I hope this is long enough for you; I spent two days on this. Two! lol ... enjoy
Reflections - Part 7
Patrick suited up, for looks more than for action. He never actually performed any of the duties the G-14 were asked to do, he just, `supervised,' as he called it. More accurately, he stayed in the van so if things got hairy, he'd be the first one out of there. He knew his attitude was not becoming of an officer of his standing and line of work. But he only cared about that 16% of the time. The other 56% he thought about money, and the remaining 28% he focused on his own well being and looking out for number one. But he was very good at masking his lies. And it was this talent of fooling others that kept him alive and well paid.
Patrick finished buttoning the last button in his jumpsuit and proceeded to straighten up his collar. He looked around to see if anyone was watching him. When the sight was clear he reached inside and pulled out a square of Bubbleliscious gum, watermelon flavored. The first time anyone saw him chewing that they proceeded to call him a big kid and ragged on him for most of the day. He heard footsteps coming toward him and he crumpled the paper in his hand.
"Patrick, we're ready," the other said. He had his head bent at an odd angle and looked over at Patrick with narrowed eyes. "Let's go."
Patrick shoved the paper in his pocket and jokingly said, "Do I need an escort now?"
The man didn't seem to think it was funny. He smirked and waved his hand toward the door, "After you," he said mockingly.
Patrick walked past the man through the doorway into a larger room. It looked like an airplane hanger, only without the airplane. Large all terrain vehicles littered this space and people in similar jumpsuits walked purposefully about minding to their own duties. Some had clipboards and were scribbling away while others had large automatics and were walking a bit slower. Patrick hated those guns, but continued swiftly to the waiting, already humming, jeep. Nodding off to the original driver, the man moved, and Patrick swung into the driver's seat.
Patrick waited as two more men climbed inside after him and then shifted gears. Plowing out at a speed 45 mph he nearly hit one of the men who was minding his clipboard. Patrick gleaned a smile and half turned to look at his side view mirror only to see the man yelling weak obscenities. Obviously, the man was too educated to sufficiently insult him. Speeding up he headed toward the little yellow house in Smallville, with two more jeeps behind him.
###########
Legal and Brianus sat at the table milling out a scheme when they heard a knock on the door. Turning suddenly Brianus looked at the door questioningly. For some reason, he was frightened. It must have been his nerves. They had been discussing the destruction of a family and the degrading humiliation of the life of a young boy for so long that he had become worried that hell would `come-a-knocking' on his door. And now he heard a knock.
Legal rose and walked patiently to the door. He opened it, but not very far, as if he didn't want Brianus to see who was on the other side.
Brianus watched Legal at the door intently. He wondered why Legal was not letting the other be seen; perhaps it really was the devil. He watched as Legal stretched his right hand out the door, perhaps for a handshake? When he brought it back in however, he had a metal box of a hefty weight encumbering his hand. `What had he given the devil in exchange for this?' he mused. `His soul? Mine?' He shook his head and blinked wildly trying to grab hold of his sanity. He had done terrible things before, but never of such `extraterrestrial' proportions. He'd heard of others who had `cracked,' or `snapped' and he didn't want to be like them. Staring ahead of him, with his back toward the door, he pointedly ignored the exchange.
Legal closed the door and headed back to the table. Brianus seemed to be minding his own business. However, he also seemed to be doing that too intently. So focused was he that he did not look up until Legal tapped the table with the edge of the metal box. "Brianus," he said in a singsong voice. "Pay attention." Legal slid the box about halfway between them and sat down. Above steepled fingers he looked at Brianus expectantly. "Well," he said. "Open it."
Brianus reached out tentatively and placed his fingers on the far back and pulled it closer too him. He noted Legal's smile and proceeded to undue the latch on the archaic piece. Carefully, he lifted the top and peered at the contents. He was puzzled at what he found and with less care flipped up the top. `All that fear over a green rock,' he scoffed to himself. Narrowing his brows he pulled his hands back to sit on his lap. "What is this," he asked Legal. "And is it radioactive? It looks like it's glowing."
"It is glowing," Legal said as he regarded his youngest pupil. "And no, it is harmless. To us, anyway." Gesturing with his hand toward the `rock' he continued, "That, my dear boy, is what is going to bag us our subject." Legal then leaned back and smiled broadly. "Pick it up."
Brianus resisted the urge to ask, `why?' It looked like a children's toy. He was used to their firm dealing only with the most sophisticated techniques and equipment. What the hell is this?' Reaching forward he gripped the object and raised it out of its dugout platform in the box. Nothing. No heat, no tingling sensation, nothing. He felt cheated. "Okay, am I supposed to feel something?"
"No. You may put it back now." He watched as Brianus absentmindedly placed it back in the box, but did not close it. "That was a lesson. Sometimes problems that seem almost impossible to solve, actually can be solved by the simplest of things. That rock is lethal to him. Enough quantities of that little beauty will incapacitate him."
"How long?"
"Indefinitely." He watched for a reaction. "As long as it stays in his presence. He does, however, have the ability to recuperate. Which is why," Legal reached abruptly in mid-sentence to push the box closed, "one must always be prepared."
Brianus wanted to cry. He felt so small in Legal's presence. He thought Legal was so wise. He wondered why he was wasting his genius, his presence here in this business. He could be recognized for so much more if he made his living above ground. He felt a pain within him. One that ached to have Legal be seen and known for the great man that he is. He even went so far as to wonder what his life would be like had Legal been his father. This terrible institution is robbing families. He knew Legal would make a great father. Hell, maybe he already was. But this career didn't allow one a lot of free time. If you wanted to have a family, you'd have to leave the job. And that was sometimes more hassle than it was worth.
"Brianus," Legal said, effectively bringing him out of his reverie. "Are you alright?"
"Yes, I'm fine." At that moment he knew he would serve Legal to the best of his ability. He liked the guy. He was cool.
"I think you need a break. Why don't you go, refresh yourself, take as long as you like. If I am not here when you get back, send word to Marinus and wait for me here."
"Yes, sir, ah, Legal. Thank you." Brianus pushed himself away from the table and once again caught sight of the ancient box. Closing his eyes to the vision, he stood, and began to walk to the door.
###########
Patrick burned down the road toward the Kent home. The feeling was thrilling; the wind was blasting in his face and ruffling his hair. Checking his rearview mirror he saw the two jeeps behind him acting as his own personal support team. Flashing another smile he sped up on the little dirt road as he saw the yellow house.
Behind him, the driver of the second jeep kept close on Patrick's tail. Yelling to overcome the wind he said, "Why does Patrick feel the need to hotdog it on every assignment?"
The man in the passenger seat answered back, "You know it's a power trip for him. Why do you even bother asking?"
The driver scoffed and replied, "Something doesn't set right with me with that guy. He's in this business for the wrong reasons."
Before the other could answer back, a female in the backseat leaned forward to voice her opinion on the matter. "Jair you're just angry because he makes more than you. And Scott, you shouldn't start those topics in the first place. It's not our prerogative to question other people's motives. Got it?" Just then, she was thrown back and to the side by the momentum of the jeep turning into the Kent's driveway. After regaining her composure she nearly shouted, "Scott did you do that on purpose?"
He turned slightly and answered, "`It's not our prerogative to question other people's motives.'" Slowing to a stop he shifted completely to look at her and smiled broadly. He watched as she angrily left the vehicle. He chuckled to himself as he left the jeep.
Jair walked up to the door where he met up with Patrick, the people in Patrick's car having already gone inside. "Hey Patrick, you comin' in?"
Patrick looked at Jair patiently and said, "no, I'm gonna hang out here. Keep a lookout just in case someone comes by. You need someone to watch your backs," he said jokingly, reaching his arm around to pat Jair on the shoulder.
Jair looked at him with narrowed eyes and answered, "sure," before he disappeared in the house.
Patrick's hand fell back at his side. `That was a close one,' he thought. No one has asked him to come onto a worksite in at least two years. He edged his way back into the jeep and pulled out his walkie-talkie. He sat the radio on the dashboard and leaned back, leisurely chewing on his gum.
###########
Jonathan and Martha had been on the road now for an hour and a half. It was getting pretty late and they wanted nothing more than to sleep for about 9 hours each. They had called home earlier to tell Clark that they would be coming home late, but there was no answer. Martha joked that Clark was having a hosting a party while they were gone. While, Jonathan assured her that that was far from the case.
"You know the museum really wasn't that bad."
"Thanks. It's good to know that you didn't have to suffer too much just to see some art."
"Well, I didn't. But when you said museum I immediately thought about a bunch of old stuff."
"Old stuff?? You mean ancient artifacts that paint a picture of the world during a particular snapshot of history, perhaps?"
"Well when ya put it that way."
Martha smiled at her husband. After all these years he was still as handsome as she always remembered him. She was truly a lucky woman. She was grateful for every day that she spent with her family.
"But what I did find interesting, Martha, was your choice of museum. The `Kansas Cosmosphere & Space Center'?"
"Well, I thought it was somewhat relevant," Martha joked. Then her -guise turned serious, "Jonathan we don't know anything about where Clark came from. We haven't been able to match his spaceship with anything in the books. And that plaque, I have no idea what it is! I love him so much, Jonathan, and I feel just terrible that we won't have any answers for him when he starts asking questions."
Jonathan looked over at Martha in time to see the pain in her eyes. "Martha, honey, you can't think that way. Clark knows that we love him. It doesn't matter to him. We are his parents; and it doesn't matter where we found him. We are a family, Martha. And no one can ever take that away from us. We have a good kid, Martha. He doesn't expect us to know everything."
Martha looked at her husband with tear-filled eyes. She loved him terribly, he may not be one for museums, but he's always been supportive. "Oh Jonathan, what would I do without you?"
Jonathan flashed a smile at his wife. He couldn't have asked for a better family.
###########
They went through each room systematically, rummaging through what they thought was important. They had just gotten word that the Kents were going to be there shortly. They didn't have much time and they hadn't even halfway finished with their search of the premises. However, Legal had informed them that they were to do a thorough search and that is precisely what they were going to do.
############
Lana and Clark walked out of `Le Magnifique' with Lex close behind. He had acted as their chaperone on their second `non-date.' The evening was basically uneventful, with the two bantering back and forth. Lex had met someone that he knew and sat with her the entire time, only occasionally coming back to check in on Clark and Lana.
"So you two," Lex began, "what did you think of you second non-date?"
Lana smiled back and answered, "It was better than the last one. This time Clark didn't run off," she said as she playfully slapped Clark shoulder.
"Hey," Clark retorted with a broad smile. "That was totally out of my control."
"You never did tell me why you left, Clark."
Lex jumped in before it got serious, "Lana you really do look stunning in that dress."
Lana smiled shyly, "Thanks Lex."
###########
"Did you find it?"
"No, not yet. The Kents must have stashed it somewhere outside of the house."
"Keep looking."
***********
Patrick sat outside in the jeep wondering what was taking his group so long. They were usually in and out a lot faster than they were now. He was a little tempted to go inside. He was getting bored, and his gum was losing flavor.
Unable to wait any longer, Patrick opened his door and started toward the house. Spitting out his gum he reached inside of his pocket for another piece. Unwrapping it, he popped the new square in his mouth and dropped the paper on the ground.
Just then his walkie-talkie blared a message. Ignoring the others in the house he ran back to the car and grabbed the radio off of the dashboard. "This is Patrick, over."
"Kurt, here! Listen the Kents have just turned the corner onto the road. You can't go back the way you came. ETA 2 minutes. Get your boys outta there now!"
"Copy that, we're outta here." The signal died on the other end and Patrick fumbled with the walkie-talkie, eventually dropping it on the mat. He jumped out of the jeep and ran towards the front door. Pulling it open he yelled inside. "ETA 2 minutes! Gather what you have and let's go! Now!" He scrambled back to the jeep and started it up. He pressed his foot on the pedal, revving it up to show urgency. Staring intently at the door he became agitated as no one exited. He made himself ready to drive out of there and leave his group if the Kents were in sight. Shifting gears, he decided not to wait that long.
Suddenly the door flew open and the team filed out of the house hurriedly. Patrick calmed himself and watched as the men and women flew to their respective vehicles. Once his jeep was full he rapidly backed out the driveway sped down the road, opposite the way they had come. Patrick was known for being the speed demon so the other cars merely followed, not trying to surpass him.
###########
Clark and Lana got back into the car. Clark was a lot more comfortable now than he had been on their first non-date. Lex got in the drivers seat and started the car. "You know you can have those."
Clark and Lana looked up at him puzzled. Lana asked, "have what?"
"The dress, and the suit. I have no need of them. Consider them a gift."
"You're awfully generous, as of late, Lex. May I ask why?"
"Well, Lana, Clark is my friend. I wanted to help him out."
"Help him out with what?"
Lex shrugged. "Oh, nothing in particular." He dismissed her as he reached over to turn on the radio.
###########
Jonathan was driving smoothly when Martha asked, "What's that up ahead?"
*****************************************************************************************
Woo hoo! It's been too long since I've had a cliffhanger. I was starting to feel deprived. R/R greatly appreciated.
Reflections - Part 7
Patrick suited up, for looks more than for action. He never actually performed any of the duties the G-14 were asked to do, he just, `supervised,' as he called it. More accurately, he stayed in the van so if things got hairy, he'd be the first one out of there. He knew his attitude was not becoming of an officer of his standing and line of work. But he only cared about that 16% of the time. The other 56% he thought about money, and the remaining 28% he focused on his own well being and looking out for number one. But he was very good at masking his lies. And it was this talent of fooling others that kept him alive and well paid.
Patrick finished buttoning the last button in his jumpsuit and proceeded to straighten up his collar. He looked around to see if anyone was watching him. When the sight was clear he reached inside and pulled out a square of Bubbleliscious gum, watermelon flavored. The first time anyone saw him chewing that they proceeded to call him a big kid and ragged on him for most of the day. He heard footsteps coming toward him and he crumpled the paper in his hand.
"Patrick, we're ready," the other said. He had his head bent at an odd angle and looked over at Patrick with narrowed eyes. "Let's go."
Patrick shoved the paper in his pocket and jokingly said, "Do I need an escort now?"
The man didn't seem to think it was funny. He smirked and waved his hand toward the door, "After you," he said mockingly.
Patrick walked past the man through the doorway into a larger room. It looked like an airplane hanger, only without the airplane. Large all terrain vehicles littered this space and people in similar jumpsuits walked purposefully about minding to their own duties. Some had clipboards and were scribbling away while others had large automatics and were walking a bit slower. Patrick hated those guns, but continued swiftly to the waiting, already humming, jeep. Nodding off to the original driver, the man moved, and Patrick swung into the driver's seat.
Patrick waited as two more men climbed inside after him and then shifted gears. Plowing out at a speed 45 mph he nearly hit one of the men who was minding his clipboard. Patrick gleaned a smile and half turned to look at his side view mirror only to see the man yelling weak obscenities. Obviously, the man was too educated to sufficiently insult him. Speeding up he headed toward the little yellow house in Smallville, with two more jeeps behind him.
###########
Legal and Brianus sat at the table milling out a scheme when they heard a knock on the door. Turning suddenly Brianus looked at the door questioningly. For some reason, he was frightened. It must have been his nerves. They had been discussing the destruction of a family and the degrading humiliation of the life of a young boy for so long that he had become worried that hell would `come-a-knocking' on his door. And now he heard a knock.
Legal rose and walked patiently to the door. He opened it, but not very far, as if he didn't want Brianus to see who was on the other side.
Brianus watched Legal at the door intently. He wondered why Legal was not letting the other be seen; perhaps it really was the devil. He watched as Legal stretched his right hand out the door, perhaps for a handshake? When he brought it back in however, he had a metal box of a hefty weight encumbering his hand. `What had he given the devil in exchange for this?' he mused. `His soul? Mine?' He shook his head and blinked wildly trying to grab hold of his sanity. He had done terrible things before, but never of such `extraterrestrial' proportions. He'd heard of others who had `cracked,' or `snapped' and he didn't want to be like them. Staring ahead of him, with his back toward the door, he pointedly ignored the exchange.
Legal closed the door and headed back to the table. Brianus seemed to be minding his own business. However, he also seemed to be doing that too intently. So focused was he that he did not look up until Legal tapped the table with the edge of the metal box. "Brianus," he said in a singsong voice. "Pay attention." Legal slid the box about halfway between them and sat down. Above steepled fingers he looked at Brianus expectantly. "Well," he said. "Open it."
Brianus reached out tentatively and placed his fingers on the far back and pulled it closer too him. He noted Legal's smile and proceeded to undue the latch on the archaic piece. Carefully, he lifted the top and peered at the contents. He was puzzled at what he found and with less care flipped up the top. `All that fear over a green rock,' he scoffed to himself. Narrowing his brows he pulled his hands back to sit on his lap. "What is this," he asked Legal. "And is it radioactive? It looks like it's glowing."
"It is glowing," Legal said as he regarded his youngest pupil. "And no, it is harmless. To us, anyway." Gesturing with his hand toward the `rock' he continued, "That, my dear boy, is what is going to bag us our subject." Legal then leaned back and smiled broadly. "Pick it up."
Brianus resisted the urge to ask, `why?' It looked like a children's toy. He was used to their firm dealing only with the most sophisticated techniques and equipment. What the hell is this?' Reaching forward he gripped the object and raised it out of its dugout platform in the box. Nothing. No heat, no tingling sensation, nothing. He felt cheated. "Okay, am I supposed to feel something?"
"No. You may put it back now." He watched as Brianus absentmindedly placed it back in the box, but did not close it. "That was a lesson. Sometimes problems that seem almost impossible to solve, actually can be solved by the simplest of things. That rock is lethal to him. Enough quantities of that little beauty will incapacitate him."
"How long?"
"Indefinitely." He watched for a reaction. "As long as it stays in his presence. He does, however, have the ability to recuperate. Which is why," Legal reached abruptly in mid-sentence to push the box closed, "one must always be prepared."
Brianus wanted to cry. He felt so small in Legal's presence. He thought Legal was so wise. He wondered why he was wasting his genius, his presence here in this business. He could be recognized for so much more if he made his living above ground. He felt a pain within him. One that ached to have Legal be seen and known for the great man that he is. He even went so far as to wonder what his life would be like had Legal been his father. This terrible institution is robbing families. He knew Legal would make a great father. Hell, maybe he already was. But this career didn't allow one a lot of free time. If you wanted to have a family, you'd have to leave the job. And that was sometimes more hassle than it was worth.
"Brianus," Legal said, effectively bringing him out of his reverie. "Are you alright?"
"Yes, I'm fine." At that moment he knew he would serve Legal to the best of his ability. He liked the guy. He was cool.
"I think you need a break. Why don't you go, refresh yourself, take as long as you like. If I am not here when you get back, send word to Marinus and wait for me here."
"Yes, sir, ah, Legal. Thank you." Brianus pushed himself away from the table and once again caught sight of the ancient box. Closing his eyes to the vision, he stood, and began to walk to the door.
###########
Patrick burned down the road toward the Kent home. The feeling was thrilling; the wind was blasting in his face and ruffling his hair. Checking his rearview mirror he saw the two jeeps behind him acting as his own personal support team. Flashing another smile he sped up on the little dirt road as he saw the yellow house.
Behind him, the driver of the second jeep kept close on Patrick's tail. Yelling to overcome the wind he said, "Why does Patrick feel the need to hotdog it on every assignment?"
The man in the passenger seat answered back, "You know it's a power trip for him. Why do you even bother asking?"
The driver scoffed and replied, "Something doesn't set right with me with that guy. He's in this business for the wrong reasons."
Before the other could answer back, a female in the backseat leaned forward to voice her opinion on the matter. "Jair you're just angry because he makes more than you. And Scott, you shouldn't start those topics in the first place. It's not our prerogative to question other people's motives. Got it?" Just then, she was thrown back and to the side by the momentum of the jeep turning into the Kent's driveway. After regaining her composure she nearly shouted, "Scott did you do that on purpose?"
He turned slightly and answered, "`It's not our prerogative to question other people's motives.'" Slowing to a stop he shifted completely to look at her and smiled broadly. He watched as she angrily left the vehicle. He chuckled to himself as he left the jeep.
Jair walked up to the door where he met up with Patrick, the people in Patrick's car having already gone inside. "Hey Patrick, you comin' in?"
Patrick looked at Jair patiently and said, "no, I'm gonna hang out here. Keep a lookout just in case someone comes by. You need someone to watch your backs," he said jokingly, reaching his arm around to pat Jair on the shoulder.
Jair looked at him with narrowed eyes and answered, "sure," before he disappeared in the house.
Patrick's hand fell back at his side. `That was a close one,' he thought. No one has asked him to come onto a worksite in at least two years. He edged his way back into the jeep and pulled out his walkie-talkie. He sat the radio on the dashboard and leaned back, leisurely chewing on his gum.
###########
Jonathan and Martha had been on the road now for an hour and a half. It was getting pretty late and they wanted nothing more than to sleep for about 9 hours each. They had called home earlier to tell Clark that they would be coming home late, but there was no answer. Martha joked that Clark was having a hosting a party while they were gone. While, Jonathan assured her that that was far from the case.
"You know the museum really wasn't that bad."
"Thanks. It's good to know that you didn't have to suffer too much just to see some art."
"Well, I didn't. But when you said museum I immediately thought about a bunch of old stuff."
"Old stuff?? You mean ancient artifacts that paint a picture of the world during a particular snapshot of history, perhaps?"
"Well when ya put it that way."
Martha smiled at her husband. After all these years he was still as handsome as she always remembered him. She was truly a lucky woman. She was grateful for every day that she spent with her family.
"But what I did find interesting, Martha, was your choice of museum. The `Kansas Cosmosphere & Space Center'?"
"Well, I thought it was somewhat relevant," Martha joked. Then her -guise turned serious, "Jonathan we don't know anything about where Clark came from. We haven't been able to match his spaceship with anything in the books. And that plaque, I have no idea what it is! I love him so much, Jonathan, and I feel just terrible that we won't have any answers for him when he starts asking questions."
Jonathan looked over at Martha in time to see the pain in her eyes. "Martha, honey, you can't think that way. Clark knows that we love him. It doesn't matter to him. We are his parents; and it doesn't matter where we found him. We are a family, Martha. And no one can ever take that away from us. We have a good kid, Martha. He doesn't expect us to know everything."
Martha looked at her husband with tear-filled eyes. She loved him terribly, he may not be one for museums, but he's always been supportive. "Oh Jonathan, what would I do without you?"
Jonathan flashed a smile at his wife. He couldn't have asked for a better family.
###########
They went through each room systematically, rummaging through what they thought was important. They had just gotten word that the Kents were going to be there shortly. They didn't have much time and they hadn't even halfway finished with their search of the premises. However, Legal had informed them that they were to do a thorough search and that is precisely what they were going to do.
############
Lana and Clark walked out of `Le Magnifique' with Lex close behind. He had acted as their chaperone on their second `non-date.' The evening was basically uneventful, with the two bantering back and forth. Lex had met someone that he knew and sat with her the entire time, only occasionally coming back to check in on Clark and Lana.
"So you two," Lex began, "what did you think of you second non-date?"
Lana smiled back and answered, "It was better than the last one. This time Clark didn't run off," she said as she playfully slapped Clark shoulder.
"Hey," Clark retorted with a broad smile. "That was totally out of my control."
"You never did tell me why you left, Clark."
Lex jumped in before it got serious, "Lana you really do look stunning in that dress."
Lana smiled shyly, "Thanks Lex."
###########
"Did you find it?"
"No, not yet. The Kents must have stashed it somewhere outside of the house."
"Keep looking."
***********
Patrick sat outside in the jeep wondering what was taking his group so long. They were usually in and out a lot faster than they were now. He was a little tempted to go inside. He was getting bored, and his gum was losing flavor.
Unable to wait any longer, Patrick opened his door and started toward the house. Spitting out his gum he reached inside of his pocket for another piece. Unwrapping it, he popped the new square in his mouth and dropped the paper on the ground.
Just then his walkie-talkie blared a message. Ignoring the others in the house he ran back to the car and grabbed the radio off of the dashboard. "This is Patrick, over."
"Kurt, here! Listen the Kents have just turned the corner onto the road. You can't go back the way you came. ETA 2 minutes. Get your boys outta there now!"
"Copy that, we're outta here." The signal died on the other end and Patrick fumbled with the walkie-talkie, eventually dropping it on the mat. He jumped out of the jeep and ran towards the front door. Pulling it open he yelled inside. "ETA 2 minutes! Gather what you have and let's go! Now!" He scrambled back to the jeep and started it up. He pressed his foot on the pedal, revving it up to show urgency. Staring intently at the door he became agitated as no one exited. He made himself ready to drive out of there and leave his group if the Kents were in sight. Shifting gears, he decided not to wait that long.
Suddenly the door flew open and the team filed out of the house hurriedly. Patrick calmed himself and watched as the men and women flew to their respective vehicles. Once his jeep was full he rapidly backed out the driveway sped down the road, opposite the way they had come. Patrick was known for being the speed demon so the other cars merely followed, not trying to surpass him.
###########
Clark and Lana got back into the car. Clark was a lot more comfortable now than he had been on their first non-date. Lex got in the drivers seat and started the car. "You know you can have those."
Clark and Lana looked up at him puzzled. Lana asked, "have what?"
"The dress, and the suit. I have no need of them. Consider them a gift."
"You're awfully generous, as of late, Lex. May I ask why?"
"Well, Lana, Clark is my friend. I wanted to help him out."
"Help him out with what?"
Lex shrugged. "Oh, nothing in particular." He dismissed her as he reached over to turn on the radio.
###########
Jonathan was driving smoothly when Martha asked, "What's that up ahead?"
*****************************************************************************************
Woo hoo! It's been too long since I've had a cliffhanger. I was starting to feel deprived. R/R greatly appreciated.