Part 5
The next day Thomas showed his pictures from the night before to Pete and the Kents and told them what had happened. All agreed that Thomas' unknown attacker was definitely Eric Summers. After they had filled him in on Summers' history Thomas became intrigued with several questions. How had Eric gotten his powers back, how was it that he was no longer incarcerated, and who was he working for if anyone.
The answer to the last Thomas was willing to bet was Lionel Luthor, which would go a long way in explaining the first two. He borrowed the Kent's computer and sent a quick e-mail to Dr. Swann. When he finished, before he could get up, Martha Kent placed a breakfast plate in front of him containing bacon, eggs, sausage and toast.
"I don't know when the last time you ate a home cooked meal was, but I would be a poor hostess if I didn't offer you at least something in way thanks for all of your help." Martha said.
Thomas' expression softened slightly as he looked up and returned her smile.
"No thanks necessary Mrs. Kent. Your family needs some help and I'm just in a position where I can provide it."
"But you don't know us. You don't owe us anything."
"I may not know you, but I know Dr. Swann and he seems to think Clark is important enough to go to a lot of trouble for. That's good enough for me. Besides, I also don't think you have to "owe" anyone anything to help them. If someone's in trouble you help them. It's just the right thing to do."
"You sound a lot like my husband," replied Martha smiling.
"I'll take that as a compliment, Mrs. Kent," Thomas said smiling back.
"I just hope that's how she meant it," said Jonathan walking up and hugging his wife, "and it's Jonathan and Martha. I think going through this together should put us on a first name basis and I want to add my thanks to Martha's."
"Thank you, Jonathan, I appreciate that, but like I said, no thanks are necessary. I'm just glad to help out. No family deserves to be torn apart."
He took a bite of his breakfast and looked over at Martha.
"I know someone back home that would love to trade recipes with you," he said.
"Where is home?" Martha asked.
Thomas got a far away look in his eyes before answering. "A long way away from here I'm afraid."
Martha and Jonathan didn't miss the vagueness of his answer.
"Will you be going home soon? I mean after all this is over with?" Jonathan asked.
"Like Robert Frost said, "I have many miles before I sleep" Mr. K., I mean Jonathan. I was learning about communication systems before this thing started, but I'm not sure there's much left for Dr. Swann to teach me. It may be time to continue my schooling elsewhere."
"What kind of schooling?" Martha asked.
"Anything I can learn, Martha. Everything I can learn."
"You're a professional student?" Jonathan asked.
"Or a student in search of a profession, I'm not sure yet."
Within the hour Swann had responded with interesting information, which helped to clear up some of the mystery. At a loss as to what to do with Eric Summers the government had sought help from the private sector in determining how Eric had gained and apparently lost his amazing abilities. Cadmus Labs had been the one to win the contract. Cadmus was a wholly owned subsidiary of LuthorCorp.
Eric then was an agent of Lionel Luthor who had been sent to keep tabs on Chloe Sullivan who was herself another of Luthor's agents. Things were not looking good for Sullivan, Thomas thought.
Thomas spent the next couple of days keeping track of Chloe's comings and goings, but made a point of staying far enough out of sight to hopefully not be detected by Eric. He was effective to a point because he had no more run ins with Eric, but unfortunately this didn't remain true with everyone else.
Two days after his encounter with Eric, Thomas had an altercation with a large man in a business suit. He looked to be about 6 feet tall, around 200 lbs. and wore dark sunglasses along with his expensive looking suit. The man approached Thomas not long after he had parked near the Talon and while he was debating whether or not to enter the establishment.
"Excuse me sir, but could you step out of the car?" the man asked.
Thomas looked at the man for a moment before getting out of the Mustang, but waited until he was standing beside the car before answering.
"Can I help you with something?" Thomas asked.
"Yeah," replied the man, "I need to see some I.D."
"Is there a particular reason why?"
"Because I asked you to."
"Listen," Thomas said, "are you some kind of cop or something?"
"Or something." The man answered. "Now show me you I.D."
"I think I need to see your I.D. first," Thomas said.
The man looked at him for a moment and when he found that his stare wouldn't work had simply opened his jacket and showed Thomas the gun on his side.
"Is that I.D. enough for you?" the man asked.
"Your gun's in a holster," Thomas said.
"Yeah, so?" The man replied.
The man suddenly felt like he'd been kicked by a mule as Thomas' punch dropped him to the ground.
Thomas bent down and casually removed the gun from the man's holster. He ejected the clip and removed the slide before dropping all of the parts into the nearby post office box.
"Threatening someone with a holstered gun is like threatening them with a gun you left at home." Thomas said. "And you know what else?"
The man dumbly shook his head still somewhat stunned from the blow.
"Threatening me with a gun period is never a good idea."
Thomas hit the man again hard enough so that he was unconscious before his head hit the ground. He quickly checked the man's pockets and then took his wallet and cell phone before getting back into the Mustang and pulling out.
He drove to the Kent Farm where he met Martha just arriving home. He joined her and Jonathan in the kitchen before going though the items he had taken. The wallet provided them with the name "Joseph Steele" and a Metropolis address. The only other thing of interest was a parking stub for the LuthorCorp parking lot. The phone had a few numbers programmed in and Thomas copied them down to send to Dr. Swann to check out.
Suddenly, Thomas' cell phone started ringing.
"Hello," he answered.
"Hunter?" a man's voice asked.
"This is he," Thomas replied.
"This is Phil at the "Midnight Oil." Listen, that kid you were asking about was here with some other guys a little while ago. Said they had some business with Mr. Edge. He wasn't in, but they said they'd come back in a few hours. That good enough for the money you were talking about."
"More than good enough, Phil. If you can keep him there until I arrive I'll even double it."
"You got it," Phil replied before hanging up.
Thomas was informing the Kents of the conversation when Pete burst in.
"I think Chloe's in trouble," he said sounding out of breath.
"Hold on, Pete," Jonathan said. "What are you talking about?"
"Lana called me this morning. She said that she overheard a phone conversation of Chloe's yesterday. Chloe is supposed to meet with someone this afternoon in Metropolis. Lana thought it was suspicious because when she asked Chloe what she would be up to today Chloe made a big deal about needing privacy to do some research at the Torch for some article she was writing. Then a little while ago I was over at the gas station and I heard a couple of out of town dudes talking. They said something about getting some girl's notebooks and taking them to Metropolis. One of them was on the phone and told whomever he was talking to that the job was over and they had been ordered to head back to Metropolis and that loose ends would be tied up there."
"Ok," Thomas said, "we need to find Sullivan and tell her what we know so she'll stay put."
"Bigger problem," Martha said. "I passed Chloe getting on the Interstate onramp on the way back from deliveries a little while ago."
"If I leave now maybe I can head her off," Thomas said starting for the door.
"Not alone you won't," Jonathan said stopping him. "You're forgetting the phone call about Clark. If he shows back up at that place while you're still in Metropolis you're going to need me. I'm going with you."
Thomas started to argue, but knew that what Jonathan said made sense.
"Ok, come on."
"I'm going too," said Pete.
"Me too," added Martha.
"It's too dangerous," Thomas and Jonathan said in unison.
"Chloe's my friend guys. So is Clark. I'll let you two handle the tough stuff, but I may be able to provide some distraction for Clark if nothing else."
"I can help with that too," Martha said.
"No, Martha," Jonathan said. "You both have a point, but I can't risk you too. Please, for me, stay here where I know you're safe."
"Alright, Jonathan," Martha finally relented, "but take Pete. He might be able to help like he said."
"Ok," Thomas said, "come on, we need to hurry."
*******************************
A couple of miles before they got to Smallville and the Interstate onramp Thomas noticed two motorcycles pull out of a side road and begin closing fast.
As the motorcycles got closer he saw one of the riders pull out a machine pistol and open fire. The bullets slammed into the back window, and Pete and Jonathan both ducked down. They had little to worry about though, as while the glass showed evidence from the impact of the bullets it did not break.
"Bulletproof glass," was Thomas' only comment.
The rider was surprised by the ineffectiveness of his shots for an instant, but quickly recovered and moved to redirect his fire to the rear wheels of the car. This was his second mistake. The first was not realizing that the Mustang had slowed slightly allowing the two motorcycles to get closer.
The car suddenly braked and the rear end begin to veer to the left turning the car slightly sideways as the driver fought to control the skid. The nearer rider trying to focus on aiming his gun failed to react in time and slammed into the rear of the car. He was dislodged from his motorcycle and hit the back window before rolling off the side of the car as it continued to skid.
The second rider had more time to react than the first and was able to brake and miss his partner as he rolled onto the road. The second rider steered to the left to pass the Mustang in the other lane and he too brought his gun up to aim at the front tires this time. As he began to pull parallel with the rear of the Mustang, Thomas took his foot off of the brake and briefly tapped the gas and then pulled the emergency brake while jerking the steering wheel to the left. The front end of the Mustang swung suddenly in the opposite direction and slapped the motorcycle sending the second rider over its hood and into the far lane.
Bringing the Mustang back under control Thomas steered around the second rider and continued on his former path.
"Where the hell did you learn to drive like that?" Jonathan asked.
"Old reruns of the Dukes of Hazzard," Thomas answered before thumbing a control on the dash.
The interior was suddenly filled with the sound of a dial tone.
"911" Thomas said aloud.
The dial tone changed to the sound of numbers being dialed then the ringing of a phone.
"911 dispatch," answered a woman's voice.
"There's been a motorcycle wreck on I-35 near mile marker 83. Two motorcycles and two riders involved. They need medical attention."
"May I have your name sir?" the dispatcher asked.
Thomas' only reply was to disconnect the line as the Mustang continued on to Metropolis.
********************
Arriving in Metropolis, Thomas headed straight for LuthorCorp headquarters. He pulled up out front, jumped out of the car and stopped the other two before they could exit.
"No, guys. This is more my element. You two head over to "Midnight Oil" and see if Clark shows up."
"Thomas," Jonathan said, "Luthor probably has an army of gunmen in there."
"Not in a public place. He might risk a single murder alone in his office, but not an army hunting someone through the hallways. Trust me. I have some experience in this kind of thing. I'll be fine. You two can do the most good waiting for Clark. Having to watch out for the two of you would more likely get me killed than be of help."
Thomas and Jonathan stared at each other for a second before Jonathan gave in.
"Ok, but call my cell phone if you need help," Jonathan said.
"I will," Thomas answered. He gave Jonathan the directions to the club and headed inside LuthorCorp.
He walked up to the security station improvising a plan as he went. Fortunately, the lobby seemed to be deserted for the moment except for the two guards.
"Excuse me," he addressed one of the guards, "can you direct me to Lionel Luthor's office?"
"Do you have an appointment?" the guard asked.
Still smiling Thomas hit him hard, knocking him unconscious. Before the other guard could react Thomas reached across the desk and grabbed his arm in a vice like grip while applying pressure to a nerve center in the arm. The guard let out a short scream before Thomas' other hand closed around his throat.
"Did a young blond girl come through here a few minutes ago? Think fast or I'll break your arm."
"Yeah, about 20 minutes ago," the guard choked out.
"Where was she headed?"
"Lionel Luthor's office."
"Which is where?"
"51st floor, corner facing the Daily Planet building."
"If you're lying to me I'll be back. Do you understand that?"
"Yes."
Thomas slammed the man's head down on the desk hard and then hit him also knocking him unconscious. He ran toward the elevator and prayed he was in time.
*********************************
Chloe Sullivan had never been so afraid in her life. She felt the gun press against her temple and was waiting for the man beside her to pull the trigger when she heard the door open behind her.
"Good," said a calm voice, "I caught you all together."
"Who the hell are you!" yelled Morris jumping to his feet.
"Exterminator. I heard there were some roaches up here."
Morris brought his gun around to aim at the intruder and Thomas pivoted into Morris' instep and bringing his left hand down onto Morris' wrist he simultaneously brought the heel of his hand up into Morris' elbow.
Luthor heard an audible *snap* and Morris screamed as he dropped his gun.
Still holding onto Morris' wrist Thomas next slammed his right elbow into the man's face breaking his nose before throwing him into the wall where he left a bloody streak as he slid unconscious to the floor.
"I really don't like it when people point guns at me" Thomas said staring down at Morris' unconscious form. "So," he continued without turning around "unless you want your tennis game seriously impaired you'd better keep your hand off of that desk drawer, Lionel."
Lionel's hand froze halfway to the desk drawer that he had been reaching for.
"Who are you young man?"
"A concerned citizen."
"A concerned citizen that would seem to be sticking his nose in places it doesn't belong. Let me guess, you drove here in a Mustang didn't you."
"You're well informed. Eric let you in on any other secrets?"
If Lionel was startled by this comment he didn't show it.
Turning to Chloe, Thomas asked, "Are you Ok?"
"Ye-ah," she managed to stammer out.
"Good, we're leaving. But don't worry Luthor." Thomas said turning back to Lionel, "I'm planning on coming back sometime in the future so trust me, you won't get lonely."
"Do you honestly think that either of you is going to make it out of this building?" Lionel laughed.
His laughter stopped as Thomas stepped toward him, pulled him out of his chair and held him a couple of inches off the ground. Thomas brought Lionel's face close to his own and Lionel, looking into those cold blue- gray eyes, suddenly felt something he had not felt since he was a child. He felt a bone chilling fear. Fear like that of a monster that came knocking on your window in the middle of the night. That fear intensified with Thomas' next words.
"You seem to be mistaken about a few things Luthor. I'm not trapped in here with you and your hired thugs. You're trapped in here with me."
End Part 5
The next day Thomas showed his pictures from the night before to Pete and the Kents and told them what had happened. All agreed that Thomas' unknown attacker was definitely Eric Summers. After they had filled him in on Summers' history Thomas became intrigued with several questions. How had Eric gotten his powers back, how was it that he was no longer incarcerated, and who was he working for if anyone.
The answer to the last Thomas was willing to bet was Lionel Luthor, which would go a long way in explaining the first two. He borrowed the Kent's computer and sent a quick e-mail to Dr. Swann. When he finished, before he could get up, Martha Kent placed a breakfast plate in front of him containing bacon, eggs, sausage and toast.
"I don't know when the last time you ate a home cooked meal was, but I would be a poor hostess if I didn't offer you at least something in way thanks for all of your help." Martha said.
Thomas' expression softened slightly as he looked up and returned her smile.
"No thanks necessary Mrs. Kent. Your family needs some help and I'm just in a position where I can provide it."
"But you don't know us. You don't owe us anything."
"I may not know you, but I know Dr. Swann and he seems to think Clark is important enough to go to a lot of trouble for. That's good enough for me. Besides, I also don't think you have to "owe" anyone anything to help them. If someone's in trouble you help them. It's just the right thing to do."
"You sound a lot like my husband," replied Martha smiling.
"I'll take that as a compliment, Mrs. Kent," Thomas said smiling back.
"I just hope that's how she meant it," said Jonathan walking up and hugging his wife, "and it's Jonathan and Martha. I think going through this together should put us on a first name basis and I want to add my thanks to Martha's."
"Thank you, Jonathan, I appreciate that, but like I said, no thanks are necessary. I'm just glad to help out. No family deserves to be torn apart."
He took a bite of his breakfast and looked over at Martha.
"I know someone back home that would love to trade recipes with you," he said.
"Where is home?" Martha asked.
Thomas got a far away look in his eyes before answering. "A long way away from here I'm afraid."
Martha and Jonathan didn't miss the vagueness of his answer.
"Will you be going home soon? I mean after all this is over with?" Jonathan asked.
"Like Robert Frost said, "I have many miles before I sleep" Mr. K., I mean Jonathan. I was learning about communication systems before this thing started, but I'm not sure there's much left for Dr. Swann to teach me. It may be time to continue my schooling elsewhere."
"What kind of schooling?" Martha asked.
"Anything I can learn, Martha. Everything I can learn."
"You're a professional student?" Jonathan asked.
"Or a student in search of a profession, I'm not sure yet."
Within the hour Swann had responded with interesting information, which helped to clear up some of the mystery. At a loss as to what to do with Eric Summers the government had sought help from the private sector in determining how Eric had gained and apparently lost his amazing abilities. Cadmus Labs had been the one to win the contract. Cadmus was a wholly owned subsidiary of LuthorCorp.
Eric then was an agent of Lionel Luthor who had been sent to keep tabs on Chloe Sullivan who was herself another of Luthor's agents. Things were not looking good for Sullivan, Thomas thought.
Thomas spent the next couple of days keeping track of Chloe's comings and goings, but made a point of staying far enough out of sight to hopefully not be detected by Eric. He was effective to a point because he had no more run ins with Eric, but unfortunately this didn't remain true with everyone else.
Two days after his encounter with Eric, Thomas had an altercation with a large man in a business suit. He looked to be about 6 feet tall, around 200 lbs. and wore dark sunglasses along with his expensive looking suit. The man approached Thomas not long after he had parked near the Talon and while he was debating whether or not to enter the establishment.
"Excuse me sir, but could you step out of the car?" the man asked.
Thomas looked at the man for a moment before getting out of the Mustang, but waited until he was standing beside the car before answering.
"Can I help you with something?" Thomas asked.
"Yeah," replied the man, "I need to see some I.D."
"Is there a particular reason why?"
"Because I asked you to."
"Listen," Thomas said, "are you some kind of cop or something?"
"Or something." The man answered. "Now show me you I.D."
"I think I need to see your I.D. first," Thomas said.
The man looked at him for a moment and when he found that his stare wouldn't work had simply opened his jacket and showed Thomas the gun on his side.
"Is that I.D. enough for you?" the man asked.
"Your gun's in a holster," Thomas said.
"Yeah, so?" The man replied.
The man suddenly felt like he'd been kicked by a mule as Thomas' punch dropped him to the ground.
Thomas bent down and casually removed the gun from the man's holster. He ejected the clip and removed the slide before dropping all of the parts into the nearby post office box.
"Threatening someone with a holstered gun is like threatening them with a gun you left at home." Thomas said. "And you know what else?"
The man dumbly shook his head still somewhat stunned from the blow.
"Threatening me with a gun period is never a good idea."
Thomas hit the man again hard enough so that he was unconscious before his head hit the ground. He quickly checked the man's pockets and then took his wallet and cell phone before getting back into the Mustang and pulling out.
He drove to the Kent Farm where he met Martha just arriving home. He joined her and Jonathan in the kitchen before going though the items he had taken. The wallet provided them with the name "Joseph Steele" and a Metropolis address. The only other thing of interest was a parking stub for the LuthorCorp parking lot. The phone had a few numbers programmed in and Thomas copied them down to send to Dr. Swann to check out.
Suddenly, Thomas' cell phone started ringing.
"Hello," he answered.
"Hunter?" a man's voice asked.
"This is he," Thomas replied.
"This is Phil at the "Midnight Oil." Listen, that kid you were asking about was here with some other guys a little while ago. Said they had some business with Mr. Edge. He wasn't in, but they said they'd come back in a few hours. That good enough for the money you were talking about."
"More than good enough, Phil. If you can keep him there until I arrive I'll even double it."
"You got it," Phil replied before hanging up.
Thomas was informing the Kents of the conversation when Pete burst in.
"I think Chloe's in trouble," he said sounding out of breath.
"Hold on, Pete," Jonathan said. "What are you talking about?"
"Lana called me this morning. She said that she overheard a phone conversation of Chloe's yesterday. Chloe is supposed to meet with someone this afternoon in Metropolis. Lana thought it was suspicious because when she asked Chloe what she would be up to today Chloe made a big deal about needing privacy to do some research at the Torch for some article she was writing. Then a little while ago I was over at the gas station and I heard a couple of out of town dudes talking. They said something about getting some girl's notebooks and taking them to Metropolis. One of them was on the phone and told whomever he was talking to that the job was over and they had been ordered to head back to Metropolis and that loose ends would be tied up there."
"Ok," Thomas said, "we need to find Sullivan and tell her what we know so she'll stay put."
"Bigger problem," Martha said. "I passed Chloe getting on the Interstate onramp on the way back from deliveries a little while ago."
"If I leave now maybe I can head her off," Thomas said starting for the door.
"Not alone you won't," Jonathan said stopping him. "You're forgetting the phone call about Clark. If he shows back up at that place while you're still in Metropolis you're going to need me. I'm going with you."
Thomas started to argue, but knew that what Jonathan said made sense.
"Ok, come on."
"I'm going too," said Pete.
"Me too," added Martha.
"It's too dangerous," Thomas and Jonathan said in unison.
"Chloe's my friend guys. So is Clark. I'll let you two handle the tough stuff, but I may be able to provide some distraction for Clark if nothing else."
"I can help with that too," Martha said.
"No, Martha," Jonathan said. "You both have a point, but I can't risk you too. Please, for me, stay here where I know you're safe."
"Alright, Jonathan," Martha finally relented, "but take Pete. He might be able to help like he said."
"Ok," Thomas said, "come on, we need to hurry."
*******************************
A couple of miles before they got to Smallville and the Interstate onramp Thomas noticed two motorcycles pull out of a side road and begin closing fast.
As the motorcycles got closer he saw one of the riders pull out a machine pistol and open fire. The bullets slammed into the back window, and Pete and Jonathan both ducked down. They had little to worry about though, as while the glass showed evidence from the impact of the bullets it did not break.
"Bulletproof glass," was Thomas' only comment.
The rider was surprised by the ineffectiveness of his shots for an instant, but quickly recovered and moved to redirect his fire to the rear wheels of the car. This was his second mistake. The first was not realizing that the Mustang had slowed slightly allowing the two motorcycles to get closer.
The car suddenly braked and the rear end begin to veer to the left turning the car slightly sideways as the driver fought to control the skid. The nearer rider trying to focus on aiming his gun failed to react in time and slammed into the rear of the car. He was dislodged from his motorcycle and hit the back window before rolling off the side of the car as it continued to skid.
The second rider had more time to react than the first and was able to brake and miss his partner as he rolled onto the road. The second rider steered to the left to pass the Mustang in the other lane and he too brought his gun up to aim at the front tires this time. As he began to pull parallel with the rear of the Mustang, Thomas took his foot off of the brake and briefly tapped the gas and then pulled the emergency brake while jerking the steering wheel to the left. The front end of the Mustang swung suddenly in the opposite direction and slapped the motorcycle sending the second rider over its hood and into the far lane.
Bringing the Mustang back under control Thomas steered around the second rider and continued on his former path.
"Where the hell did you learn to drive like that?" Jonathan asked.
"Old reruns of the Dukes of Hazzard," Thomas answered before thumbing a control on the dash.
The interior was suddenly filled with the sound of a dial tone.
"911" Thomas said aloud.
The dial tone changed to the sound of numbers being dialed then the ringing of a phone.
"911 dispatch," answered a woman's voice.
"There's been a motorcycle wreck on I-35 near mile marker 83. Two motorcycles and two riders involved. They need medical attention."
"May I have your name sir?" the dispatcher asked.
Thomas' only reply was to disconnect the line as the Mustang continued on to Metropolis.
********************
Arriving in Metropolis, Thomas headed straight for LuthorCorp headquarters. He pulled up out front, jumped out of the car and stopped the other two before they could exit.
"No, guys. This is more my element. You two head over to "Midnight Oil" and see if Clark shows up."
"Thomas," Jonathan said, "Luthor probably has an army of gunmen in there."
"Not in a public place. He might risk a single murder alone in his office, but not an army hunting someone through the hallways. Trust me. I have some experience in this kind of thing. I'll be fine. You two can do the most good waiting for Clark. Having to watch out for the two of you would more likely get me killed than be of help."
Thomas and Jonathan stared at each other for a second before Jonathan gave in.
"Ok, but call my cell phone if you need help," Jonathan said.
"I will," Thomas answered. He gave Jonathan the directions to the club and headed inside LuthorCorp.
He walked up to the security station improvising a plan as he went. Fortunately, the lobby seemed to be deserted for the moment except for the two guards.
"Excuse me," he addressed one of the guards, "can you direct me to Lionel Luthor's office?"
"Do you have an appointment?" the guard asked.
Still smiling Thomas hit him hard, knocking him unconscious. Before the other guard could react Thomas reached across the desk and grabbed his arm in a vice like grip while applying pressure to a nerve center in the arm. The guard let out a short scream before Thomas' other hand closed around his throat.
"Did a young blond girl come through here a few minutes ago? Think fast or I'll break your arm."
"Yeah, about 20 minutes ago," the guard choked out.
"Where was she headed?"
"Lionel Luthor's office."
"Which is where?"
"51st floor, corner facing the Daily Planet building."
"If you're lying to me I'll be back. Do you understand that?"
"Yes."
Thomas slammed the man's head down on the desk hard and then hit him also knocking him unconscious. He ran toward the elevator and prayed he was in time.
*********************************
Chloe Sullivan had never been so afraid in her life. She felt the gun press against her temple and was waiting for the man beside her to pull the trigger when she heard the door open behind her.
"Good," said a calm voice, "I caught you all together."
"Who the hell are you!" yelled Morris jumping to his feet.
"Exterminator. I heard there were some roaches up here."
Morris brought his gun around to aim at the intruder and Thomas pivoted into Morris' instep and bringing his left hand down onto Morris' wrist he simultaneously brought the heel of his hand up into Morris' elbow.
Luthor heard an audible *snap* and Morris screamed as he dropped his gun.
Still holding onto Morris' wrist Thomas next slammed his right elbow into the man's face breaking his nose before throwing him into the wall where he left a bloody streak as he slid unconscious to the floor.
"I really don't like it when people point guns at me" Thomas said staring down at Morris' unconscious form. "So," he continued without turning around "unless you want your tennis game seriously impaired you'd better keep your hand off of that desk drawer, Lionel."
Lionel's hand froze halfway to the desk drawer that he had been reaching for.
"Who are you young man?"
"A concerned citizen."
"A concerned citizen that would seem to be sticking his nose in places it doesn't belong. Let me guess, you drove here in a Mustang didn't you."
"You're well informed. Eric let you in on any other secrets?"
If Lionel was startled by this comment he didn't show it.
Turning to Chloe, Thomas asked, "Are you Ok?"
"Ye-ah," she managed to stammer out.
"Good, we're leaving. But don't worry Luthor." Thomas said turning back to Lionel, "I'm planning on coming back sometime in the future so trust me, you won't get lonely."
"Do you honestly think that either of you is going to make it out of this building?" Lionel laughed.
His laughter stopped as Thomas stepped toward him, pulled him out of his chair and held him a couple of inches off the ground. Thomas brought Lionel's face close to his own and Lionel, looking into those cold blue- gray eyes, suddenly felt something he had not felt since he was a child. He felt a bone chilling fear. Fear like that of a monster that came knocking on your window in the middle of the night. That fear intensified with Thomas' next words.
"You seem to be mistaken about a few things Luthor. I'm not trapped in here with you and your hired thugs. You're trapped in here with me."
End Part 5