CHAPTER 2
*** 6:00 am November 2nd
The piercing scream of her alarmclock awoke Chloe Sullivan with a jolt. Sitting up she rubbed her tired eyes attempting to recall the events of the the previous night. She had had to rush to complete her homework, her mind weary but wired from the days adventures, before finally going to bed exaughsted.
Yawning she placed her feet against the cool floor as she stood from her bed. Streaching her arms high above her body the young girl pulled her relaxed muscles taunt attempting to energize herself. Chloe went through her morning ritual of getting ready for school, in a dreamlike state. She would definatly need a good caffine buzz if she expected to make it through another day like yesterday she thought as she trudged slowly into the kitchen.
Once again she decided to trade in a nutricious breakfast for some good old- fashioned coffee. As soon as she was done dressing Chloe grabbed her keys and headed towards the Talon.
*** 6:15 am November 2nd
Zipping into the parkinglot, Chloe shut her car off next to a sleek black porche parked in a spot marked management. It didn't take a genuis to figure out who the car belonged to, expecially with the vanity plate that read LEX1.
Chloe was not sure if she was glad that Lex was there or not. He was such a contradicting person, both alluring and completly detached. She wondered if he would ever make sense to her.
Struggeling to control her reporter impulse to bombard him with a deluge of questions the moment she walked through the doors, Chloe bit her lower lip. Lex was easy to spot, being the only person in Smallville who wore a suit that cost more then some peoples homes. As it turned out he seemed very busy working with some of the repairmen who were fixing a corner booth so she would not be able to talk with him now even if she wanted to.
"Good morning Chloe. Your usual?" Nell asked as soon as she approached the counter. The older woman's tone was a little less chipper then usual today but her smile was still there.
"Yep." Chloe said taking a seat at the counter. "So, have the cops told you anything about what happened?" Chloe asked quickly getting to the point as Nell handed her her coffee.
"Whats to tell. The kid was obviously crazy, maybe drugs." The woman replied with a shrug. "Its a terrible thing." she continued talking as she stared sadly over at the now cleaned and remodled corner of the Talon.
"Yeah but don't you think its odd that something like this would just suddenly happen? Don't you want to know why?" Chloe asked surprised at Nells sudden desire to hide from the truth.
"I just want Lana and I and the people of this town to feel safe." Nell responded kindly. " I understand you wanting to know more Chloe, just be careful. Some secrets are meant to stay hidden." Nell warned before walking away towards the back of the room.
Chloe let those words sink in as she sat on her stool and sipped her coffee. Sitting back she slowly scanned the room. Everything looked basically the same as it did before except the back booth which must have been destroyed because there were several workmen installing a new identical one.
Watching the crew install the booth Chloe found her attention drifting from the bulky workers over to the lean form of Lex Luthor, who stood a few feet away, quietly observing. He stood in much the same stance she had seen him in the previous morning and most every other time she saw him. Hands casually tucked into his pockets, his back straight, muscles relaxed. His whole demeanor radiated a carefully guarded confidence and authority.
Chloe wished that their was some way that she could brake past those well- placed walls and get some answers from him. Absently she woundered what his reaction had been when he had found the dead body the night before. Had he been shocked? Had he screamed? Somehow she doubted it.
Suddenly Lex looked over at her, his intense gaze meeting her surprised one. Chloe blushed and quickly looked away. She hadn't ment to stare. Daring to take another quick glance at him she groaned as she realized he was walking towards her.
"Mrs. Sullivan, how are you doing today? Still keeping me in business I see." He smiled, that strange half smile of his, as he approached her.
"Someone has to." She replied coldly gesturing to the empty room.
"Thats very generous of you." The self-satisfied grin remained firmly in place as he leaned casually against the counter next to her.
" Yeah, Well, I am a very generous person." she remarked as she took another sip from her mug.
Taking a step closer to her Lex moved confidently into her personal space with the ease of a person who knows no boundries. As he neared her his smirk shifted, his whole demeanor becoming very tense and somber. "Chloe, I want to ask you something." His tone was deadly seriously and the fact that he used her first name was not lost on her either.
"So ask." She said attempting to keep her voice level as she suddenly found herself feeling very flustered.
His body stood mere inches from hers as he continued to speak. Unable to meet his piercing gaze Chloe turned her attention away from him , focusing instead on her coffee mug. In the short span of time that it took for him to answer a million possabilities passed through her mind reguarding what he might want to ask her. She felt her stomach tingle with nervousness. Lex's straight-to-the-point question was the last thing on her mind.
"Lana tells me you are investigating that article concerning what happened on Halloween. Is this true?" His breath tickeled her ear as he spoke. His voice was low, thick with curiousity as he silently awaited her reply.
Blinking in surprise, and blushing fiercly from his unyielding closeness, Chloe replied. "Yes." she answered quickly, a hint of pride, leaking into her tone. "I have been doing a lot of research on the internet." her voice sounded very far away as she spoke the last words and Chloe cursed herself for sounding so childish.
"Listen Chloe, this case isen't safe. I saw what that kid did to himself. It was awful. You don't need to be mixing yourself up in that. Promise me you won't look into this anymore." His tone was non-threatening but there was something in the way that he spoke that made Chloe feel like she could not refuse his request.
"Okay I promise." Chloe lied. She knew she had no intentions of stopping but the look on Lex's face, a mix between his normal businesslike expression and controlled concern, was undenyable.
"Good." he said taking a step away from her, a quick smile spreading across his face. "I am glad that that is settled. Have a nice day, Miss Sullivan." He said before strolling back towards the work crew.
"Hey Chloe, what are you doing here?" Lana asked curiously as she set her school books on the counter.
Chloe jumped in surprise quickly turning to face the petite brunette. "I just stopped in for the caffine buzz." She replied lifting her glass towards the girl as evidence. A nervous smile consumed her features. "What are you doing here so early." Chloe responded, equally mistified.
"I came in to get my new schedule." Lana remarked, reaching behind the counter and retrieveing a slip of paper. After a quick glance she tucked it into her jean's pocket, once again smiling at Chloe. "So how is the investigation coming?" Lana asked curiously.
"Well, don't tell Lex but I went to Metropolis yesterday. I found a case online that is very similar to the suicides on Halloween. I think they may be connected."
"Wow that's creepy." Lana stated trembeling as a shiver ran down her spine. "Why shouldn't I tell Lex?" She added after a seconds hesitation.
"Oh its nothing." Chloe said with a dismissive wave. "He was worried and asked me not to look into it anymore. I don't want him upsetting my father so I told him I wouldn't." Chloe shrugged, feeling slightly guilty for lying.
"Oh well then maybe I shouldn't be telling you this." Lana said a look of uncertainty maring her smooth features.
"What?" Chloe said her interest suddenly sparked.
"Well, you see. I forgot to tell you this yesterday when you asked me if I had seen the inside of the Talon."
"Yeah." Chloe said impaitently as she rushed the other girl to continue.
"There was a symbol written on the wall. They didn't say anything about it in the papers but i saw it. It was a circle with some weird tribal like patterns inside. It was really creepy. Here, I drew a picture of it."
Chloe wanted to laugh when she saw the crude drawing that Lana handed her but the appriciation she felt mingled with the thrill of a new clue resulted in a wide grin spreading across her face. "Thanks Lana." Chloe said hugging the girl to her. "This is awesome." she stated gratefully slipping the drawing into the side pocket of her bookbag.
"I have to go. Ill see you in school later." Lana told Chloe, waving before exiting the building.
Grabbing her cup Chloe quickly downed the remainder of her drink before tossing her money on the counter and abruptly rushing out of the building. Chloe could not wait to once again get to school and do some research on the symbol.
*** 1:55pm November 2nd
Chloe felt like her nerve ending were raw and exposed. She had been searching for hours scanning the internet for any clue as to what this symbol could mean. She had even skipped English and History class in order to have more time to look. The library had been no help at all and now along with having no idea what this symbol ment she also had a days worth of schoolwork to catch up on.
Sighing Chloe once again pulled out the article from her book bag, scanning the words for about the millionth time for any clue or piece of relevant information she might have overlooked. Nothing came to mind and exasperated Chloe slammed her fist against the desk. The loud thunk must have knocked a stray thought loose because in that instant Chloe Sullivan got an idea.
Grabbing her coat and gloves Chloe quickly darted out of the school. She was leaving over an hour early but she didn't care. This was too important.
Slipping behind the wheel of her vechicle Chloe started it up, beginging her journey to the home of Emily Watson, the girl whose body had been found in the Talon.
*** 2:36 pm November 2nd
Chloe finally reached the house, pulling slowly into the parking lot. There were two other cars parked in the driveway so she was pretty sure someone was home. Taking a deep breath she prepared herself for what she was about to do as she made her way up the narrow stairs.
A quick rap on the door with her knuckles announced Chloes presence. It only took a few seconds before the door was answered by a middle age woman looking quite warn out. Chloe felt her mind become hyper-alert and suddeny she felt very nervous. Too late to back down now, she told herself as she gave the woman her most sympathetic smile.
"Hi. My name is Chloe Sullivan. You don't know me but I knew your daughter and I was just wondering if I could come in and ask you a few questions."
"Um... sure come in." The woman said after a surprised second, opening the door, allowing the young girl entrance.
Chloe stepped causiously into the cozy country home. Right away she felt her nerves ease as she sat down next to the woman on a plush green couch. There were several pictures of her daughter sitting on a coffee table next to her. The girl was standing with several other kids, whom Chloe recognized as the other three victems, in one of the pictures. Averting her eyes from the photo Chloe focused her attention on the older woman.
"What do you want to know about my daughter?" the woman asked, her voice clearly indicating that she was still in shock over the whole incident.
"I want to know what they were doing on Halloween night." Chloe said the statement quickly, afraid of the woman's reaction.
The woman didn't even flinch as Chloe asked. Apparently she had been over this so many times in the last 24 hours that she was used to the probing questions and did not even give it a second thought. "They were out in the barn, having a sort of halloween party. I told Emily that I didn't want any of that sillyness in the house. I could hear them laughing outside, telling stories and gossiping. There was noting suspicious going on. I just dont know what happened." Tears sprang into the womans eyes and Chloe felt her heart go out to her.
Immediatly Chloe felt guilty for making this woman, who had already gone through so much, suffer more but the question had to be asked. "Iam sorry." Chloe announced, standing up. "I shouldn't be here. I should go."
"Oh...Okay." The woman said slowly, confusion obvious in her tone. "I appriciate your concern. Emily was such a good girl...." The woman broke off. "My child was not a satan worshiper." she said breaking into fresh tears. Chloe was unsure of what to say to the woman as she moved to leave.
"I know." The small blond girl finally replied. " She was a good person." She stated truthfully before waving a quick goodby to the woman. Hurridely she darted out of the house.
Taking the stairs two at a time Chloe dashed to her car and started it up. She felt very foolish and rude about the way she had handled the situation but at the same time her cheeks were flushed with excitement at the prospect of finding another Clue. Driving her car around the corner Chloe parked her vechicle discreetly in a field next to a small work shed. Grabbing a flashlight from her glove box Chloe began to back track making her way carefully towards the barn in the womans backyard.
Silently lifting the latch Chloe made sure she was not noticed as she slipped between the parted wood of the entrance. Clicking on her flashlight she carefully moved the beam over the area immediatly in front of her. There was black and orange ribbion everywhere indicating that for at least one night the barn had been converted into a party room. An old rickety table with four chairs perched around it sat in the center of the room.
The barn was obviously used as some sort of storage space as well as a stable because all available space was filled with old toys and used furniture. A hobby horse sat next to an old childrens school desk and bowls of uneaten candy lay atop high colorfuls stacks of old well-worn board games.
Chloe continued to scan the room for anything that might help her figure out what had driven these kids crazy. Fear and excitement coursed through her body causeing her nerves to come alive. The fluttering in her stomach was both modivating and intemidating. With each tick of her watch another chance of getting caught passed. Chloe felt like a true reporter. If only she could find a clue.
Her heart began to sink as the big hand on her watch passed the twelve for the tenth time since she had entered the barn. Panicked she was starting to worry that this would be a dead end. She was afraid that she would not be able to find anything helpful. She did not want to have to return home a failure, reverting back to Chloe Sullivan the Smallville high school student, instead of Chloe Sullivan super reporter.
After giving herself one more minute the blond girl sighed turning to leave when a sudden thump behind her caught her attention. Gasping Chloe dropped her flashlight as she spun towards the sound. "Hello." she said as loud as she dared as she leaned forward nervously to retrieve her light. A sigh of relief quickly passed through her lips as she shined the beam of light onto a large tabbycat standing only a few feet away.
"Hello Kitty." Chloe smiled glad that it was just a cat. As the dim beam passed across the corner of the room, something caught her attention and Chloe had to do a double take to be sure she was not hallucinating. After the third inspection she was sure of it. One of the board games stacked on a wobbely wooden chair definatly had the symbol Lana had drawn for her inked on it. This rendition of this picture looked to be sketched by a much more skilled hand but the resemblance was unmistakeable.
An uncontrolled smile broke across Chloe's face as she slid the box out of its resting place and set it on the old oak table. Checking to see what the game was Chloe was not at all surprised to see the word Oujia shining back at her. A chill of forboding passed through her body and Chloe paused for a brief second before lifting the lid to the game. Apparently the police had not checked the game or they would have definatly not left this stuff here. There were several pieces of paper in the box, written in a variety of differnt handwriting styles but it was too dark to read them.
Snapping the lid back onto the box Chloe decided to borrow the game. Sliding it under her arm she picked up her flashlight and turned it off, once again being careful not to be seen as she made her way quickly back to her car.
*** 4:05 pm November 2nd
As excited as she was to go through the box something seemed to be drawing Chloe over to the Talon as she made her way home. Maybe it was something mystical in the air or perhaps it was the smell of freshly brewed coffee wafting through the cool fall afternoon that made her want to go there. Maybe it had something to do with Lex being so uncharactisticly concerned earlier for her well being, causeing her to want a repeat of that behavior. Either way Chloe was smiling as she stepped through the front doors of the Talon.
Her smile faultered for a moment, disappointment creasing her features as she noted a noticibly absent billionare's presence from the room. Chloe's stomach sunk but she quickly pushed those silly thoughts aside. She didnt know why she even cared. All she wanted right now was to get this case solved. That was the only thing that was important, right?
"Hey guys." Chloe said, her smile returning to her face as she spotted Clark and Pete sitting at a table not far away. "How's it going ?"
"Not bad. Just filling Clark in on our escapades last night." Pete replied with a sly grin. Clark just looked at her like he couldn't believe he was associeated with someone so crazy. "I didn't see you in class today? Find out anything new?" Pete continued oblivious to Clarks concern. There was a definate air of conspirecy in his tone.
"Actually yeah i did." Chloe said cheefully, positioning herself across from the two boys. "First look at this." Chloe unfolded the piece of paper that Lana had given her that morning. "Either of you know anything about this symbol." Both boys studied the picture for a long moment before shaking their heads, obviously unable to recognize the picture.
"What is that? I thought you said you wern't going to be looking into this story anymore." A sudden voice from behind her caused Chloe to jump in her seat before quickly turning her head.
"Lex." she squeeked discreetly covering the paper with her hand. Way too late. "I was just um..."
"You promised." He said his voice sounding wounded.
"Yeah but." Chloe found herself once again becoming flustered. Wait a minute she told herself. Lex has no control over you. The guilt she was feeling suddenly shifted to anger as she narrowed her eyes at the pretensious billionaire. "Your not my father." she told him coldly.
Lex's wounded expression quickly turned icy and he suddenly stood a little straighter next to her. " No, but i do *know* your father." he replied, the threat spoken with the calm indiffernce of a casual hello.
"So what are you going to do? Tell on me?" Chloe was angry but she was also hurt. She thought that Lex was on her side.
"Maybe." He said flatly.
"Humph. Figures." she said rage and sarcasm dripped from her tone.
"Lex, your not going to tell on her are you?" Clark suddenly piped in, concerned.
Lex turned his attention over to Clark. His words were determined and scornful. "That depends, Clark, on wether you can keep your friend here out of trouble. This isen't a game. Things could get dangerous."
"Its just a picture Lex. It can't hurt anything. Nobody even knows what it means." Clark aptly defended Chloe.
"Just because you don't know what it is dosn't mean it can't hurt you." Lex protested meaningfully. The group fell silent.
"Listen just because you don't like something doesnt mean you have the right to interfear. You can't control everything Lex." Chloe growled after the moment of silence, jumping to her feet. " Iam going back to my house. If you guys want to help me figure this thing out you can meet me there." With that the small girl stormed out of the building, Pete trailing close behind, flashing the younger Luther a hateful scowl.
Lex watched as Clark stood up. "Listen Lex, I know you are just trying to help but Chloe's...well... she's..Chloe." Clark said with a shrug.
"I gathered that much." Lex responded easily.
"Listen, do you know somthing the rest of us don't" Clark asked his friend in a low whisper, his brow furrowing in concern.
"I have a really bad feeling about this." His reply was curt but concerend. "Watch her Clark." Lex said as he watched his friend move toward the door.
"Okay." Clark replied with a solem nod as he exited the room.
*** 6:00 am November 2nd
The piercing scream of her alarmclock awoke Chloe Sullivan with a jolt. Sitting up she rubbed her tired eyes attempting to recall the events of the the previous night. She had had to rush to complete her homework, her mind weary but wired from the days adventures, before finally going to bed exaughsted.
Yawning she placed her feet against the cool floor as she stood from her bed. Streaching her arms high above her body the young girl pulled her relaxed muscles taunt attempting to energize herself. Chloe went through her morning ritual of getting ready for school, in a dreamlike state. She would definatly need a good caffine buzz if she expected to make it through another day like yesterday she thought as she trudged slowly into the kitchen.
Once again she decided to trade in a nutricious breakfast for some good old- fashioned coffee. As soon as she was done dressing Chloe grabbed her keys and headed towards the Talon.
*** 6:15 am November 2nd
Zipping into the parkinglot, Chloe shut her car off next to a sleek black porche parked in a spot marked management. It didn't take a genuis to figure out who the car belonged to, expecially with the vanity plate that read LEX1.
Chloe was not sure if she was glad that Lex was there or not. He was such a contradicting person, both alluring and completly detached. She wondered if he would ever make sense to her.
Struggeling to control her reporter impulse to bombard him with a deluge of questions the moment she walked through the doors, Chloe bit her lower lip. Lex was easy to spot, being the only person in Smallville who wore a suit that cost more then some peoples homes. As it turned out he seemed very busy working with some of the repairmen who were fixing a corner booth so she would not be able to talk with him now even if she wanted to.
"Good morning Chloe. Your usual?" Nell asked as soon as she approached the counter. The older woman's tone was a little less chipper then usual today but her smile was still there.
"Yep." Chloe said taking a seat at the counter. "So, have the cops told you anything about what happened?" Chloe asked quickly getting to the point as Nell handed her her coffee.
"Whats to tell. The kid was obviously crazy, maybe drugs." The woman replied with a shrug. "Its a terrible thing." she continued talking as she stared sadly over at the now cleaned and remodled corner of the Talon.
"Yeah but don't you think its odd that something like this would just suddenly happen? Don't you want to know why?" Chloe asked surprised at Nells sudden desire to hide from the truth.
"I just want Lana and I and the people of this town to feel safe." Nell responded kindly. " I understand you wanting to know more Chloe, just be careful. Some secrets are meant to stay hidden." Nell warned before walking away towards the back of the room.
Chloe let those words sink in as she sat on her stool and sipped her coffee. Sitting back she slowly scanned the room. Everything looked basically the same as it did before except the back booth which must have been destroyed because there were several workmen installing a new identical one.
Watching the crew install the booth Chloe found her attention drifting from the bulky workers over to the lean form of Lex Luthor, who stood a few feet away, quietly observing. He stood in much the same stance she had seen him in the previous morning and most every other time she saw him. Hands casually tucked into his pockets, his back straight, muscles relaxed. His whole demeanor radiated a carefully guarded confidence and authority.
Chloe wished that their was some way that she could brake past those well- placed walls and get some answers from him. Absently she woundered what his reaction had been when he had found the dead body the night before. Had he been shocked? Had he screamed? Somehow she doubted it.
Suddenly Lex looked over at her, his intense gaze meeting her surprised one. Chloe blushed and quickly looked away. She hadn't ment to stare. Daring to take another quick glance at him she groaned as she realized he was walking towards her.
"Mrs. Sullivan, how are you doing today? Still keeping me in business I see." He smiled, that strange half smile of his, as he approached her.
"Someone has to." She replied coldly gesturing to the empty room.
"Thats very generous of you." The self-satisfied grin remained firmly in place as he leaned casually against the counter next to her.
" Yeah, Well, I am a very generous person." she remarked as she took another sip from her mug.
Taking a step closer to her Lex moved confidently into her personal space with the ease of a person who knows no boundries. As he neared her his smirk shifted, his whole demeanor becoming very tense and somber. "Chloe, I want to ask you something." His tone was deadly seriously and the fact that he used her first name was not lost on her either.
"So ask." She said attempting to keep her voice level as she suddenly found herself feeling very flustered.
His body stood mere inches from hers as he continued to speak. Unable to meet his piercing gaze Chloe turned her attention away from him , focusing instead on her coffee mug. In the short span of time that it took for him to answer a million possabilities passed through her mind reguarding what he might want to ask her. She felt her stomach tingle with nervousness. Lex's straight-to-the-point question was the last thing on her mind.
"Lana tells me you are investigating that article concerning what happened on Halloween. Is this true?" His breath tickeled her ear as he spoke. His voice was low, thick with curiousity as he silently awaited her reply.
Blinking in surprise, and blushing fiercly from his unyielding closeness, Chloe replied. "Yes." she answered quickly, a hint of pride, leaking into her tone. "I have been doing a lot of research on the internet." her voice sounded very far away as she spoke the last words and Chloe cursed herself for sounding so childish.
"Listen Chloe, this case isen't safe. I saw what that kid did to himself. It was awful. You don't need to be mixing yourself up in that. Promise me you won't look into this anymore." His tone was non-threatening but there was something in the way that he spoke that made Chloe feel like she could not refuse his request.
"Okay I promise." Chloe lied. She knew she had no intentions of stopping but the look on Lex's face, a mix between his normal businesslike expression and controlled concern, was undenyable.
"Good." he said taking a step away from her, a quick smile spreading across his face. "I am glad that that is settled. Have a nice day, Miss Sullivan." He said before strolling back towards the work crew.
"Hey Chloe, what are you doing here?" Lana asked curiously as she set her school books on the counter.
Chloe jumped in surprise quickly turning to face the petite brunette. "I just stopped in for the caffine buzz." She replied lifting her glass towards the girl as evidence. A nervous smile consumed her features. "What are you doing here so early." Chloe responded, equally mistified.
"I came in to get my new schedule." Lana remarked, reaching behind the counter and retrieveing a slip of paper. After a quick glance she tucked it into her jean's pocket, once again smiling at Chloe. "So how is the investigation coming?" Lana asked curiously.
"Well, don't tell Lex but I went to Metropolis yesterday. I found a case online that is very similar to the suicides on Halloween. I think they may be connected."
"Wow that's creepy." Lana stated trembeling as a shiver ran down her spine. "Why shouldn't I tell Lex?" She added after a seconds hesitation.
"Oh its nothing." Chloe said with a dismissive wave. "He was worried and asked me not to look into it anymore. I don't want him upsetting my father so I told him I wouldn't." Chloe shrugged, feeling slightly guilty for lying.
"Oh well then maybe I shouldn't be telling you this." Lana said a look of uncertainty maring her smooth features.
"What?" Chloe said her interest suddenly sparked.
"Well, you see. I forgot to tell you this yesterday when you asked me if I had seen the inside of the Talon."
"Yeah." Chloe said impaitently as she rushed the other girl to continue.
"There was a symbol written on the wall. They didn't say anything about it in the papers but i saw it. It was a circle with some weird tribal like patterns inside. It was really creepy. Here, I drew a picture of it."
Chloe wanted to laugh when she saw the crude drawing that Lana handed her but the appriciation she felt mingled with the thrill of a new clue resulted in a wide grin spreading across her face. "Thanks Lana." Chloe said hugging the girl to her. "This is awesome." she stated gratefully slipping the drawing into the side pocket of her bookbag.
"I have to go. Ill see you in school later." Lana told Chloe, waving before exiting the building.
Grabbing her cup Chloe quickly downed the remainder of her drink before tossing her money on the counter and abruptly rushing out of the building. Chloe could not wait to once again get to school and do some research on the symbol.
*** 1:55pm November 2nd
Chloe felt like her nerve ending were raw and exposed. She had been searching for hours scanning the internet for any clue as to what this symbol could mean. She had even skipped English and History class in order to have more time to look. The library had been no help at all and now along with having no idea what this symbol ment she also had a days worth of schoolwork to catch up on.
Sighing Chloe once again pulled out the article from her book bag, scanning the words for about the millionth time for any clue or piece of relevant information she might have overlooked. Nothing came to mind and exasperated Chloe slammed her fist against the desk. The loud thunk must have knocked a stray thought loose because in that instant Chloe Sullivan got an idea.
Grabbing her coat and gloves Chloe quickly darted out of the school. She was leaving over an hour early but she didn't care. This was too important.
Slipping behind the wheel of her vechicle Chloe started it up, beginging her journey to the home of Emily Watson, the girl whose body had been found in the Talon.
*** 2:36 pm November 2nd
Chloe finally reached the house, pulling slowly into the parking lot. There were two other cars parked in the driveway so she was pretty sure someone was home. Taking a deep breath she prepared herself for what she was about to do as she made her way up the narrow stairs.
A quick rap on the door with her knuckles announced Chloes presence. It only took a few seconds before the door was answered by a middle age woman looking quite warn out. Chloe felt her mind become hyper-alert and suddeny she felt very nervous. Too late to back down now, she told herself as she gave the woman her most sympathetic smile.
"Hi. My name is Chloe Sullivan. You don't know me but I knew your daughter and I was just wondering if I could come in and ask you a few questions."
"Um... sure come in." The woman said after a surprised second, opening the door, allowing the young girl entrance.
Chloe stepped causiously into the cozy country home. Right away she felt her nerves ease as she sat down next to the woman on a plush green couch. There were several pictures of her daughter sitting on a coffee table next to her. The girl was standing with several other kids, whom Chloe recognized as the other three victems, in one of the pictures. Averting her eyes from the photo Chloe focused her attention on the older woman.
"What do you want to know about my daughter?" the woman asked, her voice clearly indicating that she was still in shock over the whole incident.
"I want to know what they were doing on Halloween night." Chloe said the statement quickly, afraid of the woman's reaction.
The woman didn't even flinch as Chloe asked. Apparently she had been over this so many times in the last 24 hours that she was used to the probing questions and did not even give it a second thought. "They were out in the barn, having a sort of halloween party. I told Emily that I didn't want any of that sillyness in the house. I could hear them laughing outside, telling stories and gossiping. There was noting suspicious going on. I just dont know what happened." Tears sprang into the womans eyes and Chloe felt her heart go out to her.
Immediatly Chloe felt guilty for making this woman, who had already gone through so much, suffer more but the question had to be asked. "Iam sorry." Chloe announced, standing up. "I shouldn't be here. I should go."
"Oh...Okay." The woman said slowly, confusion obvious in her tone. "I appriciate your concern. Emily was such a good girl...." The woman broke off. "My child was not a satan worshiper." she said breaking into fresh tears. Chloe was unsure of what to say to the woman as she moved to leave.
"I know." The small blond girl finally replied. " She was a good person." She stated truthfully before waving a quick goodby to the woman. Hurridely she darted out of the house.
Taking the stairs two at a time Chloe dashed to her car and started it up. She felt very foolish and rude about the way she had handled the situation but at the same time her cheeks were flushed with excitement at the prospect of finding another Clue. Driving her car around the corner Chloe parked her vechicle discreetly in a field next to a small work shed. Grabbing a flashlight from her glove box Chloe began to back track making her way carefully towards the barn in the womans backyard.
Silently lifting the latch Chloe made sure she was not noticed as she slipped between the parted wood of the entrance. Clicking on her flashlight she carefully moved the beam over the area immediatly in front of her. There was black and orange ribbion everywhere indicating that for at least one night the barn had been converted into a party room. An old rickety table with four chairs perched around it sat in the center of the room.
The barn was obviously used as some sort of storage space as well as a stable because all available space was filled with old toys and used furniture. A hobby horse sat next to an old childrens school desk and bowls of uneaten candy lay atop high colorfuls stacks of old well-worn board games.
Chloe continued to scan the room for anything that might help her figure out what had driven these kids crazy. Fear and excitement coursed through her body causeing her nerves to come alive. The fluttering in her stomach was both modivating and intemidating. With each tick of her watch another chance of getting caught passed. Chloe felt like a true reporter. If only she could find a clue.
Her heart began to sink as the big hand on her watch passed the twelve for the tenth time since she had entered the barn. Panicked she was starting to worry that this would be a dead end. She was afraid that she would not be able to find anything helpful. She did not want to have to return home a failure, reverting back to Chloe Sullivan the Smallville high school student, instead of Chloe Sullivan super reporter.
After giving herself one more minute the blond girl sighed turning to leave when a sudden thump behind her caught her attention. Gasping Chloe dropped her flashlight as she spun towards the sound. "Hello." she said as loud as she dared as she leaned forward nervously to retrieve her light. A sigh of relief quickly passed through her lips as she shined the beam of light onto a large tabbycat standing only a few feet away.
"Hello Kitty." Chloe smiled glad that it was just a cat. As the dim beam passed across the corner of the room, something caught her attention and Chloe had to do a double take to be sure she was not hallucinating. After the third inspection she was sure of it. One of the board games stacked on a wobbely wooden chair definatly had the symbol Lana had drawn for her inked on it. This rendition of this picture looked to be sketched by a much more skilled hand but the resemblance was unmistakeable.
An uncontrolled smile broke across Chloe's face as she slid the box out of its resting place and set it on the old oak table. Checking to see what the game was Chloe was not at all surprised to see the word Oujia shining back at her. A chill of forboding passed through her body and Chloe paused for a brief second before lifting the lid to the game. Apparently the police had not checked the game or they would have definatly not left this stuff here. There were several pieces of paper in the box, written in a variety of differnt handwriting styles but it was too dark to read them.
Snapping the lid back onto the box Chloe decided to borrow the game. Sliding it under her arm she picked up her flashlight and turned it off, once again being careful not to be seen as she made her way quickly back to her car.
*** 4:05 pm November 2nd
As excited as she was to go through the box something seemed to be drawing Chloe over to the Talon as she made her way home. Maybe it was something mystical in the air or perhaps it was the smell of freshly brewed coffee wafting through the cool fall afternoon that made her want to go there. Maybe it had something to do with Lex being so uncharactisticly concerned earlier for her well being, causeing her to want a repeat of that behavior. Either way Chloe was smiling as she stepped through the front doors of the Talon.
Her smile faultered for a moment, disappointment creasing her features as she noted a noticibly absent billionare's presence from the room. Chloe's stomach sunk but she quickly pushed those silly thoughts aside. She didnt know why she even cared. All she wanted right now was to get this case solved. That was the only thing that was important, right?
"Hey guys." Chloe said, her smile returning to her face as she spotted Clark and Pete sitting at a table not far away. "How's it going ?"
"Not bad. Just filling Clark in on our escapades last night." Pete replied with a sly grin. Clark just looked at her like he couldn't believe he was associeated with someone so crazy. "I didn't see you in class today? Find out anything new?" Pete continued oblivious to Clarks concern. There was a definate air of conspirecy in his tone.
"Actually yeah i did." Chloe said cheefully, positioning herself across from the two boys. "First look at this." Chloe unfolded the piece of paper that Lana had given her that morning. "Either of you know anything about this symbol." Both boys studied the picture for a long moment before shaking their heads, obviously unable to recognize the picture.
"What is that? I thought you said you wern't going to be looking into this story anymore." A sudden voice from behind her caused Chloe to jump in her seat before quickly turning her head.
"Lex." she squeeked discreetly covering the paper with her hand. Way too late. "I was just um..."
"You promised." He said his voice sounding wounded.
"Yeah but." Chloe found herself once again becoming flustered. Wait a minute she told herself. Lex has no control over you. The guilt she was feeling suddenly shifted to anger as she narrowed her eyes at the pretensious billionaire. "Your not my father." she told him coldly.
Lex's wounded expression quickly turned icy and he suddenly stood a little straighter next to her. " No, but i do *know* your father." he replied, the threat spoken with the calm indiffernce of a casual hello.
"So what are you going to do? Tell on me?" Chloe was angry but she was also hurt. She thought that Lex was on her side.
"Maybe." He said flatly.
"Humph. Figures." she said rage and sarcasm dripped from her tone.
"Lex, your not going to tell on her are you?" Clark suddenly piped in, concerned.
Lex turned his attention over to Clark. His words were determined and scornful. "That depends, Clark, on wether you can keep your friend here out of trouble. This isen't a game. Things could get dangerous."
"Its just a picture Lex. It can't hurt anything. Nobody even knows what it means." Clark aptly defended Chloe.
"Just because you don't know what it is dosn't mean it can't hurt you." Lex protested meaningfully. The group fell silent.
"Listen just because you don't like something doesnt mean you have the right to interfear. You can't control everything Lex." Chloe growled after the moment of silence, jumping to her feet. " Iam going back to my house. If you guys want to help me figure this thing out you can meet me there." With that the small girl stormed out of the building, Pete trailing close behind, flashing the younger Luther a hateful scowl.
Lex watched as Clark stood up. "Listen Lex, I know you are just trying to help but Chloe's...well... she's..Chloe." Clark said with a shrug.
"I gathered that much." Lex responded easily.
"Listen, do you know somthing the rest of us don't" Clark asked his friend in a low whisper, his brow furrowing in concern.
"I have a really bad feeling about this." His reply was curt but concerend. "Watch her Clark." Lex said as he watched his friend move toward the door.
"Okay." Clark replied with a solem nod as he exited the room.