[Office of Executive D.A., Jack McCoy, 9:10 a.m.]
"I trust you had a good night's sleep, Mr. Luthor," McCoy remarked, as Lex and his attorney Richard Goldstein sat down.
""Dragging my client from dinner and tossing him in jail like a common felon ... it's a shameful persecution!" Goldstein exclaimed. "Jack, just drop the charges and we can put this sordid mess behind us."
"Your client is charged with first-degree murder," McCoy emphasized, "I'm offering you a chance to save him the humiliation of a public trial and life in prison!"
"But I'm innocent," Lex declared, "I was in the building. But I never laid a finger on Ms. Saunders!"
Goldstein glared at McCoy. "You have no murder weapon. As for the so-called DNA link, my client never consented to a DNA sample. However you obtained it ... you violated Mr. Luthor's privacy rights."
McCoy scanned a document "Lex, I've been reviewing your juvenile record. Not exactly appropriate conduct for the heir of one of the most influential multinational firms in the world. The Club Zero incident for instance ..."
"Those records were sealed by the Kansas attorney-general!" Lex insisted.
"Records that would have remained sealed - had you not been charged with a felony offence within seven years." Jack paced around the table. "You should have considered that before you ended Ms. Saunders' life! The attorney-general was so eager to help us out with your DNA sample that we barely had time to fax the paperwork."
"Spare me the theatrics, McCoy," Goldstein sighed. "If that's all you're taking to court, Lex Luthor will be having dinner at home in Metropolis. Tonight!"
"I'm giving you the chance to spare yourselves future grief," McCoy replied, "I may not be so generous once the trial begins."
"There will be no plea bargaining," Lex straightened his blazer, "because I had nothing to do with the murder."
"I guess we'll see you at the arraignment, then, Jack," Goldstein escorted Lex outside.
ADA Southerlyn closed the door. "That DNA stunt you pulled is a gamble. They may try to suppress that evidence."
"I think we have reasonable grounds," McCoy replied, "The DNA samples are only a part of the strategy."
Southerlyn snapped her fingers. "You wanted to see his juvenile records. Establish a pattern of criminal behaviour."
"That's right," McCoy agreed. He picked up the New York Times. "The headlines are already damaging his reputation. The DNA evidence would make our jobs easier. But, if they toss it out, I'm prepared to show that Luthor Jr. has the mindset of someone capable of murder. Anything goes as far as he's concerned. To protect his public image."
"I hope you know what you're doing, Jack," Southerlyn advised. "If we lose, Luthor Corp. will want your head."
[The Luthor Estate, Smallville, 10 a.m.]
"Did that Sheriff Miller seem - well - a bit on edge?" Munch asked, as he parked along the estate driveway.
"Smallville's his hood," Tutuola replied, "The last thing he wants is a pair of New York cops telling him how to do his job..."
"... or telling him how he did it wrong." Munch noted. "I mean - with all the unexplained cases that have occurred in this town - one wonders how the powers-that-be in Topeka have skimmed over the sheriff's department's mediocre success ratio in closing cases. I'm tellin' ya, it's that green meteor."
"Save the alien conspiracies for after hours," Tutuola replied, "This ain't the X-Files." A butler opened the door.
"Detectives Munch and Tutuola," Munch stated, "Sheriff Miller told us that we could find Lionel Luthor here."
The butler grumbled, but relented. The detectives gawked at the ancient relics, tapestries and statues in the main foyer.
"Nice pad," Tutuola remarked.
Lionel tapped his walking cane against the wall. "I moved our ancestral home here stone by stone. I'm told you had some questions for me detectives?" He grabbed the armrest of a leather recliner and sat down. "Coffee? Tea?"
"No, thanks," Tutuola replied. "We have some questions about a package Ms. Saunders was having delivered to Luthor Corp. HQ in Metropolis?"
"Tragic death," Lionel frowned, "I understand Lex is being held as a material witness ..."
"Actually," Munch interjected, "as of midnight Eastern Standard Time, he was charged with first-degree murder."
"Oh," Lionel replied. "Now about that package ..."
Tutuola paused. "You don't seem terribly surprised or bothered by the fact that your son is facing a murder charge?"
"Because I'm confident Luthor Corp. ... my son ... will be exonerated," Lionel remarked.
"We had our white-collar crimes unit review the transactions contained in those FedEx files," Munch continued. "An alarming level of chemical shipments transferred from your ports in Greece to the Albanian coast."
"The eastern Mediterranean has been the route to the Orient since the time of Roman Empire," Lionel replied, "The arrival of the 21st century doesn't change that, detectives. We have many trading partners in the former Soviet republics."
"That may be," Tutuola added, "but our people have asked the FBI to help us figure out the significance of these transactions. You could save your son - and yourself - a whole lot of trouble if you can help us fill out the blanks."
Lionel stopped. He could assist them. No, he thought, they would never understand. I have made my sacrifices for my empire.
And for my country. Who are they to question my efforts?
"I'm sorry detectives," Lionel answered, "but I've discussed this issue with my shipping division. These are nothing more than routine transactions. The Berlin Wall is down, gentlemen. I'm just a businessman expanding my horizons to our capitalist friends east of the Danube."
He stood up. "Leave further questions to my attorneys in Metropolis. Now if you will excuse me, I have to take my medication."
Tutuola shrugged as he left the estate. "It seems there's still a chill between father and son. Notice how he barely broke a sweat when we told him Lex was charged with murder."
"I was noticing his references to East-West tensions and the supposed post- Gorbachev love-in we're supposed to have with our 'capitalist friends' in the former East Bloc," Munch replied. "Lionel Luthor once had a subdivision called Spartan. Manufacturing arms for NATO at the height of the Cold War."
"So you're saying that has something to do with the Saunders case?" Tutuola wondered.
Munch turned around. "I'd be willing to bet that he's hung onto his Pentagon and CIA buddies from that era. And now the past is catching up with him."
"$10 says you're wrong," Tutuola extended his hand.
Munch shook his hand. "Easy money, Fin. Now let's pay a visit to the Smallville Torch: the 'true' voice of the citizens."
"Now, be nice, John," Tutuola replied, "they're only kids."
"Y'know what scares me about this MTV generation?" Munch ranted. "In a few years, these youths will have the power to elect our next president. I don't know about you, but I'm not too keen on them managing my old age pension."
"Relax," Tutuola remarked, "Right now, they're just worried about who's going to ask them to the prom."
[Smallville Torch office, 11 a.m.]
"No, I think we should lead with the story on the school board's program cuts," Chloe argued.
Pete shook his head. "Look, the football team is off its third straight victory. People are talking about a possible championship. The Crows should be on the front page."
Munch and Tutuola entered the Torch office. "I reviewed last week's issue of the Torch," Munch remarked, "While I agree with your editorial that Lex Luthor shouldn't get a free ride from city council just because he's a Luthor, I'm not quite sure how that is relevant to high school students."
"It's relevant," Chloe stated, "because Lex is considered by some as a role model. Many seniors are applying for Luthor Foundation scholarships. The student body deserves to know all about Lex. Before they try to emulate him."
"I'd call that a slam dunk for her, John," Tutuola grinned.
"Editorial choices aside," Munch interjected, "Tell me more about this Clark Kent ... and why on earth would he become Lex Luthor's buddy?"
Pete shrugged. "Your guess is as good as mine, man. Clark's lived in Smallville his whole life. Lex only moved here recently. To run the Luthor fertilzer plant."
"He makes fertilizer?" Tutuola wondered.
"Clark says the stuff actually works," Pete replied, "although if you ask me, I wouldn't trust anything Luthor Corp. sells." "He makes money off cow pies," Munch deadpanned. "Would you say Clark is close to Lex?"
Chloe frowned. "It's hard to explain. Their relationship is - complex. Clark is nothing like Lex, yet they seem to have this connection. Clark is honest and caring; Lex is deceptive and manipulative. Somehow, Clark still has more faith in Lex's goodness than anybody else does."
"Do you guys believe Lex is just like daddy Lionel?" Tutuola asked.
Pete fiddled with his pen. "Corrupt to the bone. I won't be shedding any tears if you bust him upstate to Attica."
"So, how can we find this Clark Kent?" Munch inquired.
Chloe and Pete traded worried glances. Chloe didn't want her friend entangled in yet another Luthor scandal.
Pete was terrified. These detectives were good. Damn good. Further questions might uncover Clark's secret ... the green meteor ...
"Clark's history class should be done now," Chloe replied. "I can take you to him." She looked at Pete and mouthed 'Call Mr. Kent' before leaving with the detectives.
Pete was already on the phone. "Mr. Kent? I just wanted to give you a heads- up. Some NYPD detectives are digging up dirt on Lex Luthor, but they also want to talk to Clark."
"Thanks," Jonathan Kent replied. He slowly hung up the receiver. Clark's friendship with Lex Luthor had been a constant source of anxiety. He knew that he could never trust the son of Lionel Luthor. Now Lex's missteps threatened to expose Clark's secret again.
At Smallville High, Clark caught up with Lana in the hallway. "So I hear something big happened at The Talon last night?"
"Yeah," Lana replied, "some big city detectives from New York were asking about Lex Luthor."
"The Saunders murder," Clark feared. "They're looking for evidence that might link him to it."
"Clark," Lana interjected, "they were also asking about you. Specifically, your friendship with Lex."
As they turned a corner, they noticed Chloe talking to two detectives.
"Hi guys," Chloe waved, "these are NYPD detectives John Munch and Fin Tutuola. They're investigating any Luthor links to the Saunders murder."
"Really," Clark sighed.
"The sheriff's department didn't have much, other than Lex Luthor's occasional fits of rage," Munch skimmed his notebook. "The infamous 'parking ticket incident', that sorta thing."
"That's why we'd like to talk to you, Clark," Tutuola offered. "To fill in the gaps. Is there some place we can talk?"
"Uhhh, sure," Clark said, "we can talk at my farm. It's not too far from here."
Munch looked up from his notebook. Chloe and Lana had exchanged a few words. Neither seemed too comfortable in each other's company. They both looked at Clark again. A shared concern in the Kent kid's welfare.
"I've got to get to The Talon," Lana said, "Clark? I'll call you later."
Clark took Chloe aside. "Do you know why they want to talk to me?"
"They think you could shed light on Lex's activities last week," Chloe replied, "They're after Lex."
"Detectives," Clark announced, "I'll just get my truck and you can follow me."
"Did you pick up on that, Fin?" Munch asked.
"You mean the slow chill that came down when Chloe and Lana were put side- by-side just then," Tutuola replied. "Yeah. They've both got the hots for Clark. No doubt about it."
"Looks like Clark's got two - count 'em two - potential love interests," Munch noted, "He'd better douse that fire before it's too late."
"I don't think Clark should take advice on relationships from you, Dr. Love," Tutuola joked.
"You've been talking to my ex again, have you?" Munch grinned.
They closed the door of their sedan and followed Clark Kent to his farm. Perhaps they'll finally get some leads.
[Manhattan, 12:10 p.m.]
The hot dog vendor beamed. "Ahhh, Mr. Carver. The usual, right?"
"One Polish sausage," ADA Ron Carver stated. He paid the vendor and walked briskly to the courthouse. "I hope you guys don't mind. We'll have to talk- and-walk. I've got closing arguments to make in about 15 minutes."
"Thanks for seeing us on such short notice," Southerlyn replied. "This Saunders case is like walking through a minefield! The Luthors are well- connected. How many politicians owe their careers to Luthor money? Even my boss was reluctant to go forward."
"Capt. Cragen even had to cancel Munch and Fin's vacations, so they can go to Kansas to dig up evidence on Lex," ADA Cabot remarked.
"So you've got McCoy taking on the Saunders case, some SVU detectives in Smallville collecting evidence," Carver whistled, "Sounds like a bottle of Tylenol waiting to happen."
"And now we'd like your help," Southerlyn added. "With the mysterious chemical shipments from Luthor warehouses in Greece to points unknown in the former Soviet bloc, there might be a file for your guys in the Major Case squad."
"I've talked to McCoy," Carver replied between bites, "The shipment angle of the case is daunting. The port here is a major transatlantic transfer point. Detectives Eames and Goren are in the middle of a mob case right now ... I'll have to talk to Capt. Deakins. Tell you what, leave the shipment file with my office. I'll see what I can do."
"You rock, Ron," Southerlyn grinned.
"Save the kudos for Jack - if he can make the murder charge on Lex Luthor stick," Carver finished his lunch, "If he manages to take down the Luthors, with his D.A. record ... he could run for Arthur Branch's job."
"Forget about the D.A.'s office," Cabot interjected, "McCoy could run for a seat in Albany, governor, Congress."
"This case will be won or lost on the facts of the evidence," Carver noted, "not on the public's perception of Luthor wrongdoing. Emphasize that with your boss, Serena. Well, I've got to get my own conviction now. Alexandra, good to see you again."
"So, do you think Jack has a case against Lex Luthor?" Cabot wondered.
"The DNA angle is iffy," Southerlyn replied, "but everything else points to Lex Luthor. Like Carver said, all we need to do is prove the facts."
"And how are John and Fin doing in Smallville?" Cabot grinned.
"I got a weird email from Det. Munch yesterday," Southerlyn replied, "something about a vast state-wide corporate-political conspiracy that reaches the governor's mansion in Topeka. All designed at protecting Luthor Corp. Good thing Fin's there to keep John in check. Not surprisingly, Lionel Luthor stonewalled them. Lex does have a friend there. Some farm kid, Clark Kent."
Carver was right, she thought, this was a daunting case. McCoy intended to go to the wall on this case. Luthor Corp. should not be underestimated. She looked up at the American flag flapping atop the courthouse. A conviction could transform Executive D.A. Jack McCoy into the people's champion. His path to the Albany statehouse would be clear.
If he lost ... well, Luthor's lawyers could bury the D.A.'s office with malicious prosecution suits. McCoy's career - and those of his associates - would be over.
That Clark Kent could be the lead, she thought.
We may have to subpoena him.
"I trust you had a good night's sleep, Mr. Luthor," McCoy remarked, as Lex and his attorney Richard Goldstein sat down.
""Dragging my client from dinner and tossing him in jail like a common felon ... it's a shameful persecution!" Goldstein exclaimed. "Jack, just drop the charges and we can put this sordid mess behind us."
"Your client is charged with first-degree murder," McCoy emphasized, "I'm offering you a chance to save him the humiliation of a public trial and life in prison!"
"But I'm innocent," Lex declared, "I was in the building. But I never laid a finger on Ms. Saunders!"
Goldstein glared at McCoy. "You have no murder weapon. As for the so-called DNA link, my client never consented to a DNA sample. However you obtained it ... you violated Mr. Luthor's privacy rights."
McCoy scanned a document "Lex, I've been reviewing your juvenile record. Not exactly appropriate conduct for the heir of one of the most influential multinational firms in the world. The Club Zero incident for instance ..."
"Those records were sealed by the Kansas attorney-general!" Lex insisted.
"Records that would have remained sealed - had you not been charged with a felony offence within seven years." Jack paced around the table. "You should have considered that before you ended Ms. Saunders' life! The attorney-general was so eager to help us out with your DNA sample that we barely had time to fax the paperwork."
"Spare me the theatrics, McCoy," Goldstein sighed. "If that's all you're taking to court, Lex Luthor will be having dinner at home in Metropolis. Tonight!"
"I'm giving you the chance to spare yourselves future grief," McCoy replied, "I may not be so generous once the trial begins."
"There will be no plea bargaining," Lex straightened his blazer, "because I had nothing to do with the murder."
"I guess we'll see you at the arraignment, then, Jack," Goldstein escorted Lex outside.
ADA Southerlyn closed the door. "That DNA stunt you pulled is a gamble. They may try to suppress that evidence."
"I think we have reasonable grounds," McCoy replied, "The DNA samples are only a part of the strategy."
Southerlyn snapped her fingers. "You wanted to see his juvenile records. Establish a pattern of criminal behaviour."
"That's right," McCoy agreed. He picked up the New York Times. "The headlines are already damaging his reputation. The DNA evidence would make our jobs easier. But, if they toss it out, I'm prepared to show that Luthor Jr. has the mindset of someone capable of murder. Anything goes as far as he's concerned. To protect his public image."
"I hope you know what you're doing, Jack," Southerlyn advised. "If we lose, Luthor Corp. will want your head."
[The Luthor Estate, Smallville, 10 a.m.]
"Did that Sheriff Miller seem - well - a bit on edge?" Munch asked, as he parked along the estate driveway.
"Smallville's his hood," Tutuola replied, "The last thing he wants is a pair of New York cops telling him how to do his job..."
"... or telling him how he did it wrong." Munch noted. "I mean - with all the unexplained cases that have occurred in this town - one wonders how the powers-that-be in Topeka have skimmed over the sheriff's department's mediocre success ratio in closing cases. I'm tellin' ya, it's that green meteor."
"Save the alien conspiracies for after hours," Tutuola replied, "This ain't the X-Files." A butler opened the door.
"Detectives Munch and Tutuola," Munch stated, "Sheriff Miller told us that we could find Lionel Luthor here."
The butler grumbled, but relented. The detectives gawked at the ancient relics, tapestries and statues in the main foyer.
"Nice pad," Tutuola remarked.
Lionel tapped his walking cane against the wall. "I moved our ancestral home here stone by stone. I'm told you had some questions for me detectives?" He grabbed the armrest of a leather recliner and sat down. "Coffee? Tea?"
"No, thanks," Tutuola replied. "We have some questions about a package Ms. Saunders was having delivered to Luthor Corp. HQ in Metropolis?"
"Tragic death," Lionel frowned, "I understand Lex is being held as a material witness ..."
"Actually," Munch interjected, "as of midnight Eastern Standard Time, he was charged with first-degree murder."
"Oh," Lionel replied. "Now about that package ..."
Tutuola paused. "You don't seem terribly surprised or bothered by the fact that your son is facing a murder charge?"
"Because I'm confident Luthor Corp. ... my son ... will be exonerated," Lionel remarked.
"We had our white-collar crimes unit review the transactions contained in those FedEx files," Munch continued. "An alarming level of chemical shipments transferred from your ports in Greece to the Albanian coast."
"The eastern Mediterranean has been the route to the Orient since the time of Roman Empire," Lionel replied, "The arrival of the 21st century doesn't change that, detectives. We have many trading partners in the former Soviet republics."
"That may be," Tutuola added, "but our people have asked the FBI to help us figure out the significance of these transactions. You could save your son - and yourself - a whole lot of trouble if you can help us fill out the blanks."
Lionel stopped. He could assist them. No, he thought, they would never understand. I have made my sacrifices for my empire.
And for my country. Who are they to question my efforts?
"I'm sorry detectives," Lionel answered, "but I've discussed this issue with my shipping division. These are nothing more than routine transactions. The Berlin Wall is down, gentlemen. I'm just a businessman expanding my horizons to our capitalist friends east of the Danube."
He stood up. "Leave further questions to my attorneys in Metropolis. Now if you will excuse me, I have to take my medication."
Tutuola shrugged as he left the estate. "It seems there's still a chill between father and son. Notice how he barely broke a sweat when we told him Lex was charged with murder."
"I was noticing his references to East-West tensions and the supposed post- Gorbachev love-in we're supposed to have with our 'capitalist friends' in the former East Bloc," Munch replied. "Lionel Luthor once had a subdivision called Spartan. Manufacturing arms for NATO at the height of the Cold War."
"So you're saying that has something to do with the Saunders case?" Tutuola wondered.
Munch turned around. "I'd be willing to bet that he's hung onto his Pentagon and CIA buddies from that era. And now the past is catching up with him."
"$10 says you're wrong," Tutuola extended his hand.
Munch shook his hand. "Easy money, Fin. Now let's pay a visit to the Smallville Torch: the 'true' voice of the citizens."
"Now, be nice, John," Tutuola replied, "they're only kids."
"Y'know what scares me about this MTV generation?" Munch ranted. "In a few years, these youths will have the power to elect our next president. I don't know about you, but I'm not too keen on them managing my old age pension."
"Relax," Tutuola remarked, "Right now, they're just worried about who's going to ask them to the prom."
[Smallville Torch office, 11 a.m.]
"No, I think we should lead with the story on the school board's program cuts," Chloe argued.
Pete shook his head. "Look, the football team is off its third straight victory. People are talking about a possible championship. The Crows should be on the front page."
Munch and Tutuola entered the Torch office. "I reviewed last week's issue of the Torch," Munch remarked, "While I agree with your editorial that Lex Luthor shouldn't get a free ride from city council just because he's a Luthor, I'm not quite sure how that is relevant to high school students."
"It's relevant," Chloe stated, "because Lex is considered by some as a role model. Many seniors are applying for Luthor Foundation scholarships. The student body deserves to know all about Lex. Before they try to emulate him."
"I'd call that a slam dunk for her, John," Tutuola grinned.
"Editorial choices aside," Munch interjected, "Tell me more about this Clark Kent ... and why on earth would he become Lex Luthor's buddy?"
Pete shrugged. "Your guess is as good as mine, man. Clark's lived in Smallville his whole life. Lex only moved here recently. To run the Luthor fertilzer plant."
"He makes fertilizer?" Tutuola wondered.
"Clark says the stuff actually works," Pete replied, "although if you ask me, I wouldn't trust anything Luthor Corp. sells." "He makes money off cow pies," Munch deadpanned. "Would you say Clark is close to Lex?"
Chloe frowned. "It's hard to explain. Their relationship is - complex. Clark is nothing like Lex, yet they seem to have this connection. Clark is honest and caring; Lex is deceptive and manipulative. Somehow, Clark still has more faith in Lex's goodness than anybody else does."
"Do you guys believe Lex is just like daddy Lionel?" Tutuola asked.
Pete fiddled with his pen. "Corrupt to the bone. I won't be shedding any tears if you bust him upstate to Attica."
"So, how can we find this Clark Kent?" Munch inquired.
Chloe and Pete traded worried glances. Chloe didn't want her friend entangled in yet another Luthor scandal.
Pete was terrified. These detectives were good. Damn good. Further questions might uncover Clark's secret ... the green meteor ...
"Clark's history class should be done now," Chloe replied. "I can take you to him." She looked at Pete and mouthed 'Call Mr. Kent' before leaving with the detectives.
Pete was already on the phone. "Mr. Kent? I just wanted to give you a heads- up. Some NYPD detectives are digging up dirt on Lex Luthor, but they also want to talk to Clark."
"Thanks," Jonathan Kent replied. He slowly hung up the receiver. Clark's friendship with Lex Luthor had been a constant source of anxiety. He knew that he could never trust the son of Lionel Luthor. Now Lex's missteps threatened to expose Clark's secret again.
At Smallville High, Clark caught up with Lana in the hallway. "So I hear something big happened at The Talon last night?"
"Yeah," Lana replied, "some big city detectives from New York were asking about Lex Luthor."
"The Saunders murder," Clark feared. "They're looking for evidence that might link him to it."
"Clark," Lana interjected, "they were also asking about you. Specifically, your friendship with Lex."
As they turned a corner, they noticed Chloe talking to two detectives.
"Hi guys," Chloe waved, "these are NYPD detectives John Munch and Fin Tutuola. They're investigating any Luthor links to the Saunders murder."
"Really," Clark sighed.
"The sheriff's department didn't have much, other than Lex Luthor's occasional fits of rage," Munch skimmed his notebook. "The infamous 'parking ticket incident', that sorta thing."
"That's why we'd like to talk to you, Clark," Tutuola offered. "To fill in the gaps. Is there some place we can talk?"
"Uhhh, sure," Clark said, "we can talk at my farm. It's not too far from here."
Munch looked up from his notebook. Chloe and Lana had exchanged a few words. Neither seemed too comfortable in each other's company. They both looked at Clark again. A shared concern in the Kent kid's welfare.
"I've got to get to The Talon," Lana said, "Clark? I'll call you later."
Clark took Chloe aside. "Do you know why they want to talk to me?"
"They think you could shed light on Lex's activities last week," Chloe replied, "They're after Lex."
"Detectives," Clark announced, "I'll just get my truck and you can follow me."
"Did you pick up on that, Fin?" Munch asked.
"You mean the slow chill that came down when Chloe and Lana were put side- by-side just then," Tutuola replied. "Yeah. They've both got the hots for Clark. No doubt about it."
"Looks like Clark's got two - count 'em two - potential love interests," Munch noted, "He'd better douse that fire before it's too late."
"I don't think Clark should take advice on relationships from you, Dr. Love," Tutuola joked.
"You've been talking to my ex again, have you?" Munch grinned.
They closed the door of their sedan and followed Clark Kent to his farm. Perhaps they'll finally get some leads.
[Manhattan, 12:10 p.m.]
The hot dog vendor beamed. "Ahhh, Mr. Carver. The usual, right?"
"One Polish sausage," ADA Ron Carver stated. He paid the vendor and walked briskly to the courthouse. "I hope you guys don't mind. We'll have to talk- and-walk. I've got closing arguments to make in about 15 minutes."
"Thanks for seeing us on such short notice," Southerlyn replied. "This Saunders case is like walking through a minefield! The Luthors are well- connected. How many politicians owe their careers to Luthor money? Even my boss was reluctant to go forward."
"Capt. Cragen even had to cancel Munch and Fin's vacations, so they can go to Kansas to dig up evidence on Lex," ADA Cabot remarked.
"So you've got McCoy taking on the Saunders case, some SVU detectives in Smallville collecting evidence," Carver whistled, "Sounds like a bottle of Tylenol waiting to happen."
"And now we'd like your help," Southerlyn added. "With the mysterious chemical shipments from Luthor warehouses in Greece to points unknown in the former Soviet bloc, there might be a file for your guys in the Major Case squad."
"I've talked to McCoy," Carver replied between bites, "The shipment angle of the case is daunting. The port here is a major transatlantic transfer point. Detectives Eames and Goren are in the middle of a mob case right now ... I'll have to talk to Capt. Deakins. Tell you what, leave the shipment file with my office. I'll see what I can do."
"You rock, Ron," Southerlyn grinned.
"Save the kudos for Jack - if he can make the murder charge on Lex Luthor stick," Carver finished his lunch, "If he manages to take down the Luthors, with his D.A. record ... he could run for Arthur Branch's job."
"Forget about the D.A.'s office," Cabot interjected, "McCoy could run for a seat in Albany, governor, Congress."
"This case will be won or lost on the facts of the evidence," Carver noted, "not on the public's perception of Luthor wrongdoing. Emphasize that with your boss, Serena. Well, I've got to get my own conviction now. Alexandra, good to see you again."
"So, do you think Jack has a case against Lex Luthor?" Cabot wondered.
"The DNA angle is iffy," Southerlyn replied, "but everything else points to Lex Luthor. Like Carver said, all we need to do is prove the facts."
"And how are John and Fin doing in Smallville?" Cabot grinned.
"I got a weird email from Det. Munch yesterday," Southerlyn replied, "something about a vast state-wide corporate-political conspiracy that reaches the governor's mansion in Topeka. All designed at protecting Luthor Corp. Good thing Fin's there to keep John in check. Not surprisingly, Lionel Luthor stonewalled them. Lex does have a friend there. Some farm kid, Clark Kent."
Carver was right, she thought, this was a daunting case. McCoy intended to go to the wall on this case. Luthor Corp. should not be underestimated. She looked up at the American flag flapping atop the courthouse. A conviction could transform Executive D.A. Jack McCoy into the people's champion. His path to the Albany statehouse would be clear.
If he lost ... well, Luthor's lawyers could bury the D.A.'s office with malicious prosecution suits. McCoy's career - and those of his associates - would be over.
That Clark Kent could be the lead, she thought.
We may have to subpoena him.