Desperate Gambit
Part 2 Chapter 9
[Metropolis Prison]
Having discussed strategies with Clark over a very early breakfast, Lex headed for Metropolis Prison to speak with his father. As he walked into the cell block and observed the prisoner in his plastic cell, Lex noted that Lionel seemed relaxed—almost too relaxed.
"Lex, son! It's early in the week for a visit, don't you think?" Lionel wondered.
"I was in the city on business anyhow. By the way, I was going to ask if you had heard from Dr. Garner recently," Lex replied, getting right to the chase.
"Garner…no, I can't say I have. Sommerholt's such a nasty place," the industrialist deadpanned.
"Considering that you were wrapped up in it, I'd say so," Lex retorted.
Lionel steepled his fingers, considering his son's tone and word selection. "What's happened, Lex? What have you let slip this time?"
"Nothing you need to concern yourself with, Dad. I have my best man on it as we speak," Lex noted.
"Always reactive and never proactive. Lex, haven't I taught you better?" Lionel inquired.
"I survived my dealings with you," the younger man commented.
"I've held back because you're my son. Don't mistake filial relations for sympathy, Lex. One day, I will test you harshly. I hope you're up to the task," Lionel warned.
Like right now, I'd imagine? "As enlightening as this has been, Dad, I need to get some things done. Take care of yourself," Lex concluded, leaving the cell block.
After Lex departed, Lionel smiled. And you, Lex, watch your back. Take what I say seriously because it will come sooner than you think.
[Granville—cemetery]
After grabbing a duffel bag full of clothes and leaving a hurried note for his parents, Clark raced from Smallville to Granville in only a few minutes time. His concern over Lana and Chloe lent further urgency to his steps, propelling him faster as if he needed to go faster. Once in the cemetery, he headed for one grave stone in particular. Finding it, he once again read the name of the girl he was meeting there. "All right, Emily! I'm here as we agreed! Come out!"
"So you are, Clark," Emily Dinsmore replied, phasing out of the nearby mausoleum. Her dark eyes burned into him. "I should have known you'd let her leave! You messed up everything!"
"Cut it out, all right? I tried to keep Lana here! I wanted to tell her about me," he argued.
She smirked. "This is good. Mr. Perfect has his flaws, does he? What stopped you from being there for her?"
"My father. He came between us. If we get her back, I aim to change that," he vowed.
"So this is what it's about? Clark, if you're with her then she won't want to be my friend!" the oversized kid yelled.
"There's room in Lana's life for us both, Emily. She needs both of us. The question is how much are we willing to share with her?" he pointed out.
"But then why do you need me? Why don't you just go in and save her?" she supposed.
"It's not that simple. Lex Luthor and I talked over breakfast. His sources say that there's more stuff going on. They know about me, Emily. And somehow…." He sighed, trying to keep his composure. "Somehow, Tina Greer is with them."
Emily glared at him. "Her? She has Lana? I'll tear her apart!"
Clark took a deep breath. He knew that both Tina and Emily had been Lana's friends a while back. He had hoped that there'd be some rivalry there. The intense anger he saw in the clone's eyes told him that he had hit the jackpot. "Yeah. And she'll be ready for me."
Emily recalled how the little straight haired girl had moved in on her time with Lana. How Tina had monopolized her role as best friend. "But she won't be ready for me. All right, Clark, but I need something from you too."
"I'm not going to abandon Lana if that's what you mean," he insisted.
"I know better than that. I was hoping you and she would take some time for me. I'd like to be closer to Lana but…after the last time, I can see I need some help to learn how," she pointed out. "I don't want to hurt her but I don't know how to get her to pay attention to me!"
"I'll see what I can do but that's between you and her. All right?" he promised.
"That works," she agreed, as they shook hands on it. "Where do we go from here?"
"There are a couple of people we need to meet up with," he indicated. "Need to get anything?"
"Give me a couple of minutes," she told him. In that time, she sped off and returned with a full duffel bag. "All set."
"Great. Follow me," he indicated, as they sped off toward Smallville.
[Moore House—An hour later]
Clark and Emily sped to a stop, using the trees as cover in case Garner's surveillance was on them.
"So now where?" she asked low.
"That's Byron's place over there," he pointed out. He did a sweep of the area with his x-ray vision and listened with his super hearing. "I'm not getting anything. Let's go. Look normal."
She frowned at him but followed his lead.
Lex waved as he saw them approaching. He was putting a duffel bag in the Porsche's trunk. "Hi, Clark." He looked at Emily and did a double take.
"Something wrong?" she asked impatiently.
"Nothing. It's just the last time I saw you, you were eight years old," the billionaire declared.
"Whatever. When do I get to pound on Tina?" she inquired.
"Whoa. Not for a while yet. First we have to get over there," Lex indicated.
At that moment, Byron came out the front door with his mother. After giving the latter a kiss and a hug, he joined them. "I'm set. Clark, how are you holding up?"
"I'm surviving but I'll feel better once we get Lana back," he sighed, shaking the other's hand. "Let's get you into the car before the treatment wears off all together."
"I agree," the poet concurred. "By the way, I'm Byron Moore and you are?"
"I'm Emily. You want to be my friend?" she asked.
"Sure. And you're a friend of Lana's too?" Byron wondered.
"They go way back," Lex informed him, while helping him into the backseat. "You're next, Emily."
"Okay," she agreed, getting in reluctantly. As with any kid, she wanted the front seat. In addition, she didn't exactly trust either Clark or Lex but where Lana was concerned, she was willing to take the chance.
"Let's go, Clark," Lex urged, getting into the driver's seat.
Clark did the same, just managing to buckle his seat belt and close the door before they sped away for Metropolis. "What's the plan, Lex?"
"We're going to run a bait and switch. That's what," the billionaire noted. "We're going to take two planes. Byron, how's your French?"
"I'm not fluent but I can get by. Why?" Byron answered.
"Think you could guide Emily to the art school from London?" Clark inquired.
"Sure. I've read some novels about the Underground and Metro systems. Do you have a map?" Byron requested.
Lex smirked and handed him two subway maps. "There you are."
"So, Lana goes to a school for drawing pretty pictures?" Emily asked.
"That's about it," Clark informed her.
"That sounds like fun. I wish I could go there," she remarked.
"Hopefully, she can share what she knows when we all get back," Lex declared.
Clark sighed and bowed his head. "Yeah hopefully."
"It's going to be okay, Clark," Lex assured him.
"With her loyal knight ready to defend her, the lady will be free soon," Byron assumed.
"Ladies, Byron," Lex corrected him. "Chloe's there too."
"You mean she's alive?" Byron asked.
Lex nodded although they all could see him tense angrily. "Yes. And Garner's had her this whole time. So I can understand what Clark's going through right now." Keeping one hand on the wheel, he rubbed his friend's arm. "And you're going to keep your chin up, Clark. Got it?"
"Yeah. I've got it, Lex," Clark muttered. "Thanks though."
"Don't mention it. Now here's what we need to do. Clark and I are taking one plane to the designated hangar and follow the directions. Meantime, Byron, you and Emily will fly into Heathrow in London." He handed him an envelope. "Here are the directions to get to Paris from there. The art school's at the Eiffel Tower stop. Go up the stairs and take a left. Lana's apartment building is two blocks east of there. 2356 St. Germaine #442," Lex instructed.
"Sounds good to me," Byron agreed.
"At least you gave me an adventure, Clark. I like exploring things," she complimented.
The two men in the front seat exchanged looks as they thought the same thing. She has no idea how right she is.
Chapter 10
[Pyrennes—An hour later]
Hawk watched from the shadows as his underlings spoke on the phone. When they hung up their lines, he asked, "So?"
The tallest lackey, a man with a very thin build, reported, "Kent and Luthor's plane just took off from Metropolis airport right on time, Sir."
"Excellent. Anything else to report?" Hawk inquired.
"Just the usual LexCorp planes taking off for London, Los Angeles and Mexico City," the stoolie reported.
Usual? Not for much longer. The shadowy boss figure mused over their possibilities.
[Cell area]
Lana yanked at the bars again to no avail. She had tried everything from meditation to pacing and finally, practicing some kicks when she was sure that nobody was watching them.
"You ought to try it for four months," Chloe remarked from her bed.
"How can you be so blasé?" Lana demanded.
"Blasé?" Chloe bounced off the bed and put her face to the bars. "Look, Lana, I've been in this hole so long I can't remember what a hot shower feels like or anything! Just chill out!"
"Sorry. I wish I could," the former cheerleader apologized.
"Will you two stop it already? Geez, Lana! You make everything seem like such an ordeal! I know a couple of days without a shower and doing your nails is hell for you but deal with it," Tina interjected, entering the area.
"Why don't you try it?" Lana retorted.
Tina smirked. "Good try but I have a nice room already. Thanks. Oh, I thought you'd like to know that your guys took off from Metropolis about an hour ago. So don't worry, they'll be here before we know it."
"You really think Lex is going to walk right in here?" Chloe chuckled. "What planet are you living on anyhow?"
Tina grabbed her by the throat, raising her off the ground. "If he and Kent value your lives, he'll do what we say!" She grinned at Lana. "And I know Clark won't want one hair on your head touched, so there."
Lana fumed at those words, knowing they were true but hating the fact that she and Chloe were the bait.
"You know something? The others might treat me to dinner tonight for shutting you up!" Tina told the reporter before flinging her across the cell. "Now SHUT UP AND STAY QUIET!"
"Fat chance," Chloe retorted, rubbing her neck and not taking the hint.
"You aren't worth it, Sullivan," Tina declared. "Keep her quiet, Lana, if you know what's good for both of you!" She left, slamming the door closed behind her.
"Chloe! Are you okay? Why did you instigate her like that?" Lana insisted.
"She's not so tough," the reporter groaned, sitting on the bed. "We really need to do something."
"What can we do, Chloe? We're locked in here," Lana pointed out.
"Keep your eyes open. We'll think of something," Chloe assured her.
[LexCorp Jet—somewhere over the Atlantic and heading for Paris]
Clark stared down at the water far beneath them, wondering how Lana and Chloe were doing. He wished he could fly there at the speed of light, break down the doors and sweep them off their feet. Well Lana at least. They have to be all right. They just have to be!
"It's going to be all right, Clark. Settle down," Lex assured him. "Have something."
Clark poured himself a glass of orange juice from the container in the refrigerator. "Thanks."
"Let me guess, you're either worried that the golden routine with Reynolds is shot, the paper didn't get out or your parents are going to ground you when we get back," the billionaire guessed.
The farm boy glared at him. "I can't believe you can be so calm about this!"
Lex nodded, drinking a glass of scotch. "Yeah. It's the parents."
"Lex, stop it!"
"Clark, I am worried for both of them, all right? I'm also worried about us, Emily and Byron staying alive long enough to pull this off. Hell, I don't want anything to happen to JM either," Lex retorted sharply, slumping into a chair.
"JM? Who?" Clark wondered. Then he remembered the second message. "Is this that 'Miss Thibodeau'?"
"Yeah," Lex agreed, taking another sip from his can. "JM is Jeanne-Marie Thibodeau, an old friend of mine. She and I were close once." He smiled. "Right before I moved to Smallville and hit the bridge."
"So is there anything left between you?"
"Not anymore. Besides I have someone else picked out," Lex told him. "But JM's still a good friend and I don't want anything to happen to her." He sighed. "Since I knew she was going to the Sorbonne and looking for a roommate, I arranged for Lana to room with her. I didn't know it was going to be this much trouble."
"We'll keep her safe too," Clark assured him.
"Thanks, Clark. So you see? You aren't the only one scared stiff about those he loves being in danger," Lex noted. "I'm trying to stay focused. That gets you in trouble more often than not, you know."
"What does?" Clark asked.
"The way you rush right in. Now that I think about it, you think you're invulnerable. You're not if someone has kryptonite. The rest of us aren't either. One stray shot off of that hide of yours and we're toast. Think of it that way," Lex pointed out.
"I'm trying to help you," Clark debated.
"I know that but I'm saying that you should be more careful. That's why I like what I saw last night when we talked. Even though, I'm not sure about Emily, I like the fact you aren't willing to gamble with Lana's life or Chloe's on your abilities alone," his friend continued.
"Garner and Tina know about the rocks," Clark mentioned. "I needed an extra advantage."
"Hey. You just proved my point. Good job, Clark," Lex complimented. "We'll be in Paris in about three hours so relax."
"If you say so," he agreed. "I wonder how Byron and Emily are doing?"
[LexCorp Jet—200 miles to the north of the others and heading for London]
Byron typed away on his laptop. He had tried talking with his partner although she preferred looking out the window at the moonlit sky. Rather than frustrate himself by beating his head against a brick wall, he started work on his latest poem. Anything to keep my mind off of how Lana and Chloe are holding up. But then, there's the matter of Lex and Clark. They must be going crazy. He frowned. Clark especially.
"The clouds are pretty," Emily remarked.
He glanced at her, feeling shocked that she finally spoke. "They are…just like cotton puffs floating on the breeze."
"That is nice," she agreed before bringing her guard up again. "But don't tell anyone I said that."
"Why not? The others agree with you. Poetry is passion and emotion. It's everything to the world, Emily," he informed her.
"It's adult stuff and adult stuff is gross," she retorted, sulking off into the corner. "I'd rather play with my friends."
He looked at her again. She looks like an adult but she's really a little girl in there. No wonder Lex said what he did when we all met. "I like to play with my friends too." He saved his progress on the laptop and put it aside. "Tell you what? Let's see what Lex left for us in the fridge." He opened the refrigerator and took out a bottle of ginger ale and a bottle of cola. From the freezer, he found a half gallon of vanilla ice cream. Great! "You like ice cream sodas?"
"I love them! A vanilla ice cream soda! Can you make me one please?" she requested.
"Coming right up," he promised, taking a big glass out of the cabinet. Then he scooped in three large scoops of vanilla ice cream and topped the glass off with cola. After letting it settle for a minute, he put whipped cream, sprinkles and a cherry on top. Sliding a straw in the top, he handed it to her. "Here it is. What do you think?"
She sucked on her straw and her eyes lit up. "This is great! Thank you!"
He smiled at her. "Good. I'm going to make one for myself and then put everything away. Just give me a minute, all right?"
She nodded, watching him intently as he did so. Emily didn't want to admit it but there was something about Byron that made her feel…well…weird. That afternoon, he had been so kind to her. Everyone else had a motive but not him. He just wanted to talk and to be nice. Besides, he wanted to save Lana just because she was his friend. And she liked that. Even if he used those big strange words, he was okay for a boy.
"So you and Lana were best friends?" he asked, coming over and sitting down.
"Lana's still my best friend!" she snapped. "Too bad, I'm not hers."
"Oh, what happened? Lex told me there was an accident," he wondered.
She nodded. "Lana got caught in the river and she was in trouble. I jumped in and pushed her to shore. She tried to come back but I drowned…." The tears dribbled down her cheek.
He rubbed her shoulder. "Sounds like something a loyal friend would do. I think Clark would agree."
"He wants to come between Lana and me by taking up all of her time," she declared, pouting.
"No, Emily. That's what guys and girls do when they're our age. It doesn't make sense but that's nature," he explained. "Think of the birds, butterflies and all the pretty things in the world. They need guy-girl pairs to survive." She looked at him strangely and he remembered the companion's mentality. "They find others to make Mom and Dad pairings."
"Okay. But does that mean that they don't have time to play?" she inquired.
"It depends how much is going on. Everyone needs to play some, Emily. We just can't play as much as we did when we were kids. That's just the way things are," he explained. "And I wish I could play more."
"Thanks, Byron," she expressed.
"For what? The soda? I can make you another one," he offered.
"Nope. For explaining this weird stuff to me so I get it. When the other big people try, they use these big words and I'm lost," she admitted.
"Anytime, Emily. I'm glad you're here to help get Lana and Chloe out," he assured her.
"And to get Tina!" she added.
"What is it with Tina and you?" he wondered.
"She took Lana away from me!" she retorted sharply. "She's always wanted to take her away!"
"But Lana knows that Tina's not her friend now," he explained. "And you're proving that you're the better friend. Just be nice to her."
"And act like a big person?" she inquired.
"Yeah. Sorry," he apologized. "You want to know something? And don't think this is yucky. Please?"
"What?" she asked.
"I like you the way you are. You're not afraid of me. Thanks," he expressed, kissing her on the cheek and taking the dirty glasses back to the kitchen and washing them.
She rubbed the spot where he had kissed her and smiled. Maybe it felt weird but it also felt good to be cared for. And for the first time in a while, she had someone watching her who did. Maybe this big person stuff might not be so bad after all!
Chapter 11 [Paris—Lana and JM's apartment]
After leaving the airport, Clark and Lex took a cab right over to the apartment. As they entered, they saw a group of people congregated around the building.
"What now?" Clark wondered, as they got out of the cab.
Lex paid the driver and looked up at the fourth floor. "Don't know but I say we find out." Fearing the worst, he stormed their way through the crowd toward the police in front of them. "Pardon moi! Pardon moi!"
One of the officers seeing him and Clark approaching, yelled, "Get back!"
JM shook her head. "It's all right, Officer." She called, "Alex!"
"Come on, Clark!" the billionaire told his friend and plowing his way toward her. "JM, are you all right?"
She nodded as they embraced. "Thankfully. Who are these people, Alex?"
"They've got their own agenda," he explained. "There's someone you need to meet. JM, this is Clark Kent, a friend of mine from Smallville. Clark, this is Jeanne-Marie Thibodeau."
"Pleased to meet you," Clark replied, shaking her hand.
Despite the situation, she smiled. "At last, I meet the guy from back home. I'm honored."
Clark tensed, not sure of what to think. "She talked about me?"
She looked at her former flame. "Is he really that dense?"
"He can be especially when it comes to Lana," Lex informed her.
"Mon Dieu! Clark, you need to pay more attention when Love calls!" she pointed out. "Her mind is always on you!"
The teenager flushed with embarrassment.
"Told you so, Clark. Is there a place inside where we can talk?" Lex requested.
"Our apartment's gone. The dogs threw an incendiary device through the window. Thankfully, I was heading to school when it went off," she recounted. "Poor Lana. First she's taken. And now, her things are gone."
"Those things can be replaced, JM. I'm glad that you're okay," Lex declared.
Clark tensed. He couldn't believe that Garner and the others would be this crass! We were following their directions! If they would play like this then…. So help me! If they hurt her, I'll deal with them myself! Then with his super hearing, he heard a rifle safety being clicked off. "Lex! JM! Get down!"
"Why?" she wondered.
Clark charged, pushing his friends down just as three bullets streaked through the space where they'd been standing, hitting the sidewalk instead.
"What? Alex?" she asked.
Lex's brow furrowed. "They're taking target practice now, trying to keep us from thinking. Fortunately, Clark saw the shadows moving. Didn't you?"
"Yeah," Clark concurred, glad that Lex was covering for him. "I need to go."
Lex's hand clamped down on his shoulder. "Clark, remember, you stay with me."
Clark seethed with anger. Bad enough Garner played these games but he had violated Lana's privacy. He gave the surrounding crowd a look that made them back away.
Lex suppressed a shudder. He knew that look from his friend—the one he had before his inner wild child came out. "We don't need one of your bad moments, Clark."
"Then what do we do?" the younger man demanded. "I can't stand this!"
Lex threw his hands up in consternation, wondering how he was going to get through to his friend.
JM shook her head. "Allow me, Alex." She sat down beside Clark and asked, "It hurts, doesn't it?"
"Of course it does!" he ranted, looking at her through teary eyes. "I want to do something!"
She took a deep breath. "I know, mon Ami. So do I." She ran her finger across his right cheek, sampling the salty liquid there. "Now I know what I need to."
"And that is?" he hissed.
"That you love her. Clark, she wants you as much as you want her. Tell her how you feel. Be honest," she asserted.
"It's complicated. I can't," he retorted sadly.
"And this isn't? Clark, the reason we're here is because YOU DROVE HER AWAY!" she countered. "Has anyone told you that she cries every night?"
Lex stared at them. "You're serious?"
"Very," she reiterated. "I comfort her when I can. No matter how many dates I set up for her, they never worked out. I hoped that this Jason would be different."
"Jason?" Clark asked, remembering the name from Lana's letters. "What about him?"
"She went with him for the weekend. I warned her that it was a bad idea but she wouldn't listen," she explained. "I wish I could have kept her here this weekend."
"Then the kidnappers would have taken her and you too," Lex pointed out. "Look, let's head for our old place."
"Lex, ummm….what about…you know?" Clark asked.
"He has it in his instructions in case something like this happened," Lex pointed out. "Come on; let's go. Can you wrap it up with the police, JM?"
"They're set, Alex," she indicated, waving for the next cab. "Normally, I'd go for the Metro but who knows what they'll set off down there." As they got in, she told them both, "Have faith. We shall get her back."
"And Chloe Sullivan as well," Lex added as they got in and took off.
"She's alive?" she inquired in disbelief.
"The kidnappers apparently have had her for the past four months," Clark replied tersely.
JM glanced over at Lex and recognized the worried look on his face. "She means something to you, doesn't she, Alex?"
"Who?" he wondered, taking out his cell phone.
"This Chloe. You care for her, don't you?" she inquired.
Rather than answer the question, the billionaire dialed a number. "Hello. Reroute to Place 2. Repeat to Place 2." He hung up.
"Everything set with the cleaners?" Clark wondered.
"They'll drop off to where we're going instead," Lex noted, putting the phone back in his pocket.
"You never did answer my question, Alex," JM insisted.
Lex shrugged. "I've been getting on Clark for being such so dense around Lana. The thing is that I've been just as bad with Chloe. I never realized how I felt until the safe house blew up. Sorry to disappoint you."
She shook her head. "Non, Alex. What we had is in the past. If she makes you happy, then that's fine with me. Lana's told me about her. I can see why you would like her."
"You do?" he asked.
She giggled. "Of course! She has your mother's spirit, Alex. She can also handle you the way I couldn't."
"You think so?" Lex asked.
She smirked at him. "Best be careful, Alex. From what Lana tells me, she's fiery."
Clark smiled at him, arching an eyebrow.
"And don't you start on him," she told Clark. "You heard him. I agree. When we find Lana, you will tell her. And, Alex, you will tell Chloe as well."
Lex nodded and held his hand out. "I'm game if you are, Clark."
Clark looked at the others and nodded. "I should let her know. Okay, Lex." He clasped the hand.
"Another great step, Clark," Lex complimented. "Now let's see what we can find out." They paid the fare and got out in front of the Paris Hilton. "Long standing reservation."
"Monsieur Luthor! Madmoiselle! Bonjour!" the desk clerk, a slender middle aged man, greeted.
"Bonjour, Jacques. My usual room please," Lex requested.
"But of course! Just three?" Jacques asked.
"Actually there will be two more coming in just a few minutes. Their name is Jekyl," Lex indicated.
Even Clark caught that literary reference and grinned at his friend.
Accepting the key card from the clerk, Lex led the others into the elevator. Heading for the top floor, they found the appropriate room. "Clark, anything?"
He x-rayed the door, looking about the inside of the room. He couldn't see anything. But he could hear something. "Give me the card and stand back."
"What?" JM asked.
"Trust him," Lex indicated, handing Clark the card and pulling her back toward the elevator.
He inserted the card in the lock and ran back. "GO!"
Sure enough, the lock exploded, taking the door with it.
"How did he…?" she sputtered as Lex pulled her up off of the carpet.
"It's a long story," Lex told her. "Clark, are you okay?"
"I'm fine," Clark told them, as he got up and dusted himself off. "I have really good hearing although that's probably shot now."
Jacques, Byron, Emily and a police officer ran over to them.
"What happened?" Jacques demanded. "The Louis Suite is ruined!"
"The lock was rigged," Lex indicated. "It exploded when we put the card in it."
"This is beyond belief!" the clerk declared. "This room was checked not even twenty minutes ago!"
"They play hide and seek here too?" Emily wondered.
"Yeah they do," Lex grumbled. "Jacques, get me another room."
"But you damaged this one!"
"We didn't do anything other than try to unlock the door! Do it!" the billionaire noted. "And under no circumstances are you to tell people that we're still here."
"Oui," the clerk agreed. "This way."
Chapter 12 [Paris Hilton—New Room Several hours later]
After Jacques showed them to the room, Lex sent Byron and Emily back down with the hotel staff. Then he led Clark and JM inside and shut the door. Once there, they slept in shifts, waiting for the phone to ring.
"Who would do such a thing?" JM wondered.
"I can think of a few people who want to keep us on our toes," Lex retorted. Hearing the phone ring, he deadpanned, "Speaking of which, that should be them now." He picked it up. "Bon jour."
"Very good French, Lex," Garner complimented. "Along with the survival skills. Clark's really pushing our instructions to the limit, isn't he?"
"He just unlocked the door, Garner. I make use of my resources. What can I say?" the billionaire retorted. "Speaking of resources, how are my friends?"
"If you mean our guests, they're fine," Garner noted. "As long as you and Clark keep following orders, it'll stay that way."
"You have a hell of a way of 'giving orders'. I don't remember blowing up Lana's apartment or the hotel suite as part of the bargain. How can we trust you not to harm them?" Lex wondered.
"Like you, neither myself nor my benefactor waste resources, Lex. As I said, they're safe for now."
"Can we talk with them?" the billionaire pushed.
"Not at the moment but then, you'll see them soon enough. All right, this is what you do. It's 3:45 now. You and Clark need to catch the 4:30 train to Lourdes. From there, go to the Maison Estrelle. There will be further instructions waiting," Garner instructed.
"Along with a nitro-gram, I imagine?" Lex presumed.
"We just wanted to keep you and the farm boy from getting any smart ideas. But then again, it does pay to be careful. Lourdes train, 4:30. Be on it," Garner concluded.
"Where to next?" Clark asked.
"Lourdes. We have 45 minutes until we need to be on the train. Let's go," Lex indicated, leading Clark and JM from the room.
"That's where they went," she noted.
"Exactly. They're going to get us out of the city and then hit us in the mountains. JM, I need you to stay here and be safe."
"Not on your life, Alex! Your friends need a guide and I'm it! Don't either of you try to talk me out of that!" she asserted. "Besides, there's always the matter of my marksmanship."
"She has a point," Clark concurred.
"All right," Lex agreed reluctantly. "JM, you and the Jekyls take the same train but stay several cars back. It's an overnight train ride so be alert. They may try to hit us en route."
"Until today, I would have said that you're dreaming, Alex. After this, I would not be so quick to judge," she agreed. "Very well. I'll talk to our tourists and you both get going. If needed, there's another train that leaves at 7. I can get another weapon down there."
"Be careful, Cherie," Lex advised.
"Come on, Lex, Chloe and Lana are waiting," Clark advised.
"Your friend is right, Alex," she told him.
"Right," Lex agreed. "Come on, Clark." The two men walked out together and got into a cab.
This is truly unbelievable! JM hurried off to meet with Byron and Emily. Even as she did so, she began putting the pieces of her plan to help her new friends when the opportunity arose.
Onto Part 3
Part 2 Chapter 9
[Metropolis Prison]
Having discussed strategies with Clark over a very early breakfast, Lex headed for Metropolis Prison to speak with his father. As he walked into the cell block and observed the prisoner in his plastic cell, Lex noted that Lionel seemed relaxed—almost too relaxed.
"Lex, son! It's early in the week for a visit, don't you think?" Lionel wondered.
"I was in the city on business anyhow. By the way, I was going to ask if you had heard from Dr. Garner recently," Lex replied, getting right to the chase.
"Garner…no, I can't say I have. Sommerholt's such a nasty place," the industrialist deadpanned.
"Considering that you were wrapped up in it, I'd say so," Lex retorted.
Lionel steepled his fingers, considering his son's tone and word selection. "What's happened, Lex? What have you let slip this time?"
"Nothing you need to concern yourself with, Dad. I have my best man on it as we speak," Lex noted.
"Always reactive and never proactive. Lex, haven't I taught you better?" Lionel inquired.
"I survived my dealings with you," the younger man commented.
"I've held back because you're my son. Don't mistake filial relations for sympathy, Lex. One day, I will test you harshly. I hope you're up to the task," Lionel warned.
Like right now, I'd imagine? "As enlightening as this has been, Dad, I need to get some things done. Take care of yourself," Lex concluded, leaving the cell block.
After Lex departed, Lionel smiled. And you, Lex, watch your back. Take what I say seriously because it will come sooner than you think.
[Granville—cemetery]
After grabbing a duffel bag full of clothes and leaving a hurried note for his parents, Clark raced from Smallville to Granville in only a few minutes time. His concern over Lana and Chloe lent further urgency to his steps, propelling him faster as if he needed to go faster. Once in the cemetery, he headed for one grave stone in particular. Finding it, he once again read the name of the girl he was meeting there. "All right, Emily! I'm here as we agreed! Come out!"
"So you are, Clark," Emily Dinsmore replied, phasing out of the nearby mausoleum. Her dark eyes burned into him. "I should have known you'd let her leave! You messed up everything!"
"Cut it out, all right? I tried to keep Lana here! I wanted to tell her about me," he argued.
She smirked. "This is good. Mr. Perfect has his flaws, does he? What stopped you from being there for her?"
"My father. He came between us. If we get her back, I aim to change that," he vowed.
"So this is what it's about? Clark, if you're with her then she won't want to be my friend!" the oversized kid yelled.
"There's room in Lana's life for us both, Emily. She needs both of us. The question is how much are we willing to share with her?" he pointed out.
"But then why do you need me? Why don't you just go in and save her?" she supposed.
"It's not that simple. Lex Luthor and I talked over breakfast. His sources say that there's more stuff going on. They know about me, Emily. And somehow…." He sighed, trying to keep his composure. "Somehow, Tina Greer is with them."
Emily glared at him. "Her? She has Lana? I'll tear her apart!"
Clark took a deep breath. He knew that both Tina and Emily had been Lana's friends a while back. He had hoped that there'd be some rivalry there. The intense anger he saw in the clone's eyes told him that he had hit the jackpot. "Yeah. And she'll be ready for me."
Emily recalled how the little straight haired girl had moved in on her time with Lana. How Tina had monopolized her role as best friend. "But she won't be ready for me. All right, Clark, but I need something from you too."
"I'm not going to abandon Lana if that's what you mean," he insisted.
"I know better than that. I was hoping you and she would take some time for me. I'd like to be closer to Lana but…after the last time, I can see I need some help to learn how," she pointed out. "I don't want to hurt her but I don't know how to get her to pay attention to me!"
"I'll see what I can do but that's between you and her. All right?" he promised.
"That works," she agreed, as they shook hands on it. "Where do we go from here?"
"There are a couple of people we need to meet up with," he indicated. "Need to get anything?"
"Give me a couple of minutes," she told him. In that time, she sped off and returned with a full duffel bag. "All set."
"Great. Follow me," he indicated, as they sped off toward Smallville.
[Moore House—An hour later]
Clark and Emily sped to a stop, using the trees as cover in case Garner's surveillance was on them.
"So now where?" she asked low.
"That's Byron's place over there," he pointed out. He did a sweep of the area with his x-ray vision and listened with his super hearing. "I'm not getting anything. Let's go. Look normal."
She frowned at him but followed his lead.
Lex waved as he saw them approaching. He was putting a duffel bag in the Porsche's trunk. "Hi, Clark." He looked at Emily and did a double take.
"Something wrong?" she asked impatiently.
"Nothing. It's just the last time I saw you, you were eight years old," the billionaire declared.
"Whatever. When do I get to pound on Tina?" she inquired.
"Whoa. Not for a while yet. First we have to get over there," Lex indicated.
At that moment, Byron came out the front door with his mother. After giving the latter a kiss and a hug, he joined them. "I'm set. Clark, how are you holding up?"
"I'm surviving but I'll feel better once we get Lana back," he sighed, shaking the other's hand. "Let's get you into the car before the treatment wears off all together."
"I agree," the poet concurred. "By the way, I'm Byron Moore and you are?"
"I'm Emily. You want to be my friend?" she asked.
"Sure. And you're a friend of Lana's too?" Byron wondered.
"They go way back," Lex informed him, while helping him into the backseat. "You're next, Emily."
"Okay," she agreed, getting in reluctantly. As with any kid, she wanted the front seat. In addition, she didn't exactly trust either Clark or Lex but where Lana was concerned, she was willing to take the chance.
"Let's go, Clark," Lex urged, getting into the driver's seat.
Clark did the same, just managing to buckle his seat belt and close the door before they sped away for Metropolis. "What's the plan, Lex?"
"We're going to run a bait and switch. That's what," the billionaire noted. "We're going to take two planes. Byron, how's your French?"
"I'm not fluent but I can get by. Why?" Byron answered.
"Think you could guide Emily to the art school from London?" Clark inquired.
"Sure. I've read some novels about the Underground and Metro systems. Do you have a map?" Byron requested.
Lex smirked and handed him two subway maps. "There you are."
"So, Lana goes to a school for drawing pretty pictures?" Emily asked.
"That's about it," Clark informed her.
"That sounds like fun. I wish I could go there," she remarked.
"Hopefully, she can share what she knows when we all get back," Lex declared.
Clark sighed and bowed his head. "Yeah hopefully."
"It's going to be okay, Clark," Lex assured him.
"With her loyal knight ready to defend her, the lady will be free soon," Byron assumed.
"Ladies, Byron," Lex corrected him. "Chloe's there too."
"You mean she's alive?" Byron asked.
Lex nodded although they all could see him tense angrily. "Yes. And Garner's had her this whole time. So I can understand what Clark's going through right now." Keeping one hand on the wheel, he rubbed his friend's arm. "And you're going to keep your chin up, Clark. Got it?"
"Yeah. I've got it, Lex," Clark muttered. "Thanks though."
"Don't mention it. Now here's what we need to do. Clark and I are taking one plane to the designated hangar and follow the directions. Meantime, Byron, you and Emily will fly into Heathrow in London." He handed him an envelope. "Here are the directions to get to Paris from there. The art school's at the Eiffel Tower stop. Go up the stairs and take a left. Lana's apartment building is two blocks east of there. 2356 St. Germaine #442," Lex instructed.
"Sounds good to me," Byron agreed.
"At least you gave me an adventure, Clark. I like exploring things," she complimented.
The two men in the front seat exchanged looks as they thought the same thing. She has no idea how right she is.
Chapter 10
[Pyrennes—An hour later]
Hawk watched from the shadows as his underlings spoke on the phone. When they hung up their lines, he asked, "So?"
The tallest lackey, a man with a very thin build, reported, "Kent and Luthor's plane just took off from Metropolis airport right on time, Sir."
"Excellent. Anything else to report?" Hawk inquired.
"Just the usual LexCorp planes taking off for London, Los Angeles and Mexico City," the stoolie reported.
Usual? Not for much longer. The shadowy boss figure mused over their possibilities.
[Cell area]
Lana yanked at the bars again to no avail. She had tried everything from meditation to pacing and finally, practicing some kicks when she was sure that nobody was watching them.
"You ought to try it for four months," Chloe remarked from her bed.
"How can you be so blasé?" Lana demanded.
"Blasé?" Chloe bounced off the bed and put her face to the bars. "Look, Lana, I've been in this hole so long I can't remember what a hot shower feels like or anything! Just chill out!"
"Sorry. I wish I could," the former cheerleader apologized.
"Will you two stop it already? Geez, Lana! You make everything seem like such an ordeal! I know a couple of days without a shower and doing your nails is hell for you but deal with it," Tina interjected, entering the area.
"Why don't you try it?" Lana retorted.
Tina smirked. "Good try but I have a nice room already. Thanks. Oh, I thought you'd like to know that your guys took off from Metropolis about an hour ago. So don't worry, they'll be here before we know it."
"You really think Lex is going to walk right in here?" Chloe chuckled. "What planet are you living on anyhow?"
Tina grabbed her by the throat, raising her off the ground. "If he and Kent value your lives, he'll do what we say!" She grinned at Lana. "And I know Clark won't want one hair on your head touched, so there."
Lana fumed at those words, knowing they were true but hating the fact that she and Chloe were the bait.
"You know something? The others might treat me to dinner tonight for shutting you up!" Tina told the reporter before flinging her across the cell. "Now SHUT UP AND STAY QUIET!"
"Fat chance," Chloe retorted, rubbing her neck and not taking the hint.
"You aren't worth it, Sullivan," Tina declared. "Keep her quiet, Lana, if you know what's good for both of you!" She left, slamming the door closed behind her.
"Chloe! Are you okay? Why did you instigate her like that?" Lana insisted.
"She's not so tough," the reporter groaned, sitting on the bed. "We really need to do something."
"What can we do, Chloe? We're locked in here," Lana pointed out.
"Keep your eyes open. We'll think of something," Chloe assured her.
[LexCorp Jet—somewhere over the Atlantic and heading for Paris]
Clark stared down at the water far beneath them, wondering how Lana and Chloe were doing. He wished he could fly there at the speed of light, break down the doors and sweep them off their feet. Well Lana at least. They have to be all right. They just have to be!
"It's going to be all right, Clark. Settle down," Lex assured him. "Have something."
Clark poured himself a glass of orange juice from the container in the refrigerator. "Thanks."
"Let me guess, you're either worried that the golden routine with Reynolds is shot, the paper didn't get out or your parents are going to ground you when we get back," the billionaire guessed.
The farm boy glared at him. "I can't believe you can be so calm about this!"
Lex nodded, drinking a glass of scotch. "Yeah. It's the parents."
"Lex, stop it!"
"Clark, I am worried for both of them, all right? I'm also worried about us, Emily and Byron staying alive long enough to pull this off. Hell, I don't want anything to happen to JM either," Lex retorted sharply, slumping into a chair.
"JM? Who?" Clark wondered. Then he remembered the second message. "Is this that 'Miss Thibodeau'?"
"Yeah," Lex agreed, taking another sip from his can. "JM is Jeanne-Marie Thibodeau, an old friend of mine. She and I were close once." He smiled. "Right before I moved to Smallville and hit the bridge."
"So is there anything left between you?"
"Not anymore. Besides I have someone else picked out," Lex told him. "But JM's still a good friend and I don't want anything to happen to her." He sighed. "Since I knew she was going to the Sorbonne and looking for a roommate, I arranged for Lana to room with her. I didn't know it was going to be this much trouble."
"We'll keep her safe too," Clark assured him.
"Thanks, Clark. So you see? You aren't the only one scared stiff about those he loves being in danger," Lex noted. "I'm trying to stay focused. That gets you in trouble more often than not, you know."
"What does?" Clark asked.
"The way you rush right in. Now that I think about it, you think you're invulnerable. You're not if someone has kryptonite. The rest of us aren't either. One stray shot off of that hide of yours and we're toast. Think of it that way," Lex pointed out.
"I'm trying to help you," Clark debated.
"I know that but I'm saying that you should be more careful. That's why I like what I saw last night when we talked. Even though, I'm not sure about Emily, I like the fact you aren't willing to gamble with Lana's life or Chloe's on your abilities alone," his friend continued.
"Garner and Tina know about the rocks," Clark mentioned. "I needed an extra advantage."
"Hey. You just proved my point. Good job, Clark," Lex complimented. "We'll be in Paris in about three hours so relax."
"If you say so," he agreed. "I wonder how Byron and Emily are doing?"
[LexCorp Jet—200 miles to the north of the others and heading for London]
Byron typed away on his laptop. He had tried talking with his partner although she preferred looking out the window at the moonlit sky. Rather than frustrate himself by beating his head against a brick wall, he started work on his latest poem. Anything to keep my mind off of how Lana and Chloe are holding up. But then, there's the matter of Lex and Clark. They must be going crazy. He frowned. Clark especially.
"The clouds are pretty," Emily remarked.
He glanced at her, feeling shocked that she finally spoke. "They are…just like cotton puffs floating on the breeze."
"That is nice," she agreed before bringing her guard up again. "But don't tell anyone I said that."
"Why not? The others agree with you. Poetry is passion and emotion. It's everything to the world, Emily," he informed her.
"It's adult stuff and adult stuff is gross," she retorted, sulking off into the corner. "I'd rather play with my friends."
He looked at her again. She looks like an adult but she's really a little girl in there. No wonder Lex said what he did when we all met. "I like to play with my friends too." He saved his progress on the laptop and put it aside. "Tell you what? Let's see what Lex left for us in the fridge." He opened the refrigerator and took out a bottle of ginger ale and a bottle of cola. From the freezer, he found a half gallon of vanilla ice cream. Great! "You like ice cream sodas?"
"I love them! A vanilla ice cream soda! Can you make me one please?" she requested.
"Coming right up," he promised, taking a big glass out of the cabinet. Then he scooped in three large scoops of vanilla ice cream and topped the glass off with cola. After letting it settle for a minute, he put whipped cream, sprinkles and a cherry on top. Sliding a straw in the top, he handed it to her. "Here it is. What do you think?"
She sucked on her straw and her eyes lit up. "This is great! Thank you!"
He smiled at her. "Good. I'm going to make one for myself and then put everything away. Just give me a minute, all right?"
She nodded, watching him intently as he did so. Emily didn't want to admit it but there was something about Byron that made her feel…well…weird. That afternoon, he had been so kind to her. Everyone else had a motive but not him. He just wanted to talk and to be nice. Besides, he wanted to save Lana just because she was his friend. And she liked that. Even if he used those big strange words, he was okay for a boy.
"So you and Lana were best friends?" he asked, coming over and sitting down.
"Lana's still my best friend!" she snapped. "Too bad, I'm not hers."
"Oh, what happened? Lex told me there was an accident," he wondered.
She nodded. "Lana got caught in the river and she was in trouble. I jumped in and pushed her to shore. She tried to come back but I drowned…." The tears dribbled down her cheek.
He rubbed her shoulder. "Sounds like something a loyal friend would do. I think Clark would agree."
"He wants to come between Lana and me by taking up all of her time," she declared, pouting.
"No, Emily. That's what guys and girls do when they're our age. It doesn't make sense but that's nature," he explained. "Think of the birds, butterflies and all the pretty things in the world. They need guy-girl pairs to survive." She looked at him strangely and he remembered the companion's mentality. "They find others to make Mom and Dad pairings."
"Okay. But does that mean that they don't have time to play?" she inquired.
"It depends how much is going on. Everyone needs to play some, Emily. We just can't play as much as we did when we were kids. That's just the way things are," he explained. "And I wish I could play more."
"Thanks, Byron," she expressed.
"For what? The soda? I can make you another one," he offered.
"Nope. For explaining this weird stuff to me so I get it. When the other big people try, they use these big words and I'm lost," she admitted.
"Anytime, Emily. I'm glad you're here to help get Lana and Chloe out," he assured her.
"And to get Tina!" she added.
"What is it with Tina and you?" he wondered.
"She took Lana away from me!" she retorted sharply. "She's always wanted to take her away!"
"But Lana knows that Tina's not her friend now," he explained. "And you're proving that you're the better friend. Just be nice to her."
"And act like a big person?" she inquired.
"Yeah. Sorry," he apologized. "You want to know something? And don't think this is yucky. Please?"
"What?" she asked.
"I like you the way you are. You're not afraid of me. Thanks," he expressed, kissing her on the cheek and taking the dirty glasses back to the kitchen and washing them.
She rubbed the spot where he had kissed her and smiled. Maybe it felt weird but it also felt good to be cared for. And for the first time in a while, she had someone watching her who did. Maybe this big person stuff might not be so bad after all!
Chapter 11 [Paris—Lana and JM's apartment]
After leaving the airport, Clark and Lex took a cab right over to the apartment. As they entered, they saw a group of people congregated around the building.
"What now?" Clark wondered, as they got out of the cab.
Lex paid the driver and looked up at the fourth floor. "Don't know but I say we find out." Fearing the worst, he stormed their way through the crowd toward the police in front of them. "Pardon moi! Pardon moi!"
One of the officers seeing him and Clark approaching, yelled, "Get back!"
JM shook her head. "It's all right, Officer." She called, "Alex!"
"Come on, Clark!" the billionaire told his friend and plowing his way toward her. "JM, are you all right?"
She nodded as they embraced. "Thankfully. Who are these people, Alex?"
"They've got their own agenda," he explained. "There's someone you need to meet. JM, this is Clark Kent, a friend of mine from Smallville. Clark, this is Jeanne-Marie Thibodeau."
"Pleased to meet you," Clark replied, shaking her hand.
Despite the situation, she smiled. "At last, I meet the guy from back home. I'm honored."
Clark tensed, not sure of what to think. "She talked about me?"
She looked at her former flame. "Is he really that dense?"
"He can be especially when it comes to Lana," Lex informed her.
"Mon Dieu! Clark, you need to pay more attention when Love calls!" she pointed out. "Her mind is always on you!"
The teenager flushed with embarrassment.
"Told you so, Clark. Is there a place inside where we can talk?" Lex requested.
"Our apartment's gone. The dogs threw an incendiary device through the window. Thankfully, I was heading to school when it went off," she recounted. "Poor Lana. First she's taken. And now, her things are gone."
"Those things can be replaced, JM. I'm glad that you're okay," Lex declared.
Clark tensed. He couldn't believe that Garner and the others would be this crass! We were following their directions! If they would play like this then…. So help me! If they hurt her, I'll deal with them myself! Then with his super hearing, he heard a rifle safety being clicked off. "Lex! JM! Get down!"
"Why?" she wondered.
Clark charged, pushing his friends down just as three bullets streaked through the space where they'd been standing, hitting the sidewalk instead.
"What? Alex?" she asked.
Lex's brow furrowed. "They're taking target practice now, trying to keep us from thinking. Fortunately, Clark saw the shadows moving. Didn't you?"
"Yeah," Clark concurred, glad that Lex was covering for him. "I need to go."
Lex's hand clamped down on his shoulder. "Clark, remember, you stay with me."
Clark seethed with anger. Bad enough Garner played these games but he had violated Lana's privacy. He gave the surrounding crowd a look that made them back away.
Lex suppressed a shudder. He knew that look from his friend—the one he had before his inner wild child came out. "We don't need one of your bad moments, Clark."
"Then what do we do?" the younger man demanded. "I can't stand this!"
Lex threw his hands up in consternation, wondering how he was going to get through to his friend.
JM shook her head. "Allow me, Alex." She sat down beside Clark and asked, "It hurts, doesn't it?"
"Of course it does!" he ranted, looking at her through teary eyes. "I want to do something!"
She took a deep breath. "I know, mon Ami. So do I." She ran her finger across his right cheek, sampling the salty liquid there. "Now I know what I need to."
"And that is?" he hissed.
"That you love her. Clark, she wants you as much as you want her. Tell her how you feel. Be honest," she asserted.
"It's complicated. I can't," he retorted sadly.
"And this isn't? Clark, the reason we're here is because YOU DROVE HER AWAY!" she countered. "Has anyone told you that she cries every night?"
Lex stared at them. "You're serious?"
"Very," she reiterated. "I comfort her when I can. No matter how many dates I set up for her, they never worked out. I hoped that this Jason would be different."
"Jason?" Clark asked, remembering the name from Lana's letters. "What about him?"
"She went with him for the weekend. I warned her that it was a bad idea but she wouldn't listen," she explained. "I wish I could have kept her here this weekend."
"Then the kidnappers would have taken her and you too," Lex pointed out. "Look, let's head for our old place."
"Lex, ummm….what about…you know?" Clark asked.
"He has it in his instructions in case something like this happened," Lex pointed out. "Come on; let's go. Can you wrap it up with the police, JM?"
"They're set, Alex," she indicated, waving for the next cab. "Normally, I'd go for the Metro but who knows what they'll set off down there." As they got in, she told them both, "Have faith. We shall get her back."
"And Chloe Sullivan as well," Lex added as they got in and took off.
"She's alive?" she inquired in disbelief.
"The kidnappers apparently have had her for the past four months," Clark replied tersely.
JM glanced over at Lex and recognized the worried look on his face. "She means something to you, doesn't she, Alex?"
"Who?" he wondered, taking out his cell phone.
"This Chloe. You care for her, don't you?" she inquired.
Rather than answer the question, the billionaire dialed a number. "Hello. Reroute to Place 2. Repeat to Place 2." He hung up.
"Everything set with the cleaners?" Clark wondered.
"They'll drop off to where we're going instead," Lex noted, putting the phone back in his pocket.
"You never did answer my question, Alex," JM insisted.
Lex shrugged. "I've been getting on Clark for being such so dense around Lana. The thing is that I've been just as bad with Chloe. I never realized how I felt until the safe house blew up. Sorry to disappoint you."
She shook her head. "Non, Alex. What we had is in the past. If she makes you happy, then that's fine with me. Lana's told me about her. I can see why you would like her."
"You do?" he asked.
She giggled. "Of course! She has your mother's spirit, Alex. She can also handle you the way I couldn't."
"You think so?" Lex asked.
She smirked at him. "Best be careful, Alex. From what Lana tells me, she's fiery."
Clark smiled at him, arching an eyebrow.
"And don't you start on him," she told Clark. "You heard him. I agree. When we find Lana, you will tell her. And, Alex, you will tell Chloe as well."
Lex nodded and held his hand out. "I'm game if you are, Clark."
Clark looked at the others and nodded. "I should let her know. Okay, Lex." He clasped the hand.
"Another great step, Clark," Lex complimented. "Now let's see what we can find out." They paid the fare and got out in front of the Paris Hilton. "Long standing reservation."
"Monsieur Luthor! Madmoiselle! Bonjour!" the desk clerk, a slender middle aged man, greeted.
"Bonjour, Jacques. My usual room please," Lex requested.
"But of course! Just three?" Jacques asked.
"Actually there will be two more coming in just a few minutes. Their name is Jekyl," Lex indicated.
Even Clark caught that literary reference and grinned at his friend.
Accepting the key card from the clerk, Lex led the others into the elevator. Heading for the top floor, they found the appropriate room. "Clark, anything?"
He x-rayed the door, looking about the inside of the room. He couldn't see anything. But he could hear something. "Give me the card and stand back."
"What?" JM asked.
"Trust him," Lex indicated, handing Clark the card and pulling her back toward the elevator.
He inserted the card in the lock and ran back. "GO!"
Sure enough, the lock exploded, taking the door with it.
"How did he…?" she sputtered as Lex pulled her up off of the carpet.
"It's a long story," Lex told her. "Clark, are you okay?"
"I'm fine," Clark told them, as he got up and dusted himself off. "I have really good hearing although that's probably shot now."
Jacques, Byron, Emily and a police officer ran over to them.
"What happened?" Jacques demanded. "The Louis Suite is ruined!"
"The lock was rigged," Lex indicated. "It exploded when we put the card in it."
"This is beyond belief!" the clerk declared. "This room was checked not even twenty minutes ago!"
"They play hide and seek here too?" Emily wondered.
"Yeah they do," Lex grumbled. "Jacques, get me another room."
"But you damaged this one!"
"We didn't do anything other than try to unlock the door! Do it!" the billionaire noted. "And under no circumstances are you to tell people that we're still here."
"Oui," the clerk agreed. "This way."
Chapter 12 [Paris Hilton—New Room Several hours later]
After Jacques showed them to the room, Lex sent Byron and Emily back down with the hotel staff. Then he led Clark and JM inside and shut the door. Once there, they slept in shifts, waiting for the phone to ring.
"Who would do such a thing?" JM wondered.
"I can think of a few people who want to keep us on our toes," Lex retorted. Hearing the phone ring, he deadpanned, "Speaking of which, that should be them now." He picked it up. "Bon jour."
"Very good French, Lex," Garner complimented. "Along with the survival skills. Clark's really pushing our instructions to the limit, isn't he?"
"He just unlocked the door, Garner. I make use of my resources. What can I say?" the billionaire retorted. "Speaking of resources, how are my friends?"
"If you mean our guests, they're fine," Garner noted. "As long as you and Clark keep following orders, it'll stay that way."
"You have a hell of a way of 'giving orders'. I don't remember blowing up Lana's apartment or the hotel suite as part of the bargain. How can we trust you not to harm them?" Lex wondered.
"Like you, neither myself nor my benefactor waste resources, Lex. As I said, they're safe for now."
"Can we talk with them?" the billionaire pushed.
"Not at the moment but then, you'll see them soon enough. All right, this is what you do. It's 3:45 now. You and Clark need to catch the 4:30 train to Lourdes. From there, go to the Maison Estrelle. There will be further instructions waiting," Garner instructed.
"Along with a nitro-gram, I imagine?" Lex presumed.
"We just wanted to keep you and the farm boy from getting any smart ideas. But then again, it does pay to be careful. Lourdes train, 4:30. Be on it," Garner concluded.
"Where to next?" Clark asked.
"Lourdes. We have 45 minutes until we need to be on the train. Let's go," Lex indicated, leading Clark and JM from the room.
"That's where they went," she noted.
"Exactly. They're going to get us out of the city and then hit us in the mountains. JM, I need you to stay here and be safe."
"Not on your life, Alex! Your friends need a guide and I'm it! Don't either of you try to talk me out of that!" she asserted. "Besides, there's always the matter of my marksmanship."
"She has a point," Clark concurred.
"All right," Lex agreed reluctantly. "JM, you and the Jekyls take the same train but stay several cars back. It's an overnight train ride so be alert. They may try to hit us en route."
"Until today, I would have said that you're dreaming, Alex. After this, I would not be so quick to judge," she agreed. "Very well. I'll talk to our tourists and you both get going. If needed, there's another train that leaves at 7. I can get another weapon down there."
"Be careful, Cherie," Lex advised.
"Come on, Lex, Chloe and Lana are waiting," Clark advised.
"Your friend is right, Alex," she told him.
"Right," Lex agreed. "Come on, Clark." The two men walked out together and got into a cab.
This is truly unbelievable! JM hurried off to meet with Byron and Emily. Even as she did so, she began putting the pieces of her plan to help her new friends when the opportunity arose.
Onto Part 3