Disclaimer: see Chapter 1
Here's the promised bonus chapter. Enjoy !
CHAPTER 3: The Decision
Chloe arrived at the magazine when the clock struck nine. She had taken extra care with her wardrobe and make-up to cover up the puffy nose, the red eyes and the bags she got after a particularly sleepless and tearful night.
" Good heavens , L ! What in bloody hell's happened to you ? " asked her very British friend Janice. " Have you been crying ? "
" Not at all, Janice. I've spent too many hours in front of the computer screen to finish that damn article. My eyes were dry and I've just put some drops in them. "
" You can't fool me, L. Why don't you confide in me ? I promise I won't tell. I'm the Bank of England as far as secrets go. "
" Wouldn't that be Fort Knox ? " asked Chloe, remembering the nickname Lex and her had given to an old friend of theirs. " You're a wonderful friend but there's nothing to tell. However, I need to ask you a favour, Janice. I'm taking my holidays now and... "
" That's the best news I've heard so far. You could use them, L. You're on the verge of a nervous breakdown, I can tell. Whatever happened yesterday morning has clearly pushed you closer to the edge, my friend, " added her perceptive friend.
" You could say I had an epiphany. I realised it's high time I stopped running away. I've been hiding for too long. "
" I know what you mean, L. It's time to live and let your hair down. Have you thought of taking a cruise to the Caribbean ? "
" Nothing as sophisticated as that. I was thinking of spending the three-month vacation the magazine owes me in Kansas. "
" The countryside ? What's a cosmopolitan girl like you going to do in the middle of nowhere ? "
" It'd be the perfect place to rest my weary mind but I've got a tiny little problem "
" That's where I come in, isn't it ? "
" Right. I've spent my savings on my wardrobe and the new carpet I bought for the apartment so I'm going to need a temporary job to make ends meet. "
" Why don't you ask the boss for an advance ? "
" I wouldn't like to owe him more than it's necessary, Janice. You know what he's like."
" Yes, yes, I know what you mean.What kind of job were you thinking of ? "
" Maybe secretary or assistant. Something that involved clerical work. I'd need a letter of recommendation and I was wondering if your grandmother could write one for me. "
" Grandma ? What have you got up your sleeve, L ? You want to impress someone ? OK... OK... I won't ask. I'll talk to her. She dotes on you so, I guess, it won't be a problem. Sometimes I think she loves you more than me. "
" Thanks, Janice. You're a dear. "
" Don't mention it, love. It'll be my pleasure. "
The wheels were already in motion and the only thing left now was to call Agent Clarkson with her answer. She'd agree to colaborate but in her own terms because she didn't trust the FBI. Some of its agents were easily bought, she was the living proof- their corruptible nature had cost Gabe his life and her a lot of pain and suffering. She couldn't trust anyone who could be outsmarted by the devil incarnate, and she didn't mean Lex Luthor. She'd agree to come back because it was the right thing to do. It was definitely high time Lionel paid for what he had done to her life and that of his son.
Well ? What do you think ? Are you willing to read what happens next ? Review !