Disclaimer: To whomever owns Veronica Mars, its characters, and the song lyrics to You'll Never Know, I'm just borrowing them, will give them back, not making any money with their use in this piece, so don't sue me.
Author Notes: This is dedicated to my friends on all these lists but in particular to those who have loved the hard-boiled 40's sort of detective novel. And to Esther and Miss Ellie, who have kept my spirits up and have said, more fics, please, thanks guys. And to Shane for his tidy bit of beta here and there; thanks, dude. : )
Valentines Day Fic - "Hardboiled As They Come" - by PMD
Prologue: A story for creative writing? Ah---I've got it. I know what I'm going to do.
~
Mars Investigations
"Mars Investigations---how may I help you?"
'Hey, Chica.'
"Hey, Bugman."
'V,' he growls back at me.
"Hey, if I can't call you that, who can."
'Nobody---that's the point. Man, I want to hit Logan right now for that name.'
"You don't have many friends in this world you can trust, Weevil. I wouldn't do it."
'Yeah, you right, Chica.'
"So, why are you calling me at work?"
'Reminding you I'm coming to pick you up later.'
"Oooo, a ride on your hog. Does that mean we're going to the prom too?"
'V, they don't have proms in college.'
"Campus party?"
'That, we can do. And another thing.'
"Oh God, an and. That’s even worse than a but."
I hear a snort at the end of the phone.
'No, this isn't bad---except for me. I can't come up with an idea for the story for that creative writing course we're taking at college.'
"That's simple---write what you know."
'Biker gangs and car stealing is good reading?'
"Ah---yeah---except don't get too graphic---don't want anybody throwing up in class. Besides, you know more than that."
'Yeah, I guess, thanks to you. So, you're doing what for it?'
"What do you think?"
'Ah--okay, Hardboiled as they come, I guess.'
"What?"
'Your main character---as hardboiled as they come.'
"Oh, yeah---I guess. So, see you at nine."
'Yep---don't use too many gray cells---I need some to actually feel me after work.'
"I don't feel with my brain---I feel with my hands."
'Both---you feel with both. Laters, Chica.'
"Bye, Lover."
I put down the receiver and look up at my father's startled face.
"What?"
"Lover?"
"Daddy---that's just a term of endearment. I mean, honey, baby, sweetie---just doesn't fit him. Unless---you want me to use Bugman again?"
He walks into the room, with a slight grin. "Works for me. Honey, you know---"
"Daddy, I believe in him. Believe in my judgement, please."
"I would but your track record doesn't speak well of romance with you."
"Yeah, well, you have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find a prince, even if he is a prince of bikers."
He's beside my desk now and I get up, walking into his arms.
"He really cares, doesn't he?"
"More than Troy ever did---and just as much as Leo did."
"Honey, just be careful---he can be hard to handle at times."
I back away. "Daddy---that's why I love him so much. He can't be handled---he and my friends can't be told to back off. And---"
"---you love him because he will stand between death and you and your friends."
"And you too."
He smiles now. "Yes, I like him for that reason too. I stand corrected."
"Gee, I'm right and you're wrong," I quip.
"It happens---law of averages. And speaking of being right---don't you have some homework to do for that creative writing course you're taking in college."
"Yeah, taskmaster, I'm on it."
"What's it going to be about?" he asks as he backs away further.
I sit down and look up once more. "It's going to be called *Hardboiled As They Come*. What do you think it's about?"
"Chickens---cooking?"
I shake my head and his grin is infectious. "Yep, you had to be my father---we have the same sense of humor."
"So?"
"Oh, about a female detective in the 40's."
"Can't wait to read it."
"Can't wait to write it."
He places a kiss on my forehead and walks away. Then I'm down to the task at hand---my fingers on the keyboard.
~
Hardboiled As They Come - By Veronica Ann Mars
It was a hot day in July. The wind whipped around the trash out on the streets. The city had allowed the hydrants to be opened to help the kids outside to get cool.
The fans were blasting around the hot air in The Mars Investigation offices and I was sweating like the proverbial pig. Not nice for a female PI like me but unfortunately the case.
Yes, I'm a private eye---I come by it honestly. My father and I run the business on our own, with the aid of a secretary, of course. At the moment, he's on the other side of the U.S., doing some bounty work, that helps pay the bills too. So, I'm holding down the fort, on the hottest week of the summer, so far.
"Meg?"
The door opens and in walks our secretary. She was a dame---but a good one. Blonde and bombshell fit her well. She had no problems getting a date---just picking the right one---who didn't abuse her. At least in the past, that is. That's how she came to work for us---somebody was stalking her and she needed our help finding them.
I remembered her walking in, terrified. I calmed her down and found out what she needed. Money was slim for her, since her rich parents had disowned her---only a small amount from a set up account by her grandmother was what she lived on. So I offered help, pro bono, if she would answer the phones for us. Found the idiot a few days later and she stayed on doing the best job I had ever seen from any secretary in our employ.
"Yeah, Boss?"
"Anybody out there?"
"Not at the moment."
I'm about to comment when we hear a knock.
"Hope that's not bill collectors," I state.
She gives me a wan smile and then walks out of the room. Seconds later she's back.
"A client for you, Boss."
"Send them in."
She turns around and mere moments later:
"Miss Mars?"
I look up to see a man there---hair, sandy and suit, expensive.
"Yes?"
"I'm Duncan Kane. I need your firms help with something."
"Yes?"
"It's my sister---she's gone missing. Her boyfriend and I are worried about her. She's gotten in with the wrong crowd."
"Wrong crowd?"
"Yeah, Lilly's a wild child. She---see---our parents always counted me as the golden boy. And she was the troubled one. I love her and I tried to help her as best I could but some of those lunkheads were pretty dismal---except for one---his name is Eli."
"He's the one who's worried?"
"He once was her boyfriend but Logan Echolls is her boyfriend now---off and on that is. He's tried to help her too but she just turns away sometimes and goes off to have another fling."
"So you think she's found herself in a tub of trouble this time around?"
"Yep. The last one---he's bad news---real bad news."
"How bad?"
"Really bad."
I lean back in my chair, indicating he sit in the one across from mine.
"Tell me everything."
He places his hat that he'd been carrying on my desk. Then he sits and leans back, sighing.
"Well, I saw her a day or so ago, before I headed off to the beach for a weekend with some friends."
"And?"
"Well, she was with this guy, Dick. She said he was okay---a good friend of Logan's. Well, he's an old friend he hadn't seen for a while. He was pretty good back then, from what I understand from Logan, but then he still had his dark moments and I think that maybe she fell into the vault of them."
"So, do you know of anybody else that might have seen them before she disappeared?"
"Yes. She was last seen with him by Eli."
"He couldn't stop her from going with him? Didn't notice anything suspicious or off about him?"
"Dick is very persuasive. He can charm the birds out of the trees."
"Okay---so you all lost track of her after that. And you want me to pick up the trail."
"Yes, please."
"Why me? Why not some other male detective? I know my father isn't here but some---"
"Because you are female and with your attributes, you can go places they can't. Get close to Dick and hopefully, not into his drawers," he states, before I can finish.
I smirk at the sexual innuendo. Then:
"Good point."
"So, you will take the case?" he asks, as he gets up, clutching to his hat.
I get up and put out my hand, which he shakes. "You've got yourself a detective, Mr. Kane."
"Great. And if there's anything you ever need---"
"Well, you could have your two friends come down so I can talk to them."
"That can be arranged. Goodbye, Miss Mars."
"Veronica, please."
"Veronica," he states, before turning around and heading to the door. He stops and turns back around. "What time?"
"Time is of the essence---tonight."
"All right. See you than, Veronica."
"Till then," I state, just before he walks out the door.
~
Second Meeting
I sent Meg to the store to pick up some provisions that would be needed for the meeting. I look out the window and see the car pulling up---limo to be exact. The poor get poorer and the rich---ride around, hopefully missing them, when they drive by.
The door opens and Duncan gets out, followed by two others. I notice both are wearing hats, but as they glance up at the window, the eyes say it all; both are worried about Lilly.
The first one is dressed expensively too---must be her boyfriend. His eyes are worried with a hint of coldness there.
The other was far more interesting to me. I pondered how an Hispanic could have gotten involved with two rich boys. Maybe he was the son of the housekeeper. Whatever his connection, he fascinated me. His eyes weren't cold at all--they were warm and inviting and I could feel myself heat up below.
I let myself go---daydreaming about how it would be to have his strong arms around me, pulling me into a kiss. Feel him caress me and carry my wanton body to the silk covered bed. Then cover his own body over mine and send me to the highest heights of pleasure and pain.
The knock on the door breaks me out of my thoughts and I turn around.
Meg isn't back yet so I walk to the outer office and open the door to them.
Duncan smiles at me as he walks by. Then Logan enters the room.
He smiles too---trying to be witty and polite at the same time. I could see why Lilly went with him and yet, I could also see why she strayed---there was still that coldness there that is sometimes left behind because of betrayal.
"Hello, I'm Logan Echolls."
Before I can say anything, he walks by me and then the last man walks in and I'm struck speechless.
His eyes are a chocolate brown, worried and yet soothing at the same time. He's confident I'll find Lilly. He's also not that interested in her anymore, except as a friend, as Duncan has said. I know this for sure because his eyes darken slightly with desire---for me.
"Hello---" I don't hear anything else.
I'm lost in those eyes---I'm struck by lightning and I'm definitely gone off the deep end. I thought I felt this when I was with Leo, a cop I knew. But nothing compared me for the overwhelming need to avail myself of his lips right now. Guess this hardboiled detective is soft boiled too.
He clears his throat and leans in:
"You okay, Miss?"
The sound of his voice---the breath on my neck---causes me to shiver.
"Yes, I'm okay---Mr.---"
"Navarro; Eli Navarro."
He backs away, a cocky grin on his face. Oh God, he knows---that he's got me under his spell. Now to dispel that.
"Eli, you were the last to see her. Did you do the deed instead of Dick?"
He's taken aback for a minute and then he grins again. "No---she's my friend now; nothing more, Chica."
I was right---not only do I know he's available---but he's not interested in her anymore.
He takes my hand, gaining my attention once more. "What?"
He leans in, whispering, "Business first---we can deal with this attraction later."
He backs away and I want to slap that smug grin off his face--what a bad boy. I take my hand back and give him a smirk. He just walks by.
"Now, gentlemen, tell me all about Lilly, from your perspectives."
~
An Hour Later
After a long interrogation with the men and some coffee drank, both Logan and Duncan go to find the men's washroom, with Megs help. Now, I am alone with the dark and intriguing stranger, who oddly seemed like somebody I knew. It hit me solidly in the heart then; I knew him because he is like me.
All through the talk, he kept offering his help in getting Lilly out of the pickle she was in. He even mentioned he was getting his license and knew about the world she was in---had walked in it like me.
The other two would have been fish out of the water. I wondered how Logan had even gotten close to Dick considering how much different they seemed to be, from what I could gather. But then, people change. I used to be naive but no more, since my mother died from drinking too much, thanks to some lowlife who gave her 100 proof.
I think Eli and I could fade into that world better than the other two---I felt like I've known him forever. Like we're soul mates or kindred spirits.
I feel a hand on my arm and I blink, looking at him, smiling.
"Thinking of me?"
I raise an eyebrow and snort. "No, I was actually wondering if Logan is as good in the bed, as some of the ladies in society say."
He chuckles at that and moves his hand off my arm. I let out a sigh, missing the contact, and watch him walk away, towards the door.
I get up quickly, afraid if he walks out that portal, this poor mortal will never be able to explore these strange feelings I have around this impressive man.
"Eli!"
He turns around and sees my panicked look.
"Hey, I just need to use the little gents room," he states, walking back towards me.
"Promise?"
"What?"
"You'll be back."
He stands before me, taking my hand in his and placing a soft kiss on it.
"Try to get rid of me, Angel."
I'm never vulnerable around men---always feel like I have to keep my walls of steel up and not show any untoward emotion. But now, I let out a sob and I feel a tear rush down my cheek.
"I'm sorry," I say.
"Hey, don't be that way, Chica. I love your vulnerable side."
"You love it? Why?"
"Shows you're not so hardboiled as they come. Besides, do I really want to kiss somebody who has a fear of showing emotions."
"What?"
He leans close to me and smiles before he places a light kiss on my lips. Then he backs away.
"A preview of what will be coming, as soon as we find Lilly," he says, possessively.
Then he moves away and makes his way back to the door.
"Cocky bastard!" I quip.
He turns back, a wide grin on his face. "And damn proud of it---because you love that about me."
"Who said I loved you?"
His eyebrow rises again. "I didn't say you loved me---I said you loved that about me. However---you love me?"
"No---I said I didn't, I mean I'm---maybe?"
Oh God---Eli you better get over here right now or I won't let you be my backup to the plan I have formulating in my mind.
As if we are of two minds, he's back before me and this time the kiss is more passionate and consuming. As he backs away, pulling me into his arms, I hear him sigh and whisper in my ear:
"Love you too, Chica. Don't know why, but I do."
"I know why," I mumble against him.
He backs away, his eyebrow quirked in a question.
"My Dad always said that love can come one of two ways---slower than molasses or faster than a freight train. The best and brightest comes like a freight train and that's what this---the best and brightest---at least for me."
He backs away further, touching my cheek, and gives me a sly, sensual smile. "Me too---like I was struck by that train. All my life, my love life has been a train wreck. But then, without them, would I know this is real."
I smile at him. Then a kiss on the forehead and he's gone like the wind, leaving me to slump against the desk, happy, undeniably happier than I've been in a long time.
~
The Plan
"No!"
"Yes, we're going to do this."
"It's too dangerous."
"I agree with Eli," Logan pipes in.
I look over at Duncan. "You too?"
"Well, I have my reservations but then you are the professional."
I turn back to the other two. "See, I'm the professional."
"Yes, but you are also somebody I care for," Eli states.
The other two stare at him. And I have to grin.
"Yes, I like her a lot---in fact I love her."
He stands there, waiting for the wise cracks. Instead:
"Eli, I'm happy for you," Logan states, walking up and patting him on the back.
"Me too," Duncan pipes in, walking up and slapping him on the back too. Then he turns to me.
"I see where he's coming from. I wouldn't want the woman I love in danger either."
"Yes, but I'm a professional---I know what to do. And if it makes you feel any better, I'll have back up."
"Your father?" Logan asks.
"No---he's busy. And Eli, my father has faith in my professionalism too---even though sometimes he doesn't like me to put myself into danger, anymore than I like him to do the same."
"Me, I hope, then," Eli states.
"Yes you, since Dick knows the others. Although---" I walk up to him and touch his mustache and bald head. "I think a toupee and a bare lip are called for, in case he saw you the last time you saw Lilly, Chico."
He lets out a sigh and puts out his hand. "Deal, Chica."
I take it and squeeze hard.
"Ouch---that---stop it."
"Only if you say I'm a professional and can protect myself."
"But I'm going with you---ouch."
"Say it---say I'm going with you just because I might need your help---not that I will need your help."
"Okay---let go of my hand and I'll say it."
"Can I trust you?"
"Yes; how can you say that?"
"I barely know you."
"But you love me."
"Well then, I guess I trust you."
I let his hand go and he glares at the guys, who make a hasty retreat out the door. Then he looks at me.
"Yes, I'm going with you if you need backup and because I don't want you to get hurt."
My eyes glisten at his admission. I knew I could trust him---right from the start. Even with the stubborn male ego of wanting to protect the female, drummed into him and other males, I knew I could get through to him.
"Eli?"
"Yes?" he asks, while shaking out his hand.
"Thank you."
He stares into my very soul and smiles. "Most think you helpless?"
"Yes and that's my greatest strength---surprise."
He comes close to me. "Just don't let it be your undoing. I have plans for you, Chica."
"Oh?" I query.
"Master plans which include a master bedroom, with a master bed, and some masterful moves by yours truly."
I put my arms around his waist and smile. "Can't wait---but for now, where's that razor?"
He groans, remembering about the lip fuzz not being there anymore. "Don't worry--it'll grow back."
"Can I trust you on that?"
"You can---trust me on that and so much more, my love," I reply, kissing him gently, before the other's come back.
~
Outside The Club
It had taken record time to take away his lip fuzz---but I couldn't do it---I had to have Logan do it. I was so nervous about this---so excited about the feelings I had for him and he for me, I was afraid I might slip and nick him.
I'd been with guys before---I was no virgin that could be sacrificed to the volcano gods, that's for sure. But I had this feeling, for the first time, when I go to bed with him, we would be making love, not having sexual relations.
"V?"
I turn to look at him, the light from the street lamp nearby, glistening in his eyes.
"Second thoughts?" he asks.
"About what?"
"Going in---us?"
I lean close, and whisper into his ear, "Maybe to the first---no to the second---but we have to do it."
I back away and am about to open the passenger door when he pulls me back into a passionate kiss that curls my toes. As we back away:
"I won't let anything happen to you, Chica."
"You'll take on the whole crowd for me?" I quip.
"With a little help from my friends and the Neptune Police force---heck yes."
"You called the police?" I ask.
"Just one cop---a friend of the family. He's okay."
I lay back against the seat. It's been said a lot of the cops in Neptune are on the take. There were, however, a few not.
"Leo?" I ask him.
"No, actually the sheriff---I'm trying to help him weed out the bad seeds."
"Can I help after this is over?"
He reaches out to touch my cheek. "Of course---I wouldn't have it any other way. So, ready?"
He pulls back and I smile. "As I'll ever be. Let’s get this over and done with so we can get to the important things in life."
He moves closer and kisses me lightly on the cheek, as a response to my more important things in life speech. Then he opens the door and runs over to my side, opening up mine. He offers a hand and I get out. Then I lean in and straighten the toupee he's wearing.
"This thing itches."
"Live with it or you might die," I state, taking his offered arm and walking into the club with him.
"Good luck, Miss Melody," he whispers to me.
"The same to you, Henry Rodriguez."
Now, to work.
~
Showtime
"Dick, they're here," I hear the waitress say.
The man she talks to turns around and I watch him leer at me. I feel Eli's hand in mine, hidden from the creep. I give Dick my best smile, take my hand away from Eli's, and walk up to him.
"Hi, my name is Miss Melody and I'm here for the singing gig."
He takes my offered hand, kissing it gently. Okay, where's the nearest washroom so I can clean off the scum's touch?
"Welcome to my humble establishment, Miss Melody," he states, backing away from me.
Then he looks at Eli, who walks up to us. "And you are---her brother?"
"I'm her agent."
"Ahhhh---and----"
"The names Henry Rodriguez."
He nods his head and then is back to me. "You are a knockout."
I roll my eyes inwardly but outwardly, I thank him with a look.
"Well, I have something to do for a couple of minutes. Get yourself into the mood and sing me a song, songbird."
I nod my head and we watch him walk away.
"Creep!"
He leans in, whispering, "Yep, creep is right. I used to be like him."
"You would have to kill 100 men to even be slightly close to what that sorry excuse of a human being is."
He backs away. "Thanks."
"You were a real bad boy?"
"I was until I went to live at the mansion with my grandma. She really can crack the whip for me and even Duncan. You really think he would have been an upstanding citizen today, with a lush as a mother and a workaholic father.""
"And you had some influence on Duncan and even Logan. I wonder, if you had gone out with Lilly more than once, you might have had more influence on her too."
"Maybe but I'd rather influence you tonight, in my bed," he whispers to me.
Before I can say anything else:
"Are you ready, Miss Melody?"
I turn away from the conversation. "Yes."
"Well?"
"Coming."
"Not now but you will be," causes me to blush.
Eli moves away from me and I turn to look at him.
"Behave!"
"I'll try but I can't make any promises."
I give him a sly grin and then turn around, walking up the steps to the dais.
"What are you going to sing for us, Miss Melody?"
"You'll never know."
"Thank you---begin."
I stand in front of the mike and look out at Dick and Eli. Eli gives me a smile of confidence and Dick just leers at me. Lilly really had the best taste in friends, when it came to Eli, and the worst taste in friends, when it came to Dick.
"Miss?"
"Oh, right, sing. Okay, here I go."
I look at the piano player and gasp---it's Duncan, his hair a different color and with a mustache---not even Dick would recognize him.
I walk over. "What are you doing here?"
"Playing the piano for you."
"You know what I mean."
"I want to be here---in case my sister is in this building. Now, be a good girl and get up there and sing, before Dick looks too closely and sees my mustache isn't real."
I nod and walk back to the mike and:
"Darling, I'm so blue without you,
I think about you
The live long day.
When you ask me if I'm lonely,
Then I have only
This to say:
You'll never know just how much I miss you,
You'll never know just how much I care.
And if I tried,
I still couldn't hide
My love for you,
You ought to know,
For haven't I told you so,
A million or more times?
You went away and my heart went with you,
I speak your name in my ev'ry prayer;
If there is some other way
To prove that I love you,
I swear I don't know how;
You'll never know if you don't know now.
You'll never know just how much I miss you,
You'll never know just how much I care.
You said, "Goodbye,"
Now stars in the sky
Refuse to shine;
Take it from me,
It's no fun to be
Alone with moonlight and mem'ries.
You went away and my heart went with you,
I speak your name in my ev'ry prayer;
If there is some other way
To prove that I love you,
I swear I don't know how;
You'll never know if you don't know now."
There's clapping heard as I finish my song. I turn to look at Duncan and clap my hands. He gets up and takes a bow before leaving the stage. I turn back around to a grinning Dick.
"You're perfect."
"Thank you. So, am I hired?"
"Of course. I would be a fool to let a dame like you get away."
"Told you you'd get the job, Chica," Eli quips.
Dick turns to glare at him, forgetting that he was even here, I guess.
"Do you need your agent anymore, Melody?"
Oh God, please don't let him be a groper.
"No---I think not."
"But we have a contract to negotiate," Eli states.
"Tomorrow. For now, I think we don't need you, Henry."
He glares at Dick and then at me. I just raise an eyebrow and he sighs.
"I have to get back to the little woman anyways. Meg worries about me," I hear him say. "Could I speak to my client for a moment---alone?"
Dick nods his head and walks over to the bar.
"What are you doing, Lady?" he fiercely whispers.
"My job."
"And I'm your back up for this job."
"Yes and you'll be waiting outside, in case I don't come out in say a few hours."
"And what will you be doing in here?"
"Using my powers of persuasion to find out some stuff."
His eyes narrow. "What?"
"Oh, buck up, Charlie. I'm kidding. I'll probably rifle through his desk to find any clues. Oh, here he comes."
He leans over. "Be careful."
"I love you too, Eli," I whisper to him.
"Good---now be doubly careful, because I love you too."
"So, are you ready?" Dick asks, as Eli backs away.
"Ready," I answer, taking his arm. "See you tomorrow, Henry."
Eli nods his head and picks up his hat, putting it on and slowly walking out the door.
"Thought he's never leave. So, he really has a wife?"
"Yes," I state, as we walk towards the stage.
We make our way to the back of it and to his office. He opens it and inside is a desk, two chairs, a couple of filing cabinets, and on the desk:
"Champagne?"
"I thought we'd celebrate."
"Oh---okay."
"Sit."
I do and I watch him pop the cork and pour two glasses. He hands me one and then lifts his own:
"To the beginning of a wonderful relationship."
I clink my glass against his and take a sip of the champagne. And then another---it's wonderful.
I down the rest and notice he didn't take a sip at all. I stand and than fall back on the chair. I'm:
"You drugged me. Why?"
He walks over and takes the glass out of my hand. "Why would I do that and spoil the surprise. Now be a good little girl and fall asleep."
"Why you---" is the last words I say, as I fall into oblivion.
~
The Basement
"Hey, are you okay? Wake up---please wake up!"
I groan and open my eyes. I groan again and rub my head.
"Thank God--you're alive."
"I wish I wasn't, doll," I state, feeling the pounding in my head and wishing for something to take it away.
She moves away from me and I sit up, grimacing. "Ouch---what the hell---I was drugged!"
"Yes, I know."
She helps me up and over to a cot. "Miss Kane, I presume," I gasp out.
She nods her head. "And you are?"
"Ahhhh---the PI your brother hired to find you."
"So, you've found me. Now what?"
I like her. I smile. "We get out of here. By the way, where is here?"
"It's the waiting place till we're taken away."
"Taken away where?"
"Dick is part of a white slavery ring. We're to be sold to some sheik or whatever they are."
"Dick isn't smart enough to be the leader of something like this."
"He's not---there's somebody else behind it. Someone called Troy."
"Troy---I've heard that---oh, I remember. Something about him selling drugs and I guess this was some of his stuff."
She nods.
"So now that you know about what's going on---how do we get out of here?"
"With feminine wiles and dumb luck, Hon."
~
Troy Shows Up
We sit there for a while in silence, thinking about what to do. Then:
"I know," she pipes up.
I look at her. "What?"
"We wait until somebody comes to give us some food and water and then we jump him."
I snort. "What if he has a knife or worse?"
"But he'll be holding the food."
"True but he might be quick on the trigger."
She slumps back. "You sure know how to deflate an idea."
I sigh and put my hand over hers. "It's a good idea---just needs a little work."
I see her smile and then concentrate.
"Lilly?"
"Yes, Veronica?"
"Do you or did you ever love Eli?"
The problem left behind for the moment, she smiles and then grins. "You feel it too, eh?"
I sigh. "You do still love him."
"No---no, NO! Not him---Logan."
My eyebrow lifts. "But I meant Eli, not him."
She laughs. "I was pulling your gams, V. I know that look when you spoke his name so I knew you loved him."
Before I could answer, the key is heard in the lock and I whisper, "Got an idea---you take whatever's in his hands and then distract him with your charms. Then I'll hit him with a karate chop and we'll get out of here."
"Sounds like a plan," she whispers back, as the door creaks open and we gasp.
"Troy," she says.
"Well, Dick was right---you are a looker," Troy states, looking straight at me. "Are you a virgin too?"
"Why do you ask, Jerk?"
He snorts and places the plate of food down on the floor. He walks over and pulls me close. I grasp at his obvious excitement and cringe at his breath and whisper:
"Cause virgins bring us more money. However, in your case, I'll forgo the extra and fuck you myself."
He backs away and claims my lips in a dark kiss. Then---he slumps down and I look at Lilly, with the plate in her hand.
"Thanks."
"You're welcome."
"Let's get out of here."
I grab her hand and we're out the door, and slam right into Dick.
"Now, where would you ladies be going?"
"We're getting out of here, Dick. And your not stopping us," Lilly states.
"Maybe not me but how about me and my gun?"
He pulls it out and levels it at us both. I let out a sigh and then I look behind him. I keep a straight face as two men come towards us.
"It'll take more than you and a gun to keep us from getting out of here," I state.
"Oh really---well, I don't think so. Now, move it."
He gestures with the gun and then---he slumps to the floor too, the gun clattering on the floor.
"Logan!" Lilly gasps, running straight into his arms.
"Hey, Doll---miss me?"
She kisses him soundly as the other guy walks up to me.
"The back up needed a back up?" I ask, grinning.
"I'm not stupid," Eli states. "Especially when it comes to the safety of the woman I love."
I smile just before kissing him soundly on the lips. Then:
~
Back To the Present
"Hey?"
I look up from the computer screen. "Weevil? What's wrong?"
"I don't know---I've been trying to get your attention for the past 5 minutes. I was thinking I might have to start the streaking craze again---but then, I've just gotten your father to liking me and this might have him not---"
"---liking you again? Nawwww---you saved his daughter from being shot---you are his hero."
"What's so interesting?" he asks me.
"Nothing," I answer.
"Chica! Don't lie to me."
"It's just homework."
"The story?"
I nod.
"Let me see."
"No!"
"Why not?"
"It's not finished and---"
"Come on---let me see it. I'll show you mine if you show me yours."
"Wow, sexual innuendo at 12 o'clock. And my dad's still in the place. "
"Stalling, Chica."
"Working?"
He walks around the desk and I place myself over the screen. He pulls me back and leans in, touching my arm and I grin.
"If you wanted to cop a feel, you only had to ask."
"Quiet---I'm reading."
"Wow, that's a first---no retort to my sexual banter."
I see a small grin. "You'll pay for that later---in bed."
"Hey, Father still here!" we both hear.
We turn to look at my father and I hear him clear his throat.
"Kidding, Sir."
"Oh really---and here I thought we might be hearing wedding bells at some point or another."
"Not until we finish college."
"Happy to hear that, Eli. Oh, and, if you do sleep with my daughter---protection please."
He nods his head and I let out a sigh. "Daddy, what about me?"
"What about you---he's got the protection---you don't need it."
"No---what if I want to wait until we're at least engaged."
"Have you?"
"Well, no---but we used protection."
"Good, that's all I care about. Now I have to go catch a bad guy. Please don't do anything I wouldn't do---or would do. To bed early---you have school, Veronica. As to you, Eli, I am trusting you with my daughter---let her sleep tonight---you have the weekend to do---whatever."
"Sir, I will treat her like---"
"---you're own daughter?"
"Ewwww---Daddy!"
He laughs and Weevil joins in. I glare at him.
"Don't encourage him."
"Hey, I like his sense of humor."
"You should---you have it too."
"Well, I'll leave you two to the argument. Eli, I do trust you. I didn't always but since you saved my daughter from certain death and loneliness---just treat her as you would a princess."
"How about as someone I love?"
"Works for me," he states, walking over to shake his hand.
"Love you, Honey," he says, kissing my cheek. And then he's gone and once more, got an inquisitive boyfriend breathing down my neck---and making me hot under the collar and in the nether regions.
"Chica?"
"Yes?"
"It's not finished."
"No---I was interrupted. Hey, why are you here?"
He points to the clock and I see it's just after 9. Boy time flies when you're writing.
"So, I'll finish this later."
He walks away from me and goes outside the door---was it something I said?
"Close your eyes," he states.
"Okaayyyyy."
I do and sense him in front of me again.
"You can open them now."
I do and gasp. "Oh my God---it's---"
"Happy Valentines Day, V."
He stands before me, a yellow rose in one hand and a red one in the other.
"This yellow rose signifies our friendship that started us on this journey. The red rose is for the love we have shared and will continue to share, through thick and thin."
I get up and walk towards him.
I take the flowers and place them down. Then I lean into him, kissing him soundly and thoroughly, until we have to back away to breathe.
"Happy Valentines day, Eli. I love you."
"I love you too, V. And now that that's done---"
"Back to school work. Do I have too?"
"I'll help."
My eyes brighten. "Really?"
"Really," he states, taking my hand and leading me back to the computer.
I sit down and watch him bring over another chair.
"Now where was I before I was nicely interrupted---oh right."
~
Back To the Story
Eli's friend arrested Dick and Troy and the club was closed down.
Lilly was taken to the hospital to be checked over. Duncan joined us----he had been hit on the head; hence he wasn't with the boys when we were saved. And Logan----he stayed by Lilly's side, holding onto her hand.
She was okay---scared but no other damage. I smiled when I watched him looking at her.
"He loves her."
I turn to his voice. "As much as I love you."
"I hope so, Chica."
He pulls me close. "If we hadn't gotten there in time---I don't know what I would have done."
"Killed the bastard?"
He backs away. "Something like that. Veronica?"
"Yes?"
"Marry me?"
"Shouldn't we go out first---see how we mesh, Hon."
"Life's too short. I don't want to wait."
I understand where he's coming from. He didn't always live at the Kane estate---came from a tough neighborhood. And my line of work certainly didn't add to security of life. And we were going to work together to help the sheriff weed out the crime here. So:
"Yes, I'll marry you---on one condition."
"And that is?"
"I can still work."
"Okay---but---"
"No conditions---we're in this marriage 50/50. We will work together to bring down crime, right?"
He nods his head. Then he leans in and kisses me gently on the lips.
He backs away and we turn to see three happy people.
"Wedding bells?" Lilly asks.
I nod.
"See, Duncan, I told you she wasn't as hardboiled as they come---she's soft boiled as they come," Logan quips, his arm around Lilly's waist.
"That I am, my friend. That, I am."
~
Back to the Present
"So?"
He reads the last words and smiles.
"It's great but I have one suggestion."
"Yes?"
"Change the names to protect the not-so-innocent, Ms. Hardboiled as they come."
The End.
The End.
PMD is the author of 17 other stories.
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