After All These Years

Chapter 7 Japan or NYC?

Metropolis

"Are you ready to go babe? We need to leave in 5 minutes."

"What's the deal? Has the C/K express slowed down?" Lana hollers from the bathroom.

"I thought we'd run. I need some exercise. Anyway, you know Chloe . . . if we're not 10" early she'll bite our heads off."

"Hasn't she mellowed any?" Lana hopes.

"Nope. Oliver has tried, no luck."

Lana walks out, ready to go. She's wearing a sky-blue halter top over black slacks. 3" heeled black boots, diamond studs and light make-up.

Clark takes a moment to catch his breath, then helps her with her black leather jacket. Out the door and they are off.

888888888888888

STAR CITY

After greetings and dinner, they sit in the den and Chloe reports.

"I took the addresses of al your facilities, the boutiques and the Tokyo design center. I cross checked with the owners of similar businesses and the owners of the spaces you lease. And Lana, you've got a problem!"

"I know, but what, or who is it?"

"Good thing you have our favorite farm boy as your security consultant!" She winks at Clark.

"Will you just get down to it!" Lana huffs.

"Yup, here goes. The Kyoto police chief's wife is Akari Tanaka!"

"NO!" Lana gasps.

"Yes, the founder and owner of A/T Fashions. The hottest fashion house in southern Japan. They operate 3 boutiques in Tokyo and 2 in Kyoto; 1 of the Kyoto boutiques is in the same block as one of yours!"

"Oh my god! She must be furious. I bet that's my Kyoto boutique that has really taken off!"

"Which one is that?" Chloe asks.

Lana gives her the address.

"Yup, the very one!"

Lana looks at Clark, he encloses her in an embrace.

"What can I do?" Clark whispers.

Oliver speaks up, "Well, in my experience doing business in Japan, they are not much for compromise."

Chloe swats her husband on the arm, "Thanks a lot! Lana needs solutions, not pessimism."

"I'm just trying to make sure she, and we, approach the situation with clear eyes, babe."

"We appreciate that, Oliver. Don't we sweetheart?" Clark voices.

"Yes, definitely." Lana thanks Oliver with her eyes.

Silence as they think.

"Babe, are you due for a trip to Japan any time soon?"

"Not planned, but I can go any time, why?"

"I could go with you. And do some scouting around, see what I can learn that might help." Clark offers.

"Can you spare the time?"

"Oliver, can the League cover me for a while?"

"Yes, I'm sure we can. And, Chlo and myself are due for a little vacation, we can come along!"

Chloe jumps up, "Yes, Mr. Green Jeans, now you're talking!"

Oliver blushes, "What did I say about that nickname?"

"I forgot, sorry."

"Yeah, sure. I'll remind you later!"

"I'm sure you will."

888888888888888888888

2 DAYS PRIOR TO EEPARTURE FOR JAPAN

Clark's cell rings; "Hello, Clark Kent."

""Clark, Eddie Janko here. Jamie Reagan's wife."

"Eddie! It's great to talk with you; I met your husband at that law enforcement conference last year. He sang your praises the whole time; it was . . . almost . . . well, anyway, what can I do for you?"

"Hm, I'll have to talk to him about that conference."

"Ah, no need, really. You heard nothing, please!"

"Relax, Clark, just kidding – sort of. Well, we have a big problem that Jamie said you might be able to help us with."

"Tell me about it; I'll see what I can do. Lana and I are leaving for Japan in 2 days, but go ahead, tell me what you've got."

Eddie goes on to give Clark the run down on a major case involving abducted children. Time sensitive!

888888888888888888888

CNFERENCE CALL

Lana & Clark get Chloe and Oliver on the phone.

"I've got a problem folks," Clark starts. "I got a call from Eddie Janko, Jamie Reagan's wife. They are NYPD officers; he a sergeant and she a patrol officer. They are part of our inner circle of friends who know all about me.

"They have a case 'involving abducted kids, 5–9-year-old kids. The kids are being sold as slaves; either sex slaves or workers. The last batch was taken 12-24 hours ago; and are due to be shipped out of the country within 36 hours. Eddie & Jamie are requesting my help."

"Wow! You have to respond to that call, sweetheart!" Lana encourages him.

"Yes, absolutely," Chloe affirms.

"We can support Lana in Japan," Oliver assures Clark. "We've got that covered."

"But I speak, understand & read Japanese," Clark informs the group.

"So do I," Oliver states.

"You do?" Clark relaxes.

"Yup, Chlo and I will support Lana. And I have something for you." Oliver pulls out a device that looks like an old-fashioned pager. "This is made by the JL; Lana can use it to summon you either urgently or emergently. Chlo and I have them also. So, you will be a 'page' away."

"That takes a load off my mind, thanks. So, babe, may I call Eddie and confirm my helping them?"

"Yes! I'll check your GO BAG and make sure it's ready."

PHONE TO NYC

"Eddie Janko here. Good news, Clark?"

"Yes, how soon would you like me to arrive?"

"Well, flights . . . oops. I forgot; you fly yourself! So, ASAP if you can."

"I can be there in 1 hour; text me an address to land; I will call when I am on the ground. Is that satisfactory?"

"Superb, and many thanks! See you soon."

88888888888888888888

SOHO APARTMENT

"Jamie, Clark will be here in 1 hour," Eddie says to her husband who is cleaning up the kitchen after supper. "Who do we need to inform?"

"Well, dad knows that we were asking for help. However, he doesn't know of all Clark's capabilities, or especially his origin. This will be tricky."

"Should I TXT Clark a Bay Ridge address to land; and meet him at dad's home?" Eddie wonders.

"No, let's call Clark and talk this over."

"Good idea."

ANOTHER CALL!

"Clark here, Eddie?"

"Eddie & Jamie here. We are wondering about who to inform about your assistance? Any ideas?"

"Yeah, I was thinking about that. The timing here is fortuitous, I think. I am doing my super-hero work as Superman. I thought you knew that."

"We did; we just didn't think, here. We were thinking of our friend Clark!"

Clark chuckles. "Well, I want you to think of us as friends first. Fellow LEO (official or not) 2nd. So, I'll bring 2 kinds of garb; I'll come in as Superman and only dress as Clark when 'alone' with friends. Will that work?"

"Absolutely! That solves 1 issue – we will have you land near the PC's home and meet there. You may even stay there, your choice. We won't mention it; we'll see if it comes up."

"I'd rather stay with you two, if I may."

"Sure," Eddie agrees. "I'll put fresh sheets on the bed in our guest suite!"

Everyone laughs!

"TXT me the landing info."

"Will do."

8888888888888888888888

BAY RIDGE, BROOKLYN

Superman knocks on Frank Reagan's front door.

TBC

10" ear