Frantically tapping her computer, Lois extracted every ounce of information she could find about Harry Wright, steadily compiling it into a disjointed biography. Clark watched, almost admiring how focused she was.

"Come on Smallville, we need to get some information! Try calling in some favors at the police department, see if this guy has a criminal record."

Almost.

"Go!" Lois pushed Clark away, towards his own desk.

If I could use my powers on you... Clark chuckled at the thought. After a questioning look from Lois, he picked up the phone and began dialing the number of John Jones, who had become used to Clark's calls recently, especially since he had began leading a double life as 'The Blue Blur'.

I really need to think of a better name than that.

Interrupting his trail of thought, was the voice of John Jones, the martian who had lost his powers to save Clark's life.

"Kal-el, I was wondering when you'd call..."

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF

Meanwhile, Lois was tapping her pencil impatiently. The printer was jammed. Again. In all the excitement, she had pressed the 'print' button repeatedly, confusing her computer in the process. One of the tech-guys was trying to fix it, but wasn't having much luck. Lois decided to let her mind wonder for a minute, and found that she was watching Clark. He was sat, facing towards his desk, phone in hand, occasionally jotting something down on the notepad in front of him.

Tilting her head, she could see a mixture of emotions upon his face. Concern. Determination. Frustration.

Stupid hero complex. Only, she didn't think that it was that stupid, not really. No matter who they were, anyone who met Clark would soon realize that his constant urge to save people is a consequence of his strong belief in any person who happened to need his help. This, she reasoned, was one of his best character traits.

"Miss Lane." She jumped as she snapped out of her daze.

"Hmmm?" she said, looking up to find the tech-guy holding her research. "Oh. Thanks."

Returning to her desk, she filed away the document, just as Clark hung up the phone. "Wright has no criminal record whatsoever, but, a number of his bodyguards have been accused of charges as high as murder."

"Well, that doesn't surprise me. A guy with as many contacts as Wright, wouldn't be able to be put in prison easily. Remember Lex and Lionel?" She slumped in her seat. "This is gunna be harder than I thought."

Deep in thought, she placed her head in her hands. What did they need? Something to blackmail with? No, too risky. Maybe a witness? No! Any witnesses would be dead. Then she had it.

"What about the bodyguards? Any of them alive?"

Checking his computer he replied, "One, in a mental institute, in Metropolis."

"We should check it out." Lois got up, retrieving her bag.

"Are you sure? It might be dangerous."

"Don't worry Smallville, I'll protect you." She winked at him, took his hand and dragged him towards the elevator.