After nearly 3 hours of pizza, laughter, and an endless interrogation, Chloe had shown Oliver to her guest room and had crawled into her room energized about the story. She was just about to fall asleep when she got a text from Lois.
: Hey cuz, I want to know all about your vacation, you've forgiven me right? Breakfast tomorrow?:
:I'm still tweaked but, yes I have forgiven you. Breakfast? Are you cooking or are we going out? Cuz if UR cooking, we R going out.:
:Ha, Ha. I get to make the juice, Clark is cooking. Come by the apartment in the morning.:
:Okay CU early."
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Oliver was propped up in bed furiously typing to Franc, the court security chief never called him which meant that the threat to his father was confirmed credible and security was busy. Franc advised him via email that a security detail would be coming in for him in 2 days. Oliver sighed, in 2 days his secret world with Chloe would be blown and the aristocracy would be brought into the public eye. He signed off his email and went to bed, apprehension building in his gut.
00000
Oliver woke the next morning to the sound of his phone ringing.
"Hello?" he spoke sleepily, accent in full form.
"Good morning." Chloe purred into the phone.
"Well hello Angel did you have an early morning?" he smiled rolling over onto his side.
"I did," she spoke and he could hear the frown in her voice.
"Something wrong?"
"Just this story, I didn't sleep much. I couldn't stop thinking about it."
"Well, we can talk more when you get back. I've got some sources I can pull from to better study the patterns of the other kidnappings."
"You have sources?" Chloe smiled.
"Angel, not only do I have sources, I have my own satellite."
"Ehh now I wish I stayed home."
"Enjoy your morning. I'll talk to you soon."
"Good bye." Chloe had a smile on her face when she was greeted at the front door of Lois' apartment by Clark. He pulled her into a ginormous hug.
"Good morning to you to Clark?" Chloe spoke a little flummoxed by his behavior.
"Clark, let her breath." Lois spoke from inside her apartment. Clark let Chloe go and tugged Chloe gently into the apartment where Lois attacked her with a bone crushing hug.
"Lois, oxygen," Chloe gasped. Lois pulled back and looked over her cousin.
"Is there coffee?" Chloe spoke trying to get away from the intensity of the glares. She wandered into the kitchen and poured her coffee. Lois continued to stare at Chloe.
"Something's different about you little cuz."
"I have no idea what you're talking about." Chloe spoke as she sat down at the table.
"Lois, easy." Clark spoke he started to serve breakfast.
"Don't handle me Clark." Lois spoke. "You know Chloe it's always better if you just tell me so I don't have to go fishing." Lois spoke as she went to get the orange juice from the fridge.
"Lois, it's nothing." Chloe spoke. Lois watched the color creep across her little cousin's face.
"Nothing, huh, you met somebody," Lois accused and Chloe's hand shook and she spilled her coffee.
"Damnit." Chloe spoke but in slight gust of wind the coffee spill was clean and Chloe's cup was refilled.
"Yeah, cuz, you're dry spell is over, you've finally got your groove on."
"Loooooisss." Chloe whined. "There has been no grooving and I'm not sure I would tell you if there was?" she protested.
"But…"
"Hey, I had a good time on vacation, I found my smile again, isn't that what you guys wanted?" she glared.
"I want details." Lois spoke sitting at the table glaring at Chloe.
"Clark, can you do something about her?" Chloe pleaded.
"Come on Lois, let's just enjoy a good breakfast. I'm sure Chloe will tell you when she's ready." Clark smiled at Chloe.
"Umhmm?" Lois frowned. "Alright, I'll let this go….for now." Lois spoke. Chloe could tell that Lois was sliding into reporter mode.
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"I still haven't been able to find him." The man dressed in black spoke.
:Well you better, that Gala in Friday, is the perfect opportunity to snag that pompous windbag.: the voice growled on the other end. :If he's around he's the type to interfere. Castle security has gotten tight. The access to the king has been limited."
"That's your problem not mine. Have you heard from the others regarding the ransom?"
:Are you questioning me?: the voice on the other end shouted.
"I don't work for free Guntar, you best remember that." The man in black spoke and hung up the phone.
00000
After breakfast, Chloe stopped by the Planet to grab some files. The bull pen was crazy busy, and she sighed. This place had always been her dream, her life, but she was starting to wonder if she was truly meant to be a reporter forever. She sat at her computer and pulled some contacts and down loaded some information. She spent a good 2 hours at the planet, and finally decided to head home. She picked stopped at her favorite deli and grabbed some lunch for her guest—who she was really excited to see.
Chloe entered her condo to a sight that very nearly made her drop everything . Sitting on the floor, stretched in a yoga pose in shorts only was Oliver. He turned to see Chloe and smiled and came out of the pose and stood. "Are you alright Angel?" he spoke concerned.
"Yeah, I'm good." She blushed. She moved toward the couch and set her things down. Oliver grabbed his set aside t-shirt and pulled it on. Chloe had to exhale, damn was he fine.
"So how was your morning?" she asked sitting.
"Good, I'm getting a security detail on Friday." He frowned sitting on the couch.
"And that's a bad thing?"
"It is when it signals the end of my anonymity. I have to step back into that role."
"Ahh…." she smiled cheekily.
"Ha, ha." He laughed at her sarcasm. "I lose the freedom Angel."
"Sorry Ollie, I guess I just can't relate."
"No, it's alright, I've just enjoyed the past few weeks; not having to be monitored." he shrugged, lost in his own reverie.
"I brought you a sandwich?" she smiled holding the deli bag out to him.
"Thanks Angel." He took it from her. "So I wanted to show you what I found." He spoke standing and retrieving his lap top from the guest room. He came back and sat down closer to Chloe than he did before. He flipped open his machine and started logging on.
Chloe was simply amazed. "Now with the satellite link up I was able to hack Interpol." He smirked.
"Are you trying to show off?" she smiled. He just laughed.
"There was a ransom request for the ones that were taken. The amount comes to roughly 100 billion dollars, American."
"Holy crap." Chloe spoke. She pulled out her lap top and started clicking the keys. She put in a flash drive and opened the files. "I know you know the victim's, did they know each other? I need to find a common denominator."
"I don't know if they were friends or not. I know we didn't travel in the same circles." He spoke as she continued to read her files. He paused. "Looking at the witness reports there seems to be a lot of similarities in how they were taken."
Chloe paused to read over his shoulder. "A classic grab? Both at places that were very public." She shook her head.
"That would make the gala this Friday the perfect setting for the next grab." He frowned.
"Will your security be able to help any?"
"No, they are my personal guards." He spoke. "Or personal baby sitters, just depends on how you look at it." Chloe was thinking about her boys they would be able to help. "Where did you go just then?" he asked.
"I may have a plan," she spoke.
"Interesting." he smirked. He disconnected all his links and closed his lap top. "Do tell."
"Give me until tomorrow to give details?"
"Absolutely," he opened the deli bag and pulled out his sandwich. "I did also find out that security around my father is heightened. The access to him has been limited. Actually any court information has been silenced, it's quite impressive really."
"That's good," Chloe continued to read, her eyebrows furrowed.
"What?"
"Well, in the other kidnappings the aide was the primary witness."
"Not so unusual, my aide helps to keep my calendar straight and mediates some simple things for me."
"Does your aide have full access to your life?"
"He has too."
"The aides for the other are have disappeared and all of them had criminal records. Embezzlement, petty theft." Oliver paused.
"Now that's unusual." Oliver spoke. "Aide's are privileged. I'm not sure about the hiring process for those families, but usually heavy back ground checks are done. It's a really arduous process."
"So…let's see if those aides were connected somehow." She spoke and redirected her search.
"And I can look up the information on Reggie's aid." He shrugged.
"Sir Reginalde McCarthy-Ashe is a Reggie?" she asked.
"Of course," he smiled. "I'm not His Royal Highness all the time. I do go by Oliver commonly. And now with you, I go by Ollie." He smiled. Chloe just blushed.
He began typing into another database and after a few minutes he came up with what he wanted. "Nathaniel Ellingsworth is a fourth generation staffer for the Ashe's. He's got an MBA from Oxford, and no criminal record."
"Have you ever looked into the background of your aide?" she asked politely.
"He was hired 5 years ago, he was a friend of a friend. He flew through the process with flying colors."
"Not what I asked." She smirked.
"No, I haven't." he spoke. He typed in his aide's information and waited.
"So…I've entered the names of those aides into a few of my favorite data bases to see if we get a hit." She smiled.
Chloe was hoping for some conversation or clue that he heard her. He was glued to the screen, his face pale. "Ollie, what it is?" she spoke setting her lap top down.
"My aide or at least the person I know as my aide….."
"What?" she asked.
He turned to face her. "Doesn't exist, there is no record of his name, birthday, nothing." He stood. "I'm half a world away from my father. If I call, if this guy is part of this, then he gets alerted."
Chloe stared for a moment than sighed. She reached for her purse and grabbed her phone. She hit a number and put it to her ear while it rang. "Hey it's me….look… I need a favor….I'll cook you your favorite dinner…..tha…" there was a knock on the door. Oliver just looked at Chloe curiously. She smiled at him and stood to go answer her door.
The young man that was with her earlier entered. He smiled at Chloe and then glared at Oliver. "Thanks for coming Bart."
"No problem Liscious." He puffed his chest out as walked further into the residence. "He's still here?" he asked snidely. Oliver stood to his full height and smirked.
"Yeah, he is." Oliver spoke.
"Alright, easy boys." Chloe spoke. "You trust me right Bart?"
"Of course!"
"I trust him," she spoke about Oliver. "And right now we need your help." She spoke. "And for you to do that, I want to tell him." She spoke.
Oliver could see that there was big trust between the two friends, and he could see the concern on the younger man's face. "I apologize for my behavior earlier." He spoke. "My name is Oliver."
"I'm Bart."
"Bart has some special skills." Chloe smiled at her friend.
"If it will help my father." Oliver sighed. "Allow me to properly introduce myself. Chloe here calls me Ollie, I'm known by the people of Baldivia as His Royal Highness Oliver Queehne, Crown Prince." He bowed his head to Bart.
"Kind of mouthful eh stretch," Bart teased.
"You have no idea." Oliver just smiled.
"He doesn't share that openly with anyone Bart." Chloe interjected.
"At least not yet, the cat will be out of the bag on Friday." Oliver added.
"Okay Liscious" Bart looked between the two, " I'm sure there's a story here, but I'll help. Nice to me you sir, I'm Bart Allen, but my friends call me Impulse." He spoke and he zipped around the room from corner to corner then stopped in front of the young prince a cocky smile on his face.
Oliver looked at Chloe who was biting her lip. She was nervous. "I must say I'm impressed." Oliver smiled.
Bart looked over at Chloe, "I impressed a Prince Liscious." He smiled. Chloe sighed and stepped and wrapped her arms around Bart's neck.
"That you did Impulse. Ollie will fill you in on the details, I'm gonna start cooking for you." She smiled.
"Cool." He smiled at her then went and sat down on the couch. Oliver just stood and paced, he shook his head, he had a hundred questions for Chloe but for now, he needed to relay his story.
00000
Oliver sat at the dining table, ear piece in place as he gave Bart room by room directions to navigate the Manor. Oliver watched on his satellite link as Bart zipped through the Manor.
"That kid is amazing." He smiled.
"That he is." She spoke.
"Before you leave the Manor, in hidden safe in that office, its under the fifth tapestry on the left…from where you are, yes, is a duffle. Can you grab that too?" Oliver listened to the reply and smiled. "Thank you." He spoke and continued to watch. "So how long have you known Bart?" Ollie asked.
"Oh gosh for a long time." Chloe spoke as she turned off all the burners the food she made, ready and waiting for Bart.
"And he would be a metahuman?"
"You know the term?"
"I'm from another country, Angel, not another planet." He teased.
"Ohh, Ollie…." Chloe smiled.
"I'm back!" Bart spoke interrupting. He set down the duffle bag and zipped to hand to the flash drive and digital camera to Oliver than zipped into the kitchen and fixed a plate of spaghetti with Italian meat balls and garlic bread.
Oliver plugged in the thumb drive. Chloe took the camera from him and plugged it into her computer. He looked at her strangely.
"I've got access to data bases that would make your head swim," she winked. "Let's see if we can find out who your mystery aide is."
"Thank you Bart." Oliver spoke to the young man who was done with his first plate and working on seconds.
"No worries, dude, it looked like your padre was pretty tightly guarded,"
Oliver nodded. "Good, good." He began to surf the information on the thumb drive.
00000
By 3pm Bart was gone and Oliver sitting on Chloe's patio, drinking a glass of wine, feeling totally betrayed. His aide, the one who had been at his side for nearly 5 years, was a wolf in sheep's clothing. The information, all those years, he had been feeding information to a criminal.
"Ollie?" Chloe spoke. He turned.
"Yes?"
"You've been out here for awhile, are you ok?"
"Not really Angel," he spoke as he entered the condo. Chloe just watched as he gathered his thoughts. "I'm an aristocrat, that entitles me to arrogance and I have no doubt I'm that." He frowned. "With that entitlement, is a vulnerability that's nearly invisible, until it's attacked. I trusted that man that his word was honest and he betrayed that, he betrayed me, my family, my home. I'm not sure really how to handle this." He spoke. Chloe walked up to him and wrapped her arms around his waist.
"I've seen you gentle, loving, romantic and yes…charming. You may think its arrogance, but I don't see it. You carry and air of confidence that is so incredible and approachable."
"Angel."
"I don't doubt that you can be arrogant when you need, but it's not really a normal part of your identity. The vulnerability only makes you human, more real than you give yourself credit for. You're going to be a King. And I imagine you'll excel at it. Don't let this get in your way." She rested her hands on his chest and looked up at him.
"How do you do it?" he asked as he stared down at her.
"Do what?"
"Carry that much passion, that much life, that much faith, in that tiny little frame, it truly justv astounds me?"
"It's a gift." She laughed. Oliver leaned and kissed her gently. What was meant to be just a thank you, just a taste, turned heated in a blink of an eye. He pulled her close and in a move that would have made Gene Kelley jealous, he spun her around set his wine glass down and pressed her against the wall next to her sliding glass door.
"You're the gift Angel and if I kiss you now, I'm sure I won't be able to stop." Chloe was breathless.
"Then what are you waiting for?" she challenged….
Oliver smirked, "Truly the best things in life take time; need to be savored." He kissed her neck. "I consider passion one of those things." Chloe lowered her leg, her gaze never leaving his. "And I want to savor every moment with you." He stepped back. He slid a hand down her arm taking her hand in his and and bringing it to his lips, while bowing like a courtier. Chloe blushed. "And now it's time I stop feeling sorry for myself and see if we caught anything in the nets we cast."
Chloe nodded, she was stunned. Oliver was so near perfect; and he had awakened a part of herself that she thought was shriveled and dead. She gave him respect for wanting to wait; no other man would pass on an opportunity like that. One more chunk of ice fell from her heart, and one more reason to fear that she may have to give him up and she wasn't sure that she could.
00000
"I found him, I was able to accomplish was you couldn't Guntar." The man in black spoke from the terminal at the airport.
: Gloating doesn't become you; I had duties I needed to get back to:
"Right cause lying is such at royal feat."
: Where is he?: Guntar asked weary of the conversation with his partner in crime.
"In Metropolis."
:!#$%:
"My what language we have." He spoke smiling. "I'm about to board a flight, I should be there in 3 hours." he spoke as he walked down the jet way.
:He needs to be detained by whatever means necessary.:
"Don't tell me my job. You had better have the money you promised me ready, or you just may find yourself in trouble." He spoke and slammed the phone shut.
00000
"Well it looks like your Guntar is a reputable scum bag." Chloe spoke while scrolling her computer screen.
"Really?" Oliver spoke as he scooted over to Chloe to look at her screen.
"Yeah, I had to break through several fire walls, and through some very technical code to find him."
" He's altered his appearance a bit." She clicked and showed Ollie the mug shot. "He hid himself well, what could possibly be the motive?" he asked.
"I think it's simple economics. The folks that were kidnapped are haves, he comes from the have nots. He would be set for life if the ransom is paid."
"Is it really that simple? Seems like way too much effort for money." He frowned.
"Greed makes people do the damndest things." Chloe shook her head. "And if greed is the motivation then Reggie will definitely need protection."
"To alert his security would paint a much bigger target on his back." He frowned. "If I can get a team together to say, stop this kidnapping could you get them into the gala?"
"Absolutely."
"Again I will let you know tomorrow." She smiled.
"Alright," he turned back to his computer, "So where would these scumbags, as you so eloquently put it, hide their victims?" he went back to his machine and looked at some more data.
"From what I've learned by studying the criminal element, is that they never really leave the area of the crime. What we need to look for is any family or friends of these aides that live within…"
"15 km, of the kidnapping sites." Ollie spoke, Chloe just laughed. "What?" he asked.
"You used metric, we still use standard."
He just shook his head and chuckled. "Alright, I just sent an email to Reggie, I told him that I was expanding my security detail, and that I would also be bringing a guest to the gala."
"Sorry?" Chloe spoke.
"What's the matter Angel, you've never been to New York?" he smiled as they continued working. Chloe was typing but her heart was racing. "You're quiet now?" he asked as he read over files.
"There are few things in this world that terrify me." She spoke. "Spiders, being held at gun point…"
"And formals? I do recall that being on your not fun list" he spoke. "But, if I may remind you that I will be with you, on your arm, there is really nothing to worry about."
"But I can't call you Ollie there," she frowned.
"And why not?" he shrugged.
"Cause everyone else will be calling you your highness."
"So?" he smiled. "I promise you a fun evening and I'll even toss in an exclusive interview with a visiting dignitary?""
"Reggie?" she looked up and smiled.
"Very funny, Angel, I meant me but I can see if he's free." He grinned.
There was quiet for nearly ten minutes and then Chloe set down her lap top aside. "Oh god, I have to go shopping."
"Why don't you let me worry about that." He smirked.
"But?"
"But nothing." He smiled and continued to work.
00000
7 PM Metropolis International Airport.
The man in black was in his rented car with his GPS on his seat. It had been a lucky shot that he found the Prince, he shook his head and headed toward down town.
00000
"I'm beat," Oliver spoke.
"Me too," Chloe spoke as she finally shut her machine down.
"I have one more day here before I have to go meet up with my detail." He leaned back on the sofa, "Angel, do you mind looking at this site?" he spoke passing his machine to Chloe.
"Sure whatcha you looking at?"
"Couture gowns." He smiled.
"Oh Oliver." She winced.
"I could just pick one for you or you can pick out your top 3 to keep it fair, and one will be waiting for you when you get to New York." He stood and went to the kitchen to get a drink.
"Fair huh?"
"What can I say diplomacy is sort of my thing." He sassed. Chloe just stuck her tongue out at him and sighed. 'Holysh** Couture.' She thought.
00000
"Bart, chill," Vic spoke into the phone. He was parked across the street from Chloe's condo. He was set up for a stake out. "I got this ok? If Chloe is hanging out with Royalty, and yes he's legit, he's a castle living, multiple zero's in the bank account, crown wearing royal, she'll need the extra protection and you can't sit still." He teased… "Oh please the last time you tried you wore the soles of your shoes off for all the pacing. You can't do it. Yes, she would be pissed if she knew I was out here. But, my gut tells me this is the right thing to do, so if it's a wasted night in my car, so be it. She would do the same for us….ok have your 5th dinner and check in later." Vic hung up his phone. Bart had really matured except when it came to Chloe. He was a love sick teenager all over again. Vic made himself comfortable, as he stared across the street. Hopefully this was a whole lot of nothing.
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Chloe and Oliver settled in to watch a movie. Chloe was cuddled up next to him, while he had his arm wrapped around her. Her mind would drift to what his real life must be like. Did he have time for this type of thing? Could he? Would it be all fancy dinner this and fancy dinner that? Meetings and royal engagements? Could a long distance relationship work if he went back home and she stayed reporting. She sighed as her eyelids got heavy.
00000
It had been 2 hours and Vic was admittedly bored. He was about to flip open his computer when he saw a black shadow move from the alley. Vic stopped what he was doing as the shadow slithered into the front of the building. He watched as the shadow pulled something from his pocket, it was an electronic device. Vic pulled out his phone and pointed it toward the shadows device. He hit a couple of buttons and was able to clone the information from the device. He quickly slid out of the car when he saw the text on his screen. It was Chloe Sullivan and Prince Queehne.
The shadow entered the foyer of the complex unaware of the cybernetic missile heading his way. Vic and was entering the front door of the building and was texting Chloe as fast as he could type. He entered the foyer with caution there was a man carrying a plant into the elevator. Vic looked around the room and saw the empty spot for the plant. He bolted to the stair well and poured on his cybernetic speed.
00000
Chloe was so comfortable her head was now across Oliver's lap as he flipped through one of her coffee table magazines. Her phone was buzzing like crazy. Chloe opened one eye looking up at Oliver. "Ugh, why can't I be left alone for one night?" She whined. He laughed and reached for her phone on the table and handed it to her. She clicked open her messenger and sat up right in a second. "Hide." She shouted.
"What?" he spoke.
"Get your ass up and get in your room." She shouted. Oliver didn't like the idea but the look on her face was serious. Chloe ran to the kitchen and pulled a large serrated steak knife from a drawer and pressed her body against the wall next to the door. Oliver went back into the room and to the duffle that Bart brought back from his home. He opened it quickly and pulled out a small cross bow. He loaded it and made his way carefully back to the living room. Chloe just glared at him; clearly the Prince had a death wish.
Oliver quickly made it to her side, staying low and then moved to stand between her and the door. They argued briefly with hand gestures and Oliver proved that he was truly obstinate. He pointed the weapon at the door as he heard some odd banging next to it. "Open the door, Chloe." A voice spoke from the hall way. Chloe knew the voice and nodded to Oliver to open the door. A dark skinned man none to politely pushed a man wearing all black clothing into the condo. Oliver closed the door behind them. "You got rope?" Vic asked. Chloe nodded and ran toward her closet. "How's your aim?"
"From this shot? I could probably take his ear off." He smirked.
"Good." Vic spoke. "He's yours." He spoke as he stood to help Chloe with the rope. Oliver pressed his foot into the middle of the man's back. In a few minutes Chloe and Vic had the man tied securely. Oliver set his cross bow down on the counter and helped Vic upright the man. He saw Oliver and glared at him. "Chill out man," Vic hissed. They led him to the dining chair that Chloe pulled out.
"What the hell is going on?" Chloe asked.
"Bart told me your story," he spoke looking at Oliver. "My gut told me that you could be in danger. So I opted to stake out your place tonight. I'd been out there for a couple of hours and saw this guy sneaking around. I ended up cloning his phone when he pulled it out and it had your and the Prince's name on it. I caught him just outside your door."
"And HE is?" Oliver asked.
"Another friend of mine." Chloe smiled looking at the guy on her dining chair.
"Who sent you?" Oliver asked. The man only stared straight ahead.
"Don't talk, I really don't care. I have other ways of getting the information I want." Vic spoke. He saw Chloe's lap top and smiled. "You mind?" he asked. She shook her head no.
"Who are you?" Oliver asked trying again.
"Don't bother, I have it all here," Vic spoke. Oliver and Chloe went to check out the computer. They studied the screen then looked at the man. The man spoke something in Oliver's native language. Oliver nodded took the phone from Victor and flipped it over. He pulled off the back to reveal the bug. Chloe and Victors eyes got wide. Oliver took the phone into the bathroom and flushed it down the toilet then returned to the living room. He saw that the man was untied and rubbing his wrists.
"Thanks for untying me." The man spoke in a heavy British accent. "I'm sorry about this." He spoke looking at Oliver.
"I'm usually a very patient man, but this is really grating on my nerves. You care to explain in great detail what the bloody hell is going on?"
"I'm a constable with Scotland Yard. 2 years ago we got a tip that someone was trying to make a move against some of the local wealthy. It was passed onto us from another intelligence agency. I've been following your family for the past year. In that time I got into the inner circle of your aide." He spoke. "I'm supposed to detain you." He spoke. "Look we're really close to cracking this."
Chloe was pacing, "Well you're certainly not going to take him." Chloe protested stopping to glare at the constable, fists resting on her hips.
"What if we could help you crack this?" Vic asked.
"Who are you?" the cop asked.
"He's one of a very short list of people who can help you right now." Chloe spoke curious to hear what Victor had to say.
"I'm listening." He spoke.
"First we need to convince your boss that the Prince here has been detained, then we go from there." He smiled winking at Chloe.
"What exactly do you have in mind?" Oliver asked.
00000
Guntars' phone chimed, he received a picture message. It was a room, totally disheveled, furniture knocked over. Sitting in a chair with hands tied behind his back, his head down, and blood trickling down his mouth was Prince Queehne. He smirked, Friday would be like taking candy from a baby.
00000
Chloe watched as Oliver wiped all the theater make up off his face. Vic and the constable were chatting in hushed tones. "You trust him Chloe?" he asked.
"With my life," she spoke hugging him, knowing that Vic would share the details all in due time.
00000
After nearly 15 minutes of the man in black and Victor talking, the man in black stood, bowed to Oliver who was still holding Chloe, then turned and left the condo. Vic looked at the couple.
"Well, there's a plan." He smiled. Chloe looked up at Oliver and shrugged her shoulders. They went and sat on the couch to listen to the man speak.
00000
Victor entered his north side apartment, well after midnight. The living room was full of a raucous noise. He shut the door and set down his keys. He entered the room to see Bart dancing a dance of victory around a blonde guy who was glaring at him.
"Nice to see you fish stick." Vic spoke.
"Same to you Tin Man." He spoke. "Sit down Bart," he snarled. Bart just stuck out his tongue to his friend.
"So when did you get in to town?"
"About an hour ago. I wanted to talk to you before I went home; Bart filled me in on some of the details. I wanted to know what happened at her house?"
"Well let me put on a pot of coffee, and do you own a tux?" he grinned.
"Dude a monkey suit really?"
"Come on, it won't be that bad." Vic laughed.
Bart just looked at his two friends, grateful he had a large pizza to eat, and that there was a sandwich in the fridge, it was going to be a late night.
00000
Chloe lay sprawled on the sofa, her head on Oliver's lap. He was lazily running a hand through her hair as he read his itinerary on his phone.
"Well?" she asked.
"It only has me being in New York until Saturday, I don't know anything beyond that." He looked down at the frown on Chloe's face. "Easy Angel, I haven't talked to my father at all." he tried to reassure her.
"Thanks Ollie," she yawned and shook her head to keep her eyes open.
"Look Angel, you should get some sleep, I have to go and pack up. I need to head out early."
"Ohhh, will you be gone before I get up?"
"Do you want me to wake you before I leave?" he asked as she sat up and moved to straddle his lap then nodded. He kissed her cheek then looked into her eyes and then kissed her other cheek. Chloe kissed him on the lips. He moaned into her kiss. "Oh..Angel," he purred looking her in the eyes. "I promise to wake you before I leave." he spoke standing and carrying her into her bed room. He set her down on her bed. "Good night." He spoke and kissed her forehead then turned and left her room.
00000
Chloe was dressed to the nines, an elegant dress, fun shoes, and jewelry. She left her dressing room and headed toward the foyer of the hotel to greet her escort a smile plastered to her face. As she reached the foyer she was suddenly on the balcony overlooking the ball. She was stunned, she headed down the stairs, she felt a draft on her back but thought nothing much of it, until the laughter started. She looked down and now she was only in panties, garter, stockings and bra. She screamed and turned and came face to face with Oliver.
"I'm sorry," she whispered. "I'm sorry,"
"Angel." He spoke. "Angel." His voice was loud and clear. Chloe opened her eyes to see a very concerned Prince standing over her. "Are you alright?" he purred kneeling by her bed.
"Just a bad dream." She spoke sitting up and trying to clear her head.
"Seemed more like a nightmare than just a bad dream." He spoke sitting on the bed next to her.
"Well it's over." She frowned.
"You might as well tell me." He reached and put a hand on her knee.
Chloe sighed and looked away. "I was dressed for the gala. The dress was beautiful, I felt like a princess," she paused. " I was making my way down the hall to the foyer to meet you. The next thing I know I was at the ball, and was being laughed at. I looked down, and I was only in my underwear. I turned to run and ran into you. I was sorry for embarrassing you." She spoke a tear sliding down her face.
"Oh Angel." He spoke softly. He moved closer to her and then gently reached for her chin and turned her to face him. "You can't in any way embarrass me. I'm going to be the luckiest man at the gala with the most beautiful escort." He spoke softly. "Your fear of the formal is just rearing its ugly head. I promise that you will have fun. "
"But?"
"Nothing." he spoke and looked at his watch. "Look I have to go, I will send you everything that you need for Friday." He smiled. "Don't worry, eh?" he smiled. Chloe nodded.
He leaned and kissed her cheek. "If you need me sooner than Friday, to talk, you know how to get hold of me." He kissed her cheek one more time then stood to leave.
"Ollie?" Chloe spoke. He turned sharply. "God help me….. but I think… I'm falling for you."
"Well that's good," he smiled. "Cause I'm certain I have already fallen for you."
"Is this impossible?"
"Chloe, Angel, in my mind there is no such thing as impossibility." He grinned. "I have to run," he smiled and turned and left. Chloe just flopped back on her bed. She was tired and wanted to go back to sleep. What she really needed was some girl talk. She rolled over and picked up her phone from the night stand and dialed.
"This better be important Blondie." She bristled.
"Lois, I think I'm in trouble and really need your help." She spoke.
"I'm up, I'm up." Lois spoke. "Give me five minutes and time to get you know who to you know what me over there."
"Ok." Chloe spoke and climbed out of bed to go and m him make some coffee.
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"So let me get this straight, you have been spending time with a Prince? And you didn't tell me?"
"Technically I didn't know he was a Prince until recently Lo." Chloe fought back. She sat on the opposite end of the sofa as Lois; Clark just sat in the chair across from them, watching.
"Chloe, you're sitting on a gold mine here!" Lois spoke.
"What?" Chloe sat up. "I am not going to sell him out like that." Chloe protested.
"Come on think of that Pulitzer you've been wanting, you'll be famous."
"And you're being pig headed. What's the matter with you?" Chloe spoke looking at Clark.
"Lois!" Clark cautioned. Lois just shot him a look.
"Seriously Blondie, you bust your ass at that paper, and yet here you are sitting on a hot story. If you don't use this I just might."
"Now wait just a damn minute Lane. You will do no such thing. I called you for some girl talk, for some advice, and here you're telling me to sell him out? No! Have you cashed in on Clark? You're sitting on the story of the century and you haven't said a word about what you know about him, have you?"
"That's different!" Lois shouted.
"Really? I'm supposed to sacrifice my happiness for a story? I have a smart, wonderful hot, guy who happens to be a royal and who's crazy about me and you want me to pimp him out for a story? Hypocrite!"
"Clark, I do believe our Chloe's in love." Lois smiled looking at Clark who was smiling.
"What?" Chloe asked.
"Chloe, I was just testing you." Lois smiled as she moved to sit in Clark's lap.
"What?" She spoke dumb struck.
"Cuz, you work like a maniac, you write great stories, but look at your home, you haven't changed decor in nearly 5 years. You've had barely a dozen dates in that time. I get you love writing, but wouldn't it be great for someone to love you? To keep you warm on a cold night?"
"Ok I'm confused." Chloe sat down.
"If this guy means that much to you, does it really matter what he is or where he lives? Is writing at the end of the day really going to be what you want the sun to set on? If you love him, and I'm sure that you do, go for it. Love is exciting and amazing."
"What if?" she spoke.
"One day at a time shortcake, remember I have the worlds' best airline at my disposal." Lois spoke looking at Clark.
"Chloe, I want nothing but your happiness. I see a light in you that hasn't been there for a long time. If this guy is responsible for that, then I would love to shake his hand and thank him for bringing you back to life."
"And you two won't sell him out?" she asked.
"God no," Lois spoke. "Cupcake your happiness is worth more than a story."
"Thanks Lo, how about I cook some breakfast." Chloe spoke and stood.
"I'll help." Lois spoke.
"No, I will, Lois why don't you pick out an outfit for me," Lois glared at Clark then Chloe and then nodded and stood and went into Chloe's room.
"Thanks Clark." Chloe spoke smiling at her friend.
"Nothing to thank, Chloe, just be happy." He spoke as they entered the kitchen to cook breakfast.
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Lois and Clark left Chloe alone at 9, she went to shower change and go into the planet. She made it into the office in short order. She talked to her intern gathered some files and data and then marched into her Editor's office. She briefly outlined her story to her chief who handed over the invitation and package for travel sent by the royal from Baldivia.
"I was requested? Isn't that usually the gossip columns job?" she asked sweetly.
"It is but this letter was sent by messenger stating that with you reputation you will give his economic platform and his trip a less sensational than what a gossip columnist would give." He spoke. "Now, you have the rest of the day to prepare for your interview. The letter states that all travel arrangements are in the envelope and won't cost us a dime." He added. Chloe took the envelop and opened it. She pulled out air line tickets and an itinerary.
"Looks like I'm coming back on Saturday." She spoke.
"Atta girl, this should be a huge story for you. Make me proud." He smiled.
"I will chief." She smiled and left his office. He just watched and smiled a knowing smile.
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By the time Chloe got home it was four in the afternoon. She did a little personal shopping. She opened her condo door to see a bouquet of tulips on her coffee table. She smiled and shook her head. She set her stuff down and went to go and look at the bouquet. She pulled out the card. "Have a great flight, see you tomorrow, O" It was in elegant scrawl. Chloe blushed.
She suddenly got very nervous. It suddenly felt like her life was going to change in a huge way. She was about to break a really big story, have one of the biggest adventures of her life by going to a royally formal gala, and her date was choosing a gown for her. Her date, Ollie. Chloe just sighed. "Wow." She spoke out loud. She went to her bed room to pull out her suitcase to start packing.
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Oliver Marshall was back tracking. He drove in no specific direction until his gas tank was empty. The town he stopped in he sold his jeep. He went to the local bus station and bought tickets for a trip a few states over. He was traveling with only a carryon which was his lap top bag. He gave away all unessential clothing and his extra suitcase to good will.
By 8 pm that night Oliver Marshall evaporated into nothing. He was hitchhiking in an obscure town in the middle of nowhere, an old rusty pick up slowed and picked him up. Oliver smiled at the driver.
"Welcome to the states, Jet." He told the man he knew on his security detail.
"You play a very dangerous game, sire." Oliver winced at the use of his royal title. He hadn't heard a peep of it since he came to America. "You realize that it may actually get more dangerous?" He spoke.
"I know and the stakes now are much higher, come let's get this going so I can make an entrance that will make my father proud." He spoke. Jet sighed, put the truck in gear and took off.
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Chloe woke to the annoyance of her alarm. She slammed it off her night stand. She rolled onto her back and smiled. Today for better or worse would be one that would change her life forever. She sat up slowly, yawned, and then crawled out of bed toward and made her way to the kitchen where her coffee was ready. 'God Bless the coffee pot with a timer,' she spoke as she pulled her favorite mug from the cabinet and poured herself a cup. She thought about the case, the story as it were but her mind drifted to girlie thoughts of Oliver: the warmth of his smile that chin, those large hands. Could she give up her dream for a fantasy?
Chloe shook her head, pulling her thoughts back to the task at hand, coffee, she moved to her freezer and pulled out a couple of waffles and popped them in her toaster. She waited for them to warm, and then had breakfast. She took her time getting ready for the flight; she picked out a business like dress that she had purchased on a whim, with classy black pumps. She hopped in the shower any more dilly dallying and she would keep the driver coming to get her, waiting.
Chloe was just putting in her earrings when her door bell rang. She made her way to it, checking the peep hole. Standing outside her door was a man in an impeccable suit, "I'm with the car service, ma'am." He spoke. Chloe waited, "Gold fish." He said. Chloe smiled that was the code word that Oliver had texted her.
Chloe unlocked her door and the man entered. He smiled politely. He saw the bags just inside the door. "The car is out front, are you ready?" he spoke. Chloe did the mental checklist; everything from her coffee pot down to her curling iron was off. She nodded and grabbed her leather coat from the hook by the door and her purse. The young man grabbed suit cases without a problem and stepped out of her condo. Chloe followed, locking her door behind them.
She had thought that a town car would have been picking her up. She wasn't prepared for the sleek black stretch escalade with dark windows. It wasn't super long but it was an attention getter. The driver put her bags at the rear of the vehicle and opened the door for her giving her a hand into the vehicle. Chloe got settled as he loaded up her luggage. She shook her head, the interior was plush leather. She put her seat belt on and the driver closed the passenger door and the next think Chloe knew she was on her way to the airport.
She was personally escorted to the check in counter of her airline, her luggage moved to the conveyor for her. She was flying first class she looked at the ticket again. The ticket agent just smiled at the wonder on her face.
"First time flying first class?" she asked.
"Yeah," Chloe replied.
"Well enjoy it and have a nice flight to New York." Chloe walked across the airport to her gate and only had to wait a few minutes as her plane was just getting ready to board. Chloe being first class got to board first after the families.
She felt as if she were stepping into another world. She was a reporter, a working stiff, and was now being offered a thick pillow, and fluffy blanket and rich snacks pre flight. The plane wasn't full and in a reasonable amount of time the jet was taxiing toward a runway. Butterflies were in her stomach, but it wasn't about the take off, she was so much closer to seeing her Ollie again.
00000
The flight was uneventful and Chloe arrived early afternoon in New York. Chloe made her way to the baggage carousel and spotted near the entrance a man in very well cut suit holding a sign that said C. Sullivan. His face was so familiar, but she had to play it cool.
"I'm C. Sullivan." She spoke to the man.
"Welcome to New York. I'm your escort from this moment on." He spoke. Chloe nodded. "Point me to your bags and I will collect them for you, our car is waiting for us."
"I didn't catch your name?"
"It's Arthur ma'am." He smiled cordially. Chloe was able to claim her luggage really quickly. Arthur carried her belongings to the next surprise for Chloe, a sleek silver stretch limousine. The driver was standing at the open door. Arthur put her bags in the trunk while the driver helped her into the car. Arthur closed the trunk and got in the car and shut the door. The driver iwas already in his seat waiting for the cue to go. Arthur picked up the phone and gave the word and the limousine took off.
"So Arthur?" Chloe asked.
"Gold fish" he spoke.
"Wow A.C you look good," Chloe teased.
"Easy sunshine, just waiting for you I had 3 very elite looking woman put their cards in my pocket, and another tried to see what flavor of toothpaste I use."
"Aweee, well you are hot," she winked at him.
"Ha, ha, ha," he shook it off. A.C was the most humble man she had ever met, nearly to a fault.
"Well welcome to my adventure then." She smiled.
"You look great Chloe, he's a lucky guy."
"Bah, he's in for trouble really." She smiled.
"Ok so we're heading off to the Palace, your suite is ready and waiting." He spoke. He pulled out is smart phone and pulled up the updated itinerary. "Then you have an interview with the Prince at 3pm." A.C read some more. "The gala starts at 7 with cocktails and then dinner at 8 pm." He spoke.
"Oh goodie, I can't wait." Chloe snarked.
"Easy Sunshine." He tried to reassure.
"Where is he staying at? The Palace—really?"
"Here take a look." A.C spoke showing her pictures. Chloe gulped, oh good god it was far beyond 5 star this was first class with a capital FIRST.
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Chloe had to consciously remind herself to keep her mouth closed as they pulled up to the front of the hotel. It was exquisite. Chloe was lead by Arthur past the desk and to the elevator. She had a room just below the penthouse level. When A.C opened the door for her, she was sure she had died and gone to heaven. It was rich in color and the furniture was classic. She was stunned. Arthur had her things set down by the door. The bell hop left quickly and A.C closed the door after his hasty exit.
"Now, our room is on the next floor down. It's the command post. All the computers are up and Vic's been scanning the place testing all our cameras." Chloe nodded slightly overwhelmed.
"Deep breathe Sunshine," he smiled. His phone chimed. A.C pulled it out of his pocket and looked at the screen.
"It seems that his highness' schedule has opened up and he can meet with you." Chloe just flushed from head to foot.
"I need to freshen up first." She whispered.
"Go ahead, the restroom is just to the left." He smiled. Chloe nodded and carried her purse into the restroom or opulent dressing room with a huge inlaid tub. Chloe shook her head; all of this was so surreal. She freshened her makeup, touched up her hair, and stared at herself in the mirror. She took a deep breath and headed out to be escorted to meet with His Royal Highness Oliver Queehne, Crown Prince of Baldivia.