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Lily sits at the bar now, remembering the drinking/flirting contest between Ann and Logan that ensued after the fight fizzled. She glances toward the front door, where Logan has gone to smoke another cigar. He'd tried to light up right at the bar earlier but Clarity had cited California's ban on indoor smoking and pointed him to the door. She thinks about joining him and calming her frazzled nerves with a Camel. At least the drinking contest had stopped the battle. Lily looks at Ann, dancing around the floor with Clarity, Angel and Franki.

It bugs the shit out of Lily, the way Ann threw so carelessly in her face that Cort spilled their dirty little secret and in front of everyone. Maybe he's not what she thought he was. He's not called since he got to Leadville, and he was in a quick hurry to leave. Lily sighs and turns back to the bar, stealing a glance toward the entry to the kitchen where most nights she'd have the comfort of knowing Andy was working. Andy's a great guy, and she loves him to death, but it's not going to be a lifelong thing. They back each other up, they're friends, they have great sex when it happens, but it's just that. Men. She hates them. She loves them. And for the same damn reasons.

She helps herself to the Jaeger bottle since Clarity is out dancing, and turns again to watch the other girls do what she wouldn't do herself. She's too much of the eternal tomboy. Ann gives her crusty looks from across the dance floor. Fuck her. What does she know, the snotty little bookie?

There's all the chance in the world she's only guessing at what she thinks might be truth. Cort's better than that. Now the other guy, Ben. If he's dead, why would Cort feel the need to leave? And why wasn't there a funeral? Could it be that he got back inside his movie? And why the hell is Ann carrying around the DVD for it in the first place?

Up on the dance floor, the song ends. Thirsty, sweaty, deeply bothered by what took place between her and Lily, Ann slowly stops dancing. What's happened to her neat, orderly world where she used to feel like she belonged? She's got the sudden need to be home in bed … alone. But first, Ann decides, get some lemonade from the bar to quench the thirst that comes with too much alcohol.

At precisely that moment, Logan walks back in and nearly bumps into Ann as he heads for the bar.

[Ann] Oh. Logan.

[Logan] Hi.

[Ann] You feel ... Hi. Bye. Gotta go before I get in trouble.

[Logan] *eyes linger on Ann. She's drunk. Sad. Smells so nice. Feels warm* Too bad.

[Ann] See? You're trouble.

[Logan] I do what I can.

[Ann] No wonder I liked you right off.

[Logan] Don't worry, it'll pass.

[Ann] What? You being trouble or me liking you? I'm not the fickle sort.

[Logan] I'm always trouble.

[Ann] I'm trying to stay out of trouble. Even if it doesn't look like it.

[Logan] Then you're right to stay away from me. I'll be around.

[Ann] Good. Maybe another time? I'll see you around, Logan.

[Logan] *letting Ann go, watching to make sure she's okay on her feet, then moving back to the bar*


Lily fingers the DVD Ann tossed her as she watches the 'dance' between Ann and Logan, feeling a little jealous, but hell, she wasn't going to get that close herself, now, was she? Isn't that what's the matter with her to begin with? When was she ever the kind of girl that guys could see past her freaking tits?

As Ann leaves, Sheriff Biebe arrives. Now that's an arrival Lily can smile over. But then again, so can a lot of the other women. Biebe casts an eye around the bar and lights on the love of his life swaying without a care in the world in front of the jukebox.

[Biebe] *John dances up to Clarity* Hey, baby, you need a partner?

[Clarity] *Stops dancing* John?

[Biebe] It's me all right.

[Clarity] *Throws herself in his arms* I'm so glad to see you, at last! *Kisses him shamelessly*

[Biebe] Now that's a good welcome. *doesn't miss the scent of bourbon* You been nipping a bit tonight, honey? You're so cute like this.

[Clarity] It's 'cause I missed you.

[Biebe] Of course you missed me. I'm a lot to miss.

[Clarity] I like your lot! Love it even. Hey! Have you met the new guy?

[Biebe] New guy? Why would I want to meet a new guy when I can dance with my girl?

[Franki] *nudges Lily in the ribs* Oh, hey, it's the cute sheriff guy.

[Logan] *takes the bottle from the bar and pours another good splash for Lily, Franki and himself*

[Lily] Now there's a guy who'll settle down. *nods toward Biebe* They're sweet together.

[Logan] *sits down next to Lily*

[Lily] Hey Logan.

[Logan] Hey, Lil.

[Franki] So ... Too much thinking, Lil. if you don't wanna think .... DRINK! Lily needs another drink

[Logan] We all do.

[Lily] *slings back a long, hard shot of booze; and it feels good, going straight to her head*



Lily has this nasty habit of thinking too much. Like tonight. She and Franki are talking now about men and finding one who's nice enough to see you're not a lost cause or just a body attached to boobs. Lily finds herself admitting she'd thought she'd found it in Cort. But as for other men? Well, she just doesn't know how to play them.

Franki finds herself wondering why it is Bud hangs around her if she's really got nothing to offer a guy like him. Play men? All she ever does is play them - it's not all it's cracked up to be.

Out on the dance floor, Clarity's having a good time between the music, the drinks Logan's been buying her and the nearness of her man. Biebe hasn't missed the rough guy at the bar with the ladies. Something tells him Clarity's drinking is no coincidence to his presence at the Phoenix, not the way the others are looking at the guy in the retro leather motorcycle jacket. He finally guides Clarity back to the bar and seats her on the stool next to Logan so he can introduce himself and begin getting the measure of this stranger.

John decides to take Clarity's place behind the bar, letting her sit rather than totter on unsteady feet. He asks plenty of questions of this Logan guy but he also takes in the way Lily, Franki and even Clarity rush to be his champions. The guy is damned well rough but seems like a stand up kind of man. Just when he figures he can quell the 'official' curiosity and start enjoying an after-work drink, John's phone rings. His dispatcher is calling and just like that, Biebe has to leave to attend to a shooting down by the wharf. Before he goes, John pours coffee for the group still holding up the bar. He doubts they'll drink it but he feels an obligation to try. Finally, he exacts a promise from Logan that he'll put the girls in a cab. He doesn't want to see them the next highway crash he has to investigate.


[Logan] They look happy. *nodding at the Sheriff and Clarity, saying goodbye at the door* I don't meet a lot of happy people.

[Lily] You seem so alone, Logan. *and for some reason, that makes her sad for him. What he's not said about himself as much as what he has said tells her he belongs nowhere, and to no one.*

[Logan] So do you, Lily.

[Franki] *with Lily and Logan finally in the same general area, she grins happily. Goes back to the floor to dance with herself*

[Lily] When I'm sober, I won't be a killjoy.

[Logan] I'm a bad influence. Got a high tolerance. I've found the bottom of the bottle more times than it's found me.

[Lily] You're a mystery, Logan. If you don't mind me telling you.

[Logan] Y'think? Tell me whatever you like.



Tell him anything? Lily thinks on this. Didn't Cort say that to her once upon a memory ago? And look what happened to that relationship. One thing she's learned, just by watching these strange people who come and go in this place, is that nothing is normal, and there's some strange thing at work in how they find one another, and why. But he makes her feel comfortable, like he sees inside her too and gets her. And that's always a plus.

Logan watches thoughts and emotions wash over Lily's pretty face. She may be tough, but he can smell the sadness in her like perfume. Sadness layered with notes of anger and frustration, hard to read like she put it on in the morning and let it fade in the late hour they now inhabit.

He's learned a lot tonight. About Lily and the other women at the Phoenix. They share a strange sisterhood and tonight they made little effort to hide from him the things that bind them and those that pull them apart.

It was Uma's unexpected appearance earlier that made Logan take stock of the more serious undertone of some of what he'd observed. He'd picked up her scent long before she'd announced her presence to the other women. The moment the others realized she was there, they'd come to attention. That told him immediately that this was the one with power.

He noticed Ann's reaction, her wariness. Whether she was reacting to Uma's first words with him or to the possibility the guy Max was about to arrive, it hadn't mattered to Logan. He'd felt protective of Ann. So Logan had not been easy on Uma, not given the sense he pulled in from Ann. His tone had been aggressive in response to her questions. She'd not backed down, just met his look straight on. Or maybe it was all reflex on Logan's part - a reaction to anyone with power.

Then Uma'd left, almost as quickly as she'd arrived. She'd announced the bar should be closed by then and they should be clearing out. Ann had asked her when she'd become more interested in doing Max's bidding than in being nice to her friends. Then she'd walked Uma out; had a private word with her before Uma had slowly walked up the stairs to the apartment she and Max kept over the Phoenix. It'd been the last Logan'd seen of Uma. Ann hadn't been in the mood to talk about her friend, either, so Logan only had his impressions to go on.

But his sense of people cuts right to the essentials and there's little they can hide from his observation. Like now.

He studies Lily over the rim of his glass as he drains the last of his drink. She seems very alone, which he can relate to. And do something about. Might be good for both of them.


[Logan] *fixing Lily with a look* You had something to say.

[Lily] I did? Or you did?

[Logan] You did.


Lily tries to think this through clearly. In her life, she's learned that there is always a soul wandering around more alone and different than you are. Logan pulls her out of herself, out of the hundreds of questions and fears and weirdness she thinks she possesses.

[Lily] I just don't want it to be the alcohol talking.

Franki begins swaying in a way that does not seem dancelike. A moment later, Logan's there to catch her before she falls. She lets herself be led back to a barstool on the other side of Logan. Logan is treated to another round of his boots being sniffed by the little dog now freed of her carry-all. He seems to pass the sniff test and Spooky jumps up into Franki's lap.

[Franki] Dance with Lily, I'mma have another beer.

[Logan] I don't dance. Heavy feet. *smiles at Lily* At least not standing up.

[Lily] Why don't you take Franki home, Logan? I'll stay here and talk with Clarity.

[Franki] Nahh, you should take Lily home, Logan. She needs a break.

[Logan] *smiles at Franki* Don't worry. I'm taking Lily home.

[Clarity] And Franki and I will take taxis home. Or we could share a taxi. Now … one last beer for everyone? Or do we stick to coffee?

[Franki] Coffee. Coffee would be good. Clarity, we could share a cab part way ... but I gotta head out to Salinas tonight. * remembers something important.* Ohh, if anyone asks, you don' know Bud's out in Salinas. Or me. *is not sober, but her expression hardens for a moment. * I'm serious. Don' tell anyone.

[Lily] I'm not telling anyone. I've already had a fight with one woman tonight. *snickers*

[Logan] *murmurs to Lily* Keep the claws in, honey.

[Lily] They're in. Besides, if I'm riding with you, who am I going to tell?

[Logan] *looks at Lily like he could ride her 'til dawn* Just me, Lil.


It scares Lily to be this close to jumping off the edge. But that sort of thrill always did. This wasn't her plan, but it's one of those things that if she doesn't take the plunge, will she feel alive ever? Like John Biebe, she likes a mystery. Even if she never solves it, it's worth the joy of discovery. Surreal wish granted. A brief thought of Andy runs through her head, but when she looks back at Logan, fades into subconscious. This chance might never come again.

[Lily] Hey, if you're good enough for Franki's dog to trust right off the bat, I don't think I have anything to fear, do I?

[Logan] No. You're safe with me, kid. Safe as you want to be, anyway. *smiles at Lily with a dangerous sparkle*


Franki, with cup of coffee in hand, goes back to dancing with her doggy partner in crime.

[Logan] Clarity, let's get a cab for Franki, huh kid? *watches as Clarity fumbles for the phone and begins dialling for the taxi*

[Franki] Hey, you know what we need to do? We need to go skinny dipping. At the beach. Yeah. That's what we need to do.

[Logan] I'm good for a swim.

[Clarity] Yeah! Um... where's the sea again?

[Logan] West, kid. Are you girls sober enough to swim?

[Franki] I'm sober enough for anything.

[Clarity] Me too.

[Logan] Lily?

[Lily] Last one in has to towel off everyone else.

[Franki] Lily, promises, promises. Oh, I'm just thinking we should arrange for Logan to be last.

[Logan] *chuckles* So I'd win either way.

[Lily] I can hold him here until you're all in.

[Logan] *arches a brow high at Lily's offer* You do that, we may not make it in.

[Lily] *whispers back at Logan* Two can play that game.

[Logan] *leans in to Lily's ear* It's always more fun when two do.

[Franki] So Logan ... do you need distracting? Or has Lily got that all wrapped up? Cause the ocean is this way. I think.

[Logan] Dunno. Lily? Do I still need distracting?

[Lily] If you still need distracting, then I did something wrong. I'll just be sure to be second to last in.

[Logan] *eyes Lily * So, hold me back.

[Lily] *tugs at the leather sleeve of Logan's jacket gently, pretending to stop him from bolting out*

[Clarity] Yes!!! Last one in the water is a chicken... without feathers


She and Franki head for the door, anxious to head down the path to the beach. When they make it outside to the veranda, they both suddenly start singing like drunken pixies.

[Logan] *looks at Lily* Are they gonna be okay or should I make plans to fish them out?

[Lily] We might at least make sure they don't drown, yeah, but even if it's just for a walk.

[Logan] You live far?

[Lily] Not really. A couple miles up the hill.

[Logan] Short ride then. *Smiles*


At the beach, it takes Clarity and Franki little time to traipse into the gentle waves foaming over the sand. The moment they do, they cry out at the shocking cold of the water. From the path, Logan and Lily can hear the women's squeals and the occasional shrill bark as Spooky finds something noteworthy to alert the world to.

As Franki dares Clarity to search for sharks, Logan and Lily make it to the beach. They stand near each other, watching the other women skip around and in the water. Logan notices as their words become firmer; the cold water's helping them sober up just a bit. He looks up into the sky, where fog flirts with the moon.

[Logan] *slips an arm around Lily*

[Lily] Logan...

[Logan] Mm hm?

[Lily] Just want you to know, I don't play games.

[Logan] What do you mean?

[Lily] You're not just a way for me to not think about other guys. I like you or I wouldn't be here. And I'm not drinking anymore, so I'm gonna have to find another way not to think.

[Logan] I can help with that. *smiles* I can't promise much more than that, Lil.

[Lily] That's okay. Just be honest with me. I'm tough, I can handle it.

[Logan] It's the only way I know how to be. Good or bad. I know you'll be straight with me.

[Franki] *suddenly aware of how late she's been out this night* Lookit all the stars. And the moon … Sun'll be up in not too long, I bet. Damn, hope Bud's still sleeping … he'd worry …

[Logan] *whispers to Lily* Looks like I'm keeping you up 'til dawn one way or another.

[Lily] *whispers back, daring to touch his hip above the waistband of his jeans* I'm not bitching.

[Logan] *leans into Lily a little* Keep me up late. I'll sleep better.

[Lily] Take me by my shop, so I get it open for the guys, then we'll go somewhere quiet.

[Logan] You need to give them keys.

[Lily] They lost the last set.

[Logan] I'd like to be somewhere quiet with you. I'll help you stop thinking.

[Lily] I'm waiting.

[Logan] Let's go.

The right incentive brings results. It's not long before Logan has successfully herded three women up the path to the veranda. There's a taxi waiting. He guides Franki and Clarity into it. Another moment, the taxi's nothing but the faint glow of the rear lights leaving the compound.

From the top of her stairs, Ann and Ralph watch Logan wrap an arm around Lily's waist and move her to his motorcycle. They roar off from the compound, leaving behind them the quiet of the last vestiges of night in Big Sur. Fingers of dawn are already lightening the upper fringes of the sky.

Ann wraps her arm around Buck. Ralph sips from a can of beer and meets Ann's eyes.

[Ralph] Well, damn. He really does look like Drover. What a fine mess of crap. Neither one of us is ever gonna be able to leave this place, are we? That used to bug you.

[Ann] That was before Skinner tried to steal the Library from me, Ralph! I fought to keep this place because I think I was brought here for a reason. And you're part of it - we both know you are. Besides, I could never do this without you. So, no, I suppose you can't leave. I couldn't take you abandoning me, Ralph.

[Ralph] You and me, kiddo. Always has been. Not gonna change.

[Ann] It's the only way we've made it this far, Ralph, watching out for each other. *For long minutes, they're alone with their own thoughts. And then Ann looks at her brother's face, at the steadiness in his eyes, the set of his jaw.* You're not really unhappy here, are you?

[Ralph] No. Just hard after all these years to stop running, to not be afraid hell's gonna catch up with us if we can't stay a few steps ahead of it.

[Ann] Remember what the old man told me? We're safe here. No one from our past can hurt us.

[Ralph] Sure. I remember. But I'm still looking over my shoulder every day. Guess I always will.