Chapter 21

Clark descended from the sky into a world of chaos. A hail of sirens and flashing lights, some stationary, some just arriving the school and the area around it was a riot of lights and sound. He located Sam in a huddle with the lead police officer and bomb squad lieutenant.

Sam separated himself from the group. He nodded in greeting, his expression grave. "We have to stop meeting like this." He joked humorlessly.

"Is it a valid threat?" Clark asked his friend.

Sam ran a hand through his hair. "We don't know Superman. We haven't heard anything past the initial call. We don't know what will happen if we advance. But we can't just leave those people in there."

"Do you mind if I listen to the call?"

Sam nodded and escorted Clark to a large white van, he slide the side door open to reveal a mobile surveillance unit and a surprised group of technicians. Sam handed Clark a headset and gestured for the tech to play the call.

Clark was only partially relieved to not recognize the menacing voice. "….bomb is located somewhere inside the building. Await further instructions." The call had been quick so as not to be traced and lacking in any real information.

Sam handed the headset back to the tech and regarded him with apprehension. "We have no way of knowing if this is a hoax or not but we have school full of terrified kids that could really benefit from some x-ray vision Supes."

Clark nodded at Sam and took to the air, rising above the school like a sentinel, looking over every inch of the modest building. His eyes swept over each class room his gaze flickering across the heartbreaking image of face after terrified face. When he located Jason he saw him huddled next to a group of students his age against the back wall of the classroom, his little arm around a crying girl next to him.

Clark's heart swelled with relief. He was alright…for now… Everything in him wanted to sweep into the classroom and spirit Jason away to safety. Jason's face was turned up towards him, his eyes wide but surprisingly calm. Suddenly, through the gravel of the roof, Jason's line of sight met his and the boy wiggled his fingers slightly as if to wave.

Clark covered his shock and smiled back reassuringly, waving back. He tucked the revelation away for later, his eyes flying around the structure, looking for anything threatening. His vision peeled through the levels of mortar and cement like the layers of an onion.


Third floor. Nothing…
Second floor. Nothing…
First. Clark was beginning to feel hopeful until he peered into the basement level.

In the boiler room, a janitor laid unconscious chained to a small box. Connected by wire was a timer set to 30 seconds. It did not appear to be active. Clark strained his eyes to look inside the box. It held up under his gaze. Lead. A shred of worry crept into his mind. He brushed it away as he descended.

He landed softly next to Sam. "Anything?"

He nodded. "Boiler room. Lowest level. There's a janitor unconscious next to some kind of device encased in lead. They knew I'd be here. The kids seem to be ok for the moment. I don't see anyone posing a threat, but then, these kind of people rarely make themselves obvious." Clark turned to the hostage negotiator. "Any more calls?" The man shook his had.

"This is ridiculous." Sam paced in front of a police cruiser. "Who takes an entire school hostage with a bomb and then makes no demands?"

Lois appeared from behind a fire truck. "Either someone incredibly stupid, or someone we really need to worry about." Her eyes didn't meet Clark's. He both loved and cursed her for following him yet again into a dangerous situation. This time however, he couldn't say he didn't understand.

"Miss Lane. There really isn't time for an interview now." Sam put one hand gently on her elbow to escort her away.

"Chief-" Lois interrupted. "My son is in there." Her eyes pleaded with the man.

"I'm sorry Miss Lane." Sam said softly. "I can't have civilians this close to the building. If you'll please stay behind the barricade, I promise to have someone inform you of any developments."

Clark nodded in encouragement, his eyes advising Lois not to argue. He needed to think. Having one loved one in danger was bad enough.

Lois' gaze met his, her eyes saying everything she couldn't say aloud. Save him Clark.

His eyes held hers in a promise as she was escorted to the barricade.

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Across town a black Sudan parked inconspicuously beneath the shade of an elm tree. Artem pulled his glasses down over his eyes and made a brisk yet decidedly unhurried pace around the side of the house. His eyes scanned the neighborhood for signs of life. Deserted. There were no cars on the street and as he reached the backyard, he saw now signs that anyone was within sight of the dwelling.

He made his way up the walk to the back steps, his hands reaching into his pocket to produce a small metal tool. His hands were deft and experienced as he made short work of the lock. His footfalls made no sound as he crept through the kitchen into the hallway. He paused every few steps, listening, waiting. When the house around him kept it's silence, he ascended the welcoming stairs to the 2nd floor.

Artem placed his ear to each door he passed, before opening them to make sure they were empty. The house appeared to be deserted. He moved quickly through the house. He entered the last room in the hallway and closed the door behind him. Artem turned to survey his surroundings.

Model airplanes hung from the ceiling. The walls were peppered with pictures of planes and cartoon characters. A small bed was nestled against the wall between the bureau and the window. Above it, an air duct. He reached into his pocket. He opened the small box in his hand and slide a small vial from the case. He raised his leg to stand on the bed when his leg bumped into the humidifier on a small wooden stool.

Artem lowered his leg and smiled, the light from outside glinting off his glasses.

"Perfect."

He unstopped the vial cap.