Disclaimer: see Chapter 1.
A/N: A huge thank you for your constant reviewing of this story.
Here's a new three-part installment. We're reaching the climax of this fic, so get ready for the next and final posting.
Enjoy the beginning of the end, then. And don't forget to review once you're done reading.
CHAPTER 25: The Swiss Connection
Lois arrived in Gotham fifty-five minutes after the chopper left The Daily Planet helipad. Lex was already waiting for her, and suggested holding their conversation elsewhere- he did not want Wayne's cameras or hidden bugs to register their talk. Therefore, they walked to a small café two blocks away.
" Marcus Becker ? Your sister'll never learn what's best, " stated Lex with a frown.
" Listen. I know Lucy owes you $50 000 and a sportscar, Lex. "
" Only $50 000. I got the car back. She abandoned it and ran away with the Bearer Bonds. To tell you the truth, I had already forgotten them. "
" Well, the advantages of being a stinking billionaire, I suppose. "
" You mentioned something about a matter that concerns both our families. So far, I don't see the connection. "
" Chloe came across some disturbing e-mails between my little sister and your little brother. She said they were written in code, which makes things more intriguing. "
" Your sister had a penchant for high stakes just as my brother, and you said she was seen with Marcus Becker on several occasions. "
" Right, but there's something else, Lex. I did some research before flying here. The German Crime Syndicate Becker's still associated with is under investigation for being allegedly involved in an international gem smuggling racket of high proportions. "
" Gems ? "
" Yes, gems, Luthor. Precious stones."
" Pick up your coat and purse. We'll see Chloe, " said Lex, standing up and leaving enough money to pay the bill and cover the tip.
Fifteen minutes later, Lex and a dizzy Lois parked in front of Chloe's block of flats.
" My God, Luthor. I wonder how you've managed to keep your driving licence this long. Your brain'll end up plastered on a wall one of these days, " she said, unfastening her seat belt and grabbing the door handle.
" Wait a minute, Lois, " murmured Lex, looking into the rear mirror. " Stay here. I'll be right back, " he said, opening the driver's door and walking towards a grey car parked a few metres behind.
Lex approached the grey Ford carefully and knocked on the passenger's window to call the driver's attention, but he got no response. Alerted by the man's immobility, he walked to the other side and broke the window with his elbow in order to unlock the door. The bodyguard had a deep wound in his splint. Lex placed two fingers on his neck to check the pulse; he was dead.
" Hey, Luthor ! Who's that man ? " asked Lois, coming closer. " Hey ! Where are you going ? " she added, running after Lex, who rushed into Chloe's bulding with a heavy heart.
" That man was one of my paid bodyguards, Lois, " answered Lex, climbing the steps two at a time. " God ! " he exclaimed, eying the other security man lying in the corridor. " He's dead, too, " he stated before hastening to Chloe's apartment.
" Cuz ! Are you there ? " shouted Lois, craning her neck above Lex's shoulder.
" Chloe, where are you ? " asked a nervous Lex, scanning the apartment. " Chloe ! " he shouted when he spotted the young woman lying on the floor next to her bed." Chloe, wake up ! " he entreated her.
" Here ! " said Lois, splashing cold water on her cousin's face.
" Chloe, are you OK ? " asked Lex, glaring at Lois.
" What ? It's worked, hasn't it ? " blurted Lois.
" A man turned up. He broke the lock and entered while I was having a nap, " explained a flustered Chloe.
" We have to get you to hospital, Chloe, "interrupted Lex, helping her stand up.
" No, no. I'm perfectly fine, Lex, " she said, sitting on the bed.
" Did he touch you, Chloe ? "
" He grabbed me and shook me. He said they wanted their money back. I told him I didn't know where it was, but he said he didn't believe me because my husband and my cousin, Lucy Lane, were together in this, " answered Chloe, looking at both Lex and Lois. " He said he'd give me forty-eight hours or he'd show me what real pain was like, " she added, swallowing nervously.
" He won't touch a hair on your head if I have some say in the matter, " he calmed her down, sitting next to her and wrapping an arm aroud her shoulders.
" Lois, Lucy was Lucas' contact in Switzerland. He didn't seek her out. The men she owes money to provided the Chinese mob with her name, and the people at ' Yang ' slipped her e-mail to my husband. They used them to launder the money they obtain from racketeering. Lucy was the one in charge of making the deposits in the Swiss accounts once the money was laundered, " explained Chloe.
" Money laundering ? The General's going to set up a firing squad this time, " stated Lois with a scowl.
" What are you doing, Lex ? " asked Chloe when she saw him dial a number on his mobile phone.
" Calling Gordon, Chloe. The two men I'd left to protect you are dead, and you've been assaulted at home. I'm taking you to Bruce's. You can't stay in this apartment any longer. Pack up a suitcase. Lois, could you give her a hand ? I have to make another phone call. "
" Sure. Come on, cuz, " said Lois, fetching the case and putting it on the bed.
" Hurry up, girls. We'll make a stop at the hospital before going to Bruce's . "
" I've told you I'm fine, Lex, " answered Chloe stubbornly.
" Don't argue with me this time, Chloe. "
" I'm sorry. "
" It's all right, dear. Everything'll be over soon, I promise. "
" I'm sorry for everything. For Lucas... and the things that I said..., " she interrupted herself.
" Go, Chloe, " he responded, boring his eyes into her. " You're not to blame for anything, " he said to Chloe's back.
" Wayne ? It's Lex. Listen, I'm taking Chloe to your place. There's been a break-in and both my bodyguards are dead. The Chinese mob have sent someone to scare her away. They've given us forty-eight hours. We've got to talk my friend.
Lucas and Lucy got themselves in real trouble didn't they ? This isn't over folks, go to chapter 26.