The day of Mr. Winters' funeral dawned muggy and overcast. By the
time the Kent family left for the cemetery faint rumbles of thunder could
be heard in the distance.
"That's all we need now," Jonathan Kent sighed as he helped his wife into the truck. He was dressed in his best suit, one Clark hadn't seen in years. The boy tugged unhappily at his own tie.
"Clark, stop that," his mother scolded as she made room for him on the seat. "That was your Grandfather Hyrum's tie."
"Great," Clark muttered to himself. The only funeral he'd ever been to was for Whitney Fordman's father. He wasn't exactly anxious to attend another one, but he knew it was the right thing to do. And, after all, Mr. Jasper had asked him to be there. To support Brody.
There was already a long line of cars ahead of them as they approached the cemetery; since it was a rural area most people just parked along the side of the road and walked. Clark had spent more time in this cemetery than he cared to think about. Lana's parents were buried here, as well as his grandparents and great-grandparents.
The few rows of chairs provided for the graveside service were already full. Brody, his mother, and his grandfather sat in the front, next to the flower-laden coffin. Martha went to Molly and took her hand, speaking softly. Both Molly and her father looked pale and exhausted.
While Clark waited uncomfortably for the service to begin, he spotted Pete arriving with his parents. His best friend looked as hot and uncomfortable as he felt.
"Mr. Ross, Judge Ross, nice to see you," Clark said quietly. He started when a hand touched his shoulder; looking around he saw his dad had joined the Ross' as well.
"Your mother's going to sit with Molly, in case she needs anything," Jonathan explained.
"How is she, Jonathan?" Judge Ross asked.
"As well as can be expected, I think," Jonathan frowned. "At least she's got her father and son looking after her now."
"Amen to that," Mr. Ross nodded.
"Have you spoken to Brody lately?" Pete half-whispered to Clark.
"No. You?"
"No."
The two friends glanced at where the other boy sat. Brody was expressionless, but his lips were set in a grim, determined line.
"He doesn't look so good." Pete shook his head.
"Would you under the circumstances?" Clark stepped back so some more arrivals could squeeze past them. "Who are all these people? The whole town must be here."
"Yeah, but for the wrong reasons," Pete sighed. "You heard about the petition? And that there'll be a hearing?"
"Yes."
"I think some of these people are just here so they can tell their friends," Pete said angrily. "Vultures."
Clark only nodded sadly as the Reverend Whittig stepped up to stand at the head of the grave. He opened his Bible and began the service, but it took a while for the large crowd to quiet down enough for Clark to hear anything.
There was no music, no singing. Only the distant rolls of thunder accompanied the Reverend's sermon. He spoke about Heaven, and about God's love, none of which seemed particularly appropriate to the violent way Mr. Winter's had met his end.
Several people then spoke about Mr. Winters: about his friendliness, his devotion to his family. Even Mayor Tate, who probably had never laid eyes on the man, said a few words. Clark wondered if maybe Pete was right about the community turnout having more to do with the legal troubles surrounding Jim Winters' death than with any urge to celebrate his life.
Clark found himself feeling more and more depressed, and the lowering gray skies seemed to grow more oppressive as the service went on. Clark could feel sweat trickling down the back of his neck, and Pete shifted back and forth on his feet tiredly.
After a final, long prayer, Reverend Wittig gestured for the family to come forward. Mrs. Winters stumbled a little as she stood, but her son and father steadied her. As the coffin was lowered into the grave people began to depart, but Clark's father took his arm.
"Come with me, son," Jonathan said gruffly, leading him toward the Winters family. Clark had forgotten Jonathan had known Jim Winters since high school.
Each surviving member of the Winters family took a handful of earth and tossed it into the grave. Clark stood back awkwardly while his mother took his father's arm, and they both did the same.
Feeling a suspicious pricking sensation in the back of his throat, Clark hastily looked away. He glanced east toward the horizon and Metropolis, where it looked like it was already raining. Then he watched the other attendees pass through the stone gates of the cemetery, following the path back to the road.
Now that the crowd was considerably thinner he could see a figure in a dark suit standing a few yards away, closer to the gates than to the service. Lex.
Clark mentally kicked himself. He had forgotten all about his friend, and Lex had obviously been standing there by himself for some time.
Unfortunately, Brody Winters saw him, too. His eyes narrowed, and before Clark realized his intent he closed the distance between himself and Lex in a few strides.
Lex stood his ground. He looked like he was about to say something, but Brody Winters didn't give him a chance. He swung out hard with his right fist, knocking the other man to the ground and pinning him with an arm against his throat.
"Dad!" Clark yelled, rushing toward the fight with his father and Mr. Jasper on his heels.
It was obvious to Clark that Lex was making only a cursory attempt to defend himself against Brody' punches. Genuinely frightened for his friend Clark grabbed Brody's shoulder and pulled him off.
"Brody, stop, let him go!"
"Stay out of this, Clark!" Brody yelled as he shoved back, trying in vain to shake Clark loose. They were no match physically, of course, but Brody's raw fury was still a terrible thing to see.
Arthur Jasper seized hold of his grandson's arm.
"Brody, stop this right now! You know better than to behave like this!"
While Clark and Jasper planted themselves in front of the infuriated boy, Jonathan helped Lex to his feet.
"I'm all right," Clark could hear Lex respond to Jonathan's query. That was of course a lie-Lex's lip was split and he would no doubt be a mess of bruises by the next day.
"Who the hell said you could be here?" Brody shouted at him. "We don't want you here!"
"That's enough," his grandfather ordered. Then he gentled his voice and put his arm around the young man. "Don't upset your mother by making a scene."
Of course, Brody had already made a scene-most of the remaining guests were staring at their little tableau with undisguised curiosity.
As he realized this all of the fight went out of him and he slumped against his grandfather's arm. Arthur slowly led his grandson back to the graveside.
Clark approached Lex. He desperately wanted to say something to his friend, apologize for Brody's behavior, explain that Lex was in the wrong place at the wrong time, but all that came out was, "Are you sure you're all right?"
Lex had already assumed a studied air of nonchalance, even as he brushed dirt off his expensive suit.
"Fine, Clark."
"Lex," Jonathan began tentatively. "Brody is angry."
But Lex held up his hand.
"I understand, Mr. Kent, really I do. Clearly this was not one of my better ideas. I think it would be best if I leave." He glanced briefly back at the tiny group of mourners. "Please offer my sincere condolences to Mrs. Winters."
The older Kent worked his jaw for a moment, clearly wanting to say more, but finally nodded.
"Of course I will, Lex."
Clark had never heard his father speak to Lex so gently.
"Thank you, Mr. Kent. Clark, I'll see you later."
Before Clark could think of something else to say Lex had walked away.
"Dad, that was awful," Clark blurted.
Jonathan laid a comforting hand on his son's shoulder.
"I know it was, and it was wrong, but Lex will get over it. Right now your mother needs you and me with her."
Clark nodded mutely. He knew the polite thing to do now was to stay with his parents. But he couldn't help but worry. He knew Lex better than his father did. And he didn't think this was something Lex would be able to get over very easily.
**********************************************
A.J. looked up from the first edition of Coleridge's poems he was reading as his sister was shown into the library. When the housekeeper closed the double doors behind her Catherine looked around the spacious, paneled room in bemusement.
"So do I get a tour guide to show me how to get back to the front door?" She grinned at him.
He tossed aside his book and stood, giving her a quick hug.
"Your hair's wet," he scolded.
"Have you looked outside? It's pouring!" She shivered a bit. "It started raining in Metropolis this morning and now most of eastern Kansas' getting drenched. Have you got your stuff all packed? If we leave now we can get home before midnight."
"Um, I wanted to talk to you about that."
His older sister frowned. "About what?"
A.J. crossed the room and leaned against Lex's desk.
"Um, here's the thing, Cate. I can't leave. Not yet, anyway."
Catherine dropped her purse on the couch. "What do you mean you can't leave? A.J., it's Sunday, you have school tomorrow. End of story."
"I kinda already asked Lex if I could stay a few more days and he kinda already said yes." A.J. shook his head as his sister began to pace on the hardwood floor. "I tried to reach you at the hospital but they said you'd already left and your cell wasn't on." He glanced up at her sheepishly. "I'm sorry."
"A.J., we said a week. That was the deal." Catherine paused in front of the large fireplace. "I'm sorry if you and Lex made other plans, but it's really out of the question."
It was A.J.'s turn to frown. "What does that tone mean?"
"What tone?"
"The way you said his name." A.J. folded his arms across his chest. "Like you're angry at him. It was my idea, really."
Catherine stared at the fire. "Oh, I'm sure of that."
Her brother took a tentative step forward.
"Cate, a lot's been happening. I know you don't want me to miss school but I can make it up. I need to be here right now."
She shot him a withering glance. "Why?"
"Lex is in trouble."
She looked genuinely alarmed. "Trouble? What kind of trouble? Are you all right?"
"Whoa, take it easy. Bad choice of words. He's got business trouble, that's all." As quickly as he could A.J. filled his sister in on what had been happening. She sat down on the couch and listened quietly to his story.
"So when he came back from the funeral with a split lip, I knew I had to stay," he finished with a sigh. "The whole town's turned against him, and he doesn't have anyone else here he can count on."
"What about these friend you mentioned? Chloe and .Clark? They'll be here."
A.J. ran a hand through his hair.
"Yeah, but they're not.family."
His sister's scowl deepened, and he sat down next to her.
"Cate, if I were in this kind of trouble you wouldn't leave me."
"You wouldn't be in this kind of trouble."
"Work with me here, o.k.? I know Lex isn't perfect, but he is my brother and I want to help him."
Catherine arched her fair eyebrows.
"And how, exactly, are you going to help him?"
A.J. slouched a little. "I haven't really figured that out yet."
"What Lex needs is a good lawyer. I'm sorry, kiddo. I know you want to be a good brother to Lex, whether he deserves it or not." A.J. opened his mouth to object, and she held up a hand for silence. "But I am responsible for you, and what I say goes."
"I have a good lawyer-several of them, actually," Lex spoke up from the doorway on the other side of the room. "But A.J. is still welcome to stay as long as he likes."
A.J. stood up as his brother came into the room from the side hallway.
"She doesn't want me missing school," A.J. shrugged apologetically. Then he grinned. "Like it'll matter. I'm at the head of my class."
"And you want to stay there, right?" Catherine stood, too, narrowing her eyes as she looked at Lex. "You're a mess."
"And it's nice to see you again, too," Lex responded.
"I'm serious. You should put on ice pack on that lip, and then some antibiotic ointment."
A.J. laughed. "She's never been much on small talk."
"So I see." Lex smiled as best he could. "Is that the doctor speaking?"
"No, personal experience." Her expressed eased a bit. "Girls have been known to punch each other in the mouth sometimes, too."
Feeling a bit lost with the trend the conversation was taking, A.J. was nonetheless relieved to see that his sister seemed more amused than angry now. He wasn't sure why Catherine's attitude towards Lex had altered so dramatically. He desperately wanted them to like each other, but he'd settle for civility. That was a start, anyway.
As another clap of thunder rattled the lead-glass windows in their frames A.J. seized his opportunity.
"Listen--the storm's getting worse, Catherine. It's probably not a good idea to drive all the way to Metropolis tonight, anyway."
"You should both stay," Lex nodded. "It isn't like I haven't got the room." For a moment A.J. could see his sister weighing her two options. Clearly she still did not like the idea of staying in Lex's house any longer than they had to. But fortunately for him her common sense won out.
"Fine. We'll talk about this again tomorrow," she said firmly.
"Of course," Lex soothed.
But A.J. gave his brother a subtle wink. He knew from experience just how to wear his sister down, and now he'd have the whole evening to work on her. She didn't know it yet, but she'd as good as agreed to let him stay.
**********************************************
At the main counter in the Talon, Lana studied the last few days' receipts and sighed.
"It's not that bad, is it?" Chloe, sitting next to her, asked.
"It's pretty bad." Lana shook her head. "Erickson may have taken his protestors off to the county courthouse, but my business is still way down."
Chloe and Clark glanced around the coffeehouse. Lana was right-usually weekday nights were pretty busy, but now only a few tables were occupied. The EDAL's campaign to smear LexCorp had worked well, and people were staying away from the Talon.
"I've never seen the town like this," Clark frowned.
"My dad say there's been protestors outside of the plant every day since news of the hearing got out," Chloe offered.
"Poor Gabe," Lana sympathized. "He and all the rest of LexCorp's employees are taking a lot of heat from the town." She glanced again at the receipts. "I know what that feels like."
"Without LexCorp and the plant this town is as good as dead." Clark took a sip from his mug. "The mayor and the city council seem to have forgotten that."
"Have you read what Tate's been saying in the Ledger? It's like he's convinced that Lex himself killed Mr. Winters. Maybe he's got some sort of personal vendetta against Lex," Chloe said. She glanced over at Clark. "Does he?"
He shrugged. "You've got me. Judge Ross is having a hard time, too- Pete said LexCorp's lawyers tried to have her removed from the case as a conflict of interest, but it probably won't happen. Other people are saying she won't be tough enough. All I know is that I'll be happy when the hearing is over and things can get back to normal around here. Once LexCorp is cleared Erickson will go back where he came from."
"We hope," Lana said with a frown. She glanced up as the front doors opened and A.J. came in with an attractive blond woman. A.J. pointed the woman to a table and approached the counter.
"Hey, is it ever going to stop raining around here?" He laughed as he brushed raindrops out of his brown hair. "How's it going?"
"Slowly. Very slowly," Lana answered.
A.J. scowled. "I just want you guys to know-I think what the EDAL is trying to do here stinks. I really do."
"The sentiment is appreciated, although my business would appreciate it more if you'd order something," Lana smiled.
"Yeah, sure. Two cappuccinos, the hotter the better."
Chloe raised her eyebrows, looking at the young woman A.J. had brought in with him.
"And speaking of hot, isn't she a little out of your league?"
A.J. looked puzzled for a moment, and then his expression lit up with amusement. "She's my sister, actually. But she'd probably agree with you."
"That's your sister?" Clark repeated.
A.J. fixed him with a stern gaze. "Yes. And shut up."
"I didn't say anything," Clark laughed. "But will you introduce us anyway?"
"If I must," the other boy sighed. While Lana fixed their order Chloe and Clark followed A.J. back to his table.
"Chloe, Clark, this is my sister, Catherine. Cate, this is Chloe and Clark."
The older woman shook hands with each of them politely. "I'm very pleased to meet you. Won't you sit down?"
They did as she bade, and when Lana arrived with the drinks she joined them, too.
"May as well take a break," she sighed.
"Things will pick up again," A.J. consoled. "Some protestors decided to camp out in front of the Talon over the weekend and it's really hurt business," he explained to his sister.
"Has the Metropolis press been covering the protests?" Chloe asked the newcomer.
Catherine Carter nodded. "Now that the city council's petitioned the court for an injunction, it's front page news in the Planet."
"I doubt it was the city council's idea," Clark explained. "This environmental group has been spreading a lot of literature around town blaming LuthorCorp and LexCorp for what happened. And a lot more, besides. I figure all the bad publicity made the city council decide to act, even if it costs jobs."
"Which group is it?" Catherine asked idly.
"They call themselves the Environmental Defense Action League, the EDAL," Lana supplied.
Catherine set down her cup. She shot her brother an inscrutable look. "You didn't say the EDAL was involved," she said sternly.
A.J. looked confused. "I didn't know it was important. Is it?"
His sister leaned back with a sigh. "Is a guy named Rich Erickson with them?"
Chloe nodded. "Do you know him?"
"Oh, I know of him." She stared off in the distance for a moment. "If he's gotten involved this is a lot worse than I thought."
"What is it?" Lana asked, learning forward. "A.friend of mine said the EDAL's a radical group."
"That's putting it mildly. Some would call them ecoterrorists." Catherine shook her head. "Don't get me wrong-there's a lot of groups out there that do really great work for the environment. But that's not the EDAL."
"So how do they work?" Chloe had gone in to inquiry mode. "And how do you know about Erickson?"
"I don't know him personally, thank god. But when I was an undergrad up at Central City Erickson came to town and organized a branch of the EDAL on campus. Claimed the university was involved in bioweapons research."
Chloe rested her chin in her hands. "Were they?"
Catherine sipped her drink. "They were working with the T.B. vaccine, trying to make it more effective. That meant keeping live cultures of the disease. But that doesn't make it a bioweapon. Unfortunately people like Erickson don't draw those kinds of distinctions. For them, everything in the world is black and white."
"So what happened?" Clark asked.
"One night there was a fire in the research lab. Killed a researcher and destroyed several million dollars worth of equipment." Catherine shook her head. "The fire department concluded someone had planted an incendiary device in the basement."
Clark whistled. "So was Erickson arrested?"
"Yes, but they couldn't make a charge stick. No fingerprints."
"But you think it was him?" Chloe asked.
"Him, or one of his followers. Erickson left town pretty quick and without him that EDAL branch collapsed. But there are always people willing to follow someone who gives them simple answers." Cate rubbed her temples. "If Erickson's here it means a lot more than a hearing and some pickets. He is more than capable of doing serious harm."
"Then we should tell the police," Clark insisted.
"Oh, I'm sure they know, Clark-Erickson must have a record as long as my arm by now."
"So what can we do?" Lana asked.
"Do?" Catherine looked thoughtful. "I don't think you can 'do' anything, Lana. Just stay as far away from Erickson and his followers as possible and hope this whole thing blows over." She glanced at A.J. "And that goes double for you."
"Yes, ma'am," A.J. shook his head. "Like I would want to have anything to do with that nut job."
Clark was quiet for a long moment.
"I still think there must be something we can do. Tonight I'll go over to Pete's and see if Judge Ross is there. She probably already knows about these people, but I want to be sure."
"I'll go with you, if you don't mind," Chloe spoke up quickly.
Lana smiled. "Trying to wrangle an interview with the judge?"
"No-just a fact-finding mission," Chloe laughed. "But maybe she'll give me an interview after the hearing. An interview with the judge who had to decide whether or not to shut down LexCorp should get me back in the pages of the Ledger, don't you think?"
Clark rolled his eyes. Some things never changed.
"That's all we need now," Jonathan Kent sighed as he helped his wife into the truck. He was dressed in his best suit, one Clark hadn't seen in years. The boy tugged unhappily at his own tie.
"Clark, stop that," his mother scolded as she made room for him on the seat. "That was your Grandfather Hyrum's tie."
"Great," Clark muttered to himself. The only funeral he'd ever been to was for Whitney Fordman's father. He wasn't exactly anxious to attend another one, but he knew it was the right thing to do. And, after all, Mr. Jasper had asked him to be there. To support Brody.
There was already a long line of cars ahead of them as they approached the cemetery; since it was a rural area most people just parked along the side of the road and walked. Clark had spent more time in this cemetery than he cared to think about. Lana's parents were buried here, as well as his grandparents and great-grandparents.
The few rows of chairs provided for the graveside service were already full. Brody, his mother, and his grandfather sat in the front, next to the flower-laden coffin. Martha went to Molly and took her hand, speaking softly. Both Molly and her father looked pale and exhausted.
While Clark waited uncomfortably for the service to begin, he spotted Pete arriving with his parents. His best friend looked as hot and uncomfortable as he felt.
"Mr. Ross, Judge Ross, nice to see you," Clark said quietly. He started when a hand touched his shoulder; looking around he saw his dad had joined the Ross' as well.
"Your mother's going to sit with Molly, in case she needs anything," Jonathan explained.
"How is she, Jonathan?" Judge Ross asked.
"As well as can be expected, I think," Jonathan frowned. "At least she's got her father and son looking after her now."
"Amen to that," Mr. Ross nodded.
"Have you spoken to Brody lately?" Pete half-whispered to Clark.
"No. You?"
"No."
The two friends glanced at where the other boy sat. Brody was expressionless, but his lips were set in a grim, determined line.
"He doesn't look so good." Pete shook his head.
"Would you under the circumstances?" Clark stepped back so some more arrivals could squeeze past them. "Who are all these people? The whole town must be here."
"Yeah, but for the wrong reasons," Pete sighed. "You heard about the petition? And that there'll be a hearing?"
"Yes."
"I think some of these people are just here so they can tell their friends," Pete said angrily. "Vultures."
Clark only nodded sadly as the Reverend Whittig stepped up to stand at the head of the grave. He opened his Bible and began the service, but it took a while for the large crowd to quiet down enough for Clark to hear anything.
There was no music, no singing. Only the distant rolls of thunder accompanied the Reverend's sermon. He spoke about Heaven, and about God's love, none of which seemed particularly appropriate to the violent way Mr. Winter's had met his end.
Several people then spoke about Mr. Winters: about his friendliness, his devotion to his family. Even Mayor Tate, who probably had never laid eyes on the man, said a few words. Clark wondered if maybe Pete was right about the community turnout having more to do with the legal troubles surrounding Jim Winters' death than with any urge to celebrate his life.
Clark found himself feeling more and more depressed, and the lowering gray skies seemed to grow more oppressive as the service went on. Clark could feel sweat trickling down the back of his neck, and Pete shifted back and forth on his feet tiredly.
After a final, long prayer, Reverend Wittig gestured for the family to come forward. Mrs. Winters stumbled a little as she stood, but her son and father steadied her. As the coffin was lowered into the grave people began to depart, but Clark's father took his arm.
"Come with me, son," Jonathan said gruffly, leading him toward the Winters family. Clark had forgotten Jonathan had known Jim Winters since high school.
Each surviving member of the Winters family took a handful of earth and tossed it into the grave. Clark stood back awkwardly while his mother took his father's arm, and they both did the same.
Feeling a suspicious pricking sensation in the back of his throat, Clark hastily looked away. He glanced east toward the horizon and Metropolis, where it looked like it was already raining. Then he watched the other attendees pass through the stone gates of the cemetery, following the path back to the road.
Now that the crowd was considerably thinner he could see a figure in a dark suit standing a few yards away, closer to the gates than to the service. Lex.
Clark mentally kicked himself. He had forgotten all about his friend, and Lex had obviously been standing there by himself for some time.
Unfortunately, Brody Winters saw him, too. His eyes narrowed, and before Clark realized his intent he closed the distance between himself and Lex in a few strides.
Lex stood his ground. He looked like he was about to say something, but Brody Winters didn't give him a chance. He swung out hard with his right fist, knocking the other man to the ground and pinning him with an arm against his throat.
"Dad!" Clark yelled, rushing toward the fight with his father and Mr. Jasper on his heels.
It was obvious to Clark that Lex was making only a cursory attempt to defend himself against Brody' punches. Genuinely frightened for his friend Clark grabbed Brody's shoulder and pulled him off.
"Brody, stop, let him go!"
"Stay out of this, Clark!" Brody yelled as he shoved back, trying in vain to shake Clark loose. They were no match physically, of course, but Brody's raw fury was still a terrible thing to see.
Arthur Jasper seized hold of his grandson's arm.
"Brody, stop this right now! You know better than to behave like this!"
While Clark and Jasper planted themselves in front of the infuriated boy, Jonathan helped Lex to his feet.
"I'm all right," Clark could hear Lex respond to Jonathan's query. That was of course a lie-Lex's lip was split and he would no doubt be a mess of bruises by the next day.
"Who the hell said you could be here?" Brody shouted at him. "We don't want you here!"
"That's enough," his grandfather ordered. Then he gentled his voice and put his arm around the young man. "Don't upset your mother by making a scene."
Of course, Brody had already made a scene-most of the remaining guests were staring at their little tableau with undisguised curiosity.
As he realized this all of the fight went out of him and he slumped against his grandfather's arm. Arthur slowly led his grandson back to the graveside.
Clark approached Lex. He desperately wanted to say something to his friend, apologize for Brody's behavior, explain that Lex was in the wrong place at the wrong time, but all that came out was, "Are you sure you're all right?"
Lex had already assumed a studied air of nonchalance, even as he brushed dirt off his expensive suit.
"Fine, Clark."
"Lex," Jonathan began tentatively. "Brody is angry."
But Lex held up his hand.
"I understand, Mr. Kent, really I do. Clearly this was not one of my better ideas. I think it would be best if I leave." He glanced briefly back at the tiny group of mourners. "Please offer my sincere condolences to Mrs. Winters."
The older Kent worked his jaw for a moment, clearly wanting to say more, but finally nodded.
"Of course I will, Lex."
Clark had never heard his father speak to Lex so gently.
"Thank you, Mr. Kent. Clark, I'll see you later."
Before Clark could think of something else to say Lex had walked away.
"Dad, that was awful," Clark blurted.
Jonathan laid a comforting hand on his son's shoulder.
"I know it was, and it was wrong, but Lex will get over it. Right now your mother needs you and me with her."
Clark nodded mutely. He knew the polite thing to do now was to stay with his parents. But he couldn't help but worry. He knew Lex better than his father did. And he didn't think this was something Lex would be able to get over very easily.
**********************************************
A.J. looked up from the first edition of Coleridge's poems he was reading as his sister was shown into the library. When the housekeeper closed the double doors behind her Catherine looked around the spacious, paneled room in bemusement.
"So do I get a tour guide to show me how to get back to the front door?" She grinned at him.
He tossed aside his book and stood, giving her a quick hug.
"Your hair's wet," he scolded.
"Have you looked outside? It's pouring!" She shivered a bit. "It started raining in Metropolis this morning and now most of eastern Kansas' getting drenched. Have you got your stuff all packed? If we leave now we can get home before midnight."
"Um, I wanted to talk to you about that."
His older sister frowned. "About what?"
A.J. crossed the room and leaned against Lex's desk.
"Um, here's the thing, Cate. I can't leave. Not yet, anyway."
Catherine dropped her purse on the couch. "What do you mean you can't leave? A.J., it's Sunday, you have school tomorrow. End of story."
"I kinda already asked Lex if I could stay a few more days and he kinda already said yes." A.J. shook his head as his sister began to pace on the hardwood floor. "I tried to reach you at the hospital but they said you'd already left and your cell wasn't on." He glanced up at her sheepishly. "I'm sorry."
"A.J., we said a week. That was the deal." Catherine paused in front of the large fireplace. "I'm sorry if you and Lex made other plans, but it's really out of the question."
It was A.J.'s turn to frown. "What does that tone mean?"
"What tone?"
"The way you said his name." A.J. folded his arms across his chest. "Like you're angry at him. It was my idea, really."
Catherine stared at the fire. "Oh, I'm sure of that."
Her brother took a tentative step forward.
"Cate, a lot's been happening. I know you don't want me to miss school but I can make it up. I need to be here right now."
She shot him a withering glance. "Why?"
"Lex is in trouble."
She looked genuinely alarmed. "Trouble? What kind of trouble? Are you all right?"
"Whoa, take it easy. Bad choice of words. He's got business trouble, that's all." As quickly as he could A.J. filled his sister in on what had been happening. She sat down on the couch and listened quietly to his story.
"So when he came back from the funeral with a split lip, I knew I had to stay," he finished with a sigh. "The whole town's turned against him, and he doesn't have anyone else here he can count on."
"What about these friend you mentioned? Chloe and .Clark? They'll be here."
A.J. ran a hand through his hair.
"Yeah, but they're not.family."
His sister's scowl deepened, and he sat down next to her.
"Cate, if I were in this kind of trouble you wouldn't leave me."
"You wouldn't be in this kind of trouble."
"Work with me here, o.k.? I know Lex isn't perfect, but he is my brother and I want to help him."
Catherine arched her fair eyebrows.
"And how, exactly, are you going to help him?"
A.J. slouched a little. "I haven't really figured that out yet."
"What Lex needs is a good lawyer. I'm sorry, kiddo. I know you want to be a good brother to Lex, whether he deserves it or not." A.J. opened his mouth to object, and she held up a hand for silence. "But I am responsible for you, and what I say goes."
"I have a good lawyer-several of them, actually," Lex spoke up from the doorway on the other side of the room. "But A.J. is still welcome to stay as long as he likes."
A.J. stood up as his brother came into the room from the side hallway.
"She doesn't want me missing school," A.J. shrugged apologetically. Then he grinned. "Like it'll matter. I'm at the head of my class."
"And you want to stay there, right?" Catherine stood, too, narrowing her eyes as she looked at Lex. "You're a mess."
"And it's nice to see you again, too," Lex responded.
"I'm serious. You should put on ice pack on that lip, and then some antibiotic ointment."
A.J. laughed. "She's never been much on small talk."
"So I see." Lex smiled as best he could. "Is that the doctor speaking?"
"No, personal experience." Her expressed eased a bit. "Girls have been known to punch each other in the mouth sometimes, too."
Feeling a bit lost with the trend the conversation was taking, A.J. was nonetheless relieved to see that his sister seemed more amused than angry now. He wasn't sure why Catherine's attitude towards Lex had altered so dramatically. He desperately wanted them to like each other, but he'd settle for civility. That was a start, anyway.
As another clap of thunder rattled the lead-glass windows in their frames A.J. seized his opportunity.
"Listen--the storm's getting worse, Catherine. It's probably not a good idea to drive all the way to Metropolis tonight, anyway."
"You should both stay," Lex nodded. "It isn't like I haven't got the room." For a moment A.J. could see his sister weighing her two options. Clearly she still did not like the idea of staying in Lex's house any longer than they had to. But fortunately for him her common sense won out.
"Fine. We'll talk about this again tomorrow," she said firmly.
"Of course," Lex soothed.
But A.J. gave his brother a subtle wink. He knew from experience just how to wear his sister down, and now he'd have the whole evening to work on her. She didn't know it yet, but she'd as good as agreed to let him stay.
**********************************************
At the main counter in the Talon, Lana studied the last few days' receipts and sighed.
"It's not that bad, is it?" Chloe, sitting next to her, asked.
"It's pretty bad." Lana shook her head. "Erickson may have taken his protestors off to the county courthouse, but my business is still way down."
Chloe and Clark glanced around the coffeehouse. Lana was right-usually weekday nights were pretty busy, but now only a few tables were occupied. The EDAL's campaign to smear LexCorp had worked well, and people were staying away from the Talon.
"I've never seen the town like this," Clark frowned.
"My dad say there's been protestors outside of the plant every day since news of the hearing got out," Chloe offered.
"Poor Gabe," Lana sympathized. "He and all the rest of LexCorp's employees are taking a lot of heat from the town." She glanced again at the receipts. "I know what that feels like."
"Without LexCorp and the plant this town is as good as dead." Clark took a sip from his mug. "The mayor and the city council seem to have forgotten that."
"Have you read what Tate's been saying in the Ledger? It's like he's convinced that Lex himself killed Mr. Winters. Maybe he's got some sort of personal vendetta against Lex," Chloe said. She glanced over at Clark. "Does he?"
He shrugged. "You've got me. Judge Ross is having a hard time, too- Pete said LexCorp's lawyers tried to have her removed from the case as a conflict of interest, but it probably won't happen. Other people are saying she won't be tough enough. All I know is that I'll be happy when the hearing is over and things can get back to normal around here. Once LexCorp is cleared Erickson will go back where he came from."
"We hope," Lana said with a frown. She glanced up as the front doors opened and A.J. came in with an attractive blond woman. A.J. pointed the woman to a table and approached the counter.
"Hey, is it ever going to stop raining around here?" He laughed as he brushed raindrops out of his brown hair. "How's it going?"
"Slowly. Very slowly," Lana answered.
A.J. scowled. "I just want you guys to know-I think what the EDAL is trying to do here stinks. I really do."
"The sentiment is appreciated, although my business would appreciate it more if you'd order something," Lana smiled.
"Yeah, sure. Two cappuccinos, the hotter the better."
Chloe raised her eyebrows, looking at the young woman A.J. had brought in with him.
"And speaking of hot, isn't she a little out of your league?"
A.J. looked puzzled for a moment, and then his expression lit up with amusement. "She's my sister, actually. But she'd probably agree with you."
"That's your sister?" Clark repeated.
A.J. fixed him with a stern gaze. "Yes. And shut up."
"I didn't say anything," Clark laughed. "But will you introduce us anyway?"
"If I must," the other boy sighed. While Lana fixed their order Chloe and Clark followed A.J. back to his table.
"Chloe, Clark, this is my sister, Catherine. Cate, this is Chloe and Clark."
The older woman shook hands with each of them politely. "I'm very pleased to meet you. Won't you sit down?"
They did as she bade, and when Lana arrived with the drinks she joined them, too.
"May as well take a break," she sighed.
"Things will pick up again," A.J. consoled. "Some protestors decided to camp out in front of the Talon over the weekend and it's really hurt business," he explained to his sister.
"Has the Metropolis press been covering the protests?" Chloe asked the newcomer.
Catherine Carter nodded. "Now that the city council's petitioned the court for an injunction, it's front page news in the Planet."
"I doubt it was the city council's idea," Clark explained. "This environmental group has been spreading a lot of literature around town blaming LuthorCorp and LexCorp for what happened. And a lot more, besides. I figure all the bad publicity made the city council decide to act, even if it costs jobs."
"Which group is it?" Catherine asked idly.
"They call themselves the Environmental Defense Action League, the EDAL," Lana supplied.
Catherine set down her cup. She shot her brother an inscrutable look. "You didn't say the EDAL was involved," she said sternly.
A.J. looked confused. "I didn't know it was important. Is it?"
His sister leaned back with a sigh. "Is a guy named Rich Erickson with them?"
Chloe nodded. "Do you know him?"
"Oh, I know of him." She stared off in the distance for a moment. "If he's gotten involved this is a lot worse than I thought."
"What is it?" Lana asked, learning forward. "A.friend of mine said the EDAL's a radical group."
"That's putting it mildly. Some would call them ecoterrorists." Catherine shook her head. "Don't get me wrong-there's a lot of groups out there that do really great work for the environment. But that's not the EDAL."
"So how do they work?" Chloe had gone in to inquiry mode. "And how do you know about Erickson?"
"I don't know him personally, thank god. But when I was an undergrad up at Central City Erickson came to town and organized a branch of the EDAL on campus. Claimed the university was involved in bioweapons research."
Chloe rested her chin in her hands. "Were they?"
Catherine sipped her drink. "They were working with the T.B. vaccine, trying to make it more effective. That meant keeping live cultures of the disease. But that doesn't make it a bioweapon. Unfortunately people like Erickson don't draw those kinds of distinctions. For them, everything in the world is black and white."
"So what happened?" Clark asked.
"One night there was a fire in the research lab. Killed a researcher and destroyed several million dollars worth of equipment." Catherine shook her head. "The fire department concluded someone had planted an incendiary device in the basement."
Clark whistled. "So was Erickson arrested?"
"Yes, but they couldn't make a charge stick. No fingerprints."
"But you think it was him?" Chloe asked.
"Him, or one of his followers. Erickson left town pretty quick and without him that EDAL branch collapsed. But there are always people willing to follow someone who gives them simple answers." Cate rubbed her temples. "If Erickson's here it means a lot more than a hearing and some pickets. He is more than capable of doing serious harm."
"Then we should tell the police," Clark insisted.
"Oh, I'm sure they know, Clark-Erickson must have a record as long as my arm by now."
"So what can we do?" Lana asked.
"Do?" Catherine looked thoughtful. "I don't think you can 'do' anything, Lana. Just stay as far away from Erickson and his followers as possible and hope this whole thing blows over." She glanced at A.J. "And that goes double for you."
"Yes, ma'am," A.J. shook his head. "Like I would want to have anything to do with that nut job."
Clark was quiet for a long moment.
"I still think there must be something we can do. Tonight I'll go over to Pete's and see if Judge Ross is there. She probably already knows about these people, but I want to be sure."
"I'll go with you, if you don't mind," Chloe spoke up quickly.
Lana smiled. "Trying to wrangle an interview with the judge?"
"No-just a fact-finding mission," Chloe laughed. "But maybe she'll give me an interview after the hearing. An interview with the judge who had to decide whether or not to shut down LexCorp should get me back in the pages of the Ledger, don't you think?"
Clark rolled his eyes. Some things never changed.