Clark and Lana sat opposite each other, neither knowing what to say. The Talon had long since closed for the night and they were alone. Normally this would have elicited certain synaptic sparks in Clark Kent. Tonight though, his mind was consumed by concern for Chloe's well being.
"So what do we do now?" Lana looked up at Clark, her eyes wide. She continued, "I mean, we've tried her cell like, a million times. I'm really worried."
"Me too. But if you say she was with Lex…" he trailed off, slightly confused. He'd known Lex for over a year, and in that time he'd never seen anything but a casual acquaintance between the playboy and editor of The Torch. But hadn't Chloe said she had a date that evening? It couldn't have been with Lex, could it? Clark felt an uncomfortable shift in his stomach at the thought. But even if Chloe had been on a date with Lex, why should that bother him?
"Clark, she jumped out his car, threw up and then he guided her back inside. Something's wrong, and I dint know if I trust Lex Luthor."
"Lana, he's your business partner…"
"I know, but something about this feels off."
"Well, I trust Lex. He's my friend." But though he said the words, Clark felt a deep unease.
"Then what was going on tonight then?" she asked defiantly.
"…I don't know."
They sat quietly for a moment again. Clark felt helpless, a state he didn't often find himself in. rescuing people was what he did, was who he was. But how could he help if he didn't even know what the problem was? All his years of saving strangers, and now he couldn't even help one of the people he was closest to in the world. It hurt.
"I'm going to try her cell again." Reaching toward her own phone, Lana jumped as it started to ring. She looked at Clark.
"Maybe that's her," he started hopefully. She checked the caller id and shook her head.
"I don't recognise the number." Nervously she picked up the cellphone and spoke. "Hello?" She paused for a moment and slowly the tense worry that had marred her perfect features dissipated. "Chloe, hey… where are you?" Relief flooded her voice. As she listened, Clark watched as her frown deepened.
"So do you want some company…? Yeah, alright… What…? But…Ok, alright… I'm here with Clark, do you want to speak to him…? Ok… Bye." Lana clicked the cellphone off and turned to Clark. "Ok, that was weird."
"What did she say? Is she alright?" Clarks voice teemed with concern.
"Chloe claims to be researching a story for The Torch, staying with 'a friend' for the weekend. Clark, she asked me to lie to her father and tell him that we're spending the weekend clearing out the basement here."
Clark picked up the cellphone and flipped through the menu to 'received calls'. As he read, Lana noted the hard look that spread over his face. He looked up and met her questioning gaze.
"Lana, I know this number. It's Lex Luthor's."
