Thank you's to: Merrie, scifichick774, NickyJean, Queen of Tact, Settie,
Tayoni, Kandice, and bramslullaby. You make it all worth it.
(Authors note: I recently learned that it takes three hours to reach Metropolis not one like i had previously been writing. In futute chapters it will take three hours to get there, in past chapters it takes one. Please over look this as you over look my bad spelling, grammer and contunity. Thanks. )
Day 3 part 2
*** 1:24 pm November 3rd
Driving down the road towards her home Chloe had mixed feelings about her conversation with Lex Luthor. The man was every bit as slick and elusive at answering her questions as his reputation had let on but still she couldn't keep the smile from her face. She was proud. She had caught Lex Luthor off guard.
It had only lasted a second but the look that had flashed across his eyes when she had asked him about Bethany Starling had been a definate look of recognition. Now, more than ever she was sure that he was hiding something, but what? She needed to get home and do more research into that name.
Pulling into her short driveway Chloe smiled wider as she recogniozed the familiar form of Clark Kent sitting on her front stoop. "Hiya Clark. " She greeted him happily as she approached her front entrance. "What brings you out here?" She asked curiously.
"I thought id just stop by and say hi." He said quickly averting his large green eyes away from her as his thick black hair slipped in front of his face, masking his guilty expression. Right away Chloe could tell something was up. Clark was a horrible liar.
Narrowing her eyes at her friend Chloe grinned. "Okay spill it. What are you hiding?" She asked quickly as she opened her front door, inviting her friend into her empty house.
Clark followed his friend into her home, watching her as she picked up her mail, flipped on the lightswitch and flopped onto the large green couch before looking her in the eye. "Well, actually I...." As he began speaking, he shifted from one foot to the other, uncomfortably.
Chloe looked over at her sweet farmboy friend expectantly. There were so many things she wanted to hear him say. "Have a seat, Clark. Make yourself comfortable." She said as casually as she could.
Taking the lazy-boy chair next to the couch Clarks expression turned slightly serious as he gave his friend a wan smile. "Actually Lex asked me to come over here and talk to you." He admitted a little uneasily.
"Lex! What the hell?! I was just over there. When did you talk to him?" Chloe asked incredulously.
"I guess it was right after you left." He said with a shrug.
"And you didn't waste any time doing his bidding, did you? I can't believe it." She said bouncing angrely in her seat. "I suppose he wants you to try and talk me out of this too now, huh?" The small girl said folding her arms defiantly across her chest, a pained expression shined clearly in her glassy eyes. Averting her wounded gaze from her friend Chloe pretended to focus on a spot on the carpet.
"Actually I think he has given up on trying to stop you. All he asked me to do was to keep an eye on you." He began. "Lex wanted me to make sure that you were okay. He is worried about you Chloe. I am worried about you." Clark said standing up and moving over to sit next to her on the couch. Slipping a friendly arm around the upset girl's shoulders Clark attempted to convince her that he was there to help, not hurt
"Yeah well thanks for the concern but I can take care of myself." Chloe spat although she did not pull away from his touch. Conflicted emotions began to surge to the surface of the young reporters mind and she couln't help but be flattered despite her anger.
"Come on Chloe. Dont be like that. You know I am your friend. Let me help you." Clark pleaded. His voice was low but calm. The type of tone that made you feel as if everything was going to work out.
"Well I guess its not your fault." She began, turning towards her friend. "Its just that Lex is being such a pain. I think he knows more than he is letting on." She hesitantly revealed.
"What do you mean?" Clark's expression was not shocked, just curious.
"Well, its like when I am talking to him he won't directly answer any of my questions and what he does say only seems to complicate things more." Her voice was exasperated. She was becoming desperate for answers.
"Thats just the way Lex is." Clark shrugged. "He's mysterious. Everyone knows that he has had a rough past. He's got a lot of secrets." Clark admitted easily, trying to defend his infuriating friend.
"Thats exactly what I mean. Do you think he might be mixed up in this some how?" She hated mentioning her suspicions to Clark since he was such good friends with Lex but she needed someone to confide in and Clark was so easy to talk to. Besides he was the most honest person she knew.
"What do you mean?" He asked his large eyes looked innocent but his tone revealed an equal measure of suspicion.
"I don't know. Maybe he was a member of a dark cult?" She suggested. It sounded a little lame but it was the best guess she had so far.
"Lex, a member of a cult. That doesn't sound right." Clark replied shaking his head.
"Your the one who brought up his shady past and we all know Luthor's have lots of secrets." Chloe countered making the once crazy statement seem slightly more plausible.
"Yeah but... I don't know. Lex just seems smarter than that." His tone was uncertain but Clark was quick to defend his friend.
"Just because he is smarter than that now does not mean that he always was." Chloe suggested carefully.
"Even if thats true, there is nothing we can do about it." Clark said unable to deny the possibility any longer.
"Maybe you could talk to him. He trusts you. He might confide something to you that he would not tell anyone else."
"Actually I already asked him if he knew anything yesterday in the Talon."
"What did he tell you?" Chloe asked hopefully.
"He told me he had a bad feeling about everything." Clark recalled.
"Yeah i bet he does." She replied hotly. "I should have just brought Pete along with me. Then maybe Lex would not have been so withholding.' Chloe stated a glint of anger shining in her eyes.
"If you brought Pete he probally wouldn't even have opened the door." Clark said with a slight laugh before his demeanor became a little more serious, " Chloe, whats the matter. I know this is a great story but your being very reckless. Why is this thing so important to you?"
"I don't know Clark." She began slowly and it was her turn to look guilty. "This is going to sound crazy but since i started investigating this thing I have been... seeing things."
"What kind of things?" Clark asked quickly moving forward in his seat. His body suddenly became very rigid and his face very serious. She recognized the look immediatly, as the same expression he used when he was about to save someone. She had come to think of it as the hero look. Chloe felt slightly happier as she noted that Clark Kent was staring at her with the very concerned gaze that he usually reserved for Lana.
"Awful things." She admitted slowy. "Like dead babies and people in the mirror who are not me. It hard to explain."
"You found a dead baby?" He asked shocked.
"It wasn't real Clark. It was a dream." An exasperated sigh slipped from between her lips.
A look of relief passed across Calrks face. "Well, of course you are having bad dreams Chloe. Anyone looking at all the horrible stuff you are investigating would have the same reaction." he stated logically.
"Yeah but you don't understand Clark. It was more than a dream. It seemed so real and earlier today at the Talon I wasen't even sleeping when it happened."
"What do you think is happening?"
"I dont know but i think ill know a lot more when i find out who Bethany Starling is and what this symbol means."
Clark frowned at Chloes responce. "Maybe you should stop researching this. Let the police do their job. I dont want you to get hurt."
"Now you sound like Lex."
"Is that so bad. You know he only has your best interests at heart."
"Yeah right. You mean he has his own interests at heart."
"Believe it or not Chloe he likes you more than you think and when Lex makes a friend he will do anything for them. Trust me I know." He said sincerly.
Chloe was speechless for a long momet. Clark was always so passionate when he spoke about Lex. He acted like he could so easily relate to the smug billionaire but Chloe could not see how. Clark was kind and sweet and giving. He was pure and honest and when he wasnt off saving someone's life he was pretty reliable.
Lex on the other hand was cocky and rich with more secrets then the great pyramids. He was a self absorbed jerk who broke hearts and used people for his own benifit. He was not worthy of a minute of her time or thoughs, right? After a moment of consideration Chloe gathered herself together. "I know Clark but i can't leave this up to the police. They think it is just a couple of student suicides. I don't think they have any idea about what is going on."
Clark sighed running a tan hand through his dark hair exasperated at his stuborn friend. "Okay. I can see I am not going to be able to talk you out of this so I am going to have to do the next best thing. As long as you are investigating this case i am not going to leave your side. i need to be sure that you are safe 24 hours a day."
"I am flattered Clark but i don't really think i am in that much danger. Who ever is trying to scare me is doing just that. If they could hurt me i think they would have done it by now, dont you think?"
"Yeah....." He began slowly. " But i am still not going to leave you alone. Besides I promised Lex id keep you safe."
"Whatever." Chloe said happily defeated. "Ill just put you to work halping me then." A wide grin suddenly spread across the girls face and an uncontrolled surge of happiness passed through her body. Absently she considered what had brought on the sudden feeling of joy. Was it the fact that Clark wanted to protect her...or Lex?
Either way she was unable to wipe the grin from her face. Reaching out she picked up the stack of mail and absently she began to check for her name. The young reporter was only slightly shocked when she located an envelope in the back that was identical to the one that she had recieved only a few hours earlier at the Talon. "Hmmmm... take a look at this Clark." Chloe said flashing him the envelope.
"It looks like your helper has sent you a new message." Clark stated interested.
"How do you know about that?" Chloe asked suspiciously.
"Pete called me when you guys came back from Metropolis.' Clark replied quickly.
"No wonder Lex keeps his secrets to himself. With how much you guys gossip the whole town would know everything about him in the span of a week." Chloe joked cheerfully as she began to open the envelope.
"What does it say?" Clark asked impaitently, watching his friend carefully tearing the paper.
"I am not sure. Its an address but it's not in Smallville."
"Let me guess, Metropolis?" he asked his tone certain.
"Bingo." She grinned.
"Does it say anything else?" He asked curiusly eyeing the paper.
"Just a bunch of numbers." Chloe said shaking her head. "It must be some kind of code but i have no idea what it could mean."
"I guess this means we are going to Metropolis." Clark said , a look of mischief glittering in his eye.
"Twice in one day. This has to be some kind of record. I am definatly going to need to get some gas before we go."
"And Pete." Clark interjected quickly."
"Definatly Pete." She replied grabbing her keys.
*** 5:05 pm November third
Pete was the navigator as Chloe manuevered through the booming metropolis that was aptly named Metropolis city. Reading from a map that was tucked into his friends glove compartment and using the address provided in the anonymous letter Pete was quickly able to locate the enormous building the was perched in the heart of the huge city. "Thats it."Pete said indicating the monsterous structure to their right. "This is the address on the paper...What is it?"
"Its the Metropolis library." Chloe said quickly. "Are you sure that this is the right place?" Chloe asked uncertain.
"Posative." Pete replied his voice filling the girl with new found hope.
"The letter lead us to a library?" Clark asked confused from the backseat. "Why didn't whoever sent you the note just write Metropolis Citizen's library on it?"
"I don't know?" Chloe stated excitedly, shutting off her car. "But I am definatly going to find out but first I am going to figure out why we were lead here. You guys coming?"
Two quick nodds and the three of them quickly moved towards the gigantic library.
Stepping into the building Chloe was surprised. The inside of the library was the exact opposite of the ancient gothic facade that adorned the entrance. Inside the decour was very modern looking. Everything was either metal, glass or some sort od sophesticated space age plastic. Up to date computer systems lined almost every wall. Even the librarians looked like they had just stepped out of the latest issue of vogue and GQ.
Spotting a very prissy looking blond woman standing behind a counter Chloe quickly approached her. Walking up to the smart looking woman Chloe pulled the mysterious envelope from her pocket. Studdying the number code on the paper it was pretty clear to her now that it was some kind of book code. Looking at the first set of numbers Chloe asked the stern looking book keeper if she knew where the book could be located.
Scanning the decimal system the woman paused a moment in thought before pointing to a section of the room far in the back. "Go down those stairs and make a right. The occult section is 96.45 - 305.67." frowning at Chloe and her friends the woman gave them a long hard look as if she didn't trust their nature before briskly walking away.
Chloe did not waste any time. Moving quickly towards the staircase she flew down the stairs, Clark and Pete trailing close behind. Easily locating the room that the woman had spoken of Chloe set to work. The downstairs was not as glamorous at the upstairs but it was still pretty impressive. Looking at her paper Chloe hurridly began to search for the correct book. As she looked, the titles of the volumes that surrounded her caused the hair on the back of her neck to bristle.
Books about witches and warlocks as well as magic and sorcery lined the shelves but what really grabbed her attention were the books on torture and sacrafice. The covers were very graphic, depicting horrible scenes of pain and bloodletting. Grimacing Chloe tried to ignore the terrible images that kept popping into her head, instead focusing on the fact that soon she was going to have one hell of a good clue. Perhaps this book would hold the secrets that would unveil this sorted mystery.
Reaching the place that the book would have been located Chloe frowned. It was not there. She felt her heart sink in her chest but she tried to remain chipper. Perhaps the librarian had just mis-stocked it she thought hopefully although she doubted that the commanding looking woman upstairs was even capible of such a mistake. After a a few more minuets of searching the young reporter turned to her friends. "Why isen't it here?" She asked in despair, throwing her arms up into the air. "It should be right here." she shouted pointing at the empty space on the shelf.
"Maybe the book is in another section of the library?" Pete suggested hopefully.
"Or maybe it just hasen't been put back out on the shelf yet." Clark chimed in although the lack of emotion in his tone made her heart sink even further rather than cheer her up. Trudgging back up the stairs Chloe felt defeated, her chin leaned against her chest as she staired at the ground, lost in thought.
Upstairs she once again scanned the room. Spotting the same librarian in the corner next to a large tropical fish aquarium she watched as the woman worked on one of the library computers. Quickly approaching her Chloe frowned down at the older woman. "Excuse me but could you please tell me where i could find this book." Chloe asked a trace of hope still left in her tone as she once again pointed to the number on the page.
The woman gave the young girl a look of pure loathing before speaking. "I already told you where to find that book. Occult section down the stairs to the right." The woman hissed.
"Yeah we just checked there. Its not there." Chloe said attempting to keep the anger out of her voice.
"Then it muct be rented out." The woman stated as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"Do you have another copy of the book?" Chloe asked quickly.
"What' the title?" the woman asked suddenly switching screens on her computer.
"Um... I am not sure." Chloe said slightly embarassed.
"Let me see the number again." The woman barked glaring at Chloe.
Handing her the paper Chloe watched with a sinking feeling as the woman began to type. Scanning the screen the woman spoke in a clear even tone. "The title of that book is modern witchcraft: signs and symbols." Chloe quickly jotted down the informatin as she practically leanded over the womans shoulder to get as much information as she could. "It says here that currently we only carry one copy of that book and it is, at present, unavailable." The woman stated giving Chloe an aggrivated look.
The young blond girl didn't even notice. She was too busy staring at the glowing screen that sat in front of her. A surge of hatred and dispair once again flooded her mind as she stared at the one word on this earth that she did not want to see on the screen. It was only one short six letter word but that one word was anough to fill her heart and mind with a new found anger that until recently she had thought she was incapible of feeling. That one word, sitting next to the title renter, was Luthor.
*** 5:56 pm November 3rd
"I can't believe it!" Chloe shouted as she drove down a crowded street. "He did it to me again!." Chloe stated pounding on her steering wheel with her small fist. Her body and mind were livid with wrath. This was the last straw. She was going to go back to Smallville and if Lex did not let her see that book then he was in for a world of trouble. So far she had been super cool but no more. He had seen the last of sweeet Chloe Sullivan. If he did not cooperate with her Lex Luthor was about to meet Chloe Sullivan, mega-bitch.
"Come on Chloe. There was no way that he could have known that some stranger would send you a secret letter telling you to rent out the book." Clark stated logically. "He was probally attempting to figure out what the sign was himself. After all it was written on the wall of his home and workplace in blood."
"I don't care! He is messing up my investigation and i am not going to stand for it any longer." Chloe shouted angrely as she swerved her vechicle to avoid a passing car.
"Whoa, Chloe. Calm down. I hate Luthor as much as anyone but thats no reason to drive like a maniac." Pete stated, honestly frightened of the young girls driving.
"I am calm Pete! I am so calm right now. Wait until I see Lex. Then you will see what angry Chloe Sullivan looks like."
"Man, I hope I never do anything to piss you off this bad." Pete said smiling over at Chloe, a look of admiration in his eyes. "I almost feel bad for Luthor."
"Look maybe there is another way to get the information." Clark suggested, attempting to distract Chloe's rage from his friend.
"Like how?" Chloe asked curiously, not believing it.
"Well, I mean the Metropolis Library can't be the only library that carries that book." Clark said. "I mean now that we know the title of the book maybe we can find a copy in another library or bookstore." He suggested hopefully.
"Clark your a genuis! I can't believe i didnt think of that." Chloe practically shouted as she screeched to an abrupt hault in front of a sudden red light. 'Where do you think we should go to look?" she asked, her mind suddenly alive with ideas.
"How about there." Pete said pointing out the window. Leaning forward Chloe shifted her line of vision to the place that Pete was gesturing to. Her bright blue eyes grew wide with excitement as she read aloud. "Madame Blacks house of Wizardry. Perfect." She said clapping her hands together. An uncontrolled grin quickly spread across her face as she carefully shifted her car into gear and began to turn into the small buildings parkinglot.
*** 6:06 pm November 3rd.
A tinkeling bell chimed as Chloe stepped into the tiny building. The spicy aroma of insence fillled the air, the scented smoke billowing from every available space in the dimly lit room. Almost everything in the building was either black or white making the decur look like it had been lifted from an old black and white episode of the Adams Family. With the fake skulls and plastic candle holders the atmosphere was more amusing then chilling.
"Excuse me." Chloe began, grabbing the attention of the only woman in the room. The raven haired beauty spun around to face her. She was definatly older then Chloe but not ancient. She was perhaps in her late thirties. Her lineless face was smooth and ageless but her eyes revealed a wisdom and intelligence that seemed far beyond her years.
"How may i be of service to you, young lady?" the woman asked, her voice was as sleek and graceful as her movements.
"Do you have a book called modern magic, signs and symbols?" Chloe voice was desperate as she took a step closer to the elegant woman.
A wide grin spread across the womans face and she suddenly seemed to reguard Chloe with a new found respect. "Of course i do." The woman stated walking towards a large column filled with books. "It is essencial for the beginner witch." she continued scanning the shelf. Reaching out with long slenger fingers the woman removed a tall slim volume. "Are you interested in witchcraft?" the woman asked Chloe curiously, not even giving Pete or Clark, who were checking out the live rats, in the corner, a second glance.
"Um.....yes." Chloe stated quickly eyeing the book as if it were the greatest treasure on earth.
"Good." The woman said running her hand along the glossy leather that covered the text. "Tell me young lady. What makes you so interested in this book?" the woman asked studdying the young reporters face.
"Actually, I am trying to find out the meaning of this symbol." Chloe said reaching into her pocket, feeling for the familiar piece of paper. Pulling out the drawing Lana had given her the previous day Chloe handed it to the woman.
"Ah...yes." Madame Black said with a smile as she glanced at the symbol. "The sign of the lacrose."she said easily. Opening up the book she quickly flipped through the pages scanning them until she reached a page about three fourths in. Propping it open on the counter she pointed at the picture with the tip of her long black fingernail. "This is what you want to know?"
Leaning forward to study the picture Chloe felt a tremor of excitement and puzzlement course through her body. "The sign of the lacrose." Chloe read aloud before reading the caption beneath. "A symbol of a powerful sacrafice." Turning to stare at the woman with a mixture of confusion and hope, Chloe asks. "What does this mean?"
"The sign of the lacrose is a very rare and very strong symbol. It appears around a great sacrafice. It is said that when Abraham was going to sacrafice his son that the sign of the lacrose appeared on the boys body." The woman said mysteriously. "What makes you so interested in this symbol?" the woman asked curiously.
Chloe paused a moment in thought, pondering how much of the truth she should reveal. Since the woman seemed pretty educated on the subject Chloe decided to tell her as much as she could in the hopes that the woman might have something to add to the mystery. "Four of my friends killed themeselves on Halloween. This symbol was found on the wall where they died." Chloe admitted.
"Where was this?" The woman asked suddenly very interested.
"Smallville, about three hours away."
"Ah. The new found home of the banished Lex Luthor. Am i right?" The woman asked with knowledgeable ease.
"Thats right?" Chloe said unable to keep the anger out of her tone at the mention of his name. "Do you know Lex?"
"Of course."The woman told Chloe as if she were crazy for asking. "The name Luthor is not unknown among the witching community."
"I wonder if that has anything to do with the fact that Lionel is satan?" Pete whispered to Clark.
"Never mention that name in my presence again!" the woman quickly snapped at Pete, her face twisting into a sneer of rage. Pete's eyes grew wide and he quickly took a step backwards before squeeking out a mumbled okay.
"Wow. I take it your not a fan of the Luthors either." Chloe stated brightly.
"Quite the contraty young lady." The woman said her anger fading. "While I may lothe the existance of the older Luthor, Lex on the other hand is as precious to me as anything else on this earth. I would sacrafice my life to keep that boy alive." Madame Blacks voice was filled with such sincerity and passion that Chloe had to wonder just how well this woman knew Lex. Suddenly Chloe felt a spark of uncontrolled jealousy fill her heart.
"Why?" Chloe asked quickly. She did not mean to sound as defensive as she did but she could not help it.
"He is very special." The woman answered her eyes shiny and distant.
"What makes him so special?" Chloe asked confused.
Seeming to snap back to reality Madame Black turned her attention back to Chloe. "If you do not know that young lady, then perhaps you were not ment to know." She answered cryptically. "But I sense that something in you knows how special he is. I can feel your desire for him."
Chloe blinked in surprise speechless for a short moment before finding words. "What?! No. Your sences must be wrong. The only thing I feel for Lex Luthor is a lot of anger." Chloe quickly explained shaiking her head vigeriously.
"Suit yourself." the woman said with a mischevious smirk.
Chloe was tired of mysteries. She wanted real answers. "Do you know what Lex Luthor might have to do with this symbol?" Chloe asked her tone demanding. as she attempted to shift the conversation back to the case.
"Perhaps that is something you should ask him yourself." the woman replied gently.
"I have asked him. He wont tell me anything." she said huffily. "Your *precious* Lex Luthor is an asshole. He wont help me at all."
"I am sorry to hear that but unfortunatly I also cannot help you. All i can do is sell you this book. Do you want it?"
"Yes i want the book." Chloe said huffily feeling put off. Glancing at her watch she saw that it was five minuets until six thirty. She was going to have to leave soon if she was going to be home before her father got off work. Paying the woman for the book Chloe grabbed her purchase and with one last look at the place she walked out the door.
*** 6:29 pm November 3rd
"Can you believe the nerve of that lady suggesting you like Lex Luthor. What a phony. " Pete stated disturbed from the passenger seat of the car as the trio made their way back home.
"I know." Chloe agreed though she found the idea of the woman thinking she liked Lex disturbing for a whole differnt reason. The woman did not come off as a liar. What if she wasn't a fraud? Did she maybe have feelings for Lex? Chloe's mind was ragged and the subject was as confusing as the mystery she was trying to solve. Pushing those thoughts aside she focused all her attention on the road in front of her.
"You know this book is pretty interesting." Clark said from the backseat."
"You going to become a witch now, Clark?" Pete teased his friend.
"Actually it says in here that male witched are called warlocks." Clark said in a superior tone.
"Oh Yeah. You think thats what Lex is Chloe? A warlock?" Pete asked turning his attention back to the pretty blond next to him.
"I don't know." Chloe admitted slowly. "I mean if those kids were somekind of sacrafice, like the symbol seems to mean then who else would be doing the sacraficing, and for what reason?"
"Its Lex." Pete said quickly. " Who else could it be?" He asked confusion filling his voice.
"It dosn't have to be Lex." Clark interjected a little angrly. "I don't think you should be blaming him for something that you have no proof of. He already has enough rumors to deal with considering all the stuff the inquisitor has comes up with. He doesn't need to be blamed for something like this with out any hard facts to back it up."
"Ill never understand what you see in that guy.' Pete said bewildered, shaking his head. "But i guess Chloe knows all about that since she *desires* him.' Pete said bursting out into fresh laughter.
Chloe could feel her cheeks begin to flush and attempting to cover up her embarassment she forced herself to laugh along with him. "Yeah right." she said quickly. " I desire to punch him in the face." she said which was not a lie.
"Oh man! Hey Chloe, your not going to believe this but guess what?" Clarks voice suddenly came excited from the backseat.
"What." Chloe said quickly, Clarks suddenly excited tone becoming contagious.
"Guess who wrote this book." he asked cheefully a wide grin spreading across his face..
"Who?" Chloe replied curiouslty
"Guess." Clark teased cheerfully.
"Tell me." Chloe demanded impaitently. She did not like to be forced to wait.
"Bethany Starling." Clark said proudly.
(Authors note: I recently learned that it takes three hours to reach Metropolis not one like i had previously been writing. In futute chapters it will take three hours to get there, in past chapters it takes one. Please over look this as you over look my bad spelling, grammer and contunity. Thanks. )
Day 3 part 2
*** 1:24 pm November 3rd
Driving down the road towards her home Chloe had mixed feelings about her conversation with Lex Luthor. The man was every bit as slick and elusive at answering her questions as his reputation had let on but still she couldn't keep the smile from her face. She was proud. She had caught Lex Luthor off guard.
It had only lasted a second but the look that had flashed across his eyes when she had asked him about Bethany Starling had been a definate look of recognition. Now, more than ever she was sure that he was hiding something, but what? She needed to get home and do more research into that name.
Pulling into her short driveway Chloe smiled wider as she recogniozed the familiar form of Clark Kent sitting on her front stoop. "Hiya Clark. " She greeted him happily as she approached her front entrance. "What brings you out here?" She asked curiously.
"I thought id just stop by and say hi." He said quickly averting his large green eyes away from her as his thick black hair slipped in front of his face, masking his guilty expression. Right away Chloe could tell something was up. Clark was a horrible liar.
Narrowing her eyes at her friend Chloe grinned. "Okay spill it. What are you hiding?" She asked quickly as she opened her front door, inviting her friend into her empty house.
Clark followed his friend into her home, watching her as she picked up her mail, flipped on the lightswitch and flopped onto the large green couch before looking her in the eye. "Well, actually I...." As he began speaking, he shifted from one foot to the other, uncomfortably.
Chloe looked over at her sweet farmboy friend expectantly. There were so many things she wanted to hear him say. "Have a seat, Clark. Make yourself comfortable." She said as casually as she could.
Taking the lazy-boy chair next to the couch Clarks expression turned slightly serious as he gave his friend a wan smile. "Actually Lex asked me to come over here and talk to you." He admitted a little uneasily.
"Lex! What the hell?! I was just over there. When did you talk to him?" Chloe asked incredulously.
"I guess it was right after you left." He said with a shrug.
"And you didn't waste any time doing his bidding, did you? I can't believe it." She said bouncing angrely in her seat. "I suppose he wants you to try and talk me out of this too now, huh?" The small girl said folding her arms defiantly across her chest, a pained expression shined clearly in her glassy eyes. Averting her wounded gaze from her friend Chloe pretended to focus on a spot on the carpet.
"Actually I think he has given up on trying to stop you. All he asked me to do was to keep an eye on you." He began. "Lex wanted me to make sure that you were okay. He is worried about you Chloe. I am worried about you." Clark said standing up and moving over to sit next to her on the couch. Slipping a friendly arm around the upset girl's shoulders Clark attempted to convince her that he was there to help, not hurt
"Yeah well thanks for the concern but I can take care of myself." Chloe spat although she did not pull away from his touch. Conflicted emotions began to surge to the surface of the young reporters mind and she couln't help but be flattered despite her anger.
"Come on Chloe. Dont be like that. You know I am your friend. Let me help you." Clark pleaded. His voice was low but calm. The type of tone that made you feel as if everything was going to work out.
"Well I guess its not your fault." She began, turning towards her friend. "Its just that Lex is being such a pain. I think he knows more than he is letting on." She hesitantly revealed.
"What do you mean?" Clark's expression was not shocked, just curious.
"Well, its like when I am talking to him he won't directly answer any of my questions and what he does say only seems to complicate things more." Her voice was exasperated. She was becoming desperate for answers.
"Thats just the way Lex is." Clark shrugged. "He's mysterious. Everyone knows that he has had a rough past. He's got a lot of secrets." Clark admitted easily, trying to defend his infuriating friend.
"Thats exactly what I mean. Do you think he might be mixed up in this some how?" She hated mentioning her suspicions to Clark since he was such good friends with Lex but she needed someone to confide in and Clark was so easy to talk to. Besides he was the most honest person she knew.
"What do you mean?" He asked his large eyes looked innocent but his tone revealed an equal measure of suspicion.
"I don't know. Maybe he was a member of a dark cult?" She suggested. It sounded a little lame but it was the best guess she had so far.
"Lex, a member of a cult. That doesn't sound right." Clark replied shaking his head.
"Your the one who brought up his shady past and we all know Luthor's have lots of secrets." Chloe countered making the once crazy statement seem slightly more plausible.
"Yeah but... I don't know. Lex just seems smarter than that." His tone was uncertain but Clark was quick to defend his friend.
"Just because he is smarter than that now does not mean that he always was." Chloe suggested carefully.
"Even if thats true, there is nothing we can do about it." Clark said unable to deny the possibility any longer.
"Maybe you could talk to him. He trusts you. He might confide something to you that he would not tell anyone else."
"Actually I already asked him if he knew anything yesterday in the Talon."
"What did he tell you?" Chloe asked hopefully.
"He told me he had a bad feeling about everything." Clark recalled.
"Yeah i bet he does." She replied hotly. "I should have just brought Pete along with me. Then maybe Lex would not have been so withholding.' Chloe stated a glint of anger shining in her eyes.
"If you brought Pete he probally wouldn't even have opened the door." Clark said with a slight laugh before his demeanor became a little more serious, " Chloe, whats the matter. I know this is a great story but your being very reckless. Why is this thing so important to you?"
"I don't know Clark." She began slowly and it was her turn to look guilty. "This is going to sound crazy but since i started investigating this thing I have been... seeing things."
"What kind of things?" Clark asked quickly moving forward in his seat. His body suddenly became very rigid and his face very serious. She recognized the look immediatly, as the same expression he used when he was about to save someone. She had come to think of it as the hero look. Chloe felt slightly happier as she noted that Clark Kent was staring at her with the very concerned gaze that he usually reserved for Lana.
"Awful things." She admitted slowy. "Like dead babies and people in the mirror who are not me. It hard to explain."
"You found a dead baby?" He asked shocked.
"It wasn't real Clark. It was a dream." An exasperated sigh slipped from between her lips.
A look of relief passed across Calrks face. "Well, of course you are having bad dreams Chloe. Anyone looking at all the horrible stuff you are investigating would have the same reaction." he stated logically.
"Yeah but you don't understand Clark. It was more than a dream. It seemed so real and earlier today at the Talon I wasen't even sleeping when it happened."
"What do you think is happening?"
"I dont know but i think ill know a lot more when i find out who Bethany Starling is and what this symbol means."
Clark frowned at Chloes responce. "Maybe you should stop researching this. Let the police do their job. I dont want you to get hurt."
"Now you sound like Lex."
"Is that so bad. You know he only has your best interests at heart."
"Yeah right. You mean he has his own interests at heart."
"Believe it or not Chloe he likes you more than you think and when Lex makes a friend he will do anything for them. Trust me I know." He said sincerly.
Chloe was speechless for a long momet. Clark was always so passionate when he spoke about Lex. He acted like he could so easily relate to the smug billionaire but Chloe could not see how. Clark was kind and sweet and giving. He was pure and honest and when he wasnt off saving someone's life he was pretty reliable.
Lex on the other hand was cocky and rich with more secrets then the great pyramids. He was a self absorbed jerk who broke hearts and used people for his own benifit. He was not worthy of a minute of her time or thoughs, right? After a moment of consideration Chloe gathered herself together. "I know Clark but i can't leave this up to the police. They think it is just a couple of student suicides. I don't think they have any idea about what is going on."
Clark sighed running a tan hand through his dark hair exasperated at his stuborn friend. "Okay. I can see I am not going to be able to talk you out of this so I am going to have to do the next best thing. As long as you are investigating this case i am not going to leave your side. i need to be sure that you are safe 24 hours a day."
"I am flattered Clark but i don't really think i am in that much danger. Who ever is trying to scare me is doing just that. If they could hurt me i think they would have done it by now, dont you think?"
"Yeah....." He began slowly. " But i am still not going to leave you alone. Besides I promised Lex id keep you safe."
"Whatever." Chloe said happily defeated. "Ill just put you to work halping me then." A wide grin suddenly spread across the girls face and an uncontrolled surge of happiness passed through her body. Absently she considered what had brought on the sudden feeling of joy. Was it the fact that Clark wanted to protect her...or Lex?
Either way she was unable to wipe the grin from her face. Reaching out she picked up the stack of mail and absently she began to check for her name. The young reporter was only slightly shocked when she located an envelope in the back that was identical to the one that she had recieved only a few hours earlier at the Talon. "Hmmmm... take a look at this Clark." Chloe said flashing him the envelope.
"It looks like your helper has sent you a new message." Clark stated interested.
"How do you know about that?" Chloe asked suspiciously.
"Pete called me when you guys came back from Metropolis.' Clark replied quickly.
"No wonder Lex keeps his secrets to himself. With how much you guys gossip the whole town would know everything about him in the span of a week." Chloe joked cheerfully as she began to open the envelope.
"What does it say?" Clark asked impaitently, watching his friend carefully tearing the paper.
"I am not sure. Its an address but it's not in Smallville."
"Let me guess, Metropolis?" he asked his tone certain.
"Bingo." She grinned.
"Does it say anything else?" He asked curiusly eyeing the paper.
"Just a bunch of numbers." Chloe said shaking her head. "It must be some kind of code but i have no idea what it could mean."
"I guess this means we are going to Metropolis." Clark said , a look of mischief glittering in his eye.
"Twice in one day. This has to be some kind of record. I am definatly going to need to get some gas before we go."
"And Pete." Clark interjected quickly."
"Definatly Pete." She replied grabbing her keys.
*** 5:05 pm November third
Pete was the navigator as Chloe manuevered through the booming metropolis that was aptly named Metropolis city. Reading from a map that was tucked into his friends glove compartment and using the address provided in the anonymous letter Pete was quickly able to locate the enormous building the was perched in the heart of the huge city. "Thats it."Pete said indicating the monsterous structure to their right. "This is the address on the paper...What is it?"
"Its the Metropolis library." Chloe said quickly. "Are you sure that this is the right place?" Chloe asked uncertain.
"Posative." Pete replied his voice filling the girl with new found hope.
"The letter lead us to a library?" Clark asked confused from the backseat. "Why didn't whoever sent you the note just write Metropolis Citizen's library on it?"
"I don't know?" Chloe stated excitedly, shutting off her car. "But I am definatly going to find out but first I am going to figure out why we were lead here. You guys coming?"
Two quick nodds and the three of them quickly moved towards the gigantic library.
Stepping into the building Chloe was surprised. The inside of the library was the exact opposite of the ancient gothic facade that adorned the entrance. Inside the decour was very modern looking. Everything was either metal, glass or some sort od sophesticated space age plastic. Up to date computer systems lined almost every wall. Even the librarians looked like they had just stepped out of the latest issue of vogue and GQ.
Spotting a very prissy looking blond woman standing behind a counter Chloe quickly approached her. Walking up to the smart looking woman Chloe pulled the mysterious envelope from her pocket. Studdying the number code on the paper it was pretty clear to her now that it was some kind of book code. Looking at the first set of numbers Chloe asked the stern looking book keeper if she knew where the book could be located.
Scanning the decimal system the woman paused a moment in thought before pointing to a section of the room far in the back. "Go down those stairs and make a right. The occult section is 96.45 - 305.67." frowning at Chloe and her friends the woman gave them a long hard look as if she didn't trust their nature before briskly walking away.
Chloe did not waste any time. Moving quickly towards the staircase she flew down the stairs, Clark and Pete trailing close behind. Easily locating the room that the woman had spoken of Chloe set to work. The downstairs was not as glamorous at the upstairs but it was still pretty impressive. Looking at her paper Chloe hurridly began to search for the correct book. As she looked, the titles of the volumes that surrounded her caused the hair on the back of her neck to bristle.
Books about witches and warlocks as well as magic and sorcery lined the shelves but what really grabbed her attention were the books on torture and sacrafice. The covers were very graphic, depicting horrible scenes of pain and bloodletting. Grimacing Chloe tried to ignore the terrible images that kept popping into her head, instead focusing on the fact that soon she was going to have one hell of a good clue. Perhaps this book would hold the secrets that would unveil this sorted mystery.
Reaching the place that the book would have been located Chloe frowned. It was not there. She felt her heart sink in her chest but she tried to remain chipper. Perhaps the librarian had just mis-stocked it she thought hopefully although she doubted that the commanding looking woman upstairs was even capible of such a mistake. After a a few more minuets of searching the young reporter turned to her friends. "Why isen't it here?" She asked in despair, throwing her arms up into the air. "It should be right here." she shouted pointing at the empty space on the shelf.
"Maybe the book is in another section of the library?" Pete suggested hopefully.
"Or maybe it just hasen't been put back out on the shelf yet." Clark chimed in although the lack of emotion in his tone made her heart sink even further rather than cheer her up. Trudgging back up the stairs Chloe felt defeated, her chin leaned against her chest as she staired at the ground, lost in thought.
Upstairs she once again scanned the room. Spotting the same librarian in the corner next to a large tropical fish aquarium she watched as the woman worked on one of the library computers. Quickly approaching her Chloe frowned down at the older woman. "Excuse me but could you please tell me where i could find this book." Chloe asked a trace of hope still left in her tone as she once again pointed to the number on the page.
The woman gave the young girl a look of pure loathing before speaking. "I already told you where to find that book. Occult section down the stairs to the right." The woman hissed.
"Yeah we just checked there. Its not there." Chloe said attempting to keep the anger out of her voice.
"Then it muct be rented out." The woman stated as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"Do you have another copy of the book?" Chloe asked quickly.
"What' the title?" the woman asked suddenly switching screens on her computer.
"Um... I am not sure." Chloe said slightly embarassed.
"Let me see the number again." The woman barked glaring at Chloe.
Handing her the paper Chloe watched with a sinking feeling as the woman began to type. Scanning the screen the woman spoke in a clear even tone. "The title of that book is modern witchcraft: signs and symbols." Chloe quickly jotted down the informatin as she practically leanded over the womans shoulder to get as much information as she could. "It says here that currently we only carry one copy of that book and it is, at present, unavailable." The woman stated giving Chloe an aggrivated look.
The young blond girl didn't even notice. She was too busy staring at the glowing screen that sat in front of her. A surge of hatred and dispair once again flooded her mind as she stared at the one word on this earth that she did not want to see on the screen. It was only one short six letter word but that one word was anough to fill her heart and mind with a new found anger that until recently she had thought she was incapible of feeling. That one word, sitting next to the title renter, was Luthor.
*** 5:56 pm November 3rd
"I can't believe it!" Chloe shouted as she drove down a crowded street. "He did it to me again!." Chloe stated pounding on her steering wheel with her small fist. Her body and mind were livid with wrath. This was the last straw. She was going to go back to Smallville and if Lex did not let her see that book then he was in for a world of trouble. So far she had been super cool but no more. He had seen the last of sweeet Chloe Sullivan. If he did not cooperate with her Lex Luthor was about to meet Chloe Sullivan, mega-bitch.
"Come on Chloe. There was no way that he could have known that some stranger would send you a secret letter telling you to rent out the book." Clark stated logically. "He was probally attempting to figure out what the sign was himself. After all it was written on the wall of his home and workplace in blood."
"I don't care! He is messing up my investigation and i am not going to stand for it any longer." Chloe shouted angrely as she swerved her vechicle to avoid a passing car.
"Whoa, Chloe. Calm down. I hate Luthor as much as anyone but thats no reason to drive like a maniac." Pete stated, honestly frightened of the young girls driving.
"I am calm Pete! I am so calm right now. Wait until I see Lex. Then you will see what angry Chloe Sullivan looks like."
"Man, I hope I never do anything to piss you off this bad." Pete said smiling over at Chloe, a look of admiration in his eyes. "I almost feel bad for Luthor."
"Look maybe there is another way to get the information." Clark suggested, attempting to distract Chloe's rage from his friend.
"Like how?" Chloe asked curiously, not believing it.
"Well, I mean the Metropolis Library can't be the only library that carries that book." Clark said. "I mean now that we know the title of the book maybe we can find a copy in another library or bookstore." He suggested hopefully.
"Clark your a genuis! I can't believe i didnt think of that." Chloe practically shouted as she screeched to an abrupt hault in front of a sudden red light. 'Where do you think we should go to look?" she asked, her mind suddenly alive with ideas.
"How about there." Pete said pointing out the window. Leaning forward Chloe shifted her line of vision to the place that Pete was gesturing to. Her bright blue eyes grew wide with excitement as she read aloud. "Madame Blacks house of Wizardry. Perfect." She said clapping her hands together. An uncontrolled grin quickly spread across her face as she carefully shifted her car into gear and began to turn into the small buildings parkinglot.
*** 6:06 pm November 3rd.
A tinkeling bell chimed as Chloe stepped into the tiny building. The spicy aroma of insence fillled the air, the scented smoke billowing from every available space in the dimly lit room. Almost everything in the building was either black or white making the decur look like it had been lifted from an old black and white episode of the Adams Family. With the fake skulls and plastic candle holders the atmosphere was more amusing then chilling.
"Excuse me." Chloe began, grabbing the attention of the only woman in the room. The raven haired beauty spun around to face her. She was definatly older then Chloe but not ancient. She was perhaps in her late thirties. Her lineless face was smooth and ageless but her eyes revealed a wisdom and intelligence that seemed far beyond her years.
"How may i be of service to you, young lady?" the woman asked, her voice was as sleek and graceful as her movements.
"Do you have a book called modern magic, signs and symbols?" Chloe voice was desperate as she took a step closer to the elegant woman.
A wide grin spread across the womans face and she suddenly seemed to reguard Chloe with a new found respect. "Of course i do." The woman stated walking towards a large column filled with books. "It is essencial for the beginner witch." she continued scanning the shelf. Reaching out with long slenger fingers the woman removed a tall slim volume. "Are you interested in witchcraft?" the woman asked Chloe curiously, not even giving Pete or Clark, who were checking out the live rats, in the corner, a second glance.
"Um.....yes." Chloe stated quickly eyeing the book as if it were the greatest treasure on earth.
"Good." The woman said running her hand along the glossy leather that covered the text. "Tell me young lady. What makes you so interested in this book?" the woman asked studdying the young reporters face.
"Actually, I am trying to find out the meaning of this symbol." Chloe said reaching into her pocket, feeling for the familiar piece of paper. Pulling out the drawing Lana had given her the previous day Chloe handed it to the woman.
"Ah...yes." Madame Black said with a smile as she glanced at the symbol. "The sign of the lacrose."she said easily. Opening up the book she quickly flipped through the pages scanning them until she reached a page about three fourths in. Propping it open on the counter she pointed at the picture with the tip of her long black fingernail. "This is what you want to know?"
Leaning forward to study the picture Chloe felt a tremor of excitement and puzzlement course through her body. "The sign of the lacrose." Chloe read aloud before reading the caption beneath. "A symbol of a powerful sacrafice." Turning to stare at the woman with a mixture of confusion and hope, Chloe asks. "What does this mean?"
"The sign of the lacrose is a very rare and very strong symbol. It appears around a great sacrafice. It is said that when Abraham was going to sacrafice his son that the sign of the lacrose appeared on the boys body." The woman said mysteriously. "What makes you so interested in this symbol?" the woman asked curiously.
Chloe paused a moment in thought, pondering how much of the truth she should reveal. Since the woman seemed pretty educated on the subject Chloe decided to tell her as much as she could in the hopes that the woman might have something to add to the mystery. "Four of my friends killed themeselves on Halloween. This symbol was found on the wall where they died." Chloe admitted.
"Where was this?" The woman asked suddenly very interested.
"Smallville, about three hours away."
"Ah. The new found home of the banished Lex Luthor. Am i right?" The woman asked with knowledgeable ease.
"Thats right?" Chloe said unable to keep the anger out of her tone at the mention of his name. "Do you know Lex?"
"Of course."The woman told Chloe as if she were crazy for asking. "The name Luthor is not unknown among the witching community."
"I wonder if that has anything to do with the fact that Lionel is satan?" Pete whispered to Clark.
"Never mention that name in my presence again!" the woman quickly snapped at Pete, her face twisting into a sneer of rage. Pete's eyes grew wide and he quickly took a step backwards before squeeking out a mumbled okay.
"Wow. I take it your not a fan of the Luthors either." Chloe stated brightly.
"Quite the contraty young lady." The woman said her anger fading. "While I may lothe the existance of the older Luthor, Lex on the other hand is as precious to me as anything else on this earth. I would sacrafice my life to keep that boy alive." Madame Blacks voice was filled with such sincerity and passion that Chloe had to wonder just how well this woman knew Lex. Suddenly Chloe felt a spark of uncontrolled jealousy fill her heart.
"Why?" Chloe asked quickly. She did not mean to sound as defensive as she did but she could not help it.
"He is very special." The woman answered her eyes shiny and distant.
"What makes him so special?" Chloe asked confused.
Seeming to snap back to reality Madame Black turned her attention back to Chloe. "If you do not know that young lady, then perhaps you were not ment to know." She answered cryptically. "But I sense that something in you knows how special he is. I can feel your desire for him."
Chloe blinked in surprise speechless for a short moment before finding words. "What?! No. Your sences must be wrong. The only thing I feel for Lex Luthor is a lot of anger." Chloe quickly explained shaiking her head vigeriously.
"Suit yourself." the woman said with a mischevious smirk.
Chloe was tired of mysteries. She wanted real answers. "Do you know what Lex Luthor might have to do with this symbol?" Chloe asked her tone demanding. as she attempted to shift the conversation back to the case.
"Perhaps that is something you should ask him yourself." the woman replied gently.
"I have asked him. He wont tell me anything." she said huffily. "Your *precious* Lex Luthor is an asshole. He wont help me at all."
"I am sorry to hear that but unfortunatly I also cannot help you. All i can do is sell you this book. Do you want it?"
"Yes i want the book." Chloe said huffily feeling put off. Glancing at her watch she saw that it was five minuets until six thirty. She was going to have to leave soon if she was going to be home before her father got off work. Paying the woman for the book Chloe grabbed her purchase and with one last look at the place she walked out the door.
*** 6:29 pm November 3rd
"Can you believe the nerve of that lady suggesting you like Lex Luthor. What a phony. " Pete stated disturbed from the passenger seat of the car as the trio made their way back home.
"I know." Chloe agreed though she found the idea of the woman thinking she liked Lex disturbing for a whole differnt reason. The woman did not come off as a liar. What if she wasn't a fraud? Did she maybe have feelings for Lex? Chloe's mind was ragged and the subject was as confusing as the mystery she was trying to solve. Pushing those thoughts aside she focused all her attention on the road in front of her.
"You know this book is pretty interesting." Clark said from the backseat."
"You going to become a witch now, Clark?" Pete teased his friend.
"Actually it says in here that male witched are called warlocks." Clark said in a superior tone.
"Oh Yeah. You think thats what Lex is Chloe? A warlock?" Pete asked turning his attention back to the pretty blond next to him.
"I don't know." Chloe admitted slowly. "I mean if those kids were somekind of sacrafice, like the symbol seems to mean then who else would be doing the sacraficing, and for what reason?"
"Its Lex." Pete said quickly. " Who else could it be?" He asked confusion filling his voice.
"It dosn't have to be Lex." Clark interjected a little angrly. "I don't think you should be blaming him for something that you have no proof of. He already has enough rumors to deal with considering all the stuff the inquisitor has comes up with. He doesn't need to be blamed for something like this with out any hard facts to back it up."
"Ill never understand what you see in that guy.' Pete said bewildered, shaking his head. "But i guess Chloe knows all about that since she *desires* him.' Pete said bursting out into fresh laughter.
Chloe could feel her cheeks begin to flush and attempting to cover up her embarassment she forced herself to laugh along with him. "Yeah right." she said quickly. " I desire to punch him in the face." she said which was not a lie.
"Oh man! Hey Chloe, your not going to believe this but guess what?" Clarks voice suddenly came excited from the backseat.
"What." Chloe said quickly, Clarks suddenly excited tone becoming contagious.
"Guess who wrote this book." he asked cheefully a wide grin spreading across his face..
"Who?" Chloe replied curiouslty
"Guess." Clark teased cheerfully.
"Tell me." Chloe demanded impaitently. She did not like to be forced to wait.
"Bethany Starling." Clark said proudly.