Chapter 1
The cup of coffee steamed in the hot air of summer, and perspiration trickled down the handsome billionaires forhead. He climbed into the expensive silver porsche and, having pushed a button or two, the hood slowly rose to cover the car. In an instant he powered the AC full-blast.
"Any news?" he barked into his cellular phone's mouthpiece.
"We're sorry, sir," came the unnerved male voice from the other end. "we're doing all we can to recover her. This search has proceeded for five months. It's becoming... well, a wild-goose chase, for lack of better terms."
It had been almost half a year sinch Lex Luthor's ex-wife, Dr. Helen Bryce, had been pulled from the airplane on their second honeymoon. Lex had long ago admitted to himself that she had set him up, tried to murder him. He had long since gotten over her. However, two weddings and two deceptions later, he found himself unsure if he could ever find himself in a relationship again. He pulled away from the Talon with a sigh and made his way to Metropolis.
The large golden globe bearing "The Daily Planet" spun over his head. It was 5:30 p.m,
late, but fashionably late forhis meeting. He strode in, confidently as ever. Entering the board room, he found two men, one older, the other younger.
"Mr. Michaels; Mr. Taylor, excuse my tardiness."
"Oh, are you late, sir?" quipped the elderly man. He peered at his watch curiously, as if noticing for the first time that the wealthy young man was half of an hour late. Lex grinned inwardly at the benefits of having a lot of green. He clicked his briefcase open and slid into his black, leather chair.
The men of the Daily Planet took this as a signal to sit and bring out their papers for discussion.
"You wished to highly reccommend a possible future employee, I understand, Mr. Luthor."
"Ms. Chloe Sullivan."
"Sullivan?" The younger asked inquisitively. Lex nodded in return. He pushed a few printouts of Torch articles across to the gentlemen.
"She is a brilliant young lady. I believe that, should you read those, you would no doubt agree that she would be a very valuable asset to the 'Planet.'" he said matter-of-factly.
Max Taylor looked to Jon Michaels and shrugged. Michaels considered this a moment, and slyly grinned, leaning forward.
"Mr. Luthor, are you here for a reccommendation alone, or perhaps you wish to make a sort of deal, persay?" Lex also leaned forward, meeting his challenge.
"I understand that you're having some funding issues... a lawsuit, perhaps?" The elder,
Mr. Michaels winced a bit, but nodded in confirmation. "Perhaps the funding and lawsuit are taken care of... I would enjoy seeing a nameplate bearing the title 'Chloe Sullivan' on a columnist desk. Wouldn't you?" This was, of course, an overly generous offer, but Lex was always good to his friends. Mostly...
He strode out of the lobby thirty minutes later, a cocky smile plastered to his face.
((My good deed of the day...)) he thought to himself. WHAM!!!
Lex clumsily slammed into a woman about his age, sending her many papers hurling in all directions. ((Second good deed...)) he thought again as he bent down and scooped up the nearby papers. Grabbing her elbow to help her up, he said,
"Ma'am, I am SO sorry. Guess I wasn't paying attention."
"Guess not..." She rubbed her neck sorely. "Geez, you're, uh...solid." she said with a laugh. At the joke, Lex looked up at the girl for the first time. He shifted uncomfortably,
though flattered, and she blushed, wishing she had thought longer before she spoke. Finally,
it dawned on her.
"Oh my gosh!" said she, slapping her hand to her mouth. "I knew you looked familiar -- I only see you on the front of the 'Ledger' every week! I am SO sorry, Mr. Luthor." with this, they both stood.
"Well, you know MY name, but you have yet to introduce yourself." Lex noticed her long dark hair and fair complexion. She had pleasantly startling blue eyes and was tall, but not as tall as he. The thin young woman extended her hand.
"Felicity Monroe. I am starting a new project with Mr. Luthor." Lex was somewhat lost in his own thoughts. Yes, she was very pretty. Beautiful. Then, the odious name caught his attention again.
"My father?" Of course... there had to be SOMETHING wrong with any woman he found to be even slightly attractive. It was a cardinal rule. Murphey's Law. "What project? If you don't mind my asking."
Felicity's eyes flashed a hint of terror.
"He hasn't said and frankly, Mr. Luthor, I'm a little nervous."
"I'll let you in on a secret," His voice dropped to a whisper. "don't let HIM know that."
They both smiled. "Well, you have a meeting. I won't keep you. I apologize once again."
"Oh, thank you. Good-bye." she waved.
It was a bit of a consolation to Lex that she didn't actually KNOW his father.