Chapter 91 [Smallville High—About an Hour and a Half Later]

Chloe parked her car in the assigned space. Her mind struggled to take in the previous day's events. Spider-Man's near death at the hands of their stalker. The Arabian warrior (whoever she was) taking cuts at that creature. The realization that the Talon's folklore was true. A fiery demon drove their stalker from the scene.

Or that her best friend…her not so secret crush…Clark Kent could trump any of Smallville's metahumans. She saw incredible speed and strength in that hallway. She watched him shrug off being thrown into a concrete wall and not suffer a scratch.

That was a true headline…and one she'd never even consider a thought toward.

I'll never be the iceberg to your Titanic, Clark. She shook her head. There are things more important than headlines. No wonder Lionel wanted that info so badly! She got out of the car and headed toward the school itself. She swung the door open and stopped cold.

Reynolds surveyed the hallway. His eye inspected the passage. Curiosity raised over not finding any damage or flotsam anywhere. He frowned. Dislike over not getting to the core of a mystery ate at him. He noticed her. "Miss Sullivan, a moment please."

Anxiety stiffened her. "Sure. Good morning, Mr. Reynolds. What's going on?"

"You were here after school yesterday. Were you not?" He watched her body language and face as he asked the question.

"I was. Pete Ross and I finished some work in the Torch. Clark and Lana left before us." Chloe shrugged.

"And you didn't hear anything or see anything?" His lip curled. "One of our interns was attacked. There's no trace of anything. There are no suspects."

"Really? We didn't hear anything." She somehow kept a straight face in her lies.

"If you do hear anything, you will let me know. As it is, Mr. Parker's in bed for at least a week. Terrible shame." He cleared his throat.

"I have some good news if you'd like to hear it." She managed an anxious smile. "I have another article in the Daily Planet. The story I worked on about Princess Jasmine and the Daily Bugle stock purchase got their attention. They published it this morning."

"That is most wonderful indeed! Normally I would not want you to neglect the Torch. Given the internships' difficulties, I am glad that something goes well. I would offer a suggestion. If you are going to work with the Daily Planet perhaps you might wish to name an Assistant Editor? I want there to be a paper. Do we understand each other?" He raised an eyebrow.

"Of course, Sir." She nodded.

"Excellent! I shall have to look for your article. Congratulations! Keep up the good work." He shook her hand. Then he headed back for the office.

How did this hall get so clean? She raised an eyebrow over that observation. She headed toward the Torch. Her lips touched the tankard's edge. Coffee warmed her insides and got her ready to go.

Another day coming. School she was ready for. Secrets not so much.

Clark, I sure don't envy you. I'll do what I can to help Lana and you….