Chapter 10 [Stacy Residence]

Tension and Worry sagged across everyone's minds and thoughts. News reports speculated about the museum and the battle therein. Stacy's, Gwen's and Martha's eyes remained riveted to the TV.

So, it went….

Martha leaned back into the couch's cushions. The latest argument with Jonathan rang in her ears. Lex wouldn't wait for a response forever. A pleasant night at the museum. That's all it was supposed to be! She shook her head. Consternation stewed in her craw over that. At least the kids haven't been identified yet. She noted Stacy on the phone. "Gwen? I can help if you want a break?"

Gwen raised an eyebrow. "Thanks, Mrs. K! You're our guest. Besides, it keeps me from thinking too much." A long-pained breath puffed through her mouth. "I wish there'd be word." She looked to Stacy. I know he's talking with Jean and her Dad. What happens if Peter or the others try to call?

"Unless we hear different, we have to just presume that they're all okay." Martha heard her phone ring in her pocket. "Now who?" She considered the screen. "It's Dr. Swann." She flipped the phone open. "Hello?"

"Mrs. Kent, good evening. Forgive the late call. I assumed you were watching the news?" Swann watched his viewscreens. He watched Spider-Man enter the Daily Bugle. Another screen showed Jasmine and Tuishiama flying on the carpet into the Javalastani consulate. Clark and Lana sped toward the Riverside Inn.

"Dr. Swann? Yes! Captain Stacy, Gwen and I are watching the news. They haven't been inside yet. You wouldn't know anything? Would you?" Martha rubbed her forehead. Of course he does.

"I wanted to assure you that everyone is safely out of the museum. Clark, Lana and Professor Dubois are on their way back to the inn. Please let the Stacys know that I heard from an associate at the Daily Bugle. Mr. Parker was back there. I'm sure he'll be in touch shortly. In case they try to call, I will hang up. I still wish to see you all tomorrow morning. After that, I will have you flown back. I will make sure there are no problems this time."

Relief prompted a smile across Martha's face. Thank You, Lord! "Thank you, Dr. Swann, for letting me know. I'll pass along that information to Gwen and her father. You take care." She hung up. Strange. He didn't mention Miranda. I hope she's all right. Hopefully, Mr. Arighatto didn't try anything else!

"Was that your Astronomer prof? Anything on his end?" Gwen set another mug with a fresh tea bag in front of Martha. She looked at her father and then back at Martha again.

"Everyone made it out safely. Clark and Lana should be back at the Inn soon. Dr. Swann wanted you to know that Peter sent word. He's at the newspaper." Martha slid the phone back into her pocket. "That's a relief at least."

"You bet." Gwen rolled her eyes. "Peter needs to get that ol' scoop! At least I know he's safe after that scary guy and those ninjas broke into the museum. I hope that we can all do dinner or something? My invite's still there."

"We'll see. I don't know what Dr. Swann wants to do. I…." Martha started.

An expectant knock came from the door.

"Who could that be?" Gwen walked up to the door. "Dad?"

"Just a minute, Jean." Stacy pointed. "Go ahead, Gwen." He checked his watch. Who would be here now? Potential visitors—good and bad—remained as possibilities. His eyes remained fixed on the door.

Gwen nodded. She opened it to find Lex and Chloe standing there. "Sorry but can I help you?"

Lex softened his terse expression. "I'd hope so. Sorry to bother you so late. Is this the Stacy residence? I'm Lex Luthor. Captain Stacy and I were supposed to meet up at my hotel? I gathered he was watching the museum coverage with everyone else." His eyes surveyed the living room. "Mrs. Kent?"

"Good evening, Lex. Gwen and I were brought back here from the museum. I hadn't heard anything from Clark or Lana. Chloe?" Martha got off the couch.

"Hi, Mrs. Kent. There's nothing getting out of the museum either. Maybe we can come in? Sorry. Dr. Crosby's outside in the limo. Glad that you both are okay." Chloe managed a smile. Recognition, however, knew the Kent guarded expression well.

Martha weighed her options. She knew Lex wanted answers. Still, she didn't want to expose Clark's connection to Crosby or Swann. She also didn't want to involve the Stacys anymore than she had to. "I'll get my coat and purse. Maybe we can ride back to the inn?"

"I can't see why not. We need to talk, Mrs. Kent." Lex's brow furrowed. "Miss Stacy, can you let your Dad know I'll be in touch? Chloe and I have to wait for Clark and Lana back at the inn. Nice to meet you though."

Gwen nodded. "You're that Mr. Luthor? Wow. I don't mean to be rude to you. They were talking about you at lunch."

"That's good." Lex managed a smile for Gwen's benefit. "I appreciate Mr. Parker and you working with my friends. Maybe if you're out in Kansas, we can return the favor? Just let us know."

"That'd be great! Maybe Peter and I could do that sometime. I know Clark was talking about the fairs with my boyfriend and how groovy Smallville is. Lana and you have a café out there she said?" Gwen relaxed. "We just have to work around school, my Dad and his Aunt May."

"Parker?" Chloe raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah, Chloe. He and you'd get along great. You've been to the Daily Bugle's website. Right?" Lex pointed at Gwen. "Peter Parker's Miss Stacy's boyfriend. They were at the Met with Mrs. Kent and the others earlier tonight."

"Are you…? You mean the guy who takes the Spider-Man photos? Him?" Chloe kept a straight face. Awe and Admiration nearly dropped her jaw. "You and he are…"

"He's my Prince in Shining Film!" Gwen declared. "He's my dream and on the scene." Her heart warmed at the mention of Peter. Just let him get through his business and home safe.

"He's very nice and polite. Jonathan and I would be willing to go along with an invitation like that, Lex." Martha had her coat on. "Thank you, Captain Stacy."

"You're welcome, Mrs. Kent. I appreciate you staying close to Gwen tonight. Please let us know about the others if you would?" Stacy gimped to the door on his cane. "My apologies, Mr. Luthor. I meant to meet you. This situation distracted me."

"Of course. We can meet tomorrow or the next day since I'm here." Lex shook Stacy's hand. "I was just telling Miss Stacy that if you all want to visit, the door's open."

"We appreciate that. Thank you. It is a consideration." Stacy sized Lex up. Instinct advised of their visitor's fishing expedition. "Just call when you want to come over. I have tomorrow morning free."

"9 or 10 too early?" Lex checked his blackberry.

"9 is fine. Gwen will be at school. We can have the place to ourselves. Again, my apologies. I do not want to keep Dr. Crosby waiting outside." Stacy shook Lex's hand again. "Have a good evening. Mrs. Kent, give me a call tomorrow as well."

"I will. Thanks." Martha smiled to Gwen and Stacy. Then, she followed Lex and Chloe toward the limo. Her mind spun over potential explanations for them and Crosby. Hopes revolved around everyone else being all right.

Ends remained untied and up in the air….