Chapter 79 [Ledger Archives—Half an Hour Earlier]
Peter walked into the Smallville Ledger's front office. He hadn't known what to expect from the small-town newspaper. He noticed a few cubicles to his left. A heavy set red headed woman in a beige sweater droned away on the phone. It's not the Bugle but it must work for Smallville.
She hung up the phone. "Yes, Sir! Can I help you?"
"Yes. Good morning. I'm Peter Parker. I have an appointment to use your archives?" he introduced.
"Mr. Parker from the Daily Bugle! Yes indeed! Mr. Luthor said you'd be coming!' Right this way!" She guided him around her desk and through the door directly in back of herself. "How's your time here been so far?"
"My fiancée and I really like everyone." He surveyed the ancient brick-lined passage. "Just curious. How long have you all been publishing?"
"The Ledger's been Smallville's hometown paper since 1895! Our records go back all the way!" She unlocked a door to their left. Her stubby fingers flicked a light switch.
He observed a couple of microfilm reader-printers about a foot away and to his left against the wall. Four cabinets sat against the right wall. An old faded oak table sat in the room's center. A chipped chair sat at its side. Guess they haven't digitized yet. "So this is old school?"
"Indeed so. We don't get much call for our archives." She handed him a white plastic card. "Princess Jasmine's paying for your copies. That's so nice of her!" She pulled a red bound book from the shelf over the readers. "This is the index for 1981." Beside it she placed a purple bound book. "And that's 1982."
Considering she'll be my boss really soon, yeah it is. He scratched his head. "It certainly is. I think I've got this. Thanks for getting me those indices. If I need help, can I come and ask?"
"Of course!" She pulled the filing cabinet's middle drawer open. "Let's see there's 1981 and 1982. That was a really big deal I have to say."
"Really? You saw it? The standoff?" He rubbed his chin.
She shrugged. "Everyone in town did. Sorry, Mr. Parker. I'd have to get Mr. Reeves' permission to talk any further. Good luck though!" She hustled from the room.
So much for cooperation. I'll have to speak with that Mr. Reeves. He took out his notebook. Start with late November and work forward. He set November's roll into the reader/printer. Then he looked up Lionel's name. "Start with November 16th."
And with that, he set to work…..
[2:30 PM]
Peter rubbed his forehead. Exhaustion wore on his eyes. Still articles peppered the late November film. The Talon story dominated December's headlines. Dubois' story extended into January. He'd printed off every relevant page. "This is going to take a while."
A knock came from the door.
Lex peered into the room. "How's the research? Just checking on you."
"Mr. Dubois was popular." Peter set two reams worth of copies on the table. "I'll have to apologize to Jasmine about the copies."
"She was well aware of how much it would be." Lex nodded. "You've had a great day. I'm sure Chloe and you will do a great job on it."
"I can get some interviews too. Lex, can you talk to Mr. Reeves for me? The receptionist said she remembered the standoff. She needed permission?"
"Sure. No problem. Why don't you pack up? Gwen's waiting at the Talon." Lex motioned toward the door.
"She's done already?" Peter checked his watch. "Wow! The day just flew by!"
"It does that when you're busy. She'll be happy for you. Come on." Lex put a shallow box on the table. "Let's get your copies packed up. Then we can get some coffee."
Peter's stomach rumbled. Hunger spoke its mind.
"And you didn't eat?" Lex shook his head. "We'll get you something. The receptionist will put the microfilm back. Come on."
Great. Way to make an impression, Parker! Peter put the indices back in their proper places. Then he made sure he had everything before following Lex out.
Seems that he had let things go even if he was being productive….
