Part 7 – Freedom

"Clark? Clark?" Lana called. She walked into the Talon slowly, and took a deep breath. It had been tough, facing down Mrs. Kent. But Lana thought she'd convinced her not to see Clark...yet. Lana was still puzzled as to why Clark didn't want to see his parents; in the time she had known him, he had always spoken of his parents warmly and fondly. What could have changed?

"Clark's asleep."

Lana froze. She recognized that voice, but she couldn't believe it. What was he doing here? She turned slowly, and met Lex's eyes.

"Lex..." Lana gasped.

Lex gazed at her for several seconds, before commenting, "You know, it would have been nice to know that the 'friend' who you wanted to have stay in the Talon was Clark. That seems like a rather important piece of information that you withheld from me, isn't it?"

Lana squirmed a little under Lex's dark glare. "Lex, I'm sorry. I was pressed for time, and..."

Lex held up his hand, forestalling Lana's apology. "As much as I want to be furious with you, I understand."

"You do?" Lana asked in astonishment.

"I spoke with Clark," Lex explained. "He's...well, a mess. Whatever was done to him has left him shattered. I can understand your need for privacy. But I'm curious...why not take him to his parents?"

Lana sighed as she sat down heavily. "I tried. But Clark was adamant about not seeing them. I couldn't convince him to go, and I didn't want to risk him bolting if I forced the issue."

Lex nodded as his eyebrows rose in surprise. "Well, that's unexpected. Do you have any idea why?"

"No," Lana replied.

"Well, that does make for an awkward situation," Lex stated. "Maybe I should go and talk to the Kents, explain..."

"Actually," Lana interjected, "I've already spoken with them."

"Really...?" Lex said. "How'd they take it?"

"Well, Mrs. Kent wasn't thrilled, but she understood," Lana confessed. "As for Mr. Kent...I didn't talk to him, but I'm sure Mrs. Kent will convince him."

"Makes sense," Lex commented. He looked at Lana for several moments before he said, "Listen, I have to go. There is a meeting in Metropolis I need to make. Do you want me to have someone stay here?"

Lana shook her head, "No, I can't risk that. Clark trusts me, only me. He'd probably bolt if a stranger stayed here."

"That will work in the short term, Lana, but what about long term?" Lex pointed out, "Clark needs help, professional help. You can't keep hiding him here. What about Nell and Jason? Sooner or later, they're going to find him. Look, let me make some calls. I can bring the best memory specialists on the planet here, and we'll help him."

Lana nodded. "That makes sense. But for now, I'm staying here with him."

Lex saw the determination shining in her eyes, and suppressed, "Of course. I'll stop by later."

Lana watched him go, and let out the breath she'd been holding. She should have known; Lex was curious and resourceful enough to figure out what was going on. Still, a part of her was glad he had found out; it helped to have someone to talk to and coordinate with. And it made things a little easier.

Lana's thoughts were cut off as she entered the room and saw Clark. He was strewn out on the bed, and his face was scrunched up. He looked to be having a nightmare. Lana instinctively reached out and gently rubbed his face. Clark's visage relaxed a more peaceful look came over him. Lana watched him for several moments. He looked so weak, so vulnerable. It scared Lana, for it was a condition she never thought to see Clark in. She couldn't let him stay like this; she had to do something.

"I will help you, Clark. I promise."

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"Mr. Luthor."

Lionel looked up and saw a guard standing in front of his cell. Lionel was surprised; he'd been here long enough to know the routine, and this wasn't part of it. "What's going on?"

"Follow me," the guard instructed. He unlocked Lionel's cell, and waited. Lionel considered his options, and decided to play along. He meekly got up and followed the guard. They walked though several doors, until Lionel found himself in a small room, with another guard standing there with a box.

"Lionel Luthor, you are free to go," the guard stated.

"What?" Lionel asked in some surprise.

"Your lawyer has managed to get the evidence against you dismissed somehow, and the case has been dropped. Here are your personal belongings. Get your self in order, and then leave out that door. You are free." As the guards finished speaking, they left, leaving Lionel alone with his thoughts.

Lionel was surprised; when Jor-El had promised to get him out, Lionel had not been convinced it would happen. He had been wrong apparently.

Lionel quickly changed into his suit, and walked out of the door. He found 'Michael' waiting for him. "You work fast," Lionel commented.

Michael turned to go, and fell into stride with Lionel. "It was a very easy task...for someone with my resources, there is nothing I can't do."

Lionel read that as boasting and threat in one; he'd threatened enough people to know it when he heard it. It wasn't an idle one; anyone who could make the case against him vanish that quickly was powerful, no doubt about it. Still, it was best not to let Jor-El know he was impressed, "Well, I appreciate the release, but what about the rest of our deal?"

Jor-El smirked as they left the prison and got into a waiting limo. "That will come in due time. Rest assured I will uphold my end of the bargain...as you will uphold yours."

"Of course," Lionel remarked.

"For now, I will leave you to your own devices," Jor-El explained.

"Why?" Lionel demanded.

"For my purposes, you need to be back in charge of Luthorcorp," Jor-El commented. "I will allow you time to get your house in order, so to speak. Once that is accomplished, I will speak with you and explain your next task. Driver, stop here."

The limo pulled to a stop, and Jor-El calmly got out of the car. Before closing the door, he locked eyes with Lionel. "Enjoy your freedom, Lionel Luthor. But never forget who gave it to you, or that I can make sure you suffer far worse than in any prison." He then slammed the door, and the limo pulled off.

Lionel smiled. His 'partner' was impressive; cunning, powerful, and threatening. But Lionel would not be played. For now, Lionel was content to allow Jor-El to believe he was in control; after all, Jor-El still needed to heal Lionel's illness. Once that was done however, well, let's just say things were going to be a little different. Still. Jor-El was right about one thing.

It was time to take back what was his.

TO BE CONTINUED...