Chapter 21 - In Search of Kara

"Getting some air would be good for her, she said," Alex muttered harshly as she barreled down the street in her black SUV, blowing past traffic lights and stop signs with her red, dashboard globe flashing.

"Would you give it a rest!" Cat snapped, firmly buckled in, clutching onto the overhead handle and the side of her seat for the nerve-wracking ride, which almost rivaled the pod's fiery decent through the Earth's atmosphere.

"And don't think you're here because I think that is a good idea either!" Alex snarled, then leaned on her horn at a driver having the nerve to run a green light! Didn't the idiot see her emergency lights?!

"Then why the hell did you agree?!" Cat countered with irritation, smacking into the door when Alex veered to avoid another car.

"Because!" Alex cried in frustration. "You and Eliza ganged up on me! Again!"

"Oh please!" Cat scoffed. "You can't possibly tell me you could ever be cowed into doing something you really didn't w . . . ant" Cat challenged, then fell silent as they came close to the scene. They could hear the disturbing gun fire.

Alex skidded the SUV to a halt behind a group of police cruisers and looked at Cat. "Stay here!" she commanded and got out, slamming the door behind her.

Cat rolled her eyes before exiting the vehicle.

SGSG

"Agent Danvers, FBI" Alex said, holding out her adaptable ID, introducing herself to the first police officer she came upon.

The short, plain-clothed police woman, who wore an NCPD Science Division jacket stopped her frustrated pacing and looked at Alex and her ID. Feds, she thought, shaking her head with irritation.

"Status?" Alex asked, her keen eyes observing the actively dangerous scene, with no sign of Kara or Clark.

"We're getting our asses handed to us! That's our goddamned status!" the police woman barked, unimpressed with the agent. "And since when does the FBI think showing up with Cat Grant is a good idea?" she asked incredulously.

Alex blinked and looked over her shoulder to see Cat coming towards them.

"Fuck! I told you to stay in the car!" Alex snapped.

Cat smiled. "Now that would defeat the purpose of my ride along, wouldn't it, Agent?" she said smoothly, pulling out her cell phone to record the man in the middle of the street, who was angrily calling out "cowards!" as he scanned the area for the absent heroes.

"This is not time for sight-seeing! That bastard almost killed Superman!" the police woman blurted with frustration.

"Almost ki . . . where is he?" Alex blurted with concern, sharing a worried glance with Cat.

"Who the hell knows?! Supergirl, I think, ran up behind the asshole and pushed him over, then grabbed Superman. And the asshole isn't happy. He clearly wants a fight," the officer said as the asshole in question kept angrily bellowing "cowards!" in the middle of the street.

"You think it was Supergirl, officer?" Cat asked curiously, earning an annoyed glare from the woman.

"Detective. Detective Maggie Sawyer," she corrected, getting a respectful nod of acknowledgement before she explained, "A woman in regular clothes ran onto the scene. But she had long blond hair with the same build as Supergirl. And she had the strength to haul Superman away from here in the blink of an eye. I don't know of any other superheroes fitting that description," she offered, adding curiously, "I was wondering where she had been. But if she wasn't flying, I'd wager she's recovering from whatever that attack was that gave us massive headaches."

Alex paused, a bit unnerved by the Detective's insightfulness. "If . . . it was Supergirl, how did she avoid getting hurt like Superman?" Alex had to ask, relieved Kara had retreated from the area.

"She was holding some sort of shield on her arm. It did the job against that asshole's Kryptonite ray. I'm guessing it was made of lead," Detective Sawyer offered.

Cat had to smile, pleased with Kara's clever solution, which focused on safely rescuing her cousin, not trying to battle the . . . as the Detective so eloquently put, asshole. Her pleased smile faded as she thought of how scared Kara must be.

"Kryptonite? Lead?" Alex questioned nonchalantly, but alarmed at the Detective's knowledge.

Maggie shook her head and laughed without humor. "I'm in the Science Division, Agent Danvers. I get paid to know about science and aliens. And kryptonite is the only thing we know of that could have incapacitated Superman like that. And lead is a shield against all sorts of radiation, including kryptonite," she said with irritation, annoyed the Feds always seemed to look down on cops. "Look, unless the "FBI" is here to actually help, which has never been my experience, I don't have any more time for you," she said tersely, starting to turn away.

"A federal response team with much more fire power is on its way to neutralize him," Alex announced confidently, stopping the Detective.

"I sure as hell hope so. Our bullets are useless. And I'm not holding my breath that we'll have anymore luck in deploying the tranquilizer darts we're getting from the zoo past whatever shielding he has," Detective Sawyer said in frustration. Alex was impressed with the police's resourcefulness, even if she shared the Detective's skepticism that it would work. "And so far, I don't think he's the type we can negotiate with," Maggie said with sarcasm as the man continued to rave at the cowardly heroes while angrily shoving cars into each other like a petulant child.

The deep whomp whomp whomp of helicopter blades signaled the arrival of the federal response team that Agent Danvers had promised. Detective Sawyer glanced to Alex and Cat curiously, then focused on the two black helicopters that hovered over the site. Several agents in black tactical gear rapidly rappelled down, unloading their superior firepower on the kryptonite menace, who wavered a moment, then started to flee.

"Oh Christ," Maggie exhaled, watching the agents and helicopters chase after the asshole, who also seemed to possess super speed.

"We'll get him, Detective," Alex said angrily, hoping it would be tonight.

Maggie shook her head, not confident in the Agent's declaration. "Jenkins!" she called out and went over to the uniform.

"Ma'am?"

"Secure the scene, before anyone tramples on any . . . oh for Christ's sake!" Maggie cried, seeing her own people starting to encroach on the area. "STOP!" she shouted to a group of cops, who froze and turned towards her as she jogged to them. "You all had better not be contaminating the scene before Forensics clears the area!"

"We need to check for survivors," one officer called back in confusion.

She nodded with frustration. "If possible, please minimize disturbance of the area," she amended. "We need whatever evidence we can get on this bastard," she added, getting agreeable nods before the officers searched through the wreckage.

Maggie returned to find Cat talking on her cellphone while Alex was finishing up a call on hers. The displeased look on Alex's face was all Maggie needed to see.

"He got away," Sawyer guessed flatly, getting an irritated nod.

"We will get him," Alex vowed.

Maggie nodded, seeing the anger and determination in her eyes. She looked over to the woman who looked decidedly out of place at a crime scene, in spite of her press credentials. "Uh, Miss Grant? I'm going to need your phone for evidence."

"Hold on, James," Cat said with a heavy sigh, pulling her phone away from her ear and resting it against her chest. Her eyebrow rose at the Detective, who dared to make such an asinine comment and interrupt her call.

"We need that video you took," Maggie explained, holding her hand out for the device.

Cat looked at the Detective, her hand, then gazed at Alex expectantly.

Alex sighed. "How about she sends you the video? The Queen of All Media needs her phone."

Cat smiled.

"Who did you piss off to get Cat Grant duty?" Maggie bluntly asked Alex, then glanced unapologetically at Cat, amusing Alex.

"I'm not sure," Alex lamented dramatically. "But I'm hoping to at least get some hazardous duty pay out of this," she added, making Maggie snort. The amusing noise made Alex grin.

"You two do know the importance of good public relations, don't you?" Cat asked with a thin smile and pleasantly threatening tone. "Now, we have places to go, people to question, Agent Danvers," she announced imperiously, adding "chop chop," before placing the phone back to her ear and sashaying towards the SUV. "I'm back, James. . . ."

"Wow. You just might get that pay," Maggie noted with amusement, watching Cat get into the SUV, still on her call, before glancing back to Alex with a bright, dimpled smile that transformed her face.

Alex blinked.

"Still, better you than me," Maggie added with a rich chuckle, getting Alex to nod with a weak smile.

"Here's my contact information," Maggie said, pulling a business card and a pen from her breast pocket. "This is my personal cell," she said, writing it on the back of the card.

"Personal . . . cell?" Alex asked hesitantly, with a small smile.

"The sooner you can get the Queen to send me the video, the better . . . of course," Maggie said with that disarming smile, handing over the card.

"Right. Of course," Alex said, taking the card. "Thanks."

"See you around, Agent Danvers. Hopefully under better circumstances," Maggie said wryly and left Alex to stare at the card in her hand.

SGSG

Alex returned to the SUV as Cat was finishing up her call.

"Excellent interview, James," she said with a smirk.

He laughed. "It ought to be, they were your questions. I've got my marching orders. Talk to you soon," he said and hung up.

When Alex started the engine, Cat noticed something was off.

"What's wrong?" Cat asked as Alex pulled away from the scene.

Alex glanced at her, then snapped with irritation. "What isn't wrong? Clark was almost killed, we don't know if Kara was injured while saving him, we don't know where either of them are, and let's not forget, that maniac with kryptonite is still on the loose!"

Cat sighed. "The fact Kara managed to successfully leave the area with Clark, gives me confidence she avoided injury from that maniac; Detective Sawyer did say she used some sort of shield. And I'm sure she would want to take him someplace she feels safe, which rules out the DEO. And even if she just figured out how to fly, which seems unlikely from her running about at the scene, I don't think she would feel confident enough to fly Clark to all the way to the Fortress of Solitude if he's injured. So that leaves my penthouse. She's probably on her way there as we speak."

"That . . . makes sense," Alex admitted as her phone rang, echoing throughout the SUV. "Mom?" she quickly accepted the hands-free call. "You're on speaker with Cat. Are they there?" Alex asked anxiously.

"No," Eliza sighed and admitted, "I was impatient and hoping you found them."

"We just missed them," Alex said with annoyance. "Kara apparently ran onto the scene and pulled Superman away from a super-powered maniac that can shoot Kryptonite rays from his chest. He escaped when the DEO response team arrived."

"That's . . . a lot to digest," Eliza said as Cat's phone rang.

"Yeah," Alex said and exhaled. "We're on our way to the penthouse. We are thinking she would return to someplace she feels safe."

Cat glanced down and saw an unlisted number. Normally, she'd let it roll over to voice mail, likely another unwanted call about extending her vehicle warranty. But something made her answer.

"Good. I'm sure Kara's just being careful before she returns to the penthouse," Eliza said with confidence.

"Cat Grant speaking," she said.

"Cathrine, it's Kara," she said softly.

"Kara!" Cat blurted, putting her on speaker phone. "Are you ok? Is Superman? Where are you?!"

Alex pulled over to the side of the road.

Eliza turned to Carter, who was hovering nearby. "Kara just called your mother," she relayed softly, putting her phone on speaker and placing it on the kitchen counter. He smiled at the news and immediate inclusion. She reached out and offered a one-armed hug, which he accepted without hesitation as they listened together.

"Kal is recovering," Kara said on the speaker phone in the small office at the back of Captain Bob's. "He says he needs to rest a few more minutes. I would have called sooner, but I had to improvise with the communications, I . . . melted his phone," Kara said guiltily. She glanced to Clark, who was slumped in a chair, looking sadly at the metal and plastic lump in his hand. Losing his clothes had become an expected inconvenience . . . but not his phone.

"I . . . see," Cat said, wondering about the circumstances.

"But Kelex helped me contact you," Kara continued.

"Ah. Well, I'm relieved he isn't completely useless," Cat said, causing Alex to look at her incredulously, until Kara snorted with amusement, which made Alex pause curiously.

"Technically, "he" is an "it," Kara pointed out helpfully, desperately clinging to the needed comfort of humor.

"I stand corrected. Far be it from me to offend your robot with improper pronouns," Cat countered, causing Kara to softly chuckle, grateful for Cathrine's distracting banter.

Alex looked at the phone in Cat's hand, then Cat oddly.

At the mention of a robot, Carter looked up excitedly to Eliza, who preemptively held up a hand and mouthed "Later," postponing the barrage of questions she knew he had. Carter nodded in understanding, but fully intended to quiz Eliza on this Kelex.

"Well, technically . . . ," Kara countered, making Cat roll her eyes. ". . . Kelex is Kal-El's attendant. But, I'm sure it will survive your offense."

Alex grimaced, not sure she was going to survive this awkward conversation.

"As much as I'm relieved to hear that, I'm still not aware of your location," Cat said firmly, much to Alex's relief.

"Cathrine . . . ," Kara said with concern, her amusement vanished. "This attack was designed to eliminate me," she said forcefully. "He . . . He almost killed Kal!" she blurted, clearly upset. "And he escaped the soldiers in black! I will not bring this danger to you or your House. Three innocent people have already died because of me!" She said miserably.

Superman's head popped up with concern. Before he could respond, Cat immediately countered.

"Kara Zor-El! You are not responsible for what some psychopath does!" Cat said heatedly.

"She's right, Kara," Eliza quickly chimed in. "Mom's right!" Carter added confidently. "Absolutely," Alex confirmed. "It's true, you know," Clark added sincerely from his chair.

Kara closed her eyes, logically understanding and appreciating their supportive words, but her heart ached with guilt. "Perhaps," she said reluctantly, quickly adding "But it's not wise to . . . ."

Cat groaned with frustration.

"Kara!" Alex interjected. "The attack was to draw you out because they don't know where you are. It's likely they were hoping for a weakened Supergirl. Now that you've shown you are formidable, Luthor will want to pause and reevaluate for a while."

"J'onn J'onzz sounded just as confident when he predicted my enemy would take time before further hostile action," Kara countered, adding bluntly, "He was wrong."

Alex frowned, unable to argue.

"Come home, Kara," Cat urged. "We can talk more then. I just need to see that you are all right," she pleaded.

Kara remained silent. The welcome warmth of the request warred with her concern about exposing everyone to danger.

"Please," Cat said in a tone Kara could not deny.

"Very well, Cathrine," Kara relented in a sigh of defeat.

"Where are you? I can pick you guys up," Alex quickly offered.

SGSG

On their way to Captain Bob's Dive and Tackle Shop, Alex and Cat sat in companionable silence, both relieved to hear from Kara, in spite of a major threat still on the loose. Well, two major threats, Cat considered, knowing Lillian was not going to stop until she succeeded or was caught.

"Oh!" Alex blurted, startling Cat out of her worries. "Before I forget . . . here," she said and pulled out Maggie's business card from her pocket. "You should send the video to her personal cell, the number's on the back."

Cat took the small card, looking at Alex with a slight smile. "You acquired her personal cell number, did you? My my, could it be that Agent Danvers has got some game?" she teased.

"What? What are you talking about? She gave me her personal cell because she would like the video sooner . . . rather than later," Alex explained.

"Are you sure that is the only reason you got her personal cell, Agent Danvers?" Cat smiled mischievously.

"I didn't ask for it, she gave it to me," Alex said defensively. " . . . to get the video . . . sooner," she explained, again.

"I see," Cat said thoughtfully. "I never realized that work cell phones were so much slower than personal cell phones," she challenged, holding up the card and glancing at the work cell phone number clearly printed on the front, then to Alex. "Must be a network difference," she suggested with an innocent shrug.

Alex nodded uncertainly. "Y . . . eah."

"But you are sadly mistaken if you think a person of my stature would will just forward the video from my private cell phone to someone I don't know," Cat announced. "Private being the operative word."

"If you are so God damned paranoid, why haven't you figured out how to hide your number!" Alex shot back.

"No need to hide anything if I only communicate with those whom I trust not to abuse my privacy," Cat said breezily.

"Come on," Alex groaned. "Just send it to her! Sawyer's law enforcement. She knows the value of an informant's confidentiality!"

"So sure of that, are we? Interesting. You seem rather defensive of someone you just recently met," Cat noted with a small smile.

"You know, she could just get a warrant for your phone . . . and access all sorts of information," Alex threatened with a tight smile.

"I'd like to see her try," Cat said with amusement.

"Would you just send her the damn video? We're all trying to catch that asshole!" Alex said with irritation.

Cat looked at Alex a moment before shrugging. "She'll get it . . . ," she said agreeably and unlocked her phone, sending the video.

"Thank you!" Alex blurted forcefully, relieved Cat finally decided to be reasonable.

After a few seconds, Alex's phone buzzed at the receipt of a new message.

". . . after you send it to her," Cat added with a satisfied smile.

"Jesus Christ!" Alex cried, realizing Cat would never, ever, be reasonable. "This is payback, isn't it?"

Cat looked at her innocently. "Whatever do you mean, Agent Danvers?"

Alex exhaled heavily and sharply pulled over to the side of the road, deriving some perverse pleasure in the abrupt jostling of her passenger, who let out a startled "oh!"

Glaring at Cat, who glared right back, Alex shook her head with a growl as she pulled out her phone and typed a message, which Cat knew had to be interesting from the firm, determined scowl on Alex's face as she typed it.

"Sent," Alex said tersely, then put her phone in the cupholder and pulled back onto the road.

"How nice. She now has the video . . . and your number," Cat said with a satisfied smile.

SGSG

While typing her depressing report on the attack that killed three people and how the perp got away, Detective Sawyer's phone buzzed. Relieved for the distraction, she curiously picked it up, surprised to find she actually received the promised video so quickly, or frankly, even at all. She never had much faith in anything the Feds promised, too frequently disappointed. But this was a pleasant surprise. She shook her head in amusement as she read the message.

The Queen is being difficult. Surprise! I may need an alibi if she keeps it up. Hope this is useful. Haven't seen it yet. I'll call later to compare notes . . . or ask for help with the alibi. Alex.

A pleasant surprise indeed, Maggie considered with a chuckle and watched the video from Alex, who might just get that hazardous duty pay . . . or a lengthy prison sentence.