Chapter 7 [Sullivan House—Fifteen Minutes After Chapter 5]

Lana turned into the Sullivans' driveway. Questions and concern clashed in her head. Her hands gripped the steering wheel akin to an egg. She nearly ripped the shift's stick from its base in mid-use. Her foot accustomed itself to tapping the accelerator and brake. Relief washed over her when she stopped the blazer. I really need to work with Clark on this. I can't imagine driving after him like this! She grabbed her purse and got out. How am I going to find him anyway? She unlocked the door and walked inside. "Hello?"

Fortunately, neither Gabe nor Chloe was home at the moment.

Maybe I should count my blessings! The last thing I need is for Chloe to start asking questions right now. She frowned and shook her head. Frankly, I'm not even sure about the answers myself.

Lana rushed back to Chloe's house and looked around. Fortunately, nobody was home. The last thing I need is for Chloe to start asking questions right now. Frankly, I'm not sure about the answers myself. Urgency nudged her up the stairs. She hustled a couple of stairs…

…a burst of super speed cleared the stairs and most of the hall. Her hands managed to stop her rush at the far wall. The close call elicited a grimace. Try explaining that one to Chloe!

Jor-El interjected, Do not say anything to that one.

And now he's back. She surveyed her surroundings. A look out of her bedroom window registered nothing out of the ordinary. Umm…where are you? She crept into her bedroom. There she grabbed an overnight bag. I just need a minute. She set a white and a pink blouse next to her grey slacks in there. Undergarments and socks went in next. She tip toed to the bathroom for toiletries. After those went in, she zipped the bag shut. "That's that! I just have to leave that note." She opened her desk drawer for the aforementioned notes. Her pen scratched out a quick note. I sure hope Mr. and Mrs. Kent can help cover me for this! Hypocrisy forced a shudder on her part. After all of the times I got on Clark for lying, evasions and half-truths, now I'm doing it. This stinks! She crept down the stairs and into the kitchen. There, she stuck the note to the refrigerator door. Okay! Now for Mrs. Kent!

You must pursue Kal-El! Lana Lang, what are you doing? Impatience crept into his voice. His agenda had little time for this activity. You left your note. I see you have extra clothes. What are you doing now?

She held up her cell phone. "We have to make sure nobody gets suspicious. Right? I have to make one call. Then, I see Mrs. Kent to get her support for our chase. We need her help in case people want to know where I am. After that, I can go." She started dialing Miranda's number.

Very well. Tell that person only what we need of her. Jor-El admired her strategy. He understood her thinking. This one can plan. Again, I can hope she teaches such things to Kal-El.

I'm trying. Thanks! Sorry but kind of busy…you know? She listened for a response. Lex is gone with Dr. Bryce. I'll have to get some help on this one.

"Lana! I'm so glad you called!" Miranda set the plastic bussing bin down. "Is everything all right?" She waved to Sandra and Elaine and motioned toward the back room. Then, she hustled back there and closed the door. "What's going on? We just got power back on here! I just saw Captain Plaid at the Stop and Go a couple of hours ago. He was dressed in that biker get up again!" She sat down on the chair by the time clock. "What the?"

"Miri, I know." Lana ground her teeth. Excuses and Potential Evasions swam through her mind. She rubbed her forehead. "Clark had a really bad reaction to the county wide disaster. His Mom lost the baby. I tried to talk with him. He's relapsed." Deep Sigh escaped her lips. "I'm going after him. I've got some help. I'm about to take off."

Miranda winced. Staffing remained problematic at best. Sandra and Wendy rarely missed an evening or morning respectively. On the other hand, she'd seen Clark and his ongoing problem with her own eyes. "I'll say he has! Lana, he did a gas and go! Then, I told him to pay for it. Whatever he's on or doing, I never seen anyone that strong. He shoved me into the gas pumps and took off." She rubbed her shoulder. "I just have a bruise. You know me. Tough as nails."

Terrific! Now he's back to whatever that Kal guy does! What is it about that ring and the red stone anyway? Lana frowned. I can't afford a long trip. What can I do? She bit her lip. "Thanks, Miri. I really appreciate it! I'll cover a few shifts for you when I get back. What you told me though is just another reason to bring him back." She shook her head. "I'll check in from the road when I get the chance."

"You do that, Boss. Just…well…just bring Captain Plaid back. I'll keep the ship floating straight here. Good luck. Let me know. Thanks for the call. Sorry but the floor's waiting." Miranda disconnected the call. She shoved the phone back in her pocket. What is your deal, Clark? You are so Jekyll and Hyde!

Lana stuck her phone in her pocket. She pulled her shoulder strap over her shoulder. All set! She checked the stove and appliances. The note stuck out on the fridge door. She locked the door behind herself. She eyed her blazer. It feels weird to be running on a road trip! Her mind pretzeled around that particular thought. All right. Well, Chloe and her Dad will have a cow, I'm sure, but this will at least keep them in the loop. After placing the note on the kitchen table, she looked around to make sure nobody was watching before taking off towards downtown. There was one more stop she needed to make before she could leave. Thanks for letting me do that, Joe. Miranda will make sure everything's set at the Talon. I had to let Chloe and Mr. Sullivan know a little something.

You plan for different contingencies. I agree with your actions. I hope you will teach such insight to Kal-El when this situation has passed. Well done, Lana Lang, Jor-El complimented.

Thanks! She walked around the blazer's front. Once out of view, she ground her teeth. Here we go again! She sent herself on another super speed sprint toward downtown Smallville and the medical center.

A girl's work was never done, you know….