Title: A Darker Shade of Red… Chapter 2 – Welcome To My Parlor

Lois finished up her notes and sat back in her chair. She looked at the engagement ring on her finger and sighed. Why would Clark think that just because I didn't wear the ring on my undercover assignment that suddenly I've stopped loving him? How could he think that? I love Clark, more than life itself. Why is he being so paranoid? She looked at his picture and sighed. Clark was the strongest man on earth and yet when it came to matters of the heart he was completely lost. That' what I love the most about him, Lois laughed to herself. I guess I could use a break tonight she said to herself as she picked up the phone to dial Clark. Oh Clark I hope you're not on patrol yet.

********

Clark lay on the floor of the van trying in vain to break the ropes that bound him. He cursed angrily into the gag as he worked himself into a useless sweat.

"Sorry Kent," Rinaldi laughed, "Rico is a master knot tyer, you're not leaving us unless we let you go. And can you guess when that'll be?" Rinaldi laughed.

Clark cursed the green rock for sapping his strength and knew that if he were exposed to it again he'd really be in trouble. All he could do was wait and pray his strength came back fast. But in the meantime what did his captors have in mind? Was it just the Kryptonite they had for Superman or something else?

He looked at Rinaldi and thought about what he said. Killed his brother? I didn't kill anyone he insisted inside. He must have me mistaken for someone else. Right?

Rinaldi looked down at Clark and smiled. "What's going on inside that reporter brain of yours Kent?" He laughed as he leaned in close to Clark. "Trying to figure out who my brother is and how you killed him?"

Clark just closed his eyes and rested.

"At least have the decency to look at me when I'm talking to you," Rinaldi shouted as he kicked Clark in the stomach. Since his strength had left him he felt the blow and winced in pain, as he cried out into the gag. Clark opened his eyes quickly and looked up at his kidnapper with an angry glare.

"Better," Rinaldi laughed. "Don't worry Kent you'll have lots of time to contemplate your actions. You see I have no intention of ever letting you go," he laughed, "that is at least until Superman is dead. Then I'll decide what to do with you." Rinaldi pulled out the small led box and opened it. "Think Superman will like my surprise? Well part of it?" He laughed. "And this is just the tip of the iceberg."

Clark was immediately hit waves of searing pain as Rinaldi brought the horrible green rock close to him. He clenched his eyes tight and fought to stay awake.

"Shesh Kent I didn't kick you that hard," Rinaldi laughed as he snapped the box closed, "take it like a man will ya."

Clark just lay on the floor of the van trying to gasp for air through his gagged mouth. He tried to tell Rinaldi to take it out so he could breathe normally but all came got past was garbled sounds

"Complain all you want but you're with us for the long run Kent, so get used to being restrained and helpless like this, because when we do get to your new home things will only get worse for you. When we get there I'll be able to treat you however I want, and trust me I won't be treating you well. So if I want to make you walk around my house wearing nothing but that gag in your mouth I can." Rinaldi laughed.

Clark looked up at him in panic and fear. No he wouldn't, Clark thought. How in the world would I live with that shame? How would Superman? And how could I face Lois if I somehow did manage to escape? He's just joking right? I mean he wouldn't to that right? Clark's brain now raced with a new kind of terror. Superman had faced enemies in the past with Kryptonite before, but they simply wanted to kill him. What did this guy now have in mind? Something he feared worse than death. He can't to it, Clark insisted.

Rinaldi looked at the look on Clark's face and smiled. I wonder if he's really afraid of being shamed like that? I can use this to my advantage, play with his head, play with his fears. "Yes maybe I will make you walk around bound and gagged wearing nothing else," Rinaldi started to laugh. "Whadda ya say Kent, think you'd be able to deal with that? I think my men would get a kick out of seeing big shot Daily Planet reporter Clark Kent reduced to nothing more than a shamed house servant?" Rinaldi continued to laugh his sick laugh.

He can't do that, Clark insisted inside his already tormented brain. He just can't.

"Think on that for the rest of the ride," Rinaldi said firmly.

After a few minutes Rinaldi leaned forward and grabbed the side of Clark's gag and jerked his head up to look at him. "And if you thought that simple kick hurt, you'll be in a lot more pain when I really get started. You will pay for murdering my brother! That is my vow to you," He said as he let go and pushed Clark's head back down.

Damn it, Clark cursed inside as he shook his head no that didn't kill his brother. But Rinaldi just looked down at him in contempt and Clark knew it was a losing battle. He closed his eyes again and just rested, trying to get his strength back.

Why didn't I at least tell Lois I was meeting Marty? Now I'll probably never see her again and it's all my fault. Of course I knew if she went undercover she'd have to explain the ring to Rinaldi. She did it to protect herself and her cover and me. Why didn't I see that? Am I still worried that she'll leave me? I know she loves me, what's the real problem? Why am I so worried she'll leave me? He just closed his eyes and sighed as Lois's face came into his mind. I love you Lois, I pray that somehow you can find me. And I pray it's before he has a chance to carry out his twisted plan.

*********

"Clark if you're there please pick up," Lois said to his answering machine, "look we have to talk this through Clark. I'm sorry about the whole ring thing. But surely you could understand. I had to take it off. I mean how was I to explain to Miles that I was engaged when I'm undercover as his girlfriend? I mean how would that look. If it'll make you feel better I really hate being away from you, being around Miles, pretending to like him. Clark are you there, listening to me? If you are and not picking up I'm going to be mad, and you've seen me mad, it's not pretty. Clark? Okay bye," Lois said as she finally ended her message.

"He must be on patrol. Maybe I'll just flip on the news and check what Superman is up to," she sighed as she walked over to the TV in the empty newsroom and flipped it on. "I'm sure Superman is somewhere saving someone," she muttered as she sat down.

********

I wonder if Lois is even thinking about me right now, Clark sighed as he lay on the floor of the van in pain. She's probably too wrapped up in her precious story to care. If she only knew that I was being kidnapped by the very man she's supposed to be cozying up to. She better not get involved in this or I'll really be in trouble. I can't protect myself let alone her. And Miles better not touch her in…. Miles mocking voice interrupted his thoughts.

"You know Clark for a big guy like you you sure don't take a lickin' and keep on tickin'," Miles laughed as he looked down at Clark. "I just hope you can endure what I really have planned for you."

I will if you keep that rock away from me, Clark sighed inside. Clark just closed his eyes and concentrated on where he might have known Miles brother from. But try as he might, he was unable to remember where he knew him from, much less how he died.

Clark felt the van slow down and knew he was in big trouble. He had tried to watch the street signs from the van window to see if he knew where he was, but after a while all he saw was dark sky. Must be away from Metropolis he sighed. That's just great.

"Home sweet home," Miles laughed as the van pulled to a stop. "Get him out Rico," Miles said as he jumped out of the van carrying the lead box with the Kryptonite in it. Rico climbed in the back and helped Clark stagger out of the back of the van. Clark looked at the massive house before him and knew he'd have a hard time getting out of there without his superpowers. Damn it he cursed as he looked at the high fence and state of the art security system guarding the fortress he was about to enter.

"Bring him," Miles said to Rico as he headed for the house. Rico grabbed Clark by the forearm and dragged him towards the house. Clark stumbled from his lack of strength and fell to his knees cursing angrily into the gag.

"If you try to escape again I'll shoot you someplace not vital Kent," Miles said meanly.

Clark just sighed as he let Rico help him stand up again and continue dragging him towards the house. Clark looked at the dark entrance before him and felt something come over him that he wasn't used to feeling, fear. Fear of what lay ahead for him and Superman behind those large dark doors.

"Welcome home Kent," Miles laughed as he grabbed Clark from Rico and pulled him inside.

Oh Lois I really need you, Clark sighed as the heavy doors slammed shut sealing him inside the large house.

********

"Okay so Superman is not working tonight," Lois sighed as she turned off the TV and headed back to her desk. "Where are you Clark?" She stared at her phone almost willing it to ring and hear Clark's voice on the other end. "Oh I can't take much more of this," she moaned as she gathered up her stuff and headed for the door. She looked at her watch, it was almost 7pm. "You said you'd be home at 7pm. I'll just stop by and see if you still want to make me dinner," she said firmly as the elevator doors sealed her inside and taking her down to the parking lot.

********

"I'll give you the brief tour before I show you to your room Kent," Miles said firmly as he dragged Clark past a bunch of open rooms. Clark looked inside each one and saw either one lone man or two sitting and working.

"Those are my men Kent. The one you haven't exposed yet. Or should I say the ones you'll never expose," Miles laughed as he pulled Clark into a larger open office like room with four men already waiting.

"Hello boys," Miles laughed as he placed Clark in the middle of the room while all the men stopped their talking and just stared at the captive reporter with angry glares. "Boys I'd like you to meet our new houseguest, Clark Kent, star reporter for the daily Planet," Miles laughed, "our permanent houseguest. I'm sure you're all familiar with the wonderful work he did in helping to put our friends away."

I'm in trouble Clark said as he nervously looked around the room at the angry faces.

"Nervous Kent?" Miles mocked in his face. "Nervous about being here alone with us?" He laughed. "Like this?"

Normally a few large armed men would not even make him blink an eye. But he was bound, gagged and without his superpowers thanks to Miles Kryptonite. Not exactly how he pictured Superman. At least he wasn't dressed like Superman. One of the thugs walked up to him and stared at him with a mean glare. Clark just stood as best he could and tried to stare back with an angry glare.

"He don't look tough at all boss," the man names Carlos laughed as he looked at the worried look on Clark's face that he tried to hide. "His stories are tough but I wonder if he is?"

"Test him out for yourself," Miles said.

"Okay," The man said as he proceeded to punch Clark in the stomach. Clark's body jerked back and he slumped to the ground on one knee, breathing heavily into the gag. Since his hands were tied behind his back he was unable to get back up on his own.

"How do you like feeling so helpless Kent?" Miles laughed.

"Oh let me try. He put Sammy away," said another as he walked up to Clark and punched him in the face. Clark's head jerked back and his body followed causing Clark to land on the floor on his butt. He sat on the floor in front of the men trying to regain his composure but with their laughter and his pain it was a losing battle.

"Kent liked my little surprise for Superman," Miles laughed as he brought out the box with the Kryptonite in it.

Oh no, Clark groaned, not again.

"What tired of us already?" Miles laughed. "Very well," he said as he walked up to Clark and grabbed a handful of hair and jerked him up. Clark screamed out into the gag as he was roughly hauled to a standing position. Miles dragged Clark towards a leather armchair and pushed him into it. Clark was grateful to be sitting in a normal chair as he let his weary body slump into it to rest, at least for a bit.

"Where is he going to stay?" Asked Rico.

"I have arranged for Kent to stay in the presidential suite," Miles laughed.

"Ohh lucky guy," Laughed Rico. "What do you say Kent? You like the royal treatment you're getting right now?" Rico laughed as he walked up to him.

Clark stared straight ahead and would not give his captors the satisfaction of seeing another fearful stare. Clark drowned out Rico's endless rambling as he looked into the corners of the room and noticed small video camera's. Are they filming me or is someone watching, he wondered?

********

Lois finished changing and grabbed a handful of movies her and Clark liked to watch. She cursed herself for not prying Miles for what exactly he was up to. What are they planning for Superman? She thought about that as she headed to Clark's. And what did he have planned for Clark? And why? Clark did expose some of Miles supposed hitmen. Would he be planning a hit on Clark because of that? I have to find out.

Thankfully I have an early appointment tomorrow with Miles. I will make sure I find out about the Kent comment and what they have planned for Superman. But how? What can I say to make him open up to me? She stopped outside Clark's apartment and stopped her jeep. Oh Clark I hope your home.

********

"I don't think Kent is listening to you anymore Rico," Miles said as he walked up and stood before Clark. "You know for a reporter you have very bad manners," Miles said looking down at him.

Clark looked up and showed he couldn't speak by just cursing angrily into his gag.

"Oh you want to join in with us," Miles mocked. "I'll remove it for a bit if you promise you won't curse or say nasty little profanities to us. Do you promise?" He laughed.

Are you insane, Clark asked inside but did nothing.

Miles punched Clark in the stomach. Clark gasped out as he double forwards in pain. Miles pushed him back up to a sitting position and Clark tried to fight back the slight tears of pain. I can't take much more of this, Clark sighed. And he hasn't even started yet.

"Do you promise!" Miles yelled.

Clark nodded his head yes.

"Good boy," Miles said firmly as he yanked the gag out of Clark's mouth. Clark thankfully breathed in a few full breaths of air and sat back in the chair against his bound hands.

"Why have you kidnapped me Rinaldi?" Clark asked weakly as he just stared ahead, not looking up at Miles.

"Kidnapped you?" Miles laughed, "you know Kent kidnapped is such a strong word. I mean it usually implies the person doing the kidnapping means to return the person they kidnapped for a price and at a certain time. I however," Miles paused as he grabbed Clark's chin and forced his head up, "have no intention of ever letting you go. You're mine now, to do with as I please. And when Superman is dead, I'll take great pleasure in your slow death!" He yelled in Clark's face.

"You'll never get away with this," Clark said firmly as he pulled his head away, "you will be stopped."

"Oh really?" Miles laughed at Clark. "By who? You? Sorry Kent but you're a bit tied up at the moment." He laughed and the whole room laughed also. "Or maybe you mean Superman?" He said as he went to fetch the box with the Kryptonite in it.

Oh no, Clark said in horror, not again. Just don't let him open that box, Clark prayed. This time his prayer was answered.

"You see this little present is just my insurance against Mr. Goody Goody. It will stay with you just in case he decides to rescue you when we're not around. The real surprise, my partner Stuart is working on right now. And if you're a very good boy I might even show you," Miles laughed, "but not tonight. Tonight I want to extend some personal hospitality to you. Just to show you how happy I am to have you here. Something to make you feel real welcome."

"Yeah I'll bet," Clark said sarcastically. And if he leaves the Kryptonite with me I'll never regain my strength, and if I'm exposed to it too long I will die.

********

"Clark why won't you open this door?" Lois said as she continued to pound on it. She opened her purse and in no time had the lock picked and was in. "Clark are you in here? You better not be hiding on me," she said as she put the videos down and walked further into his quiet apartment. "Clark?" She called as she walked up the stairs to his loft bedroom. "Clark?" She called again.

But Clark didn't answer; the apartment was quiet after her echo's died down. She walked back to the living room and slumped sadly into a chair. "If you think I'll just leave then think again," She said out loud, "I'm waiting here until you get back." She said firmly as she went to his couch and decided to watch some TV just in case she missed Superman in action on her way over.

"Oh Clark I'm so sorry. Please come back soon so I can tell you that," Lois sighed sadly as she sagged further into the couch.

********

"Well I think I'll show Mr. Kent to his room for the night. Get him settled in. He has a big day ahead of him tomorrow," Miles laughed as he grabbed Clark by his jacket collar and yanked him up. Clark swayed a bit on his feet, but soon found his footing and was able to stand without help. He was tired and weak but thankful he wasn't exposed to Kryptonite again.

"Follow me Kent," Miles demanded as he turned and headed for the door.

Rico put his foot out and Clark tripped and crashed to the floor face first. He cursed quietly as the men just stood around and laughed as he struggled in vain to get up.

"You really should be more careful Kent," Miles laughed as he hauled Clark back up.

Clark followed Miles down a darkened hallway further into the dark house. They walked past a room that had a nuclear symbol on it and guessed that that's where the surprise for Superman was being made. What in the world could it be, he wondered? He followed Miles into a smaller office and as he entered noticed that it too had a camera in each corner.

"I want to reacquaint you with my brother before you are put down for the night. Actually he was my half brother, same blood, just different names," Miles said as he turned and looked at the shocked look on Clark's face. "I meant put down as in sleep. Relax Kent I'm not going to kill you yet." He said meanly. "But make no mistake, I am going to kill you."

"Why?" Clark asked.

"Recognize this face?" Miles said as he held up a picture of a man Clark did indeed recognize.

"James Green," Clark said quietly.

"I see you remembered him. I'm glad, because you killed him."

"That's not possible," Clark said firmly.

Miles got angry and swung and punched Clark square in the mouth causing his already bruised lower lip to split and bleed. Clark tasted his own blood and knew he was in serious trouble.

"You killed him!" Miles yelled as he punched Clark in the stomach. Clark staggered backwards but managed to stay on his feet.

"You sent him to prison!" Miles yelled as he punched Clark again. Clark cried out as he fell to the floor on his side. He cursed the fact that his hands were tied so tightly behind his back as he had no defence against his beating.

"He took his own life in prison!" Miles yelled as he kicked Clark in the ribs.

"And you're to blame!" He kicked him again.

Clark felt the wind go out of him and gasped in pain as he tried to get the air to come back to his lungs. He just lay on the floor breathing painful ragged gasps while Miles walked around him and yelled at him, accusing him for the death of his brother, which in reality wasn't his fault.

"Why did you have to expose him?" Miles yelled down at Clark. "He was just a child. Why couldn't you have left him alone!"

"I didn't know he'd kill himself," Clark wheezed.

"Yeah well he did," Miles yelled as he kicked Clark again. "Thanks to you!"

Clark cried out and prayed he'd black out and have Miles stop this senseless beating. Clark closed his eyes and tried not to think of the pain resonating throughout his battered body. He longed to be snuggled up with Lois on the couch at his place right now. Man how he longed for the feel of her soft body, the smell of her perfume the sound of her silky voice. But instead he was in hell, enduring a beating while his captor planned not only his demise but also the demise of his alter-ego Superman, who he would be unable to call for even if they asked him to. Oh Lois I need you to figure out where I am.

********

"Okay Clark you better have a very good explanation as to why you're not here yet. I checked the news and Superman was off duty tonight. So where are you?" Lois asked out loud. She got up and started to look around for clues as to where Clark might be. She wasn't meeting Miles until around noon tomorrow so she had some time to work things out with Clark before then, if only he'd get back from wherever he was. She grabbed a blanket and curled up on the couch. "I'm not leaving here until you get back and we work this out Clark," Lois said firmly as she dimmed the lights and looked at the door, willing it to open and present her with her beloved fiancé. Oh Clark where are you, Lois sighed.

********

"What, had enough already Kent?" Miles laughed as he looked down at Clark who was just laying on the floor in pain. "Very well." He sighed heavily as he pulled Clark up. Clark swayed on his feet and wished he past out as the pain pounding in his tired brain was enough to make he feel like he was dying. But he knew he couldn't give in, he had to hold on and pray that Lois by some miracle would figure out where he was. It is just wishful thinking he asked himself as Miles grabbed his arm and led him out of the room and back into the darkened hallway. He pulled Clark to the end and they came to an elevator.

"To the dungeon we go," Miles said happily as he looked at the worried look on Clark's face. "You're not afraid of the dark are you Mr. Kent?" Miles laughed as the elevator doors closed. Clark noticed there were no numbers to count down how far he went but it felt like they were falling forever. Finally the elevator stopped and the doors opened to reveal a very dank dingy dark corridor before them.

Miles dragged Clark past some jail cell like rooms to the very end of the hallway. He opened the cell like door and threw Clark inside. Clark bumped into the far wall and stood there facing his captor with a look of uncertainty.

"This is where you will spend the rest of your days Kent," Miles said as he walked up to him. "Homey isn't it?" He laughed in his face.

Clark just stared at him with an angry glare but said nothing.

"I hope the cold and dark don't bother you Kent," Miles laughed as he went to turn off the small cell light.

Only when I'm like this they do, Clark said inside. Miles walked back up to Clark and glared at him meanly.

"You know I have no remorse about treating my brother's killer like this," Miles said.

"I didn't kill him," Clark said calmly.

Miles punched Clark in the stomach again and Clark doubled forwards. This time Miles didn't catch him but let him fall to the ground. Miles fetched some rope and bent down. "Well since you're already on the ground," Miles laughed as he proceeded to bind Clark's angles together very tightly. He looked at Clark who lightly struggled against his tight bonds. "I will kill Superman you know," Miles said calmly.

Clark looked at Miles but said nothing.

"It's my promise to me. Just like your death is my promise to my brother," Miles said firmly as he bent close to Clark and pulled the gag back into his mouth and re-tied it behind his head again tightly. Clark just cursed angrily and tried to turn his head away, but Miles succeeded in silencing him.

"I just don't want you calling for Superman while I'm not here," Miles said as he stood up, "but if by some chance you do manage to call for your friend, I have a little surprise for him." Miles laughed as he pulled out the small led box with the Kryptonite in it.

Oh man, Clark sighed as he looked at the instrument of his death in the hands of his captor. Please don't let him leave that in here.

"I'll set it just outside the door," Miles said almost reading Clark's thoughts,"this way if he wants to get you he has to face this first."

Yeah don't worry about that, Clark sighed inside. Superman's not coming anytime soon.

Miles opened the box and set it outside Clark's cell.

Clark felt the small waves of pain starting to overtake him. He knew at this rate that the Kryptonite would slowly kill him, it was almost worse than being exposed up close; no quick exit here. Miles came back and glared down at Clark in anger.

"This is for my brother!" He yelled as he once again kicked Clark in the gut. Clark cried out into the gag and lay on the cold cement floor breathing hard. "Sleep well Kent," Miles laughed as he turned around and walked away. "I know I will."

********

Lois tried to stay awake to wait for Clark's explanation but soon sleep won the battle and she closed her eyes and was fast asleep on his couch still waiting for him to return and tell her where he was.

"I love you Clark," she whispered into the empty apartment as darkness finally overtook her.

********
"You really are a pathetic sight Kent," Miles called out with his back to Clark as he walked away from him. Clark heard Miles walking down the empty hallway and felt the darkness envelop him when Miles turned off all but one dim candle. He laughed at Clark's terrible predicament as the elevator doors closed and took him away from Clark's view.

Clark closed his eyes and tried to block out the searing pain now resonating throughout his body. He tried to concentrate on anything but his situation but with the Kryptonite reminding him of his sapping life force it was a losing battle.

I love you Lois was the last thought his sleepy brain told him before it gave way to the darkness and he thankfully past out.

********

"How are we doing Stuart?" Miles asked as he walked into the lab about an hour later.

"Almost done Sir," Stuart smiled, "this nuclear warhead is set to detonate as soon as Superman touches it, this one about 60 seconds later. Of course as soon as he touches the first one he'll be unable to get to the second one as he'll be dead," Stuart said with a smile.

"Perfect., Miles said with a large grin himself, "absolutely perfect."

"By the way what was the delay?" Stuart asked in interest. "You were supposed to over see the final sequence testing."

"I had to pick up our new houseguest," Miles smiled.

"Houseguest?" Stuart asked in surprise. "Who?"

"That troublesome reporter from the daily Planet, Clark Kent," Miles said firmly. "The man who murdered my brother!" He spat.

"But James took his own life in prison," Stuart said in confusion.

Miles rushed up to him in anger and grabbed him roughly by the throat. "He murdered my brother. There is no mistaking that fact. And I don't want to hear anything else from my workers around here. Is that clear!" Miles shouted in anger.

"Workers?" Stuart said as he pulled away. "I think I'm more than a mere hired hand," Stuart spat. "I'm your partner in this remember. The demise of Superman affects both of us. Now I don't really care what you do with this reporter, however if you try to short change me on the deal with Superman I will take it as a personal offence against me and get mad. And you know what I'm like when I get mad." Stuart said firmly.

"I know that you are more than a hired hand, but make no mistake I am in charge around here. I run the show and I call the shots," Miles said, "and as long as we remember that neither of us will have a problem."

"That's fine by me," Stuart said as he turned back to his computer terminal. "So do you think this Clark Kent who I have heard is the friend of Superman will actually call him here?" Stuart asked without turning around.

"Well if he doesn't he'll simply die first and we'll find another way to get to Superman. Kent is engaged you know," Miles smiled, "to the Planet's other top reporter, Lois Lane. So never fear Stuart I have everything covered." Miles said as he turned and left the room.

********

It was early in the morning when Lois finally awoke. She slowly opened her eyes and expected to find Clark looking down at her. Hopefully he's just asleep, she said inside as she got up and made her way up to his bedroom. Much to her disappointment Clark was not in bed. "Where in the world are you?" She asked as she went to the phone. She quickly dialled her mother-in-law and was happy for a quick response.

"Good morning Martha," Lois said.

"Hi sweetie how are you this early morning?" Martha asked.

"I'm okay. Is Clark there?" Lois asked in haste.

"No. I haven't seen him since you two visited us last week. Is everything okay?" Martha asked in concern.

"I'd like to say yes but after yesterday I'm not sure," Lois said with a heavy sigh.

"What is it?"

"Well Clark and I had a silly argument yesterday, at least I thought it was silly. Anyways I'm over at his place, actually I have been here waiting since last night and he still hasn't come home. I've checked the TV and Superman hasn't been busy. Normally I don't worry about Clark because well you know," Lois rambled.

Martha just smiled as she listened to her future daughter-in-law talk. Martha in the beginning was worried about Clark's liking Lois, but with Clark's kind persistence and seeing how much Lois really did love Clark, she just couldn't see anyone else but Lois for Clark.

"Anyways I think he might be in trouble or something," Lois finally finished.

"Why?"

"Well I am working undercover to expose this guy who apparently has something bad planned for Superman. Clark is sort of working on the same story but from a different angle. Anyways I told Clark that they had something planned for Superman but I forgot to mention they also planned something bad for Clark. I thought if I told him they were going to take on Superman that that would be warning enough. I guess I was wrong. Oh Martha what if something has happened to Clark? It would be my fault," Lois moaned.

********

Clark slowly felt his world coming back to him as he lay in pain on the cold floor. He slowly opened his eyes and tried to focus on anything to make him snap out of his stupor. Much to his relief he noticed the small lead box of Kryptonite was gone. Thank goodness he sighed inside as he tried in vain to stretch his battered body. He managed to roll himself onto his other side, but it did no good, this side hurt just as much as the other side.

He tried to pull at his bound hands but found them cold and stiff. He tried to flex them a bit to get some blood flowing through them again, but only succeeded in chaffing the already cut skin under the ropes. He remembered being exposed to Kryptonite before but he never had to endure a beating like this when he was so vulnerable. Yeah and unless I'm found fast it'll just get worse, he sighed inwardly as he lay his head back down on the cold cement. He closed his eyes and tried to picture James Green before his death. Yeah he was just a kid, well somewhat but he was also a cold-blooded assassin. How could I not expose him, Clark asked himself? I exposed a few others, how could I just leave him out? If he is old enough to take a life without remorse he should be old enough to deal with the consequences.

I wonder if Lois is meeting with Miles today. She told me they have something planned for Superman, surely she just won't let that die. Clark knew that whatever difficulties he and Lois were having never stopped her from worrying about Superman, which he found strange since he was Superman. I know she'll push to find out. I just hope she doesn't push to hard. And if she pushes too hard will she expose her cover? Then what? I can't even help myself, how in the world will I be able to help her?

The elevator doors opening and Miles stepping out with a grim look on his face interrupted his thoughts. Oh man he looks mad. This can't be good for me, Clark sighed heavily.

********

"Okay Lois just take a deep breath and think. Did Clark say he was meeting anyone last night?" Martha asked.

"No in fact he was supposed to make me supper. But wait," Lois said as she searched her memory of the past days events, "he did get a call and I think he wrote something down. I have to go Martha I'll call you when I hear from Clark." Lois said as she hung up.

"Okay bye." Martha said as she hung up. "If Clark is in trouble then Lois is the best person to find him." She said out loud. "I just hope he's okay."

********

"Morning Kent, sleep well?" Miles laughed as he unlocked Clark's cell and walked in. He bent down and cut the ropes that bound his feet. Clark thankfully moved his feet trying to get some circulation back into his tired legs. Miles roughly hauled him up by his forearm and dragged him out of the cell towards the elevator doors. Clark was thankful as he felt the heat start to warm his body.

"Ready for breakfast?" Miles asked as they got in. Clark just looked at him with a blank expression. Does he really expect me to answer?

"You know you look kinda rough this morning Kent, bed not soft enough?" Miles laughed. "Or not warm enough?" He laughed again. "Well if you thought last night was bad, tonight will be even worse."

Clark tried to pull away from Miles grasp but Miles held onto his arm firmly. The elevator finally stopped and they got out and headed into a rather large kitchen. Clark was immediately hit with the smell of food. Normally he didn't need food, but with his superpowers depleted so much he actually found himself hoping to have even a small taste. Miles pulled him to the corner and pushed him down into a chair while he walked around to the other side. Clark just watched Miles with a look of contempt. I don't care how I do it; I just have to stop this guy. But how? Think Clark think. If you were an ordinary man how would you get out of here?

Another man walking into the room interrupted Clark's thoughts. This man he did not did not recognize, nor had he seen him the night before. I wonder if this is the guy that was in that locked room?

"Ah Stuart good morning," Miles said with a grin as Stuart walked up to join them. "I'd like you to meet our new guest, Clark Kent of the Daily Planet," Miles said with a gesture to Clark. "Clark this is Stuart, the genius behind the demise of your pal Superman."

"Pleased to meet you Clark," Stuart said slowly as he looked at the captive reporter before him. "I'll forgive you if you don't shake hands," He laughed.

Clark just rolled his eyes and sighed. Yeah that was really funny. What an idiot, Clark thought.

"You know you look a bit pale Clark, maybe you're diet is not quite right," Stuart said as he went about fixing a plate of food. He brought it and placed it in front of Clark.

"Sorry old chap but I have Clark's breakfast right here," Miles said as he drew a syringe from his pocket. "Clark's on a special diet you see," Miles said slowly.

I cannot show fear to these creeps, Clark said inside. I cannot let them see any fear.

"Okay but what a waste," Stuart sighed as he pushed the plate to Miles and then went and got one from himself.

Miles leaned back in his chair and looked at Clark. "Think this is fair treatment for taking a man's life?" Miles asked as he leaned forwards and pulled the gag from Clark's bruised mouth. "Think I'm being fair?"

Clark looked at him but didn't answer. Miles leaned forwards and backhanded Clark's mouth, causing his dry lips to crack and bleed. Damn it, Clark cursed inside.

"I asked you a question Kent," Miles snapped again.

"Fair?" Clark said slowly. "The only thing I'm guilty of is doing my job. I didn't kill your brother and I am not responsible for his death!" Clark said firmly. "You on the other hand a guilty for practically every crime imaginable," he said.

"You murdered my brother," Miles said.

"He killed himself. I only told the truth about what he was doing. If he couldn't handle the truth then he should have been in another line of work," Clark countered.

Miles sat back and looked at Clark with an amused expression. "You amuse me Kent," he said. "I mean here you are totally helpless, beaten, bound, at my mercy, no knows you're here, no one will save you and the only person who has the capability to even try will be dead if he does. And despite the fact that I gave you a good beating last night with the promise of more to come, you still have a very firm defiant attitude. Tell me why?" Miles asked.

"Because no matter what you do to me, good will always win in the end," Clark said. "And you will suffer the same fate as your brother. It's just a matter of time."

Miles looked at Clark and laughed a mean wicked laughter. "I like your attitude Kent. You'll need every last drop of it if you are to even endure one day of what I have planned for you." With that he sat back and started to eat his breakfast in front of Clark. Clark looked at the quiet man beside his captor. Who is this Stuart? What's his role in all of this besides the fact that had apparently designed something to be used against Superman? What's the real story?

Miles and Stuart ate their breakfast in silence in front of Clark. Clark was happy to be away from the effects of the Kryptonite but wondered what was in the needle. If he gives me drugs, how will my system react? And what kind of drugs are they? What will they do to me?

********

Lois finished getting dressed and raced to the Planet. She rushed into Perry's office with a panicked expression on her face. "Chief we need to talk about Clark," she said as she plopped herself down in a chair in front of his desk.

"Sure thing Lois, what is the problem?" Perry asked putting down the file he was reading.

"Has Clark been in this morning or called at all?" She asked.

"Uh no, not that I can recall why?" Perry asked.

"Chief I think something has happened to Clark. I overheard Miles talking with some of his men about the demise of both Superman and Clark Kent," Lois said.

"What?" Perry asked in shock. "Why didn't you say something sooner?"

"Well I told Clark about Superman and I um," Lois said searching for an excuse as to why she wouldn't warn her fiancé also.

"Thought that Superman would look out for Clark also?"

"Um yeah something like that," She said sheepishly. "I need to know if you have any of his contacts or notes?"

"Uh no, much like you, Clark keeps his stories under wraps until it's ready to be published. You taught him well," Perry sighed.

"Yeah too well," Lois sighed also. "His desk," she said as she quickly got up and darted out of the room.

"His what?" Perry called to her back.

Lois rushed to Clark's desk and spied his notepad by the phone. She grabbed a pencil and began to lightly rub over the imprints from the note Clark must have written the night before. Thankfully you have a heavy hand Clark, Lois said to herself. A hand I'd give anything to be holding right now, she sighed sadly as she finished her task.

"Marty at 6pm at Vine and 6th," Lois said out loud as she grabbed her purse and rushed out of the building.

********

"Well that was tasty," Miles said to Stuart, "thanks so much." He said as he got up and walked over to Clark. Clark didn't look up as Miles approached him but kept his gaze fixed firmly ahead. "I'll be back Kent," Miles said in his ear. "And then we'll have some real fun."

Yeah I can't wait, Clark said inside as Miles left the room. Clark looked at Stuart who was quickly finishing up, trying not to look at the captive reporter on the chair beside him.

"I didn't kill his brother you know. He kidnapped an innocent man. And by you're helping him you're an accessory. When Miles goes down you will also," Clark said firmly. "Do you want that?"

"You can't try that reverse psychology crap on me Kent," Stuart said firmly. "I might not agree with Miles reason for bringing you here but I have agreed to use you to get Superman here," Start said as he stood up and hovered over Clark. "Now by the looks of your bruised mouth you really don't need another hit right? So sit there, shut up and behave or I will stuff that gag so far in it'll take Superman to get it out," Stuart spat in Clark's ear.

Clark felt Stuart's anger penetrate him and he knew it wouldn't be wise to push him further. So much for trying to turn them against each other, Clark sighed as he leaned back against the wall. He tried again to work at his bound hands but it was a losing battle. He licked the blood from his lips and felt himself shudder at the awful taste in his mouth. "Could I at least have a drink of water?" Clark asked slowly. "My lips are really dry."

Stuart looked at the battered reporter and Clark thought he actually saw what looked like a look of guilt. A change of heart? Probably not, but it is something to go on. "Please just a small drink," Clark said.

Stuart sighed heavily but much to Clark's delight he turned on the tap and filled a small glass of water and brought it to him. He brought it to Clark and Clark got two hearty gulps before Miles stormed back into the room and slapped the glass away from Stuart's hand, spraying water all over the front of Clark before the glass smashed to the ground.

"Who said he could have a drink?" Miles demanded of Stuart.

"Do you want him to die before he can get Superman here?" Stuart countered firmly in Clark's defence.

Clark looked up at Stuart in surprise but didn't say a word. Maybe there is hope there afterall.

Miles was about to say something more but stopped when he realized that Stuart was actually right. "Just don't do it again," Miles said firmly. "And you," Miles said looking at Clark, "ask again for anything when I am not here and I swear you'll be sorry."

Clark looked past Miles as two of the burly thugs came into the room. "Bring him," Miles said as he turned around and left. The two men rushed up to Clark and each grabbed an arm and dragged him out of the kitchen. They pulled him down the hall and into another room. Clark gasped in horror at what was before him. Suspended from an iron ring in the ceiling was a rod, at each end of the rod were two chains hanging down with two leather clasps at the ends. Oh man, Clark thought, this cannot be good for me. Clark was thankful that the suit was tucked neatly into the hidden pocket his mother had made for him in his clothes, but if Miles did intend to strip him down, then there was the possibility it would be found. If that happens I'm dead, Clark thought.

"Untie him," Miles directed as he walked up to Clark. One of the men walked up behind Clark and cut the ropes that bound his hands. Clark pulled his hands in front and vigorously rubbed his wrists to get some life back into them. "Take his jacket and shoes," Miles said. The man moved up and as Clark started to take his jacket off, helped him by yanking it off his sore arms. Clark took his own shoes off and stood in the middle of the room and looked at the man before him. What in the world does he have planned for me, Clark thought as he noticed Miles start to slowly circle him.

"Put him in boys," Miles directed. And before Clark could say anything the two men rushed up to him and bodily moved him into the middle of the room, towards the device that would leave him completely at their mercy. Clark struggled in vain as the men succeeded in firmly securing the leather shackles to his wrists. Once that was done they stood back. Clark pulled at the chains but they would not give.

"What do you think Clark?" Miles laughed as he pulled on a chain near the wall, which proceeded to jerk Clark's arm high into the air, pulled tightly above his head. Clark tried to pull at them, but found no give at all. This is really not good for me, Clark said fearfully.

"Think I am giving you the same chance you gave my brother?" Miles said angrily as he punched Clark in the stomach. Clark's body jerked back in pain. "Think I'm being as fair to you as you were to him?" He yelled as he punched him again. Clark's body again jerked back harshly against the chains. Miles was about to hit Clark again when Stuart brought in the lead box with the horrible green rock in it. Oh no not that, Clark sighed in pain, not now.

"You forgot this in the kitchen." Stuart said as he brushed past Clark and walked up to Miles. "You wouldn't want Superman coming to take him and then get away now would you?" He said handing the box to Miles.

"Thank you my friend," Miles said taking the box. He walked back up to Clark and held the box in front of his face. "Did you think I simply misplaced it?" He laughed quietly in Clark's face.

Clark just stared at him in anger but didn't say a word, as he just concentrated on not thinking about the pain shooting through his body. Much to Clark's delight, Miles went and put the box down on a shelf away from Clark without opening it.

"Now where were we?" Miles smiled as he turned back to a captive Clark.

********

"Damn it nothing here," Lois cursed as she carefully searched around the spot Clark was to meet his informant. She looked at her watch and knew she'd be meeting Miles shortly. I have to find out what he has planned for Clark and Superman. But what if Clark really is in trouble? What if Clark has been taken somehow by Miles? What then? How in the world will I be able to save him, much less stop his plan for Superman? Her brain raced with frantic questions as she sped home to get changed into Donna.

"Oh Clark if you are in some kind of trouble, just old on, I'm coming," Lois said firmly as she tried to downplay the fear she had inside regarding her true love. "I just hope you don't doubt my love for you Clark. If you hang onto that feeling then you'll be able to survive wherever you are and whatever you're enduring. I just hope you're okay."

********

"Man you really are a wimp Kent," Miles said as he stepped back from a badly beaten Clark and looked at him. Clark raised his bruised face and looked directly at Miles. I can't take much more of this, Clark said inside his tormented brain as he tasted the blood that flowed from his mouth and nose.

"You're lucky I have a previous engagement or you'd really be in trouble," he said walking over to the shelf. He opened the lid on the Kryptonite box and Clark was immediately hit with intense waves of searing pain. No, he said inside. I can't give in, I can't give in, he said over and over again. He felt himself starting to falter and his body started to sag and pull on his captive wrists. He grabbed onto the chains above the leather clasps to keep himself from pulling his arms from their sockets.

Miles walked back up to him with the needle in his hand. He walked behind Clark and taunted into his ear, "when I get back tonight Clark, you'll beg me to kill you." With that he pulled the gag back into Clark's bruised mouth and retied it tightly behind his head. Clark tried to fight him off, but with the crippling effects of the Kryptonite it was a losing battle.

"Hope you like your mid-morning snack," Miles said meanly as he plunged the needle into Clark's neck. Clark cried out into the gag as he sank into the darkness, his body slumping down in captive defeat, his arms pulling on his wrists. Miles laughed at Clark's sad state and walked back to the shelf. He closed the lid on the Kryptonite box and placed the needle beside it.

"Well I have to see Donna now," Miles said with a smile. "I wonder if she'll enjoy the show I have for her tonight. I mean she has reason to hate Kent almost as much as I do, afterall he did put her cousin away. I wonder if she'll take as much delight in his peril as I am. Well there is only one way to find out." He smiled as he turned off the light and locked the door, sealing Clark in this dark prison.

********

Lois slowly walked towards the place she was meeting Miles. Her heart was pounding so loudly she could have sworn Miles would know and suspect something. You can do this, she said inside. You have to find Clark; his life may depend on you.

She took a deep breath and pushed the door open.