Chapter 20 [Inside the Terminal –Twenty Minutes Earlier]

Even as the plane descended on its final approach toward the runway, the welcoming committee sat in Gate 2's waiting area. Knowing well the coffee's substandard coffee, Lex bought a round of cocoas for his companions. He'd been on the phone back to New York off and on all afternoon. He'd verified that the flight had taken off. He thanked Osborn for the tip and shared the information about the Duboises' reappearance. He'd even arranged for the rental car to be picked up at the farm.

Those kids don't need any more tragedy this week. He shook his head. He sucked in a deep breath. "How's the cocoa, Guys?"

"This is great. Thanks, Lex." Chloe typed away on her laptop. Every few minutes, her eyes flicked toward the window. "Wish you could've brought some coffee, Lana."

"Sorry, Chloe. We'll have some soon." Lana glanced at her watch. "Fifteen more minutes. Hope they're not late. I'm sure they're starving."

"Mom's got everything set at the farm. We'll be fine." Clark rubbed Lana's arm. "Everything will be great. Right, Lex?"

"If I have anything to say about it, Clark, absolutely." Lex walked over toward the window. His eyes scanned the late afternoon sky. "And if there's anyone who can wheel out the red carpet, it's your Mom and Dad."

"Thanks, Lex." Pride warmed Clark's heart. He smiled and tipped his cup to the billionaire.

"I'd hire your mother as an ambassador and a chef if she'd take the position. She knows that." Lex shrugged.

"I'd love to have her baking for the Talon. She'd be a gold mine for us," Lana added. She glanced toward Clark. A smile creased her lips.

"You know Mom will do what she can for everyone. Can't wait to see what she's cooking up!" Clark felt his mouth watering. Despite the earlier snack, Hunger stabbed at his stomach. When they checked in at the farm on the way there, Aroma intoxicated his nostrils with mustard-sweet goodness.

"I wish Jasmine could've had some. I know she'll meet us at the Talon later," Lana lamented.

"Her faith won't allow her to eat pork or ham. She sent her regrets," Lex explained.

Chloe shook her head. She closed her laptop. She walked toward the window. "They should be getting close."

Clark and Lana joined them there. Then she saw the plane break through the clouds.

"Is that them?" Lana checked her watch.

"That's them all right." Lex smiled. Just let them land, Mom. This will be great. You'll see…. He watched as the plane drew closer…ever closer…

And then a dark flash shone in the grass between asphalt runways.

The spectral woman laughed. FREE! AH'M BACK! She glinted toward the terminal. Her eyebrow narrowed. THE WEE ONES? YER SO BIG! She smirked.

"Wait. Did I just…? Wee ones?" Chloe gaped. "Who?"

"Dear God no!" Lex stared. He smacked a chair. "Not now! Not her!"

"Lex." Lana shivered. Familiarity called from distant place. "Why…I?"

"Clark, get the girls out of here," Lex directed. He pointed to the door. "JUST DO IT!"

"Lex, what is it?" Clark looked toward the woman in the grass.

"Not now." Lex fought to stay composed. He dialed the phone. "Come on! Pick up!" He watched the plane's wheels touch down and wheel toward the terminal.

The ghost's hands glowed char black. She tensed as if to do something. Then she stopped and scowled.

But Ah can, Witchie Poo! Puritan Boy had it comin'! Leave 'em! O ya'll git ME! a lower challenge growled in response.

"Another one?" Chloe rubbed her forehead. "Great! Now we're hearing voices!"

Lex pressed his face against the window. He scanned the entire area from the building to the plane. Then he spied Shadow slipping across the grass. It rose like an angry cobra. Crimson glowed where eyes should've been. "Thank God." Tears drenched his face. He clicked the still ringing cell shut in his hand.

"Lex, another ghost! We've got to do something!" Clark pushed.

"Clark, it's okay." Lex steadied himself.

NO, KAL-EL, DID I NOT TELL YOU TO TRUST? STAND YOUR GROUND, Jor-El instructed telepathically.

What? He spied the shadow creature. That's him?

A PART OF HIM. YES, Jor-El clarified.

Meanwhile, the female ghost narrowed her eyes. She hissed and spat like an angry cat. Then she melted away into the dusk.

The shadow creature turned toward the building. SAFE, LEXIE! WATCH 'EM! Then it disappeared as well.

"Who or what was that?" Chloe looked around. The hairs stood up on her neck. She shivered. "Lex, it was talking to you. What the Hell?"

"I'll explain later. Let's just make sure the crew and our guests are all right." Lex rushed toward the door. He pushed it open.

"Just be careful all right?" Clark told the girls. Then he led them after Lex. "Hey, Lex! Wait up!" Somehow he resisted sprinting at super speed. He watched Chloe rush out the door. He turned toward Lana.

Hesitation froze Lana in place. Her face paled. She trembled. "Clark, I…I know that woman!"

"You do? How? Where?" He puzzled through her response. As far as he knew, Smallville did not have paranormal activity.

"I…I don't know! I…I just…" Lana ground her teeth. She leaned against the wall. "We should be checking on them. I'm sorry, Clark. I…."

"Hey! Hey! It's all right!" Clark held her against himself. "That ghost's gone. Something scared it off. You're safe now."

Lana sucked in several pained breaths. Emotions buffeted her yet from a fog. Memoria sent shockwaves but no clear images. "I know, Clark. Thanks." She looked up into his eyes. "We should get out there. Raincheck?"

"Try and stop me." Clark took her hand and led her out to where the others were talking. "Everything all right out here?"

Lex nodded. "Hey, Clark. Give me a hand." He headed toward where Peter and Gwen's suitcases were being offloaded.

"Sure!" Clark composed himself. Under the circumstances, he forced the best smile. "Hi. Sorry about the…well stuff…" He shook his head. "Clark Kent. Pleased to meet you."

"Thanks, Clark. I'm Peter Parker. This is my fiancée, Gwen Stacy. Do you get a lot of ghosts showing up?" Peter shook his hand.

"Uh no. This is a first for us." Clark scratched his head. "Miss Stacy, great to meet you."

"It's Gwen, Clark. Thanks." Gwen shook his hand as well. "Lot of farms around here."

"Yeah we're mostly a farming town. Lex is building up a lot of industry." Clark motioned back to their host.

"We offer the best of both worlds. "Support for the enterprising. Materials and means to finish projects. The quiet countryside for mediation and contemplation if that's what how one works." Lex smiled. "Speaking of support for the enterprising, Clark's Mom has dinner waiting for us. Everything else going all right? How did your aunt respond to the news, Peter?"

"She was really happy for us." Peter rolled her eyes. "She and Mrs. Watson are already planning things out."

"Excellent!" Lex picked up a suitcase. Seeing that Clark had the other two, he led everyone back into the terminal. He hoped that the events in general would put the evening in a better mood. But, as soon as the opportunity arose, he'd chew his father out (for all the good that would do him).

Life had its interesting twists….