Script VO

VERONICA MARS
Story by
Rob Thomas
Screenplay by
Rob Thomas & Diane Ruggiero

 

FLASH BACK

Some Flash Back from Veronica Mars.

GIRL voice over
I need your help Veronica.

BOY voice over
You can’t tell anyone.

BOY 2 voice over
I need your help.

GIRL 2 voice over
I need to know.

VERONICA MARS VOICE OVER
A teenage private eye. Trust me, I know how dumb that sounds. But it’s not like I found a decoder ring at the bottom of a cereal box. I wish. That would’ve been adorable.
Nope. My best friend was murdered when I was 15. Trying to find who did it is how I coped. My Dad was Sherif at the time. And when he went after the most powerful man in town he turned us both into pariahs. Dad lost his job and I lost my friends.
Kids can be cruel after all. The cruelest was Logan Echolls, my dead friend’s boyfriend. Like me, Logan was fueled by rave and distrust. He wanted to make someone pay. It’s likely those qualities are what drew us together. They’re absolutely what tore us apart. After my dad was run out of office, he got his PI License and opened an agency. I hung up there to learn the tricks of the trade. There was plenty of work for both of us in the seedy beach town of Neptune, California. People might thing of Neptune as glamorous. Home to movie stars and captains of industry. But when the class war comes Neptune will be ground zero. It’s a Springsteen song: Get out while you’re youg! I got out when I was 19 leaving a trail of destruction in my way wake. I’ve grown up, though. That was the old me. Angry me. Vengeful me. The new me? People say I’m a Marshmallow!

End Flash Back

INT. VERONICA AND PIZ’S TINY NYC APARTMENT - DAY

WIDE SHOT OF A SMALL ROOM.
Dawn light floods in the windows. Veronica, in silhouette, crosses while slipping on a blazer.

GAYLE BUCKLEY
A year at Hearst College. B.A. in psychology from Stanford. Near the top of your class at Columbia Law.

ECU on Veronica buttoning the blazer.

GAYLE BUCKLEY
An internship with the FBI. That’s unique.

ECU on Veronica putting on lipstick.

GAYLE BUCKLEY
It says here you’re scheduled to take the bar six weeks from now.

EXT. NEW YORK STREET - DAY

Veronica emerges from an underground New York subway stop. It’s Veronica as we’ve never seen her -- an adult, a professional.

GAYLE BUCKLEY
A little about us -- we’re a multinational firm with 50 lawyers here in New York.

Veronica crosses through an intersection with a sea of New Yorkers.

GAYLE BUCKLEY
Our clients here at Truman-Mann are primarily Fortune 500 companies. Our job is to make frivolous lawsuits disappear before they ever make it to a courtroom.

INT. UPSCALE LAW OFFICE RECEPTION AREA - DAY

Veronica sits with a half dozen professionally-dressed law school grads waiting for their interviews.

GAYLE BUCKLEY
We’re meeting with a number of applicants with impressive résumés, but none quite as unique as yours.

Veronica notices a SLICK FELLOW APPLICANT pretending to sketch her on a legal pad. Once he has Veronica’s attention, he flips the pad around proudly revealing it to be a sketch of a SMILING PENIS WAVING AT HER. Veronica blithely digs something out of her jacket pocket -- her middle finger.

(Veronica drives her middle finger on her lip like she was putting some lipstick.)

INT. LAW OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY

CLOSE ON GAYLE BUCKLEY, 50, a partner at this prestigious law firm, someone Veronica might want to be in 20 years.

GAYLE BUCKLEY
You were issued a private investigator’s license on your eighteenth birthday. Is that something California kids do?

REVEAL VERONICA sitting across the conference table.

VERONICA
My father is a P.I. I worked for him. It was more answering phones and handling his travel than anything else.

As we cut back across the table, we see that Buckley is flanked by a pair of underling MALE LAWYERS.

GAYLE BUCKLEY
Really? Before you turned 20, your named popped up on LexisNexis in...

Buckley looks to LEONARD MARCH, the older of her two colleagues who has an open laptop in front of him.

LEONARD MARCH
Fifteen.

GAYLE BUCKLEY
Fifteen separate articles and briefs about cases ranging from multiple homicides to dognapping. (leaning forward) You have a degree in psychology, Ms. Mars. What do you think that says about a person?

VERONICA
Compulsive, clearly. Addictive personality. Possible Adrenaline junkie. But that’s not me any more. I haven’t worked a case since I transferred to Stanford.

GAYLE BUCKLEY
And why’s that?

Veronica takes a beat. This ventures into personal territory.

VERONICA
The price was too high. It ruined friendships and relationships. It cost me a lots of opportunities along the way.

LEONARD MARCH
So your decision to transfer wasn’t related to a certain video of you and another Hearst student?

VERONICA
The sex tape? No need to be coy.

Buckley shoots Leonard a quizzical look.

GAYLE BUCKLEY
Leonard, that’s …

VERONICA
It’s fine. As lawyers we’re often put in adversarial situations. Opposing council would seek to exploit any perceived weakness. All I can say is that the video was made and distributed without my knowledge. It’s part of my past. I would ask you -- do I look ruffled?

INT. THIS AMERICAN LIFE OFFICES - RECORDING BOOTH - DAY

PIZ
Rebuilding her life took time. More time then you’d think.

STOSH “PIZ” PIZNARSKI leans into a microphone.

PIZ
Zhi Howes was broke, and worse people considered her passé. She thought about restarting her moribund career with a Kickstarter campaign, but the potential for further humiliation was daunting.

Piz looks up, sees Veronica waving at him through a window.
He lights up.

INT. THIS AMERICAN LIFE OFFICES - BULLPEN - DAY

Veronica and Piz walk and talk.

PIZ
They asked about the sex tape?

VERONICA
Yeah, but I think I handled it okay. I have a second interview tomorrow with one of the partners. I hope we talk STDs...

We land at Piz’s desk, Piz gathers his things. Veronica’s cell phone vibrates indicating a text. Veronica checks it, snorts.

PIZ
What?

VERONICA
Wallace is still trying to get me to come in for our ten-year reunion. (narrating her reply)Not bloody likely.

TAL Host IRA GLASS spots Piz, intercepts him.

IRA GLASS
Piz... The Zhi Howes story – how long’s it going to be now?

PIZ
Twelve. ...Twelve and a half.

IRA GLASS
You’re killing me.(to Veronica)So you must be the girlfriend we’ve heard so much about but never see.

VERONICA
I am. ...Law school...Big fan of the show, though. Funny story. I can do a pretty wicked impression of you. Wanna--

PIZ
Hilarious.(to Ira)Veronica and I dated a few months in college then the last year out here, and she’s only meeting my parents for the first time next week. She blames law school. I blame her misanthropy. So the fact she hasn’t met my colleagues...

Piz turns to Veronica expecting a retort. Instead he sees that she’s stopped and is staring drop-jawed at a row of mounted TV screens. Piz furrows his brow.

PIZ
Veronica?

VERONICA
Bonnie DeVille was found dead in her bathtub.

Piz and Ira glance up, see the news is coming in on the scrolls of a couple of stations: Pop star Bonnie Deville, dead at 28. Ira notes Veronica’s queer expression.

IRA GLASS
Oh, that’s awful. Are you a fan?

VERONICA
I went to high school with her. She was Carrie Bishop back then.

Off Veronica, troubled.

EXT. NEW YORK STREET - DAY

Piz and Veronica get out of the building. We barely notice the BUSKER tuning his guitar near the newsstand.

GRUNGY BUSKER
A long time ago, we used to be friends, but I haven’t thought of you lately at all--

Piz stands at the curb attempting to hail a cab. Veronica wanders over to a newsstand, drawn by the cover of Entertainment Weekly. Piz whistles.

The Entertainment Weekly features a cover photo of Bonnie DeVille with the headline: The downward spiral of Bonnie DeVille. Bonnie is dressed like a goth Nancy Sinatra – thigh high boots, heavy eye makeup.

Veronica spots another Bonnie headline on the celebrity tabloid PSSST featuring a picture of Bonnie getting out of a limo. The headline at the bottom reads “UNFAITHFUL!” Veronica flips up the top half of the tabloid revealing Bonnie’s boyfriend, LOGAN ECHOLLS, exiting the other side of the limo.

VERONICA VOICE OVER
I haven’t seen or spoken to Logan in 9 years.

PIZ
Veronica!

Veronica looks up, sees Piz has flagged down a cab. He’s got the door open for her. She sets down the tabloid, heads over.

VERONICA VOICE OVER
I heard he got his life together. Then suddenly, he’s all over the gossip pages.
“Son of a movie star dates pop star”
“Son of a movie star beats up paparazzi”
“Caught on camera: Son of a movie star threatens celebrity girlfriend’s life”

INT. NEW YORK CITY CAB - DAY

Veronica and Piz share the back seat of a cab, but CAMERA HOLDS ON VERONICA as the acoustic version of “We Used to Be Friends” builds into a fully-orchestrated version and we ROLL TITLES. Veronica stares out the window, lost in thought.

The TAXI DRIVER changes radio stations, and we catch a snippet of news.

RADIO NEWSMAN
--Deville was electrocuted in her bathtub. Local authorities have ruled the singer’s death a homicide and are focusing their investigation on ex-boyfriend, Logan Echolls--

Piz looks to Veronica for a reaction, but she remains poker faced.

VERONICA VOICE OVER
When I was a kid Dad stuck a magnet on our fridge suggesting we accept the things we cannot change. I thought it was there for my alcoholic Mom’s benefit but it stayed up long after Mom was gone.

INT. VERONICA AND PIZ’S TINY NYC APARTMENT - NIGHT

Veronica gets her laptop out of her bag, sits at a table facing away from Piz. She plugs in ear buds, begins surfing. INTERCUT Veronica web surfing and pops of the following...

DAYTIME NEWS FOOTAGE FROM OUTSIDE THE SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT REPORTERS CLUSTER AROUND SHERIFF DAN LAMB (40S, BRASH, VAIN) AS HE MAKES HIS WAY TO HIS CRUISER, A ROLLED-UP TABLOID IN HIS HAND.

REPORTER 1
Sheriff Lamb! Is it true logan Echolls was in the house when Bonnie died?

SHERIFF LAMB
We found Echolls passed out next to DeVille’s body.

MARTINA VASQUEZ
Are you aware of the video of Logan Echolls threatening Bonnie?

BONNIE DEVILLE MANSION: Static video footage of a party of good-looking young people as they’re suddenly startled by Logan who is violently shoving and dragging SEAN FRIEDRICH, a stringy-haired fuck up, across frame.

LOGAN
GET OUT, SEAN!YOU’RE NOT WELCOME HERE!

Bonnie, Sean and Logan disappear from frame. We hear a commotion as guests watch slack-jawed. Suddenly, Bonnie backs up through frame. Logan enters frame wagging a finger at her.

LOGAN
HE’S NOT YOUR FRIEND! GET RID OF HIM OR YOU’RE GONNA END UP DEAD!

SHERIFF LAMB
Indeed we are. Kinda speaks for itself, don’t you think?

MARTINA VASQUEZ
Can you speak to the tragedy the violent death of a celebrity who seemed to have it all?

 

INT. UPSCALE LAW OFFICE RECEPTION AREA - DAY

Veronica, dressed in professional attire, sits surrounded by her peers. Her phone begins vibrating. She checks the caller ID and discovers Logan’s 19-year-old face on screen. Veronica’s small involuntary gasp attracts the attention of those near her. Veronica, appearing unsettled, stares at her
phone as it continues to vibrate. More people begin to take notice of her. Veronica finally hits ignore. The vibrating stops, but Veronica remains unnerved. Then...The phone begins vibrating again. It’s Logan. After a beat of absorbing annoyed stares, Veronica picks up the phone, exits the reception area, and steps out into...

INT. OFFICE BUILDING HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS

Veronica gathers herself, answers the phone.

VERONICA
So... What’s new with you?

LOGAN
I need your help, Veronica.

Veronica pauses. She catches her own professional appearance in the reflection in an elevator door.

VERONICA
I don’t really do that any more.

LOGAN
Can you just hear me out?

Off Veronica, unsure.

 

INT. VERONICA AND PIZ’S TINY NYC APARTMENT - DAY

Piz watches Veronica packing a small suitcase.

VERONICA
He’s getting bombarded by lawyers wanting to represent him. I’m just going to go out, see my dad, and help Logan weed out the shysters.

PIZ
Give Logan my best. Tell him I’m used to all these bone fragments still floating around my orbital socket now. (then) You might not want to mention that violent streak to his new lawyer.

VERONICA
Shut up. Okay.

Veronica stops what she’s doing, goes over to where Piz is seated on the edge of the bed and kisses him. Off Piz. This reassurance doesn’t quite cut it.

PIZ
Okay

PRELAP: Emperor X’s “Go Captain and Pinlighter.”

INT. BALBOA COUNTY MUNICIPAL AIRPORT - DAY

Veronica enters from the airport from the tarmac. As the people walking in front her angle away, LOGAN comes into full view -- he’s in the dress whites of a Navy officer. He’s perfectly-lit, handsome. Logan spots Veronica, smiles.

LOGAN
Hey there.

The two hug awkwardly. Veronica indicates Logan’s uniform.

VERONICA
You weren’t planning on carrying me through the airport, were you?

LOGAN
(re: his uniform)I just met with JAG Corp. Fun bunch of guys.

VERONICA
I’d heard, of course, but I couldn’t fully picture it. You should only wear this. Ever. ....How’d you get past security?

LOGAN
I bought a forty-nine dollar ticket to Palm Springs. Totally worth it.

Logan takes Veronica’s bag, begins wheeling it out.

EXT. AIRPORT – DAY

Logan and Veronica make their way through the other travelers doing drop-offs and pick-ups in front of the airport. The two walk in awkward silence. Finally...

LOGAN
How was your flight?

VERONICA
Good. ...I would’ve been fine in coach.(beat, fearing she sounds ungrateful) But thanks.

The two continue to weave in and out of pedestrian traffic, letting it separate them. It’s the body language of strangers.

VERONCIA
(then, filling space) Wow. There’s the sun. You ever get tired of all this fabulous weather?

LOGAN
Yeah and how about them Dodgers?

Veronica smiles.

LOGAN
Look at us… falling right back into our old rhythms.

 

EXT. MARS INVESTIGATIONS – NIGHT

Logan’s car pulls up in front of Mars Investigations. Logan gets out, pulls Veronica’s suitcase out of the trunk of his car.

LOGAN
I imagine your dad is pretty excited to see you.

VERONICA
I’m surprising him.

Logan sets Veronica’s bag on the curb, pulls up the handle.

LOGAN
So...are you going to ask if I did it?

VERONICA
I wouldn’t be here if I thought you did it.

INT. MARS INVESTIGATIONS – NIGHT

Veronica enters to find a Vietnamese woman (MRS. QUAN, 60) waiting in the reception area and the phone ringing on Veronica’s former receptionist desk. As the phone rings, Veronica approaches Keith’s door. She can hear him inside. Losing patience with the ringing phone, Veronica picks it up.

VERONICA
Mars Investigations. (beat) He’s unavailable right now. Can I take a message?

Veronica pulls out a pad from the desk and begins scribbling notes. She looks up as Keith leads a client out of his office. Keith doesn’t see Veronica at first.

VERONICA
Yes, ma’am, we will take pictures, but I’m afraid shooting the son of a bitch is not a service we currently offer. ...Sorry. Yeah. Thanks.

Keith does a slow do-my-ears-deceive-me 180 and lights up as he sees Veronica hang up the phone. Keith’s reaction makes Veronica grin. Keith and Veronica embrace.

KEITH
What a surprise! You buckled, didn’t you? The magnetic pull of Neptune High brought you back. You’ve got spirit. Yes, you do.

VERONICA (uncomfortable)
Actually...

KEITH (realizing, deflating)
Oh... Logan. Of course.

VERONICA
I’m just helping him find a lawyer.

KEITH
Uh huh.

EXT. NEPTUNE STREET, INT. MARS CAR - NIGHT

Veronica regards Keith.

VERONICA
Piz says to tell you hi!

KEITH
Good man, Piz. How’d he feel about you coming out here to see Logan?

VERONICA
It’s not a social call. He understands that.

KEITH
Hum – um

VERONICA
He does.

We see the front of the car. Veronica and Keith stare the road. The Police are stopping cars.

VERONICA
What’s going on here?

KEITH
Stop and frisk. Some developer bought up all this. Now our local Police are running off the undesirables. It’s the Neptune way. Protecting and serving the highest bidder.

VERONICA
So this new Sheriff Lamb -- is he as big a clown as his little brother?

KEITH
Bigger, lazy and barely competent like his brother. More venal and corrupt.

DEPUTY
Well if it isn’t the man, the myth, the legendary pain-in-the-ass Keith Mars.

KEITH
Deputy

DEPUTY
You catch any husbands lately with their pants down? You should get a slide projector and bring it down to the station. We’d love to see you dirty-picture collection.

KEITH
Well, you boys are so busy cleaning up the town, how will you find the time?

Keith looks to the other Policeman on the side of the road.

KEITH
So what’d you get those two crime lords for? Embezzlement? Human trafficking?

DEPUTY
I don’t know yet. But I’m sure we’ll figure something out.

Veronica looks at him.

DEPUTY
I guess you probably let a lot of thing slide on your watch. Those days are gone. You know what happens when you mess with the bull, right?

VERONICA
You get the clichés?

DEPUTY 2
LYLES! Look what we got here! Couple of taggers.

TAGGER 1
I’m painting my sister’s bike, bitch!

DEPUTY 2
Bitch? Who you calling Bitch?

Lyles shot the second man with a taser. (Yells) Veronica is chocked.

LYLES
You move one more inch, I will light you up like a Christmas tree.

Keith gets out of the car with his phone, filming the scene.

KEITH
Deputy. Unless you wanna be a YouTube star by tomorrow morning you gonna let those boys go now.

LYLES
Or I can shove that phone right up your ass.

KEITH
Well we’ve seen how tough you are with boys. Maybe this is the day you find out how you do with a full-grown man.

(Motorcycles approaching)

KEITH
Would you look at that? Already uploaded to the Cloud.

LYLES
Well… I think this boys have learned a valuable lesson. Guess we can shut down for the night. Let’s go.

Keith looks at him walk away. Veronica smile. Keith gets in the car.

 

INT. MARS HOUSE - NIGHT

Keith and Veronica have polished their plate.

KEITH
You realize you’ll make more in your first year than I did in the best year of my life?

VERONICA
So?

KEITH
You’re destined for greatness, something much bigger than you would’ve ever found here.

There’s a knock on the door. Veronica gets up and heads to the door, still talking to Keith.

VERONICA
The only “greatness” inherent in these jobs I’m interviewing for is the fact that they’ll allow me to pay off my student loans.

Veronica throws open the door to find WALLACE and MAC.

MAC
Candygram for Mongo.

VERONICA (thrilled, touched)
Mongo like candy.

WALLACE
Hey, Welcome home. Welcome home.

The three friends ad-lib excited greetings, hugs. Keith makes his way over to the door.

KEITH
Mac... Wallace...You hardly drop by at all any more.

MAC
Hi

KEITH
Wallace

WALLACE
Mister Mars

KEITH
(To Wallace) Wallace! How’s next year’s freshmen class looking?

VERONICA
Words you never want to hear out of your dad’s mouth.

KEITH
His team.

VERONICA
Whatever, Perv.

WALLACE
I’ve been promoted to JV Coach for next year. Now I’m just waiting for Coach McDonald to die.

Wallace drums his fingers together like a plotting Mr. Burns.

KEITH
Good luck with that. Mac? Are you still with Sun Microsystems?

MAC (looking sheepish)
Actually...

Wallace enjoys Mac’s discomfort.

WALLACE
Go ahead. Tell ’em what you’re up to now. The shame! The shame!

VERONICA
Hooters waitress? Ren-Faire juggler.

KEITH
Telemarketing!

VERONICA
Hooters bar-back!

KEITH
Clubbing baby seals.

MAC
Worse. I took a job with Kane Software.(off their silence)But I hate it. I do. I wish I were clubbing baby seals. (self-aware fake crying) They just pay me sooo well...

VERONICA (playful)
Ten Thousand Dollar Pyramid! Things a whore says!

EXT. MARS HOUSE - NIGHT

Veronica comes out and hands bottles to Mac and Wallace who are sitting on the stoop.

VERONICA
Bud. Bud light.

MAC
Thank yo

Wallace takes a swig from his beer, eyes Veronica.

WALLACE
So when Logan said jump,did you actually say the words, “how high?” or was there just an understanding that you would achieve max verticality?

VERONICA
Wow. Two beers. That’s how long it takes for you to get surly.

WALLACE
In case it slipped your mind – Piz is the one without the baggage and the drama.

MAC
Hum, I will say this for him -- he almost never gets charged with murder.

VERONICA
Just one of the things I love about Piz-- no drama.

WALLACE
Says the drama magnet.

VERONICA
You know what else says a lot about a guy?(cutely pandering) His choice of friends.

MAC
Aww.

The three clink drinks together.

INT. DICK CASABLANCAS BEACH HOUSE – DAY

Veronica knocks on a beach house door. She waits a beat, the door opens revealing DICK CASABLANCAS wearing nothing but the bottom half of a wet suit. He’s mid-swill on a bottle of
beer. Dick sees Veronica, belches proudly.

DICK
What’s this? Wait a minute. I specifically told the agency “an eager-to-please brunette.” Why is that so hard?

VERONICA
Dick.

DICK
Just kidding, Ronnie. Long time!(calling out)Hey Logan! That girl who follows you around is here!(back to Veronica)You have some work done? Your bubs look bigger.

VERONICA
So do yours. Where’s Logan?

DICK
Inside. Freaking out. Another home video from the Logan Echolls-Bonnie DeVille home collection just hit the internet. Missionary, natch.

Veronica and Dick move past the foyer into the living area revealing a spectacular beach view.

VERONICA
Heh. Must be nice, Dick.

DICK
Be it ever so humble.

Veronica spots Logan faced away from her on a chair staring at a computer screen. From the computer, we hear a couple in the throes of passion.

LOGAN
God! How did they get this?

DICK
Is anybody else surprised that I’m the only one in the room who doesn’t have a sex tape?

Veronica comes up behind Logan, checks out the screen.

ON SCREEN we see a static shot of the bottom half of a bed with two male legs and two female legs. We know from the leg movement and the sound that we’re watching a sexual union.

VERONICA
It could be anybody.

LOGAN
It’s us. You see us when we enter the room.

DICK
Worst cameraman ever.

VERONICA
Dumb question, but I gotta ask -- did you know you were being filmed?

LOGAN
Oh, that’s right. We were shooting some of our usual leg erotica.

There’s a knock on the door.

LOGAN
That’s gonna be our first lawyer of the day.

Veronica and Logan stay focused on the computer. Dick sighs, then moves toward the door.

DICK
All right then... Allow me.

Dick disappears to fetch the lawyer. Veronica addresses Logan.

VERONICA
This footage looks like it was taken from a tripod and it’s just a couple feet from the bed.

DICK
Come on in, Sir.

VERONICA
Carrie wouldn’t be the first celebrity who thought a sex tape might h…

LOGAN
It wasn’t her.

Dick returns and presents J.C. BORDEN (50s, POLISHED).

DICK
J.C. Borden, Esquire. The J.C. Is for Jesus Christ, getta a loada my Rolex.(then to Logan)I’ll be out making the Pacific Ocean my bitch. No murders or forbidden love while I’m gone. Huh, and stay outta these brownies unless you want to go on a long strange trip.

Dick scoops a handful of brownie out of a tray and grabs his surfboard. As he heads out...

J.C. BORDEN
(to Logan)Little free advice – murder suspects should avoid proximity to narcotics.

DICK
Medicine, man. I’ve got my card.(pointing at self)Chronic depression. You wouldn’t think -- huh (takes a bite)Mmmm. There’s my self-worth coming back right now.

Dick heads out the sliding glass doors toward the ocean. Logan turns his attention back to the lawyer.

LOGAN
So you’ve met my associate, Dick...

 

INT. DICK CASABLANCAS BEACH HOUSE - LATER

Borden addresses Logan and Veronica.

J.C. BORDEN
Facts are important, but lucky for us, they’re not the be-all/end-all. This case is about so much more: son of a movie star accused of electrocuting his pop star girlfriend? It’s going to be a circus, and it’ll be won or lost in the court of public opinion. We’ve got a story to sell here. Dad murders your girlfriend. Mom jumps off a bridge. Most kids fold tent. Not you. All the money in the world and you sign up to fly jets over Afghanistan for your country. I say you’re a goddamned hero. Some people look at that viral video and say, he looks violent, unhinged. I see it and say, he’s Jesus throwing the moneylenders out of the temple. You were the one good thing in that girl’s life. Hire me, I’ll guarantee you, we’re going to find at least one person on that jury who sees it the same. --Who’s handling your social media?

INT. DICK CASABLANCAS BEACH HOUSE - NIGHT

Logan succeeds in closing the door behind a GLORIA ALLRED TYPE. As Logan enters the kitchen, we find Veronica amid the detritus of a day’s worth of meetings.

LOGAN
I’m guessing you lawyers have to take lots of showers.

VERONICA
My advice is go with Jackson Frederick. Smart. Direct. Someone whose face I don’t think you’ll want to punch.

LOGAN
He did an admirable job of looking like he cared if I did it or not.

VERONICA
Our last contestant did say something interesting...

LOGAN
She has a stylist in Malibu that’s a miracle worker?

VERONICA
Part of clearing you is finding a compelling alternative theory.

Logan mulls this over for a long beat. Then...

LOGAN
You fly out tomorrow?

VERONICA
9 a.m.

LOGAN
Let me buy you a drink.

VERONICA
Yeah, okay. Where do you want to go?

INT. THE BEACHCOMBER – NIGHT

A TRIO OF DRUNK GUYS in Canadian National Team hockey sweaters butcher “Oh, Canada!” The karaoke bar is full of drunk and festive party types, mostly in their mid-20s. We FIND Veronica and Logan at the bar. Veronica regards a laminated drink menu.

VERONICA
Charming drink names. I can’t decide between a Beast with Two Backs and a Donkey Punch. Ooh, you think they’d let me order a virgin Devirginator?

LOGAN
I know this place sucks, but it’s Thursday night, and there’s one thing you can count on here.

VERONICA
Sexual assault on a pinball machine.

Logan smirks at Veronica. Veronica indicates her menu as though she’s referencing a drink name.

VERONICA (CONT’D)
It’s Drambuie, peach schnapps and Coke.

ON STAGE the song ends. A LOW RENT DJ takes the mic.

LOW RENT DJ
(re: lads leaving stage) Give it up for Art Tebbel and the Mounties!

The crowd does as instructed.

LOW RENT DJ
All right! Next up...(referencing sign up sheet, deflating) Ruby Jetson.

The crowd groans. There are a few scattered boos.

RUBY JETSON (26, an unsettling intensity, not a traditional beauty)weaves her way between the tables toward the stage, dressed exactly like Bonnie DeVille. She seems immune to the derision, instead reveling in it as if basking in applause.

VERONICA
Who is that?

LOGAN
Bonnie DeVille’s biggest fan. We found her hiding in Carrie’s closet a couple months ago.

Ruby takes the mic.

RUBY JETSON
(launching into the song) Holding my breath... While the moon holds me...

It’s a spot-on imitation: the slow batting eye-lashes, the sultry, sideways glances, the there’s-too-much-pain-in-thisworld stupor.

RUBY JETSON
I can taste all my secrets and sins/ like salt in the sea...

Veronica watches Ruby, impressed by the performance and Ruby’s ability to shut out the hecklers.

DRUNK CANADIAN
SIT DOWN, YOU PSYCHOPATH!

REVEAL THE CANADIANS have staked out a spot near Veronica and Logan. They heckle Ruby, booing, give thumbs-down.

LOGAN
(to Veronica)Well, what do you expect; they’re Canadian.

VERONICA
Hey, Terrence! Phillip! You think you’re the Barenaked Ladies?

LOGAN
Shhhh. Mayby they are.

DRUNK CANADIAN
(a little abashed, but...) It’s the fifth Bonnie DeVille song she’s done tonight!

LOGAN
It’s what she does.

Logan shows Veronica his cell phone.

LOGAN
This showed up in my inbox 10 minutes after Carrie was found dead.

Veronica leans into the screen, reads the email.

VERONICA
Every ending brings a new beginning. Now we can be together.

LOGAN
My compelling alternative theory.

VERONICA
(re: Ruby on stage) She sent you this?

LOGAN
It’s from Bonniefan23, but, if I had to guess.

As Veronica and Logan turn back toward the stage, they’re surprised to see Ruby has crossed the room and landed in front of them. Ruby sashays toward Logan in sex kitten mode.

RUBY JETSON (SINGING)
Holding my breath too long... Losing myself...Try drowning all our memories tonight... Confession won't save me now... (spoken to Logan privately, passionately) I miss her, too.

Ruby reaches up, runs her hands through Logan’s hair.

RUBY JETSON
(then, frostily)Why’d you bring her?

Ruby shoots a chilling look at Veronica. If looks could kill...

PUSH IN ON VERONICA, her wheels turning.

EXT. MARS HOUSE - NIGHT

CLOSE ON VERONICA.

VERONICA
That girl is certifiable.

WIDEN TO REVEAL LOGAN on the porch with Veronica.

VERONICA (CONT’D)
You should show that email to your lawyer.

LOGAN
It’s good you said that; I had it earmarked for the scrapbook. (then...)Thank you, Veronica. Nine years of radio silence, and, yet, I still kind of knew, deep down, I could count on you.

VERONICA
About those nine years...(searching for words)

LOGAN
Bygones.

VERONICA
You know, I haven’t said it yet, but I’m sorry about Carrie.

LOGAN
It’s funny. We had a good first year. A year of being in love, and then her shitty friends, her selfloathing kind of destroyed that. You think I have demons? She was... (trails off, whatever he’s referencing was awful) This last year was bad. I wasn’t a boyfriend. Not really. I was something closer to a sponsor. (looks down, chuckles darkly) That’s a funny thought isn’t it? Me as a stabilizing influence.

VERONICA
You’re going to get through this.

LOGAN
(vulnerable)Am I? (off Veronica’s uncertainty) I guess it has been a charmed life. Take care of yourself, Veronica.

Logan kisses Veronica on the top of her forehead.

VERONICA
You, too.

Veronica watches Logan head to his car.

 

INT. MARS HOUSE – NIGHT

Veronica finds Keith asleep on the couch. TMZ Live is on the TV.

HARVEY LEVIN (ON TV)
As far as I can see It’s not a big deal. Am I missing something?

CHARLES LATIBEAUDIERE (ON TV)
You really want to ask that question? We’re gonna move on. We have a Bonnie Deville update. The Star’s family is pissed off because Logan Echolls is still walking around like a free man.

Veronica moves over to her dad and picks up the remote. She’s about to turn the TV off when...

HARVEY LEVIN (ON TV)
Well the fact is, I mean, Conrad Murray walked the streets for months.

CHARLES LATIBEAUDIERE (ON TV)
So you’re saying you think Echolls did it?

HARVEY LEVIN (ON TV)
I’m saying that I wouldn’t want to be in Logan Echolls’ shoes. Can you name a single person who thinks that kid is innocent?

CAMERA PUSHES IN ON VERONICA, looking determined.

VERONICA (V.O.)
I can name one.

 

INT. MARS HOUSE - VERONICA’S ROOM – DAY

Veronica, freshly showered and wearing a robe, enters her bedroom from the bathroom.

VERONICA (V.O.)
So what are you going to do about it, Veronica?

(bending down, staring at chest/coffee table)

VERONICA (V.O.)
Ready to head down to the Bat Cave?

Veronica pulls a box out from inside the chest. “Accessories” is magic-markered onto masking tape on the front.

VERONICA (V.O.)
Accessories? Was I trying to keep dad from looking inside?

Veronica opens the box, begins pulling out items -- her STUN GUN. PEPPER SPRAY. A SLIM JIM. FAKE IDS. ASSORTED BADGES. DISPOSABLE CELL PHONES STILL IN THEIR PACKAGING.

VERONICA (V.O.)
Or would’ve labeling it “Pandora” just seemed a little, what? I don’t know -- operatic. Hasn’t my life been better since giving this up?

Veronica locates her CAMERA in a bottom desk drawer. She retrieves her telephoto lens, snaps it onto the body.

VERONICA (V.O.)
Solid relationship. Quality job prospects. Low profile existence.

Veronica finds her old BLACK LEATHER MESSENGER BAG hanging on a hook. She starts stuffing her gear inside.

VERONICA (V.O.)
Or does all that just bore the shit out of you, Veronica?

Veronica opens her closet door, peers inside.

INT. MARS HOUSE - DAY

Keith crosses in front of Veronica’s door. He can hear her, muffled, talking on the phone, though he only sees a sliver of her through the crack in the door.

VERONICA (ON PHONE)
It’s just a couple more days. He needs my help. You said you were going to be swamped with work anyway...

Keith doesn’t loiter. He moves into the kitchen.

CAMERA FOLLOWS KEITH as he pours himself coffee. When he turns around, we REVEAL VERONICA.

Veronica wears a BLACK JEAN JACKET and one of her signature horizontal-striped shirts. She has her messenger bag over her shoulder, and her hair is down for the first time.

KEITH
Sticking around for a while?

VERONICA
You know -- that magnetic pull of Neptune High.

Veronica produces what she hopes is a winning smile. She notes Keith’s winsome expression.

VERONICA (CONT’D)
I’m heading out.

KEITH
Yep.

Veronica doesn’t push it any further, she heads for the door.

VERONICA (V.O.)
(convincing herself)You know what? It’s a one-time deal. A farewell tour, if you will.

Veronica closes the door behind her.

EXT. MARS HOUSE- CONTINUOUS

Veronica emerges from her house, looks up. The sun is out.
It’s a beautiful day.

VERONICA (V.O.)
Then again -- have you ever heard the one about the junkie who was satisfied with just one more taste of the good stuff..?

REVEAL IN VERONICA’S POV: Logan stands in the door of his car waiting for Veronica.
Veronica moves to Logan’s waiting car.

LOGAN
You should only wear this.

VERONICA (V.O.)
Neither have I...

INT. LOGAN’S BMW M6 CONVERTIBLE – DAY

Logan’s car pulls up in front of a house. Veronica points out Logan’s window.

VERONICA
That one.

REVEAL A NICE FAMILY HOME.

LOGAN
Really..? Not what I was expecting...

VERONICA
Not the big house. Unit B according to county tax records. I’m guessing it’s the garage apartment...(indicating)...there in back. I need to get inside. Specifically, I want to get on her computer, see if, A.) she’s the one who sent you that email, and, B.) whether she has anything to do with those videos from inside Carrie’s house.

LOGAN
(dryly) I think we would’ve noticed her filming us.

VERONICA
You said you found her hiding in a closet at Carrie’s. She could’ve hidden a camera anywhere: a stuffed animal nanny cam. Flowers always work. My dad has a novelty trucker cap rigged with a camera—

LOGAN
Flowers. That’s how she got in. We were having a party. She came over delivering flowers, and we just lost track of her in
the chaos...

VERONICA
You think there could’ve been a key lying around the day you found Ruby in your closet? Maybe she used that to break in, electrocute Carrie?

LOGAN
She would’ve had to get past the guard gate, first. It’s a walled and gated subdivision on the marina. Lots of celebrity home owners. Former Mossad agents patrolling the grounds, manning the gate. That’s who found me passed out next to the tub.

VERONICA
Why’d you even go over there that night? The tabloids say you two broke up after you found out she was hooking up with that Bozo Sean.

LOGAN
Yeah, and breakups are always clean and easy.(off Veronica’s look)Dick saw a tweet that night saying Carrie was showing up at the 09er for Lamar Odom’s birthday party. She’d been 10 weeks sober, so, I texted her, saying “are you sure that’s a good idea?” She calls me back and starts railing on me. It’s always the same fight. (then...) Later she texts me saying she’s having a moment of weakness and needed my help.

VERONICA
So like any good sponsor you go...

LOGAN
We’re doing this now? ...Fine.

Logan sighs, he’s told this story a lot.

INT. GUARD GATE - NIGHT – FLASHBACK

Logan pulls up at a guard gate. Two uniformed professionals
are manning it.

LOGAN (V.O.)
I checked in at the gate. I’ve been there enough. They knew me. They just let me in.

The guard waves Logan through.

INT. BONNIE DEVILLE HOUSE - NIGHT – FLASHBACK

Logan enters the front door. The alarm starts beeping.

LOGAN (V.O.)
I’d been in Carrie’s house a hundred times. I knew her alarm code. Everyone knew her code, but this time it didn’t work.

Logan struggles to get the alarm turned off. He calls out.

LOGAN
Carrie! Carrie!

Logan begins walking through the darkened house. The alarm box still beeping. The beeps erupt into a full CLANGING ALARM.

LOGAN (V.O.)
The alarm goes off.

Logan walks into a new room. The phone starts ringing.

LOGAN (V.O.)
Then the phone started ringing. I knew it was the guard gate, but I didn’t know the code word...

LOGAN
Carrie! Where are you?

LOGAN (V.O.)
She’s not in her bedroom. I see her bathroom door is open...

Logan enters the bathroom. He rounds a corner, and we reveal CARRIE BISHOP’S HAND hanging over the edge of the tub.

LOGAN (V.O.)
I walk in and there she is in the tub. I reach for her...

Logan sprints to the tub and reaches in to pull Carrie’s submerged body out of the tub.

LOGAN (V.O.)
Next thing I know I’m being read my rights.

INT. LOGAN’S BMW M6 CONVERTIBLE – DAY

Veronica looks up, notices the owner of the main house, MRS. BARNES (80) appear out on her door step. As Veronica speaks, we track with Mrs. Barnes as she struggles to make it down the two steps of the porch to get her newspaper.

VERONICA
You never saw the extension cord?

LOGAN
Nope.

Veronica checks the time on her phone, makes a mental note.

VERONICA
All right. We should probably get moving. Your car doesn’t exactly blend.

Logan starts the car and pulls away.

 

INT. MARS INVESTIGATIONS - NIGHT

WIDE - Veronica works at her computer.

CLOSE ON A COMPUTER MONITOR.

The Video Clip from Bonnie Deville as she performed “Holding my breath” just begins.

[Bonnie’s voice/Singing: Holding my breath…]

VERONICA (V.O.)
What are the odds? Bonnie’s first chart-topping hit seems to be all about drowning and she’s found dead in her bathtub.

Keith enters. Veronica looks up.

VERONICA
What’s the largest capacity memory stick we own?

KEITH
Aw. You wrote that on my first Father’s Day Card.(off her look, sighing)I’ve got a 256 gig.

VERONICA
Can I borrow it?

KEITH
Thing holds, like, seventy five thousand snapshots. You must really be reconnecting with old friends.

VERONICA
I shoot RAW, man.Tt’s a real memory hog.

Keith reaches into a drawer, pulls out a memory stick. Veronica crosses to take it from him.

KEITH
Do you know what you’re doing here, honey? The evidence paints a pretty clear picture. I know Logan has his qualities, but there’s a darkness to that kid...

VERONICA
I know what I’m doing.

Keith hands the card over to her. She reaches his hand, he won’t let go. Veronica smiles. Keith exits the room.

 

EXT. RUBY JETSON HOUSE - DAY

Veronica enters the yard of the main house. She picks up the newspaper off the ground, and knock on the glass door. A moment later, Mrs. Barnes opens the door.

VERONICA
Hi there! Are you Mrs. Barnes?

MRS. BARNES
I am.

VERONICA
My name is Pam Martin...

Veronica offers up a business card.

VERONICA (CONT’D)
I’m a location scout for a movie,and the script calls for a garage apartment. I was hoping you might let me take a look at yours. Shoot some pictures.

MRS. BARNES
What’s the movie?

VERONICA
It’s called The silver Fox. It’s Clint Eastwood, starring and directing.

MRS. BARNES
You know, my son-in-low does Mr. Eastwood’s taxes.

Veronica isn’t prepared for this.

VERONICA
What a wonderful coincidence.

Mrs. Barnes considers for a moment longer, then smiles.

 

INT. RUBY’S GARAGE APARTMENT – DAY

Veronica enters the small space.

VERONICA (V.O.)

It’s hardly surprising there’s no record of a Ruby Jetson prior to her first Neptune utility bill. The name sounds made-up. A way to feel one degree closer to her idol.

Nothing indicates a crazy person lives here. Veronica glances over and spots a computer in the next room playing an all-Bonnie DeVille slide show. Veronica moves into the next room and moves the mouse. The slide show stops playing, and we see Ruby’s desktop is a photo of Ruby’s head photoshopped on a picture of Bonnie and Logan, tiled 12 times across her screen.

VERONICA (V.O.)
Did she arrive in Neptune hoping to pal around with Bonnie? Become Bonnie? Become famous by killing Bonnie?  

Veronica inserts her 256gb memory stick, drags the “Home” icon onto the memory stick icon. A progress bar pops up. Veronica notices something in a small mirror. Her jaw drops. Veronica stands and turns around.

VERONICA (CONT’D)
Yahtzee.

REVEAL THE OPPOSITE WALL. It’s covered in a giant Bonnie DeVille wall mural photo. Bonnie’s head is six feet across. There’s also a sewing machine and a rack of Bonnie DeVille outfits -- one of them is worn by a mannequin.

A phone RINGS, muffled. Veronica retrieves the disposable cell from her bag, collects herself, then answers.

VERONICA (CONT’D)
(Minnesota accent) Production.

MALE VOICE (V.O.)
Uh, yeah, I just got a call from my mother-in-law, she said Clint Eastwood wants to shoot a movie in her back yard.

VERONICA
(Minnesota accent) Well, Is your mother-inlaw in Neptune? Our location scouts are down in Neptune today.

MALE VOICE (V.O.)
I know for a fact that Clint Eastwood isn’t shooting a movie in Neptune. I don’t know what’s going on here, but …

Veronica has heard enough. She hangs up, concerned. Veronica looks around her, then scans the room, on edge. She does a double-take when her eyes skim a nearby bookcase. Veronica retrieves the object of intrigue: a Neptune High School Yearbook.

VERONICA (V.O.)
Buried Treasure -- the good old Neptune High yearbook. I suppose this would be a collector’s item
for Bonnie’s biggest fan.

ON VERONICA as she skims through pages. Veronica flips to a new page, sees an autograph.

VERONICA (V.O.)
“D. Pugh. Don’t let the bastard get you down. Shine your lights. Carrie.” The future Bonnie DeVille herself. So who is this “D. Pugh”?

Veronica flips to the index, runs her finger down the list of names until she arrives at the name DELLA PUGH. Della has one page number listed by her name. Veronica flips to the page in question. She finds a page of senior portraits. She finds the name Della Pugh, then locates the senior picture. It’s a shot of a girl with blonde permed hair and glasses, a quintessential nerd. Veronica squints at the photo.

VERONICA
No... way...(then) Ruby Jetson.

 

EXT. NEPTUNE HIGH SCHOOL - DAY

Wallace is sitting eating his lunch with MR. WU at the faculty table, several Tervis Tumblers in evidence.

WALLACE
Ha, ha. Like that’s a valid excuse.

[Cellphone is ringing and buzzing]

WALLACE
Man. Excuse me one sec. Give me minute.  

WALLACE (CONT’D)(mock aggressive)
Don’t you know I’m at work?

VERONICA
Hey, buddy. I need a favor. Can you get me a student’s permanent file?

We hold on Veronica for a long beat of silence.

 

EXT. NEPTUNE HIGH SCHOOL CAFETERIA - INTERCUT

WALLACE
You realize I am a teacher now,Veronica? An educator. This is a position of responsibility.

 

INT. RUBY’S APARTMENT - SAME TIME - INTERCUT

VERONICA
So, you’re saying it’s gonna be super easy. Good. I didn’t want to put you out.

WALLACE
Veronica.

VERONICA
Ugh. It’s not even a current student.

WALLACE
That does not make it okay.

[CAR DOOR OPENS THEN CLOSES]

VERONICA
Name’s Della Pugh. She was a junior when we were seniors. You’re the best.

WALLACE
Veronica…

She hangs up. Veronica hears car doors slamming, moves back to the window. A Deputy Car has pulled up in front of the house. She looks at the computer, the downloading is almost finished.

VERONICA
Shit.

Veronica puts her hand on the memory stick, waiting to extract it the instant the transfer is complete.

 

INT. RUBY’S APARTMENT – LATER

A BEEFY DEPUTY enters while knocking.

BEEFY DEPUTY
Balboa County Sheriff’s Department. I.D. please, ma’am.

Beefy Deputy finds Veronica snapping photos in full location scout mode.

VERONICA

Perfect timing. Can I get you to step by this window real quick? Can you just look out? Gorgeous profile. Put your hands behind you back.

BEEFY DEPUTY
We need to see some ID, Ma’am.

VERONICA
Okay, but pensive, like you got a big decision weighing on your mind.

BEEFY DEPUTY
Uh...

VERONICA
Yes. Perfect.

She raises the camera, as if waiting for him to comply. Beefy Deputy is momentarily confused. He’s unsure whether he’ll comply. We think Veronica might get away with it until...

DEPUTY SACKS (O.C.)
Veronica Mars?

Veronica deflates. She realizes the jig is up. She turns and we reveal DEPUTY JERRY SACKS.

VERONICA
Deputy Sacks. Kudos for rocking the ‘stache till it came back in style.

 

INT. SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT - HOLDING AREA - DAY

Veronica sits on a bench across from a HARD-LOOKING DRUNK. Deputy Sacks comes her way.

DEPUTY SACKS
Made bail, Veronica.

INT. SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT - LOBBY – DAY

As Sacks leads Veronica in, we notice Ruby seated at a deputy’s desk. Ruby perks up when she sees Veronica. Waiting at the front counter is public defender CLIFF McCORMACK and Keith.

CLIFF
Veronica, my how you’ve grown. It seems like only yesterday you could’ve been tried as a minor.

VERONICA
Clifford.

Veronica brings her attention to Keith. His expression of anger/disappointment is every daughter’s nightmare.

KEITH
Seeing as you spent all that time in law school, I’m sure you know breaking and entering is a felony.

VERONICA
Come on. I learned that way before law school. I knew the felonies before I knew the state capitals

KEITH
You probably also know, then, that convicted felons don’t take the bar exam. Sorry if I don’t think you blowing up your life is a joke.

Before she can respond, a gleeful Sheriff Lamb approaches the room tailed by Deputy Sacks. We notice Ruby in the b.g. paying attention.

SHERIFF LAMB
Keith Mars bailing his daughter out of jail. This I had to see. Sacks, get out your phone. I think we’ve got our Sheriff’s-Twit-Pic-of-the-Day.

Lamb energetically bounces around counter, placing himself between Keith and Veronica like he’s posing for a party-pic. Sacks looks confused.

DEPUTY SACKS
Seriously?

Keith shrugs off Lamb.

KEITH
We were just leaving, Sheriff.

SHERIFF LAMB (eyeing Veronica)
So, what was it? You look fit. Not our typical junkie B&E.

DEPUTY SACKS
Veronica is friends with the Echolls kid--

SHERIFF LAMB
Of course she is.
(to Keith)
You must be very proud.

KEITH
You don’t want to go down that path.

SHERIFF LAMB
What path is that?

KEITH
The path where you say things regarding my daughter that I don’t like.

Lamb takes the measure of Keith. Keith holds his gaze. Veronica is impressed and smiles.

DEPUTY SACKS
The thing is, Veronica is kind of a resourceful girl...woman. You should’ve seen this apartment--

SHERIFF LAMB
How resourceful can she be, Sacks? You busted her.

Ruby rushes over and takes a bewildered Veronica in her arms.

RUBY (O.S.)
Veronica! It’s you they picked up? Oh my god, Girlfriend! Hilarious.

VERONICA
Yeah... Girlfriend. Isn’t it?

Veronica is surprised and forces a smile as Ruby gives her a loving squeeze.

RUBY
(to Lamb, Sacks) This is the “intruder?”
(to Veronica) Did you tell them? Veronica’s always playing pranks on me. Like George Clooney does with his friends. You know the story about him shitting in his buddy’s cat boxes, right? What was it this time?

Veronica has a split-second of panic, but recovers...

VERONICA
Yeah… I… I was going with the … Old aluminum vibrator in your carry-on.

Ruby slaps Veronica playfully.

RUBY
Bitch!

SHERIFF LAMB
You two are friends?

VERONICA
Fast friends. BFFs.

Veronica gets closer to Ruby and smiles at Lamb.

CLIFF (anxious to end this)
If both Ms. Jetson and the court agree not to press charges, Veronica is free to go.

VERONICA
Well...the court’s only involved if there’s intent to commit a crime. Which there wasn’t, so, the B&E is considered illegal trespass, a misdemeanor, leaving the charges entirely in the hands of the victim, ie Ruby, ie my BFF.

CLIFF
What she said.

Sheriff Lamb stares Veronica down coldly. He smells a rat. Keith tries to retain his smile, looking a bit proud of his daughter although not completely satisfied by her action.

 

INT. SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT HALLWAY - MINUTES LATER

Veronica and Ruby have stepped away from the others. Keith and Cliff chat in the b.g. of the shot.

VERONICA
So. Girlfriend. What are you up to?

RUBY
Where I’m from, they just say “thank you.”

VERONICA
No they don’t. You went to Neptune High, Della Pugh. I found you in the yearbook.

Ruby reacts, startled at hearing her old name.

RUBY
I tried out for dance team at the end of my freshman year and got cut. You were supposed to be the nice one, so I asked you what I needed to do to make the squad. Guess what you said? (off Veronica’s silence) Dance better.

VERONICA
So why’d you bail me out of this jam?

Ruby flashes her a smile.

RUBY
You have something I want.

Off Veronica, confused.

INT. LOGAN’S BMW M6 CONVERTIBLE - NIGHT

PAN UP RUBY sitting in the front passenger seat dressed in full Bonnie DeVille high fashion. She has a BOUQUET OF FLOWERS on her lap and a delighted look on her

RUBY JETSON
Everything in my life has led up to this moment.

REVEAL Logan sitting next to her, behind the wheel. He’s dressed to impress but his expression is uneasy.

RUBY JETSON (CONT’D)
Does she need to be here?

ANGLE ON Veronica in the middle of the back seat.

VERONICA
I’m the designated driver, remember? That’s the deal.

A valet opens the door for Ruby. She yanks at the bottom of her way-too-short skirt

RUBY JETSON
Gimme a sec to adjust. (for Logan’s benefit) I “forgot” panties.

She hammers her eyebrows to Logan, then gingerly climbs out. Logan regards Veronica in the rearview mirror.

LOGAN
So this is happening...

VERONICA
You understand how much trouble I’ll be in if she presses charges.

VERONICA
You understand how much trouble I’ll be in if she presses charges.

LOGAN
I’ve let her draw finger hearts on my upper thigh for the last ten minutes so, yeah, I get the stakes.

EXT. THE 09ER - NIGHT

ANGLE ON RUBY waving at the paparazzi, loving the flashes going off. The paparazzi go crazy as the man accused of Bonnie DeVille catches up to this Bonnie look-alike and attempts to steer her away from them. ON VERONICA who has made her way past the long queue to the BOUNCER. The Bouncer eyes the Logan-Ruby chaos dubiously.

MAN
Hey Logan is that your new girlfriend?

BOUNCER
Whoa

VERONICA
Hey

MAN 2
You gonna kill this one too, lieutenant?

BOUNCER
Right this way, Mr. Echolls

LOGAN
Thanks

VERONICA
I was with them, so

INT. 09ER – NIGHT

The club is small but swank and full of cavorting 20- and 30- something beautiful people.

VERONICA (V.O.)
Of course Ruby chose the 09er for her date.When you’re too old to exclude the undesirables from your lunch table,open a club, charge twenty-two dollars for a vodka tonic and put up a velvet rope.

Make ’em think this must be heaven. Veronica observes people and keeps a great angle to keep an eye on Logan and Ruby.

VERONICA’S POV: Logan has allowed Ruby to sit very close. He is smiling and focused on her. We can feel his charm even from this distance. Ruby talks animatedly and touches Logan. Logan laughs.

DRUNK WINGMAN (PRELAP)
Yo, what’s up? All alone!

Veronica sighs, turns to the Drunk Wingman.

DRUNK WINGMAN (CONT’D)
You drinking? You want a drink? I’m just kidding. Heh. Yo, see that guy over there? That’s my boy, Broyden.

Veronica stares, sighs, then finally takes a quick look.

DRUNK WINGMAN (CONT’D)
And he wa looking at you ans you made him premature in his pants. Also, because he thinks you’re really cool.

Veronica looks up, annoyed.

DRUNK WINGMAN (CONT’D)
He’s a good guy, honestly.

VERONICA   
Fuck off.

CUT TO:

VERONICA’S POV: Logan and Ruby on the dance floor. Logan is slow-grooving like a good sport as Ruby busts out her moves. Veronica on her barstool focused on Logan-Ruby. She smiles as she watches Logan. She’s nearly oblivious to the HEDGE FUND GUY droning on next to her.

HEDGE FUND GUY
If you’ve never been heli-skiing, you never really skied. I’ve got a place in Whistler. I’ll take you up there with me. Fly you up. (off Veronica’s lack of interest) There we go. Come on, smile. Can you smile? (Veronica stares at him with nothing but a dark look) Just one little smile. Not gonna smile? You have a boyfriend? Is he here? What’s he do? I’m in hedge funds. What’s this guy do?

VERONICA
He’s a hit man. He kills people for money.
(calling out to a bartender)
Can I get a Diet Pepsi?
(then, back to Hedge Fund)
He’s actually looking to invest. Do you have a card?

Hedge Fund Guy is pretty sure Veronica is kidding, but Veronica delivers her line so deadpan that he can’t be sure. Hedge Fund Guy is chocked when he understand that she’s been serious.

Logan carries two cocktails over to the DARK BOOTH where Ruby is lounging. Veronica is discreetly watching Logan.  An OVER-CONFIDENT CLUB BOY dances solo at the edge of the dance floor, grooving for Veronica's benefit, throwing seductive looks her way. Veronica rolls her eyes as the confident club boy makes some dirty allegation showing V what he would like to do to her. She pretend to gags and makes her way to Logan’s table.

VERONICA
I just need a break. Apparently, uh, coming to a club alone is just asking for it.

RUBY JETSON
Oh, God, are too many boys hitting on you? Poor thing... (then...) So... Wanna tell me why you broke into my place, huh, Veronica Mars?

VERONICA
Well, BonnieFan23, you did send an email implying that Bonnie’s death had the upside of making Mr. Echolls here available to you.

Ruby’s mouth opens like she might interject.

VERONICA (CONT'D)
Don’t try and deny it. I know it’s true. You were caught hiding in Bonnie’s closet. And you have, what we in the trade call a “crazy-ass murderer wall”. It’s a technical term.

RUBY JETSON
You know most people think I’m the one sitting at a table with a murderer. (to Logan) No offense Baby, I know you loves her and you took such good care of her. I loved Bonnie. More than anyone. (to Veronica again) I (to Veronica again) I’m just saying one of us has an airtight alibi and the other one was found passed out next to Bonnie’s body, so…

VERONICA
What’s your airtight alibi?

RUBY JETSONµ
Well, I was outside of this very club with, like, 30 other velvet-rope rejects.

Veronica’s cell is buzzing. It’s a call from TRUMAN-MANN & ASSOC.

VERONICA
I’ve need to take this.

Veronica stands and hustles toward the exit.

RUBY
I really don’t think that you should trust her. She seems kind of skeezy.

Logan chuckles.

 

EXT. THE 09ER - NIGHT

Veronica makes it out of the club, answers her phone.

VERONICA
This is Veronica.

 

INT. UPSCALE LAW OFFICE - NIGHT – INTERCUT

Gayle Buckley is at her desk, working all night.

GAYLE BUCKLEY
Veronica, It’s Gayle Buckley. I’m so sorry to call so late. How would you feel about coming to work for us here at Truman-Mann?

VERONICA
(beat, astonished)
I would feel pretty great about that actually. Thank you.

GAYLE BUCKLE
We need you to start Monday. Is that a problem?

OFF VERONICA processing the implications.

CUT TO:Veronica heads back into the club.

INT. 09ER – NIGHT

Veronica returns to the table, finds Logan by himself.

VERONICA
Where’s your date?

LOGAN
She got them to play a Bonnie single.

Veronica turns to the dance floor, people have cleared a space for Ruby who is dramatically lip-syncing the refrain.

VERONICA
Well, on the bright side, you’re not on a date with a murderer.

LOGAN
I do take some comfort in that. How do you know?

VERONICA
Bouncer confirms it. Apparently she was outside the club, and performed Medea when the news broke.

LOGAN
Where do we go from here?

VERONICA
Back to New York, I’m afraid. I, um… I just accepted my first big  grown-up lawyering job.

LOGAN
(genuine, immediate)
Good for you, Veronica. I don’t envy opposing counsel.

Veronica doesn’t notice Ruby returning to the table as she and Logan shares a moment.

VERONICA
I wanted to see this through with you. Find Carrie’s killer.

Ruby drops down into the booth, scooching in close to Logan.

RUBY
I can ease your mind there.

Veronica and Logan stare at Ruby. Then...

RUBY
Her dad did it.

LOGAN
I’m listening.

RUBY
You know that new tattoo she got? The Japanese symbol for serendipity? That’s the name of her dad’s firm. The dad she fired as her manager. She knew he was gonna try to kill her, she implicated him before the fact.

VERONICA
Her dad was in London.

Veronica notices Logan looking at her quizzically.

VERONICA (CONT’D)
I checked.

RUBY
Last theory. Something awful from Bonnie’s past has come back to haunt her. Have you even listened to her new album? Confessional?

Ruby produces her phone, shows them Bonnie’s album cover. Bonnie DeVille, dressed provocatively, whispering through the window in a confessional.

RUBY (CONT'D)
The whole thing is about coming clean. She’s wracked with guilt. She went to Catholic school until tenth grade. She changed her name from Bishop. You get what I’m saying?

VERONICA
Not a clue.

RUBY
She boned a priest. She was on the verge of telling the world. The Catholic Church silenced her. (Off their dumbfounded stares) What?

 

INT. LOGAN’S BMW M6 CONVERTIBLE – NIGHT

Veronica watches Logan walk Ruby up to her landing. There’s a pregnant pause and then Ruby grabs the back of Logan’s neck and pulls him into a sloppy kiss. Logan heads back to the car.

VERONICA
I’m so sorry. And so grateful. Heh.

LOGAN
Don’t be. I was into it. We’re going skating next week. (then, more seriously) Veronica, you flew across the country to help me. This was easy.

They look at each other. Veronica is not sure what she should say, play with her hair and asks.

VERONICA
Um, We’re going to go out to dinner tomorrow night. You should come. Me, Wallace, Mac.

LOGAN
My whole fan club? I don’t think so. You’re not going to the reunion, either, then?

VERONICA
I circled that date in my calendar 10 years ago and vowed to skip it.

LOGAN
You need a ride to the airport?

VERONICA
Promised that to my dad.

LOGAN
I guess this is it.

There’s a moment between both of them. They look away then stare at each other and Logan walks towards his car. As he turns his back on her she surprises him.

VERONICA
We should take the long way home?

As she gets back into the car and turn her back to him, he’s turning around and allows himself a smile.

 

PRELAP Sufjan Steven’s “Chicago.”

 

INT. LOGAN’S BMW M6 CONVERTIBLE - MOVING – NIGHT

Logan drives fast on the PCH, windows down, stereo cranked. PAN TO VERONICA. The wind blows her hair. Logan is discretely watching her. She smiles. She turns from the window to Logan. She watches him for a moment. Logan glances over at Veronica, catches her looking. They hold a look for a moment. Neither speaks. Both look away again.

VERONICA VOICE OVER
Do I get a chip for this? Pouring the drink. Swishing it. Selling it. Leaving the bar without taking a sip.

Veronica leans up and cranks the music up even louder. She smiles.

VERONICA VOICE OVER
Is this what getting clean feels like?