Fic: Wild Things (Veronica, Logan, Wallace & Duncan), Rated R
Title: Wild Things, Parts I, II, III and IV (Complete)
Author: skk670
Pairing/Characters: Veronica, Logan, Wallace and Duncan
Word Count: 27,000
Rating: R (Sexual Situations and Violence)
Summary: Script-form mystery - Veronica tracks down a sadistic stalker.
Spoilers/Warnings: Episode 1.22 - "Leave it to Beaver"
Authors Notes: Much thanks to my wonderful betas Ethereal_65, Fickledame and moire2. Thank you for support above and beyond the call of duty. This script would not exist today without you!
An extra special thanks to ethereal65 for allowing me to continue her Veronica Mars/Las Vegas crossover series found here. However, if you want to go right into this story, this is a summary of all you need to know to follow along in this AU world:
· Veronica and Wallace are spending their summer in Las Vegas, working at the Montecito Hotel and Casino. Veronica is in security and Wallace is in valet services.
· They are renting a house that they share with Duncan and Logan. (You have to read the series to find out how that came about!)
· Veronica and Logan have made up after their break-up in “Leave it to Beaver” and are now dating.
· Duncan is dating Chase Nelson, the impulsive, head-strong heiress to a multi-billion dollar fortune.
· Veronica danced with the Pussycat Dolls on a dare from Wallace. Since then she has been receiving fan mail, some of which is disturbing.
· Veronica had a small accident that required her to have stitches in the back of her head.
Important characters from Las Vegas:
Ed Deline - President of Operation at the Montecito and Veronica’s boss
Danny McCoy - Head of security at the Montecito
Mike Cannon - Surveillance and security expert at the Montecito
* One more point: In this script, Logan makes a comment about the show Big Brother. This is a reference to an earlier joke he made after losing the room he shared with Duncan to Chase.
Wild Things, Part I
Open in a dark parking lot. Veronica, Logan and Wallace climb out of Logan's SUV. Veronica looks around uneasily as Logan and Wallace take out brightly wrapped gift boxes from the back seat.
VERONICA: (Straightening her skirt) I don't like this.
WALLACE: (Rolling his eyes) Relax, Mars, this is a birthday party, not a stakeout.
Veronica glares at him then sees something shifting in the shadows. She stiffens and Logan moves to stand protectively in front of her. He relaxes as he recognizes Danny and Mike coming towards them.
DANNY: Hey, guys. I see you found the place.
LOGAN: (Dryly) It's kinda hard to miss the Wild Things club.
VERONICA: (Scrunches her face) Explain to me again why we're having a birthday party at a strip club?
WALLACE: (Patiently) Because we're in Vegas and because Chase is throwing the party. Take your pick.
Veronica lets out a long suffering sigh and turns to greet Nessa, Delinda and Mary, also dressed up for clubbing, as they get out of their cars.
DELINDA: Where is everybody? Are we unfashionably early?
MARY: And why is the club dark? It's Friday night, this place should be packed.
WALLACE: It will be after eleven o'clock. But Chase bought out the place until then so we can have an (makes finger quotes) 'intimate' party to celebrate Duncan's birthday.
NESSA: (Looking around) Speaking of which, where is the birthday boy and his party girl?
Headlights flash as a limo pulls into the parking lot just as Nessa finishes speaking. The group turns to look at the limo.
WALLACE: I think they're here.
The limo comes to a stop and the back door is thrown open. Chase tumbles out, giggling, and pulls down the skirt of her dress.
CHASE: (Slightly inebriated) Hi, everybody, I hope we haven't kept you waiting.
MARY: (Graciously) Oh, no. We've just gotten here ourselves.
CHASE: Good.
Chase turns back to the limo and leans in, straightening a second later with both of Duncan's hands in hers. Duncan stumbles out and his friends see that he is blindfolded.
DUNCAN: Come on, Chase. I've had this blindfold on since I got into the limo. I'm starting to suffer from sensory depravation here.
CHASE: (Leans close and licks his ear) You weren't complaining about depravation five minutes ago.
DUNCAN: (Grinning broadly) That's because you were stimulating some of my other senses then.
WALLACE: (Pleadingly) Stop, man. I don't want to hear the details.
DUNCAN: (His hands go to his blindfold) Wallace?
CHASE: (Grabs his hands again) No, don't. You'll ruin my surprise.
DUNCAN: (Grinning again) You mean what I got in the car wasn't my surprise?
CHASE: (Seductively) Sweetie, that was just the appetizer.
DUNCAN: Damn, you've really whetted my appetite.
WALLACE: (Annoyed) We're still here.
DUNCAN: (Gasps) We?
Delinda giggles and Mike and Danny exchange chuckles. Logan slaps Duncan between the shoulders.
LOGAN: You didn't think we'd miss your birthday, did you, DK?
DUNCAN: Logan?
CHASE: (Tugging Duncan towards the club) Come on, let's all go inside before you ruin my surprise.
DUNCAN: All? Who's here?
VERONICA: (Cheerfully) I'm here, so is Logan, Wallace, Mike, Delinda, Danny, Mary and Nessa. Everybody else is on the way here.
CHASE: (Grinning wickedly) Just a tasteful, intimate little gathering for my sweetie.
WALLACE: (Warningly) I'm getting a toothache here. Ease off on the PDAs.
CHASE: (Giggling manically) Wrong place for that.
They step into the club. It is completely dark except for a lone table and chair that is lit from above. Chase guides Duncan to the chair and sits him down. She gestures for everyone else to come closer and they do. She then whips off Duncan's blindfold.
CHASE: (Proudly) Ta-da!
Duncan blinks rapidly and looks around. He squints to make out his friends in the stingy overhead light. He then looks back at Chase and smiles warmly, but a bit confusedly.
DUNCAN: (To Chase) Um, thanks, honey. It's really nice of you to bring me out here.
CHASE: (Pouting) You're not impressed, are you?
DUNCAN: (Hurriedly) No, I didn't say that. This is great, really.
Chase pouts a little more then her face lights up. She puts her foot on Duncan's chair and steps onto the tabletop. Duncan leans half-out of his chair to grab her waist and steady her.
CHASE: (Suggestively) How about if I do a little shimmy for you, big boy?
DUNCAN: (Eyes widening) In front of all our friends?
WALLACE: (To Veronica) They're not going to have sex on the table, are they?
DUNCAN: (Glaring at Wallace) No, we're not going to have sex on the table.
LOGAN: (Amused) The party hasn't even started and these two are already wasted.
DUNCAN: (Annoyed) We are not wasted and we are not having sex in public. (Turns to Chase) Honey, get down from there.
CHASE: (Grinning) Maybe you just need a little music to get you into the mood. (She cups her hand to her mouth and raises her voice) Let's get this party started!
Suddenly the lights come on and music begins to blare from the speakers. There are strippers standing on top of the other tables and along the stage. They begin gyrating to the music. Chase begins to move her hips in a sexy little dance number in front of Duncan.
VERONICA: I do not need to see this.
She turns and nearly runs into Wallace, who is standing beside her. He is watching the stripper in front of him with rapt attention. Veronica rolls her eyes and reaches out shake his shoulder. Logan catches her hand before she touches him and tugs it away.
LOGAN: Aww, give the guy a break. That stripper is incredibly gifted.
VERONICA: (Raises her eyebrows) Gifted?
LOGAN: (Grins) Not everybody can make the tassels spin in opposite directions like that.
VERONICA: (Rolls her eyes) Nothing like the smell of testosterone in the evening.
LOGAN: (Wickedly) That's not testosterone you're smelling, babe.
VERONICA: (Wrinkles her nose) Ewww.
LOGAN: (Tugging on her hand) Come on, let's get a drink. I think Wallace needs to be alone.
VERONICA: I so did not need to hear that.
Veronica looks back at Wallace, who is still mesmerized by the stripper. She shakes her head as Logan leads her towards the bar. They take a few steps but are stopped by another stripper, this one wearing a glittering g-string and push-up bra.
STRIPPER: (Smiles at Logan) I'm Ginger. Would you like a lap dance?
LOGAN: (Tries to step around her) No thanks.
GINGER: (Steps into his path) The dances are free until eleven o'clock. (She looks Logan up and down hungrily) You only have to flash the cash if you really enjoy it.
LOGAN: (Tight grin) Still not interested.
Logan holds firmly to Veronica's hand and leads her to the bar. Cut to an hour and a half later. The club is considerably more crowded as more friends and Montecito employees join the party. Everyone is gathered around the center stage where an obscenely shaped cake is being cut and passed around.
LOGAN: (Looking mournfully at his piece of cake) Wow, I can't even remember the last time I had one of these.
WALLACE: (Puzzled) Cake? You can't remember the last time you had a piece of cake?
Logan holds out his piece of cake so Wallace can see the artistically perfect piece of female anatomy on his piece of cake.
WALLACE: (Impressed) That looks almost better than the real thing.
LOGAN: (Shakes his head) Nope, the real thing is so much better.
Veronica walks up to them.
VERONICA: Did you guys get cake?
WALLACE: Yep, Logan is practically salivating over his piece.
Veronica looks at Logan in puzzlement. Then she sees Logan's cake piece.
LOGAN: (Smirks) See, I've been on this diet for a long time.
VERONICA: (Coolly) Really? How long has it been since you last had cake?
Logan hesitates for a moment and the smirk fades from his face. His expression turns serious.
LOGAN: I haven't been in the mood to celebrate since my mom's last Christmas party.
Veronica looks startled, then her expression hardens.
VERONICA: Really? That's not what I heard.
LOGAN: (Frowning) You, of all people, should know better than to believe everything you hear.
VERONICA: (Quietly) Don't lie to me, Logan. I know for a fact that you went off your diet when you came to Vegas. Cake is pretty easy to get here.
Logan looks at her blankly. Wallace looks from one to the other as the tension rises between them.
WALLACE: (Soothingly) Hey, guys, relax. It's just cake, it's not a big deal.
VERONICA: (Softly) Right, no big deal. It's just cake.
LOGAN: (Growling) No, it's not just cake.
WALLACE: (Confused) It's not just cake?
Wallace looks between them again.
WALLACE: (Comprehending) Right, this isn't about cake.
Wallace shakes his head and turns around, running into a nearly nude stripper. She is so tall that his cheek grazes her naked breasts. Wallace stutters out apologies and turns back to Veronica.
WALLACE: (Embarrassedly) Why is that every time I turn around I'm hit in the face with naked lust?
VERONICA: (Smiles) That's because we're in a strip club in Vegas.
Wallace shakes his head and walks away, taking care to watch where he's going. Veronica glances at Logan.
VERONICA: (Falsely cheerful) Poor Wallace, no matter where he goes, he can't avoid women throwing themselves at him.
Logan does not respond to her attempt at humor. Instead, he takes her hand and tries to tug her into his lap. Veronica resists his efforts.
LOGAN: I'm not lying to you.
VERONICA: Logan, when you were kidnapped, we talked to everybody you had contact with prior to the kidnapping, including Becky Jacobson.
LOGAN: (Confused) Who?
VERONICA: (Disgustedly) You know, Logan, you should at least ask a woman her name before you sleep with her. It's just common politeness.
Logan continues to look confused and Veronica pulls her hand free.
VERONICA: (Bitingly) You picked her up in the hotel bar almost as soon as you got to Vegas?
LOGAN: Oh, yeah, I remember her now. I was down in the bar getting wasted and she wouldn't leave me the hell alone. So I finally asked her to come up to my room.
VERONICA: (Puts up her hand) You don't need to explain. I already know the details. And it's none of my business who you've slept with. I just don't like you lying to me.
LOGAN: (Takes her hand again) You're right, it is none of your business. But I'm going to tell you anyway because you don't know the details. I'd been getting shit-faced alone in my hotel room since we got to Vegas. I decided to go down to the bar for a change. She was there and she listened to me and I wanted company. So, yeah, I picked her up but not because I wanted to sleep with her. And I didn't have sex with her.
Veronica looks startled. Logan looks frustrated and disappointed.
LOGAN: You don't believe me, do you? (Sighs) When was the last time I ever lied to you, Veronica? I've always told you the truth, even when it fucked me over. You're the one who always lies to me. (Bitterly) Like when you say you trust me then you don't.
VERONICA: (Hurriedly) I do trust you. And I do believe you.
LOGAN: (Skeptically) You do?
VERONICA: (Slips into his lap) Of course, I do.
LOGAN: So you believe me when I say I didn't sleep with that woman at the hotel?
VERONICA: (Instantly) Yes. It's just that I thought you had so I was disappointed thinking that you were lying to me.
LOGAN: (Sullenly) I've never lied to you.
VERONICA: (Touches his forehead with her own) I know and I'm sorry.
Logan looks into her eyes, as though gauging her sincerity. Finally he relaxes and kisses her lightly. Veronica smiles with relief and kisses him back passionately. Finally they pull apart, gasping for air. She turns her head and sees his forgotten piece of cake.
VERONICA: (Teasingly) Are you going to eat that?
Logan looks confused for a second then follows her gaze. He smirks and deliberately picks up the cake with his fingers. He holds Veronica's gaze as he devours the piece in three large bites. Veronica sucks in her breath and turns very red.
VERONICA: (Breathlessly) You seem to have quite a sweet tooth.
Logan smirks and captures her mouth again. When they pull apart, he grins at her and touches her forehead with his own. Their gazes lock and Veronica smiles back at him. They lost in their own little world, until someone shoves Logan in the back.
LOGAN: (Turning to look over his shoulder) What the hell is your problem?
A tall, burly guy with curly dark hair is standing behind them. Veronica scrambles out of Logan's lap and Logan gets up to face the other man.
LOGAN: Dude, you got a problem?
MAN: (Shoves Logan again) Yeah, you're my problem.
LOGAN: (Shoves back) I don't know you, man. Get out of my face.
MAN: You fucking insulted my girlfriend.
LOGAN: (Chest to chest with the man) I don't even know your girlfriend.
Ginger, the stripper that offered Logan a lap dance at the start of the evening, emerges from behind the angry man.
GINGER: Arnie, calm down, it doesn't matter.
ARNIE: I saw him. He kept calling you over for lap dances then shoving you away.
VERONICA: (Hotly) That's not true. She was all over Logan. He kept telling her to leave him alone but she kept following him around.
ARNIE: (Grabs Logan's shirt) You mess with my girl and you mess with me.
LOGAN: (Pushes the hand away) Get your hands off me. I didn't mess with your girl.
Arnie closes his hand into a fist but the bouncers are there before he can throw a punch. They grab the man and drag him to the door. Arnie fights them and screams obscenities and threats at Logan as he is taken away. Chase, Duncan and the club manager come up to Logan, Veronica and Ginger.
MANAGER: (To Ginger) That's it. Pack up your shit, you're fired.
GINGER: (Furiously) Me? I'm just trying to earn a living here. This rich boy here is the one you should throw out.
MANAGER: This is the third time that psycho boyfriend of yours has harassed a client. I don't need this kind of trouble in my club. You're fired.
Ginger looks furiously at the manager, then at Logan before she turns and flounces away. The manager turns to Chase and apologizes profusely.
DUNCAN: (To Logan) You okay?
LOGAN: (Nods) I'm fine. The bouncers did their job.
DUNCAN: (To Veronica) How about you? Did he hurt you?
VERONICA: (Smiles reassuringly) I'm fine
LOGAN: (Insulted) Do you think I'd let anyone hurt her?
DUNCAN: (Apologetically) No, man. But that was a big guy.
VERONICA: (Soothingly) We're both fine.
The manager walks away and Chase turns to them.
CHASE: Are you guys okay? I saw that nut job throwing herself at you all night.
DUNCAN: (Pretends to be put out) You did, huh? Aren't you supposed to pay attention to the birthday boy, instead?
Immediately Chase throws her arms around Duncan and kisses him passionately. Logan rolls his eyes and slaps Duncan on the back before he leads Veronica to the exit.
VERONICA: (Calling back) Happy birthday, Duncan.
Duncan waves vaguely, completely caught up in Chase. Cut to Logan and Veronica driving down the main strip in his SUV. Veronica stares out the passenger side window and chews on her bottom lip. Logan looks over at her worriedly.
LOGAN: Are you okay?
VERONICA: (Startled) Hmm? What?
LOGAN: I asked if you were okay. You've been really quiet since we left the club. Did you want to stay longer?
VERONICA: (Laughs) No way. I was counting the minutes until we could leave.
LOGAN: So you didn't have a good time at all?
VERONICA: There were parts that I really liked. But that guy threatening you wasn't one of them.
LOGAN: (Comprehending) Don't worry about him. His girlfriend's feelings were hurt so he had to do something macho to make her feel better. I'd do the same thing.
VERONICA: Getting fired probably didn't make her feel a whole lot better, though.
LOGAN: (Shrugs) This is Vegas. There's a strip club every ten feet. She'll get another job.
Veronica is quiet again and goes back to staring out the window. She sees something that catches her interest and sits upright.
VERONICA: (Suddenly) Stop here.
Logan looks surprised but obediently pulls into the parking lot of the all-night drug store.
LOGAN: What do you need to get?
VERONICA: (Takes a deep breath) Condoms.
Logan sucks in his breath sharply and looks at her with wide, startled eyes. Cut to a short time later. Veronica walks into her bedroom, kicks off her shoes and flops face down onto the bed. Logan stands just inside the door, the drug store bag in his hand, looking unsure. Veronica rolls over and looks at him.
VERONICA: (Quietly) I'm sorry.
LOGAN: (Frowns) For what?
VERONICA: (Sits up) For making you feel uncomfortable.
Logan crosses the room and sits down on the edge of the bed.
LOGAN: What do you mean?
VERONICA: (Taking the bag) I'm not trying to pressure you.
LOGAN: (Blankly) You're not trying to pressure me? I'm the guy, remember?
VERONICA: (Blushes but grins) Oh, please, Logan. You are so the girl in this relationship.
LOGAN: (Narrows his eyes) Really? How?
VERONICA: (Wraps her arms around his neck) You're the one who always wants to talk about our feelings.
LOGAN: I'm trying to be respectful of you.
VERONICA: And I'm being respectful of you. I want you to know that I'm not going to push you to do anything you're not ready to do.
LOGAN: (Grinning) So you're saying you respect me enough to wait for me?
VERONICA: (Blushing furiously) Stop making a joke of this. I'm trying to handle it maturely.
LOGAN: (Now enjoying himself) Maturely, huh? Just so I'm clear, you're telling me that you'll stay with me even if I don't put out for you. (Teasingly) So what's next? Are you going to promise to marry me after you knock me up?
VERONICA: (Slaps his arm) Be serious about this.
LOGAN: (Rubs his arm) Now you're hitting me. Is this your idea of waiting for me? Are you going to abuse me until I give in? (Raises his voice in mock distress) Am I just a piece of meat to you?
VERONICA: (Shakes her head) That's it. We are not having this conversation any longer.
She tries to crawl off the bed but Logan pulls her back. They tussle lightly for a moment then he flips her onto her back and leans over her. They are both slightly breathless.
LOGAN: (Laughing) Okay, okay, I'll be serious. (Stops teasing and gazes into her eyes) Veronica, every second I spend with you is the happiest time of my life. I want to be with you every minute, every day and in every way. (Presses his forehead into hers) Whenever you decide you are ready, I'll be ready. I just want you to be happy with me.
VERONICA: (Smiles tremulously) Thank you.
Veronica sits up and gives him a serious look. Then she takes a deep breath and pulls off her blouse. Logan's eyes light up as he reaches for her. She wraps her arms around his neck and kisses him passionately. They break apart a moment later, breathless.
LOGAN: (Fingering her bra clasp) Veronica?
VERONICA: (Unbuttoning his shirt) Hmm?
LOGAN: Promise me one thing?
VERONICA: (Kissing his throat) Anything.
LOGAN: Promise me you'll still respect me in the morning?
VERONICA: (Pulling his shirt off his shoulders) That depends on how well you do tonight.
Logan captures her mouth in a hard kiss as he pushes her down onto the mattress. Cut to Saturday morning. Veronica tries to slip out of the bed quietly. She has both feet on the floor and is about to stand when Logan's hand shoots out from under the covers and grabs her wrist.
LOGAN: (Voice sleep-rough) And where are you going?
Logan pulls on her wrist and Veronica sits back down on the bed beside him.
VERONICA: I was going to shower and get dressed.
LOGAN: (Squints at the clock) It's seven o'clock. We don't have to be anywhere until eleven.
Veronica makes a pained face and Logan nods with comprehension.
LOGAN: (Firmly) Veronica, you have to have your stitches removed today. You're not getting out of it.
VERONICA: (Sighing) I'm not trying to get out of it. I know I have to have it done. I just don't want to think about it.
LOGAN: (Soothingly) Trust me, having stitches removed is nearly painless. I've done it many times.
Veronica gasps at the reminder of Logan's past abuse and her face softens. Logan looks embarrassed then determined. He hooks his arm around her waist and pulls her closer.
LOGAN: (Coaxingly) Relax. I think I can come up with something to distract you for a while.
VERONICA: (Blushing) But everybody's home now.
LOGAN: That's why we have a lock on the door. Plus they're all hung over from the party. I heard them stumbling in a couple of hours ago.
VERONICA: Maybe we should check on them, make sure they're okay.
LOGAN: (Kissing her neck) They're fine, trust me.
VERONICA: (Weakening) I'm trying to be responsible.
LOGAN: (Pulls her under the covers) Oh, I'll make sure you're very responsible.
Veronica tries to protest, but it is half-hearted at best. Logan presses his mouth against hers and stops her protests altogether. Cut to late that morning as Logan and Veronica exit their house. They have only taken a few steps when they stop short with shock. Logan's SUV is covered in obscene graffiti.
LOGAN: (Furiously) I'm going to kill that fucker.
VERONICA: Who?
LOGAN: Arnie, that's who. Who else would want to trash my car?
VERONICA: The stripper's boyfriend Arnie?
LOGAN: Who else would do this?
VERONICA: (Thoughtfully) He does seem to be the most likely suspect.
LOGAN: (Snarls) Yeah, most likely to have my foot shoved up his ass.
VERONICA: Question is how do we find him?
Logan's eyes narrow for a moment then his expression smoothes. He slides his arm around Veronica's shoulders and smiles at her.
VERONICA: (Suspiciously) What?
LOGAN: Wow, am I lucky or what?
VERONICA: (Skeptically) Lucky?
LOGAN: To have such a kick-ass detective for a girlfriend.
VERONICA: (Gives him a level look) You want me to find a guy who's at least forty pounds heavier than you so that you can kick his ass?
LOGAN: (Affronted) What? You don't think I can do it?
VERONICA: I don't want you to do it.
LOGAN: (Nuzzles her cheek) But you'll do this for me, won't you?
VERONICA: (Doubtfully) I will?
LOGAN: Uh-huh. You know that if you don't help me, I'll do it myself and probably fuck it up. You wouldn't want me to do that, would you?
Logan gives her a melting look and Veronica sighs. Cut to the hospital. Veronica is sitting on a bed in an examination room and Logan is seated in the chair beside her.
VERONICA: The Wild Things club doesn't open until this evening. Once I get Ginger's last name from the manager, we'll be one step closer to finding Arnie.
LOGAN: (Grimly) Good, I'm looking forward to it.
VERONICA: (Hesitantly) Logan, it might be better to let the police handle it.
LOGAN: (Shaking his head) What are the cops going to do? I don't have any proof that Arnie is behind this.
Veronica is quiet for a moment as she studies Logan worriedly. But then she brightens a bit.
VERONICA: You know there is an up side to all this.
LOGAN: There is?
VERONICA: (Grinning) When you get the car repainted maybe you can pick a new color and we won't have to be blinded by the jackass yellow anymore.
Logan gives her a dirty look but the door opens before he can respond. Derek, the nurse who stitched Veronica's scalp previously, enters. He looks pleased to see Veronica and smiles broadly. Logan glares at him.
DEREK: (Warmly) Hi, Veronica, how are you feeling?
VERONICA: Derek, hi. I'm fine, thanks. How have you been?
DEREK: Good, really good.
Derek looks at Logan and the smile dies.
DEREK: Hi, Veronica's boyfriend.
LOGAN: (Sourly) My name is Logan.
DEREK: (Tearing open a suture tray) Right, Logan. How have you been?
Veronica stiffens a bit as she looks at the instruments on the tray. Logan squeezes her hand and smiles at her reassuringly. Derek sees the gesture and looks annoyed. Logan's eyes narrow on the nurse.
LOGAN: (Overly chipper voice) Good, really good, thanks for asking.
Derek gives him a dark look and slips on a pair of surgical gloves. Veronica is distracted by the suture tray and does not notice their exchange.
VERONICA: So, this isn't going to hurt, is it?
DEREK: (Smiles warmly at Veronica) It'll be painless. Trust me, I have very gentle hands.
LOGAN: (Glares at Derek) So, any special instructions for when I get my girlfriend home?
Derek looks at Veronica's slightly pale face and frowns.
DEREK: Maybe she should have a quiet afternoon. A nap will probably do her good.
LOGAN: Not a problem. (Looks Derek in the eye) I'll tuck her into our bed as soon as we get home.
Veronica frowns as she finally picks up on the tension between the two guys. She opens her mouth to speak but Derek picks up a pair of scissors. Veronica gasps faintly and reaches for Logan with her free hand. Cut to Logan and Veronica driving home in the Le Baron.
LOGAN: (Worriedly) How are you feeling? You still look pale.
VERONICA: (Reassuringly) I'm fine. It was nearly painless. It was just creepy to see those little pieces of thread and know they came out of my head.
LOGAN: We'll be home soon and you can take a nap, like your nurse said. At least Derek seems to be competent at his job.
VERONICA: What does that mean?
LOGAN: (Grumbles) Isn't there a law that says that healthcare providers are not allowed to hit on patients while they're treating them?
VERONICA: (Laughs) He wasn't hitting on me.
LOGAN: (Snorts) Yeah, he was. 'I have gentle hands'. What kind of lame come-on was that?
VERONICA: It wasn't a come-on. He was just trying to reassure me.
LOGAN: It was a come-on, all right, and a lame-ass one at that. Trust me, I know.
VERONICA: (Grinning) So you're an expert at lame come-ons, are you?
Logan glares at her and Veronica laughs again. Something out the window catches her eye and she puts her hand on Logan's arm.
VERONICA: (Suddenly) Stop here.
LOGAN: (Smirks) But, sweetie, we have condoms at home.
VERONICA: (Glares) Very funny. I saw some cars in the Wild Things parking lot. Let's go back and see if we can talk to some people. Maybe we can find out a little more about Ginger and Arnie.
LOGAN: (Frowns) Derek said you're supposed to take it easy today.
VERONICA: (Coaxingly) I will. We'll just ask some questions then we'll go home and I'll take a nap.
Logan continues to drive without stopping.
VERONICA: Logan, I thought you wanted to find Arnie.
LOGAN: I do but it can wait. You are way too pale.
VERONICA: (Scowling) It's natural. You know I burn easily. So I don't get a lot of sun.
LOGAN: (Glances over at her with a frown) But there's a difference between lack of tan and lack of blood. Maybe we should have had Nurse Derek top you off with a couple of quarts.
VERONICA: (Smiles sweetly at him) Or maybe I could just sink my teeth into your neck and suck it out vampire style.
LOGAN: (Grinning) Oh, blood play. Kinky. I like it. (Mock sternly) Be a good girl and take your nap and we'll do it after dinner.
Veronica punches him in the arm and Logan laughs. Cut to later as Logan and Veronica walk into their house. Wallace and Chase are in the living room, clutching glasses of orange juice and looking slightly worse for wear. There is an open bottle of aspirin on the coffee table in front of them.
LOGAN: (Annoyingly cheerful) Hi, guys. How are you?
CHASE: (Shudders) Do you have to yell so loud?
LOGAN: (Grins and deliberately raises his voice) Yelling? I'm not yelling.
VERONICA: Wallace, how much did you have to drink last night?
WALLACE: Luckily, not so much. I just have a headache from the lack of sleep and the pounding music. Chase is hung over and Duncan hasn't even recovered enough to be hung over yet.
VERONICA: (Looks around) So where is Duncan?
CHASE: He's sleeping in the bathtub.
LOGAN: Did you say 'bathtub'?
WALLACE: Yeah, he was getting sick everywhere. At least it'll be easier to clean it out of the bathtub.
VERONICA: (Scrunches up her face) Eww.
CHASE: We're going to have to call a professional service to clean up the mess.
WALLACE: We needed to do that anyway. I think there's fungus growing in the bathroom.
VERONICA: (Becoming even more pale) Please tell me Duncan isn't in my bathroom.
WALLACE: Nah, he couldn't crawl that far if his life depended on it. But you might want to stay out of the hallway.
Veronica looks distinctly ill and sways a bit. Logan quickly puts his arm around her to steady her.
WALLACE: (Frowns) What's wrong with you? You're the whitest white chick I've ever seen.
LOGAN: I took her to the doctor's today.
Wallace springs up from his seat in alarm and even Chase is cognizant enough to look worried.
WALLACE: What happened? Did somebody hurt you? Does it have anything to do with the shoe polish on Logan's car?
VERONICA: (Waves him off) No, I'm fine.
LOGAN: Shoe polish?
WALLACE: What happened?
LOGAN: That asshole who gave me a hard time last night fucked up my car.
WALLACE: (Glares at Logan despairingly) I was asking about Veronica.
Logan looks embarrassed and Veronica grins.
VERONICA: (Reassuringly) I'm fine. Logan took me to have my stitches removed.
WALLACE: (Looks relieved) Oh, okay. I was worried when I saw Logan's car.
LOGAN: Are you sure that's shoe polish on my car? I thought it was spray paint.
WALLACE: Nah, it's shoe polish. It's even starting to smear and melt in the sun. You should get your car washed before the polish sinks into the paint.
LOGAN: (Excitedly) So you think it'll wash off?
WALLACE: A professional cleaning should get it off, especially if you get your car waxed and buffed regularly. But you'd better hurry before the polish sets.
LOGAN: I'm outta here.
VERONICA: (Pouts) Darn, I'm so disappointed.
LOGAN: (Hugs her briefly) I'll be back as soon as I can.
VERONICA: No, I'm not disappointed that you need to leave. I'm disappointed that your car is going to still be jackass yellow.
Veronica and Wallace share a laugh as Logan bolts for the front door. Cut to that evening. Veronica, Logan, Wallace and Chase are sitting at the table eating pasta. Duncan is also at the table but he looks exhausted and nauseous.
CHASE: (Coaxingly) Honey, have a little pasta. You need to eat something.
DUNCAN: (Weakly) No thanks, I'm enjoying my orange juice and aspirin.
LOGAN: (Playfully) That diet is doing wonders for you, DK. Your color is amazing and you could stand to lose a few pounds.
Duncan barely has the strength to give him a half-hearted glare. He holds his cold glass to his forehead and looks at the food with distaste.
DUNCAN: (Moans) Remind me never to drink again.
LOGAN: The trick is not to mix your drinks.
WALLACE: (Dryly) The trick is not to drink everything anyone puts in front of you.
VERONICA: (Tartly) Maybe someone should take away your fake ID's before one of you tricks himself into a coma.
DUNCAN: (Groans) You can have mine. I'm never using it again. (Puts his head down on the table) Can we talk about something other than me?
LOGAN: (Cheerfully) Okay, lets talk about me. That's always a popular subject.
Wallace groans and Veronica rolls her eyes. Chase is too focused on Duncan to pay attention to their banter.
WALLACE: So, did the shoe polish come off?
LOGAN: (With satisfaction) Yep, thanks for the 'heads up', man. The guy at the car wash said another hour or two and the polish would have set. You can still see some shadows in the paint job but it should disappear after a couple of days in the sun.
VERONICA: I thought we agreed to put the cars in the garage from now on.
LOGAN: We will, but once I get this guy, then I can leave my car out again.
DUNCAN: (Tiredly) What are you guys taking about?
CHASE: That's right, you don't know what happened. That guy who hit on Logan last night smeared his car with shoe polish.
LOGAN: (Annoyed) He didn't hit on me, his girlfriend did.
WALLACE: (Grinning) Easy mistake.
DUNCAN: But why did he use shoe polish? Why not spray paint?
LOGAN: (Pauses to consider) Maybe that was all he had on hand?
WALLACE: That's a good point. The shoe polish came off pretty easily. If he really wanted to vandalize your car he would have scratched the paint or broken your windows.
LOGAN: Maybe he thought it would be too loud? I would have heard glass breaking or metal scraping.
VERONICA: Also, he'd need something that could do that kind of damage.
WALLACE: (Looks at Logan pointedly) Like a crowbar?
Logan glares at Wallace and Veronica interjects hurriedly.
VERONICA: You guys are also missing another important point here.
LOGAN: What's that?
VERONICA: (Grimly) This guy knows where we live.
Logan, Wallace and even Duncan stare at Veronica in worried comprehension. Chase stops fussing over Duncan to pay attention to the conversation.
CHASE: This is bad, right?
LOGAN: (Grimly) Very bad. We're going to have to keep the cars in the garage and make sure the doors and windows are locked.
VERONICA: Did you guys notice anything strange when you got home?
WALLACE: No, but it was dark and we had our hands full getting Duncan into bed. It took both of us and the limo driver to drag his sorry ass in here.
Duncan groans softly and gulps down his orange juice. Chase begins fussing over him again. Veronica and Wallace look on with sympathy while Logan smirks at his best friend.
VERONICA: So, I got some information on the stripper.
LOGAN: (Frowning) What? When? How? (Turns to Wallace) She was supposed to be resting. Didn't you make sure she was resting?
WALLACE: (Nods) Yeah, she slept all afternoon. I checked on her.
VERONICA: (Raises her voice) Will you two calm down?
Logan and Wallace both turn to look at her.
LOGAN: You weren't supposed to be investigating.
WALLACE: Yeah, you were supposed to be resting.
VERONICA: (Rolls her eyes) I was resting. But I called Vinny before I took a nap.
LOGAN: Who?
VERONICA: He's my dad's contact here in Vegas. He did the legwork for me.
Logan and Wallace relax.
WALLACE: So what did you find out about this guy?
VERONICA: Nothing on him. But Vinny found out that the girlfriend's name is Ginger Sweet. The club manager wouldn't give him her address and she's not listed in the phone book or on the Internet.
WALLACE: What does that mean?
VERONICA: Most likely that she's using a fake name. That's common with dancers here in Vegas. I did that too when I danced with the Pussycat Dolls. (Waves her hand dismissively) But, anyway, Vinny was able to get a head shot of her. I'll see if Mike will let me use his face-matching program to find out Ginger's real identity.
Logan nods and drums his fingers on the table impatiently.
LOGAN: We also know that her boyfriend has a hot temper. He's jealous and gets into a lot of fights.
WALLACE: (Grinning) Huh, reminds me of somebody I know. (Turns to Veronica) Good thing you're not a stripper or Logan would have his own permanent bed in the ER from all the fights he'd get into.
VERONICA: (Shuddering) No thank you. My one night with the Pussycat Dolls has already gotten me more attention than I ever wanted.
LOGAN: (Expression darkening) Don't tell me you've gotten more letters.
WALLACE: Letters?
Logan stops drumming his fingers and stares at her with a thunderous expression. Wallace looks from Veronica to Logan then back to Veronica.
WALLACE: What's going on?
VERONICA: (Dismissively) I just get some fan letters. (Adds hurriedly) Anyway, from what Vinny found out at the club today, the boyfriend is bad news. Ginger dumped him several times but they keep getting back together. We'll know more once we find her.
WALLACE: And once you find her, then what?
Veronica looks at Logan worriedly.
LOGAN: Then I'll ask her very nicely where her asshole of a boyfriend is and beat the crap out of him.
DUNCAN: (Weakly) Dude, the guy has three inches and forty pounds on you.
LOGAN: (Miffed) But I've got brains.
DUNCAN: (Skeptically) Right.
VERONICA: (Reasonably) First, let's find this guy and find out what we're dealing with, then we'll decide how to handle him.
Logan is about to respond when Duncan jumps up from the table and bolts out of the room. Chase goes after him and returns a moment later.
CHASE: (Calmly) I'm going to see if I can get a cleaning service to come out tomorrow. And be really careful walking in the hallway.
VERONICA: (Pushes her plate away) I just lost my appetite.
Logan and Wallace look at each other, shrug and resume eating. Cut to Monday morning. Veronica walks into the security office of the Montecito where Mike and Danny are already seated.
VERONICA: Hi, guys. How was your weekend?
MIKE: It was good. Tell Chase that she throws a really rocking party.
VERONICA: I will.
DANNY: So how's the birthday boy? He looked pretty rough when the party ended.
VERONICA: (Laughs) He's still under but he was able to keep down a scrambled egg this morning. We have high hopes for his eventual recovery.
DANNY: The true sign of a good party, the number of days it takes to recover.
VERONICA: (Pulls out the headshot of Ginger) Mike, would you run this picture for me?
MIKE: (Takes the picture) Who is she?
VERONICA: She was a stripper at the Wild Things club. She kept hitting on Logan.
Mike and Danny exchange looks.
DANNY: You shouldn't take it personally, Veronica. These girls live off their tips so sometimes they're really aggressive about chasing after dances.
VERONICA: (Grinning) I'm not jealous. Logan wouldn't accept dances so her boyfriend came up and gave Logan a hard time.
DANNY: (Frowning) Wait, when was this? I didn't see anything.
VERONICA: (Shakes her head) It was over before it began. The bouncers threw the boyfriend out of the club. We thought that was the end of it. Then, yesterday, we woke up to find Logan's car vandalized. I want to find out who this guy is so we can at least fill out a police report.
MIKE: (Scanning the picture into the computer) Or even better, how about we go over and have a polite chat with him?
VERONICA: (Relieved) Would you? I was a little worried about what Logan would do. This way, we can take care of the problem quickly and cleanly.
Ginger's image flashes onto the overhead screen. Another screen scrolls rapidly through possible ID matches. A moment later, Ginger's driver's license appears on the second screen.
DANNY: Here we are. Her real name is Darcy Coehn, age twenty-two, she doesn't live far from here. How about we go for a little drive?
VERONICA: (Gratefully) Thanks, guys.
Cut to later that afternoon. Veronica, Danny and Mike are walking across the casino floor.
MIKE: I'm sorry we didn't get Darcy or Arnie today.
VERONICA: That's okay. She's probably out looking for a new job. I'm just a little concerned because it doesn't look like Arnie lives with her.
MIKE: (Encouragingly) But she has to know where he lives or at least how to get in touch with him.
VERONICA: Yeah, but will she tell us?
MIKE: (Gives her a comical evil leer) We have ways of making people talk.
DANNY: Right. Just the promise of never having to see that awful impression again is enough to make me spill all my secrets.
MARY: Veronica!
All three stop and turn to see Mary coming up to them.
VERONICA: Hi, Mary. How are you?
MARY: I'm great. Tell Chase I had a blast at Duncan's party.
DANNY: (Smiling at Mary) Yeah, it's great when we can all get together away from work.
Mary smiles back at him then hands a flyer to Veronica. Veronica glances over it quickly and smiles.
VERONICA: So the Pussycat Dolls are coming back?
MARY: Yes, and they wanted me to ask you if you wanted to dance with them again. They really liked you the last time they were here.
VERONICA: (Little laugh) I'm glad they liked me but I'd better not. I'm still getting fan mail from the last time. It upsets Logan.
MARY: (Hands Veronica a large envelope) Then you may not want to show him the latest batch.
Veronica sighs and puts the package in her bag. Mary waves and walks away.
DANNY: You know, there was something I needed to ask Mary.
Veronica and Mike exchange knowing glances.
MIKE: Go.
Danny nods and eagerly takes off after Mary. Mike and Veronica resume walking and see Sam coming up to them.
SAM: Veronica, this package just arrived for you.
VERONICA: More fan mail? Logan is going to freak. (Takes the package) Thanks, Sam.
Sam and Mike begin chatting as Veronica turns over the package. She unseals the flap and extracts a thick sheaf of eight-by-eleven color photos. Veronica flips through a few of the pictures as the color drains from her face. Mike stops talking as he sees Veronica's distress.
MIKE: Veronica, are you okay?
VERONICA: (Hurriedly stuffing the pictures back into the envelope) Sure, I'm fine.
SAM: (Bluntly) You don't look fine. What's wrong?
Veronica shoves the envelope into her bag and plasters a fake smile on her face.
VERONICA: (Firmly) It's nothing. I'm fine.
MIKE: (Worriedly) Veronica, if there's a problem, we can help you.
VERONICA: I need to go back to the security office. I'll see you guys later.
MIKE: Do you want me to go with you?
VERONICA: (Quickly) No. (Then more calmly) Thank you but I need to take care of this myself.
MIKE: (Unsure) Veronica...
VERONICA: (Firmly) I'm fine. I'll see you later.
She hurries away as Mike and Sam look after her with concern. Cut to Veronica back in the security office. She looks around and sees that she is alone. She takes out the envelope with shaking hands and spreads the pictures on the table. She stares at them blankly, still shocked.
ED: Veronica?
Veronica jumps and whirls around. Ed is standing just inside the door, looking concerned. Veronica tries to gather the pictures together behind her back. Ed moves further into the room. He looks directly at Veronica and not the pictures still spread out behind her.
ED: What's wrong?
VERONICA: (Quickly) Nothing.
ED: (Kindly) One of your pictures just fell on the floor.
VERONICA: (Gasps) Oh, no.
She turns around and dives under the desk. Ed stays where he is and waits for Veronica to turn back to him.
VERONICA: (Defeated sigh) Mike called you, didn't he?
ED: (Gently) He said you received a package that really upset you. (Nods to the table) Is this the content of that package?
VERONICA: (Stands protectively in front of the desk) Yes.
ED: Veronica, I don't mean to pry into your personal business but you have a problem. I'm really good at fixing problems. Does this have anything to do with the stripper and her boyfriend?
Veronica turns around and gathers the pictures into a neat stack while she thinks. Ed waits patiently. Finally Veronica takes a deep breath and holds out the photos to Ed. He takes them and glances briefly at the top picture. He hands the pictures back to Veronica and she shoves them into her bag.
ED: Is this blackmail?
VERONICA: (Slowly) No, I think it's to let me know how easily he can get to me. Sort of a "see, I can reach you in your bedroom" thing. He's trying to intimidate me.
ED: It seems to be working.
VERONICA: (With conviction) No, its not. I was shocked for a few minutes but I'm fine now.
ED: We already know where to reach the stripper. It's only a matter of time before we find her boyfriend. Tomorrow morning we'll go back to her place and see if he's there.
VERONICA: (Softly) Are you sure about this, Ed? I know it's not Montecito business.
ED: (Smiles reassuringly) No, it's not. But an employee I'm personally responsible for has a problem, so it becomes my business.
VERONICA: (Hesitantly) Also, can we keep this to ourselves? I'd rather my private life not become any more of a public spectacle than it already is.
ED: (Nods understandingly) We'll take care of it tomorrow, just you and me.
Veronica nods gratefully. Cut to Veronica sitting in her bedroom that evening. She has the package in her hands and is turning it over and over nervously. There is a soft knock on the door and Logan comes in.
LOGAN: Hey, you okay? You barely said a word over dinner.
VERONICA: (Not looking at him) Sure.
Logan falls down on the bed beside her, making the mattress bounce.
LOGAN: (Good naturedly) That was probably the most unconvincing lie you've ever told, Mars. Now tell me what's wrong.
Veronica says nothing but hands him the package. He looks puzzled as he takes out the pictures. He shuffles through them rapidly then looks at her stiff face.
LOGAN: (Grimly) I'm guessing these weren't taken with a camera you set up in the corner that I just never noticed?
VERONICA: (Tonelessly) They were delivered to the front desk of the Montecito this afternoon. We've already pulled pictures of the delivery and it was a dead end. Just some guy who was paid to drop off a package. He couldn't give us much of a description other than the guy who paid him was tall and wore a baseball cap and sunglasses.
Logan's face turns red and he springs off the bed to pace the floor.
LOGAN: So, do you think it was Arnie?
VERONICA: It seems likely.
Logan curls and uncurls his fists as he paces.
LOGAN: Did you find Arnie's address?
VERONICA: We found his girlfriend's address but neither she nor Arnie were there. Ed and I are going to go over again tomorrow morning.
LOGAN: Ed? He knows about this?
VERONICA: (Nods) He saw that I was upset when I got the pictures. I had to tell him what was going on.
Veronica grabs the bedspread and pulls it around herself. Logan finally notices her distress and comes to sit beside her. He pulls her into his arms and holds her tightly. Veronica puts her head on his shoulder.
LOGAN: It's okay, baby. You know I'm not going to let him hurt you.
VERONICA: (Snuggles in) When I first saw those pictures all I could think was that now I knew what it was like to be one of the people in my pictures.
LOGAN: What do you mean?
VERONICA: My job is taking pictures of cheating spouses. Now I know how they feel when they have to see the pictures of themselves. It feels like...a violation.
LOGAN: (Cupping her face) This is not the same thing. Those people were cheating on a person they had promised to be faithful to. We're not cheating anyone and we're not hurting anyone. No one has a right to be in our bedroom but us.
VERONICA: (Nods sadly) I know but it's still a bad feeling. (Wraps her arms around him) I'm glad you're handling this so well. I was worried about how you'd react.
LOGAN: (Kisses her forehead) Hey, I'm not always a hothead who doesn't think before he acts.
VERONICA: I know, but I was really upset when I first saw the pictures so I know this isn't easy for you.
LOGAN: (Hugs her tightly) You're here and you're safe. That's all that matters to me.
Wild Things - Part II
Author: skk670
Pairing/Characters: Veronica, Logan, Wallace and Duncan
Word Count: 27,000
Rating: R (Sexual Situations and Violence)
Summary: Script-form mystery - Veronica tracks down a sadistic stalker.
Spoilers/Warnings: Episode 1.22 - "Leave it to Beaver"
Authors Notes: Much thanks to my wonderful betas Ethereal_65, Fickledame and moire2. Thank you for support above and beyond the call of duty. This script would not exist today without you!
An extra special thanks to ethereal65 for allowing me to continue her Veronica Mars/Las Vegas crossover series found here. However, if you want to go right into this story, this is a summary of all you need to know to follow along in this AU world:
· Veronica and Wallace are spending their summer in Las Vegas, working at the Montecito Hotel and Casino. Veronica is in security and Wallace is in valet services.
· They are renting a house that they share with Duncan and Logan. (You have to read the series to find out how that came about!)
· Veronica and Logan have made up after their break-up in “Leave it to Beaver” and are now dating.
· Duncan is dating Chase Nelson, the impulsive, head-strong heiress to a multi-billion dollar fortune.
· Veronica danced with the Pussycat Dolls on a dare from Wallace. Since then she has been receiving fan mail, some of which is disturbing.
· Veronica had a small accident that required her to have stitches in the back of her head.
Important characters from Las Vegas:
Ed Deline - President of Operation at the Montecito and Veronica’s boss
Danny McCoy - Head of security at the Montecito
Mike Cannon - Surveillance and security expert at the Montecito
* One more point: In this script, Logan makes a comment about the show Big Brother. This is a reference to an earlier joke he made after losing the room he shared with Duncan to Chase.
Wild Things, Part I
Open in a dark parking lot. Veronica, Logan and Wallace climb out of Logan's SUV. Veronica looks around uneasily as Logan and Wallace take out brightly wrapped gift boxes from the back seat.
VERONICA: (Straightening her skirt) I don't like this.
WALLACE: (Rolling his eyes) Relax, Mars, this is a birthday party, not a stakeout.
Veronica glares at him then sees something shifting in the shadows. She stiffens and Logan moves to stand protectively in front of her. He relaxes as he recognizes Danny and Mike coming towards them.
DANNY: Hey, guys. I see you found the place.
LOGAN: (Dryly) It's kinda hard to miss the Wild Things club.
VERONICA: (Scrunches her face) Explain to me again why we're having a birthday party at a strip club?
WALLACE: (Patiently) Because we're in Vegas and because Chase is throwing the party. Take your pick.
Veronica lets out a long suffering sigh and turns to greet Nessa, Delinda and Mary, also dressed up for clubbing, as they get out of their cars.
DELINDA: Where is everybody? Are we unfashionably early?
MARY: And why is the club dark? It's Friday night, this place should be packed.
WALLACE: It will be after eleven o'clock. But Chase bought out the place until then so we can have an (makes finger quotes) 'intimate' party to celebrate Duncan's birthday.
NESSA: (Looking around) Speaking of which, where is the birthday boy and his party girl?
Headlights flash as a limo pulls into the parking lot just as Nessa finishes speaking. The group turns to look at the limo.
WALLACE: I think they're here.
The limo comes to a stop and the back door is thrown open. Chase tumbles out, giggling, and pulls down the skirt of her dress.
CHASE: (Slightly inebriated) Hi, everybody, I hope we haven't kept you waiting.
MARY: (Graciously) Oh, no. We've just gotten here ourselves.
CHASE: Good.
Chase turns back to the limo and leans in, straightening a second later with both of Duncan's hands in hers. Duncan stumbles out and his friends see that he is blindfolded.
DUNCAN: Come on, Chase. I've had this blindfold on since I got into the limo. I'm starting to suffer from sensory depravation here.
CHASE: (Leans close and licks his ear) You weren't complaining about depravation five minutes ago.
DUNCAN: (Grinning broadly) That's because you were stimulating some of my other senses then.
WALLACE: (Pleadingly) Stop, man. I don't want to hear the details.
DUNCAN: (His hands go to his blindfold) Wallace?
CHASE: (Grabs his hands again) No, don't. You'll ruin my surprise.
DUNCAN: (Grinning again) You mean what I got in the car wasn't my surprise?
CHASE: (Seductively) Sweetie, that was just the appetizer.
DUNCAN: Damn, you've really whetted my appetite.
WALLACE: (Annoyed) We're still here.
DUNCAN: (Gasps) We?
Delinda giggles and Mike and Danny exchange chuckles. Logan slaps Duncan between the shoulders.
LOGAN: You didn't think we'd miss your birthday, did you, DK?
DUNCAN: Logan?
CHASE: (Tugging Duncan towards the club) Come on, let's all go inside before you ruin my surprise.
DUNCAN: All? Who's here?
VERONICA: (Cheerfully) I'm here, so is Logan, Wallace, Mike, Delinda, Danny, Mary and Nessa. Everybody else is on the way here.
CHASE: (Grinning wickedly) Just a tasteful, intimate little gathering for my sweetie.
WALLACE: (Warningly) I'm getting a toothache here. Ease off on the PDAs.
CHASE: (Giggling manically) Wrong place for that.
They step into the club. It is completely dark except for a lone table and chair that is lit from above. Chase guides Duncan to the chair and sits him down. She gestures for everyone else to come closer and they do. She then whips off Duncan's blindfold.
CHASE: (Proudly) Ta-da!
Duncan blinks rapidly and looks around. He squints to make out his friends in the stingy overhead light. He then looks back at Chase and smiles warmly, but a bit confusedly.
DUNCAN: (To Chase) Um, thanks, honey. It's really nice of you to bring me out here.
CHASE: (Pouting) You're not impressed, are you?
DUNCAN: (Hurriedly) No, I didn't say that. This is great, really.
Chase pouts a little more then her face lights up. She puts her foot on Duncan's chair and steps onto the tabletop. Duncan leans half-out of his chair to grab her waist and steady her.
CHASE: (Suggestively) How about if I do a little shimmy for you, big boy?
DUNCAN: (Eyes widening) In front of all our friends?
WALLACE: (To Veronica) They're not going to have sex on the table, are they?
DUNCAN: (Glaring at Wallace) No, we're not going to have sex on the table.
LOGAN: (Amused) The party hasn't even started and these two are already wasted.
DUNCAN: (Annoyed) We are not wasted and we are not having sex in public. (Turns to Chase) Honey, get down from there.
CHASE: (Grinning) Maybe you just need a little music to get you into the mood. (She cups her hand to her mouth and raises her voice) Let's get this party started!
Suddenly the lights come on and music begins to blare from the speakers. There are strippers standing on top of the other tables and along the stage. They begin gyrating to the music. Chase begins to move her hips in a sexy little dance number in front of Duncan.
VERONICA: I do not need to see this.
She turns and nearly runs into Wallace, who is standing beside her. He is watching the stripper in front of him with rapt attention. Veronica rolls her eyes and reaches out shake his shoulder. Logan catches her hand before she touches him and tugs it away.
LOGAN: Aww, give the guy a break. That stripper is incredibly gifted.
VERONICA: (Raises her eyebrows) Gifted?
LOGAN: (Grins) Not everybody can make the tassels spin in opposite directions like that.
VERONICA: (Rolls her eyes) Nothing like the smell of testosterone in the evening.
LOGAN: (Wickedly) That's not testosterone you're smelling, babe.
VERONICA: (Wrinkles her nose) Ewww.
LOGAN: (Tugging on her hand) Come on, let's get a drink. I think Wallace needs to be alone.
VERONICA: I so did not need to hear that.
Veronica looks back at Wallace, who is still mesmerized by the stripper. She shakes her head as Logan leads her towards the bar. They take a few steps but are stopped by another stripper, this one wearing a glittering g-string and push-up bra.
STRIPPER: (Smiles at Logan) I'm Ginger. Would you like a lap dance?
LOGAN: (Tries to step around her) No thanks.
GINGER: (Steps into his path) The dances are free until eleven o'clock. (She looks Logan up and down hungrily) You only have to flash the cash if you really enjoy it.
LOGAN: (Tight grin) Still not interested.
Logan holds firmly to Veronica's hand and leads her to the bar. Cut to an hour and a half later. The club is considerably more crowded as more friends and Montecito employees join the party. Everyone is gathered around the center stage where an obscenely shaped cake is being cut and passed around.
LOGAN: (Looking mournfully at his piece of cake) Wow, I can't even remember the last time I had one of these.
WALLACE: (Puzzled) Cake? You can't remember the last time you had a piece of cake?
Logan holds out his piece of cake so Wallace can see the artistically perfect piece of female anatomy on his piece of cake.
WALLACE: (Impressed) That looks almost better than the real thing.
LOGAN: (Shakes his head) Nope, the real thing is so much better.
Veronica walks up to them.
VERONICA: Did you guys get cake?
WALLACE: Yep, Logan is practically salivating over his piece.
Veronica looks at Logan in puzzlement. Then she sees Logan's cake piece.
LOGAN: (Smirks) See, I've been on this diet for a long time.
VERONICA: (Coolly) Really? How long has it been since you last had cake?
Logan hesitates for a moment and the smirk fades from his face. His expression turns serious.
LOGAN: I haven't been in the mood to celebrate since my mom's last Christmas party.
Veronica looks startled, then her expression hardens.
VERONICA: Really? That's not what I heard.
LOGAN: (Frowning) You, of all people, should know better than to believe everything you hear.
VERONICA: (Quietly) Don't lie to me, Logan. I know for a fact that you went off your diet when you came to Vegas. Cake is pretty easy to get here.
Logan looks at her blankly. Wallace looks from one to the other as the tension rises between them.
WALLACE: (Soothingly) Hey, guys, relax. It's just cake, it's not a big deal.
VERONICA: (Softly) Right, no big deal. It's just cake.
LOGAN: (Growling) No, it's not just cake.
WALLACE: (Confused) It's not just cake?
Wallace looks between them again.
WALLACE: (Comprehending) Right, this isn't about cake.
Wallace shakes his head and turns around, running into a nearly nude stripper. She is so tall that his cheek grazes her naked breasts. Wallace stutters out apologies and turns back to Veronica.
WALLACE: (Embarrassedly) Why is that every time I turn around I'm hit in the face with naked lust?
VERONICA: (Smiles) That's because we're in a strip club in Vegas.
Wallace shakes his head and walks away, taking care to watch where he's going. Veronica glances at Logan.
VERONICA: (Falsely cheerful) Poor Wallace, no matter where he goes, he can't avoid women throwing themselves at him.
Logan does not respond to her attempt at humor. Instead, he takes her hand and tries to tug her into his lap. Veronica resists his efforts.
LOGAN: I'm not lying to you.
VERONICA: Logan, when you were kidnapped, we talked to everybody you had contact with prior to the kidnapping, including Becky Jacobson.
LOGAN: (Confused) Who?
VERONICA: (Disgustedly) You know, Logan, you should at least ask a woman her name before you sleep with her. It's just common politeness.
Logan continues to look confused and Veronica pulls her hand free.
VERONICA: (Bitingly) You picked her up in the hotel bar almost as soon as you got to Vegas?
LOGAN: Oh, yeah, I remember her now. I was down in the bar getting wasted and she wouldn't leave me the hell alone. So I finally asked her to come up to my room.
VERONICA: (Puts up her hand) You don't need to explain. I already know the details. And it's none of my business who you've slept with. I just don't like you lying to me.
LOGAN: (Takes her hand again) You're right, it is none of your business. But I'm going to tell you anyway because you don't know the details. I'd been getting shit-faced alone in my hotel room since we got to Vegas. I decided to go down to the bar for a change. She was there and she listened to me and I wanted company. So, yeah, I picked her up but not because I wanted to sleep with her. And I didn't have sex with her.
Veronica looks startled. Logan looks frustrated and disappointed.
LOGAN: You don't believe me, do you? (Sighs) When was the last time I ever lied to you, Veronica? I've always told you the truth, even when it fucked me over. You're the one who always lies to me. (Bitterly) Like when you say you trust me then you don't.
VERONICA: (Hurriedly) I do trust you. And I do believe you.
LOGAN: (Skeptically) You do?
VERONICA: (Slips into his lap) Of course, I do.
LOGAN: So you believe me when I say I didn't sleep with that woman at the hotel?
VERONICA: (Instantly) Yes. It's just that I thought you had so I was disappointed thinking that you were lying to me.
LOGAN: (Sullenly) I've never lied to you.
VERONICA: (Touches his forehead with her own) I know and I'm sorry.
Logan looks into her eyes, as though gauging her sincerity. Finally he relaxes and kisses her lightly. Veronica smiles with relief and kisses him back passionately. Finally they pull apart, gasping for air. She turns her head and sees his forgotten piece of cake.
VERONICA: (Teasingly) Are you going to eat that?
Logan looks confused for a second then follows her gaze. He smirks and deliberately picks up the cake with his fingers. He holds Veronica's gaze as he devours the piece in three large bites. Veronica sucks in her breath and turns very red.
VERONICA: (Breathlessly) You seem to have quite a sweet tooth.
Logan smirks and captures her mouth again. When they pull apart, he grins at her and touches her forehead with his own. Their gazes lock and Veronica smiles back at him. They lost in their own little world, until someone shoves Logan in the back.
LOGAN: (Turning to look over his shoulder) What the hell is your problem?
A tall, burly guy with curly dark hair is standing behind them. Veronica scrambles out of Logan's lap and Logan gets up to face the other man.
LOGAN: Dude, you got a problem?
MAN: (Shoves Logan again) Yeah, you're my problem.
LOGAN: (Shoves back) I don't know you, man. Get out of my face.
MAN: You fucking insulted my girlfriend.
LOGAN: (Chest to chest with the man) I don't even know your girlfriend.
Ginger, the stripper that offered Logan a lap dance at the start of the evening, emerges from behind the angry man.
GINGER: Arnie, calm down, it doesn't matter.
ARNIE: I saw him. He kept calling you over for lap dances then shoving you away.
VERONICA: (Hotly) That's not true. She was all over Logan. He kept telling her to leave him alone but she kept following him around.
ARNIE: (Grabs Logan's shirt) You mess with my girl and you mess with me.
LOGAN: (Pushes the hand away) Get your hands off me. I didn't mess with your girl.
Arnie closes his hand into a fist but the bouncers are there before he can throw a punch. They grab the man and drag him to the door. Arnie fights them and screams obscenities and threats at Logan as he is taken away. Chase, Duncan and the club manager come up to Logan, Veronica and Ginger.
MANAGER: (To Ginger) That's it. Pack up your shit, you're fired.
GINGER: (Furiously) Me? I'm just trying to earn a living here. This rich boy here is the one you should throw out.
MANAGER: This is the third time that psycho boyfriend of yours has harassed a client. I don't need this kind of trouble in my club. You're fired.
Ginger looks furiously at the manager, then at Logan before she turns and flounces away. The manager turns to Chase and apologizes profusely.
DUNCAN: (To Logan) You okay?
LOGAN: (Nods) I'm fine. The bouncers did their job.
DUNCAN: (To Veronica) How about you? Did he hurt you?
VERONICA: (Smiles reassuringly) I'm fine
LOGAN: (Insulted) Do you think I'd let anyone hurt her?
DUNCAN: (Apologetically) No, man. But that was a big guy.
VERONICA: (Soothingly) We're both fine.
The manager walks away and Chase turns to them.
CHASE: Are you guys okay? I saw that nut job throwing herself at you all night.
DUNCAN: (Pretends to be put out) You did, huh? Aren't you supposed to pay attention to the birthday boy, instead?
Immediately Chase throws her arms around Duncan and kisses him passionately. Logan rolls his eyes and slaps Duncan on the back before he leads Veronica to the exit.
VERONICA: (Calling back) Happy birthday, Duncan.
Duncan waves vaguely, completely caught up in Chase. Cut to Logan and Veronica driving down the main strip in his SUV. Veronica stares out the passenger side window and chews on her bottom lip. Logan looks over at her worriedly.
LOGAN: Are you okay?
VERONICA: (Startled) Hmm? What?
LOGAN: I asked if you were okay. You've been really quiet since we left the club. Did you want to stay longer?
VERONICA: (Laughs) No way. I was counting the minutes until we could leave.
LOGAN: So you didn't have a good time at all?
VERONICA: There were parts that I really liked. But that guy threatening you wasn't one of them.
LOGAN: (Comprehending) Don't worry about him. His girlfriend's feelings were hurt so he had to do something macho to make her feel better. I'd do the same thing.
VERONICA: Getting fired probably didn't make her feel a whole lot better, though.
LOGAN: (Shrugs) This is Vegas. There's a strip club every ten feet. She'll get another job.
Veronica is quiet again and goes back to staring out the window. She sees something that catches her interest and sits upright.
VERONICA: (Suddenly) Stop here.
Logan looks surprised but obediently pulls into the parking lot of the all-night drug store.
LOGAN: What do you need to get?
VERONICA: (Takes a deep breath) Condoms.
Logan sucks in his breath sharply and looks at her with wide, startled eyes. Cut to a short time later. Veronica walks into her bedroom, kicks off her shoes and flops face down onto the bed. Logan stands just inside the door, the drug store bag in his hand, looking unsure. Veronica rolls over and looks at him.
VERONICA: (Quietly) I'm sorry.
LOGAN: (Frowns) For what?
VERONICA: (Sits up) For making you feel uncomfortable.
Logan crosses the room and sits down on the edge of the bed.
LOGAN: What do you mean?
VERONICA: (Taking the bag) I'm not trying to pressure you.
LOGAN: (Blankly) You're not trying to pressure me? I'm the guy, remember?
VERONICA: (Blushes but grins) Oh, please, Logan. You are so the girl in this relationship.
LOGAN: (Narrows his eyes) Really? How?
VERONICA: (Wraps her arms around his neck) You're the one who always wants to talk about our feelings.
LOGAN: I'm trying to be respectful of you.
VERONICA: And I'm being respectful of you. I want you to know that I'm not going to push you to do anything you're not ready to do.
LOGAN: (Grinning) So you're saying you respect me enough to wait for me?
VERONICA: (Blushing furiously) Stop making a joke of this. I'm trying to handle it maturely.
LOGAN: (Now enjoying himself) Maturely, huh? Just so I'm clear, you're telling me that you'll stay with me even if I don't put out for you. (Teasingly) So what's next? Are you going to promise to marry me after you knock me up?
VERONICA: (Slaps his arm) Be serious about this.
LOGAN: (Rubs his arm) Now you're hitting me. Is this your idea of waiting for me? Are you going to abuse me until I give in? (Raises his voice in mock distress) Am I just a piece of meat to you?
VERONICA: (Shakes her head) That's it. We are not having this conversation any longer.
She tries to crawl off the bed but Logan pulls her back. They tussle lightly for a moment then he flips her onto her back and leans over her. They are both slightly breathless.
LOGAN: (Laughing) Okay, okay, I'll be serious. (Stops teasing and gazes into her eyes) Veronica, every second I spend with you is the happiest time of my life. I want to be with you every minute, every day and in every way. (Presses his forehead into hers) Whenever you decide you are ready, I'll be ready. I just want you to be happy with me.
VERONICA: (Smiles tremulously) Thank you.
Veronica sits up and gives him a serious look. Then she takes a deep breath and pulls off her blouse. Logan's eyes light up as he reaches for her. She wraps her arms around his neck and kisses him passionately. They break apart a moment later, breathless.
LOGAN: (Fingering her bra clasp) Veronica?
VERONICA: (Unbuttoning his shirt) Hmm?
LOGAN: Promise me one thing?
VERONICA: (Kissing his throat) Anything.
LOGAN: Promise me you'll still respect me in the morning?
VERONICA: (Pulling his shirt off his shoulders) That depends on how well you do tonight.
Logan captures her mouth in a hard kiss as he pushes her down onto the mattress. Cut to Saturday morning. Veronica tries to slip out of the bed quietly. She has both feet on the floor and is about to stand when Logan's hand shoots out from under the covers and grabs her wrist.
LOGAN: (Voice sleep-rough) And where are you going?
Logan pulls on her wrist and Veronica sits back down on the bed beside him.
VERONICA: I was going to shower and get dressed.
LOGAN: (Squints at the clock) It's seven o'clock. We don't have to be anywhere until eleven.
Veronica makes a pained face and Logan nods with comprehension.
LOGAN: (Firmly) Veronica, you have to have your stitches removed today. You're not getting out of it.
VERONICA: (Sighing) I'm not trying to get out of it. I know I have to have it done. I just don't want to think about it.
LOGAN: (Soothingly) Trust me, having stitches removed is nearly painless. I've done it many times.
Veronica gasps at the reminder of Logan's past abuse and her face softens. Logan looks embarrassed then determined. He hooks his arm around her waist and pulls her closer.
LOGAN: (Coaxingly) Relax. I think I can come up with something to distract you for a while.
VERONICA: (Blushing) But everybody's home now.
LOGAN: That's why we have a lock on the door. Plus they're all hung over from the party. I heard them stumbling in a couple of hours ago.
VERONICA: Maybe we should check on them, make sure they're okay.
LOGAN: (Kissing her neck) They're fine, trust me.
VERONICA: (Weakening) I'm trying to be responsible.
LOGAN: (Pulls her under the covers) Oh, I'll make sure you're very responsible.
Veronica tries to protest, but it is half-hearted at best. Logan presses his mouth against hers and stops her protests altogether. Cut to late that morning as Logan and Veronica exit their house. They have only taken a few steps when they stop short with shock. Logan's SUV is covered in obscene graffiti.
LOGAN: (Furiously) I'm going to kill that fucker.
VERONICA: Who?
LOGAN: Arnie, that's who. Who else would want to trash my car?
VERONICA: The stripper's boyfriend Arnie?
LOGAN: Who else would do this?
VERONICA: (Thoughtfully) He does seem to be the most likely suspect.
LOGAN: (Snarls) Yeah, most likely to have my foot shoved up his ass.
VERONICA: Question is how do we find him?
Logan's eyes narrow for a moment then his expression smoothes. He slides his arm around Veronica's shoulders and smiles at her.
VERONICA: (Suspiciously) What?
LOGAN: Wow, am I lucky or what?
VERONICA: (Skeptically) Lucky?
LOGAN: To have such a kick-ass detective for a girlfriend.
VERONICA: (Gives him a level look) You want me to find a guy who's at least forty pounds heavier than you so that you can kick his ass?
LOGAN: (Affronted) What? You don't think I can do it?
VERONICA: I don't want you to do it.
LOGAN: (Nuzzles her cheek) But you'll do this for me, won't you?
VERONICA: (Doubtfully) I will?
LOGAN: Uh-huh. You know that if you don't help me, I'll do it myself and probably fuck it up. You wouldn't want me to do that, would you?
Logan gives her a melting look and Veronica sighs. Cut to the hospital. Veronica is sitting on a bed in an examination room and Logan is seated in the chair beside her.
VERONICA: The Wild Things club doesn't open until this evening. Once I get Ginger's last name from the manager, we'll be one step closer to finding Arnie.
LOGAN: (Grimly) Good, I'm looking forward to it.
VERONICA: (Hesitantly) Logan, it might be better to let the police handle it.
LOGAN: (Shaking his head) What are the cops going to do? I don't have any proof that Arnie is behind this.
Veronica is quiet for a moment as she studies Logan worriedly. But then she brightens a bit.
VERONICA: You know there is an up side to all this.
LOGAN: There is?
VERONICA: (Grinning) When you get the car repainted maybe you can pick a new color and we won't have to be blinded by the jackass yellow anymore.
Logan gives her a dirty look but the door opens before he can respond. Derek, the nurse who stitched Veronica's scalp previously, enters. He looks pleased to see Veronica and smiles broadly. Logan glares at him.
DEREK: (Warmly) Hi, Veronica, how are you feeling?
VERONICA: Derek, hi. I'm fine, thanks. How have you been?
DEREK: Good, really good.
Derek looks at Logan and the smile dies.
DEREK: Hi, Veronica's boyfriend.
LOGAN: (Sourly) My name is Logan.
DEREK: (Tearing open a suture tray) Right, Logan. How have you been?
Veronica stiffens a bit as she looks at the instruments on the tray. Logan squeezes her hand and smiles at her reassuringly. Derek sees the gesture and looks annoyed. Logan's eyes narrow on the nurse.
LOGAN: (Overly chipper voice) Good, really good, thanks for asking.
Derek gives him a dark look and slips on a pair of surgical gloves. Veronica is distracted by the suture tray and does not notice their exchange.
VERONICA: So, this isn't going to hurt, is it?
DEREK: (Smiles warmly at Veronica) It'll be painless. Trust me, I have very gentle hands.
LOGAN: (Glares at Derek) So, any special instructions for when I get my girlfriend home?
Derek looks at Veronica's slightly pale face and frowns.
DEREK: Maybe she should have a quiet afternoon. A nap will probably do her good.
LOGAN: Not a problem. (Looks Derek in the eye) I'll tuck her into our bed as soon as we get home.
Veronica frowns as she finally picks up on the tension between the two guys. She opens her mouth to speak but Derek picks up a pair of scissors. Veronica gasps faintly and reaches for Logan with her free hand. Cut to Logan and Veronica driving home in the Le Baron.
LOGAN: (Worriedly) How are you feeling? You still look pale.
VERONICA: (Reassuringly) I'm fine. It was nearly painless. It was just creepy to see those little pieces of thread and know they came out of my head.
LOGAN: We'll be home soon and you can take a nap, like your nurse said. At least Derek seems to be competent at his job.
VERONICA: What does that mean?
LOGAN: (Grumbles) Isn't there a law that says that healthcare providers are not allowed to hit on patients while they're treating them?
VERONICA: (Laughs) He wasn't hitting on me.
LOGAN: (Snorts) Yeah, he was. 'I have gentle hands'. What kind of lame come-on was that?
VERONICA: It wasn't a come-on. He was just trying to reassure me.
LOGAN: It was a come-on, all right, and a lame-ass one at that. Trust me, I know.
VERONICA: (Grinning) So you're an expert at lame come-ons, are you?
Logan glares at her and Veronica laughs again. Something out the window catches her eye and she puts her hand on Logan's arm.
VERONICA: (Suddenly) Stop here.
LOGAN: (Smirks) But, sweetie, we have condoms at home.
VERONICA: (Glares) Very funny. I saw some cars in the Wild Things parking lot. Let's go back and see if we can talk to some people. Maybe we can find out a little more about Ginger and Arnie.
LOGAN: (Frowns) Derek said you're supposed to take it easy today.
VERONICA: (Coaxingly) I will. We'll just ask some questions then we'll go home and I'll take a nap.
Logan continues to drive without stopping.
VERONICA: Logan, I thought you wanted to find Arnie.
LOGAN: I do but it can wait. You are way too pale.
VERONICA: (Scowling) It's natural. You know I burn easily. So I don't get a lot of sun.
LOGAN: (Glances over at her with a frown) But there's a difference between lack of tan and lack of blood. Maybe we should have had Nurse Derek top you off with a couple of quarts.
VERONICA: (Smiles sweetly at him) Or maybe I could just sink my teeth into your neck and suck it out vampire style.
LOGAN: (Grinning) Oh, blood play. Kinky. I like it. (Mock sternly) Be a good girl and take your nap and we'll do it after dinner.
Veronica punches him in the arm and Logan laughs. Cut to later as Logan and Veronica walk into their house. Wallace and Chase are in the living room, clutching glasses of orange juice and looking slightly worse for wear. There is an open bottle of aspirin on the coffee table in front of them.
LOGAN: (Annoyingly cheerful) Hi, guys. How are you?
CHASE: (Shudders) Do you have to yell so loud?
LOGAN: (Grins and deliberately raises his voice) Yelling? I'm not yelling.
VERONICA: Wallace, how much did you have to drink last night?
WALLACE: Luckily, not so much. I just have a headache from the lack of sleep and the pounding music. Chase is hung over and Duncan hasn't even recovered enough to be hung over yet.
VERONICA: (Looks around) So where is Duncan?
CHASE: He's sleeping in the bathtub.
LOGAN: Did you say 'bathtub'?
WALLACE: Yeah, he was getting sick everywhere. At least it'll be easier to clean it out of the bathtub.
VERONICA: (Scrunches up her face) Eww.
CHASE: We're going to have to call a professional service to clean up the mess.
WALLACE: We needed to do that anyway. I think there's fungus growing in the bathroom.
VERONICA: (Becoming even more pale) Please tell me Duncan isn't in my bathroom.
WALLACE: Nah, he couldn't crawl that far if his life depended on it. But you might want to stay out of the hallway.
Veronica looks distinctly ill and sways a bit. Logan quickly puts his arm around her to steady her.
WALLACE: (Frowns) What's wrong with you? You're the whitest white chick I've ever seen.
LOGAN: I took her to the doctor's today.
Wallace springs up from his seat in alarm and even Chase is cognizant enough to look worried.
WALLACE: What happened? Did somebody hurt you? Does it have anything to do with the shoe polish on Logan's car?
VERONICA: (Waves him off) No, I'm fine.
LOGAN: Shoe polish?
WALLACE: What happened?
LOGAN: That asshole who gave me a hard time last night fucked up my car.
WALLACE: (Glares at Logan despairingly) I was asking about Veronica.
Logan looks embarrassed and Veronica grins.
VERONICA: (Reassuringly) I'm fine. Logan took me to have my stitches removed.
WALLACE: (Looks relieved) Oh, okay. I was worried when I saw Logan's car.
LOGAN: Are you sure that's shoe polish on my car? I thought it was spray paint.
WALLACE: Nah, it's shoe polish. It's even starting to smear and melt in the sun. You should get your car washed before the polish sinks into the paint.
LOGAN: (Excitedly) So you think it'll wash off?
WALLACE: A professional cleaning should get it off, especially if you get your car waxed and buffed regularly. But you'd better hurry before the polish sets.
LOGAN: I'm outta here.
VERONICA: (Pouts) Darn, I'm so disappointed.
LOGAN: (Hugs her briefly) I'll be back as soon as I can.
VERONICA: No, I'm not disappointed that you need to leave. I'm disappointed that your car is going to still be jackass yellow.
Veronica and Wallace share a laugh as Logan bolts for the front door. Cut to that evening. Veronica, Logan, Wallace and Chase are sitting at the table eating pasta. Duncan is also at the table but he looks exhausted and nauseous.
CHASE: (Coaxingly) Honey, have a little pasta. You need to eat something.
DUNCAN: (Weakly) No thanks, I'm enjoying my orange juice and aspirin.
LOGAN: (Playfully) That diet is doing wonders for you, DK. Your color is amazing and you could stand to lose a few pounds.
Duncan barely has the strength to give him a half-hearted glare. He holds his cold glass to his forehead and looks at the food with distaste.
DUNCAN: (Moans) Remind me never to drink again.
LOGAN: The trick is not to mix your drinks.
WALLACE: (Dryly) The trick is not to drink everything anyone puts in front of you.
VERONICA: (Tartly) Maybe someone should take away your fake ID's before one of you tricks himself into a coma.
DUNCAN: (Groans) You can have mine. I'm never using it again. (Puts his head down on the table) Can we talk about something other than me?
LOGAN: (Cheerfully) Okay, lets talk about me. That's always a popular subject.
Wallace groans and Veronica rolls her eyes. Chase is too focused on Duncan to pay attention to their banter.
WALLACE: So, did the shoe polish come off?
LOGAN: (With satisfaction) Yep, thanks for the 'heads up', man. The guy at the car wash said another hour or two and the polish would have set. You can still see some shadows in the paint job but it should disappear after a couple of days in the sun.
VERONICA: I thought we agreed to put the cars in the garage from now on.
LOGAN: We will, but once I get this guy, then I can leave my car out again.
DUNCAN: (Tiredly) What are you guys taking about?
CHASE: That's right, you don't know what happened. That guy who hit on Logan last night smeared his car with shoe polish.
LOGAN: (Annoyed) He didn't hit on me, his girlfriend did.
WALLACE: (Grinning) Easy mistake.
DUNCAN: But why did he use shoe polish? Why not spray paint?
LOGAN: (Pauses to consider) Maybe that was all he had on hand?
WALLACE: That's a good point. The shoe polish came off pretty easily. If he really wanted to vandalize your car he would have scratched the paint or broken your windows.
LOGAN: Maybe he thought it would be too loud? I would have heard glass breaking or metal scraping.
VERONICA: Also, he'd need something that could do that kind of damage.
WALLACE: (Looks at Logan pointedly) Like a crowbar?
Logan glares at Wallace and Veronica interjects hurriedly.
VERONICA: You guys are also missing another important point here.
LOGAN: What's that?
VERONICA: (Grimly) This guy knows where we live.
Logan, Wallace and even Duncan stare at Veronica in worried comprehension. Chase stops fussing over Duncan to pay attention to the conversation.
CHASE: This is bad, right?
LOGAN: (Grimly) Very bad. We're going to have to keep the cars in the garage and make sure the doors and windows are locked.
VERONICA: Did you guys notice anything strange when you got home?
WALLACE: No, but it was dark and we had our hands full getting Duncan into bed. It took both of us and the limo driver to drag his sorry ass in here.
Duncan groans softly and gulps down his orange juice. Chase begins fussing over him again. Veronica and Wallace look on with sympathy while Logan smirks at his best friend.
VERONICA: So, I got some information on the stripper.
LOGAN: (Frowning) What? When? How? (Turns to Wallace) She was supposed to be resting. Didn't you make sure she was resting?
WALLACE: (Nods) Yeah, she slept all afternoon. I checked on her.
VERONICA: (Raises her voice) Will you two calm down?
Logan and Wallace both turn to look at her.
LOGAN: You weren't supposed to be investigating.
WALLACE: Yeah, you were supposed to be resting.
VERONICA: (Rolls her eyes) I was resting. But I called Vinny before I took a nap.
LOGAN: Who?
VERONICA: He's my dad's contact here in Vegas. He did the legwork for me.
Logan and Wallace relax.
WALLACE: So what did you find out about this guy?
VERONICA: Nothing on him. But Vinny found out that the girlfriend's name is Ginger Sweet. The club manager wouldn't give him her address and she's not listed in the phone book or on the Internet.
WALLACE: What does that mean?
VERONICA: Most likely that she's using a fake name. That's common with dancers here in Vegas. I did that too when I danced with the Pussycat Dolls. (Waves her hand dismissively) But, anyway, Vinny was able to get a head shot of her. I'll see if Mike will let me use his face-matching program to find out Ginger's real identity.
Logan nods and drums his fingers on the table impatiently.
LOGAN: We also know that her boyfriend has a hot temper. He's jealous and gets into a lot of fights.
WALLACE: (Grinning) Huh, reminds me of somebody I know. (Turns to Veronica) Good thing you're not a stripper or Logan would have his own permanent bed in the ER from all the fights he'd get into.
VERONICA: (Shuddering) No thank you. My one night with the Pussycat Dolls has already gotten me more attention than I ever wanted.
LOGAN: (Expression darkening) Don't tell me you've gotten more letters.
WALLACE: Letters?
Logan stops drumming his fingers and stares at her with a thunderous expression. Wallace looks from Veronica to Logan then back to Veronica.
WALLACE: What's going on?
VERONICA: (Dismissively) I just get some fan letters. (Adds hurriedly) Anyway, from what Vinny found out at the club today, the boyfriend is bad news. Ginger dumped him several times but they keep getting back together. We'll know more once we find her.
WALLACE: And once you find her, then what?
Veronica looks at Logan worriedly.
LOGAN: Then I'll ask her very nicely where her asshole of a boyfriend is and beat the crap out of him.
DUNCAN: (Weakly) Dude, the guy has three inches and forty pounds on you.
LOGAN: (Miffed) But I've got brains.
DUNCAN: (Skeptically) Right.
VERONICA: (Reasonably) First, let's find this guy and find out what we're dealing with, then we'll decide how to handle him.
Logan is about to respond when Duncan jumps up from the table and bolts out of the room. Chase goes after him and returns a moment later.
CHASE: (Calmly) I'm going to see if I can get a cleaning service to come out tomorrow. And be really careful walking in the hallway.
VERONICA: (Pushes her plate away) I just lost my appetite.
Logan and Wallace look at each other, shrug and resume eating. Cut to Monday morning. Veronica walks into the security office of the Montecito where Mike and Danny are already seated.
VERONICA: Hi, guys. How was your weekend?
MIKE: It was good. Tell Chase that she throws a really rocking party.
VERONICA: I will.
DANNY: So how's the birthday boy? He looked pretty rough when the party ended.
VERONICA: (Laughs) He's still under but he was able to keep down a scrambled egg this morning. We have high hopes for his eventual recovery.
DANNY: The true sign of a good party, the number of days it takes to recover.
VERONICA: (Pulls out the headshot of Ginger) Mike, would you run this picture for me?
MIKE: (Takes the picture) Who is she?
VERONICA: She was a stripper at the Wild Things club. She kept hitting on Logan.
Mike and Danny exchange looks.
DANNY: You shouldn't take it personally, Veronica. These girls live off their tips so sometimes they're really aggressive about chasing after dances.
VERONICA: (Grinning) I'm not jealous. Logan wouldn't accept dances so her boyfriend came up and gave Logan a hard time.
DANNY: (Frowning) Wait, when was this? I didn't see anything.
VERONICA: (Shakes her head) It was over before it began. The bouncers threw the boyfriend out of the club. We thought that was the end of it. Then, yesterday, we woke up to find Logan's car vandalized. I want to find out who this guy is so we can at least fill out a police report.
MIKE: (Scanning the picture into the computer) Or even better, how about we go over and have a polite chat with him?
VERONICA: (Relieved) Would you? I was a little worried about what Logan would do. This way, we can take care of the problem quickly and cleanly.
Ginger's image flashes onto the overhead screen. Another screen scrolls rapidly through possible ID matches. A moment later, Ginger's driver's license appears on the second screen.
DANNY: Here we are. Her real name is Darcy Coehn, age twenty-two, she doesn't live far from here. How about we go for a little drive?
VERONICA: (Gratefully) Thanks, guys.
Cut to later that afternoon. Veronica, Danny and Mike are walking across the casino floor.
MIKE: I'm sorry we didn't get Darcy or Arnie today.
VERONICA: That's okay. She's probably out looking for a new job. I'm just a little concerned because it doesn't look like Arnie lives with her.
MIKE: (Encouragingly) But she has to know where he lives or at least how to get in touch with him.
VERONICA: Yeah, but will she tell us?
MIKE: (Gives her a comical evil leer) We have ways of making people talk.
DANNY: Right. Just the promise of never having to see that awful impression again is enough to make me spill all my secrets.
MARY: Veronica!
All three stop and turn to see Mary coming up to them.
VERONICA: Hi, Mary. How are you?
MARY: I'm great. Tell Chase I had a blast at Duncan's party.
DANNY: (Smiling at Mary) Yeah, it's great when we can all get together away from work.
Mary smiles back at him then hands a flyer to Veronica. Veronica glances over it quickly and smiles.
VERONICA: So the Pussycat Dolls are coming back?
MARY: Yes, and they wanted me to ask you if you wanted to dance with them again. They really liked you the last time they were here.
VERONICA: (Little laugh) I'm glad they liked me but I'd better not. I'm still getting fan mail from the last time. It upsets Logan.
MARY: (Hands Veronica a large envelope) Then you may not want to show him the latest batch.
Veronica sighs and puts the package in her bag. Mary waves and walks away.
DANNY: You know, there was something I needed to ask Mary.
Veronica and Mike exchange knowing glances.
MIKE: Go.
Danny nods and eagerly takes off after Mary. Mike and Veronica resume walking and see Sam coming up to them.
SAM: Veronica, this package just arrived for you.
VERONICA: More fan mail? Logan is going to freak. (Takes the package) Thanks, Sam.
Sam and Mike begin chatting as Veronica turns over the package. She unseals the flap and extracts a thick sheaf of eight-by-eleven color photos. Veronica flips through a few of the pictures as the color drains from her face. Mike stops talking as he sees Veronica's distress.
MIKE: Veronica, are you okay?
VERONICA: (Hurriedly stuffing the pictures back into the envelope) Sure, I'm fine.
SAM: (Bluntly) You don't look fine. What's wrong?
Veronica shoves the envelope into her bag and plasters a fake smile on her face.
VERONICA: (Firmly) It's nothing. I'm fine.
MIKE: (Worriedly) Veronica, if there's a problem, we can help you.
VERONICA: I need to go back to the security office. I'll see you guys later.
MIKE: Do you want me to go with you?
VERONICA: (Quickly) No. (Then more calmly) Thank you but I need to take care of this myself.
MIKE: (Unsure) Veronica...
VERONICA: (Firmly) I'm fine. I'll see you later.
She hurries away as Mike and Sam look after her with concern. Cut to Veronica back in the security office. She looks around and sees that she is alone. She takes out the envelope with shaking hands and spreads the pictures on the table. She stares at them blankly, still shocked.
ED: Veronica?
Veronica jumps and whirls around. Ed is standing just inside the door, looking concerned. Veronica tries to gather the pictures together behind her back. Ed moves further into the room. He looks directly at Veronica and not the pictures still spread out behind her.
ED: What's wrong?
VERONICA: (Quickly) Nothing.
ED: (Kindly) One of your pictures just fell on the floor.
VERONICA: (Gasps) Oh, no.
She turns around and dives under the desk. Ed stays where he is and waits for Veronica to turn back to him.
VERONICA: (Defeated sigh) Mike called you, didn't he?
ED: (Gently) He said you received a package that really upset you. (Nods to the table) Is this the content of that package?
VERONICA: (Stands protectively in front of the desk) Yes.
ED: Veronica, I don't mean to pry into your personal business but you have a problem. I'm really good at fixing problems. Does this have anything to do with the stripper and her boyfriend?
Veronica turns around and gathers the pictures into a neat stack while she thinks. Ed waits patiently. Finally Veronica takes a deep breath and holds out the photos to Ed. He takes them and glances briefly at the top picture. He hands the pictures back to Veronica and she shoves them into her bag.
ED: Is this blackmail?
VERONICA: (Slowly) No, I think it's to let me know how easily he can get to me. Sort of a "see, I can reach you in your bedroom" thing. He's trying to intimidate me.
ED: It seems to be working.
VERONICA: (With conviction) No, its not. I was shocked for a few minutes but I'm fine now.
ED: We already know where to reach the stripper. It's only a matter of time before we find her boyfriend. Tomorrow morning we'll go back to her place and see if he's there.
VERONICA: (Softly) Are you sure about this, Ed? I know it's not Montecito business.
ED: (Smiles reassuringly) No, it's not. But an employee I'm personally responsible for has a problem, so it becomes my business.
VERONICA: (Hesitantly) Also, can we keep this to ourselves? I'd rather my private life not become any more of a public spectacle than it already is.
ED: (Nods understandingly) We'll take care of it tomorrow, just you and me.
Veronica nods gratefully. Cut to Veronica sitting in her bedroom that evening. She has the package in her hands and is turning it over and over nervously. There is a soft knock on the door and Logan comes in.
LOGAN: Hey, you okay? You barely said a word over dinner.
VERONICA: (Not looking at him) Sure.
Logan falls down on the bed beside her, making the mattress bounce.
LOGAN: (Good naturedly) That was probably the most unconvincing lie you've ever told, Mars. Now tell me what's wrong.
Veronica says nothing but hands him the package. He looks puzzled as he takes out the pictures. He shuffles through them rapidly then looks at her stiff face.
LOGAN: (Grimly) I'm guessing these weren't taken with a camera you set up in the corner that I just never noticed?
VERONICA: (Tonelessly) They were delivered to the front desk of the Montecito this afternoon. We've already pulled pictures of the delivery and it was a dead end. Just some guy who was paid to drop off a package. He couldn't give us much of a description other than the guy who paid him was tall and wore a baseball cap and sunglasses.
Logan's face turns red and he springs off the bed to pace the floor.
LOGAN: So, do you think it was Arnie?
VERONICA: It seems likely.
Logan curls and uncurls his fists as he paces.
LOGAN: Did you find Arnie's address?
VERONICA: We found his girlfriend's address but neither she nor Arnie were there. Ed and I are going to go over again tomorrow morning.
LOGAN: Ed? He knows about this?
VERONICA: (Nods) He saw that I was upset when I got the pictures. I had to tell him what was going on.
Veronica grabs the bedspread and pulls it around herself. Logan finally notices her distress and comes to sit beside her. He pulls her into his arms and holds her tightly. Veronica puts her head on his shoulder.
LOGAN: It's okay, baby. You know I'm not going to let him hurt you.
VERONICA: (Snuggles in) When I first saw those pictures all I could think was that now I knew what it was like to be one of the people in my pictures.
LOGAN: What do you mean?
VERONICA: My job is taking pictures of cheating spouses. Now I know how they feel when they have to see the pictures of themselves. It feels like...a violation.
LOGAN: (Cupping her face) This is not the same thing. Those people were cheating on a person they had promised to be faithful to. We're not cheating anyone and we're not hurting anyone. No one has a right to be in our bedroom but us.
VERONICA: (Nods sadly) I know but it's still a bad feeling. (Wraps her arms around him) I'm glad you're handling this so well. I was worried about how you'd react.
LOGAN: (Kisses her forehead) Hey, I'm not always a hothead who doesn't think before he acts.
VERONICA: I know, but I was really upset when I first saw the pictures so I know this isn't easy for you.
LOGAN: (Hugs her tightly) You're here and you're safe. That's all that matters to me.
Wild Things - Part II