A/N: I posted Chapters 7 and 8 today.
Chapter 8
It was a bright fall day in Metropolis with a few fluffy white clouds scattered across a blue sky. At the Daily Planet the sound of tapping keys, ringing phones, and office chatter filled the air. Lois had gotten to the office early after dropping Jason at school. Clark's empty desk was a vivid reminder of his sudden departure.
Jimmy Olsen entered the newsroom clutching his camera. "Hi Miss Lane!" he said nearing Lois' desk. He too, glanced at Clark's vacant desk. "Gosh, it still seems strange without Mr. Kent."
"I was just thinking the same thing Jimmy. I was just getting used to having him around again, too." It was Lois' weak attempt at humor. Since Jimmy was closer to Clark than anyone else in the office Lois asked, "Do you have any idea why Clark suddenly left?"
Jimmy thought a moment before saying, "Nope, Mr. Kent didn't say anything to me before he left. I'm as surprised as everyone else around here. You know, to me it just doesn't make sense. I mean, when you think about it, things were just getting back to normal for Mr. Kent."
"Yeah," Lois said slowly realizing that with Clark and Superman gone, out of the three men playing significant roles in Jason's life, two were suddenly missing. Granted Superman should be back in a few days, but no one knew for sure when, or if, Clark would return.
Inexplicably Lois suddenly felt a deep sense of loneliness. Memories and emotions of five years ago flooded her mind. Lois couldn't comprehend why she was reminded of Superman's unexpected disappearance five years ago.
"Talk to you later Miss Lane," Jimmy said heading to his desk.
Shaking off the unpleasant memories and feelings Lois settled into her chair and reviewed her notes on the Lexicon Corporation. One way or another, she would find out the truth about Lexicon and if Lex Luthor was involved.
Since Richard's flight hadn't landed until 11:30pm the previous night, Lois suspected he wouldn't arrive at the Planet until early afternoon. She planned to invite him to dinner with her and Jason. Maybe they could go to the Italian place around the corner. Jason liked the spaghetti there and Lois and Richard always enjoyed the quiet ambiance. Lois needed a nice quiet dinner. She had a sinking feeling her life wasn't going to stay quiet for long.
Just as Jimmy plopped into his chair, Perry White emerged from his office.
"Jimmy!" Perry barked. "Get your camera and get down to the docks! There's a fire. Maybe you can get some pictures of Superman if he shows."
"Yes, Chief! Right away Chief! I'm on it." Jimmy scrabbled to get his camera and press badge.
Perry White looked over his office staff and spotted Ben Turner, a handsome African-American reporter of medium height and a solid linebacker's build. Although Ben was a former football player for Met U, he was easily flustered by Perry's gruff demeanor.
Perry barked, "Ben, you're with Jimmy! Get the full story, especially if Superman arrives."
Like Jimmy, Ben scrabbled to get ready. He grabbed a notepad and several pens, dropping one in the process. Ben bent to retrieve the fallen pen when Perry bellowed, "Well, hurry up you two, get going! You haven't got all day!"
Watching the scene unfold even Lois grinned at the sight of the two men bumbling their way through the newsroom. Just as the pair reached the glass doors, Ben dropped another pen. He looked down, started to pick it up, but hesitated, a look of indecision on his face. Jimmy noticed the halted Ben and spied the fallen pen.
"Forget it!" Jimmy said desperately. "Just forget it!"
Ben forgot it and quickly pushed open the glass doors. Together, both men hurried out with Jimmy still trying to get his camera strap over his head when they disappeared from sight. Watching from the newsroom, hands on his hips, Perry slowly shook his head.
Lois wondered if she should tell Perry that Superman probably wouldn't show—he's out in space. But then she would have to explain how she knew Superman's whereabouts and she didn't want to explain anything. Best to say nothing for now.