Chapter 26:
Bruce's hotel room:
"The meal was delicious thanks Bruce."
"I'll send your compliments down to the chef. Anyway, I'm surprised you held off asking all your questions for this long." Bruce leans back in his chair.
"I wasn't that obvious was I?"
"No, I just have a talent for reading people."
"I guess being Batman you would."
Shock quickly crosses Bruce's features but he quickly regains his composure and grins, "I'm glad it's Superman who figured it out and not Lex Luthor."
I laugh, a good hearty laugh, Bruce soon joins me. I wanted so desperately to dislike this man before me but he's genuinely a good guy. Now, I just need to sort out where we stand and what I owe him for taking care of my family.
"Clark, I want to be honest with you, I came here today with no intention of getting to know you. I wanted to hate you for leaving Lois and the twins and Martha. But I saw the way your face lit up when you saw Lois emerge from Perry's office; you can't fake that kind of love. Any man who loves Lois that much and can fly in and save her from certain doom is definitely in my good books."
"Ah… thanks. I think." I smile.
"Anyway, there are a few things that I've set up for the kids." I go to interrupt but Bruce puts his hand up… "Please, let me finish. I've set up trust funds in their names, the apartment is all yours and Lois', I bought it for her anyway. Those kids deserve the best Clark, hell Lois deserves the best. So, I don't want to hear any complaints or questions about you owing me, you better be the best father and partner in the world. You screw up and I'll hurt you with one of those green rocks."
"Bruce, I honestly don't know what to say, this is all so much. Thank you. And I would never do anything to hurt Lois, Lara or Jack, they're my world now… So, Lois, told you about all that huh?" I change the subject, not comfortable talking about my feelings with another guy.
"Actually your Mom told me all about the different kryptonite."
"My mom, seriously?"
"I tell the truth man."
"I don't doubt you, just a shock that it'd be my Mom."
"Your Mom has one of the most wicked senses of humour that I've come across."
"You're pulling my leg."
"I kid you not, you should hear her and Lois when the kids aren't around, you're eyebrows would raise higher than you ever could."
"Wow." I'm stunned, I knew my Mom could be sly at times, never realised she had a sense of humour that matched Lois'.
"Ok, as much as I'd love to sit here and just chat, we've got an interview to get over with."
"Sure thing man, just let me grab my note book." Bruce really is a good guy; I think this is going to be a long and valuable friendship.
"Just before we get down to business, could you look into something for me?"
"Sure Clark, what is it?" I relay all the info I can remember on the kidnapping…
Lex Tower:
"So Lois, how are the children?" Lex asks as he makes his way behind his desk.
"I would prefer to not discuss my children with you."
"How's Lana then?" he asks with a smirk.
"Happy, living her life without you." His smirk falters, I grin at my little victory. I see Jimmy shift uncomfortably out of the corner of my eye.
"Jimmy how's Chloe and you're daughter?" Jimmy opens his mouth but I cut him off…
"Jimmy's and my family are out of bound topics Lex." I cross my arms.
"What do you think about this Superman?" Lex inquires, obviously trying to keep his expression neutral.
"I thought I was the one interviewing you?"
"Just curious about your opinion on Metropolis' new savior… I hear that Clark's back in town. Where'd he go anyway?" he smirks at me again.
"That Lex is none of your business. Let's get on with the interview now, first question Lex…"
"There is no interview, I changed my mind." Lex says as he comes to stand just in front of Jimmy and me.
"You what? No… you did not drag me half way across the city to just say no."
"I did and it's done."
My blood boils, I'm absolutely pissed off. Jimmy puts his hand on my shoulder. I clench my fist and slam it into Lex's face. He stumbles back, hands flying to his face.
"Get out now before I call security." He grins as he wipes at the blood now spilling from his nose.
"C'mon Lo." Jimmy tugs on my arm, pulling me towards the doors.
"Stay away from my family and friends Lex or your life won't be worth living."
"Threats won't do you any good Lois." He calls out as I confidently stride out of his office with Jimmy in tow. I turn around to Lex one last time…
"You're up to something Lex, I know it and I am going to stop you." I turn and continue to the elevator.
The elevator doors slide open and we enter. Jimmy pushes the button for the ground floor and the doors slide shut. I shake my hand, the grazes on my knuckles stinging.
"You alright Lo? You really shouldn't have hit him."
"I'm fine Jimmy and I'm sorry. Lex Luthor has always been able to get under my skin."
"Why do you think he called us out here Lo?"
"You get the feeling he's up to something?" Jimmy nods, "Well I guess it's up to us to find out."
"I knew I wasn't going to like your answer."
"You never do."
"Maybe one day I'll learn not to ask."
"Maybe one day."
The elevator doors slide open and we exit on the ground floor; Carol immediately pouncing on us.
"I'm sorry but you two have to leave the premises immediately."
"Look Carol, we're leaving so just cool it." I snap at her and stalk out of the building leaving Jimmy to stumble through all and any apologies. I hail a cab as Jimmy comes to stand next to me.
"Perry's not going to be happy."
"Daily Planet thanks." I address the cabbie, choosing to ignore Jimmy.
"Aren't you supposed to go home now?" Jimmy asks.
"The kids don't get home for another hour and Martha's out doing Martha things. There's no point in me going home and I want to follow a few things up on Lex."
Lex's office:
"Are you alright Mr Luthor?" Lex's brunette secretary asks as she hands him a wet cloth.
"I'm fine Violet." Lex answers stoically as he wipes his face with the cloth.
"Did you learn what you wanted from Lane?"
Lex smirks. "Not everything, her body language at the mention of Superman and Clark Kent told me all I need to know though." He laughs. "How on earth do they expect glasses to hide his identity?"
"Not everyone's as smart as you are Lex."
"I knew there was a reason I hired you." Lex smiles seductively as he pulls Violet close to him for a deep kiss…
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