One last person to visit and entertainment would be set up for his enjoyment. Clark was crossing the street headed to the Talon to see Lana when the black limousine pulled to a stop in front of him. The door opened and the voice from within startled Clark who was expecting a flippant remark from Lex about Jay Walking.
"Good afternoon Mr. Kent." Lionel paused for a cordial response back which never came. "Get in son, I think we have some things to discuss regarding your future."
"Actually Mr.Luthor, I'm pretty busy." Clark started to back away from the car nervously fingering his knapsack. He cursed himself silently that Lionel had this affect on him. Lionel always had that look that clearly said he was better than Clark and that he disapproved of his friendship with Lex and that made Clark very nervous.
"Oh that is too bad. I was really hoping to sit down and discuss your friendship with my son. It appears it may be in jeopardy. But if you are too busy then I will be on my way. Good day Clark."
"Wait" Clark snapped out as he stopped the door from slamming shut. "Wait" he repeated correcting his tone, "What do you mean in jeopardy?"
"Get in." Lionel smiled at the already apparent victory. This was going to be so simple. This boy was so naïve it was pathetic. All that strength and talent was wasted on a youth who did not have the knowledge or drive to use it wisely for his own personal gain. Lionel meant to rectify this given time and tools, both of which he had ample of.
Clark was already sitting across from him in the shroud of the black leather interior. Lionel shut the car door and motioned to the driver to continue on and methodically shut the glass window to ensure privacy for what was to come.
"You know Clark you have the potential to be an enterprising young man given the necessary guidance and affluential influence."
Clark watched him closely waiting for an answer to his previous question and silently wondering where they were going.
"Now take my son for example. He has the drive and the intelligence but he lacks patience and resolve. He lacks the ability to sacrifice in order to achieve his goals. His fondness of you is an example of his weakness and you yours." He continued explaining,seeing the obvious confusion on Clark's face. "I know your friendship with Lex means a lot but what I am curious about is how much exactly does it mean to you?"
"What do you mean?" Clark probed suspiciously.
"It has come to my attention that you possess, shall we say, certain talents and abilities that you have yet to divulge to my son. Why is that exactly?"
"I don't know what you are talking about." Clark stated staring forward in an attempt to bluff what he knew was coming next.
Lionel simply laughed at the denial. "Come now Clark, it's finished. Your secret is no longer yours alone to keep." He leaned forward closing the distance between them. "I know your secret, don't push me into proving it to the world. I have seen what you can do and now I am going to harness it. Unless you want everyone to find out about your unique abilities I suggest you drop the act and listen carefully." Clark swallowed, eyes wide, but did not respond.
"Life is made up of a series of events and choices. Here is your choice, as of now you and I have entered into a business arrangement of sorts. I will tell you what I want you to do and you will do it. Simple. And in return you will maintain your freedom and continue your friendship with Lex."
"Mr. Luthor, I-"
"Choose your words carefully son." Lionel interrupted as he tossed the pack of pictures onto Clark's lap. Clark fell silent as he glanced down at the photos. He felt himself start to shake as he reached down but thought better of picking up the photos, concerned that Lionel would sense his fear.
"You were saying?" Lionel prompted his young pawn.
"Why are you doing this?" Clark asked as he continued to stare down at his lap feeling his eyes well up with tears of fear, nervousness, and an overwhelming feeling of complete powerlessness.
"I stand a lot to gain by our new found friendship. You see, I have always wanted someone who could get me everything I wanted at the flick of my fingers."
"What is it you want from me?"
"Oh a good many things. Time will tell how busy you will be. In the meantime, I have something to show you." He said as the car slowed to a stop in front of Luthorcorp.
Clark felt his body respond by getting out of the vehicle and was walking before he registered what was happening.
"No." Clark bit out as he stopped on the sidewalk in front of the building.
"Pardon." Lionel turned looking surprised.
"No. I said no. I am not going anywhere with you." Realizing how he must sound to passersby he lowered his voice and his tone took on less of an edge. "I am not going to do anything for you. You can do what ever you want to me but I will never help you."
Lionel smiled, oh he was going to enjoy this part most of all. "Son, maybe your should step inside and see what I have to show you before you make your decision. It is always best to make a fully informed decision in matters of such importance."
Clark felt an uneasiness settle over him as he considered his options.
"Maybe your friendship with Lex isn't as important to you as I had originally thought, but I am sure that your home is." Lionel threatened as he turned to walk through the front door of Luthorcorp.
"What? Wait!" Clark reached for the sleeve of Lionel's jacket.
"Follow me." Lionel commanded with an air of confidence as he continued through the doors.
Clark felt trapped even before he entered the building. He knew Lionel would never enter into this without having everything planned out to the finest detail. He took a deep breath in an attempt to calm his nerves and settle his stomach. Then he dutifully followed the older man through the building without a word.