Chapter 15

(Clark is seen slowly putting his loft back into place.  A pile of papers and torn books are now heaped on his desk.  He has a broom in hand and is slowly sweeping up several glass shards from his lamp on the floor when he hears Lex walk quietly up the stairs.  Clark looks up as he enters.)

Lex: "Looks like a tornado hit this place."

Clark (Smiling, his mind still on last night): "Yeah."

Lex: "What really happened?"

Clark: "Nothing much, a cat decided to redecorate, the Smallville usual."

(Clark sweeps a few more things up.  As he does, Lex goes over to what used to be Clark's couch and sits down on what is left.  He clasps his hands together and stares at them.  Clark notices this, but doesn't say anything.)

Lex (Laughing as he begins, but it dies down quickly): "If you need any help cleaning up, I'm available…  I think I'll have a lot more time on my hands now…"

Clark (Putting the broom down and sitting next to Lex): "Is everything alright, Lex?" 

(Lex stares at his hands, and then unclasps them.)

Lex (Standing up, taking several steps, and putting his hands in his pockets): "No.  My father was found in his office."

(He pauses and turns around to face Clark.)

Lex: "He put his gun in his mouth and pulled the trigger."

(Clark stands up and takes a step closer to Lex.)

Lex: "It's alright Clark.  We weren't exactly close, as you can recall.  What I found in his vault is more so what I wanted to talk with you about."

(There is a slight pause in which they are looking at each other.)

Lex: "When I opened it up, all I found was a rather extensive file.  Clark, do you know why my father would be interested in you?"

Clark (Walking over to the loft doors, looking out at the rising sun): "Sorry Lex, I don't." 

(Clark turns around to face Lex as he says this.  Lex looks back for several seconds.)

Lex: "Good luck cleaning this up."

(Lex turns to leave, then turns back after several steps.)

Lex: "Oh, and Clark?  Keep an eye on Chloe.  I found a file on her too."

(Worry comes into Clark's eyes, and Lex nods imperceptibly then walks down the stairs and out.  The roar of his Porsche can be heard as he speeds away.  Clark turns and walks back over to the loft doors.  The sun has just risen above the trees.  The dust kicked up by Lex's car can be seen slowly settling back down to the Earth.  Clark, looking concerned, watches it fade.)