CHAPTER 3
*** 4:20 am November 3rd
Chloe Sullivan's bare feet padded silently across the empty halls of Luthor castle. The high pitched sound of a baby crying in the distance interupted the haunting quiet and absently she began to move towards the noise. The usually annoying crying was suddenly very alluring to her and Chloe found herself unable to do anything else besides walk towads it.
She remembered how difficult she had thought it would be the day before to navigate Luthor castle alone and silently she scoffed at herself. The place no longer seemed maze like at all. Instead it seemed to her like she had always known her way around, as if she had lived there for years. Rounding an intricatly carved corner Chloe found herself staring down a long dark corridor.
The door at the end of the hall seemed to glow with an unnatural light and realizing that the source of the sound was definatly behind that door Chloe began to walk towards it. Each step was slow and non-rushed, as if she had all day to reach the distant entrance. As she approached the door the sound of the baby's crying slowly became louder and louder until the sound was nearly unbareable, piercing her brain like a knife.
Despite the awful sound Chloe found herself unable to turn away. Reaching out with a steady hand for the door knob suddenly the noise stopped. The abrupt ending of the babys cry caused her hand to pause on the latch for a long second, listening, before turning the delicate piece of silver. Slowly the door swung inward, revealing an expensive baby crib placed in the center of the room, the only piece of furniature illuminated in the blackened area.
The silence was deafening as she causiously approached the small wooden piece of furniature. She felt her mind filling with an unquenchable curiousity and the irresistable pull of the now quiet child was undenyable. As she moved across the floor the sound of the dance of the sugar plum fairy suddenly sprung to life as the once motionless mobile that hung above the crib began to spin. Pausing in her tracks Chloe's heart froze in her chest as she looked at the spinning object above the bed. The dangeling symbols that hung from the mobile were eerily familiar and with growing forboding she realized that it was the same design that Lana had given her in the Talon and that had been carved into the borrowed oujia board.
Taking a deep breath Chloe tentively took a step closer to the crib. Peering inside she saw the small body of a young male infant. Adorable tufts of fluffy orange-red hair adorned his scalp and a smile slipped across her face as she watched the slow rise and fall of the childs back as he breathed. Absently she realized that the sleeping child could not even be a year old yet, his tiny body unbelievably smooth and pale in the dim light.
Reaching out Chloe touched the soft skin. It was cold to the touch. She grimaced as she felt the stiffness beneath her fingertps and shifting the childs small weight towards her Chloe screamed as her eyes were assulted by the baby's sunken face. If in fact a face is what it could be called. Staring back at her was the skeleton like hollowed out pits that would have contained eyes had the face not been a skull.
Stepping away from the crib Chloes entire body trembled in terror as she watched blood begins to drip from all sides of the crib. With a supernatural quickness the deep crimson liquid began to fill then spill over the sides of the wooden container, slipping between the bars and pooling onto the floor surrounding it. Speedily the endless flow of liquid began to stream towards her. Skirting backwards Chloe shrieked, not wanting the ominous rush of blood to touch her bare feet.
Quickly she turned from the crib ready to make a mad dash from the room. What was she even doing there she wondered. Before she could even think about it she was once again shocked by the sudden appearance of a small boy in the doorway. This child was much older then the youth in the crib, looking to be about eight years of age. She had seen a few pictures of Lex Luthor in his younger years and this child looked remarkably similar. The fact that he was wearing a perfectly tailored suit only added to the resembelance. Unable to keep her voice steady she spoke. "Who are you?"
Suddenly the room around her turned black and they were the only two people standing in an endless void of darkness. "Didn't he tell you to stay away?" The young boy's voice sounded very old, like an adult trapped in a childs body.
"I can't." She found herself replying without thinking.
"Then you will be sorry." The boy said simply.
"Why? What is going on?" Chloe stammered confused.
"Don't you know?"
"No."
"Watch the shadows."
"Why?"
"Sometimes they move."
"Who are you? Where did you come from?"
"I come from the darkness. I am the dark. I have to go now." The voice was sad.
"No wait." she cried desperatly.
"Be careful, Chloe." He said. The warning words were all too familiar in her head.
"Don't go." she pleaded. She needed more time.
"I have to. She is coming for me." the boy said looking behind him.
"Who?" She asked puzzled her voice rushed.
"Good bye." He said. His low voice was filled with sorrow.
"Wait!" She screamed as the boy began to fade from existance.
"I cant. You must.....Wake up." He said his voice echoing endlessly through her mind and then she did.
*** 7:00 am November 3rd
Chloe opened her eyes with a start. Her body was covered in a thin layer of sweat and her heart was pounding in her chest like a drum. Taking a deep breath Chloe could still feel her body trembeling from the lucid dream. "Get a grip Sullivan. It was just a dream." she told herself logically though the words were hard to accept.
Moving from the bed she took a quick shower needing to wash away the haunting sweat that clung to her body like a bad memory. After throwing on some clothes Chloe stomped down the stairs preparing herself for a new day. The alluring aroma of waffles wafted up the stairs adgitating her already grumbeling stomach.
"Good morning sweetheart." Gabe greeted his daughter as she entered the kitchen. "Blueberry waffles?" He asked already knowing the answer as he slipped a freashly prepared cake onto her plate.
"Definatly. Thanks dad.' Chloe said gratefully as she began to top the sugary bread with mounds of butter and tons of syrup. "So how come you are not at work today?" Chloe asked around a mouthful of sweetness.
"I was supposed to be working in the labs in sector four today but because of the suicide the other day at the plant, the job was cancled." Gabe said sitting down next to his daughter.
"What?!" Chloe replied almost choking on the enormous bite. Swallowing she continued in an incredulous tone. "One of the bodies was found at the plant?! Why didn't you tell me this sooner."
"You never asked." He said casually begining to eat his breakfast.
"Har de Har." She remarked sarcastically. "I can't believe it. My own father holding back on me" she said disbelieveing what she was hearing.
"I am sorry honey. Obviously I made a mistake. I did not know you were so interested." he said slightly amused at his daughters sudden passion.
"What hapened?" she finally said when he didnt dispence with the details.
"There is not much to say. The paper's pretty much summed it up. They say it was somekind of cult suicide."
"No. That can't be all. I think there is more to it. I mean why would the kid be at the plant? How did he get in? "Chloe spoke with a intensity that was not lost on her father.
Gabe gave her a look that said in no uncretain terms that he was very worried about his daughter's sudden interest. "Chloe, honey, I don't think this is something you should be looking into too much. Why don't you write a story about that harvest festival coming up. It souds pretty exciting." He said in a vain attempt to sway his daughters interest.
Chloe groaned. Why was everyone trying to talk her out of this story. "The harvest festival is boring. No one wants to read about a stale tradition that was started by a people who didn't even believe in electricity."
"Listen honey. I don't want you to get into any more trouble. I don't think I could stand another conversation with Mr. Luthor about you."
"Another conversation?" Chloe asked surprised. Her eyebrows raising in sudden suspician. "He talked to you about me? When?"
"Yes. He asked about you yesterday at work. I thought it was a little weird but then again i think a lot of things about the Luthors are pretty weird."
"What did he ask?" Chloe asked trying to contain her curiousity.
"He wanted to know about your paper. What you were writing about. He said he was worried that you might be putting yoursef into danger with your investigations."
"What did you tell him."
"I told him I had complete faith in you and that you were smart enough not to put yourself into any danger. I wasnt wrong was I?" Gabe said giving his daughter a questioning look.
"Of course not. What did he say?" Chloe asked her anger at Lex's invasion of her privacy rising.
"Not much. He just nodded and left."
"Oh..." Chloe said dropping the subject. Quickly she stuffed her breakfast into her mouth as her mind raced with thoughts of how she could get a twenty-one year-old billionaire off her back.
Shoving the last bite into her mouth she abruptly jumped from her seat. Iam going to go to the Talon and see if Pete or Clark have showed up yet. Ill see you later dad. Thanks for the breakfast." With that said she grabbed her jacket and rushed out the door.
"Okay. Have fun." Gabe shouted to his daughters retreating back with a sigh.
*** 8:13 am November 3rd
Chloe's heart was beating a mile a minuet as she entered the Talon. She wasn't sure of what to think about Lex's attempts to interfear in her life. Was he just being concerned or was he trying to silence her? Why was he so interested in this? Was it because the events were happening so near to him or was there something else. She would find out soon enough she thought as she prepared to confront him.
"Nell, where is Lex?" Chloe asked rushing over to the waitress.
"I don't know. He's not scheduled to come in until five. I suppose he is at home now, or the plant." Nell replied searching the young reporters face. "Why?"
"I was just wondering." Chloe said quickly. "Has Pete or Clark shown up yet?"
"Nope. You are the first customer we have had this morning." Nell replied. "Do you want your usual?"
"Um....sure." Chloe said as she watched the older woman pour her a mug of Irish Cream coffee.
"Here you are.' She said handing the girl her glass. "Oh, I almost forgot, I found this on the front stoop for you this morning." Nell said handing the girl a plain white envelope. Flipping the paper over in her hand Chloe looked at the unfamiliar handwriting scrawled across the front. It said only one word. CHLOE.
"Who left it?" Chloe asked confused, staring at the envelope.
"I don't know. A secret admirer perhaps?" Nell guessed, mischief sparkeling in her eyes as a sweet smile played at her lips.
'Hmmm.... " Chloe said slipping her fingernail beneath the slit, running a long nail along the flap, slowly tearing open the the envelope. Somehow she doubted it was from an admirer.
Slipping the contents from the enclosure Chloe examined the paper. It was your standard run of the mill tablet paper, ripped along the edge. The writing was in a neat cursive inked with a black pen. Curiously she began to read the note. As her eyes scanned the words her heart beat began to quicken. Someone was trying to help her.
Setting the short message down Chloe let the important words sink in. Alice Fincher was still alive. The fourth person who had supposedly been killed three days ago was now residing in the Mayview Mental Health Clinic. Why wasen't she dead, Chloe wondered. What had happened to her that was differnt then the other theree and why was it being covered up? Did it have something to do with the missing fourth person who Officer Griffith had spoken of?
Excitedly Chloe picked up her coffee taking a long drink. Although she hardly needed the caffine with all the energy that was coursing through her body the hot liquid was soothing and greedily she drank down the glass. A warm glow burned in her stomach reaching her eyes that now shone with new found hope. She was going to have to take another trip to Metropolis.
"Nell, Can i use the phone?" Chloe asked suddenly.
"Sure, go ahead." The woman said kindly.
Reaching over the counter Chloe picked up the reciever, quickly dialing the familiar number of Pete Ross. "Hey Pete." Chloe said excitedly. "Are you ready for another adventure?"
"Always." Even over the phone she could tell he was smiling. "Where are we going?"
"Back to Mayview." She replied quickly.
"Oh no! I hope Stephanie is not working again." He moaned unhappily.
"Actually I am counting on her being there." Chloe said happily. "Ill pick you up in about ten minuets." she said quickly before haning up the phone. She did not want to give him the chance to back out.
Setting her payment on the counter Chloe decided to take a quick trip to the restroom before taking off on the long road trip. The Talon bathroom was dimly lit, the overhead florcent light flickered above as she entered the stall. Quickly doing her business she went to the sink to wash her hands.
Looking in the mirror she saw a face looking back at hers that looked tired and weary. "You really need to get more sleep, girl." She told herself examining the dark circles under her eyes.
Just then the over head light flickered off. It only took a second for the back up generator to kick in and suddenly the room was filled again with a bright intense light. Still staring in the mirror Chloe gasped at her reflection. In place of the friendly young reporters face was the startlingly harsh features of an older woman. While the person looking back at her did not appear to be young there was a definate beauty about her. Unfortunatly the fierce anger in her eyes, contorted her smooth features making her appear both ugly and evil.
Suddenly the room around her began to shift. Darkness began to creep out from the corners of the room like a fungus spreading quickly across the walls and ceiling around her. Chloe froze in place unable to move. Swirling blackness began to surround her. Cold menacing laughter could be heard in the shadows. Looking in the mirror the womans eyes suddenly grew black, matching the desolation that had suddenly overwhelmed the room. "Leave me alone!" the woman howled and Chloe shrieked stumbeling backwards as the glass shattered, exploding out towards her.
For a second everything once again went completely black then suddenly the room lit back up appearing as it had when she first enetered the room. Looking in the mirror Chloe studied it just long enough to see the familiar reflection of the stalls behind her before abruptly exiting the restroom.
*** 9:45 am November 3rd
The familiar form of Stephanie, the Mayview receptionist, sat perched in her chair behind her cherry stained desk. Her face immediatly broke out into a welcoming smile as soon as she noticed Pete enter the room. "I think I gave you the wrong number." he said smiling as he approached the girl. "I really wanted to talk to you last night." he lied.
The girl smiled widly at Pete. "I thought it must have been a mistake." she replied with a short laugh. "I tried calling you last night and some old man answered the phone. Here let me give you my number."
"Okay Cool." Pete said trying to sound as interested as possible. "Listen, I need to ask you a favor." Pete continued as she began to write her phone number on a bright yellow post it note. Mimicing the same suave tone he had used on her the time before he hoped for the best.
"What can I do for you." The girl asked interested.
"Well my friend here needs to talk to a paitent in this place. Her name is Alice Fincher. She was admitted here a few days ago. Chloe really needs to talk to her. Do you think you could help us."
"Well I don't know. Is she a relative?" She asked doubtful, looking over at Chloe.
"Yeah." Pete said quickly. "They're cousins."
"Oh.. Well sure. Ill just have to ask the doctor." She said perking up as she reached for the phone, obviously glad she could be of some assistance to Pete.
"Isen't there a way you can arrange a meeting between them without getting the doctor involved." Pete pleaded, trying not to lose hope.
"I am sorry but that is quite impossible. All the paitents are locked up. Only a doctor can sign for their release into the visiting area." The girl said nodding vigerously hoping that Pete understood what she was saying.
"Yeah but you *know* the guards. Couldn't you just tell them that its okay?" He replied with a well placed wink.
"I don't understand. Why not just ask the doctor?" The girl continued to shake her head confused.
"Um... The doctor isn't nice like you." Pete said cooly. "Do you think you can help us?"
"I am sorry but I can't. I have no authority." Opening a large leather bound book infront of her the girl scanned the contents. "There is only one person who I am allowed to let in to see Mrs. Fincher with out an appointment and its not her cousin. There is nothing I can do. Sorry." The girl said, seemingly genuinely appologetic.
"Whats the name?" Chloe said quickly stepping towards the desk.
"I am sorry I can't tell you that." The girl practically spat at Chloe.
"Please." Pete interjected. "What could it hurt? She really needs our help."
Stephanie sighed clearly defeated. "Okay, but you better call me tonight." she said teasingly as she handed Pete her phone number.
"I will." Pete said accepting the paper and placing it in his wallet.
"The name is hmmmm..." Running her finger down the list Stephanie paused and smiled. "Ah. Here it is. It says here besides the parents the only other visitor allowed is an Alexander Joseph Luthor. Hey I recognize that name." She said brightly.
"Yeah so does half the world." Chloe said rolling her eyes.
"Yeah. He's pretty famous. He was in here late last night. He is a very charming man." Stephanie stated obviously attempting to get some kind of reaction out of Pete.
"He was here last night?" Chloe asked incredulous.
"Yep see. Here is his signature." Stephanie said pointing to the proof. "Twelve forty am."
"I think we need to go pay a visit to Mr. Luthor." Chloe stated giving Pete a conspirital look.
"We can beat the truth out of him." Pete said punching his fist against his palm.
"Maybe you shouldn't come." Chloe said with a slight grin.
"Oh I am coming." Pete assured her as he followed her towards the door. "Bye Stephanie." He called behind him.
"Bye Pete. Call me!."she shouted at their retreating forms.
*** 12:17 pm November 3rd
Chloe slowly pulled her small pink vechicle into the long driveway that lead to Luthor manor. After quite a bit of protest she had dropped Pete off at his house. There was no way that she was going to be able to have a civil conversation with Lex with Pete around. He hated the Luthor's like the plague. Not that she was planning on having a civil conversation with him anyway but things would more then likely end up a lot less violent with just her.
Slamming her car door shut she marched up to the front entrance of the castle and rapped several times with the large brass knocker. Expecting the same creepy old man to open the door Chloe was surprised when Lex Luthor himself appeared on the other side of the entrance, greeting her with a charming smile.
She was also surprised to note that he was not wearing a suit, an image she rarely saw from Lex. Instead of the expensive designer business wear that he usually wore he had on a very soft looking grey t-shirt with the Metropolis University Logo printed across it and a pair of dark sweat pants. Standing in the doorway, leaning casually against the wooden frame he looked exhausted, like he had not gotten enough sleep in the past few days.
"Miss Sullivan, What a pleasure it is to see you again so soon and how unexpected. What can i do for you today?" His voice sounded tired but sincere.
"You can tell me what you were doing asking my father about me yesterday!" She quickly barked at the famous playboy. She wanted to get it said before she lost her nerve. He looked so weary standing there that she almost felt bad yelling at him.....almost.
"I tried to tell you to stay away but you wouldn't listen." He explained, placing a soothing hand on the back of his neck, rubbing lightly.
"So is that what you do? You don't get your way so you mess with peoples lives until they fall into place?" She accused angrely her eyes alight with a wounded wrath.
The sigh that slipped from his parted lips was low and exhausted. "Listen, Chloe. Do you want to come in?"
Looking behind him a flashback of the awful nightmare she had had last night pierced her mind and a tremor of fear pierced her heart. She was about to say no when something inside her stopped her words and surprisingly a yes slipped from her lips. Smiling he stepped aside and gave her room to enter which she did, following him into a large room to their left.
Chloe was glad that the room was not familiar to her. She did not think she would be able to handle it if something from her dream were to become reality. Gesturing to a large plush leather chair Lex motioned for her to sit before taking the the identical one across from her. "So I am I right in assuming that you came all this way to tell me off?" He asked an amused smile playing at the corner of his mouth.
"Well that and I wanted to ask you some questions." she said firmly sitting straighter in her seat.
"Let me guess. About the suicides?" he continued his smile begining to disappear.
"Yes." Her reply was unappologetic.
"Your unbelieveable, Do you know that?" He asked, leaning back in his seat. The look in his eye was one of complete admiration.
"So are you going to help me." She asked, aggrivation slipping into her tone.
"Help you what? Investigate the case? I am not a detective Miss. Sullivan. I think Ill leave the crime solving to the police." Reaching out he selected a blue bottle from off a small stand next to him. Offering her one he took a quick sip, making sure his eyes never left her face.
Chloe found his tone to be completely infuriating. She wanted to wipe that smirk off his face. "If you are not interested in learning more about this case then why were you visiting Alison Fincher in the hospitle at twelve forty last night." Chloe asked. It was her turn to smirk.
His smile didn't falter but she noticed that a bit of his smug attitude evaporated as he shifted in his seat. Leaning forward, instead of frowning or yelling his smile grew wider. "Did you follow me?" he asked his eyes twinkeling.
"Don't flatter yourself." Chloe said with a huff.
"I don't have to flatter myself. The facts speak for themselves. You, Miss. Sullivan, are completly infatuated with me." Relaxing back into his seat every bit of his cocky attitude returned and then some.
"I most certainly am not!" Chloe said barely containing her anger. "Your just trying to change the subject. What do you know abut Alice Fincher? Why did it say in the paper that she died and why is she in an asylm."
"I think it should be obvious, even to you, why the young lady needs psychiatric help. As for the paper I suppose you would have to speak with the editor about that."
"But you went to talk to her. Didn't she tell you anything?"
"Miss Sullivan that girl was out of her mind when I went to visit her. She was in shock. She didn't say a single word the whole time I was there."
"What about this?" Chloe asked reaching into her pocket and pulling out the folded piece of paper Lana had given her. "Do you know what this symbol means?"
"Why can't you leave this thing be? It's over Chloe."
"What makes you so sure? Did you know that this is not the first time that this has happened?"
"I had my suspicions."
"So you admit that it could happen again and yet you choose to ignore it. Now you are the one who is unbeleivable. Whats the matter with everyone in this town? Is everyone too scared to face the truth."
"I don't think fear has anything to do with it."
"Then what?"
"I dont know."
"Are you scared Lex?"
"I am worried about the safty of my friends. Thats all."
"So why don't you help them by helping me solve this?"
"I don't know anything."
"Do you know anyone by the name of Bethany Starling?"
"Why did you ask me that?"
"Do you know who she is?"
"Where did you hear that name?"
"I think she may have something to do with these killings."
"Impossible."
"Do you know who she is."
"This conversation... is over."
*** 4:20 am November 3rd
Chloe Sullivan's bare feet padded silently across the empty halls of Luthor castle. The high pitched sound of a baby crying in the distance interupted the haunting quiet and absently she began to move towards the noise. The usually annoying crying was suddenly very alluring to her and Chloe found herself unable to do anything else besides walk towads it.
She remembered how difficult she had thought it would be the day before to navigate Luthor castle alone and silently she scoffed at herself. The place no longer seemed maze like at all. Instead it seemed to her like she had always known her way around, as if she had lived there for years. Rounding an intricatly carved corner Chloe found herself staring down a long dark corridor.
The door at the end of the hall seemed to glow with an unnatural light and realizing that the source of the sound was definatly behind that door Chloe began to walk towards it. Each step was slow and non-rushed, as if she had all day to reach the distant entrance. As she approached the door the sound of the baby's crying slowly became louder and louder until the sound was nearly unbareable, piercing her brain like a knife.
Despite the awful sound Chloe found herself unable to turn away. Reaching out with a steady hand for the door knob suddenly the noise stopped. The abrupt ending of the babys cry caused her hand to pause on the latch for a long second, listening, before turning the delicate piece of silver. Slowly the door swung inward, revealing an expensive baby crib placed in the center of the room, the only piece of furniature illuminated in the blackened area.
The silence was deafening as she causiously approached the small wooden piece of furniature. She felt her mind filling with an unquenchable curiousity and the irresistable pull of the now quiet child was undenyable. As she moved across the floor the sound of the dance of the sugar plum fairy suddenly sprung to life as the once motionless mobile that hung above the crib began to spin. Pausing in her tracks Chloe's heart froze in her chest as she looked at the spinning object above the bed. The dangeling symbols that hung from the mobile were eerily familiar and with growing forboding she realized that it was the same design that Lana had given her in the Talon and that had been carved into the borrowed oujia board.
Taking a deep breath Chloe tentively took a step closer to the crib. Peering inside she saw the small body of a young male infant. Adorable tufts of fluffy orange-red hair adorned his scalp and a smile slipped across her face as she watched the slow rise and fall of the childs back as he breathed. Absently she realized that the sleeping child could not even be a year old yet, his tiny body unbelievably smooth and pale in the dim light.
Reaching out Chloe touched the soft skin. It was cold to the touch. She grimaced as she felt the stiffness beneath her fingertps and shifting the childs small weight towards her Chloe screamed as her eyes were assulted by the baby's sunken face. If in fact a face is what it could be called. Staring back at her was the skeleton like hollowed out pits that would have contained eyes had the face not been a skull.
Stepping away from the crib Chloes entire body trembled in terror as she watched blood begins to drip from all sides of the crib. With a supernatural quickness the deep crimson liquid began to fill then spill over the sides of the wooden container, slipping between the bars and pooling onto the floor surrounding it. Speedily the endless flow of liquid began to stream towards her. Skirting backwards Chloe shrieked, not wanting the ominous rush of blood to touch her bare feet.
Quickly she turned from the crib ready to make a mad dash from the room. What was she even doing there she wondered. Before she could even think about it she was once again shocked by the sudden appearance of a small boy in the doorway. This child was much older then the youth in the crib, looking to be about eight years of age. She had seen a few pictures of Lex Luthor in his younger years and this child looked remarkably similar. The fact that he was wearing a perfectly tailored suit only added to the resembelance. Unable to keep her voice steady she spoke. "Who are you?"
Suddenly the room around her turned black and they were the only two people standing in an endless void of darkness. "Didn't he tell you to stay away?" The young boy's voice sounded very old, like an adult trapped in a childs body.
"I can't." She found herself replying without thinking.
"Then you will be sorry." The boy said simply.
"Why? What is going on?" Chloe stammered confused.
"Don't you know?"
"No."
"Watch the shadows."
"Why?"
"Sometimes they move."
"Who are you? Where did you come from?"
"I come from the darkness. I am the dark. I have to go now." The voice was sad.
"No wait." she cried desperatly.
"Be careful, Chloe." He said. The warning words were all too familiar in her head.
"Don't go." she pleaded. She needed more time.
"I have to. She is coming for me." the boy said looking behind him.
"Who?" She asked puzzled her voice rushed.
"Good bye." He said. His low voice was filled with sorrow.
"Wait!" She screamed as the boy began to fade from existance.
"I cant. You must.....Wake up." He said his voice echoing endlessly through her mind and then she did.
*** 7:00 am November 3rd
Chloe opened her eyes with a start. Her body was covered in a thin layer of sweat and her heart was pounding in her chest like a drum. Taking a deep breath Chloe could still feel her body trembeling from the lucid dream. "Get a grip Sullivan. It was just a dream." she told herself logically though the words were hard to accept.
Moving from the bed she took a quick shower needing to wash away the haunting sweat that clung to her body like a bad memory. After throwing on some clothes Chloe stomped down the stairs preparing herself for a new day. The alluring aroma of waffles wafted up the stairs adgitating her already grumbeling stomach.
"Good morning sweetheart." Gabe greeted his daughter as she entered the kitchen. "Blueberry waffles?" He asked already knowing the answer as he slipped a freashly prepared cake onto her plate.
"Definatly. Thanks dad.' Chloe said gratefully as she began to top the sugary bread with mounds of butter and tons of syrup. "So how come you are not at work today?" Chloe asked around a mouthful of sweetness.
"I was supposed to be working in the labs in sector four today but because of the suicide the other day at the plant, the job was cancled." Gabe said sitting down next to his daughter.
"What?!" Chloe replied almost choking on the enormous bite. Swallowing she continued in an incredulous tone. "One of the bodies was found at the plant?! Why didn't you tell me this sooner."
"You never asked." He said casually begining to eat his breakfast.
"Har de Har." She remarked sarcastically. "I can't believe it. My own father holding back on me" she said disbelieveing what she was hearing.
"I am sorry honey. Obviously I made a mistake. I did not know you were so interested." he said slightly amused at his daughters sudden passion.
"What hapened?" she finally said when he didnt dispence with the details.
"There is not much to say. The paper's pretty much summed it up. They say it was somekind of cult suicide."
"No. That can't be all. I think there is more to it. I mean why would the kid be at the plant? How did he get in? "Chloe spoke with a intensity that was not lost on her father.
Gabe gave her a look that said in no uncretain terms that he was very worried about his daughter's sudden interest. "Chloe, honey, I don't think this is something you should be looking into too much. Why don't you write a story about that harvest festival coming up. It souds pretty exciting." He said in a vain attempt to sway his daughters interest.
Chloe groaned. Why was everyone trying to talk her out of this story. "The harvest festival is boring. No one wants to read about a stale tradition that was started by a people who didn't even believe in electricity."
"Listen honey. I don't want you to get into any more trouble. I don't think I could stand another conversation with Mr. Luthor about you."
"Another conversation?" Chloe asked surprised. Her eyebrows raising in sudden suspician. "He talked to you about me? When?"
"Yes. He asked about you yesterday at work. I thought it was a little weird but then again i think a lot of things about the Luthors are pretty weird."
"What did he ask?" Chloe asked trying to contain her curiousity.
"He wanted to know about your paper. What you were writing about. He said he was worried that you might be putting yoursef into danger with your investigations."
"What did you tell him."
"I told him I had complete faith in you and that you were smart enough not to put yourself into any danger. I wasnt wrong was I?" Gabe said giving his daughter a questioning look.
"Of course not. What did he say?" Chloe asked her anger at Lex's invasion of her privacy rising.
"Not much. He just nodded and left."
"Oh..." Chloe said dropping the subject. Quickly she stuffed her breakfast into her mouth as her mind raced with thoughts of how she could get a twenty-one year-old billionaire off her back.
Shoving the last bite into her mouth she abruptly jumped from her seat. Iam going to go to the Talon and see if Pete or Clark have showed up yet. Ill see you later dad. Thanks for the breakfast." With that said she grabbed her jacket and rushed out the door.
"Okay. Have fun." Gabe shouted to his daughters retreating back with a sigh.
*** 8:13 am November 3rd
Chloe's heart was beating a mile a minuet as she entered the Talon. She wasn't sure of what to think about Lex's attempts to interfear in her life. Was he just being concerned or was he trying to silence her? Why was he so interested in this? Was it because the events were happening so near to him or was there something else. She would find out soon enough she thought as she prepared to confront him.
"Nell, where is Lex?" Chloe asked rushing over to the waitress.
"I don't know. He's not scheduled to come in until five. I suppose he is at home now, or the plant." Nell replied searching the young reporters face. "Why?"
"I was just wondering." Chloe said quickly. "Has Pete or Clark shown up yet?"
"Nope. You are the first customer we have had this morning." Nell replied. "Do you want your usual?"
"Um....sure." Chloe said as she watched the older woman pour her a mug of Irish Cream coffee.
"Here you are.' She said handing the girl her glass. "Oh, I almost forgot, I found this on the front stoop for you this morning." Nell said handing the girl a plain white envelope. Flipping the paper over in her hand Chloe looked at the unfamiliar handwriting scrawled across the front. It said only one word. CHLOE.
"Who left it?" Chloe asked confused, staring at the envelope.
"I don't know. A secret admirer perhaps?" Nell guessed, mischief sparkeling in her eyes as a sweet smile played at her lips.
'Hmmm.... " Chloe said slipping her fingernail beneath the slit, running a long nail along the flap, slowly tearing open the the envelope. Somehow she doubted it was from an admirer.
Slipping the contents from the enclosure Chloe examined the paper. It was your standard run of the mill tablet paper, ripped along the edge. The writing was in a neat cursive inked with a black pen. Curiously she began to read the note. As her eyes scanned the words her heart beat began to quicken. Someone was trying to help her.
Setting the short message down Chloe let the important words sink in. Alice Fincher was still alive. The fourth person who had supposedly been killed three days ago was now residing in the Mayview Mental Health Clinic. Why wasen't she dead, Chloe wondered. What had happened to her that was differnt then the other theree and why was it being covered up? Did it have something to do with the missing fourth person who Officer Griffith had spoken of?
Excitedly Chloe picked up her coffee taking a long drink. Although she hardly needed the caffine with all the energy that was coursing through her body the hot liquid was soothing and greedily she drank down the glass. A warm glow burned in her stomach reaching her eyes that now shone with new found hope. She was going to have to take another trip to Metropolis.
"Nell, Can i use the phone?" Chloe asked suddenly.
"Sure, go ahead." The woman said kindly.
Reaching over the counter Chloe picked up the reciever, quickly dialing the familiar number of Pete Ross. "Hey Pete." Chloe said excitedly. "Are you ready for another adventure?"
"Always." Even over the phone she could tell he was smiling. "Where are we going?"
"Back to Mayview." She replied quickly.
"Oh no! I hope Stephanie is not working again." He moaned unhappily.
"Actually I am counting on her being there." Chloe said happily. "Ill pick you up in about ten minuets." she said quickly before haning up the phone. She did not want to give him the chance to back out.
Setting her payment on the counter Chloe decided to take a quick trip to the restroom before taking off on the long road trip. The Talon bathroom was dimly lit, the overhead florcent light flickered above as she entered the stall. Quickly doing her business she went to the sink to wash her hands.
Looking in the mirror she saw a face looking back at hers that looked tired and weary. "You really need to get more sleep, girl." She told herself examining the dark circles under her eyes.
Just then the over head light flickered off. It only took a second for the back up generator to kick in and suddenly the room was filled again with a bright intense light. Still staring in the mirror Chloe gasped at her reflection. In place of the friendly young reporters face was the startlingly harsh features of an older woman. While the person looking back at her did not appear to be young there was a definate beauty about her. Unfortunatly the fierce anger in her eyes, contorted her smooth features making her appear both ugly and evil.
Suddenly the room around her began to shift. Darkness began to creep out from the corners of the room like a fungus spreading quickly across the walls and ceiling around her. Chloe froze in place unable to move. Swirling blackness began to surround her. Cold menacing laughter could be heard in the shadows. Looking in the mirror the womans eyes suddenly grew black, matching the desolation that had suddenly overwhelmed the room. "Leave me alone!" the woman howled and Chloe shrieked stumbeling backwards as the glass shattered, exploding out towards her.
For a second everything once again went completely black then suddenly the room lit back up appearing as it had when she first enetered the room. Looking in the mirror Chloe studied it just long enough to see the familiar reflection of the stalls behind her before abruptly exiting the restroom.
*** 9:45 am November 3rd
The familiar form of Stephanie, the Mayview receptionist, sat perched in her chair behind her cherry stained desk. Her face immediatly broke out into a welcoming smile as soon as she noticed Pete enter the room. "I think I gave you the wrong number." he said smiling as he approached the girl. "I really wanted to talk to you last night." he lied.
The girl smiled widly at Pete. "I thought it must have been a mistake." she replied with a short laugh. "I tried calling you last night and some old man answered the phone. Here let me give you my number."
"Okay Cool." Pete said trying to sound as interested as possible. "Listen, I need to ask you a favor." Pete continued as she began to write her phone number on a bright yellow post it note. Mimicing the same suave tone he had used on her the time before he hoped for the best.
"What can I do for you." The girl asked interested.
"Well my friend here needs to talk to a paitent in this place. Her name is Alice Fincher. She was admitted here a few days ago. Chloe really needs to talk to her. Do you think you could help us."
"Well I don't know. Is she a relative?" She asked doubtful, looking over at Chloe.
"Yeah." Pete said quickly. "They're cousins."
"Oh.. Well sure. Ill just have to ask the doctor." She said perking up as she reached for the phone, obviously glad she could be of some assistance to Pete.
"Isen't there a way you can arrange a meeting between them without getting the doctor involved." Pete pleaded, trying not to lose hope.
"I am sorry but that is quite impossible. All the paitents are locked up. Only a doctor can sign for their release into the visiting area." The girl said nodding vigerously hoping that Pete understood what she was saying.
"Yeah but you *know* the guards. Couldn't you just tell them that its okay?" He replied with a well placed wink.
"I don't understand. Why not just ask the doctor?" The girl continued to shake her head confused.
"Um... The doctor isn't nice like you." Pete said cooly. "Do you think you can help us?"
"I am sorry but I can't. I have no authority." Opening a large leather bound book infront of her the girl scanned the contents. "There is only one person who I am allowed to let in to see Mrs. Fincher with out an appointment and its not her cousin. There is nothing I can do. Sorry." The girl said, seemingly genuinely appologetic.
"Whats the name?" Chloe said quickly stepping towards the desk.
"I am sorry I can't tell you that." The girl practically spat at Chloe.
"Please." Pete interjected. "What could it hurt? She really needs our help."
Stephanie sighed clearly defeated. "Okay, but you better call me tonight." she said teasingly as she handed Pete her phone number.
"I will." Pete said accepting the paper and placing it in his wallet.
"The name is hmmmm..." Running her finger down the list Stephanie paused and smiled. "Ah. Here it is. It says here besides the parents the only other visitor allowed is an Alexander Joseph Luthor. Hey I recognize that name." She said brightly.
"Yeah so does half the world." Chloe said rolling her eyes.
"Yeah. He's pretty famous. He was in here late last night. He is a very charming man." Stephanie stated obviously attempting to get some kind of reaction out of Pete.
"He was here last night?" Chloe asked incredulous.
"Yep see. Here is his signature." Stephanie said pointing to the proof. "Twelve forty am."
"I think we need to go pay a visit to Mr. Luthor." Chloe stated giving Pete a conspirital look.
"We can beat the truth out of him." Pete said punching his fist against his palm.
"Maybe you shouldn't come." Chloe said with a slight grin.
"Oh I am coming." Pete assured her as he followed her towards the door. "Bye Stephanie." He called behind him.
"Bye Pete. Call me!."she shouted at their retreating forms.
*** 12:17 pm November 3rd
Chloe slowly pulled her small pink vechicle into the long driveway that lead to Luthor manor. After quite a bit of protest she had dropped Pete off at his house. There was no way that she was going to be able to have a civil conversation with Lex with Pete around. He hated the Luthor's like the plague. Not that she was planning on having a civil conversation with him anyway but things would more then likely end up a lot less violent with just her.
Slamming her car door shut she marched up to the front entrance of the castle and rapped several times with the large brass knocker. Expecting the same creepy old man to open the door Chloe was surprised when Lex Luthor himself appeared on the other side of the entrance, greeting her with a charming smile.
She was also surprised to note that he was not wearing a suit, an image she rarely saw from Lex. Instead of the expensive designer business wear that he usually wore he had on a very soft looking grey t-shirt with the Metropolis University Logo printed across it and a pair of dark sweat pants. Standing in the doorway, leaning casually against the wooden frame he looked exhausted, like he had not gotten enough sleep in the past few days.
"Miss Sullivan, What a pleasure it is to see you again so soon and how unexpected. What can i do for you today?" His voice sounded tired but sincere.
"You can tell me what you were doing asking my father about me yesterday!" She quickly barked at the famous playboy. She wanted to get it said before she lost her nerve. He looked so weary standing there that she almost felt bad yelling at him.....almost.
"I tried to tell you to stay away but you wouldn't listen." He explained, placing a soothing hand on the back of his neck, rubbing lightly.
"So is that what you do? You don't get your way so you mess with peoples lives until they fall into place?" She accused angrely her eyes alight with a wounded wrath.
The sigh that slipped from his parted lips was low and exhausted. "Listen, Chloe. Do you want to come in?"
Looking behind him a flashback of the awful nightmare she had had last night pierced her mind and a tremor of fear pierced her heart. She was about to say no when something inside her stopped her words and surprisingly a yes slipped from her lips. Smiling he stepped aside and gave her room to enter which she did, following him into a large room to their left.
Chloe was glad that the room was not familiar to her. She did not think she would be able to handle it if something from her dream were to become reality. Gesturing to a large plush leather chair Lex motioned for her to sit before taking the the identical one across from her. "So I am I right in assuming that you came all this way to tell me off?" He asked an amused smile playing at the corner of his mouth.
"Well that and I wanted to ask you some questions." she said firmly sitting straighter in her seat.
"Let me guess. About the suicides?" he continued his smile begining to disappear.
"Yes." Her reply was unappologetic.
"Your unbelieveable, Do you know that?" He asked, leaning back in his seat. The look in his eye was one of complete admiration.
"So are you going to help me." She asked, aggrivation slipping into her tone.
"Help you what? Investigate the case? I am not a detective Miss. Sullivan. I think Ill leave the crime solving to the police." Reaching out he selected a blue bottle from off a small stand next to him. Offering her one he took a quick sip, making sure his eyes never left her face.
Chloe found his tone to be completely infuriating. She wanted to wipe that smirk off his face. "If you are not interested in learning more about this case then why were you visiting Alison Fincher in the hospitle at twelve forty last night." Chloe asked. It was her turn to smirk.
His smile didn't falter but she noticed that a bit of his smug attitude evaporated as he shifted in his seat. Leaning forward, instead of frowning or yelling his smile grew wider. "Did you follow me?" he asked his eyes twinkeling.
"Don't flatter yourself." Chloe said with a huff.
"I don't have to flatter myself. The facts speak for themselves. You, Miss. Sullivan, are completly infatuated with me." Relaxing back into his seat every bit of his cocky attitude returned and then some.
"I most certainly am not!" Chloe said barely containing her anger. "Your just trying to change the subject. What do you know abut Alice Fincher? Why did it say in the paper that she died and why is she in an asylm."
"I think it should be obvious, even to you, why the young lady needs psychiatric help. As for the paper I suppose you would have to speak with the editor about that."
"But you went to talk to her. Didn't she tell you anything?"
"Miss Sullivan that girl was out of her mind when I went to visit her. She was in shock. She didn't say a single word the whole time I was there."
"What about this?" Chloe asked reaching into her pocket and pulling out the folded piece of paper Lana had given her. "Do you know what this symbol means?"
"Why can't you leave this thing be? It's over Chloe."
"What makes you so sure? Did you know that this is not the first time that this has happened?"
"I had my suspicions."
"So you admit that it could happen again and yet you choose to ignore it. Now you are the one who is unbeleivable. Whats the matter with everyone in this town? Is everyone too scared to face the truth."
"I don't think fear has anything to do with it."
"Then what?"
"I dont know."
"Are you scared Lex?"
"I am worried about the safty of my friends. Thats all."
"So why don't you help them by helping me solve this?"
"I don't know anything."
"Do you know anyone by the name of Bethany Starling?"
"Why did you ask me that?"
"Do you know who she is?"
"Where did you hear that name?"
"I think she may have something to do with these killings."
"Impossible."
"Do you know who she is."
"This conversation... is over."