Here ya' go. Sorry about the slight delay. Hope it's worth the wait!
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The man's ambivalent brown-eyed gaze looked down on the city he hadn't seen in ten years. Moments later the leer jet skidded on the runway and came to a halt. When the door opened, he stood and shook himself from his thoughts, then made his way out. The stretch limousine left little to doubt the man's importance. His expensive shoes clicked on the pavement as he strode quickly toward the car. His waist length jacket flapped in the breeze, covering his custom tailored suit. He was the picture of wealth, right down to his perfectly manicured nails.
He smoothly slid into the car through the open door and settled as the driver climbed into the driver's seat.
"We will arrive at the hotel in plenty of time for you to unwind before the event tonight, Mr. Devon," the driver told the man as he looked at him through the rearview mirror.
"Good," was the clipped reply before the man turned to look out his window as the city began to pass by.
It had been so long since he was last here. Metropolis certainly had changed. It was even larger, busier than it was ten years ago. He didn't think such a thing was possible. There had been modern architectural advances in his absence, he noticed as they drove along. Obviously life had gone on for the city he once regarded as his home, while his had been cruelly brought to a halt.
They pulled to a stop in front of the 'Majestic', a new, elaborate hotel in downtown Metropolis. The driver held the door as he exited the car and made his way inside. His assistant, Edward, quickly came to his side from his traveling position in the passenger's seat of the limo.
"The penthouse has been reserved, sir."
"Good." He followed Edward up the desk and stood silently.
"This is Conner Devon," Edward announced to the man behind the counter.
The man behind the desk looked up and immediately pasted on a smile on his face. Conner Devon was the son of the wealthiest man in the world and his recent introduction to society had started a media blitz. Since word of the younger Devon's arrival had spread through the hotel, the staff had been filled with curiosity about their mysterious guest.
Travis Devon had been rumored years ago to be a playboy, unable to put down roots of any kind. Of course, that was speculation. The world was well aware the infamous billionaire had been in seclusion since his late twenties, hiding away from society when the pressures of living a public life had become too much for him to handle. With the announcement that he had discovered the existence of a son, the claims of the wild youth lived by the senior Devon were confirmed, and the world couldn't wait to meet the young man. There had been no pictures, no video media coverage of the heir at all. When it was announced the wealthy son would soon be traveling to Metropolis, every person in the city hoped they would be the first one to get a peek at the man that was causing such a buzz.
"Mr. Devon, welcome to the 'Majestic'. I am David, head concierge."
Conner simply nodded as Edward stepped up to talk to the manager. "I am assured you have his suite ready?"
"Yes, of course. The penthouse is polished and waiting."
"Very good. The car is out front. Have his things sent up immediately."
"Of course, of course," the manager hurried to assure Edward. He summoned a bellhop and instructed him to take Mr. Devon's luggage up to the penthouse. "I will have someone take you up."
"That won't be necessary," Edward told him as he reached for the security card. "If we are in need of assistance, we will call."
"Yes sir. Please call me personally."
"We'll do that." Edward turned and held up his hand for Conner to go ahead of him and quickly fell in step beside his boss as they made their way to the elevators. Behind them the slow hum of excited voices filled the air.
"It will be common knowledge that you're here before the end of the hour," Edward told Conner.
"I know," he answered with a frustrated glare at the many eyes staring at him as he entered the car. When the doors slid shut, he let out a long breath.
~^~^~^~^~^~^~
The dark surrounded him. The unbearable cold numbed his body, while silence echoed around in his mind. around in his mind. No! Why me? Why put me in this horrible place? What did I do to deserve this?
Suddenly he jerked awake and sat straight up on the large bed. His eyes darted around the room, registering the fact that he was in the penthouse suite of the Majestic hotel. It had been just a dream.
The sun was beginning to set in the beautiful spring skyline over the city. Earlier he'd come into the bedroom to lie down before he had to make an entrance at the 'Man of the Year' event tonight. It only took a moment before sleep had claimed him, as it usually did when he slowed down.
He pushed himself off the bed and trudged into the bathroom. A weary hand was forced through his unruly hair as he came to stand in front of the mirror. He looked at the man before him with a mixture of loathing and awe. He didn't even recognize himself any longer. As he leaned closer to the looking glass, his fingers stroked his temples and the silvered hair that now graced them. He'd believed at first that the silvery-grey streaks would revert to their original dark shade with the return of his powers, but that hadn't happened. Who knew, he thought with a shrug. Perhaps silver hair was part of his genetic makeup. It certainly made up his disguise.
His normally short hair had been replaced by nearly shoulder length, perfectly groomed locks. An expertly trimmed goatee adorned his once clean-shaven chin. Long sideburns added to the effect the small beard was trying to create. Although the hair did wonders to change his looks, it was the deep lines around his dark eyes that made the most difference in his appearance. Those lines spoke of years of pain suffered.
Conner took a deep breath and shook his head at the man he'd created. Even the name was a lie. Conner Devon had come into existence when Travis had related the story of his life to Clark Kent in the library of the mansion in New England nearly six months ago. Clark could still remember that first conversation with his benefactor. A vivid picture had been painted for the one-time reporter as Travis told of the many devious and underhanded things he'd been subjected to at the hands of Lex Luthor. The older man had explained why he'd decided to select Clark to become his 'son' and help him in his plans of revenge, and Clark had agreed to take on this new personna. Being locked away in a filthy hole in the wall for nine years had hardened a once compassionate man and the last thing Clark wanted to do was become a hero to the people, because toppling Luthor would make him one. Even if no one ever knew that.
After only a moment's consideration, Clark had decided that using Devon's money to avenge himself wasn't so bad after all and it suited his purposes of starting a new life. He might as well be Conner Devon, as any one else. Together they'd tailored Travis' plans of making Clark his long lost son and putting the younger man in position to cause Luthor and his organization irreparable damage.
Other than what Clark had gleaned about business dealings from his time reporting on them, Clark knew very little about the corporate world, but he was a quick study. Luthor's holdings were bought out, shut down, taken over, and sabotaged. Piece by piece, Lex Luthor's empire had started to crumble. When word had reached Travis and Clark that Luthor was starting to scramble to save his beloved LexCorp, they'd decided the first phase of their plan was running successfully and the announcement had been made that Travis Devon's son had been discovered.
Word had traveled back that Luthor was interested in a meeting with Devon, an obvious attempt to form some kind of alliance in an attempt to salvage whatever was happening to him. Luthor was grasping at straws, trying to utilize whatever means necessary to find out what was happening to him and his empire. Apparently he believed an alliance with the wealthiest man on the planet couldn't hurt. Devon had answered that he would be in Metropolis for his first appearance in over forty years at the end of March to introduce his son to the world and he would speak with Luthor then.
Only Travis Devon's time had run out. Fate had played its cruel hand and he was found dead in his bed in late February. The once powerful man had suffered a massive heart attack. In private correspondence left for Clark, Travis told him to make quick work of destroying Luthor and move on with his life. The money was left to him to do with as he wanted, even after Luthor and his empire fell to the ground. There was provisions made to turn the money over to Clark Kent if said man ever decided he wanted to resurrect the long dead persona. To Clark, that whole situation had turned out to be the most ironic of all.
But Clark Kent was dead. He'd discovered that almost immediately. Travis' sources told him that everyone was led to believe that Kent had been executed almost immediately after his imprisonment began.
Conner closed his eyes and thought of the benefactor that had gotten him to this place. Travis Devon had been the richest man in the world, holding that distinction through hard work, unlike Luthor. He'd made ruthless business decisions, but had refrained from the villainy so often associated with wealth. Travis had buckled under all the pressure of being at the top of the financial food chain and had gone into seclusion to live a more peaceful existence, at least in his mind. However, the best intentions go awry and when pushed to their limits, even the most gentle men become volatile.
Almost without realising, Clark had grown fond of the older man, who'd plucked him from his living tomb. He'd thought he was done with emotions, yet he had to admit that Travis had somehow got under his skin. He'd enjoyed the long talks they'd had together in the library by the fire during the long winter and he missed him. Now he had to go on alone.
Conner took a deep breath and splashed some water on his face. It was time to get ready for this event tonight. Metropolis' 'Man of the Year' was Perry White. As he wiped his face he tried to remember his one time boss.
He'd learned that the no nonsense editor had left his position at the Daily Planet in late 1998 to become Mayor. He wasn't sure why Perry would have done something that seemed so drastic, but it certainly seemed to have been a wise choice. Crime was at an all-time low and Metropolis had been voted the number one city in America to live in, for the second year in a row. And that was with Perry in office only five years. He'd recently been reelected to another term.
Before the old man's death, Clark and Travis had been discussing what would be the best time to introduce Conner Devon to the world. When Clark discovered who was being honored at this year's ceremony, he'd decided this was as good a time as any. He couldn't put off going public forever if his plans were to work. When Luthor was finally brought to his knees, he wanted the man to know exactly who had been responsible. Even if the world only ever knew him as Conner Devon.
~^~^~^~^~^~^~
Conner looked out at the city as the car made its way through the streets toward the Metropolis Convention Center. He'd asked Edward to sit in back with him this time to fill him on some information he'd asked the assistant to gather.
"Do you have anything for me?" Conner asked.
"Yes." The man opened his notebook and read through his files. "Martha and Jonathan Kent no longer reside in Smallville."
"What?" Conner turned to look at the man.
"Following the death of their son, they moved to Metropolis."
Conner stared at Edward in disbelief. His father lived in the city? That was one place the old man had said he would never live. What had happened?
"And?"
Edward shrugged slightly. He wasn't sure why his master was interested in these people, but he'd gathered the information anyway. He'd been quite surprised to discover that the unhealthy rack of bones, masquerading as a person who had boarded that cargo ship months ago was really the son of the wealthiest man alive. And when the young man asked him to stay on as his assistant, he'd been extremely grateful. So, he'd indulge him in nearly any request.
"They live up town, in one of the condominiums of Port Royal."
"Port Royal? What is that?"
"It's a building erected about three years ago by…" He read through his papers for a moment. "Lois Lane."
Conner had been gazing out of the window again. At the mention of that name, his head jerked around to his assistant. "Did you say Lois Lane?"
"Yes. The famous reporter, novelist, and activist."
"Novelist and activist?"
"Yes. According to my research she has written several very successful novels and has campaigned for all sorts of worthy causes over the years."
Conner rolled that information around in his head. He had deliberately left Lois' name out of any research he wanted Edward to do because he didn't want old pain brought to the surface.
"She had Port Royal built for several different reasons…"
"I don't want to know," Conner cut him off and turned back to look out into the darkness. Until this moment he hadn't given much thought to the fact that Lois would probably be at the event tonight. When he'd made the decision to come, he'd known she'd be there. He wanted to see her. He had to know she was okay, but at the same time it wasn't something he looked forward to either. He knew as soon as he saw what kind of life she had now, he'd live through more pain. He wished only the best for her. He just didn't have to like the life she'd built without him.
He could only sigh. Why was it, even after making the decision to stay away from Lois, she was nearly all he could think about? She, and his parents, had been on his mind constantly for the past few weeks. He guessed it was because of his decision to come to Metropolis and the fact that he'd known Lois would be here. For all of his arguments with himself over staying away from her, he had to force himself to keep from turning back to Edward and request everything he knew about Lois Lane. He loved her still… so much. And that was why he couldn't bring himself to cause her more pain than she'd already endured because of him.
"We're here," the driver's voice cut through Conner's musings.
~^~^~^~^~^~^~
The turn out for Metropolis' 'Man of the Year' was the largest in memory, even larger than the turn out for a certain superhero many years ago. Perry White was certainly deserving of the attention. He'd worked hard to make the changes he had and his city was proof of that.
Perry smiled as he made his way around the room greeting people.
"This is one hell of a shin dig," Perry commented to the young man at his side.
"Yes sir," the man answered.
Perry clapped a hand on the man's shoulder as his soft bellow rang out. "Jimmy, how many times do I have to tell you to call me Chief? We may not be at the Planet any more, but I still like to hear that name."
Jimmy grinned widely up at his surrogate father. "Okay, Chief." They shared a laugh and started to exchange a few words about the gathered crowd.
"I hear Conner Devon is supposed to make an appearance," Jimmy commented after a while.
"Yeah, yeah. I'm looking forward to meeting him. His father supported a lot of worhty charities in this city over the years."
Just then Perry and Jimmy turned as the attention of the room was drawn to the entrance. A well-dressed, apparently very important man was greeting a couple of Perry's administration team. Perry's administration.
"That's him," someone came rushing over to whisper to Jimmy.
"Who?" he asked.
"Conner Devon."
Jimmy and Perry both turned back to watch the man as he eased into the crowd. He certainly looked the part of someone extremely wealthy as his polished appearance left little to doubt his clothes had cost a small fortune. Not a hair was out of place as he moved with the grace of an athlete. What both men did notice was the lack of emotion in the man's expression. His slight smile was forced and he looked to be speaking in short, clipped sentences.
"Who are you two looking at?" a female voice interrupted them.
"Conner Devon," Jimmy told the woman who'd joined them.
She craned her neck, only glancing at the man across the room. Dismissing the talked about billionaire, she smiled up at Perry. "I can't tell you how proud I am of you, Perry."
The old man looked down into the eyes of the woman he considered his daughter. "Ah, Lois, honey. You say the nicest things." He pulled her into his chest for a warm hug. When he pushed her back, his grin faded to a frown.
"Where's that boy of mine?"
"Around here somewhere. He's very proud of his Grandpa Perry."
"To me, honey, you and that boy, Jimmy over there, and my boys and their families are my greatest achievements."
Lois blinked as her eyes filled with tears. She wrapped her arms around his neck for another hug. To her, this man was her father. He'd taken the position when her real father refused to do so. And Perry had been through so much the last few years. It was his need to see certain injustices righted that had led him to run for mayor. Lois had worked at his side and their city was changing for the better.
Perry had also lost his wife to a tragic car accident right after he took office. His sons had rallied to support their father. The once wayward sons came home again. They had met and bonded with both Lois and Jimmy and all were one big family now, along with spouses and children. As much as such things had once scared Lois to death, finding her place in a loving environment, surrounded by others that loved you in return as much as you did them, was now the only place she wanted to be.
The emcee announced it was time to start the ceremony and everyone quickly took their seats.
~^~^~^~^~^~^~
Conner watched as the brunette hugged Perry White. Even with ten years added to him, he'd recognize that man anywhere. He also recognized the younger man to his right. Jimmy Olsen barely looked a day older. Inwardly he smiled as he remembered the spirit behind that boyish exterior. When the woman turned and started toward a table, Conner gasped.
"Lois," he whispered. She was even more beautiful than he remembered. For so long he couldn't picture that face, but seeing her again made all the memories he ever had of her rush around him. He felt his face flush and his stomach lurched.
"Sir? Are you all right?" Edward asked as he saw Conner's expression.
"Yes," he finally managed. "I just need to go splash some water on my face."
"Certainly." Edward watched as Conner made his way through the crowd to use the facilities.
Conner rounded a corner and leaned against the wall to catch his breath. He'd thought he could handle a meeting Lois Lane. If this is how he reacted to seeing her across the room, there was no way he could actually face her. He squeezed his eyes shut and mentally searched for the misery the last decade had invoked in him. He found it and latched on with new resolve before making his way into the restroom for a quick splash of water. A pep talk later, he reentered the convention hall and made his way over to the table Edward was sitting at. The ceremony had begun and thankfully Lois Lane sat with her back to him on the other side of the room.
As soon as the ceremony was over and the crowd began to drift back into a comfortable hum of conversation, Conner gritted his teeth and made his way made his way over to Perry. He'd waited until Lois was on the other side of the room though. Tempting fate was not something he did any more.
"Mr. White," he began as he reached the older man. His heart thundered in his chest as he wondered if the man would recognize him.
Perry looked up at the man and slowly started to smile. "Mr. Devon. How nice to finally meet you," he told him as he extended his hand.
Conner took the offered hand in a firm grasp. "And you, sir. My father spoke highly of you."
"I wish I could do the same. Fact is I never met him."
"I know. It was with deepest regrets he never made it to Metropolis." Conner bowed his head momentarily before lifting his eyes back to Perry. "I wanted to extend my congratulations and assure you that I intend to continue any support my father had started with your administration."
"Glad to hear that. Your father supported many worthy charities here in Metropolis."
Conner wanted to tell the man he didn't know the half of what the senior Devon had supported, but chose instead to say, "My assistant will be in touch to schedule a meeting so we can discuss any other needs you may have."
"That would be great, Mr. Devon."
"Please. Call me Conner."
"Conner it is." Perry was about to turn to introduce Conner to Jimmy when he was interrupted.
"Grandpa Perry, have you seen my mom?"
"Ah, no. Don't think I have. Last time I saw she was headin' in the direction of the ladies room."
"'Kay," the boy said and squeezed past Perry and Conner.
Perry laughed softly, but failed to see the strange expression on Conner's face. "Grandkids… gotta' love 'em."
"I'm sure," Conner answered dryly. "Again, congratulations. I really must be getting on. I have much to take care of."
"Ah, sure. I'll be looking forward to hearing from you."
"Until then." Conner bowed and turned to leave.
Perry watched as he strode across the room, this time he didn't stop to converse with anyone. He waved off the assistant holding his jacket and never broke his stride to the door.
"Not very social," Jimmy commented as he came to Perry's side.
"He comes from a line of men that have lived in seclusion," Perry told the young man. "Let's hope the rumors that he's a recluse like his father aren't true. He could really make wonderful changes with his presence here in the city."
"Yeah. Something about him kinda' got to me."
Perry looked down at Jimmy in surprise. "You, too?" Jimmy nodded. "He got to me. Something about his expression. He appears to be a man who has known some pretty hard living."
"Not just that, Chief. There's something in his eyes…" Both men turned and looked back at the door Conner Devon had left through. Were they wrong in their assessment of this man or was there something more there?
~^~^~^~^~^~^~
Later that night, Clark once again stared at the man in his mirror for a long while. Finally, but with a heavy heart, he resolved that all he was working to accomplish was more important than whatever he'd once felt for Lois Lane. Edward had told him on the way home that she lived at Port Royal with her on again, off again boyfriend. It also seemed that man had given her more than his company. He'd given her his son. Lois had a son. Clark had been devastated. Obviously whatever she'd once felt for him was merely an infatuation because the child was old enough to have been conceived within weeks of his imprisonment. She hadn't wasted any time putting Clark behind her before she'd moved on.
And what did that mean in regards to his parents? They lived at Port Royal as well. He also learned they worked for Lois in one of her many endeavors. Did they, too, bury him in one day and moved on the next? He forced those thoughts to harden his heart even further. It didn't matter what he felt for Lois Lane. It didn't matter what he felt for his parents…
<<Correction, Clark's parents.>> He told himself with a stern insistence.
He glared at the man before him.
"Clark Kent 'is' dead." He squared his shoulders and strode into the other room. Kent may be dead, but Conner Devon was alive and well. And he had important business to attend to.
tbc...
