Chapter 4 [Wayne's Steakhouse—Thirty Blocks East of the Museum]
Activity buzzed through an antique dining room. Akin to Nineteenth or Early Twentieth Centuries, waitstaff in starched white shirts, bow ties and dark suits met diners' every need. Spotless white tablecloths draped over oak and maple tables. Beige candles burned in each table's center. Teak wood décor gleamed. Park scenes adorned the room's wallpaper. Reputation demanded that only finest meat and foods appear for discerning palates.
Overwhelming for the newbie perhaps?
Chloe bit into her steak. Spices and seasonings danced their tango throughout her mouth. She savored each bite. Questions remained about Swann, Clark and Lana and such. Still, they remained far to the back of her mind. Satisfaction's smile spread further and further across her face. Glad I thought to bring a blouse and my cranberry outfit with me. "Amazing."
"Guess we know why it's featured on those shows?" Lex bit into a piece of his meat. "Reynald really has that touch. We'll have to thank the Doctor when we talk to him." He chased that with a draught of wine.
"He'll appreciate that. I know he's looking forward to meeting Miss Sullivan." Crosby regarded Chloe. "I have to say that you surprise me. I wouldn't think you'd be able to handle a situation such as this one. You're handling it remarkably well."
"Thanks…?" Chloe shrugged. "I have to admit that…this is all so overwhelming." She looked all around the area. "I'm intrigued, I guess. This is one of those places I…I've always wanted to eat at. However, I guess my mind's focused on certain things. I know we can't talk about them here. So, I guess I just have to take it all in?"
"Very logical. And one to be appreciated. Thank you." Crosby nodded toward her. "Dr. Swann has maintained certain operations, Alex. I think you'll find that he hasn't changed all that much in that regard."
"He was a cautious man, Dr. Crosby. That's a good thing. I'll admit that I share some of Chloe's questions and concerns. The fact that I'm here sitting and eating right now relates to one of those matters." He leaned close to Crosby. "I saw and heard something in that room. I was given something but there's no scar or proof. Still, it happened."
"And you didn't learn from your investigations over the car's roof?" Crosby flicked an eyebrow. "Take a tip from Miss Sullivan. Be careful in what you seek and when you seek it. She seems to have learned from her experience with your father."
Lex nodded. He expected Crosby's rebuttal to be honest. Memoria recalled Swann's meetings with the Teagues, Queens and his own parents during those summers at the Lake. "Patricia said the same thing to Oliver Queen and me at that point. How's she doing by the way?"
"Patricia's well. She's been traveling. I don't know where she is at the moment. I do know she and Dr. Swann speak on a regular basis." Crosby looked to Chloe. "I know that she was in Paris a few weeks ago."
"Great town." He took a deep breath.
"Really? Maybe some day I'll get there." Chloe leaned back in her seat. Visions of Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, Wineries and fine food danced through her head.
"You're young. Perhaps. One never knows." Crosby offered a shrug. "The world is an increasingly small place, Miss Sullivan."
"It is. One of my classmates goes to Japan over the summer. Her stepdad's well connected over there. I know she's been to Italy too." Chloe drank from her mug.
"You mean Miranda Arighatto? I know she has a trip planned in a couple of weeks. She'll be over there." Lex frowned. "I don't get the connection."
"Again, there are matters to be discussed but not here." Crosby heard her phone buzz. "One minute. Yes?"
"There's a situation at the museum. Keep our guests there," Swann advised.
"I will." Concern flashed across Crosby's face for a heartbeat. Then, she took a composing breath. "Thank you." She disconnected the phone and slid it back into her pocket. "Apologies. Dr. Swann was just checking on us. He asked me to make sure we don't get back too late. I do believe there's time for dessert?"
"I didn't want to run up the bill, Dr. Crosby." Chloe set her fork down.
"Don't worry, Chloe. I've got you covered. Enjoy yourself." He tapped his fingers on the table. His own phone buzzed at him. "Now what? This must be really important." He answered it. "Lex Luthor."
"Mr. Luthor, this is Simmons at the New York Office. Are you aware that there is a situation at the Met? The entire museum's being evacuated. Surveillance picked up on Clark and Martha Kent, Lana Lang and Miranda Arighatto entering the facility. The FBI is guarding the Hiroshi Katana. There was an emotional scene between one of the agents and Miss Arighatto. Then, a few minutes ago, security and feeds were disrupted. Hansei Arighatto is in there. I figured you should know. Pardon me for disrupting your dinner."
"That's fine, Simmons. You're doing your job. I appreciate it. Thank you." Lex hung up the phone. "Dessert's going to have to wait, Dr. Crosby."
"Lex?" Chloe quirked an eyebrow. Suspicion shot a look apiece at her dinner companions. "What's going on?"
"We have a situation. I've had several people watching for our missing friends tonight. One of them just got back to me. They're right down the street at the Met." Exasperation pushed a pronounced sigh through his lips. "Must be nice." He shook his head. "Maybe you should get the car back here, Dr. Crosby? We're going to the Met ourselves. You might have yourself an exclusive, Chloe." He got up and signaled for the waiter. "I've got the check."
"Exclusive?" Chloe perked up. "What the Hell, Lex?" Surprise widened her eyes and stiffened her. She tried to wrap her mind around his meaning.
"It means we have several problems. Dr. Swann wants you to stay here." Crosby frowned.
"He knows? That figures. With Hansei Arighatto involved too, I'm not surprised." He headed toward the waiter. "We're all set. Just charge it to my card please."
"Of course, Sir!" The grey haired, balding man exchanged looks with Crosby. Then, he accepted Lex's card and hustled toward the register.
"Sorry, Dr. Crosby, there's something going on that we need to get to the bottom of. Bring the car around or I'm calling for a car from LuthorCorp. Your choice." He set his jaw. Answers danced in front of his eyes. He accepted his card back. Then he signed off on the slip. "Thanks, Jacques. Exquisite as always. Reynald's cooking was superb. Can you let the management know?"
"I would be delighted to. Merci, Monsieur Luthor." Jacques nodded. "And the young lady? It is her first time?"
"It is. I'm introducing her to the Big Apple. It's turning into an interesting evening. Have a great evening." Lex watched Jacques head back for the register. "Shall we?"
Crosby got off the phone. "The car will be out front momentarily." She kept a straight face. His strong-arm tactics left a great deal to be desired. I hope Dr. Swann will understand. I tried. She stood. "Apologies, Miss Sullivan. The chocolate cake is exquisite here."
"I'll take a rain check. Right now, I'd like to know what's going on with my friends." Chloe slid out of her seat. "Thanks though for the experience. I definitely want to do a write up on this place when I get back." Lana and Miranda leave the Talon understaffed. Mrs. Kent and Clark are up here too away from the farm. And they're in a museum? What's so interesting in there?
Crosby followed them out. She wondered how Swann would keep a lid on this situation now….