Chapter 2 [Luthor Castle

Even as Lana and Martha enjoyed their break with Ryan, Clark sped to Lex's place on another errand for his mother. With the May Flower Show right around the corner in Metropolis, the flower beds at the farm and in April Dubois' storerooms overflowed ready for that affair. Consequently, Clark needed a sponsor—and went to the same source as he did every year. Besides, he wanted to see his friend and get a break from the farm's duties.

As he reached the door, he found Lex waiting for him.

"Good to see you, Clark. I was just going to have some coffee. Join me?" Lex greeted.

"Sounds great. Sorry it's been a while since the last visit but Lana and I have been really busy," Clark apologized.

"I can imagine between new fatherhood and everything your own father is having you work on. It's okay, Clark. I admire passion in making adjustments. I was actually planning to visit this weekend and check in on the little guy myself. How's Ryan anyhow?" Lex accepted as he led them into the study where the coffee pot was set up.

"Ryan's okay although he certainly needs a lot of stuff," Clark assessed.

"Babies do, Clark. That's the nature of the beast," Lex agreed as he handed his guest a cup.

"I'm following Lana's lead on this one. I'm grateful that Mom's got experience. Jor-El's been helpful too."

"It's great that everyone's chipping in," Lex declared.

"Try keeping them away," Clark replied wryly. "Still we're glad for the help."

"I know April Dubois feels the same way with her own twins," Lex indicated while taking a drink from his own coffee cup.

"I imagine she does. Still, Professor Dubois' been a parent before. He must know more than Lana and I do," Clark supposed.

"Not for much longer, Clark. He's still learning Angie and Cassie's personalities. Now he and April have the twins and add on his dealings with the Protector. It's not easy for him," Lex told his friend.

"But he seems so at peace with those kids," Clark doubted.

"He stresses over them, believe me. Experience never stops teaching us, Clark. Remember that," the billionaire continued. Then he walked behind the desk and sat down. "By the way, this isn't just a social call, is it?"

"Lex, business can wait a minute. I wanted to see you as my friend, all right?" Clark sighed, feeling exasperated.

"It's all right. April was talking about the flower show. I figure your mother wants a boost too, right?" Lex assured his friend. "I'll be delighted to help both of them. Chloe wanted me to chip in more than usual."

"She does? Lex, I…."

Lex smiled and shrugged. "My mother always admired beauty in its forms. She would've liked this patronage. Besides, she knew and worked with April when the latter was a teenager."

"The Talon mess?" Clark supposed.

"Right after it actually. Yes," Lex replied while rubbing his shoulder. He glanced at the portrait to the left of his desk.

"Lana and I both wish we could've met her," Clark revealed.

"She would've liked you both." Lex took a deep breath and shifted the conversation back to the friendly level. "Think your Mom would mind if Chloe and I stop by for a piece of pie this weekend and to see Ryan?"

"Lana and I would be disappointed if you didn't," Clark agreed with a grin for emphasis.

"See? With good vibes like those, how can we lose?" Lex supposed while looking at the papers on his desk.

"What's that?" Clark asked.

"Hmm? Oh sorry, Clark. It's a display I'm planning with the National Museum." Lex opened the vault next to his desk to reveal a jade Iguana statuette. "This is the Kiroshi Iguana on loan from the Hiroshu Gallery in Tokyo. Rumor has it that it has unique qualities."

"How'd you get it?" Clark asked while eyeballing the artifact.

"The gallery in Denver's getting its security together. Meantime Agents Petersen and Singleton figured this was the most secure place between my own security and Jasmine staying right down the hall. It'll be there tomorrow." Lex shut the vault again. "Not soon enough for me."

"Meaning what?" Clark asked, feeling nervous about the artifact for some reason.

"Relax, Clark. The agents will be staying here tonight. Besides, I have you and Lana if need be, right?" Lex supposed while refilling their cups. "Now let's get to your mother's order."

Clark nodded although he wasn't entirely convinced. For some reason, the Iguana's energy strummed the Kryptonian mind link—and he knew Jor-El would be interested in that event. He resolved to keep an eye on things as much as he could.