Chapter 4
As the week progress for Clark, it also progress for others. The young woman has yet to reveal her identity. She has made a friend, a volunteer at the hospital. Clair loans her laptop to her new friend, who she has dubbed as 'Nancy' after her favorite teen detective, Nancy Drew. She is always looking up stuff. She is smart and blonde. And seems to know the best gossip, what better name to call her. However, 'Nancy' is worried about her dad and if Clair might be a threat or plant from Lionel. Even worse she could just get hurt because she was in the way. I hope it doesn't come to that.
"How are you doing 'Nancy Drew'?" Clair comes in with a copy of the 'Daily Planet', her laptop bag, and a double cappuccino. She is a petite brunette, and has bright green eyes, it the first thing you notice about her. "Don't let the nurses or Doc Peter catch you with this." Clair hands over the cup.
"You know I am not a strawberry blonde." Nancy says taking a big sip. "Oh Clair. You are the best. I don't know how I will be able to repay you."
"Don't offend me." Clair gives an indigent sniff. "On to more serious news, how's the parental unit today?" Clair pulls out pack of gum and puts on the table.
"He's doing good, breathing on his own, now." Nancy takes a little gasp and tries to hide her tears on the inside. Clair climbs on the bed next to her.
Clair thinks She acts so tough. I know something it up. I just have to wait for her to trust me. She attempts to change the subject. "Guess what?"
"What?" Nancy asks. What is she up to now?
"Tad is a single man." Clair announces proudly of the detective work she has done. Tad is the PT that's been helping Nancy recover.
"I know." Nancy answers back.
"How? Never mind. You are 'Nancy Drew' aren't you?" Clair comments, "I will back by later, do I need to smuggle in anything?"
"Something chocolate or sweet? I don't care." Nancy has been allowed any caffeine by doctor's orders. I'm really good at following orders. a smile crosses her face as she thinks of Pete and Clark. I hope they are okay, for real. Maybe there's news today.
"I will see what I can do." Clair is heading out the door. "Better hide that cup. Doc Peter's on his way." Nancy hides the cup and grabs a stick of gum, chewing furiously.
"Doctor, How you doing?" Nancy asks. Doctor Peters has been taking care of her father and watching her.
"Very good, and how are you doing?" He looks over the chart. "I think you'll be ready to leave pretty soon. How does that feel?" He asks her I know there's got to be friends and family missing you and your dad.
"A little scared, where would I end up." Nancy feels a sense of relief and panic.
"I'm sure Clair and her family would be happy to help your transition." Doctor Peter comments. You two are like sisters anyway.
"What about my dad?" Nancy asks Careful Chloe, you don't want to give too much information.
"The fact that he has not regained consciousness is a concern. I'm not sure he will. I can only hope and pray that his body can repair the damage. I wish I had better news." He says to her. If she would just trust me, I might be able to help her. "I will be back by after your therapy session. Don't surf too much, all right Nancy."
"I won't." she answers.
Clair has to come from money; she has this type of laptop and its set up for wireless applications. Or she is a Lionel plant? Wish I could tell.
That afternoon
"Hey, look what I found." Clair pops her head into Nancy's room. There's a box in her hand.
"What?" Nancy asks I hope its ice cream. I could really go for that.
"Chocolate and Mint Chocolate Ice Cream." Clair pulls off the box. "Viola. But you better eat fast its starting to melt. She hands it over to Nancy.
"Thanks." Nancy digs into the dessert. How does she know?
"I was expecting more of a response." Clair adds, "So what's up?"
"Nothing." Nancy takes another bite. "This is heaven." She's now trying to cover up.
"You know that 'nothing' doesn't work for me as an answer. So tell me or I'll take the ice cream back." Clair teasing reaches for it. Nancy turns and continues to devour it.
"No, you can't have it." Nancy smiles
"Come on, whatever it is? You know you can tell me." Clair says climbing into the bed beside Nancy. "Give."
"Dr. Peters says I maybe ready to be released soon. I don't have anywhere to go." Nancy answers and sighs
"That good news, freedom don't you remember it. All the caffeine a body can handle." Clair has a smile and jokes to her friend. Come on trust me.
"I know, but my dad. You know." Nancy answers I so want to tell you, but I don't know if I can trust you.
"Okay, I wasn't supposed to say anything until my dad was here. I think you deserve to know." Clair gets up and pulls some paper and newspaper article out of her bag. She hands them to Nancy and lets her go through them. Nancy's eyes grow wider by the minute.
There is an article about Lionel Luthor's bail hearing and the explosion that killed Gabe and Chloe Sullivan. We're not dead. The obituary notice and memorial services announcements. She sees pictures of Sam and Lois Lane at the service. She sees Lana with some other guy. She sees pictures of Pete. Clark is nowhere in sight. Is he dead or is he in hiding? Then she reads the news article about the missing Clark Kent and how his father has been in the hospital in coma. "Oh my, Clark." She blurts out before she thinks.
"I've known all along who you really are? My dad was the agent assigned to protect at the safe house. Most of the staff knows as well and you are safe here. You see Chloe this is a place we take injured agents or witnesses. It's a hospital for the witness protection program." Clair finishes her statement and waits for the news to sink in. "I just wanted you to know that you and your dad are safe here."
"Are you really who you say you are?" Chloe is suspicious and cold.
"Yes my name is Clair Davis. My dad is Jack Davis and he thought I would be able to reach you better than he could. I know what's it like to lose people and what its like to have to hide." Clair answers
"Are you really my age or just some kid looking narc?" Chloe snaps
"Ouch. You have a right to be angry. Yes I'm 18. I graduated from college in May. I'm one of those 'smart pants type girls' and that's why my dad asked for my help." Clair comments. "My dad is coming and will explain things to you. I'll bet you have questions about your friends and family. I can tell you all of them are safe. Even Clark."
"Really?" Chloe thinks. How can I trust you?
"You're probably wondering 'now how can I trust her' aren't you?" Clair happens to be a mind reader.
"Exactly, but for some reason I do. I don't know why." Chloe adds.
"You have good instincts, like me. That's what I like about you 'Nancy Drew'? "Clair smiles hoping to get the wall to come down.
"Is Clark in hiding, like me?" Chloe asks tentatively
"No, he disappeared about the same time. He only just showed up on his family's farm a couple of weeks ago. Right out of the blue. That's weird." Clair tells her
"No, that's Clark Kent." He's safe, but he thinks I'm dead.
"I can't let my friends and family think I'm dead, my dad." Chloe pleads
"It could put all of you in more danger, and its best we keep you dead until the trial." Clair answers and is trying to sway her fears. "They are all being watched and my dad is really good at taking care of people. Trust me, I know it's a lot to ask and a lot to take in right now. I am a friend."
"I really can't let them thinks I'm dead, especially Clark." Chloe says.
"Well your cousin Lois is being a pain. She has been digging into your death, dragging little sis right along with her." Clair tells Chloe
"Can't imagine Lois causing a problem." Chloe smiles Lois is a stubborn as a mule or as the day is long. No, it's both with her. Everyone thinks I'm dead, except Lois?
The next morning
Back at the Luthor mansion, Janine is working out and Sheryl Crow's "My Favorite Mistake" is playing. That's about me and Lex. She thinks to herself.
"Planning of taking the title?" Lex asks and watches Janine going through some kickboxing moves. Beautiful and Deadly, just like an asp. Lex laughs at the thought.
"I could. You know." Janine says as she grabs her towel and bottled water.
"I don't doubt it." Lex replies back.
"Good morning, Lex." Terrence comes in. "I have some interesting news about our Mr. Clark Kent. I wanted to double-check it before I said anything. It's true."
"I wish you to would leave that alone." Lex adds. It's hard enough to win back his trust without the two of you dredging up old wounds and rubbing salt in them.
"Well, Let me finish please." Terrence snaps. "Our young man has a friend in Dr. Virgil Swann. But you already knew, didn't you Lex."
"That boy is fascinating and he hope from fire to frying pan. One billionaire to another. And I'll just bet that's what the room was all about, wasn't Lex." Janine taking one last jab.
"Yes, I knew. So did the FBI. What took you so long Terrence." Lex adds his own jab. "I'll be in the "the war room" if you need me." Lex turns and walks out. Lex walks down the hall and down to his office and desk. His phone goes off and Caller-ID flashes 'Kent'. He answers hoping its Clark. Instead it's Martha.
"Hello Lex, Its Martha. I know you want to come by, but its still not a good time." She says.
"Be honest with me Martha, Clark doesn't want anymore to do with me." Lex knows the answer he just wants to try. I will get you back for this dad, I know you gave him the key and told him about it. I haven't done a thing with that room in over a year. I should have said something to him, myself.
"I don't know, Lex. When he is ready to talk I am sure we will all understand." Martha answers as honest as she can without betraying her son and his feelings. Why did you have that room, the stuff, why couldn't you just let it go? Clark would be your friend for life, but not now.
"Did he at least tell you where he has been?" Lex asks not expecting to get a real answer.
"Not yet. But we are giving him time; he is having difficulty with Chloe's death. You know he blames himself." Martha says and I think I've said too much.
"All right. Thank you for calling. Do you need anything?" Lex asks trying the olive branch.
"No, Lex. We will be just fine." Martha answers but wants to scream at him. Why did you have that room? "I'm glad you are better." She was being as civil as she could.
"Remember if you need anything just ask. I will talk to you later." Lex hangs up. Time to visit the monster.
At the Kent Farm
Martha looks out her kitchen window at a sight she has been praying for since she found Jonathan and that is the picture of her husband and son together again. Has it been almost three months, school will start soon, how is Clark going to do without Pete or Chloe. What about Lana and that young man that came back with her. Martha hangs her head down, she feels like she is losing what little strength she ahs left. She starts to cry.
Don't worry. He will be great, just wait and see.
Martha turns around and sees no one is there. But who? The voice is comforting and frightening. How can I hear this? She heads out to the porch. Again she hears the voice "One mother to another 'I thank you' Martha Kent." She looks at Clark. Do you hear it?
"Everything okay?" Jonathan notices a look on Martha's face, but he can't place it.
"Do you hear anything?" she asks and afraid of the answer.
"No, honey. What is it?" Jonathan asks and comes up to her.
"Mom?" Clark listens himself but hears nothing but the cattle and a prop engine off in the distance.
"I swear I heard someone say thank you to me." Martha sits down. "I must be hearing things. "
"She is not hearing things, I am here with you my son, with you all." Lara calls to Clark
"How can you do that?" Clark says that to no one visible.
"Clark?" Jonathan is getting worried now.
"It's Lara, but how?" Clark asks
"I will explain all to you. Someone is coming. I have to go for now" Lara tells Clark.
Lana drives up to the farm. She decides to try again to get through to Clark and tell him about Jason. I just hope he will listen.
Leaving the Hospital
Chloe and Clair leave the hospital. Chloe is now a brunette, just like her sister Clair. That's what the cover is for both. She is to meet up with her dad. They get to the safe house and Jack begins to relate what happened after the explosion.
"I was scheduled to be at the safe house at 3 pm. When you and your dad didn't show, I started digging and with a friend's resources found out what happened. However I didn't get to the place in time. The fire was in full rage. I figured I had lost both of you. Then I saw your dad; he was really burned all over. I was checking on him and I saw you. I guessed you were closest to the door. It looks like you hit a water pipe, which helped put out some of the flames around you. You were burned on your arms and legs; the head injury worried me the most. "
"I told you, you were hard headed. Taking out a water pipe, and still ticking." Clair adds and hands Chloe some water. She is trying to break the tension in the room.
Where do we go from here?" Chloe asks
"The trial is in two weeks. We will keep you under the radar until then. Clair is going to be her and I have two trusted bodyguards coming up tonight." Jack answers
"Bodyguards are they at least cute?" Clair has her own brand of wit.
"Clair!" her dad looks and smiles. I know she is good at what she does. But I never wanted her to join the FBI, but that didn't deter her at all. She is working as a profiler, except for right now. She's helping her old man. I feel so very old right now.
"Sorry. There is just way too much tension." Clair says and sits down next to him.
"Just so the both of you know, there are two other witnesses. Perry White and Helen Bryce." Jack adds and takes a drink.
"That's good or bad?" Clair asks
"The people they are with I do not trust." Jack answers
"If it helps put Lionel away. I will deal with the people you don't trust. My dad could still die." Chloe getting her feet under her and determined not to let that magnificent bastard win.
"Look out Lionel. Chloe means business." Clair smiles
"Both of you be careful and watch your backs. This man doesn't play by rules." Jack looks to Clair and then to Chloe. "Understood?"
"Yes, completely." Clair answers. "We will be okay."
Chloe notices that Jack is actually young looking. He has a scar on his lip, from it being split. It looks like it was painful, and Clair looks nothing like him. I wonder if she's adopted like Clark. A look of pain crosses Chloe's face.
"Chloe, are you okay?" Clair picks up on all the details.
"Yeah, just a bad memory." Chloe answers.
"I have to get back. I love you." Jack says and kisses Clair on the forehead. "I don't know what he was thinking."
"Go." Clair tells him and locks the door. She checks all entrances and then decides it time for relaxing. If we can that is?
"What was the last comment about?" Chloe asks. Will you trust me, that is?
"How about I make something to eat and we will discuss it?" Clair answers. "I don't know about you but I am starving."
"I am, too." Will you really answer me?
Chloe and Clair head to the kitchen.
"How about Beef and Broccoli?" Clair asks
"Sounds good, can I help?" Chloe asks
"Try to relax." Clair smiles. "And cut this up." Handing her the broccoli.
"You said earlier that you know what is what like to hide and what's its like to lose someone. Will you tell me about that?" Chloe asks
"That's why I am in the law enforcement arena, my mother was ATF. She was killed in the line of duty. The man's name was Morgan Edge. You know the childhood buddy of Lionel Luthor. Now you see why I won't let anything happen to you." Clair answers.
"I see, but aren't you doing the revenge gig." Chloe tells is like it is.
"It was for awhile until I found my natural father. He made me see that I make my own destiny. I am who I am because of where I come from and those who love me." Clair turns. "How is that broccoli coming?"
"Sorry, I will get to work." Chloe answers. Wow. I wasn't expecting that answer. I thought she was adopted. Boy did step in it. Chloe finishes and hands the broccoli to her.
They set the table and Chloe enjoys the meal away from the hospital.
Outside Jack gets to his car and is determined to change the situation in Smallville. I have got to get through to that boy and his steel walls.
Lana walks up to the porch, she notices that Martha is distraught. "Is everything okay?" she looks at Mr. Kent and then to Clark. Clark still looks a little spooked by Lara's ability to talk to him and the fact that she contacted his mother.
"Everything is fine, Lana. Martha has just been through a great deal of stress." Jonathan thinks. Just don't push him Lana, I think he'll run.
"Is there something I can do to help?" Lana offers. Where have you been and look what you have put your mother through? She looks straight at Clark.
"Mom, why don't get you something to drink?" Clark asks.
"That's a good idea, son. Could you bring us all something?" Jonathan says wanting to get Clark separated from Lana. Clark goes inside and Jonathan doesn't mince words to Lana. "I know what you are thinking and you will not tell him or ask him anything? Am I clear? He has been through as much as we have?" Clark is listening to the whole conversation and comes out.
"Dad, its okay. Whatever Lana has to say, she can tell me." Clark looks at his dad. It's okay. I'm not going anywhere.
"Can we talk in private?" Lana asks.
"No, I need to be here." Clark says and he thinks safety in numbers.
"Okay. I met someone in Paris. He came back with me when Nell told me about Chloe and Lex. Then I found you were missing. I know that something happened to you. I wish you could tell me the truth." Lana finishes. Not the way I planned this, but with an audience, it's not easy.
"I wish I knew you could handle the truth." Clark responds. "Lex and I had a disagreement and I forgot about taking you to the airport. I am sorry about that. I wasn't expecting to see you in a clinch with Lex. That really hurt. My friendship with Lex is over, not because of that, but other reasons. I just wanted you to know." Clark takes a breath.
"It was a misunderstanding. He just said good-bye, wished me 'bonne chance' and gave me a hug. He has been a good friend. Like you once were." Lana made that last comment as a dig. I come home and feel like the little pink fairy princess all over again. No. I am not the same girl. "I am not the same person that left Smallville. I will let you decide if you still want to be friends. I am going to finish my senior year here. I am planning to take the editor's job with the 'Torch'. I have already talked to the principal. So we will be working together as friends or co-workers. Just so you know." Lana turns to leave. Why does he still get to me? She gets in her SUV and pulls out of the drive.
"Clark, I'm sorry. I know this hurts, but like you said she could be hurt if she knew the truth. Pete could have died." Martha says.
"I know." Clark walks away.
"Son?" Jonathan calls out.
"I just need some air. I'll be okay and I will be back." Clark answers. He takes off like a shot. He just runs flat out until he reaches the caves and he stops. "WHY?" he shouts to the sky as if it would give him an answer he could understand. "All of those tests, all of this knowledge, what so I can be alone, so I can conquer?"
"Who are you asking?" Lara's voice calls.
"You know who." Clark snaps angrily.
"Yes, its time we all have a talk. Don't you think?" Lara says and a bright light of red, blue and yellow streak through the caves. "Come on my son, let's find out what my husband has been doing?"