21. Schemes
"These are not the results we discussed," Lex spoke precisely, his mobile phone pressed to his ear. The man on the other end made some excuse and Lex's neck coiled like a snake ready to strike.
"I don't care about complications," Lex interrupted. "For what I pay you I expect you to gloss over complications. Now if I don't have Carter Hogan's research on the New Death Project on my desk before tomorrow you'll be the one on the examination table next time."
Lex snapped the phone shut and tossed it on his glass topped desk. Leaning back in his office chair, Lex picked up the remote to his left and pointed it at a panel in the library wall. The panel swung upward and from out behind it nine mounted screens slid forward with an expensive mechanical hiss.
With the press of a button, all nine screens lit up with views from inside his house. Lex switched over to the exterior of his home. Security guards were stationed at every entrance and four manned the front gate where at this moment a maroon SUV pulled up front. Watching Lana step out and greet the men, Lex stood himself, smoothing his designer clothes. Another press of a button and the whole display disappeared again like it never was there.
Lex strolled to a mirrored window and observed his reflection. He ran a hand over his bare head and wondered, fleetingly, what he would look like with the thick, vibrant red hair of his childhood. Ah, well. You can't ever go back, must always keep going forward.
The double doors to the library swung open and Lana Lang came waltzing in.
"Lana," Lex greeted in his perfectly schooled voice. "What brings you to Smallville?"
"Impromptu Girls' Night at the Talon after Lois and I dropped Chloe off with the Kents'. I'm heading back to the city now and wanted to drop by and say hello while I was still in the neighborhood," Lana answered.
Without turning from the mirror, Lex asked, "Is that really all you came by for? I'm flattered."
"Lex, I-," Lana began. She knew he was upset she'd ignored him for the past few weeks. She had more to worry about than his bruised ego. Like the fact that she and Clark's relationship was almost extinct.
"You don't have to apologize," Lex told her, finally turning from the mirror. "You've been busy. I just thought you'd want the information you requested."
"Oh, Lex! I am so sorry! Clark and Pete found Chloe so fast I forgot to call you. What did you find out?" Lana asked, perching herself on his Italian leather loveseat. When Pete and Clark left her alone in her dorm room, Lana called Lex to see if he could run down as much information on Carter Hogan as soon as possible.
"Nothing outstanding. Just your run of the mill med student who got too caught up in his experiments. How is Chloe?" Lex joined Lana on the sofa, handing her a bottle of Perrier he kept with his scotch at the mini bar.
"She's doing well. The doctors predict a full recovery. She's been put on semi-bed rest for two months and spending the time out on the Farm with Clark," Lana told him. Lex noted the way she held herself and knew instantly Chloe's presence on the farm troubled her.
"And I take it you are less than thrilled about that?" Lex commented.
"You know, I'm sorry, Lex. I know Clark and I aren't your favorite subject and to be truthful, even I'm tired of sounding like a broken record," Lana said after a swig from the cool green bottle.
"Lana, you know you can talk to me about anything. I like to think we've become close," Lex replied as he patted Lana's shoulder.
Lex walked Lana to her car three hours later.
"As always, thanks, Lex. I'll see you next week." Lana hugged him and then drove away.
Lex walked back to his library, the spacious Scottish mansion feeling suddenly empty and cold.
Not for long, Lex thought as he took his place in his office chair again. He flipped open his laptop and pulled up a video feed.
The grainy forms of Carter Hogan and Chloe Sullivan were visible. Out of nowhere, Clark Kent appeared, like Lex knew he would. And then his plan began to unravel. He had been so sure he would see the something odd about Clark if he kept his eyes open long enough. But all he saw was Clark Kent crumple to the ground when he'd been stabbed and then little Chloe drag him into a room off the hall.
Lex covered his mouth with a hand, thinking. He was so sure he would find it in that video. Maybe his next scheme would prove to more enlightening. The phone to his side beeped and he pressed the speaker button.
"Yes?" He barked.
"The woman is here," a disembodied voice informed.
Lex smiled devilishly. "Send her in."