Chapter Nine: Regaining a Life
"We found him!" Lex said.
The group was once again gathered together at the Talon. Lex had been the one to call them together, saying he had good news.
"You found Clark? What do you mean, where is he?" Jonathan asked.
"You were right, it's Dr. Swann. He is holding Clark at an old army warehouse, just outside Metropolis. The place is perfect for what they are doing. It already had very thick lead walls, and apparently they had lined the entire place with the meteor rocks." Lex explained.
"Wait, how did you find all of this out?" Martha asked this time.
"I managed to contact Dr. Swann and interest him into a meeting. I explained to him that I was interested in investing in research projects and that I was willing to offer up a very large sum of money to be actively involved. And next week I have a tour of the facility scheduled. Plus, he's going to brief me on everything they have been doing. This is our chance to get him out…and from what I've heard, the sooner we get him out, the better."
"How do you know that he is the one with Clark, and he's not just running some other secret project?" Mr. Kent asked.
"At first all he told me was that he had an expensive project that needed funding, but that he didn't know if I was the best choice for a partner. Because I might have different feelings when I learned more about the project. I told him that I would give him half the money up front, and if I wasn't interested after I learned more, he could keep the money; and he went for it. He was obviously worried because he knew that Clark and I were friends, and I might double-cross him. I just told him that I was only Clark's friend so I could try and figure out his secret."
"So how do you suggest we get in and get Clark? I would think that they would have the place guarded pretty heavily." Jonathan asked.
"With Jason working as my assistant, he will be able to walk right in with me. I told Dr. Swann that if I'm going to be involved, I want one of my own specialists in on it, and to review the previous studies conducted; so I figure I can get one or two others in that way."
"I'll go." Lois said quickly.
"No, this is way too dangerous for any of you to go; Martha and I will go." Jonathan said.
Lex interjected, "It has to be one of them, Mr. Kent, they will know you and Mrs. Kent."
It was Pete that spoke up this time. "Lois, and I will go in. We could probably pass for young geniuses."
"Maybe, but I think it would be better if just Lois went in. I think I can get you and Mr. Kent in as extra guards. Your faces will be hidden. And the rest can be lookouts and be ready to drive away." Lex suggested.
"Okay, let's say we actually pull this off, where are we going to go? They aren't likely to just let us drive off with him." Mrs. Kent pointed out.
"Yeah, I know. I thought that maybe I could arrange somewhere in Metropolis for all of you to stay until they give up looking."
"Do you really think that they will ever stop hunting him?" Lana had stayed quiet until now. "All they will have to do is hand over their information to the government, and everyone will know, everyone will be looking for him, forever. None of us will be safe, as soon as they find any one of us, they will use us to get Clark to surrender himself to them. The only way to keep him safe is to destroy the facility. It wouldn't be altogether bad if Dr. Swann was too."
No one spoke.
Martha and Jason realized Lana's strong reactions, from their previous conversations. Lana hadn't felt comfortable telling everyone in the group her part in the secret yet. They remembered Lana describing to them her connections with Clark. Lana had told Jason that it was getting stronger. She said that she had some idea of what Clark was going through, though she wouldn't say in any detail.
"Let's do this, but Lana, we'll need someone to secure the safe house. Chloe and I will be outside in separate cars waiting for you to all exit…with Clark." Martha explained.
"I can have some of my men outside also…in case we need a distraction, or extra getaway time." Lex offered.
"No, I don't want any of your 'guys' in on this." Jonathan interrupted.
"I didn't say I was going to tell them anything; I never tell then more than they need to know. And all they need to know is that we may need them to buy us some time leaving the building." Lex explained.
"Alright, next week?" Pete asked.
"Yeah, next Thursday. By then I will have secured for you a couple of hotel rooms. I'll make sure you have money for anything you need. I will also instruct a dozen or so of my guys to stand guard outside." Lex turned to where Lana was sitting next to Jason in the booth. "Jason and I will have to stay clear of all of you, to make sure no one can suspect me, or my company. We'll find ways of staying in close contact though."
"I hate to admit it Lex, but I need to apologize to you for my behavior towards you. You have done nothing but try to help us. I don't think we would of ever been able to find him and have any chance of freeing him without you, so … thank you, Lex." Jonathan extended his hand to Lex, who took it with a sincere smile of gratitude. Maybe now he could finally be included in his idea of the perfect family.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
