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VERONICA VOICEOVER: Previously on Veronica Mars…
Veronica runs up and sees the body of Lilly Kane (from 101 "Pilot")
VERONICA VOICEOVER: It's been a year since my best friend Lilly Kane was murdered.
Cut to Keith and Veronica watching a news report of the arrest of Abel Koontz (from 101 "Pilot")
TV: The Neptune Sheriff's Department has apprehended Abel Koontz… Shoes and a backpack…
Cut to Veronica with Keith's file on Lilly's death (from 101 "Pilot")
VERONICA VOICEOVER: The Lilly Kane murder file. Dad still hasn't given up on the case.
JAKE: [Offscreen] We all… lost Lilly and
Cut to the Kane residence. Duncan is at the dining table (from 103 "Meet John Smith")
JAKE: …lost Lilly and we all miss her.
VERONICA VOICEOVER: Duncan Kane. He used to be my boyfriend. Cut to a long view of the Kane family dinner (from 103 "Meet John Smith").
JAKE: I just want to see him passionate about something.
Cut to Veronica sitting in the outside area at school. Logan gives her a gesture, a fist with index and little fingers extended (from 102 "Credit Where Credit's Due")
VERONICA VOICEOVER: And let's not forget Logan Echolls.
Cut to Logan smashing the headlights on Veronica's car (from 101 "Pilot")
VERONICA VOICEOVER: Every school has an obligatory psychotic …
Cut to Logan in his SUV, flooring it away from Veronica (from 101 "Pilot")
VERONICA VOICEOVER: …jackass. He's ours.
WEEVIL: You think you're…
Cut to Veronica and Weevil outside his house (from 102 "Credit Where Credit's Due")
WEEVIL: …this big outsider, push comes to shove, you're still one of them. You still think like one of them.
End Previously. Gates are opening in front of a large, luxurious house. Logan is coming down the drive on a scooter. He is in a dressing gown. Behind him, his mother, Lynn, also still in her nightwear, in her case a negligee, stands at the front door of the house
TOUR GUIDE: Here folks is the house of Aaron Echolls.
Admiring voices can be heard as Logan reaches the gate. He get off his scooter. A "Home of the Stars" type tour bus is outside the gate and people are running towards Logan
LOGAN: [Antagonistic] Quite a show, huh? [Looks back at his mother, then to the crowd, derisory] Don't you people have lives?
Logan picks up the newspaper left outside the gate of #15665
LOGAN: You don't see me poking around your trailer park, do you?
Logan heads back up the driveway
FAN: Hey, uh, uh, are you the son?
LOGAN: [Pausing and turning back to the crowd] I'm the guy telling you to get back on the bus and get out of my driveway.
LYNN: [Calling from the house] Logan! Come back in the house, honey.
The crowd becomes excited by the arrival of a large, chauffeur-driven car. Aaron Echolls gets out of the back of the car to the joy of the fans
AARON: [Personably] Hey, you guys are out early.
One woman asks for an autograph, another calls "Hi Harry!" (whoops) and the crowd generally titters. Aaron heads over to them
AARON: [Reaching for the proffered pen and paper] Here.
Logan signs some autographs. The fan who asked Logan if he was Aaron's son is taking pictures
AARON: [While signing] Hey Logan. Come here.
The fans are delighted, Logan less so as he tightens the belt to his dressing gown and joins his father
AARON: Get a few shots with my son, huh?
Aaron takes off his sunglasses and puts his arm around Logan's shoulder
AARON: There you go. [Quietly, to Logan] Smile, Logan.
Logan smiles by rote
AARON: [Less quietly, so the crowd can appreciate] Don't forget these folks pay for all of this, huh?
Aaron beams at the crowd. Cut to Neptune High School. From an external shot, cut to Duncan entering a room where Jake Kane is leafing through some papers. There is a banner on the wall regarding elections. Jake is carrying a bag on his shoulder
DUNCAN: Thanks, Dad. [Taking the bag off his father's shoulder] You know I polled the rest of the soccer team? None of them want to see my junk.
JAKE: [Turning to face him] Well, now you're covered. Oh, you didn't tell me that elections were this week. You should run. I think it would be a very impressive line on your college applications.
DUNCAN: Please Dad. All they do is sell candy and argue about prom decorations.
JAKE: Right, that's all they do now. [Patting his neck and leaving a hand on his shoulder] Until the reign of Kane.
DUNCAN: [Laughs, disbelieving] Dear god! May no one have just heard him say reign of Kane.
Cut to Veronica and Wallace having lunch
VERONICA: So, my dad wants to take me to the San Diego Zoo this weekend.
WALLACE: Aw, man, I love the zoo. Everyone gets all excited about the monkey house. I'm a big cat man myself.
VERONICA: My dad's gone a little nutty with all these father-daughter days.
WALLACE: Yeah, see me on the other hand, would love to go to the zoo with my dad.
VERONICA: Wallace, don't…
WALLACE: But he's dead, so.
VERONICA: Okay. I hate myself. Are you happy?
WALLACE: Um-hum.
Wallace smiles and laughs softly. He looks up at the sound of a whistle. Veronica looks round. The camera pans round to a girl coming out of the school. This is Wanda. Her tee-shirt says "Sex & Drugs" and "Rock-n-Roll"
WANDA: Yo! Man! Over here.
Wanda beckons someone, someone who proves to be delivering food. She takes the bag and pays him
WANDA: Keep the change.
As the delivery man leaves, a blonde cheerleader, carrying two boxes of delivered pizza and who we will learn is Madison Sinclair, walks up to Wanda, hand on hip and gets into her face
MADISON: You're not allowed delivery.
WANDA: And you're not allowed to breathe my air. Go. Shoo [with gesture]. Return to Xanadu.
Madison is appalled at this and the camera spins to speed Madison to stand behind Ms Dent, who is talking to someone. Madison, rather imperiously, taps Ms Dent on the shoulder
MADISON: Wanda Varner just had her food delivered.
MS DENT: [Slowly, staring at the pizza boxes] And that's wrong how?
MADISON: She doesn't have any Pirate Points. [On Ms Dent's incomprehension] Oh, I see. You're new.
MS DENT: [Indulgent of the rudeness] I am.
MADISON: Pirate points are earned by being a contributing member of the school. You get them for being in student council, for sports…
MS DENT: [Glancing at the outfit] Cheerleading?
MADISON: [Obnoxiously] Is a sport. [Spotting a more likely ally] Oh, Mr Clemmons!
Madison leaves Ms Dent standing and heads for the Vice-Principal
MADISON: Mr Clemmons. Wanda Varner ordered in Chinese food.
Mr Clemmons does understand the heinous nature of Wanda's actions as he and Madison stare in her direction. Cut to Wanda who is sitting with Felix, eating her Chinese food. She's laughing at something he's said. Clemmons approaches, Ms Dent in tow
CLEMMONS: Wanda, I know you know the rules. If you'd like the privilege of having your lunch delivered, why don't you get more involved here at Neptune.
Wanda snorts derisively
CLEMMONS: In the meantime, I gonna have to confiscate your food.
Wanda boils for a moment then springs up, a determined look on her face. She marches past Clemmons and Ms Dent towards Madison's table. Without pausing, and with the encouragement of onlookers, she steps onto the seat and then the table, planting one foot in one pizza and one foot in the other
MADISON: Oh, you little b***h!
WANDA: Oh, really?
CLEMMONS: Wanda! Be so kind as to follow me to my office.
Wanda jumps off the table to follow Clemmons. Madison stares, mouth agape. The camera spins back to Wallace and Veronica, watching the show
WALLACE: Who is that girl?
VERONICA: That? Is Wanda Varner. Used to be in pep squad together.
WALLACE: You two seem less peppy.
Veronica smiles and snorts. Cut to a can of whipped cream being applied to the contents of a bowl. Keith enters the apartment just as the can empties. The television is on and the faint sound of its audio can be heard
KEITH: Hmm, all out, huh?
Keith puts down his case as Veronica adds chocolate sauce to her confection. Keith tiredly collapses into his armchair with a load sigh
VERONICA: Tough day?
KEITH: [Philip Marlowe impersonation] That ain't the half of it. See, this dame walks in and you should'a seen the getaway sticks on her. Says something's hinky with her old man.
VERONICA: [Adopting similar old movie noir voice] D'ya put the screws to him?
KEITH: You ain't kidding. He sang like a canary.
Veronica is just finishing off her sundae
VERONICA: [Normal voice] Well, you're in luck, Philip Marlowe because it's desert for dinner tonight and I've got a whole sundae thing set up here.
KEITH: [Getting up and coming to the kitchen area] You know if Child Services finds out about this, they will take you away.
VERONICA: Well, that's a risk I'm willing to take.
Veronica downs a large spoonful of her sundae
KEITH: Honey. Shouldn't we try something at the base of the food pyramid, you know, fruits and vegetables?
Veronica looks down into her bowl and gasps
VERONICA: What is that? [Picking it out with her spoon] A maraschino cherry?
She looks over at her father, quite satisfied, pops it in her mouth and heads for the armchair into which she sits, leaving her father standing. He sighs and hits the sundae trail
TV: [Offscreen] The Lilly Kane murder case…
This catches Veronica's attention and she watches the TV
TV: …took an unexpected turn this morning as convicted killer Abel Koontz fired his public appointed legal council. Forfeiting further appeals, the defendant is scheduled to die by lethal injection as early as next year…
As the commentator speaks, there is footage of Koontz being arrested and brought in by Sheriff Lamb who holds up two evidence bags. There is a close-up of the bag in his left hand. In it, there is a pair of white sneakers, decorated with sparkles along the edge and wide laces of ribbon, pinks stars on white. On one of the shoes is drawn a heart with a name inside
TV: [Offscreen] And, coming up n-
Keith, who has come to stand next to Veronica during the broadcast, switches the television off with the remote control. He walks back to the kitchen
VERONICA: Why did he do that?
KEITH: Guess he's ready to die.
VERONICA: Well, what are you going to do about it? You don't believe he's guilty…
KEITH: I hate to break it to you, honey. But nobody in Neptune cares what I believe in. They didn't care when I was Sheriff, they sure as hell don't care now. This town's gonna have to find another conspiracy nut.
Veronica puts down her desert with a worried look. Cut to Veronica entering her green-tinged bedroom. She walks over to her jewellery box
LILLY: [Offscreen] Check you out, Veronica Mars.
Veronica looks around, surprised. Lilly is standing in front of Veronica's wardrobe, holding a hanger with black garment on it
LILLY: You're like a rocker chick now.
Veronica can't believe her eyes and walks towards Lilly
LILLY: [Offscreen] You and I? We'd have a lot of fun together… yeah… [Cut to Lilly] if, um, you know, if I wasn't dead and stuff.
VERONICA: Why are you here?
LILLY: Don't you watch any horror movies? [Ominously] My soul is doomed to walk the earth until justice has been served
VERONICA: Really?
LILLY: [Back to normal] Yeah, that, and, as kind of a side project, I dispense fashion advice.
Lilly grins
VERONICA: [Earnestly] Did Koontz do it? Lilly sucks a big breath in through her teeth and smiles
LILLY: Wish I could tell ya.
She shrugs
VERONICA: Why would he have wanted to kill you?
LILLY: Honestly. I was awesome, right?
VERONICA: [Smiling sadly] I miss you, Lilly.
With a cross between an "ooh" and an "aww", Lilly smiles and shrugs sympathetically. Veronica wakes up from her dream, a sad yet thoughtful look on her face. Cut to the journalism class. Veronica is sombre, seated at the large central desk. The Neptune High School broadcasting service is on
TV: [Offscreen] So let's all get out there and cheer on our teams in the last game of the regular season. In other Pirate news, school council elections…
MS DENT: Morning, Veronica. I was thinking maybe you'd be interested in covering the election for the student newspaper.
VERONICA: Sure. I'll write it up this afternoon.
MS DENT: The election's tomorrow.
VERONICA: And I can already see the headline. Brown-nosing, resume-packer wins in a landslide.
MS DENT: Maybe you wanna dig a little bit deeper.
VERONICA: I'll take it.
Ms Dent nods and exits. The announcer on Pirate TV is still droning on
TV: …This morning, we'll be hearing from our first hopeful for the office of President, sophomore Wanda Verner.
Duncan and Logan are sitting next to each other at two of the side tables, on computers. They glance up at the TV
WANDA: [On television, with a rocking soundtrack] I'm Wanda Varner and I'm running for the office of student council president.
Duncan turns to listen more carefully. Logan follows suit
WANDA: Let's be honest. Student government doesn't do jack.
Cut to the art room where one of the students starts to pay attention
WANDA: I'm here to promise you real change. If elected, I promise to abolish the unfair and elitist Pirate Points programme for good.
In the computer room, the geeks cheer
WANDA: God bless you and God bless America.
Wanda salutes. The geeks clap as do the artists as do some of those in the journalism class. Veronica smiles broadly. Duncan is the last one left slowly clapping and he tails off. Behind him, Logan is less enthused. He leans forward and slap Duncan on the arm
LOGAN: Hey dude. Can she do that?
DUNCAN: Student council giveth, student council taketh away.
LOGAN: No, we're not giving up those points, man, you gotta run.
DUNCAN: Actually, I don't.
Duncan turns back to his computer upon which he was playing solitaire. Logan stares at him. Cut to Corny unfurling a large poster. It is a skeleton Uncle Sam who advises: Give me Wanda or give me death
CORNY: Hey Wanda, check it out.
WANDA: Killer. Thanks.
Wanda is sitting with Veronica on a low wall in the outside area of the school. Veronica is interviewing Wanda, using a small recorder
VERONICA: One of your campaign staff?
WANDA: I'm all about grass roots.
VERONICA: How do you account for your sudden popularity?
WANDA: Isn't it obvious? It's class warfare, the haves versus the have-nots. You more than anyone at school should understand that.
VERONICA: But it's more quotable if you say it out loud.
WANDA: Okay. The rich kids, they run things around here. They're the minority and they're corrupt. They get away with murder.
A student passing behind them shouts his support
RODNEY: Hey, give 'em hell, Wanda!
WANDA: You give 'em hell, Rodney! [Returning her attention to the interview] Pirate Points is just another way they reward themselves for so swell. They have all the power, we're the disenfranchised [with increasing stridence] but only because we let ourselves be. It's time to take action!
Veronica is impressed
WANDA: How was that? Was I quotable?
VERONICA: Yeah, I think I can find something there.
Veronica smiles. Note that there is no appearance of the usual opening credits or theme song in this episode. Cut to Logan's car pulling into a petrol station. The music is "Still In Love Song" by the Stills.
SONG: When we were lovers We were kissers We were holders of hands We were make believers Just losing time and You said you'd rather live in tepee land…
d**k Casablancas and two other 09ers get out of the car and head into the station while turns off the ignition. He gets partially out, standing on the running board
LOGAN: Hey! Hook me up with a beverage, huh?
As Logan exits the car and walks round it to get to the pump, a beefy black guy walks towards his windscreen
HOMELESS VET: And what goes with an icy, cold beverage? A nice clean windshield.
LOGAN: No, man you don't have to do that.
The man sprays the windscreen and starts cleaning it as Logan gets the pump
LOGAN: The car was just professionally detailed.
HOMELESS VET: Ah, they got a lot of nerve calling themselves professionals.
The man wipes the squeegee onto a clothe and shows Logan the dirt
HOMELESS VET: Look at that. They just move the dirt around.
LOGAN: Man, A for effort but, uh, you're not getting paid for it.
HOMELESS VET: I don't remember asking.
The man turns and points to the sign behind him which says: Homeless Vet. Donations Accepted. Logan just nods. d**k comes back to the car and stops by Logan who is still filling it. They both watch the man
LOGAN: Hey, what about him?
d**k: Pretty well fed for a bum.
LOGAN: Yeah.
Logan finished filling the tank
LOGAN: [To the man] Hey, you army?
HOMELESS VET: Hell, no. United States Marine Corps.
LOGAN: That's even better, huh.
Logan giggles and walks back around to the driver's side of the car
LOGAN: What are you? About 240?
HOMELESS VET: Uh, in my prime.
LOGAN: Yeah? [Gets into the car as the other 09ers exit the station] Hey, I'm, uh, I'm putting together a little amateur boxing night. If you're interested.
Logan has a $100 bill which he sticks into frame of the open window. The 09ers get into the car
HOMELESS VET: What, you want me to fight?
LOGAN: No, man. I want you to win.
HOMELESS VET: What you'd think that you'd just come in here and buy me like that? Is that how it is?
LOGAN: Yeah, that's exactly how it is. I think we're on the same page.
HOMELESS VET: Get out of my face. Before I beat your a** down for free.
LOGAN: All right, you suit yourself. [Accompanied by the appropriate squeegee actions] Chhu-chhu. [Grabbing the bill] You have a nice day.
Logan smirks at the man, starts the car and drives off. Cut to Neptune TV where one of the candidates is doing her thing
TV: …And in conclusion, I promise to uphold the duties of presidency to the utmost of my ability. Thank you.
Cut to the students in the journalism class, listening to the broadcast. Veronica and Duncan are there, seated at the central table along with a punk rocker. Logan is standing next to him at the end of the table
PUNK ROCKER: Wanda's gonna blow this chick out of the water. [To Logan] You can kiss your precious Pirate Points goodbye.
Logan doesn't respond but keeps his eyes fixed on the television
AARON: [Offscreen] Duncan Kane.
On the TV, Duncan's name in superimposed on an American flag. Military music belts out
AARON: [Offscreen] A natural leader.
Duncan looks at the screen, seems vaguely and reacts in his familiar passive way
DUNCAN: What?
AARON: [Offscreen] Two time All League Soccer. Editor of the Neptune Navigator.
The broadcast is accompanied by appropriate pictures: Duncan kicking a football; Duncan presiding over a group of students around the journalism class central table. Camera switches to Ms Dent who looks over at him. Duncan breathes out and slowly turns his head to look at Logan
AARON: [Offscreen] Three point nine two four grade point average.
Logan is exceptionally pleased with himself and holds up both hands in V for victory signs
AARON: [Offscreen] National Honour Society. National Merit semi-finalist…
Cut to Veronica who just looks incredulous
AARON: [Offscreen] …and all around, righteous dude.
The picture of Duncan with two other guys gives way to Aaron, live on TV from the steps of his trailer
AARON: Hi. I'm Aaron Echolls. [There are gasps amongst the watchers] And I've known Duncan Kane for a long time. He's the real deal. Duncan Kane for student body President.
LOGAN: [High voice] That's my dad.
Some amongst the audience clap, none harder than Logan
LOGAN: All right!
Some pat Duncan, who just looks serious and maybe a little pissed and throw out congratulations and messages wishing luck
MS DENT: That's the last of the five candidates.
Madison struts into the classroom and hands a sheet of paper to Ms Dent
MADISON: Good luck, Duncan.
Veronica watches this with increasing distaste
MS DENT: Mark the letter of the corresponding candidate. Only one bubble will be counted. If none of the candidates receive a majority the top two will be entered in a runoff election.
Duncan shoots up from his seat
DUNCAN: [Sincerely] Please, whatever you do, just don't vote for me.
Duncan glares at Logan who is not slow to take an opportunity
LOGAN: Did you hear that folks? He's humble to boot. God! This guy.
Ms Dent puts up: A) Duncan Kane B) Wanda Varner Veronica firmly marks her ballot paper at the B bubble. Cut to late, at Mars Investigations. Veronica is working on the laptop in the outer office. All the lights are out except for the lamp on her desk
VERONICA VOICEOVER: If Lilly's ghost is going to haunt me until justice has been served, then I better get my a** in gear.
VERONICA: Where to begin?
On the computer screen are four files, each bearing the name of a suspect: Abel Koontz, Jake Kane, Celeste Kane and Logan Echolls
VERONICA VOICEOVER: How about the obvious?
On selection Abel's file, a picture of him shows on the file and on expanding it, there are four tabs: information, alibi, motive and evidence
VERONICA VOICEOVER: Abel Koontz was found with Lilly's backpack and shoes in his possession.
She highlights the evidence tab under which appears the following: " Confession " Shoes, backpack, bloody clothing at home
VERONICA VOICEOVER: He gave a confession on the spot. But Dad was convinced that the mystery led back to the most respected family in Neptune. The three people that were at the scene of the crime before he arrived. Jake Kane, beloved billionaire, Celeste Kane, renowned philanthropist…
Veronica pauses then clicks on a symbol, allowing her to add a new file
VERONICA VOICEOVER: [Typing] … and Duncan. Each of the Kanes alibis was airtight. That is, until a traffic ticket proved that Lilly was still alive hours after the coroner's official time of death.
Veronica ponders then looks in the direction of her father's office. Cut to Veronica's hands on the safe combination. She opens the safe
VERONICA VOICEOVER: I don't know what I'm looking for. But if there are any clues as to who really killed Lilly, then they're in Dad's safe.
Veronica takes out a very large file stuffed with smaller ones and pulls out one of the smaller ones out. A time pass effect blows to other files
VERONICA VOICEOVER: Arrest record, evidence log, autopsy report. How many times to I have to look at this stuff. Until it starts making sense.
Cut to an overhead view of Veronica studying the files. Cut to a ring made up of cars parked in a circle, lit by the headlights. The music is the Red Onions' "Feeling Alright". Logan is master of ceremonies in the middle. There's a crowd of 09ers cheering throughout
LOGAN: [Shouting] All right, all right, all right! It's time for the main event. [Louder cheers] Gentlemen! In the red corner [holding up the red-gloved fighter] hailing from Balfour Port is Mighty Mike. And in the blue corner, [holding up the blue-gloved fighter] the hometown hero…
Logan leans over closer to the homeless man
LOGAN: [Quietly] What's your name?
HOMELESS FIGHTER: Robbo Roth [?uncertain?]
LOGAN: [Shouting] Robbo Roth [?uncertain?].
Cheering particularly loudly is d**k who has a fistful of cash
LOGAN: All right, gentlemen, [bringing them to the centre] I want a clean fight. Go!
The two men, unsteady on their feet, start to circle each other. The crowd urges them on. Cut back to Veronica. She puts a file away into the large file and rummages a little more. She pulls out an envelope marked: Crime Photographs. Lillian Kane. DOD. BBZ. Crime No A-97-92184xx. 10.03.03. Case 18900-C2. Bedroom
VERONICA VOICEOVER: Where did this come from?
Veronica opens the envelope and looks at the crime scene photos. Something catches her eye and she bends to examine it more closely. It is Lilly's white sneakers with the heart drawn on them
VERONICA: It's impossible!
Veronica hears a car door slam. She hurriedly puts everything except the pictures back in the large file, stuffs it back in the safe and rushes to the outer office. She slams shut her laptop. She just gets the pictures in her bag when Keith walks in, although she is a little out of breath
KEITH: Hey.
VERONICA: Hey, Dad.
Keith walks to his office and slows as he goes in. Cut to Neptune High, the outside eating area. Veronica and Wallace are eating their lunch. On the 09ers table, they are eating take-out, including Duncan and Logan
VERONICA: [Offscreen] In a way, it's a little sad. You know, the end of an era. Wanda wins and no more Pirate Points. No more lunch delivery.
CLEMMONS: [Over the public address system] Attention students. The results of the election have been tabulated. There will be no runoff votes in any of the races.
DUNCAN: [Relieved] Thank god.
CLEMMONS: The winner in the office of secretary, Bryan Gibson.
A lot of the students have started to chant "Wanda". Logan looks around smugly
CLEMMONS: Vice President, Katie Keenan. And it gives me great pleasure to announce, the 2004-2005 SCA President, Duncan Kane.
There are some cheers and a lot of boos. Logan stands on the table to gloat
LOGAN: That's how it's done!
Corny, sitting next to a disappointed Wanda, is stunned
CORNY: That's a steaming crock, Clemmons.
WALLACE: There's no way Duncan Kane could have carried half the student body.
VERONICA: Now I've got a story.
Cut to Veronica knocking on a classroom door. She opens it and goes inside. The room is empty save for a teacher sitting at her desk, marking papers, at the far end of the room
VERONICA: Mrs Donaldson, did you get my message?
MS DONALDSON: About inspecting the ballots.
VERONICA: And?
MS DONALDSON: My short answer? No. [Officious] My long answer would be a speech about being a gracious loser and about how just because you don't like the outcome, doesn't mean you can cry foul.
VERONICA: The Student Charter says it is possible to lodge a formal protest.
Veronica reaches into her bag and pulls out the Charter
MS DONALDSON: Which this is not. And if you had continued to read article 15 concerning student council elections; you would know that once the votes have been certified, a faculty sponsor must approve any request for a recount.
VERONICA: That's it? So I just need another teacher to rubberstamp this?
Mrs Donaldson looks up, a little alarmed. Cut to Veronica and Ms Dent coming down the school hallway
VERONICA: I think it's really cool that you're doing this.
MS DENT: Oh, I'm happy to help, Veronica. I just find it difficult to believe that someone would try and tamper with the student council election.
VERONICA: Well, you're new.
MS DENT: [Laughs] No one will let me forget it. All I'm saying is I admire your enthusiasm just don't let it get in the way of-
VERONICA: Fair and balanced, that's me.
They meet Mrs Donaldson in the hallway
VERONICA: As promised, one faculty sponsor.
MS DONALDSON: I'd like to speak with Ms Dent for a moment please.
The two teachers move over to the side
MS DONALDSON: I can't believe you'd let her rope you into this.
MS DENT: I'm sorry.
MS DONALDSON: Look, Mallory. I've never heard of anything like this happening in a student election.
MS DENT: Is there really any harm in Veronica double checking the votes.
MS DONALDSON: Well that's not the point. She's manipulating you. And I'd like to give you the chance to reconsider.
MS DENT: I tell my students to be dogged. I tell them to follow hunches.
MS DONALDSON: [Condescendingly] All great. Certainly not telling you how to teach your class. But this is a student elections and, um, I'm just suggesting that you let this go. For your own good.
MS DENT: I've signed the form, the request is official. [Shrugs] We'll see those ballots now.
They look over at Veronica, who smiles. Cut to a ballot machine. Wallace is feeding the machine. He is in the school office with Veronica and Wanda. The machine finishes
VERONICA: What'd you get?
WALLACE: Duncan still wins with 743 votes. How many times are we going to run it?
VERONICA: No sign of anyone erasing ballots. No ballots missing. [Considering one ballot paper] Hey. Student 43059. Who the hell is candidate E and why did you vote for her?
WALLACE: You think I'm not voting for the sister? And for what possible reason do you have my student ID number memorised?
Mrs Donaldson enters from one of the inner offices
MS DONALDSON: [Supercilious] You can toss those ballots in the recycle bin when you're done uncovering [makes air quotes] corruption.
She smugly saunters out. Veronica and Wanda exchange a glance then Veronica returns to the ballots papers
VERONICA: What?
WANDA: What is it?
VERONICA: Well if "Wanda rulez" why'd you vote for Duncan, you head case? I wanna find out who this kid is and what art room he voted in.
She passes the ballot to an offended Wallace
WALLACE: Yeah, and I want a statue of myself in the main lobby, holding a musket, staring down danger.
Veronica and Wanda exchange a smile
WALLACE: Since we're talking about stuff we want.
VERONICA: [Smiles sweetly] Please?
WALLACE: How hard was that?
Wallace goes over to one of the office computers and taps in the student ID number
WALLACE: Kevin Carney. He's got art first period.
Cut to an art room. Veronica enters and checks the teacher's desk and the rubbish bin. She walks over to the blackboard and sees the fifth name on the ballot. The other names are obscured by a pull down. She pulls it up and all the names are exposed: A) Wanda Varner B) Duncan Kane C) Laura Hildebrand D) Steve Whacker E) Melissa Lewis Comprehension. Cut to Clemmons office. Clemmons sits at his desk. Mrs Donaldson and Ms Dent are also there
MS DONALDSON: Well you saw the voting cards yourself. You certified the count. There's nothing left to argue, it's over.
VERONICA: Someone cheated.
MS DONALDSON: How?
VERONICA: There were two sets of ballot instructions.
MS DONALDSON: That simply doesn't make any sense.
VERONICA: Yes, it does. It makes perfect sense. [Offscreen on going to shot of Ms Dent writing the names on the blackboard] The classes heavily populated with 09er kids got the candidates names in the correct order. [Cut to the other classes] The classes that Wanda would have carried - band, autoshop, art - [art teacher writing on blackboard] got a list with the candidates names reversed. When those students thought they were voting for Wanda, they actually gave their votes to Duncan.
MS DONALDSON: You don't really expect us to believe this.
MS DENT: We've invited the students from first period art. We could always ask them to review their ballots.
She opens the door and a large group of disgruntled students stare in
CLEMMONS: Hold on.
Clemmons gestures for Ms Dent to shut the door
CLEMMONS: Veronica. Exactly who do you accuse of doing this?
VERONICA: I'm not accusing anybody. Then again…
Cut to the photocopy machine
VERONICA: [Offscreen] …it wouldn't be hard to find out whose code was punched into the copier that made the ballot instructions.
MS DONALDSON: I had my student aide make them.
VERONICA: And that would be who?
Cut to the photocopy machine and Madison's look of satisfaction
MS DONALDSON: [Offscreen] Madison Sinclair.
VERONICA: Well there you go. Mystery solved.
Clemmons ponders, then looks up at Mrs Donaldson who, for the first time, isn't smug. Cut to a busy school hallway. Clemmons' voice rings out through the school through the public address system
CLEMMONS: Attention students. May I have your attention please?
The students pause to listen. Cut to Clemmons
CLEMMONS: I regret to inform you that there has been a mistake in tabulating the election results.
Back in the hallway, Veronica threads her way through the motionless crowd. She eventually reaches Madison, at her locker
CLEMMONS: There will be a runoff election Thursday between Wanda Varner and Duncan Kane.
VERONICA: [Cheerfully] Hi Madison. I heard you lost your student aide gig and your student council spot. If I may be so bold as to make a recommendation, on Fridays, ee-uh, Sloppy Joes are your best bet.
Veronica tsks and walks away, leaving Madison glaring after her. Cut to Veronica's room. She in scanning the crime scene photos into her laptop
VERONICA VOICEOVER: I've been waiting for a moment alone to take a closer look at the photo of Lilly's bedroom on the night of her murder. The last thing I need is Dad popping his head in and discovering that I've been poaching from his safe.
Veronica enlarges an area of the photos. Lilly's white sneakers with the heart drawn on them are clear to see. This realisation sends Veronica into a flashback. Lilly and Logan are talking softy in the school's outdoor cafeteria, all lovey-dovey. Lilly has her leg slightly extended.
LILLY: All right, when do I get to do yours?
The camera twists down to reveal Veronica, drawing the heart on Lilly's sneaker
VERONICA: Finishing touches.
LOGAN: [Offscreen] Duncan?
LILLY: Oh, yeah, now that's just creepy.
The camera cuts back to the enlarged picture on Veronica's laptop. Veronica, visibly shaken, stretches over, grabs the phone and dials
TELEPHONE: Action News. This is Hank.
VERONICA: Hey. I'm a journalism student from Neptune High and I'm doing a follow up story on Abel Koontz. I'm wondering if you could send me a copy of the piece you did on Koontz a couple days ago.
Cut to a Mexican roadside burger bar. Jake and Duncan are sitting in Jake's car, finishing off some food
JAKE: You know your mother [swallowing] and your mother's personal trainer don't need to know anything about this.
DUNCAN: Agreed.
JAKE: What do you say we, uh, stop on the way home, knock out some, uh, campaign bumper stickers.
DUNCAN: When you say we, you mean…
JAKE: I mean, we go and talk to some of my graphics guys.
Duncan is not enthusiastic
JAKE: Oh, come on, Dunc. Look what you already accomplished and you-you weren't even trying. Imagine what you'd be capable of if ya-you just put your heart into it.
DUNCAN: Cue inspirational music here.
JAKE: I'm so tired of your cynicism.
DUNCAN: Oh, Dad, I'm sorry, I mean I-I know you think that this election is some sort of stepping stone on my way to the White House-
JAKE: Well I got news for ya. I'm not concerned about this election, I just want to see you engaged. Enthusiastic about something.
Duncan does not respond
JAKE: Look. Your happiness. Is all I've ever wanted.
Father and son stare at each other. Then Duncan gives a little chuckle
DUNCAN: Well what if I find happiness living in a grass hut, carving driftwood figurines for tourists?
JAKE: I feel confident you have grander ambitions than that. But, if you're, uh, happy and committed to driftwood carving, be the best driftwood carver you can be. After you've graduated from Stamford, [Duncan groans and nods] Law School, [Duncan chuckles] suma c** laudi [Duncan laughs out loud]. See that! You're already smiling.
And he is. Cut to school. Veronica rounds a corner and hears something of a hubbub as students, and now Veronica, see that Wanda's posters have been defaced. The word "NARC" has been sprayed on them. She heads for her locker to find a small Kane bumper sticker on it. She heads to the opposite lockers where Wanda is just closing hers. It has also been marked "Narc"
WANDA: I think the opposing campaign just went negative. [Slamming her locker shut] I'm gonna kill whoever did this!
VERONICA: They're just posters. You still own the message.
WANDA: They're not just posters. They spray painted "Narc" on the hood of my car.
VERONICA: You know they only chose the word "narc" because it would hit closest to home with your constituency.
WANDA: I shouldn't find that comforting. But I do.
VERONICA: Well, why don't you come over tonight and we'll make new posters. [With growing, fake, enthusiasm] And I'll get some puppy paint and an Avril Lavigne CD and it'll be just like our pep squad days.
Wanda plays along and claps
WANDA: Awesome.
She strikes a perky pose with hands on hips, straight out of "Bring It On". Veronica laughs and then get very serious
VERONICA: Okay, don't do that.
Cut to the journalism room where Duncan sits at the central desk looking at some clippings. He glances over to where we will see that Logan is sitting at one of the computers. Veronica enters and heads straight for Logan
VERONICA: Bravo, Logan. It's a new low. And just when the critics were having some doubts.
Logan looks over towards Duncan, then back at Veronica
LOGAN: Mmm. Must be talking about your, uh, narc friend, W-W-W-Wanda. [Laughs] Well isn't it time that you found another bad guy. [Off Veronica's hard look, and maybe seriously, maybe not] Look, I just don't…have time to be responsible for every little thing that goes wrong in your life.
He laughs again and gets up from his chair heading for the other side of the room. Veronica turns to Duncan
VERONICA: So, was it your idea or did you just play it your usual way?
Veronica crouches by the desk
DUNCAN: What's my usual way?
VERONICA: Oh, you know, Duncan. You don't initiate trouble. You don't initiate much of anything anymore.
She takes a deep breath
DUNCAN: Don't stop there, Veronica. Say it. What's my usual way?
VERONICA: [With deliberation on each word] You stand idly by.
Duncan just stares at her. After a pause, Veronica gets up and heads to the other side of the desk, leaving Duncan lost in his thoughts. In the meantime, d**k has come into the classroom and approached Logan
d**k: Gotta check out "The Smoking Gun" website.
MS DENT: Excuse me, we're in the middle of a class here.
d**k: Dude, you're famous.
d**k exits. Logan heads for one of the computers. From the Neptune High School page (Neptune High School has an enrolment of 1500 students in a grade 9-12 comprehensive public high school located in Neptune, a community within the city limits of Neptune, CA. It is part of the Balboa County Unified School District. The area is dominated by the local Universities and adjacent research and development firms. NHS is a school with a strong emphasis on academic achievement. Over 90% of our graduates continue their education at universities and colleges, with a significant…. Picture of ice creams captioned: Gourmet Ice Cream is offered to all Pirate Points Holders. On "The Smoking Gun" website, the featured document shows a picture of Aaron. On clicking it, Logan reveals: A-Lister's Link to Twisted Pastime. Aaron Echolls son caught bruising bums for cash. October 23 - In twisted and horrific brutality Aaron Echolls son, Logan Echolls, has been participating in organised fights. The only catch is, the fighters are homeless men. A tip to TSG led to the obtainment of a video tape shot by a spectator. The footage clearly captures Logan smiling and cheering at a bum battle. No word as of yet from Aaron's publicist for comment on the matter. But we are sure the Echolls' household is none too pleased with this barbarity and tarnishing their Hollywood perfection. Click to View Video. *Caution* Contains Graphic Images. The video shows Mighty Mike kicking the stuffing out of the other guy and then Logan clapping and cheering. As he watches, the look on he face shows he knows he is in deep, deep trouble. Cut to Veronica's room. Fresh Wanda posters are everywhere. Veronica is laid down on her bed, raised up on her elbows doing her fingernails and Wanda is sitting on the floor doing her toenails
WANDA: So, what's the story with you and Weevil?
VERONICA: Weevil? There's no story. Why?
WANDA: No reason. Just thought you might have shared your friend Lilly's bad boy thing. But I guess I was wrong.
VERONICA: Lilly had more of a boy thing.
WANDA: Are you sure? Lilly and Weevil never, because I heard-
VERONICA: [Laughing] Never!
WANDA: Okay.
Wanda picks a book off the floor, about making it into top colleges
WANDA: So. Is this one any good?
VERONICA: Umm, I, uh, I don't know, I haven't read it.
WANDA: Yeah. Most of these college guys are pretty unreadable. So what's your first choice? Ivy? Baby Ivys? Seven Sisters? Liberal Arts? East Coast?
VERONICA: It gives me a panic attack to just think about it.
WANDA: Yeah. I really want to go to Williams. Now all I have to do is rob a bank and ace the SATs.
VERONICA: I think we're in the same boat.
Cut to the Echolls' residence. It is dark and Logan is carrying his shoes, coming in quickly but quietly. To no avail
LOGAN: Hey, Dad.
Aaron is across the room, sitting in the dark. Logan gives an uncomfortable grin which fades and he is clearly nervous
LOGAN: What are you doing up?
AARON: I couldn't sleep. What with the phone ringing every five minutes. "Access Hollywood", [Rising from his seat] "Entertainment Tonight", [Walking inexorably towards an increasingly wary Logan] "E". Any guesses what they wanted to talk about? My charity work? No. My latest Christmas movie? No.
Aaron reaches Logan and plants a hand, heavily, on the back of Logan's shoulder. He turns him and puts him arm around Logan
AARON: They wanted to talk about my son's latest opus. "Skid Row Boxing".
Aaron bends his arm so his hand is on the back of Logan's head. His tone throughout has been steady, but menacing. Logan puts his hand to his eyes
LOGAN: Look, Dad, I, uh…I didn't know what-
Aaron grasps the back of Logan's neck hard
AARON: [Dangerously soft] I have to say that your performance was really impressive. [Louder] The way you play the ungrateful son determined to humiliate his father was [shouting] utterly impressive.
With that, Aaron flings Logan across the room. Logan lands face down on a sofa and scrabbles round to face his father, still half-lying across it. Logan's expression is caught between fear and readiness
AARON: [Shouting] Do you have any idea what you just cost this family? [Taking it down a few notches] Of course you don't. You never had to work for anything in your life. [Softly] Well, tomorrow, after school, you're going to get your first lesson in public relations.
A look of disappoint seems to flit across Logan's face
AARON: [Almost whispering] Logan. Don't you ever embarrass me again.
Aaron walks away. Logan watches him as he steadies his breathing and pulls himself into a sitting position, almost defiant but very shaken. Cut to the outside of the entrance to Neptune High. Veronica is encouraging passing students
VERONICA: Vote for Wanda. [On seeing him] Weevil. [Holding out a "Go Wanda" sticker] Put one on the back of your bike?
WEEVIL: Naw. I'm not going to vote for that narc.
VERONICA: Come on, Weevil. You know better than to believe everything you hear at this school, that's just dirty politics.
WEEVIL: You might want to explain that to Felix. Somehow the Sheriff found out that all the "Welcome to Neptune" signs are hanging up in his bedroom, a week after he hooks up with your girl Wanda. Now how did that happen, huh? Now homeboy's got four weekends of highway clean up.
Weevil raises his eyebrows, turns and walks into the school. Veronica is thoughtful. Cut to the hallway. Veronica catches up with Wanda
VERONICA: Hey, superstar. Are you nervous?
WANDA: I'm so embarrassed but yes.
VERONICA: Well, I think we should celebrate this weekend. Win or lose. I heard about this rave out in the desert. And we can make it if we leave directly after school tomorrow.
WANDA: Bitchin'. I'll tell my mom I'm spending the night at your place. Do we need any…provisions?
VERONICA: Provisions? With a capital E, absolutely. But I know a guy.
WANDA: Oh, jealous. Wish I knew a guy.
Wanda wanders off. Cut to journalism class. Veronica takes her seat at the large table in the centre as a student hands in her work
STUDENT: Here you go, Ms Dent.
The television comes on as Clemmons broadcasts. Duncan is at his familiar place at the other end of the large desk
CLEMMONS: We will be voting simultaneously this morning in order to prevent any confusion. By now everyone should have their scantron ballots.
The art room is ready
CLEMMONS: All right. Here goes. If you'd like to vote for Duncan Kane, mark "A"…
Veronica's pencil hovers over the ballot form
CLEMMONS: …and if you'd like to vote for Wanda Varner, mark "B".
VERONICA VOICEOVER: Let's see. On the one hand, we have the hot cold ex-boyfriend and heir to the status quo. On the other, the potentially duplicitous new friend and champion to the disenfranchised.
Veronica flashes back to a scene in the school outdoor cafeteria. Duncan is playing with her hand, Logan and Lilly are opposite them and there are a few other students at the table. A boy sits at the one empty place
LOGAN: [To his own group] Wanna hang out? And I'll impress you with my diving skills.
Logan looks at the newcomer and then at Duncan who just raises a quizzical brow
LILLY: Oh, did you hear that Becky Lacey is trying out for mascot?
DUNCAN: Really.
d**k in the meantime has unceremoniously grabbed the newcomer's tray and placed it on the next table. He slaps the newcomer on the back
d**k: Table's ready.
As Lilly looks at d**k and the scared newcomer, Logan looks at Duncan
DUNCAN: You know what, man?
Duncan twists round in his seat and gets the tray and places it back in front of him
DUNCAN: You're fine where you are. d**k, here, can find his own spot.
Duncan returns to playing with the hand of an impressed, if drippy, Veronica. Modern day Veronica sweeps back, staring over at Duncan, pencil still poised. Cut to Aaron filling his car with petrol. His cell phone rings
AARON: Yeah. [Listens] I know I'm late Marty. Look, is this the closest homeless shelter you could find?
Logan is sitting in the passenger seat
AARON: No. Never mind. Are the cameras ready. Good.
Aaron finishes his call and filling the tank
AARON: All right. Now this is how this is gonna work. They're gonna get a few shots of you volunteering at the soup kitchen, then I'm gonna join you for an interview with the TV crews, you got it?
LOGAN: What do you want me to tell them?
AARON: What do you think, Logan? That you're sorry. That you're bone-headed. And that ya screwed up. I'll take care of the rest.
Aaron's cell phone rings again. Logan listens in
AARON: Vince! What's happening? [Listens] Yeah, I got the script. I've seen better writing on cereal boxes. [Listens, guffaws] Oh, big deal. The man hasn't made a watchable movie since the seventies. Are they gonna meet my quote? [Listens] Hot damn!
Aaron holds the phone to his chest to speak to Logan
AARON: Son! How do you argue with eight figures? [Logan nods] Ya can't. Can't be done.
Aaron giggles and returns to his call
AARON: Okay. Have 'em to draw up the contract.
HOMELESS VET: [Offscreen] Hey. [Coming into view on Logan's side of the car] It's Don King. Hey, you find some sucker who's willing to make a b***h outta hisself for cash?
Logan doesn't respond and the vet walks away, not disguising his disgust. Aaron, sunglasses on, gets in the car
AARON: All right. You ready to do this?
LOGAN: Yeah.
Aaron switches on the engine of the sports car and turns on the stereo. The intro to America's "Ventura Highway" plays. He drives out of the station, Logan stares at him with an expression bordering on hate. Cut to the homeless shelter. The first part of the song plays under the action
SONG: Chewing on a piece of grass Walking down the road Tell me, how long you gonna stay here Joe? Some people say this town don't look Good in snow You don't care, I know Wishin' on a falling star Watchin' for the early train Sorry boy, but I've been hit by Purple rain Aw, come on Joe, you can always Change your name Thanks a lot son, just the same Wishin' on a falling star Watchin' for the early train Sorry boy, but I've been hit by Purple rain Aw, come on Joe, you can always Change your name Thanks a lot son, just the same
Logan is one of three helpers dishing up food. Cameras flash as he serves one of the homeless
HOMELESS MAN: Thank you.
The camera pans round to show a number of homeless people eating at tables. There's a film crew set up and Aaron is playing sincere with the diners
AARON: Hey, thanks a lot.
PRODUCER: Mr Echolls, we're ready for you anytime.
AARON: Catch you guys later. Logan!
They meet in front of the cameras, Aaron's arm around Logan's shoulders, Logan's around Aaron's back. Logan smiles for the cameras
AARON: Excuse me! Uh, I just wanted to say that my father was not an educated man. He dropped out of school after the eighth grade so he could go to work in the new automotive plant in Pontiac, Michigan. And he once told me something that I'll never forget. He said son, a good heart is worth all the heads in the world put together. Now my son here will be the first one to admit that he wasn't using his head. But I promise each and every one of you, that this boy, this boy has a great heart.
The crowd awws at the saccharine performance. Logan laughs
LOGAN: Um. I know now that, uh, that what I did was wrong. I'm really sorry. I, uh, I only hope that one day I can live up to my dad's good example.
Logan turns to his father. They hug
LOGAN: I love you. [On stepping out of the hug] Okay, look, uh, I know that you didn't want to make a big deal out of this [] but I'm just so proud of him that I, I can't keep it a secret.
Aaron keeps his proud face but nonetheless looks surprised and worried about what Logan is saying
LOGAN: Dad told me on the way over that he's donating half a million dollars to the Neptune foodbank.
The crowd gasps and applause breaks out
LOGAN: Way to go, Dad.
Logan claps. Aaron is stunned and very angry but drops the smile plastered on his face for a moment as he stares hard at Logan. It's back when he turns to the crowds and laughs. Logan puts his arm around Aaron's back and rests his head on Aaron's head. The cameras go wild. "Ventura Highway" hits the chorus
SONG: Ventura Highway in the sunshine Where the days are longer The nights are stronger Than moonshine You're gonna go I know 'Cause the free wind is blowin' through Your hair And the days surround your daylight There Seasons crying no despair Alligator lizards in the air
Seen through the glass fronts of a wardrobe, Logan approaches and slides open the doors of one section. The section contains belts, hanging from either side of the walls of the closet. He considers them, and then chooses one, feeling its weight. He takes his time folding it in his hand. He slides the door closed. Logan reappears in the main part of the Echolls house, walking quickly to his father's study. Posters of Aaron are on the walls and the man himself is standing at the window. Logan pauses at the door, belt in hand, and enters on his father's acknowledgement of him. Aaron holds out his hand for the belt. He unfurls the belt and goes to close the door. As he does, Logan can be seen lifting his shirt. To the sound of belt on flesh, the camera slowly pans round to reveal Lynn, sitting on a sofa, drinking a highball. (Comment - powerful scene, beautifully played.) Cut to Veronica at school. Another student approaches her with a slip of paper
STUDENT: Hey Veronica. Deputy wants to inspect your locker.
He hands over the slip and considers it
VERONICA VOICEOVER: You'd think I'd quit being surprised at finding a knife in my back.
Veronica shakes her head. Cut to the school hallway. Deputy Sacks and Clemmons are waiting at her locker
DEPUTY SACKS: Ah, Veronica Mars.
VERONICA: We meet again.
CLEMMONS: The Sheriff's Department has asked me-
VERONICA: I could just give you my locker combination, save us all a lot of trouble.
Veronica opens her locker. Sacks pulls out her backpack and sets it down on the floor. Crouching down, he searches it. He pulls a "Cat in the Hat" red and white stripped hat. His search is fruitless
DEPUTY SACKS: Nothing.
VERONICA: There's a couple of suckers. [Off Sack's glare] In the bag if you want one.
Sacks and Clemmons exchange a look. The public address system starts
MS DONALDSON: This is Mrs Donaldson, the student council advisor. I'm pleased to announce that the winner of the student council presidency is… Duncan Kane.
The students in the hallway react variously depending on allegiance. Veronica sees a despondent Wanda in the distance. She grabs some Wanda stickers, shuts her locker and hurries to speak to her
VERONICA: Wanda! I guess we're not going to that rave in the desert but [holding up the stickers] I do have a pretty good idea of where you can stick these.
WANDA: You don't understand.
VERONICA: You're right. I don't. Why don't you explain it to me.
WANDA: I got busted last year for possession. This was the only way that they would keep it off my record. I'd never get into Williams with a drug charge on my file.
VERONICA: So you were willing to wreck my future to save your own.
Wanda doesn't have an answer. Veronica turns away in disgust
WANDA: Veronica! This wasn't just about getting into college. If I would have won, I would have done what I promised. We would have changed the way things work around here.
VERONICA: You know what? [Handing over the stickers] No hard feelings. I didn't vote for you.
Veronica leaves Wanda standing. Cut to a classroom. Veronica is lining up a shot of Mrs Donaldson and the new president
MS DONALDSON: Well, it's been a crazy week, uh, but I am proud to introduce your new student body president, Duncan Kane.
The gathered crowd in the room applaud. Jake can be seen standing and clapping at the doorway. Duncan moves up to the small podium
DUNCAN: Thank you Mrs Donaldson. And now, my first act as President, I would like to make sure that no one loses a single Pirate Point. [Applause] But you know what? In addition to varsity sports, I would also like to make sure that students in band, students who make honour role, students who perform in school plays, that write for the school newspaper… [glances at Veronica] Even students who excel in vocational trades should be eligible to earn Pirate Points. [One person cheers and applauds but the rest of the council is non-responsive] And they should share in the benefits. Okay. So what kind of candy should we sell this year.
Jake is proud of his son. Cut to Veronica entering Keith's office. She goes to the safe, but can't open despite two attempts
VERONICA VOICEOVER: Dad changed the combination. He knows.
Cut to Veronica entering the apartment. Keith is on the couch, reading.
KEITH: [Pointing] Package for you.
VERONICA: Oh great.
KEITH: Something from Action News?
VERONICA: Oh, uh, nothing, a tape for a journalism project. Just to compare and contrast TV news footage with, uh, local print coverage.
KEITH: Hmm.
Veronica takes the envelope with the tape and heads for her room but pauses and considers what she is doing. Keith watches her closely. She turns back and sits in the chair next to him
VERONICA: I'm lying. You know I'm lying. I don't want things to be like this between us anymore.
KEITH: Like what?
VERONICA: Like our own game of spy vs spy. You know I was in the safe. And I know you're still investigating Lilly's murder.
KEITH: I was. I'm not anymore.
VERONICA: Why not? Dad, we're running out of time.
KEITH: I used to think that solving the case was the key to our happiness. Solve the case and my reputation is restored. Solve the case and your mom comes home. Solve the case and you go back to being a normal teenage girl.
VERONICA: So let's do it, let's solve the case-
KEITH: Wait, Veronica. What I believe in now is that we make the most out of what we have here and now. I believe in going to the zoo with the person I love the most.
VERONICA: [Holding out the envelope] This isn't a school project. It's the footage of Abel Koontz's arrest. [Taking the video out of the envelope] And I need to show you something. [Getting the crime scene photos out of her bag] This is an enlargement of a crime scene photo taken the night of Lilly's murder.
Veronica hands the photo to Keith then takes the video to the player under the television. She switches it on
TV: The defendant is scheduled to die by lethal injection as early as next year.
Veronica freezes the tape on Lilly's shoes as held up by Lamb. Keith looks at the photo
KEITH: What are those shoes doing in Abel Koontz's possession?
VERONICA: Good question.
End
 marshjazz · Sat Oct 28, 2006 @ 08:49pm · 0 Comments |
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