Chapter 32 [Talon—1:00 PM]

Lana worked Coffee Press for latest Cappuccino. Microwave warmed Sliced Muffin beside herself. Her eyes checked Clock's face overhead. Concern ate at her. What are they asking Miri about? Is she okay? Lex reported on Clark's progress at the mansion. Chloe rested at Smallville General. Concussion would keep her in bed for a few days. And Mr. Luthor told Mr. Arighatto about us? He knew about Clark? She bit her lip. This secret is going to be harder to keep than I thought! Well, Clark won't have to worry about me. I hope Mr. Gibbons is okay with me just staying here and finishing up. Double shift—here I come! She took Muffin out and set it on a plate. "Okay, Mr. Jones. Here we are!" She handed him his muffin and the finished cappuccino.

"Thanks, Lana. Sure appreciate it. Great to see you. Best to your Aunt. Okay?" Jones tipped Cowboy Hat. Then, he shuffled off with Mid-Day Snack toward his table.

She sucked in a breath. Good thing Sandra's available right after school. I'm going to need a minute. She saw Martha come through the door. Maybe she knows something? She checked Coffee Pots. "Mrs. Kent? Anything new?"

Martha stopped in front of the counter. "I'm afraid not, Lana. Clark's going to be all right at least. I'm glad the Duboises were already in town apparently."

"Yeah, kind of lucky." Worry dampened Lana's feelings in Relief's regard. "Sorry. I'd have checked in. With Miranda talking to Sheriff Ethan, I've been here all day. I just hope Mr. Gibbons doesn't throw me in detention or suspend me for skipping school." Grimace contorted her mouth. "Want a coffee? It's on me."

"I'll take it to go. Thank you, Lana. That's hardly necessary." Martha exhaled a deep breath. "Mr. Kent told me that Clark's made progress. Thanks to that medical treatment this morning, he's going to make it. I just spoke to Mr. Gibbons at the high school. He's going to let Clark start his detentions next week. I wish Clark didn't volunteer for them. I'm proud of him for taking responsibility. Still, I wish…"

"I know. Clark thinks he has to take the whole world on his shoulders. I wish he didn't have to feel that way. Anyway, he and Chloe are okay. I'll talk to Pete when he comes in." Lana fixed Coffee into To-Go Cup. "There you are! Can you give me a call when you decide about dinner? Just wanted to make plans."

"We're postponing until tomorrow, Lana. We still have plenty from last night. Come over for leftovers?" Martha offered. "I'll keep a plate on for you." She saw Miranda hustle into the café. "I think there's your help now?"

Lana nodded. Finally. I hope everything's okay! "I'm glad she's through the gauntlet." She waved to Miranda. Relief spread Grin further across her face. "Hey! Everything okay?"

Miranda shrugged. "We can hope. Sorry. I've been so long, Lana. Sheriff Ethan asked a lot of questions. I answered them and then some. By the way, he let Mr. Gibbons know at the high school that you were still here. He spoke with your teachers and let them know what was going on. Lana, I'm so sorry I kept you out all day. At least, you aren't in trouble."

"Yeah, it was kind of an emergency. Hey, any more word on your uncle? How's he doing?" Lana shook her head. "Lex said he was resting at the mansion?"

"Uncle Dave and Auntie Angie were really tired with all of the excitement. You'll see them tonight or tomorrow. Auntie talked with Mr. Kent this afternoon. At least she was there with Clark this morning. Any word from Nell with everything?" Miranda frowned. Anticipation expected a rant fest from the florist.

"Nell was all worried. I assured her that I wasn't involved and everything's okay." Lana shrugged. "She wasn't happy that I was running the Talon instead of being in school. I assured her I was dealing with an emergency. I didn't have any tests or papers due today. I'm ahead in all of my classes." She shook her head. "She still wasn't happy. I told her to enjoy her weekend. Oh, Mrs. Kent, she wanted to say thank you for letting me come over if I wanted to."

"We're happy to help out, Lana. You know you're always welcome. Well, I'm going to head to the mansion." Martha took a draught from her mug. "See you later." She walked out toward the door.

"I'll be there as soon as I get off. Thanks, Mrs. Kent!" Lana shook her head. Why can't Nell be more like Mrs. Kent? Sometimes, I wish I could go for Emancipation and just live at the farm. Then, Nell could go off to Metro and be with that Dean guy! "He didn't threaten you. Did he?"

Miranda shook her head. "I wasn't in the same room. Lana, the Feds have been looking for me all of this time! I spoke with the Special Agent in Charge. He's an old family friend. Agent Petersen was glad that I'm all right. Arighatto's lawyer tried to make everything go away. I made sure it all stuck. It's over now. I'm definitely going to need those full-time hours. I was going to talk to Mr. Luthor and you about clearing out that room upstairs. Maybe I can live up there?"

"We'll talk with Lex as soon as everything else clears up. What about Mr. Arighatto's house? They're not going to kick you out, are they?" Lana grimaced almost feeling the string hanging from Deal's edge. She knows about Clark. Maybe the Kents might help? Maybe her aunt and uncle might stay around? I just hope she doesn't have to leave!

"As soon as Sandra gets here, I'm kicking you out for the day, Boss. I know you want to check on Chloe and Clark. It'll be all right. Skye will be in at 4. We'll be okay. I'll catch up with Uncle Dave and Auntie Angie afterwards. Maybe you might bring them by for a drink or something? Give the Inquisitor some good gossip?"

"Yeah. That sounds like a deal. Why don't you get punched in? I'll make a fresh pot for the floor." Lana smiled. "Good to hear everything's taken care of."

"Yeah. Me too. Finally, I have some of my family back!" Enthusiasm brightened across her face.

Good for you, Miri. Good for you. Lana started Fresh Pot Brewing. She walked out toward the floor with the other one in hand. Worries still remained about Clark, Chloe, Miri and Nell. Still, Survival against Arighatto's threat meant something. Now, Collective Breath could be taken. Everyone could move on.

And that was a good thing….