a/n sorry I'm posting so slow… I hit a block… as this is the first fic I've written in years (something about Chlex just drew me back into my youthful wanton ways) and the first ever posting… feedback greatly appreciated.

Lex walked into his study in the mansion while Janet hovered in the doorway. The table was gone and the room was cleared. All evidence of his father's malice was gone. Lex barked an order to his staff without even turning around to see if there was anyone standing there or not.

"Give Janet a quick tour to get herself acclimated and then I want every member of this staff in the kitchen in 15 minutes, including the security detail."

Lex walked to his desk and quickly booted up his laptop. He pulled up his email. His eyes went straight to one particular encrypted message and Lex's whole demeanor sank as he saw the words on the screen before him. He didn't even have to open the message he already knew what it said, that however didn't stop him from torturing himself.

Luthor,

I was contacted by the girl at 0800 yesterday. The expected "accident" had just occurred. The man was killed. She survived. After being contacted by her I did as arranged. A body was moved into the house and to all of the authorities involved it will be hers. I was in and out well under the radar of the officials. In fact there was something odd about the lack of police and fbi on the scene. I had more than enough time to drop the body and there was still no one on the scene. Apparently Lionel was able to make sure that no hero's were around to rescue the victims. This now ends our arrangement. As always it is a pleasure doing business with you.

Rowden.

That's confirmation for you. Chloe's alive!

Lex breathed a sigh of relief which was quickly replaced by anguish as the next thought flooded his mind.

And Gabe is dead. She's all alone and just lost her father! This is all my fault! This battle with Lionel went too far this time. Innocent people have been killed all because of our desire to one-up each other.

"Damn," Lex shouted as he slammed his fist onto the desk in front of him.

Don't start the self-pitying bullshit Lex. Everyone knew what they were getting into. Chloe wanted to put him away as badly as you did. Just remember that.

Yeah, but why didn't I make her do things my way? If I could have just convinced her to NOT go to that safehouse her father would still be alive.

Don't you think she knows that too? You'd better put all this bullshit aside and help her. She needs someone right now! Pull it together.

"Ok I'm arguing with myself. It's time to stop this and put actions into motions. First things first," Lex said aloud before rising from his chair and walking down to the kitchen.

When he got there the entire staff was waiting for him with pensive and scared looks on their faces.

"As you all know my father tried to kill me and was unsuccessful, however one or more of you was working with him. And while I will find out who it is and put an end to them it is not my current priority. I will no longer be staying in Smallville, therefore I no longer have need of a staff. You will all be out of the manor by the end of the day today. Enrique, meet me back in the study and bring Janet along with you."

Lex turned on his heel and left the staff behind him without another word. Once back in his study he shut down his computer and quickly packed it away into his briefcase. He then turned to the bookshelf and opened the secret compartment that gave access to his safe. He removed a few items from there as well and put them inside of his briefcase. Just as he was closing the safe Enrique and Janet entered the room.

"Enrique, as I'm sure you've guessed, you are not terminated. You will be coming with me to Metropolis. I have things to attend to there immediately so I will be leaving the grounds shortly. I expect that you will attend to my things and be there in the morning. You are the only staff member that will be allowed in the penthouse. I understand that I am asking a lot of you, however there is no one else left to be trusted. All of my personal effects need to be transferred to Metropolis, I trust that you know what is of value to me. We will not be returning to Smallville any time soon. If ever. "

"Let's go."

"Excuse me Mr. Luthor, I agreed to follow you home to keep an eye on you but I was never informed that I would be going to the city."

"Come with me or go back to the hospital, it is no consequence to me but make your decision quickly," Lex turned on his heel to walk towards the door but he stumbled as he did so, suddenly feeling dizzy and weak.

"Mr. Luthor, you need to sit down. You are doing too much."

There's no time for this Lex. You have to get to Metropolis, meet with Lucas, and resolve the Sullivan situation!

Lex regained his composure, willing the feeling of weakness away.

"I'll be fine. But I've decided you have no choice, you're coming with me regardless of your decision. It won't do to have me passing out in the car alone."

Janet just stared at him completely speechless. However Lex could see the thoughts crossing through her mind quickly. He knew that she was considering how arguing with a Luthor would be the end of her career.

"Lead the way sir," was her simple reply.

tbc