Chapter 16
Whitney followed the shorter boy as he moved confidently through the old building. Pete had said he'd played here when younger and was obviously familiar with the layout. This, at least, could be an advantage. Whitney thought back to how Clark had looked hanging by his arms in that office and felt his stomach churn. Had Clark looked that bad when he'd tied him up as the scarecrow all those months before? Whitney didn't want to remember. He'd pushed those thoughts aside. It was a frightening thing to face your own stupidity. Lana had helped him through and he loved her for it, but he needed to prove he was not that guy any more. This was his chance and he'd make sure Clark was alright or die trying. Clark had been good enough to try to be friends, had even helped him deal with his dad's illness. God, he owed him.
Pete was muttering about regrets as he stopped near a runged ladder that led to the metal rafters above. "We'd better take off our shoes. We're gonna have to be very quiet up there if we're gonna pull this off."
"Can you get us in a good position to jump them?'
Pete pointed up to the cross beam. "We used to swing from up there. Believe me, we can survive a jump and can reach a lot of this warehouse. Those ropes and weights will come in handy too. If we can't jump them, maybe we can pick them off."
Whitney looked up understanding what he meant. There was a virtual arsenal of potential weapons hanging above them. Whitney smiled with increased confidence. "I'll take the bigger guy. I still have a few pounds on you, Ross."
Pete grinned back. "It's a plan. We'll get up there and get in position. Give me a thumbs up when you're ready and I'll signal the girls."
***
Chloe and Lana rounded the building to approach from the other side. Each had adjusted their clothing to achieve the most revealing effect. Looking up and across from the door they could see Pete and Whitney moving in to position. Pete turned and saw them giving the signal to proceed. They entered the building from the other side. Lana adjusted her shirt one last time ensuring her entire midriff was bare. Chloe hitched her skirt a bit higher and they exchanged a knowing look. Walking with instinctive female seduction, Lana and Chloe came into sight of the office door.
Dominic stood, surprised to see someone entering the secluded building. He ran a hand down the front of his shirt, smothing away imaginary wrinkles, and moved towards them blocking the view of what was inside the office. "Who're you?"
Lana moved in close, oozing confidence she did not normally show. "Mr Luthor sent us. Didn't want you to get bored." She pouted and glanced up through her lashes. She ran a finger down his chest. "We've been well paid to 'entertain' you while he's gone. Consider it a reward for good behaviour."
Dominic was suspicious. This girl looked familiar. He looked back into the office making sure they could not see their captive from here. The security guard saw his look and came towards the door.
***
Whitney crouched on the foot-wide beam above and recalled that he liked football partially because it was on solid ground. He closed his eyes briefly, breathing in deep and calming himself. Pete had moved into position with the ease of long practice. Too bad Smallville's gymnastics team sucked. Ross had missed his true calling. Whitney clutched the beam to maintain his balance, running different game plans through his head. They wanted to move fast while the girls were still safe. Again he looked down, willing the guard to come out. They could not make their move until both were vulnerable.
Chloe had moved forward, beckoning the guard to come out with a crooked finger and a come-hither smile. Who knew the reporter could look so hot when she set her mind to it? The guard obviously appreciated it. Whitney picked up an old wooden counterweight. Its shape was mildly like a football though somewhat heavier. Weighing it with one hand, he found the solid feel of it comforting.
***
Dominic admired the lovely young woman in front of him but knew something was up. Lionel didn't give gifts. Even praise was a rare thing. These girls and 'girls' was the operative word here, were a bit too fresh faced for their attempted roles. Dominic decided it was not worth Lionel's wrath if he screwed this up. He grabbed the girl in front of him by the wrist and pulled her up against him.
"Who are you?" Dominic's face was inches from Lana's. Seeing this, the guard approached the second girl menacingly. Chloe backed up quickly, looking at Lana in terror.
***
Whitney's heart was in his throat and the adrenalin surged through him in a rush. He looked at Pete to determine his location, though he barely cared as he was about to act anyway. He stood up on the beam and applied all his skill to hurl the wooden weight at the blond man's head. He prayed that his aim was true. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Pete jump and land on the blond as he crumpled to the floor. Whitney then launched himself on the guard, knocking him over as he hit the man on his side taking him down with the forward force of his fall. The guard recovered quickly and tried to draw his gun. Whitney landed a punch sending the weapon skittering across the floor as the guard reeled. Recovering quickly the guard swung wildly. Whitney swayed back on his knees to avoid the blow and scrambled up to knock the guard flat as he tried to regain his feet. He grabbed the man's shirt front to push him hard against the cement floor stunning him with the force. Whitney lifted him again and let his anger out with the strength of his blow knocking the guard out cold. Getting up, he looked to see Pete had taken another gun from the blonde's jacket. The man had a nasty gash on his head and was also unconcious.
"Nice shot, Fordman." Pete's grin split his face. Lana ran to give him a hug. Chloe dipped her head slightly with a smile of approval. She picked the gun out of the guard's reach and put it into the waistband of her skirt. Suddenly bursting into a large grin, she ran towards the others and whooped with joy. She grabbed Pete in a hug that almost crushed his ribs. They all grinned at each other as the relief rushed through them. They took a moment to just breath in their victory, then turned to the office to get Clark.
Hanging by his arms, he looked weak and helpless. Chloe rushed to him, putting her hands on his face and lifting his head to try to wake him. Whitney lifted him from behind to take the weight off his arms as Pete untied him. He crumpled bonelessly and Whitney was surprised that someone that large seemed to weigh so little.
"He looks pretty bad. Do you think they drugged him?" Whitney looked at Clark's pained expression and heard him moan.
"Clark always used to get sick around here. I've never seen him this bad though. Maybe he'll be better when we get a bit away from here. His Mom said he's allergic to the chemicals they used to use and that traces of them still effect him. Maybe he's just had too much exposure." Pete picked up his legs and between the two of them, they managed to get him to the fence. Lana and Chloe followed behind after taking the time to tie Lionel's men up. Lana put her arm around Chloe, noticing the other girl's distress.
"God, Lana, he looks so sick." Chloe's voice waivered with fear and tears burned her eyes. Clark grimaced in pain as they jostled him through the opening in the fence.
"We've got him now." Lana reassured the other girl. The boys set Clark down near Chloe's car and he rallied enough to try to sit up.
"Whitney?" Clark's voice was almost a whisper. Whitney crouched before him and gently wiped Clark's hair from his eyes.
"You're safe now, Clark. Pete and Chloe will take you to the hospital. You'll feel fine in no time." Whitney tried to put all his feelings into his smile. Clark had always been kind and he didn't deserve to look as sick as he did now. Whitney started to stand up but Clark managed to catch his hand though his grip was not strong.
"Thank you. You took a big risk getting involved." Even when he was sick he thought of the others. Whitney tried to shrug it off.
"Consider it a payment of debt. We're even now. Next time you piss me off, I get to knock you on your ass with no regrets." Whitney's smile was all white teeth and camaradarie.
Clark snorted, though it ended in a cough. "You can try," he answered through clenched teeth. The world took a small spin around him.
Lana walked over to take Whitney's hand. "Enough chest beating, you two. We need to get Clark to a hospital. Whitney, you and I should go for the police." She reached out and held Clark's hand briefly. "We'll check on you later tonight. Call if you need us." She kissed Clark quickly on the cheek and pushed Whitney playfully on the chest when he protested. Clark said thanks again as the two walked back, smiling slightly when Whitney asked why the conquering hero hadn't yet been kissed. Lana gave him a chaste kiss on the cheek. Further protests got him an enigmatic smile and a promise of 'later'.
Lana gave Chloe a final hug. She and Whitney got into his truck and backed out to the road. Chloe pulled in a deep breath blinking away any tears. Clark needed help and there was no time for anything else.
Chloe jumped in the car and gunned the engine while Pete helped Clark get in the back. She turned the car and headed back to town. Chloe drove as fast as possible on a gravel road and Pete sat in back trying make Clark comfortable. "Don't worry. We'll be at the hospital in no time."
Clark put a hand on Pete's arm. "No hospital, Pete. Just take me home." Pete glanced at Chloe who was looking in the rear view mirror. She returned the look with surprise. Clark's grip tightened. "Pete, Mom will know what to do and I have to get home. Lionel Luther was going there. Lex , my parents...they could be in trouble."
"Look, Clark, you may think you can save the world, but you're in no shape.."
Clark cut Pete off. "Please, I have to get home." He looked again to Chloe who pulled over and turned around to truly see them. Though he held his hand to his stomach and was slouching in the seat, Clark's eyes were clear.
"Are you sure you'll be OK?"
Clark managed a smile, sitting up a bit straighter. "I feel better already." He used the Kent charm with full force. "Please?"
Her smile changed. He was obviously better. And trying to manipulate her no less. Her next words were half aggravation, half relief. "You scared the crap out of me!"
Clark's hand came up to touch the back of Chloe's seat. His fingers played gently along the seam as he tried to straighten out his emotions. "I'm so sorry I got you all involved in this. What you did back there was the bravest, though possibly the stupidest, thing friends could ever do for a guy. I don't know what I did to deserve you."
"I'm sure it wasn't nearly enough." Chloe looked to Pete for confirmation and he smiled as the world settled back into normalcy. Nodding sagely he replied. "We'll have to milk this one for all the gratitude we can get. Don't think you'll get off easy, Kent." Chloe's eyes were tiny arcs of happiness behind the sheer size of her smile. Clark could not help but return it.
Clark enjoyed their warmth but his worry for Lex was eating at his composure. "Chloe, Pete, please take me home." The moment was gone and they all knew that things were not finished. Chloe put the car back into gear and headed towards the Kent farm.
***
Author's Note: I know I've wandered away from the Clex but I promise Lex is back in the next chapter. I can't help it. I just wanted to have some fun with all the gang in my first fic.
Please review. I'll even beg. Please? :D
To the kind people who have reviewed: Thank you! Thankyou! Thankyou! And to the ever-patient Lacasta: Thaaannk Yoouu! (Insert big toothy grin of gratitude)
Whitney followed the shorter boy as he moved confidently through the old building. Pete had said he'd played here when younger and was obviously familiar with the layout. This, at least, could be an advantage. Whitney thought back to how Clark had looked hanging by his arms in that office and felt his stomach churn. Had Clark looked that bad when he'd tied him up as the scarecrow all those months before? Whitney didn't want to remember. He'd pushed those thoughts aside. It was a frightening thing to face your own stupidity. Lana had helped him through and he loved her for it, but he needed to prove he was not that guy any more. This was his chance and he'd make sure Clark was alright or die trying. Clark had been good enough to try to be friends, had even helped him deal with his dad's illness. God, he owed him.
Pete was muttering about regrets as he stopped near a runged ladder that led to the metal rafters above. "We'd better take off our shoes. We're gonna have to be very quiet up there if we're gonna pull this off."
"Can you get us in a good position to jump them?'
Pete pointed up to the cross beam. "We used to swing from up there. Believe me, we can survive a jump and can reach a lot of this warehouse. Those ropes and weights will come in handy too. If we can't jump them, maybe we can pick them off."
Whitney looked up understanding what he meant. There was a virtual arsenal of potential weapons hanging above them. Whitney smiled with increased confidence. "I'll take the bigger guy. I still have a few pounds on you, Ross."
Pete grinned back. "It's a plan. We'll get up there and get in position. Give me a thumbs up when you're ready and I'll signal the girls."
***
Chloe and Lana rounded the building to approach from the other side. Each had adjusted their clothing to achieve the most revealing effect. Looking up and across from the door they could see Pete and Whitney moving in to position. Pete turned and saw them giving the signal to proceed. They entered the building from the other side. Lana adjusted her shirt one last time ensuring her entire midriff was bare. Chloe hitched her skirt a bit higher and they exchanged a knowing look. Walking with instinctive female seduction, Lana and Chloe came into sight of the office door.
Dominic stood, surprised to see someone entering the secluded building. He ran a hand down the front of his shirt, smothing away imaginary wrinkles, and moved towards them blocking the view of what was inside the office. "Who're you?"
Lana moved in close, oozing confidence she did not normally show. "Mr Luthor sent us. Didn't want you to get bored." She pouted and glanced up through her lashes. She ran a finger down his chest. "We've been well paid to 'entertain' you while he's gone. Consider it a reward for good behaviour."
Dominic was suspicious. This girl looked familiar. He looked back into the office making sure they could not see their captive from here. The security guard saw his look and came towards the door.
***
Whitney crouched on the foot-wide beam above and recalled that he liked football partially because it was on solid ground. He closed his eyes briefly, breathing in deep and calming himself. Pete had moved into position with the ease of long practice. Too bad Smallville's gymnastics team sucked. Ross had missed his true calling. Whitney clutched the beam to maintain his balance, running different game plans through his head. They wanted to move fast while the girls were still safe. Again he looked down, willing the guard to come out. They could not make their move until both were vulnerable.
Chloe had moved forward, beckoning the guard to come out with a crooked finger and a come-hither smile. Who knew the reporter could look so hot when she set her mind to it? The guard obviously appreciated it. Whitney picked up an old wooden counterweight. Its shape was mildly like a football though somewhat heavier. Weighing it with one hand, he found the solid feel of it comforting.
***
Dominic admired the lovely young woman in front of him but knew something was up. Lionel didn't give gifts. Even praise was a rare thing. These girls and 'girls' was the operative word here, were a bit too fresh faced for their attempted roles. Dominic decided it was not worth Lionel's wrath if he screwed this up. He grabbed the girl in front of him by the wrist and pulled her up against him.
"Who are you?" Dominic's face was inches from Lana's. Seeing this, the guard approached the second girl menacingly. Chloe backed up quickly, looking at Lana in terror.
***
Whitney's heart was in his throat and the adrenalin surged through him in a rush. He looked at Pete to determine his location, though he barely cared as he was about to act anyway. He stood up on the beam and applied all his skill to hurl the wooden weight at the blond man's head. He prayed that his aim was true. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Pete jump and land on the blond as he crumpled to the floor. Whitney then launched himself on the guard, knocking him over as he hit the man on his side taking him down with the forward force of his fall. The guard recovered quickly and tried to draw his gun. Whitney landed a punch sending the weapon skittering across the floor as the guard reeled. Recovering quickly the guard swung wildly. Whitney swayed back on his knees to avoid the blow and scrambled up to knock the guard flat as he tried to regain his feet. He grabbed the man's shirt front to push him hard against the cement floor stunning him with the force. Whitney lifted him again and let his anger out with the strength of his blow knocking the guard out cold. Getting up, he looked to see Pete had taken another gun from the blonde's jacket. The man had a nasty gash on his head and was also unconcious.
"Nice shot, Fordman." Pete's grin split his face. Lana ran to give him a hug. Chloe dipped her head slightly with a smile of approval. She picked the gun out of the guard's reach and put it into the waistband of her skirt. Suddenly bursting into a large grin, she ran towards the others and whooped with joy. She grabbed Pete in a hug that almost crushed his ribs. They all grinned at each other as the relief rushed through them. They took a moment to just breath in their victory, then turned to the office to get Clark.
Hanging by his arms, he looked weak and helpless. Chloe rushed to him, putting her hands on his face and lifting his head to try to wake him. Whitney lifted him from behind to take the weight off his arms as Pete untied him. He crumpled bonelessly and Whitney was surprised that someone that large seemed to weigh so little.
"He looks pretty bad. Do you think they drugged him?" Whitney looked at Clark's pained expression and heard him moan.
"Clark always used to get sick around here. I've never seen him this bad though. Maybe he'll be better when we get a bit away from here. His Mom said he's allergic to the chemicals they used to use and that traces of them still effect him. Maybe he's just had too much exposure." Pete picked up his legs and between the two of them, they managed to get him to the fence. Lana and Chloe followed behind after taking the time to tie Lionel's men up. Lana put her arm around Chloe, noticing the other girl's distress.
"God, Lana, he looks so sick." Chloe's voice waivered with fear and tears burned her eyes. Clark grimaced in pain as they jostled him through the opening in the fence.
"We've got him now." Lana reassured the other girl. The boys set Clark down near Chloe's car and he rallied enough to try to sit up.
"Whitney?" Clark's voice was almost a whisper. Whitney crouched before him and gently wiped Clark's hair from his eyes.
"You're safe now, Clark. Pete and Chloe will take you to the hospital. You'll feel fine in no time." Whitney tried to put all his feelings into his smile. Clark had always been kind and he didn't deserve to look as sick as he did now. Whitney started to stand up but Clark managed to catch his hand though his grip was not strong.
"Thank you. You took a big risk getting involved." Even when he was sick he thought of the others. Whitney tried to shrug it off.
"Consider it a payment of debt. We're even now. Next time you piss me off, I get to knock you on your ass with no regrets." Whitney's smile was all white teeth and camaradarie.
Clark snorted, though it ended in a cough. "You can try," he answered through clenched teeth. The world took a small spin around him.
Lana walked over to take Whitney's hand. "Enough chest beating, you two. We need to get Clark to a hospital. Whitney, you and I should go for the police." She reached out and held Clark's hand briefly. "We'll check on you later tonight. Call if you need us." She kissed Clark quickly on the cheek and pushed Whitney playfully on the chest when he protested. Clark said thanks again as the two walked back, smiling slightly when Whitney asked why the conquering hero hadn't yet been kissed. Lana gave him a chaste kiss on the cheek. Further protests got him an enigmatic smile and a promise of 'later'.
Lana gave Chloe a final hug. She and Whitney got into his truck and backed out to the road. Chloe pulled in a deep breath blinking away any tears. Clark needed help and there was no time for anything else.
Chloe jumped in the car and gunned the engine while Pete helped Clark get in the back. She turned the car and headed back to town. Chloe drove as fast as possible on a gravel road and Pete sat in back trying make Clark comfortable. "Don't worry. We'll be at the hospital in no time."
Clark put a hand on Pete's arm. "No hospital, Pete. Just take me home." Pete glanced at Chloe who was looking in the rear view mirror. She returned the look with surprise. Clark's grip tightened. "Pete, Mom will know what to do and I have to get home. Lionel Luther was going there. Lex , my parents...they could be in trouble."
"Look, Clark, you may think you can save the world, but you're in no shape.."
Clark cut Pete off. "Please, I have to get home." He looked again to Chloe who pulled over and turned around to truly see them. Though he held his hand to his stomach and was slouching in the seat, Clark's eyes were clear.
"Are you sure you'll be OK?"
Clark managed a smile, sitting up a bit straighter. "I feel better already." He used the Kent charm with full force. "Please?"
Her smile changed. He was obviously better. And trying to manipulate her no less. Her next words were half aggravation, half relief. "You scared the crap out of me!"
Clark's hand came up to touch the back of Chloe's seat. His fingers played gently along the seam as he tried to straighten out his emotions. "I'm so sorry I got you all involved in this. What you did back there was the bravest, though possibly the stupidest, thing friends could ever do for a guy. I don't know what I did to deserve you."
"I'm sure it wasn't nearly enough." Chloe looked to Pete for confirmation and he smiled as the world settled back into normalcy. Nodding sagely he replied. "We'll have to milk this one for all the gratitude we can get. Don't think you'll get off easy, Kent." Chloe's eyes were tiny arcs of happiness behind the sheer size of her smile. Clark could not help but return it.
Clark enjoyed their warmth but his worry for Lex was eating at his composure. "Chloe, Pete, please take me home." The moment was gone and they all knew that things were not finished. Chloe put the car back into gear and headed towards the Kent farm.
***
Author's Note: I know I've wandered away from the Clex but I promise Lex is back in the next chapter. I can't help it. I just wanted to have some fun with all the gang in my first fic.
Please review. I'll even beg. Please? :D
To the kind people who have reviewed: Thank you! Thankyou! Thankyou! And to the ever-patient Lacasta: Thaaannk Yoouu! (Insert big toothy grin of gratitude)