Lillian Kane got out of the cab in Edge City and began walking to her destination. Five twisted blocks later she arrived at the tattered building that she'd driven past before. She fished a set of keys out of her purse and opened up the entry door. She climbed the three flights of stairs and entered the apartment she'd never been in before. Closing the door behind her she locked three deadbolts and two slide locks.

Once I'd have thought this many locks to be paranoia, now I'm not sure if they'll be enough. No one will recognize you, it will be okay How can it be okay? I have no one, no one at all. In time you'll be able to contact Lex and at least then they'll be someone to talk to Breathe Chloe just breathe

The apartment was simple and clean. Nothing ostentatious, nothing remotely suggesting that a Luthor had been involved in the purchase and decor of the place. One bedroom, a small kitchen and a bathroom. Only what was needed to survive and not call any attention to her current status in life.

She put the purse down on the counter in the kitchen and walked into the bedroom.

She heard his voice in her head… a line he'd told her so many times: If it happens, when you get to the apartment open the drawer of the nightstand in the bedroom first.

She sank down on the bed and slowly opened the nightstand drawer. She saw two items: a handgun and a plain white envelope.

Chloe reached for the envelope and lay back across the pillows of the bed leaving the drawer open with the gun still in sight. She ran her finger under the seal of the envelope and removed its contents. She unfolded the paper seeing that it was a letter.

There are only two reasons for which you might be reading this letter. One is that the ultimate disaster has happened and our carefully planned backup scenario was put into effect. Two is that Lionel is finally dead and you've come to see the elaborate scenario that I prayed (yes prayed, something I learned from my mother) would never become a necessity. I sincerely hope that that it is the latter of the two. In the interest of practicality I will verse the rest of my thoughts as if it is the first.

First and foremost, you survived. I know that it probably does not feel that way at this moment. You feel as if your life is over and for all practical purposes at this juncture it is. You no longer exist. If Gabe is with you then this hiding will be easier for you both. You will not need the guidance in the rest of this letter as he will be your support system. I will continue writing however in case he did not make it with you.

On that note I want to truly profess my condolences for your loss. He was a commendable employee, always loyal to the company and will be impossible to replace. There are no words that I can say that will ease any of your pain. No one can. You grew up with one parent and now he is gone. It will not be easy Chloe, but you are strong and you will survive.

The identity that we have set up is more than just a couple of id's and a credit card. You are now Lillian Kane, there is nothing that you cannot do as her. You have unlimited funds in the form of the credit cards that you found in the purse at the station. The apartment is taken care of in a way that cannot be traced back to me. You may do whatever you wish with your time there. You will contact me through the channels that we have set up and when it is safe I will come to you.

I took the liberty of making sure that the kitchen is stocked so that you will have food to eat without going out for a while. There are take out menus in the drawer in the kitchen. The apartment is furnished with clothing and toiletries. You should not have to leave unless you desire to do so. There is a computer in the small living room and it has been set up with extensive firewalls. Feel free to use it in any manner that you wish.

On this last note you will be okay Chloe. No matter how dismal it may seem now you will get through this. As soon as safely possible I will personally help you. I am to blame for the way things have turned out and if I have to spend the rest of my life both punishing my father and being indebted to you I will. I will not patronize you by saying that I will "make it up to you," as I cannot ever make up the loss of your identity or father. But I will make sure that every moment of your life here on out goes as peacefully as possible.

I do not know what your plans are after you've finished this letter but this is my suggestion. There are sedatives in the medicine cabinet. Take two. Get into bed and sleep. Whether or not you think you are tired or whether or not you think you need the pills, do as I ask. The shock will completely ware off soon enough and you will fall asleep. You will much prefer a sedated sleep with all you've been through. For once don't be stubborn Chloe just do as I ask.

Take care of yourself,

Lex

Chloe put the letter back into the envelope and set it back into the nightstand drawer. I'll do half of what you ask Lex, just this once. She kicked off her shoes and crawled under the blanket on which she'd previously been sitting, and laid back onto the plush pillows. Sheer exhaustion had taken over her body and within moments she was asleep

tbc ----

Next chapter : Lex's pov