Épisode Le Règne de Kane S01E06 - Veronica Mars Saison 1

Précédemment dans Veronica Mars...

Plan du corps de Lilly Kane.
Voix off Veronica: Voilà un an que ma meilleure amie Lilly Kane a été assassinée.

Plan Veronica et Keith devant la télévision.
Reporter: Le service du Shérif de Neptune a arête Abel Koontz.

Plan Veronica, un dossier à la main.
Voix off Veronica: Le dossier du meurtre de Lilly Kane. Papa n'a pas abandonné l'affaire.

Plan de la famille Kane.
Jake: Lilly nous manque à nous tous.
Voix off Veronica: Duncan Kane. C'était mon petit ami.
Jake: Je veux simplement le voir se passionner pour quelque chose.

Plan Logan.
Voix off Veronica: Et n'oublions pas Logan Echolls. Il y a toujours un névrosé de service au lycée. lui, c'est le nôtre.

Plan Veronica et Weevil.
Weevil: Tu crois être différente. Mais à vrai dire tu es bien comme eux. Tu penses comme eux.


Nouvelle scène. Devant une belle résidence, un groupe de touristes précédés d'un guide sortent d'une voiture, appareil photo en main.

Guide: Voilà la maison d'Aaron Echolls.

Tout le monde est impressionné et manifeste sa joie en poussant des cris d'admiration. Logan arrive.

Logan: Plutôt impressionnant, non? Vous n'avez rien d'autre à faire? Je ne
traîne pas autour de votre caravane.
Touriste 1: Êtes-vous son fils?
Logan: Je suis celui qui vous demande de ficher le camp de mon allée.
Lynn (de la maison): Logan, rentre à la maison, chéri!

Aaron Echolls arrivent dans sa limousine.

Touriste 2: Le voilà.
Touriste 3: C'est lui?
Touriste 1: Il sort.
Aaron: Vous vous levez tôt.
Touriste 2: Je peux avoir un autographe?
Aaron: Tenez. Hé, Logan. Viens ici. Prenez-moi donc en photo avec mon fils. Et voilà. Souris, Logan. Allez. N'oublie pas qu'ils payent pour tout ça. 


Nouvelle scène. A Neptune High, Duncan rejoint son père.

Duncan: Merci, papa. J'ai fini de sonder l'équipe de foot. Personne ne veut m'écouter.
Jake: Au moins, tu es couvert, maintenant. Tu ne m'as pas parlé des élections. Tu devrais te présenter. Ca ferait bonne impression sur ton dossier universitaire.
Duncan: Ils ne font que vendre des bonbons et décorer la salle du bal de promo.
Jake: C'est tout ce qu'ils font maintenant. Avant que ne vienne le règne de Kane.
Duncan: Mon Dieu ! Pourvu qu'on ne t'ait pas entendu dire le "règne de Kane". 


Nouvelle scène. Veronica et Wallace déjeune.

Veronica: Mon père veut m'emmener au zoo de San Diego ce week-end.
Wallace: Génial. J'adore les zoos. Les gens sont tout fous en voyant les singes. Je suis fan de fauves.
Veronica: Mon père prend trop à coeur ces rencontres père-fille.
Wallace: Moi, par contre, j'adorerais aller au zoo avec mon père.
Veronica: Wallace, ne...
Wallace: Mais comme il est mort...
Veronica: Très bien. Je suis une imbécile. Tu es content?

Plus loin.

Fille (à un livreur de pizza): Hé, par ici. Garde la monnaie.
Livreur: Merci.

Madison Sinclair arrive près de la jeune fille.

Madison: Les livraisons sont interdites.
Fille: Et toi, je t'interdis de respirer mon air. Dégage. Oust. Retourne sur Xanadu.

Furieuse, Madison s'en va trouver Mlle Dent.

Madison: Wanda Varner s'est fait livrer son déjeuner.
Mlle Dent: Quel est le problème?
Madison: Elle n'a aucun Point Pirate.
Mlle Dent: Je vois.
Madison: Vous êtes nouvelle.
Mlle Dent: C'est exact.
Madison: On gagne des Points Pirates en apportant sa contribution à l'école. En participant au conseil des élèves, en faisant du sport.
Mlle Dent: Les pom-pom girls?
Madison: C'est un sport. Oh, M. Clemmons ! M. Clemmons, Wanda Varner s'est fait livrer un repas chinois.

Le proviseur se rend alors auprès de Wanda, qui est attablé avec Felix.

M. Clemmons: Wanda, tu connais les règles. Si tu veux avoir ce privilège, pourquoi ne t'impliques-tu pas davantage? En attendant, je vais devoir confisquer ton déjeuner.

Wanda ne l'entend pas de la même oreille. Elle se tourne vers Madison, et lui lance la pizza dans la figure.

Madison: Oh, petite garce!
Wanda: Oh, vraiment?
M. Clemmons: Wanda! Suis-moi jusqu'à mon bureau, je te prie.
Wallace: C'est qui, cette fille?
Veronica: C'est Wanda Varner. On était toutes deux pom-pom girls.
Wallace: Vous semblez avoir perdu en vitalité.


Nouvelle scène. Chez les Mars. Keith entre dans l'appartement.

Keith: Tu as faim, non?
Veronica: Dure journée?
Keith: C'est peu dire. J'ai reçu la visite d'une nana qui avait de sacrées jambes. Elle trouvait son mari un peu louche.
Veronica: Tu l'as fait parler?
Keith: Plutôt oui. Il a tout craché.
Veronica: Tu as de la chance, Philip Marlowe, car c'est une soirée dessert, et je viens de préparer un sundae.
Keith: Si les services sociaux apprennent ça, ils t'emmènent avec eux.
Veronica: Je suis prête à prendre ce risque.
Keith: Optons peut-être pour la base de la pyramide alimentaire. Des fruits, des légumes?

Veronica se penche sur son bol.

Veronica: Qu'est-ce que c'est? Une cerise au marasquin.

Veronica s'interrompt en voyant le repportage télévisé.

TV: Tournure imprévue dans l'affaire du meurtre de Lilly Kane: L'accusé Abel Koontz renvoie son avocat nommé par le ministère public. Ses appels ayant été rejetés, il subira la peine de mort par injection létale dès l'année prochaine. Et dans un instant...

Veronica éteind la télévision.

Veronica: Pourquoi a-t-il fait ça?
Keith: Il doit être prêt à mourir.
Veronica: Que vas-tu faire? Tu le crois innocent.
Keith: Désolé de te l'apprendre, mais personne ne se soucie de mon opinion. Ils s'en balançaient déjà quand j'étais shérif. Ils devront trouver un autre fou qui croit au complot.

Veronica entre dans sa chambre, et s'arrête devant son armoire.

Lilly: Regarde-toi, Veronica Mars. Tu es devenue une vraie rockeuse. Toi et moi, on s'amuserait bien. Enfin, si je n'étais pas morte.
Veronica: Pourquoi es-tu ici?
Lilly: Tu ne regardes jamais les films d'horreur? Mon âme est condamnée à errer sur terre jusqu'à ce que justice soit faite.
Veronica: Vraiment?
Lilly: Il y a ça et en plus, je donne des conseils de mode.
Veronica: C'est Koontz qui a fait ça?
Lilly: J'aimerais pouvoir te le dire.
Veronica: Pourquoi aurait-il voulu te tuer?
Lilly: Exactement. J'étais géniale, non?
Veronica: Tu me manques, Lilly.


Nouvelle scène. Cours de journalisme. Veronica est endormie sur sa table.

TV: Allons tous encourager notre équipe pour le dernier match de la saison.
Mlle Dent: Bonjour, Veronica. Cela t'intéresserait-il de couvrir l'élection pour le journal?
Veronica: Je le ferai cet après-midi.
Mlle Dent: C'est demain.
Veronica: Et je vois déjà le gros titre: "Victoire écrasante du candidat carriériste lèche-botte".
Mlle Dent: Peut-être vaudrait-il mieux approfondir un peu.
Veronica: Comptez sur moi.

TV: Ecoutons notre première candidate, une seconde année, Wanda Varner.
TV Wanda: Je suis Wanda Varner, et je me présente à la présidence. Soyons francs. Le conseil des élèves n'en fout pas une. Je vous promets de vrais changements. Si je suis élue, j'abolirai le programme injuste et élitiste des Points Pirates. Dieu vous bénisse et Dieu bénisse l'Amérique.
Logan: Elle pourrait faire ça?
Duncan: Le conseil des élèves donne, le conseil reprend.
Logan: On ne va pas abandonner nos points. Présente-toi.
Duncan: Non.

Corny arrive avec entre les mains une affiche de l'Oncle Sam, sur laquelle est inscrite "Donnez moi Wanda ou donnez moi la mort".

Corny: Hé, Wanda. Mate-moi ça.
Wanda: Ca assure. Merci.
Veronica: Il fait partie de ton staff?
Wanda: Je suis très près du peuple.
Veronica: Comment expliquer ta soudaine popularité?
Wanda: N'est-ce pas évident? C'est la lutte des classes. Tu peux comprendre mieux que personne.
Veronica: Mais je préfère pouvoir te citer.
Wanda: Entendu. Les riches contrôlent tout ici. Ils sont minoritaires et corrompus. On leur pardonne tout.
Rodney: Ne te laisse pas faire, Wanda.
Wanda: Toi non plus, Rodney. Ces Points Pirates les récompensent pour être privilégiés. Ils ont le pouvoir. On est privés du droit de vote, mais c'est de notre faute. Il est temps de passer à l'action! Tu pourras me citer?
Veronica: Je pense pouvoir en tirer quelque chose.


Nouvelle scène. Voiture de Logan. Dick et deux 3.9 sont avec lui.

Chanson:
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...

Ils s'arrêtent à la station service. Un homme, apparemment un sans domicile fixe, s'approche de la voiture, tandis que Dick part dans la station.

Logan: Tu me ramènes un truc à boire?
Homme: Qu'est-ce qui va avec une boisson bien fraîche? Un pare-brise bien propre.
Logan: C'est inutile. Elle vient d'être révisée par des professionnels.
Homme: Ils sont gonflés de s'appeler professionnels. Regarde-moi ça. Ils ont juste déplacé la poussière.
Logan: Écoute, mec, merci bien, mais je ne te filerai rien.
Homme: Je ne me souviens pas avoir demandé.

L'homme montre une pancarte: VÉTÉRAN SANS ABRI. DONS BIENVENUS.

Logan: Qu'est-ce que tu penses de lui?
Dick: Il est plutôt bien nourri pour un clodo.
Logan: Tu fais partie de l'armée?
Homme: Non!  Je fais partie des Marines.
Logan: Encore mieux, non? Tu pèses combien, 110 kg?
Homme: A l'époque, oui.
Logan: Vraiment? J'organise des combats de boxe amateurs, si ça t'intéresse.
Homme: Tu veux que je me batte?
Logan: Non, mec. Je veux que tu gagnes.
Homme: Tu penses pouvoir m'acheter aussi facilement? C'est ça?
Logan: Tout à fait. On s'est bien compris.
Homme: Dégage de ma vue, avant que je t'explose gratuitement.
Logan: Très bien. Comme tu voudras. Passe une bonne journée.


Nouvelle scène. Cours de journalisme.

TV ?: Enfin, je promets d'assumer mon rôle de présidente du mieux que je peux. Merci.
Garçon: Wanda va démolir cette nana. Vous pouvez dire adieu à vos précieux Points Pirates.
TV Aaron Echolls: Duncan Kane. Un leader né.
Duncan: Quoi?
TV Aaron: Double champion de football. Rédacteur en chef du Neptune Navigator. Excellents résultats scolaires. Société honoraire nationale. Demi-finaliste du Mérite national et personne tout à fait intègre. Bonjour. Je suis Aaron Echolls et je connais Duncan Kane depuis longtemps. C'est l'homme qu'il vous faut. Votez Duncan Kane président des élèves.
Logan: C'est mon père! Bravo!

Tous les élèves applaudissent.

Mlle Dent: Du calme. C'était le dernier des cinq candidats.

Madison entre et donne les bulletins de vote à Mlle Dent.

Madison: Bonne chance, Duncan.
Mlle Dent: Cochez la lettre du candidat correspondant. Seul un choix sera comptabilisé. Si aucun des candidats n'obtient de majorité, les deux premiers participeront à un deuxième tour.
Duncan: S'il vous plaît, ne votez surtout pas pour moi.
Logan: Il est humble, en plus de ça. Mon Dieu, j'adore ce type.

Mlle Dent inscrit au tableau A) Duncan Kane B) Wanda Varner et Veronica coche la case B de son bulletin.

Voix off Veronica: Si Lilly doit me hanter jusqu'à ce que justice soit faite, je ferais mieux de me remuer.
Veronica: Où commencer?

Sur son ordinateur, elle a crée quatre dossiers, qu'elle a nommé tour à tout Abel Koontz, Jake Kane, Céleste Kane et Logan Echolls, soit les noms des suspects potentiels.

Voix off Veronica: Commençons par le début.

Elle ouvre le dossier d'Abel Koontz. A l'intérieur se trouvent des photographies, et des documents concernant ses alibis, mobiles, preuves et autres informations.

Voix off Veronica: On a trouvé Abel Koontz avec le sac à dos et les chaussures de Lilly. Il a tout avoué, mais papa était persuadé que ce mystère menait tout droit à la famille la plus respectée de Neptune. Les trois personnes présentes sur la scène du crime avant son arrivée. Jake Kane, le chouchou milliardaire. Celeste Kane, célèbre philanthrope. Et Duncan. Tous les alibis des Kane étaient solides. Jusqu'à ce qu'une amende ne prouve que Lilly était vivante plusieurs heures après l'heure de la mort donnée par le coroner. J'ignore ce que je cherche, mais s'il y a des indices sur le meurtrier, ils sont dans le coffre-fort de papa.

Veronica découvre la combinaison du coffre inscrite dans l'agenda de son père. Elle ouvre le coffre.

Voix off Veronica: Mandat d'arrestation, témoignages, rapport d'autopsie. Combien de fois devrais-je revoir tout ça? Jusqu'à ce que tout devienne clair.


Nouvelle scène. Sur une plage, les 3.9 sont réunis en cercle autour de Logan.

Logan: Ecoutez tous. C'est l'heure du combat final! Messieurs. Chez les rouges, venu tout droit de Balboa Park, voici Mike l'Eclair! Et chez les bleus... le héros local...

Logan jette un coup d'oeil à l'homme sans abri.

Logan: C'est quoi ton nom?
Homme: Robble Robble...
Logan: Robble Robble ! Messieurs, je veux un combat propre. C'est parti!

Le combat commence.


Nouvelle scène. Veronica tient à la main une enveloppe, où est inscrit "Photographie du meurtre. Lillian Kane."

Voix off Veronica: D'où est-ce que ça sort?

Veronica examine les photos. Un détail l'intrigue.

Veronica: C'est impossible !

Elle range la photo dans son sac au moment où Keith fait son apparition.

Keith: Bonjour !
Veronica: Hey, papa !


Nouvelle scène. Veronica à Neptune High. Elle déjeune avec Wallace. Les 3.9 déjeunent aussi, un peu plus loin.

Voix off Veronica: D'une certaine façon, c'est un peu triste. C'est la fin d'une époque. Si Wanda l'emporte, fini les Points Pirates. Fini les plats livrés.
Mr Clemmons: Votre attention. Les résultats de l'élection viennent d'être calculés. Il n'y aura de second tour pour aucun des sièges.
Duncan: Dieu Merci.
Mr Clemmons: Le vainqueur du poste de secrétaire: Brian Gibson. Vice-président, Katie Keenan. Et j'ai le grand plaisir de vous révéler le nom de votre président pour l'année 2004-2005: Duncan Kane.
Logan: Et voilà le travail!

Corny s'asseoit à côté de Wanda, désapointé.

Corny: Foutaises, Clemmons.
Wallace: Duncan Kane n'a pas pu remporter la moitié des voix.
Veronica: Je le tiens, mon article.

Plus tard, Veronica entre dans un bureau.

Veronica: Mme Donaldson, vous avez reçu mon message?
Mme Donaldson: A propos du recompte des voix.
Veronica: Eh bien?
Mme Donaldson: En un mot, la réponse est non. Je pourrais également te donner une leçon de "savoir-perdre" et te montrer qu'un résultat décevant ne te donne pas le droit de crier à la fraude.
Veronica: La charte dit qu'il est possible de porter une plainte officielle.
Mme Donaldson: Ce n'en est pas une. Si tu avais lu l'article 15 sur les élections du conseil des élèves, tu saurais qu'une fois le scrutin validé, un membre du corps enseignant doit approuver toute requête de recompte.
Veronica: J'ai donc juste besoin de trouver un autre professeur?

Plus tard, Veronica et Mademoiselle Dent.

Veronica: C'est gentil de votre part.
Mlle Dent: Tout le plaisir est pour moi. J'ai peine à croire qu'on veuille fausser une élection de conseil des élèves.
Veronica: Vous êtes nouvelle ici.
Mlle Dent: On va m'en tenir rigueur. J'admire beaucoup ton enthousiasme, mais ne te laisse pas...
Veronica: Juste et objective, c'est tout à fait moi. Comme promis, un membre du corps enseignant.
Mme Donaldson: J'aimerais dire deux mots à Mlle Dent. Je n'arrive pas à croire que tu te sois laissée prendre.
Mlle Dent: Pardon?
Mme Donaldson: Écoute, Mallory, je n'ai jamais vu ça dans une élection de conseil des élèves.
Mlle Dent: Quel mal y a-t-il à ce qu'elle vérifie les votes?
Mme Donaldson: Ce n'est pas le problème. Elle te manipule et j'aimerais te donner l'opportunité de revenir sur ta décision.
Mlle Dent: J'apprends à mes élèves à être tenaces, instinctifs.
Mme Donaldson: Parfait. Je ne te dirai certainement pas comment tu dois enseigner. Il s'agit là d'une élection d'élèves et je te suggère tout simplement de laisser tomber. Pour ton propre bien.
Mlle Dent: J'ai signé un formulaire. La requête est officielle. Allons vérifier ce scrutin.

Wallace est chargé de la tâche.

Veronica: Alors?
Wallace: Duncan l'emporte toujours par 743 voix. Combien de fois va-t-on recompter?
Veronica: Personne ne semble avoir effacé de vote. Aucun vote manquant. Hé !  Élève numéro 43059. Le candidat E? Pourquoi as-tu voté pour elle?
Wallace: C'est ma soeur, qu'est-ce que tu crois? Comment cela se fait-il que tu aies mémorisé mon numéro d'identification?
Mme Donaldson: Jetez ces votes à la poubelle une fois votre mission "anti-corruption" finie.
Veronica: Hein?
Wanda: Qu'y a-t-il?
Veronica: Si Wanda est son idole, pourquoi cette patate vote pour Duncan? Je veux savoir qui est cet élève et où il a voté.
Wallace: Et moi, je veux une statue de moi dans le hall, un mousquet à la main, le regard défiant. Puisqu'on parle des trucs qu'on veut.
Veronica: S'il te plaît?
Wallace: C'était si difficile que ça?

Wallace recherche sur le pc qui est cet élève.

Wallace: Kevin Carney. Il était en classe d'art.

Veronica regarde tour à tout les bulletins et comprend.

Bureau de Clemmons, un peu plus tard.

Mme Donaldson: Tu as vu les bulletins de vote. Tu as certifié le décompte. Le débat est clos.
Veronica: Quelqu'un a triché.
Mme Donaldson: Comment?
Veronica: Il y avait deux lots d'instructions.
Mme Donaldson: Ca ne tient pas debout.
Veronica: Si, ça tient tout à fait debout. [Flash-back du jour des votes, Mlle Dent inscrit le nom des candidats au tableau.] Les classes d'élèves favorisés avaient les candidats dans le bon ordre. Les classes que Wanda aurait remportées, musique, automation, art... avaient une liste des candidats inversée. Ils pensaient voter pour Wanda. Ils donnaient en fait leur voix à Duncan.
Mme Donaldson: Pensez-vous qu'on va vous croire?
Mlle Dent: On a invité la section art. Demandons-leur d'examiner leur vote.
Mr Clemmons: Un instant. Veronica, qui accusez-vous d'avoir fait cela?
Veronica: Je n'accuse personne. Même s'il serait aisé de découvrir à qui appartient le code utilisé pour photocopier les instructions.
Mme Donaldson: Je l'ai fait faire à mon assistante.
Veronica: Qui cela peut-il bien être?
Mme Donaldson: Madison Sinclair.
Veronica: Eh bien, voilà. Le mystère est résolu.

Tandis que Veronica sort du bureau, Mr Clemmons allume le micro.

Mr Clemmons: Votre attention. Puis-je avoir votre attention ? J'ai le regret de vous informer que les résultats des élections sont erronés. Un second tour aura lieu jeudi entre Wanda Varner et Duncan Kane.

Veronica trouve Madison.

Veronica: Hey, Madison ! Il paraît que tu as perdu ton job d'assistante et ta place au conseil. Je me permets de te donner un conseil. Le vendredi, je te recommande le hamburger au chili.


Nouvelle scène. Chez les Mars.

Voix off Veronica: J'attendais d'être seule pour regarder de plus près la photo de la chambre de Lilly le soir de son meurtre. Pourvu que papa ne débarque pas et découvre que je me suis servie dans son coffre-fort.

Elle regarde les photos de plus près. Les chaussures de Lilly évoque un souvenir à Veronica.

Flash Back. Lilly, Logan , Duncan et Veronica sont assis dehors. Veronica dessine sur les chaussures de sa meilleure amie.

Lilly: Tu me laisses faire les tiennes?
Veronica: La touche finale. (Elle inscrit le nom de Duncan sur les chaussures.)
Lilly: Duncan? Là, ça commence à craindre.

Fin du flash back.

Veronica saisit le téléphone.

Voix: Action News, Hank à l'appareil.
Veronica: Hank, je suis élève au lycée Neptune et j'écris un dossier sur Abel Koontz. Pourrais-je recevoir une copie de votre récent reportage sur lui?


Nouvelle scène. Jake et Duncan dans la voiture du premier.

Jake: Ta mère et son entraîneur personnel n'ont pas besoin d'être au courant.
Duncan: Entendu.
Jake: Que dis-tu si on s'arrêtait en route pour faire quelques autocollants pour ta campagne?
Duncan: Qu'entends-tu par "on"...
Jake: On peut en toucher deux mots à mon équipe de graphistes. Je t'en prie. Regarde ce que tu as réussi sans même te forcer. Imagine ce que tu serais capable de faire en y mettant tout ton coeur.
Duncan: Sors donc les violons.
Jake: Je suis vraiment las de ton cynisme.
Duncan: Papa, je suis désolé. Je sais que tu considères ça comme un tremplin vers la Maison Blanche...
Jake: Vois-tu, cette élection-là ne m'intéresse pas. Je veux juste te voir actif. Je veux te voir t'intéresser à quelque chose. Ecoute, ton bonheur, c'est tout ce que j'ai toujours souhaité.
Duncan: Et si je trouvais mon bonheur dans une hutte, à sculpter des figurines en bois flottant?
Jake: Je suis persuadé que tu as de plus grandes ambitions. Mais si tu aimes véritablement sculpter le bois flottant, sois le meilleur sculpteur qui soit. Après ton diplôme à Stanford, l'école de droit. Avec les félicitations du jury. Tu vois? Tu souris déjà. 


Nouvelle scène. Neptune High. Veronica et Wanda devant une affiche de Wanda où est inscrit INDIC.

Wanda: Quelqu'un a écrit ça.
Veronica: Je vois ça.
Wanda: "WANDA L'INDIC". N'importe quoi.
Veronica: "Indic"?
Wanda: "KANE PRESIDENT". La campagne d'opposition vient de déraper. Je vais les tuer.
Veronica: Ce sont juste des affiches.
Wanda: Le message reste clair. Ce n'est pas tout. Ils ont peint "indic" sur le capot de ma voiture.
Veronica: Ils ont choisi le mot "indic" pour toucher le point sensible de tes électeurs.
Wanda: Etonnamment, je trouve ça réconfortant.
Veronica: Viens chez moi ce soir. On refera des affiches. On peindra en écoutant Avril Lavigne, comme quand on était pom-pom girls.
Wanda: Génial!

Plus tard. Classe de journalisme.

Veronica: Bravo, Logan. Tu as atteint les bas-fonds. Juste quand les critiques commençaient à douter.
Logan: Tu dois parler de ton amie l'indic, Wanda. Tu devrais te trouver un autre méchant. Je n'ai pas le temps d'assumer la responsabilité des petites choses qui vont mal dans ta vie.

Il lance un regard à Duncan.

Veronica: Etait-ce ton idée, ou as-tu agi comme à ton habitude?
Duncan: C'est quoi, mon habitude?
Veronica: Tu sais bien, Duncan. Tu ne provoques pas les problèmes. D'ailleurs, tu ne provoques plus grand-chose.
Duncan: Ne t'arrête pas là, Veronica. Exprime-toi. C'est quoi, mon habitude?
Veronica: Tu restes là, sans rien faire.

Les deux anciens amis se regardent dans les yeux. Veronica part. Dick entre et s'approche de Logan.

Dick: Tu devrais jetter un oeil au site Internet Smoking Gun.
Mlle Dent: Excusez-moi. Le cours a déjà commencé.
Dick: Mec, tu es célèbre.

Dick part. Logan se connecte sur le site. Il trouve un grand article et une photo de lui. "L'horrible brutalité dont fait preuve Logan Echolls, fils du célèbre Aaron Echolls, organisant sur la plage des combats contre des sans abris, le gagnant recevant une somme assez forte..." L'article continue, et est suivi d'une vidéo sur laquelle on voit Logan se battre contre un des SDF, assez brutalement. "La preuve tangible.. Célébrité liée à un passe-temps tordu..."


Nouvelle scène. Wanda et Veronica.

Wanda: Qu'est-ce qu'il y a entre toi et Weevil?
Veronica: Weevil? Rien du tout. Pourquoi?
Wanda: Pour rien. Je pensais que comme Lilly, tu aimais les mauvais garçons. Je devais avoir tort.
Veronica: Elle aimait les garçons, c'est tout.
Wanda: En es-tu sûre? Lilly et Weevil n'ont jamais...
Wanda: D'accord.

Wanda attrape un magazine.

Wanda: C'est un bon bouquin?
Veronica: Je ne l'ai pas lu.
Wanda: C'est vrai. La plupart de ces bouquins d'orientation sont illisibles. Tu as choisi, toi? Les grandes universités, les sciences humaines, la côte est?
Veronica: Le simple fait d'y penser me fait paniquer.
Wanda: Je sais. Je veux vraiment aller à Williams. Je n'ai plus qu'à braquer une banque et briller aux tests.
Veronica: On est dans la même galère.


Nouvelle scène. Chez les Echolls.

Logan: Salut, papa.

Aaron semble nerveux.

Logan: Qu'est-ce que tu fais debout?
Aaron: Je n'arrivais pas à dormir. Le téléphone n'a pas arrêté de sonner. "Access Hollywood, Entertainment Tonight, E!" As-tu une idée de quoi ils voulaient parler? De mes oeuvres de charité? Non. De mon dernier film de Noël? Ils voulaient me parler de la dernière oeuvre de mon fils. "Boxe chez les clodos."

Aaron s'approche de Logan, menaçant.

Logan: Ecoute, papa, je ne sais pas quoi...
Aaron: Je dois admettre que ta prestation était très impressionnante. Ta façon de jouer le fils indigne déterminé à humilier son père était des plus impressionnantes. As-tu idée de ce que ça va coûter à ta famille? Bien sûr que non. Tu n'as jamais travaillé de ta vie.

Aaron pousse Logan sur le fauteuil.

Aaron: Ecoute-moi bien... demain, après l'école, tu recevras ta première leçon de relations publiques. Logan, ne me fais plus jamais honte.

Aaron saisit une ceinture. Logan se fait battre par son propre père. 


Nouvelle scène. Neptune High. Veronica distribue des affichettes.

Veronica: Votez pour Wanda.
?: J'en prends un. Merci.
Veronica: Weevil. Tu veux en mettre un sur ton vélo?
Weevil: Je ne vais pas voter pour un indic.
Veronica: Weevil... Tu sais bien qu'il faut se méfier des rumeurs. C'est de la politique.
Weevil: Va expliquer ça à Felix. Le shérif a appris que les pancartes "Bienvenue à Neptune" étaient chez lui. Une semaine après qu'il sorte avec Wanda. Comme ça se fait? Ils lui ont filé quatre week-ends de nettoyage de la voie publique.

Plus tard.

Veronica: Salut, superstar. Tu es nerveuse?
Wanda: J'ai vraiment honte, mais oui.
Veronica: Fêtons ça ce week-end, quel que soit le résultat. Il y a une rave, dans le désert, où on peut être si on part après les cours.
Wanda: Terrible. Je dirai à ma mère que je passe la nuit chez toi. A-t-on besoin de provisions?
Veronica: Des provisions? Avec un E majuscule? Absolument. Je connais quelqu'un.
Wanda: Je suis jalouse. J'aimerais connaître quelqu'un. 


Nouvelle scène. Classe de journalisme.

Élève: Tenez, Mlle Dent.
Mr Clemmons: On votera simultanément, ce matin, afin d'éviter toute confusion. Ayez tous vos bulletins de vote en face de vous. Très bien, c'est parti. Si vous souhaitez voter pour Duncan Kane, cochez la lettre A. Si vous souhaitez voter pour Wanda Varner, cochez la lettre B.
Voix off Veronica: Voyons un peu. D'un côté, on a l'ex-petit ami froid super sexy et héritier du statu quo. D'un autre côté, la nouvelle amie potentiellement fourbe et idole des gens privés du droit de vote.

Flash Back.

Lilly, Logan, Duncan et Veronica à la piscine des Kane.

Logan: Mon niveau de plongée va t'impressionner.
Lilly: Saviez-vous que Becky Lacy essayait de devenir mascotte?
Duncan: Vraiment?
Dick: La table est prête.
Duncan: Tu sais quoi, mon gars? Reste où tu es. Dick peut se trouver une place ailleurs.

Fin du flash back.

Veronica est songeuse, son stylo posé sur la table.


Nouvelle scène.

Aaron: Allô? Oui, je suis en retard, Marty. Est-ce le foyer pour sans-abri le plus proche? Peu importe. Les caméras sont prêtes? Bien. Très bien. Voilà comment on va procéder. Ils te filmeront en train de leur servir à manger, et je te rejoins pour une interview. Compris?
Logan: Que veux-tu que je leur dise?
Aaron: Qu'est-ce que tu crois, Logan? Que tu es désolé, que tu es un crétin, et que tu as déconné. Je me charge du reste. Vince. Que se passe-t-il? J'ai bien reçu le script. J'ai vu mieux sur des boîtes de céréales. Tu parles! Il n'a rien fait de potable depuis les années 70. Ils vont s'aligner sur ce que je demande? Bon sang! Fiston. Que peut-on dire face à 7 zéros? Rien. C'est impossible. OK, qu'ils m'envoient un contrat.

Ils descendent enfin de la voiture.

Homme: Hé ! Mais c'est Don King. Tu as réussi à trouver un pigeon prêt à se ridiculiser pour du pognon?
Aaron: Bien. Tu es prêt?

Logan sert à manger aux sans abris.

Homme:  Merci.
Cameraman: M. Echolls, c'est quand vous voulez.
Aaron: Merci beaucoup.  Je reviens tout de suite. Logan! Excusez-moi. Je voulais juste dire que mon père n'est pas allé à l'école. Il est parti travailler très tôt à l'usine automobile de Pontiac, dans le Michigan. Il m'a dit une chose que je n'oublierai jamais. Il m'a dit: "Fiston, un bon coeur vaut toutes les têtes du monde réunies." Mon fils sera le premier à admettre qu'il n'utilisait pas sa tête. Mais je promets à chacun de vous que ce garçon... Ce garçon a un bon coeur.
Logan: Je sais maintenant que ce que j'ai fait était mal. Je suis vraiment navré. J'espère qu'un jour je me montrerai à la hauteur de l'exemple de mon père. Je t'aime. Ecoutez, je sais qu'il ne voulait pas en faire tout en plat, mais je suis si fier de lui que je ne peux pas garder ça secret. Il compte faire don d'un demi-million de dollars à l'aide alimentaire de Neptune. Bravo, papa.

Aaron tente de sourire. Mais quelque chose l'a brusquement contrarié.

Chanson:
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

Plus tard, chez les Echolls, Lynn est assise sur le canapé et regarde tristement son fils se faire emmener par Aaron, qui le frappe à nouveau.


Nouvelle scène. Un étudiant vient trouver Veronica.

Etudiant: L'adjoint veut fouiller ton casier.
Voix off Veronica: On pourrait penser que les poignards dans le dos ne me surprennent plus.
Sacks: Ah, Veronica Mars.
Veronica: Vous voilà de nouveau.
Clemmons: Le shérif demande...
Veronica: Je vous donnerai mon code pour nous épargner tout ça.

Elle ouvre son casier.

Sacks: Rien.
Veronica: Il y a deux grosses taches... sur mon sac, qu'il fasse attention.
Mme Donaldson (haut parleur): Ici Mme Donaldson, conseillère auprès des élèves. J'ai la joie d'annoncer que le nouveau président du conseil des élèves est... Duncan Kane.
Veronica: Wanda... Oh, non. Je suis désolé. On n'ira peut-être pas à cette rave, mais je sais où tu peux te les mettre.
Wanda: Tu ne comprends pas.
Veronica: Pourquoi ne m'expliques-tu pas?
Wanda: Ils m'ont déjà pincée pour possession. C'était la seule façon pour qu'ils oublient tout. Je n'aurais jamais été acceptée à Williams.
Veronica: Tu étais donc prête à ruiner mon avenir pour sauver le tien?
Wanda: Ce n'était pas seulement pour être acceptée à l'université. Si j'avais gagné, j'aurais fait ce que j'ai promis. J'aurais changé la façon dont tout fonctionne.
Veronica: Tu sais quoi? Je ne t'en veux pas. Je n'ai pas voté pour toi.

En classe.

Mme Donaldson: Ce fut une semaine dingue, mais je suis fière de vous présenter votre nouveau président, Duncan Kane!
Duncan: Merci, Mme Donaldson. Voici ma première action en tant que président. Je tiens à m'assurer que personne ne perde un seul Point Pirate. Mais outre les sports universitaires, j'aimerais m'assurer que les étudiants en musique, ceux qui apparaissent au tableau d'honneur, ceux qui font du théâtre ou qui écrivent pour le journal... Même ceux qui excellent en formation professionnelle, doivent avoir droit aux Points Pirates. Ils doivent recevoir une part des avantages. Très bien. Quel type de bonbons doit-on vendre cette année?


Nouvelle scène. Veronica devant le coffre fort de Keith.

Voix off Veronica: Papa a changé la combinaison. Il est au courant.

Plus tard, Veronica entre chez elle.

Keith: Tu as reçu une lettre.
Veronica: Oh, super.
Keith: Ca vient d'Action News?
Veronica: C'est rien du tout. Une cassette pour un projet de journalisme. Pour établir les différences entre le journal télévisé et la presse locale.

Keith ne répond pas. Veronica se dirige vers sa chambre puis fait demi-tour.

Veronica: Je mens. Tu sais que je mens. Je ne veux plus que ça se passe comme ça entre nous.
Keith: Comme quoi?
Veronica: Espion contre espion. Tu sais que j'ai ouvert ton coffre, et je sais que tu enquêtes sur le meurtre de Lilly.
Keith: Plus maintenant.
Veronica: Pourquoi? Papa, le temps presse.
Keith: Je pensais que résoudre l'affaire était la clé de notre bonheur. Je résous l'affaire et je retrouve ma réputation. Je résous l'affaire, ta mère revient. Je résous l'affaire, tu retrouves une vie d'adolescente normale.
Veronica: Résolvons cette affaire, alors.
Keith: Attends. Je crois qu'on doit profiter de ce que l'on a au moment présent. Je veux aller au zoo avec la personne que je chéris le plus.
Veronica: Ce n'est pas un projet scolaire. Ce sont les images de l'arrestation de Koontz. Je dois te montrer un truc. C'est un agrandissement d'une photo prise le soir de la mort de Lilly.

Elle tend la photo de la chambre de Lilly où on voit les chaussures au second plan à son père et enclenche la vidéo.

TV: L’accusé doit recevoir la peine de mort par injection létale dès cette année...

Elle fait pause sur la photo montrant les chaussures de Lilly trouvées dans le bateau d'Abel Koontz.

Keith: Que font ces chaussures en la possession d'Abel Koontz?
Veronica: Bonne question.


   FIN 

Ecrit par pretty31

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 bitch!
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�

Dick 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. Dick comes back to the car and stops by Logan who is still filling it. They both watch the man

LOGAN: Hey, what about him?
DICK: 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 ass 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 ass 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 Dick 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 cum 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, Dick has come into the classroom and approached Logan

DICK: Gotta check out "The Smoking Gun" website.
MS DENT: Excuse me, we're in the middle of a class here.
DICK: Dude, you're famous.

Dick 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.

Dick in the meantime has unceremoniously grabbed the newcomer's tray and placed it on the next table. He slaps the newcomer on the back

DICK: Table's ready.

As Lilly looks at Dick 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. Dick, 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 bitch 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

Ecrit par Spydinette