Chapter 47

Lois stood at the living room's sliding glass doors awaiting the arrival of Superman and Jason. Sergeant Amanda Wade was at her side. Both women searched the sky for Superman. Detective Hardy had phoned and said Superman was on his way with Jason. And then, there he was.

Superman slowly descended with Jason safely tucked in his arms. The little boy looked delighted. Lois burst through the sliding glass doors. First one red boot and then the other touched the wooden deck and Superman handed his son into the waiting arms of a tearful Lois.

She wrapped Jason in a tight embrace and stroked his hair. "I love you so much, Munchkin."

"Why are you crying, mommy?" Jason's asked with genuine concern.

Lois wiped away a few tears and sniffed. "Because I'm so happy you're home."

"Crying means you're sad," a perplexed Jason said.

Lois gave Jason a weak, but happy smile. "Sometimes, grown-ups cry when they're really, really happy."

Superman watched mother and son in silence. It was all he could do to keep his own emotions in check. The fear he'd felt a few hours ago had been replaced with the greatest joy he'd ever known. He could relax again. Breathe a little easier. But for how long? He'd found his son safe and sound this time, but Lex was still out there, and still very much a threat. Lex suspected the truth about Jason.

Primal instincts had risen to the surface when Superman learned of Jason's abduction. His desire to protect his child had been overwhelming. Nothing would ever stand in his way when it came to Jason. Superman remembered staring into Lex's cold, dark eyes when he'd pinned the business man to the wall. It would have been so easy, just a little more pressure . . .

He shook his head in disgust. He'd vowed long ago to never cross that line. He was angry with himself that he'd even for a millisecond considered the possibility.

Sergeant Wade's voice brought Superman out of his reverie. "Yes, Detective Hardy I'll let Miss Lane know." She ended the call and turned to Lois. "Detectives Hardy and Lamb are a few minutes away. They have Mr. White with them."

"Daddy's coming!" Jason said happily and reminded his mother, "I helped find him."

"Let's meet him at the door," Lois said and put Jason down.

She reached for his hand, but he pulled it away, saying, "I have to say good-bye to Superman."

On bended knee Superman hugged his son tightly and felt his eyes well. He smoothed Jason's messy hair and pressed his head against his son's. It was always so hard to leave. He hated saying good-bye. There was nothing good about it. He wanted to scoop Jason up and fly away, far away, but he couldn't. The world knew nothing about Jason and it needed to stay that way. Besides, Lois needed time with their son.

He looked into Jason's bright blue eyes, so like his own, and said, "I have to go now, but I want you to know that I'm proud of you. You were very brave. Take care of yourself and your mommy. Okay?"

"Okay, Superman. You could stay," he said.

"No, I can't. I have other things I must do. Your mom and dad need some time alone with you." He glanced at Sergeant Wade. She was far enough away so he whispered, "I love you, son. I'll visit soon."

He stood, looked at Lois, but she didn't return the look. She was busy talking to Sergeant Wade. He heard car doors slam outside and knew that Richard and the Detectives had arrived.

Jason had heard the doors, too. "Daddy's here," he yelled and ran to the front door.

Superman took the opportunity to leave unnoticed. He lifted off the deck and soared into the stratosphere using his great speed to propel him faster and higher. At last, high above the clouds, he came to a stop and hovered. He allowed his body to drift on the air currents. A deep breath centered him and steadied his emotions. Lois hadn't even glanced at him. Not once. Hadn't said a word to him either. That hurt. Hurt more than he liked to admit. It also reinforced the emotional distance that had grown between them.

You said you were moving on without her, he chided himself.

"It still hurts," he said to the sky and swallowed over the lump in his throat.

He had to face facts. She was with Richard, the man who'd stood beside her for five years during his absence. A pang of regret tugged at his heart.

No, he told himself, no regrets. If he had it to do over again, he would not hesitate to search for what remained of Krypton, He didn't, and never would, regret making the journey. He owed that much to his home and his people.

This was not the time to wrestle with his feelings. He had other things to take care of, such as Kandor. And Valia. Valia! He'd told her to meet him at the Metropolis City Park. He leaned forward and sped toward Earth.

# # # # #

Metropolis City Park.

The chilly autumn weather had kept most people indoors today. Only the occasional dog walker strolled the paved walkways and neatly trimmed lawns. Valia had the park almost entirely to herself and was happy to wander, quietly observing the wide variety of plants and animals. She enjoyed the woodsy air and earthy smells. She ran her fingers over the rough bark of a tree and touched the dry leaves of a large shrub.

Kal-El glided down between two stately oak trees and landed near her.

She turned and smiled. "Kal-El."

"Sorry, I'm late," he said.

She saw sadness in his eyes. "Is something wrong? Your son?"

"No, everything's fine. My son is safe."

She sensed there was more, but didn't press. Suddenly, two squirrels chattered loudly. Valia watched them chase each other across the ground and up and around the trunk of a large oak tree. Around and around they went and then scampered onto a thick branch.

"They remind me of animees," she said referring to a small Kryptonian creature.

"Yes, they do," Kal-El agreed. A grin break the corners of his mouth as he remembered the animees he'd seen in the Flame Forest. The memory was a pleasant one and it lightened his mood. He realized he had a lot to be thankful for. He had, in fact, saved a small part of his home world.

Valia laid a hand on Kal-El's forearm and whispered, "Shhh." She pointed to two small birds that had landed on a nearby park bench. She watched in rapt amusement as they hopped from the back of the bench to the seat and onto the ground. Their cute little hops brought a delighted smile to her face. Hoping for a closer look, she took a cautious step forward. The movement frightened the birds and they took to the air in a flutter of wings.

"Oh, dear," Valia moaned. "I didn't mean to scare them."

Kal-El chuckled. "Small birds frighten easily." Her childlike interest and curiosity had warmed his heart and swept away his sadness.

"I should have known. It is the same on Kandor. Small creatures are usually afraid of larger creatures." She looked around the park. "This planet is interesting. I enjoy seeing its many different creatures and plants." She peeked at him from beneath long dark lashes. He seemed happier now and a smile lit her face.

"You're right," he agreed. "And I think, since you were kind enough to show me Kandor, I should repay the favor and show you some of the wonders of this planet."

"I'd love that." Her eyes sparkled with excitement. She saw the attraction in his eyes and felt the same.

"It's time to go," he said.

She nodded and they extended their arms toward the heavens. The ground fell away from their feet and, together, they sailed skyward.