*** 5:00 pm November 2nd
Chloe sat in the middle of the floor in her rec room. Small craps of paper from the oujia board surrounded her."Whats all this?" Clark asked mistified by the mess as he entered the room.
"These papers were in the box Chloe found in Emily Watson's barn." Pete stated proudly.
It took a moment for realization to dawn on Clarks face. His expression quickly shifted to disappointment as he frowned over at her. "How did you get these?" Clark asked suspiciously.
"Don't worry I just borrowed it Clark." Chloe reassured her friend. Clark still looked upset but was obviously in no mood to argue with his stubborn friend about morals.
"So what do the papers say?" Clark asked sitting down next to Pete.
"They all say the same thing." Pete stated. "Just two words repeated over and over."
"What words?" Clark asked, picking up one of the papers and studying it. "Bethany Starling? Who's that?" Clark looked puzzled directing his puzzlement towards Chloe for the answer.
"I wish I knew." The small girl replied huffily, blowing a strand of hair from her face. "The name sounds familiar. I just can't pinpoint why. Iam going to look through my notes and see if I can locate her name." She said as she quickly glanced around the room. Biting her lip in frustration Chloe felt her stomach sink. "Oh No!" She moaned.
"What?!" Pete and Clark both asked simulitaniously.
"I forgot my bookbag at the Talon. I need to go back there and get it." A horrible thought suddenly occured to her. What if Lex got into her stuff?! What if he found her notes and destroyed them!? It sounded unlikely but when it came to the Luthors Chloe wouldn't put anything past them. "Ill be right back guys." She said springing to her feet.
Chloe cursed herself for waisting important time going back to the Talon. "You guys stay here and see if you can figure anything out. Check out that box and those papers and see if you can come up with anything new, okay." Chloe asked them, hoping that they would locate something promising for her to go on.
*** 5:16 pm November 2nd
Chloe stormed into the Talon, her jaw was set in a look of grim determination as she prepared herself for the confrontation that she was sure was to come. As she stomped into the coffee shop the young girl paused in her steps, her eyes quickly darting to the booth that she had only just recently occupied with her friends. She could feel her stomach sink as she noted the obvious non-presence of a small navy-blue bookbag. "Shit! He must have it." Chloe mumbled hotly under her breath. She felt like crying as she invisioned the cruel Luther destroying all her hard found research.
Sudden anger flared through her mind and without another thought she charged towards the front counter, pushing past a few irked customers waiting in line. "Lana, Where is Lex?" Chloe demended, her eyes firey with rage.
"Um... he's in his office. He asked me not to disturb him." Lana said hesitantly, giving the enraged reporter a confused look.
"Ill show him a disturbance." Chloe mouthed as she stalked off towards the back room. She was about to pound on the door with her already clenched fist when she suddenly heard a loud displeased voice on the other side, shouting at someone unknown. She was unable to catch all that was being said but the words she could hear struck an ominous and intreiging cord in her mind. Pausing outside the door Chloe pressed her ear up against the glass attemptng to catch every word spoken.
"I don't care who the kid was that killed himself! I don't want any more police at the caslte. This is unacceptable! I have been very sympathetic but you will understand..." Lex's voice trailed off and he was silent for a long moment before abruptly continuing. "I am aware of that officer Brown but the police have had plenty of time to get all the evidence they need. I want that room cleaned up, now! Another delay is unacceptable. The servants are afraid to work. They think the room is haunted."
There was another long silence from Lex's end of the conversation and Chloe held her breath as she attempted to hear every word that was said. "No! I don't want any more excuses, I wan't answers! If the local police cannot help me with this issue then perhaps my donations to the police department have been misdirected. Perhaps funding some local Private detectives would better suit my interests." The threat was obviously effective and seconds later Chloe heard the familiar loud click of a phone being slammed against it's reciever.
The young reporters eyes grew wide as she contemplated what was just said. Was one of the bodies found at Luthor manor? Why would anyone go there? What could the possible connection be? Her mind was racing with possibilities when suddenly the door her head was pressed against swung inward.
"Miss. Sullivan, What the hell are you doing?" Lex's tone was venomous, his eyes flashing with a brilliant dark energy.
"I...um..." Chloe could feel her cheeks heating up as she struggled for a reply. A thousand excuses flashed through her mind but they all sounded lame. Then suddenly she recalled why she had returned to this place and her anger returned full force. "Where is my bookbag?" she asked her body becoming rigid with wrath as she pressed her finger against his chest.
"How should I know." Lex replied, his voice dripping with annoyance.
"I...well...I thought..." Chloe stuttered, running a confused hand through her short blond hair. "Didn't you take it?" she asked suddenly unsure of herself.
"Why would I want a high school students bookbag?" The anger was gone from his voice, replaced by a rare tone of bewilderment.
"I don't know." She began suddenly realizing the stupidity of the statement. "You didn't want me researching the case. I just thought..."
"You thought I stole your bookbag in order to keep you from investigating the suicides?" Lex replied, his usual smug smirk slipping across his face.
"Well, I...Yes." She said confidently, standing straighter and crossing her arms defiantly across her chest. "I did."
The cocky smile remained as he replied, stepping closer to her as he spoke. "Why do i get the feeling that it would take a whole lot more then a missing book bag to keep you from investigating this?" Lex said his voice filled with amusement.
"Because you are a very astute person." Chloe replied, casually moving her hands to her hips. She would not let him intemidate her.
"So tell me Miss. Sullivan, What would it take for me to convince you to back off from this case?" He asked, his voice becoming low and seductive as he took another step towards her. He stopped moving only when his body was positioned no more then an inch from her's. She could feel the heat and power that eminated from his body filling the small hallway.
"You cannot buy me off." she replied coldly, attempting to keep her tone as cool as his.
"I am not talking about money." He replied, his smile all but vanishing as he loomed over her petiete frame.
"You aren't scaring me." Chloe lied, her voice wavering at his close proxcimity.
"Then why are you trembeling?" he asked seriously, placing a smooth hand on her cheek. Pulling her face away Chloe took a quick step backwards. She felt her body jump as her back hit the hard wall behind her. She was unable to move as the familiar smile returned to his face and he took a deliberate step towards her. "How about we talk about this later at my place? Are you free tonight?" he asked casually, the over head flurecent lights dancing in his eyes.
"Yes." She was a little leary of his intentions but there was no way that she was going to pass up a chance to have a real conversation with Lex Luthor.
"Is eight too late?" His tone was casual as if attempting to stop teenagers from investigating satanic cults was something he did everyday.
"It's perfect." she said, her voice very matter-of-fact.
"Good. Ill see you then." He said, matching her easy tone before turning on his heel and strolling away.
Chloe let out a long breath that she was not even aware she was holding. Her stomach tightened and her mind was filled with nervous excitement.
"Hey Chloe, is this yours?" The reporter jumped, startled, quickly turning her head in the direction of the sound. She smiled when she saw Lana Lang holding out the familiar navy-blue book bag.
"Yeah." she said happily moving towards her friend.
"You left in such a rush you must have forgoteen it." Lana said her soft voice filled with the gentle concern it always held.
"Yeah. Your right. Thanks." Chloe said, smiling gratefully.
"So what were you so upset about earlier?" Lana asked curiously, a note of worry in her tone.
"Oh its nothing." Chloe replied dismissing the brunettes inquirey with an absent-minded wave of her hand. "You know me. Sometimes i just get worked up over nothing." She continued with a slight laugh and a quick shrug. "I better get back to Pete and Clark. They are waiting for me back home. Ill see you later."
"Okay." Lana said giving Chloe a strange look." Later." Lana waved.
"Thanks again. Bye." Chloe said hefting the book bag up onto her shoulder before darting out the door.
*** 6:02 pm November 2nd
"Did you kick his ass?" Pete asked excitedly as soon as Chloe walked through the door.
"No. I didn't have to." Chloe replied easily tossing her book bag onto the floor before taking a seat at her computer desk. The look of disappointment that appeared on Pete's face caused Chloe to laugh out loud. "Don't worry Pete, the night is still young. I still may get the chance to kick his ass. He asked me to stop over his house later tonight."
"What?!" Pete shouted outraged. "What the hell does he want you to come over his house for?! I don't think you should go. I don't trust him." Pete continued, his tone filled with a protective suspicion.
"Calm down Pete. Lex isen't that bad. I am sure she will be fine." Clark interupted before turning his attention back to Chloe. "Why did he ask you over?"
'I don't know." Chloe said after a seconds hesitation. "He didn't really say."
"See. I told you. He's probally going to try to kill you. I bet he's the one responcibe for all this in the first place." Pete was on his feet in seconds. The look on his eyes was a little crazed and Chloe quickly interjected.
"I doubt he is going to try to kill me. Besides, if he wanted me dead he would probally hire someone else to do it."
"So what do you think he wants to talk to you about?" Clark asked seriously, absently playing with an old stuffed animal that Chloe had on her floor.
"I don't know. Maybe he is finally ready to admit that I am useful to this investigation and wants to ask me my opinion on whats going on." Chloe guessed. Her voice was filled with pride.
"PPhhfftt. Yeah right." Pete stated sarcastically.
"So did you guys come up with anything while I was gone?" Chloe asked ignoring Pete's remark. The guilty looks that sprung to her two friends faces made it clear to her that they did not.
"No." Clark replied, his head slightly bowed. "Did you find anything out about that name?"
"Not yet." Chloe said reaching for her note book. "I am just about to check it out."
There was a slight knock at the door before Gabe Sullivan peeked his head into the room. "Pete, Your mother just called. She says she wants you home for dinner." Turning his attention to the other male in the room Gabe smiled and nodded. "Hello Clark. You kids finish your homework, yet?"
"Yeah Dad." Chloe interjected quickly. "Just finishing it up."
"Good." he replied with a cheerful smile. "I was just about to order a pizza. You two want anything?" he asked curiously.
"No actually I better get home too.' Clark announced standing up. "You know how my mom gets when i am late for dinner.' He said with a lop-sided smile. "See you later Chloe. Bye Gabe."
"You want a ride home Clark?" Pete asked as they exited the room.
"No thanks ill walk." Clark replied quickly before they disappeared from the room.
"Weird boy." Gabe stated indicating Clark. "Always walking...but i guess thats why he is in such good shape." Smiling over at his daughter Gabe continued. "So, I guess its just us two tonight, huh? Pizza sound good to you?"
"Yeah dad, that sounds great." she replied quickly, her brain itching to get back to her research.
"Okay then. Ill let you get back to your work." Gabe said getting the point before exiting the room.
Returning to her research Chloe went back to what she did best and began her search for the identity of Bethany Starling.
*** 7:36 pm November 2nd
It was an hour later and Chloe was no closer to knowing who Bethany Starling was then when she started. None of the search engines seemed to know who she was. She could not locate any birth records for anyone of that name who had lived or ever visited Kansas. It was a hell of a mystery and although the name sounded familiar Chloe was unable to locate it in any of her notes.
Glancing over at her bold faced digital clock Chloe sighed. She was going to have to hurry if she was going to make it on time to meet Lex. Standing up she hurridly glanced at her self in the mirror and frowned. Suddenly she felt extremely self consious about how she looked. Her hair was a mess, her make up was smudged and her outfit was something that a kid would wear on a trip to the zoo.
Quickly Chloe darted to the bathroom. Grabbing a wash cloth she scrubbed all the old make-up off her face, before abruptly applying a freash application. She was careful not to over do it. She didn't want Luther to get the wrong impression. She wasn't trying to look her best to impress him. She just wanted to be sure that he noticed her. She needed his full attention.
With that in mind she scanned her closet for the most attractive outfit she could find. After an exausting search she pulled out a skimpy black top from the back of her closet. The shirt fit her very snugly, accentuating her curves perfectly. She did not wear this shirt to school because she did not want stupid jocks staring at her breasts but she was going to visit a grown man who hopefully would be able to keep his attention elsewhere and if not...well that would also be to her advantage.
Slipping on her favorite pair of jeans and a denim jacket Chloe prepared to leave. As she was about to dart out the door she paused to look at her reflection in the mirror, quickly running a brush through her light blond hair. Then as an after thought she grabbed a small bottle of expensive perfume that she had reveived from her aunt last Christmas. Quickly she gave herself a spray before grabbing her book bag. Just in case she might need any of the contents she told herself before rushing out the door.
*** 8:00 pm November 2nd
Punctuality was important to Chloe and at eight o clock on the button she rang the doorbell to Luthor castle. The old man that answered the door was completly unfamiliar to her and without a word he motioned her to come in. Silently he began to lead her up the stairs.
The castle was huge and Chloe quietly wondered how long it took new employee's to find their way around. She supposed that if someone were to make a wrong turn they could easily be lost for days in the intricate labrynth of Luthor manor.
Studying the detailed artwork and lavishly decorated rooms Chloe found herself feeling an uncontrolable chill run up her spine. There was something very dark and forboding about this place. Something that gave her the urge to run. Ignoring the desire to flee Chloe paused outside the two large double doors that the old man stopped in front of.
Pulling one of them open he revealed a large room that Chloe had never seen before. It was an enormous library filled with thousands upon thousands of books. They were amazing to look at. Tentively the young reporter stepped into the room. There was a low airy sound eminating from the walls around her, like they were breathing. A hollow silence echoed throughout the room, a sound that reminded Chloe of a tomb.
Her heart lept in her chest as the heavy doors slammed closed behind her. Staring at the enclosure Chloe froze in place uncertain of what to do next. The room was deadly quiet. The smell surrounding her was slighly musty, like a mixture of smoke and pine but there was something else in the room. A smell that in the past she could only associeate with death.
"Hello?" her voice sounded very small in the enormous expance of shelves. Suddenly she felt very stupid. She wasn't even sure why she had come. "Lex, are you in here?"
Causiously she began to walk down the first row of books. The dull greys and browns of the volumes seemed to only add to the eeiry ombiance of the place. Her feet echoed softly, reverberating endlessly with each step as she made her way towards the end of the room. A cool breeze bombarded her back spreading a deluge of goosebumps across her body. Rubbing her hands together Chloe reached the end of the first collum.
The scene that assulted her at the end of the room caused her to stop in her tracks. There was blood covering every available surface. Thick dark liquid that had dried to a deep brown with age but the fact that the blood was old did nothing to apease her fears. Chloe choked back a gasp that threatened to explode from her throat and quickly she covered her mouth with her hand, stumbeling backward. "Oh my God." was all she could say before taking a freezing in her tracks.
A beautifully detailed chair not far off was completely destroyed, smashed to splinters, as were several picture frames that probally had once hung poised perfectly against the magnificant wallpapaer there. Wallpaper that was now partially stripped from the walls. Shreadded and discarded onto the torn up floor. The wall looked scratched and mutilated, as if someone had tried to break their way through it with an axe.
What was really disturbing though was the symbol that was painted on the wall with what was obviously blood. It was the same anonomyous symbol that Lana had drawn for her. Chloe could feel her body begin to involenterally shake and she suddenly felt very cold. A slight sparkle in the corner of the room caught her eye and ignoring the horror surroundng her Chloe walked over to investigate the source of the light.
Stooping down Chloe picked up a small shiny circle. The ring was beautiful. There seemed to be an elegant mystery about it and silently Chloe studied it, letting it roll around in her hand for a brief second before she heard a noise behind her. Slipping the treasure ino her pocket Chloe quickly spun around.
"Is this what you wanted to see?" The voice behind her asked in an icy tone that matched the chilly temperature surrounding her. Meeting the cold gaze of Lex Luthor, Chloe frowned.
"What happened here?" She replied to his questin with a question.
"I don't know. The servant's don't know. The cops don't know. Only Eric Robert's knows. Unfortunatly he is dead." Lex said shaking his head in uncertainty. "Here." He tossed a large manila envelope towards her.
With quick reflexes Chloe caught the envelope before slowly unfastening the small metal clasp. Several large gossy pictures depicting close-up's of the scene scattered onto the floor. Bending down to look at the photos she had to quicky turn her head. The pictures were exactly the same as the scene in front of her except one important detail was missing in the room before her that was definatly present in the pictures. Chloe trembled because in the snapshots there was no absence of the mutilated body of Ecic Roberts as it lie on the ground in a heap of eyeless meat and muscle.
It was the worst thing she had ever seen in her life. The horror that was plastered across his contorted and teriffied face made her skin crawl and suddenly she felt the urge to throw up. So much for being cool she though as she felt her body go pale and her legs go limp. Strong arms slipped beneath her shoulders, supporting unsteady legs. "Its so hot in here."was all she could say.
"Let me take your coat." Lex replied as he slipped the heavy material from her shoulders. She could feel his breath against the back of her neck, inhaling her scent. "You smell teriffic." he added casually, guiding her to a nearby seat. Chloe sat down. Taking a deep breath she attempted to regain her composure.
Looking up at him she could see his eyes on her body as he scanned her well chosen outfit appriciatively. Her desire to use her charms to her advantage was slowly fading from her though she was flattered that her presence was having such a noticable effect on him.
"He tore his own eyeballs out." she heard Lex's emotionless voice say to her and suddenly he was staring into her eyes. His piercing gaze was penetrating.
"I know." she replied quickly, refusing to show that his words had any effect on her. " I read the article."
"Yes but now you can see it, not just read about it." his voice remained impassive as he motioned to the horror on the page still clasped in her hand. "What do you think was going through his mind as he did it? What kind of image do you think was in his head that could have teriffied him so much that he had to remove his own eyes to get rid of them?" Lex's arms were clasped tightly behind his back as he paced slowly in front of her.
Chloe pondered his question. The images he put in her head were both frightening and repulsive. "I don't know." She retorted in a low voice. "Do you?" she added hopefully.
"How could I?" he asked quietly. After a moments pause he continued his tone very serious and firm. "Do you want to know?" The question was simple but hinted at so much more.
"I don't know." She said truthfully. She was not sure what she wanted. All she knew for sure was that she never wanted this to happen again.
"If you are not careful you will." Was that a threat? A warning?
"Lex what are you getting at? What do you know? No more secrets."
"Secrets are all we have, Miss Sullivan but to answer your question all i know is that if you are not careful you might regret it."
"What makes you say that." Her eyes narrowed suspiciously at him.
"Experience."
"This has happened to you before?"
"I didn't say that."
"But you never said it didn't either."
"That's not what we are talking about?"
"What are you trying to tell me then?"
"I already told you. Drop this investigation. Its not safe."
"Who's going to hurt me? You?"
"Never."
"Then who?"
"Drop it."
"I can't."
"Then you will regret it.'
"Why."
"Good bye Miss. Sullivan."
*** 9:13 pm November 2nd
Chloe slipped into her pajamas. Her mind was burning with the images that Lex had revealed to her earlier. She was not sure what to think. Was he trying to help her or scare her. It was pretty obvious that he knew something about what was going on or at least had a pretty good theory. She wondered why he wouldn't just tell her what was going on. What could be so terrible that it actually made Lex Luthor nervous. That fact in its self was enough to send chills coursing through her body.
Snuggeling into her bed Chloe pulled her soft blanket up to her neck allowing the warm material to envelope her body. It had been a long weird day and tomorrow promised to be just as odd. At least it was the weekend so she would not have to worry about having to skip another day of school. She could not risk her academic standing anymore over this.
Closing her eyes Chloe prepared her brain to slip into dreamland when suddenly a flash of rememberance shot across her vision, interrupting her peace. Opening her eyes and leaning across her bed Chloe snatched up her discarded pair of blue jeans. Slipping her hand into the pocket she retrieved the small golden ring. Studing it in her hand Chloe was once again fascinated by its beauty.
The design was very simple but there was something about the way the light caught in the metal that was irresistable to look at. Chloe felt guilty for taking it. She had not ment to steal it but with the way Lex had chosen to creep her out she had been too distracted to bring it up. Shrugging she told herself that she would just return it to him tomorrow. Carefully she slipped the golden circle onto her finger so she would not forget it.
Leaning her head back against the pillow Chloe's mind was instantly transported into darkness where all people go to dream.
Chloe sat in the middle of the floor in her rec room. Small craps of paper from the oujia board surrounded her."Whats all this?" Clark asked mistified by the mess as he entered the room.
"These papers were in the box Chloe found in Emily Watson's barn." Pete stated proudly.
It took a moment for realization to dawn on Clarks face. His expression quickly shifted to disappointment as he frowned over at her. "How did you get these?" Clark asked suspiciously.
"Don't worry I just borrowed it Clark." Chloe reassured her friend. Clark still looked upset but was obviously in no mood to argue with his stubborn friend about morals.
"So what do the papers say?" Clark asked sitting down next to Pete.
"They all say the same thing." Pete stated. "Just two words repeated over and over."
"What words?" Clark asked, picking up one of the papers and studying it. "Bethany Starling? Who's that?" Clark looked puzzled directing his puzzlement towards Chloe for the answer.
"I wish I knew." The small girl replied huffily, blowing a strand of hair from her face. "The name sounds familiar. I just can't pinpoint why. Iam going to look through my notes and see if I can locate her name." She said as she quickly glanced around the room. Biting her lip in frustration Chloe felt her stomach sink. "Oh No!" She moaned.
"What?!" Pete and Clark both asked simulitaniously.
"I forgot my bookbag at the Talon. I need to go back there and get it." A horrible thought suddenly occured to her. What if Lex got into her stuff?! What if he found her notes and destroyed them!? It sounded unlikely but when it came to the Luthors Chloe wouldn't put anything past them. "Ill be right back guys." She said springing to her feet.
Chloe cursed herself for waisting important time going back to the Talon. "You guys stay here and see if you can figure anything out. Check out that box and those papers and see if you can come up with anything new, okay." Chloe asked them, hoping that they would locate something promising for her to go on.
*** 5:16 pm November 2nd
Chloe stormed into the Talon, her jaw was set in a look of grim determination as she prepared herself for the confrontation that she was sure was to come. As she stomped into the coffee shop the young girl paused in her steps, her eyes quickly darting to the booth that she had only just recently occupied with her friends. She could feel her stomach sink as she noted the obvious non-presence of a small navy-blue bookbag. "Shit! He must have it." Chloe mumbled hotly under her breath. She felt like crying as she invisioned the cruel Luther destroying all her hard found research.
Sudden anger flared through her mind and without another thought she charged towards the front counter, pushing past a few irked customers waiting in line. "Lana, Where is Lex?" Chloe demended, her eyes firey with rage.
"Um... he's in his office. He asked me not to disturb him." Lana said hesitantly, giving the enraged reporter a confused look.
"Ill show him a disturbance." Chloe mouthed as she stalked off towards the back room. She was about to pound on the door with her already clenched fist when she suddenly heard a loud displeased voice on the other side, shouting at someone unknown. She was unable to catch all that was being said but the words she could hear struck an ominous and intreiging cord in her mind. Pausing outside the door Chloe pressed her ear up against the glass attemptng to catch every word spoken.
"I don't care who the kid was that killed himself! I don't want any more police at the caslte. This is unacceptable! I have been very sympathetic but you will understand..." Lex's voice trailed off and he was silent for a long moment before abruptly continuing. "I am aware of that officer Brown but the police have had plenty of time to get all the evidence they need. I want that room cleaned up, now! Another delay is unacceptable. The servants are afraid to work. They think the room is haunted."
There was another long silence from Lex's end of the conversation and Chloe held her breath as she attempted to hear every word that was said. "No! I don't want any more excuses, I wan't answers! If the local police cannot help me with this issue then perhaps my donations to the police department have been misdirected. Perhaps funding some local Private detectives would better suit my interests." The threat was obviously effective and seconds later Chloe heard the familiar loud click of a phone being slammed against it's reciever.
The young reporters eyes grew wide as she contemplated what was just said. Was one of the bodies found at Luthor manor? Why would anyone go there? What could the possible connection be? Her mind was racing with possibilities when suddenly the door her head was pressed against swung inward.
"Miss. Sullivan, What the hell are you doing?" Lex's tone was venomous, his eyes flashing with a brilliant dark energy.
"I...um..." Chloe could feel her cheeks heating up as she struggled for a reply. A thousand excuses flashed through her mind but they all sounded lame. Then suddenly she recalled why she had returned to this place and her anger returned full force. "Where is my bookbag?" she asked her body becoming rigid with wrath as she pressed her finger against his chest.
"How should I know." Lex replied, his voice dripping with annoyance.
"I...well...I thought..." Chloe stuttered, running a confused hand through her short blond hair. "Didn't you take it?" she asked suddenly unsure of herself.
"Why would I want a high school students bookbag?" The anger was gone from his voice, replaced by a rare tone of bewilderment.
"I don't know." She began suddenly realizing the stupidity of the statement. "You didn't want me researching the case. I just thought..."
"You thought I stole your bookbag in order to keep you from investigating the suicides?" Lex replied, his usual smug smirk slipping across his face.
"Well, I...Yes." She said confidently, standing straighter and crossing her arms defiantly across her chest. "I did."
The cocky smile remained as he replied, stepping closer to her as he spoke. "Why do i get the feeling that it would take a whole lot more then a missing book bag to keep you from investigating this?" Lex said his voice filled with amusement.
"Because you are a very astute person." Chloe replied, casually moving her hands to her hips. She would not let him intemidate her.
"So tell me Miss. Sullivan, What would it take for me to convince you to back off from this case?" He asked, his voice becoming low and seductive as he took another step towards her. He stopped moving only when his body was positioned no more then an inch from her's. She could feel the heat and power that eminated from his body filling the small hallway.
"You cannot buy me off." she replied coldly, attempting to keep her tone as cool as his.
"I am not talking about money." He replied, his smile all but vanishing as he loomed over her petiete frame.
"You aren't scaring me." Chloe lied, her voice wavering at his close proxcimity.
"Then why are you trembeling?" he asked seriously, placing a smooth hand on her cheek. Pulling her face away Chloe took a quick step backwards. She felt her body jump as her back hit the hard wall behind her. She was unable to move as the familiar smile returned to his face and he took a deliberate step towards her. "How about we talk about this later at my place? Are you free tonight?" he asked casually, the over head flurecent lights dancing in his eyes.
"Yes." She was a little leary of his intentions but there was no way that she was going to pass up a chance to have a real conversation with Lex Luthor.
"Is eight too late?" His tone was casual as if attempting to stop teenagers from investigating satanic cults was something he did everyday.
"It's perfect." she said, her voice very matter-of-fact.
"Good. Ill see you then." He said, matching her easy tone before turning on his heel and strolling away.
Chloe let out a long breath that she was not even aware she was holding. Her stomach tightened and her mind was filled with nervous excitement.
"Hey Chloe, is this yours?" The reporter jumped, startled, quickly turning her head in the direction of the sound. She smiled when she saw Lana Lang holding out the familiar navy-blue book bag.
"Yeah." she said happily moving towards her friend.
"You left in such a rush you must have forgoteen it." Lana said her soft voice filled with the gentle concern it always held.
"Yeah. Your right. Thanks." Chloe said, smiling gratefully.
"So what were you so upset about earlier?" Lana asked curiously, a note of worry in her tone.
"Oh its nothing." Chloe replied dismissing the brunettes inquirey with an absent-minded wave of her hand. "You know me. Sometimes i just get worked up over nothing." She continued with a slight laugh and a quick shrug. "I better get back to Pete and Clark. They are waiting for me back home. Ill see you later."
"Okay." Lana said giving Chloe a strange look." Later." Lana waved.
"Thanks again. Bye." Chloe said hefting the book bag up onto her shoulder before darting out the door.
*** 6:02 pm November 2nd
"Did you kick his ass?" Pete asked excitedly as soon as Chloe walked through the door.
"No. I didn't have to." Chloe replied easily tossing her book bag onto the floor before taking a seat at her computer desk. The look of disappointment that appeared on Pete's face caused Chloe to laugh out loud. "Don't worry Pete, the night is still young. I still may get the chance to kick his ass. He asked me to stop over his house later tonight."
"What?!" Pete shouted outraged. "What the hell does he want you to come over his house for?! I don't think you should go. I don't trust him." Pete continued, his tone filled with a protective suspicion.
"Calm down Pete. Lex isen't that bad. I am sure she will be fine." Clark interupted before turning his attention back to Chloe. "Why did he ask you over?"
'I don't know." Chloe said after a seconds hesitation. "He didn't really say."
"See. I told you. He's probally going to try to kill you. I bet he's the one responcibe for all this in the first place." Pete was on his feet in seconds. The look on his eyes was a little crazed and Chloe quickly interjected.
"I doubt he is going to try to kill me. Besides, if he wanted me dead he would probally hire someone else to do it."
"So what do you think he wants to talk to you about?" Clark asked seriously, absently playing with an old stuffed animal that Chloe had on her floor.
"I don't know. Maybe he is finally ready to admit that I am useful to this investigation and wants to ask me my opinion on whats going on." Chloe guessed. Her voice was filled with pride.
"PPhhfftt. Yeah right." Pete stated sarcastically.
"So did you guys come up with anything while I was gone?" Chloe asked ignoring Pete's remark. The guilty looks that sprung to her two friends faces made it clear to her that they did not.
"No." Clark replied, his head slightly bowed. "Did you find anything out about that name?"
"Not yet." Chloe said reaching for her note book. "I am just about to check it out."
There was a slight knock at the door before Gabe Sullivan peeked his head into the room. "Pete, Your mother just called. She says she wants you home for dinner." Turning his attention to the other male in the room Gabe smiled and nodded. "Hello Clark. You kids finish your homework, yet?"
"Yeah Dad." Chloe interjected quickly. "Just finishing it up."
"Good." he replied with a cheerful smile. "I was just about to order a pizza. You two want anything?" he asked curiously.
"No actually I better get home too.' Clark announced standing up. "You know how my mom gets when i am late for dinner.' He said with a lop-sided smile. "See you later Chloe. Bye Gabe."
"You want a ride home Clark?" Pete asked as they exited the room.
"No thanks ill walk." Clark replied quickly before they disappeared from the room.
"Weird boy." Gabe stated indicating Clark. "Always walking...but i guess thats why he is in such good shape." Smiling over at his daughter Gabe continued. "So, I guess its just us two tonight, huh? Pizza sound good to you?"
"Yeah dad, that sounds great." she replied quickly, her brain itching to get back to her research.
"Okay then. Ill let you get back to your work." Gabe said getting the point before exiting the room.
Returning to her research Chloe went back to what she did best and began her search for the identity of Bethany Starling.
*** 7:36 pm November 2nd
It was an hour later and Chloe was no closer to knowing who Bethany Starling was then when she started. None of the search engines seemed to know who she was. She could not locate any birth records for anyone of that name who had lived or ever visited Kansas. It was a hell of a mystery and although the name sounded familiar Chloe was unable to locate it in any of her notes.
Glancing over at her bold faced digital clock Chloe sighed. She was going to have to hurry if she was going to make it on time to meet Lex. Standing up she hurridly glanced at her self in the mirror and frowned. Suddenly she felt extremely self consious about how she looked. Her hair was a mess, her make up was smudged and her outfit was something that a kid would wear on a trip to the zoo.
Quickly Chloe darted to the bathroom. Grabbing a wash cloth she scrubbed all the old make-up off her face, before abruptly applying a freash application. She was careful not to over do it. She didn't want Luther to get the wrong impression. She wasn't trying to look her best to impress him. She just wanted to be sure that he noticed her. She needed his full attention.
With that in mind she scanned her closet for the most attractive outfit she could find. After an exausting search she pulled out a skimpy black top from the back of her closet. The shirt fit her very snugly, accentuating her curves perfectly. She did not wear this shirt to school because she did not want stupid jocks staring at her breasts but she was going to visit a grown man who hopefully would be able to keep his attention elsewhere and if not...well that would also be to her advantage.
Slipping on her favorite pair of jeans and a denim jacket Chloe prepared to leave. As she was about to dart out the door she paused to look at her reflection in the mirror, quickly running a brush through her light blond hair. Then as an after thought she grabbed a small bottle of expensive perfume that she had reveived from her aunt last Christmas. Quickly she gave herself a spray before grabbing her book bag. Just in case she might need any of the contents she told herself before rushing out the door.
*** 8:00 pm November 2nd
Punctuality was important to Chloe and at eight o clock on the button she rang the doorbell to Luthor castle. The old man that answered the door was completly unfamiliar to her and without a word he motioned her to come in. Silently he began to lead her up the stairs.
The castle was huge and Chloe quietly wondered how long it took new employee's to find their way around. She supposed that if someone were to make a wrong turn they could easily be lost for days in the intricate labrynth of Luthor manor.
Studying the detailed artwork and lavishly decorated rooms Chloe found herself feeling an uncontrolable chill run up her spine. There was something very dark and forboding about this place. Something that gave her the urge to run. Ignoring the desire to flee Chloe paused outside the two large double doors that the old man stopped in front of.
Pulling one of them open he revealed a large room that Chloe had never seen before. It was an enormous library filled with thousands upon thousands of books. They were amazing to look at. Tentively the young reporter stepped into the room. There was a low airy sound eminating from the walls around her, like they were breathing. A hollow silence echoed throughout the room, a sound that reminded Chloe of a tomb.
Her heart lept in her chest as the heavy doors slammed closed behind her. Staring at the enclosure Chloe froze in place uncertain of what to do next. The room was deadly quiet. The smell surrounding her was slighly musty, like a mixture of smoke and pine but there was something else in the room. A smell that in the past she could only associeate with death.
"Hello?" her voice sounded very small in the enormous expance of shelves. Suddenly she felt very stupid. She wasn't even sure why she had come. "Lex, are you in here?"
Causiously she began to walk down the first row of books. The dull greys and browns of the volumes seemed to only add to the eeiry ombiance of the place. Her feet echoed softly, reverberating endlessly with each step as she made her way towards the end of the room. A cool breeze bombarded her back spreading a deluge of goosebumps across her body. Rubbing her hands together Chloe reached the end of the first collum.
The scene that assulted her at the end of the room caused her to stop in her tracks. There was blood covering every available surface. Thick dark liquid that had dried to a deep brown with age but the fact that the blood was old did nothing to apease her fears. Chloe choked back a gasp that threatened to explode from her throat and quickly she covered her mouth with her hand, stumbeling backward. "Oh my God." was all she could say before taking a freezing in her tracks.
A beautifully detailed chair not far off was completely destroyed, smashed to splinters, as were several picture frames that probally had once hung poised perfectly against the magnificant wallpapaer there. Wallpaper that was now partially stripped from the walls. Shreadded and discarded onto the torn up floor. The wall looked scratched and mutilated, as if someone had tried to break their way through it with an axe.
What was really disturbing though was the symbol that was painted on the wall with what was obviously blood. It was the same anonomyous symbol that Lana had drawn for her. Chloe could feel her body begin to involenterally shake and she suddenly felt very cold. A slight sparkle in the corner of the room caught her eye and ignoring the horror surroundng her Chloe walked over to investigate the source of the light.
Stooping down Chloe picked up a small shiny circle. The ring was beautiful. There seemed to be an elegant mystery about it and silently Chloe studied it, letting it roll around in her hand for a brief second before she heard a noise behind her. Slipping the treasure ino her pocket Chloe quickly spun around.
"Is this what you wanted to see?" The voice behind her asked in an icy tone that matched the chilly temperature surrounding her. Meeting the cold gaze of Lex Luthor, Chloe frowned.
"What happened here?" She replied to his questin with a question.
"I don't know. The servant's don't know. The cops don't know. Only Eric Robert's knows. Unfortunatly he is dead." Lex said shaking his head in uncertainty. "Here." He tossed a large manila envelope towards her.
With quick reflexes Chloe caught the envelope before slowly unfastening the small metal clasp. Several large gossy pictures depicting close-up's of the scene scattered onto the floor. Bending down to look at the photos she had to quicky turn her head. The pictures were exactly the same as the scene in front of her except one important detail was missing in the room before her that was definatly present in the pictures. Chloe trembled because in the snapshots there was no absence of the mutilated body of Ecic Roberts as it lie on the ground in a heap of eyeless meat and muscle.
It was the worst thing she had ever seen in her life. The horror that was plastered across his contorted and teriffied face made her skin crawl and suddenly she felt the urge to throw up. So much for being cool she though as she felt her body go pale and her legs go limp. Strong arms slipped beneath her shoulders, supporting unsteady legs. "Its so hot in here."was all she could say.
"Let me take your coat." Lex replied as he slipped the heavy material from her shoulders. She could feel his breath against the back of her neck, inhaling her scent. "You smell teriffic." he added casually, guiding her to a nearby seat. Chloe sat down. Taking a deep breath she attempted to regain her composure.
Looking up at him she could see his eyes on her body as he scanned her well chosen outfit appriciatively. Her desire to use her charms to her advantage was slowly fading from her though she was flattered that her presence was having such a noticable effect on him.
"He tore his own eyeballs out." she heard Lex's emotionless voice say to her and suddenly he was staring into her eyes. His piercing gaze was penetrating.
"I know." she replied quickly, refusing to show that his words had any effect on her. " I read the article."
"Yes but now you can see it, not just read about it." his voice remained impassive as he motioned to the horror on the page still clasped in her hand. "What do you think was going through his mind as he did it? What kind of image do you think was in his head that could have teriffied him so much that he had to remove his own eyes to get rid of them?" Lex's arms were clasped tightly behind his back as he paced slowly in front of her.
Chloe pondered his question. The images he put in her head were both frightening and repulsive. "I don't know." She retorted in a low voice. "Do you?" she added hopefully.
"How could I?" he asked quietly. After a moments pause he continued his tone very serious and firm. "Do you want to know?" The question was simple but hinted at so much more.
"I don't know." She said truthfully. She was not sure what she wanted. All she knew for sure was that she never wanted this to happen again.
"If you are not careful you will." Was that a threat? A warning?
"Lex what are you getting at? What do you know? No more secrets."
"Secrets are all we have, Miss Sullivan but to answer your question all i know is that if you are not careful you might regret it."
"What makes you say that." Her eyes narrowed suspiciously at him.
"Experience."
"This has happened to you before?"
"I didn't say that."
"But you never said it didn't either."
"That's not what we are talking about?"
"What are you trying to tell me then?"
"I already told you. Drop this investigation. Its not safe."
"Who's going to hurt me? You?"
"Never."
"Then who?"
"Drop it."
"I can't."
"Then you will regret it.'
"Why."
"Good bye Miss. Sullivan."
*** 9:13 pm November 2nd
Chloe slipped into her pajamas. Her mind was burning with the images that Lex had revealed to her earlier. She was not sure what to think. Was he trying to help her or scare her. It was pretty obvious that he knew something about what was going on or at least had a pretty good theory. She wondered why he wouldn't just tell her what was going on. What could be so terrible that it actually made Lex Luthor nervous. That fact in its self was enough to send chills coursing through her body.
Snuggeling into her bed Chloe pulled her soft blanket up to her neck allowing the warm material to envelope her body. It had been a long weird day and tomorrow promised to be just as odd. At least it was the weekend so she would not have to worry about having to skip another day of school. She could not risk her academic standing anymore over this.
Closing her eyes Chloe prepared her brain to slip into dreamland when suddenly a flash of rememberance shot across her vision, interrupting her peace. Opening her eyes and leaning across her bed Chloe snatched up her discarded pair of blue jeans. Slipping her hand into the pocket she retrieved the small golden ring. Studing it in her hand Chloe was once again fascinated by its beauty.
The design was very simple but there was something about the way the light caught in the metal that was irresistable to look at. Chloe felt guilty for taking it. She had not ment to steal it but with the way Lex had chosen to creep her out she had been too distracted to bring it up. Shrugging she told herself that she would just return it to him tomorrow. Carefully she slipped the golden circle onto her finger so she would not forget it.
Leaning her head back against the pillow Chloe's mind was instantly transported into darkness where all people go to dream.