Chapter 36 [LexCorp Office, Metropolis—An Hour Later]

Lex drank a draught from Scotch's glass. His eyes scanned OsCorp's former holdings. Red Ink lessened over the previous few months. He nodded. "Great job, Harry."

Relief relaxed Osborn. He allowed himself a deep breath. "Thanks, Lex. Gabe Sullivan and Jasmine were really helpful too. I'm with you. I can't believe that Dad let things go that much."

"He wasn't in his right mind." Regret deepened the creases and lines on Lex's face. He shook his head. "Well he's getting the help he needs now. That's what's important. You're keeping that dream and research alive too."

"I can try to do that." Osborn nodded. He still recalled the last visit to his father at the sanitarium….

…Insults and Jeers came from the Goblin's mouth at him…

"I hope they can reach him." Osborn frowned.

"Yeah me too. We're getting him the best care possible." Disbelief still prevented Lex from seeing Norman in that light. Peter had explained to Gwen and him about the Green Goblin's capabilities and menace. Dad, you can sure pick those partners. His phone buzzed. "Just a minute." He answered it, "Lex Luthor."

"Lex, this is Jasmine. Turn the television on. You need to see this. Turn it to Channel 7." Jasmine watched the screen in her office. She coughed at the scene playing out on it.

"Now what?" Lex took out his remote control. "Sorry, Harry. This'll just take a minute." He turned on the TV.

A man with a slight build and a dark blue shirt stood in front of a building and several police cars. "…Speaking with the technicians on scene, it is a brutal scene. The staff and customers are suffering from overexposure to psychedelic drugs. The bank manager, Horace Dunphy, is with paramedics right now. I hope to get a few words in with him, Maria and Dwight. Again, a group of men led by the notorious supervillains, Scarecrow and Blizzard, attempted to rob the Bank of Metropolis just moments ago. They had entered the vault. That is when the masked vigilante known as Spider-Man stopped the robbery in its tracks. He left the two villains and their men for the police. He is more known for being around New York City. We hope to find out more. This is Rich Morrison. Back to you…."

"Spider-Man here? That's weird." Osborn raised an eyebrow. "It seems like he's everywhere."

Lex shrugged. "Could be passing through. He was out in Smallville a few months back to help Peter and Gwen. I've actually talked to him. He's not that bad. Jonah Jameson's full of it."

"He has his moments. Still I wish he was around here all of the time." Osborn straightened his blazer. His eyes glanced toward his watch. "Lex, can you excuse me? I didn't realize how late it was. I need to check in with Liz and Mark."

"Of course. Hope they're all right. Liz all set for her graduation?" Lex shut the TV off.

"You bet! She just passed her last final. I'm heading back there next week to help her move. Are there any projects we need done before I go?" Osborn watched his boss cross the room.

"I think we're good actually. You take care. All right?" Lex held out his hand.

"Thanks, Lex. I really appreciate it." Osborn shook his hand.

"Always great to help friends." Lex watched Osborn leave his office. Keep up the good work, Harry. Hope that you're getting everything together. Worry crossed his mind. Harry knows better than to get into stuff because of his stress. At least I can hope.

The phone rang again.

"Lex Luthor."

"Hi, Lex. It's Peter Parker. How's everything?"

Lex sank into his office chair's cushions. "We're fine here. You just missed Harry Osborn. He'll be flying back up to New York this weekend for Liz's graduation. Then he'll be moving her down here."

"Already? This month's flown by! I've been so busy with the move and everything." Peter frowned. Details swamped his mind.

"I'll bet. Too bad you're not on the Planet's staff yet. Did you see the news?" Lex took another draught from his glass.

"You mean about the Bank of Metropolis? I was there. Look at tomorrow morning's edition. Chloe's interviewing people at the scene right now. I even got the first photo of Spider-Man here in Metropolis. Imagine that," Peter recounted.

Lex chuckled. "Why am I not surprised? So you already started there? Gwen, as I recall, wanted some down time before you started the job."

"Just another freelance deal. We're heading to Smallville next week. Ms. Donnelly and Ms. Travers want another workshop series. I figured we'd go for a few days and visit everyone too. Aunt May and Martha Kent were talking about making a pie together." Peter glanced at Gwen who sat next to him on the couch.

"Of course! You want a ride back there? I'm here in Metropolis. When were you planning on going there?" Lex perked up. Enthusiasm brought a smile to his face. "I'll even drive slower for your aunt's sake. How about that?"

"She'd appreciate that, Lex. Maybe she can ride back with Jasmine? She really prefers that car over the Porsche or Ferrari. Sorry." Peter turned to Gwen. "When did we want to go?"

"We can go anytime, Mr. P. When is it good for him?" Gwen added a shrug. "I just have to pack and let Aunt May know."

"When were you heading back to Smallville, Lex?" Peter asked.

"I'm here until tomorrow afternoon. Jasmine will talk with your Aunt May about the ride back. I have a meeting at 11:30. After that, I'm good. Be ready about 12:15. We'll do lunch and head out. There's a great Italian place around the corner from you two. We'll have a nice meal and catch up. By the way, nice job at the bank with those pictures, Peter. I'm sure you caught those creeps in the act." Smirk spread across Lex's face.

"Just doing my job, Lex. Got to make sure the Planet has their pictures. They're on the web site already. Chloe will have the article soon knowing her." Coffee eased Peter's parched throat. "So have you heard any more from the Duboises?"

"They're in their new house across town. You should stop by and see them." Lex bit back Lecture's barb from his words. He'd seen too many people treat his friend that way.

"We're got dinner when we get back here." She chimed in over his shoulder.

"There now! You see? It'll be taken care of." Lex nodded. Good for Gwen! Those two should get this squared away! "You two rest up and get yourselves packed. See you tomorrow afternoon." With that, he hung up. He got up and walked down the hall toward Jasmine's office.

She watched him from her doorway. "I was stretching my legs. Did you need me for something?"

"May Parker needs a ride back to Smallville tomorrow night. You're open after the meeting tomorrow. Correct?" He took out his phone. With a few finger pushes on the screen, he logged the appointment.

"Miri was counting on me for dinner. Of course I will be delighted to drive Mrs. Parker back. She is delightful company. She liked that café in Reno as I recall. We can share a leisurely meal and conversation. Perhaps we might let Martha Kent know?" Jasmine offered.

"Maybe this weekend. Mrs. Kent's a miracle worker. Still it's only fair to give her advance warning. Pack up. We'll leave right after the meeting. Harry Osborn's heading back to New York tonight. Miss Allan graduates next week," Lex clarified.

"That is most suitable. I will call Peter and Gwen for the phone number. We will spend the afternoon." Jasmine nodded to him. Then she turned and walked back down the hall.

This could actually turn out really nice for everyone! Lex rubbed his chin. They like pizza. Maybe I should take them to Luigi's in Granville?

Inspiration worked all things through it seemed….