called his name.
He had dismounted and walked over to the SUV. “I owe you an apology.”
Logan didn’t respond.
“I jumped to conclusions when I overheard one of Veronica’s conversations. I know now that you had nothing to do with what happened to Lilly.”
“Did you love her?” Logan asked.
Weevil looked around trying to find an answer. “Yeah… but just like everyone else, I was just a passing fancy.”
He slid down to the ground, “So I guess you don’t have a sister named Lilly after all.”
The biker shook his head.
“You know, I loved Lilly,” Logan confessed. “I would’ve done anything for her… even let her go. The day she died, I knew it was over between us. I knew she was seeing someone else. I thought it was you… and I hated you and the thought of the two of you together.” He smiled bitterly, “Now I wish it was you.”
Weevil didn’t know what to say, so he simply put his helmet back on and said, “If you hurt V, I’ll make you pay.” He climbed back on his bike and gestured for the others to pull away.
Logan shook his head and smirked.
Only Veronica could have someone like Weevil looking out for her.
--
“Do you like it?” Veronica stood on her tiptoes with her chin resting on his shoulder. Her arms were wrapped around him from behind.
Logan was looking around the large mansion.
“You’ll definitely have enough space… and there’s a pool.”
The sprawling estate covered six thousand square feet of the 0.5 acre lot. One storey, five bedrooms, five bathrooms, 5 car garage, it was for sale with an asking price of 3.8 million dollars.
“It’s smaller than my old place,” he commented.
“Logan, my entire apartment fits in your bathroom. It’s more than big enough for just one person.”
“I don’t know.”
She stepped around him so that she was facing him. “Do you really want such a big place?”
“I like my space.” He’d grown up in larger homes than this. Anything smaller felt cramped… suffocating. He wouldn’t have lasted in the tiny apartment he’d rented for much longer.
“So, do you like it?” she prodded.
“It’s very white.”
“You can paint it.”
He nodded.
“And there’s the nice gate that will keep all the bad people out.”
He smirked, “I don’t think I’ll have to worry about the press.”
“You can buy a golf cart and drive around inside like that guy did in ‘Garden State’.”
“I have a scooter.”
“Right,” she smiled up at him.
He ran his hand down the marble counter in the kitchen. “I think I’ll take it.”
“Good. I actually like this place.”
“I know you didn’t like the others.” He thought back to her reaction to the other three places they had looked at. Veronica had found something wrong with all of them – too Victorian, too gothic, too modern.
“You’re sure you won’t mind living here all by yourself? It’s pretty big.”
He wrapped his arms around her waist. “You could move in with me.”
“Not likely. My dad would shoot you first.”
He kissed her forehead. “I’ll save you a room anyway.”
“Really? You’re giving me a room?”
“You can come over whenever you want.”
“Do I get a key too?”
He lifted her up, setting her on the counter. “The second I get the keys, I’ll make you a copy.”
She pulled him close. “I love you, you know?”
“I love you. You’re everything to me.”
“Maybe if I’m really good, I can convince dad to let me stay over sometimes.”
Logan grinned, “I’d definitely like that.”
--
“Hi Mrs. Navarro,” Veronica greeted when she entered the house. She’d been happily surprised to find that Logan had retained Weevil’s grandmother as his housekeeper. She had thought that he wouldn’t want any reminder of his old house. When she asked Logan about it, he had just shrugged and said that his mother had liked her.
“Veronica,” the housekeeper smiled, as she headed out the door after her day of work. “Logan’s in the gym.”
“Thanks.” She headed quickly and quietly toward the gym, hoping to sneak up on Logan. She stood by the door admiring the rippling muscles of her topless, sweaty boyfriend. She’d gone unnoticed until she let a moan of desire.
He looked up startled and then smirked. “Hey.”
She cleared her throat, “Hi.”
He set the barbells down and gestured for her to join him.
She let her bag slip off her shoulder to the ground before heading over to him. Veronica straddled the bench in front of him, their knees touching.
Logan leaned forward to kiss her in greeting. “How was your day?”
“Just another boring case. A few kids from school approached me for background checks on their parents again. Easy money. You?”
“Pining away for my girlfriend,” he grinned and kissed her again.
She wrapped her arms around his neck, leaning into him. “Your girlfriend must appreciate the attention.”
“That she does.” Wrapping his arm around her waist, he lifted her up so that she was straddling him.
She pulled away, “I forgot. Dad’s out of town for a couple days. He actually told me to stay over here while he’s gone.”
Logan raised an eyebrow, “Really? I thought he would castrate me before he would acknowledge that you stay here whenever he’s gone.”
“He knows you’ll protect me. You have been a permanent fixture in my life for more than a year now.”
“And what a long one it’s been,” he teased.
She ignored his comment. “Plus I’m pretty sure he’s still in denial. He probably thinks that when I stay over we sleep in separate rooms… at opposite ends of your house… with three deadbolts on my door.”
“He can keep his delusion,” Logan pulled her tightly against him, “as long as he lets you stay.”
“I have to agree.” She lowered her head and kissed him.
He stood with her wrapped around him, his hands cupping her butt. He carried her into his bedroom. They landed on his bed with their lips still attached.
Logan looked down at her. He knew that without her, he would have never survived the past year. She was everything to him and he would do anything to keep her safe and happy.
“I love you,” he said huskily.
She smiled up at him with love glowing back at him through her eyes, “I love you too.”
The End