THE OTHER WOMAN - PART ONE (A parallel dimension story)
By ML Thompson <thomplaw@tbaytel.net>
Rated PG-13
Submitted February 2000

___________

What if... Tempus had never figured out how to get to the parallel
universe that we have all come to know and love. What if... because
of that Perry White never felt the need to go into politics in order
to defeat him in the Mayor's race. What if... Tempus never took the
Lois Lane from our world into that parallel dimension.

Perry White would be editor of the Daily Planet. Clark Kent would
have married Lana Lang. There would be no Superman.

Since the Clark Kent of this parallel dimension lost the moral
guidance of his parents when he was ten, his moral standards are
bound to be slightly different. Having said that I would state that
although this Clark may react somewhat differently in a given
situation, he still possesses much of what the Lois from our world
called 'his innate goodness.' (This is actually just a disclaimer
clause in case you don't like the way I navigate this moral minefield)

Also having lost his folks so young Clark would have grown up without
their knowledge of his powers and their unconditional acceptance of
him in spite of them. As a result I think Clark would be much more
insecure, feel like much more of an outsider and think that he was
something of a freak.

Moreover in the alternate world, Lois and Clark have never met. Lois
was lost and is presumed dead while working on a story in the Congo
before Clark began working at the Daily Planet.

Furthermore I am of the opinion that if she had not been distracted
by a pair of blue tights, Lois would have noticed Clark's unique
abilities sooner. I also think that her intense feelings for Superman
kept at bay her feelings for Clark. In this story however there are
no blue tights to divert her attention. The only problem is a little
gold band that Clark now wears on his left hand. So then... What if?

One final word. Although this is an alternate world I have left most
of our supporting cast as they are in our world. Of course there are
some differences which I'm sure you will notice.

Don't worry. I like happy endings.

"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God
is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.
But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you
can stand up under it." - I Cor. 10:13 N.I.V.

So then, without further ado...

* * * * * * * * *

THE OTHER WOMAN - PART ONE (A parallel dimension story)
By ML Thompson

Clark sighed contentedly as he leaned back in his chair. He had
landed the inside story on the latest drug bust of the Metropolis
P.D. Henderson had been particularly helpful. Clark liked Henderson.
He was a tough but honest street cop.

Clark wished he could spend the evening with someone like Henderson
instead of going to this dinner party. He had never been able to warm
up to Lana's friends. He tried over the years, but he just couldn't
get into discussions about the stock market and various other ways of
making money. But that was the price of marrying the only child of a
man as rich as Daniel Lang.

Lana was always trying to bring Clark into the family business, but
that was the only thing that Clark was able to deny his wife. In
everything else he just let her have her way, because he simply did
not have the will to fight her.

He was not even using his powers much anymore. Before he married he
tried to help where he could. But after enough times of being rebuked
or threatened by his wife, after seeing her weep in fear over what
would happen to them if anyone found out about him, he gave in. He
had to kill a piece of himself to do it, but he did not want her hurt.

He ran his hands through his hair before getting up. He grabbed his
jacket, heading for the door and another night of endless
conversations about money. That was the one thing Clark really had no
interest in.

* * * * * * * * *

Lois Lane stepped out of the airport and into the summer sunshine of
Metropolis. She filled her lungs with air. She still didn't have a
lot of her memory back. But the smell of the city was familiar to
her. She saw a yellow cab coming down the street. More from instinct
than memory, she stuck her thumb and index finger in her mouth. She
let out a soul shattering whistle, and the taxi screeched to a halt.
She smiled and entered the cab.

"Daily Planet," she instructed the cabby.

Lois Lane was still not sure of a lot of things. At least she now
knew three things without a doubt. She knew that her name was Lois
Lane. She knew that she had worked at the Daily Planet. She knew that
Perry White had been her boss.

There were other things that she felt more than knew. She felt that
she had been a good reporter. She just wasn't sure why she thought
that. She also felt good when she thought about Perry White. Part of
her cast him in the role of a father, but that didn't seem quite
right. So here she was on her way to the Daily Planet to try to put
back the pieces of her life.

Lois stepped out of the cab in front of the Daily Planet. She stood
on the corner looking up at the large globe. Although she couldn't
remember seeing it, looking at it now felt comforting.

Clark exited the front doors of the Planet. His head was down as he
walked down the sidewalk. He was late. His wife hated it when he was
late. He wished he could fly. He missed flying so much. But he had
promised her. So he would have to make up time in the traditional way
by rushing. He never even saw the woman until he crashed into her.
Lois went flying.

"I'm sorry," Clark gasped. He rushed over to the woman now lying on
the pavement. He offered her his hand but she just lay there looking
up at him. It took her a moment to regain her breath. When she did,
she let Clark have it.

"Why don't you watch where you're going? What were you trying to do,
kill me? Is that it? You look for innocent women on the streets and
you try to kill them by rushing them. What type of moron are you
anyway?" Lois was in full rampage mode now. "They shouldn't allow
people like you on the street. At least if I had been in a car I
would have had the protection of the vehicle. Instead you just..."

"I guess that means you're okay?" Clark asked softly.

"Do you really think I would be lying here on the sidewalk if I was
okay? What are you made of anyway. It was like being hit by a brick
wall. What are you grinning about?"

"I'm sorry," Clark said as he fought to bite back a grin. Lois looked
at him curiously. She looked down briefly before she began to laugh.

"I guess I do get sort of carried away."

Clark offered her his hand. This time she took it. The instant their
hands touched both felt a surge of electricity. Clark helped her to
her feet. They just stood there for a moment. Neither moved to
separate their hands. Suddenly Clark backed away, releasing her.

"I... um... well, if you're okay... I guess I should be going. Once
again, I'm sorry." With that Clark rushed away.

Clark was consumed by guilt. He was a married man. Yet the feelings
that involuntarily cascaded through his system when their hands met
was... He couldn't even put it into words. He had no frame of
reference for what he had felt. But he did know he had no right to
feel what he felt when he had taken the hand of that brunette.

As Lois watched him walk away she noticed what a great physique the
man had. She let out a long breath. It had been a confusing moment
for her. Did she know him? He didn't seem to recognize her but there
was a moment when her heart felt like she knew him. Surely if he did
recognize her, he would have said something. She shook her head and
turned to enter the Daily Planet.

* * * * * * * * *

"What the Sam Hill is this?" a familiar voice bellowed through the
newsroom. "What do you people think we are running here? The Borneo
Gazette?" Anyone not in the direct line of fire quickly shrank into
the background. "These pictures are unusable. Would someone tell me
who is responsible for..." His voice trailed off as he caught sight
of the brunette standing in front of the elevators with a small smile
on her face.

This was so familiar to her. Until this moment she couldn't have said
what Perry White looked like. But she recognized him instantly.

Perry just stood and stared for a moment. Then he slowly began
walking toward the elevator. The targets of his latest tirade,
thankful for the interruption, quickly slunk out of the newsroom.

"Honey, is that you?" he asked softly as he approached her.

"It's me," she responded. In a moment she was in his arms.

"How is this possible?" he finally asked. "I must have sent a dozen
people looking for you when you disappeared over there. Where have
you been? What happened?"

"Can we go somewhere to talk, Perry?" He nodded, led her to his
office and closed the door.

"I'm not exactly sure where to start. This is going to sound crazy
but... well, I don't remember much of my life before... well, before
the accident. I find that certain things seem familiar to me but
until a few months ago I didn't even know my own name. The people at
the mission that took me in called me Lucy. I chose the name, though
I'm not sure why."

"Lucy is your sister's name, Honey."

"Really?"

"Yes, really."

"Wow." Lois paused for a moment, digesting this information.
"Anyway... apparently I was found almost dead at the sight of a plane
crash. I don't remember that at all. The natives came across me and
took me to a medical mission in the area. They nursed me back to
health, but I couldn't remember anything. The doctors there said that
I was suffering from traumatic amnesia. They told me that I would
eventually begin to get my memory back. I had almost given up hope
when I started having dreams."

"What kinda dreams?"

"They were disjointed... the way dreams are. But when I would wake up
I would remember things. In one I was hiding behind a stack of boxes
holding a camera. In another I was eating fudge from a place called
the Fudge Castle." Lois shook her head. "I have a lot of
inconsequential memories. But soon I came to know three things. I
knew that I was Lois Lane. I knew that I was a reporter at a paper
called the Daily Planet, and I knew that you were my boss."

"Didn't you have any identification on you when they found you?"

"Apparently not. They said that the plane had been stripped. They
figure someone came across the plane and thought everyone was dead.
They stole everything worth stealing, including my identification."

"What about a passenger manifest? Couldn't you track down who you
were through a passenger manifest?"

Lois shook her head. "Apparently it was some sort of private charter
so there was no record of passengers. I tried asking if anyone had
seen a woman get on the plane in Brazzaville, which was where the
plane took off from. No one remembered. Before I was able to get to
Brazzaville, it was several months after the accident. I even managed
to track down the company that chartered the plane, but they didn't
know of any women who were scheduled to be on the plane either."

"What was the name of the company?"

"Niocorp. It was some sort of import/export company."

"Niocorp was the company you suspected of smuggling guns into the States.
That was why you were in the Congo."

"Really?"

Perry nodded.

"Well... maybe I was a stowaway or something."

"I would think that is a good possibility." Perry paused, "So then
what have you been doing for the past few years?"

"I've been helping out on the mission. The people there were great.
They took me in, gave me a home and a job. Then when my memory
started coming back and I told them I had to come to Metropolis to
try to find my life, they gave me a plane ticket and two hundred
dollars cash. The mission was always short of funds so I know what
that cost them. I promised I would pay them back as soon as possible."

"Don't worry. You just give me an address and I'll get a check in the
mail today."

"I can't ask..."

"You didn't. I want to do this. You've always been like a daughter to
me. I want to pay them back for returning you."

'Okay,' thought Lois. 'I guess that means that he is not my actual
father, but it does explain why I think of him in that role.' "Thanks,
Perry," she conceded.

"Do you have a place to stay?" Perry asked.

"I was thinking that I would try to find a cheap hotel..."

Perry waved his hand. "Enough of that. You're staying with Alice and me."

"Alice? That's your wife, right?"

He looked at her for a moment. She had seemed fine until this moment.
Suddenly he realized that she really had lost her memory. His heart
broke. He nodded.

"Are you sure that will be all right with her?"

"She'll be thrilled. Trust me."

"Thanks. I'm also hoping... well, I do need a job. Do you think..."

"Well... How about we do this? You come with me to work Monday
morning. I'll team you up with another reporter and we can see how
you do? You may need some time to recover before coming back to work."

"I don't really see myself as the partner type."

Perry smiled. "Neither do I, but you do need someone to show you the
ropes. Don't worry. I'll team you with the best. His name is Clark
Kent. He has as many Kerth Awards as you do."

"Kerth Awards?"

"Journalism Awards, Honey."

"I knew it!!" Lois exclaimed. "I knew I was good."

"You were the best, Lois." She beamed in response.

* * * * * * * * *

The blond-haired Lana Kent was in an animated conversation with a
tall, attractive man that Clark knew as Bill Wilson. He was a friend
of Lana's from college. 'He is much more her type then I am,' thought
Clark. He never understood why Lana had chosen him. They had gone to
their final year of high school together the year Lana lived in
Smallville. Her parents had separated and her mother had taken her
and gone to live with an aunt and uncle in Smallville. Lana's
parents divorced that year.

Lana seemed lost and out of place in Smallville. Clark understood
that feeling. As a result he had been drawn to her. She immediately
latched onto him. Soon she had told everyone that he was her
boyfriend. He didn't have the heart to correct the impression, so he
fulfilled that role. They were separated when they finished school.
Lana went to university immediately while Clark spent a couple of
years seeing the world.

Clark had a job at the Daily Planet when Lana returned to Metropolis
after a series of wild affairs in France. He was glad to see her but
never had any intention of marrying her. But here he was. Married now
for a year and a half.

Lana spotted Clark.

"Where have you been?"

"I had a bit of an accident. I..." he fell silent when she resumed
talking as if he had never spoken.

"You know how Daddy hates it when you're late."

"I'm sorry," he mumbled softly.

"Sorry? Clark, you're always sorry. Yet you're always late. How am I
to believe you're sorry when you keep doing the same things over and
over again?"

He looked down. She had a point. "I'll work on it, Lana. I promise."

"Well, now that you are here, come and hear what Bill was telling me
about his latest real estate plan. You know, you really could learn
something from Bill. He has made more money. If only you wouldn't be
so stubborn and would come work for Daddy. That way we could have the
life we deserve. I don't understand why you keep insisting on working
as a reporter for that newspaper. You could make so much more money
working for Daddy."

"I like my job," Clark said softly.

* * * * * * * * *

In the half light of the room Clark's lips met hers. He groaned
softly as she undid his shirt and began to plant soft kisses across
his chest. He pulled her further into his arms, his hands reaching
around to undo the zipper on the back of her dress. She pulled back
slightly to allow the dress to fall to the floor. Her hands began to
unfasten his belt. He picked her up in his arms. He carried her to
the bed and gently lay her down. He bent over her and felt her hands
snake up his sides as he began to kiss her throat, losing himself in
her soft brown hair...

Clark awoke with a start. He was floating. He dropped the three feet
back down on the bed. Brown hair. No. That wasn't right. He was
breathing heavily. He looked around the darkened room. Fortunately he
and Lana didn't share a room, because, for a second night, the woman
in his dreams - he didn't even know her name - was not Lana. He
closed his eyes tightly, trying to banish the image. Guilt once again
invaded his system.

At least he was thankful that he didn't know who she was. He closed
his eyes and tried to go back to sleep.

* * * * * * * * *

When Clark entered the newsroom on Monday, Perry's voice bellowed,
"KENT!! My office now!!" Clark quickened his pace to comply.

"Yes, Mr. White?" Clark didn't notice the young woman sitting across
the desk from the Chief with her back to him.

Perry White sighed. It had been three years and yet he still couldn't
get Clark to call him Perry. Clark was always courteous and friendly.
But he seemed to hold everyone at a distance. This was accomplished
with Perry by the formal address of 'Mr. White.'

"Clark, I'd like to introduce you to someone," Perry said as Lois
rose and turned to face the man. "Clark Kent, this is Lois Lane.
Lois..."

"YOU!!" both Lois and Clark gasped in unison.

Their joint exclamation cut Perry off. When they didn't continue,
Perry said, "I take it you two have already met."

Lois' face broke into a smile; Clark looked stunned. Lois finally
spoke. "Yes Perry. We... um... sort of ran into each other the other
day outside the Daily Planet."

"Um... I mean..." Clark's voice trailed off. Here she was. The woman
from his erotic dreams. "I mean... it's nice to meet you." Out of
habit he held out his hand. When she gently took it he fought to
retain control. Their hands never really shook. They just stood there
for a moment holding hands, before Perry interrupted.

"Well, anyway... Lois Lane worked here before you joined us, Clark. She..."

"You mean this is the Lois Lane I have heard so much about over the
years?" Clark looked confused for a moment. "But, Mr. White, I thought
you said she had been killed investigating a drug smuggling
operation."

"I thought she had. Apparently I was wrong."

"I was in a plane crash. I lost my memory. I've only recently begun
to get it back. As soon as I did I made my way back here. There are
still a lot of gaps, but... at least I now know who I am." Her voice
got soft as she finished. Clark felt an immediate response to her
pain. In an effort to lift it he responded.

"Well then... it really is an honour to meet you, Ms. Lane. I have
heard a lot about you over the years. Mainly whenever we would get
scooped. Mr. White here would inform us that that would never have
happened if you had been here."

Lois laughed. "Well that is bound to make me popular around here."
She paused for a moment before adding, "And please call me Lois."

"So are you coming back to work here?"

"Actually, Clark," Perry responded, "I want you to team up with Lois
at least for the time being - while she tries to get her memory back."

"Certainly, Mr. White," Clark responded, swallowing hard.

Perry nodded. "Okay, then... Let's get to work. I heard a report this
morning on LNN that a police officer has stepped forward claiming
that a large number of high ranking city officials have been making
use of the services of underage prostitutes. I want you two on it."

"Do we know who the officer is?" Lois asked.

"No. We also don't know who he is naming or whether the allegations
are true. That's what I want you to find out."

"Yes, sir," said Clark. He looked at his new partner. "So are you
ready to get to work?" She smiled in response. Yes, she was certainly
looking forward to getting to work, especially with this new partner.

* * * * * * * * *

"Where do you think we should start?" Lois asked when they arrived at the
desk.

"I think we should start by talking to Inspector Henderson, Ms. Lane.
He is often quite helpful and he might be able to give us the name of
the police officer making the allegations."

Lois looked thoughtful for a moment before saying, "Henderson. That
name sounds so familiar." She paused. "By the way, Clark, if you call
me Ms. Lane one more time I'll scream. My name is Lois."

Clark looked slightly uncomfortable. He was desperately trying to
keep an emotional distance from this woman. Calling her by her
given name would not help. But he was inclined to believe that
she would indeed scream. He didn't relish that kind of attention. He
nodded.

Lois perched on the corner of Clark's desk as he sat down to pick up
the phone. She noticed a photograph on the desk. It was of Clark and
a blond-haired woman. 'Damn' she thought. She put on her most
cheerful voice and asked, "Your wife?"

"Yes."

"Very pretty."

"Thank you," he said. Then he looked confused. Somehow that didn't
seem to him like the correct response but he couldn't think what else
to say.

Lois noticed the reaction and read his mind. She smiled. He really
did seem a little naive, but she found it absolutely adorable. In fact,
she found everything about this man absolutely adorable. Well, except
for the fact that he was married. She looked briefly at his finger
and noticed for the first time the band of gold there. She could
hardly believe she hadn't noticed it before. Lois had one rule in her
relationships with men - no married men. How could she have managed
to overlook it so easily this time?

Clark placed the call to Henderson as Lois watched. She had been
thinking about this man a lot since they met. She hadn't even
considered the possibility that he would be married. Somehow that
just didn't seem right to her. But then, why wouldn't he be? After all,
he was gorgeous, nice and successful. Any woman would jump at the
chance to marry him. She looked at the woman in the picture again.
She instantly disliked her. But that didn't change the fact that she
was Clark's wife. Lois tried to push the thoughts of a possible
relationship with Clark Kent as far from her mind as possible. No
matter what immediate attraction she may have felt for him, he was
definitely off limits.

Clark couldn't get through to Inspector Henderson. Apparently he was
somewhere in the station, but they were unable to locate him. Clark
left a message asking him to call back as soon as possible.

"Perry said there was a report on LNN. Why don't we watch it and see
what we can find out from it while we wait to hear from Henderson?"
Lois suggested.

Clark smiled. "You catch on fast," he responded.

They got a copy of that morning's report and stuck it in the VCR in
the conference room.

A reporter who was looking particularly pleased with himself was
asking questions of a man whose silhouette was all they could see.
The reporter started by providing the background for his audience.

"A member of the Metropolis Police Department, on the condition that
he not be identified, has informed LNN that a group of the city's
leading citizens are using the services of child prostitutes.

"So how exactly did you come across this information?" the reporter asked.

"It turned up in another investigation. I thought that, given the age
of these girls, the men have to be stopped. That is why I am coming
forward."

"Can you tell us who is on the list?"

"I'm not prepared to do that at this point. However, I will say that
it involves people from as high as the mayor's office to leaders of
industry in Metropolis."

"Why aren't you prepared to provide us with names?"

"I don't want to destroy anyone's career or family. I just want it to
stop. I am hoping that by going public, the people involved will
cease their activities."

The reporter came back on the screen. "We caught up to the mayor
earlier today." The camera flashed to a picture of the mayor exiting
his car.

"Mr. Mayor, do you have any comment about the allegations made this
morning about some of this city's highest officials being involved
with underage prostitutes?"

"I have no comment at this time except to say that I am not prepared
to respond to allegations made by a man who refuses to identify
himself." With that the camera came back to the reporter.

"And that's what we have on this breaking story at the moment. Back
to you, John..."

Clark hit the button on the VCR and sat down at the table. He ran his
hands through his hair trying to think. There was nothing in there,
even with his enhanced vision, that they could use to identify the
cop. His thoughts were interrupted by Lois.

"Clark, what exactly did they say when you tried getting through to
Henderson?"

"Not much. Just that Inspector Henderson wasn't at his desk but that
he was somewhere in the station. Why?"

"Don't they have a PA system?"

"Well, yes, but..."

"Then why didn't they page him?"

Clark only looked confused for a moment. Then the light dawned. "You
think he's trying to avoid us," he stated.

Lois smiled. "Come on," she said, heading for the door. Clark followed.

* * * * * * * * *

Three men met in the plush executive office.

"So do we know who it is?"

"No, Mr. Luthor. I have people working on it right now. Until we have
closed off this leak we can't use the hookers to keep everyone in
line. However, given what's at stake, I don't think anyone will get
careless."

"So then unless this leak talks the network is still in place,"
stated Dan Lang.

"Right."

"Then we have to find the leak. You two do what you can on that
front. When you do find him, give the information to me. I'll take it
from there," instructed Luthor.

"You realize that, if we lose this, our grip on the city will crumble."

"I am well aware of that, Mr. Mayor."

When the Mayor left the other two men sat in silence for a moment.
Finally one of them spoke.

"If it comes down to it, I say that we give them the Mayor as their
sacrificial lamb. Once they know the Mayor's part, or at least the
role we will invent for him, I doubt they will look beyond that."

"I was thinking the same. Besides, everyone involved knows how
dangerous it is to cross either of us. So I think we can count on
their discretion."

"And the Mayor?"

"I doubt he would risk talking. He knows what we're capable of too."

* * * * * * * * *

Lois and Clark finally spotted the inspector. Henderson noticed Clark first.

"Sorry, Clark. I know why you're here, but I'm under strict orders not
to talk." With that Henderson began to walk away.

"Whose orders?" Clark called after him. Henderson stopped and came
back over to Clark. He was about to speak when he noticed the woman
standing beside Clark.

"Omigod!!! Lois? Lois Lane? I thought you were..." He paused, looking
helplessly back and forth between Lois and Clark.

Lois laughed. "The reports of my death have been greatly
exaggerated." She looked at Clark. "I've always wanted to say that."

"But then... well, where have you been? Why didn't you tell anyone
you're alive? Does Perry White know? I heard he took your dea... your
disappearance badly."

Lois was about to respond when Clark cut in. "How about a little quid
pro quo? She will tell you her story if you will answer a couple of
questions for us."

Lois looked at her new partner with admiration. Under that soft-spoken
exterior was a sharp mind. Henderson's natural curiosity, which
is what made him a good cop, would make Clark's proposal almost
irresistible. Henderson looked back and forth between them for a
moment before coming to a decision. He led them into an empty office.
Once he closed the door, he spoke.

"Okay. I know who this guy is. I will try to set up a meeting for you
tonight. But you have to be certain that you tell no one about this."

"Tonight?" Clark asked. Lois noticed a trace of concern in his voice.

"Is that a problem?"

"No... No problem," Clark responded while at the same time thinking,
'Big problem.' Lana hated it when he worked evenings, and, after being
late for the dinner the other night, he knew he was on thin ice. But
this was his job and this could be a big break.

"Okay, then, what's the story, Lois?" She filled him in. He was amazed.

"Well, it's good to have you back. Even though you can be a pain in
the neck," Henderson commented. Lois and Clark were about to leave
when Henderson asked, "If I do manage to set up this meeting and you
aren't at the Planet, where do I get ahold of you? Can I leave a
message at your place, Clark?"

Clark thought for a moment. Given how opposed Lana was to him working
evenings, he wasn't sure she would pass on the message. When he
hesitated Lois jumped in. "Henderson I'm staying with Perry White at
the moment. Leave a message there. I'm sure Alice will get the
message to me."

Henderson nodded. "After all those years of being married to Perry,
I'm sure she will. Oh, by the way, I've seen the list. In case you were
concerned, Perry White's name is not on it."

"Thanks, Inspector, but we weren't," Clark responded.

* * * * * * * * *

Lois was ecstatic as they left the station. "This is big, Clark. I
can feel it." She was heading out as if she had a destination in mind.

"Do you mind if I ask where we're going?" Clark asked.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I have a source in the mayor's office. I think we
should pay her a little visit. Well... assuming that she still works
there."

Lois walked several feet before she noticed Clark was no longer
beside her. She turned and looked at him curiously.

"How did you know that, Lois?"

Lois looked startled for a moment. "I remembered!! Clark, I
remembered!!" She threw herself into his arms without thinking.

He held her for a moment before releasing her and stepping away. He
looked uncomfortable. The problem for Clark was that having this
woman in his arms felt so incredibly right. Yet he knew it was
incredibly wrong.

"Sorry. I guess I got a little carried away," Lois said, sensing his
discomfort. "Anyway her name is Lorna Bowman. She always has the
inside story from the mayor's office. At least, she did before..." she
trailed off.

Clark looked thoughtful and then said, "She's still there. I'm just
not sure that barging into the mayor's office asking to speak to her
is the right course of action." Lois stopped for a moment.

"You're right. If this thing is as big as we think there will be a
hush order over there too. It's almost noon, and if I recall correctly
she always left city hall for lunch. What if we wait for her to take
her lunch break?"

Clark smiled. "Sounds like a plan."

* * * * * * * * *

Lois and Clark settled down on a park bench outside city hall to wait
for Lorna Bowman.

"Are you sure that Ms. Bowman will talk to us?" Clark asked. "I've
tried to get information from her on and off for two years now. She's
never cracked."

Lois smiled at him. "Her father had some... well, let's just say
trouble, a few years back. I came across it in my pursuit of a story.
I didn't include her father in the story. Since then she has been my
source in the mayor's office."

Clark looked horrified. "Are you saying you're blackmailing her?"

"Relax. It's not like that. She was just grateful for my discretion.
That's all." Lois looked at Clark for a long moment in concentration
before continuing, "How did Perry ever hire such a boy scout?" Clark
looked seriously embarrassed. Before Lois could comment, Clark noticed
Lorna. They got up and made their way over to her. She noticed Clark
first.

"Sorry, Kent. No comment."

"No comment! You don't even know what he's going to ask," Lois responded.

"Sure I do," Bowman said, turning to address the woman speaking, "He
wants to know about... Lois Lane? Is that really you?"

"In the flesh," Lois responded, before giving the explanation yet
again. Clark had now heard it enough that he could probably tell it
as well as Lois. However, he enjoyed watching the people she was
relating it to for the first time.

"So then, given the fact that you are with Kent here, I assume that
means you are back working at the Daily Planet," Lorna stated more
than asked.

"That's right... and we need some information."

Lorna looked around quickly before suggesting they go somewhere more
private to talk. Once they got settled around a table in a nearby
coffee shop, Lorna took a deep breath.

"This will have to be off the record. If the mayor realizes that I
spoke to you it will cost me my job."

"Is it really that tense over there?" Clark asked.

Lorna nodded. "It's as bad as I've ever seen it. Normally the mayor
battens down the hatches when he sees a storm coming, but this... Well,
I've never seen anything like it. I spent most of the day cancelling
appointments for the mayor. Of course, any that were too high profile
were kept, in order to give the press the appearance that everything
is under control."

"But it's not," Lois prompted.

Lorna shook her head briefly. "The mayor took off for some secret
meeting earlier today and was gone for a couple of hours. When he
returned he looked like he'd been to his own funeral. He placed a
call to the chief of police demanding that they track down the cop
making these allegations."

"But wouldn't an investigation be in order here?" Clark said, not
seeing anything unusual about what the mayor was doing.

"That's just it, Clark. I overheard the mayor's phone call to the
chief of police. He told the chief that he didn't want any sort of
official investigation started here. He just wanted the guy located
and the name provided. He also made it clear that he wanted this
information kept under wraps. Personally I would bet my last dollar
that the mayor is involved in whatever is going on here."

Lois and Clark looked at each other. This was big. "Thanks, Lorna. I
promise we will keep your name out of this," said Lois as Lorna rose
to leave. "And if anything else comes up..."

"I'll be sure to let you know. By the way, Lois... It's good to have
you back. It was getting a bit dull around here without you. Somehow
things just seem to happen when you're around."

* * * * * * * * *

"Come on, Clark," Lois said after Lorna left. "I think we have
tomorrow's headline. Let's get back to the Planet."

"What headline?" Clark asked.

Lois gestured in the air as she read the non-existent headline,
"MAYOR'S OFFICE IN UPROAR OVER ALLEGATIONS." When Clark continued to
look at her she continued, "Look, we won't be meeting with the cop
making the allegations till tonight. In the meantime the activity in
the mayor's office is a good story. If there was no truth to the
allegations the mayor wouldn't be so panicked."

"I agree. But all we have is the word of a woman who won't go on the
record. You know what Mr. White will say..."

Lois let out a short breath. "I know. I know... 'Hard facts... What I
need are hard facts,'" Lois said, using her best Perry White
impersonation.

Clark smiled. "You see... your memory really is starting to come back."

"So do you have any idea where we can get confirmation?" Lois asked.

Clark looked thoughtful for a moment. "I think I can find out who the
mayor was supposed to be meeting with today. If we can confirm with
them that the mayor has been cancelling appointments..."

"Great!" Lois exclaimed. "Who do you know that can help us with that?"

Clark looked uncomfortable for a minute. "Actually, Lois, I think I
should do this alone."

"When pigs fly!!"

Clark let out a short breath before saying, "Okay. Just let me make a
phone call first." Clark made his way to a phone and pretended to
call. He normally didn't work with a partner and now had to come up
with a plan that Lois would believe. He used the time at the phone to
formulate his idea.

"I talked to my source. He will meet me at city hall on the floor
below the mayor's office. He thinks he can get us the information we
need. Why don't you wait here while I..."

"Let's go," Lois interrupted as she rose to leave. Clark followed.

They arrived in city hall and made their way to an area directly
below the mayor's office in a few minutes. Clark spotted a men's room.

"You stand look out. If anyone sees me talking to my source he will
likely lose his job." When Lois was about to object, he continued,
"If that should happen we would lose a good source." With that Clark
quickly walked into the men's room.

Clark stood just inside the men's room staring intently at the
ceiling using his x-ray vision to find the desk of the mayor's
secretary. He then allowed the desk to fade from view as he examined
the books on top of the desk until he found the mayor's appointment
book. He read the names that were crossed out and wrote them in his
notebook. He had just done that when an impatient Lois Lane stuck her
head in the men's room. Clark quickly exited.

"Was he there?" Lois asked. "I didn't see anyone go in and I didn't
hear you talking to anyone." Clark pulled out his notebook and
triumphantly showed her the names he had written there. She looked at
him oddly before smiling. She had doubted his source story but he did
seem to have the information.

* * * * * * * * *

The first cancelled appointment was a meeting with the city workers.
The union boss was only too happy to see them.

"Well at least someone is taking these talks seriously," stated a
portly-looking, older gentleman. "The mayor doesn't seem to think
these talks are important enough to even show up."

"What was the meeting about?" Clark asked.

"We're in negotiations for a new agreement. The old agreement ends
in six weeks. The mayor's office has been playing hardball with us
for some time now. We've been trying to negotiate with the city
negotiators. Today the mayor was supposed to come personally to hear
our demands. When he didn't show up the city negotiators wanted to
continue without him. We walked out. If he doesn't think our contract
important enough to put in a personal appearance, why should we stay?"

"Were you given any reason for the mayor's cancellation?" asked Lois.

"Just that something had come up and he wasn't going to be able to
make it." The union boss then launched into a tirade about how the
mayor's record was dismal in dealing with the city workers and that
this was the last straw. He told Lois and Clark that if that didn't
change immediately the mayor would find out the hard way just how
essential the city workers are to the running of the city. He had
been on the phone with the heads of some of the other unions and they
were beginning to discuss a city wide walk out.

The rest of the afternoon was spent talking to the others that the
mayor was supposed to have meetings with today. None of them could
give them any real idea what was so important that the mayor had had
to cancel.

One of the items on the mayor's list for today was a tee-off for a
charity golf tournament. It had not been cancelled. It was to take
place at four o'clock.

"Why wouldn't he have cancelled that instead of a meeting with the
city workers?" Clark wondered out loud.

"Think about it Clark. The tee-off will have press coverage. He
wouldn't cancel that if what Lorna said about trying to keep up the
appearance of a normal day is true. I say that we should be there and
maybe ask a few questions."

* * * * * * * * *

"Mr. Mayor," Clark said as the mayor stepped on to the green, "I take
it from your appearance here today that you are not concerned about
the allegations made that your office is involved with child
prostitutes?" Lois looked at him in disbelief. What was he doing? He
was actually giving the mayor a perfect opportunity to use this
activity just the way he intended it - as a cover for the siege in
the office today.

"Sorry, Mr. Kent," said one of the mayor's assistants. "We don't have
time today for any questions from the press." Lois was about to
object, when she felt Clark's hand lightly on her shoulder. She looked
at him for a moment and then relented as the mayor spoke.

"That's all right, Bruce. I don't mind responding to Mr. Kent's
question. You're right, Mr. Kent. This is just a normal day. Business
as usual. The allegations that were made do not concern our office in
the least."

Clark glanced over at Lois knowingly and suddenly she understood. He
was setting the mayor up for her question. "Then why did you cancel
your meeting with the city workers this morning?" she asked.

The mayor looked around, desperately looking for a way out. "And you
are?" He finally asked.

"Lois Lane, Daily Planet. We have learned that there was an important
meeting with the city workers this morning that you cancelled. I
think the people of Metropolis deserve to know what was so important
this morning that you would risk a city-wide walkout of city
employees."

"I'm sorry, Ms. Lane," said a very uncomfortable mayor. "Something came
up..."

"What came up, Mr. Mayor? Would it have anything to do with the
allegations made against your office?"

"No comment," said the mayor before his assistant stepped in and
informed them that the mayor would not be answering any further
questions.

When they stepped away, Lois looked over at Clark appreciatively.
"That was good thinking," she commented.

Clark shrugged. "I figured if we hit him with the hard questions
first he would just say he didn't have time for questions. I wanted
to get him answering questions. So I figured..."

"That getting him to think that you were supporting his illusion was
the way to do it."

"Well, yeah... and I figured I could count on you not to let him get
away with it."

Lois smiled and pulled his arm. "Let's get back to the Planet and
write this up."

* * * * * * * * *

Luthor sat back in his executive leather chair and stared at the T.V.
The spectacle that the mayor had made at the golf course was being
broadcast again and again on LNN. He looked at the screen
thoughtfully before picking up the phone.

"Lang, Luthor here. Have you seen?"

"Yes."

"Don't you have some way of controlling your son-in-law?"

"Well from the looks of it, the woman with him did most of the damage."

Luthor snorted. "I'd say they worked together for that coup."

There was a moment of silence before Lang responded, "I'll see what I
can do on that end. Have we heard anything about the squealer?"

"Not yet."

* * * * * * * * *

"Hi Daddy," Lana said as she recognized the voice on the other end of the
line.

"I have a bit of a problem that maybe you could help with."

"Sure. What's up?"

"Well I can't go into details but your husband is messing around in
matters that are causing us problems. Can you see what you can do to
distract him for a few days while we clean this up?"

"Is it important?" sighed Lana. "I have plans of my own for the next
few days and they DON'T involve Clark."

"It's important or I wouldn't be asking. Besides, whoever he is...
well, I'm sure he'll wait."

Lana sighed as she began pulling out a shirt that she had just stuck
in her suitcase. Well, so much for a little fun in the sun. "Sure,
Daddy. I'll see what I can do."

* * * * * * * * *

"LOIS, CLARK, MY OFFICE NOW!!" bellowed Perry White.

Lois and Clark looked at each other briefly before making their way
to the Chief's office.

"Mr. White?" Clark asked when they entered.

"Close the door, Clark," Perry instructed before gesturing them to a
chair. "I just received a call from the mayor's office..."

"Mr. White, we..." Clark began but was cut off immediately by a look
from Perry.

"And after reading your article for tomorrow's paper, I can
understand why. Good work, you two."

"Thanks, Perry," Lois responded.

"If this is any indication, I'd say you two have the potential to be
the greatest news team since... Woodward and Bernstein. So where do
you go from here?"

"We're hoping to meet with the cop making the allegations tonight,"
Clark responded.

"Good!" exclaimed an ecstatic Perry. "I'll look forward to tomorrow's
story." With that he motioned for Clark to leave. "So, Honey, how's
the memory coming?"

"Good. I seem to be remembering more and more as I work on things."

"Great. How's working with Clark? I'm thinking of teaming the two of
you up on something like a permanent basis if this is the type of
work I can expect from you. How does that grab you?"

Lois thought for a moment. She was concerned about working so closely
to a guy who was both married and very attractive to her. But Perry
was right. They were a great team. "I think it could work well. Well,
that is..." her voice trailed off.

"What?"

"It's just... Well, he's married and..."

"Did he try something?" Perry asked indignantly.

"No... No. It's just that I sort of want him to." Lois shyly pushed a
strand of hair behind her ear at the admission. Perry just chuckled.

"Well, Honey, I think you may be kicking a dead horse there. Clark
doesn't strike me as the kind who would cheat on his wife. Besides, he
has always held everyone at a bit of a distance. I have been trying
for years to get him to call me 'Perry'. I can also tell you that a
lot of woman have tried to lure him away from his wife since they got
married."

"Really?"

Perry nodded. "From what I can tell they have all been spectacularly
unsuccessful. Besides you don't want to get involved with a married
man. It's always a bad scene."

Lois sighed. "I know. There is just something about Clark... But I
know. At least if he doesn't try something I won't have to make a
decision, right?"

"Right. But if you don't think you can handle it..."

"I can handle it."

"Good. Because if today is any indication... I'd hate to lose you two
as partners."

Lois got up to leave and then stopped. "Perry, I was just thinking.
My family... I really don't remember them yet. But if my name is
going to appear on a by-line in the paper tomorrow I think that maybe
I should..."

"Omigod. I never thought of that. Take the rest of the afternoon and
go see them."

"Um... do you have their names, addresses and phone numbers?"

"Of course, Honey." Perry flipped through his rolodex. "I have your
sister's... she's here in Metropolis. I'm not sure where your mother
is."

"What about my father?"

"Sorry, Lois. Your father died when you were just a child."

Lois nodded. "I guess I'll call my sister and take it from there."

* * * * * * * * *

Lois left Perry's office with a concerned look on her face.

"Is everything all right?" Clark asked when she approached.

She looked up, distracted. "Oh, Clark. Um... yeah, everything's fine...
It's just..." she looked at him for a long moment before sitting down
on the edge of his desk. "Could I ask a favour of you?"

"Sure."

She nodded briefly before continuing. "I just think that I need to
tell my family that I'm alive before my name appears in the paper
tomorrow. I'm just not sure how to do it. It doesn't seem like the
type of news you give over the phone. Besides, I don't even remember
them... well, not really. I do have a few images now that I think are
my family, but..."

Clark waited as she tried to assemble her thoughts. Finally she
continued, "I am afraid that if I just show up at the door of my
sister's place she will be so shocked... I won't even know if I'm
telling the right person..."

"Do you want me to go with you?" Clark offered.

Lois looked relieved. "Would you?"

"Sure."

* * * * * * * * *

"The mayor asked that I give you this envelope personally, sir."

Luthor looked at the lackey carefully before taking the envelope.
Luthor waited until the man was gone before opening it. He smiled
when he looked at the note inside. He made his way over to the phone.

"Get me Robert Hardway," he ordered his secretary.

It was only a few minutes more before a large gruff looking man was
standing in front of him.

"I have a job for you," he told Hardway. "There is a cop who will be
meeting with a couple of reporters on Pier 7 on Hobbs Bay at 11
o'clock. I want him unable to talk to anyone ever again. If you get
there in time just take care of him. If he has talked kill the
reporters too."

Hardway smiled. "When you want someone taken care of the hard way,
call Hardway."

Luthor gave the man a patronizing smile. He had heard that same tired
line so many times it almost made him want to kill Hardway. But
Hardway was the best in the business, so instead Luthor just let it go.

Henderson had been overheard talking on the phone to an unidentified
person. But his message was unmistakable. Considering who the
reporters were he wasn't at all opposed to killing them too. But he
really should let Lang know. After all, Kent was his son-in-law. If he
wanted him alive he would have to keep him away from the docks
tonight. Otherwise... no promises. He picked up the phone and made
the call.

* * * * * * * * *

Clark placed a call to Lucy. Lois sat on the corner of the desk and
listened anxiously. She didn't know exactly what Clark was going to
say but for some reason she trusted him to handle this.

"Hello. Is this Ms. Lucy Lane?"

Lois couldn't hear the response.

"My name is Clark Kent. I'm a reporter at the Daily Planet. The
reason I'm calling is that I have some news about your sister, Lois."
There was a brief pause before Clark continued, "Well... I think it
would be better if we speak in person Ms. Lane... Is half an hour
good for you? Okay I'll see you then."

When they arrived at Lucy's apartment Clark got out of the car. When
Lois didn't move Clark got back in.

"Lois?"

"I can't do this. I don't even remember this person. I don't think I
can handle walking to the door and..." her voice trailed off as she
shook her head.

"What if I go in first and tell her about you. I'll come back out
afterwards to get you."

"Thanks, Clark." He was about to get out of the car when Lois' hand
on his arm stopped him. "I really do appreciate this, you know. I mean,
I don't understand why you..."

"It's okay. You're my partner. I figure it's all part of the job."

She smiled slightly. "You know... you're okay, Mr. Kent."

* * * * * * * * *

Ellen Lane paced nervously in Lucy's apartment.

"I don't know why he couldn't have just told you over the phone," she
asked for the umpteenth time.

"I don't know, Mom. He just indicated that it was better to do this in
person."

"After all this time, could she really still be alive? He probably
just wants to give us some information the Planet received about her
death. Why isn't Perry White doing this? After all, it's his fault
that she was there in the first place."

"Mom!! Take a pill or something."

Ellen looked at her daughter in disgust and was about to respond when
there was a knock at the door. Lucy got up and admitted their guest.
"Lucy Lane?" he asked.

Lucy nodded. "And I imagine you're Clark Kent. Please come in. This
is my mother, Ellen Lane." Clark extended a hand to Lois' mother but
was ignored.

"So what do you know about my daughter, Mr. Kent?"

Clark took a breath. "Could we sit down, Mrs. Lane?" he asked her.
She shrugged and stepped aside for him to enter. When they got
settled, Clark looked at the two women.

"I have some good news, Mrs. Lane," he finally said. "Lois is alive."
This brought a flurry of questions from both women. They were being
fired so quickly that Clark did not have an opportunity to answer.
When they finally quieted down, he continued. "Apparently she was in
a plane crash in the Congo years ago. She was injured... She's fine,"
he added to forestall their apparent concern. "However she has lost her
memory.  She just recently remembered her name and that she was a reporter
at the Planet."

"Trust that to be the first thing she would remember," remarked her mother.

Lucy looked over at her mother briefly. "So where is she?"

"She's in the city. She is just a little nervous about seeing you.
Unfortunately she has very little memory of her family. So she asked
me to give you this news before seeing you herself. She needs you to
be calm. Do you think you can do that?"

"I don't need instructions from you on how to treat my own daughter,
Mr. Kent."

"Of course not. I just meant..." Clark was interrupted by a knock on
the door. "And that's probably her." Both the women he was talking to
were on their feet but neither answered the door. Finally Clark
stepped forward and opened it to a nervous looking Lois Lane. He gave
her his most supportive look and then took her hand and led her into
the room.

"This is your mother and your sister, Lucy," he told her before
melting into the background as the women took Lois in their arms.
After their initial greeting, Lucy and Ellen had a million questions.
Lois seemed to be handling it well, so when Clark's cell phone rang,
he answered it.

"Clark Kent here."

"Clark," came his wife's voice. "I need you to come home now."

"I'm sort of in the middle of something here."

"Is it more important than me?" she asked.

"Of course not, Sweetheart."

"Well then, I'll expect you in half an hour." With that the line went
dead. Clark sighed as he hung up the phone. He walked over to the
women and addressed Lois.

"Are you okay here? I seem to have another matter I need to attend
to." Lois got up and walked him to the door.

"I'll be fine, Clark. I'm beginning to remember. Well, at least Mom's
ranting seems familiar. Go tend to whatever you need to do. I'll give
you a call when we find out when and where we are meeting our source
tonight. And, Clark... thanks." She leaned over and gave him a peck on
the cheek.

As soon as Clark left, Ellen Lane piped in. "That man has a gold
ring on his hand, Lois."

"Mother!!!" Lois exclaimed in exasperation turning back into the room.

* * * * * * * * *

"What's wrong, Lana?" Clark asked when he walked into their
apartment. It was a beautiful apartment. It was much more extravagant
then he wanted or needed or could even afford. It was Lana's money
that paid for it. At first Clark had objected, but it was so important
to her that he just went along with it.

"Does something have to be wrong for me to want to spend some time
with my husband?"

"No, of course not, but I was working."

"Since when is that more important then spending some time with your
wife? I made us airline reservations for a week in Hawaii. We leave
in a few hours. I thought you would want to pack." Actually the
reservations had been for her and her personal trainer. The man had
little grasp of the English language, but he was gorgeous. But with
Daddy's phone call that was now off. She decided that, rather than
wasting the tickets, she would use them to get Clark out of town for
a little while. At least this way she could still enjoy the sun.

"I'm in the middle of a story. I can't just up..." Clark stopped
talking when Lana started to cry. "What's this all about?" Clark
asked after he took his wife in his arms.

"I just want us to spend some time together. It just seems like we
are drifting apart recently." Clark was stunned. He felt the same
thing but it didn't seem like Lana was interested in rectifying the
problem.

"Why does it have to be right now? Give me a week and..."

"A week!!" Lana exclaimed, pushing Clark away. "If this marriage
doesn't mean enough to you to try to save it now, maybe we should
just forget the whole thing."

"Lana, please! I care about our marriage. I just need a week to clean
a few things up, and then I'll go anywhere you want." This started the
waterworks again.

* * * * * * * * *

Lois Lane went back to the Daily Planet after her meeting with her
mom and Lucy. She was feeling better. She still didn't remember a lot,
but she did remember those two people. Lois and Lucy made plans to
get together again in a couple of days.

When she got to the Planet, she began looking through the archives.
She decided to try to find out what she could about the past,
including looking at some articles she had written. She also wanted
to find out about her new partner.

It didn't take her long to find Clark's wedding announcement. She
read it carefully. 'Lana Lang.' Why was that name so familiar? As she
continued to read it came to her. In high school her mother had
insisted that she go to a private school. She could remember being
mad because she wanted to attend Metropolis High with her friends.
However, her mother prevailed. She could remember a girl a couple of
years her senior who was there when she first arrived. She had been
sent away for her senior year because of family problems, but Lois was
sure it was Lana Lang.

Lois hadn't known Lana well but she could remember the reputation she
had. The expression 'she has a mattress tied around her back' was
what she most remembered. Lois shook her head. She could hardly
believe that a girl like that could have married someone like Clark.

The phone rang.

"Lois Lane here," she said as she finished reading the article.

"Lois, it's Henderson. I have things set up for 11 p.m. tonight on
Pier 7 at Hobbs Bay."

Lois hung up and quickly called Clark's place.

"Hello," said a seriously annoyed female voice.

"Is Clark Kent there?"

"He's not available."

Lois could hear a voice in the background. "Lana... please. Give me
the phone." There was a moment of silence before Clark said, "Hello."

"Is it a bad time?"

"No, it's okay. I assume you have some news."

Lois paused for a moment. She could hear the strain in Clark's voice.
"Listen, I heard from Henderson. He set up a meeting with our source at
Pier 7 on Hobbs Bay tonight at eleven. Look, Clark, I can handle it.
Why don't you take care of things at home and I'll see you tomorrow?"

"I'll meet you at the Planet at ten."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

Lois smiled slightly as she hung up the phone. 'Stop thinking this
way,' she rebuked herself. 'I don't seriously want Clark to be
unhappy. He has, after all, been really good to me.' Still, there was
something almost satisfying to realize that all was not domestic
bliss for Clark. 'Get a grip, girl. He's still married. You might as
well hope he's happy. After all he is such a sweet guy. He deserves
to be happy.'

* * * * * * * * *

It was a very different Clark Kent that met Lois at the Planet that
night. He was as tense as Lois had ever seen a man.

"Everything okay, Clark?" she asked quietly as she got in the car. He
nodded but didn't speak. "It's just that I can take care of this
tonight if you need..."

"Lois, please!!" Clark interrupted. Then, realizing how abrupt he was
being, he continued, "I'm sorry. I just can't talk about it, okay? It
wouldn't be fair to... I'm sorry. I just don't want to talk about it."

Lois was silent for a moment. "If you ever do need a friend, I'm here.
I take this partnership thing seriously too, Clark."

That got a smile out of Clark. "Thanks. I'll keep that in mind." The
car was silent for the rest of the trip. Both Lois and Clark were
lost in their own thoughts.

Lois was now feeling bad about her thoughts earlier. Whatever was
happening between Lana and Clark was tearing Clark apart. She had no
right enjoying his marital discord.

Clark was feeling guilty. He wanted to talk to Lois about what had
happened when he got back to his apartment earlier in the day. He
wanted to talk to someone. But he couldn't. He was extremely
attracted to the woman sitting next to him. For him to open up to her
about the problems in his marriage would be unforgivable.

The car rolled to a stop on Pier 7. Lois and Clark opened their doors
and exited the vehicle. A man approached. Suddenly the night air was
interrupted with gun fire.

Lois spun around and looked in the direction of the shooter. She saw
the gun turn in her direction.

"NO!!" Clark yelled.

Lois never even saw Clark before he had her on the ground and was
covering her body with his own. She heard the gunfire begin again.
Before she was able to react, there was a loud crashing sound. Clark
moved off her and over to a beam that had suddenly fallen between
them and the shooter. She crawled after him. The gunman was looking
for a target. He seemed to spot something and raised his gun again.
Lois noticed the gun glow red slightly before the gunman yelled and
dropped the gun. He rushed to a car and drove away. Lois headed in
the direction of the gun as Clark made his way to the man who was
lying on the dock.

Lois bent over and touched the gun. She pulled her hand back in
shock. It was hot. She made her way back to the beam that had fallen
from nowhere. The end looked like it had been cut. She touched it and
pulled back again. It was also hot. She glanced over at her partner.
He was bending over a man. She rushed over. She noticed Clark had his
hand on the man's neck, feeling for a pulse.

"He's dead," Clark informed her. Lois looked away for a second. Clark
pulled out his cell phone and called the police.

"What happened back there, Clark?" she asked when he hung up.

"What do you mean?"

"Well let's start with how the shooter missed us." Clark looked very
uncomfortable. "Then a beam falls between us and him. The end looks
like it was cut with a blow torch. In fact, it's still hot. The gun
was also hot when I touched it. I don't know what happened but I'd
bet that you do."

"I don't know what you're talking about, Lois. We got lucky. That's
all." Lois looked at him for a long moment before nodding. She knew
it had to be more than that, but he wasn't prepared to talk about it
right now, so she let it go.

"Thank you, Clark. You saved my life."

Lois noticed a piece of paper that was caught against a crate near
the cop's body. She picked it up and opened it.

"Clark, look at this." Clark came over. "It looks like the list. We
have a lead."

"We have to give that to the police. It could be..."

"Important to the murder investigation? Of course I know that, Clark.
It doesn't mean we can't copy it. Give me your note book." Clark did,
and Lois began copying the information. By the time the police showed
up, Lois was finished.

Henderson was horrified when he got the call. Lois and Clark spent a
long time answering Henderson's question. The shooter had been
wearing a mask so Lois couldn't identify him. Clark could have if he
had x-rayed the mask. However, in his hurry to defend Lois and his concern
about the fallen man Clark hadn't had time to get a look at the shooter.

It was a couple of hours later before Clark drove Lois back to
Perry's place. She had not mentioned her questions about their
survival to Henderson. But as they reached Perry's place, Lois turned
toward him. "Are you going to tell me what happened out there?"

"I don't know what you're talking about!" Clark responded. Lois
nodded and got out of the car. She wouldn't pressure him for now. But
she had no intention of letting it go, either.

* * * * * * * * *

Clark drove back to his place deep in thought. He knew that he was
partnered with a woman who was a brilliant investigative reporter.
She hadn't said anything to Henderson, but she knew that he was
holding back. How long would it be before she discovered that he
wasn't exactly normal? Maybe he should just come out and tell her.
But he noticed the way she sometimes looked at him. In spite of the
fact that he would never act on it, he didn't want to lose it, either.

How would she react to the information that he was not human? He
didn't even want to speculate about it. Lana was the only person who
knew. He had let it slip when they were in high school. She had
accepted it and even married him. But it did make a difference - he
often felt like it made her skin crawl when he touched her. He
couldn't stand the idea of Lois reacting the same way.

Clark had been shuttled from foster home to foster home after the
Kents died. He hadn't developed most of his powers till after that
time. He hid them from everyone, terrified about what would happen if
anyone found out.

He desperately wished that he didn't have these powers - that he was
normal. He constantly felt insecure. Lana made it clear how people
would react. They would see him as a freak. They would want to study
him. He would be ostracized. So would Lana for actually marrying him.
It would ruin both their lives.

Clark arrived home to find the door to his wife's bedroom closed. He
sighed and made his way to his own room.

* * * * * * * * *

Lois went to her room and pulled out her journal. She began a list of
unusual behaviour on the part of her partner - the 'source' he had
apparently met in the men's room as well as what had happened
tonight. Where had that beam come from anyway? It had to have fallen
from a building a good fifty feet away. How had it been dragged over
in front of them? She had felt a wind but no wind was strong enough
to do that, surely. Then there was the heat at the end of the beam and
the gun. Then there was a question about why they hadn't been killed
by the gunfire. She knew why she hadn't been: Clark was using his
body to protect her. But why hadn't he been killed or, at the very
least, injured?

She also told her journal about her feelings for Clark. No matter
what he had done tonight, it had been to save her. After she finished
writing she reread her words. She was amazed as she read it exactly
how strong her feelings already were for her new partner. They
fascinated her. They terrified her. 'He is married,' she told herself
again. The problem was that her heart wasn't listening.

* * * * * * * * *

Lang placed a call. "Luthor, please. It's Dan Lang." He was asked to
wait. It was very late, but he knew that Luthor would still be awake.

"Luthor here," said the familiar voice.

"I found out who talked. It was one of the hookers. Her name is Susan
Grosgean."

"Good. I'll have it taken care of immediately. The cop is dead."

"What about Kent? Lana couldn't stop him from going. Is he still alive?"

"Yes. Apparently the cop was killed before he could speak to them.
It's still important to try to get him away from this story. I have
an idea for the woman though. If you take care of your son-in-law,
I'll take care of the Lane woman."

"I'll see what I can do. It's about time that I start insisting that
he learn the family business anyway. Don't worry; I'll keep him away
from the waterfront redevelopment project."

* * * * * * * * *

Lois was poring over the notes she had made from the cop's notes the
previous night when Clark arrived. She now had her own desk, which had
been located directly across from Clark's.

Clark ignored her on his way to his own desk. He was still smarting
from the events of last night and how close he had come to giving
away his secret. He needed to keep as much distance as possible from
this woman. He was psychologically preparing to do that.

Clark was also feeling guilty about the death of the cop. He didn't
know if he could have saved him. He hadn't seen the man until after
he had heard the first shot. But he was tormented by the thought that
maybe, if he wasn't so used to denying his abilities, he could have.

Finally, Lana was still not talking to him. She was awake when he
left. He suggested that they take some time to get away in a couple
of weeks. She ignored him.

It was a completely miserable Clark that settled in at his desk. He
didn't even see Lois sit on the corner of it until she began to speak
to him.

"Take a look at this, Clark," she said. He jumped at the sound of her
voice. "Are you okay?" she asked, using her hand to tilt his face up
to look into his tortured eyes.

"Fine," he said, pulling his face away. She looked at him for a
moment before continuing.

"The notes I got from our source..." Clark looked away. "Clark?"

"We got that man killed."

"No, we didn't. He made some people mad. The only thing we can do for
him now is to try to find out who did this to him." He remained
silent. "There was nothing you could do."

"Are you sure? Maybe if..." his voice trailed off.

"It's not your fault. Let's try to find out whose fault it is."

Clark continued to look grim but nodded. Lois showed him the names
she had written down from the cop's note. The list included the name of
one woman as well as a number of men. Lois specifically pointed out the
name of the woman.

"Why is there a woman's name topping the list? I thought this was a
list of the men who had used the services of child prostitutes. I
suppose a woman could have used their services too," Clark commented.

"I don't know. The men... Do you recognize their names?"

Clark looked over the list quickly. He nodded. "It's just like he
said. They are all men of prominence in the community."

"What about the woman? Do you know this Susan Grosgean?"

"No, I've never heard of her."

"Then I think it is more likely that she is one of..."

"The child prostitutes."

Lois nodded before saying, "Come on."

* * * * * * * * *

"Is it done?" Luthor asked.

"Yes. She's dead."

"I hope you made sure it looks like an accident."

"Yes, sir. She died of a heroin overdose."

* * * * * * * * *

By the time Lois and Clark found Susan Grosgean's place, the police
were already there. Henderson noticed them as they drove up.

"So I assume that your investigation brought you here."

"What happened, Inspector?"

"Susan Grosgean was found dead of an overdose this morning when her
roommate returned to their apartment."

"Was the dead girl a hooker?" Lois asked.

Henderson nodded. "And we are treating this as a homicide for now.
The problem is that there is no sign of forced entry and all the
doors and windows were locked from the inside. If, as I suspect, the
drugs only have her prints on them my superiors are probably not
going to have us pursue it."

"But surely you can see the connection. She was on the list."

"I know, Clark, but there are some pretty impressive people that want
this thing to just go away."

"But who? We looked at the list and the mayor was not on it. He was
our primary suspect," Lois commented.

Henderson shrugged and then turned to address an officer. Lois
glanced over at Clark. He was looking intently at a young woman
sitting dejectedly on the steps to the building. Lois just watched as
he made his way over to the woman. She then turned back to Henderson
to ask some more questions.

Clark made his way over to the young woman. It was obvious that she
had been crying. He removed his handkerchief from his jacket pocket
and handed it to her. Clark sat down quietly. They just sat there for
a few moments before Clark spoke.

"You were her roommate?" he asked quietly. The woman nodded. "I
imagine it was quite a shock to find her that way." The woman
remained silent. "What's your name?"

"Linda Kopp."

"If you want to talk about it we can go to the restaurant across the
way and talk."

"Are you a cop?"

Clark shook his head. "I'm a reporter."

"Are you going to report everything I say?"

"Only if you want me to. If all you want to do is talk to someone to
get things off your chest, I can do that too."

The young woman studied Clark. The man sitting beside her seemed to
really care. Besides, she needed to talk to someone, and experience
told her not to trust the police. She asked his name. After he told
her, she mentioned that she could use some coffee.

Lois noticed them head across the street to the coffee shop. She
didn't join them. If Clark had gained the young woman's trust, she
didn't want to interrupt.

Clark sat down. All the girl wanted was coffee, but Clark ordered her
some breakfast anyway in case she changed her mind. When the food
arrived, she virtually inhaled it.

"They say she died from injecting herself with a heroin overdose,"
the girl stated.

"You don't believe that?"

"Susan didn't do drugs." To Clark's look of disbelief, she continued.
"Okay, sometimes she smoked a little marijuana, but nothing heavy. If
she did do it last night, she didn't do it alone. We live... lived
together for over a year in a one room apartment. She didn't have
track marks."

"So what do you think happened?"

"I don't know." She thought for a moment. "About six months ago Susan
went exclusive."

"'Exclusive?' What does that mean?"

"Well we've both been working without Pimps. We decided that it was
safer. Pimps provide you with protection from the Johns but no one
protects you from the Pimps. It seemed safer to take our chances with
the Johns."

"Did it work?"

"Mostly. Sometimes we would get beat up by some sicko but... Well,
it's one of the risks."

"So what do you mean that Susan 'went exclusive?'"

"Well, she told me that she had a contract to service a group of
important men. I don't know who. She had been told not to talk."

"So she didn't talk about it?"

Linda smiled. "Of course she talked. What do these men think? Of
course we talk about it with each other."

Clark almost laughed. "Okay, so what did she tell you?"

"Look... You seem like a nice guy but I think that what she was
involved in got Susan killed. I can't take that risk."

"What if I could get you into a half-way house in another state. I
have some friends in Kansas. I think I could make some calls and pay
for a bus ticket there."

"What would it be like?"

"Well... I stayed there for a short time in my senior year in high
school, and I think I came out okay. I know the couple who run the
place. They're good people. Or if you would prefer I would be happy
to pay for a bus ticket home."

"I'm not going home."

Clark nodded. He had done enough reports involving prostitutes in his
days as a reporter to know that most of the girls on the streets were
there because they were worse off at home.

"Do you want me to make the arrangements at the half-way house in
Kansas?" She nodded. "Do you want to tell me what you think happened
to Susan?"

Linda looked at him curiously. "Isn't that the condition for you to
help me get into the half-way house?"

Clark shook his head. "If you want help leaving this life behind I'll
help you out even if you don't give me any information. But you're
right, there is a condition."

Linda looked at him suspiciously. There was always a condition. "What?"

"No more hooking. Deal?"

Linda smiled. "Deal," she said. She was relieved at the prospect of
getting out of this life. Especially following the death of her
friend. "But before I go, I think someone should know what I think
happened to Susan."

About half an hour later Linda and Clark exited the coffee shop. Lois
was waiting for Clark in the car. She was surprised when Clark
informed her that they would be waiting for a few minutes for Linda
to pack her things. Clark took them back to the Daily Planet and made
a couple of calls.

"Well, everything's set. Steve or his wife Debby will meet your bus.
They will make arrangements to get you back into school. But after
that it will be up to you to take this chance to change your life. If
you have any problems, call me." He handed her his card. She stuck it
in her bra. Lois smiled slightly at Clark's obvious discomfort with
that action.

The partners took Linda to the bus and got her safely away before
speaking about what she had told Clark.

"Well, what did you get?" Lois asked when they got back in Clark's car.

"She tells quite a story. Apparently Susan joined a group of young
woman who work exclusively for businessmen. They never paid for these
services. Instead the women are always paid by the same man. Video
tapes are made of the encounters, without the knowledge of the men, of
course. Most of the men only came once. However, if they did return,
no further pictures were taken."

"Sounds to me like someone was using a ring of girls to blackmail
influential men in Metropolis."

"That's what I was thinking. But I do find it interesting that there
were some repeat customers."

"Yes, that is curious. Unless the men liked the services, and as long
as they did what... whomever is behind this, told them to, they were
welcome to continue using the services. Did she know who was behind
it?"

"No, but she did mention that an older English gentleman payed Ms.
Grosgean."

Lois smiled slightly. Clark referred to prostitutes with the same
respect he afforded everyone else. "Anything else?" she asked.

"Yes. She gave us the names of two other girls she thought were
involved. But she warned me that we may not get anything out of them.
Apparently this was the best job Ms. Grosgean ever had."

"Well... if I know you, you are likely to have them all headed off
for homes and good educations before this is over." Clark looked
embarrassed. "It's okay to care, Clark. You know, I think I have you
figured out."

"Really?"

"Yeah. You aren't trying to get the scoop. I mean, not really. You
just want to save the world - one person at a time if necessary."
Clark looked down. "I find it adorable," she added shyly. She knew
she probably shouldn't have said it, when she saw his blush deepen, but
she couldn't restrain herself. Besides, she really did find his blushes
irresistible.

* * * * * * * * *

When they reported back in at the Daily Planet, the Chief called them
into his office. They brought him up to date.

"By the way, while you two were out you both received these." Perry
held out two invitations. "And I expect both of you to be there."

Lois and Clark took the invitations to Luthor's ball. Clark hated
these functions.

"Well, Lana will love it," he finally said.

"Perry, do I have to go? I don't know anyone in Metropolis and I
really hate going to these things alone," Lois said.

"You can come with Alice and me. We have invitations too."

Lois sighed. She really didn't relish going to this function alone to
see Lana with Clark. She hadn't seen them together and was concerned
that if she did it would finally set in that Clark was married. But
there didn't seem to be any way out of this without admitting the
problem. Even if she did, she wasn't sure that Perry would be exactly
sympathetic. He would probably just point out that maybe it was about
time that she accepted Clark's marital status.

* * * * * * * * *

Next Lois and Clark went to see the two other girls that Linda Kopp
had told them about. Both took one look at Clark and, on the
condition of anonymity, spilled their guts. Lois enjoyed watching
Clark's discomfort to their obvious attraction to him.

They confirmed Linda's information and added to it. For example, one
stated that she had had an encounter with the mayor. But in that case
no pictures were taken. Both confirmed that they had been paid by a
man with an English accent. They called him 'The Saint' but they
didn't know his real name. They were also able to include the names
of a few other people to the list that Lois and Clark already had.
One such addition was Daniel Lang, Clark's father-in-law.

"Were pictures taken of him?" Clark asked.

"Not when he was with me. But I don't know if I was the only girl he was
with."

After they left, Lois turned to Clark.

"If this is hitting too close to home, we could talk to Perry about
taking you off the story."

"No, Lois. This is important. If someone is controlling the leaders of
our city by using blackmail, this story has to come out. If my
father-in-law is mixed up in it... well, I'll deal with that if it
happens."

Lois wondered about the effect that decision might have on his
marriage but didn't comment.

* * * * * * * * *

Their next step was to talk to the men on their list, who
systematically denied the allegations. This occupied them the next
few days, until the evening of Lex Luthor's party.

Lois looked around briefly when she first arrived with Perry and
Alice. Clark didn't appear to be here yet. She was annoyed with
herself for even noticing. There were at least a dozen completely
eligible men within sight. She concentrated her efforts. She was
involved in a conversation with one such man when Clark and Lana
arrived.

Lois glanced up to see Clark enter the room with a stunning blond
woman on his arm. Clark swept the room with his eyes until he found
Lois. They both looked away as each realized the other was looking.
Lois quickly asked the gentleman she was speaking to if he would
like to dance, and within moments they were on the dance floor.

Lana dragged Clark across the room. "Lex, I don't believe you've met
my husband, Clark Kent," said Lana.

Lex grinned his Cheshire cat grin as he extended a hand to Clark. "No,
I believe you're right, Lana. Quite an oversight, given the fact that
I work so often with your family."

Clark took the man's hand. "I've heard a lot about you over the
years," Clark admitted. "Lana often mentions you. Glad to finally
meet you."

Lex looked over at Lana. He had in the past seen her only as the
daughter of a business associate. But seeing her tonight, on the arm
of a young man, made him realize that she was no longer a child, but
very much a woman.

"Would you mind if I asked your wife to dance, Kent?"

"Not at all," Clark responded.

Although Lois was dancing with another man when Luthor lead Lana out
to the dance floor, she was watching. She saw Lana positively light
up when Luthor took her in his arms and swept her around the floor
with ease. She watched as Lana, at least from Lois' point of view,
threw herself at Lex Luthor. She was beginning to think that Lana
hadn't changed a bit from the girl she knew in high school. How had a
man like Clark married so obvious a flirt? She reminded herself that
for all she knew that was all it was. But the way Lana was looking at
Luthor sent a rush of anger through her all the same. She glanced
over at Clark. She looked away quickly as she realized that Clark was
watching her, not his wife. Did he even see what had to be so obvious
to everyone else in the room?

Lois decided this pretending not to watch each other at a distance
had to stop. So when the dance ended, she made her way over to Clark.

"I see you made it," she said casually.

Clark smiled. "Yeah. Lana loves this kind of thing." There was a
moment of awkward silence, when suddenly Luthor and Lana joined the
conversation.

"Thank you for the dance, Mrs. Kent," Luthor was saying. He didn't leave
immediately, instead looking at the woman who had joined Clark. "I
don't believe we've met."

"I'm sorry," Clark jumped in immediately. "Lex Luthor, this is my
partner at the Daily Planet, Lois Lane. Lois, I don't believe you
have met my wife Lana."

"Actually, I knew Lana in high school," Lois corrected, giving Lana her
best attempt at a smile. "Although I doubt she would remember. I was
a couple of years behind her."

Lana didn't respond to Lois' comments. "So this is the Lois Lane
who's been keeping my husband away from home." The words were said
pleasantly, but Lois was well aware of the hidden meaning.

"Ahh... Lois Lane. I saw the piece that you and Mr. Kent here did on
the uproar in the mayor's office as well as the stories on the deaths
of the police officer and the prostitute. That was pretty impressive
work. Didn't I hear somewhere that you were killed working on a story
in Africa years ago?" This led to another explanation of the
situation by Lois.

Lana was annoyed by the attention the two men were giving Lois, so she
excused both herself and Clark, saying that she wished to dance with
her husband. He dutifully complied.

"So, Ms. Lane," Luthor said when the others had left, "are you interested
in some information I have for you about the whole prostitute issue?"

"Definitely!" exclaimed Lois.

"Then let's say we meet tomorrow morning at about ten."

"Clark and I will be there." Luthor frowned slightly but just nodded.
He would have to see what he could cook up to delay Mr. Kent.

"Well, then... since this is a dance, would you do me the honour..."
He gestured to the dance floor.

"Certainly," replied Lois, allowing herself to be taken in the arms of
this impressive and powerful man. However, as they danced and talked,
Lois' eyes kept finding their way toward her partner and his wife.
Lana looked almost bored - a look that was remarkably different from
the way she looked dancing with Luthor only minutes before. Lois
really hated that woman.

* * * * * * * * *

It was later in the evening, and Lana was once again dancing with
someone else when Clark approached Lois. "Um... Lois. I was sort of
wondering," Clark hesitated. He knew he shouldn't, but she looked so
beautiful tonight that he couldn't seem to resist. "Would you like to
dance?"

Lois smiled. "I'd love to, Mr. Kent."

Lois slid into his arms easily. She shuddered involuntarily as
Clark's hand came to lightly rest on her bare back. She closed her
eyes and allowed herself to drink in his presence.

Clark knew the instant that he had her in his arms that this was a
mistake. He had been thinking about the possibility of dancing with
Lois since the invitation to this party had come. But he knew that he
felt too much for this woman to dance with her. Still, he closed his
eyes and held her in his arms.

As the dance progressed, the distance between them seemed to close.
Lois sighed softly as she lay her head gently on Clark's shoulder.
They were both startled at the sound of a woman's voice.

"Do you mind if I steal my husband, Ms. Lane," Lana asked. Lois
noticed the edge of steel in her voice. Unlike Clark, Lana had
obviously been watching the activities of her spouse.

"Of course not. Thanks for the dance, Clark." Lois pulled away, and
Clark followed his wife off the floor. It was only a moment later
when Luthor approached.

"Ah... married bliss," he commented, watching the retreating couple.
Lois looked at him for the meaning but was unable to tell if he was
being sarcastic or sincere. "Would you care to finish the dance with
me?" Lois nodded and was immediately back in his arms.

When the dance finished, Lois decided to slip out. She looked around
for a last glimpse of Clark, but he seemed to have disappeared. She
made her way toward the coats. She jumped back into the shadows when
she heard Lana's voice.

"Why can't you at least think about it?"

"I already have a job I love. There is nothing to think about."

"But Daddy is getting older. He wants to leave the company to me. I
am his only child, after all. He needs to train you to take it over."

Clark let out a long slow breath. This was obviously a long-standing
battle. "Listen Lois... I mean Lana..."

Lana immediately interrupted. "If you call me that woman's name one
more time I swear I'll kill you. Assuming, of course, that you can even
die."

'Huh?' thought Lois.

"Is that why you want to stay at that stupid newspaper? Is it because
of her? I saw you dancing. Is she what's keeping you from helping Daddy?"

"Of course not, Sweetheart. She's only been at the Planet a week or
so. I told you even before we got married that I didn't want to work
for your dad."

"Maybe that's the reason we're having so many problems. Don't you
care about our marriage at all? First you take off in the middle of
the night to be with that woman instead of being spontaneous and
going to Hawaii with me."

"Wait a minute. I didn't leave to be with Lois. I left to meet with a
source. Where is this coming from, Lana? You know I would never cheat
on you."

"She spends more time with you then I do," Lana pouted. Clark bit his
tongue to keep from saying that she could spend more time with him if
she were at the apartment occasionally. But this was already a big
enough fight.

"We work together."

"Well then, come work for Daddy. I need you to do this for me, for
us." The final words were said in her most seductive voice.

"Lana, I've already given in to you on everything else. I don't use
my powers in order to ensure that people don't find out about me so
that you won't be humiliated. I live in that extravagant apartment
because you want it, even though it makes everyone believe I married
you for your money. But... I'm a reporter. It's what I do. It's the
only thing I've ever wanted to do. You know that. You know that
working as a reporter for the Daily Planet has been my dream since
high school. I can't just walk away from that, too. I would cease to
exist."

"But what about Daddy's company?"

"If you want to learn the business I'll support you a hundred
percent. I actually think you would be good at it."

"That's work for my husband, not me."

"Not this husband. I'm sorry. I'd do it if I could... I just can't
stand the thought of someday becoming the C.E.O. of a Fortune 500
company."

"Daddy always said you had no ambition."

"Well, if he means I have no ambition to head his company, he's right."

With that, Lana stalked out the door with Clark trailing dejectedly behind.

After they left Lois reemerged. 'What did Lana mean "if he could be
killed?" What did Clark mean "I don't use my powers?"' Lois quietly
got her coat, and, after taking enough time to be sure that she
wouldn't run into Lana and Clark outside, left the party.

Luthor watched Lois depart from a distance. Yes. He had been right.
She would make a worthy consort. However, while he used all his charms
to woo the lovely Ms. Lane, maybe he would also look for a little
distraction with Mrs. Kent. She was definitely interested, and one
couldn't be expected to abstain from sexual pleasures just because
one was pursuing something more serious. After all, he doubted that
Lois would be easily seduced. That made her that much more
irresistible to Luthor. He loved the challenge.

* * * * * * * * *

Lois took out her journal and began to write. She needed to try to
clarify some of her feelings. She began by expressing regret for
hoping that Clark was having marital problems. It hurt so much to see
him so miserable. Why couldn't Lana see what she had? Lois also knew
that, in spite of the problems he may be having in his marriage, and in
spite of the attraction they obviously shared, Clark was not the type
to cheat on his wife. She would simply have to find a way to put that
idea out of her mind for good. If all that gave her was a friendship
with Clark, then she was determined to be the best friend he had ever
had. After she had written it all down she reread it. It felt right.
It still hurt, but it felt right.

She then turned her attention to Luthor. It was certainly flattering,
the attention he paid her tonight. She didn't know if she sensed
correctly, but she could even have sworn that when she said that she
and Clark would attend for an interview tomorrow he seemed a little
upset about the prospect of having Clark there. But that could just
be her imagination.

Finally she told her journal that she intended on getting to the
bottom of Clark's secret. She added to her list of unusual behavior
on the part of her partner the unusual comments that both Lana and
Clark had made in the conversation she had overheard.  She decided to
go back to the site where the cop was killed before going into work
the next day to see if there was anything there. She would invite along
Officer Stevens from the 18th precinct, whom she had learned was an
expert at reconstructing crime scenes, so he could look at the bullet
angles. She was certain that some of those bullets must have hit Clark.
If she was right... If she was right, what? What did it all mean? On that
confusing note, she closed her journal and crawled into bed.

* * * * * * * * *

"Okay, so where did you say the shooter was again?"

"Over there. About fifty feet away."

"And where were you?"

"Right here."

"And how many shots did you say there were?"

"I don't know. It was a burst of gunfire from an automatic weapon. I
told you this already."

"So then I assume he was holding it at mid-height and shooting
indiscriminately in this direction."

"Yes, yes and yes."

"Then we have a problem."

"What do you mean?"

"Follow me here. If he had been standing there and shooting in this
direction there should be bullet holes in this wall or buried in the
dock."

"So?"

"Look for yourself. There is only one hole, high up in the wall."

Lois looked around. He was right. There were no bullet holes where
they should have been. Lois thought for a moment and then said, "Tell
me, if I had been lying here with something that reflected bullets
lying on top of me, where would you expect to find the bullet
holes?" This was crazy but what else could it be.

"Well, that would depend on the shape and angle of the thing covering you."

"Just give me an idea."

"Well..." he looked around. "... here... look at this!!" Lois looked
to where he was pointing. "If you were covered by something that
reflected the bullets it is conceivable that they could end up in
this area." Lois looked in disbelief at the bullet holes in the
crates piled nearby.

"Could those have been made when the gunman was  shooting at the other
man?"

"No way. Besides, there's a predictable bullet pattern around where
his body was located. No, these were reflected from whatever was
covering you. What was it?"

"Um... I'm not exactly sure. Look it's a long story."

Officer Stevens shrugged. "Is there anything else?"

"Just one quick question. Is there any way that that beam could fall
off that building and somehow tumble over here?"

The man just laughed. "If that beam fell off that building the only
way it could get here would be by using a crane."

The man left Lois Lane to contemplate this information.

* * * * * * * * *

Clark Kent got in his car and turned the key. Nothing happened.
"Stupid car," he quietly cursed as he tried again. This expensive car
had been a Christmas present from Lana. Personally, he liked his old
four wheel drive better. This car was always having the most bizarre
problems.

He got out of the car and opened the hood. He checked all the regular
problems but couldn't see anything. He pulled out his cell phone and
called the auto-repair shop. Half an hour.

He suggested to the shop that he just leave the car here for them, but
they would have none of it. "We need to see your proof of ownership
before we can tow your car. There has been a serious crackdown by the
police recently." Clark agreed to stay put. He hung up, called the Planet
and asked for Lois.

"Clark, where are you? We have to get to that interview with Luthor."

"You're going to have to go on without me. I'll try to meet you there."

"What's wrong?"

"Car problems."

"Why not just grab a cab?"

"I would, but the repair people insist that I be here when they arrive."

"Okay. I'll go on alone and catch up with you later."

Lois wondered about Clark's convenient car problems for an instant.
Surely Luthor wouldn't go to all that trouble just to prevent Clark
from coming to the interview.

* * * * * * * * *

"Ms. Lane," said a very pleased Lex Luthor. He came over and took her
hand warmly, holding rather than shaking it. Lois withdrew her hand.

Luthor looked around. "Where's Mr. Kent?" he asked innocently,
although he knew exactly where Kent would be.

"I'm afraid he couldn't make it." She watched Luthor carefully. He
gave nothing away.

"I guess that just leaves us. I'm just having a late breakfast. Will
you join me?" He gestured Lois to a chair. She noticed that the table
was set up for three. Okay, so maybe she was wrong.

"I will have some coffee, but I've already eaten, Mr. Luthor."

"Lex, please. Well then, you can watch me eat. If you change your mind,
these croissants were just flown in from France this morning."

Lois took a seat and the offered coffee. Lex made a quick call,
and a man came in to remove the extra setting at the table.

"You said something about having information about the child
prostitute scandal?" Lois said, taking out her tape recorder. Luthor
frowned at the recorder.

"Umm... all business I see, Lois. Well, I never discuss business while
I eat." He reached over and turned off the recorder.

Lois let out a short breath. "Mr. Luthor..."

"Lex," Luthor corrected her.

"Lex... I am working here."

"Then let's work," he held up a hand before adding, "on the condition
that you will have dinner with me some day next week to discuss
anything but business."

Lois started to object but was interrupted by Luthor. "That's my
condition," he said with humor in his voice.

Lois laughed. "Fine. So then..."

"When?"

"Excuse me?"

"Which night? I believe in ending one negotiation before beginning another."

"Is that what everything is to you? A negotiation."

"Absolutely. So which night?"

"How about Friday?"

Luthor smiled. "Friday it is. Well, then... why don't we start by what
you think you have so far?"

"Why?" asked Lois.

"So I know where to start."

Lois nodded. "We think someone is using child prostitutes to
blackmail city leaders and businessmen. But we don't know who. Can
you shed any light on that?" She turned the tape recorder back on.
This time Luthor did not object.

"I guess I don't know anything for sure. But I have heard rumors. I
imagine you would like to hear them."

"Yes."

"Apparently the mayor has been controlling much of the city by
tricking the men he needs into visiting the prostitutes. He gets
their pictures to blackmail them into supporting his proposals. I
hear that, in some cases, the men in question don't even know they are
visiting a prostitute. They certainly don't know they are underage."

"Were you one of the men that he set up this way?"

"No. I'm not married. How would photographing me with a woman be a threat?"

"Then how do you know about this?"

"One of the men who was blackmailed confided in me."

"What was his name?"

Luthor shook his head. "Sorry, Lois."

It was a good hour later before Lois could get away. Clark was still
not there. She called him as soon as she got out.

"Where are you?" she demanded.

"Still waiting. I don't know what is taking them so... Wait. They're
here. I'll be in the office as soon as possible. Was the interview
with Luthor helpful?"

"Very."

"Good. I'll get the details when we meet at the office."

* * * * * * * * *

"Get me Lang on the phone," Luthor demanded of his secretary after
Lois left the office. This had gone too far. Lois Lane and Clark Kent
had put too much of the plan together. It was time for the
sacrificial lamb. He was sure that the mayor would become that lamb.
At least if he wanted to continue breathing, he would. If not... Well,
suffice it to say that he would admit his guilt in his suicide note.

Lang decided to add a bit of realism to the role. He would get one of
the girls to give a statement to the press. That would make the
mayor's admission seem more believable. After all, it would show that
the mayor had little choice but to come forward.

* * * * * * * * *

"I don't know, Lois," Clark said when Lois brought him up to date on
her meeting with Luthor.

"What's not to know? It all makes sense. The mayor has been using
child prostitutes to keep the city leaders in line."

"It's just that I don't trust Luthor."

"Why not?"

"Just call it reporter's instinct."

"What? And I don't have any of that?"

"That's not what I meant."

"I'm not naive, Clark. I know that Lex didn't get his fortune by
being a boy scout, but what he is saying fits with what we already
know. It explains why the mayor was not on our list, but one of the
girls could place him there. It explains why the mayor's office was
in such a state when the news of this broke. He is using this
blackmail scheme to control the city."

"But then why not include Luthor among the blackmail victims? After
all, he is probably the most influential businessman in the city."

"Well, after your father-in-law."

"Maybe, but then it seems from what we have so far Dan may be one of
the victims here, too. Why not Luthor?"

"Look... I asked Lex why he wasn't a target and he pointed out that
because he isn't married he couldn't be blackmailed that way."

"Even if he isn't married, sex with an underage prostitute is still a
crime. And when did it become Lex? What happened at your meeting with
Luthor this morning?"

"He asked me out and I accepted. Besides, what business is it of yours?"

Clark looked down. "None," he said quietly. There was an awkward silence.

"Look, Clark, I just think it's worth following up on."

Their discussion was interrupted by Perry. "I think you two should
see this," Perry said pointing at a T.V. screen. The two reporters
got up and made their way over to the television. A pretty young
girl, looking no more than her fifteen years, was on the screen.

"So can you tell us what exactly your role was in all of this?" the
interviewer asked.

"Well, I would be set up with a man. We would have sex. My job was to
make sure that he was photographed by a video camera during... well,
during it."

"Do you know what the purpose of this was?"

"I overheard the mayor talking to one of the men afterwards. He said
that if he did as he was told, his wife would never have to see the
tape."

Perry turned to Lois and Clark. "Why didn't you two get this?"

"We did this morning, Perry," Lois jumped in.

"Not in time to scoop this pretty boy," the Chief snarled. "Well, get
writing. Do you think you could MAYBE add something to the
information they've given us?"

"It appears that we have the names of the men being blackmailed.
However, we can't seem to get confirmation," Clark stated.

"What the Sam Hill is going on here!!"

"Chief," said Jack, running up. "The mayor's giving a press conference
in an hour."

"We're on it, Chief," Lois said, grabbing Clark. "So I guess your
reporter's instincts about Lex were wrong after all," she added to
Clark as they headed for the door. Clark didn't respond. Maybe it was
just jealousy after all. He had noticed the previous night how Luthor
looked at Lois. In spite of his mind telling him that Lois was a free
agent, his heart broke to watch it. Maybe he was just reacting to
that.

* * * * * * * * *

The day was clear but there was a chill to it as the mayor stepped up
to the podium that had been set up outside city hall. Lois pushed her
way through the crowd to get a better position for asking questions.
Clark followed behind her, quietly making apologies. Fortunately for
him, Lois didn't hear his expressions of regret to the people they
were inconveniencing.

The mayor cleared his throat before beginning.

"Given the allegations that have been made against me and my office
in recent days..." He paused and seemed to look off in the distance
for a moment. Lois glanced over her shoulder in the general direction
the mayor was looking but couldn't see what the mayor saw. Luthor and
Lang were standing outside a near-by building, watching. However,
because of the angle of the building, although the mayor could see
them, Lois could not.

The mayor cleared his throat again. He saw Lang slowly draw a finger
across his throat. "What I mean to say is..." he glanced again in the
same direction, "... the statements made on LNN this morning about my
using a child prostitution ring to blackmail people..." The mayor
paused briefly.

Lois leaned over and softly whispered to Clark, "Deny, deny, deny."

"They are true. I accept responsibility for those crimes as well as
the death of both the police officer and the young woman who
originally leaked the information. I would like, for whatever good it
will do, to apologize to the families of the two people killed as
well as for the pain I caused to the good men of this community who I
have abused in this way." The mayor was silent for a moment before
concluding, "I acted alone. None of the people in my office or
elsewhere knew anything about my activities." He stepped away from
the podium, obviously not prepared to take any questions.

However, he need not have worried. The audience in front of him was
completely silent. Not a soul seemed to breathe. Then suddenly, as if
of one accord, they were moving and talking all at once. All that
is except Lois Lane. She was standing looking at the now vacated
podium deep in thought.

"Lois." Clark waited a moment before saying again, "Lois."

"Hummm?" she finally responded.

"Well, I guess that settles it. You were definitely right."

"No ,Clark," Lois said slowly. "No, I don't think so." She looked over
at Clark meaningfully but saw his bemused expression. "It doesn't
make any sense."

"What doesn't?"

Lois looked around her, noticing the number of reporters milling
around. "Not here," she whispered, pulling him away by his suit jacket.

* * * * * * * * *

Lang and Luthor looked briefly at each other and smiled. The mayor
had taken the fall. They could always get a new mayor elected. Even
their little blackmail scam was mostly intact. It had been a good
day.

Neither had any real fears that the mayor would talk. He knew that
the day he did would be the last day of his life. When he was brought
up on the murder charges, they would promise that they would make sure
the judge was lenient on a guilty plea. However, if they got one hint
of an intent to plead not guilty, he would not see the morning.

* * * * * * * * *

Lois and Clark settled down in the small restaurant and ordered
coffee before Lois spoke again.

"Okay, let's look at the facts..." Lois began counting them off on
her fingers. "One. When the mayor first started to speak he did not
intend to confess." She pushed the rewind on her tape recorder before
hitting play. The voice of the mayor sounded loudly.

      Given the allegations that have been made against me and my
      office in recent days... What I mean to say is... the statements
      made on LNN this morning about my using a child prostitution
      ring to blackmail people...

She hit the stop button on the recorder and looked at Clark in
triumph. When he looked confused, she snorted and said, "Clark, you
don't call something an 'allegation' when you are about to admit it."

"And that proves?"

"That's just my first point. Two..." she continued, holding up a
second finger. "Why would he kill two people and then just confess?"

"He knew the jig was up."

"But that's just it. It wasn't. All they had was one sixteen year old
prostitute making allegations. If he had just ridden it out, he still
could have survived this. He was prepared to kill two people and then
turns around and crumbles on the word of one easily discredited
witness."

"Anything else?"

Lois smiled. She could tell she was making headway. "Okay, three. Who
was the Englishman the girls talked about? You know. 'The Saint.'
I've never heard of an Englishman in connection to the mayor. Of
course, I'm not still up to speed on what's been going on in the
city. Do you know of an Englishman in connection to the mayor?"

"No... All right. Assuming that you're right... and I'm not saying that
you are... why would he confess if he didn't do it?"

"I don't know. But did you notice the way he kept looking off to his
left during his speech?"

"Sort of. You think there was someone over there who was making
certain that he did as he was told?"

Lois raised her eyebrows and gave him a knowing look.

Clark conceded, "I guess it's possible. Let's run it by Perry." Lois
smiled and they headed for the door.

When they were in Clark's car heading back to the Planet, Lois began
asking Clark questions about himself. The questions were innocent
enough, but Lois had her own reasons for asking them. She intended to
investigate her partner. She found out where he was from and who his
parents were. Then she asked if his folks still lived in Smallville.

"They were killed when I was ten."

"I'm sorry. How did it happen?"

"A car accident." Clark paused for a moment. "I watched it happen.
There was nothing I could do to stop it. Lana says I shouldn't blame
myself but..." His voice trailed off.

"She's right. You were ten years old, after all. What could you have done?"

"I don't know... I should have done something."

Lois reached across and gently stroked his arm. There was a moment of
silence before she continued, "So who raised you?"

"Well... I didn't really have any other family. So I sort of lived in
foster homes. People liked my folks, so they managed to keep me in
Smallville. But I lived in a number of different homes between the
death of my parents and finishing high school."

"Oh, Clark, I'm so sorry."

"It's okay. It was a long time ago."

"Is that what makes you so kind?"

Clark looked embarrassed. "Does that embarrass you?" Lois asked. When
Clark didn't respond she continued, "It shouldn't, Clark. You are the
most compassionate person I have ever met. Since I met you, you have
taken time to talk to my family for me, saved my life and put a young
prostitute on a bus for a new life. I like that in a partner." That
got a smile out of Clark.

"Thanks," Clark said softly.

She looked at him as he drove. When he said nothing else she prompted
him. "But?"

"Well, 'kind' isn't exactly... well, sexy."

Lois laughed. "Oh, you don't have to worry about that. I'd have to
be dead not to notice how sexy you are."

"Lo-is!"

* * * * * * * * *

When they arrived back at the Planet, Lois burst into Perry's office.
Clark trailed behind, thinking they really should have knocked. Perry
was on the phone and immediately waved Lois and Clark to a seat. It
was a moment before he said good-by and addressed the intruders.

"What do you think this is, Lois? You can't just bust into my office and..."

"Chief. I think we have something," Lois cut him off.

"So what are you waiting for, an engraved invitation? What do you have?"

"I think the mayor is taking the fall for someone else."

Perry looked at her for a moment and then turned to Clark. "Are you
in agreement, Clark?"

Clark looked a little uncomfortable. He wanted to support his partner
but he didn't want to lie. "I don't know, Mr. White, but I do think
you should hear Lois out. She makes some good points." He decided
this was the right answer, because both people in the room looked
happy with it.

Lois recited her points for Perry. He looked at her thoughtfully.

"Do you have anything to back up these hunches?"

That took the wind out of Lois' sails. "No. But, Perry, there is
something more going on here. I can feel it."

"Sorry, Honey." When she started to object he held up his hand and
explained his comments. "You can work on this on your own time if you
want. But I need the story we have right now. Then I have a new
assignment for you."

"But, Perry..."

"I'm sorry, Lois, but you don't even have any leads on where to start
with this. I can't let my best team get bogged down in a story that
doesn't look like it will go anywhere."

* * * * * * * * *

Lex and Dan enjoyed a glass of champagne to celebrate their latest
success a few days later. The press had milked the mayor's confession
for all it was worth, and no one seemed to be questioning it. They
were pleased with their own resilience. Luthor was especially pleased
that he had been able to use this near catastrophe to get close to
that new reporter at the Planet. She had possibilities. He was
looking forward to their date tomorrow night.


* * * * * * * * *



THREE MONTHS LATER

Lois looked exhausted when she arrived at work in the morning. Clark
glanced up as she entered the newsroom.

"Big date?" he asked as she made her way to her desk, coffee in hand.

"Why do I do it, Clark? I know when I go out with Lex he is going to
have me out somewhere till all hours of the night. Yet he asks, and I
say yes. It's only the next morning that I regret it."

Clark didn't respond. Lois had been dating Luthor now for the past
three months, and it was driving him crazy. Yet he kept his opinions
to himself. He had no right to prevent Lois from being happy even if
he wasn't. Lana was becoming extremely insistent that he quit his
job. With his continued refusal, their relationship was becoming more
and more strained. If it were not for the pleasure of working with
Lois, Clark would have no joy in his life at all anymore. To see her
relationship with Luthor becoming serious was terrifying him. What
would happen if he could no longer see her, talk to her, work with
her? They had become the best of friends, and, although Clark yearned
for more, he knew they could never be more then that. Lois should
find someone, his head told him. His heart, however... Well, that was a
different story.

"So where did you go last night?" he finally asked. He didn't really
want to know. On the other hand, he couldn't stand not to.

"He flew us to Paris for supper."

Clark's eyebrows went up. "Impressive."

"Well, that's Lex," she responded. "So what's on for today?"

"Not much. Mr. White just gave us this." He handed Lois a brief
article from the Metropolis Star. It was about a plan from City
Council to revive the waterfront along Hobbs Bay. Lois looked at it
briefly.

"What does he want us to do with this?"

Clark shrugged before saying simply, "He thinks there's a story there."

"That's all he said?" Lois asked in disbelief. When he nodded, she
turned around and headed at breakneck speed toward Perry White's
office.

"Lo-is!!" Clark said in exasperation, getting up to follow her. She
really was a handful. Especially when she was in her
take-no-prisoners mode. But that did more to get Clark's heart racing
than almost anything else this woman did. She had so much life -
something he no longer had.

"Chief!!" Lois exclaimed, bursting into Perry's office. "What's the
meaning of this?"

"Lois, I've been expecting you." He glanced up at the clock. "Running
a little late this morning, I see."

Lois refused to be distracted. "Perry, what kind of story is this?
Every few years someone else comes up with a plan to revitalize the
waterfront. They always die out. There's no story here."

"This one's different."

"How?" demanded Lois defiantly, folding her arms across her chest.
Clark stood at the door to Perry's office, enjoying the exchange.

"You're not the only one with reporter's instincts," Perry responded.
Lois just raised her eyebrows, waiting for him to continue. Perry
sighed. He really hadn't wanted to share his suspicions. But Lois
could be stubborn, and he realized that telling her was the only way
that he was going to get her moving on this.

"Close the door, Clark," he said, gesturing to Lois and Clark to take
a seat. "I didn't want to tell you this, because I'm getting some
pressure from the boys upstairs. But you'll see why in a minute."
Lois now looked fascinated. "Okay, first this proposal is different
from the others. You're right. Every so often some industrialist or
another comes up with a proposal for revitalizing the waterfront, but
it is always thwarted by City Council because of all the low cost
housing in the area. Revitalization, as they call it, would put a lot
of people out of their homes. This proposal is coming from City
Counsel. Specifically, it is coming from our new mayor."

"Also last night Richard Sandberg was killed."

"One of the owners of the Daily Planet?" Lois gasped.

"The same."

"How?"

"The police are calling it a mugging."

"But you don't buy that," stated Clark.

Perry shook his head. "Sandberg was a vocal opponent of any plan that
would put the people on the waterfront out of their homes. Over the
years he has used this paper to convince the people of Metropolis of
that fact."

"So then why are the cops calling it a mugging?"

"That is certainly what it looks like."

"And your superiors don't want you taking up his crusade?" Clark speculated.

"That's right. They maintain that there is no connection, and they
don't want the Daily Planet trying to make one in order to destroy
the mayor's plans."

"So then," said a suddenly understanding Lois Lane, "you just want us
to do a story on the plan and..."

"And if we come up with a connection on our own..." Clark interjected.

"Well... that would be a different matter," concluded Perry. Lois
smiled and got up to leave the office. She was stopped by Perry's
voice. "Just keep this little investigation low key enough that I
don't lose my job."

"Don't worry, Perry. I'm the soul of discretion."

Perry looked in desperation at Clark. "Keep an eye on her, will you,
Clark?"

"Yes, sir," Clark chuckled, but he quit at the look of murder in his
partner's eyes.

"Mayor's office?" Lois asked as they walked out of the room.

"Mayor's office," Clark confirmed.

* * * * * * * * *

Lana stretched out in contentment between the blue silk sheets. She
gave herself a moment before sitting up on the edge of the bed. She
wrapped a man's robe around her small form and made her way through
the thick carpet to the door. She peeked cautiously outside before
making her way down the hall.

Luthor looked up when he heard her approach. He had already put in
several hours of work.

"I don't see how anyone can sleep as much as you do," he commented.

"I don't see how anyone can sleep as little as you do," she replied.
"Where were you till after midnight, anyway? I almost thought you were
going to make me spend the night here alone."

"Nothing important. Just business. Besides, you really should let me
know before coming over."

"I don't know that I'm going to be able to get away until the last
minute. You know that, Lex."

Luthor shook his head. "I don't understand how you can spend the
whole night so often without making Kent suspicious."

Lana laughed. "It's not so hard. Since we got married, I've
complained when he works late. So when he comes home late, my bedroom
door is always closed and locked. He simply assumes that I am inside.
He thinks I'm there because I'm mad at him, so he leaves me alone."

"He can't be that naive?"

"Trust me, he is," Lana laughed as she settled herself down on
Luthor's lap. "You have to understand Clark. He would never cheat. So
he assumes that I wouldn't either."

"So you have the best of both worlds. A husband who is faithful and a
husband who would never suspect that you aren't."

"Why do you think I married him? Do you know he was a virgin on our
wedding night? He thinks I was too."

"You're joking."

"No, I'm not."

Luthor looked at her for a moment. He knew that he could only believe
about half of what Lana told him. But if what she was saying about
Kent was true, Dan had his work cut out for him if he wanted to bring
Kent into the business. He hated the idea of a man with Kent's morals
getting control of Lang Industries. He would have to keep an eye on
that situation.

"So that's the reason you married him?"

"Well, that, and I knew you liked your women married." Luthor smiled.
Part of him wondered if he should have married Lana. After all, a
merger of their two fortunes would be outstanding. But although he
trusted Lana when it came to business - she was as corrupt as he was,
and she was, after all, the daughter of Dan Lang - he knew she would
never be faithful to any man. Although he never intended to be
faithful to any woman, he had no intention of extending the same
liberties to his wife.

"And you like your husbands kept in the dark, my dear." She smiled at
him, leaning over to kiss him passionately.

"Come back to bed," she purred, pulling at the belt on the robe she
was wearing, allowing it to fall open. He took a quick look at the
clock on his desk before deciding he had some time to take her up on
her offer.

* * * * * * * * *

Lois and Clark reached the lobby of the Daily Planet on their way to
the mayor's office.

"Just a moment. I want to grab a danish before we go. Do you want
something?" Clark asked.

"Coffee would be nice." He nodded and pulled out his wallet as he
walked over to the counter to place their orders. Lois joined him
there.

She fixed her coffee and put the lid on before saying, "How do you do
it, Clark?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, let's see. You eat whatever you want and yet you look..." she
let her eyes sweep over his body before shaking her head slightly and
sucking in a breath through her teeth. A blush made its way to his
cheeks.

"I work out."

"When? You work long hours. How can you possibly get enough exercise
to burn off all the extra calories you consume?"

Clark shrugged and began to make his way toward the front doors of
the Planet. Lois shook her head and followed after him.

"Oh, I get it. This is another one of those things we can't discuss."

"There's nothing to discuss. I guess I just have a fast metabolism."

"Clark, you're incredibly laid back. You don't get flustered. If
anyone has a fast metabolism it's me. Yet you're the one who can eat
whatever you want."

He shrugged again. Lois stopped in her tracks. He took a few steps
before he noticed that she wasn't beside him. He turned back toward
her but didn't quite look at her. They were heading onto dangerous
ground - ground she kept coming back to. "What, Lois?" he said in
frustration.

"Why won't you talk to me?"

"I do talk to you."

"Only about what you want. I tell you everything, but you... there are
certain subjects that you just clam up on."

Clark looked down briefly. When he raised his head again he finally
looked at her. She saw a look of pain in his eyes. "Lois, you are the
best friend I've ever had. I don't want to lose you." He looked down
before continuing, "Please just let it go."

'I was right,' Lois thought. 'There is something.'

"Look, Clark, I think I can understand the reasons why you won't talk
to me about your marital problems, but..."

"I never said I was having marital problems," objected Clark.

Lois gave a humourless laugh. "I'm with you almost every day. Did you
really think I couldn't tell?" He looked down. "But, Clark, why can't
you tell me what makes you different?"

"Please, Lois." He was almost begging. She backed off her questions.
If he wasn't going to tell her, well... she was Lois Lane, after all.
She would just have to find out on her own. But for now she nodded,
and they headed on their way.

* * * * * * * * *

Lorna Bowman met them as soon as they arrived at the mayor's office.

"You said you wanted information on our new mayor's plans to
revitalize the waterfront," she stated.

"That's right, Ms. Bowman."

Lorna smiled. "Well, the press kits have just been completed." She
walked over to a box on her desk and handed one each to Lois and
Clark. Lois glanced at Clark, who simply flipped through the papers.
She was trying to tell what good he could hope to accomplish that
way. But he must have just been thinking, because a moment later he
came up with a question.

"I understand the mayor is taking proposals for the project."

"That's correct, Clark. He asked companies to make proposals."

"Has he made any decisions about who he will get to do it yet?"

"Officially, no."

"And unofficially?"

"Well..." she looked around briefly before gesturing them to close
the door to her office. "I have heard that he is favouring a proposal
put forward in joint cooperation by two companies."

"Which companies?"

"Well... this has to be off the record, but... Lex Corp and your
father-in-law's company."

"Do you know what the proposal is?"

"No. Sorry. But couldn't you get that information from your father-in-law?"

Clark shook his head. "I'm afraid my father-in-law and I seem to
disagree when it comes to business." 'In particular, what business I'm
in,' he thought but didn't say.

"Well, that's all I know."

"Do you know how the bids were obtained? Was it opened up to the
general public?" Lois asked.

"No. Apparently a number of well established companies were asked to
put forward proposals. The mayor is going to choose the one he likes
best and sell it to City Council."

"If you hear anything else..." began Lois.

"I'll call," promised Lorna.

* * * * * * * * *

Lois and Clark decided to make their next stop the police station.
They asked for Inspector Henderson.

"I suppose you two are here for information on something?" growled
Henderson.

"Actually, we came to take you to lunch," Lois responded. Both
Henderson and Clark looked at her oddly. "What?" she finally asked.

"Are you saying you don't want information?"

Lois laughed. "Oh, we want information, but since it is lunch time..."

Henderson smiled. "Well, if you're buying... After all, what cop can
turn down a free lunch?"

"Well, actually ,Clark's buying," Lois said ,giving Clark a friendly
jab. "After all ,he's the one who married into money, not me."
Henderson just laughed, but Lois noticed that Clark visibly cringed.
She knew instantly that she had hurt him. She gently rubbed his arm
and communicated a quiet apology through her eyes. He saw the look
and smiled sadly at her. He knew it had been said in jest. But Lana's
money was a sensitive subject for Clark. Henderson didn't seem to
notice the exchange.

"Well, then, if you'll just give me a minute, I'll grab my coat."

When they finally got seated and had placed their orders, Henderson
asked what they wanted to know.

"Do you know anything about the death of Richard Sandberg?"

"It isn't my case, but I understand it was a mugging."

"Why do the police think that?"

"I would assume the usual. Watch, wallet, etc, gone. Would you like
an introduction to the guy in charge of the case?"

"Yes."

"Okay, then. After lunch I'll introduce you. Detective Simons is a
good man. I think you'll like him. Besides, if you hit it off with him,
maybe you'll quit bugging me so much." Lois and Clark laughed.

"So then, Lois, what's this I hear about you and Lex Luthor?"

Lois glanced over at Clark. He didn't say anything. However, Lois knew
that it was a topic he didn't particularly like. Every time his name
came up, Clark would unconsciously shred whatever he was holding.
This time a napkin was meeting its fate. Lois understood.  Although
he had never said or done anything to promote it, Lois knew that
Clark was crazy about her. But his sense of right and wrong would
never let him take it anywhere. Thus he would never allow himself
to interfere in her personal life. As a result, she usually played
down her relationship with Luthor, or tried to, without ever
actually lying to Clark. Actually, it was getting pretty serious
lately. She suspected Clark realized it. But she wasn't about to
torment him with it. After all, she felt the same way about Clark that
he felt about her. If only...

"Why would you think there is something going on between Lex and me?"
she finally asked.

"Come on, Lane! A buddy of mine swears he saw Luthor kissing you just
outside Lex Towers the other day."

Lois glanced at Clark again. His hands were shredding the napkin at a
speed that was just a little bit too fast to be normal. It wasn't
seriously abnormal, but it was another one of those things that Lois
would see from Clark every now and then. However, she doubted Clark
wanted Henderson to see. As she addressed Henderson's question, she
quickly reached over and gently touched Clark's hand momentarily. The
motion stopped.

"We've been seeing each other. That's all."

Henderson gave a snort. "Well then, maybe Clark won't be the only one
married to money on your team."

Lois shook her head. "Who knows? Maybe not."

"So, Clark, what do you think of all this?" Henderson asked, turning
his attention to Clark.

"What?" asked Clark, somewhat distractedly. He knew that Lois had
seen his hands, and he was still trying to recover from her having
made a move to protect a secret that she didn't even know.

"About Luthor and Lane here."

"Well..." Clark cleared his throat. "If he makes Lois happy, I'm all
for it." The words were said pleasantly enough, but Lois could hear
the underlying strain in them. Her heart felt like it would break.

When they got back to the police station, Henderson introduced them
to Detective Simons.

"I've read your work," Simons said, extending a hand. "It's good stuff."

"Thank you, Detective," Clark said, taking the hand warmly.

"So what can I do for you?"

"We're looking for information about the death of Richard Sandberg."

"Sandberg. Yes, quite a tragedy. As I understand it, he was one of the
owners of the Daily Planet."

"Yes. Can you tell us what happened?"

"Well, apparently he was killed in a mugging while getting his car in
the parking garage below the Daily Planet."

"Why are you so sure it was a mugging?"

"The usual. His watch, wedding ring, wallet and car were all missing."

"Have you found the car?"

"Yes. Apparently it turned up today in Hobbs Bay. We are examining it
for fingerprints or any other clues."

Lois chewed on her lower lip. "I don't know, Detective. The Planet
parking lot has security. How did the thieves get by it?"

"We spoke to the security officer on duty. It was quite late at night,
and apparently he fell asleep. I doubt he works for the Planet
anymore."

"Could we get a copy of your report?" Lois asked.

Now it was Simons' turn to look thoughtful. "I know your reputations,
so I guess it's all right. Just don't let anyone know where you got
it."

"Agreed."

* * * * * * * * *

It was late that afternoon when they submitted their story on the
death of Richard Sandberg, being sure to say that the police believed
it was a regular mugging and were examining the car now for clues.
They did not submit a story on the mayor's proposal to revise the
waterfront. They didn't want anyone to make the connection that they
were investigating both stories yet.

"Well, I need to get going, Lois. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Big date?" she asked.

He smiled ruefully. "Sort of. Lana and I are having supper with her
father and his wife. I promised her that I wouldn't be late."

"I'll walk you out."

"That's not..."

"Yes, it is. I think we need to talk."

Clark sighed. He was fairly certain this had something to do with
what she had seen in the restaurant earlier.

Since there were other people on the elevator, they rode in silence
to the lobby. When they finally disembarked, they waited for the
others to move on before Clark, in a resigned voice, said, "Okay, so
what is it, Lois?"

"Clark, please talk to me. I'll understand. I promise. I know..."

"There's nothing to understand," Clark cut her off.

"Clark!"

"Good night, Lois." Clark turned and began to walk away.

When he was at the other side of the lobby, Lois whispered in a voice
that would have been barely audible to anyone standing right beside
her, "I'm in love with you, Clark. Why won't you trust me?"

Clark stopped but didn't turn around.

Lois was stunned for a moment. "You heard that, didn't you?" Lois
whispered, no louder than the first time. Clark started walking away
again. "Please, Clark."

'I can't, Lois. I can't have you thinking of me as some kind of
freak,' he thought in response.

Lois watched the retreating figure as tears silently made their way
down her cheeks. Since anger was a much easier emotion for Lois Lane
than pain, she allowed the pain she felt to slowly be replaced by
anger. She would show him that she could be trusted with whatever his
secret was. She stormed into the elevator.

* * * * * * * * *

Lois Lane sat down at her desk. Okay, so she knew there was something
different about Clark. She knew he could hear things he shouldn't be
able to hear. She knew he could move his hands very quickly. She knew
he could deflect bullets. She knew that somehow he had managed to cut
a beam and drag it over to protect them without ever leaving her. She
knew he had somehow made a gun malfunction. She knew he could eat
whatever he wanted, and she had heard him mention his 'powers' to
Lana. But what it all meant... She was at a loss.

She took out a pad of paper and quickly wrote down what she knew.
Then she wrote down the word "Theories." She stared at the word for a
long