Ken:
This is by far one of the best stories you've ever written!
Perry was crushed by his answer and as Mr. Stern came around the desk and offered his hand, Perry took it and shook it. As they were shaking hands, Perry muttered to himself, "I just hate to see Lex Luthor win."
That name grabbed Mr. Stern's attention and without releasing Perry's hand asked, in a rather sharp tone, "What's that?"
Perry was surprised at his interest and decided to give him some of the information, "Lex Luthor. We've gathered evidence that suggests he was behind the Planet's fall. I'd just like to see the expression on his face ... well, thanks again for seeing me." Perry didn't know how much good it would do, but he decided to play the cards as they had been dealt. The evident interest displayed at the mention of Luthor's name had given him the idea that there could be some form of rivalry and using that as a lever to generate interest was not below Perry. Perry decided to let Stern think about it so he broke the handshake and turning left the office.
Two actors at the top of their game. It is a pity we did not see more of Franklin Stern. He and Perry White were a powerful force on the screen.
Mrs. Cox was just regaining consciousness and as she did she realized that she couldn’t see anything and that there was something in her mouth, preventing her from speaking. She next realized that her arms and legs were bound and she started struggling with her bonds.
Mrs. Cox got off easy. I would have gone to Bernie and asked him for a vial of Truth serum.
As the connection was broken Lois smiled. She knew just what he was doing, checking the tracking device in an attempt to locate Mrs. Cox and the car. The smile broadened as time went by and he didn't call back knowing that his level of frustration had to be climbing. She hoped it went right up through the roof. They had made Nigel disappear and now they had done the same thing to Mrs. Cox. Both of his chief lieutenants now appeared to have deserted him. This was exactly what they needed - keeping him off balance so that he didn't see what was going on around him.
Yup, like MikeM said, this is vintage Lois Lane!
