After All These Years

Chapter 8 NYC

BAY RIDGE, BROOKLYN

Superman knocks on Frank Reagan's front door. Henry Reagan answers; "Superman! Won't you come in. I am Henry Reagan, or Pops. Jamie's grandfather, and the immediate past NYPD Commissioner."

"Thanks Pops, may I be so informal?"

" Absolutely, come into the dining room. I'll introduce you to the group."

'Group? What the hell?' Clark (Superman) thinks. 'I wish Jamie or Eddie and I could talk via telepathy. I must ask Jor-El about that.'

Clark is in the suit and has his Superman persona on, of course. He and Pops walk into the dining room. Around the table, and introduced in turn are Frank (PC), Erin (ADA), Danny (Detective) and Linda (RN, Danny's wife). Nicky, Jack and Sean were left at home over extremely vigorous objections!

Before sitting, Clark/Superman speaks up. "Jamie and Eddie, may I have a word in private, please?"

"Certainly," Jamie responds. He leads the three to the sun room. Clark starts; "What are we, or what am I, going to do with all these people in that room?"

"You mean about your identity and powers, right?" Jamie asks.

"Right!"

"Well, once it was known that you would be here, this is the smallest group we could keep it to. Believe me, it wasn't easy!"

"I think you'll just have to be Superman at all times. Not what Jamie and I hoped. Maybe we can relax after the case is over and just be 3 friends. Did you bring a spare suit?"

"Negative. I may need a little laundry service!"

"I can do," Eddie volunteers.

"Well, let's join the gang, shall we?" Clark gets up and the 3 go back to the dining room.

"Private conversation, huh?" Danny smirks.

Linda gives him an elbow.

"Logistics," Clark declares. "So, Commissioner, are you leading the discussion?" Clark leads with.

"Well, the first tip that brought this to our attention came from one of Sergent Reagan's CI's. So I will let him lead off."

"I'm not acquainted with the term CI; can you explain, Jamie?" Clark asks.

Danny snorts; another elbow from his wife and several glares from around the table.

Clark gets up and walks into the living room. Jamie starts to stand and go after him, but Frank stands too and motions for Jamie to sit down. He does.

Frank goes into the LR and approaches their guest. "Superman-

Speaking in a regular voice so all can hear, "Frank, I am used to environments where those on a team respect and support each other. To achieve a common goal. I don't feel that here – I am sorry to say. May I expect things to improve?"

"And if things don't improve?" Frank questions.

"My assistance will not be affected, I promise. Those children will be reunited with their parents, as soon as possible. Shall we rejoin the group?"

"We shall," Frank motions toward the DR, they sit down and the briefing begins. (Jamie explains CI = confidential informant)

J: We have 22 hours until we expect this shipment of children to be out of NYC and on their way to their intended destination.

CK: What means of transportation will be used out-of-city?

J: They have used bus, truck, railroad car & shipping container in the past.

CK: Any preference? Pattern?

J: None that we can detect.

CK: Have you narrowed down a list of possible holding sites?

J: Yes; Eddie has the list for you.

CK: Is it prioritized?

E: No, it is not. The detectives haven't gotten that far.

CK: I see 12 possible sites. Detective, are some detectives working on prioritization? (Looking at Danny)

D: Yes, they are working their asses off!

CK: I'm sure they are doing their best, Danny.

D: And, just so you know – I am working with you!

CK: Out of the question. I will be working alone, and reporting to Sergeant Reagan. Thanks for the offer, though!

D: Dad! What the hell?

F: Superman, we were hoping to learn from you. Things that our officers could do or use to improve the NYPD.

CK/S: What I do, the abilities that I use, cannot be used by others. They cannot be taught to others. Period. I work alone.

Silence.

CK/S: Now, if you'll excuse me, I have work to do. Sergent, may I assume that you will be available on your cell phone?

J: Correct.

CK/S: Eddie, also?

E: Correct.

CK/S: Very well, you will hear from me shortly.

88888888888888888888888

Before CK/S starts looking at NYC sites he makes a quick call to Lana.

"Lana, sweetheart!"

"Clark, I miss you! How are things there?"

"Tense, just as we thought." Clark admits.

"They want to know, don't they?"

"Big time. Let's review the pager."

"Ok: 1 tap = green = call when you can. 2 taps = orange = call SOON. 3 taps = RED = EMERGENCY!"

"Exactly, we are in sync! 1-4-3! Bye." CK/S signs off.

"1-4-3 Bye. Lana signs off.

88888888888888888888

Clark starts looking at possible holding sites, starting by the East river; flying to each one and taking an initial look/see/listen from above.

1 & 2 are negative.

3 is a possibility. He lands in a near-by alley and walks to the old warehouse. He sees 2 cargo vans parked out back; he snaps pix and sends to Eddie, for a license plate check. She will also request a look-back at utility bills – to see if there has been a spike in electric or gas usage. CK/S flies to the roof and listens closely for signs of children in distress. He confirms such sounds. He flies down to the ground, slips around to where the vans are parked and with his heat vision flats out the 2 tires away from the building on each van. That damage will not be seen right away.

He then calls Jamie and reports what he has found and what he has done. He notifies Jamie that he will now go to the next building on his list; being available to return to #3 if called upon to do so.

Danny immediately calls Superman. "What did you find?"

"I have reported to Jamie. Ask him."

"Tell me, I need to know!"

"Ask Sergent Reagan." Clark hangs up. He texts Jamie and Eddie.

CK/S TXT: Going to burner # is 555-55-5555. Ok to tell PC, nobody else. Going to site #4. TXT or call if I should revisit #3 or if assist needed there. Adios mi amigos!

J TXT: Gracias, mi amigo! Good work!

"Eddie, I hope our friendship survives this!"

"Oh, I think it will. Clark does get frustrated, as do we all. But he's really a pretty easy-going guy. If worse comes to worse, I'll sic Lana on him!"

"NO, that will ruin a friendship for sure!"

"You may be right. You and I can handle it, babe."

"I hope you're right. Let's get these kids home quick. Then we can spend a little friendship time."

"Ah, but then there is Japan!"

"Oh, I forgot that. Why don't you call Lana and check on things?"

"I'll do just that."

88888888888888888888

RING, RING

"Lana here. Eddie, is that you?"

"Yes. How are you doing? I'm just checking in with you."

"I'm good; our flight leaves in 10 hours."

"Red eye, huh?" Eddie winces.

"Yup, a 12-hour flight - yuck! Hey, how is my fav super-hero doing?"

"Great! He survived the first round with Danny! Both still have all their teeth!" Both ladies laugh.

"Have you found the kids yet? We're praying for you guys."

"Clark found signs of a possible holding site at one of the 1st 3 buildings he checked. We are sending SWAT in to check it out. We shall see. Hey, I gotta go. Have a safe flight; hope you can resolve your issues. Love ya!"

"Love ya too! Greet my hubby for me, bye."

88888888888888888

TBC