Chapter 11 [Fifteen Minutes Later]
Martha eased her way through the Talon's front doors. Admiration warmed her over Bustling Scene. Success seemed to buzz all around herself. Crows flocked by her pushing Line toward the door. I know they put so much work into this! It's like a phoenix. Who knew that under the dust and old movie posters lurked a successful café? She shook her head in wonder. So many layers! She noticed Lex and Chloe talking over Coffees and Dueling Laptops. Clark sat over in the corner reading…or looking like he was reading…a book. Lana worked the floor with Coffee Service but studiously ignored Clark. Really? She'd never seen Lana ignore Clark in that manner. This is a real shame. Is it worth it?
"It's killing him you know."
Martha turned to see Lex standing in back of herself. She could see that Chloe and he watching her in turn. She fought to keep a straight face. Exasperation, however, poked through. "What is, Lex?"
Sniff cut from his nose. "Look around you. Anything seem…oh I don't know…abnormal?" He motioned toward Clark. "You do know that he was at the mansion last night? He was miserable. I talked to him for a few minutes. Then, I had an urgent call so I let him show himself out. Look, I had a couple of questions. Can I get you a coffee?" He motioned toward the counter. "It'll just take a minute."
Martha glanced at her watch. Tempus had flown farther than she'd known. Nell took up far more of my time than I realized! "Lex, I'm sorry. It's getting late. Jonathan's going to be home from the Grange. I need to get dinner started." Suspicion's Alarm Bells rang in her mind as well. Why is he pushing me now? And he's talking to Chloe too? Curiosity and Anxiety churned Excuses through her mind. "Besides, Chloe and you are having a conversation."
"There's room for you too, Mrs. Kent." Lex shrugged. "We're concerned about Clark as a friend. This whole matter between Lana and him is really going on far longer than it should."
Paranoia shut Lex's argument down in its tracks. Still, she knew that Concern had Pete, Lex and Chloe in its thrall. Perhaps I can keep them from digging too far. What's one coffee, right? Jonathan would want that. She glanced at her watch again. "On second thought, Lex, I have a few minutes. I'll get myself a to-go cup and be right back." She headed toward the counter.
Lex shook his head. Kent Evasion Technique stood out akin to Luna against Nocturne's Inky Dark Backdrop. At least she'll talk a little. Mr. Kent would just pull Clark out of here. He rolled his eyes. Maybe that might not be such a bad idea for that matter. Agitated Sigh hissed through his teeth.
"I could've told you that, Lex." Chloe took a big hit from Plastic Tankard of Choice. She watched Martha bypass Skye and head for Lana. "Oh boy. Mrs. Kent's not backing down.
"No, she isn't. I didn't expect that she would either." Lex took a gulp from his own mug. Anticipation foreshadowed the forthcoming scene. Hope wanted to keep it to Dull Roar.
Good Luck on that….
Lana rang up Espresso and Croissant at the register. Even with Distraction's necessity, she needed to catch her breath. Miranda patrolled the floor. Skye washed dishes in the back. "Thanks, Mr. Andrews. Enjoy!"
"You're welcome, Lana." Andrews tipped his hat to her. He put three singles in Tip Jar's glass receptacle. "Can't remember you ever giving me a bad one. You have a great day." He turned toward Martha. "Good afternoon, Mrs. Kent. Lovely day. How's Mr. Kent?"
"He's fine. Thank you. He's at the Grange right now. I expect him back in a couple of hours. How's Alice doing? When you see her, can you give her my best?" Martha put on her best front for Andrews' benefit. On the one hand, Friendship had bound the two couples going back nearly eighteen years. On the other hand, Situation demanded resolution as well.
"Sure thing!" Andrews glanced over at Clark. "Is your son okay? He seems really under the weather over there?" Concern registered on his features.
"He's having a tough week. He'll appreciate your concern, Mr. Andrews." Martha shot a glance toward Lana. Then, she looked at him again. "I don't mean to keep you."
"Yes. I must be going." Tension between Martha and Lana hung heavily in the air. Andrews tipped his hat once more. He walked at a brisk pace out the door and toward the parking lot. Usually, Martha and Lana get along well. What's going on? He shook off the notion. None of my business. Last thing I want is to contribute to gossip!
Lana took a deep breath. Gratitude warmed her over Clark's actions in Discretion's service. Dread, on the other hand, seemed to accompany Martha stride for stride to the counter. "Hi, Mrs. Kent." Smile spread across her face. "I just finished brewing some fresh coffee. Can I get you some?"
"Thanks, Lana. That'd be great." Martha watched her fix the coffee. The Conversation pressed to come out. Still, Timing was far from appropriate. "You all seem to be having a great day."
"We've been busy overall." Appreciation eased Lana's nerves. Relief calmed her over Martha's discretion. "Sorry. I didn't ask Clark to sit over there. He did that on his own. I just thought you should know that." Apologetic glance shot out toward Clark on that note.
"I know. Thanks for letting me know, Lana. I got to talk to Lex for a minute. Then, I got to get going. You have a good evening." Martha raised the cup toward her. Then, she turned and headed back to Lex's table.
Miranda leaned in from behind Lana. "Mrs. Kent kept that professional."
"She would. Mr. Kent or she wouldn't talk about Clark or any of our issues in here like that." Assumption made Lana let down her guard.
Too bad, the opposite was about to come true….
[Five Minutes Earlier]
Clark closed Doyle's masterpiece and set it on the table. He took a draught from his half-empty mug. Observation took in Lex's approach toward Martha and their conversation. Grimace and Frown twisted his mouth. Mom, come on! Don't get into it with Lex here! You know Dad wouldn't want that. He's really going to freak out. Nervous Gulp drained much of Mug's remaining supply. He held up the Mug.
Miranda brought Coffee Carafe right out. "Getting low again?"
"Miranda, I'm sorry. I don't mean to treat you like my errand girl. I…." Apology half-croaked out of his mouth. Embarrassment drained Strength away from even his physiology akin to Meteor Rock or Rao itself.
"It's okay for today, Clark." Miranda filled his mug once more. Plastic creamer containers set down beside aforementioned Mug. "You're giving Lana her space. You're respecting her feelings. You're respecting me." She noticed Martha heading toward the counter. Just keep it on something else besides the Big Problem please!
Clark motioned toward Martha. "Mom knows better than to bring things up here, Miranda. She'd asked Lana to come over." Still, Nerves kept him watching Lex and Chloe pause their own discussion. "Lana doesn't deserve a scene. Lex wanting to talk here is a bad idea."
Miranda did a double take. For a guy who acts like a baka, he just acknowledged that? Surprise forced Reconsideration on her part. "Totally agree there, Captain Plaid. Just play it cool. Neither Lana nor you need anything going on right now. Capesh? Let me know if you need anything else. Enjoy your muffin." She headed back toward the front.
Clark watched his mother collect Take Out Cup and head back toward Lex's table. Nerves reduced Blueberry Muffin to Sawdust's dryness. Mom, make an excuse and get out of here! Please don't! He could almost feel the train wreck coming a mile away. Another Caffeinated Drought passed down his throat with Hard Swallow.
Tension hung heavier than Mid-Summer's Humidity….
Martha took a mouthful from Cup's Java. Despite Potency, Dark Roast appealed to her. It danced over Taste Buds and Palate. I wonder where this coffee came from? She could almost feel the others' eyes on herself. Focus remained on Bald Industrialist and Blonde Journalist in her path. Steady now. Remember, answer enough but not too much. "Lex, this is very good. Where did this coffee come from?"
Chloe somehow kept a straight face. Respect held Glib Tongue in check. Her eyes met Lex's. Clark not coffee, Lex. Remember we need answers!
Lex smiled. His head shook ever so slightly. Diversion had always cloaked Kents' moves across Chessboard. Strategy and Counterstrategy. "It's an Indonesian blend, Mrs. Kent." He pulled chair out for her. "Please take a seat." He waited for Martha to take her seat before sitting down himself. "Thank you for taking the time. My apologies for making you late."
"I can spare a few minutes. What can I do for you both?" Martha remained mindful of Others' Ears and Eyes taking in their conversation. Awareness increased tenfold.
"Well, this has been bugging me for a while. Maybe you can shed some light on something for me? As you know, Clark's one of the best friends I've ever had. You know how much I appreciate that." Lex let that point hang in the air. Then, he pressed on. "But I have the feeling he's held things back from me especially with the bridge incident."
Martha mused over the point. She knew full well Jonathan wouldn't have wanted any discussion especially in Public Forum's loose security. Acting forced Shrug. Expected Turnabout came from her. "We all have secrets, Lex. I'm sure there are some you don't want us to know. Besides, I thought you'd finished investigating our family?" Once again, she surveyed the room. "Besides, this is hardly the place."
I knew there was something! Martha's remark drew Lex in rather than pushing him back. "Mine aren't destroying lives. You know Clark's been sitting there and in your barn for the past three days? And there was that scene in the cafeteria apparently." He took a gulp from his mug. "What's going on, Mrs. Kent?"
"Scene?" Martha glanced toward Clark. Then, she looked past Lex toward Chloe. "What scene?"
Chloe shook her head at Lex. "Sorry, Mrs. Kent." Concern made her eyes meet the elder woman's. "Lana turned her back on Clark today. Then, she's avoided him here." Grimace contorted her face.
"These things work themselves out. Still, why should they have to?" Lex chimed in.
Lana walked over to them. She set her jaw. "Mrs. Kent, Lex, Chloe, please! We shouldn't talk about this here. I'm sure Clark would agree, Mrs. Kent?" She cleared her throat.
"He and I both would." Martha took her cup. "I'm sorry, Lana. I should be getting back to the farm." She collected her cup and headed toward the door. She glanced at Clark.
Clark shook his head. A smile let her know Restraint was to be appreciated. Then, he went back to Doyle once again.
Martha headed out the door. She pulled out her phone. Maybe I can get some help with Jonathan. She dialed a number and waited.
"Hello?"
"Pete, this is Mrs. Kent. Do you have any plans tonight?" Martha got into the truck. She rubbed her forehead to assuage Tension's pounding therein. We keep bringing him into it. Jonathan, you do have a point about the Secret's heaviness. Still, wouldn't it help to have the others on board with it as well?
"Mom's coming back late from Wichita. Dad's got something going on in Garden City. Why? What's going on? Hopefully, Clark's okay," Pete replied. Not the secret again! He put his homework aside. Clark, what's going on now?
"Mr. Kent, you and I need to have a talk. Clark may or may not be joining us. I don't know." Martha glanced back toward the Talon. "How about you come over for dinner? Maybe in an hour or so?"
"I'll be there, Mrs. Kent. Never turn down one of your meals. What's going on?" Panic flared through Pete in that moment. Imagination could construe several possibilities…none of them good. "Nobody tried to embarrass him again? Did they?" Hiss escaped through his teeth. "I'll be there. Can't let Clark down."
"I know, Pete. Thank you. I'll see you then." Martha disconnected the call. She drove toward the local Dillons. If she was going to have that meal, Supplies would be needed.
Conversations and Understandings would be indeed needed….