Almost Like a Country Song 7/? PG Troy, Veronica, Wallace, Logan
Fic Title: Almost Like A Country Song 7/?
Author: Brandee
Pairings: Veronica/Troy eventually, Logan/Veronica, Logan/Parker, Wallace/OCC
Word Count: 5966
Rating: PG-13
Spoilers: S3 up to Papa's Cabin, pretty much AU after that..
Summary: He played her once, will she give him a chance to play her again?
Disclaimer: Mine? Nope!!
Warnings: Eventually will be Troy/Veronica, with Logan tossed into the mix.. So yep, that's the warning.... Oh, and Piz and Veronica? Never, ever, happened. I mean never, nothing, nadda.
A/N: I have to say that Katjs11 is amazing.. She managed to beta this chapter in a day even though she was getting on a plane tonight.. So Katie, thank you so very much for all the work you’ve put into this fic! This fic will be filled with Wallace and Veronica friendship goodness, because without Wallace, would Veronica had ever been a marshmallow?
Wallace smiled as Layla snuggled against him. They were halfway through the first of the three movies they had rented, and so far, the night had been going great. They hadn’t really talked about anything deep, but Wallace was hopeful that would change soon.
“So, life in Mississippi, I bet it was different than here, huh?” Wallace questioned, causing Layla to look up at him with a smile.
“Yeah, I mean I lived in a rural area, like in the middle of nowhere,” Layla smiled. “I loved it out there!”
“And you were homecoming queen and best all around right?” Wallace smirked.
“Homecoming court yes, queen no,” Layla frowned. “I also lost the Most Athletic award last year to Haley Thomas,” she added with a sigh.
“Yeah well, Haley Thomas has nothing on you, girl,” Wallace spoke.
“And you met her when?” Layla asked with a laugh.
“Please, like anyone could compete with you,” Wallace answered back as he wrapped his arm tighter around Layla. “I bet you had all kinds of guys back in Mississippi, beggin’ to date you.”
Layla shuffled and lowered her head as she moved away from Wallace. “Actually, I only had one serious boyfriend in high school,” she frowned.
“Yeah? Let me guess, you broke that boy’s heart and he’s never gotten over it, right?”
Layla frowned and closed her eyes. Wallace could see her face change and he knew something was bothering her. He had opened up a sore subject apparently, and he wasn’t sure if Layla was ready to talk about it.
“Actually, he kind of broke my heart,” Layla frowned. “Listen Wallace, I need to tell you something…”
Wallace frowned, wondering what Layla was going to tell him. He had feared a moment like this since he realized he had real feelings for Layla. Before she could tell him what was making her so upset, the front door opened and Troy appeared shutting the door behind him.
“Wallace, just the man I was looking for,” Troy spoke as he tossed his books down in his recliner.
“You’re looking for me?” Wallace questioned.
“Actually, I’m looking for your trusty best friend, but since I can’t locate her…”
“Of course, it all comes back to Veronica,” Wallace smirked. “Do I even want to know why you’re looking for her?”
Troy shoved his hands in his pockets, “I need her help with something.”
“Well she’s on a case right now, so I guess you’ll just have to wait until tomorrow…”
Troy frowned, “I need to talk to her about a case myself. Dude, it’s just really important.”
Wallace shrugged his shoulders. “V gave me strict orders not to bother her tonight unless it was life or death. Sorry man, check with her tomorrow.”
Layla looked over at her cousin, “T, what’s going on?”
“It’s Eric,” he spoke over to his cousin. “He just called all freaked out. I think Veronica could help him, but I really need to talk to her tonight.”
“Wait, who is Eric?” Wallace asked, sitting up. “What am I missing here?”
“It’s a long story,” Troy frowned. “Layla can fill you in. Can you just help me out this one time? I’ll take the heat from Veronica, okay?”
Wallace let out a sigh. The truth was, he was worried about Veronica being at a bar alone. If he told Troy where she was, he’d at least know she wasn’t by herself. Then again, if Troy blew Veronica’s cover, she’d never let him hear the end of it. Being Veronica’s best friend was definitely way to stressful, Wallace mused.
“She’s at Dolan’s Bar, but she’s undercover.” Wallace spoke, looking up at Troy. “She’s trying to bust the owner for being a lying cheat.”
“Just another day in the world of Veronica Mars, huh?” Troy chuckled.
“Something like that,” Wallace nodded. “Look man, if you go over there, just watch yourself, okay? Veronica doesn’t like it when she loses a case so…”
“Hey, I’ll be careful,” Troy nodded. “Thanks for the help.”
“Just don’t get her into any trouble okay? You blow her cover and you could both get in hot water.”
“I won’t let anything happen to Veronica,” Troy answered back quickly. “That’s the last thing I want.”
“I’m just sayin’….”
“I gotcha man,” Troy nodded. “Thanks for the help, really.”
“Yeah,” Wallace smiled. “Anytime.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Veronica had been sitting at the bar for twenty minutes hoping Matt Dolan would appear soon. She had already been whistled at, hit on, and asked out by two different drunk guys, one she was pretty sure was older than her father. With a sigh, she took a sip of the ginger ale and looked down at her watch.
“Hey there, pretty thing,” a voice slurred near her. Veronica frowned when she looked up and saw what appeared to be drunk guy number three sliding onto the bar stool next to hers.
“Can I help you?” She asked matter of factly, and when the guy, maybe in his early thirties smiled at her, Veronica felt herself grow tense.
“Baby, a sweet little thing like you shouldn’t’ be all alone in a place like this,” drunk guy number three slurred, and yeah, she’s pretty sure he’s had his limit tonight.
“Who says I’m alone?” Veronica spoke, looking around. “I’m actually waiting on a friend.”
“Looks like you’ve been stood up then. C’mon, let me make it better…” His hand moved out slightly and touched her leg. Veronica jumped slightly and her hand instantly went in her bag to grab her taser.
“Sweetie, I’m sorry I’m late!” A voice suddenly bounded as two hands grabbed her shoulders. Veronica felt a calm go over her as she looked up and saw Troy of all people smiling down at her warmly.
Veronica let the taser fall back in her bag as she looked up at Troy. “I didn’t think you were going to make it sugarplum.”
Troy slung his arm around her and smiled, “I’m so sorry! I had to put T Junior to bed. The kid is just like his mom, stubborn as a mule, but cute as a button,” Troy spoke to the guy who had quickly removed his hand from Veronica’s knee.
“Yeah, uh, I should go,” the guy nodded, almost falling of the stool as he quickly scampered away.
Veronica let out a breath as she moved away from Troy’s touch. “I could have handled that.”
“By blowing your cover?” Troy questioned, crossing his arms. “Sugarplum, I saw you reaching for the taser. Seriously, don’t you think that would have ruined your whole undercover gig?”
Veronica had to admit, Troy had a point. As annoying as it was, the guy wasn’t a complete idiot. “Was it necessary to give us an imaginary child?” Veronica questioned. “Really?”
“If it helps,” Troy smirked, “TJ looks just like him mom!”
“Why are you here?” Veronica spoke bluntly as Troy sat down on the stool next to hers. “And how, might I add, did you know about my case?”
“Wallace told me where you were,” Troy spoke honestly. “I needed to find you, so he told me you were working undercover here tonight, and then he said if I blew your cover he’d hunt me down. That guy’s awful protective over you…”
“I just know I’m going to regret asking this, but, why did you need to find me?”
“As much as it pains me to admit, I need your help,” Troy sighed.
Veronica glared at Troy for a moment, studying the worried look on his face. “What’s the charge this time?”
“There’s no charge, no arrest, no accusations,” Troy spoke quickly. “The help technically isn’t even for me, it’s for a friend, and no,” he spoke, waving his hand at her not to speak, “he hasn’t been arrested, either.”
“First of all, congratulations on having a friend, you’re parents must be so proud,” Veronica smirked. “Secondly, why would I help you or anyone connected to you?”
“Because it’s a paying job, and you’re just a college girl trying to get by?” Troy guessed. “Look can we just get out of this place and talk? I wouldn’t be asking if it wasn’t important, Veronica.”
Veronica rolled her eyes. “I’m supposed to believe you? So let me see if I understand this correctly, you have an unnamed friend who needs my help? I don’t have time for your games, Troy. Believe it or not, I have real cases to work.”
“Why would I lie about this, Veronica?” Troy questioned.
“Gee, I don’t know Troy, maybe because ever since that night at the movies, you’ve been showing up everywhere I go.”
“Oh that’s right, I’ve been stalking you, trying desperately to get near you,” Troy scoffed. “Seriously Veronica, you do realize that I don’t have to chase you to get a date, there are plenty of girls who would love to go out with me,” he spoke with a confident grin.
“And yet here you are, ruining my cover instead. Let me guess, all those girls are lined up at the door waiting for you?” Veronica quipped.
“You know Veronica, if you weren’t so cute, I’d be annoyed by your continual distrust in me.” Troy spoke with a tiny smile.
“Right, because my distrust in you holds no merit at all, right?”
“Yeah, yeah, I get it,” Troy nodded. “I really need your help, though. My friend, he’s desperate.”
“Does your imaginary friend have a name, Troy? Because if he doesn’t I’d really liked to get back to the case at hand,” Veronica frowned, looking around the bar.
“His name is Eric, and he wants to find his birthfather,” Troy spoke, shaking his head. “I came to you because he asked for the best, and quite frankly you are good at what you do, Veronica.”
“I suppose you have proof for me? Because if you expect me to take your word….”
Troy pulled a piece of paper from his jacket pocket and smiled. “I knew you wouldn’t believe me without some sort of evidence,” he nodded. “Here, this is a copy of a letter Eric’s biological father sent to his mother. He found it in the attic when he was going through some boxes. It’s not much to go on, but it’s something…”
Hesitantly, Veronica took the letter in her hand and skimmed it. The writing was sloppy and old, but it did appear to be authentic. “This doesn’t tell me much at all,” Veronica spoke, looking up at Troy.
“It’s the only thing he would actually give me,” Troy sighed.
Veronica heard desperation in Troy’s voice, and for the first time in awhile she was almost sure she believed him. Still, she needed to see more proof that his buddy Eric existed, and that there really was a case that needed her help.
“If this Eric guy needs my help, riddle me this, where is he?” Veronica questioned.
Troy lowered his head. “Eric’s fourteen Veronica.”
Veronica’s head snapped back to stare at Troy and she couldn’t help but smirk. “Before I make the obvious joke about your only friend being in Jr. High, maybe you want to explain all this to me?”
“Can you meet me at your office in an hour? I’ll go get Eric and meet you there,” Troy breathed. “Please? Just give me a chance, Veronica. He’s a good kid, he just really wants to know who he is.”
Veronica let out a sigh. “I’m on a case Troy. Do you really just expect me to drop what I’m doing and help you?”
“No, Veronica, I was hoping you’d drop what you’re doing to help a kid who is having a really hard time right now,” Troy spoke, his tone a bit more agitated than she had heard in awhile.
Veronica let out a sigh and waved the bartender over. The sandy haired guy who appeared to be in his mid-twenties smiled at Veronica. “What can I get for you, Miss?”
Veronica let out a tiny giggle and flipped her hair slightly. “I was actually looking for the guy that owns this place. I talked to him the other night and he totally made me feel better about some things and I just wanted to thank him,” she spoke, never letting her smile falter. “Um, he is here tonight?”
“Actually no,” the bartender frowned. “Matt was supposed to be in, but he decided to surprise his fiancée with some sort of romantic dinner. Dude has it bad for that girl,” he smiled.
“Wow, he seems like a total sweetheart!” Veronica spoke with a giddy laugh. “I wish I could find someone like that,” she added, sending a glare toward Troy. “All I ever attract is losers, ya know?”
The bartender nodded his head. “I know what you mean. I’d like to forget a couple of my ex’s, too. Matt should be here tomorrow night, though. He’s here most nights if you want to try to catch him.”
“Thank you so much,” Veronica spoke over enthusiastically. “I just really want to thank him for talking to me the other night! I was like so bummed out about life, and he just made me feel way better.”
“Yeah, Matt is good like that,” the bartender smiled as he turned and walked off.
“Wow, that was a way cool show you just put on,” Troy spoke mockingly.
Veronica rolled her eyes at him and frowned. If Matt Dolan was going to be a no show, she technically had time to find out what was going on with Troy. Although as she stared at him with a pointed gaze, she wasn’t sure if she really wanted to allow herself to get involved in a case that Troy was sure to be a part of.
“C’mon Veronica, trust me, I wouldn’t be asking you if it wasn’t important to Eric,” Troy frowned.
“You’ll meet me in one hour?” Veronica asked, still unsure of her decision.
“Right one hour, and I’ll explain everything then.”
“If this is some kind of stunt, Troy,” Veronica warned.
“It’s not I swear!”
Veronica nodded her head in surrender. “One hour,” she spoke firmly. “Don’t make me regret this, Troy, because if you do….”
“I won’t,” Troy nodded. “I promise, Veronica, I won’t.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Okay, seriously? Everything in your closet is just so, neutral,” Parker grimaced as she peered into her boyfriend’s closet. “You really need some color in here, Logan. I swear you only have like two blue shirts and everything else is so….Blah,” she finished.
Logan sat up on his bed and shook his head. “I’m not much on blue, or anything bright for that matter. Every sales lady I talk to says that green is my color, especially olive. I look hot in those olive tones,” he smirked.
“But it’s just so, dull,” Parker grimaced, staring into the closet. “I really like the blue shirt, the button down,” she explained.
“The Donut liked blue too,” Logan shrugged. “I never cared for it myself, though.”
“Donut?”
“Duncan,” Logan spoke, staring over as Parker searched through his closet. “That was something Lilly used to call him.”
He saw a smile fall on Parker’s face and he could tell she was pleased with the tidbit of information he gave her about his past. It was a simple offhanded comment, but it was enough to make her happy, so with a shrug Logan assumed it was a good thing.
“Cute nickname,” Parker nodded. “So you all called him that?”
“No, I usually called him DK,” he shrugged. He watched as she nodded her head and turned back to his closet. Part of him wondered if he should open up more to Parker, after all she was always rattling on about her high school days. The trouble was, he just couldn’t. He couldn’t talk about high school and the nightmare he lived through, not with Parker, at least not yet.
“Don’t you just find all the nicknames for high school so funny? Like, how some people just carry them for life?”
“Yeah, it’s a real hoot,” Logan smirked, causing Parker to roll her eyes at him teasingly.
Logan watched as she stared down at the floor of is closet and careful bent down to retrieve something. His stomach flipped slightly when he realized what was now in her hand. The small burgundy pullover she held had been tossed there on one of the nights Veronica had left early. He could still remember that night, mostly because after Veronica had left he had texted her telling her he loved her. Her reply had been a simple, “I heart you too’, but it had left him hopeful he’d hear her say the actual words one day.
“Does this belong to one of Dick’s conquest?” Parker questioned, arching an eyebrow. “Let me guess, they got so drunk and he mistook his room for yours one night?”
“No, it’s actually Veronica’s,” Logan spoke slowly. He was really hoping this wasn’t going to turn into a fight. Especially when the mention of Veronica reminded him that she was off on one of her ‘perfectly safe’ cases, possibly getting herself into trouble once again.
“I see.”
“It uh, got misplaced, a while ago,” Logan frowned.
“Oh,” Parker frowned. “I don’t remember seeing her wear it before.”
“Yeah, it’s older or something. We just assumed the cleaning lady tossed it,” Logan spoke.
“How did you miss it being right in the bottom of your closet?” Parker asked, staring down at the shirt.
“I don’t know, maybe because it’s been covered with other clothes?” Logan guessed.
“Well you might want to return it to her,” Parker frowned, tossing the shirt at Logan. “I’m sure she’d like to have it back.”
He reluctantly took the shirt in his hands and immediately realized it still smelled like Veronica. Setting it down on the bed, he shook his head. “I don’t think that’s necessary.”
“Fine, I’ll return it to her,” Parker huffed.
“I don’t think that would be a good idea,” Logan frowned. “She’s been seriously on edge lately. You bringing her that shirt? Trust me, bad idea.”
Parker nodded her head. “I guess you plan to hold on to it, then?”
Actually, Logan thought to himself, he would like to hold on to the shirt. He knew things with Veronica were over, but still, the shirt was a reminder of a happy time in their relationship. Staring over at the sad eyes on his girlfriend though, he knew what he had to do. “I’ll give it back to her, okay?”
“Now that it’s suddenly resurfaced,” Parker muttered, looking away.
“So what you don’t believe me?” Logan questioned, his voice edged on a hostilely he was not expecting. “I’m sorry Parker,” he spoke, his tone calmer, “but Veronica was my girlfriend. You know that, you knew that when we started dating. She stayed here some nights. I thought you knew that too…”
“I did, I mean I do,” Parker spoke, shaking her head in confusion. “It’s just, she’s my friend, you know? Finding her shirt at the bottom of my boyfriend’s closet, it just shook me. I guess I didn’t realize how complicated this would be. When Veronica said she didn’t mind us dating, I just hoped everything would work itself out.”
“Yeah well, things involving me usually are complicated for some reason,” Logan frowned. “So are we okay?”
“Yeah, we’re good,” Parker spoke with a faint smile.
Logan nodded his head as he walked over and pulled Parker into a hug. “And you’ll admit I look stunning in green?” he spoke with a teasing tone.
“You look stunning in anything,” Parker confirmed as Logan brushed a kiss on her forehead.
“I’m glad we agree,” he laughed gently. Still he felt a twinge of uncertainty as he smiled at his girlfriend. Things between them were okay, at least he hoped so anyway.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Veronica stared over at the clock on the wall as she plopped her feet on the desk in her father's office. Troy was eight minutes late, but because she was a generous person she was going to allow him two more minutes before she closed shop for the night.
She heard the door open and looked up to see Troy rushing toward the office. With a sigh, she watched impatiently as he quickly made his way to the doorway of the office. She could remember a time when the boy in front of her made her heart flutter with a single smile. She had been stupid then, but she wasn’t going to make that mistake again. Before she took any case for Troy or anyone around, she was going to make sure it was on the up and up.
"Tick, tock, Vandegraff, I was just about to give up on you," Veronica, spoke looking up at him.
"Sorry, I had to pick Eric up on the way," Troy frowned.
"And this Eric I've heard so much about, where is he now, exactly?" Veronica questioned.
"In the car," Troy spoke. "I wanted to talk to you first. I figured you'd give me the riot act, and the kid's been through enough tonight…."
Veronica sat up and tapped her pencil on the desk. "I suppose you're going to explain everything to me, then? Like I don't know, why me finding some kid's father means so much to you?"
Troy ran his hand through his hair as he took a seat in front of Veronica. "Eric, he's kind of like my little brother in a sense."
"In a sense?" Veronica asked confused. She was pretty sure Troy didn’t have an actual little brother, although considering how much she had known about him when they dated, it wouldn’t be a total surprise. For all she knew he had three kids, a wife, and a poodle named Fluffy hidden somewhere.
"You know, like the program," Troy sighed. "I hang with him, talk to him, you know, I'm like a big brother to him."
"Wait," Veronica said with a laugh of disbelief. "Troy Vandegraff are you trying to tell me you're this poor kid's mentor?"
"Yes, Veronica, that's what I'm saying," Troy nodded. "I didn't want to mention it to you, because well, you're you and I knew nothing good would come of it," he shrugged.
"As charming as this all is, does this story have, I don't know, a middle and a end?" Veronica questioned.
"I met Eric at a youth center. The last therapist my dad forced to go to suggested I go down and check the place out. She thought it would be good for me, you know, meet some kids that were a lot like I was at that age? Anyway, I laughed it off at first, but after awhile I figured it wouldn't hurt to just go down. I was sure I'd hate it at first, but you know, it turned out to be a good experience for me."
"And this is where the violin music starts, right? Gosh, I've always wondered what being in a Hallmark movie would feel like, I guess this is it!" She spoke with a bright smile.
"This," Troy grumbled, standing up, "this is why I didn't want you to know. I knew you'd have something to say."
Veronica could see she had irritated Troy with her words and felt herself flush a little in shame. It stunned her that he might actually be telling the truth. Still, Troy Vandegraff as a mentor, it was a very strange thought. "Sorry," she spoke, motioning him to continue with her hand. "I got a little carried away. Go ahead, finish your story."
"If by story, you mean the truth," Troy spoke glaring at her, "I'd be glad to go on." He walked back over and sat down. "I hung out at the youth center for awhile, just playing ball with the kids and stuff, nothing major. The place, it has a lot of kids on probation there, kids that are almost as arrogant as I was at that age," he chuckled.
"Was arrogant?" Veronica spoke with wide eyes.
"You know what I mean," Troy huffed. "I met Eric there, and the kid, he's a lot like I was. His parents, they've given him everything money can offer, but his dad's always working and when he is at home, he's this no nonsense type guy. I think Eric just got sick of it and decided to rebel."
"He's on probation?" Veronica questioned.
"Yeah."
"For what exactly?"
"He stole a car," Troy spoke, ducking his head.
"Imagine the irony in that," Veronica spoke with a chuckle. She looked over to see Troy laughing slightly and she matched his grin with a hesitant smile of her own.
"It belonged to his mother's tennis instructor," Troy shrugged. "His dad refused to help him out and wanted to teach him a lesson."
"Sounds tragic," Veronica spoke with a fake frown.
"Look, to make a long story… well shorter, I have been hanging out with him, trying to keep him out of trouble. I'd hate to see the kid go down the road I did you know?"
"So let me get this straight," Veronica spoke, sitting her pencil on the desk. "Troy Vandegraff the drug dealer, is now Troy Vandegraff the caring mentor? That's what I'm hearing, yet I find it so very hard to believe."
"Veronica Mars is having trouble finding good in a person," Troy spoke with an annoyed laugh. "Funny, I don't find that hard to believe. Tell me Veronica, were you the kid in kindergarten that told all other kids there was no Santa? I mean, how dare those kids believe that goodness does exist."
"Well, I did always have an issue with Santa. The way he always brought you rich kids more than the rest of us? Yeah, not seeing the fairness in that at all…."
"You know, if you'd try being a bit nicer, Santa might like you more…."
"Enough of this nonsense, can you bring the boy in now?" Veronica asked, twirling a pencil in her hand. "Before he gets bored and tries to steal my car," she added, cracking a smile.
“Just go easy on him, okay? The kid just found out the man that raised him isn’t his father,” Troy sighed. “I can’t imagine what that must feel like.”
Veronica frowned. There had been a time when she had known that feeling. She could remember questioning her own paternity and wondering who her biological father was. Motioning for Troy to go get Eric, she watched as he turned and headed out the door.
Sighing she picked up the phone and quickly dialed Weevil’s phone number. Considering her case at the bar was a total bust, she was thinking she might need his help soon.
“Hello?”
“Mars Investigation here, is this Eli Navarro speaking?” Veronica questioned.
“What’s up V?” Weevil spoke with a tired tone.
“How’s the niece?”
“Finally asleep. Kid feels terrible, though. Thinks go okay with that Dolan guy?”
“He was a no show,” she frowned into the phone. “I’m going back in a couple days. Think you’ll be up for it?”
“Yeah, yeah sure. Why you think you’ll need my help?”
“Not sure, but apparently drunk men love blondes in short skirts. I mean who knew, right?” Veronica spoke with a fake giggle.
“You need to be careful, V,” Weevil warned. “Cute blondes in short skirts can get into a lot of trouble in seedy bars.”
“Weevil, you think I’m cute?” She giggled.
“Hush, blondie.”
“Anyway, just wanted to check in and let you know things went okay,” Veronica sighed as she heard the office door open again.
“That was very partner-like of you,” Weevil chuckled. “I’m tellin’ you Mars and Navarro Investigation, it’s something to think on.”
“Bye, Weevil,” Veronica laughed into the phone.
“See ya, V.”
Hanging up the phone, she looked up to see Troy standing at the door again, this time with a tall, lanky boy with auburn hair standing beside him. Standing to her feet, Veronica forced a smile. “I’m guessing you’re Eric? Troy said you needed some help tracking down your real father?”
“Wait, she’s the PI?” Eric spoke, turning to Troy. “Dude, you told me you were taking me to the best! She’s like the Hardy Boys little sister or something.”
“Eric, Veronica is the best Neptune has to offer,” Troy spoke firmly. “Now that her dad is back as Sheriff that is.”
“I am pretty amazing,” Veronica spoke in agreement with Troy.
“Whatever man,” Eric frowned. “If this is just your way of trying to hook up with some hot chick, count me out.”
“Okay, so do you want my help or not? Because I could totally be doing something else right now,” Veronica spoke loud enough to get Eric’s attention.
“She can help you man,” Troy assured the boy. “Veronica’s good at finding people, just give her a chance.”
“You can help me?” Eric asked Veronica. “Really?”
“I can try,” Veronica nodded. “Why don’t you just start from the beginning…”
“So you’ll help him?” Troy asked.
Veronica bit her lip as she stared over at Troy. If it was true that Troy had changed, and the story this boy was telling her was real, he deserved to be heard. So far, she had to admit, Troy did seem different. She still planned to put in a call to the youth center Troy had mentioned, but she supposed it was possible that he wasn’t the same loser she knew years before.
“I’ll hear him out,” Veronica nodded, ushering both guys over to take a seat in front of her. Slowly she sat down at the desk and let out an unsure sigh. “If you want me to help you, I need to know everything.”
“I just want to know who I am,” Eric frowned. “I don’t’ care what it takes. I just need answers.”
“You realize you might not like what you find out,” Veronica spoke carefully. “I’ve worked cases like this before, and sometimes it’s not all happy ever after.”
“Look, I know who has raised me, okay? I also know I don’t look like him,” Eric frowned. “I just need to know where I came from. I need to find out who my biological father is.”
“Then let’s get started,” Veronica spoke, sending a glance over at Troy. He returned her gaze with a tiny smile. Quickly she turned her attention back to Eric and listened as he began to tell her how he found out he wasn’t who he thought he was.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Veronica walked into her apartment and smiled when she saw her father sitting on the couch, Backup by his side. “Are my two favorite men waiting up for me?”
“There’s the daughter I never see anymore,” Keith quipped. “Tell me only child of mine, where have you been hiding?”
“Just hangin’ with my peeps, pop,” Veronica smiled brightly.
She hadn’t really talked to her father much lately. Their schedules just hadn’t given them much time to actually sit down and really talk. Veronica had actually missed her conversations with her father. Their relationship had been one of the few constants in her life since Lilly’s death. She knew that no matter what, she could count on her father to be there for her.
“So, that case you were working tonight, the one I told you to leave alone, how’d it go?” Keith questioned.
“It’s still in the beginning stages,” Veronica shrugged.
“And was Eli a help to you tonight?” Keith asked.
“Weevil is a big help,” Veronica nodded. “He’s got a real talent for this kind of thing.”
She knew her father was skeptical of her working with Weevil. Still, after giving it a lot of thought she was sure that she could trust Weevil if her back was against the wall. He had helped her out more times than she could count, and she was hoping her father would see that as well.
Keith nodded his head. “Veronica, you don’t have to keep working at Mars Investigation. Why don’t you try being a normal college student? It’d make your old man feel much better.”
“So you’d feel better knowing I’m spending my nights partying with people I won’t remember the next morning?” Veronica questioned. “I think I’ll stick with the PI thing instead, thanks.”
“Or you could come home and study every night like the normal college student I envision in my head,” Keith smiled.
“Eh, that sounds kind of boring,” Veronica shrugged. “I think I’ll stick to becoming the best PI a teenager can be.”
“And how’s that going? Studying for the big test?”
When Veronica had decided she wanted to become a licensed private investigator her father had told her it was a horrible idea. He had only agreed to it when she told him that she was going to work in some form of law enforcement someday anyway, so why not let her keep doing what she loved now. Apparently, her father was finally starting to see that arguing with her really wasn’t going to get him anywhere.
“It’s going splendidly,” Veronica spoke sitting down next to Backup. “Between getting my PI license and hopefully getting that FBI internship, my summer is looking quite bright."
"Yeah? Well I ran into Leo D'Amato today, he's studying to become a PI too. You know, if you're determined to keep Mars Investigation open, you might give him a call. He's a good guy, and I think he'll make a good PI. Oh, and he asked about you, wanted to know how you're doing."
Veronica rolled her eyes. "I know you're not trying to fix me up with my ex-boyfriend. Tell me you're not trying to fix me up with my ex-boyfriend."
"Sweetheart, I would never do something like that. How would I be able to keep you here with me forever, if I helped you find a fellow."
"Fellow? Did you just say fellow?"
"Yes, yes I did," Keith smirked.
"Yes well speaking of fellows from my past, I'm working a case for Troy Vandegraff."
Veronica watched with amusement as her father's eyes widen. "Troy Vandegraff? Why are you helping Troy Vandegraff?"
"I'm helping a friend of his," Veronica shrugged. "Troy's cousin is dating Wallace now. Of course, you'd know this if you weren't always at the office."
"No, I'd know this if you weren't always hanging with your peeps," Keith shot back with a grin.
"It sounds cooler when I say it," Veronica laughed.
"Veronica, Troy isn't a good guy, honey. He hurt you once before, you can't trust him."
"But daddy I love him," Veronica spoke in a childish voice, as she looked over at her father with a evil glint in her eyes.
"Don't even joke about that," Keith warned.
Veronica stood up and shrugged. "I'm going to bed, catch you in the morning."
"Oh Veronica," Keith called as Veronica headed toward her bedroom.
"Yeah?"
"Maybe you should tell Troy's friend to find someone else to take his case. I just think it would be the best thing for you."
Veronica smiled. "I think I can handle this case, dad. Troy's not a problem for me, you don't have to worry."
"So does that mean Troy is in a relationship and not interested in you again?" Keith asked, his tone hopeful.
"Good night, dad," Veronica smiled as she waved her hand and disappeared from her father's view. It had been a long night, and if she was going to help Eric find his real father, she was pretty sure the week ahead of her was going to be even longer.
Author: Brandee
Pairings: Veronica/Troy eventually, Logan/Veronica, Logan/Parker, Wallace/OCC
Word Count: 5966
Rating: PG-13
Spoilers: S3 up to Papa's Cabin, pretty much AU after that..
Summary: He played her once, will she give him a chance to play her again?
Disclaimer: Mine? Nope!!
Warnings: Eventually will be Troy/Veronica, with Logan tossed into the mix.. So yep, that's the warning.... Oh, and Piz and Veronica? Never, ever, happened. I mean never, nothing, nadda.
A/N: I have to say that Katjs11 is amazing.. She managed to beta this chapter in a day even though she was getting on a plane tonight.. So Katie, thank you so very much for all the work you’ve put into this fic! This fic will be filled with Wallace and Veronica friendship goodness, because without Wallace, would Veronica had ever been a marshmallow?
Wallace smiled as Layla snuggled against him. They were halfway through the first of the three movies they had rented, and so far, the night had been going great. They hadn’t really talked about anything deep, but Wallace was hopeful that would change soon.
“So, life in Mississippi, I bet it was different than here, huh?” Wallace questioned, causing Layla to look up at him with a smile.
“Yeah, I mean I lived in a rural area, like in the middle of nowhere,” Layla smiled. “I loved it out there!”
“And you were homecoming queen and best all around right?” Wallace smirked.
“Homecoming court yes, queen no,” Layla frowned. “I also lost the Most Athletic award last year to Haley Thomas,” she added with a sigh.
“Yeah well, Haley Thomas has nothing on you, girl,” Wallace spoke.
“And you met her when?” Layla asked with a laugh.
“Please, like anyone could compete with you,” Wallace answered back as he wrapped his arm tighter around Layla. “I bet you had all kinds of guys back in Mississippi, beggin’ to date you.”
Layla shuffled and lowered her head as she moved away from Wallace. “Actually, I only had one serious boyfriend in high school,” she frowned.
“Yeah? Let me guess, you broke that boy’s heart and he’s never gotten over it, right?”
Layla frowned and closed her eyes. Wallace could see her face change and he knew something was bothering her. He had opened up a sore subject apparently, and he wasn’t sure if Layla was ready to talk about it.
“Actually, he kind of broke my heart,” Layla frowned. “Listen Wallace, I need to tell you something…”
Wallace frowned, wondering what Layla was going to tell him. He had feared a moment like this since he realized he had real feelings for Layla. Before she could tell him what was making her so upset, the front door opened and Troy appeared shutting the door behind him.
“Wallace, just the man I was looking for,” Troy spoke as he tossed his books down in his recliner.
“You’re looking for me?” Wallace questioned.
“Actually, I’m looking for your trusty best friend, but since I can’t locate her…”
“Of course, it all comes back to Veronica,” Wallace smirked. “Do I even want to know why you’re looking for her?”
Troy shoved his hands in his pockets, “I need her help with something.”
“Well she’s on a case right now, so I guess you’ll just have to wait until tomorrow…”
Troy frowned, “I need to talk to her about a case myself. Dude, it’s just really important.”
Wallace shrugged his shoulders. “V gave me strict orders not to bother her tonight unless it was life or death. Sorry man, check with her tomorrow.”
Layla looked over at her cousin, “T, what’s going on?”
“It’s Eric,” he spoke over to his cousin. “He just called all freaked out. I think Veronica could help him, but I really need to talk to her tonight.”
“Wait, who is Eric?” Wallace asked, sitting up. “What am I missing here?”
“It’s a long story,” Troy frowned. “Layla can fill you in. Can you just help me out this one time? I’ll take the heat from Veronica, okay?”
Wallace let out a sigh. The truth was, he was worried about Veronica being at a bar alone. If he told Troy where she was, he’d at least know she wasn’t by herself. Then again, if Troy blew Veronica’s cover, she’d never let him hear the end of it. Being Veronica’s best friend was definitely way to stressful, Wallace mused.
“She’s at Dolan’s Bar, but she’s undercover.” Wallace spoke, looking up at Troy. “She’s trying to bust the owner for being a lying cheat.”
“Just another day in the world of Veronica Mars, huh?” Troy chuckled.
“Something like that,” Wallace nodded. “Look man, if you go over there, just watch yourself, okay? Veronica doesn’t like it when she loses a case so…”
“Hey, I’ll be careful,” Troy nodded. “Thanks for the help.”
“Just don’t get her into any trouble okay? You blow her cover and you could both get in hot water.”
“I won’t let anything happen to Veronica,” Troy answered back quickly. “That’s the last thing I want.”
“I’m just sayin’….”
“I gotcha man,” Troy nodded. “Thanks for the help, really.”
“Yeah,” Wallace smiled. “Anytime.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Veronica had been sitting at the bar for twenty minutes hoping Matt Dolan would appear soon. She had already been whistled at, hit on, and asked out by two different drunk guys, one she was pretty sure was older than her father. With a sigh, she took a sip of the ginger ale and looked down at her watch.
“Hey there, pretty thing,” a voice slurred near her. Veronica frowned when she looked up and saw what appeared to be drunk guy number three sliding onto the bar stool next to hers.
“Can I help you?” She asked matter of factly, and when the guy, maybe in his early thirties smiled at her, Veronica felt herself grow tense.
“Baby, a sweet little thing like you shouldn’t’ be all alone in a place like this,” drunk guy number three slurred, and yeah, she’s pretty sure he’s had his limit tonight.
“Who says I’m alone?” Veronica spoke, looking around. “I’m actually waiting on a friend.”
“Looks like you’ve been stood up then. C’mon, let me make it better…” His hand moved out slightly and touched her leg. Veronica jumped slightly and her hand instantly went in her bag to grab her taser.
“Sweetie, I’m sorry I’m late!” A voice suddenly bounded as two hands grabbed her shoulders. Veronica felt a calm go over her as she looked up and saw Troy of all people smiling down at her warmly.
Veronica let the taser fall back in her bag as she looked up at Troy. “I didn’t think you were going to make it sugarplum.”
Troy slung his arm around her and smiled, “I’m so sorry! I had to put T Junior to bed. The kid is just like his mom, stubborn as a mule, but cute as a button,” Troy spoke to the guy who had quickly removed his hand from Veronica’s knee.
“Yeah, uh, I should go,” the guy nodded, almost falling of the stool as he quickly scampered away.
Veronica let out a breath as she moved away from Troy’s touch. “I could have handled that.”
“By blowing your cover?” Troy questioned, crossing his arms. “Sugarplum, I saw you reaching for the taser. Seriously, don’t you think that would have ruined your whole undercover gig?”
Veronica had to admit, Troy had a point. As annoying as it was, the guy wasn’t a complete idiot. “Was it necessary to give us an imaginary child?” Veronica questioned. “Really?”
“If it helps,” Troy smirked, “TJ looks just like him mom!”
“Why are you here?” Veronica spoke bluntly as Troy sat down on the stool next to hers. “And how, might I add, did you know about my case?”
“Wallace told me where you were,” Troy spoke honestly. “I needed to find you, so he told me you were working undercover here tonight, and then he said if I blew your cover he’d hunt me down. That guy’s awful protective over you…”
“I just know I’m going to regret asking this, but, why did you need to find me?”
“As much as it pains me to admit, I need your help,” Troy sighed.
Veronica glared at Troy for a moment, studying the worried look on his face. “What’s the charge this time?”
“There’s no charge, no arrest, no accusations,” Troy spoke quickly. “The help technically isn’t even for me, it’s for a friend, and no,” he spoke, waving his hand at her not to speak, “he hasn’t been arrested, either.”
“First of all, congratulations on having a friend, you’re parents must be so proud,” Veronica smirked. “Secondly, why would I help you or anyone connected to you?”
“Because it’s a paying job, and you’re just a college girl trying to get by?” Troy guessed. “Look can we just get out of this place and talk? I wouldn’t be asking if it wasn’t important, Veronica.”
Veronica rolled her eyes. “I’m supposed to believe you? So let me see if I understand this correctly, you have an unnamed friend who needs my help? I don’t have time for your games, Troy. Believe it or not, I have real cases to work.”
“Why would I lie about this, Veronica?” Troy questioned.
“Gee, I don’t know Troy, maybe because ever since that night at the movies, you’ve been showing up everywhere I go.”
“Oh that’s right, I’ve been stalking you, trying desperately to get near you,” Troy scoffed. “Seriously Veronica, you do realize that I don’t have to chase you to get a date, there are plenty of girls who would love to go out with me,” he spoke with a confident grin.
“And yet here you are, ruining my cover instead. Let me guess, all those girls are lined up at the door waiting for you?” Veronica quipped.
“You know Veronica, if you weren’t so cute, I’d be annoyed by your continual distrust in me.” Troy spoke with a tiny smile.
“Right, because my distrust in you holds no merit at all, right?”
“Yeah, yeah, I get it,” Troy nodded. “I really need your help, though. My friend, he’s desperate.”
“Does your imaginary friend have a name, Troy? Because if he doesn’t I’d really liked to get back to the case at hand,” Veronica frowned, looking around the bar.
“His name is Eric, and he wants to find his birthfather,” Troy spoke, shaking his head. “I came to you because he asked for the best, and quite frankly you are good at what you do, Veronica.”
“I suppose you have proof for me? Because if you expect me to take your word….”
Troy pulled a piece of paper from his jacket pocket and smiled. “I knew you wouldn’t believe me without some sort of evidence,” he nodded. “Here, this is a copy of a letter Eric’s biological father sent to his mother. He found it in the attic when he was going through some boxes. It’s not much to go on, but it’s something…”
Hesitantly, Veronica took the letter in her hand and skimmed it. The writing was sloppy and old, but it did appear to be authentic. “This doesn’t tell me much at all,” Veronica spoke, looking up at Troy.
“It’s the only thing he would actually give me,” Troy sighed.
Veronica heard desperation in Troy’s voice, and for the first time in awhile she was almost sure she believed him. Still, she needed to see more proof that his buddy Eric existed, and that there really was a case that needed her help.
“If this Eric guy needs my help, riddle me this, where is he?” Veronica questioned.
Troy lowered his head. “Eric’s fourteen Veronica.”
Veronica’s head snapped back to stare at Troy and she couldn’t help but smirk. “Before I make the obvious joke about your only friend being in Jr. High, maybe you want to explain all this to me?”
“Can you meet me at your office in an hour? I’ll go get Eric and meet you there,” Troy breathed. “Please? Just give me a chance, Veronica. He’s a good kid, he just really wants to know who he is.”
Veronica let out a sigh. “I’m on a case Troy. Do you really just expect me to drop what I’m doing and help you?”
“No, Veronica, I was hoping you’d drop what you’re doing to help a kid who is having a really hard time right now,” Troy spoke, his tone a bit more agitated than she had heard in awhile.
Veronica let out a sigh and waved the bartender over. The sandy haired guy who appeared to be in his mid-twenties smiled at Veronica. “What can I get for you, Miss?”
Veronica let out a tiny giggle and flipped her hair slightly. “I was actually looking for the guy that owns this place. I talked to him the other night and he totally made me feel better about some things and I just wanted to thank him,” she spoke, never letting her smile falter. “Um, he is here tonight?”
“Actually no,” the bartender frowned. “Matt was supposed to be in, but he decided to surprise his fiancée with some sort of romantic dinner. Dude has it bad for that girl,” he smiled.
“Wow, he seems like a total sweetheart!” Veronica spoke with a giddy laugh. “I wish I could find someone like that,” she added, sending a glare toward Troy. “All I ever attract is losers, ya know?”
The bartender nodded his head. “I know what you mean. I’d like to forget a couple of my ex’s, too. Matt should be here tomorrow night, though. He’s here most nights if you want to try to catch him.”
“Thank you so much,” Veronica spoke over enthusiastically. “I just really want to thank him for talking to me the other night! I was like so bummed out about life, and he just made me feel way better.”
“Yeah, Matt is good like that,” the bartender smiled as he turned and walked off.
“Wow, that was a way cool show you just put on,” Troy spoke mockingly.
Veronica rolled her eyes at him and frowned. If Matt Dolan was going to be a no show, she technically had time to find out what was going on with Troy. Although as she stared at him with a pointed gaze, she wasn’t sure if she really wanted to allow herself to get involved in a case that Troy was sure to be a part of.
“C’mon Veronica, trust me, I wouldn’t be asking you if it wasn’t important to Eric,” Troy frowned.
“You’ll meet me in one hour?” Veronica asked, still unsure of her decision.
“Right one hour, and I’ll explain everything then.”
“If this is some kind of stunt, Troy,” Veronica warned.
“It’s not I swear!”
Veronica nodded her head in surrender. “One hour,” she spoke firmly. “Don’t make me regret this, Troy, because if you do….”
“I won’t,” Troy nodded. “I promise, Veronica, I won’t.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Okay, seriously? Everything in your closet is just so, neutral,” Parker grimaced as she peered into her boyfriend’s closet. “You really need some color in here, Logan. I swear you only have like two blue shirts and everything else is so….Blah,” she finished.
Logan sat up on his bed and shook his head. “I’m not much on blue, or anything bright for that matter. Every sales lady I talk to says that green is my color, especially olive. I look hot in those olive tones,” he smirked.
“But it’s just so, dull,” Parker grimaced, staring into the closet. “I really like the blue shirt, the button down,” she explained.
“The Donut liked blue too,” Logan shrugged. “I never cared for it myself, though.”
“Donut?”
“Duncan,” Logan spoke, staring over as Parker searched through his closet. “That was something Lilly used to call him.”
He saw a smile fall on Parker’s face and he could tell she was pleased with the tidbit of information he gave her about his past. It was a simple offhanded comment, but it was enough to make her happy, so with a shrug Logan assumed it was a good thing.
“Cute nickname,” Parker nodded. “So you all called him that?”
“No, I usually called him DK,” he shrugged. He watched as she nodded her head and turned back to his closet. Part of him wondered if he should open up more to Parker, after all she was always rattling on about her high school days. The trouble was, he just couldn’t. He couldn’t talk about high school and the nightmare he lived through, not with Parker, at least not yet.
“Don’t you just find all the nicknames for high school so funny? Like, how some people just carry them for life?”
“Yeah, it’s a real hoot,” Logan smirked, causing Parker to roll her eyes at him teasingly.
Logan watched as she stared down at the floor of is closet and careful bent down to retrieve something. His stomach flipped slightly when he realized what was now in her hand. The small burgundy pullover she held had been tossed there on one of the nights Veronica had left early. He could still remember that night, mostly because after Veronica had left he had texted her telling her he loved her. Her reply had been a simple, “I heart you too’, but it had left him hopeful he’d hear her say the actual words one day.
“Does this belong to one of Dick’s conquest?” Parker questioned, arching an eyebrow. “Let me guess, they got so drunk and he mistook his room for yours one night?”
“No, it’s actually Veronica’s,” Logan spoke slowly. He was really hoping this wasn’t going to turn into a fight. Especially when the mention of Veronica reminded him that she was off on one of her ‘perfectly safe’ cases, possibly getting herself into trouble once again.
“I see.”
“It uh, got misplaced, a while ago,” Logan frowned.
“Oh,” Parker frowned. “I don’t remember seeing her wear it before.”
“Yeah, it’s older or something. We just assumed the cleaning lady tossed it,” Logan spoke.
“How did you miss it being right in the bottom of your closet?” Parker asked, staring down at the shirt.
“I don’t know, maybe because it’s been covered with other clothes?” Logan guessed.
“Well you might want to return it to her,” Parker frowned, tossing the shirt at Logan. “I’m sure she’d like to have it back.”
He reluctantly took the shirt in his hands and immediately realized it still smelled like Veronica. Setting it down on the bed, he shook his head. “I don’t think that’s necessary.”
“Fine, I’ll return it to her,” Parker huffed.
“I don’t think that would be a good idea,” Logan frowned. “She’s been seriously on edge lately. You bringing her that shirt? Trust me, bad idea.”
Parker nodded her head. “I guess you plan to hold on to it, then?”
Actually, Logan thought to himself, he would like to hold on to the shirt. He knew things with Veronica were over, but still, the shirt was a reminder of a happy time in their relationship. Staring over at the sad eyes on his girlfriend though, he knew what he had to do. “I’ll give it back to her, okay?”
“Now that it’s suddenly resurfaced,” Parker muttered, looking away.
“So what you don’t believe me?” Logan questioned, his voice edged on a hostilely he was not expecting. “I’m sorry Parker,” he spoke, his tone calmer, “but Veronica was my girlfriend. You know that, you knew that when we started dating. She stayed here some nights. I thought you knew that too…”
“I did, I mean I do,” Parker spoke, shaking her head in confusion. “It’s just, she’s my friend, you know? Finding her shirt at the bottom of my boyfriend’s closet, it just shook me. I guess I didn’t realize how complicated this would be. When Veronica said she didn’t mind us dating, I just hoped everything would work itself out.”
“Yeah well, things involving me usually are complicated for some reason,” Logan frowned. “So are we okay?”
“Yeah, we’re good,” Parker spoke with a faint smile.
Logan nodded his head as he walked over and pulled Parker into a hug. “And you’ll admit I look stunning in green?” he spoke with a teasing tone.
“You look stunning in anything,” Parker confirmed as Logan brushed a kiss on her forehead.
“I’m glad we agree,” he laughed gently. Still he felt a twinge of uncertainty as he smiled at his girlfriend. Things between them were okay, at least he hoped so anyway.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Veronica stared over at the clock on the wall as she plopped her feet on the desk in her father's office. Troy was eight minutes late, but because she was a generous person she was going to allow him two more minutes before she closed shop for the night.
She heard the door open and looked up to see Troy rushing toward the office. With a sigh, she watched impatiently as he quickly made his way to the doorway of the office. She could remember a time when the boy in front of her made her heart flutter with a single smile. She had been stupid then, but she wasn’t going to make that mistake again. Before she took any case for Troy or anyone around, she was going to make sure it was on the up and up.
"Tick, tock, Vandegraff, I was just about to give up on you," Veronica, spoke looking up at him.
"Sorry, I had to pick Eric up on the way," Troy frowned.
"And this Eric I've heard so much about, where is he now, exactly?" Veronica questioned.
"In the car," Troy spoke. "I wanted to talk to you first. I figured you'd give me the riot act, and the kid's been through enough tonight…."
Veronica sat up and tapped her pencil on the desk. "I suppose you're going to explain everything to me, then? Like I don't know, why me finding some kid's father means so much to you?"
Troy ran his hand through his hair as he took a seat in front of Veronica. "Eric, he's kind of like my little brother in a sense."
"In a sense?" Veronica asked confused. She was pretty sure Troy didn’t have an actual little brother, although considering how much she had known about him when they dated, it wouldn’t be a total surprise. For all she knew he had three kids, a wife, and a poodle named Fluffy hidden somewhere.
"You know, like the program," Troy sighed. "I hang with him, talk to him, you know, I'm like a big brother to him."
"Wait," Veronica said with a laugh of disbelief. "Troy Vandegraff are you trying to tell me you're this poor kid's mentor?"
"Yes, Veronica, that's what I'm saying," Troy nodded. "I didn't want to mention it to you, because well, you're you and I knew nothing good would come of it," he shrugged.
"As charming as this all is, does this story have, I don't know, a middle and a end?" Veronica questioned.
"I met Eric at a youth center. The last therapist my dad forced to go to suggested I go down and check the place out. She thought it would be good for me, you know, meet some kids that were a lot like I was at that age? Anyway, I laughed it off at first, but after awhile I figured it wouldn't hurt to just go down. I was sure I'd hate it at first, but you know, it turned out to be a good experience for me."
"And this is where the violin music starts, right? Gosh, I've always wondered what being in a Hallmark movie would feel like, I guess this is it!" She spoke with a bright smile.
"This," Troy grumbled, standing up, "this is why I didn't want you to know. I knew you'd have something to say."
Veronica could see she had irritated Troy with her words and felt herself flush a little in shame. It stunned her that he might actually be telling the truth. Still, Troy Vandegraff as a mentor, it was a very strange thought. "Sorry," she spoke, motioning him to continue with her hand. "I got a little carried away. Go ahead, finish your story."
"If by story, you mean the truth," Troy spoke glaring at her, "I'd be glad to go on." He walked back over and sat down. "I hung out at the youth center for awhile, just playing ball with the kids and stuff, nothing major. The place, it has a lot of kids on probation there, kids that are almost as arrogant as I was at that age," he chuckled.
"Was arrogant?" Veronica spoke with wide eyes.
"You know what I mean," Troy huffed. "I met Eric there, and the kid, he's a lot like I was. His parents, they've given him everything money can offer, but his dad's always working and when he is at home, he's this no nonsense type guy. I think Eric just got sick of it and decided to rebel."
"He's on probation?" Veronica questioned.
"Yeah."
"For what exactly?"
"He stole a car," Troy spoke, ducking his head.
"Imagine the irony in that," Veronica spoke with a chuckle. She looked over to see Troy laughing slightly and she matched his grin with a hesitant smile of her own.
"It belonged to his mother's tennis instructor," Troy shrugged. "His dad refused to help him out and wanted to teach him a lesson."
"Sounds tragic," Veronica spoke with a fake frown.
"Look, to make a long story… well shorter, I have been hanging out with him, trying to keep him out of trouble. I'd hate to see the kid go down the road I did you know?"
"So let me get this straight," Veronica spoke, sitting her pencil on the desk. "Troy Vandegraff the drug dealer, is now Troy Vandegraff the caring mentor? That's what I'm hearing, yet I find it so very hard to believe."
"Veronica Mars is having trouble finding good in a person," Troy spoke with an annoyed laugh. "Funny, I don't find that hard to believe. Tell me Veronica, were you the kid in kindergarten that told all other kids there was no Santa? I mean, how dare those kids believe that goodness does exist."
"Well, I did always have an issue with Santa. The way he always brought you rich kids more than the rest of us? Yeah, not seeing the fairness in that at all…."
"You know, if you'd try being a bit nicer, Santa might like you more…."
"Enough of this nonsense, can you bring the boy in now?" Veronica asked, twirling a pencil in her hand. "Before he gets bored and tries to steal my car," she added, cracking a smile.
“Just go easy on him, okay? The kid just found out the man that raised him isn’t his father,” Troy sighed. “I can’t imagine what that must feel like.”
Veronica frowned. There had been a time when she had known that feeling. She could remember questioning her own paternity and wondering who her biological father was. Motioning for Troy to go get Eric, she watched as he turned and headed out the door.
Sighing she picked up the phone and quickly dialed Weevil’s phone number. Considering her case at the bar was a total bust, she was thinking she might need his help soon.
“Hello?”
“Mars Investigation here, is this Eli Navarro speaking?” Veronica questioned.
“What’s up V?” Weevil spoke with a tired tone.
“How’s the niece?”
“Finally asleep. Kid feels terrible, though. Thinks go okay with that Dolan guy?”
“He was a no show,” she frowned into the phone. “I’m going back in a couple days. Think you’ll be up for it?”
“Yeah, yeah sure. Why you think you’ll need my help?”
“Not sure, but apparently drunk men love blondes in short skirts. I mean who knew, right?” Veronica spoke with a fake giggle.
“You need to be careful, V,” Weevil warned. “Cute blondes in short skirts can get into a lot of trouble in seedy bars.”
“Weevil, you think I’m cute?” She giggled.
“Hush, blondie.”
“Anyway, just wanted to check in and let you know things went okay,” Veronica sighed as she heard the office door open again.
“That was very partner-like of you,” Weevil chuckled. “I’m tellin’ you Mars and Navarro Investigation, it’s something to think on.”
“Bye, Weevil,” Veronica laughed into the phone.
“See ya, V.”
Hanging up the phone, she looked up to see Troy standing at the door again, this time with a tall, lanky boy with auburn hair standing beside him. Standing to her feet, Veronica forced a smile. “I’m guessing you’re Eric? Troy said you needed some help tracking down your real father?”
“Wait, she’s the PI?” Eric spoke, turning to Troy. “Dude, you told me you were taking me to the best! She’s like the Hardy Boys little sister or something.”
“Eric, Veronica is the best Neptune has to offer,” Troy spoke firmly. “Now that her dad is back as Sheriff that is.”
“I am pretty amazing,” Veronica spoke in agreement with Troy.
“Whatever man,” Eric frowned. “If this is just your way of trying to hook up with some hot chick, count me out.”
“Okay, so do you want my help or not? Because I could totally be doing something else right now,” Veronica spoke loud enough to get Eric’s attention.
“She can help you man,” Troy assured the boy. “Veronica’s good at finding people, just give her a chance.”
“You can help me?” Eric asked Veronica. “Really?”
“I can try,” Veronica nodded. “Why don’t you just start from the beginning…”
“So you’ll help him?” Troy asked.
Veronica bit her lip as she stared over at Troy. If it was true that Troy had changed, and the story this boy was telling her was real, he deserved to be heard. So far, she had to admit, Troy did seem different. She still planned to put in a call to the youth center Troy had mentioned, but she supposed it was possible that he wasn’t the same loser she knew years before.
“I’ll hear him out,” Veronica nodded, ushering both guys over to take a seat in front of her. Slowly she sat down at the desk and let out an unsure sigh. “If you want me to help you, I need to know everything.”
“I just want to know who I am,” Eric frowned. “I don’t’ care what it takes. I just need answers.”
“You realize you might not like what you find out,” Veronica spoke carefully. “I’ve worked cases like this before, and sometimes it’s not all happy ever after.”
“Look, I know who has raised me, okay? I also know I don’t look like him,” Eric frowned. “I just need to know where I came from. I need to find out who my biological father is.”
“Then let’s get started,” Veronica spoke, sending a glance over at Troy. He returned her gaze with a tiny smile. Quickly she turned her attention back to Eric and listened as he began to tell her how he found out he wasn’t who he thought he was.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Veronica walked into her apartment and smiled when she saw her father sitting on the couch, Backup by his side. “Are my two favorite men waiting up for me?”
“There’s the daughter I never see anymore,” Keith quipped. “Tell me only child of mine, where have you been hiding?”
“Just hangin’ with my peeps, pop,” Veronica smiled brightly.
She hadn’t really talked to her father much lately. Their schedules just hadn’t given them much time to actually sit down and really talk. Veronica had actually missed her conversations with her father. Their relationship had been one of the few constants in her life since Lilly’s death. She knew that no matter what, she could count on her father to be there for her.
“So, that case you were working tonight, the one I told you to leave alone, how’d it go?” Keith questioned.
“It’s still in the beginning stages,” Veronica shrugged.
“And was Eli a help to you tonight?” Keith asked.
“Weevil is a big help,” Veronica nodded. “He’s got a real talent for this kind of thing.”
She knew her father was skeptical of her working with Weevil. Still, after giving it a lot of thought she was sure that she could trust Weevil if her back was against the wall. He had helped her out more times than she could count, and she was hoping her father would see that as well.
Keith nodded his head. “Veronica, you don’t have to keep working at Mars Investigation. Why don’t you try being a normal college student? It’d make your old man feel much better.”
“So you’d feel better knowing I’m spending my nights partying with people I won’t remember the next morning?” Veronica questioned. “I think I’ll stick with the PI thing instead, thanks.”
“Or you could come home and study every night like the normal college student I envision in my head,” Keith smiled.
“Eh, that sounds kind of boring,” Veronica shrugged. “I think I’ll stick to becoming the best PI a teenager can be.”
“And how’s that going? Studying for the big test?”
When Veronica had decided she wanted to become a licensed private investigator her father had told her it was a horrible idea. He had only agreed to it when she told him that she was going to work in some form of law enforcement someday anyway, so why not let her keep doing what she loved now. Apparently, her father was finally starting to see that arguing with her really wasn’t going to get him anywhere.
“It’s going splendidly,” Veronica spoke sitting down next to Backup. “Between getting my PI license and hopefully getting that FBI internship, my summer is looking quite bright."
"Yeah? Well I ran into Leo D'Amato today, he's studying to become a PI too. You know, if you're determined to keep Mars Investigation open, you might give him a call. He's a good guy, and I think he'll make a good PI. Oh, and he asked about you, wanted to know how you're doing."
Veronica rolled her eyes. "I know you're not trying to fix me up with my ex-boyfriend. Tell me you're not trying to fix me up with my ex-boyfriend."
"Sweetheart, I would never do something like that. How would I be able to keep you here with me forever, if I helped you find a fellow."
"Fellow? Did you just say fellow?"
"Yes, yes I did," Keith smirked.
"Yes well speaking of fellows from my past, I'm working a case for Troy Vandegraff."
Veronica watched with amusement as her father's eyes widen. "Troy Vandegraff? Why are you helping Troy Vandegraff?"
"I'm helping a friend of his," Veronica shrugged. "Troy's cousin is dating Wallace now. Of course, you'd know this if you weren't always at the office."
"No, I'd know this if you weren't always hanging with your peeps," Keith shot back with a grin.
"It sounds cooler when I say it," Veronica laughed.
"Veronica, Troy isn't a good guy, honey. He hurt you once before, you can't trust him."
"But daddy I love him," Veronica spoke in a childish voice, as she looked over at her father with a evil glint in her eyes.
"Don't even joke about that," Keith warned.
Veronica stood up and shrugged. "I'm going to bed, catch you in the morning."
"Oh Veronica," Keith called as Veronica headed toward her bedroom.
"Yeah?"
"Maybe you should tell Troy's friend to find someone else to take his case. I just think it would be the best thing for you."
Veronica smiled. "I think I can handle this case, dad. Troy's not a problem for me, you don't have to worry."
"So does that mean Troy is in a relationship and not interested in you again?" Keith asked, his tone hopeful.
"Good night, dad," Veronica smiled as she waved her hand and disappeared from her father's view. It had been a long night, and if she was going to help Eric find his real father, she was pretty sure the week ahead of her was going to be even longer.