Lois was deep into writing a story about the rising poverty of Metropolis. She'd rather write about the exploits of Ultraman, but Clark Luthor wouldn't approve those stories. In fact, she wasn't even sure he'd approve this one since the Luthors were at least partly to blame due to the taking over of the city and giving non-livable wages and high rent.

"The boss wants to see you, Lane," Harris said.

A hard lump settled in her throat. Was he about to fire her?

She didn't need this job financially, but she wanted it if only to be able to keep an eye on Clark and to still have a voice among the people however suppressed.

Of course, maybe he just wanted to kill her. She could run, but he would only catch up with her. If she was going to lose her life, she'd rather face him down than flee like a coward.

She steeled herself and went into the office. He wasn't often here despite being the owner. He only showed up when he wanted to make a point and to make sure LuthorMedia wasn't printing anything incriminating about his family.

He sat in his big leather chair, leaning back as if he hadn't a care in the world with that pompous smile of his.

"Yes?" she asked impatiently as if what had happened less than an hour ago hadn't. "I have a deadline to meet."

He laughed. There was a hard edge in his laughter that proved he wasn't as laidback about the event as his body language suggested. "I think if you can spare time for an assassination attempt, you can spare some time for me."

He was angry. Why wouldn't he be? Everyone knew now he was Ultraman and how to kill him, and they'd laid a trap for him intending to shoot him. Her hand went to her pocket to grip the lead case that still held the kryptonite bullet. Her only protection if he decided to attack. "You have my attention."

"Why did you do it?"

Did he really need to ask? "You are a danger to a free society and a murderer many times over."

He grinned as if she'd just paid him a compliment. "I know that. I mean why didn't you take the shot?"

That answer didn't roll as easily off the tongue though she'd asked herself the same question at least a dozen times since the incident. She decided to be honest with him. "I don't know. I just couldn't."

He eyed her as if seeing her for the first time. He stared particularly hard at her figure as if he could see right through her clothing. It was an extremely disconcerting thought, but impossibility or no, she folded her arms across her chest. "I guess I didn't want to be like you."

She expected her answer to infuriate him instead it seemed to amuse. "Well, whatever the reason, I figured one good turn deserved another, so I spared your boyfriend's life, but you can tell him next time I won't be in such a benevolent mood."

"It's you who'd better watch your step now that everyone is aware who and what you are. You've got a lot of enemies. If I were you, I'd get out of Metropolis now before you leave it in a body bag."

"You've always had guts, Lane. I admire that."

"That's Queen now by the way," she said, flashing her ring.

"So it is. What a shame I didn't get a wedding invitation being that Oliver and I are such old buddies. Is it too late to kiss the bride?" he said, full of snark.

She glowered in response. "Are we done here or was there something else you wanted to discuss?"

"No, that was it," he said, clasping his hands as he set them on the desk.

"Although," he said to her retreating back, forcing her to turn around again. "It occurs to me that I haven't been utilizing LuthorMedia to its fullest extent. I have some ideas I'd like to run by you."

"Me?" she asked instantly suspicious. "I'm not the editor."

"No, just the star reporter. You have your fingers on the pulse of this place. Who better to talk to?"

What could she say? She knew she really had no choice if she wanted to keep her job. "Fine. Let's talk."

"Not here. Over a business dinner. I find a glass or two of wine relaxes a person and encourages their honest opinion."

"I always give my honest opinion." She didn't know what he was playing at, but that didn't make her less intrigued. Besides, there was that old saying that said keep your friends close but your enemies closer. "Dinner it is."