Chapter 99 [Talon—About Ten Minutes Later]
Lana rushed about the bustling café. She brought out coffees, handled refills and checked on the customers' needs. She wiped tables and chairs. She helped with order preparation whenever possible. She jumped on the phone to get a secondary order sent from the supplier in Granville.
Mad house was a grotesque understatement.
As the line abated somewhat for the moment, she drank a mouthful of water. She still wondered about the strange sensation she felt from Clark. It seemed he was pushing everything (including her) away.
When it happened again, Panic and Concern prompted her to push back. She got his attention. Everything seemed normal again.
What was Clark doing? I know he seemed fine yesterday. I'd like to know how he did it! Lana noticed the crowd starting to thin out. Maybe we might get a break now. As much as the money's nice, I like the sanity break too. She noticed the boyfriend in question coming through the door.
Clark headed toward the counter. The run over from the farm cleared his head. Lex's advice helped to put his mind at ease. It was a good conscious first attempt. I'll get there. He saw the mugs, plates and trash on some of the empty tables. Some people. Honestly! He shook his head.
"Hi, Clark. What's going on?" Miranda met him at the register. "Everything all right?"
"Sure. I just had a project at the farm this morning. I got off to a good start. Kind of fell short though." He ran his hand across the back of his neck. "Maybe I can get a coffee and some banana bread?"
"Absolutely. Hey. Maybe you can do me a favor?" Miranda glanced at Lana. "Sara and Melanie called in. We're really behind in clearing tables. Maybe you could pitch in?"
"Sure." He tied an apron on. He grabbed a bin from the back. Slowly he collected plates, mugs and silverware from the tables. He brought them to the back sink. Then he'd head back out for another run. He made four such trips. Each time he
Meantime Miranda managed to spray down the bussed tables. Her rag wiped away the remaining dirt and germs.
Lana hung the phone up. She saw Miranda finishing the last vacant table out front. Clark was nowhere to be seen although his aura was very close by. She heard water running in the back sink. What the Hell? She crept to the door and peered into the work room.
A blur washed, wiped and set the collected items in the strainer at super speed. Within seconds, his hand shut the water off. He wiped the last mug. He grinned. "Miranda asked for a hand. Figured you could use it."
"This is great." Lana shook her head. Awe widened her eyes. "Is this what you do for your Mom?"
"Every night pretty much." He shrugged. "You okay?"
"Just stressed. It's been real crazy. You're a lifesaver." Her eyes sparkled into his. "You want something. It's on the house in return for this."
"I asked for some banana bread and a coffee. Kind of had to celebrate something. Well something I tried anyway." He wiped his hands on a towel and set it on the pile.
"Okay, Clark. What were you up to?" Lana folded her arms across her chest. "I felt you pushing me away through our thing you know?"
He sighed. "I was focusing. I had to clear my head and mind."
"For what? I get that you were pushing the bad energy out of your mind and heart on Thursday. What happened this morning? Are you all right?"
"I'm fine. At least it helped my fear of heights." He rolled his eyes. "I fell into the manure pile from way up."
"Way up? Like how far up? Clark, you didn't try something stupid. Did you?" She glanced around to make sure nobody was overhearing their conversation.
"No." He smiled. I was flying…well floating like a dandelion fuzz… You kind of broke my concentration. I fell and hit the manure. Lex kind of saw the whole thing. He shrugged. He was teasing me about the landing.
She giggled. "Sorry. Clark." Amusement streaked her cheeks red. "I wish I could've seen it. Still that's great! This definitely merits that treat. Come on." She led him back out toward the counter. "Where did everyone go?"
"They just cleared out. I'm not arguing, Boss." Miranda sighed. "We can get the dishwasher loaded and…"
"Already done." He grinned.
"Already…?" She muttered a few Japanese words. "Wow." She reached under the warmer. "I barely had time to put this there for you. Seriously, Clark. Thanks." She exhaled sharply. "So what were you up to? You had the Boss worried."
"I had something to work out. It's okay. I'll get there." He carried the mug and warmed plate to a table. "I can't believe you were alone like this."
"It happens." Lana shrugged. "Sara's mother is at the medical center. I don't know where the other girl is." She drank from her mug. "At least I know you're okay. I was worried."
"I appreciate that. You just caused me one of my less than graceful moments." He saw Miranda listening in. "I fell face first into the manure pile."
Miranda nearly choked on her coffee. "You what? I…I'm sorry, Clark. I'm definitely going to need to ask Mr. Luthor about that."
"Sure, Miranda." He frowned. Of course he knew she wasn't making fun of him par se. Imagination replayed a likely image of how he must've looked in that moment. There was a comical element once Embarrassment's veneer was passed.
"At least you're trying, Clark. That's what's important." Lana's lips whispered Amor's best regards across his cheek. Her eyes sparkled into his. She squeezed his hand. "Thank you."
"Always for you." He grinned back at her.
Miranda shook her head. She headed back for the counter before she'd make some wisecrack or ill-advised statement. Jealousy needled her. Some day, Miri. You'll be able to tell that person. Some day.
At that moment, Jasmine and Gwen walked in. Good spirits guided their conversation. They made a beeline for the counter.
"Hey!" Miranda felt her spirits lighten. "How was the bridal shop?"
"Mrs. Flanagan works her magic on Gwen's wedding dress. I provided a few enhancements." Jasmine assessed with a spreading smile.
"Enhancements? Jasmine, you're being way too kind! Where'd you get that silk?" Gwen shook her head. "She came up with enough for a new train and skirt! I can't…."
"One thing about Jasmine, she seems to come up with materials like that." Miranda took her pad out. "Your usuals?"
"I'd like one of your Uncle's mochas, Miranda. Maybe a piece of gingerbread to go with it?" Gwen requested.
"I'll do my usual." Jasmine looked their friends over. "Are you all right?"
"It's been crazy in here," Lana interjected. "Clark helped us get everything cleaned up out here."
"I'm not surprised. You're always right there, Clark. That's so awesome!" Gwen complimented.
"I just try to pitch in," Clark deflected. "Just glad to help out." He smiled toward Lana.
"That's great, Clark." Lana rubbed his arm. "Seriously, Jasmine, that's really great that you could find silk like that here. When did you go to Metropolis?"
"Last week. I bought enough material for those things. It is quite a small thing for happiness." Jasmine looked toward Miranda.
Miranda turned to the coffee press. She knew of course that Jasmine probably transmuted cloth or wool. Still Pretext and Secrecy demanded the story and lie. "We'll have those drinks right out for you both."
Gwen pulled a twenty out. "I'm getting this at least." She handed it to Miranda. "Make sure you take a good tip for yourself."
"Thanks." Miranda counted out her change. Then she held back two dollars and handed the rest back to Gwen. "There you are. Be right out."
"Mind if we join you?" Lana asked.
"As if?" Gwen motioned toward the empty seats. "Please!"
"Thanks. We…." Lana stared at the door. Miri! Back room now! I've got this! She hustled toward the front. "Clark."
"Right." He followed his girlfriend toward the counter.
A slender Asian man slipped into the café. Severity marked his dark suit and cropped hair. Threat glinted through narrowed eyes. His mouth stretched in a tight line.
Jasmine glared at the man. "Doitashimashite." "You are not welcome here." Her eyes met his. Her body language shifted from casual to first position in a heartbeat.
"I am thirsty. I wish to see my daughter." The man rolled his eyes. "You will move."
"I will not, Baka." She followed the other's lead and kept the conversation in English. "Miranda is not your daughter. She is of age to say no."
"I am her only family." Crimson glowed in his eyes.
"Does he mean Miranda? That's not true….That's…" Gwen shivered.
He sniggered. "The others are dead. I…." His eyes narrowed to slits.
Lana marched up to him. She came out with a sign saying in big red letters. "WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REFUSE SERVICE."
"That is not very nice, Miss Lang. I could take exception!" Sarcasm twisted his face into a cold smile.
"Mr. Arighatto, I could call Sheriff Adams. Perhaps you'd like to talk with her about how Miranda ended up with you?" Lana forced herself to stand stock still. She set her jaw.
"She asked you to leave, Sir. I think you should." Clark stepped to Lana's side.
"Clark Kent. Why am I not surprised?" Arighatto raised an eyebrow. "Should you not be shoveling manure? Or perhaps I should tell people what you were really doing this morning? That was a most curious sight." He smirked. "To see a young man fly."
"Fly?" Gwen frowned. She considered the intruder and then Clark.
"There is not a lot that escapes me in this town, Miss Stacy. I know about your friend as well. He is quite interesting." Arighatto rubbed his chin.
"Then you know, Mr. Arighatto, that certain people wouldn't like you spying on my folks or me." Clark stood his ground. "And if you try to force Miranda from here, he'll stop you."
"What goes through that alien mind of yours, Mr. Kent? I would like to see you try and stop me." Arighatto considered the blade in his hand.
Lana felt her hand itching again. She rammed it in her pocket.
"Something troubling you? That…I…" Disgust and Realization bit into his resolve.
She's feelin' mah charm. Ah'd whoop ya if ya tried! The Child stalked out of the theater.
Arighatto scowled. "I should have known you survived!"
"Yeah Ah did. Git 'way from 'em!" The Child sniffed. Emerald glowed in his open eye to match his own scar. Ebon sparks danced over his fingertips. "This ain't 'fore. Ah'm ready."
"I'll take my daughter!" Arighatto insisted. He floated and rammed up against the wall.
"SHE AIN'T YER ANYTHIN'! YA KILLED OUR FAMILY! OUR FRIENDS!" The Child frowned. "Our time's comin'. Na' in front of them kiddies!" He flicked his fingers.
Arighatto slid down the floor.
"Ah can deal w' Puritan Boy. Don' bring Painty Face 'ere, Buttwipe. Ah got me someone real close. She wants a piece of 'is sorry ass!" The Child glowered. A snarl escaped his lips. "Don' make me move ya."
Arighatto shrugged. He resheathed the kitana. "I shall look forward to our next meeting. Do tell the doctor I shall come to call. Will you? Give my regards to Alexander." He yelled, "I WILL BE BACK, MIRANDA!"
The Child got right up into his face. "Nex' time won' be so nice. NOW GIT!"
"You heard him." Jasmine stepped to the Dark One's side. "Let us not make a bigger scene."
"Princess, I will enjoy killing you." Arighatto coughed. He turned and departed.
"That was intense and scary! Who was that?" Gwen looked to the Child. Instead of her fellow guest at the mansion, the surly scowling savior from the previous week squinted back at her. Fear quaked inside of her heart.
"Ain't gonna hurt ya." The Child kicked at the floor. He sulked up to the counter. "MIRI-MA!"
Miranda stormed out of the back+. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING? HE'LL BE TRYING TO KILL AUNTIE AND YOU NOW!" She started a drink.
"He ain't takin' ya. An' don' yell at me, Short Stuff." The Dark One smacked his hand on the counter. "AH AIN'T LOSIN' YA, 'GAIN!"
Miranda pulled out a samurai sword. "I YELL BECAUSE I LOVE YOU! OKAY?" She waved it in the air. "Yeah. I keep it in case we get any rowdies."
"You have a sword back there?" Gwen mused over that in her head. She'd heard of guns, pepper spray or even a club. A samurai sword? Not so much.
"She's a tenth degree black belt." Lana sighed.
"You have a black belt like that? And you're in the back?" Gwen gulped from her coffee trying to wash that notion down.
"Overprotective uncle." Miranda narrowed her eyes at the Child. "I know exactly what that creep is. And yes I know about his inner demon too." She motioned toward him. "The one he called 'Painty Face'." She mixed cocoa into the coffee and added a cherry shot. She topped it with whipped cream.
"Thanks." The Child took a draught from the cup.
"Don't mention it." Miranda rubbed him on the arm. "Now we're going to have to put protection on Auntie and you."
"She's got pr'tection. An' Ah'm ready fer 'im this time. Puritan Boy's bro did somethin' 'fore. Now Ah'm me." The Child slapped his hand on the counter. "An' ya're ya'll."
"That goes for us too, Miri." Lana came up to the counter. "I'm sorry."
"Yeah well…crap happens." The Child wheeled around toward Clark. "An' don' be gettin' no ideas, BOY! Painty Face'll kill ya!"
"Let him stay away from the farm. I'm not letting him near my folks." Clark stood next to Lana.
"Listen to him, Clark. He will kill you out of spite." Jasmine assessed.
"And what is it that you can do, Clark? Why did he claim to see you fly?" Gwen demanded.
"I'd like to know that myself." Miranda raised an eyebrow. "Jas? You know something."
"Do not ask me. I've vowed certain things to secrecy." Jasmine pulled out her cell phone and dialed it. "Miri, he and I are staying for the afternoon. Alex?"
"Jasmine, what's going on? I thought you'd be at the Talon for another hour yet." Lex checked his watch.
"Arighatto came in to threaten Miranda. He was watching Clark do something at the farm this morning? Would you know what that was?" Jasmine supposed.
Lex frowned. "Yeah I do. This isn't good." He rubbed his forehead. The Kents are going to have a fit. "Everyone okay?"
"We're fine. Le Puer showed up. He's with Miranda right now. Gwen wants an explanation, Alex. We are fortunate the café is empty right now," Jasmine assured.
"Tell me about it. So the Big Kid's the 'he' you were referring to I hope?" Lex backed up his work to the flash drive. He slid his laptop into a bag. "I'm calling the Kents. Then I'll be over." He clenched his teeth. Peter's still laid up. We really don't need Arighatto trying to kill Clark. And the Big Kid's looking for blood more than likely. Gwen's in the middle of it too? She had to hear that crack about Clark. He considered the phone. "They need to know." He pressed the button and waited.
"Good Afternoon, Kent Farm," Martha answered.
"Hi, Mrs. Kent. This is Lex. Is Mr. Kent around? We have a problem."
Panic stabbed at her heart. "Is Clark all right?"
"As far as I know, he's fine. The Big Kid's there too. Hansei Arighatto went in there about fifteen minutes ago. He threatened the kids. Jasmine and the Big Kid stood up to Arighatto. Arighatto bragged about watching Clark on the farm this morning. I was there and didn't see him either."
"Isn't that the man who killed David's family?" Martha felt her head pounding.
"Yes. I'm heading there right now. I literally just found out. I'm passing the information on. Maybe we can talk to Gwen and Peter? He saw Clark at the school. She heard Arighatto earlier. Anyhow I wanted this to be out in the open. Maybe we can have dinner here at the mansion?" Lex leaned back against the wall.
"I think that will be a good idea. I'll have Mr. Kent there by 7?" Martha agreed.
"That works. I'll have the Talon closed by 6:30. I'll have Clark call. Thanks, Mrs. Kent." Lex hung up. He grabbed his laptop and hustled toward the door. Glad Angie, Jennifer and Nyoki decided to take a day in Metropolis.
Things kept getting interesting…..
