Chapter 6 [Talon—Ten Minutes Earlier]
Café remained dark at that hour. Register awaited its first sale. Coffee perked into its pots. Espresso Press almost seemed to ponder its first expression of caffeinated art. Pastry case sat half-stocked. Chairs sat neatly by tables. Floor gleamed in Sol's reflected light.
All seemed normal…Pity it wasn't….
Miranda hung up the café's landline. Exhaustion wore on her. The time difference disoriented her. Trip's issues spun her mind. Arighatto, she knew, would wait for her at the house. Consequently, she spent the night at the café. After a call to Sheriff Adams to let her know, she straightened everything up. Sandra and one of the newbies left everything half-done. Given their text, Miranda expected that. She managed a short nap upstairs in the old apartment. Maybe I should see if Lana will let me clear it out. I could stay here. Maybe Mr. Luthor would deduct the rent from my checks? I can be the ultimate fill in person. Right upstairs…right? Her eyes rolled on that score.
Objections voted her down. Lex had put his foot down. He wanted her at the mansion. Jasmine put her two cents in as well in support.
Everyone thinks they know better. I'm not a kid! I can take care of myself! Her previous assessment echoed in her ears. I had to say the Stepbastard would shrug off that blow and the poison. He was really bugging the Kents? Then he had to bomb Chloe's house? Poor Chloe! I can't believe Mr. Sullivan's dead! Of course, he put the damn meteor rock in the bomb to kill the Boss! So great! Lana can't come in at least for a few hours. Sandra's been called in early to help with that mess at the subdivision. I hope Renee's up to it. I'm glad she's got experience.
A slender russet haired woman opened the door. She held it open for a teenager. "Here you go, Jillian. I know it's early. It'll be good money for us."
The lanky brunette girl smoothed her blue blouse and slacks. She looked about the darkened area. "Seems so quiet. It's so different once it's open." She slipped into the café. Her eyes danced about the interior once again.
"We'll be open soon enough." The older woman locked the door again behind them. She looked toward Miranda. "Good morning! You're back!"
"Good morning, Renee." Miranda waved to them. "We have a helper this morning? Your daughter, right?" She scratched her head. "Sorry. Jill?"
"You got it!" Jill's expression brightened. "I wanted to help. Maybe I can clean tables and take coffee around for refills? I know I'm not on the payroll." She shrugged. Her eyes averted toward the floor.
"Did your trip work out? I hope everyone's all right." Renee pointed to Jill. "Jillian volunteered to help out. I figured it'd be good for us. Hope Lana's okay. We start training this morning."
"Lana's going to be late." Miranda cleared her throat. "There was an incident at the Sullivan House this morning. She's waiting for the Sheriff and Fire Department to show up." She shook her head. "Poor Mr. Sullivan."
"Mr. Sullivan? Any relation to that girl Chloe?" Jill gasped.
"He's her Dad. There was an explosion. That's all I know." Miranda shook her head. "If you can help around here this morning, Jill, that'd be great. I can definitely have you warm pastries, take the coffee pot around and bus tables. I really appreciate that."
"Sure, Miranda. I'm glad to help out. Can I grab an apron?" Jill's smile further picked up her own mood. She shot Miranda a curious look. Then she headed for the back.
"Sure! Thanks!" Miranda exhaled a deep breath. "This is great, Renee. Jill will be a big help during the rush. I wish I knew what's going on."
Renee stifled her desired response. Frankly, in the two weeks there, she'd seen Lana maybe three days altogether. She's a partner in this café but can't be bothered to work? She tied on her apron and headed for the time clock.
Miranda ignored Renee's stewing. "Jill, maybe you can start with those dishes in the back? I washed them after closing last night. Maybe you can dry them for me?"
.
"Okay." Jill disappeared through into the back. Insecurity nagged at her. Still, she wanted to contribute in any way possible. Nervous energy buzzed all about her. What's going on with everyone? Miranda's all stressed out!
Miranda felt her phone buzz in her pocket. "I was here all night. I wanted to make sure everything was okay. Sandra and you did a great job yesterday, Renee. Lana's been tying a lot of stuff together lately." She glanced at her phone to see:
"Dark Sister,
Are you all right? Is there word on Reporter Girl and Agent Pink? Please respond."
"Can you unlock the door? I need to take this." Miranda typed, "I am all right. Agent Pink and Captain Plaid deal with situation. She told me that Ronin took out Reporter Girl's house. Reporter Girl and Agent Pink are all right. Reporter Girl's father did not survive. That baka! Can he not stop? I did not go home last night. Spent night here at the Talon. Door is about to open. Will talk further tonight." She pressed send. Then she slid the phone back into her pocket. "Okay. All set."
"Hopefully that's not more bad news." Renee turned on the lights. Then she walked back toward the front door. "Mr. Luthor? This is early." She unlocked the door and opened it. "Good morning. You're our first customer of the day." She saw Gwen helping Stacy up the sidewalk. Chloe remained a step behind the Stacys. "Need a hand?"
"That'd sure be great! Sorry. That curb's a little high for my father." Gwen accepted Renee's help. She regarded the old theater's exterior. "Oh wow! This really was an old theater!"
"It sure was." Stacy nodded. "Thank you. I'd say the same, Ma 'am. Thank you as well." He steadied himself on his cane. "I am all right now." Gratitude prompted a smile. He made his way into the café. "It is everything I heard about. Mr. Luthor, when we are settled, I'd like a coffee please."
Chloe meandered into the building. Her adrenaline waned ever so slightly. Purpose remained in Metropolis. Horror's tidal wave swamped her mind's landscape yet again. Allure of perking coffee teased and tempted her nostrils. Still, Response remined muted. She shook her head. "I need my usual, Lex."
"Chloe?" Lex turned to her. His eyes sized her up. He discerned Shock taking her over at that moment. "You're not alone. All right? Breathe. Sure you're up to this?"
Anger cleared Chloe's eyes. "I said I was. Didn't I? Lex, enough is enough! All right? We've had a few rough days in a row. We're all still here. My Dad isn't! Miranda's family isn't! She has to live with that?" She shook her head. "No. No more." She sucked in two more breaths. "I just need to get myself together on the ride to Metropolis. I need my double whip. Then we'll see."
"Okay then. Good for you, Chloe." Lex nodded. "We're all set for business. Absolutely! We'll get that coffee. Gwen, why don't you have Miranda and Renee make what you want. Miranda, make Chloe's usual please? It's all set. Maybe a couple of muffins too? I'll get my cappuccino when you're done." He held up his phone. "Meantime I'm getting to the bottom of that mess. Stay there, Chloe. I may need you to talk."
Chloe stewed in her juices. "About why there's no 911 coverage? You bet I want answers!" She pointed at his phone. "Get Sheriff Adams on the line. She needs to know!"
Her fire jarred everyone else in the café. Sympathy came through Gwen's and Stacy's eyes for her. Miranda and Renee stared at Chloe. Miranda turned back to the press. Sister, Ronin has taken down 911 here in Smallville. There was no response to that fire. Just when I think I know everything that bastard can do, he gets worse!
By the Prophet! That is unacceptable! Keep your focus, Miranda. I will work through my contacts. We will have answers, Jasmine answered.
Mr. Luthor and the others are going to Metropolis. Spider has pictures of the Coffee Bean. He goes to show them to the Daily Planet. Miranda poured Stacy's coffee. Then she ground espresso beans and started the press. Reporter Girl's beside herself. Hey, Boss, where are you?
Clark, Peter and I are just on Metropolis' outskirts now. We'll be at the newspaper in a few minutes. Lana kept her focus on the road behind Clark and Peter.
Okay. Just be careful. Miranda watched the drink spurt into the two miniature metal cups. She mixed the drink. Whipped cream sprayed across the top. Then she set it on the counter. "That's Chloe's, Renee." She motioned toward Lex and Chloe across the café.
Meantime Lex dialed his phone and waited for a reply. Granted, he wanted Chloe's fire to motivate her. Krakatoa? Vesuvius? Those outcomes, Good Reader, he did not want. He listened to the rings.
"Smallville Police. Sheriff Adams."
Lex frowned. He buried Sarcasm's chief snipe deep down. Rather he kept a calm demeanor. "Good morning, Sheriff. This is Lex Luthor. I had a couple of things. First, 911's down. Second, we have a major disaster happening at the LuthorCorp development west of downtown."
Adams curled her lip. "Well, Lex, hello to you too! Disaster huh? Ain't seen or heard nothin' on that." Her attitude worsened with Lex's response.
Lex rubbed his forehead. Patience frayed from her as well. "As I said, people have tried to do 911. The development is on fire. I was going to come in. Rather than tie up your time, I'm calling instead. I'm at the Talon right now. I have business in Metropolis. If you want to talk about it, I'll be back tonight."
"Uh HUH!" Adams raised an eyebrow. "Must not be too bad if you can't stay around." Skepticism soured her tone.
Lex raised an eyebrow. "Hang on. I've got someone here that'll change your mind." Irritation chafed at him. He shook his head. "There you go, Chloe."
Chloe raised an eyebrow at him. She grabbed the phone from him. "Sheriff Adams, this is Chloe Sullivan. Look! That fire? There was an explosion in my house! There was a bomb! It's burning my house and the entire neighborhood down! My father's missing! We can't get near the fire to check for Dad! I tried to call 911! There was no response. That's why you didn't hear anything! THIS IS SERIOUS! Please get the fire department out there!" Sobs broke up her ability to talk. "THIS ISN'T A JOKE!"
Adams stiffened. "Now you just simmer down right now! I hear you're upset. You ain't talking to me like that."
"Upset? Upset? YOU WANT UPSET? SOMETHING JUST BLEW MY HOUSE UP! MY FATHER MIGHT BE DEAD! YOU'RE ACTING LIKE IT'S NO BIG DEAL! AS LEX SAID, WE'LL BE OUT OF TOWN UNTIL TONIGHT! I WANTED YOU TO HAVE MY STATEMENT! OKAY? AT LEAST I'M NOT DUCKING THAT, SHERIFF!" Chloe shoved the phone back at Lex. "I'm getting my drink and breakfast." She stormed away toward the waiting drink in question.
Lightning flashed. Thunder boomed. Earthquake just shook Smallville.
"Believe me now, Sheriff Adams?" Lex winced. "Chloe was right down the street when that happened. So no, she wasn't right there. I'd get out there."
"Oh I'll get out there. Don't you be getting no big ideas, Lex." Adams saw a man with salt and pepper hair storm into the precinct. "Yeah. I'll drive out to your Daddy's development. Stay by your phone." With that, she hung up.
Lex coughed. "Stay by my phone she says." She shoved the phone back into his pocket. "I can't believe this! Miranda, you're coming back to the mansion tonight. I don't want you in that house after what just happened."
"I stayed here last night, Mr. Luthor." Miranda handed Chloe her drink. "There you go. I wish I could say something to make you feel better, Chloe." She walked out from behind the counter. "Hug?"
"Thanks. I…I…" Chloe grabbed onto Miranda. "You'd understand this after what happened to your family. I just can't take any more."
Miranda nodded. "I know. Believe me. I get it. Imagine having to live with that man all of these years. I'm here if you need me. Okay? Just keep it together. Remember. Your errand in Metropolis. You can do it. You're not alone."
"I…I know. Thanks." Chloe's hand swiped away several tears. "Sure wish we could get that Princess back there. She'd get things going."
"I imagine she would." Miranda kept a straight face. (She knew of course that Jasmine worked on doing exactly that.) "We'll talk tonight when you get back. Do your Dad proud." She stepped back. "Chin up. As my Sensei would say, the storm is not forever. The fire burns for a time. Use them to hone yourself. A katana passes through fire a thousand times. It is flexible and durable for that reason. You can do this."
"I can. Thanks. Let me get to work on the others' orders. Then you can be on your way." Miranda hustled behind the counter. She saw Jill and Renee already putting orders together. "What's everyone's pleasure out there? Gwen, take a look and see what your Dad and you'd like. Any other word about Clark and Lana?"
"They're running an errand for me. Gwen's boyfriend is with them. I'll be meeting up with them later this morning. As soon as she can, I'll see that Lana gets back in here." Lex checked the display. "I'll take a blueberry muffin warmed and a cappuccino. Whatever the Stacys want is covered too. Then we have to get going."
"We'll take the corn muffin and one of those scones too. Thanks, Ladies!" Gwen pointed at the treats in question.
Miranda set to work on his cappuccino. "I'll have this done and everything'll be set."
Lex shook his head. How do you stop someone like this? His eyes studied the sky. Despite no smoke plume, Losses mounted at the housing development. Frustration ate at him. First New York and now here?
Chaos built…..