Chapter 9. Ted, a man with a plan. (Even if it is a really bad one.)

David sighed as he saw his mother though the windows of the kitchen. He put on his best brave face and waved in a carefree manner. How did he ever get talked into any of this? How stupid could he have been to think that these guys were his friends. I am an Idiot, a big stupid idiot!' David didn't tell any of his companions about his feelings though, if her did, he feared they would probably kill him.

Ted looked over at the little moron that they convinced to help them Pathetic!' he thought to himself. But, they couldn't do this without him, he and his sweet but fungaly obsessed mother were the perfect cover for what they were doing.

Walking past the house to the small barn that stood back from both the houses and the mushroom sheds, Ted and his men, followed by the reluctant david, made there way through the sturdy door. Once inside they took off there jackets and Ted found the controls for the hydraulic mechanism that opened the solid basement door. When the door had finally slid back to reveal a set of wide stares sinking into the dark corridor.

As Ted shoved David down the steps in front of him he flipped the light switch and they all filed down to the room bellow the old barn. Bright lights pointed into one corner where a massive thick metal cage stood. They could hear the occupant coughing in stereo as it came over the video link and filtered through the small air holes in the side of the metal cage.

I told you the dust wouldn't be good for him, you should have let me clean up more.. David was shut up by Ted threatening him with the back of his hand, this was not a conversation Ted wanted to have again.

Shut up you spineless fool, he'll be fine, stupid bastard deserves it anyway. And it's not as if he's gonna be in there along time, when the boss gets what he wants, we make a nice little tape of Lionel's son, so he'll have something to remember him by. The evil grins on the men's faces as Ted explained to him just what he had helped to do sickened David. He felt awful.

Well, this is the only place left anywhere around hear that sells or rents Vans, so we better find something here! Chloe said to Clark and Pete as they got out of her car and looked at the worn sign of Eldorado Auto's and Service.'

Walking up to the small office that was tacked onto the garage, Chloe rang the bell and stood back to wait. Movement was herd from behind the shuttered windows and door of the office, which then opened slowly to reveal a short man with sandy hair and a clip board. Chloe smiled brightly and questioned him about the truck and the men.

As Chloe talked to the owner, Clark and Pete took a look around the auto shop and stopped to admire a beautiful corvette that was just finishing its struggle to be fully restored. Now that is what you call a car man! Pete nudged Clark and starred at the car with his friend, Clark just nodded in agreement.

When you to have quite finished drooling, ugh boys, I think we have found a major clue! Chloe called the to boys back over to the car excitedly and jumped in.

So what did you find out Chlo' Clark asked.

Well, the owner didn't sell any New' black vans, But, he did do a really fancy respray job on a van that fits that description of yours perfectly Pete! And a cookie for whoever can guess what colour the man wanted his van resprayed as, yes, you guessed it, gloss black! And the best part is yet to come, This van makeover was requested by non other than one David Freeda! Chloe was practically bouncing in her seat as she drove them back into town.

You mean the freaky mushroom woman has a, what, husband, son? Pete clung onto the two front seats as he spoke.

From the description the owner gave me, I would say son, but you never know. Now I say we get back over there pronto and see what's happening! Just as Chloe was about to turn onto the road that would lead them to Freeda's, Clark decided to argue with her.

Chlo' it's getting dark, and we really shouldn't go pokeing around in a place in the dark, especially if they are gonna have guns! Chloe huffed and then acquiesced. Much to quickly for Pete's liking.

Ok, fine, I'll drop you guys off and then head home, we can meet up early tomorrow ok. And that's what they think, I however am going to go and find Lex.'

As Chloe dropped Pete and Clark off at the kent farm, Pete turned to Clark and sighed, Why do I have a very bad feeling about this, and not a mushroom in sight.

Lionel Luthor sat in his office once more, looking through a file that his latest lackey Kooper, idiotic name', had brought him on his son, He better be more competent than Carl was, or Jansu may just have to make another house call.'

As he scanned the information he noticed something that intrigued him. Kooper, why does it say hear that I called my son the other day, when I did not, and apparently requested him to come to metropolis? Fixing his lackey with a cold stair, Lionel waited for his answer.

TBC......

Ok, now I know that was short, but give me a break, I am trying.