Previously
“What? Pretend I’m a member of the vaunted fourth estate?” he joked.
“Don’t worry. I’ll do all the heavy lifting and the writing.”
“Deal.” Clark extended his hand, she took it and shook it. He kept his grip on her hand and leaned closer. “That event is two weeks away. How about we get to know each other a little better first?”
Oh, Lois was tempted, but she shook her head ‘no’ and extracted her hand reluctantly from his. “Nope, I live by three rules: Never get involved in your stories, never let anyone else get there first, and never sleep with anyone you work with. Now, this is business.”
It was going to be a long two weeks, Clark realized. And he hadn’t even gotten near the thought of sleeping with her – yet.
Chapter 11
Lois and Clark walked side by side into the White Orchid Ball in the ballroom atop LexTowers and simply stared. The rainstorm raging outside could be seen through the windows and doors that led to terraces, but the sound was muted inside.
“You were right, Lois,” Clark murmured. “Everyone who is anyone is at this shindig, and dressed in their very best. And I don’t think I’ve seen anything like this room since a tour of Versailles.”
The grandeur of the penthouse was awe inspiring. “This is the home of a very wealthy man. You see why I want that interview now?” Lois turned to Clark. “I’m going to go circulate and see who is here, who Luthor thinks are his friends.”
“Or enemies. Remember it was Toni Taylor’s invitation we got in on.”
Lois angled off and Clark saw Perry standing with a group of people and waving to
him, so he headed that way.
He came up to Perry, who was standing with an attractive older woman. “Alice honey, this is our new hire at the Planet, Clark Kent. Be gentle on him, he’s from out of town.
Clark, this is my wife Alice.”
“Pleased to meet you Mrs. White.” Clark took her extended hand and shook it delicately.
“Clark has the courthouse beat,” Perry explained to Alice. It was the cover story the three – Perry, Lois and Clark - had agreed upon. The paper didn’t pay Clark and he didn’t write any stories.
“Very pleased to meet you, Mr. Kent. Where are you from? Are you adjusting to life in the big city? Let us know if we can help.”
“Mr. White has been very helpful. I’m from Kansas by way of Virginia, so I’ve had some experience with big city life.
Alice looked around the room. “Isn’t this incredible?”
“Well, I must admit there is nothing like this in Kansas. Have you ever met him -- Lex
Luthor?”
Alice responded, “No, but I read all five of his unauthorized biographies. Perry here doesn’t have time for all that.” She patted his shoulder affectionately. “Luthor’s story is a one of rags to riches. From coming from the wrong side of the tracks to self-made billionaire who owns dozens of companies and employs thousands of people. He is voted Metropolis’ Man Of The Year, every year, has his finger in every pie, but rarely appears in public. And he won't give personal interviews.”
Perry pointed to the top of the stairs. “Hey. There he is.”
Clark looked to the stairs. He had seen Luthor at the Metro Club and he was an imposing figure then. But atop the grand staircase the tall figure stepping into the light seemed almost otherworldly. At that exact moment, a bolt of lightning struck outside, illuminating the stained glass window behind him. Lex Luthor appeared ageless, dashingly handsome, suave, brilliant, and a force to be reckoned with. He posed effectively at the top of the stairs and descended imperially down the staircase. Clark was reminded of a king descending into the midst of his subjects. When he reached the ballroom floor, his admiring guests immediately surrounded him. He moved through the crowd, shaking hands with them and paying his respects to the powerful,.
Clark tuned in his hearing to Luthor as he proceeded across the room. “Good evening, Ambassador. Hello, Margaret. Thanks for coming, Charles. I ...” He winced when Lois’ voice rang out across the ballroom floor. Her trained singing voice could be heard above all the conversation.
“Lex Luthor... why haven't you returned my calls?”
‘Well, that’s one strategy,’ Clark thought. He personally wouldn’t have tried burning the gates down to see if the emperor was home, but he hoped it worked for Lois.
Luthor turned to see who was addressing him. The other guests moved rapidly away from the person who called out as if to distance themselves from such a breach of manners.
“Lois Lane. Daily Planet.”
Even though he had escorted her into the ballroom, Clark was transfixed by Lois in the spotlight, waiting for Luthor to approach. Her upswept hair and understated deep maroon one shoulder gown emphasized her luscious figure. Simple diamond earring drops hung from her earlobes.
Lex Luthor was clearly admiring her. “I can assure you, I'll never make that mistake again.” Lois smiled and Luthor reached dramatically for her hand, elevating it as he used it to draw her to him.
The orchestra, taking the cue from the actions of Luthor, started playing dance music softly and other couples turned to each other to dance.
It was a good thing Perry and Alice left, because Clark found himself inadvertently floating and had to force himself back to earth. ‘Oh. She's something! A force of nature.’
Lois had her prize in her arms. ‘Will Luthor recognize me from the Metro Club? One thing for certain, he is a very smooth and athletic dancer and executes the 1-2-3 moves of a waltz with aplomb.’ He held her closer than protocol dictated, but so far they are not tripping over each other’s feet. “I hope you'll forgive me for being so bold, but...”
“Boldness is a trait I find very attractive in a woman, Ms. Lane.”
Lois noted his voice was low and seductive. “Oh. Thank you. Anyway, I was
wondering, Mr. Luthor...”
“Lex.”
His scented breath puffed her cheek. “Lex. I know you're hesitant to
give interviews...”
”I hope you can understand that a man in my position wouldn't want to be misinterpreted, and I have had one or two bad experiences with the media.”
“But not with me.”
Luthor looked into her eyes and smiled. “Why don't we make it for dinner?”
Lois' eyes widened. She'd done it! “I’ll hold you to that.”
“My secretary will call your people.”
Lois really didn’t have “people”, but she accepted his offer.
Suddenly Clark tapped Luthor on the shoulder and said, “Mind if I cut in?”
Lois and Luthor stopped dancing. Lois apparently grudgingly introduced them.
“Lex, this is Clark Kent. He works at the Planet.”
Luthor’s attention was suddenly captured elsewhere and he disinterestedly said,
“A pleasure.”
To Lois he said, “Later, then” and handed Lois over to Clark and walked off. Lois spoke in a whisper. “He agreed to the interview! You know it's taken me a year to get this close.”
Clark pulled her into his arms and they began to dance. “This close?” Frankly, he didn’t know what had come over him. For some reason, he couldn’t stand to see Lois dancing with Luthor, plan or no plan. To act so on his emotions was very unlike him.
“Well, we made first contact anyway and he didn’t appear to recognize me,” Lois rationalized, not at all unhappy to be in Clark’s arms for the first time since the unexpected kiss at the Metro Club.
“Context.”
“Context?”
“You’re here in an invitation only ball. Your other persona wouldn’t be.”
As they glided along, Clark held her at the proper distance and she said, “You’re an amazing dancer.”
He smiled. “I learned from a Nigerian princess who studied ballroom dancing in England. During my school year in Istanbul, I also got to see a lot of Africa.”
Slowly, he was leading them to a side hallway that led to Lex Luthor’s private elevator and his apartment. Just after they had arrived at the ball, he had had a chance to X-ray the floor plan and memorize the layout.
Lois noticed that they were on the edge of the ballroom. “Where are we going?”
“How about Lex Luthor’s private study while he is otherwise occupied?”
Lois smiled at him. “Sounds like a great plan.”
Moments later Lois led the way into Lex’s private study. The study was paneled in dark wood, rich with leather furniture and collections of ceremonial weapons. A fire was burning in the fireplace on this wet evening. Lois crossed the room and went through another door while Clark stopped to examine an antique crossbow. Hearing something, he turned around and saw Lex Luthor holding a sword pointed at his chest. Unperturbed by the threat of the weapon, Clark calmly studied it in detail.
“Macedonian?”
Luthor nodded curtly, controlling his anger but looking like he could easily use the sword. “Yes, it belonged to Alexander the Great. He was a brilliant – and young- tactician.” He lowered the sword and handed it to Clark with one hand under the hilt and the blade resting on his palm.
Clark examined it closer as Luthor continued speaking. “Alexander's strategy was simple: always control the high ground. It was with this sword that he...”
“... defeated Darius III, and was proclaimed King of Asia.” Clark finished for him.
“You surprise me, Mr. Kent. I'm not often surprised.”
Then Lois returned, saw Luthor and tried to cover her intrusion of his private domain. “ I hope you don't mind our looking around... you have a beautiful home, Lex.” She smiled ingratiatingly. ‘Well, he said he like boldness.’
Luthor wasn’t too convincing in his acceptance of the transparent excuse, but he continued as the perfect host. “Have you seen the view from here?”
Luthor gestured to Lois to move toward the terrace. Clark followed after he replaced the sword in its holder. The lights of Metropolis shone below through the quieting rainstorm. “This is the tallest building in Metropolis. I must confess a certain pleasure in knowing that everyone in the city has to look up in order to see me.” Luthor stopped himself, perhaps afraid that he may have revealed too much already. “Let's get back to the party. I think my announcement will interest you.” Luthor made sure they proceeded him out of his study.
*+*+*+*+*+*+
A crowd was gathered to the side of the bandstand, where a smaller stage stood curtained. Luthor arrived to stand in front of the curtain to make his announcement.
“Honored guests. We're here tonight for a good cause. Thanks to your generosity, Luthor House for Homeless Children will soon be a reality. As you know, I have
dedicated my life to improving the quality of the lives of the citizens of Metropolis. Tonight, I'd like to go further. We had a recent tragedy in the Riverfront area of our fair Metropolis and many abandoned buildings were burned to the ground.”
“This city needs new housing for all levels of income, from the wealthy such as yourselves, to the homeless who need a safe haven in inclement weather. Therefore I propose to begin building immediately on…”
The band played a fanfare and Lex pulled the curtain open himself to reveal:
“LEXHARBOR. A fully contained community with shopping, entertainment and outstanding views of our fair harbor. The construction process will engender many new jobs as well as funds for construction materials. All buildings will be beyond code in quality of construction and safety. Schools, shops, restaurants, theaters with both live theater and cinema, offices, apartments: a self-contained community. A giant step forward in urban reawakening. A new, bright jewel in Metropolis' crown.”
Lois, clapping enthusiastically, made eye contact with Luthor on stage, who smiled at her. Clark unhappily noticed the by-play even though it was part of their plan.
*+*+*+*+*+*+
After the ball, the valet pulled up Clark’s car in front of the parking circle for the LexTower complex. The valet opened the door for Lois and she dropped into the passenger seat, tired from the events of the evening. Clark got into the drivers seat of his personal 2001 Acura Integra two-door coupe GS-R. He hadn’t wanted to bring Lois to the ball in the large obvious company car. The rain was again beating down outside with a vengeance.
Clark pulled away smoothly, headed for Lois’ apartment. After several blocks, Clark asked, “You’re awfully quiet, Lois. Are you O.K.?”
“Yeah. I guess I’m just tired. Treading around Minefield Lex was tougher than I thought.”
“Minefield Lex?”
“Well, now he isn’t just a guy sitting at a table in a nightclub. He walks, he talks, he moves and shakes things – and people. There’s something, I don’t know, creepy about him.” Warming to her subject, Lois turned in the seat as much as the seatbelt would let her and starting talking and gesturing to Clark. “Look, the Riverfront burned down only three weeks ago and he’s got models and plans in great detail to build on the vacant land. With all the city heads of departments there, he probably already has the permits in his pocket.”
“Those environmental studies take a long time, Lois. With all that manufacturing that was in the Riverfront, it’s going to be a long time before LexHarbor becomes reality.”
“I’m not so sure, Clark.”
Still with his eyes on the road in the downpour, Clark reached over and laid his large hand on top of Lois’ petite one. “Anytime you want out, you can, Lois. We’ll get him another way.”
“I’m not a quitter. And it would be a great story however it turns out. Philanthropist and hero or control freak and power mad and maybe something else?”
“No you’re not a quitter, Lois,” Clark agreed, “But retreat is a strategic maneuver, not cowardice.”
The streets were getting dangerously slushy from all the rain. Just then, Clark felt a sudden jolt and looked in the rearview mirror, startled. A very large SUV had just bumped him. The streets were deserted at this hour and there was no other traffic.
“Lois, tighten your seatbelt. I’m going to do some fast driving. There’s a car trying to get us off the road.”
“What?” She’d felt the bump too and looked in the wing mirror. The chrome grill behind her was like a grinning shark’s mouth. “How fast can this car go?”
Clark smiled a shark smile too. “Fast enough. I’ve got a special engine in it.” He did, namely himself.
They wove through the deserted streets and through red lights, the SUV trying to hit them again. Clark remembered something from his stay at the Apollo and headed for that part of town. There was a major bridge under repair over the North River and the bridge was down in the direction they were traveling. He would definitely loose their pursuers there.
Lois saw Clark heading for the orange warning cones and the big sign “BRIDGE OUT”.
The detour sign pointed sharply to the right. Clark knew the detour took about half an hour to make it across via another bridge. Lois screamed, “CLARK. WHAT ARE YOU DOING!”
Clark accelerated through the barriers and became airborne over the missing part of the bridge. He was about 100 pounds heavier than Lois and left of the centerline and forward of the center of gravity of the car. He counteracted the cars tendency to roll left and pitch down with his abilities. There was also a slight left yaw he needed to correct before his wheels touched down. Making sure his front wheels were straight ahead, he floated the car fast to the other side in a forty-five degree maximum range trajectory. He touched down with not too big a bump and crashed through the exit barrier. The SUV was left on the other side. Tomorrow he would have to do some bodywork on his beautiful Nighthawk Black Pearl car with his hands.
Safely across and away from pursuers, he slowed, then stopped the car and looked over at Lois. She was looking at him, jaw open. He didn’t think her eyes could get any wider. “Oh, my God. We made it! I didn’t think we would.”
“Like I said, special engine.” He patted the steering wheel affectionately. “You ready to go home now?”
Lois nodded numbly. “Take me home, Clark.”
Having to take the long away around to get back to Lois’ apartment and avoid the SUV, it was another half an hour before Clark pulled up in front of her place. He undid his seat belt and turned to touch Lois’ shoulder to find she was shaking violently.
Deeply concerned, Clark asked softly. “Lois? Are you alright?”
Lois turned her large frightened eyes on Clark. She choked out, “I don’t know. Will you come up with me?”
“Certainly,” was the only reply possible. Clark came around to the passenger side and opened the door, undoing Lois’ seatbelt and pulling her from the low slung seat into his arms. “I’ve got you. You’re safe now. I didn’t realize you were so upset. Come on. You have to show me where your apartment is, you know. You never let me come over before.”
She understood he was trying to sooth her and make little jokes to get her back on an even keel. But understanding it and having it calm her emotionally were two different things. She handed him her purse with the keys. “Apartment 501. There’s an elevator.” Her teeth were now chattering in reaction, making her voice choppy.
Clark was getting concerned that his tactic for getting rid of the SUV might have been too much for her. “Come on. I’ll get you there. Do you have any hot chocolate? I could sure use some with this wet night.”
Clark stared bewildered at the five locks on her front door. He had his arm around Lois’ shoulders supporting her as they stood. The keycard for the front door of the building had been plain enough, but the five keys on the ring stumped him. Fortunately Lois was coming back to herself and said softly, “Here, let me.” She selected a key, stuck it in a lock and turned it, Clark supporting her shaking arm. This was repeated three more times, until Lois stuck a key in her door lock. “I’ve got this one.” Clark said and opened the door with relief. He turned on her lights and looked around, spotting two white bench-like sofas. He was wet, she was wet and he decided that was not compatible with the sofas, so he piloted them to the dining chairs by her kitchen.
“Here, put one hand on the table and let me get your coat off.” He proceeded to remove one arm from the sleeve and get the coat down to the other arm. She switched arms automatically and Clark realized she was getting better. “Where do I put the wet coat?”
She pointed to her washer and dryer beyond the kitchen. He walked over and put her coat on top of the side-by-side appliances and then shucked his wet coat and put it there too. On the way back, he grabbed a dishtowel and wiped down his wet hair. She had managed to pull out a chair and sit down by the time he got back. Suddenly spotting a throw on her couch, he grabbed that and put it around her shoulders. “You need to get warm.” Behind her, he pulled down his glasses and shot a gentle beam of heat on the throw. She still wasn’t talking, probably because her teeth were still chattering, but she smiled and pulled the throw tighter around her shoulders.
Taking off his tuxedo jacket and hanging it over an extra chair, Clark unloosened his bow tie and pulled it off too, opening his top collar button. Meanwhile he was scanning through her cupboard doors, hunting for the makings of hot chocolate. Bingo, there was chocolate powder, but a quick opening of the refrigerator revealed no milk. Water it was then. Securing a pot and filling it with water, he put it on a burner on the stove. He took another towel and wiped his wet glasses down, taking the opportunity to encourage the water to boil faster with his heat vision. Making a brief show of hunting for cups, he took two, poured chocolate mix in and then water and stirred. He turned, cups in hand, to see Lois’ lambent eyes staring at him. “Marshmallows?” She shook her head no.
Clark put the cup in front of Lois and sat next to her, taking her free hand. “Drink up.” He watched as she took a tentative swallow and then smiled slightly.
“Hey, I didn’t think my driving was that bad. I didn’t realize how it must have been for you. I know what my car is capable of, but you didn’t.”
The hot chocolate helped her immediately and she found her voice. “Thanks. I’m sorry for falling apart on you. How come you are so good at this?”
“Comforting women? Remember, I have a sister. I have practice being there for her.” He didn’t bother to tell Lois he definitely didn’t think of her as a sister. “It was a busy night.”
Squaring her shoulders and tightening her grip on his hand, she said, “Somebody tried to kill us tonight!”
Clark watched in awe as that thought seemed to strengthen her and she was slowly turning back into Mad Dog Lane. He was both relieved and saddened at the sight. His fantasies of getting personally closer to Lois seemed to vanish in a puff of air. But maybe not, since she was turning the grip on his hand into a death grip. “Thank you so much for helping on the case tonight, not to mention saving our skins. I’ll let you know when Lex’s people get in touch with me to set up the interview, O.K.?” She took a deep breath and released his hand.
Clark used the now free arm to hug her around the shoulders again. “I’m glad to see you are better, Lois. But there is no rush here. I can stay as long as you need me to. Can I do anything else for you tonight?”
Lois leaned her head on his shoulder. He felt her wet hair on the side of his face. “You are still wet. And tired. You need to get to bed and rest.”
She mumbled something that sounded like “…three rules.”
Giving a low laugh, Clark said, “Finish your chocolate and I’ll carry you to bed then leave. Alright?”
She sat upright again and Clark took a momentary opportunity to dry her hair a little with his heat vision.
He finished his chocolate, then stood and lifted Lois out of the chair and carried her into her bedroom. He laid her on the bed and pulled the comforter over her. He heard something like “…dress.” “That you have to do yourself, Lois.” ‘For now anyway’ the thought came. “Call me when you wake up, no matter the time, O.K.”
“…kay”
“Goodnight, Lois.”
“…ni”
After donning his clothes again, Clark let himself out, but was able to lock only the one lock. But he guessed she would be safe enough tonight. He would check on her in the morning.
tbc
Artemis
