Thank you's to: Merrie, scifichick774, NickyJean, Queen of Tact, Settie,
Tayoni, Kandice, bramslullaby, MitchPell, P.C. LEE, and HumbugGirl. You
guys rule!
Chapter 4
Day 4
*** 5:20 am November 4th
Chloe woke up with a jolt, her eyes suddenly springing open as her body sat up. Large black pupils starred into an endless void of darkness. Quickly switching on her bed side lamp the young girl illuminated the small area that surrounded her with a dim pinkish glow. The low light caused long eerie shadows to form across her bedroom walls creating strange and forboding shapes that both interested and frightened her. The room was silent. The sound of her wall clock was the only noise that broke the resounding quiet in her home. Glancing at the time, she saw that it was nearly dawn. It was always darkest before the dawn.
A sudden chill ran up her spine causeing the tiny hairs on the back of her neck to rise and Chloe froze in place. What had caused her to wake up? Glancing around the room the young girl could feel her body growing tense with fear. Straining her ears she listened for any unfamiliar sound that might alert her to the presence of something else. Unable to locate another person Chloe let out a long deep breath.
"Your just being silly." she reassured herself. "All this crazyness is effecting your mind." she said with a slight laugh. Hopping up from her bed the young girl moved casually towards her door on her way to fetch a refreshing glass of water. Suddenly a low rumble from below her bed caught her attention.
Chloe's body began to tingle with surprise and she froze in her movements, her hand hovering motionless above the doorknob. "Hello?" she said quietly unable to do anything else.
Her non-threatening greeting was answered by a repeat of the sound. Alow thud eminated from below her bed followed by a soft grinding sound. Unconsiously Chloe took a step back. Reaching out she quickly flipped up the switch next to her bedroom door flooding the room with 100 watts of brilliant white light. Her eyes frantically darted around the room, taking in everything surrounding her.
Searching desperatly for anything out of the ordinary Chloe felt her heart beating furiously in her chest. All seemed well but unfortunatly the light that illuminated the room in a brilliant glow did not reach beneath the bed. The shadowy area there remained a frightening enigma.
A third repeat of the sound caused Chloe to start but rather then run away the stubborn girl began to causiously walk towards the bed. Still several feet away she knelt down ducking her head low so that she could see into the dark area below her matress. Brushing her blond hair out of her face Chloe saw something moving. Whatever it was, it was definatly coming towards her. Jumping to her feet she quickly backed away, her eyes never leaving the area in front of the bed.
Preparing to shout for her father Chloe opened her mouth wide. Her terrified scream caught in her throat and suddenly her lips froze in a strange O shape as her eyes grew wide. The corner of what was clearly the edge of the borrowed oujia box slowly appeared from beneath the bed. It was as if unseen hands were pushing the box directly towards her. It slowly glided smoothly across the carpeted floor until it reached the center of her room where it abruptly stopped. The small girl just stared in horrified fascination unable to do anything else besides breath.
The box just sat there motionless for a long moment as Chloe stared dumbfounded. Then without a sound the lid suddenly popped off, flipping over and landing next to the bed, revealing the flat board inside. The trianglular shaped oracle was sitting right on top of the oujia board.
Chloe was sure that she had not left it that way because she had read that you are not supposed to leave the oracle on top of the board. Supposedly the circuliar glass window imbedded in the center of the plastic device was a gateway to another world. She had been warned that leaving it on there could allow dark spirits to roam free.
Of corse she did not believe any of that hocus pocus but right now her logical mind was unable to process her skepticsm. Her brain was too clouded with terror to accomplish anything besides gape. Hesitantly the young girl took a step towards the board. It did not move so kneeling next to it she leaned over the ominous surface and watched the small wooden device expectantly. Equal measures of horror and excitement swirled through her gut and Chloe found herself unable to do anything else beside stare at the oujia board.
An uncontrollabe urge to touch the oracle suddenly overwhelmed her and slowly reaching out with one long finger Chloe prepared to use the board.
"No don't!" A warning voice behind her broke the young girl from her trance and spinning around Chloe immediatly recognized the small red-headed boy whom she had dreamed about the night before. He was standing in her doorway.
"Whats happening?" She asked rubbing her head, feeling slightly dazed.
"She wants you Chloe." The pale boy said walking towards her. He was wearing the same clothes he had been wearing the last time she had seen him. An all black suit with a yellow and black striped tie. Studdying his youthful face, the blond reporter noticed that he looked a lot more tired then he had the previous night. His eyes seemed weary and sunken with age, like he had been through a lot in the last twenty-four hours. Chloe could sympathise.
"Who wants me?" The reporter asked confused.
"You know." He said quietly, his small hands playing uncomfortably with the hem of his suit jacket.
"Bethany Starling?" She easily guessed. The astute reporter did not like where this conversation was going. Standing up she took a step away from the board and towards the little boy.
"Yes." He agreed with a slight nod of his head.
"What does she want with me?"
"She wants to make you suffer." he said earnestly. His expression was sad. "I don't want you to get hurt." Looking her straight in the eye as he spoke his eyes revealed a seriousness that seemed uncharacteristic for someone so young.
"Why does she want to hurt me?" The inquisitive girl asked puzzled. Fear welled up in the pit of her stomach.
"Because you are interfearing."
Chloe understood immediatly what he ment by that. "What should I do?" She asked feeling hopeless.
"Stay away from Alex."
"You mean Lex."
"Yes."
"Why? What is he hiding?"
"He has many secrets."
"Did he kill those kids?"
"Not all of them."
"Who helped him?"
"You know who." He said giving her a fearful look. "She is after me. I have to go soon. I don't have much time."
"Wait. Can you tell me why those kids were sacraficed?"
"They wern't." He spoke, confused.
"But the sign of the Lacrose was near them. Why was it there if they wern't sacraficed."
"Don't you see. She used them. Just like she will use you if you are not careful. I have to go now."
"No. Don't go. I have so many question." She pleaded.
"Save your questions Chloe. Save yourself."
"Wait! Why didn't Alison Fincher die? Who was the fourth person on that Halloween night two years ago?"
"You will find all your answers at the cemetery, tomorrow. Good bye, Chloe. Be careful."
"Don't....." Chloe reached out desperatly trying to touch the boy, wanting him to stay. Her hand easily passed through the empty area he had just occupied. He was gone. Chloe was alone.
Turning back towards the box the young girl paused in her steps and blinked in surprise. It was gone. Daring to kneel down Chloe peeked under her small twin bed. Sitting innocently beneath the box springs and boards was the oujia board box, right where she had left it the night before.
Chloe sighed completly disturbed and shook her head. Still feeling tired she slowly began to pull the covers of her bed back preparing herself for a few more hours of sleep. Gasping the young girl stumbled backwards. Written in blood across her white sheets were the words YOUR NEXT and sitting ominously in the center of the crimson stain was the cream colored oracle. Opening her mouth Chloe attempted to scream but her voice was strangled and no sound came out. Tears welled up in her eyes and suddenly she could not move.
Horrified Chloe watched as the oracle slowly began to rise from the bed hovering several feet above the top of the matress before suddenly darting towards her. The sharp point of the small plastic device was aimed right at her head. Unable to dodge the oncoming weapon Chloe squeezed her eyes shut.
After a brief second when nothing happened Chloe hesitantly opened an eye, preparing for the worst. Her eyes grew wide once again and his time when the young girl opened her mouth she was able to scream. Directly in front of her, instead of the deadly oracle's point, was the familiar face of the woman she had seen in her reflection at the Talon, the night before.
The woman was standing inches away from her. Reaching her pale hand out towards Chloe. The look on her face was pure evil.
Attempting to move away the Chloe realized that she was frozen to the spot. "Get away from me!" She shouted frantically as the skin of the woman's hand touched her arm. Quickly Chloe pulled away. The contact burned like nothing she had ever felt before and once again the the frightened reporter screamed.
As the shrill sound of her shriek echoed through out the house, Chloe to wake up.
*** 7: 32 am November 4th
"Honey are you all right?" A concerened voice from the doorway asked her.
Looknig up Chloe stared into the worried expression of her father. He was still wearing his pajama's and his salt and pepper hair was all mussed, sticking out in all directions. She had clearly woken him up with her shouts. "I am okay. I just had a nightmare." She said with a wan smile in an attempt to reassure her father.
"Anything you want to talk about?" Gabe asked his daughter kindly, stepping into the room.
"No. I just......" Chloe felt the phantom burn on her arm where the dream woman had touched her. Looking down at the spot where the flesh tingled Chloe saw that the skin there looked flawless. There was no mark. Sighing Chloe smiled in relief. "It was just a bad dream. Nothing to worry about." she told her father standing up from her bed.
"Is there anything I can do for you honey?" He asked his daughter. The look in Gabe Sullivan's eye revealed Chloe's reassuring words had not completly convinced him.
"What I need right now is a big hug." Chloe told her father honestly, hopping out of the bed, and wrapping her arms around her dads waist. Squeezing him tightly she felt him happily return the embrace. "I love you daddy." She said in a rare moment of sappyness.
"I love you too." He said, his voice slightly surprised. All though her head was burried in her fathers strong chest Chloe could easily tell that he was smiling down at her. Pulling back, the young reporter grinned up at her father. "Ill cook breakfast." she said quickly before he could bring the subject of the nightmares back up. "Anything in particular you want?" She asked curiously.
"Dosen't matter as long as there is lots of coffee." Gabe said with a smile.
"My sentiments exactly.' Chloe said slipping her small hand into her fathers large one. She was glad he was there and smiling she walked with him down to the kitchen before preparing a nice wholesome breakfast for the two of them.
*** 8: 52 am November 4th
Chloe cruised down the bumpy Smallville streets on her way to the Talon. Although she did not need any coffee right now she was unsure of her next step in solving this mystery and since she did most of her best thinking between the bright yellow walls of the old movie theater she decided that it would be the best place for her to start the day's investigation.
The streets were nearly empty on the early Sunday morning giving Chloe more time to focus on her next step in solving the crime. Although she had recieved several very good clues in the past few days it seemed that most of them were leading her no where and at present she seemed to be stuck at a dead end. Absently her mind began to wander to the night before.
After dropping Pete and Clark off at home Chloe had quickly returned to her house just in time to greet her father at the door. She had barely made her curfew. Knowing she only had one more non-school day to solve this thing she had wanted to get as much research done the night before as she possibly could. It had been a very lucky surprise when Clark had discovered that the identity of the author of Modern magic was Bethany Starling and Chloe had been excited at the prospect of a new clue.
When the intrepid reporter had returned home she had carefully and metciulouly looked over every inch of the oujia box and its contents for nearly an hour before sadly finding nothing out of the ordinary other than the multitude of papers with the name Bethany Starling scribbled all over them. She was running out of options.
After that she had spent the better part of the night looking on the internet to see if anyone carried the book Modern Magic Signs and Symbols or any other information on the author of said book. Chloe had worked herself ragged and so far she had come up with nothing. Other than the fact that the woman had written a book on witchcraft Bethany Starling was still a complete mystery to her. She did not even have a bio in the back of her own book. It was like the woman did not want to be found.
Chloe was not sure what to do now. There were so many questions that needed to be answered and there was only one person who could answer them. After her dream last night she was not even sure that Lex Luthor was someone she wanted to talk to. She recalled the chilling conversation that she had had with the young boy in her dream. He had basically told her that Lex was a murderer. That meant that he had killed at least one of the the kids involved in this story. Of course there was no reason for her to believe strange children in her dreams but there was also no reason for her not to believe him, right?
Pulling to a stop at a four-way intersection Chloe made a impromptu decision. Before she went to the Talon this morning she would stop by Luthor castle and have a real conversation with Lex Luthor. She needed to know why he was trying to prevent her from solving this case. He could no longer hide behind the excuse that he was trying to protect her. That was bullshit. If he just wanted to keep her safe he could hire her a body guard. She was going to solve this thing and he was going to help her. That was final.
Hitting her turn signal Chloe steared her car right instead of left, choosing the road that would lead her hopefully to some answers.
*** 8:15 am November 4th
Knocking on the intricatly carved french doors that lead into the huge stone mansion, Chloe braced herself for the worst. From here so many things were possible. A large variety of options ran through her head, some dangerous and some not. There was a chance that she could be putting herself in very real danger she mused. The idea both thrilled and frightened her. Mentally Chloe tried to prepare herself for anything.
Unfortunatly in her attempt to prepare herself for anything she had not considered the possabillity of Lionel Luthor opening the door and when the intimadating man suddenly appeared in the front entrance Chloe found herself unable to do anything besides gape.
"Can I help you young lady?" the older man asked looking slightly surprised at her presence. He seemed like he was on his way out.
"Um....actually i was looking for Lex. Is he home." Chloe stammered finding it hard to meet the hateful mans hard gaze.
"I imagine he is somewhere in the house." Lionel guessed with a dismissive wave of his hand.
Choosing not to make direct eye contact with the powerful man Chloe looked down towards the ground as Lionel brushed quickly past her. As he moved next to her something in the bag he was carrying caught her eye and Chloe had to do a quick double take to be sure she was not seeing things. It was an exact copy of the book that she had bought the previous night at Madam Black's magic shop. The only differnce was that Lionels copy had the words Metropolis citizens library printed across the binder.
Chloe stared stunned for a long moment and Lionel must have noticed because he paused in his movements to stare at the young reporter. "How do you know Lex again?" He asked the young girl suspiciously, shifting his bag away from her gaze.
"Were just friends." Chloe quickly replied.
"Humph." Lionel snorted giving the girl a disguisted look. "It seems Lex's friends are getting younger and younger these days. I knew my son was stupid but I thought he was smarter then to hang out with jailbait." He stated obviously trying to get a rise out of the young reporter.
"Yeah well I suppose considering his relatives anyone he hangs out with would be a step up." Chloe spoke back, this time meeting his cruel gaze with unflinching resolve, her eye contact not wavering. She would not allow herself to be insulted by the likes of Lionel Luthor. She gave him the most bitchy smile she could muster.
Lionel Luthors eyes quickly flashed with a sudden terrible rage that he quickly supressed. Glaring down at the girl he spoke through gritted teeth. "Young lady, if you know what is good for you you will make sure that this is the last time I see you at Luthor castle. Is that understood?" He hissed.
Maybe it was because over the last few days she had become used to having her life threatened or maybe it was because she was begining to loathe this man more than anything else in existance but Chloe suddenly found herself unable to feel intimidated by Lionels words and quickly she replied her smile never faultering. She was getting tired of Luthor bullshit. "I understand, and trust me, the less i have to see you and your ass of a son the better."
To Chloe's surprise Lionel actually smiled at her comment. "Sounds like the old Luthor charm has gotten to you, huh, young lady. What happened? He promise to call the next day and didn't. You better get used to that." He said giving her a quick once over. His eyes lingering far to long on certain parts of her female anatomy. Before she could aptly defend herself and give an equally biting remark Lionel was gone, having disappeared quickly around the corner.
Chloe felt like chasing Lionel down and telling him off but unfortunatly this was his property and she did not have the time to waste so instead she chose to walk through the already opened door. After all she had pretty much been invited in by the snobbish jerk.
*** 9 22 am November 4th
Chloe walked through the enormous building, enjoying the fantastic decour as she searched the house for the younger Luthor. She had been walking around for several minuets seemingly unnoticed when she spotted a maid not far off, dusting a lamp. Coughing loudly she got the womans attention. "Excuse me do you know where Lex is?" Chloe asked politely wondering how weird it seemed to the woman for a young girl to be wandering around the building alone.
"He is in the dining hall having his breakfast." The woman said slowly, her english obviously bad.
"Where is that?"Chloe asked indicating that she had no idea how to get around this place.
"Down the hall, make a left and you are there." The brunette replied struggeling with a thick forign accent as she pointed down a brightly lit corridor to their right.
"Thank you." Quickly The small girl moved away before the woman could question her presence. As she briskly walked in the direction the maid had gestured to Chloe absently wondered how bizzare it was that someone could walk into Lex's home and him not even know about it. It must be very creepy she thought, living all alone in such a large place. Reaching the doorway the servant had spoken of Chloe paused in the entrance taking a moment to admire the glamorous diningroom.
The room was enormous and so was the long narrow table that was perfectly placed in the center of the tiled floor. The surface of the expensive table was stained a dark cherry red and shined with a high gloss. At least fifty chairs, trimmed tastefully in gold and red velvet surrounded the impressive piece of furniature.
The marble walls of the room were lined with lavish decorations and pricy tapestries. All of wich seemed to share the similar theme of war and victory. A large crystal chandiler hung high above the center of the table casting sparkeling star like illuminations across the ceiling. It was beautiful.
Being the only person there, Lex was easy to spot in the gigantic room. Sitting at one end of the long table he sat in a chair that was easily large enough to be classified as a throne. He was completly silent as he sat in a pair of dark blue silk pajamas eating something out of a delicate looking porcelin bowl. The dark black robe he was wearing was made out of some unknown material but by the looks of it Chloe thought, it would be very soft to touch.
The inquisitive reporter watched Lex for a long silent moment as he slowly ate. A pang of sadness stung her heart for him as she recalled the breakfast she had had with her father. It had been fun and loving. Filled with laughter and caring conversation. All Lex had was himself and silence.
Wait a minute she told herself. This man was a killer. She shouldn't be feeling sympathy for him. If she was going to be feeling sympathy for anyone it should be the victems of the cult suicide. Confusion scrambeling her mind Chloe's brain began to reel with emotion.
Once again the familiar feeling of guilt welled up in the reporters gut. She was convicting a man of a murder based on a dream she had had. Granted, it had been a very realistic dream but never-the-less it had only been a dream. It didn't seem fair to judge a person so harshly based on such flimsy evidence.
Suddenly feeling very conflicted Chloe wondered why she had even come here. What did she expect to learn from a lonely billionaire who in all honesty had done nothing but try to protect her. He haden't even rented out the book. That had been his father.
She was seriously considering turing around and leaving, and she would have, but that perticuliar moment happened to be the one that Lex chose to look up and notice her presence.
"Miss. Sullivan, what are you doing here?" He asked confusion maring his face as he stood up from his seat. Chloe was not surprised to note his expression was not one of annoyance. Quite the contrary, he seemed genuinly pleased to have company. Absently Chloe wondered if he would have been as equally pleased to see anyone walk through the door or if the look of happiness that had jumped into his eyes had something to do specifically with her presence. To her surprise Chloe actually found herself hoping that it was her.
"I was in the neigborhood." She said lamely with a shrug, suddenly feeling very stupid and self-consious for showing up unannounced. "I thought i would just drop by for a visit."
"You have a very odd habit of showing up at the most unexpected times." Lex smirked slipping into his typical cocky attitude. "Would you like some sugar puffs?" He asked indicating the cereal he was eating. Chloe smiled at the fact that he was eating sugar puffs out of a bowl that probally cost more money then her computer.
"No thanks. I have already had my sugar rush for the day." She stated with a smile, suddenly feeling slightly more at ease.
"Well then lets move to a another room shall we?" He asked moving towards the doorway. Chloe's smile shifted to a grin as she noticed the pair of fluffy white bunny slippers that adorned his feet as he lead her through the house.
"Anywhere but the library." Chloe joked, trailing closly behind the billionaire.
"Losing your interest in the case?" Lex stated a hint of hopefulness in his tone.
"You wish."
"At least you are determined." He said lightly, moving toward a huge winding staircase that looked like it was taken right out of the movie gone with the wind. Chloe paused a moment to take in the beauty. Noticing the girl's sudden interest Lex also froze in his movements, taking a second to play tour guide.
"My mother loved this staircase. It was put in specifically for her. The origional stairs were stone, not wood and had a somewhat less dramatic effect." he stated also admiring the splendid craftmanship of the lobby. Waiting until his guest resumed her trek up the stairwell Lex's attention shifted from the stairs to admire something else in the room.
"Its stunning." Lex said his eyes never leaving the young reporter next to him.
"Your mother had good taste." Chloe commented with a tone of genuine awe before she once again began to assend the stairs. Lex slowed his pace so that it matched the smaller girls steps.
"Yes she did. She was beautiful." Lex stated his voice filled with a rare tone of passion. Chloe noticed that with the lack of his typical smug superior attitude Lex actually had a kind of genuine likeable quality. He seemed much more at ease speaking about his mother and wanting to continue to hear that tone Chloe decided not to drop the subject just yet.
"She must have been a very special person." She stated watching Lex's face for a reaction. She was rewarded as a far away dreamy look suddenly appeared in his eyes and his usually emotionless features sofened as he replied.
"She was great. She was fun, caring and full of life. There was never a moment when she was not doing something."
"You must miss her very much." Chloe said feeling stupid saying something so obvious but it had just slipped out.
"Of course." he replied, his expression returning back to its typiclal hardened facade.
"I miss my mom too." Chloe said slowly in an attempt to relate with the young billionaire.
Looking over at her Lex gave her a long studdying look before turning away and walking towards a room at the end of a long corridor. "Of course you do." He responded in such a low voice that Chloe barely caught it.
Making a right turn they stepped into a room that Chloe recognized immediatly as Lex's study. Taking a seat in a plush green leather chair that the billionaire motioned to the young girl took a moment to take in her surroundings.
"Pardon me. Ill be right back. I am just going to go put on something a little more appropriate." He said, gesturing towards his pajamas before walking towards a shelf of books.
"More appropriate then bunny slippers?" Chloe asked with a grin.
Smiling down at his feet Lex shrugged. "They were a gift from Clark. "They may not be the most glamorous part of my wardrobe but they're definatly the most interesting."
"Right, Clark definatly has his own sense of style." Chloe agreed, her eyes shining with memory.
"Lets just say its a good thing that Martha still buys his clothes." Lex stated wiith a nod before reaching out and carefully selecting a red book from the shelf. Pulling it back slightly a loud click could be heard behind the wall and suddenly the shelf moved backwards slightly, before sliding easily to the side. "Excuse me." He said, before walking into the room beyond.
Craning her neck sightly Chloe was able to get a quick glimpse of the room beyond before the shelves sealed up behind him. Not surprisingly it was a bedroom. It was quite obvious from the decour that it was Lex's room. Most of the decorations were done in muted browns and neutral tones and everything, in the grand Luthor tradition, was oversized and obscenely expensive looking.
With the quick observation skills of a practiced reporter Chloe was able to make a few surprising notes in the few seconds she was able to see into the billionaire playboys private space. Number one, he must not let the maid into his room, because he had clothing all over the floor and more than one empty bottle of alcohol sitting around. Number two, he must really like comicbooks because he had a ton of them scattered and stacked all over the place. Not exactly the image she had imagined the suite of the infamous Lex Luthor would look like. Of course, she supposed Lex probally didn't pick up a lot of woman in Smallville.
Not so paitently the young reporter waited as her host changed. The urge to ramshack the mysterious man's study overwhelmed her but with quite a strain on herself Chloe stayed seated. The fact that she was able to restrain herself had nothing to do with will power or stregnth of mind. She would have definatly taken the oppertunity to look through his stuff if it were not for the all too obvious security camera mounted in the corner of the room.
Crossing and uncrossing her legs Chloe sat silently until she heard the familiar click of the shelf once again moving and Lex suddenly appeared in the semi-secret entrance to the room. He looked very sharp, yet casual, dressed in a pair of perfectly pressed black Armani pants and a dark grey long-sleeved shirt. Calmly he strolled towards her like a predator stalking its prey, sleek and graceful. Every slight flex of his muscles, no doubt, was practiced and intentional... or maybe he was just born a natural leader. Either way Chloe found her gaze unable to deviate from his body as he moved across the room, taking the seat across from her.
"So to what do I owe the honor of your company today, Miss Sullivan?" He asked lightly, though she was sure he was more then a little curious as to why she was here. As a matter-of-fact so was she.
Carefully she considered how to answer the question. Getting a sudden flash of inspiration Chloe began. "I came because i owe you an appology."
"Oh?" He replied a puzzled smile growing across his face. Clasping his hands across his lap he leaned back in his seat, reguarding her with a smug curiousity. "And what attrocity are you here to appologize for?" He asked rasing a perfectly arched brow.
"For lying to you." She replied quickly. "I told you that I would quit investigating this case when you asked me the other day at the Talon." She hesitantly explained. "I lied to you and I am sorry." She said honestly. She had been feeling guilty about it since she spoke the words two days ago.
"I see." He said with a sigh. "Well of course you are forgiven but, tell me Chloe, why are you still even investigating this case. You know the cops closed it this morning." Once again the use of her first name was not lost on her.
"They did?!" Chloe asked suddeny outraged. "How could they. They don't even know anything." The familiar sting of rage pierced her heart, clouding her thoughts.
"They know enough." He stated firmly. His tone was suddenly emotionless, and just like that he was all business again. All traces of the warm friendly man she had been talking to previously was gone. "The police had the good sense to leave this story be. I think you should too."
"I know what you think, Lex." She spat. "You have made your opinion amply clear to me over the past few days." Chloe continued her anger rising. "As a matter of fact you have actually been quite pushy trying to get me to stop. Some people might even say suspiciously so." Her vicious tone hinted at more then a casual implication..
Lex's eyes flashed dangerously, anger dancing in his spiteful gaze like fire. "Thats probally because some people are delusional drama queens who exaggerate things in order to make them into a more interesting story." His voice was deadly calm.
"What!?" She was on her feet in seconds. "Well at least I am not the one walking around town thinking I am better than everyone else. Acting like its some great honor whenever i speak to anybody."
"No, your too busy chasing after a guy who will never be anything more to you then a friend!" He stated standing up to face the young girl.
"At least I have friends!" She shouted up at him.
"I have friends!" He hollored back angrely, taking a quick step towards her. His tall lean frame, looming over her, was slightly intimidating but Chloe was not going to back down.
"Who? Clark? Big deal. Clark likes everyone!" She spat the harsh words with unflinching venom. Immediatly she saw the sorrow flash across the rich man's eyes and quickly she regretted her words. She watched Lex's face soften slighty looking strartlingly wounded before shifing to the typically cold resolve she was used to seeing.
"Well, Up until now i had considered you a friend." he said with brutal honesty. " I can see now that i was mistaken. If you will excuse me now I believe I have some work i need to attend to." His voice was strangly hollow.
"Lex, I......" Uncontrolled errational tears suddenly sprung to the surface to her eyes. Things were not working out at all like she had planned. She did not mean to be so cruel. "I am sorry."
"You have already appologized to me once today, Miss Sullivan. No need to do it twice. Consider your appology accepted. You can find your own way out I am sure, the same as you came in." he said turning from the young girl and busying himself with some papers on his desk.
"Wait, Lex." She said rushing up to him. For some reason she felt panic in her stomach. She felt as if she was losing a friendship that she was not even aware that she had. "Listen." she spoke sincerly, looking up into his icy blue eyes. "I didn't mean what I said. Please don't be this way. I am sure if you gave more people the chance that they would like you." she said quickly, suddenly blushing furiously, aware of the fact that she sounded very corney.
"People like you?" He asked his tone suddenly low and gentle.
"Yes." she said quietly, breaking with his eye contact to look away. She was about to leave.
She didn't get the chance. In once swift movement Lex leaned forward, lightly brushing his lips against hers. Surprised, Chloe was unable to react as she flet his mouth press softly against hers. The kiss was confident but delicate as if he was sure of himself but clueless as to weather she would receprocate. Slowly large hands moved to cup the back of her head and neck, as the chaste kiss deepend.
Chloe could feel her heart thundering in her chest as a warm tingeling feeling quickly spreading through out her body.The pressure of his velvety lips pressed against hers was a very unfamiliar and pleasant feeling and she was not sure how to react. Her mind was racing but the thoughts were such a jumble of confused images and ideas and his kiss was so distracting that it took a long moment for her to even gather the frame of mind to think.
She could feel his warm tongue slide across her bottem lip, and a chill of excitement coursed through her body. She never wanted this too end. The feel of his breath on her face thrilled her. Then as quick as the kiss started it stopped and she watched as Lex pulled back releasing her from his gentle grip. His face was a mask of calm indiffernce. Only his eyes revealed a carefully guarded look of uncertainty.
"I um...." Chloes mind was scattered. She felt so confused. She needed desperatly to get away and think.
"Was I wrong?" He asked his eyes searching hers.
"No." She stammered, unable to grasp what had just happened but sure that she had enjoyed it.
"Good." A smile pulled at the corner of his mouth before he once again leaned forward. Bringing his mouth to hers he did not waste any time. Wrapping his arms around her wast he pulled the small reporter flush against his body as he kissed her passionatly. It was as if all his pent up anger was being released into this kiss and Chloe could feel her legs go weak as she felt his tongue once again running along the entrance to her mouth.
She took in a sharp breath as she felt his tongue slip between her lips. She was unprepared for a reaction like this from Lex. Her body melted as skillful hands ran over her curves, lingering on the places that got a posative reaction from her. She could feel herself trembeling under his touch. No one had ever kissed her like this. She was unsure what to do. She wanted to touch him.
Reaching out she placed her palms on his chest, running her fingertips across the tight fabric that clung to his body. She could feel the quick pounding of his heart beat beneath her touch. Her hands explored lower as she felt the tight muscles of his abbs. Timidly she slipped her hands below the soft fabric of his shirt to touch the bare skin beneath. Her inexperience made her feel slightly childish but apparently she was doing something right becase the low sound of pleasure that eminated from between his parted lips was enough to indicate to her that he was enjoying this as much as she was.
Pulling her head back Chloe took a quick breath desperatly needing the oxygen. Strong arms squeezed her tighter to him and shifting his head to her neck she could feel the warmth of his tongue as he places trails of kisses there, working his way up to her ear. His breath was hot and quick in her ear. " Chloe?" He whispered biting lightly at her lobe.
"Yes?" she said arching her head back at his touch.
"Promise me something." He said running his hand through her short blond hair.
"What?" She asked, not really paying attention.
"Promise me you wont look into this story anymore." He said between kisses.
Chloe paused in her gentle exploratin of his body. "What?" She asked genuinly confused as she let his words sink in. Pulling away from her for a moment he gave her a serious look.
"I don't want you investigating the suicides any more." He said, his voice still husky and shallow.
Grief suddenly pierced the broken-hearted girls body. This was all some kind of ploy. Lex was trying to seduce her to get his way! How could she be so stupid. Fresh tears sprung to her eyes as her mind filled with uncontrolled rage. "What danger! You said it yourself, the case is closed. There is no danger, so why can't I investigate it. What do you know?!"
"Nothing." He said his tone cold.
"Liar! You are such an asshole. I can't believe it! Pete was right all along. You are nothing but a snobby bastard who will do anything to get your way. You are just like you father! I never want to see you again" With that said the stubborn reporter turned on her heels and stormed out of the building never looking back.
Chapter 4
Day 4
*** 5:20 am November 4th
Chloe woke up with a jolt, her eyes suddenly springing open as her body sat up. Large black pupils starred into an endless void of darkness. Quickly switching on her bed side lamp the young girl illuminated the small area that surrounded her with a dim pinkish glow. The low light caused long eerie shadows to form across her bedroom walls creating strange and forboding shapes that both interested and frightened her. The room was silent. The sound of her wall clock was the only noise that broke the resounding quiet in her home. Glancing at the time, she saw that it was nearly dawn. It was always darkest before the dawn.
A sudden chill ran up her spine causeing the tiny hairs on the back of her neck to rise and Chloe froze in place. What had caused her to wake up? Glancing around the room the young girl could feel her body growing tense with fear. Straining her ears she listened for any unfamiliar sound that might alert her to the presence of something else. Unable to locate another person Chloe let out a long deep breath.
"Your just being silly." she reassured herself. "All this crazyness is effecting your mind." she said with a slight laugh. Hopping up from her bed the young girl moved casually towards her door on her way to fetch a refreshing glass of water. Suddenly a low rumble from below her bed caught her attention.
Chloe's body began to tingle with surprise and she froze in her movements, her hand hovering motionless above the doorknob. "Hello?" she said quietly unable to do anything else.
Her non-threatening greeting was answered by a repeat of the sound. Alow thud eminated from below her bed followed by a soft grinding sound. Unconsiously Chloe took a step back. Reaching out she quickly flipped up the switch next to her bedroom door flooding the room with 100 watts of brilliant white light. Her eyes frantically darted around the room, taking in everything surrounding her.
Searching desperatly for anything out of the ordinary Chloe felt her heart beating furiously in her chest. All seemed well but unfortunatly the light that illuminated the room in a brilliant glow did not reach beneath the bed. The shadowy area there remained a frightening enigma.
A third repeat of the sound caused Chloe to start but rather then run away the stubborn girl began to causiously walk towards the bed. Still several feet away she knelt down ducking her head low so that she could see into the dark area below her matress. Brushing her blond hair out of her face Chloe saw something moving. Whatever it was, it was definatly coming towards her. Jumping to her feet she quickly backed away, her eyes never leaving the area in front of the bed.
Preparing to shout for her father Chloe opened her mouth wide. Her terrified scream caught in her throat and suddenly her lips froze in a strange O shape as her eyes grew wide. The corner of what was clearly the edge of the borrowed oujia box slowly appeared from beneath the bed. It was as if unseen hands were pushing the box directly towards her. It slowly glided smoothly across the carpeted floor until it reached the center of her room where it abruptly stopped. The small girl just stared in horrified fascination unable to do anything else besides breath.
The box just sat there motionless for a long moment as Chloe stared dumbfounded. Then without a sound the lid suddenly popped off, flipping over and landing next to the bed, revealing the flat board inside. The trianglular shaped oracle was sitting right on top of the oujia board.
Chloe was sure that she had not left it that way because she had read that you are not supposed to leave the oracle on top of the board. Supposedly the circuliar glass window imbedded in the center of the plastic device was a gateway to another world. She had been warned that leaving it on there could allow dark spirits to roam free.
Of corse she did not believe any of that hocus pocus but right now her logical mind was unable to process her skepticsm. Her brain was too clouded with terror to accomplish anything besides gape. Hesitantly the young girl took a step towards the board. It did not move so kneeling next to it she leaned over the ominous surface and watched the small wooden device expectantly. Equal measures of horror and excitement swirled through her gut and Chloe found herself unable to do anything else beside stare at the oujia board.
An uncontrollabe urge to touch the oracle suddenly overwhelmed her and slowly reaching out with one long finger Chloe prepared to use the board.
"No don't!" A warning voice behind her broke the young girl from her trance and spinning around Chloe immediatly recognized the small red-headed boy whom she had dreamed about the night before. He was standing in her doorway.
"Whats happening?" She asked rubbing her head, feeling slightly dazed.
"She wants you Chloe." The pale boy said walking towards her. He was wearing the same clothes he had been wearing the last time she had seen him. An all black suit with a yellow and black striped tie. Studdying his youthful face, the blond reporter noticed that he looked a lot more tired then he had the previous night. His eyes seemed weary and sunken with age, like he had been through a lot in the last twenty-four hours. Chloe could sympathise.
"Who wants me?" The reporter asked confused.
"You know." He said quietly, his small hands playing uncomfortably with the hem of his suit jacket.
"Bethany Starling?" She easily guessed. The astute reporter did not like where this conversation was going. Standing up she took a step away from the board and towards the little boy.
"Yes." He agreed with a slight nod of his head.
"What does she want with me?"
"She wants to make you suffer." he said earnestly. His expression was sad. "I don't want you to get hurt." Looking her straight in the eye as he spoke his eyes revealed a seriousness that seemed uncharacteristic for someone so young.
"Why does she want to hurt me?" The inquisitive girl asked puzzled. Fear welled up in the pit of her stomach.
"Because you are interfearing."
Chloe understood immediatly what he ment by that. "What should I do?" She asked feeling hopeless.
"Stay away from Alex."
"You mean Lex."
"Yes."
"Why? What is he hiding?"
"He has many secrets."
"Did he kill those kids?"
"Not all of them."
"Who helped him?"
"You know who." He said giving her a fearful look. "She is after me. I have to go soon. I don't have much time."
"Wait. Can you tell me why those kids were sacraficed?"
"They wern't." He spoke, confused.
"But the sign of the Lacrose was near them. Why was it there if they wern't sacraficed."
"Don't you see. She used them. Just like she will use you if you are not careful. I have to go now."
"No. Don't go. I have so many question." She pleaded.
"Save your questions Chloe. Save yourself."
"Wait! Why didn't Alison Fincher die? Who was the fourth person on that Halloween night two years ago?"
"You will find all your answers at the cemetery, tomorrow. Good bye, Chloe. Be careful."
"Don't....." Chloe reached out desperatly trying to touch the boy, wanting him to stay. Her hand easily passed through the empty area he had just occupied. He was gone. Chloe was alone.
Turning back towards the box the young girl paused in her steps and blinked in surprise. It was gone. Daring to kneel down Chloe peeked under her small twin bed. Sitting innocently beneath the box springs and boards was the oujia board box, right where she had left it the night before.
Chloe sighed completly disturbed and shook her head. Still feeling tired she slowly began to pull the covers of her bed back preparing herself for a few more hours of sleep. Gasping the young girl stumbled backwards. Written in blood across her white sheets were the words YOUR NEXT and sitting ominously in the center of the crimson stain was the cream colored oracle. Opening her mouth Chloe attempted to scream but her voice was strangled and no sound came out. Tears welled up in her eyes and suddenly she could not move.
Horrified Chloe watched as the oracle slowly began to rise from the bed hovering several feet above the top of the matress before suddenly darting towards her. The sharp point of the small plastic device was aimed right at her head. Unable to dodge the oncoming weapon Chloe squeezed her eyes shut.
After a brief second when nothing happened Chloe hesitantly opened an eye, preparing for the worst. Her eyes grew wide once again and his time when the young girl opened her mouth she was able to scream. Directly in front of her, instead of the deadly oracle's point, was the familiar face of the woman she had seen in her reflection at the Talon, the night before.
The woman was standing inches away from her. Reaching her pale hand out towards Chloe. The look on her face was pure evil.
Attempting to move away the Chloe realized that she was frozen to the spot. "Get away from me!" She shouted frantically as the skin of the woman's hand touched her arm. Quickly Chloe pulled away. The contact burned like nothing she had ever felt before and once again the the frightened reporter screamed.
As the shrill sound of her shriek echoed through out the house, Chloe to wake up.
*** 7: 32 am November 4th
"Honey are you all right?" A concerened voice from the doorway asked her.
Looknig up Chloe stared into the worried expression of her father. He was still wearing his pajama's and his salt and pepper hair was all mussed, sticking out in all directions. She had clearly woken him up with her shouts. "I am okay. I just had a nightmare." She said with a wan smile in an attempt to reassure her father.
"Anything you want to talk about?" Gabe asked his daughter kindly, stepping into the room.
"No. I just......" Chloe felt the phantom burn on her arm where the dream woman had touched her. Looking down at the spot where the flesh tingled Chloe saw that the skin there looked flawless. There was no mark. Sighing Chloe smiled in relief. "It was just a bad dream. Nothing to worry about." she told her father standing up from her bed.
"Is there anything I can do for you honey?" He asked his daughter. The look in Gabe Sullivan's eye revealed Chloe's reassuring words had not completly convinced him.
"What I need right now is a big hug." Chloe told her father honestly, hopping out of the bed, and wrapping her arms around her dads waist. Squeezing him tightly she felt him happily return the embrace. "I love you daddy." She said in a rare moment of sappyness.
"I love you too." He said, his voice slightly surprised. All though her head was burried in her fathers strong chest Chloe could easily tell that he was smiling down at her. Pulling back, the young reporter grinned up at her father. "Ill cook breakfast." she said quickly before he could bring the subject of the nightmares back up. "Anything in particular you want?" She asked curiously.
"Dosen't matter as long as there is lots of coffee." Gabe said with a smile.
"My sentiments exactly.' Chloe said slipping her small hand into her fathers large one. She was glad he was there and smiling she walked with him down to the kitchen before preparing a nice wholesome breakfast for the two of them.
*** 8: 52 am November 4th
Chloe cruised down the bumpy Smallville streets on her way to the Talon. Although she did not need any coffee right now she was unsure of her next step in solving this mystery and since she did most of her best thinking between the bright yellow walls of the old movie theater she decided that it would be the best place for her to start the day's investigation.
The streets were nearly empty on the early Sunday morning giving Chloe more time to focus on her next step in solving the crime. Although she had recieved several very good clues in the past few days it seemed that most of them were leading her no where and at present she seemed to be stuck at a dead end. Absently her mind began to wander to the night before.
After dropping Pete and Clark off at home Chloe had quickly returned to her house just in time to greet her father at the door. She had barely made her curfew. Knowing she only had one more non-school day to solve this thing she had wanted to get as much research done the night before as she possibly could. It had been a very lucky surprise when Clark had discovered that the identity of the author of Modern magic was Bethany Starling and Chloe had been excited at the prospect of a new clue.
When the intrepid reporter had returned home she had carefully and metciulouly looked over every inch of the oujia box and its contents for nearly an hour before sadly finding nothing out of the ordinary other than the multitude of papers with the name Bethany Starling scribbled all over them. She was running out of options.
After that she had spent the better part of the night looking on the internet to see if anyone carried the book Modern Magic Signs and Symbols or any other information on the author of said book. Chloe had worked herself ragged and so far she had come up with nothing. Other than the fact that the woman had written a book on witchcraft Bethany Starling was still a complete mystery to her. She did not even have a bio in the back of her own book. It was like the woman did not want to be found.
Chloe was not sure what to do now. There were so many questions that needed to be answered and there was only one person who could answer them. After her dream last night she was not even sure that Lex Luthor was someone she wanted to talk to. She recalled the chilling conversation that she had had with the young boy in her dream. He had basically told her that Lex was a murderer. That meant that he had killed at least one of the the kids involved in this story. Of course there was no reason for her to believe strange children in her dreams but there was also no reason for her not to believe him, right?
Pulling to a stop at a four-way intersection Chloe made a impromptu decision. Before she went to the Talon this morning she would stop by Luthor castle and have a real conversation with Lex Luthor. She needed to know why he was trying to prevent her from solving this case. He could no longer hide behind the excuse that he was trying to protect her. That was bullshit. If he just wanted to keep her safe he could hire her a body guard. She was going to solve this thing and he was going to help her. That was final.
Hitting her turn signal Chloe steared her car right instead of left, choosing the road that would lead her hopefully to some answers.
*** 8:15 am November 4th
Knocking on the intricatly carved french doors that lead into the huge stone mansion, Chloe braced herself for the worst. From here so many things were possible. A large variety of options ran through her head, some dangerous and some not. There was a chance that she could be putting herself in very real danger she mused. The idea both thrilled and frightened her. Mentally Chloe tried to prepare herself for anything.
Unfortunatly in her attempt to prepare herself for anything she had not considered the possabillity of Lionel Luthor opening the door and when the intimadating man suddenly appeared in the front entrance Chloe found herself unable to do anything besides gape.
"Can I help you young lady?" the older man asked looking slightly surprised at her presence. He seemed like he was on his way out.
"Um....actually i was looking for Lex. Is he home." Chloe stammered finding it hard to meet the hateful mans hard gaze.
"I imagine he is somewhere in the house." Lionel guessed with a dismissive wave of his hand.
Choosing not to make direct eye contact with the powerful man Chloe looked down towards the ground as Lionel brushed quickly past her. As he moved next to her something in the bag he was carrying caught her eye and Chloe had to do a quick double take to be sure she was not seeing things. It was an exact copy of the book that she had bought the previous night at Madam Black's magic shop. The only differnce was that Lionels copy had the words Metropolis citizens library printed across the binder.
Chloe stared stunned for a long moment and Lionel must have noticed because he paused in his movements to stare at the young reporter. "How do you know Lex again?" He asked the young girl suspiciously, shifting his bag away from her gaze.
"Were just friends." Chloe quickly replied.
"Humph." Lionel snorted giving the girl a disguisted look. "It seems Lex's friends are getting younger and younger these days. I knew my son was stupid but I thought he was smarter then to hang out with jailbait." He stated obviously trying to get a rise out of the young reporter.
"Yeah well I suppose considering his relatives anyone he hangs out with would be a step up." Chloe spoke back, this time meeting his cruel gaze with unflinching resolve, her eye contact not wavering. She would not allow herself to be insulted by the likes of Lionel Luthor. She gave him the most bitchy smile she could muster.
Lionel Luthors eyes quickly flashed with a sudden terrible rage that he quickly supressed. Glaring down at the girl he spoke through gritted teeth. "Young lady, if you know what is good for you you will make sure that this is the last time I see you at Luthor castle. Is that understood?" He hissed.
Maybe it was because over the last few days she had become used to having her life threatened or maybe it was because she was begining to loathe this man more than anything else in existance but Chloe suddenly found herself unable to feel intimidated by Lionels words and quickly she replied her smile never faultering. She was getting tired of Luthor bullshit. "I understand, and trust me, the less i have to see you and your ass of a son the better."
To Chloe's surprise Lionel actually smiled at her comment. "Sounds like the old Luthor charm has gotten to you, huh, young lady. What happened? He promise to call the next day and didn't. You better get used to that." He said giving her a quick once over. His eyes lingering far to long on certain parts of her female anatomy. Before she could aptly defend herself and give an equally biting remark Lionel was gone, having disappeared quickly around the corner.
Chloe felt like chasing Lionel down and telling him off but unfortunatly this was his property and she did not have the time to waste so instead she chose to walk through the already opened door. After all she had pretty much been invited in by the snobbish jerk.
*** 9 22 am November 4th
Chloe walked through the enormous building, enjoying the fantastic decour as she searched the house for the younger Luthor. She had been walking around for several minuets seemingly unnoticed when she spotted a maid not far off, dusting a lamp. Coughing loudly she got the womans attention. "Excuse me do you know where Lex is?" Chloe asked politely wondering how weird it seemed to the woman for a young girl to be wandering around the building alone.
"He is in the dining hall having his breakfast." The woman said slowly, her english obviously bad.
"Where is that?"Chloe asked indicating that she had no idea how to get around this place.
"Down the hall, make a left and you are there." The brunette replied struggeling with a thick forign accent as she pointed down a brightly lit corridor to their right.
"Thank you." Quickly The small girl moved away before the woman could question her presence. As she briskly walked in the direction the maid had gestured to Chloe absently wondered how bizzare it was that someone could walk into Lex's home and him not even know about it. It must be very creepy she thought, living all alone in such a large place. Reaching the doorway the servant had spoken of Chloe paused in the entrance taking a moment to admire the glamorous diningroom.
The room was enormous and so was the long narrow table that was perfectly placed in the center of the tiled floor. The surface of the expensive table was stained a dark cherry red and shined with a high gloss. At least fifty chairs, trimmed tastefully in gold and red velvet surrounded the impressive piece of furniature.
The marble walls of the room were lined with lavish decorations and pricy tapestries. All of wich seemed to share the similar theme of war and victory. A large crystal chandiler hung high above the center of the table casting sparkeling star like illuminations across the ceiling. It was beautiful.
Being the only person there, Lex was easy to spot in the gigantic room. Sitting at one end of the long table he sat in a chair that was easily large enough to be classified as a throne. He was completly silent as he sat in a pair of dark blue silk pajamas eating something out of a delicate looking porcelin bowl. The dark black robe he was wearing was made out of some unknown material but by the looks of it Chloe thought, it would be very soft to touch.
The inquisitive reporter watched Lex for a long silent moment as he slowly ate. A pang of sadness stung her heart for him as she recalled the breakfast she had had with her father. It had been fun and loving. Filled with laughter and caring conversation. All Lex had was himself and silence.
Wait a minute she told herself. This man was a killer. She shouldn't be feeling sympathy for him. If she was going to be feeling sympathy for anyone it should be the victems of the cult suicide. Confusion scrambeling her mind Chloe's brain began to reel with emotion.
Once again the familiar feeling of guilt welled up in the reporters gut. She was convicting a man of a murder based on a dream she had had. Granted, it had been a very realistic dream but never-the-less it had only been a dream. It didn't seem fair to judge a person so harshly based on such flimsy evidence.
Suddenly feeling very conflicted Chloe wondered why she had even come here. What did she expect to learn from a lonely billionaire who in all honesty had done nothing but try to protect her. He haden't even rented out the book. That had been his father.
She was seriously considering turing around and leaving, and she would have, but that perticuliar moment happened to be the one that Lex chose to look up and notice her presence.
"Miss. Sullivan, what are you doing here?" He asked confusion maring his face as he stood up from his seat. Chloe was not surprised to note his expression was not one of annoyance. Quite the contrary, he seemed genuinly pleased to have company. Absently Chloe wondered if he would have been as equally pleased to see anyone walk through the door or if the look of happiness that had jumped into his eyes had something to do specifically with her presence. To her surprise Chloe actually found herself hoping that it was her.
"I was in the neigborhood." She said lamely with a shrug, suddenly feeling very stupid and self-consious for showing up unannounced. "I thought i would just drop by for a visit."
"You have a very odd habit of showing up at the most unexpected times." Lex smirked slipping into his typical cocky attitude. "Would you like some sugar puffs?" He asked indicating the cereal he was eating. Chloe smiled at the fact that he was eating sugar puffs out of a bowl that probally cost more money then her computer.
"No thanks. I have already had my sugar rush for the day." She stated with a smile, suddenly feeling slightly more at ease.
"Well then lets move to a another room shall we?" He asked moving towards the doorway. Chloe's smile shifted to a grin as she noticed the pair of fluffy white bunny slippers that adorned his feet as he lead her through the house.
"Anywhere but the library." Chloe joked, trailing closly behind the billionaire.
"Losing your interest in the case?" Lex stated a hint of hopefulness in his tone.
"You wish."
"At least you are determined." He said lightly, moving toward a huge winding staircase that looked like it was taken right out of the movie gone with the wind. Chloe paused a moment to take in the beauty. Noticing the girl's sudden interest Lex also froze in his movements, taking a second to play tour guide.
"My mother loved this staircase. It was put in specifically for her. The origional stairs were stone, not wood and had a somewhat less dramatic effect." he stated also admiring the splendid craftmanship of the lobby. Waiting until his guest resumed her trek up the stairwell Lex's attention shifted from the stairs to admire something else in the room.
"Its stunning." Lex said his eyes never leaving the young reporter next to him.
"Your mother had good taste." Chloe commented with a tone of genuine awe before she once again began to assend the stairs. Lex slowed his pace so that it matched the smaller girls steps.
"Yes she did. She was beautiful." Lex stated his voice filled with a rare tone of passion. Chloe noticed that with the lack of his typical smug superior attitude Lex actually had a kind of genuine likeable quality. He seemed much more at ease speaking about his mother and wanting to continue to hear that tone Chloe decided not to drop the subject just yet.
"She must have been a very special person." She stated watching Lex's face for a reaction. She was rewarded as a far away dreamy look suddenly appeared in his eyes and his usually emotionless features sofened as he replied.
"She was great. She was fun, caring and full of life. There was never a moment when she was not doing something."
"You must miss her very much." Chloe said feeling stupid saying something so obvious but it had just slipped out.
"Of course." he replied, his expression returning back to its typiclal hardened facade.
"I miss my mom too." Chloe said slowly in an attempt to relate with the young billionaire.
Looking over at her Lex gave her a long studdying look before turning away and walking towards a room at the end of a long corridor. "Of course you do." He responded in such a low voice that Chloe barely caught it.
Making a right turn they stepped into a room that Chloe recognized immediatly as Lex's study. Taking a seat in a plush green leather chair that the billionaire motioned to the young girl took a moment to take in her surroundings.
"Pardon me. Ill be right back. I am just going to go put on something a little more appropriate." He said, gesturing towards his pajamas before walking towards a shelf of books.
"More appropriate then bunny slippers?" Chloe asked with a grin.
Smiling down at his feet Lex shrugged. "They were a gift from Clark. "They may not be the most glamorous part of my wardrobe but they're definatly the most interesting."
"Right, Clark definatly has his own sense of style." Chloe agreed, her eyes shining with memory.
"Lets just say its a good thing that Martha still buys his clothes." Lex stated wiith a nod before reaching out and carefully selecting a red book from the shelf. Pulling it back slightly a loud click could be heard behind the wall and suddenly the shelf moved backwards slightly, before sliding easily to the side. "Excuse me." He said, before walking into the room beyond.
Craning her neck sightly Chloe was able to get a quick glimpse of the room beyond before the shelves sealed up behind him. Not surprisingly it was a bedroom. It was quite obvious from the decour that it was Lex's room. Most of the decorations were done in muted browns and neutral tones and everything, in the grand Luthor tradition, was oversized and obscenely expensive looking.
With the quick observation skills of a practiced reporter Chloe was able to make a few surprising notes in the few seconds she was able to see into the billionaire playboys private space. Number one, he must not let the maid into his room, because he had clothing all over the floor and more than one empty bottle of alcohol sitting around. Number two, he must really like comicbooks because he had a ton of them scattered and stacked all over the place. Not exactly the image she had imagined the suite of the infamous Lex Luthor would look like. Of course, she supposed Lex probally didn't pick up a lot of woman in Smallville.
Not so paitently the young reporter waited as her host changed. The urge to ramshack the mysterious man's study overwhelmed her but with quite a strain on herself Chloe stayed seated. The fact that she was able to restrain herself had nothing to do with will power or stregnth of mind. She would have definatly taken the oppertunity to look through his stuff if it were not for the all too obvious security camera mounted in the corner of the room.
Crossing and uncrossing her legs Chloe sat silently until she heard the familiar click of the shelf once again moving and Lex suddenly appeared in the semi-secret entrance to the room. He looked very sharp, yet casual, dressed in a pair of perfectly pressed black Armani pants and a dark grey long-sleeved shirt. Calmly he strolled towards her like a predator stalking its prey, sleek and graceful. Every slight flex of his muscles, no doubt, was practiced and intentional... or maybe he was just born a natural leader. Either way Chloe found her gaze unable to deviate from his body as he moved across the room, taking the seat across from her.
"So to what do I owe the honor of your company today, Miss Sullivan?" He asked lightly, though she was sure he was more then a little curious as to why she was here. As a matter-of-fact so was she.
Carefully she considered how to answer the question. Getting a sudden flash of inspiration Chloe began. "I came because i owe you an appology."
"Oh?" He replied a puzzled smile growing across his face. Clasping his hands across his lap he leaned back in his seat, reguarding her with a smug curiousity. "And what attrocity are you here to appologize for?" He asked rasing a perfectly arched brow.
"For lying to you." She replied quickly. "I told you that I would quit investigating this case when you asked me the other day at the Talon." She hesitantly explained. "I lied to you and I am sorry." She said honestly. She had been feeling guilty about it since she spoke the words two days ago.
"I see." He said with a sigh. "Well of course you are forgiven but, tell me Chloe, why are you still even investigating this case. You know the cops closed it this morning." Once again the use of her first name was not lost on her.
"They did?!" Chloe asked suddeny outraged. "How could they. They don't even know anything." The familiar sting of rage pierced her heart, clouding her thoughts.
"They know enough." He stated firmly. His tone was suddenly emotionless, and just like that he was all business again. All traces of the warm friendly man she had been talking to previously was gone. "The police had the good sense to leave this story be. I think you should too."
"I know what you think, Lex." She spat. "You have made your opinion amply clear to me over the past few days." Chloe continued her anger rising. "As a matter of fact you have actually been quite pushy trying to get me to stop. Some people might even say suspiciously so." Her vicious tone hinted at more then a casual implication..
Lex's eyes flashed dangerously, anger dancing in his spiteful gaze like fire. "Thats probally because some people are delusional drama queens who exaggerate things in order to make them into a more interesting story." His voice was deadly calm.
"What!?" She was on her feet in seconds. "Well at least I am not the one walking around town thinking I am better than everyone else. Acting like its some great honor whenever i speak to anybody."
"No, your too busy chasing after a guy who will never be anything more to you then a friend!" He stated standing up to face the young girl.
"At least I have friends!" She shouted up at him.
"I have friends!" He hollored back angrely, taking a quick step towards her. His tall lean frame, looming over her, was slightly intimidating but Chloe was not going to back down.
"Who? Clark? Big deal. Clark likes everyone!" She spat the harsh words with unflinching venom. Immediatly she saw the sorrow flash across the rich man's eyes and quickly she regretted her words. She watched Lex's face soften slighty looking strartlingly wounded before shifing to the typically cold resolve she was used to seeing.
"Well, Up until now i had considered you a friend." he said with brutal honesty. " I can see now that i was mistaken. If you will excuse me now I believe I have some work i need to attend to." His voice was strangly hollow.
"Lex, I......" Uncontrolled errational tears suddenly sprung to the surface to her eyes. Things were not working out at all like she had planned. She did not mean to be so cruel. "I am sorry."
"You have already appologized to me once today, Miss Sullivan. No need to do it twice. Consider your appology accepted. You can find your own way out I am sure, the same as you came in." he said turning from the young girl and busying himself with some papers on his desk.
"Wait, Lex." She said rushing up to him. For some reason she felt panic in her stomach. She felt as if she was losing a friendship that she was not even aware that she had. "Listen." she spoke sincerly, looking up into his icy blue eyes. "I didn't mean what I said. Please don't be this way. I am sure if you gave more people the chance that they would like you." she said quickly, suddenly blushing furiously, aware of the fact that she sounded very corney.
"People like you?" He asked his tone suddenly low and gentle.
"Yes." she said quietly, breaking with his eye contact to look away. She was about to leave.
She didn't get the chance. In once swift movement Lex leaned forward, lightly brushing his lips against hers. Surprised, Chloe was unable to react as she flet his mouth press softly against hers. The kiss was confident but delicate as if he was sure of himself but clueless as to weather she would receprocate. Slowly large hands moved to cup the back of her head and neck, as the chaste kiss deepend.
Chloe could feel her heart thundering in her chest as a warm tingeling feeling quickly spreading through out her body.The pressure of his velvety lips pressed against hers was a very unfamiliar and pleasant feeling and she was not sure how to react. Her mind was racing but the thoughts were such a jumble of confused images and ideas and his kiss was so distracting that it took a long moment for her to even gather the frame of mind to think.
She could feel his warm tongue slide across her bottem lip, and a chill of excitement coursed through her body. She never wanted this too end. The feel of his breath on her face thrilled her. Then as quick as the kiss started it stopped and she watched as Lex pulled back releasing her from his gentle grip. His face was a mask of calm indiffernce. Only his eyes revealed a carefully guarded look of uncertainty.
"I um...." Chloes mind was scattered. She felt so confused. She needed desperatly to get away and think.
"Was I wrong?" He asked his eyes searching hers.
"No." She stammered, unable to grasp what had just happened but sure that she had enjoyed it.
"Good." A smile pulled at the corner of his mouth before he once again leaned forward. Bringing his mouth to hers he did not waste any time. Wrapping his arms around her wast he pulled the small reporter flush against his body as he kissed her passionatly. It was as if all his pent up anger was being released into this kiss and Chloe could feel her legs go weak as she felt his tongue once again running along the entrance to her mouth.
She took in a sharp breath as she felt his tongue slip between her lips. She was unprepared for a reaction like this from Lex. Her body melted as skillful hands ran over her curves, lingering on the places that got a posative reaction from her. She could feel herself trembeling under his touch. No one had ever kissed her like this. She was unsure what to do. She wanted to touch him.
Reaching out she placed her palms on his chest, running her fingertips across the tight fabric that clung to his body. She could feel the quick pounding of his heart beat beneath her touch. Her hands explored lower as she felt the tight muscles of his abbs. Timidly she slipped her hands below the soft fabric of his shirt to touch the bare skin beneath. Her inexperience made her feel slightly childish but apparently she was doing something right becase the low sound of pleasure that eminated from between his parted lips was enough to indicate to her that he was enjoying this as much as she was.
Pulling her head back Chloe took a quick breath desperatly needing the oxygen. Strong arms squeezed her tighter to him and shifting his head to her neck she could feel the warmth of his tongue as he places trails of kisses there, working his way up to her ear. His breath was hot and quick in her ear. " Chloe?" He whispered biting lightly at her lobe.
"Yes?" she said arching her head back at his touch.
"Promise me something." He said running his hand through her short blond hair.
"What?" She asked, not really paying attention.
"Promise me you wont look into this story anymore." He said between kisses.
Chloe paused in her gentle exploratin of his body. "What?" She asked genuinly confused as she let his words sink in. Pulling away from her for a moment he gave her a serious look.
"I don't want you investigating the suicides any more." He said, his voice still husky and shallow.
Grief suddenly pierced the broken-hearted girls body. This was all some kind of ploy. Lex was trying to seduce her to get his way! How could she be so stupid. Fresh tears sprung to her eyes as her mind filled with uncontrolled rage. "What danger! You said it yourself, the case is closed. There is no danger, so why can't I investigate it. What do you know?!"
"Nothing." He said his tone cold.
"Liar! You are such an asshole. I can't believe it! Pete was right all along. You are nothing but a snobby bastard who will do anything to get your way. You are just like you father! I never want to see you again" With that said the stubborn reporter turned on her heels and stormed out of the building never looking back.