A/N: I will be posting two chapters today. Chapters 28 and 29.
Chapter 29
At the house on the riverfront, Richard carried a sleeping Jason upstairs and tucked him into bed. The little boy had fallen asleep even before the movie ended. Lois had cleared away the popcorn bowl and glasses by the time Richard returned to the living room. Now they could discuss the Lexicon Corporation.
Richard sat on the sofa beside Lois and asked, "So, what have you found out about Lexicon in your research?"
Lois pulled a file off a nearby end table and tossed it on the coffee table. "It's all in there. The most interesting facts I uncovered about Lexicon is its unusually high number of purchase orders for lead and minerals. Rare and unusual minerals."
Richard mulled this news over a moment. "The lead could be for radiation protection? I mean if they're doing scientific research as they claim, they may need lead-lining for rooms or equipment."
"Or lead-lined rooms to keep out X-ray vision," Lois countered.
Richard cleared his throat and said, "Ahem, that's certainly another possibility. I tried to get building blueprints from the city. Sorry, no luck. Not much on record yet. Lexicon claims there's too much work in progress."
"This just smells, or rather, reeks of Lex Luthor." Lois smoothed a strand of long wavy brown hair behind an ear.
"If Luthor was going to live somewhere, it would probably be at the Lexicon," Richard said. "I understand the Lexicon has a penthouse. I bet it would have great views of Metropolis."
Lois sprang off the sofa. "I wish there was some way we could see inside that penthouse." She placed one hand on her hip while the other rubbed her chin thoughtfully.
Richard pushed to his feet. "Tomorrow I plan on checking out several warehouses on the docks that are owned by Lexicon."
"We'll do it together," Lois said.
"No. No, no, no." Richard held up his hands. "Lois, you have Jason to consider. And remember, Superman isn't around right now."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Lois pulled a face, showing her displeasure, at being reminded to consider Jason. She needed no reminders. Jason was always on her mind. Now more than ever.
Richard attempted to soothe the feathers he had inadvertently ruffled. "Lois, snooping around the docks is something I can do alone. Wouldn't it be better if we divide and conquer? You can go to the Planet and find out more about all those minerals Lexicon is purchasing."
Lois' eyes narrowed as her gaze on Richard sharpened. "There's only one mineral I'm interested in and you know what it is."
Richard nodded.
"Kryptonite," Lois said in case Richard didn't know. "If there have been purchases of kryptonite then we can be fairly confident Lex Luthor is involved."
"Exactly." Richard smiled in relief. "So it's settled. I'll head to the docks first thing in the morning and you'll head to the Planet." He moved to the front door and grabbed his jacket off the coat stand.
Lois followed him to the door. "I still don't like the idea of you snooping around the docks by yourself. If we're right, and Lex Luthor is involved, you're taking a big risk."
"I'm a big boy." Richard gave Lois a boyish grin and slipped on his jacket.
Lois should have let the conversation end there. But she didn't. "For goodness sakes, Richard, even Superman has trouble with Lex Luthor."
She watched as Richard's face fell. The boyish grin morphed into a disheartened grimace. When would Lois learn to think first and speak later?
"I, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it that way." She reached for Richard.
He drew back and held up a hand. "I know, I know. You didn't mean to compare me to Superman." Richard looked deep into Lois' brown eyes and asked, "Are you sure you don't know how you feel about him? I've noticed you've seemed, um, more worried than usual since he left."
Lois shook her head and turned away from Richard's penetrating gaze. "Richard, I'm too tired to have that conversation again." She was such a coward.
Richard sighed. "I'm sorry Lois. I didn't mean to push you. You're right, it's late, and we're both tired." He'd leaned over and kissed her cheek. "I had a wonderful evening with you and Jason."
She turned to face him. "I did, too." She put all the warmth she could into her voice, wanting the evening to end on a happier note.
Richard opened the door and left. Through the window, she watched his car slowly pull away from the curb and drive away.
# # # # # #
Lois slid into bed and lay on her side, one hand under her pillow. Richard's question played on a loop in her mind. Are you sure you don't know how you feel about him?
Good question. How did she really feel about Superman? There was no doubt she was attracted to him, but was that simply because he was Superman. What woman wouldn't be attracted to him? He was a God. He made you feel safe. But, and it was a big but, you couldn't have him all to yourself. You had to share him with the whole world.
And what about Jason and his needs? Superman had spent the last six months trying to become a real father to Jason. Of course, it proved difficult at times when outings were planned and then cancelled at the last minute due to unforeseen circumstances.
Richard had, and could continue to provide the daily steadfast guidance a young boy needed.
"What am I going to do?" Lois whispered to the room. "I honestly think Jason needs both of them."
She tossed and turned for several minutes. Pounded her pillow, smoothed the sheets, and adjusted the covers. Finally, she found a comfortable position and fell into an uneasy sleep. Just as sleep overcame her, Lois' weary mind wondered, But what do I need? And is Superman okay?
Outside Lois' home the occupants of the dark blue Town Car put out their cigarettes and stretched. It was time for their midnight call. The short, barrel-chested Ernie pulled out a cell phone and dialed.
A harsh voice answered after one ring, "Yes."
"Yeah boss, nothing again. That Richard White guy brought dinner and stayed till 'bout eleven then headed home. No other visitors and the house is dark now."
"That's all for tonight," said Lex. "I'll have a job for you in a day or two. I'll be in touch." The phone went dead.
"Well?" asked Mick running a hand through his coarse sandy-blond hair.
"Seemed disappointed but says he'll have another job for us in a day or two."
"Sounds good to me," said Mick. "How about a nightcap?"
"I could go for a drink," said Ernie. Both men got into the car and headed downtown.
Across town, Lex paced his den. Where was Superman? Well, there was one sure-fire way to find out and get him to the docks at the same time. Threaten his son.
The door to Lex's den nudged open and in trotted Kitty's little dog. It stopped and looked up at the bald business man. Bowing slightly, Lex spoke kindly to the dog, "You may lie down." The sandy-brown Pomeranian trotted over to the leather easy-chair and curled up in front of it.
Once the little dog was resting comfortably Lex poured himself a drink, took it to his desk, and propped his feet up, crossing at the ankles. After a long refreshing sip of the dark-amber liquid, Lex spoke to the dog, "I'm glad you're here."
The dog lifted one ear as if listening.
"I need you for a job. How are you with children?" The Pomeranian uttered a soft whine. "I'll take that as good." Lex took another sip of his drink and the corners of his mouth curled into a satisfied grin.