Chapter 29 Cat and Mouse
Act as if it were impossible to fail.
Dorothea Brande
Xoxoxoxoxoxo
Clark hung up the phone and immediately dialed Lois on his cell phone. "I just got another cryptic call from Luthor on the house phone. Have you seen Cat at all today?"
"No, why?"
"I believe Luthor has her? His message was that he wanted to start with a game of cat and mouse and that he already had the Cat. I had just gotten here when the phone rang. I'm going to touch bases with Mom, Ben and the kids here then I'll be right there."
"I'll ask around here, see when she was last seen." Lois hung up and went directly to Cat's desk. It looked as if she hadn't been in all morning. Searching her desk she found a sticky note which read 'Tiffany 10 AM Friday'. Looking through her rolodex she found a card for Hair and Nails by Tiffany. It was currently 10:15 AM. Lois quickly called and verified that Cat was a no show for a nail appointment which was highly unusual. Tiffany said she was a valued customer and would forgive the oversight this once since it was a first. Lois thanked her and said she would convey the message and hung up.
Looking around the office Lois noticed Jimmy and Gil watching her every move obviously wondering what she was doing snooping around Cat's desk since they both knew there was no love lost between them. She chose to just ignore the looks they were both giving her and instead posed a question. "When was the last time either of you saw Cat?"
"Yesterday afternoon. She had some kind of event to go to last night, but then doesn't she always? Why?" Gill answered off handedly but still curious.
Jimmy nodded, "Yeah, yesterday about 3ish I'd say. Why are you rummaging through her desk?"
Superman chose that particular moment to enter the bullpen. "Because I just spoke to her on the phone a few moments ago. I have reason to believe Luthor has Cat." Everyone in the office stopped what they were doing to listen and watch his every move. Most had only seen him via the television monitor recently and were even more curious about him than normal because of all the recent press surrounding his capture by the Trprians. There was also some curiosity regarding his current health.
Jimmy grabbed for his camera but at seeing Superman's disdainful look he pulled back. "Sorry, occupational habit."
Gil reached his hand out. "Hmm, Wow! I don't think we've ever actually been introduced, I'm Gil Truman. My wife and kids won't believe this. "
Superman shook his hand and nodded somewhat embarrassed at the attention then turned his own attention to Lois. "Have you been able to find out when Cat Grant was last seen?"
"Gil and Jimmy both remember her leaving here around 3PM yesterday. She just missed a nail appointment 15 minutes ago two blocks from here. I was just about to check with Perry to see if she turned in a story from last night's event whatever it was."
Seeing the commotion in the bullpen Perry came out of his office followed closely by Richard and Chloe who had been working together in Richard's office on follow-up stories concerning the U.N. meeting and Superman sightings from the day and night before.
"Well, to what do we owe the pleasure of a visit from you? I would expect you would be rather busy today getting back into the swing of things so to speak." Perry gave Superman a knowing look as he thought to himself couldn't stay away, eh Kent!
Ignoring the expression on Perry's face Superman went right to the point, "I have reason to believe Cat Grant has been kidnapped by Lex Luthor. I called and asked Lois a few minutes ago to ask around the office as to her last sighting. If you don't mind I would like to use a few of your laptop computers in the conference room for a few minutes."
Perry looked around the room trying to not look at Lois wondering what he meant 'use a few of the laptops'. "Whatever you need. Cat didn't submit her story this morning. I've been trying to reach her all morning with no response. She may have a reputation as a 'party girl' but she has always been very professional in her work, never missing a deadline."
One of the TV monitors went to a breaking news story. All eyes averted to the screen which was reporting that Superman was expected to appear before the joint houses of congress and the Presidents Cabinet at special sessions the following Monday morning. Superman looked up at the screen briefly shaking his head feeling he had more important things to deal with. He gathered Lois', Chloe's and Jimmy's laptops from the bullpen and Richard brought his in as Superman set them up in the conference room forming a circle so he could easily view all four monitors and reach each keyboard mouse combo while sitting in one chair. He then proceeded to log all four computers into the internet calling up a different popular search engine on each one.
As he began keying in the same search parameters on all four machines he explained for a growing audience of former co-workers. "The screens update too slow for me. By using multiple computers and various search engines I can quickly scan vase amounts of data by calling up different pages on each computer. I don't think Cat's last known whereabouts is going to be of help. Luthor is not likely to leave any clues where he took her. He's much too smart for that. On the other hand he made a point of calling me, telling me this was to be a game of 'cat and mouse'. I can't help but believe he wants me to find him and the whole cat and mouse thing is a clue to his whereabouts."
The room became silent except for the high-speed keying as Superman called up the data searching for keywords 'cat', 'mouse' 'trap' 'and Metropolis'. The search engine found 1,080,000 matches in .10 seconds. That was the last thing they were able to read on any of the screens.
Jimmy closed his eyes growing dizzy as the pages scrolled faster than his eyes could follow. "Uh, Superman, do you mind if I take a picture of this?"
"Go ahead, I don't care." He answered without even seeming to acknowledge the interruption. They all watched as Superman's head moved almost faster than the eye could follow to view each screen as it flashed the ever moving images. Every once and awhile he would pause and think for a second then shake his head as a screen would almost become readable to those looking on. After several minutes he suddenly stopped and stared at one screen as the image almost became clear to those looking on until he started scrolling down the page then the images once again moved too fast for anyone else to see. He turned to a second computer screen pulling something else.
"This has got to be what I'm looking for." Before they could even see what he was talking about they felt the breeze of his exit. Lois even felt what she was sure was a kiss on her lips as she brushed by.
Jimmy sat down in the warm seat Superman had just vacated and scrolled the page still on the screen. The page showed an old vacant theater in an old run-down part of town. There was a picture and an article talking about the area. The Theater, 'Met 'O Metropolis' had closed years before and the area had been set for demolition a number of years ago.
On a second computer was an article Superman had obviously called up after this one had caught his eye. The demolition had been put on indefinite hold as of last year after re-zoning efforts failed. "I'm a little confused as to why he was so sure this was the right place. Anyone have a clue?" Jimmy frowned in confusion trying to see what Superman had just seen.
Lois pointed to the article on the theatre, "There look, in that last paragraph it says the last play performed at the theater in 2001 was 'Mousetrap'. Look it also says an off-Broadway version of 'Cats' played there for 3 years straight in the 90's. He's right this has got to be the right place."
Looking at yet another one of the other computers Lois noticed for the first time that he had opened a word page and typed a note with no one even noticing.
Send police to Met 'O Metropolis ASAP. Thanks Perry
Lois grabbed the phone and placed the call as just about everyone else just continued to stare still taking in what had just taken place. Richard and Chloe were somewhat amused at the reactions of some in the room. Perry was shaking his head wishing he still had the kid on the payroll while Jimmy was smiling broadly at the screen on his camera seeing a front page picture in the making.
Xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Arriving at the theater Superman saw the placards still advertised 'Mousetrap Now Showing'. There were no cars anywhere in sight. He scanned the theatre from above but was not surprised to find he was unable to see the interior. It was an old building and most likely had many layers of lead paint which Luthor would have been well aware of. Not wanting to be caught in a trap like on New Krypton he hesitated, he couldn't help anyone if he allowed himself to become trapped. He smiled, just because he was blind didn't mean he couldn't hear. He honed his hearing concentrating on one area after another in the large theatre, finally finding Luthor's voice.
"…plan is already in motion. Your delays will not be tolerated you told me it would be in place first thing this morning. If it is not ready by noon today I will come looking for you next. Do you hear me! I don't give a rat's ass what it costs, just do it." Superman heard the phone being slammed shut and foot steps going down stairs towards the back of the building.
"Awwwww, poor Cat, you're not having such a good year, first accosted by that annoying android monstrosity and now little ole me. What to do, what to do? Well there are no bats here to rescue you. Don't worry though, I expect your 'wanta be boy toy' will figure it out soon enough. You do realize don't you Miss Grant that he is not on the market, whereas, I most definitely am?"
"Get out of my face you bastard. I already told you this morning that I am not interested in being your new moll. I wouldn't be caught dead with the likes of you!"
"Well, that can be arranged you know. I just hope Supes cares enough for you that he takes the time to play our little game."
"Oh, I care enough alright." Superman had snuck into the back of the building having heard no other human life forms in the building other than the two he had heard just speaking. He had scanned the room before making himself known. Finding just the two and no obvious signs of kryptonite he had made his move wanting to spare Cat of any more possible harm.
Just as Superman started to rush Luthor the madman turned to face him holding up his hand with a trigger device clearly visible. "You're early, but never mind. We'll have another chance to play I'm sure. I can improvise this go round. You have a choice capture me or save Cat but choose fast or I will choose for you. That vest Cat is wearing is filled with enough plastic explosives to take this whole building down."
Superman saw Cat was wearing a hunting vest of sorts which was wrapped around her and a chair keeping her tied in place. Making the only choice he could he raced towards Cat quickly removing the vest from her then falling to the floor hugging it just as it exploded. Seconds later additional explosions rocked the building. Hearing the initial blasts Superman managed to wrap Cat in his cape and start to make his way out of the collapsing building mindful of the precious life he carried.
Several police cars arrived, sirens blasting just as he made his way out of the now demolished theater carrying Cat in his arms still wrapped in his cape. Luthor was forgotten for the moment at least.
Setting Cat down next to one of the police cars as several policemen surrounded them he asked in a soft concerned voice, "Are you alright Miss Grant? Did Luthor hurt you in any way?"
"No, he slapped me around a little early this morning but I'm happy to say I gave as good as I got." She noticed Superman gave an uncommon full smile showing his slight dimples at that statement. He suddenly reminded her of someone else but she quickly put that away for another time continuing on instead. "He just tied me up in that vest and watched me till you got here. I wasn't sure you would find me or even want to bother."
Cat ignored the looks the police were giving her. Her evening dress had been rather seductive as was her usual but was made even more so due to one strap being torn and left dangling exposing part of her lace bra.
One of the officers addressed her, "Miss, are you sure you're alright? An ambulance is on the way and will be here shortly. Please take a seat in our squad car in the meantime." Turning to Superman he asked, "What happened here?"
"Luthor kidnapped Miss Grant to set a trap for me but I found him before he was ready. There is no one else in the building. Now if you don't mind, I need to try and pick up the trail if Luthor has been foolish enough to leave one. I'll be in touch" reading the name on his uniform, "Officer Raines." He took one last look at Cat as he took to the sky scanning the area as he ascended.
The officer watched almost spellbound as Superman floated up into the sky and then looked back at the very seductive looking woman wondering if she could really be "his" type.
Cat noticed and having a change of heart for once not wanting the rumors to start decided to explain. "Don't go getting any ideas. I am not his girlfriend, although it's not because I haven't tried. I know friends of his and evidently Luthor thought I would make good bait. That is all there is to it."
Xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Superman scanned the entire run down district looking for any sign of Luthor. It was as if he had disappeared into thin air. He hadn't seen any cars when he had first arrived how could he have gotten away so fast. It occurred to him that Luthor couldn't have gotten away that quickly on foot. He had to still be nearby hiding in one of the other buildings. That had to be the answer it was the only thing that was remotely plausible. The only way he could have escaped was by helicopter and there had been none in the area. He would definitely have heard a helicopter.
He started scanning the surrounding buildings with little success for they too were of course full of lead paint. He would have to selectively listen or physically search each building.
Deciding quickly, he landed back down near the group of officers one of which was Officer Raines and filled them in on his suspicions immediately enlisting their help. He noticed several camera crews had arrived and were working the chaotic scene. A fire engine had also arrived, the firemen had decided to let the building just consume itself after confirming with the officers that no one was inside. They were there for containment only.
Xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
A microphone was shoved part way into the back of the still open ambulance, "Miss Grant, Miss Grant, can you tell us what happened?"
"Sorry, you'll just have to read my byline in The Daily Planet." An officer inside closed the ambulance door and the car slowly took off.
"Now, if you don't mind I do need your account of exactly what went down here." The officer had his notepad out ready to write.
"Well honey, Luthor grabbed me as I was getting into a cab early this morning in the theater district about 2 AM. He came on to me. I resisted even managing to kick him in a rather soft spot, if you know what I mean." She winked at the officer who laughed with her. "I tried to get away but this other goon grabbed me. They tied me to a chair with some kind of dirty old hunting vest that stank to high heaven. I think he thought Superman and I were perhaps friends. Unfortunately that is not the case, more like I know friends of his. Not that I wouldn't like to be a friend. Anyway, they pretty much kept to themselves after that. The other goon left and not long after that Superman showed up and saved me. Unfortunately that gave Luthor time to get away. I don't really need to go to the hospital you know. I just have a few scrapes and burses that's all."
"Sorry, it's procedure. Do you remember anything else? Anything Luthor might have said?"
"No, not really. I've got a bad headache can't I just rest now officer?"
Xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Another camera crew was filming the group of officers huddled around Superman and came within reach of the voices just as they were about to part ways each man pairing with another to take part in a systematic search with Superman going on his own.
One of the officers who had been helping the ambulance crew with Cat ran up out of breath. "Superman….ah," cough "on the dispatch… just reported more major aftershocks in Indonesia, you're desperately needed there."
Officer Raines nodded. "Go, we'll handle this. We'll do our best to find that bastard. He should never have been allowed to escape in the first place. Superman, speaking for Metropolis' Fifth Precinct we are all mighty glad you're back, Earth is lucky to have you."
Superman gave the officers a warm smile. "Thank you, you have no idea how grateful I am to be back. Be careful, Luthor has no respect for life whatsoever."
The camera followed his ascent a short ways then switched to the officers watching as he streaked away causing a sonic boom in his wake. Officer Raines once again taking the lead broke the silence, "Come on, let's make him proud of us, let's find Luthor, like Superman said he can't have gotten far."
Xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Everyone in the bullpen had been watching the live feed from the scene at the theatre. The entire group broke out in cheers as the camera showed Cat sitting in the back of an ambulance making her statement to read her byline in the Daily Planet.
Perry put his arm around Lois' shoulder as the scene switched to the huddle of policemen with Superman's bright colored suit partly visible among them. He spoke softly for her ears only as the cheering in the room started again. "That's our boy. I think maybe he was holding out on me all those years working here." Lois smiled sideways at him as Richard and Chloe turned together, Richard nodding his head at her.
"Okay gang, break time is over, time to get back to work. The paper is not going to write itself. New assignments, Richard, Chloe go get Cat's statement and don't let her leave the hospital alone. Lois, you stay on Luthor's trail, but be careful take Jimmy with you if you leave the office unaccompanied." He stared at her making sure she got his meaning, the unspoken without your husband meeting you on the roof. "As a matter of fact nobody goes anywhere alone until Luthor is back behind bars. Everybody got that!"
Xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Lois sat in the home office continuing her research for her story with KCNN news on the flat screen TV on the wall nearby. Every 15 minutes they did an update on the earthquake each time showing the rescue workers including Superman as they continued to uncover victims. The prognosis was dire for finding additional live victims. With Superman's help live victims had been found and pulled out relatively quickly. He had in fact concentrated on finding and rescuing the ones that could be saved before looking for bodies for recovery. The rescue workers understood this but said nothing so as not to upset the already grieving family members. The same rescue workers realized that Superman was now pulling out the dead.
Each time the update would come on the screen Lois stopped her work and watched to catch a glimpse of Clark. Twice in the last hour she had seen him stop, hands on his knees breathing hard then taking a final deep breath before going back to work with a grim but determined look on his face. She looked at the clock. It was just after 2 AM. He had been there working, non-stop as far as she knew, over 16 hours. She wondered if he had stopped to rest at all since that morning. She closed down her computer and turned the TV off finally deciding to turn in herself. Going upstairs she made sure the heavy curtains she had Ben install in Jason's room were pulled covering the windows.
She crawled into bed but was determined to stay awake. She picked up a novel, Illusions she had been trying to find time to read from Clark's extensive library. Two hours later she was well into the book fully engrossed when she saw the window slide open. It had been too cold to leave open more than a crack. Superman glided in smiling when he saw her sitting up in bed waiting for him. He noticed her reading material and smiled even broader.
Lois put the book aside and threw the covers open patting the bed next to her. "Come to bed, you've been working too hard."
He shook his head. "I've got to shower first. I took a dip in the ocean on the way home to get the grime off but now I smell like fish. I don't suppose they found Luthor?"
"No, but they gave a valiant effort. I don't understand how that weasel keeps slipping through the cracks." Lois followed him into the bathroom as he slowly started to come out of his suit piece by piece obviously tired paying her no mind.
Noticing her presence he sighed and answered. "Good, I want to be the one to find him. When I do, I do not plan to take him to any authorities in America. He needs to be put where he can never perpetrate another of his schemes." Reaching into the shower stall he turned on the water and removed the last of his suit as he gingerly stepped inside the shower stall moving under the relaxing stream. He faced the wall with his head turned up into the water slowly closing he eyes. He allowed himself to shut out everything except the relaxing feel of the water. Suddenly he felt hands at his sides sliding around to embrace him from behind.
"I seem to remember that you have a rain check for a shower for two. They're predicting rain tomorrow so I'm here to pay up."
Laughing he turned around within her arms to face her, "I don't remember rain being predicted for Metropolis tomorrow, actually I guess it's today now." He bent down to place a trail of kisses from below one ear down her neck trailing up slowly finally kissing her mouth.
Pulling free from his kiss, already near breathless she answered, "I don't remember saying that I was referring to Metropolis. Are you filing a complaint about my service?" she reached with one hand for the soap behind him on the little shelf in the wall. Unable to reach it in the oversized shower she pushed him back towards the wall still fumbling for the soap.
"No, no complains" he reached for the liquid body wash on a different shelf and poured a more than generous amount over both their heads careful to not get any in her eyes.
Soon they were both slick with the sweet smelling lavender body wash each lathering the other to perfection. After several titillating minutes Clark reached his long arm over and turned the second shower head on as they seemed to dance in the warm sprays of water in no hurry to wash the soap off.
Finally exiting the shower locked together in a kiss Clark reached for an oversized bath sheet wrapping it around the both of them. Somehow they made it to the bed never fully breaking their kiss until Clark pulled away to set on the edge of the bed pulling Lois with him. Feeling something under his spine as he lay back he reached around finding the book Lois had been reading. Tossing it aside he continued to pull her with him enjoying the sweet lavender scent as he once again trailed kisses along her neck and shoulders until he found her mouth eager for his own.
Xoxoxo
Lois lay in Clark's arms still breathing deeply as she replayed in her mind the sweet but extremely sensual lovemaking they had just shared. Unwinding herself from his heavy arms she climbed up out of the bed and went to the windows pulling the new curtains closed to fully block out the morning light before returning to the warm bed. Crawling back in beside him he barely stirred as she pulled his arm back over her and finally allowed herself to go to sleep.
Xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Coming Soon - Cats Out of the Bag
I have only a couple more chapters before this will be caught up to the Posts at The Planet Fan fiction site.