Return to Metropolis
Chapter 1 of Where's Superman?
Things were perfectly normal on the day Superman disappeared. On a crisp Saturday morning between semesters, Kara lay on her bed watching the Three Stooges. It didn't get more comfy that jeans and sweatshirt. She laughed at their antics, conscious of the fact that most girls rolled their eyes at the trio. She had a theory about that. Finishing up apple pie and coffee, she carried the plate and cup to the kitchen, where her foster mother Eliza was doing dishes. Such chores helped her pass the time while her husband was away on a hunting trip.
"Just drop those in here," Eliza said.
Kara did so. "I wish you'd let me help. I feel guilty about camping out at home all weekend."
"No, dear, you deserve your vacation after that last bit of trouble in Metropolis."
Kara leaned against the counter. "Tell me something, mom. Why don't women like the Stooges?"
"Because they're silly, which is why guys like them."
"Come on now. You were passing through when a cat saw a photo of Shemp on an end table. When it arched its back and hissed, I heard you giggle."
"You and your super hearing," she mused.
"Here's my theory: they don't measure up to John Wayne."
Eliza finished a plate and started on a pot. "You may be onto something." The phone in the living room jangled. "Will you get that for me?"
The phone occupied a wall table with a slot for a phone book underneath. The woman on the other end sounded familiar.
"Hello. I'm trying to reach Linda Danvers. My name is Lois Lane, a reporter for the Daily Planet."
Alarms went off for Kara. She had left word that her alter ego Linda was able to reach Supergirl, just as Clark could reach Superman. "Speaking, Miss Lane. How can I help you?" Eliza appeared in the doorway, wiping out a glass.
"Crime is picking up since Superman went missing. To make matters worse, Clark Kent—who normally gets in touch with him—is away on assignment. He isn't answering our calls. But he once said you could reach Supergirl."
"I'll do my best, Miss Lane."
"Thank you so much. Have her come to the Daily Planet, would you?"
"I'm sure she'll come." They said goodbyes as Eliza came near, a towel draped over a shoulder. "Mom, she said Superman is missing."
"Oh my." Eliza nervously wiped her hands on the towel. "I worry about you, Linda. Whatever happened to him could happen to you." She wrapped her foster daughter in a hug. "But I know you have to do this. He'd do the same for you. Just be careful."
Kara eased herself free. "It's ironic. Last time I saw Superman, I promised to come back if he got into a jam. It seemed a joke at the time."
Eliza held her at arm's length. "I'll tell your friends you've gone to join your dad."
"Thanks, mom. Since I don't have a window to jump out of like Superman does, I'll do it the usual way, wrapped in a trench coat until it's safe to fly." She went to fetch her costume from its hidden slot in a false ceiling in the bedroom closet, getting changed in seconds.
Eliza waited in the doorway. "I can't get used to how magnificent you look. I just wish you hadn't made those scandalous alterations."
Kara hadn't wanted to be Superman in a skirt. Her outfit was entirely red, except for the S symbol, blue for contrast. She had removed the shoulders, creating sleeves from wrist to armpit. The midriff was bared to create a halter top. The skirt was several inches above the knee-high boots, and the cape in back hung to the back of the knees. "I have to be me, mom. What can I say." She pulled on a large overcoat.
Eliza gave her a last hug. "All right, Supergirl. Go find your cousin."
Daily Planet Building
Near ten in the morning, Kara sailed past the tall blue louvers into Perry White's office, alighting gracefully in the center of the room.
The editor jumped up. "Supergirl—thank heavens." He tapped the intercom. "Lois, you and Olsen get in here pronto."
When Lois came in, she rushed to take Kara's hands. "Kara, we're so glad you came."
Jimmy Olsen seconded. "Golly, Supergirl, this is a nightmare. If Superman really is gone, we'll need the national guard to keep the lid on here."
"Don't be such a pessimist," Lois said. "I can't think of anything that can hurt them besides kryptonite."
"That would be my consensus." Kara misused the word to see if they'd notice, which they didn't. And they called themselves word smiths.
Inspector Henderson came in, face lighting up. "Am I ever glad to see you, Supergirl!"
Kara made a little head nod.
"Henderson has the lowdown," Perry said, "on a possible clue."
Settling into a chair, the inspector removed his hat. "It would help to have the cooperation of the press, but it's a little late for that."
"What are you saying?" Perry demanded.
"I'm saying restraint was called for. With the media blaring this from the rooftops, every hood in town knows Superman is MIA. And now you're harping on this elusive mercenary hiring out to the mob. You couldn't ask for better advertising."
"Now see here, Henderson—"
Lois stepped between them. "Hold on, Chief. We can undo some of that with a big spread about Supergirl, let the criminals know she's back in town."
"That's a great idea!" Jimmy made ready with his camera.
Perry scratched at his temple. "What's happening? Am I going crazy?"
Before Jimmy could start, Kara whispered something to Lois, who looked amused, if a little hesitant.
"Chief," Lois said, "I've got the photo for tonight's headline." She waited for Kara to crouch and hold out a hand, then gingerly set foot on it. Kara held her arm straight out and stood, obliging Lois to extend a leg for balance, and place a hand on Kara's head. Jimmy went to a knee for a more dramatic shot.
Perry crossed arms, a smug look on his face. "What do you think of that, Henderson? Here's our headline: she's back!"
"Now we're talking," said a pleased Henderson. He mopped at his forehead with a handkerchief.
Kara set Lois down. "Tell me more about this mercenary."
"I'll do so with Perry's promise to keep it under wraps for now." Perry started to object, thought better of it. "During a jewelry heist, an officer fired at a gang member. A woman who was with them got in the way. He swears he hit her, but without effect."
Jimmy pulled out the photo plate. "Gotta be a bullet proof vest."
"He also said they escaped through a door they blocked. It was later found that a heavy safe had been dragged against the other side. Its door had been forced open."
"Great Caesar's ghost!" Perry turned to Kara. "Could there be a third Kryptonian in town? If so, I suppose it's a relief it isn't a man, with his greater strength."
"I think," Kara said, "the place to start is with a call on an old friend. If this woman is hiring out, she'll start at the top." She walked toward the louvers.
"Be careful, Kara." Lois had hands clasped in worry. "Whatever they sprung on Superman is still waiting out there."
"As you've pointed out," Kara replied, "we gals are the smarter ones."
After she'd gone, Jimmy made a wry grin. "I'm not sure I agree with that, but did you see the look on her face? Somebody is about to have his day ruined for him."
"I wouldn't want to be in his imported Italian shoes," Henderson said.
Perry thumped the desk. "All right, people—we've got a paper to put out."
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