Fic: Man of Steel: A Risk Worth Taking (10/?)
Title: Man of Steel: A Risk Worth Taking (10/?)
Author: Babette babettew54
Canon: Superman (MOS)
Pairings; Characters: Clark/Lois, Martha Kent, Sam Lane, Lucy Lane, Lex Luthor
Rating: M
Word Count: 3,800
Summary: Lois couldn’t decide whether to ask him out or bombard him with questions hopefully to secure the ‘Story of the Century.’
Spoilers: None. It’s just speculation about hand touching in the trailer and what it could mean for Clois.
Disclaimer: DC Comics/Warner Bros. Entertainment owns these characters. This is strictly for my own amusement.
Author's Notes: In this next chapter, Erica confesses her most deepest and darkest secrets about Lex and their marriage, Clark has some tough decisions to make about those secrets, Lois seeks help from an unlikely source, her Father, and later, Lex and the General meet one last time. Please read and review. Thank you! :D
X-posted: (FFN); (A03)
Previously:
( Chapter 1)( Chapter 2)( Chapter 3) ( Chapter 4)( Chapter 5)
( Chapter 6)( Chapter 7)(Chapter 8)( Chapter 9)
Chapter 10: I'm Still Breathing
Erica's estate, moments later:
Erica sensed something was terribly wrong as she watched Mr. Kent walk back into her room. He had the strangest expression, which could mean only one thing. "It's Lex, isn't it?"
"You should turn on the television," Clark replied and handed her the remote.
"Alright, but …" Frowning, she switched it on then turned to the cable news network and there it was Lex's press conference being repeated and discussed. She listened to him ramble on about his intent to save Metropolis and to, basically, put Superman out to pasture, meaning they didn't need him anymore. After the conference had ended, she switched it off, leaned back in her bed, closed her eyes for a moment, but when she opened them, she had the look of a woman determined to stop him, to stop this madness, once for all.
She looked up and Mr. Kent was standing over by the window. "We have to stop him, and no matter what it takes, I'm with you Mr. Kent." He hadn't moved an inch. "Mr. Kent?"
She finally turned to her. "You should know something Contessa … I …."
"Please call me Erica," she said and smiled.
"Thank you, Erica. You see, Lex and I go way back. We met briefly in Smallville … and …."
"Lex and I go way back as well, but may I call you Clark?" She asked.
"Yes, please call me Clark." He walked back over to the window. "Lex was also brilliant and remarkable, you know, smart and intuitive. But something happened to change him. His Father was not kind to him. He treated him as if he were a toy to be manipulated and used to whatever he wanted, and Lex of course, rebelled against him. As he grew older, he found ways to take his mind away from the abuse. He was fascinated by other worlds and galaxies."
"I see, but I know all of this, Clark. I met Lex not long after entering college."
He turned back to her. "And he told you about his life in Smallville? Did he mention me?"
"No, he never mentioned you. Should he have … mentioned you?" Erica cocked her head to side and looked at him closely. "You look familiar. I do watch the news every now and then, and I saw what happened in Metropolis."
He ignored her frank perusal of him. "Yes, it was horrible, so many lives lost," he said, thinking about that terrible time.
"I know, but you survived and so did Lex."
"Yes, we survived, but not too long ago, a friend and I went to see him and he's got it in his head that Superman should be sent away or restricted in some way … and …"
"You don't agree with that." It was a statement. She sensed that Superman was valuable to him.
"We need him, Erica," Clark said sternly.
"I know we do. I agree with you, and that's why I want to help you. Lex needs to be stopped. He's immensely powerful and once he sets his mind to something, especially something this critical to him, well, nothing can stop him … not even Superman."
Clark had to grin at that. "Superman may have something to say about that."
She chuckled. "I think you're right." She watched for a moment. "Clark, I think it's time I told you … everything. Please take a seat."
~o~o~
Meanwhile, in Metropolis:
Lois was on the rooftop, pacing back and forth, wondering what to do next. She was still shaking her head and thinking about Lex, his shocking announcement, Clark's trip to New York, and finally, whether she should print what Lex truly wanted more than anything, including the presidency … to destroy Superman.
Suddenly, making a decision, she called her Father. They hadn't spoken since their 'family dinner,' but Lois was desperate to stop Lex, to protect Superman and lastly if she were honest with herself, to make things right between them. Her mind immediately returned to the days before her Mom had passed. They were a totally different family … they were close, they talked about everything … nothing was off limits, but now, they were scattered to the winds living their own lives, with a phone call now and then. It just wasn't right.
He picked up on the first ring. "Hello, Daddy."
"Lo?" Sam was surprised but inwardly pleased she had called.
"I need to see you right away."
Sam knew what this was about. "I'm in my office."
"I'll be there in half an hour."
Lois tentatively approached the base. She'd been there so often in the past that the guards knew her, but now the faces before her were strangers. She pulled out her press badge and a second ID, and she was escorted onto the base. Walking up to her Father's office, tears blinded for a moment. She loved her Father very much. Otherwise, it wouldn't hurt this much, so she wiped away a stray tear then knocked on the door.
Sam opened the door, and then they were both a bit tongue-tied. "Daddy?"
Sam was emotional too. He couldn't help thinking. I just want her to be safe and happy, that's all I want. It certainly didn't help that I'm as stubborn as a mule. "Come in, Lo."
Lois wondered what he was thinking. "How are you Daddy?"
He sighed, not wanting them to talk to each other if they were strangers. "I'm alright. How's work?" Lois sat down, and Sam took a seat at his desk. "Before you answer that, I wanted to show you something." He pulled out the green-K and placed it on his desk.
Trying not to get upset, she asked, "Why do you still have that? I thought you got rid of it."
This was a test. "Why should I? Superman is a threat. We need this just in case."
Lois kept her temper in check. "How many times do I have say this? Superman is not a threat. He saved countless lives that day, and he's still doing it. I do not believe you can't see that." She watched him for a moment. "What's truly going on here? I know you, Daddy. You're an honest and fair man. You give everyone the benefit of the doubt, well, except my boyfriends, but that's not relevant …."
"Ah, you do have a boyfriend … Clark Kent."
"Let's not talk about him. The reason I came to see you and you know what I'm going say … Superman needs your help." He frowned. "Listen to me for a minute. Lex Luthor …"
He interrupted her. "Lex Luthor, but what does he have to do with any of this?" Sam knew the answer to that question.
"He wants him dead, and from what he told me, so do you," Lois replied and watched him closely for the truth.
"I don't want him dead, just … just away from you," Sam explained it to her.
"Daddy, please believe me. Superman would never hurt me. Now, you have to listen to what I'm saying. Lex Luthor cannot be president. He's only doing this for one reason, to destroy Superman. He has it in his mind that he should be killed, placed on a slab, dissected and …." She couldn't finish.
Sam would never condone that. He got up and went to her. He'd never seen her like this. Lois went into his arms, needing his comfort more than she realized.
After a minute or two, Lois pulled back and wiped her eyes. "I'm alright."
"When exactly did this happen?" Instead of sitting behind his desk, he took a seat beside her. He took her hand, and she didn't pull away.
"It was just the other day. He must have made this decision after he showed Clark and I these horrible simulations. Daddy, he's been tracking Superman with some kind of drone, but for the life of me, I can't understand why he would do that."
Sam was quiet not meeting her eyes.
"Oh, no, Daddy, it was you, wasn't it? How could you do that to him and after everything he went through to save us. I can't believe this."
"Lo, just let me explain."
"No, Daddy," she said, interrupting him. Then she glanced at the green-k. "Does Lex know about the green-k?"
"No, he doesn't know," Sam replied, head down ashamed.
She grabbed his arm. "Look at me, Daddy. Lex Luthor can never know. Please, he can never know about the green-k."
Sam frowned then he jumped to the obvious conclusion. "It doesn't just make him sick." It was a statement.
He had to know. "No … it can kill him."
Sam stood up and walked over this desk. He held it in his hands. "I'll get rid of it, all of it, Lo, I promise."
Lois wanted to believe him. "Do you truly mean that, Daddy? I need to trust you and believe in you. I want that so much." She paused. "I miss my Father." Her eyes watered again.
Sam put the green-k down, went to her and put his arms around her. "Everything is going to be alright. I'll take care of it." He stroked her hair. Lois held him tight for a moment more.
She pulled away after a minute. "I believe you."
"Don't worry about anything." He held his arm around her as they headed to the door. "No more drones, no more green-k."
Lois was so relieved. "Once it's done, tell me then I'll let Superman know. He'll be extremely pleased."
They stopped at the threshold of his office. "Lo, can I ask you something?"
"Of course, what is it?"
"Those fantasies that you had about Superman, have they happened yet?" She frowned. "Now hold on a minute. You know Clark Kent came to see me the other day. It seems as if he understands about your job, being in contact with him all the time, but there's only so much he can take."
"Clark understands about my work with Superman and it's not a problem for him. He loves me, and I love him. That's never going to change."
His eyebrows rose. "I can't remember ever hearing you say that about any boyfriend you've ever had."
"Well, I have grown up, and I know what I want in a man, and Clark fits that bill perfectly." She smiled, thinking about him.
Sam believed her. Clark Kent was certainly different from all the others.
He leaned down and kissed her cheek. "I'll see you later." He paused. "I love you, Lo."
"Oh, Daddy, I love you too." Lois said and gave him another hug. She left him watching her from the doorway.
~o~o~
Meanwhile, back in New York:
"Before I begin, Clark, there's something you should know. Lex and I were married, but it was arranged by our families. It wasn't a love match."
"I see, go on," Clark encouraged her.
"You don't seem the least bit surprised to hear about that."
He shook his head. "No, I'm not surprised. I believe you, please continue."
Then Erica began her story.
~o~o~
Nearly twenty years ago in Wichita, Kansas:
Wichita State University was a prestigious university where privileged, spoiled rich kids went to parties all the time, and bribed their way through school. Erica del Portenza was not like the other kids in her class. She was there to learn. Erica was a brilliant student, and of course she caught the eye of Alexander Luthor. Lex was also a quiet student, not like the others either. They were drawn to the other for those very reasons.
After college, they went their separate ways. Things had not progressed beyond the friendship stage, but ten years and seven wives later, in Metropolis, they ran into each other and still being friends, Lex asked Erica to work for him. Their families were pleased and hoped that they would grow closer, and with her background in astrophysics, she would fit right in with his plans for world domination. She laughed at his teasing, but he had meant every word.
Lex and Erica were not in love, but their minds were in sync as well as their bodies. Their affair was not unknown to Lex's staff. In fact, they flaunted their affair, and since he was the boss, everyone looked the other way. A few years later they were married, and that's when everything fell apart.
Erica became more and more suspicious of Lex's dealings with criminals and his need to have more and more money. What was he doing with all of that money? What was his end game? Erica had every intention of finding out, especially since she was now pregnant and did not want her child anywhere near criminal activities.
Other outside influences did not help their marriage. Lex's father was always around. He actually lived with them, but it wasn't her place to object. Their marriage was a sham, and after a year into the marriage, Erica admitted to herself that she had made a horrible mistake.
Of course, back then, there was no such thing as prenuptial agreements, so their marriage continued until one day, Lex had it up to here with his Father. They argued day after day, night after night. Erica refused to get involved because she did not want to put her unborn child at risk, plus they were ravenous bullies both intent on hurting the other. She didn't feel safe or loved, actually she felt trapped.
One evening, Erica was about to go and see Lex to speak to him about getting a divorce, when she heard more shouting, but this time was different. She listened closely, but then she heard a crash. She opened the door there before her was Lex standing at the window and his Father was nowhere to be seen. She couldn't help the gasp that escaped her lips.
Lex turned from the window, but instead of waiting to hear his explanations, she ran back to her quarters and locked the door. Lex did not have a key. He was a gentleman in that respect. She packed her bags, then the door was broken down and Lex stood there watching her.
"Where do you think you're going?" Lex was furious with her for witnessing his disgrace and at himself for losing control and doing the unthinkable.
"I can't stay here." She paused. "I won't tell anyone. I promise." Erica was terrified, not for herself but for her child. She continued to pack her bag.
"I'm sorry, Erica, but you can't leave here. Everything will be alright. He's gone, and good riddance. No more interference, no more lectures, no more fights, no more of his vile threats against me and telling me what to do day after day, no more, do you hear me, NO MORE!"
Erica backed up. "Lex, please just calm down. Take a deep breath, that's it."
Lex closed his eyes, took a deep breath, but when he opened them Erica was running toward the bathroom. She had nowhere to go, their chambers were on the second floor, but there was a phone in the bathroom, but her hands were shaking too much to dial three numbers and then the door crashed open. "Don't come any closer. I just called the police."
"Hang up, Erica." He came closer then he heard the dial tone. "Hang up, HANG UP NOW!"
She hung up. He grabbed her arm and dragged her back into the bedroom, then shoved her hard toward the bed. She landed, then curled up in a ball and waited for him to kill her.
"I'm not going to kill you, Erica. You are carrying my child after all."
Tears blinded for a moment, then she turned to him. "What are you going to do with me?"
~o~o~
Back to the present:
Erica wiped her tears away and blew her nose. "You know the rest. Ten years later, you saved me."
Clark stood up and began to pace. "Murder, he murdered his father. I can't believe it."
"It's true Clark. I didn't see it happen, but from what he said, he meant to do it. It was probably temporary insanity, but he did kill him. He killed his own father."
He turned to her. "Erica, I have to tell you something. I just got a call from Superman. He and I are friends and apparently, a missile just missed your house, but he diverted it into the ocean."
She put had a hand over her mouth. "He tried to kill me and my family. Superman saved us?"
"Yes, yes he did."
"I have to thank him somehow."
"I'll tell him, don't worry, but you can't stay here. You and Lena will have to go back to Canada, and once I tell my story to the authorities, Lex will be arrested and convicted."
"It's his word against mine." She paused having second thoughts. "They'll treat me like it was my fault or make me out to be crazy or still under the influence. He's extremely powerful, and no doubt his lawyers will be the best in the profession."
"All they need is your story. No one will have doubts about you, especially when they find out what he did to you. He'll have to pull out of the race, no question about that."
She shook her head thinking about her daughter. "Lena, my beautiful Lena. She's old enough to know what's going on. I can't protect her from the media. It's everywhere."
"I'm truly sorry about that, but you'll have to tell her the truth eventually before she finds out some other way."
"I know." Erica was not looking forward to it.
"You've made it through hell and back, but just a little bit further then you and Lena can go anywhere you want, do anything you want, and it's all up to you."
She actually smiled. "Thank you, Clark."
"You're welcome, now I'll go talk to your Father and set everything up."
"Clark, before you go, there's something else you should know." She paused to pull herself together. "Lex and I well, deep down, I wanted him to change. I thought we could make it work. At the office, we jelled, and everything was perfect, but at home, he was a different person. I thought I loved him, and when I found out I was pregnant, I desperately wanted it to work, but everything just fell apart days later."
Clark went to her and touched her shoulder. "I'm sorry, Erica. Lex may incapable loving anyone." He squeezed her shoulder. "I'll be right back."
Erica watched him leave. Then thoughts about Lex and why he was so damaged and incapable of love. In spite of what he did to her, a part of her still lived in the past. She remembered when they had just met. They had everything in common, true friends who would do anything for each other, but the reality was, they didn't truly trust each other. It was a fantasy, and now she couldn't help but wonder if she was strong enough to face him again.
~o~o~
Meanwhile, back in Metropolis:
General Lane had made it his business to destroy all the green-k, but now he had to speak to Luthor again about the drone. Sam hoped this would be the last time he would need to speak to him. The man gave him chills.
"What is it now?" Lex didn't have time for this.
"I'm sorry for just dropping in." Sam looked around and of course, there were a lot more people around. Since his announcement to run for the presidency, things had obviously picked up around there.
"As you can see, I'm terribly busy. I'm planning a trip around the country, speaking to crowds and getting my face out there. I want the people of this country to know that Lex Luthor has a platform, and they'll hear what I have to say."
"Well, I wish you luck, but there's one thing I want stopped … immediately."
"Oh, and what's that?"
"The tracking drone."
"Sorry, but that can't be stopped," Lex said and walked over to his desk, appearing bored and unconcerned.
"What do you mean, it can't be stopped?" He paused. "Lois told me about that disgusting simulation, and I couldn't believe it. You can't kill Superman. It's impossible."
"Really?" Lex watched him closely.
"Yes, really." Sam was worried now. "Look, Luthor, the tide has changed. Even the President is on his side. If anything happens to him, you will be the first person that gets questioned about it. My daughter will print what she saw here and then you could be arrested for what you're trying to do to him."
Lex looked up from his desk and watched him closely. "And what about you General?" He then pushed a button underneath his desk.
"Lois knows what I did, and she forgave me. I'm her Father, and if anyone looks out for her, it's me."
Lex chuckled. "Oh, so now you're the dutiful Father? Don't make me laugh. Get out, General. The drone stays."
Sam was furious with himself for letting it get this far. "Alright, Luthor, continue with your threats against Superman and you will regret it."
"No, you'll regret double-crossing me. NOW GET OUT!"
Fuming inside, the General left him alone, but just after he entered the elevator, two unsavory looking characters in black suits and sunglasses walked inside.
TBC!
~o~o~
Song Inspiration: I'm Still Breathing, Toni Braxton.
A/N: Crazy Lex, Lex is crazy. Oh dear, Sam came to see Lex way too many times, and now he may be sorry about it. Erica's story was heartbreaking, but Lex's father's death is canon, and it was shrouded in mystery, so I added a few things here and I hope it was intriguing for my readers. Tell me what you think. Thanks for reading.
Author: Babette babettew54
Canon: Superman (MOS)
Pairings; Characters: Clark/Lois, Martha Kent, Sam Lane, Lucy Lane, Lex Luthor
Rating: M
Word Count: 3,800
Summary: Lois couldn’t decide whether to ask him out or bombard him with questions hopefully to secure the ‘Story of the Century.’
Spoilers: None. It’s just speculation about hand touching in the trailer and what it could mean for Clois.
Disclaimer: DC Comics/Warner Bros. Entertainment owns these characters. This is strictly for my own amusement.
Author's Notes: In this next chapter, Erica confesses her most deepest and darkest secrets about Lex and their marriage, Clark has some tough decisions to make about those secrets, Lois seeks help from an unlikely source, her Father, and later, Lex and the General meet one last time. Please read and review. Thank you! :D
X-posted: (FFN); (A03)
Previously:
( Chapter 1)( Chapter 2)( Chapter 3) ( Chapter 4)( Chapter 5)
( Chapter 6)( Chapter 7)(Chapter 8)( Chapter 9)
Chapter 10: I'm Still Breathing
Erica's estate, moments later:
Erica sensed something was terribly wrong as she watched Mr. Kent walk back into her room. He had the strangest expression, which could mean only one thing. "It's Lex, isn't it?"
"You should turn on the television," Clark replied and handed her the remote.
"Alright, but …" Frowning, she switched it on then turned to the cable news network and there it was Lex's press conference being repeated and discussed. She listened to him ramble on about his intent to save Metropolis and to, basically, put Superman out to pasture, meaning they didn't need him anymore. After the conference had ended, she switched it off, leaned back in her bed, closed her eyes for a moment, but when she opened them, she had the look of a woman determined to stop him, to stop this madness, once for all.
She looked up and Mr. Kent was standing over by the window. "We have to stop him, and no matter what it takes, I'm with you Mr. Kent." He hadn't moved an inch. "Mr. Kent?"
She finally turned to her. "You should know something Contessa … I …."
"Please call me Erica," she said and smiled.
"Thank you, Erica. You see, Lex and I go way back. We met briefly in Smallville … and …."
"Lex and I go way back as well, but may I call you Clark?" She asked.
"Yes, please call me Clark." He walked back over to the window. "Lex was also brilliant and remarkable, you know, smart and intuitive. But something happened to change him. His Father was not kind to him. He treated him as if he were a toy to be manipulated and used to whatever he wanted, and Lex of course, rebelled against him. As he grew older, he found ways to take his mind away from the abuse. He was fascinated by other worlds and galaxies."
"I see, but I know all of this, Clark. I met Lex not long after entering college."
He turned back to her. "And he told you about his life in Smallville? Did he mention me?"
"No, he never mentioned you. Should he have … mentioned you?" Erica cocked her head to side and looked at him closely. "You look familiar. I do watch the news every now and then, and I saw what happened in Metropolis."
He ignored her frank perusal of him. "Yes, it was horrible, so many lives lost," he said, thinking about that terrible time.
"I know, but you survived and so did Lex."
"Yes, we survived, but not too long ago, a friend and I went to see him and he's got it in his head that Superman should be sent away or restricted in some way … and …"
"You don't agree with that." It was a statement. She sensed that Superman was valuable to him.
"We need him, Erica," Clark said sternly.
"I know we do. I agree with you, and that's why I want to help you. Lex needs to be stopped. He's immensely powerful and once he sets his mind to something, especially something this critical to him, well, nothing can stop him … not even Superman."
Clark had to grin at that. "Superman may have something to say about that."
She chuckled. "I think you're right." She watched for a moment. "Clark, I think it's time I told you … everything. Please take a seat."
~o~o~
Meanwhile, in Metropolis:
Lois was on the rooftop, pacing back and forth, wondering what to do next. She was still shaking her head and thinking about Lex, his shocking announcement, Clark's trip to New York, and finally, whether she should print what Lex truly wanted more than anything, including the presidency … to destroy Superman.
Suddenly, making a decision, she called her Father. They hadn't spoken since their 'family dinner,' but Lois was desperate to stop Lex, to protect Superman and lastly if she were honest with herself, to make things right between them. Her mind immediately returned to the days before her Mom had passed. They were a totally different family … they were close, they talked about everything … nothing was off limits, but now, they were scattered to the winds living their own lives, with a phone call now and then. It just wasn't right.
He picked up on the first ring. "Hello, Daddy."
"Lo?" Sam was surprised but inwardly pleased she had called.
"I need to see you right away."
Sam knew what this was about. "I'm in my office."
"I'll be there in half an hour."
Lois tentatively approached the base. She'd been there so often in the past that the guards knew her, but now the faces before her were strangers. She pulled out her press badge and a second ID, and she was escorted onto the base. Walking up to her Father's office, tears blinded for a moment. She loved her Father very much. Otherwise, it wouldn't hurt this much, so she wiped away a stray tear then knocked on the door.
Sam opened the door, and then they were both a bit tongue-tied. "Daddy?"
Sam was emotional too. He couldn't help thinking. I just want her to be safe and happy, that's all I want. It certainly didn't help that I'm as stubborn as a mule. "Come in, Lo."
Lois wondered what he was thinking. "How are you Daddy?"
He sighed, not wanting them to talk to each other if they were strangers. "I'm alright. How's work?" Lois sat down, and Sam took a seat at his desk. "Before you answer that, I wanted to show you something." He pulled out the green-K and placed it on his desk.
Trying not to get upset, she asked, "Why do you still have that? I thought you got rid of it."
This was a test. "Why should I? Superman is a threat. We need this just in case."
Lois kept her temper in check. "How many times do I have say this? Superman is not a threat. He saved countless lives that day, and he's still doing it. I do not believe you can't see that." She watched him for a moment. "What's truly going on here? I know you, Daddy. You're an honest and fair man. You give everyone the benefit of the doubt, well, except my boyfriends, but that's not relevant …."
"Ah, you do have a boyfriend … Clark Kent."
"Let's not talk about him. The reason I came to see you and you know what I'm going say … Superman needs your help." He frowned. "Listen to me for a minute. Lex Luthor …"
He interrupted her. "Lex Luthor, but what does he have to do with any of this?" Sam knew the answer to that question.
"He wants him dead, and from what he told me, so do you," Lois replied and watched him closely for the truth.
"I don't want him dead, just … just away from you," Sam explained it to her.
"Daddy, please believe me. Superman would never hurt me. Now, you have to listen to what I'm saying. Lex Luthor cannot be president. He's only doing this for one reason, to destroy Superman. He has it in his mind that he should be killed, placed on a slab, dissected and …." She couldn't finish.
Sam would never condone that. He got up and went to her. He'd never seen her like this. Lois went into his arms, needing his comfort more than she realized.
After a minute or two, Lois pulled back and wiped her eyes. "I'm alright."
"When exactly did this happen?" Instead of sitting behind his desk, he took a seat beside her. He took her hand, and she didn't pull away.
"It was just the other day. He must have made this decision after he showed Clark and I these horrible simulations. Daddy, he's been tracking Superman with some kind of drone, but for the life of me, I can't understand why he would do that."
Sam was quiet not meeting her eyes.
"Oh, no, Daddy, it was you, wasn't it? How could you do that to him and after everything he went through to save us. I can't believe this."
"Lo, just let me explain."
"No, Daddy," she said, interrupting him. Then she glanced at the green-k. "Does Lex know about the green-k?"
"No, he doesn't know," Sam replied, head down ashamed.
She grabbed his arm. "Look at me, Daddy. Lex Luthor can never know. Please, he can never know about the green-k."
Sam frowned then he jumped to the obvious conclusion. "It doesn't just make him sick." It was a statement.
He had to know. "No … it can kill him."
Sam stood up and walked over this desk. He held it in his hands. "I'll get rid of it, all of it, Lo, I promise."
Lois wanted to believe him. "Do you truly mean that, Daddy? I need to trust you and believe in you. I want that so much." She paused. "I miss my Father." Her eyes watered again.
Sam put the green-k down, went to her and put his arms around her. "Everything is going to be alright. I'll take care of it." He stroked her hair. Lois held him tight for a moment more.
She pulled away after a minute. "I believe you."
"Don't worry about anything." He held his arm around her as they headed to the door. "No more drones, no more green-k."
Lois was so relieved. "Once it's done, tell me then I'll let Superman know. He'll be extremely pleased."
They stopped at the threshold of his office. "Lo, can I ask you something?"
"Of course, what is it?"
"Those fantasies that you had about Superman, have they happened yet?" She frowned. "Now hold on a minute. You know Clark Kent came to see me the other day. It seems as if he understands about your job, being in contact with him all the time, but there's only so much he can take."
"Clark understands about my work with Superman and it's not a problem for him. He loves me, and I love him. That's never going to change."
His eyebrows rose. "I can't remember ever hearing you say that about any boyfriend you've ever had."
"Well, I have grown up, and I know what I want in a man, and Clark fits that bill perfectly." She smiled, thinking about him.
Sam believed her. Clark Kent was certainly different from all the others.
He leaned down and kissed her cheek. "I'll see you later." He paused. "I love you, Lo."
"Oh, Daddy, I love you too." Lois said and gave him another hug. She left him watching her from the doorway.
~o~o~
Meanwhile, back in New York:
"Before I begin, Clark, there's something you should know. Lex and I were married, but it was arranged by our families. It wasn't a love match."
"I see, go on," Clark encouraged her.
"You don't seem the least bit surprised to hear about that."
He shook his head. "No, I'm not surprised. I believe you, please continue."
Then Erica began her story.
~o~o~
Nearly twenty years ago in Wichita, Kansas:
Wichita State University was a prestigious university where privileged, spoiled rich kids went to parties all the time, and bribed their way through school. Erica del Portenza was not like the other kids in her class. She was there to learn. Erica was a brilliant student, and of course she caught the eye of Alexander Luthor. Lex was also a quiet student, not like the others either. They were drawn to the other for those very reasons.
After college, they went their separate ways. Things had not progressed beyond the friendship stage, but ten years and seven wives later, in Metropolis, they ran into each other and still being friends, Lex asked Erica to work for him. Their families were pleased and hoped that they would grow closer, and with her background in astrophysics, she would fit right in with his plans for world domination. She laughed at his teasing, but he had meant every word.
Lex and Erica were not in love, but their minds were in sync as well as their bodies. Their affair was not unknown to Lex's staff. In fact, they flaunted their affair, and since he was the boss, everyone looked the other way. A few years later they were married, and that's when everything fell apart.
Erica became more and more suspicious of Lex's dealings with criminals and his need to have more and more money. What was he doing with all of that money? What was his end game? Erica had every intention of finding out, especially since she was now pregnant and did not want her child anywhere near criminal activities.
Other outside influences did not help their marriage. Lex's father was always around. He actually lived with them, but it wasn't her place to object. Their marriage was a sham, and after a year into the marriage, Erica admitted to herself that she had made a horrible mistake.
Of course, back then, there was no such thing as prenuptial agreements, so their marriage continued until one day, Lex had it up to here with his Father. They argued day after day, night after night. Erica refused to get involved because she did not want to put her unborn child at risk, plus they were ravenous bullies both intent on hurting the other. She didn't feel safe or loved, actually she felt trapped.
One evening, Erica was about to go and see Lex to speak to him about getting a divorce, when she heard more shouting, but this time was different. She listened closely, but then she heard a crash. She opened the door there before her was Lex standing at the window and his Father was nowhere to be seen. She couldn't help the gasp that escaped her lips.
Lex turned from the window, but instead of waiting to hear his explanations, she ran back to her quarters and locked the door. Lex did not have a key. He was a gentleman in that respect. She packed her bags, then the door was broken down and Lex stood there watching her.
"Where do you think you're going?" Lex was furious with her for witnessing his disgrace and at himself for losing control and doing the unthinkable.
"I can't stay here." She paused. "I won't tell anyone. I promise." Erica was terrified, not for herself but for her child. She continued to pack her bag.
"I'm sorry, Erica, but you can't leave here. Everything will be alright. He's gone, and good riddance. No more interference, no more lectures, no more fights, no more of his vile threats against me and telling me what to do day after day, no more, do you hear me, NO MORE!"
Erica backed up. "Lex, please just calm down. Take a deep breath, that's it."
Lex closed his eyes, took a deep breath, but when he opened them Erica was running toward the bathroom. She had nowhere to go, their chambers were on the second floor, but there was a phone in the bathroom, but her hands were shaking too much to dial three numbers and then the door crashed open. "Don't come any closer. I just called the police."
"Hang up, Erica." He came closer then he heard the dial tone. "Hang up, HANG UP NOW!"
She hung up. He grabbed her arm and dragged her back into the bedroom, then shoved her hard toward the bed. She landed, then curled up in a ball and waited for him to kill her.
"I'm not going to kill you, Erica. You are carrying my child after all."
Tears blinded for a moment, then she turned to him. "What are you going to do with me?"
~o~o~
Back to the present:
Erica wiped her tears away and blew her nose. "You know the rest. Ten years later, you saved me."
Clark stood up and began to pace. "Murder, he murdered his father. I can't believe it."
"It's true Clark. I didn't see it happen, but from what he said, he meant to do it. It was probably temporary insanity, but he did kill him. He killed his own father."
He turned to her. "Erica, I have to tell you something. I just got a call from Superman. He and I are friends and apparently, a missile just missed your house, but he diverted it into the ocean."
She put had a hand over her mouth. "He tried to kill me and my family. Superman saved us?"
"Yes, yes he did."
"I have to thank him somehow."
"I'll tell him, don't worry, but you can't stay here. You and Lena will have to go back to Canada, and once I tell my story to the authorities, Lex will be arrested and convicted."
"It's his word against mine." She paused having second thoughts. "They'll treat me like it was my fault or make me out to be crazy or still under the influence. He's extremely powerful, and no doubt his lawyers will be the best in the profession."
"All they need is your story. No one will have doubts about you, especially when they find out what he did to you. He'll have to pull out of the race, no question about that."
She shook her head thinking about her daughter. "Lena, my beautiful Lena. She's old enough to know what's going on. I can't protect her from the media. It's everywhere."
"I'm truly sorry about that, but you'll have to tell her the truth eventually before she finds out some other way."
"I know." Erica was not looking forward to it.
"You've made it through hell and back, but just a little bit further then you and Lena can go anywhere you want, do anything you want, and it's all up to you."
She actually smiled. "Thank you, Clark."
"You're welcome, now I'll go talk to your Father and set everything up."
"Clark, before you go, there's something else you should know." She paused to pull herself together. "Lex and I well, deep down, I wanted him to change. I thought we could make it work. At the office, we jelled, and everything was perfect, but at home, he was a different person. I thought I loved him, and when I found out I was pregnant, I desperately wanted it to work, but everything just fell apart days later."
Clark went to her and touched her shoulder. "I'm sorry, Erica. Lex may incapable loving anyone." He squeezed her shoulder. "I'll be right back."
Erica watched him leave. Then thoughts about Lex and why he was so damaged and incapable of love. In spite of what he did to her, a part of her still lived in the past. She remembered when they had just met. They had everything in common, true friends who would do anything for each other, but the reality was, they didn't truly trust each other. It was a fantasy, and now she couldn't help but wonder if she was strong enough to face him again.
~o~o~
Meanwhile, back in Metropolis:
General Lane had made it his business to destroy all the green-k, but now he had to speak to Luthor again about the drone. Sam hoped this would be the last time he would need to speak to him. The man gave him chills.
"What is it now?" Lex didn't have time for this.
"I'm sorry for just dropping in." Sam looked around and of course, there were a lot more people around. Since his announcement to run for the presidency, things had obviously picked up around there.
"As you can see, I'm terribly busy. I'm planning a trip around the country, speaking to crowds and getting my face out there. I want the people of this country to know that Lex Luthor has a platform, and they'll hear what I have to say."
"Well, I wish you luck, but there's one thing I want stopped … immediately."
"Oh, and what's that?"
"The tracking drone."
"Sorry, but that can't be stopped," Lex said and walked over to his desk, appearing bored and unconcerned.
"What do you mean, it can't be stopped?" He paused. "Lois told me about that disgusting simulation, and I couldn't believe it. You can't kill Superman. It's impossible."
"Really?" Lex watched him closely.
"Yes, really." Sam was worried now. "Look, Luthor, the tide has changed. Even the President is on his side. If anything happens to him, you will be the first person that gets questioned about it. My daughter will print what she saw here and then you could be arrested for what you're trying to do to him."
Lex looked up from his desk and watched him closely. "And what about you General?" He then pushed a button underneath his desk.
"Lois knows what I did, and she forgave me. I'm her Father, and if anyone looks out for her, it's me."
Lex chuckled. "Oh, so now you're the dutiful Father? Don't make me laugh. Get out, General. The drone stays."
Sam was furious with himself for letting it get this far. "Alright, Luthor, continue with your threats against Superman and you will regret it."
"No, you'll regret double-crossing me. NOW GET OUT!"
Fuming inside, the General left him alone, but just after he entered the elevator, two unsavory looking characters in black suits and sunglasses walked inside.
TBC!
~o~o~
Song Inspiration: I'm Still Breathing, Toni Braxton.
A/N: Crazy Lex, Lex is crazy. Oh dear, Sam came to see Lex way too many times, and now he may be sorry about it. Erica's story was heartbreaking, but Lex's father's death is canon, and it was shrouded in mystery, so I added a few things here and I hope it was intriguing for my readers. Tell me what you think. Thanks for reading.