Title: Recovery 3/8
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.
** **
Los Angeles:
"And what do you want from me Mr. Luthor?"
"David Nabbitt is a business associate of mine. He recommended you quite highly Ms. Chase." Lex replied over the rim of his glass. He had to give David credit, the man might be one enormous social faux pas but he had excellent taste in private investigators.
"Though I was led to believe that you had some associates…"
"I did. I don't any more."
Hazel eyes flashed briefly with something so close to sorrow that Lex felt her gaze like a physical blow to the solar plexus. It was like looking into a mirror reflection of him every morning. Since Helen's death everything felt like a void. Now to fill that void Lex was off chasing down the rumors of another sibling. A sister this time, and the daughter of one of his father's affairs with a massage therapist from his last polo accident nine years ago. Her last known whereabouts with her foster family placed her in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles meant dealing with David Nabbitt who had nothing but compliments for Cordelia Chase. Upon seeing her in person Lex was very able to comprehend the attraction. Cordelia Chase was a beautiful woman. Her resume said that she was his age almost exactly but her eyes said something else entirely. She'd obviously seen more than her share of ugliness and while her exterior was beautiful and fragile looking he got the distinct impression that this woman was not someone who crumbled in the face of adversity.
Not to mention the fact she had a rather impressive arsenal in her office that Lex doubted were all for show.
Cordelia looked down at her notes. "And this is everything you have on your sister?"
"Yes. I know it's not much but I hope to find something more in the next few weeks." Lex admitted. "I didn't want to waste any time in finding her."
"What's the hurry?" Cordelia signaled for the bartender to refill her wineglass. "I mean you didn't even know she existed for the last nine years. And legally- if she's been given up for adoption, you don't have the right to look for her."
Lex ran his hand over his head. "I know that. But I don't think she's actually been given up for adoption." He sighed. "My younger brother Lucas was put into the foster care system, and every time a family came close to, or so much as inquired about adopting him he was taken from that home and placed into a new one effectively ensuring that he never got adopted. I think my father may be doing the same thing with my sister. If that's the case I want to be sure she's well taken care of and not just a pawn in my father's twisted games."
"Why would anyone want to do that?"
Lex shrugged off the question. "My father's motives are a mystery to anyone but himself. Now, do you think you can find her?"
"If she's in Los Angeles I can find her Mr. Luthor."
Nodding, Lex motioned for the check. He couldn't explain his confidence in Cordelia except to believe that very little stood in her way once her mind was made up. "Please, call me Lex."
"All right Lex. I'll get on this first thing in the morning."
"I hope you realize that confidentiality is of the utmost importance. I can't have anyone knowing who my sister is or that I'm searching for her. I'm positive my father has some early detection in place, red flags if you will…"
Cordelia's lips curved into a ghost of a smile. "I don't use the normal sources. I don't think your father will have the same bases covered."
Lex reached into his breast pocket and withdrew an envelope filled with cash. "Half of our agreed fee. Half now and half when you deliver my sister."
Cordelia's eyes narrowed. "I'll find her and I'll deliver her. But if you're lying, if you being a part of her life is a bad thing and you're not all you say you are then we're going to have a serious problem Lex. Namely I'll peel you like a grape. Okay?"
"Fair enough." Lex and Cordelia reached for the tab simultaneously. After a moment Cordelia pulled her hand back.
"Are you staying here?" She said gesturing to the hotel the bar was located in.
"No. Just down the street." Lex answered. "I walked."
"I'll give you a ride back."
"That won't be necessary Ms. Chase."
"Yes it is. Don't let the glittery surface fool you Lex. L.A is filled with things that go bump in the night. If you run into one of them before I get the rest of your money- I'm gonna be really ticked."
Acquiescing, Lex threw down a couple of $20 on the bar and followed the investigator through the lobby where she passed her ticket to one of the boys at valet.
"This is why there's so much smog in LA. Everyone drives everywhere. Even when it's just a couple of blocks." Lex remarked lightly.
"Really? And I thought it was due in large part to the industrial pollution from companies like Luthor Corp." Cordelia answered brightly. "Learn something new everyday huh?"
Lex's hand brushed over his mouth as he cleared his throat to keep from laughing He had the feeling this would be the beginning of an interesting association with Cordelia Chase.
** ** **
Metropolis Opera House:
"You're late my dear." Lionel rose from his seat and held out a chair for Chloe. She flushed and ducked her head briefly before meeting his gaze with a wry smile.
"Sorry. I was unavoidably detained. Fashion crisis. Can we *please* not talk about it any more?"
Lionel's eyes examined her critically from head to toe and made a mental note to send Celeste a dozen roses. Chloe was a quite pretty girl who'd been transformed into an elegant and sophisticated looking young woman before his very eyes.
Pale sea foam green silk dress and a slightly darker shade of green for the wrap and Lionel decided he would definitely be buying the delicate diamond choker that resembled a chain of daisies with its white diamond flowers with yellow diamond centers.
"Whatever the crisis you look lovely." Lionel took his own seat. "I brought you a pair of glasses." He extended the compact little case towards Chloe. "The details in the costuming and the scenery are quite remarkable."
"I'm sure it is." Chloe removed the delicate binoculars from their case and tested them out on the other audience members.
"Ah- you've discovered the true entertainment of the opera." Lionel chuckled. "Observing a crowd who is observing you."
"I don't think I'm the one they're observing." Chloe replied with a look in his direction. "This was probably a bad idea. There are more than a few scandalized expressions out there."
Lionel's deep laughter caused even more stares in their direction. "Let them be scandalized. A little scandal is good for them." He confided in a whisper. "Gets the heart pumping, the blood flowing- gossip is this country's most popular sport."
"I prefer to report news. Not be it."
"Come now Miss Sullivan, if you're to best report life you must go out and *live* it first." He leaned closer. "I bet that if I were to open that delightful little confection of a handbag of yours I would find a pen and notepad just waiting to be filled with your thoughts on this evening's performance." He raised an eyebrow and held out his hand. "Let me have it."
Chloe squared her shoulders. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Miss Sullivan you're a rather terrible liar. I suggest to relinquish the tools of your trade or I'll be forced to give the masses something to be truly scandalized about."
Reading the truthfulness in his eyes and not really wanting to find out what he had in mind, Chloe dug into her purse and pulled out her trusty Bic and spiral notebook. "Fine."
"Thank you. You may have it back at the end of the evening." Lionel tucked them both away in his breast pocket. "For as of this moment you are merely a young woman enjoying an evening at the opera."
"I can enjoy it while I take notes." Chloe muttered under her breath, causing another burst of laughter from Lionel just as the house lights began to dim.
Lionel sat back in his seat and enjoyed the performance to intermission immensely. Both because of the much improved orchestra, he would have to make a considerable donation, and because of the opportunity to watch Chloe's reaction to quite possibly his favorite work. It was most revealing. Her eyes widened and by the time intermission came she was perched precariously on the very edge of her seat, her fingers white around the opera glasses and her free hand clenched around the railing of the box.
When the lights came up, Lionel touched Chloe's shoulder to find it taut beneath his fingers. When she looked at him vaguely surprised, Lionel smiled. "Intermission."
"Why? It was just getting good!"
Lionel smiled indulgently. "Would you care for something to drink? I'll have the box attendant fetch you whatever you wish."
"Tea with milk and honey." Chloe answered still looking at the stage for a moment. "But first please excuse me." She rose.
"Of course. All the way to the end of the hall." Lionel stood as well and motioned for one of his private security to follow her. A 17 year old wearing a quarter of a million dollars worth of diamonds around her throat would be all too easy a target.
** **
Club Diabolique:
Even though he'd never been in the underground club before it was like coming home for Lex. It was just like the countless other clubs he'd spent his time in during his teenage years.
He raised a glass of vodka to his lips and watched through heavy lidded eyes the comings and goings (as it were) of the other patrons. He'd told himself that Los Angeles would be strictly a business trip. The last thing he needed or wanted was to fall back into old self destructive patterns but he wasn't an old man yet. He rationalized it with the excuse that he'd been living the life of a monk in Smallville… well with the minor exception of celibacy, but he had to be allowed some recreation.
Business was taken care of and now was the time to play. The only question was 'with who?'. There was a very promising looking blonde woman at the end of the bar wearing, in opposition of the unofficial dress code, a silver silken sheathe that plunged all the way to the top of her buttocks. There wasn't a hint of black leather anywhere and as a result she stood out. She wasn't drinking either which showed that she was smart enough to want to be in control of herself in such a highly sexual environment.
"Excuse me." Lex motioned for the bartender. "I'd like to buy the lady at the end of the bar a drink."
"She won't accept it." The bartender answered.
"Oh?"
"Nope. She's been in here every night for the last two weeks, never goes into a room with anybody and never accepts the drinks anyone sends her way. Odds aren't in your favor."
Lex smiled thinly. "I have a way of bucking the odds. I'll take my chances." Picking up his own drink, Lex moved down to the end of the bar. "Can I offer you something? Drink? Dance? Private jet?"
"Nice. Is that the best you've got slick?"
Lex pulled back in shock as Cordelia turned her head and met him head on. "Ms. Chase."
"I expected a better come on line than that from you Mr. Luthor."
"What are you doing here?"
"I'm working." Cordelia shrugged and took another sip of tonic and lime. "Unlike you I don't troll at S&M clubs for company."
"Where do you troll for company?" Lex caught a half smirk that flitted over the woman's face.
"Cemeteries." Spotting her mark leaving with a beautiful redhead Cordelia suddenly threw down a $10. "Oops. I'd love to stay and banter but duty calls. Mr. Luthor I meant what I said. Be careful what you go home with. LA isn't Smallville Kansas."
Lex's eyes narrowed. "You're going to follow that big guy into a dark alley and you're lecturing me about safety?"
Not bothering with an explanation, Cordelia turned on her heel and began making her way through the crowded club.
Lex sighed, certain with the knowledge he was about to either get his ass thoroughly kicked or possibly die trying to save the plucky damsel. "My life sucks." He informed the bartender before dropping money on the bar and following his newly hired investigator out the back door into the alley behind the club.
** ** **
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.
** **
Los Angeles:
"And what do you want from me Mr. Luthor?"
"David Nabbitt is a business associate of mine. He recommended you quite highly Ms. Chase." Lex replied over the rim of his glass. He had to give David credit, the man might be one enormous social faux pas but he had excellent taste in private investigators.
"Though I was led to believe that you had some associates…"
"I did. I don't any more."
Hazel eyes flashed briefly with something so close to sorrow that Lex felt her gaze like a physical blow to the solar plexus. It was like looking into a mirror reflection of him every morning. Since Helen's death everything felt like a void. Now to fill that void Lex was off chasing down the rumors of another sibling. A sister this time, and the daughter of one of his father's affairs with a massage therapist from his last polo accident nine years ago. Her last known whereabouts with her foster family placed her in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles meant dealing with David Nabbitt who had nothing but compliments for Cordelia Chase. Upon seeing her in person Lex was very able to comprehend the attraction. Cordelia Chase was a beautiful woman. Her resume said that she was his age almost exactly but her eyes said something else entirely. She'd obviously seen more than her share of ugliness and while her exterior was beautiful and fragile looking he got the distinct impression that this woman was not someone who crumbled in the face of adversity.
Not to mention the fact she had a rather impressive arsenal in her office that Lex doubted were all for show.
Cordelia looked down at her notes. "And this is everything you have on your sister?"
"Yes. I know it's not much but I hope to find something more in the next few weeks." Lex admitted. "I didn't want to waste any time in finding her."
"What's the hurry?" Cordelia signaled for the bartender to refill her wineglass. "I mean you didn't even know she existed for the last nine years. And legally- if she's been given up for adoption, you don't have the right to look for her."
Lex ran his hand over his head. "I know that. But I don't think she's actually been given up for adoption." He sighed. "My younger brother Lucas was put into the foster care system, and every time a family came close to, or so much as inquired about adopting him he was taken from that home and placed into a new one effectively ensuring that he never got adopted. I think my father may be doing the same thing with my sister. If that's the case I want to be sure she's well taken care of and not just a pawn in my father's twisted games."
"Why would anyone want to do that?"
Lex shrugged off the question. "My father's motives are a mystery to anyone but himself. Now, do you think you can find her?"
"If she's in Los Angeles I can find her Mr. Luthor."
Nodding, Lex motioned for the check. He couldn't explain his confidence in Cordelia except to believe that very little stood in her way once her mind was made up. "Please, call me Lex."
"All right Lex. I'll get on this first thing in the morning."
"I hope you realize that confidentiality is of the utmost importance. I can't have anyone knowing who my sister is or that I'm searching for her. I'm positive my father has some early detection in place, red flags if you will…"
Cordelia's lips curved into a ghost of a smile. "I don't use the normal sources. I don't think your father will have the same bases covered."
Lex reached into his breast pocket and withdrew an envelope filled with cash. "Half of our agreed fee. Half now and half when you deliver my sister."
Cordelia's eyes narrowed. "I'll find her and I'll deliver her. But if you're lying, if you being a part of her life is a bad thing and you're not all you say you are then we're going to have a serious problem Lex. Namely I'll peel you like a grape. Okay?"
"Fair enough." Lex and Cordelia reached for the tab simultaneously. After a moment Cordelia pulled her hand back.
"Are you staying here?" She said gesturing to the hotel the bar was located in.
"No. Just down the street." Lex answered. "I walked."
"I'll give you a ride back."
"That won't be necessary Ms. Chase."
"Yes it is. Don't let the glittery surface fool you Lex. L.A is filled with things that go bump in the night. If you run into one of them before I get the rest of your money- I'm gonna be really ticked."
Acquiescing, Lex threw down a couple of $20 on the bar and followed the investigator through the lobby where she passed her ticket to one of the boys at valet.
"This is why there's so much smog in LA. Everyone drives everywhere. Even when it's just a couple of blocks." Lex remarked lightly.
"Really? And I thought it was due in large part to the industrial pollution from companies like Luthor Corp." Cordelia answered brightly. "Learn something new everyday huh?"
Lex's hand brushed over his mouth as he cleared his throat to keep from laughing He had the feeling this would be the beginning of an interesting association with Cordelia Chase.
** ** **
Metropolis Opera House:
"You're late my dear." Lionel rose from his seat and held out a chair for Chloe. She flushed and ducked her head briefly before meeting his gaze with a wry smile.
"Sorry. I was unavoidably detained. Fashion crisis. Can we *please* not talk about it any more?"
Lionel's eyes examined her critically from head to toe and made a mental note to send Celeste a dozen roses. Chloe was a quite pretty girl who'd been transformed into an elegant and sophisticated looking young woman before his very eyes.
Pale sea foam green silk dress and a slightly darker shade of green for the wrap and Lionel decided he would definitely be buying the delicate diamond choker that resembled a chain of daisies with its white diamond flowers with yellow diamond centers.
"Whatever the crisis you look lovely." Lionel took his own seat. "I brought you a pair of glasses." He extended the compact little case towards Chloe. "The details in the costuming and the scenery are quite remarkable."
"I'm sure it is." Chloe removed the delicate binoculars from their case and tested them out on the other audience members.
"Ah- you've discovered the true entertainment of the opera." Lionel chuckled. "Observing a crowd who is observing you."
"I don't think I'm the one they're observing." Chloe replied with a look in his direction. "This was probably a bad idea. There are more than a few scandalized expressions out there."
Lionel's deep laughter caused even more stares in their direction. "Let them be scandalized. A little scandal is good for them." He confided in a whisper. "Gets the heart pumping, the blood flowing- gossip is this country's most popular sport."
"I prefer to report news. Not be it."
"Come now Miss Sullivan, if you're to best report life you must go out and *live* it first." He leaned closer. "I bet that if I were to open that delightful little confection of a handbag of yours I would find a pen and notepad just waiting to be filled with your thoughts on this evening's performance." He raised an eyebrow and held out his hand. "Let me have it."
Chloe squared her shoulders. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Miss Sullivan you're a rather terrible liar. I suggest to relinquish the tools of your trade or I'll be forced to give the masses something to be truly scandalized about."
Reading the truthfulness in his eyes and not really wanting to find out what he had in mind, Chloe dug into her purse and pulled out her trusty Bic and spiral notebook. "Fine."
"Thank you. You may have it back at the end of the evening." Lionel tucked them both away in his breast pocket. "For as of this moment you are merely a young woman enjoying an evening at the opera."
"I can enjoy it while I take notes." Chloe muttered under her breath, causing another burst of laughter from Lionel just as the house lights began to dim.
Lionel sat back in his seat and enjoyed the performance to intermission immensely. Both because of the much improved orchestra, he would have to make a considerable donation, and because of the opportunity to watch Chloe's reaction to quite possibly his favorite work. It was most revealing. Her eyes widened and by the time intermission came she was perched precariously on the very edge of her seat, her fingers white around the opera glasses and her free hand clenched around the railing of the box.
When the lights came up, Lionel touched Chloe's shoulder to find it taut beneath his fingers. When she looked at him vaguely surprised, Lionel smiled. "Intermission."
"Why? It was just getting good!"
Lionel smiled indulgently. "Would you care for something to drink? I'll have the box attendant fetch you whatever you wish."
"Tea with milk and honey." Chloe answered still looking at the stage for a moment. "But first please excuse me." She rose.
"Of course. All the way to the end of the hall." Lionel stood as well and motioned for one of his private security to follow her. A 17 year old wearing a quarter of a million dollars worth of diamonds around her throat would be all too easy a target.
** **
Club Diabolique:
Even though he'd never been in the underground club before it was like coming home for Lex. It was just like the countless other clubs he'd spent his time in during his teenage years.
He raised a glass of vodka to his lips and watched through heavy lidded eyes the comings and goings (as it were) of the other patrons. He'd told himself that Los Angeles would be strictly a business trip. The last thing he needed or wanted was to fall back into old self destructive patterns but he wasn't an old man yet. He rationalized it with the excuse that he'd been living the life of a monk in Smallville… well with the minor exception of celibacy, but he had to be allowed some recreation.
Business was taken care of and now was the time to play. The only question was 'with who?'. There was a very promising looking blonde woman at the end of the bar wearing, in opposition of the unofficial dress code, a silver silken sheathe that plunged all the way to the top of her buttocks. There wasn't a hint of black leather anywhere and as a result she stood out. She wasn't drinking either which showed that she was smart enough to want to be in control of herself in such a highly sexual environment.
"Excuse me." Lex motioned for the bartender. "I'd like to buy the lady at the end of the bar a drink."
"She won't accept it." The bartender answered.
"Oh?"
"Nope. She's been in here every night for the last two weeks, never goes into a room with anybody and never accepts the drinks anyone sends her way. Odds aren't in your favor."
Lex smiled thinly. "I have a way of bucking the odds. I'll take my chances." Picking up his own drink, Lex moved down to the end of the bar. "Can I offer you something? Drink? Dance? Private jet?"
"Nice. Is that the best you've got slick?"
Lex pulled back in shock as Cordelia turned her head and met him head on. "Ms. Chase."
"I expected a better come on line than that from you Mr. Luthor."
"What are you doing here?"
"I'm working." Cordelia shrugged and took another sip of tonic and lime. "Unlike you I don't troll at S&M clubs for company."
"Where do you troll for company?" Lex caught a half smirk that flitted over the woman's face.
"Cemeteries." Spotting her mark leaving with a beautiful redhead Cordelia suddenly threw down a $10. "Oops. I'd love to stay and banter but duty calls. Mr. Luthor I meant what I said. Be careful what you go home with. LA isn't Smallville Kansas."
Lex's eyes narrowed. "You're going to follow that big guy into a dark alley and you're lecturing me about safety?"
Not bothering with an explanation, Cordelia turned on her heel and began making her way through the crowded club.
Lex sighed, certain with the knowledge he was about to either get his ass thoroughly kicked or possibly die trying to save the plucky damsel. "My life sucks." He informed the bartender before dropping money on the bar and following his newly hired investigator out the back door into the alley behind the club.
** ** **
