Title: Recovery 2/8
Author: Amanda
E-mail: ficklemuse02@yahoo.com
Summary: Set in the summer between Season 2 and Season 3 - looks at what our favorite Smallville residents have been up to in the three months since 'Exodus'.
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: I don't own anybody. (But oh, what a glorious notion... owning Luthors....*sigh*) Smallville belongs to Millar/Gough etc.
** **
** ** **
Luthor Manor:
Lex stalked into the office without breaking stride and dropped into his desk chair, facing his assistant. "Well Stephen? Give me a round estimate."
"So far I have only been able to locate one other sibling." Stephen St. James pulled out a thin dossier. "There was another son, but he died in infancy seven years ago."
Lex accepted the file and opened it. "A sister? I have a sister?"
"Yes. She's 10 years old. Originally she was put into the foster care system in Metropolis when her mother died five years ago."
"Which of my father's mistresses was her mother?"
"Melissa Downey."
Lex ran the name through his mind several times before putting a face to her name. An 18 year old willowy blonde temp office worker who ended up staying with LuthorCorp for two full years. "Where is my sister now?"
"Los Angeles. That's where the trail runs cold. Her last foster family moved there two years ago and the Metropolis Child and Family Services has no idea where they are now." Stephen answered. "And I'm afraid I've already used my limited contacts in Los Angeles to no avail."
"I know you don't normally handle domestic affairs for me Stephen, but I needed someone who has my utmost confidence." Lex tapped the folder lightly across his palm. And what you've brought me is a good starting place for a private investigator."
"Do you have someone in mind?"
"No. But I know someone who can help me with that." Lex reached into his pocket and retrieved his cell phone. At Stephen's curious look, Lex answered. "Nabbitt."
"Of course." Stephen sat back.
"Hello? David? Lex Luthor. Where the hell are you? The reception stinks!" Lex rolled his eyes. "You're on your way to a Dungeons and Dragons convention in Bali? Do they even have Dungeons and Dragons in Bali?" Lex raised his voice to be heard over the chopper blades of David Nabbitt's private helicopter. "Look- I need some help. Not that kind of help David. Try and stay with me here. I need a name. I need a discreet private investigator. Not one of your people- someone outside your company. I need them to find someone for me." Reaching for a pen, Lex jotted down the name. "Cordelia Chase – 555-6132. Got it. One other thing David- I don't want anyone knowing I'm in L.A… great. I appreciate it. Good luck!" He hung up the phone. "I'm going to leave for Los Angeles tomorrow afternoon. As far as anyone else is concerned I'll be in Gotham for a meeting with Bruce."
"And should your father inquire?"
"Tell him the same thing. Dad won't be calling Bruce any time soon. Not after what happened the last time he tried to take over Wayne Enterprises."
"Very well." Stephen rose. "If there won't be anything else I will finish settling in."
As his assistant rose to leave the room, Lex stopped him. "Stephen?"
"Yes Sir?"
"I know you were quite satisfied with our previous arrangements, but I need you here in Smallville right now."
"Of course." Stephen inclined his dark head slightly.
** **
Luthor Corp Towers:
"Harriet please clear my schedule for the evening. I'll be attending the opera. Please have my usual box reserved." Lionel requested without breaking stride as he stalked through the lobby of Luthor Corp corporate headquarters. He made it a point to never miss an opportunity to see La Boheme not matter how inexperienced the cast.
"Yes Mr. Luthor." Harriet jotted a note down in her ever present Day Runner. "And will you have company this evening?" She asked with the pen poised over pad.
"Hmm. An excellent question indeed." Lionel rolled the question though his mind as he nodded to various low level employees who greeted him. "The last time I took Veronique to the opera she ended up snoring through the second act."
"I wouldn't know Sir." Harriet murmured noncommittally.
As the elevator doors closed, Lionel made a decision. "Harriet? Cancel my lunch with Miss Sullivan. Send her –" He paused. "Send a dozen sunflowers to the Daily Planet with my apologies and an invitation to join me this evening. I'll work though lunch."
"Of course Mr. Luthor. What would you like the card to read?" Harriet erased the two hour block of time in the middle of his day and began rescheduling things to fit the now available time.
"Ahh." Lionel rubbed his chin. "My most sincere apologies, unable to join you for lunch but would request the pleasure of your company for this evening's production of La Boheme. Car and dress to arrive at 6, join me at 7 in my theatre box.' And there's no need to sign it."
They stepped off the elevator on the 25th floor and walked briskly down the corridor to Lionel's office. "Arrange for something from the Celeste Talbot collection and coordinate that with something from Harry Winston."
Harriet scribbled furiously. "Purchase or loan?"
That stopped Lionel. "A loan with an option on the gems. And a purchase. A sterling silver Mont Blanc pen engraved with 'Chloe Sullivan Editor in Chief'."
"Very good. Will that be all sir?"
"No. Make certain that one of the company's photographers is present when Miss Sullivan and I exit the theater."
"Of course."
"Now for the rest of the afternoon. Tell accounting that I want a complete audit of plant number two on my desk in the next twenty four hours or they're all fired."
"Yes Sir."
** ** **
Los Angeles:
The flight to L.A was productive if not comfortable. Since the accident two months ago Lex hated flying as much as he had as a child. He tried to busy himself by surrounding himself with paperwork. But he was still grateful when his phone rang mid-flight.
"Hello."
i"Lex, we've spotted her."/i
Lex's fingers tightened around his cell phone until his knuckles whitened. "Where?"
i"Washington D.C. She got off a flight registered as Mrs. Fenton."/i
"And you're sure it was Helen?"
i"One of my sources saw her up close. He got a picture. I can fax it to you…"/i
"No. I want you to special messenger it over to me. I'm on my way to Los Angeles right now. Send it to-" Lex rattled off David's address, his mind already working a mile a minute. The investigation into his plane crash had been an attempt to rule out foul play but it had quickly become an obsession when he'd learned that Helen and the pilot had survived the crash.
He'd put his faith and trust into Helen Bryce and she'd apparently repaid him with betrayal of the worst kind. She might have walked away from the crash unscathed, but she wouldn't be able to say the same for him.
Lex was very conscious of having his interest divided as of late. Between Helen, his father's latest machinations, tracking down lost siblings added to that the sudden disappearance of Clark Kent- Lex was being pulled in too many directions at once. Something was going to have to give. Once he spoke to the investigator David recommended Lex figured he could move that to the side and focus on more pressing matters.
But only if the woman was as competent as David said she was.
** ** **
Lionel's Penthouse:
"Dominick. Have you found my wayward son?" Lionel demanded over the speaker phone as he fastened his cufflinks. He'd returned to the house long enough to shower and change and partake of a light supper.
"Not yet."
"This concerns me. Lucas should have called a week ago demanding more money from either Lex or myself." Lionel faced the full length mirror and began working on his tie. "I only gave him $10,000 when he called last. A young man with tastes as extravagant as Lucas' should have gone through that by now."
"Maybe he's learned how to clip coupons."
"Now Dominick there's no cause to be snide. Just find my son."
"If he doesn't turn up here in Edge City I'll move on to Gotham. Which by the way, is *not* where Lex is. The phone taps at the mansion say he's in Los Angeles."
"Ah. That's another thing Dominick, have your people remove all of the taps and bugs from the mansion."
"Excuse me? Lionel…"
"A key to survival Dominick is adaptation. If one course of action is fruitless then it's best to move on to another. I've come to the realization that there are more effective methods of getting what I want from Alexander. Escalating these little skirmishes is *not* that way."
"And you couldn't have figured any of this out before you spent all that money and time and effort into…"
"Dominick- your place is not to question my methods, only to carry out my wishes. Remove the hardware from the mansion."
"My people run a high risk of discovery since Lex installed the new security cameras. In case you haven't noticed Lionel your son has taken paranoia to new heights."
Finished with his bow tie, Lionel reached past the picture of Lillian on the armoire for his watch. "Of course I have noticed Dominick, paranoia is *not* a trait I wish to foster in Lex. Hence the change in tactics."
"He'll be even more paranoid if you're NOT spying on him."
"Just do it Dominick. Now if you please. I won't be in until late. I'm attending the opera."
Lionel disconnected the phone call with a smirk on his face. Dominick was rude and insolent but fortunately for him he was also painstakingly fastidious at his job. He himself liked the big picture and preferred to leave the nagging details to others.
Pausing, Lionel lifted the heavy sterling frame that held Lillian's picture. Lillian, she had been the detail oriented one it was one of many things she had passed on to their son along with her red hair, her reckless love of speed as well as a damnable sensibility. Lex was far too much like Lillian in that regard. He traced a finger over the lines of Lillan's face.
"What to do, what to do with Alexander? You've left us in quite a mess my dear." The picture was so lifelike that for an instant Lionel felt as though Lillian were with him in their bedroom once more. But the moment passed and he composed himself. It was one thing to mourn one's deceased wife, but it was another thing all together to speak with her.
Maudlin wistfulness was not a luxury Lionel afforded himself. His plan of action was beginning to take shape in the here and now. His legacy *would* carry on to the next generation of Luthors. And if he had to bring both of his sons into that legacy through sheer force of will, as in Alexander's case or through enticement on Lucas' part then that is precisely what would occur.
** **
Author: Amanda
E-mail: ficklemuse02@yahoo.com
Summary: Set in the summer between Season 2 and Season 3 - looks at what our favorite Smallville residents have been up to in the three months since 'Exodus'.
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: I don't own anybody. (But oh, what a glorious notion... owning Luthors....*sigh*) Smallville belongs to Millar/Gough etc.
** **
** ** **
Luthor Manor:
Lex stalked into the office without breaking stride and dropped into his desk chair, facing his assistant. "Well Stephen? Give me a round estimate."
"So far I have only been able to locate one other sibling." Stephen St. James pulled out a thin dossier. "There was another son, but he died in infancy seven years ago."
Lex accepted the file and opened it. "A sister? I have a sister?"
"Yes. She's 10 years old. Originally she was put into the foster care system in Metropolis when her mother died five years ago."
"Which of my father's mistresses was her mother?"
"Melissa Downey."
Lex ran the name through his mind several times before putting a face to her name. An 18 year old willowy blonde temp office worker who ended up staying with LuthorCorp for two full years. "Where is my sister now?"
"Los Angeles. That's where the trail runs cold. Her last foster family moved there two years ago and the Metropolis Child and Family Services has no idea where they are now." Stephen answered. "And I'm afraid I've already used my limited contacts in Los Angeles to no avail."
"I know you don't normally handle domestic affairs for me Stephen, but I needed someone who has my utmost confidence." Lex tapped the folder lightly across his palm. And what you've brought me is a good starting place for a private investigator."
"Do you have someone in mind?"
"No. But I know someone who can help me with that." Lex reached into his pocket and retrieved his cell phone. At Stephen's curious look, Lex answered. "Nabbitt."
"Of course." Stephen sat back.
"Hello? David? Lex Luthor. Where the hell are you? The reception stinks!" Lex rolled his eyes. "You're on your way to a Dungeons and Dragons convention in Bali? Do they even have Dungeons and Dragons in Bali?" Lex raised his voice to be heard over the chopper blades of David Nabbitt's private helicopter. "Look- I need some help. Not that kind of help David. Try and stay with me here. I need a name. I need a discreet private investigator. Not one of your people- someone outside your company. I need them to find someone for me." Reaching for a pen, Lex jotted down the name. "Cordelia Chase – 555-6132. Got it. One other thing David- I don't want anyone knowing I'm in L.A… great. I appreciate it. Good luck!" He hung up the phone. "I'm going to leave for Los Angeles tomorrow afternoon. As far as anyone else is concerned I'll be in Gotham for a meeting with Bruce."
"And should your father inquire?"
"Tell him the same thing. Dad won't be calling Bruce any time soon. Not after what happened the last time he tried to take over Wayne Enterprises."
"Very well." Stephen rose. "If there won't be anything else I will finish settling in."
As his assistant rose to leave the room, Lex stopped him. "Stephen?"
"Yes Sir?"
"I know you were quite satisfied with our previous arrangements, but I need you here in Smallville right now."
"Of course." Stephen inclined his dark head slightly.
** **
Luthor Corp Towers:
"Harriet please clear my schedule for the evening. I'll be attending the opera. Please have my usual box reserved." Lionel requested without breaking stride as he stalked through the lobby of Luthor Corp corporate headquarters. He made it a point to never miss an opportunity to see La Boheme not matter how inexperienced the cast.
"Yes Mr. Luthor." Harriet jotted a note down in her ever present Day Runner. "And will you have company this evening?" She asked with the pen poised over pad.
"Hmm. An excellent question indeed." Lionel rolled the question though his mind as he nodded to various low level employees who greeted him. "The last time I took Veronique to the opera she ended up snoring through the second act."
"I wouldn't know Sir." Harriet murmured noncommittally.
As the elevator doors closed, Lionel made a decision. "Harriet? Cancel my lunch with Miss Sullivan. Send her –" He paused. "Send a dozen sunflowers to the Daily Planet with my apologies and an invitation to join me this evening. I'll work though lunch."
"Of course Mr. Luthor. What would you like the card to read?" Harriet erased the two hour block of time in the middle of his day and began rescheduling things to fit the now available time.
"Ahh." Lionel rubbed his chin. "My most sincere apologies, unable to join you for lunch but would request the pleasure of your company for this evening's production of La Boheme. Car and dress to arrive at 6, join me at 7 in my theatre box.' And there's no need to sign it."
They stepped off the elevator on the 25th floor and walked briskly down the corridor to Lionel's office. "Arrange for something from the Celeste Talbot collection and coordinate that with something from Harry Winston."
Harriet scribbled furiously. "Purchase or loan?"
That stopped Lionel. "A loan with an option on the gems. And a purchase. A sterling silver Mont Blanc pen engraved with 'Chloe Sullivan Editor in Chief'."
"Very good. Will that be all sir?"
"No. Make certain that one of the company's photographers is present when Miss Sullivan and I exit the theater."
"Of course."
"Now for the rest of the afternoon. Tell accounting that I want a complete audit of plant number two on my desk in the next twenty four hours or they're all fired."
"Yes Sir."
** ** **
Los Angeles:
The flight to L.A was productive if not comfortable. Since the accident two months ago Lex hated flying as much as he had as a child. He tried to busy himself by surrounding himself with paperwork. But he was still grateful when his phone rang mid-flight.
"Hello."
i"Lex, we've spotted her."/i
Lex's fingers tightened around his cell phone until his knuckles whitened. "Where?"
i"Washington D.C. She got off a flight registered as Mrs. Fenton."/i
"And you're sure it was Helen?"
i"One of my sources saw her up close. He got a picture. I can fax it to you…"/i
"No. I want you to special messenger it over to me. I'm on my way to Los Angeles right now. Send it to-" Lex rattled off David's address, his mind already working a mile a minute. The investigation into his plane crash had been an attempt to rule out foul play but it had quickly become an obsession when he'd learned that Helen and the pilot had survived the crash.
He'd put his faith and trust into Helen Bryce and she'd apparently repaid him with betrayal of the worst kind. She might have walked away from the crash unscathed, but she wouldn't be able to say the same for him.
Lex was very conscious of having his interest divided as of late. Between Helen, his father's latest machinations, tracking down lost siblings added to that the sudden disappearance of Clark Kent- Lex was being pulled in too many directions at once. Something was going to have to give. Once he spoke to the investigator David recommended Lex figured he could move that to the side and focus on more pressing matters.
But only if the woman was as competent as David said she was.
** ** **
Lionel's Penthouse:
"Dominick. Have you found my wayward son?" Lionel demanded over the speaker phone as he fastened his cufflinks. He'd returned to the house long enough to shower and change and partake of a light supper.
"Not yet."
"This concerns me. Lucas should have called a week ago demanding more money from either Lex or myself." Lionel faced the full length mirror and began working on his tie. "I only gave him $10,000 when he called last. A young man with tastes as extravagant as Lucas' should have gone through that by now."
"Maybe he's learned how to clip coupons."
"Now Dominick there's no cause to be snide. Just find my son."
"If he doesn't turn up here in Edge City I'll move on to Gotham. Which by the way, is *not* where Lex is. The phone taps at the mansion say he's in Los Angeles."
"Ah. That's another thing Dominick, have your people remove all of the taps and bugs from the mansion."
"Excuse me? Lionel…"
"A key to survival Dominick is adaptation. If one course of action is fruitless then it's best to move on to another. I've come to the realization that there are more effective methods of getting what I want from Alexander. Escalating these little skirmishes is *not* that way."
"And you couldn't have figured any of this out before you spent all that money and time and effort into…"
"Dominick- your place is not to question my methods, only to carry out my wishes. Remove the hardware from the mansion."
"My people run a high risk of discovery since Lex installed the new security cameras. In case you haven't noticed Lionel your son has taken paranoia to new heights."
Finished with his bow tie, Lionel reached past the picture of Lillian on the armoire for his watch. "Of course I have noticed Dominick, paranoia is *not* a trait I wish to foster in Lex. Hence the change in tactics."
"He'll be even more paranoid if you're NOT spying on him."
"Just do it Dominick. Now if you please. I won't be in until late. I'm attending the opera."
Lionel disconnected the phone call with a smirk on his face. Dominick was rude and insolent but fortunately for him he was also painstakingly fastidious at his job. He himself liked the big picture and preferred to leave the nagging details to others.
Pausing, Lionel lifted the heavy sterling frame that held Lillian's picture. Lillian, she had been the detail oriented one it was one of many things she had passed on to their son along with her red hair, her reckless love of speed as well as a damnable sensibility. Lex was far too much like Lillian in that regard. He traced a finger over the lines of Lillan's face.
"What to do, what to do with Alexander? You've left us in quite a mess my dear." The picture was so lifelike that for an instant Lionel felt as though Lillian were with him in their bedroom once more. But the moment passed and he composed himself. It was one thing to mourn one's deceased wife, but it was another thing all together to speak with her.
Maudlin wistfulness was not a luxury Lionel afforded himself. His plan of action was beginning to take shape in the here and now. His legacy *would* carry on to the next generation of Luthors. And if he had to bring both of his sons into that legacy through sheer force of will, as in Alexander's case or through enticement on Lucas' part then that is precisely what would occur.
** **
