Chapter One

Following the morning rush, the Talon fell into its usual early afternoon lull. Martha Kent worked the counter while her only waitress took care of what few customers required service. Up until about one o'clock, the coffee shop had been populated by its frequent customers, all of whom Martha knew by name. A short while later, the Talon acted as runway for the chic style and high fashion heels of the now infamous Genevieve Teague. Martha looked up, startled, and felt dread build in her chest as Genevieve drew closer and closer to her.

Genevieve flashed her a winning smile as she reached the counter. "This place is extraordinary, Mrs. Kent. You've done wonders with it."

Martha pursed her lips and shrugged. "Thanks, but I only started working here earlier this year. Lana did most of the work."

"All the same."

"I assume you came to see Lana," Martha said, coldly. "She isn't here."

"No, well, I thought not, as it is one in the afternoon on a school day," Genevieve replied, with only a faint trace of sarcasm. "On the contrary, I came to see you."

Martha's eyes widened. "Me?"

"I was hoping perhaps I could steal a few moments of your time. Privately."

Caught off-guard, Martha hesitated and used one hand to cover the other and keep it from shaking anxiously. "Uh, I don't think so, I'm not sure now would be the best time."

Genevieve glanced around the nearly deserted little shop, then turned back to Martha with one eyebrow raised. "As swamped as you must be, I'm sure your little hired helper over there could hold down the fort for a short while."

Martha sighed, believing herself to be out of options. She shot her waitress a look, which clearly conveyed her instructions, and discarded her apron. "Follow me," she beckoned, leading Genevieve into her office in the back.

Closing the door behind her, Martha questioned, "What can I do for you, Mrs. Teague?"

Calm and unperturbed, Genevieve took a seat in front of Martha's desk and waited for her to sit down as well. Reluctantly, she walked behind her desk and sat compliantly. "First of all, I appreciate you taking the time to see me."

Far from charmed, Martha crossed her legs and folded her hands in her lap. "Let's have it."

"Precise, direct. I like that," Genevieve said, with a curt smile, almost ominously. "Well, Mrs. Kent, it has come to my attention that you and Lionel Luthor have developed quite a…special relationship over the years."

Martha frowned. "I don't know where you've been getting your intelligence, Mrs. Teague, but Lionel and I hardly have a relationship at all, let alone of the special variety."

"I apologize, allow me to rephrase," Genevieve amended. "It seems more likely that Mr. Luthor rather boldly has created for his enjoyment a special relationship between the two of you in his own twisted, overwrought mind. Does that strike you any better?"

Martha folded her arms across her chest and adjusted her expression into a decidedly intimidating death glare. "You'll have to explain to me exactly where this is going."

"I'm sorry if my approach is a bit ambiguous, Mrs. Kent, I don't meant to…beat around the bush, it's just the subject happens to be a rather a sensitive one." With that, Genevieve reached into her designer bag and pulled out sizeable photograph, then handed it to Martha, who observed it skeptically. After a moment, she glanced up at the mysterious stranger quizzically, silently requesting an explanation. "It's not paramount that you understand the value of the object, only that you recognize its value to me. And how supremely important it is that I retrieve it."

Martha looked at her squarely. "I don't see what difference it is to me, Mrs. Teague…"

"Genevieve."

"I don't see what difference it is to me, Genevieve. I don't know anything about it."

Genevieve smiled. "All the better. You see, Mrs. Kent, your task is not to retrieve the crystal yourself, but to persuade Lionel to bequeath it to me of his own volition."

Martha sat up straight, unsure she had heard correctly. "I'm sorry?"

"I shouldn't think it would be difficult," Genevieve continued. "What with the enormous influence you seem to have been able to exert over Lionel when you used to work under him."

"For him," Martha quickly corrected her.

"Excuse me, yes, for him. Am I right in noting that you were the one acting as his conscience during that time?"

Martha shook her head. "I only cleared the pathway and made it possible for his own conscience to be heard over the voices of his lesser angels. Call that influence if you will, but I was simply doing my job."

Genevieve leaned forward then, and Martha noticed a glistening determination in her eyes. "Martha, I need you to do this for me. You cannot imagine the scope of its importance."

Martha all but rolled her eyes. "I don't know what on earth makes you think I would be willing to do your bidding for you, especially where Lionel Luthor is concerned."

"I'm glad you asked," Genevieve replied, digging through her bag once more.

Martha furrowed her eyebrows in confusion. "Excuse me?"

"A little over two and a half years ago, my sources tell me, you were somehow able to overcome all of the odds against you and become pregnant, is that right?"

"I…" Martha stammered, her hand suddenly beginning to shake once more.

"A miraculous feat, considering your inability to conceive. Or shall I say, your husband's inability to conceive," Genevieve noted, eyebrows raised. "It must have been so difficult for you, keeping a secret like that from your beloved husband for so many years. I would just hate for something like that to be revealed…"

All of the color quickly drained from Martha's face as she registered the gravity of the threat she was now facing. Once she had fully grasped it, she began to grind her teeth, and in her lap, her fists clenched in anger.

"How dare you."

"The choice is yours, Martha," Genevieve said, with an eery calm about her. "I applaud the decision, really, knowing how sensitive men can be about their…manhood, it was sure to absolutely devastate Jonathan were he to learn he was the cause of your conception issues. Although I imagine it would be far more devastating to learn of his inadequacies while at the same time learning of your betrayal. Even moreso…" She pulled yet another photograph and a doctored medical record from her purse. "To learn that the baby wasn't his."

Genevieve handed her the photograph, of Martha and Lionel, and the medical record which claimed Lionel had fathered the child. Martha drew in a sharp intake of breath, unable to grasp such blatant manipulation. She could barely look at her new adversary.

"How on earth…"

"It's amazing what a little photoshopping and forgery can achieve, wouldn't you say?" Genevieve grinned, pleased with herself.

Martha shook her head fervently and returned the documents to her. "Jonathan would never believe this. He trusts me."

"You'd be surprised, Martha, at what a tiny sliver of doubt can do to even the most trusting of husbands."

Martha stood in fierce opposition. "You really think you can blackmail me into following your orders? You would stoop this low?"

Genevieve then stood to match her fervor. "I think you'll find there's very little I wouldn't do to ensure my needs are met. I have no limitations, moral or literal, and if this conversation isn't enough to persuade you, please understand, I will reach higher and go further until you reach breaking point. And I have absolutely no qualms playing god." They locked eyes, hatred flowing between them freely. Then Genevieve's determined, take-no-prisoners demeanor broke into a charming smile and change of attitude. "I hear Lionel's going to be in town tomorrow. I suggest you make it a point to drop by."

With that, she grabbed her bag and after flashing one last smile at Martha, quickly slipped out of the office. Stunned, Martha fell back down into her chair, utterly astonished.

TBC.