Chapter 20 (Part 1)
Staring across the table at her friend, Veronica frowned. When she had prepared herself to reveal this huge secret about the Sinclairs and the Mackenzies, she had gone over various scenerios of how Mac would react to the shocking news. She just hadnt prepared for this. Mac sat calmly, staring down at her hand, if Veronica didnt know better she would have thought Mac hadnt heard her. The only response Veronica had received after informing Mac of the truth was a slight widening of eyes and a quick intake of breath, that was all. Now minutes later, Veronica was waiting nervously for Mac to say something, anything.
Smoothing down her hair, Veronica tentively began. Mac? You okay?
Idly picking at her chipped nail polish, Mac contemplated the difference between which color polish to use next. Berryblue or Oceandeep. By all rights the colors should be different since they had completely different names, but they werent. In all honesty, if you put the two little bottles side by side, they they would look identical. Mac sighed, did a name make a person who they are? What about the people that raised you? Would she still be who she was today if she had been raised by the Sinclairs or would she have turned out as Madison had? Shuddering at the thought of being like Madison, Mac stood up quickly. I have to go.
Veronica nodded in understanding. If you want to talk about itIm here.
I just need to be alone. Mac replied, rushing out of the library.
Veronica racked her brain, no matter how hard she tried she couldnt think of a way to broach the subject with her father. What was she supposed to say? Dad, how can I stop a rich and famous movie star from beating the shit out of his son, who just so happens to be my pretend boyfriend? Oh, and by the way, it has to be kept a secret. Veronica didnt think that would go over too well with her father and it would probably raise more questions.
Second time this week Ive walked in on you pacing. Whats wrong? Veronica spun around to face her father.
Do you remember the Andersons case from a few years back? Veronica blurted out.
Yes, why? Keith remembered the case quiet clearly in fact.
He had still been Sheriff at the time when it had started. There had been allegations of child abuse in a very prestigious family in Neptune. Keith had looked into the case and found an overwhelming load of evidence against the Andersons. The Sheriffs department aggressively pursued the case only to be informed by a judge a month later that all charges had been dropped. When Keith had demanded an explanation, he was quickly sent away. In the end, the Andersons moved from Neptune with a sparkling reputation, even though there was a pile of evidence to support the allegations. Money and power could get anyone off in Neptune and thats just what had happened. To this day he still wished those children could have gotten the justice they deserved.
Ignoring her fathers question, Veronica continued. If you could go back, what would you have done differently?
Keith sighed. Nothing, sweetie. I did everything I could do but it just wasnt enough.
So, youre saying that no matter what you did they were always going to get off? Veronica asked, outraged.
They were wealthy and had a lot of influence over this town. We may not like it but thats the way this town works. Keith said bluntly.
Thats not fair! Veronica yelled.
Sweetie, why dont you tell me what this is about and well figure it out, okay? Keith suggested gently.
Sighing, Veronica looked down at the floor.
Keith looked down at his daughters slumped shoulders and felt his heart break, this was obviously important to her. He didnt know what was going on but he knew enough to guess what this was about. Keith searched his memory for clues. Nothing Veronica had said in the past few days had even hinted at this. The only thing that was different this week was Veronicas two new friends, Logan and Mac. His eyes widened as he remembered Veronica mention off handedly that she was working on a case for her new friend.
Hoping Veronica might be willing to share more with him, Keith prodded. Does this have anything to do with your friend, Mac?
Veronica snorted. No, although her familys secrets are kinda twisted but nothing terrible.
Keith sighed in relief, he was glad that there were no deep dark secrets involving his daughters new friend. When he realised he wasnt any closer to figuring out what Veronica was talking about, Keith frowned.
You know you can tell me anything, right? Keith asked seriously.
Shaking her head, Veronica looked down. Its nothing, really. I was just wondering.
Sensing that Veronica was no longer willing to share, Keith kissed her head and walked into his office.
Once the door to her fathers office closed, Veronica flopped onto a nearby couch with a groan.
Out of all the ways to get information out of her father, suddenly blurting out a random question was not one of them. She had hoped that he would inadvertently give her an idea about what she could do with Logans situation, instead all she got was her hopes going down in flames. Her father was right when he said that in Neptune the wealthy could get away with anything they wanted, especially if the victim was unwilling to report the crime. Somehow, she had to formulate a plan to protect Logan without anything going public
The incessant buzzing of her cell phone pulled Veronica from her thoughts. Scrambling across the room, Veronica answered breathlessly. Hello?
Without bothering saying hello, Mac said quickly. I need a favor.
Veronica grabbed Logans wrist to look at his watch for the tenth time that evening. It had only been two minutes since she last checked but it felt like an eternity. She still wasnt sure why she had agreed to this, besides the fact that she felt bad for Mac. At least she wasnt alone in this torture, she had somehow managed to convince Logan to come with her. Actually, Veronica hadnt really had to convince him, all she did was mention her conversation with Mac and he jumped at the idea.
Shell be here, just calm down. Logan said, amused.
I know that! Im just tired of waiting! Veronica hissed back.
Before Logan could respond, Mac bustled up to them. Sorry Im late! You know how dads can be, he wanted to have the dont do anything stupid talk.
Veronica noticed that both Mac and Logan winced at the word dad, although for very different reasons.
Breaking the tension, Veronica asked. Ready?
Nodding grimly, Mac followed Logan and Veronica to the front door. Knocking on the door, Logan glanced at Veronicas tense figure.
The door promptly opened to reveal Madison smiling brightly when she saw Logan. Logan! Come on in.
Faltering slightly as her eyes landed on Mac and Veronica, Madison pasted on a brittle smile.
Leaning close, Mac whispered to Veronica. Ill meet up with you later.
So, what do you want to do? Logan asked Veronica who was busy watching Mac disappear into the crowd.
My choice? Veronica smirked.
Taking the decision away from her, Logan wrapped his arm around Veronicas waist. Lets mingle.
Looking around the expensive house curiously, Mac pushed through the crowd of tipsy teenagers. She paused when she heard a familiar voice by her side. Mac?
Dick lightly grabbed Macs arm and pulled her into an abandoned hallway. What are you doing here?
Oh..um, Veronica didnt want to come alone, so she dragged me along. Mac lied.
Are you sure this is a good idea? Madisons already acting crazier than usual. Dick asked worriedly.
Flinching at Madisons name, Mac suddenly needed to be alone. Can you get me some water?
Nodding, Dick replied. Sure, just make sure to steer clear of Madison.
Watching Dick slip back into the crowd, Mac sighed in relief. Being in the house that should have been her home was overwhelming, Mac needed a moment to gather her thoughts. Slipping into a nearby room, Mac gaped at the shelves of books covering each wall. Pictures covereing a side table caught her eye. Envy filled her as she looked at pictures of Madison in Egypt, Paris, Italy and Japan.
Are you here for my sisters birhtday party? Mac turned to see a young girl sitting in an expensive leather sofa, a book opened in her lap. She was startled to see how much the girl looked like herself.
Im Lauren. The girl said with a smile.
Im Mac.
Cool name. I like your hair.
Mac smiled at the sweetness of Lauren. Thanks. Whats that youre reading?
Utopia. It has some interesting theories. Lauren said enthusiastically.
Wow, I cant believe youre reading that. I waited until I was fifteen to try that one. Mac said, impressed.
Lauren bushed before answering excitedly. Youve read it? What did you think?
Mac smiled down at Lauren, feeling a pang in her heart. This sweet girl who was a complete stranger was her little sister. A sense of betrayal filled her as she looked around the room again. This was all stolen from her, she should have been able to have these kinds of conversations with Lauren every night. Instead she had an annoying little brother and parents that didnt understand her. How much easier would her life have been if she could have had a family that was like her?
What are you doing? Nobodys supposed to be in here. Madison said angrily from the doorway.
Relax, shes here for your party. Lauren said with an eye roll.
Throwing her arms in the air, Madison hissed. Fine, talk to this complete freak for all I care! Just make sure she doesnt steal the crystal!
The door slamming echoed through the room. Sorry about her but maybe you should leave. Lauren said, looking at the door warily.
Unable to talk past the lump in her throat, Mac merely nodded before walking out of the room quickly.
Dick spotted her the second she left the library and rushed towards her. Hey, where did you go?
Mac looked up at Dicks curious face and felt tears threaten to fall.
You okay? Dick asked, concerned.
Watching tears fill Macs eyes, Dick glanced around the hall, wondering what transpired in the short time he had been away from her side.
No, not even close. Mac said tearfully.
Unsure of what to do, Dick held the bottle of water towards her. I got you water.
Ignoring the offered water, Mac grabbed the bottle of JD from his other hand and began to chug.
Hey, hold on. Dick reached for the bottle but Mac jerked away. Before he could make another attempt to get the bottle away from her, Mac had already slipped into the nearby crowd.
Has anyone ever told you how incredibly stupid your friends are? Veronica asked, leading Logan through the kitchen to the back doors. After conversing with Logans drunk half-wit friends for half an hour, Veronica was in dire need of fresh air and blissful silence.
Yeah, this annoying little blonde used to point it out to me on a daily basis. Logan grinned down at her.
Dont you mean clever? Veronica retorted. Whatever happened to this girl? She sounds amazing.
Oh, well she met this charming, handsome man and fell madly in love with him. Logan replied playfully. She now dotes on him and does anything he wants.
Veronica laughed. In your dreams.
Of course, where do you think I got the idea from? Logan smirked.
Veronica cursed herself as she felt her cheeks start to turn pink. What are those guys doing? Veronica asked quickly, trying to direct his attention away from her blushing face.
Looks like a drunken game of football but without the football. Logan explained, amused.
Suddenly I feel the need to mention once again how stupid you friends are. Veronica said dryly.
Hey, at this point Im right there with you. Logan said seriously.
As Veronica opened her mouth to respond, something inside the house caught her attention.
Oh, no! Mac!
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