Summary:
The new Deputy arrives.
Alex isn't pleased.
Kara wants more from Midvale life.
It was a week later when Alex's Deputy Sheriff arrived with his daughter Lucy. His older daughter Lois lived in Metropolis with her husband Clark Kent.
Sam Lane was middle aged and balding. He was a widower and he was as stern as they came and made no bones about how he felt if he didn't like you. He was also a chauvinist. He believed a woman's place was at home chained to the kitchen sink and that the children should be quiet at all times and stay out of his way.
Lucy Lane luckily seemed to follow her mother rather than her father for her temperament. She was a business savvy 25 year old and ran her own women's salon back in National City. But now they had moved to Midvale she wasn't sure what she was going to do. She hoped to find a job so she could get away from her overbearing father.
Alex met Sam Lane in his office the day of his arrival. They greeted each other with a handshake and Sam took a seat opposite Alex who was sitting at his desk.
"So, how's Midvale life treating you Marshal?" Sam asked. He hadn't seen Alex in a long time, the last time being at Lois and Clarks wedding five years ago.
"Good," Alex said, "I'm surprised you wanted this job though Sheriff. It's a far cry from National City out here."
"I fancied a change and when they offered me the job, well I thought hell, why not," he replied as he chewed on some tobacco, "and I knew you could probably do with someone like me."
"Oh," Alex said calmly, "why is that?"
"Well, you're a US Marshall, not a Sheriff, Danvers," He said and laughed, "the two are quite different."
Alex sat up more in his chair and looked across at the man who was going to be his deputy, "I am a Sheriff, I am also a Marshal, I do both jobs just fine."
"Oh I am sure you do, but you ain't as rough around the edges as some of us," Sam replied, "I heard how you made a big show of a hanging instead of just hanging the bastard from a tree and being done with it."
Alex sighed, he knew this was coming, he stood up, ready to leave his office, "I do things my way around these parts Sheriff, if you don't like the way I do things I suggest you get on the next train back to National City."
"Fine," Deputy Lane said standing up, "so where do you want me today?"
"In the office," Alex told him, "You can keep an eye on any messages that come through on the wire, and take a look at the books and learn about the locals. I won't be back today so lock up when you're done for the evening."
Alex stepped outside and took in a deep breath, he really didn't like Sam Lane and he already had a bad feeling about the man being here in Midvale. Alex had heard stories about how he would beat up prisoners under his watch, and even worse stories about sexual harassment. Of course none of it could be proven and he would deny it all if asked. Alex made his way down to the stables to see how the house build was getting along. On his way he saw Maxwell Lord who shouted out to him as he passed.
"Marshal, how's that drinking problem of yours?" Maxwell grinned.
Alex frowned, ignored him and carried on walking. Truth was Alex hadn't had more than a few beers each night since he got out of his head drunk. He wasn't proud of how he acted that night and he was trying hard not to let Lena down again.
Alex realised as he walked on that he didn't have one good male friend in Midvale. Winn was more Lena and Kara's friend, Maxwell was an ass, James Olsen wasn't in his circle of people at all. Alex really missed his best friend Brainy.
"Hi love," Lena greeted Alex with a smile and kiss when he arrived at the stables.
"Hi baby," Alex smiled into the kiss and kissed her again, he wrapped his arms around her waist and nuzzled into her neck, "Mmm I missed you."
"I missed you too," Lena said and their lips met again in a soft tender kiss.
They were interrupted by someone coughing to get their attention.
They pulled apart and looked behind them, it was Alex's sister Kara.
"Oh hi sis," Alex smiled, "What are you doing here?"
"I came to see how the house was looking," Kara smiled, "It's looking really great."
"Okay I know you, there is something else isn't there?" Alex said.
"I'll leave you guys to it, I have to go check on the horses," Lena smiled at them both and made her way into the stables.
"So?" Alex questioned his sister.
Kara sighed, "Okay, I'm bored okay, there is nothing to write about in this town, nothing exciting anyway."
"What about the new school that is opening, can you get a job there?"
"Maybe," Kara replied, unsure what she would be able to teach anyone, never mind young children, she looked at Alex so content and sure of himself, standing there in his cowboy hat with a gun holstered around his waist and she felt a little envious.
"I wish I could do what you do," she finally said.
Alex laughed, "What put yourself in danger? Deal with crazy drunk men? Collect people's taxes?"
"Yeah, well it's a hell of a lot more interesting than sitting in an office trying to make up stories for a newspaper that most people just use to wipe their asses on," Kara said and then took a breath.
Alex looked at her more seriously now, he knew his sister had high expectations, she was well educated, very intelligent and really didn't belong in small town Midvale, she belonged in National City where she could become someone, and do great things.
"I'm sorry you're bored, you could always move back to National City."
"No!" Kara said quickly, "I like it here, I do. I just want something else to do. Would you teach me how to shoot?"
Alex frowned at his sister, "I dunno Kara I would rather you didn't have to use a gun."
"Please?"
Alex looked at her pleading eyes and gave in quickly, he could rarely say no to her when she looked at him like that and the pout made it worse, "Okay, how about we go start now, I got nothing better to do."
"Yes!" Kara did a little victory dance which made Alex laugh.
They walked over to the field where Alex taught Brainy how to shoot, and yet again Alex was reminded of how much he missed that man's company. Alex set up some glass beer bottles from a trunk he kept in the barn. Then he told Kara to step back ten paces.
"Right," Alex said, stepping up behind his sister and putting his hands over hers on the colt 45, "use your good eye, aim and fire."
Kara took the shot and the bottle smashed into pieces as the bullet made perfect contact.
"Wow, well done sis, okay now try on your own," Alex stepped back and watched as Kara raised the pistol, aimed carefully and fired at the next bottle. Again it was a perfect hit.
"Are you sure you haven't done this before?" Alex said, stepping up beside her.
"Absolutely," Kara grinned, "Can I shoot some more?"
"Sure, go ahead, but don't get too big for your boots now."
Kara took four more shots and with each one she hit the bottles dead on. Alex was very impressed, but he still didn't want his sister getting used to it. He wanted to wrap her up in cotton wool and keep her safe, not encourage her to do dangerous things.
Alex and Kara headed back to the stable where Lena was just finishing cleaning the horses.
Lena smiled at them both as they entered, "Did you have fun?"
"It was amazing!" Kara smiled, "and yes, I had a lot of fun."
Alex walked up to his wife and gave her a quick kiss on the lips then he admitted, "She was really good. Kara surprised me and I thought I knew everything there was to know about my little sister."
Lena walked up to Kara and they high fived each other, "Well done Kara. So when are you taking my husband's job?"
"Ah funny," Alex said.
Lena laughed and Kara looked at them both, "I would have made a good Marshal, if only women were allowed."
Alex looked at Kara, "You being serious?"
"Yes Alex I am, I envy your job," she told him, "But I know it's not possible for a woman, so don't worry I ain't going to steal your job from under you."
Alex felt bad for his sister now, after all Alex had to lie about himself to get where he was today, not that it felt like a lie, because Alex felt one hundred percent like a man.
"I'm sorry Alex I didn't mean to make you feel bad, I'm just telling you how I feel, I'm not jealous of you, because I know how much you have always wanted this, and I know how much you have been through to get where you are," Kara explained.
"It's okay Kara, I get it," Alex placed his hand on her shoulder, "If it helps any, I wish you could be by my side instead of Sam Lane, the man is already a pain in the ass."
"Yeah," Kara said and a crease appeared on her brow, "there is something about that man that gives me the creeps."
"Uh," Alex said, "you ain't the only one."
Lena asked, "Do I want to meet this deputy?"
"No," Alex told her, "and stay clear of him, well as much as you can because he likes a drink and he will most probably be spending his spare time in the Saloon."
"Don't worry darling, I can handle him," Lena told her husband, "right are we all ready to call it a night?"
Alex and Kara both nodded at the same time and followed Lena as she locked up the stables and then they all made their way over to the Saloon.
After their evening meal Alex and Lena retired to bed.
As they lay in bed Lena turned to Alex, "You know you should let Kara work with you."
"What?" Alex laughed, "She's a woman, a young one."
"And?" Lena questioned.
Alex turned on his side and faced Lena, "And she is my little sister, do you expect me to put her in danger?"
Lena lay down and turned towards him, she placed her hand on his, "Alex you should put more trust in her, she's a big girl and a good shot by the sounds of it."
Alex sighed, "She was good today."
"At least think about it?" Lena asked gently.
"Okay, I'll think about it," Alex said before placing a soft kiss to his wife's lips.
Two Weeks Later
Alex spent the next two weeks taking Kara out with the horses, giving her more intensive shooting lessons at the stables and seeing how she dealt with the locals when they had to collect taxes. So far Kara was showing she could be a Sheriff just as good as any man could. But there was one problem, they already had a Deputy.
Deputy Sheriff Sam Lane was in the Saloon drinking and gambling with Maxwell Lord.
"So Mr Lord, did you get the letter?" Deputy Lane asked as they continued to play cards.
Maxwell puffed on his cigar and then replied, "I did, so when do you want to do it?"
"As soon as possible, I need the money, I got debts to pay," Sam replied.
Maxwell nodded, "It's risky, but what the hell, if I get a cut and Lena then you can count me in."
"Good, I heard the Marshal tell his sister that Lena would be at the stables early, meet me in the morning, all the workmen should be in the Saloon by then having their free breakfast, she should be all on her own getting ready for them," Sam replied.
Maxwell looked at him and frowned, "What about the Marshal?"
"We can get him distracted, I'll make up some story about an outlaw spotted on the outskirts of town, I am in charge of all the telegraphs at the moment, he won't know any different."
"If you think that will work," Maxwell replied, raising his eyebrows. Then he placed his cards down, "Anyway, I'm calling it a night. And I won."
Sam grunted in frustration at losing again, "Remind me never to play cards with you again."
They both stood and the men faced each other.
"See you tomorrow," Sam shook Maxwell's hand.
"We are going to be rich, and I'll finally have a taste of Lena Luthor," Maxwell smirked.
Sam grunted, "You best be quick with her too. I want my money."
"Hey, I have waited years to get this opportunity, you can wait for your money for a few minutes, anyway the bank won't be open till nine," Max slapped him on the back and laughed.
"Yeah well you can thank Lex he gave me all the information," Sam told him, "It's really useful guarding prisoners like the Luthors."
"Lex you say?" Maxwell said curious now.
"Yep, I got him things he needed in prison, to make his life a bit more comfortable, women mostly, and in return he told me about his sister's secret."
"Well, the dirty dog," Maxwell laughed, "he really is soulless."
"What are you gonna do with your daughter?" Maxwell asked.
"She can stay here," Sam shrugged, "been stuck with her long enough, I couldn't give a rats ass about her."
"That's a cold Deputy," Maxwell replied but he wasn't surprised, this man was a real nasty piece of work, even he wouldn't dare cross him.
"Yeah well, that is just the way it is," Sam said, "Lets get outta here."
As they walked out they spoke about putting their plan into motion, find Lena on her own at the stable, Maxwell gets his way with her, then they take her with a gun at her back to the bank to withdraw the money. Splitting a million dollars between them would set them up for life. They could go anywhere on that. Afterwards they would tie Lena up and leave her somewhere on the outskirts of town, then they would catch the goods train that went through that time every week. It was a simple plan by two very simple men.