Tyranny of the Urgent (Eventual LoVe) PG-13
Title: Tyranny of the Urgent
Author: Jesterlady
Pairing: Eventual LoVe
Word Count: 2,241
Rating: PG-13
Summary: This is my version of S2 with no DuVe, Jackie, Hannah, Fitzpatricks or Manning abuse.
Spoilers: All of S2
Warnings: Veronica's thoughts are italicized. All small cases during the series may or may not be dealt with but assume they happened.
Disclaimer: I own nothing related to Veronica Mars. The actual quotes come from www.twiztv.com. I own none of the titles of my chapters or my fic.
Chapter Six:
Strive for Verbosity by Henri Nouwen
“So, Woody Goodman is the new Balboa County Supervisor, the position historically referred to as the Mayor of Neptune. And we're officially calling the sheriff's race.”
“Not hard to do, Bob when the current Sheriff was fired for bribery amid other things.”
“Too true, Ted. Yes, folks, Keith Mars was voted in as the Sheriff and because of Don Lamb’s early departure will be taking over immediately.”
Veronica’s heart swelled as she watched Bob and Ted banter back and forth on the screen. Even if she hadn’t have played her little homecoming request, her dad would still have been elected. The whole world seemed brighter. Apart from the grounding she’d gotten for bugging Lamb’s office and showing off the content. Still, she was proud of her dad’s convictions.
“Dad!” she yelled into the other room. She walked towards his bedroom and caught him trying on his old uniform.
“Aren’t you glad you never tossed it? And just look at that trim figure.”
“You need something, honey? Alicia and I are going out to celebrate.”
“In that? You sure you’re not taking her to prison or something?”
“Focus, Veronica.”
“Fine, there's something I need you to hear.”
Keith followed her into the living room where she grabbed the phone.
“It's a voicemail from one of the students who died in the crash. She called just as the bus went over.”
Rhonda’s voice came in over the speaker.
“Michele, why aren't you picking up, you big loser? I can't believe you bailed on the field trip without telling me. Hey, about next weekend-“
Keith’s reaction was similar to Veronica’s. Deep shock followed by furious mind racing.
“Did you hear it?”
“An explosion.”
“Before the bus hit the railing. The bus was sabotaged.”
“Listen to me carefully, Veronica. That evidence can't go public if we want this investigation to stay ahead of the game.”
“Now that you’re Sheriff, we won’t have to worry about investigations being botched up.”
***
Lamb was clearing out his desk when Sacks poked his head in.
“There’s a guy here who wants to see you.”
“And he can’t possibly wait for Keith Mars to bumble his way in here again?”
“Says it’s important.”
“Show him in.” Lamb figured he might as well do one more thing before he left. Hopefully something that would make Keith angry.
“I have information about that Mexican kid who got killed.”
“Felix Toombs?”
“Yeah. I'm the one who made the anonymous call from the bridge.”
A slow smile spread across Lamb’s face. He’d never seen this man before, but he had brought him good news.
***
So, why was I at Logan’s party again? Oh yeah, because Wallace, thinking I wouldn’t come, decided to crash. It’s not like Logan would throw me out, but I didn’t want to make him think anything by my showing up. Ahhh, the memories of the old homestead. Oh, look, Wallace is practically running towards the nearest exit. Well, guess that’s my alibi shot.
Logan didn’t know why Veronica was at his party. It almost made him mad at her extreme presumption. Before he could go and be snarky at her about it, he bumped into Dick. It was slightly uncomfortable seeing as how Logan had stayed away from the Casablancas house since he and Kendall had been outed. Dick seemed to understand the tension more than he normally did.
“Dude. My stepmom?” Logan wasn’t afraid of being humble when it was right. But Dick was one of the few people he would’ve shown that to.
“I'm a total piece of crap.”
There was an awkward silence before Dick laughed and swatted Logan’s shoulder.
“Better you than the cable guy, I guess.” Logan forced a smile knowing Dick was okay but still feeling the weight of his guilt.
“No hard feelings?”
“Totally free, bro. Whoops, I spot G-G-Gia! See ya.” Dick hotfooted his way over to the girl who could now be construed as Neptune’s First Daughter. She seemed more than willing to receive the attention. Logan shook his head and forsook his host duties, deciding to lounge on the couch for awhile. It was a mistake.
“Beav, look, I’m sorry.” Cassidy got up from where he’d watched his brother totally just ignore what Logan had done. Logan might look repentant, but it didn’t wipe out the past.
“I don’t care what you do with Kendall,” he said tightly. “That’s her dirty little business. But how could you do that to my dad? He treats you more like a son than he does me and this is how you repaid him. Because of you, I hired Veronica, and because of you she found out about the real estate fraud.”
“It was wrong. Totally and utterly. I’m sorry, dude.”
“I don’t care what you are. Just stay away from me.” Cassidy stalked off and Logan sank into the couch. The night probably couldn’t get much worse.
He was wrong again. Veronica wandered by, but he didn’t really feel like dealing with her. She didn’t want to talk to him either apparently, but that paled in comparison with the fact that was this was the moment when Sacks appeared.
“Sheriff would like to have a word with you.”
“And I'd like to be the cream filling of an Olsen twin sandwich, but...” He shot a quick glance at Veronica. Well, at least she looked concerned.
“Will you come with me, please?”
“If I'm under arrest then do me the courtesy of making it all official-like.” To be honest, he’d been imagining this moment for awhile. He had planned it over a hundred different scenarios. Even his imagination hadn’t conjured the vision of him being arrested at his own party though.
Sacks pulled out his handcuffs and Logan jumped up in anticipation.
“Logan Echolls…”
“That's more like it.”
“You're under arrest for the murder of Felix Tombs. You have the right to remain silent.”
Sacks pulled Logan around and for a moment his eyes met Veronica’s. She saw his mask slip and knew he was scared. But within seconds it was back and he was grinning sardonically at Sacks as he hauled him off.
“Just don’t trash the place,” he called out to everyone as they went out the front door with Sacks still reading Logan his rights.
***
“Cliffy! Watcha doing?”
“Oh, the usual. Plus a murky murder case.”
“I heard you were defending Logan Echolls.”
“For some insane reason of his own, yes.”
“Do me a favor? Let me know what happens? Everything.”
“There are so many things I could say right now, but I won’t. Anything for you.”
“Thanks a million.”
***
“Logan?” Logan spun around at the sound of that voice. “What are you doing here?” His father stared back at him.
“Come on, Pops. You of all people should know jail's where they put accused murderers. You remember that crap from the summer. Why are you here?”
“They transferred me out of County this morning. Well, guess I know what it takes to get a visit out of you. Those special times with your emancipation paperwork don't really count.”
“I just need a little time to work through how you bashed my girlfriend's skull in.”
“Look, Logan...I made an unforgivable mistake, but I am not a murderer.”
“Oh! So you merely plowed my girlfriend and taped it for your home
collection.” Logan could barely contain his emotions. As if being arrested for murder wasn’t bad enough, being locked in a cell with his father made him want to commit suicide. Fulfill the family tradition of death and mayhem.
“I swear I didn’t do what Keith Mars said I did.”
“Cause your word means so much. But, you know, it doesn’t matter. Sure, you didn’t kill Lilly, or try to kill my next girlfriend. Anything you’ve ever said or done has been a lie so why should this be any different?”
Aaron’s face screwed up like he was trying to hold in his rage. Logan recognized the signs. His dad always did that whenever he’d embarrassed his father in public. They were usually followed by extra hard belt strokes later.
“You got bail. Let's go.” Logan had never been so pleased to hear a lawyer’s voice.
“You're kinda winning me over.” Cliff just shook his head.
***
Weevil stood up in anger. Logan had made bail. He’d been here less than six hours and he’d made bail. Daddy’s money at work. Well, if Keith Mars wasn’t going to do anything about it, he would. Logan needed a lesson.
***
Keith finished arranging his desk. It was almost weird to be at his old office. He just hoped that Veronica was managing the cases okay. He was doing the adult required part, but the majority was falling on her shoulders. They’d have to start easing out their clientele.
His first official act had, unfortunately, been nothing to do with Vinnie Van Lowe breaking into someone’s house. It had, however, brought about the arrest of his daughter’s ex boyfriend. He knew she believed in his innocence even if their break up had been bad. He hoped she’d understand that Lamb had left him no option.
Until then, he had more personally satisfying work to do. After Veronica had showed him the message he’d brought up the bus. Forensics was looking it over right now, but he was going to do so as well.
The bus smelled horrible and it felt damp and cramped. Keith shone his flashlight into all the corners. The floor was slippery and he slid as he made his way down the aisle. He’d gotten to the second to last row when he slipped and fell, landing heavily on his side. It took him a moment to regain his breath, but he lost it again when he noticed something under the seats. It was a dead rat, duct taped to the underside.
***
“Thanks for the ride, I totally appreciate it. Always quality service from our sheriff’s department.”
Keith tried to ignore Logan’s remarks from the backseat. It wasn’t easy.
Luckily, a call came in over the dispatch and he concentrated on it. But what he heard was not good news for the car’s other inhabitant.
“Logan, something’s happened at your house.”
Logan stared past him at the flames that consumed his house as they lit up the night sky.
“Might be understating it there, Sheriff.”
True, he hated the place, so many evil things had happened there. But his mother, and Lilly and Veronica had all been happy there at times. It was home. Funny how he knew exactly what had happened.
***
Veronica stopped to talk with Duncan, but they were interrupted by Logan as he plopped his pizza down beside them.
“You coming by after school?” he asked Duncan, ignoring Veronica’s presence.
“Yeah, I can’t wait to see your new digs.”
“I hear the proper word is palatial.”
“A hotel suite will be nice.”
“Something wrong with your mansion, Logan?” Veronica interjected. “Oh yeah. Bummer.” She walked away in disgust. Logan pretended he hadn’t even heard her, instead, he showed Duncan and Dick his new ankle monitor.
“What the hell is this, man?” Weevil slapped a piece of paper down in front of Logan. He dropped his pizza and glanced at it.
“Hmmm, esta, una? I think it’s paper-o. Looks like an eviction notice to me.”
“You bought my grandmother's house?” Weevil was outraged. It was a low blow.
“That's right. Su casa is mi casa. But in my defense, Weevil, I do need a new one. You might have heard my former domicile was, uh, burned quite unexpectedly.”
“If you kick my family out-“
”Oh, have it your way, we'll all live together in one big wacky sitcom family. On second thought, I'm kicking you out.”
“You’re messing with the wrong guy,” Weevil warned him.
“I think that was your mistake,” Logan said coldly. He turned and walked away. Duncan and Dick sat there looking at the PCHers. Dick looked amused whereas Duncan was uncomfortable. Weevil looked like he wanted to kill something, but controlled himself and stalked off.
“Dude, did I miss something? Is it like against the law to kill a Mexican now?” Duncan rolled his eyes at Dick’s parting comment.
***
Keith started making case files for what he knew about the bus crash. He was busily working at it when Sacks showed Lamb into his office.
“I’m picking up some stuff.”
“Go right ahead, Don. I’m just working on the bus crash.”
“Maybe you should worry a little less about the bus and a little more about your daughter.”
“What's that supposed to mean?” Keith had a feeling he would not like the answer.
“She didn't tell you?” He was definitely enjoying himself. “And you two seem so close.”
“Tell me what?”
”It was a couple weeks back. We had Veronica down to the station. Right, uh, something about her name written on a guy's hand. A guy who washed up on the beach. Forget it, she said it was nothing, so... “ Lamb shrugged and trailed off, knowing that was the worse news he could have given Keith. With that, he picked up his remaining box of belongings and left the sheriff’s department.
Keith sank down to his desk and picked up the phone to call Veronica. He only hoped he could control his voice when he did so.
Author: Jesterlady
Pairing: Eventual LoVe
Word Count: 2,241
Rating: PG-13
Summary: This is my version of S2 with no DuVe, Jackie, Hannah, Fitzpatricks or Manning abuse.
Spoilers: All of S2
Warnings: Veronica's thoughts are italicized. All small cases during the series may or may not be dealt with but assume they happened.
Disclaimer: I own nothing related to Veronica Mars. The actual quotes come from www.twiztv.com. I own none of the titles of my chapters or my fic.
Chapter Six:
Strive for Verbosity by Henri Nouwen
“So, Woody Goodman is the new Balboa County Supervisor, the position historically referred to as the Mayor of Neptune. And we're officially calling the sheriff's race.”
“Not hard to do, Bob when the current Sheriff was fired for bribery amid other things.”
“Too true, Ted. Yes, folks, Keith Mars was voted in as the Sheriff and because of Don Lamb’s early departure will be taking over immediately.”
Veronica’s heart swelled as she watched Bob and Ted banter back and forth on the screen. Even if she hadn’t have played her little homecoming request, her dad would still have been elected. The whole world seemed brighter. Apart from the grounding she’d gotten for bugging Lamb’s office and showing off the content. Still, she was proud of her dad’s convictions.
“Dad!” she yelled into the other room. She walked towards his bedroom and caught him trying on his old uniform.
“Aren’t you glad you never tossed it? And just look at that trim figure.”
“You need something, honey? Alicia and I are going out to celebrate.”
“In that? You sure you’re not taking her to prison or something?”
“Focus, Veronica.”
“Fine, there's something I need you to hear.”
Keith followed her into the living room where she grabbed the phone.
“It's a voicemail from one of the students who died in the crash. She called just as the bus went over.”
Rhonda’s voice came in over the speaker.
“Michele, why aren't you picking up, you big loser? I can't believe you bailed on the field trip without telling me. Hey, about next weekend-“
Keith’s reaction was similar to Veronica’s. Deep shock followed by furious mind racing.
“Did you hear it?”
“An explosion.”
“Before the bus hit the railing. The bus was sabotaged.”
“Listen to me carefully, Veronica. That evidence can't go public if we want this investigation to stay ahead of the game.”
“Now that you’re Sheriff, we won’t have to worry about investigations being botched up.”
***
Lamb was clearing out his desk when Sacks poked his head in.
“There’s a guy here who wants to see you.”
“And he can’t possibly wait for Keith Mars to bumble his way in here again?”
“Says it’s important.”
“Show him in.” Lamb figured he might as well do one more thing before he left. Hopefully something that would make Keith angry.
“I have information about that Mexican kid who got killed.”
“Felix Toombs?”
“Yeah. I'm the one who made the anonymous call from the bridge.”
A slow smile spread across Lamb’s face. He’d never seen this man before, but he had brought him good news.
***
So, why was I at Logan’s party again? Oh yeah, because Wallace, thinking I wouldn’t come, decided to crash. It’s not like Logan would throw me out, but I didn’t want to make him think anything by my showing up. Ahhh, the memories of the old homestead. Oh, look, Wallace is practically running towards the nearest exit. Well, guess that’s my alibi shot.
Logan didn’t know why Veronica was at his party. It almost made him mad at her extreme presumption. Before he could go and be snarky at her about it, he bumped into Dick. It was slightly uncomfortable seeing as how Logan had stayed away from the Casablancas house since he and Kendall had been outed. Dick seemed to understand the tension more than he normally did.
“Dude. My stepmom?” Logan wasn’t afraid of being humble when it was right. But Dick was one of the few people he would’ve shown that to.
“I'm a total piece of crap.”
There was an awkward silence before Dick laughed and swatted Logan’s shoulder.
“Better you than the cable guy, I guess.” Logan forced a smile knowing Dick was okay but still feeling the weight of his guilt.
“No hard feelings?”
“Totally free, bro. Whoops, I spot G-G-Gia! See ya.” Dick hotfooted his way over to the girl who could now be construed as Neptune’s First Daughter. She seemed more than willing to receive the attention. Logan shook his head and forsook his host duties, deciding to lounge on the couch for awhile. It was a mistake.
“Beav, look, I’m sorry.” Cassidy got up from where he’d watched his brother totally just ignore what Logan had done. Logan might look repentant, but it didn’t wipe out the past.
“I don’t care what you do with Kendall,” he said tightly. “That’s her dirty little business. But how could you do that to my dad? He treats you more like a son than he does me and this is how you repaid him. Because of you, I hired Veronica, and because of you she found out about the real estate fraud.”
“It was wrong. Totally and utterly. I’m sorry, dude.”
“I don’t care what you are. Just stay away from me.” Cassidy stalked off and Logan sank into the couch. The night probably couldn’t get much worse.
He was wrong again. Veronica wandered by, but he didn’t really feel like dealing with her. She didn’t want to talk to him either apparently, but that paled in comparison with the fact that was this was the moment when Sacks appeared.
“Sheriff would like to have a word with you.”
“And I'd like to be the cream filling of an Olsen twin sandwich, but...” He shot a quick glance at Veronica. Well, at least she looked concerned.
“Will you come with me, please?”
“If I'm under arrest then do me the courtesy of making it all official-like.” To be honest, he’d been imagining this moment for awhile. He had planned it over a hundred different scenarios. Even his imagination hadn’t conjured the vision of him being arrested at his own party though.
Sacks pulled out his handcuffs and Logan jumped up in anticipation.
“Logan Echolls…”
“That's more like it.”
“You're under arrest for the murder of Felix Tombs. You have the right to remain silent.”
Sacks pulled Logan around and for a moment his eyes met Veronica’s. She saw his mask slip and knew he was scared. But within seconds it was back and he was grinning sardonically at Sacks as he hauled him off.
“Just don’t trash the place,” he called out to everyone as they went out the front door with Sacks still reading Logan his rights.
***
“Cliffy! Watcha doing?”
“Oh, the usual. Plus a murky murder case.”
“I heard you were defending Logan Echolls.”
“For some insane reason of his own, yes.”
“Do me a favor? Let me know what happens? Everything.”
“There are so many things I could say right now, but I won’t. Anything for you.”
“Thanks a million.”
***
“Logan?” Logan spun around at the sound of that voice. “What are you doing here?” His father stared back at him.
“Come on, Pops. You of all people should know jail's where they put accused murderers. You remember that crap from the summer. Why are you here?”
“They transferred me out of County this morning. Well, guess I know what it takes to get a visit out of you. Those special times with your emancipation paperwork don't really count.”
“I just need a little time to work through how you bashed my girlfriend's skull in.”
“Look, Logan...I made an unforgivable mistake, but I am not a murderer.”
“Oh! So you merely plowed my girlfriend and taped it for your home
collection.” Logan could barely contain his emotions. As if being arrested for murder wasn’t bad enough, being locked in a cell with his father made him want to commit suicide. Fulfill the family tradition of death and mayhem.
“I swear I didn’t do what Keith Mars said I did.”
“Cause your word means so much. But, you know, it doesn’t matter. Sure, you didn’t kill Lilly, or try to kill my next girlfriend. Anything you’ve ever said or done has been a lie so why should this be any different?”
Aaron’s face screwed up like he was trying to hold in his rage. Logan recognized the signs. His dad always did that whenever he’d embarrassed his father in public. They were usually followed by extra hard belt strokes later.
“You got bail. Let's go.” Logan had never been so pleased to hear a lawyer’s voice.
“You're kinda winning me over.” Cliff just shook his head.
***
Weevil stood up in anger. Logan had made bail. He’d been here less than six hours and he’d made bail. Daddy’s money at work. Well, if Keith Mars wasn’t going to do anything about it, he would. Logan needed a lesson.
***
Keith finished arranging his desk. It was almost weird to be at his old office. He just hoped that Veronica was managing the cases okay. He was doing the adult required part, but the majority was falling on her shoulders. They’d have to start easing out their clientele.
His first official act had, unfortunately, been nothing to do with Vinnie Van Lowe breaking into someone’s house. It had, however, brought about the arrest of his daughter’s ex boyfriend. He knew she believed in his innocence even if their break up had been bad. He hoped she’d understand that Lamb had left him no option.
Until then, he had more personally satisfying work to do. After Veronica had showed him the message he’d brought up the bus. Forensics was looking it over right now, but he was going to do so as well.
The bus smelled horrible and it felt damp and cramped. Keith shone his flashlight into all the corners. The floor was slippery and he slid as he made his way down the aisle. He’d gotten to the second to last row when he slipped and fell, landing heavily on his side. It took him a moment to regain his breath, but he lost it again when he noticed something under the seats. It was a dead rat, duct taped to the underside.
***
“Thanks for the ride, I totally appreciate it. Always quality service from our sheriff’s department.”
Keith tried to ignore Logan’s remarks from the backseat. It wasn’t easy.
Luckily, a call came in over the dispatch and he concentrated on it. But what he heard was not good news for the car’s other inhabitant.
“Logan, something’s happened at your house.”
Logan stared past him at the flames that consumed his house as they lit up the night sky.
“Might be understating it there, Sheriff.”
True, he hated the place, so many evil things had happened there. But his mother, and Lilly and Veronica had all been happy there at times. It was home. Funny how he knew exactly what had happened.
***
Veronica stopped to talk with Duncan, but they were interrupted by Logan as he plopped his pizza down beside them.
“You coming by after school?” he asked Duncan, ignoring Veronica’s presence.
“Yeah, I can’t wait to see your new digs.”
“I hear the proper word is palatial.”
“A hotel suite will be nice.”
“Something wrong with your mansion, Logan?” Veronica interjected. “Oh yeah. Bummer.” She walked away in disgust. Logan pretended he hadn’t even heard her, instead, he showed Duncan and Dick his new ankle monitor.
“What the hell is this, man?” Weevil slapped a piece of paper down in front of Logan. He dropped his pizza and glanced at it.
“Hmmm, esta, una? I think it’s paper-o. Looks like an eviction notice to me.”
“You bought my grandmother's house?” Weevil was outraged. It was a low blow.
“That's right. Su casa is mi casa. But in my defense, Weevil, I do need a new one. You might have heard my former domicile was, uh, burned quite unexpectedly.”
“If you kick my family out-“
”Oh, have it your way, we'll all live together in one big wacky sitcom family. On second thought, I'm kicking you out.”
“You’re messing with the wrong guy,” Weevil warned him.
“I think that was your mistake,” Logan said coldly. He turned and walked away. Duncan and Dick sat there looking at the PCHers. Dick looked amused whereas Duncan was uncomfortable. Weevil looked like he wanted to kill something, but controlled himself and stalked off.
“Dude, did I miss something? Is it like against the law to kill a Mexican now?” Duncan rolled his eyes at Dick’s parting comment.
***
Keith started making case files for what he knew about the bus crash. He was busily working at it when Sacks showed Lamb into his office.
“I’m picking up some stuff.”
“Go right ahead, Don. I’m just working on the bus crash.”
“Maybe you should worry a little less about the bus and a little more about your daughter.”
“What's that supposed to mean?” Keith had a feeling he would not like the answer.
“She didn't tell you?” He was definitely enjoying himself. “And you two seem so close.”
“Tell me what?”
”It was a couple weeks back. We had Veronica down to the station. Right, uh, something about her name written on a guy's hand. A guy who washed up on the beach. Forget it, she said it was nothing, so... “ Lamb shrugged and trailed off, knowing that was the worse news he could have given Keith. With that, he picked up his remaining box of belongings and left the sheriff’s department.
Keith sank down to his desk and picked up the phone to call Veronica. He only hoped he could control his voice when he did so.