Logan's Run (Veronica Mars) Part 1
Aug. 1st, 2008 06:14 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
spankingfemmeYet another spanking story! This story was specially written for Jen :) Sorry it took forever
babe! :P This takes place right after the show ends, Logan and Veronica find their way back together, but between Veronica's pushiness and Logan's disregard of the law the two can't help but find trouble!
P.S. I got a lot of bad reviews on this one over at FF.net because it has a Keith spanking Veronica and a Keith spanking Logan pairing. None of it is obviously sexual since none of my stuff is, but I'm putting this out there because I don't want here that I didn't WARN anybody! Ok, there now that that is said... Enjoy! =D
P.P.S Wow! First time for everything! I went to post this, and it told me it's too large! *scratches head, okay then, make this part one! :P
The guilt pooled in his stomach like liquid led. What he had done was stupid; he knew it was, but he had done it nonetheless. Madison Sinclair had been readily available, a warm body with tempting curves and a hint of lilac aroma to engulf the senses of anyone in her vicinity. He had stared numbly at Veronica as she rattled of his crimes against her, and in all honesty, there wasn't much more to be said that pure silence hadn't covered.
That was months ago; yet the incident managed to still weigh heavily on his mind. Maybe if he could have explained himself, said something rather than nothing to justify his actions to her. But no, there was no viable justification; even in his own head he had wronged her terribly. It was amazing that she still talked to him after what he'd done; that had taken time. He hadn't told Parker that he'd kept a picture of the two of them from the past summer's vacation spent surfing and boating. The picture still sat shyly behind his alarm clock to peak its head up as a daily reminder of what he no longer had.
Not that it mattered now; Parker had left weeks ago on a journey to pursue her own goals. He had liked Parker a lot, but not enough to follow her to start a new life. And then there was Piz. In Logan's eyes not a bad guy really, he just wasn't the one for Veronica. She knew it, even if she didn't let him in on it. Piz knew better, and Logan also knew better.
Veronica had told Logan off-handedly of how Piz had been awarded a scholarship at a prime radio station in New York. Logan had gauged from her reaction that she wanted to go with him, but there was a layer of hesitation blanketing her decision. Then there was Veronica's future with the FBI. Virginia was a long way from Neptune, California. 'So, if she's such a lost cause, why are you still pining over her?' Logan inwardly mused.
Of course he knew why he obsessed about her; if not consciously then deep down buried beneath layers of intricately built walls and self-defense mechanisms. She was the one who completed him. It was those unspoken moments shared where time just seemed to stand still. The universe could have imploded in upon itself to erase all of existence for all time, and it would have been ok as long as his last minutes of life had been spent in her warm embrace, content with the world, longing for nothing more than what he already had at that moment.
He shook his head to clear the probing thoughts of her from the surface of his mind as the bell rang, and everyone started gathering up their books and exiting the statistics class he'd just day dreamed through.
It was now 12:50PM, and Logan looked down at his watch hungrily deciding he had time to take a lunch break since his next class didn't start until 2PM. He had gathered up his lunch tray, and as he spun around to face the cafeteria crowd, he saw Veronica stepping into the lunch line. He peered up and gave her a short warm smile as their eyes made brief contact. She had smiled back, so that was always something. Logan thought it best to leave it at that continuing to walk in a forward motion to an empty table in the back of the food court. All of a sudden, he wasn't so hungry anymore.
He sighed discontentedly leaning back in his chair to watch the procession of students lurch through the lunch line until his appetite started to return. He glanced at her sitting alone, and it wasn't long before Piz came up to join her.
He watched through his peripheral as they chatted noticing that the conversation seemed to turn awkward, and both seemed to avoid eye contact and withdraw further back in their chairs as their little chat continued. She shook her head no, and Piz ran his hand through his hair in frustration before making some last statement and rising from the table, grabbing his drink, and departing.
Veronica had not moved out of the position she had held throughout the conversation, arms folded and held loosely against her body in a withdrawn miserable heap. He hated seeing her like that, and against his better judgment had already picked up his tray and was making his way across the lunchroom to where Veronica still sat.
"Is this seat taken?" he queried softly.
Veronica looked up blinking away the tears that threatened to spill off her eyelids and shook a quick no before returning her gaze back to her half eaten burger.
"That bad eh?" Logan asked as he slid into the seat.
Veronica covered her eyes momentarily before wiping a stray tear from her cheek responding with, "Piz and I are no longer dating."
Logan smiled inwardly at the realization of Veronica's availability, but felt instantly guilty upon seeing how upset Veronica was over the break-up.
"If you don't mind talking about it; I'm here for you," Logan ventured.
Veronica smiled, "Thanks, but I don't think I need a pity party."
Logan returned the smile joking, "I don't have any black balloons or streamers, so I'd be ill equipped to throw any kind of party, even a pity party."
Veronica pushed her tray aside and put both arms on the table clasping hand in hand mentally preparing herself to talk to Logan about the break-up, "Do you remember me telling you about Piz getting that radio station scholarship?"
Logan nodded he had remembered.
Veronica sighed, "Well, they sent him a letter yesterday saying that he would be scheduled to start with them at the beginning of spring semester. They asked if they needed to look at any other scholarship student between now and then. They weren't giving him much wiggle room, so he said yes. I, on the other hand, said no." She trailed off looking distantly off into her plate.
Logan reached out his hand covering hers in his own and gave her hand a gentle squeeze, "I understand what you're going through. Parker left me last Wednesday to stay with her parents until the end of this semester."
Veronica's eyes shot up in sympathy; she had been so busy dealing with her own drama to realize Parker was no longer even around, "I'm so sorry Logan; you two seemed to be getting along so well."
Logan shrugged indifferently, "It was good while it lasted I guess."
An awkward silence passed between them before Logan added, "I was planning to catch some waves this Saturday with Dick, but he's already got plans, so if you're not busy maybe I can convince you to drown your sorrows with me on my boat. A leisurely dinner for two, no strings attached?"
Veronica looked at Logan hesitantly arguing with herself as to whether or not going on a 'date' with Logan so soon would be a good idea. "I don't know Logan. I promised my dad I'd help him with the upcoming election this Saturday. If I'm not too tired, I'll give you a call."
Logan gave her a knowing smirk, 'She's not coming,' he thought bitterly to himself, but responded with, "Yea. Just give me a call if you're good to go." He finished his half eaten slice of pizza in silence before nodding a goodbye and rising from the table.
Veronica watched him as he dumped his lunch tray and turned towards the cafeteria's double doors to leave. Before Veronica knew it, she had risen out of her chair and was calling out, "Logan!"
He turned to face her, his brow raised in question.
She licked her lips absently before nodding yes, "I'll join you for dinner this Saturday."
Logan smiled his first genuine smile he'd smiled all week, "8:00pm sharp; don't be late, or I'll have ta feed ya ta the fishes."
She smiled back, "I won't be late."
***********************************************************
The rest of the week seemed to drag on, but Saturday eventually came. Logan had taken great care to prepare a fine dining experience with broiled salmon sautéed with a lemon pepper seasoning to lie over a bed of linguine covered in asparagus gravy with a hint of basil. For desert, he had made Veronica's favorite, a chocolate mousse cake. He had just finished lighting the candles when he saw her approaching up the walkway.
Her hair was drawn up in a loose bun, small wisps of hair broke free to cascade down her neck in an elegant yet sexy fashion. The style complemented her peach evening gown nicely. She had pulled out all the stops for him, and he had done the same choosing a casual navy blue silk shirt with black dress pants and loafers.
He held out his hand to help her climb up the steps, "My lady," he motioned towards the set table. Veronica's eyes followed the gestured hand to the neatly coordinated table. A bottle of fine wine rested on a mountain of ice, and the plate ware was antique china and sterling silverware.
Logan pulled out her chair for her, and she sat jokingly remarking, "Nice set up; are we expecting someone important to be joining us for dinner?"
Logan grinned retorting, "The president planned to attend, but I told him I hadn't prepared enough salmon for three."
Veronica smirked, "He likely would have just bored us with politics; lord knows I've had my share of that today."
Logan filled both of their glasses with wine, "Speaking of, how are things going with your dad's campaigning?"
Veronica's brow crinkled as she exasperated, "Vinny is a weasel as always, but dad still has a fighting chance of pulling out of this current debacle."
Logan knew that Keith Mars being sheriff again made him happy, and her dad's happiness mattered greatly to Veronica, so he offered to help with some of his campaigning tasks.
Veronica was appreciative, and accepted his offer with a smile and a, "Thanks, that would be great."
The night went on, and dinner went well. Neither Veronica nor Logan had brought up Piz or Parker and just enjoyed the time they were able to spend together.
Over the next two weeks, Logan and Veronica converged regularly meeting for lunch at the college and had even gotten together the past weekend to pass out 'Vote for Keith Mars' buttons throughout the town. This weekend, they planned to help Keith organize points and questions for the upcoming public debate to showcase Keith and Vinny's attributes, or lack there of, for the position of Neptune's sheriff.
Veronica and Logan had just finished discussing their weekend plans over lunch when Piz entered the cafeteria. Piz's eyes panned across the crowd pin pointing the two. Rage flared through Piz as he walked briskly over to their table. He glared from Veronica to Logan before shaking his head angrily as he spat at Logan, "You just couldn't wait could you man? I'm not even out of the picture two weeks, and you've already snaked your way back to her. You think I didn't see you watching us? See you come over to the table when I left?"
Logan took in a deep breath before responding, "Listen Piz, I get that you're upset about you and Veronica's spit, but don't let your jealousy blind you. Veronica and I are just having lunch."
Veronica was about to add her two cents when Piz's fist launched a quick jab to Logan's chin sending him reeling backwards out of his chair.
Logan shook off the fog of the initial blow before rebounding with a sharp kick placed under Piz's knee sending him crashing to the floor beside Logan. With-in moments Logan had mounted Piz's waist snagging Piz up by his shirt to draw him into his pummeling fist. He stopped after three squarely connected hits and the familiar grasp of Veronica's fingertips wrapping around his other arm's bicep as she pleaded for him to stop.
Logan's grip loosened letting Piz drop to the floor as the boy wriggled to get out from under him into a more defensive position. Logan's adrenaline was still pumping, nature's fight or flight response had made him hit back when he knew deep down that he couldn't blame Piz for feeling the way he did. Logan would have likely done the same thing, if he were in Piz's shoes. The fight was over, and flight was out of the realm of options now that the campus police were running on to the scene.
Both culprits were cuffed, questioned, and led off to the dean's office where Mr.. Kempleton had taken up temporary residence due to the late dean O'Dell's murder.
Veronica was disallowed entrance to their little pow-wow, and for once, she was kind of glad to be kept on the sidelines. Her curiosity was getting the better of her, and it took nearly an hour before she saw the door open and both boys, the dean, and one of the campus officers emerged from the office.
Logan and Piz were no longer cuffed, and Veronica let out a sigh of relief since that meant no one would be going to jail. Veronica was relieved knowing that any connection to her and cause for police involvement would reflect poorly on Keith, and her dad needed as little hassle as possible with investigative scum like Vinny Vanlow running to try and take his job.
Logan and Piz split striding away in opposite directions from Mr.. Kempleton and the campus officer who seemingly were still engaged in conversation. Logan disappeared around the west side of the office exiting to the parking lot, and Piz had opted to walk back towards the dorm area which happened to be the direction Veronica was in. As Piz approached, Veronica stepped out of the shadows of the filing cabinet she'd been leaning against. She was unsure as to how to respond to his behavior, but believed he had a right for an explanation before she scolded him for acting like he was still in high school.
Piz hadn't looked up until he'd come around the corner, and when he did see Veronica, his eyes were filled with a mix of remorse and confusion. He lifted his head in a half nod to acknowledge he'd seen her, but he didn't stop walking in the direction of the dorms.
Veronica called out to him, "Piz. Wait!"
Piz stopped, but he didn't turn back to face her.
She walked up to him cautiously, "I know what you must think, but it's not like that. I never meant to hurt you. And."
Piz cut her off whirling around to face her, "But you did Veronica; you did hurt me. Nothing you say can change that. You know, if all I was to you was a buffer in between the time you and Logan would make up again, you should have just left me alone."
Veronica was taken off guard and gawked momentarily before rebounding with, "How dare you! Do you really think I'm that shallow? I'm sorry that you're leaving, and I'm not following, but I'm not sorry for who I decide to take up my time with now that we're no longer dating. And for you to run around beating people up in a jealous rage to prove some kind."
Piz held up his hands in surrender, "You know what Veronica, you're right; it was crazy of me to ever think you could be unconditionally mine." He didn't wait for her reply as he turned his back to her and strode off in the direction of his dorm.
This time she didn't stop him, but merely watched him retreat into the darkness of the hallway. Veronica was at a loss for words. She wanted to tell Piz that she did still care about him, and if things had been different, maybe they could have had something wonderful. But things weren't different. She resigned inwardly that it was best for both of them to just let him go. And as he disappeared around the bend, a single tear cascaded down her cheek as she thought about the finality his absence meant to their relationship. It was now officially over.
Veronica was late for her English literature course and since it was her last class of the afternoon, she opted instead to try and contact Logan to see if he was OK. He had just pulled out of the parking lot when she had called. He told her he'd swing back around to pick her up, so they could chat in person.
As Veronica climbed into Logan's car, she could immediately see that the left side of his face where Piz had sucker punched him was starting to swell. Logan noticed her staring and peered in his rearview mirror to see what he'd already examined six times prior to her getting in the car.
He gingerly patted the swelling a grimace forming on his features, "Punk." He muttered to himself.
Veronica's eyes shot down to her lap, "I'm sorry about that."
Logan shook his head, "Unless you've got a telekinetic hold on Piz's mind, I don't think you have anything to be sorry for."
Veronica gave Logan a small smile, "For what it's worth, I want to thank you for not pummeling Piz into oblivion. I know you could have, but the fact you didn't really means a lot to me."
Logan wasn't sure how to respond to Veronica's comment unable to decipher what her response meant for them. Not that there was a 'them,' but it didn't stop Logan from hoping there could be again.
Logan decided to play it safe opting to shift his car into drive and pull off out of the school's parking lot as he retorted, "I don't know about you, but I was thinking since we've got the rest of the afternoon off, maybe you'd like to join me for a matinee?"
Veronica nodded her head, "I'd love to."
When they arrived at the movie theater, Logan let Veronica do the choosing. She picked a horror flick, and by halfway through the movie she had scooted in close next to Logan. During a particularly scary part, Veronica had unwittingly intertwined their hands together.
The gesture had Logan smiling inwardly, happy to feel her so close to him. He wanted to kiss her, but knew his advance would likely be rejected. He watched her through his peripheral, her smell engaging memories long since past but not forgotten. All these emotions swirled around him until he couldn't help himself any longer. He leaned in close to her and whispered her name.
Veronica turned towards him; her dark eyes staring into his as he abandoned all reason taking her cheek in hand and pulling her into meet his lips. She only resisted slightly before fading into his passionate kiss.
Sparks flew between the two, as the pent up emotions each had chosen to cut off were set free. After several minutes of letting themselves be engulfed in the moment, Logan pulled away; his gaze penetrated the confused expression on Veronica's face, "I want you to know I love you Veronica. I never stopped loving you."
Veronica was awe struck torn between what her heart wanted and what her head was warning her. Her heart won out against what she felt was her better judgment as she responded with a quiet, "I still love you to Logan."
Logan smiled pulling her back onto his lips, their faces melding together once more. Lost in their kiss, neither had realized the movie had ended until the patrons were filling the aisles to leave.
Their lips unlocked and they sat for a long moment gazing in wonder at each other as if it were the first time they'd shared a kiss verse the hundredth.
As the ushers came in to start the after movie clean up, Veronica and Logan rose exiting out the theater's back door. They walked out in silence that persisted until both were reseated in Logan's car.
Veronica was the first to speak as she gave Logan a weary look, "You know I can't stay."
Logan nodded in understanding, "I know."
She crinkled her brow in dismay, "So what does that mean for you and me?"
Logan took in a deep breath exhaling slowly before responding, "It means, I'd rather spend the next three months being with you over the alternative."
She felt her heart melt at his words and knew she felt the same. They would part ways when she left to continue her education with the FBI, but for now they could enjoy each other's company, and Veronica decided she could be fine with that much for now.
************************************************************
The next few weeks flew by as Veronica and Logan reacquainted intimately. The semester being over was a plus, and it left the two a lot more free time to spend with one another.
Keith's election was fast approaching, the polls had come in, and Vinny had managed to win the popular vote mostly due to the warehouse bust's publicity from the previous month. Keith resigned to the fact his chances for remaining sheriff in Neptune were dwindling almost daily.
Veronica hated to see her father under so much stress feeling impotent to stop that scumbag, Vinny, from usurping her dad's position. She discussed the fact with Logan, and he suggested that she use that super sleuth brain of hers to come up with a way to nail Vinny to the wall. And so it happened after much strategic planning, Logan and Veronica were infiltrating Vinny Vanlow's private residence in hopes of digging up some dirt that would save her dad's reputation and bury Vinny's for good.
The two had staked Vinny's place out for the past two nights and had waited for a perfect time to make a move. Vinny had left about five minutes prior carrying a bowling bag, so the two figured now was as good a chance as any they would get to prowl the vicinity with limited interruption.
Logan was the first to crawl through the small hole recently cut into Vinny's screened in back porch. Two liter soda bottles and crumpled up empty chip bags littered the wooden floor, and a huge poker table covered in ashes, poker chips, and stale remains of corn chips took up the majority of the space on the small dimly lit patio. Logan held the flap of screen open as he helped Veronica climb in after him.
Veronica crinkled her nose in disgust at the mess that covered almost the entirety of the floor, "Ugh... Figures he'd be a total pig," she whispered trying not to step on or trip over the land mines of trash.
Logan smirked back at her as he slinked over to the back window and lifted the thankfully unlocked sill, "Let's just hope the rest of his house isn't as homey eh?"
Veronica rose an eyebrow responding, "Let's just find what we need so we can get out of here."
Logan nodded in agreement before poking his head cautiously into the dark house. The window opened up above a loveseat that had been conveniently pushed up against the porch's wall. The hallway light in the front of the house was on, and it illuminated a fraction of the house enough to give an outline as to where the rest of Vinny's furniture lay.
Logan climbed into Vinny's house with ease and unlocked the patio door to let Veronica in. The patio door opened up to the living room housing the loveseat alongside a longer version of the loveseat that faced the entertainment center and a bookshelf that had a collection of encyclopedias that looked brand new and never opened save for the inch of dust embroidering their tops. Besides a coffee table with a small drawer containing a phonebook, a few miscellaneous phone numbers, and a few delivery coupons to local eateries in town, there was nothing searchable in this room, and so the two moved deeper into the house.
The house was sectioned off into a hallway that led out of the living room to the front door next to a walk-in closet. The hallway contained two closed doors on the left, the kitchen on the right, and a bathroom in between each closed door.
Out of the two closed doors, the one closest to the living room was a bedroom and the other smaller room was a makeshift office.
"Bingo," Veronica whispered going straight into the office to the computer and moving the mouse to knock the computer out of sleep mode.
The desktop came alive to a 'password required' message. Veronica slipped the backpack she was wearing off and dropped down next to Logan smiling triumphantly, "No problem when I've got a Mac waiting on standby. Logan, my dear, if you would be so kind." she said as she handed him the tool set to open up the computer's side panel.
Logan smiled devilishly responding, "As you wish."
It took a total of twenty-five minutes for Logan to open up the computer, for Veronica to use some of the Neptune Sheriff Department's nifty technology to copy Vinny's hard drive onto her laptop, and for Logan to reassemble Vinny's computer and have everything back in it's place.
Logan and Veronica had just begun packing up all their tools when they heard the front door open. Both froze in their tracks instantly as they heard whomever had entered lumber down the hallway and into the living room.
Veronica sucked in her breath as the shadow crossed under the doorway to the small office and finally let herself exhale when the footsteps ceased and the sound of ESPN's Sport's Center became audible over the TV in the living room.
She nervously glanced at Logan as she whispered, "What do we do!"
Logan's eyes shifted through the room considering their options. There were two small windows side by side that stretched the length of the room. They both ran across the wall about one foot below the ceiling and were about 1ft in width. Veronica would have difficulty fitting through one even with the help of Logan lifting her up just to be able to reach the window. Logan also knew it would be next to impossible for him to fit through one of the windows especially without making any noise and giving away their hiding spot.
There were no other exits other than the door that they had entered through, and so Logan made a decision, he leaned against the wall and folded his hands together to give Veronica a foothold, "Come on, I'll help you up."
Veronica took his cue and hurriedly hopped up onto his hand and then tentatively picked herself up onto the window's ledge and started squeezing through the window; she hung halfway in and halfway out with one arm and one leg draped on either side of the window. The exertion of climbing and then compressing herself to fit the window's space left her catching her breath momentarily before slipping her lower half outside the window and propping herself up with only her chest, arms, and head inside and her feet outside bracing against the wall. Her sneakers slid down the stucco surface until the only thing Logan could see was her delicate looking fingertips grasping the ledge, and then there was nothing but the sound of shoes hitting the small decorative gravel rocks that lined the exterior of Vinny's house.
Logan scooped up the bag carrying Veronica's laptop and maneuvered it out the window to dangle by its strap until Veronica grabbed it; he did the same with the backpack holding all the tools. Once all their gear was on the other side, Logan quietly rolled the office computer chair over to the wall and tried to climb out the window himself. As he had feared, the most of his body he could fit out the window was his head, one arm, and half a shoulder before becoming lodged and immobile.
Veronica gazed up at him in dismay as the realization dawned on her that Logan would not be able to fit out of the window as she had.
Logan gave her a resigned look before whispering, "Go on; get out of here. I'll sneak out after he goes to sleep and meet up with you later."
Veronica violently shook her head no whispering more audibly as her worry got the better of her, "Logan, I'm not going to just leave you here!"
Logan put a finger to his lips to shush her as he swiveled his head towards the door and listened for any movement coming from the living room before turning back and replying "You've got to leave me Veronica." She began to shake her head no again opening her mouth to respond before Logan cut her off, "Don't you see? If you don't leave me this whole plan will have been for nothing. Besides, I've got more of a chance to escape if you're not here. Just go Veronica... please, just go now before it's too late and we're both caught."
Veronica visibly pouted but nodded her head, "Ok. I'll go. I'll be waiting for your call. Please be careful."
"I will," Logan murmured.
Veronica lingered one moment more to give him a longing and worried look before turning towards the street and taking off to disappear into the darkness. Logan stayed in the window until he heard her car pull off. He hated seeing her so distraught, but he knew he had more of a chance sneaking out by himself verse the both of them trying to together.
Once he knew that she was safely out of the vicinity, he quietly replaced the office chair and climbed into the halfway opened closet letting himself slide down the wall to rest in the deeper darkness of the closet. He doubted Vinny would be coming into his office this late, but he didn't want to be caught off-guard either.
Logan grew drowsily bored as he leaned his head against the wall letting the muffled sounds of the living room's TV lull him into semi-consciousness and then sleep. Several hours later, he awoke to the pleasant sound of nothingness greeting him. His lower half had fallen asleep and now had pins and needles from sitting bunched up in the corner of the closet for so long. He let out an exhale of relief as he slid up the wall to stand and stretch out once more.
All his previous sleepiness fled him as his adrenaline once more kicked in and he silently climbed out of the closet. He made his way to the office's door pausing to listen carefully at the door before wiping the accumulating sweat on his palms off on his pant's leg and proceeding to open the door as quietly as he could muster.
The door groaned softly in protest as Logan exited out into the hallway. He could hear his heart thumping madly in his chest as he made his way to the front door. He had even breathed a sigh of relief as he had unlocked and opened the front door to be basked in the illumination of the awning's front porch light. Freedom was just on the other side of the screen door.
Logan reached forward one hand on the front door's knob the other beginning the task of opening the screen door when a cold circle of metal pushed into the center of his back and the voice attached to it, that could only belong to Vinny Vanlow, queried, "Logan? Logan Echolls? What are you doing in my house?"
Veronica paced nervously inside Logan's hotel room; she had gone to see Mac directly after fleeing the scene at Vinny's. Mac had been expecting Veronica, but was ill equipped to help her deal with her current dilemma with Logan and to try to break Vinny's password codes. Veronica realized that she would only be a distraction to Mac and decided that it'd be best if she left Mac with the goods to decipher what she could, and she'd get with her tomorrow to get the copied drive along with the needed passwords.
That was around 11PM; the clock on the entertainment center now read 10 after 2AM. Why hadn't he called her yet? It was then that her phone did ring; it hadn't left her hand. She quickly flipped the phone open, "Hello!?"
The voice on the other end of the receiver was not Logan; it was her father, "Veronica. Where are you?"
Veronica was taken aback momentarily deflated and then concerned that her father was calling her so late, "Dad. I'm, I'm at Logan's. What are you doing up at this time of night?"
Keith responded sarcastically, "You know, I was thinking the same thing when I got a phone call from the sheriff's department about an hour ago to investigate a breaking an entering at the Vanlow residence."
Veronica's blood froze in her veins as her father finished, "Yea, I'm sure you'll never guess who I've got in the back of my car right now," Keith stated as he glanced in his rearview mirror at Logan who's eyes were currently boring a hole in the floorboard.
Veronica's mouth went dry, "I can explain dad."
Keith sighed responding, "I hope so Veronica. You and Logan will have plenty of time to do all the explaining you need to when you get to the house."
"I'll be there in about ten minutes," Veronica had responded clicking her phone shut. She didn't have to see her father's face to know he was disappointed with her.
She leaned against Logan's couch inhaling deeply and exhaling slowly. She'd hoped that she wouldn't have to be explaining her actions to her father until after the election had taken place. The blow would have been easier to take after Keith's position as sheriff was renewed and Vinny was ousted and shown to be the scumbag he really was.
Veronica sighed heavily, "Well, I guess I better go get this over with," she mumbled to herself as she headed out the door.
***********************************************************
Keith parked in his driveway coming around the side of the police car to pull open the door for Logan to exit. The two had hardly spoken since Keith had arrived at Vinny's house.
Keith had looked rather surprised when he'd pulled up into Vinny's drive to see Vinny sitting on his front porch along with a 12-gauge shotgun draped across his lap. Logan remained standing about thirty feet away, his arms folded as he rolled an escaped gravel stone from Vinny's lawn under the ball of his foot.
Keith exited the police car and approached the two; Logan's eyes rose to meet his briefly before trailing back to the sidewalk as he muttered a quiet, "Evening Mr.. Mars."
Keith cocked his head to the side giving Logan a small grimace before replying with a slow nod, "Logan."
Vinny rose to join the two his face split in a Cheshire cat's grin, "Howdy Keith; glad to see that law enforcement in these parts are so quick to respond."
Keith's jaw clenched as he pulled out his notepad and pen. He gave Vinny a half smile remarking, "Well you know we're always doing our best to serve the community."
Vinny flashed Keith a knowing smirk, "That's what it's all about isn't it Keith? How to best serve this fine city? Some folks would do almost anything to make sure this fine city of Neptune never changed. Wouldn't you agree?"
Keith lifted an eyebrow suspiciously as Vinny continued to speak, "What exactly are you implying?"
Vinny's grin grew wider, "Oh Keith come on now, don't play coy with me. We both know what this is about."
Keith clicked his pen and brought his notepad up to write, "That's what I'm here to do Vinny, find out what this is all about." Keith then turned towards Logan, "Let's start with your side of the story Logan. Care to tell me what possessed you to break into the Vanlow residence?"
Logan had mentally prepared what he would tell the local law enforcement when they had shown up to arrest him, until he realized that his arresting officer would be Keith.
Logan had planned to tell the police as he had told Vinny, his story being that he had broken into Vinny's house as part of a fraternity dare. He was after all a 'rich college kid.' Logan knew all he had to do was get a hold of Dick to cover his story, and with a good lawyer he'd get a slap on the wrist, maybe a court fine and some community service. No big deal.
Now upon being asked to explain his actions and openly lie to Veronica's dad, his mind blanked briefly, and his throat went suddenly dry. It didn't take but a moment to regain his bearings, but the hesitation wasn't lost on either Keith or Logan.
Logan coughed to clear his throat before replying solemnly, "I don't know what to say Mr.. Mars except that I've made a lot better decisions in my life."
Keith tapped his pen on his notepad and asked, "Is that all you have to say for yourself?"
Logan only gave a slight nod before looking away as the embarrassment of the situation overwhelmed him.
Keith shook his head, "Well, if that's all you have to add, I'm going to go ahead and put you in the back of the car so I can speak to Mr.. Vanlow. I trust that you'll be coming willingly, and that I won't have to cuff you."
Logan again nodded turning to walk towards Keith's car as Keith followed slowly behind.
Once Logan had been deposited into the car's custody, Keith walked back to Vinny to get his side of the story. Logan watched Keith and Vinny talk back and forth and then disappear inside the house. They were gone a good twenty minutes before Keith walked out of Vinny's house shaking his head.
Keith entered his car and glanced in the rearview mirror as he gave Logan a long look of disappointment before starting the car and pulling out of Vinny's drive.
They drove on in silence, Keith didn't ask any questions and Logan didn't offer any answers. When they had gotten out of Vinny's neighborhood, Keith called the station telling them that everything had been settled and no charges would be filed. Figuring that Keith had talked Vinny out of pressing charges against him, Logan allowed relief to wash over him, but his relief was short lived and retreated like an ocean wave when Keith hung up with the station to then dial Veronica.
Logan could hear her panicked voice through the phone and could tell she had been worried sick about him. As Keith and her conversed, Logan sighed knowing the 'talk' soon to come would be an awkward and uncomfortable one. Logan let his mind drift wondering how he'd come to find himself staring at the floorboards in the back of Keith's police car. Veronica had been quick to jump on his idea to take Vinny down. Even though he hadn't come up with the plan to break into Vinny's house, Logan was riddled with guilt and regret because he was the one who had planted the seed and now had also gotten them both caught.
As they drove, Keith mulled over the video surveillance recording Vinny had gleefully shown him. The footage displayed Veronica and Logan creeping up alongside Vinny's house and in through the screened in back porch.
Vinny had enjoyed the myriad of expressions Keith went through as he watched the recording, first speculation, then shock, and finally resignation was all that remained.
Keith knew that the two had executed this act to try and dig up dirt on Vinny because of all the controversy created with Vinny's recent big bust. What he couldn't comprehend was why Logan and Veronica would go so far as to break into Vinny's house knowing how fragile his career was at the moment. And with the present situation at hand, it made it even harder for Keith to hold any type of moral high ground as Vinny made it clear to Keith that as long as nothing that Veronica had pulled off his computer made its way into the press that this particular incident and recording would remain under wraps.
Knowing Vinny as well as he did, this suggested compromise came as no surprise to Keith. Until tonight, Keith would have held a candle to the thought that it would be a cold day in hell before he would willingly make any type of shady bargain with the likes of Vinny Vanlow.
Even if Keith could use any of the illicit information off of Vinny's computer against him, he wouldn't. It wasn't his style. But with Veronica and Logan having video footage taken of them breaking an entering into Vinny's house, Keith showing up as the arresting officer, and the election for sheriff being scheduled to be held at the end of the month, the circumstances left Keith with no choice but to agree to Vinny's demands.
What was most worrisome to Keith was the fact that if Keith remained in office as the acting sheriff of Neptune, Vinny would most certainly use his newfound poker chip whenever he was in a crisis or needed a quick buck. This deal nailed an official black mark on his good name, and what he hated most of all was the fact that this contract was made with his full consent and knowledge. No excuses. No exceptions. As if he hadn't already faced and dealt with enough public ridicule on how he ran the sheriff's department; if this got out, it would ruin him, and both he and Vinny knew it.
babe! :P This takes place right after the show ends, Logan and Veronica find their way back together, but between Veronica's pushiness and Logan's disregard of the law the two can't help but find trouble!
P.S. I got a lot of bad reviews on this one over at FF.net because it has a Keith spanking Veronica and a Keith spanking Logan pairing. None of it is obviously sexual since none of my stuff is, but I'm putting this out there because I don't want here that I didn't WARN anybody! Ok, there now that that is said... Enjoy! =D
P.P.S Wow! First time for everything! I went to post this, and it told me it's too large! *scratches head, okay then, make this part one! :P
The guilt pooled in his stomach like liquid led. What he had done was stupid; he knew it was, but he had done it nonetheless. Madison Sinclair had been readily available, a warm body with tempting curves and a hint of lilac aroma to engulf the senses of anyone in her vicinity. He had stared numbly at Veronica as she rattled of his crimes against her, and in all honesty, there wasn't much more to be said that pure silence hadn't covered.
That was months ago; yet the incident managed to still weigh heavily on his mind. Maybe if he could have explained himself, said something rather than nothing to justify his actions to her. But no, there was no viable justification; even in his own head he had wronged her terribly. It was amazing that she still talked to him after what he'd done; that had taken time. He hadn't told Parker that he'd kept a picture of the two of them from the past summer's vacation spent surfing and boating. The picture still sat shyly behind his alarm clock to peak its head up as a daily reminder of what he no longer had.
Not that it mattered now; Parker had left weeks ago on a journey to pursue her own goals. He had liked Parker a lot, but not enough to follow her to start a new life. And then there was Piz. In Logan's eyes not a bad guy really, he just wasn't the one for Veronica. She knew it, even if she didn't let him in on it. Piz knew better, and Logan also knew better.
Veronica had told Logan off-handedly of how Piz had been awarded a scholarship at a prime radio station in New York. Logan had gauged from her reaction that she wanted to go with him, but there was a layer of hesitation blanketing her decision. Then there was Veronica's future with the FBI. Virginia was a long way from Neptune, California. 'So, if she's such a lost cause, why are you still pining over her?' Logan inwardly mused.
Of course he knew why he obsessed about her; if not consciously then deep down buried beneath layers of intricately built walls and self-defense mechanisms. She was the one who completed him. It was those unspoken moments shared where time just seemed to stand still. The universe could have imploded in upon itself to erase all of existence for all time, and it would have been ok as long as his last minutes of life had been spent in her warm embrace, content with the world, longing for nothing more than what he already had at that moment.
He shook his head to clear the probing thoughts of her from the surface of his mind as the bell rang, and everyone started gathering up their books and exiting the statistics class he'd just day dreamed through.
It was now 12:50PM, and Logan looked down at his watch hungrily deciding he had time to take a lunch break since his next class didn't start until 2PM. He had gathered up his lunch tray, and as he spun around to face the cafeteria crowd, he saw Veronica stepping into the lunch line. He peered up and gave her a short warm smile as their eyes made brief contact. She had smiled back, so that was always something. Logan thought it best to leave it at that continuing to walk in a forward motion to an empty table in the back of the food court. All of a sudden, he wasn't so hungry anymore.
He sighed discontentedly leaning back in his chair to watch the procession of students lurch through the lunch line until his appetite started to return. He glanced at her sitting alone, and it wasn't long before Piz came up to join her.
He watched through his peripheral as they chatted noticing that the conversation seemed to turn awkward, and both seemed to avoid eye contact and withdraw further back in their chairs as their little chat continued. She shook her head no, and Piz ran his hand through his hair in frustration before making some last statement and rising from the table, grabbing his drink, and departing.
Veronica had not moved out of the position she had held throughout the conversation, arms folded and held loosely against her body in a withdrawn miserable heap. He hated seeing her like that, and against his better judgment had already picked up his tray and was making his way across the lunchroom to where Veronica still sat.
"Is this seat taken?" he queried softly.
Veronica looked up blinking away the tears that threatened to spill off her eyelids and shook a quick no before returning her gaze back to her half eaten burger.
"That bad eh?" Logan asked as he slid into the seat.
Veronica covered her eyes momentarily before wiping a stray tear from her cheek responding with, "Piz and I are no longer dating."
Logan smiled inwardly at the realization of Veronica's availability, but felt instantly guilty upon seeing how upset Veronica was over the break-up.
"If you don't mind talking about it; I'm here for you," Logan ventured.
Veronica smiled, "Thanks, but I don't think I need a pity party."
Logan returned the smile joking, "I don't have any black balloons or streamers, so I'd be ill equipped to throw any kind of party, even a pity party."
Veronica pushed her tray aside and put both arms on the table clasping hand in hand mentally preparing herself to talk to Logan about the break-up, "Do you remember me telling you about Piz getting that radio station scholarship?"
Logan nodded he had remembered.
Veronica sighed, "Well, they sent him a letter yesterday saying that he would be scheduled to start with them at the beginning of spring semester. They asked if they needed to look at any other scholarship student between now and then. They weren't giving him much wiggle room, so he said yes. I, on the other hand, said no." She trailed off looking distantly off into her plate.
Logan reached out his hand covering hers in his own and gave her hand a gentle squeeze, "I understand what you're going through. Parker left me last Wednesday to stay with her parents until the end of this semester."
Veronica's eyes shot up in sympathy; she had been so busy dealing with her own drama to realize Parker was no longer even around, "I'm so sorry Logan; you two seemed to be getting along so well."
Logan shrugged indifferently, "It was good while it lasted I guess."
An awkward silence passed between them before Logan added, "I was planning to catch some waves this Saturday with Dick, but he's already got plans, so if you're not busy maybe I can convince you to drown your sorrows with me on my boat. A leisurely dinner for two, no strings attached?"
Veronica looked at Logan hesitantly arguing with herself as to whether or not going on a 'date' with Logan so soon would be a good idea. "I don't know Logan. I promised my dad I'd help him with the upcoming election this Saturday. If I'm not too tired, I'll give you a call."
Logan gave her a knowing smirk, 'She's not coming,' he thought bitterly to himself, but responded with, "Yea. Just give me a call if you're good to go." He finished his half eaten slice of pizza in silence before nodding a goodbye and rising from the table.
Veronica watched him as he dumped his lunch tray and turned towards the cafeteria's double doors to leave. Before Veronica knew it, she had risen out of her chair and was calling out, "Logan!"
He turned to face her, his brow raised in question.
She licked her lips absently before nodding yes, "I'll join you for dinner this Saturday."
Logan smiled his first genuine smile he'd smiled all week, "8:00pm sharp; don't be late, or I'll have ta feed ya ta the fishes."
She smiled back, "I won't be late."
***********************************************************
The rest of the week seemed to drag on, but Saturday eventually came. Logan had taken great care to prepare a fine dining experience with broiled salmon sautéed with a lemon pepper seasoning to lie over a bed of linguine covered in asparagus gravy with a hint of basil. For desert, he had made Veronica's favorite, a chocolate mousse cake. He had just finished lighting the candles when he saw her approaching up the walkway.
Her hair was drawn up in a loose bun, small wisps of hair broke free to cascade down her neck in an elegant yet sexy fashion. The style complemented her peach evening gown nicely. She had pulled out all the stops for him, and he had done the same choosing a casual navy blue silk shirt with black dress pants and loafers.
He held out his hand to help her climb up the steps, "My lady," he motioned towards the set table. Veronica's eyes followed the gestured hand to the neatly coordinated table. A bottle of fine wine rested on a mountain of ice, and the plate ware was antique china and sterling silverware.
Logan pulled out her chair for her, and she sat jokingly remarking, "Nice set up; are we expecting someone important to be joining us for dinner?"
Logan grinned retorting, "The president planned to attend, but I told him I hadn't prepared enough salmon for three."
Veronica smirked, "He likely would have just bored us with politics; lord knows I've had my share of that today."
Logan filled both of their glasses with wine, "Speaking of, how are things going with your dad's campaigning?"
Veronica's brow crinkled as she exasperated, "Vinny is a weasel as always, but dad still has a fighting chance of pulling out of this current debacle."
Logan knew that Keith Mars being sheriff again made him happy, and her dad's happiness mattered greatly to Veronica, so he offered to help with some of his campaigning tasks.
Veronica was appreciative, and accepted his offer with a smile and a, "Thanks, that would be great."
The night went on, and dinner went well. Neither Veronica nor Logan had brought up Piz or Parker and just enjoyed the time they were able to spend together.
Over the next two weeks, Logan and Veronica converged regularly meeting for lunch at the college and had even gotten together the past weekend to pass out 'Vote for Keith Mars' buttons throughout the town. This weekend, they planned to help Keith organize points and questions for the upcoming public debate to showcase Keith and Vinny's attributes, or lack there of, for the position of Neptune's sheriff.
Veronica and Logan had just finished discussing their weekend plans over lunch when Piz entered the cafeteria. Piz's eyes panned across the crowd pin pointing the two. Rage flared through Piz as he walked briskly over to their table. He glared from Veronica to Logan before shaking his head angrily as he spat at Logan, "You just couldn't wait could you man? I'm not even out of the picture two weeks, and you've already snaked your way back to her. You think I didn't see you watching us? See you come over to the table when I left?"
Logan took in a deep breath before responding, "Listen Piz, I get that you're upset about you and Veronica's spit, but don't let your jealousy blind you. Veronica and I are just having lunch."
Veronica was about to add her two cents when Piz's fist launched a quick jab to Logan's chin sending him reeling backwards out of his chair.
Logan shook off the fog of the initial blow before rebounding with a sharp kick placed under Piz's knee sending him crashing to the floor beside Logan. With-in moments Logan had mounted Piz's waist snagging Piz up by his shirt to draw him into his pummeling fist. He stopped after three squarely connected hits and the familiar grasp of Veronica's fingertips wrapping around his other arm's bicep as she pleaded for him to stop.
Logan's grip loosened letting Piz drop to the floor as the boy wriggled to get out from under him into a more defensive position. Logan's adrenaline was still pumping, nature's fight or flight response had made him hit back when he knew deep down that he couldn't blame Piz for feeling the way he did. Logan would have likely done the same thing, if he were in Piz's shoes. The fight was over, and flight was out of the realm of options now that the campus police were running on to the scene.
Both culprits were cuffed, questioned, and led off to the dean's office where Mr.. Kempleton had taken up temporary residence due to the late dean O'Dell's murder.
Veronica was disallowed entrance to their little pow-wow, and for once, she was kind of glad to be kept on the sidelines. Her curiosity was getting the better of her, and it took nearly an hour before she saw the door open and both boys, the dean, and one of the campus officers emerged from the office.
Logan and Piz were no longer cuffed, and Veronica let out a sigh of relief since that meant no one would be going to jail. Veronica was relieved knowing that any connection to her and cause for police involvement would reflect poorly on Keith, and her dad needed as little hassle as possible with investigative scum like Vinny Vanlow running to try and take his job.
Logan and Piz split striding away in opposite directions from Mr.. Kempleton and the campus officer who seemingly were still engaged in conversation. Logan disappeared around the west side of the office exiting to the parking lot, and Piz had opted to walk back towards the dorm area which happened to be the direction Veronica was in. As Piz approached, Veronica stepped out of the shadows of the filing cabinet she'd been leaning against. She was unsure as to how to respond to his behavior, but believed he had a right for an explanation before she scolded him for acting like he was still in high school.
Piz hadn't looked up until he'd come around the corner, and when he did see Veronica, his eyes were filled with a mix of remorse and confusion. He lifted his head in a half nod to acknowledge he'd seen her, but he didn't stop walking in the direction of the dorms.
Veronica called out to him, "Piz. Wait!"
Piz stopped, but he didn't turn back to face her.
She walked up to him cautiously, "I know what you must think, but it's not like that. I never meant to hurt you. And."
Piz cut her off whirling around to face her, "But you did Veronica; you did hurt me. Nothing you say can change that. You know, if all I was to you was a buffer in between the time you and Logan would make up again, you should have just left me alone."
Veronica was taken off guard and gawked momentarily before rebounding with, "How dare you! Do you really think I'm that shallow? I'm sorry that you're leaving, and I'm not following, but I'm not sorry for who I decide to take up my time with now that we're no longer dating. And for you to run around beating people up in a jealous rage to prove some kind."
Piz held up his hands in surrender, "You know what Veronica, you're right; it was crazy of me to ever think you could be unconditionally mine." He didn't wait for her reply as he turned his back to her and strode off in the direction of his dorm.
This time she didn't stop him, but merely watched him retreat into the darkness of the hallway. Veronica was at a loss for words. She wanted to tell Piz that she did still care about him, and if things had been different, maybe they could have had something wonderful. But things weren't different. She resigned inwardly that it was best for both of them to just let him go. And as he disappeared around the bend, a single tear cascaded down her cheek as she thought about the finality his absence meant to their relationship. It was now officially over.
Veronica was late for her English literature course and since it was her last class of the afternoon, she opted instead to try and contact Logan to see if he was OK. He had just pulled out of the parking lot when she had called. He told her he'd swing back around to pick her up, so they could chat in person.
As Veronica climbed into Logan's car, she could immediately see that the left side of his face where Piz had sucker punched him was starting to swell. Logan noticed her staring and peered in his rearview mirror to see what he'd already examined six times prior to her getting in the car.
He gingerly patted the swelling a grimace forming on his features, "Punk." He muttered to himself.
Veronica's eyes shot down to her lap, "I'm sorry about that."
Logan shook his head, "Unless you've got a telekinetic hold on Piz's mind, I don't think you have anything to be sorry for."
Veronica gave Logan a small smile, "For what it's worth, I want to thank you for not pummeling Piz into oblivion. I know you could have, but the fact you didn't really means a lot to me."
Logan wasn't sure how to respond to Veronica's comment unable to decipher what her response meant for them. Not that there was a 'them,' but it didn't stop Logan from hoping there could be again.
Logan decided to play it safe opting to shift his car into drive and pull off out of the school's parking lot as he retorted, "I don't know about you, but I was thinking since we've got the rest of the afternoon off, maybe you'd like to join me for a matinee?"
Veronica nodded her head, "I'd love to."
When they arrived at the movie theater, Logan let Veronica do the choosing. She picked a horror flick, and by halfway through the movie she had scooted in close next to Logan. During a particularly scary part, Veronica had unwittingly intertwined their hands together.
The gesture had Logan smiling inwardly, happy to feel her so close to him. He wanted to kiss her, but knew his advance would likely be rejected. He watched her through his peripheral, her smell engaging memories long since past but not forgotten. All these emotions swirled around him until he couldn't help himself any longer. He leaned in close to her and whispered her name.
Veronica turned towards him; her dark eyes staring into his as he abandoned all reason taking her cheek in hand and pulling her into meet his lips. She only resisted slightly before fading into his passionate kiss.
Sparks flew between the two, as the pent up emotions each had chosen to cut off were set free. After several minutes of letting themselves be engulfed in the moment, Logan pulled away; his gaze penetrated the confused expression on Veronica's face, "I want you to know I love you Veronica. I never stopped loving you."
Veronica was awe struck torn between what her heart wanted and what her head was warning her. Her heart won out against what she felt was her better judgment as she responded with a quiet, "I still love you to Logan."
Logan smiled pulling her back onto his lips, their faces melding together once more. Lost in their kiss, neither had realized the movie had ended until the patrons were filling the aisles to leave.
Their lips unlocked and they sat for a long moment gazing in wonder at each other as if it were the first time they'd shared a kiss verse the hundredth.
As the ushers came in to start the after movie clean up, Veronica and Logan rose exiting out the theater's back door. They walked out in silence that persisted until both were reseated in Logan's car.
Veronica was the first to speak as she gave Logan a weary look, "You know I can't stay."
Logan nodded in understanding, "I know."
She crinkled her brow in dismay, "So what does that mean for you and me?"
Logan took in a deep breath exhaling slowly before responding, "It means, I'd rather spend the next three months being with you over the alternative."
She felt her heart melt at his words and knew she felt the same. They would part ways when she left to continue her education with the FBI, but for now they could enjoy each other's company, and Veronica decided she could be fine with that much for now.
************************************************************
The next few weeks flew by as Veronica and Logan reacquainted intimately. The semester being over was a plus, and it left the two a lot more free time to spend with one another.
Keith's election was fast approaching, the polls had come in, and Vinny had managed to win the popular vote mostly due to the warehouse bust's publicity from the previous month. Keith resigned to the fact his chances for remaining sheriff in Neptune were dwindling almost daily.
Veronica hated to see her father under so much stress feeling impotent to stop that scumbag, Vinny, from usurping her dad's position. She discussed the fact with Logan, and he suggested that she use that super sleuth brain of hers to come up with a way to nail Vinny to the wall. And so it happened after much strategic planning, Logan and Veronica were infiltrating Vinny Vanlow's private residence in hopes of digging up some dirt that would save her dad's reputation and bury Vinny's for good.
The two had staked Vinny's place out for the past two nights and had waited for a perfect time to make a move. Vinny had left about five minutes prior carrying a bowling bag, so the two figured now was as good a chance as any they would get to prowl the vicinity with limited interruption.
Logan was the first to crawl through the small hole recently cut into Vinny's screened in back porch. Two liter soda bottles and crumpled up empty chip bags littered the wooden floor, and a huge poker table covered in ashes, poker chips, and stale remains of corn chips took up the majority of the space on the small dimly lit patio. Logan held the flap of screen open as he helped Veronica climb in after him.
Veronica crinkled her nose in disgust at the mess that covered almost the entirety of the floor, "Ugh... Figures he'd be a total pig," she whispered trying not to step on or trip over the land mines of trash.
Logan smirked back at her as he slinked over to the back window and lifted the thankfully unlocked sill, "Let's just hope the rest of his house isn't as homey eh?"
Veronica rose an eyebrow responding, "Let's just find what we need so we can get out of here."
Logan nodded in agreement before poking his head cautiously into the dark house. The window opened up above a loveseat that had been conveniently pushed up against the porch's wall. The hallway light in the front of the house was on, and it illuminated a fraction of the house enough to give an outline as to where the rest of Vinny's furniture lay.
Logan climbed into Vinny's house with ease and unlocked the patio door to let Veronica in. The patio door opened up to the living room housing the loveseat alongside a longer version of the loveseat that faced the entertainment center and a bookshelf that had a collection of encyclopedias that looked brand new and never opened save for the inch of dust embroidering their tops. Besides a coffee table with a small drawer containing a phonebook, a few miscellaneous phone numbers, and a few delivery coupons to local eateries in town, there was nothing searchable in this room, and so the two moved deeper into the house.
The house was sectioned off into a hallway that led out of the living room to the front door next to a walk-in closet. The hallway contained two closed doors on the left, the kitchen on the right, and a bathroom in between each closed door.
Out of the two closed doors, the one closest to the living room was a bedroom and the other smaller room was a makeshift office.
"Bingo," Veronica whispered going straight into the office to the computer and moving the mouse to knock the computer out of sleep mode.
The desktop came alive to a 'password required' message. Veronica slipped the backpack she was wearing off and dropped down next to Logan smiling triumphantly, "No problem when I've got a Mac waiting on standby. Logan, my dear, if you would be so kind." she said as she handed him the tool set to open up the computer's side panel.
Logan smiled devilishly responding, "As you wish."
It took a total of twenty-five minutes for Logan to open up the computer, for Veronica to use some of the Neptune Sheriff Department's nifty technology to copy Vinny's hard drive onto her laptop, and for Logan to reassemble Vinny's computer and have everything back in it's place.
Logan and Veronica had just begun packing up all their tools when they heard the front door open. Both froze in their tracks instantly as they heard whomever had entered lumber down the hallway and into the living room.
Veronica sucked in her breath as the shadow crossed under the doorway to the small office and finally let herself exhale when the footsteps ceased and the sound of ESPN's Sport's Center became audible over the TV in the living room.
She nervously glanced at Logan as she whispered, "What do we do!"
Logan's eyes shifted through the room considering their options. There were two small windows side by side that stretched the length of the room. They both ran across the wall about one foot below the ceiling and were about 1ft in width. Veronica would have difficulty fitting through one even with the help of Logan lifting her up just to be able to reach the window. Logan also knew it would be next to impossible for him to fit through one of the windows especially without making any noise and giving away their hiding spot.
There were no other exits other than the door that they had entered through, and so Logan made a decision, he leaned against the wall and folded his hands together to give Veronica a foothold, "Come on, I'll help you up."
Veronica took his cue and hurriedly hopped up onto his hand and then tentatively picked herself up onto the window's ledge and started squeezing through the window; she hung halfway in and halfway out with one arm and one leg draped on either side of the window. The exertion of climbing and then compressing herself to fit the window's space left her catching her breath momentarily before slipping her lower half outside the window and propping herself up with only her chest, arms, and head inside and her feet outside bracing against the wall. Her sneakers slid down the stucco surface until the only thing Logan could see was her delicate looking fingertips grasping the ledge, and then there was nothing but the sound of shoes hitting the small decorative gravel rocks that lined the exterior of Vinny's house.
Logan scooped up the bag carrying Veronica's laptop and maneuvered it out the window to dangle by its strap until Veronica grabbed it; he did the same with the backpack holding all the tools. Once all their gear was on the other side, Logan quietly rolled the office computer chair over to the wall and tried to climb out the window himself. As he had feared, the most of his body he could fit out the window was his head, one arm, and half a shoulder before becoming lodged and immobile.
Veronica gazed up at him in dismay as the realization dawned on her that Logan would not be able to fit out of the window as she had.
Logan gave her a resigned look before whispering, "Go on; get out of here. I'll sneak out after he goes to sleep and meet up with you later."
Veronica violently shook her head no whispering more audibly as her worry got the better of her, "Logan, I'm not going to just leave you here!"
Logan put a finger to his lips to shush her as he swiveled his head towards the door and listened for any movement coming from the living room before turning back and replying "You've got to leave me Veronica." She began to shake her head no again opening her mouth to respond before Logan cut her off, "Don't you see? If you don't leave me this whole plan will have been for nothing. Besides, I've got more of a chance to escape if you're not here. Just go Veronica... please, just go now before it's too late and we're both caught."
Veronica visibly pouted but nodded her head, "Ok. I'll go. I'll be waiting for your call. Please be careful."
"I will," Logan murmured.
Veronica lingered one moment more to give him a longing and worried look before turning towards the street and taking off to disappear into the darkness. Logan stayed in the window until he heard her car pull off. He hated seeing her so distraught, but he knew he had more of a chance sneaking out by himself verse the both of them trying to together.
Once he knew that she was safely out of the vicinity, he quietly replaced the office chair and climbed into the halfway opened closet letting himself slide down the wall to rest in the deeper darkness of the closet. He doubted Vinny would be coming into his office this late, but he didn't want to be caught off-guard either.
Logan grew drowsily bored as he leaned his head against the wall letting the muffled sounds of the living room's TV lull him into semi-consciousness and then sleep. Several hours later, he awoke to the pleasant sound of nothingness greeting him. His lower half had fallen asleep and now had pins and needles from sitting bunched up in the corner of the closet for so long. He let out an exhale of relief as he slid up the wall to stand and stretch out once more.
All his previous sleepiness fled him as his adrenaline once more kicked in and he silently climbed out of the closet. He made his way to the office's door pausing to listen carefully at the door before wiping the accumulating sweat on his palms off on his pant's leg and proceeding to open the door as quietly as he could muster.
The door groaned softly in protest as Logan exited out into the hallway. He could hear his heart thumping madly in his chest as he made his way to the front door. He had even breathed a sigh of relief as he had unlocked and opened the front door to be basked in the illumination of the awning's front porch light. Freedom was just on the other side of the screen door.
Logan reached forward one hand on the front door's knob the other beginning the task of opening the screen door when a cold circle of metal pushed into the center of his back and the voice attached to it, that could only belong to Vinny Vanlow, queried, "Logan? Logan Echolls? What are you doing in my house?"
Veronica paced nervously inside Logan's hotel room; she had gone to see Mac directly after fleeing the scene at Vinny's. Mac had been expecting Veronica, but was ill equipped to help her deal with her current dilemma with Logan and to try to break Vinny's password codes. Veronica realized that she would only be a distraction to Mac and decided that it'd be best if she left Mac with the goods to decipher what she could, and she'd get with her tomorrow to get the copied drive along with the needed passwords.
That was around 11PM; the clock on the entertainment center now read 10 after 2AM. Why hadn't he called her yet? It was then that her phone did ring; it hadn't left her hand. She quickly flipped the phone open, "Hello!?"
The voice on the other end of the receiver was not Logan; it was her father, "Veronica. Where are you?"
Veronica was taken aback momentarily deflated and then concerned that her father was calling her so late, "Dad. I'm, I'm at Logan's. What are you doing up at this time of night?"
Keith responded sarcastically, "You know, I was thinking the same thing when I got a phone call from the sheriff's department about an hour ago to investigate a breaking an entering at the Vanlow residence."
Veronica's blood froze in her veins as her father finished, "Yea, I'm sure you'll never guess who I've got in the back of my car right now," Keith stated as he glanced in his rearview mirror at Logan who's eyes were currently boring a hole in the floorboard.
Veronica's mouth went dry, "I can explain dad."
Keith sighed responding, "I hope so Veronica. You and Logan will have plenty of time to do all the explaining you need to when you get to the house."
"I'll be there in about ten minutes," Veronica had responded clicking her phone shut. She didn't have to see her father's face to know he was disappointed with her.
She leaned against Logan's couch inhaling deeply and exhaling slowly. She'd hoped that she wouldn't have to be explaining her actions to her father until after the election had taken place. The blow would have been easier to take after Keith's position as sheriff was renewed and Vinny was ousted and shown to be the scumbag he really was.
Veronica sighed heavily, "Well, I guess I better go get this over with," she mumbled to herself as she headed out the door.
***********************************************************
Keith parked in his driveway coming around the side of the police car to pull open the door for Logan to exit. The two had hardly spoken since Keith had arrived at Vinny's house.
Keith had looked rather surprised when he'd pulled up into Vinny's drive to see Vinny sitting on his front porch along with a 12-gauge shotgun draped across his lap. Logan remained standing about thirty feet away, his arms folded as he rolled an escaped gravel stone from Vinny's lawn under the ball of his foot.
Keith exited the police car and approached the two; Logan's eyes rose to meet his briefly before trailing back to the sidewalk as he muttered a quiet, "Evening Mr.. Mars."
Keith cocked his head to the side giving Logan a small grimace before replying with a slow nod, "Logan."
Vinny rose to join the two his face split in a Cheshire cat's grin, "Howdy Keith; glad to see that law enforcement in these parts are so quick to respond."
Keith's jaw clenched as he pulled out his notepad and pen. He gave Vinny a half smile remarking, "Well you know we're always doing our best to serve the community."
Vinny flashed Keith a knowing smirk, "That's what it's all about isn't it Keith? How to best serve this fine city? Some folks would do almost anything to make sure this fine city of Neptune never changed. Wouldn't you agree?"
Keith lifted an eyebrow suspiciously as Vinny continued to speak, "What exactly are you implying?"
Vinny's grin grew wider, "Oh Keith come on now, don't play coy with me. We both know what this is about."
Keith clicked his pen and brought his notepad up to write, "That's what I'm here to do Vinny, find out what this is all about." Keith then turned towards Logan, "Let's start with your side of the story Logan. Care to tell me what possessed you to break into the Vanlow residence?"
Logan had mentally prepared what he would tell the local law enforcement when they had shown up to arrest him, until he realized that his arresting officer would be Keith.
Logan had planned to tell the police as he had told Vinny, his story being that he had broken into Vinny's house as part of a fraternity dare. He was after all a 'rich college kid.' Logan knew all he had to do was get a hold of Dick to cover his story, and with a good lawyer he'd get a slap on the wrist, maybe a court fine and some community service. No big deal.
Now upon being asked to explain his actions and openly lie to Veronica's dad, his mind blanked briefly, and his throat went suddenly dry. It didn't take but a moment to regain his bearings, but the hesitation wasn't lost on either Keith or Logan.
Logan coughed to clear his throat before replying solemnly, "I don't know what to say Mr.. Mars except that I've made a lot better decisions in my life."
Keith tapped his pen on his notepad and asked, "Is that all you have to say for yourself?"
Logan only gave a slight nod before looking away as the embarrassment of the situation overwhelmed him.
Keith shook his head, "Well, if that's all you have to add, I'm going to go ahead and put you in the back of the car so I can speak to Mr.. Vanlow. I trust that you'll be coming willingly, and that I won't have to cuff you."
Logan again nodded turning to walk towards Keith's car as Keith followed slowly behind.
Once Logan had been deposited into the car's custody, Keith walked back to Vinny to get his side of the story. Logan watched Keith and Vinny talk back and forth and then disappear inside the house. They were gone a good twenty minutes before Keith walked out of Vinny's house shaking his head.
Keith entered his car and glanced in the rearview mirror as he gave Logan a long look of disappointment before starting the car and pulling out of Vinny's drive.
They drove on in silence, Keith didn't ask any questions and Logan didn't offer any answers. When they had gotten out of Vinny's neighborhood, Keith called the station telling them that everything had been settled and no charges would be filed. Figuring that Keith had talked Vinny out of pressing charges against him, Logan allowed relief to wash over him, but his relief was short lived and retreated like an ocean wave when Keith hung up with the station to then dial Veronica.
Logan could hear her panicked voice through the phone and could tell she had been worried sick about him. As Keith and her conversed, Logan sighed knowing the 'talk' soon to come would be an awkward and uncomfortable one. Logan let his mind drift wondering how he'd come to find himself staring at the floorboards in the back of Keith's police car. Veronica had been quick to jump on his idea to take Vinny down. Even though he hadn't come up with the plan to break into Vinny's house, Logan was riddled with guilt and regret because he was the one who had planted the seed and now had also gotten them both caught.
As they drove, Keith mulled over the video surveillance recording Vinny had gleefully shown him. The footage displayed Veronica and Logan creeping up alongside Vinny's house and in through the screened in back porch.
Vinny had enjoyed the myriad of expressions Keith went through as he watched the recording, first speculation, then shock, and finally resignation was all that remained.
Keith knew that the two had executed this act to try and dig up dirt on Vinny because of all the controversy created with Vinny's recent big bust. What he couldn't comprehend was why Logan and Veronica would go so far as to break into Vinny's house knowing how fragile his career was at the moment. And with the present situation at hand, it made it even harder for Keith to hold any type of moral high ground as Vinny made it clear to Keith that as long as nothing that Veronica had pulled off his computer made its way into the press that this particular incident and recording would remain under wraps.
Knowing Vinny as well as he did, this suggested compromise came as no surprise to Keith. Until tonight, Keith would have held a candle to the thought that it would be a cold day in hell before he would willingly make any type of shady bargain with the likes of Vinny Vanlow.
Even if Keith could use any of the illicit information off of Vinny's computer against him, he wouldn't. It wasn't his style. But with Veronica and Logan having video footage taken of them breaking an entering into Vinny's house, Keith showing up as the arresting officer, and the election for sheriff being scheduled to be held at the end of the month, the circumstances left Keith with no choice but to agree to Vinny's demands.
What was most worrisome to Keith was the fact that if Keith remained in office as the acting sheriff of Neptune, Vinny would most certainly use his newfound poker chip whenever he was in a crisis or needed a quick buck. This deal nailed an official black mark on his good name, and what he hated most of all was the fact that this contract was made with his full consent and knowledge. No excuses. No exceptions. As if he hadn't already faced and dealt with enough public ridicule on how he ran the sheriff's department; if this got out, it would ruin him, and both he and Vinny knew it.
