**Oops... yes this is going to be longer than 6 chapters. I am adding a lot more detail and back story to some of the other characters to make the story make sense. Now onto the chapter. ***
Into The Fire 6/7
***
Chapter 6
Lois tapped her foot against the fabric of the conference room chair it was propped up on as she re-read the same paragraph for the umpteenth time. She let out a long breath in frustration, leaning further back in her chair and staring at the piles of research spread out on the conference room table. She was growing tired of reading this same article and still not finding herself any further along in her research. She was missing something. She just couldn’t put her finger on it. Bruce Wayne didn’t come to Metropolis just to take over Lex’s investments. There had to be more to it. She shook her head and reached for her coffee cup that was now empty.
“Great.” she muttered to herself, moving her head side to side trying to get the kinks out of her neck.
She glanced toward the conference room door. Still no sign of Clark. There hadn’t been any reports of Superman sightings, but that didn’t necessarily mean anything. These days Superman sightings were as common as a bank robbery or mugging in Southside. Still, it was unusual he hadn’t at least called her. Maybe he had slept in? They had been working pretty late last night. He hadn’t left her apartment until after midnight.
“Sorry, I’m late,” Clark said, setting down a fresh cup of coffee from Joe’s in front of her and pulled up a chair. “I hope this helps.”
“Thank you,” she smiled and took a sip of the fresh coffee. “Where have you been?”
He looked toward the newsroom for a moment then leaned into her and listing off his activities for the morning, “A quick patrol this morning turned into a bank heist on Patton Street, four-car pile-up on Sullivan Street, then a bridge collapse in Queensland.” He gave her a weary grin. “How was your morning? Find anything on our second-favorite philanthropist?”
Lois gave him a sympathetic squeeze on the knee. “I guess it’s a good thing you don’t need that much sleep.”
“Sleep?” he shrugged, “What’s that?” She looked at him in concern and he leaned in to give her a peck on the cheek. “I’m fine. I’ll catch a power nap later.”
She still wasn’t entirely convinced. They had been burning both ends of the candle lately. Unfortunately, neither of them had anything to show for it. She had suspicions and odd behavior and things that just didn’t add up. She didn’t have anything solid to go on. On top of all of that she was exhausted having been at the office for four hours and no further along in her research than when she’d started. Maybe some super help would get them further along and find the smoking gun they needed to find out what Bruce Wayne was up to.
Lois took another sip of her coffee. “God, that’s good.”
“You think it’s starting to work?” He teased.
“Maybe,” she smiled at him.
“So what have we got?” He asked, pulling out her notes from the other side of the table. “Mysterious woman shows up and warns you about Bruce Wayne and hints about Vicki Vale being the key to everything.”
“He shows up and starts buying up LexCorp like it’s candy,” Lois added.
‘The Planet is part of LexCorp.’
Where did that thought come from?
‘For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Lex Luthor. I, no less than you have been greatly distressed to see the troubles that have been bestowed on Metropolis’ great newspaper. I don’t know why the Planet has suffered through such a great loss in this past month, but I have my suspicions.’
Lex knew exactly what he was doing when he bought the Planet. He orchestrated the takeover of the Planet.
‘I do know that the problems can be solved with strong leadership and fiscal responsibility. Therefore, I have taken the one step that would guarantee the future well-being of this newspaper: I bought it. I am the new owner of the Daily Planet.’
‘I do know that the problems can be solved with strong leadership and fiscal responsibility.’
The phrase echoed in her mind once more.
“Oh, my God!” She reached for the article she’d been reading a moment ago. “Where is it? Where is it?”
“Where’s what?” Clark asked, confused.
“Do you remember the speech Lex gave when he bought the Planet?” Lois asked, sifting through the papers in her hand.
“How could I forget?” Clark gave her a scowl.
“Ah-ha!” she cheered when she found the page she’d been searching for. “There it is!”
“There’s what?” Clark asked, still not following.
“There!” she pointed, pushing the page under his nose. “Read it.”
“Bruce Wayne takes back control of Wayne Enterprises after eleven years of…”
She rolled her eyes, growing more and more annoyed by the second. “Not that!” she pointed to the line she was talking about. “Here!”
“Mr. Wayne’s parting remarks to the company his family had built were this, ‘I don’t know why Wayne Enterprises was forced to endure such hardships, I don’t know why the banks have refused you credit or why your advertisers refuse to do business with you, but I do know that the problems can be solved with strong leadership and fiscal responsibility,’” Clark’s head shot up in surprise. “Isn’t that…?”
“Exact same phrase Lex used when he bought the Planet,” Lois said smugly.
“Luthor did say that Lionel Luthor took over a large portion of Wayne Enterprises in 1975 after Bruce’s parents died,” Clark recalled. “You would think a person would have some decency to not take over a company that the major shareholder was an 11 year-old orphan, but it was a Luthor after all.”
“Do you think Bruce is trying to do the same thing to Lex? Hit him when he is most vulnerable,” Lois wondered.
“Could be? But what doesn’t make sense is why now? Luthor lost everything when his reputation came crashing down.”
Lois shook her head frustrated. There had to be more to it. She started to look through the articles again. Maybe it wasn’t connected to Luthor? Maybe it was just revenge on Franklin Stern? There were too many questions and not enough answers. Lois knew the answers were there, but maybe she would need to do the impossible to find them.
***
Diana Prince stood on the sidewalk, staring up at one of the oldest buildings in Metropolis. Her long black hair that she usually let down was pinned up in a tight bun and the gold, red, and blue uniform she felt most comfortable in was put away for this trip. The large globe above the entrance glistened in the rain and the neon blue lettering shone bright in the morning sky with the words ‘Daily Planet’ around it.
The modern world still fascinated her. Each new development and scientific breakthrough that benefited the world struck a chord in her heart, reminding her of her mission. It had been many years since she’d first left the Amazonians to help fight and protect the human race. Her youthful appearance continued to hide the pain and anguish that had come with the horrors she’d witnessed. Only those that truly knew her would know she was well over sixty years old, but still didn’t look a day over twenty-five.
She considered Bruce a friend-a close friend. If Bruce didn’t back down, then maybe it was time for her to make a move. She tugged on her jacket, looking down at the long deep burgundy pencil skirt with a slight slit on the side, black mock turtleneck, and matching jacket she wore. She had on thin black glass frames on that helped hide her secret identity just like another superhero she knew.
She knew what war looked like and if Bruce did not stop his revenge; then it could end up in a war of superheroes. No, she needed to stop Bruce before it was too late because she was not ready to be part of another war between men.
Watching a man she cared about die years ago had nearly broken her; and she would not see that happen again. Sure, she did not feel nearly as passionate about Bruce as she did Steve Trevor. She felt tears forming in the corner of her eyes as the memories from that fateful day came back to her.
‘I love you.’ were the words he spoke to her just before he climbed into the cockpit of the plane. The plane had contained toxic gas inside when he flew it a safe distance away before it blew up; sacrificing his life to save many. If he had not sacrificed himself to save all of them; would their life have been different? Would she be the superhero she is today? Would she be like Superman and fight for truth and justice in both of his world’s with his significant other by his side?
The sacrifice Steve made was one of love. He loved the world too much to let evil triumph. That sacrifice is what drove her to continue her hero's journey, knowing that the way to save the world was by love, not by a fist.
***
Jimmy watched as a dark haired beauty stepped off the elevator. He was instantly drawn to her as she looked around the newsroom, seeming to take in her surroundings. He straightened up, approaching her with a broad smile, “Can I help you, Miss?”
“I am looking for Mr. Kent,” the dark haired beauty announced as she looked around the busy newsroom for the Man of Steel. Suddenly her eyes caught sight of star reporter in the conference room. “Excuse me, while I go speak to Mr. Kent.”
Jimmy could not believe the gall of the dark haired beauty who seemed very familiar yet so strange to him.
****
Lois and Clark sat at the conference room table next to each other while the conference room table was scattered with files. Both of them concentrated on finding a connection between Bruce and Luthor.
“Look, as of two days ago, Bruce now owns LexLabs and LexTowers,” Clark stated as he handed a paper to Lois. “Now he owns almost eighty percent of what Lex owned when he ..”
Clark wasn’t sure how to finish the sentence. His gaze fell to the paper in Lois’ hand. The day of Lex’s fall from grace was still a sore subject for both of them. Lois had come very close to making one of the biggest mistakes of her life that day. The time of her engagement and almost wedding to Luthor wasn’t something neither of them liked to talk about. It brought up hurtful memories for both of them and shone a spotlight on one of the biggest mistakes Lois had made. No matter how many times he’d tried to warn her she refused to see the truth until it was almost too late. Despite everything, he never gave up on her. She was his best friend and he refused to let Luthor win.
Luthor’s fall from power had been a turning point in their relationship. They had shifted from just partners and friends to best friends. She’d leaned on him while trying to rebuild her self-esteem and reputation after the deftly blow Luthor had delivered to both. Given Lois’ past relationships he suspected that it might have something to do with why she was so hesitant on marrying him. Lex Luthor’s name would always carry a stigma for both of them. He was a reminder of what they’d almost lost and the mistakes they’d made along the way. Thought Luthor had lost his power and good name he still haunted them from prison, reminding them of how close he’d been at destroying everything Clark held dear.
“It looks like the Daily Planet and a couple other smaller companies are only left,” Lois replied as she looked over Clark’s shoulder.
“Lois, what if he tries to buy the Planet?” Clark asked as he looked over to the love of his life. He couldn’t go through that again. Memories of Luthor’s attack on the Planet flashed through his mind. Many of his friends had come so close to losing their lives that day.
Lois reached over and grabbed his hand and squeezed it then gave him a small smile. “We will get through it like we have everything else - together,” Lois replied before a dark haired beauty walked into the conference room.
“Mr. Kent, it’s very urgent that I speak with you.”
Lois and Clark looked up and saw a dark haired woman with Jimmy a few feet away.
“Do I know you?” Clark asked uncertain of the woman before him.
“Diana Prince.” She looked to Lois and informed her, “What I have to discuss with Mr. Kent is very private.”
“Well, whatever you have to say in front of Mr. Kent you can say in front of me.” Lois said haughtily, crossing her arms over her chest.
“Lois Lane,” Diana nodded in recognition. “You’re much different than what I pictured.” Her eyes wandered up and down Lois’ frame. Clark noticed Lois shift uncomfortably under the woman’s gaze.
***
Diana looked from the young man that hid his abilities behind a pair of glasses to the petite brunette known to many as ‘Mad Dog Lane.’ She could see the attraction immediately. Lois Lane was unfazed by Bruce Wayne’s charms yet had been captivated by Superman’s goodness. She had spent many months researching the couple and finding what she could to prepare her for a moment like this. She had hoped her dear friend would have seen the error in his ways. Unfortunately, that hadn’t been the case.
“Lois Lane,” Diana looked Lois up and down and noticed that she had a few inches of height on her. Lois was very petite compared to Diana, but this was expected as she was from Themyscira where women were warriors and Lois was a mere mortal. “You’re much different than what I pictured.”
“Well, Ms. Prince, Lois and I are partners, whatever you tell me you can say in front of her,” Clark interjected, placing an arm around Lois’ shoulders, sending the silent message that they were a team. It was a gesture that seemed to reassure Lois as she looked back at him with a smile.
“Yes, the great reporting team of Lane and Kent. I’ve read your work.” Diana said, thinking carefully of how to let them know how important it was she speak with Kal-El alone. “A great reporting team. Almost every exclusive with Superman.” Her eyes narrowed, looking Clark in the eyes. She saw the uneasiness reflected back and smiled. “I believe there is much for us to discuss Mr. Kent. Your connection to Superman for instance.” Diana sat down at the conference table.
Lois and Clark exchanged a look. Diana smiled, breathing a sigh of relief when she noticed their expressions change from worry to concern to determination. Clark nodded to Lois and then motioned to the young man that had escorted her in. “Jimmy, I need you to find any acquisitions Bruce Wayne has made within the past year,” Lois led Jimmy out of the conference room.
The door closed and Clark turned to face her, “Who are you, really?”
“I am Diana Prince. I mean you no harm, Kal-El.” Her lips pursed as she watched Clark’s eyes widen at the use of his Kryptonian name.
“How did you…?” He began to ask, but then moved to the more important question. “What do you want?”
She stood to her feet, looking out of the glass pane windows of the conference room at Lois Lane with Jimmy Olsen. She noticed his gaze follow hers, concern written on his face. She offered him a smile. “I know how much she means to you. I had that once in my life - long ago...” She trailed off, looking at him in admiration,. “I’m not from here, like you, I wasn’t sure if I could have that life that these mortals have. You try very hard to be like them even with the power you have. I lost my chance, but you don’t need to.”
“I can’t lose her,” Clark admitted, his gaze stayed on Lois as he spoke.. “She means everything to me.”
“I know she does.” she stated. “Having a love like that changes you. You’re willing to give up everything for their happiness. Even being Superman,” Diana’s eyes sparkled as time stood still. She watched his jaw tighten as the steely features crossed his face. Even the glasses couldn’t hide what was written on his face. “I mean you no harm, Kal-El.”
He still didn’t respond, folding his arms over his chest in the famous pose his alter-ego was known for. “What do you want?” He repeated his question from earlier.
“Help.” She said simply.
“Help?” he repeated. His tone was uncertain as she paced in front of him.
“Like I said before, I am not from here, and I’m not talking about Metropolis or Smallville. I’m from somewhere far away; like you. I help where I can. I protect people.”
“Who are you?” He asked.
“That’s not important, Kal-El. What is important is helping Bruce..”
A visible snort could be read on his face when she uttered the name. “Bruce Wayne?” He looked at her in disbelief. “He sent you?”
“No.” she said simply. “I came on my own.”
That was the truth. She often wondered how Bruce had become so far gone that he couldn’t distinguish the difference between right and wrong when it came to the woman he loved. When she’d first met him and told him of her past he had been compassionate and friendly. He had proven himself to be a good friend. She had shared with him thing she’d never told anyone. Some things about her past such as the battle that led to Steve Trevor’s death he had found out by himself since one of his strongest powers was being able to find information. Since she’d known Bruce he’d always been able to track down information on those he went up against with ease. That was fine when he was dealing with street thugs and criminals. Now, he was trying to go up against the strongest man in the world. She couldn’t stand by and do nothing.
She felt that she could trust Clark and maybe under different circumstances she could share with him exactly who she was, but this was not the time nor the place.
Clark sighed as he shook his head. “If you are going to threaten me go right ahead, but I’m not going to stop investigating him. He is up to something, I’m sure of it.”
“Yes, he is, but have you ever thought of what is driving him to do it?” Diana asked Clark as she stopped pacing in front of him. She looked down at the articles and files on the conference table, picked up one skimmed the article and put it down. “Yes, he wants revenge on Lex Luthor, but it’s more than that. Think about this, you love Lois, so much you would give up everything for her--even being Superman. What would someone else give up or do if their loved one was taken away from them?”
“That doesn’t give him the right to ruin Metropolis or our lives,” Clark retorted as he raised his voice a bit. “Luthor tried to destroy Metropolis once and almost took Lois down with him. I won’t stand to watch that happen again.”
“It won’t, but please, understand that Bruce has lost everything and everyone he loves. He didn’t have the luxury of having loving parents to turn to…”
“Leave my parents out of this,” Clark replied.
“You have something Bruce never had. Stability. Love. Hope.” She interjected, ignoring the veiled thr…
“How exactly am I supposed to do that?” Clark challenged coolly.
“You distrust him.” She said, noting Clark’s body language. “You have only known Bruce after losing his love. Imagine your life without Lois. What would you do?” Clark looked away, refusing to respond and she continued softly, “To stop this battle between you, Lois and Bruce you have to remind him that despite everything there is always hope. Isn’t that what Superman stands for - hope?”
It was as if time stood still.
Silence.
Tick.
Tock.
Tick.
“Hope?” He echoed, looking at her in disbelief. “Since the man has come to Metropolis he has made it his mission to emulate everything Lex Luthor did to Metropolis. He has tried to put a wedge between Lois and myself. He’s buying up LexCorp like it’s hotcakes for what? Revenge?” His jaw tightened once more. “I almost lost a lot of people I care about to Luthor. I am not going to make the same mistake twice. You come in here from God knows where preaching about hope…”
“Bruce Wayne is not Lex Luthor...or his father for that matter.” Diana interjected, seeing where Clark’s trail of thought was going. “Trust me, Bruce is not as a big of a threat as you think. He is a lot like you and me. Look into what is happening in Gotham City and you will see. Look for the names Poison Ivy or the Joker and you might see something behind Bruce’s facade.”
“Why should I trust you?” Clark wondered, “I don’t even know you.”
“I think you do, Clark. I think you know that I would never steer you wrong. We could all be great friends and work together for the greater good if egos could be set aside." Before he could react to that statement, she bustled, "I must go now. You give hope to so many, Kal-EL. Is it really so hard for you to offer that same hope to someone like Bruce? Your love for Lois and hope for a better world are what drive you are they not?"
Before he could respond, she'd already pushed past him and headed out the door, leaving him confused and uncertain on what his next move needed to be.
***
Lois stood behind Jimmy while he began to type some data into his computer. She couldn’t help but feel Clark’s eyes on her even though he was in the conference room with Diana Prince. Curiosity continued to plague at her as she wondered just who this woman was and how she knew there was a connection between Clark and Superman. She wanted to make Jimmy start to look into her but finding out what they could on Bruce Wayne was more important.
“Lois, take a look at this,” Jimmy stated enthusiastically. “I can’t believe I missed this before.”
She turned her head back down towards Jimmy as Diana walked out of the room. She wanted to go to Clark and find out what this Diana Prince wanted. Who was she? How did she know about Superman? The questions continued to nag at her, but she knew finding out what they could about Bruce Wayne took precedent right now. Instead she stood her ground, concentrating on the information Jimmy had found.
“Hidden deep within Wayne Enterprises is division called Applied Science Division. There is only one employee in the division, a man named Lucius Fox. According to his personnel file his specialty is robotic engineering,” Jimmy explained as he read the profile of the WayneTech employee.
“What does the Applied Science Division develop?” Lois asked as she pulled up a chair. She could feel the adrenaline rushing through her veins as her interests peaked. They were getting close. She could feel it.
“I can’t break into their system from here, but I can call Star Labs and see if I can use their computer. Whatever their Applied Science Division is working on; it is highly classified,” Jimmy said as he dialed Star Labs phone number.
“Talk to Dr. Klein, he will get you whatever you need,” Lois said as she rose to her feet. Dr. Klein was a new scientist that Clark had mentioned he trusted at Star Labs.He’d helped Superman on a few investigations recently and proven himself to be trustworthy.“I know whatever Bruce Wayne is hiding it has to be connected to Applied Science Division.”
Lois walked away from his desk and moved toward the conference room. She needed to find out what Diana Prince wanted and what exactly she knew about Clark.
***
Harley stood in the sterile room waiting for her guest. She had been sent by her boss. Rooms like this made her uneasy and reminded her of the times she had spent in santiaums growing up. She wasn’t cuckoo, she kept telling everyone - just misunderstood. Now she followed one rule that there were no rules.
Puddin, as she sometimes called, Mr. J, helped her through the years to see the truth about the past. All of those years spent with those other freaks had made her stronger and made her realize that everyone has a little crazy in them. Yet, she could never forget those days spent locked up and the nightmares in lead to before Puddin came into her life.
She was here for her Boss and the other evil mastermind. Dressed in her most appropriate lawyer attire; she sat down at the table hoping her “client” would arrive soon.
She heard the loud churning of metal from the inmate entrance door. She looked up and saw the prisoner being brought inside. Once the prisoner noticed who it was he shook his head and smirked.
“I should have known,” he said as the guard led him to the table.
“Nice to see again.. It has been a few years,” Harley stated as she opened the file she brought with her for appearances. She needed to look the part of the lawyer for the most hated man in Metropolis.
“I see our mutual friend has been very kind to you. How is your boss?” the prisoner questioned.
“Mr. J is very well, Lex,” she smiled. “He sends his regards. Sorry he couldn’t come to see you, personally, but you know how it is,” Harley explained as she shifted in her chair uncomfortably. She was the one that always handled the dirty work while Puddin came up with the plans. “There are just a few things we need from you.”
“How is the transfer coming along?” Lex wondered as he put his elbows on the table.
“Within sixteen hours you should receive the package,” Harley said as she pushed up her black framed glasses. She pulled a single sheet of paper from her file folder and beamed happily before she pushed the paper across the table. “Mr. J needs you to read this over and sign at the bottom.”
“I know what it says,” Lex said before he took the pen and signed the document. “We made the agreement last time we talked. As soon as I get what I want; he gets his money.”
Harley didn’t trust Lex. She had spent a few weeks with him years ago when her and Puddin were on a trial separation. He had smacked her across the face, cutting her lip, when she was almost caught by the police during a burglary of a million dollar sculpture. So in revenge she broke that million dollar sculpture of his and disappeared that night. It was better than leaving him with a black-eye like she had with a previous lover. After that tyst she had went back to her Puddin and had been as faithful to him as two unconventional uncommittable criminals could be.
Mr. J knew about her past with Lex and had even used it to his advantage on this plan. Not that there was any lingering feelings left between her and Lex except contempt; but he was a competitive villain like her and Boss. Both of them wanted to see the heroes of their cities fall. . Who was left in charge after their fall was what seemed to be up for grabs. Ultimate power was what every true criminal mastermind wanted. No one knew that better than her puddin’.
“You will get exactly what you deserve,” Harley stated before she scooted her chair out and stood up. “I’ll see you again soon.”
With that said, Harley left the visitation room. She couldn’t stand being in these confend walls any longer. She needed to breathe.
After a several minutes she checked in her visitor’s badge, went through the checkpoint, gathered her personal items at the desk, and exited the prison. She then walked outside of the prison.
Fresh air.
Sun light.
The gates closed behind her as she left the prison and she took a deep breath out and realized the next time she would be here; she would be outside of these walls waiting instead of visiting.
***
On the other side of Metropolis a waitress at a fancy bistro on 7th Street walked by as Perry White took his seat with Franklin Stern. “I went ahead and ordered drinks.” Franklin Stern said, gesturing to the glass of tea on Perry’s side of the table.
Perry reached over to take a sip, “Perfect.” He looked over at Stern whose face was tense with worry. “Something tells me this meeting isn’t to catch up about our golf scores.”
Franklin Stern sighed, setting his glass on the table before speaking, “You’re right.” He tapped his fingers nervously on the table and looked to Perry uncertainty, “Your reporters are working on a story. A story that connects to Stern Media.”
Perry scrunched his nose, trying to place what story could possibly connect to his boss’ media empire. “I’m not sure which story you’re referring to.”
“The exposè on Bruce Wayne,” Franklin said as he took a sip of his drink.
“Why would you be involved with the expose?” Perry wondered as he looked at his boss expectantly.
“We had an altercation a few months ago at a charity event.” Stern’s tone lacked the normal power that came behind it. It was clear whatever had occured between him and Bruce Wayne was upsetting to him. “Bruce Wayne had been drinking as he normally does at these events-but this was different. He had to be escorted off the premises. He was a raging lunatic. He was threatening to get even with me for firing his girlfriend,” Franklin explained.
“His girlfriend?” Perry frowned, trying to recall which girl of the month he’d last heard the billionaire playboy was involved with. He wasn’t much for gossip or tabloids. The lovelife of celebrities and entrepreneurs wasn’t something he recalled easily.
“Vicki Vale,” Franklin said as he looked around.
“Vicki Vale?” Perry frowned, recalling the story of Vicki Vale’s tragic accident overseas. Her helicopter had been shot down and she’d been rushed to the hospital with critical injuries. She’d been in a coma for the past three months. “The field reporter for GWTV? Isn’t she in a coma?” Perry looked to Stern with disapproval.
“It’s more complicated than that, Perry,” Stern said with a sigh.
“You either fired her or you didn’t,” Perry stated.
“It was too costly to keep her on contract after the accident,” Franklin explained in detail. “She had went after a story without the okay from the producer and got hurt in the process.”
“That is what a makes a good reporter.” Perry’s tone echoed the disapproval he felt upon hearing what his boss had done. “Taking the incentive to go after the story. You should know that.”
“I am not denying that.” Stern replied, “The story she was working on was big. It could have been a Kerth at the least, but it didn’t pan out. Stern Media lost a lot of money on this and many of her other reckless actions to chase after a story.”
“Sounds like she and Lois would get along,” Perry snorted.
“I’ve seen the expense reports.” Stern added with a sigh, “Lois Lane at least knows where the line is. Vicki didn’t. She pushed a lot of boundaries and made herself a lot of enemies within Stern Media. One too many risks and look at where we are now. No story to show for it. Wasted resources and she’s been in a coma at Gotham General for the past three months.” He looked down at his hands before he added, “The decision to let her go came from her department. I had no involvement in the decision.”
“But you didn’t stop it.” Perry pointed out.
“I can’t force my people to keep someone on just because I said so, Perry. It was more than just one producer that wanted her gone. Was it the right decision? Financially, yes. Morally, it’s very gray.” He sighed, “I was dealt a crappy hand and made the best decision I could given the circumstances. If Ms. Vale were to wake up today and ask for her job I’d gladly find a place for her within Stern Media, but as we stand now keeping her on didn’t make sense.”
Perry drummed his hand on the table, uncertain how to respond. He knew Franklin Stern was a good man. He also knew he was a good businessman. He recalled the time when he had to put Lois on leave during the fiasco with Eric Thorp and her source that took his statement back. It made good business sense at the time but it still was painful to carry out the decision. He supposed anyone could be put in that type of situation. Forced to make an impossible decision.
TBC
