Disclaimer: see Chapter 1 for a complete disclaimer.
A/N: Thanks a lot for your wonderful reviews and your constant encouragement. Here's a new two-part installment. The first one, I believe, we'll please those who were asking questions about the background to Bruce's relationship with the Luthor brothers.
Enjoy !
CHAPTER 9: Not Again
Three hours after Lex's arrival in Gotham, Wayne's lawyers started to draft the documents that would seal their partnership. Bruce knew that the young billionaire needed the deal for more reasons than one, and he believed Luthor would bring a lot to the project- his insight and some of the best technical staff available.
Inviting him to be part of ' Terra ' was also of thanking Lex for lending Bruce a hand in his past struggle to take over Wayne Enterprises. A few years before- when Bruce had returned from his self-imposed exile following his parents' murder trial- the information that Lex had had on several members of the Board of Directors of Wayne Enterprises had provided Bruce with the necessary leverage to seize control of his late father's emporium.
Lex was one of the few boarding-school classmates Bruce had admired, and the fact that neither of them had belonged to Oliver Queen's close circle of friends had brought them together. Bruce's relationship with Lucas was a by-product of his friendship with Lex. When the elder Luthor brother had asked him to help his younger sibling in an attempt to keep him away from Lionel's sphere of influence, Bruce had complied with his wishes- and he wasn't disappointed in Lucas, he had been a great asset to Wayne Enterprises.
" Well, Lex. What do you say ? Shall we celebrate with dinner tonight ? " said a smiling Wayne.
" Could we call it a day, Bruce ? I'd like to catch up on some sleep," explained Lex.
" Certainly. What about tomorrow evening ? "
" I'm on. "
" Would you like me to drive you to the hotel, Lex ? "
" No, thanks, Bruce. Lucas has promised to give me a lift. Can I ask you a question ? "
" Shoot. "
" Do you know Lucas' wife ? "
" Yes, I have the pleasure of her acquaintance. She's a terrific lady. "
" Do you know how things are between them ? "
" I'm not nosy, Lex. Why are you asking me such a question ? "
" Have you noticed anything strange in Lucas' behaviour recently ? "
" He looks tired. I've offered him a month-paid vacation, but he's turned it down. I guess he's been overtaxing himself. This new project has demanded a lot of working hours, Lex. If there's anyone to blame, blame me, old friend. "
" I don't know, Bruce... "
" You shouldn't worry so much. I'm sure if there's anything wrong, they'll work it out. "
" Maybe you're right. "
" May I come in ? " asked Lucas from the doorway. " I've seen the lawyers on their way out, " he added.
" It's official, Lucas. We're signing the partnership documents tomorrow. Welcome Lex to ' Terra '."
" Congratulations, Lex, " mouthed Lucas, patting his brother on the back. " I'm sure this'll be a legendary partnership. Are you ready to leave ? I'd like to make a stop at a flower shop."
" Flowers are the best way to a woman's heart, " smiled Bruce.
" Any advice, bro'? " asked Lucas, climbing down the steps in front of Wayne Enterprises.
" About what ? "
" The flowers, Lex. You know a hell of a lot more than I do. I've read somewhere that each flower has a particular meaning. "
" Stay away from yellow flowers unless your intention's breaking up with her, " he advised Lucas.
" Good point. What about tulips ? Do you think..., " stammered Lucas on seeing something flash from across the street.
" Tulips are... " started to answer Lex before Lucas pushed him to the ground.
The younger Luthor would never make it to the flower shop, not with the fatal wound inflicted by the sniper positioned in one of the buildings opposite Wayne Enterprises.
Soon, a crowd gathered at the scene to see an elegantly dressed bald man cradling the body of a dying young man.
" God, not again ! " screamed a bloodstained Lex.
" Lex, " murmured Lucas, " I'm sorry... sorry. Tell her... I ... love her. Forgive... me, Lex, " he added before passing away.
" Lucas ! Lucas ! " shouted the elder brother, trying to bring him back to life.
Was it a huge surprise or were you expecting this turn of events ? Don't stop here, there's another chapter ahead.