Chapter 60 [Onboard Lex's Plane—An Hour Later]

As it streaked eastward, Activity buzzed about the plane. Lex reviewed the latest projections on his computer screen. Gwen and Jasmine talked off to the side. Connors and Gabe Sullivan slumbered albeit unsoundly.

Chloe gulped from her tankard. Caffeine tugged her focus back to the matter at hand. She'd finished prepping Lana's piece just an hour before. Despite the brewing confrontation, she didn't want to go into the Bugle's bullpen without a few potential story ideas. She noticed Peter looking out the window. "Lot on your mind, Mr. Parker?"

Peter stared out the window. Sol burnished the clouds in rouges and oranges. Shapes and Columns grabbed onto his attention. Priorities pulled at his mind. Studies pressed. Bugle demanded more than he thought appropriate. Marriage struggled to become primary.

And then there was Spider-Man…and the past….

…literally speaking…the historical past….

That creep was supposed to be dead! So how did it come back? How could it be possible? Peter rubbed his forehead.

"Mr. Parker? Are you all right?" Chloe put her hand on his forearm. "What is it?"

He shook his head. "Just a lot of things to think about. What were we talking about?"

"Story ideas for the Daily Bugle." Chloe considered him warily. "We don't want to walk in on Mr. Jameson without them."

"Good point." He brought out a manila envelope. "I had these developed yesterday."

Chloe looked over each picture. She recognized aspects of the café area. "You got some of it. You missed the old theater in the back." She frowned. "What's with the front window?"

"Ask Mr. Luthor. That's where Mr. Dubois crashed through during the riot." Peter took the pictures back. "When we get back, maybe you can show me?"

"But of course! I'd be delighted!" Chloe made notes to do so in that regard. "So what else can we think about?"

"The community relations workshops. Then maybe a series on the Talon's history? We can keep Mr. Dubois to that." Peter mulled over the deeper implications.

"But people want to know why though. That's what got Mr. Jameson pushing." Chloe scribbled some notes to herself. "Since you know Spider-Man, has he told you about the stuff that's going on?"

"I don't know the ghosts. He did tell me a little about the head of their coven. There's nothing we can print though,' Peter replied albeit cryptically.

"It would make great copy though! Maybe we can find that old village and…." Chloe started.

"No, Chloe. We're not going there under any circumstances." Lex shut his laptop. "I know you're looking for the story behind it. There are some Pandora Boxes you just don't open. This is one of them. Mr. Dubois and Lana's mother researched it. Before that, his father and mine found that place. You're right. Jameson does want to know. I'm shutting him down. You will not under any circumstances bring those things up." He saw his cell phone buzzing. "Lex Luthor."

"Hey, Lex. We kind of had some trouble here," Clark announced.

"Really? What's going on, Clark?" Lex frowned. "Anything since last night?"

"I was doing chores early this morning. Lana stopped by to help before her shift. Her scar started glowing. Then I felt something. I got us into the house. We saw this really large silhouette by the barn. It was laughing at us. It had these two glowing eyes."

Lex ground his teeth. "You did the right thing, Clark. Are Lana, your folks and you all right?"

"We're fine. Whatever it was, it vanished with the daylight. Mom asked Lana and Miranda to stay with us at least until you get back. I'll drive them back here after the Talon closes," Clark told him.

"Good man. You be careful. Thanks for the heads up. Best to everyone." Lex disconnected the call.

"The Rider showed up there. Didn't he?" Peter supposed.

"Yeah. That was Clark Kent. Our Puritan friend showed up early this morning to get a look at Clark and Lana." Lex exhaled. "I hate to do this, Peter. Can Gwen and you get your marriage certificate today? We'll still do dinner tonight. Then we'll fly back early tomorrow?"

"As long as Gwen and I can talk to Aunt May and our friends. We'll be at Gwen's house tonight. I have to get everything I need for the rest of the time with you folks." Peter stood. "I need to talk with Gwen. Excuse me." He headed over toward his fiancée.

"Is he all right, Lex? He's been so out of it since we took off," Chloe wondered.

"That man has a lot on his mind. Keep in mind they lost her father last week. Then she had a close call in the Talon and in my dining room the next morning. They ran into another potential threat yesterday. He knows full well about what Clark and Lana ran into at the farm this morning. And he's bracing for Jameson after we land. Then there's the marriage prep. She's not going to be able to do the dress shopping that she wanted to do." Lex chased those notions down with a mouthful of coffee. "Maybe give him some space? Just my two cents." He walked back toward his seat.

Wow. Chloe considered her list of ideas again. Suddenly the news didn't seem all that important anymore…..