Disclaimer: DC Comics and WB Entertainment own everything. No profit is being made from this story. This is strictly for my own amusement.
Author's Notes: In this next chapter, Selina and Sam grow closer; the Boston threesome brought more than threats to Gotham; Lois has second thoughts, and lastly, Holly's future may be in jeopardy. Thanks for reading everyone.
~o~o~
Chapter 11: Nothing I Wouldn't Do
The Bat Cave, minutes later:
He grinned. "Of course," Bruce said and turned to her. "I did give you a key …"
"Oh, and you expected me to find this place because of that? You could have just told me."
"No, but I was going to tell you about it."
She thought about that. "Does Clark know?"
"Well, he can see through anything, so …"
Diana sighed and came closer. "Have you heard from him?"
"Yes, apparently, they're at a hotel downtown."
"I see, so what's the plan? Surely, you can't confront them without me. I'm the reason they're here."
That was true. He looked her up and down. "You need to change."
Smiling, she did just that, and then they were gone, he on his bike and her flying overhead.
~o~o~
On a hotel rooftop in downtown Gotham:
Minutes later, Bruce and Diana reached the rooftop and made plans on how to approach the trio from Boston. Clark wasn't there, but he had followed one of the men. He gave them an update through the communicator.
"After following them from the airport, and I watched them meet up with two familiar gentlemen at another location. They exchanged briefcases, then left in the same cab, then proceeded to the hotel. Two of the men checked in a few minutes ago; they're in room 901. I decided to follow the third guy," Clark informed them.
Bruce and Diana glanced at each other. "Who were the familiar gentlemen and where is he now?" Bruce asked worried about the missing man.
Clark was now on the rooftop across from Wayne Tower. "Remember last week when Lois and I were approached by several men asking questions about us, well, it was them." He paused as he watched the guy exit a cab still with the briefcase. "I followed him to Wayne Tower," he replied. Narrowing his eyes, he couldn't believe it, when someone he recognized exited a cab and entered the Tower. He shook his head.
"Did they use aliases or their real names when they checked in?" Diana wanted to know.
"According to the names in your files, no, they used an alias," Clark replied. Very concerned, he watched as the person he knew enter an elevator and headed to Bruce's penthouse suite.
"That is odd," Diana commented. "Either they're here to hurt us or deliver a warning."
"It's probably the latter. It's your call, Diana," Bruce said. "I'll follow your lead."
"Let's go." They headed inside, took the elevator down several floors walked up to the hotel room door. Diana stood firm while Bruce stood to one side hidden from view. She knocked.
"Who is it!?" A voice called from inside.
"Open the door, Frankie. I know you're in there!" Diana replied.
"How did they find us?" The other one asked. Frankie opened the door. Diana pushed her way inside and so did Bruce. One of the men quickly pulled out his gun, but Frankie stopped him. "There's no need for that."
"You're a smart man," Diana said. "Take a seat Frankie; it's time for a chat."
~o~o~
Meanwhile, at the safe house:
Selina felt horrible about the things she said. The look on Sam's face gave her pause. He was serious about her that was obvious, but her feelings were shifting back and forth between caring for him and afraid of getting hurt.
"Holly, do you mind leaving us alone for a while? Sam and I need to talk."
"There's no need to leave. I received a call while you were outside. I have another assignment," Sam said.
"You're leaving?" Holly and Selina blurted out at the same time.
"Yes, I'm leaving." Feeling awkward, he went to gather his things.
Selina and Holly stared at him. "But, can it wait for a few minutes, please, Sam? I wanted to apologize for the things I said."
Holly left them alone.
He sighed. "So, you're sorry I overheard what you said, or you're sorry you meant every word?"
"No, Sam, I'm sorry because I didn't mean it, not at all; in fact, it's exactly the opposite." She came closer.
He turned to her. "Why did you lie?"
She sighed and shook her head. "I don't know."
"I think you do." He watched her for a minute. "Just say it."
Her heart pounded as she stared at him. "I care about you and I don't want you leave."
He grinned satisfied with her answer. "I wish I could stay, but duty calls."
"What about us?" She meant her personally.
"You'll be fine. You don't really need me. I could have left days ago, but …"
"You wanted to stay?" She came closer and so did he. Heart pounding; they stared at each other. He touched her cheek, leaned down and then he kissed her softly. After a minute, he pulled away.
"Does that answer your question?" Sam smiled at her.
She went into his arms. "Will I see you again?"
Holding her tighter, he whispered. "Plan on it." He pulled away, squeezed her hand, picked up his bag and headed for the door. He punched in the code, but before he opened the door, he turned and said, "Goodbye, Selina."
"Goodbye, Sam."
Then he was gone.
Holly came back down when she heard the door close. "So he's gone?"
"Yeah, so that was that," Selina whispered.
Holly frowned. "You sound as if you don't think he's coming back."
Selina didn't know what to think. She went into the kitchen and began to wash dishes. She opened the refrigerator, and his favorite beers were still there. Then it hit her. "He's gone."
Tears blinded. Selina had no idea why she was so upset; she truly did care about him. She did want to see him again more than anything. Me and my big mouth!
Holly sensed her pain, went to her and pulled her close. "He'll be back. I know he will."
Selina didn't say anything. Opening your heart to someone is a true test of faith, and when it isn't returned that faith is tested. Either you learn from it and move on, or you let it crush you into pieces until you don't recognize yourself. Selina wasn't like that; at least that was what she thought.
Right at this moment, she just didn't know.
~o~o~
A little while later, downtown Gotham:
Sam quickly left the safe house and headed to Bruce Wayne's office downtown. In his uniform and with identification, he was granted access, and there he greeted Mr. Fox, who appeared confused by the officer's sudden appearance. He shrugged it off, but he did feel safer with him there. Mr. Fox had also seen the photo of Mr. Wayne and Wonder Woman. He wasn't surprised by their relationship, if that was what it was, but he couldn't help but feel worried.
High above the Tower, Clark, was on high alert. He recognized Sam, and he realized that Bruce must have set this up. He felt better about the situation especially with a particular individual thrown into the mix who could cause problems.
He continued to keep an eye on the man with a briefcase and the situation truly concerned him. The thing was; he didn't attempt to enter the building, but seemed content just to watch and wait.
Clark shook his head wondered about these guys, what they wanted, why they were really in town.
As if in a trance, the guy turned and went to sit in the park across the street. If he were actually carrying a bomb, Clark thought it best not to take his eyes off this guy. He also thought it was best to wait, and if Bruce truly was the target, then it made sense he would try to enter the Tower.
Clark got a beep. It was Bruce. He listened in as Bruce and Diana tried to convince Frankie to talk.
~o~o~
A high-rise hotel suite in downtown Gotham:
Diane continued her interrogation. "Who sent you or do I need to ask?"
"I have no idea what you mean; I'm here on vacation," Frankie replied.
"Where's the third guy and what's his name?"
"I have no idea whom you mean. There's only the two of us," Frankie replied.
"This is getting us nowhere." Bruce was fed up with the lies.
"My friend here is getting impatient. I don't think you want to make him angry. Now, answer the question and do it now!"
"Enough of this Diana; just do it," Bruce said.
She released the lasso from her hip.
Frankie was familiar with it. "Alright, alright, I'll tell you." He paused. "It was Lord."
Bruce glanced at her. It was now confirmed. "What does he want?" Diana asked.
"He wants your boyfriend dead." Frankie admitted it. "Oh, he didn't specifically say to kill him, but I can read between the lines." He paused to gather his composure. "I had no choice. He threatened my family, my wife and children."
Bruce grabbed him by his suit coat. "Where's the other one? Where is he?"
"At Bruce Wayne's office down town," he sadly replied. "And he has a bomb."
"Go, go, go!" Diana shouted to Bruce.
Diana immediately contacted hotel security, Gordon, and he in turn, the bomb squad. Once hotel security arrived and held the men captive, Diana headed downtown.
~o~o~
Back at the Tower, a mysterious man with a briefcase left a park and headed to the Tower.
Clark had no choice; he had to confront the man. It was a bomb and innocent people could be harmed. He couldn't let him inside that building. A decision made; Clark dropped down in front of him before he could reach the entrance.
The crazed suicide bomber stood very still. "You don't want to come any closer, Superman. This bomb will go off in exactly two minutes. I suggest you get out of my way."
"I can't let you go inside this building."
"You can't disarm it, don't even try."
"I won't let you inside," Clark said it again.
"I have no choice. I'm saving my family. They'll be alright without me."
"No, no, let me help you." Clark reached for the bomb.
"No, don't do it!" He snatched it away from him, and tried to run past him. Clark tackled him and took the bomb, then lifted it up into the sky. Seconds later, a bomb went off.
Clark was knocked unconscious by the blast. Bruce and Diana arrived moments later to see Clark fall from the sky, covered in black smoke and ash. He hit the ground with a hard thump, but he had saved hundreds of lives.
The police arrived moments later and took the bomber into custody. All he could do was watch and wonder about his family. He had failed, and they will die because of him.
Lois jumped out of her skin when she heard the blast, ran to the window and watched as Clark fell from the sky. Then everyone ran for the stairwell. The elevators were shut down because of the blast. Sam was right behind her. Mr. Fox followed close behind.
Once she arrived at the scene, Bruce and Diana were there, and Clark was still on the ground not moving, but then moments later, he was awake and trying to stand up.
"I'm alright, just let me get up," Clark said, getting impatient with all the fuss.
"Let him up," Lois said. She smiled at him. "You're a mess."
He grinned. "Thanks, Ms. Lane."
Gordon and his squad of officers came over to them. "I'm going to need a statement from everyone."
"No problem, Commissioner; we'll see you later today," Bruce said.
Bruce gave Mr. Fox a look and then ten minutes later; a car was brought around. Diana, Bruce, Clark, Lois, and Sam entered the car.
Inside the limo, Clark was thinking about the bomber. "It was strange, but I think he was acting under hypnosis or some type of mind control as if he didn't have a choice."
Lois tried to clean him up as best she could with a few towels that were inside the limo. He needed a shower badly.
Diana sighed, upset by the events of this day. "You may be right about that. Max Lord is a sick degenerate, and using hypnosis on weak minds doing his bidding is something he enjoys; the sick bastard."
"That's horrible," Sam commented. "Is there no way to stop this Lord character?"
"Oh, believe me, I have tried. He's far too ingenious. Nothing he's ever done would lead anything to him, and he knows it." Diana was truly worried about what else Lord may do to get his way.
"But Frankie confessed that it was him," Clark said.
"It's his word against Lord. He's rich, well-respected and completely untouchable," Diana said.
"He needs to be stopped. The bomber said he had no choice, and he had to protect his family," Clark sadly stated.
Everyone was silent thinking about what lengths they would go to protect the ones they loved.
~o~o~
Back at the safe house:
Holly was downstairs switching channels when she came upon the highly broadcasted explosion downtown. "Selina, come quick…!"
Selina came downstairs seconds later. "What is it, Holly? What's happened?" She watched the television and couldn't help but gasp at the news broadcast.
They both listened to the announcer:
"This is James Armstrong. I'm standing outside Wayne Towers, where not five minutes ago, a bomb was detonated by a suicide bomber a mere block from the Towers. He has yet to be identified. Apparently, and from what I've been told, the man was targeting the Tower itself. Now, we don't have confirmation on that, but my sources at the police station did indeed confirm that the bomber was intent on entering Wayne Towers. Superman was able to subdue the man, retrieve the bomb, fly into the sky, but then it denoted. He survived the blast then fell unconscious from the sky. Wonder Woman, Batman, and several of their friends took him from the scene. As soon as I receive more information about what happened today, we will bring it to you live on this channel. We now return you to your local stations."
"How awful; I'm amazed no one was hurt. Was that Sam getting into that limo?" Selina asked.
"He's working with the superheroes? How cool is that?" Holly asked, impressed.
Selina shook her head. "Yes it is very cool."
Holly watched her for a minute. "You should call him. I know you're dying to."
She shook her head. "No, no, I'm not calling him."
"Selina, he left because he had to. You can't blame him for that, and besides he forgave you for that stupid comment."
She turned to her sister. "You were listening to us?"
"Well, only for a minute," Holly sheepishly replied.
"Well, it wasn't stupid, just impulsive and yes, he accepted my apology."
"You should call him."
She shook her head. "I wouldn't know what to say."
"Selina, he could have died along with everyone else in that Tower."
Selina's heart began to pound as those true words sunk into her brain. She picked up the phone and called him.
~o~o~
Inside Bruce's warehouse, not far from the mansion:
Slam Bradford, Bruce's private investigator, was waiting for them when the limo arrived. Superman exited under his own power. Still covered with black ash, Bruce directed him upstairs to a private living space. Lois went with him.
Sam received the call minutes later. "Umm, I'll be right back," he mumbled and walked away. "Selina, are you Ok?"
She thought it was sweet he was asking about her, when he was one almost blown to bits. "I'm fine. I was calling to see how you were. I saw what happened on television."
"Well, no one was hurt, thanks to Superman."
"Yes, thank goodness." A moment's pause, then, "Well, I won't keep you."
"Selina …" He began.
Heart pounding, she asked, "Yes Sam?"
"I need to see you," Sam said, his meaning clear.
Thrilled, she said, "I don't see how we can."
He closed his eyes. "I know; the trial."
"It won't be for much longer."
"It feels like forever," Sam said.
"It's not forever."
"I understand." He paused. "I'll talk to you soon. Bye Selina."
"Bye, Sam."
~o~o~
Meanwhile, the rest of the superheroes and their friends were putting their heads together to figure out what to do about Max Lord.
"He has to be stopped." That was Diana. She was pacing and extremely agitated.
"How?" Slam asked, even though he was not unfamiliar with Max Lord. The man had been under federal investigation since his Father had died under suspicious circumstances. It had finally been determined that it had indeed been a suicide.
Max had been extremely affected by his Father's death, which was understandable. He was in his late teens when his Father died. The company was thrown into complete disarray and had never fully recovered from it.
But Max, after finishing college, took full control of the business and turned it completely around into a profitable organization. His supercomputers were just the beginning. He truly did admire the superheroes and their abilities. Watching them from afar only intensified his need to know them better to understand how they ticked.
Diana glanced at Bruce. "I know someone who may be able to help us."
"Who?" Bruce asked.
She hesitated but only for a moment. "Steve."
~o~o~
Upstairs in Bruce's private living space:
While Clark was in the shower, Lois was in the outer area trying to remove the black soot and pieces of debris from his costume. "Clark, I don't think all of it will come out!"
Clark was now out of the shower, in a bathrobe, and toweling his hair. "I have a solution for it. It's in my bag. I'll get it later."
"Oh, why didn't you say so?" She asked and looked him over. "Are you sure you're Ok? That was quite a fall and the blast …"
"I'm fine, Lois." He looked her over. "So, tell me; why didn't you get on that plane?"
Staring at his costume, she replied, "I was in line at the gate, ticket in hand, but I couldn't do it. I turned and ran as fast as I could, then I jumped into a cab, and headed to the Tower."
He came closer. "What were you thinking?"
Her heart pounded as she stared at him. "What do you mean?"
He came closer, took the costume and set it aside. "You know what I mean."
"That's just it; I wasn't thinking. I just knew I had to be here; that's all."
He pulled her up and put his arms around her. Lois snuggled close and breathed him in. "I'm glad you're here," he whispered in her ear.
"Really?" Lois was surprised then she pulled away. "You're not angry."
He shook his head. "No, I'm not angry."
"But …"
He didn't let her finish then. He pulled her close and kissed her soundly. Lois kissed him back pulling him closer. After a minute, they came up for air. "What was that for?" Lois asked thrilled with his kisses.
"Well, for not leaving, for not listening to me just this once, but most of all, for loving me."
She pulled him close. "Loving you is pretty easy, Smallville."
"Yeah, easy," he deadpanned and kissed her again. A little while later, they returned to their friends and apparently; they had come up with a way to stop Max Lord.
Lois and Clark were excited and ready to take on the challenge.
~o~o~
An hour later, after hearing Diana's detailed and rather elaborate plan, everyone dispersed. Slam and Sam left together, while Lois and Clark headed to the hotel to retrieve his bag. She waited for him in the lobby, then they headed to the Planet offices to explain everything to Perry, well most of it anyway.
Diana, in disguise, headed to the mansion, while Bruce headed back to the Tower, to check in with Mr. Fox and to retrieve his bat mobile.
~o~o~
While in his car with his Father, Sam decided to tell him about Selina and how he felt about her. Slam was dumbfounded. "It's just a fling right?"
"No, Dad, it's serious."
"Serious? How do you mean serious? Did you …"
"I can't believe you're asking me that. I'm an adult, old enough to know what I want."
"Mistakes are not exclusive to children. Adults are the worst culprits in that area."
Sam sighed. "Selina and I haven't done anything."
"Look Sam, I've met her on numerous occasions and she's a bit … wild, if you know what I mean."
He frowned. "What are you talking about?"
"She has a past and it's not pretty."
"I don't want to hear it. It's in the past, and it doesn't matter to me."
"Well, it should."
Sam closed his eyes. "I wish I hadn't told you about her." He paused as he stared out the window. "You can drop me at my place."
Ten minutes later, Slam pulled up in front of Sam's apartment building. "Sam, I'm sorry. I don't want you to get hurt; that's all."
Sam understood. "I know it's a risk Dad, but I'm willing to take it." He tried to smile. "I'll see you later."
~o~o~
Once inside his apartment, he called Selina again. She picked up on the first ring. "Sam?"
"Yes, it's me," he sadly replied.
"What's wrong? Has something happened?" Selina was concerned.
"No, nothing has happened, but I really need to see you. Can I come over?"
"Of course you can. What about your other assignment?"
"That's over for now," he replied.
"Alright, I'll see you soon. Bye Sam."
"Bye, Selina." She hung up and smiled to herself.
"Sam is coming over?" Holly asked.
"Yes, and I …" She turned to her sister.
"Don't say another word. I guess I can leave for an hour or so."
"Only if you're completely covered up, then I guess it will be alright."
"Oh, I'll be covered up alright."
Selina frowned. "Are you talking about the cat suit?"
"Sure why not?"
"Holly, I don't know if that's such a good idea."
"Well, I'm certainly not going to sit around here and listen to … you know."
"No, Holly, Sam and I will go out. You stay inside. It's still not safe for you."
Holly knew she was right, but it was only a matter of time before her life would change forever. "I can be patient, but you can't. Am I right?" She smiled at her.
"No, I suppose I can't," Selina said and returned her smile.
~o~o~
Selina called Sam back, and they decided to meet at a discrete location. It wasn't far from the safe house. He was out of uniform as not to draw attention and then he saw her. He watched her leave the house. It was pretty late, almost ten o'clock. He followed her from a safe distance. She checked into a small boutique hotel. Once she checked in, she called him with the room number.
Selina's heart was beating so fast, she thought she was going to pass out. Closing her eyes, she approached the mirror, pulled out a brush from her bag and pulled it through her long black curls. She so wanted to cut her hair, but maybe she would. It was definitely time for a change.
She jumped when a knock came at the door. She pinched her cheeks then went to the door. She peeked through the peephole. It was him. She unlocked it and opened the door.
"Hey," he whispered feeling like an idiot on his first date.
He looked very attractive out of uniform. "Get in here!" She pulled his arm and then they were kissing each other deeply. They both sighed thrilled to be alone at least for a little while.
His lips flowed down her throat. Selina sighed, leaned back to give him better access, and then they were pulling at their clothes, undressing each other. Soon they were on the huge bed, each amazed and surprised at how right this felt.
His lips returned to hers again and again. Selina was burning up, but she had to tell him how she felt. She pulled his head up. "I saw what happened. You … you could have died."
He smoothed her hair away from her face. "I'm alright."
She lowered her eyes. "Maybe we should slow down."
"So you regret coming here to see me?" He didn't believe that.
She smoothed his hair away from his forehead. "No, I wanted to come. I needed to see you."
He pulled her close. "I needed to see you too." He paused as he stared at her lovely face. "I want us to work. I know it will be hard to change our lives, to move forward, to work hard and to trust each other were the first step, and I think we have that."
"I do trust you Sam." She smiled at him.
"I trust you too, Selina."
Her arms around his neck, she whispered provocatively, "Now where were we?"
His lips returned to her neck and then they went lower. "Right here," he whispered and pulled at her nipple pulling and sucking until Selina arched her back, the feeling incredible. "Oh, yes," she murmured trying to catch her breath. Her legs opened of their own accord. He couldn't resist that invitation and so he didn't. He touched her, and she was so wet, he had to take a shuddering breath to steady his breathing.
"So soft," he whispered in her ear. Continuing to kiss her, his fingers would not be still and then he slipped a long finger inside and moved it in and out but he had to taste her, and he did. "I wonder if the rest of you are this soft," he whispered and went on to prove his point. "I thought so," he whispered and kissed her entire body. He moved further down to the foot of the bed, went on to kiss and caress her until he was about to burst from wanting her.
Selina's lips were completely dry. She licked her lips and spread her legs open to him in every way. "I need you, please, Sam!"
"I'll be right back," he whispered and pulled his coat from the floor and slipped on a condom. It took a bit of time.
"Sam?" Selina opened her eyes, and she was above her. He kissed her deeply and then he was inside of her. It felt amazing.
"I'm here," he whispered and then he began to move in out body slowly. A new urgency crept through both of them, something that drew shuddering moans and made her body tighten around him.
"Yeah, that's it," he moaned loudly and closed his eyes. He pulled away, still inside of her then he moved her legs even wider and rubbed her clit to stimulate her. Then Selina did scream. He covered her mouth with his in a deep wet kiss, and her screams became moans of pleasure. Her arms pulled him closer and then it happened. She shuddered and came around him clutching him close.
A few minutes later, he pulled out and dumped the condom inside a tissue and placed it on the floor then he was back in her arms holding her close, her head on his chest.
"That was wonderful. I never want to leave you."
Selina thought that was a sweet thing to say. "I feel the same way."
Sam felt encouraged. "After the trial …" he began, but Selina stopped him. She touched his lips.
"We don't know what's going to happen. If the Falcones get off …?"
"They won't; please don't worry about that."
"But I do worry about Holly; how we're going to live our lives with this constant threat to our well-being, and …"
He smoothed and stroked her hair. "You have me, remember. I'll protect you."
"You are sweet, but you can't be with us all the time. You have a job and Holly and I both need to work and hopefully move on with our lives."
"I want to be there, Selina. I want to take care of you, but more than that, I want you to be happy. If you would give me the chance …?"
She pulled him closer. "Being here with you makes me very happy."
Sam was very pleased with that at least. He kissed her deeply then they made love again, slowly and sweetly. Soon though, it was time to go. A little while later, they left the hotel and went their separate ways.
Sam watched from afar as she entered the safe house, but he realized that Holly's room was dark. He hoped that she was asleep. It was late, close to midnight, but then he started to worry. He pulled out his cellphone. "Selina, is everything alright?"
Selina was upstairs in Holly's room. "No, Holly is missing and so is the cat suit."
"I'm coming over."
TBC!
~o~o~
Song Inspiration: Without You, Mariah Carey.
A/N(1): A quick note: I think I should say a few words about Steve and why he took that photograph. He certainly could not have known how much trouble it would cause. If it wasn't obvious, he made a terrible mistake out of jealousy and pain, and being human, he immediately regretted it. He's not infallible; he's human and he made a mistake, and it's not out of character to do stupid things. Selina's bogus calls to Washington were also stupid mistakes.
I write fictional characters as human, even the superhero ones. Sometimes people have blinders on when it comes to fictional characters, meaning: they're not like us; they don't make mistakes; they don't do stupid things and then regret it afterwards. Well, me personally, I don't see them that way; never have; never will.
At first I wanted to say goodbye to Steve, but we will see more of him. He needs to make up for what he had done. Going forward, please remember what I said about being human. Ok, that's about it.
A/N(2): Looking at this chapter, things certainly took a wild turn. The suicide bomber was chilling in my view. I wasn't sure at first about that, but it does tie into Max Lord and what he's capable of. Please tell me what you think. Thanks for reading everyone. Reviews and kudos are love!