Delete Part 3

At the Torch Office…

Chloe had called an all-hands-on-deck Torch meeting. Clark figured he would be the first to arrive, thanks to his speed, but there was a light on in the Torch office.

Clark entered and saw Alicia staring at the Chloe's "Wall of Weird". When Clark had first shown her Chloe's scrapbook, Alicia was all smiles and brimming with excitement as she glanced over the articles. There were dozens of questions she wanted to ask Chloe, but his friend was too tied up with her Daily Planet column to sit down and chat. Which just showed how busy Chloe was; the young reporter loved talking about her theory.

Now, Alicia stared at the wall somberly.

"Hey," Clark said to bring attention to his presence. "You ok?"

Alicia sniffed and dabbed at her right eye. "I just found out I'm not the only one. There's a whole town of people like me. And now…someone wants me dead again just for being different."

"Again?"

"It's nothing. Forget I said anything."

"Alicia," Clark walked over so he was right next to her, "are you in danger?"

"No." Alicia noticed Clark's quizzical stare, so she repeated, "Everything is fine."

The girl's eyes were red, and she looked scared. Clark felt a pang of guilt: this was his fault. If it wasn't for the meteor shower, no one would have been infected in the first place.

Clark reached out to take her hands. "Alicia, I promise I won't let that masked shooter hurt you."

Alicia misunderstood Clark's intent, and she rushed forward, wrapping her arms around his body in a tight hug. Clark found himself returning the embrace. Alicia looked up at him, her fretful expression replaced by a grateful smile. "Thank you."

Alicia brought one arm to the front and began to trace a finger across his left pec. "Can your skin really stop a bullet, or just sharp metal?"

"It can stop bullets." Clark blushed. He was still holding Alicia, and she was looking up at him in amazement. Clark didn't mean to brag about his powers, but it felt nice to talk about them with someone who actually praised him for it instead of being scared. Still, he felt himself begin to squirm out of embarrassment as she continued to look at him with adoration.

"You're sure? Someone shot at you?"

"A few times, actually."

"Woah. Sounds like an interesting story." Alicia tilted her head to the side. "How come you have more than one? Or do other people have multiple powers too?"

"Not sure." Clark's weird feeling was replaced by an assault of guilt and felt his stomach twist. Here he was, lying again.

"I guess that makes you one of kind." Alicia sighed as she nestled closer into the crook of Clark's arm.

LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL

Chloe was running late to a meeting she had called. She knew it was unprofessional, but she had other things to investigate.

Like the hot tip Bobby Big Mouth had sold to her.

That tip was a solid lead and worth the upcharge of breadsticks. Already she reached out to her contacts to search for any video footage of vehicles stopping by the supposed abandoned warehouse. It would take time for something to turn up.

In the meantime, she could focus on the breaking story of the masked vigilante.

Chloe rushed into the Torch office to find Clark and Alicia in a tight embrace. Alicia's eyes were closed in a restful, peaceful expression as she was held tight by the farm boy's arms. A place Chloe had dreamed herself being multiple times. Clark blushed when he noticed Chloe's presence and took a small step back.

Alicia's eyes opened slowly, and when she saw Chloe standing in the doorway, she smiled. But the smile was not friendly. Chloe had heard the expression "the cat that got the cream" before, but this was the first time she could picture it with an expression. The new girl looked smug as she released her hold, but Clark was too busy straightening out his jacket to notice. By the time he did look down, Alicia's expression changed to an innocent smile.

Oh, that girl's good. Chloe couldn't believe what she was seeing. Alicia was giving Lana Lang a run for her money.

"I guess I'll let you guys have your meeting. See you later." Alicia made her exit.

"Bye." Clark said.

"So why was she here?"

Clark shrugged. "She's a little shook up from the broadcast. I mean, she just moved into a town that has a serial killer on the loose."

"Uh-huh." Chloe watched Clark as he casually went back to his desk. "So, she sought…you out?"

"I guess."

"Clark," Chloe leaned across the desk, "I say this as your friend: Alicia likes you."

Clark just shrugged again. "I like her to."

Men. Chloe closed her eyes and counted to ten. "No, no. Alicia likes you likes you. Alicia wants you to take her out on a date likes you."

"What? No." Clark shook his head. "We're just friends."

"She brought you at least two coffees this week. What do you call that?"

"The Talon had a two-for-one deal. You know that."

"I'm not that late," Pete said as he bounded into the room. "What'd I miss?"

"Pete, settle this debate for us. Alicia brought Clark coffee this week just because or is Alicia crushing on our farm boy here?"

"Oh, she's fallen hard. Definitely." Pete confirmed.

"But I bring you coffee all the time," Clark protested.

"I'm the editor. It's my right." Chloe's phone buzzed. A quick glance told her it was a phone call from Lionel Luthor. She dismissed it. "Look, unless you want to be responsible for the poor girls broken heart, you need to tell her you're not interested. Cause she definitely is."

"Yeah, what's your secret? The entire football team got turned down by her."

"I didn't do anything." Chloe and Pete shared an "I don't believe you look". "I was nice. That's it." Clark sighed when they didn't believe him. "Can we just do the meeting?"

"Good idea. Ok, people, new page one. Looks like Smallville has its' own personal killer with a vendetta on the loose." Chloe couldn't help but grin. A look that caused Clark to frown.

"Chloe, come on. This isn't good news."

"No, but it's big news," Chloe gushed. "In our backyard. And this makes so much more sense now." Again, Chloe's phone buzzed to life. She hit ignore for a second time.

"What does?" Pete asked.

"Seth's death. The official statements for his obituary were vague, which I thought was odd considering the circumstances. I had to hack into the medical files and just found out this morning that Seth's death was caused by a gunshot wound, like the photo showed during the broadcast. And, get this, according to police files, the killer left a calling card." Chloe handed over a photo to Pete. Clark caught a quick glimpse of the photo showing a meteor rock with the word "Freak" written on it.

"So, this guy really is after those infected by the meteor rocks." Pete frowned as he stared down at the image.

"But he can't be," Clark protested.

Chloe raised an eyebrow. "Why do you say that?"

Chloe's phone went off for a third time. This time it was a text message of only two words: Call Now.

Chloe groaned. "I got to take this, guys. Take five."

LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL

"All right," Pete grinned when Chloe was completely gone, "spill, stud. How'd you melt the ice queen?"

Pete only meant to tease his friend, but Clark got a serious look on his face. He noticed the small squint Clark did when he was using his X-ray vision, clearly trying to make sure Chloe was out of hearing range.

"Alicia might…know about me."

"Know?" It took Pete a minute to connect the dots. "KNOW?! Alicia knows!"

Clark shushed him as he pointed towards the hallway. "I didn't mean to. It just kind of happened."

"Are you serious?"

"Seth attacked me. She was there. I couldn't let her get hurt. She saw me use my strength and knows I have thick skin. And that's it. And I mean, that's it."

"Well, what did your parents say?" Clark stayed silent. "They don't know! Are you kidding me?"

"You know how'd they react."

"Oh, man." Pete fell into the closest chair. "Clark man, please tell me she won't go blabbing about this."

"No, I think I can trust her." Clark smiled wistfully. A look Pete had caught often on his friend when Clark was gazing at Lana.

"Well, that's one thing we can be grateful for."

"Yeah. But, about the shooter. I ran into him before. Twice actually. He was the one about to shoot Lex."

"Lex? Not that I'm shedding any tears, but Lex doesn't have powers. Does he?"

"I don't think so. That's what's so weird. But I think I might be next. Or at least on the list."

"Why?"

"I used my powers to save Lex from getting shot during that field trip. Then I found out the security footage is missing. The shooter probably took it."

"How?"

"I don't know. But who else would have it?"

The two boys fell quiet as Chloe reentered the office.

"Ok. Meeting resumed. Now, we have to think of a name for this guy. How about 'the Judge'? Or 'the Executioner?"

"I say we stick with 'killer'. There's no reason for us to make the guy a legend," Clark said.

"True," Chloe agreed. "He's nothing but an ordinary man behind a mask. And I can't wait to find out who it is."

At the Luthor Mansion…

Lex couldn't sleep. He was no stranger to difficult decisions. Nor was Lex Luthor a stranger to sacrifice. But the choice in front of him seemed too much for him to handle.

Withholding Dr. Foster's recommendation of more therapy sessions, his insurance application was on hold. Which meant that he was denied access to high-security files. Which meant he couldn't do his job properly.

Which meant he was disappointing his father yet again.

But Lex just couldn't do it. He couldn't bring himself to submit to more therapy sessions. Dr. Foster certainly had the credentials. And she had enough self-assurance to give the recommendation that she had.

But was she genuine about wanting to help him, or just another person trying to use him?

Lex's late-night musings were cut short when he was informed that Clark Kent was at the gate. The hour was late, so it must be important.

"You're up late. Is everything all right?"

"Besides there being a maniac on the loose? Everything's fine."

"Yes, that was an interesting mayoral address."

Clark's serious expression never faltered. "Lex, I think you're in danger."

"From the masked man?" Lex leaned back in his chair as his young friend nodded a confirmation.

Lex had learned never to underestimate Clark Kent. The boy had an uncanny knack for being at the wrong place at the right time, often pulling Lex from the brink of danger and saving his life.

If Clark thought he was in danger, there was a strong possibility he was.

"What makes you say that?" Lex motioned for Clark to take a seat in front of his desk.

"I think the guy on the broadcast is the same person who tried to shoot you during the field trip."

"Do you have evidence of that? Or is it just a theory?" Clark seemed to hesitate in answering. "Clark, if you know something you need to inform the authorities."

"That's the thing," Clark sighed and leaned back in the chair. "I don't have evidence I can share. Believe me, if I did, I would."

"This is just a gut feeling then?"

"No. Let's just say I have a reliable source. Hey, did your team ever recover the missing security footage the day you were shot at?"

"No, and it's unlikely to be recovered until we find out who the shooter was. But if they are the same person, what would he want with me?" Lex mused aloud.

Surprisingly, Clark gave an answer. "You're familiar with Chloe's Wall of Weird theory? How some people gained abilities through the meteor rocks? Well, this guy seems to think you're infected."

Lex couldn't help but chuckle at that statement. "Clark, the only abilities I got are playing the market and falling for the wrong women. I don't think I match the killer's MO."

"He seems to think so," Clark spoke earnestly. "Just…be careful. Ok?"

"I'll inform my security team to take precautions." Lex assured Clark. He was touched by the young man's concern and found himself smiling. "Don't worry; they're already taking every precaution to keep me safe. Considering I'm not insured by Luthor Corp."

Lex was surprised he had left that last part slip.

"What does that mean?" Clark naturally asked.

"In order to be on the company's insurance policy, I am required to attend more therapy sessions because I apparently failed my first five appointments."

"How can you fail therapy?"

"Let's just say I have a personal bias against psychotherapy."

"You don't like people in your head." Clark put the matter bluntly. "What will happen if you're not insured?"

"I'll probably get fired. Get another lecture from my father about how much of a disappointment I am. That I'm familiar with. And I prefer that to having a stranger analyze my way of thought."

"But maybe that's not what you're doing. Maybe you're just asking for their opinion on certain events that you share with them. Everyone has a different perspective. Like, Pete and Chloe think this girl likes me cause she brought a coffee for me this week because of the two-for-one deal at the Talon. But you'll say…"

"She likes you." Lex hid his smile as Clark's hopeful expression came crashing down.

"Not you too."

"Clark, often any gift, no matter how small, from someone you barely know is an invitation. You haven't known her for long, have you?"

"No. But it's not like that," Clark protested. "Alicia's new and doesn't have that many friends yet."

"Alicia." Lex drew out the name. Clark blushed and Lex felt his mouth twitch up in a smile. "Do you like her?"

"Yeah. She's cool. She's really smart and into quantum physics. Quantum physics. And she knows about astrology and biology and…what?"

Lex couldn't help but grin at how relaxed Clark became when he was describing the new girl. A grin that hadn't escaped Clark's notice. "Is she pretty?"

Clark's blush only deepened. "Yeah."

"Why don't you ask her out?" Clark's blush disappeared and his smile faltered. "Is it because of Lana?"

Lana Lang was the girl of Clark's dreams. If Lex was in Clark's position, he would have taken his chance years ago. As it was, Clark had respected Lana's relationship with the quarterback and never made a move. Even after Whitney's passing, Clark moved slowly. Too slowly for someone who declared they were madly in love with someone. As much as Lex couldn't understand it, he respected Clark's code of chivalry.

"Things with Lana ended so…weirdly. I just don't know if I'm ready to be in a relationship right now. And if I do, I know from experience I should tell Lana right away. And I don't know if I'm ready for that either."

"Clark, eventually, you just need to make a decision. If you decide to never do anything, your entire life will pass you by."

Clark was silent.

"It's late, Clark. Get some sleep."