Author's notes: Disclaimers, warnings, and general preview 
blurb.

For those of you who are familiar with my work,  I seemed to 
have gained a reputation over the years for being the bringer 
of death and destruction to the Lois and Clark universe.  In 
truth I think that the perception far outstrips the reality,  
but  I thought that it might be fun to actually write a story 
deserving of that reputation.

It didn't work.  Instead I have wound up with a Lois and Clark 
story with several elements to it, but not the intended wham 
fest I had envisioned.  As most of you know, stories, once 
they are started quickly gain a life of their own.  And, alas, 
they go where they will.

Disclaimer 1:  This is NOT a deathfic.  Which means that Lois 
Lane and Clark Kent will survive this fic.

Wham warning:  Since the A plot revolves around a serial 
killer, people will die, and they will die in a horrific 
manner, but it will never be graphically portrayed.  Lois and 
Clark will not die.

Basically what I have tried to do is create a complete story.  
One that has a compelling A plot with a nasty villain.  There 
will be whams, both physical and emotional.  There will be 
angst, and travails for our intrepid duo to undertake, and 
endure.  There will also be a B plot involving the 
relationship between Lois and Clark, and how it and they cope 
with the complications presented by the A plot and the 
circumstances that it creates.  I expect there will be some 
moments of humor, and I doubt if even I can write an entire 
Lois and Clark story without a waff or two.

As always the characters are all trademarked and copyrighted 
to their respective owners.  All feedback; good, bad, or 
indifferent is encouraged and welcomed at TankW1@aol.com.



Serial Vengeance
by Tank Wilson (TankW1@aol.com)
Rating: PG13
Submitted: May 2001


(Chapter One)

"You wanted to see us, Chief?"  Clark Kent asked as he and his 
partner, Lois Lane, entered the office of their editor and 
chief, Perry White.

Perry gestured for them to approach his desk.  "Yes I did.  I 
just wanted to compliment you two on the bang up job you did 
in exposing Preston Carpenter and his rag of a newspaper, the 
Star.  That was some first rate reporting."

Lois sat on the edge of Perry's desk.  "It's just too bad we 
couldn't link Linda King to any of the manufactured stories."

Clark rolled his eyes heavenward, while Perry frowned at her.  
"Now, honey, I know you don't like the woman, but from all 
appearances she was just Carpenter's dupe in all this.  He 
used her by sending her out to places where the stories were 
about to happen so she could be johnny on the spot to report 
on the incident."  Perry shook his head.  "No wonder it seemed 
like we were getting scooped all the time."

Lois pouted a bit.  "Yeah, maybe, but I still can't believe 
someone as devious as her wasn't in on the deal."  Lois' pout 
slowly changed to a sly smile.  "Unless this just proves what 
I knew all along.  That Linda King is not too bright.  I mean, 
what kind of reporter is she, that she didn't see what was 
happening?"

"Lo-is."  

Clark reached for his partner's shoulder in an attempt to 
steer her out of Perry's office and away from the subject of 
Linda King, when they were all interrupted by the somewhat 
harried form of Jimmy Olsen.  He was carrying a plain paper 
wrapped box.  He set in on his boss's desk.

"A messenger just delivered this.  Said it was for you."  
Jimmy looked a bit sheepish.

Perry scowled at the young gopher as he could tell there was 
something else on  his mind.  "What is it, Olsen?"

"Well, it's just that... I mean I had to pay the tip to the 
messenger out of my own pocket."

"Go see accounting."  Perry dismissed Jimmy with a wave of his 
hand.

"Perry,"  Lois said, giving Perry a disapproving look.  "You 
know that accounting won't reimburse Jimmy for a tip.  
Especially since he has no receipt."

Perry gave Lois a conspiratorial grin.  "Oh, I know all right.  
It'll be a good lesson for the boy."  Perry began to tear 
apart the wrapping on the box.  "Now let's see what we have 
here."

Upon opening the package, Perry White saw that it only 
contained one item.  It was a dress.  He pulled it up and held 
it before him.  It was a red sequined strapless number.  Quite 
short in length, and somewhat familiar.

Lois grabbed the dress from Perry's hand.  "I recognize this,"  
she exclaimed.  "This is the dress Cat was wearing when she 
left here last night.  She said she was going to that party 
for Senator Wilkins.  She claims there were rumors about him 
and a certain intern that she wanted to explore."

Perry took the dress back from Lois, sticking it back into the 
box.  "Well, what in tarnation is she doing sending it back 
here?"

"Maybe she wants you to know that she went *undercover* to try 
and ferret out a story," Lois smirked.

Perry frowned at Lois, but while their attention was on each 
other, Clark slid his glasses down and gave the dress a 
thorough going over with his x-ray vision.  He couldn't be 
sure, but he thought he saw slight traces of blood on the 
dress.

"I don't know, Chief, maybe she didn't send it."  Clark looked 
worried.  "I think you should alert the police about this, 
Perry."

Lois slapped at Clark's arm.  "Oh come on, Clark, this is Cat 
we're talking about here.  If it were me, or some real 
reporter, we might have cause for worry, but Cat's never 
reported on anything more dangerous than the Mayor's Pekingese 
needing distemper shots.  Besides, losing her clothes is 
something of an occupational habit with Cat."  Lois shook her 
head in disgust.

"Now hold on, Lois," Perry interrupted.  "Clark may have 
something there, but I don't want to go causing a big stir if 
it turns out to be nothing."  He pointed his finger at Lois.  
"Lois, I want you to try and get a hold of Cat..  If she did 
indeed attend some grand party last night, chances are she's 
still at home in bed."  Perry then turned to Clark.  "Clark, 
if Lois doesn't get through I want you to call Senator 
Wilkins' office and see if anyone can remember if Cat was 
there."  Perry made a gesture of dismissal with his hand.  
"Now shoo."

Lois frowned as they reached their desks.  "Why did Perry want 
me to call Cat and you get to call Senator Wilkins' office?  
He knows Cat and I don't get along."

Clark had to work to keep a smile off his face.  "I don't 
know, maybe he thought we stood a better chance of finding 
something out from the Senator's people if we didn't 
antagonize them."

Lois' hand stopped midway to her phone.  "Are you saying that 
I wouldn't be tactful in my questioning?"

Clark couldn't hold back.  "Just make your phone call, Lois," 
he said, chuckling.

Lois hadn't reached Cat at her home, or her cell phone, so she 
turned it over to Clark to make his call to the Senator's 
office.  Lois wasn't particularly worried that she hadn't 
gotten hold of Cat.  Knowing the way that woman liked to sleep 
in, Lois was sure that she had just turned off her phone's 
ringer.  Lois had left a message on Cat's machine, telling her 
Perry wanted to hear from her ASAP.

Lois leaned back in her chair and watched Clark as he dialed 
and spoke into his phone.  His back was partially turned to 
her so he couldn't see her watching him.  Lois was confused.  
She had to admit that when she thought that Linda King was 
stealing her partner from her she had been hurt.  She had been 
hurt that Clark would abandon her, and the Planet, so easily.  
Once she had found out the truth, that he was going undercover 
at the Star, she was still conflicted.  If she was honest with 
herself, she had been jealous.  But why had she been jealous, 
she wondered.  Was it because it was Linda King, and she still 
had issues with her?  Or was it because it was Clark?  

Lois bit her lip as she thought about her partner, and friend.  
She had a suspicion that Clark had feelings for her that went 
a bit beyond mere friendship, and she had to admit the idea 
wasn't entirely unpleasant.  Clark Kent was different from all 
the other men she had known.  He was a decent, caring 
individual who regularly put the concerns of others above his 
own.  His ethics sometimes got in the way of things they had 
to do for a story, but honesty in a relationship with a man 
was a foreign concept to Lois.  She had been burned by every 
man she had allowed herself to trust.  Perhaps Clark was the 
exception to the rule?  

A smile curved the one corner of her lip as she let her gaze 
sweep over her partner's physical aspect.  No one could say 
that Clark wasn't a good looking man either.  He was no 
Superman, but then who was, and Lois was beginning to think 
that her desire to be with Superman was a doomed fantasy.  The 
man was the hero of millions for heaven's sake.  Even if he 
had time for a relationship, why would he pick her when he 
could have his pick of any woman in the world?  Still, she had 
always gotten the impression that he liked her.

Clark slamming the phone down snapped Lois out of her musings.  
He turned to her, a definite look of disgust on his face.  
Lois got up and came over to his desk.

"No luck?"

Clark shook his head.  "No - I was informed that due to his 
popularity, the large number of guests at the party made it 
impossible for them to be able to tell me if a mere reporter 
had been there."

Lois shook her head in sympathy.  "Well, I guess that means 
that she wasn't there."

Clark pulled back and gave Lois a confused stare.  "Why do you 
say that?  There probably *were* a lot of people there."

Lois laughed.  "Clark, you saw that dress.  If Cat had shown 
up there wearing that dress, believe me, people would have 
noticed."  Lois shook her head and smiled a rueful smile.  
"One thing I will give Catherine Grant, she has the goods to 
fill out a dress like that."

"No better than you would, Lois."  Clark had unthinkingly 
jumped to Lois' defense.

Lois gave Clark a funny look.  "Thanks... I think."  

Lois studied her blushing partner for a moment.  Where had 
that comment come from? she asked herself.  She knew that 
Clark thought she was attractive.  He'd told her so many times 
before.  And Lois was proud of her figure, but next to the 
flamboyant Cat Grant, Lois Lane tended to fade into 
insignificance. 

Suddenly her phone rang.  Moving back to her desk, she picked 
it up to discover that Lex Luthor was on the other end.  She 
had completely forgotten that they had a date planned tonight.  
For some strange reason Lois found herself begging off, saying 
that a hot story was beginning to break and that she'd be tied 
up all night with it.  She made her apologies and hung up the 
phone..

Lois couldn't help but wonder why she had done that.  She had 
dated Lex a couple of times in the last few weeks and had 
marvelous times.  He had been charming and attentive, but she 
was never quite sure of his motives.  She found it hard to 
believe that he just liked to see her.  He was the third or 
fourth richest man in the world and Metropolis' leading 
citizen, well, right behind Superman.  But she never really 
felt comfortable with him.  The elegant balls, the opera, the 
expensive restaurants were all great fun, but somehow she 
couldn't see scrunching up next to him on a couch and watching 
old favorite videos.

"Who was that?"  Clark asked.

"It was Lex, he reminded me of our date tonight."  Lois shot 
Clark a challenging look, as she knew how he felt about Lex.

Clark frowned.  "Lois, I wish you  wouldn't go out with him.  
You don't know him like I do.  He's not what he appears to 
be."

"Oh, really?"  Lois quickly responded.  "He's not rich, 
handsome, charming, and the number one philanthropist in 
Metropolis?"
Lois kept her voice steady, but annoyance was creeping in.  
"Let's see, you've been in Metropolis not even a year yet, but 
you know all sorts of horrible secrets about Lex Luthor.  
Secrets that no one, even those of us who grew up in 
Metropolis, know.  Is that right?"

"Lo-is, look I know it irritates you when I criticize Luthor, 
but I do know some things about him that I doubt you know."

Lois cocked her head in a manner that Clark knew only too 
well.  "I see, what things would those be, Clark?  Do you have 
some proof of evil deeds that you can show me?"

Clark stared at his feet for a moment then raised his eyes to 
hers.  "You know I don't, at least not yet, but I just don't 
want you to get hurt by him, Lois."

"I see," she said condescendingly.  "You think I'll be hurt if 
I date a man who takes me to the opera, and the finest 
restaurants?  I suppose, for my own good, I should date 
someone like... oh, you for instance?"

Clark's mouth was drawn in a tight line as he looked into 
Lois' face.  "Would that really be so bad?"

Lois was just about snap a quick sarcastic rejoinder, when 
something stopped her.  "No," she said shaking her head 
slowly, her voice taking on a softer tone.  "No, it wouldn't 
be bad at all."  She met his eyes with her own.  "But, Clark, 
you are my partner, and my best friend.  That's something I've 
never had before.  I treasure our friendship, more than you 
know, and I don't want to lose that."

"Why would we have to lose it?"  

"Trust me, Clark, if there is one thing that I know, it's how 
to screw up relationships.  If we tried to take our friendship 
to something beyond that it would most likely not work out, 
then where would we be?"

"Lo-is."

Lois' attention was suddenly drawn back up toward Perry's 
office.  "Look."

Jimmy was bringing in another plain wrapped package.  Lois 
quickly jumped up from her desk and scurried toward her 
editor's office.  Clark had reached for Lois to try and stop 
her but was too late, so he got up and followed behind.

Clark entered his boss's office moments behind Lois.  Lois was 
hovering over the desk as Perry began to unwrap the package 
with obvious reluctance.  "Oh good Lord, this is sick!"  
Perry's comment exploded from his lips once he had the top of 
the box open.


Lois looked a little green.  "Oh god, you don't think - do 
you?"

Clark quickly stepped up to see what had elicited their 
responses.  Lying in the bottom of the shoe box sized package 
was a severed human hand.  It was obviously a well manicured 
female right hand.  Clark recognized the gaudy ruby ring that 
adorned the third finger of the detached appendage.  It had 
been a present to Cat from a rich sultan that she had a brief 
fling with about  six months ago.  

With a grim look on his face Clark reached for the phone on 
Perry's desk. "I think it's time we called Inspector 
Henderson."  

Perry and Lois just nodded as he dialed the phone.

******************

Lois was fiddling with a pencil, drawing little circles on her 
note pad.  Inspector Henderson had left some time ago.  He'd 
taken statements from anyone who saw Cat Grant the day before, 
including both Lois and Clark.  Unfortunately neither one 
could tell Henderson more than anyone else could.  Nearly 
everyone knew that Cat was going to the Senator's party, but 
no one had seen her or talked with her since she left the 
Planet yesterday.
Lois watched Clark as he tried once again to get any 
information from the office of Senator Wilkins.

"Still no luck?"  She asked as he hung up the phone.

"No,  I'm beginning to think you were right, Lois.  I don't 
think Cat ever made it to that party."  

Lois gave Clark an 'I told you so' look.  "Did you ever doubt 
me?"

Clark ran his hand through his hair shaking his head.  "No, I 
learned long ago not to doubt Lois Lane."  He looked at her, a 
hopeful expression on his face.  "That famous Lane intuition 
giving you any hints, any ideas?"

Lois shook her head.  "No, nothing."  She picked the pencil 
back up and tossed it into her pencil box before turning back 
to her partner.  "Clark, do you think that she's okay - I 
mean, you know beyond that sicko hand thing?  It's no secret 
that Cat and I weren't exactly best friends, but I'd never 
wish something like this on her, or anyone."

Clark came over to her desk and squeezed her hand.  "I know 
that, Lois, but the truth is, I don't know what to think.  
There have been no notes, no demands, nothing.  We can only 
hope that she is still all right."  He squeezed her hand again 
as he gave her what he hoped was a reassuring smile.  "We'll 
find her, Lois."

Clark again wondered if he shouldn't have taken a quick look 
around for Cat as Superman.  He knew the police would visit 
her apartment, and since Lois had gotten no answer at Cat's it 
was unlikely  that she was there.  He really had nothing to go 
on, had no clues as to where to even begin looking.  No, he 
knew his best chance of finding something that could be of 
help would be here at the Planet, exploring leads like an 
investigative reporter should.  It just bothered him, with all 
his powers, to feel so helpless.

Lois bit her lip as she tried to focus her attention.  She had 
to look at this like any other story.  She had to try and 
figure out the first move that she and Clark should make.  

"Clark, did you ask Jimmy who the messengers that brought the 
two packages were?"

"Henderson asked, and Jimmy didn't remember which service.  
The only thing he was sure of was that they were each 
different services."

"Darn... Oh, oh, what's that?"  

Lois was out of her chair heading toward Perry's office once 
again.  Clark saw that Jimmy had just deposited another 
package on Perry's desk.  He leapt to his feet and followed 
after Lois, giving the package a quick scan as he did so.  It 
was a larger box than the others had been, about the size of a 
large hat box.

What he saw nearly stopped Clark in his tracks.  His stomach 
lurched, as he pushed himself to catch up with Lois.  He 
managed to restrain Lois just inside Perry's door.

"Clark!"  Lois angrily tried to shake off his hand on her 
shoulder but wasn't able to.

"Ah, Lois, why don't you go back to your desk and give 
Inspector Henderson a call.  You can tell him Perry got 
another package."

She turned and scowled at Clark.  "You go call him,  I want to 
see."  She turned back toward Perry.

Perry White had ignored the little by play between his 
reporters as he gingerly opened the top of the box, after 
pulling off the plain wrapping.  The blood drained from his 
face as he saw what was inside.  He quickly slapped the cover 
back on the box.

"Perry, what is it?"  Lois asked as she continued to struggle 
against Clark's iron grip.

Perry seemed to notice them for the first time.  He swallowed 
several times, seeming to have a hard time getting his voice.  
A tear slid from the corner of one eye.

"Chief, should Lois go and call Inspector Henderson?"  Clark 
piped up.

Clark's voice seemed to give Perry the impetus to speak.  
"That's a good idea.  Lois, honey, go call Bill Henderson.  We 
are going to need him here."  Perry's voice was weak and he 
had to fight to keep it steady.

Lois was too indignant at being held back by Clark to really 
notice her editor's reactions.  "No, I want to see what came 
in the box.  Clark can make the call."

"Lois!" Perry's voice was like the crack of a whip in the 
confines of the office.  It shocked Lois into immobility.  
"Please, honey, just do as you're told."  A couple more tears 
found their way down Perry's cheeks.  "Tell Henderson that we 
definitely have a homicide on our hands."

Lois' face fell as the import of Perry's words sank in.  She 
bit her lip, nodded once in Perry's direction, then turned to 
head back to her desk to make the call.  Unsurprisingly, she 
was easily able to slip out of Clark's grasp now.

Perry looked up at Clark.  "You knew?"

Clark noticed how Perry's demeanor seemed tired, and defeated.  
"I guessed from the size of the box, and your reaction just 
confirmed my suspicions."

"God in heaven, I hope the poor girl didn't suffer, that it 
was quick."

Clark couldn't answer.  His own emotions were in turmoil.  He 
and Cat had never really hit it off, but more than most, Clark 
knew that Cat's wild behavior and overt sexuality really hid 
an insecure woman who longed for the same things that everyone 
else did.  Suddenly, an out of breath Lois shoved her way past 
him.

"I just got off the phone with Inspector Henderson.  It seems 
that he was just about to call us.  About a half an hour ago 
the police pulled a naked female corpse out of Hobbs bay.  It 
was missing its right hand, and... its... head."  Lois stared 
at the box on Perry's desk, actually taking in its size and 
shape for the first time.  "Omigod."  Her voice shook as she 
made her way, on shaky legs, to Perry's couch.  She slowly 
sank to its comforting cushions, her eyes never leaving the 
plain box on her boss's desk.  "Omigod."  Tears began to slide 
down her cheeks.

*************
(Chapter Two)

Lois tossed the half empty bowl of cereal into the kitchen 
sink.  Not the most exciting dinner she'd ever had, but it 
filled her stomach - sort of.  She had been enjoying a rare 
Monday off, doing some things that she'd been meaning to do 
for a while.  Things like catching up on her reading, 
reorganizing her storage closet, and she even pulled up her 
novel on her hard drive and added a few more pages to it.  It 
had been a relaxing day, but now she was getting bored, and 
getting fidgety.

She sat down at her kitchen table and, with nothing to occupy 
herself, her thoughts drifted back to Cat's funeral.  It had 
been on Saturday, and it had been a sad affair.  Lois hadn't 
realized that Cat had virtually no close living relatives.  
She knew that Cat's parent's had died when Cat was young, but 
it seemed that she had no living aunts or uncles either.  
There had only been a much older brother who had flown in from 
California to handle the necessary details.  He seemed more 
annoyed by the inconvenience that Cat's funeral had caused him 
than any grief felt over the loss of his sister.

Lois got the impression that if it hadn't been for Perry, the 
brother wouldn't have bothered to come to Metropolis for Cat's 
funeral at all.  Lois felt bad that the vast majority of 
mourners were only Cat's coworkers from the Planet.  There 
were no friends from outside work, and for all Cat's supposed 
conquests, not one boyfriend, or former lover had bothered to 
show.  

A chill ran up Lois spine as she wondered if the same might 
not happen to her.  Sure, she had parents, but she wondered if 
her dad could tear himself away from his work long enough to 
attend her funeral, and as for her mother, it was only a 50/50 
chance that she'd be sober enough to even realize that her 
daughter had died.  Lois took a little comfort in the 
knowledge that at least her sister Lucy would attend, and Lois 
was pretty sure that Lucy would even grieve for her.

Lois shook her head as she tried to dispel her morbid turn of 
contemplation.  Apparently she had been more affected by Cat's 
death than she thought.  Lois supported her chin on her 
doubled up fists as she tried to analyze her feelings.  She 
had never liked Cat much.  Ms. Catherine Grant had been the 
office peacock and knew it.  All the guys lusted after her, 
well, except maybe Clark, and all the women secretly envied 
her looks, and her 'equipment'.   Lois knew that she had 'the 
goods' as far as being a desirable woman and she hadn't been 
above using them for the sake of a story, but next to Cat 
Grant she was merely the fourth attendant compared to the 
homecoming queen.  And, of course, Cat had never missed an 
opportunity to point that out, and rub it in.  Their 
personalities just didn't mesh.  Most of the time Lois was 
angered by the catty remarks, but she couldn't help but 
remember a time when Cat had opened up to her.  It had been 
after a particularly difficult story where her life once again 
had been in danger.  Cat had come up to her and in her 
irritating way had tried to get Lois to admit that she had 
been scared.  Lois of course had denied it.  Lois had been 
scared but she'd be darned if she'd admit that to Cat.

Unexpectedly Cat had sat down and had let go with her 
frustrations over how her career, and life, was going as 
compared to Lois'.  She admitted that she was envious of Lois, 
and what Lois had.  Lois had seen a side of Cat that day that 
very few people got to see.  For all her flash and bluster, 
Cat was just as insecure as any of them, maybe more so.  

Lois also suspected that Catherine Grant had a 'thing' for 
Clark Kent, and was jealous of the fact that he seemed to 
prefer Lois, at least as a partner and friend.  Lois 
remembered Cat intimating that she and Clark had done some 
wild things together early on in Clark's career at the Planet.  
Clark had always denied it, and Lois was inclined to believe 
him.  In retrospect, it was almost too bad that something 
hadn't happened.  Clark probably would have been good for Cat.

Lois snapped upright.  Where had that thought come from? she 
wondered.  Then again, why not?  It was not as if she had any 
claim on Clark beyond professional.  They were colleagues, 
reporting partners, and friends, nothing more, and that was 
the way Lois wanted it.  So why did it bother her so when 
other women showed more than a passing interest in Clark?

Her musings were interrupted by a knock at the door.  She rose 
from her chair and directed herself toward her front door.  
Maybe it was a lost pizza delivery boy, she hoped.  

She opened the door without checking the peephole.  "Clark?"  
She was surprised to see him standing there, then noting the 
look on his face her mood plunged lower.  "What's wrong?"

Clark sighed and shook his head.  "Lois, it's Eduardo."

Lois gave Clark a puzzled look.  "What's Eduardo?"  Suddenly 
something clicked.  "Oh, god, no."  She bit her lip as she 
backed up enough to allow Clark to enter her apartment.

Clark nodded sadly.  "I'm afraid so.  Perry got three packages 
over the course of the day today.  The first contained a man's 
dress shirt."  Clark had to swallow hard to force himself to 
continue.  "The second, a severed hand, and the third..."

Lois shook her head violently.  "No, don't say it.  Omigod, he 
had a wife and three kids!"  Tears began to fall as she slowly 
lowered herself back into her kitchen chair.

Clark selected a chair next to Lois.  "Perry called Henderson 
right away after receiving the first package so he was there 
when the other two arrived."

Lois wiped at her eyes.  "Do they have any leads?"

Clark shook his head sadly.  "No, the first two packages were 
dropped off at the front desk down in the lobby.  So Henderson 
had the guard down there hold onto anyone who delivered a 
third.  It turned out to be a young boy who claims 'some guy' 
gave him five dollars to deliver the box to the Daily Planet."  
Clark took another deep breath.  "The guard at the front desk 
said that the first package was already there when he came on 
shift.  The police are trying to get a hold of the night 
watchman to question him.  But he is sure that the kid who 
delivered the third package is not the same one who delivered 
the second one."

Lois clenched her hands a couple of times.  "Have they found 
the body yet?"

Clark just shook his head.  He didn't know what else to say.  
As Superman he'd gone out and flown around the seedier 
sections of the city for about an hour before coming over to 
Lois'.  He had stopped three attempted muggings but hadn't 
seen any sign of Eduardo's body, or any clues as to what 
happened.  He knew the police were currently with Eduardo's 
wife but Clark would have to wait until much later until he 
could find out anything that the police might have uncovered 
in their investigations.

Lois captured Clark's gaze with her own mist-glazed eyes.  
"Clark, what's happening?"

"I don't know, Lois.  Henderson says it looks like we have a 
serial killer on our hands."

Lois frowned.  "Yeah, a serial killer with a grudge against 
the Daily Planet.."

********************

The mood at the Daily Planet that next morning was somber, to 
say the least.  No one seemed inclined to talk about what had 
been happening.  Lois was frustrated.  She had just gotten off 
the phone with Henderson, but he wasn't willing, or able, to 
tell her anything.  He was treating Eduardo's death as a 
related murder since the methods were virtually identical, but 
they didn't have a body, or any solid leads.  All they knew 
was that Eduardo hadn't come home after his Sunday shift.  His 
wife had called the Planet but hadn't gotten any answer on his 
phone.  She had then called the police, but had been informed 
that she would have to wait forty eight hours before she could 
file a missing persons' report.  

The Planet had done a nice retrospective, tribute type piece 
on Eduardo, as they had done for Cat.  Since there were no 
actual leads into the two murders, that aspect was played 
down.  Perry didn't want to add any fuel to the serial killer 
flames that seemed to be igniting.  Other papers weren't being 
so careful, or responsible.  "The Headsman Strikes Again"  
screamed in banner headlines in most of the other papers in 
town.  While the exploitative nature of those reports sickened 
Lois, a part of her had to agree with them.  It did indeed 
seem as if they a serial killer was on the loose in 
Metropolis, and if something wasn't done soon to catch him, 
perhaps more innocent reporters would meet their end.  She was 
convinced that reporters were the target, more specifically, 
Daily Planet reporters.

Lois' attention was diverted as she heard the ding that 
denoted the arrival of the elevator, and saw her partner step 
out.  She didn't stop to think about it, but her mood 
instantly picked up when she saw him.  Before Lois could 
properly greet Clark, though, Perry stepped out of his office.

"Can I have everyone's attention, please."  It wasn't a 
question, and what little buzz of conversation that had been 
going on instantly stopped.  "Staff meeting in five minutes."  
With that he turned and went back into his office.

Clark had just approached Lois' desk, his expression 
questioning.  Lois shrugged.  Just then Jimmy happened to rush 
too close to Lois' desk.  She immediately latched onto his arm 
and dragged him over to her desk.

"Hey, Jimmy, what's that all about?"  she asked.

Jimmy seemed to be a bit out of breath so he took a deep 
breath before he answered.  "Haven't you guys heard?  Three 
more people quit today."

Lois looked confused.  "What do you mean  *three more* people 
quit?"

Jimmy nodded his head quickly.  "Yeah, Joe Adams, in sports, 
quit yesterday evening, and now three more turned in their 
resignations today."

Lois shook her head disgustedly.  Clark spoke up.  "Did they 
say why they were leaving?"

Jimmy looked at Clark as if he had grown another head.  
"You're kidding, right.  They didn't have to say, everyone 
knows why they quit."  Jimmy looked around before continuing.  
"They didn't want to be next."  Jimmy rushed off to fulfill 
whatever errand he'd been on before being waylaid by Lois.

It was a pensive group of people who filed into the conference 
room.  Lois took her normal spot next to Clark.  She couldn't 
help but notice all the empty chairs that sat unused scattered 
about the large room.  Perry stood in his usual spot at the 
head of the large table.  He looked terrible.  There were new 
lines etched onto his face and his complexion didn't look good 
at all.  He had seemed to age significantly.  There was no 
need to ask for quiet.

"Okay, first things first.  Inspector Henderson called and 
they have found Eduardo's body.  It was found in a dumpster 
over in Suicide Slum."  There were a few shocked indrawn 
breaths, but no one spoke.  "I'll relay any funeral details 
once I have them."  Perry paused, and drew in a deep breath of 
his own.  "Now, as many of you know, we've had a recent spate 
of resignations over this.  Two Daily Planet reporters being 
killed could just be a coincidence, but I can't really blame 
anyone who is spooked by it.  I've told those folks who left 
that I'd hold their jobs open as long as I could, but in the 
meantime,"  Perry took another breath.  "We still have a paper 
to get out.  That means most of you will have to do double 
duty.  We'll all have to pitch in and cover things that we 
maybe aren't that familiar with.  All I ask is that you give 
it your best.  Let's not let some wacko get the best of the 
Daily Planet.  I will post a list of extra assignments on the 
main bulletin board by noon."  

Perry paced in front of the room for a moment before 
continuing.  "Having said that, I do want you people to know 
that I have hired a couple of reporters away from rival papers 
to help us shoulder the extra load.  Taking over Eduardo's 
government beat will be Sidney Loomis, previously with the 
Weekly Register.  And covering the society news, and taking 
over Cat Grant's column will be former Metropolis Star 
reporter - Linda King."

Lois couldn't believe her ears.  "What! - Ow!"  She turned and 
glared at Clark who had just kicked her in the ankle.

Seeing the look on Clark's face, Lois turned and looked at her 
editor and realized that now was not the time to say anything.  
His steely gaze pierced her and pinned her immobile to her 
chair.  She suddenly didn't feel like offering any opinion.

"Those two people will be coming on board later in the week.  
Please make them welcome and help them in any way you can."  
Perry gave Lois another hard stare.  "Now if there are no more 
questions, you are all free to leave."  As all the others 
stood and began to leave, Perry came up behind Lois and Clark. 
"I want to see you two in my office."

Clark stared after Perry as he exited the conference room and 
headed for his office.  Lois was next to him as Clark headed 
for his desk.  She gave him an elbow in the ribs.  
"That hurt!"  she complained.

Clark gave her an apologetic smile.  "Sorry, Lois, I just 
thought that then wasn't the right time to bring up your, er, 
reservations about Linda King."

Lois put her hand on Clark's arm to stop him.  "Why are you 
defending her?"

Clark rolled his eyes.  "Lois, I'm not defending her.  But I 
also don't have a grudge against her for some imagined slight 
that happened way back in college, either."

Lois bristled.  "Imagined!  That shows you how much you know!  
Besides, we have standards at the Planet that she could never 
hope to reach.  She was never a good reporter."

Clark gave Lois a frown.  "I dunno, she seemed pretty 
competent to me when I was partnered with her."

They had started walking again, but Lois stopped when Clark 
had said that.
She narrowed her eyes as she searched the seemingly innocent 
face of her partner.

"You like her, don't you."

"Lo-is, it's not like that.  She seemed like a nice woman, and 
a competent reporter that's all."

Lois shook her head.  "Clark you are just too naive.  You 
don't understand women like her.  She is underhanded, devious, 
a back stabbing harpy who... what?"

Clark was shaking his head at Lois' tirade.  "Lois, I think it 
would be best if you just let this old feud go.  It will be 
much easier if you can just put the past behind you.  After 
all, Linda is going to be working here."

Lois' eyes flashed dangerously.  "Fine, maybe you can ask 
Perry to partner the two of you up.  You are obviously smitten 
with her."

Clark stared at Lois is disbelief.  "What?"

"Lane, Kent, in my office." Perry's stentorian bellow cut 
through the duo's squabble.

"Now look,"  Lois said angrily.  "You've gotten us in trouble 
with Perry."

Clark just rolled his eyes again as he followed his fiery 
partner to Perry's office.

Lois was first to enter Perry's office.  "Chief, I can't 
believe you hired...."

Perry held his hand up to stop Lois' tirade before it got 
started.  "Now, Lois, I don't want to hear a word from you 
about Linda King.  Whatever personal problems you two have 
had, or do have, I don't want to know.  She is going to be a 
colleague, and I expect you to act professionally.  You don't 
have to like her."  Perry cocked his head and raised a brow.  
"Now, what ever personal difficulty you have with her, I 
expect you to leave that at home.  This is a place of business 
and I expect you to conduct yourself accordingly."  Perry 
sharpened his gaze and lowered his voice a notch.  "Is that 
understood?"

Lois' mouth was still hanging open during Perry's speech but 
she now slowly closed it.  "Understood," was all she said as 
she took a seat in front of her boss's desk.

Clark had entered silently as Perry had been giving Lois his 
ultimatum.  He quickly took the chair next to her after she 
sat down.  Clark was worried.  This was taking an awful toll 
on Perry.  Not only were *his* reporters seemingly being 
targeted, and brutally murdered, but his very *life*, the 
Daily Planet, was being threatened as a consequence.  Clark 
knew that these murders had to be solved quickly, not only to 
insure that no more lives were lost, but if things continued 
on much longer, the paper itself might not survive.

Perry adopted his editor's tone.  "Okay you two, as much as 
I'd like to just assign you to this murder case exclusively, I 
can't.  I need your help in other areas.  You'll see this 
posted later, but I wanted to tell you now, and explain how I 
want you to work."

Both Lois and Clark settled back in their respective chairs 
waiting for their editor and chief, and their beleaguered 
friend, to continue.

"Clark, I need you to take over the vacation and travel column 
in the Sunday magazine supplement.  I know it's not a lot of 
writing, but it will require some extra research on your part 
every week."

Clark presented a bland mask to his chief, but inwardly he 
smiled as he thought of some of the ways his 'research' might 
be conducted.  "Sure, Chief, no problem."

Lois, impatient as ever, piped in.  "What about me, Perry, 
what extra load am I going to have to take on?  The police 
beat,  international news?"

"No, Lois, I want you to take over Joe's column."

Lois looked betrayed.  "Sports!"

"Come on, Lois, don't give me that shocked look."  Perry 
countered.  "We both know that you know as much or more about 
sports as anyone on this paper."

Lois rolled her eyes.  "Yeah, yeah, just because my father had 
a connection to sports medicine while I was growing up, and I 
was around athletes, blah, blah, blah."

Perry shook his head.  "Think what you will, but I happen to 
know that you, besides being a fight fan, are a supporter of 
both the local football and baseball teams."

"So, " Lois pouted.

Perry continued, ignoring Lois' comment.  "But more 
importantly, you are a good, no, a great writer who won't kiss 
the butt of the local teams and their big star celebrity 
athletes.  You will 'tell it like it is,' so to speak."  Perry 
couldn't help but grin.

Lois frowned.  "But I hate sports metaphors."

Perry shrugged.  "So, don't use them."  Perry waved off any 
further objections by Lois.  "I'm going to scale Joe's, or I 
mean, Lois' column back to only three days a week so you two 
can concentrate most of your time on this serial killer 
thing."

"So, you do think this is a serial killer out there, Chief?"  
Clark asked.

"Frankly, I'm not sure what to think, but if it looks like a 
duck..." The older man ran a hand through his thinning, 
graying hair.  "I don't have to tell you two of the critical 
nature of this investigation.  Not only can't we afford to 
lose any more friends and colleagues.  But I don't know how 
long I can keep a scared staff focused on their jobs, instead 
of looking over their shoulders all day long.  Without a staff 
of top drawer reporters, the Daily Planet becomes just an 
empty building, and a fond memory."

*****************
(Chapter Three)

Lex Luthor had an unaccustomed frown on his face as he scanned 
the headlines of the several newspapers that lie scattered 
about his desktop.
He gestured at the littered newsprint for the sake of his 
attending aide-de camp.

"What do you make of all this, Nigel?"

Nigel St. John, the former British Secret Service agent gone 
bad who now served as a sort of man Friday for Luthor, peered 
at the sensationalistic headlines.

"It appears that the Daily Planet has an unhappy subscriber, 
sir."  St. John made a show of gazing over the details of the 
articles.  "Flashy, but no style whatsoever."

A smile crept onto Lex's face, giving him a predatory look.  
"Oh, I agree completely.  Still, I think we should look into 
this.  There might be a way that I can take advantage of the 
situation as it appears to dovetail quite nicely into some 
plans I have for the Daily Planet myself."

"What would you like me to do, sir?"

Lex turned and gazed out the huge glass doors to the patio of 
his penthouse office.  It was the highest building in 
Metropolis and he enjoyed looking out over the rest of the 
city -particular his city.  Others might say that Superman had 
recently eclipsed Luthor's claim as the number one citizen, 
but Lex knew that was merely a detail that would be eventually 
taken care of.  He had plans for the Man of Steel, as he had 
plans for Metropolis, the Daily Planet, and its most desirable 
employee, Lois Lane.

"I think for now, just find out what you can.  We need to keep 
tabs on this psycho.  As long as his agenda and mine run 
concurrent, we can let him have his fun.  But I won't stand by 
and let him harm a certain reporter.  I'd just as soon sit on 
the sidelines and watch how this particular situation plays 
itself out, but if we must get involved, to direct, or guide 
this fellow, then we will."  Lex turned and faced his 
assistant.  "You do understand, don't you Nigel?"

Nigel St. John understood perfectly.  He was well aware of his 
employer's infatuation with the annoying reporter, Lois Lane.  
Nigel found the woman extremely irritating, but knew that 
Luthor professed to be in love with her.  A condition Nigel 
felt could only lead to disaster.  But then, his was not to 
reason why.

"Perfectly, sir."

***********************

Clark watched as Lois resentfully pounded the keys of her 
computer.  The force of her blows could be heard by Clark, 
even without his enhanced hearing.  A tiny smile tweaked the 
corners of his mouth as he noticed that Lois was also 
muttering to herself.

"So, Lois, what's your column going to about?  The stadium 
issue?  Perhaps the Monarch's new coaching staff?"

"Shut up, Clark."

Clark chuckled as he ambled over and leaned against Lois' 
desk.  "Really, Lois, why are you so steamed?  I know you are 
a sports fan.  I've been to games with you.  I consider myself 
a knowledgeable fight fan, but your expertise puts me to 
shame."  Clark shrugged.  "I would think that you could have 
some fun with this column."

Lois released an exasperated sigh as she turned her attention 
away from the screen and toward Clark.  "It's not sports that 
I dislike, Clark, it's the overblown egos of the overpaid, 
conceited prima donnas who call themselves professional 
athletes.  People who, because they were blessed at birth with 
certain physical talents, can make more money than god, and 
feel they are above mere mortals like the rest of us."  Lois 
stood up and stuck her finger in Clark's chest.  "You know 
what else I resent about this?  I'm an investigative reporter, 
one of the best.  I write stories that make a difference in 
this world.  I don't feel it's a good use of my abilities to 
be writing about... "  Lois seemed to grope for what she 
wanted to say,  "mere entertainment."

Clark shrugged.  "Don't let it get to you, Lois.  You're 
talented enough to write about anything.  Just have fun with 
it."  Clark's face clouded.  "Besides, we do have a very 
serious story to investigate."

Lois sat back down.  "You're right.  Do we have any leads 
yet?"

Clark shook his head.  "The police haven't been able to obtain 
any physical evidence from the bodies, and they aren't talking 
about any leads they might have, which makes me think they 
don't have any."

Lois frowned.  "Why? It would be just like them to keep us in 
the dark."

"Nah, I think Henderson would give us something if he had 
anything.  He knows he can trust us to not print anything 
before he agrees to it."  Clark adjusted his glasses as he 
fought the feeling of helplessness that threatened to 
overwhelm him.  "I've got Jimmy searching out a list of former 
employees who might have reason to harbor a grudge against the 
Daily Planet."

Lois chuckled sadly.  "That could be an interesting list, but 
what about criminals that Planet exclusives put away?  
Wouldn't they be more likely to commit acts this heinous?"

"Maybe, but wouldn't that kind of vengeance tend to be focused 
on the individual reporters rather than the Planet in general?  
I find it hard to believe that Cat and Eduardo would have some 
criminal in common in their past."

Lois shook her head.  "They don't, I've already checked."  

Clark wasn't surprised to hear that.  If Lois was anything, it 
was thorough.  As often that she might break a story because 
of her brilliant, intuitive leaps.  She was equally successful 
because of her dogged persistence and perseverance.  Clark 
wandered back to his desk as Lois' attention was diverted to 
her ringing phone.  

The phone call was short, but it obviously was something that 
pleased Lois.  Her mood seemed a little brighter after she 
hung up the phone.  Clark raised a brow as he gazed at Lois 
while she hung up the phone.

"That was Lucy," she said.  "Oh, I didn't tell you?  She's 
coming to visit for a couple of weeks.  She says that 
California's been fun but she wants to look into schools in 
the area.  She plans to go back to college."  Lois swiveled 
her chair to face Clark.  "She just got in and will be at my 
place by the time I get home tonight."  Lois smiled.  "It will 
be good to see her again.  I haven't seen her since she went 
to California over six months ago." 

Clark smiled.  "I'm sure that will be nice.  I look forward to 
seeing her again too.  In fact, tell you what, I'll bring over 
take out for all of us tonight, and after dinner you and I can 
go over whatever Jimmy has found for us by then."

Lois pondered that for a moment.  "Sounds okay with me.  I 
just hope that Jimmy will actually find something that can 
give us a lead.  I hate it when a story doesn't come 
together... what?"  Lois noticed that irritating faraway look 
Clark tended to get from time to time.  Like his attention was 
suddenly focused elsewhere.

Clark snapped his awareness back to Lois.  He'd been 
distracted by a bank alarm and knew he had to leave to take 
care of it as Superman.  "Ah - okay, that's what we'll do 
then.  Umm - I think I'd better go see how Jimmy is doing..." 
Clark began to make his way toward the stairwell.  "See you 
tonight."

Lois shook her head in resignation.  She doubted she'd ever 
understand some of the strange behavior of her partner.  

She suddenly jerked her head back up.  "Hey, " she exclaimed 
looking to see if Clark was still around.  "What stadium 
issue?"

***************************

Clark, as Superman, had a busy day.  After foiling a bank 
robbery, he also had to deal with a severe traffic accident, 
and a wild fire upstate.  He'd had to call Perry to cover for 
himself.  He claimed he was at the library doing research for 
his upcoming travel piece, and he also dictated a story on the 
bank robbery, which Superman had supposedly given him the 
details on.  Clark had then decided to actually do some of the 
research he needed for his article for the Sunday Supplement, 
so he flew over to Paris for a couple of hours.  He made some 
notes about a few restaurants and a hotel not on the normal 
tourist circuit.  

Clark decided he'd make one more stop before going home and 
preparing for tonight at Lois'.  Jimmy was going to email 
everything he found to Lois' home computer.  Hopefully it 
would, at least, give them a starting point.  

*************************

Bill Henderson was working at shifting the stack of paper on 
the left side of his desk to the right side of his desk.  It 
had been a bad last few days and he had a feeling in the pit 
of his stomach that it was only going to get worse.  Of 
course, that could just be his ulcer acting up.  

This latest multiple murder investigation had all the earmarks 
of becoming something very nasty.  He allowed an audible sigh 
to escape from his lips.  He was especially on edge since it 
seemed to be focusing on the Daily Planet and their employees.  
As much as anyone in his position could, he considered some of 
the reporters at that paper as friends.  The Daily Planet 
actually had reporters who had ethics and the intelligence to 
work with the police instead of against them.   He figured 
that was because of a man like Perry White being in charge.  
Perry White was one of the few members of the fourth estate 
that Henderson genuinely respected.

Kent was another one.  The guy always played it straight with 
him.  Henderson shook his head in wonder.  Even Lois Lane, in 
a twisted sort of way, had her own solid set of ethics.  He 
and she butted heads many times in the past, but she was an 
exceptional investigator and Henderson couldn't help but think 
she'd make one hell of a detective.  

Henderson was interrupted by the watch commander sticking his 
head through the door into the Inspector's office.  "Bill, ah, 
Superman is here to see you..."

Henderson reacted with surprise.  "Umm, send him in."

Henderson had met Superman on several occasions, and found it 
interesting that the Man of Steel wasn't any taller than he 
was.  Still, there was something about the man that just 
inspired awe.  Maybe it was the suit, but there was a presence 
about Superman that couldn't be ignored.  

"Thank you for seeing me, Inspector."  Superman strode 
confidently into the small office, the bright primary colors 
of the suit contrasting with the browns and grays of the walls 
and carpeting.

Henderson indicated the chair in front of his desk.  "No 
problem, what can I do for you, Superman?"

Clark put on his best Superman mask.  "I'm here to offer you 
my help with the Planet reporters murder case."   Clark 
shifted a little uneasily in his seat.  "As you know I have 
friends at the Daily Planet, and I'd like to do whatever I can 
to bring this sick person to justice before anyone else is 
hurt or killed."

Henderson nodded.  "I'd be grateful for any help you can give 
me, but seriously,  I don't know what you can do.  Outside of 
the grisly method the killer employs, which all the papers 
have reported on, the only other piece of information we have 
is that the autopsies show that both victims were drugged."

"Drugged?"  Clark leaned closer.  This was new information.

"Yes," Henderson confirmed.  "But it was just a sedative.  
Probably used by the killer to make his victims more docile, 
and easier to handle.  We have tried to trace the purchase of 
the drug, but it's quite common and easily obtainable with a 
prescription."

Clark perked up.  "A prescription?  Couldn't you use that to 
trace possible suspects?"

Henderson allowed himself a pathetic chuckle.  "Oh, we tried 
that, but gave up after we reached two thousand plus 
prescriptions written for the drug in the last six months.  
Metropolis is a big city, and a lot of its citizens need a 
little help to relax."


"I see."  Superman stood up and shook Henderson's hand.  
"Well, if you think of any way that I might be of help please 
let me know.  Thank you for your time."  

Henderson watched Superman stride from his office.  "Anytime, 
Superman."  Henderson started to sit back down.  "Wait... how 
would we..." he noticed Superman had already gone,  "get a 
hold of you?"  He finished, speaking only to himself.

******************

The only light in the dark, dank apartment was a soft grayness 
that managed to filter through the thin rags that passed as 
curtains.  The lone living occupant was scurrying about the 
small main room.  He had business to take care of.

He glanced over at the sheet-wrapped body that occupied a 
large portion of the floor.  He knew he had to wait until it 
was quite dark before he could safely move and dispose of the 
body.  He had to smile as his gaze raked the nearly shapeless 
form so tightly wrapped in front of him.

His smile saddened as he thought how this particular killing 
had to remain a secret.  Unlike his other, more  *newsworthy* 
efforts, this particular achievement would have to remain 
unnoticed.  While his other, more ostentatious killings had 
been killings of purpose and vengeance, this pathetic creature 
lying at his feet had been killed out of necessity and 
accommodation.  He hoped his dearly departed victim could 
appreciate the subtle difference, but somehow he doubted it.

Looking about the dingy apartment, the man had to smile when 
he thought of the new digs he'd soon be enjoying.  The man lit 
a cigarette, and settling back in the threadbare chair, which 
represented the only usable piece of furniture in the room, 
waited for the night.  

*********************

Lois Lane pushed her apartment door open with her foot.  Her 
hands were otherwise occupied with several files, and a 
handbag that seemed to grow larger, and heavier, everyday.  
She deposited everything on a side table as she entered, and 
kicked the door shut behind her.

"Lucy, are you here?"  Lois shouted.

"Yeah, right here."

Lucy Lane came around the corner, with a large book in her 
hand.  Lois rushed up and gave her a hug.  She then stepped 
back and gave her baby sister a critical look, from head to 
toe.

"You look great.  How are you doing?"

Lucy gave her big sister a big smile.  "I'm doing great, and 
somehow I thought you might like the changes."

Lois grinned.  "So, what do you have there?"  Lois asked 
indicating the large book that Lucy held.

Lucy chuckled.  "Well I know that you might be unfamiliar with 
it, but it's called a cookbook."  Lucy held it up and grinned 
at Lois' mock scowl.  "Unlike one of the Lane sisters, who 
shall remain nameless, I can cook, so I thought I'd see what I 
could make depending on what you had in your pantry."  Lucy 
shook her head in disgust.  "Based on what you have around, we 
can either have boiled carrots, or cream of carrot soup with a 
generous side of double fudge ripple ice cream."

Lois pretended to think about it for a moment.  "As tempting 
as that sounds, we don't have to worry about dinner.  Clark is 
bringing over some take out for all of us."

A sly smile crept onto Lucy's face.  "Clark, huh, that's 
interesting.  He's bringing dinner right to your door now?"

Lois shook her head rolling her eyes.  "No, he's not.  He's 
bringing  *us* dinner.  And it's no big deal.  We often share 
a take out meal, or a pizza, when we have *work* to do."  Lois 
gave Lucy a sarcastic smile.  "He is my partner, remember?"

"And...?"  Lucy added.

"And what?"  Lois responded a bit crossly.  "Don't go there, 
Lucy.  Clark is my work partner... and my friend."  Lois gave 
Lucy a stern look.  "And that's all."

Lucy clucked her tongue as she shook her head.  "That's too 
bad.  What a waste."

Lois gave her sister a puzzled look.  "What's all this about 
Clark anyway?  You've only met him a couple of times, months 
ago."

Lucy shrugged.  "He seemed like a nice guy."  Lucy winked.  
"And you have to admit he's awfully cute - no, make that 
gorgeous."

"Lucy!"  Lois gave her giggling sister a look of exasperation.  
"Never mind, I'm going to change into something more 
comfortable.  Clark will probably get here fairly soon."

Lucy's lips formed an O and her eyes went wide.  "Changing 
into something more *comfortable*, huh." 

"Lucy!"

Lucy's laughter drowned out anything else Lois might have 
muttered.  Suddenly a knock at the door caught her attention.  
"I'll get it, " she said.

Lucy opened the door and had to swallow a noisy exhalation of 
surprise.  Clark stood there holding several cartons of what 
looked to be Chinese.  And he looked better than Lucy ever 
remembered.  He was dressed casually in a pair of gray casual 
slacks and a black pullover turtle neck shirt.  The shirt was 
tucked tightly into his pants in such a manner that it fit 
snugly across the broad expanse of his chest.  A nasty little 
corner of Lucy's mind wished that Clark would turn around so 
she could check out his... don't go there girl, she silently 
admonished herself.

"Come on in, Clark."  She stepped back.  "Lois is getting 
changed."

Clark had to quell his own exclamation of surprise.  Lucy had 
changed in the six months or so that he'd last seen her.  
She'd filled out a bit, in all the right places.  She looked 
as if she had been working out some too.  She had traded in 
the long curls for a simpler, shoulder-length page cut.  Very 
similar to Lois'.  Lucy had always been an attractive young 
woman, but her resemblance to Lois was even more obvious now.

"Wow," Clark finally said.  "Lucy, you look terrific.  
California must have been good to you."  Clark smiled as he 
said that.

Lucy's heart skipped a beat at being the recipient of Clark's 
megawatt smile.  She had to turn away for a moment, blushing.  
"You're just saying that because I look a lot more like Lois 
now."

Clark chuckled.  "Well, there definitely is a family 
resemblance, but you've always been a beautiful young woman in 
your own right."

Lucy blushed again, then turned and shouted over her shoulder.  
"Lois, is it okay if  *I* marry Clark?"

"Sure," came the disembodied reply from the next room.

A few moments later, a more 'comfortable' Lois, dressed in 
jeans and a sweatshirt, came into the living room and crossed 
over to where Clark and Lucy were standing.  She grabbed a 
couple of the cartons from Clark and brought them over to the 
table.  He followed with the rest, Lucy quickly bringing up 
the rear.

Lois opened one of the containers and sampled a small morsel.  
"Ohhh, you've really got to tell me where you get this from.  
It is always the best Chinese I've ever eaten."

Clark smiled enigmatically at the Lane sisters.  "A man's got 
to have some secrets."

Lois leaned back and favored Clark with an appraising stare.  
"Fair warning, Kent, someday I'm going to know all your 
secrets."

Clark's lips formed a little half smile.  "I look forward to 
it, Lois."

Lois gave Clark a quizzical look but before she could comment 
further Lucy piped up.

"Enough talk, let's eat."

********************
(Chapter Four)

Dinner had gone well.  Most of the small talk had revolved 
around Lucy's time in California, and her desire to now go 
back to school.  Shortly after the meal, knowing that Lois and 
Clark were planning on working, Lucy excused herself.  She 
planned to look up a few old friends.  Now it was just Lois 
and Clark, and work.

Lois pulled several sheets of paper out of the exit tray of 
her printer.  She had downloaded the stuff Jimmy found for 
them directly to her printer so she and Clark could work more 
comfortably at the couch.  She came over and sat at one end of 
the couch, Clark already occupying the other, and dropped the 
considerable stack of paper on the coffee table.  They fell 
with a thump, landing next to the pile of folders that Lois 
had brought home with her.

"What are these?"  Clark asked indicating the small stack of 
file folders.

"Those are the files on several criminals that the Daily 
Planet brought to justice over the last 28 years that I 
thought might be possible suspects."  Lois shrugged.  "I 
queried the archives for cases that involved violent crimes, 
and/or criminals who may have vowed revenge on anyone."

Clark gave Lois a questioning look.  "Why 28 years?"

"That's the longest tenure of anyone still working at the 
Planet."  Lois shrugged again.  I guessed that for any sort of 
vengeance killing to make any sense there still had to be some 
connection between the criminal and the Planet."

Clark nodded.  "Makes sense.  Who's been there 28 years?"

Lois smiled.  "Perry."

Clark chuckled.  "Of course."

"Not a lot here."  Clark noted as he picked up the few file 
folders.

"Well the list got narrowed down quite a bit once I started 
checking into it.  Many of the names on my first list are 
deceased, or still in prison."  Lois frowned.  "Still, even 
those few files I brought home don't really seem like the kind 
of person who would commit this kind of sick, brutal murder."   
She pulled two files from the stack.  "These two are the only 
ones that even remotely could be possibles to my mind."

Clark accepted them from Lois and flipped the first one open.  
"The Prankster?"  Clark looked at Lois, puzzled.

"Kyle Griffin, he was someone I managed to put away a few 
years ago.  When I contacted the prison, I was given the run 
around, so I'm not sure of his status at present."  Lois 
frowned as she dug back into her memory.  "He was prone to 
wild, elaborate prank-like actions.  He didn't seem to care if 
others got hurt in the process, but this beheading his victims 
doesn't seem to be his style."  Lois looked over at Clark.  
"His pranks were always supposed to be funny, in a twisted 
sort of way.  I don't know of anyone who would think the 
murders of Cat and Eduardo could be funny on any level."

"Then why is he here?"  Clark asked.

"Just because I can't account for his whereabouts... and he 
was not exactly happy with  *me* at his capture and subsequent 
trial."

Clark flipped open the other folder.  "Marie Richards.  I 
remember this case.  We studied this in my journalism class.  
She tried to blow up the Daily Planet, didn't she?"

Lois nodded.  "Yeah, it was back in the late sixties, but I 
remember she was supposed to have been a member of some 
terrorist cult group.  They had targeted the Daily Planet as 
some sort of puppet voice of the oppressors of their cause."  
Lois shook her head in bewilderment.  "Who knows what thoughts 
ran through the heads of those drugged-out nut cases.  They 
were surprised by a swat team and all of the group, except 
Marie, were killed.  It was a highly publicized trial because 
Troy Matthews was her attorney."

"Oh yes, now I remember."  Clark nodded in agreement.  "He 
tried to argue that she was merely expressing her 
constitutional right to protest, or something stupid like 
that."

Lois shook her head in disgust.  "Yeah, he tried to say that 
the explosives were really harmless smoke bombs and the stuff 
the police supposedly confiscated were planted to justify 
their over-zealous killing of the other members of the group."

"Well, I think that she would be more inclined to think of the 
Daily Planet as an institutional entity, and more likely to 
attack the physical building again.  But I suppose, killing 
off its reporters would effectively silence its voice.  And 
the gruesomeness of the killings would definitely draw 
attention to her acts, but usually those kind of people want 
you to know who's behind the deeds.  Otherwise their cause 
isn't getting the attention they desire."  Clark shrugged.  
"Still, I guess  the taking credit could still be upcoming.  
You're right, she is a possible."

Lois frowned.  "One problem."  Lois continued when she saw 
Clark's questioning look.  "She's seventy three and in ill 
health."  

Lois pursed her lips as she tilted her head, obviously 
thinking of something else.  "Clark, what about the Metro 
gang?  Do you think any of them could still be around and out 
for some sort of revenge.  They were gangsters, and we know 
they do stuff like putting horse heads into people's beds as a 
warning."

Clark chuckled as he shook his head.  "No, I don't think so.   
All the leaders of the Metro gang are still behind bars, and 
this isn't a movie, Lois.  
Besides, what good is a message if no one knows who it's 
from?"  Clark tossed the files back onto the table.  "I guess 
we should check into the *disgruntled former employee* list."

Lois pulled the sheaf of papers she'd brought from her printer 
off the table..  She glanced at the first page.  "Well, there 
are 122 former Daily Planet employers still living, 66 of them 
retired under normal, amiable circumstances, and 23 left of 
their own volition to take positions elsewhere or left town.   
That leaves 33 people who were fired, or laid off."  Lois 
raised her head and caught Clark's eyes.  "I guess we should 
start setting some criteria for a person who could commit such 
horrible murders."


Clark bit his lip.  "I don't know how anyone could commit such 
an act against another person, but I suppose you're right."  

Lois nodded sympathetically.  She knew that her partner was a 
bit naive when it came to the evils that existed in the world.  
He was also one of the most compassionate people she'd ever 
known, and she knew that the sick nature of the two murders 
affected him deeply.  Especially since it had happened to two 
people he knew.   She flashed back to how Clark had seemed to 
guess what that last box might have contained and had 
prevented her from seeing it.  It was so Clark.  A part of her 
resented his assertion that she needed shielding from such a 
sight, but a part of her was glad that he had.  For all her 
tough, big city bluster, she never got used to the depths of 
depravity that some people could sink to.

Lois began to scan the other sheets, looking for more 
information.  "I guess it would take someone of reasonable 
size and strength to be able to physically manhandle two full 
grown adults and, er - mutilate them like he did."

"He?"

Lois looked up in surprise.  "You think a woman could have 
done this?"

Clark shrugged.  "I'm not willing to rule out anyone just yet.  
Henderson said that both Cat and Eduardo had been drugged.  
They were given some sort of sedative, probably to make them 
more easy to manage."

Lois gave Clark a suspicious look.  "How do you know that?  
Henderson never said anything of the sort to me, or on 
record."

Clark, realizing his mistake, looked away for a moment while 
he composed his answer.  "Ah, well, I ran into Superman before 
I came over and he said he'd talked to Henderson.  Henderson 
told Superman about the drugs.  Apparently the toxicology 
reports had only recently come back."  Clark grinned weakly.

Lois frowned.  "Okay, Kent, out with it.  How is it that you 
seem to be able to run into Superman whenever it is convenient 
to do so?"

"Lois, I don't run into Superman whenever it's convenient."

"Oh no?"  Lois' look became challenging.  "No one else in this 
city, myself included, has  a clue how to get in contact with 
Superman, well, beyond being thrown off a tall building or 
something.  But you seem to be buddy buddy with the Man of 
Steel, and can reach him any time you need to."

Clark stared at his feet as he thought furiously.  "It's not 
quite what you think, Lois."  He looked at her and noticed her 
'so, explain it to me' stare..  "Actually, we are friends, 
sort of.  You see, ah, I do Superman's laundry for him."

"You - do - his - laundry?"  Lois blinked a couple of times 
while shaking her head.  

"It's not like he has a washing machine."

Lois seized on Clark's words.  "You know where he lives?  I 
mean, when he's not out playing superior."

"No, I didn't mean that."  Clark indicated the pile of papers 
in Lois' hands..  "Lois, I think we have more important things 
to worry about right now than where Superman may or may not 
hang out during his off hours."

Lois looked down at the stack in her hands.  "I guess you're 
right."  She looked back up and made direct eye contact with 
Clark.  "But don't think this discussion is over, Kent.  One 
of these days you're going to have to explain this 
relationship you seem to have with Superman."  She noticed 
that Clark didn't seem to have anything to say to that.

****************

The man groaned just a little as he dragged his burden down 
the back stairs of the flea bag hotel.  It wasn't terribly 
late, but it was plenty dark and the man wasn't too worried 
about being 'discovered'.  The folks in this neighborhood 
tended to mind their own business.  More often than not they 
looked the other way and had notoriously poor memories.

The tightly wrapped bundle, that was once a human being, 
thumped  consecutively on each stair tread as they made their 
way down the stairs to the back door.  He had a long way to go 
tonight in order to dump this useless corpse.  It wouldn't do 
to have this body showing up anytime soon.  That would 
definitely put a crimp in his plans, and that would be 
unfortunate because they had been going along quite well so 
far.

*******************

After a couple of hours of poring over the data Jimmy had 
given them, and arguing points for and against for each 
possible suspect, Lois and Clark had managed to narrow the 
list of possibles to three people.   Lois circled the three 
candidates with a red pen and laid the papers out on the table 
in front of them.

"Okay," Lois said, pointing to each name in turn.  "We have 
Roger Timmons,  Maggie Person,  and Jeb Dutcher.   All three 
were fired from the Daily Planet due to being caught engaging 
in criminal activity.  All were also reported to be very 
bitter."

"Yeah," Clark added.  "Roger Timmons was caught stealing funds 
from a Planet charity event, and was sentenced to seven years 
for felony theft.  He claimed it was money due him since the 
Daily Planet had been underpaying him for several years."  

Lois allowed herself a sad chuckle.  "Who doesn't think that?"

"True," Clark grinned.  "But according to this he was quite 
violent at his trial claiming that the Daily Planet had set 
out to ruin his life.  He even attempted to deny that he'd 
stolen the money, and that his managers had framed him.  He 
was due for a parole hearing about four months ago.   We'll 
have to check this out tomorrow, along with Maggie Person's 
current address."

Lois shook her head.  "I'm still not sure about her.  She 
falsely accused two coworkers of sexually abusing her.  I 
remember her.  It was just before you came on board.  She got 
quite violent when her story fell apart under the police 
investigation."  Lois bit her lip.  "I could understand her 
striking back at male Planet reporters, sort of as a twisted 
substitute for those two reporters she had fixated on.  But 
how does Cat figure in?"

Clark shrugged.  "Perhaps Cat's reputation as a... sexually 
active person made her a target.  Maggie was obviously a very 
sexually repressed individual."

"Yeah, maybe," Lois reluctantly agreed.  "I'll have to see if 
I can find out any information about her current whereabouts.  
She never went to jail for her actions, but was remanded to a 
psychiatric institution for treatment."  Lois shrugged.  "I 
never heard anything more about her."

Lois picked up the third sheet.  "This is my choice, Jebadiah 
Dutcher.  Just the name says serial killer."

"Lo-is."

Lois ignored Clark.  "This one goes way back.  Apparently he 
had a long time scam going with members of the city council.  
He used his position on the Planet, as its city government 
beat reporter, to either deflect, or tip off, the crooked 
politicians about any possible investigations which threatened 
them.  In exchange, he was given an extra little weekly 
stipend which amounted to quite a bit over time."

Clark nodded.  "Yeah, but that doesn't sound like the type of 
person who would suddenly be provoked to commit such heinous 
murders."

"Well, things went badly at the end for him.  Something 
happened during his escape attempt and his girl friend was 
killed.  He swore vengeance for her death."  Lois glanced 
again at the information written on Dutcher.  "He was given a 
fifteen year sentence due to his violent resistance to his 
arrest.  One officer was badly injured.  I don't see any 
indication as to whether he was ever paroled, or was released 
for any reason.  His sentence wouldn't be up for another two 
years."

"That's why I think Timmons is our best bet."

Lois shook her head.  "I dunno, something tells me it's 
Dutcher." Lois looked up at Clark and grinned.  "I guess that 
means it will be Maggie Person."

"Probably," Clark agreed with a slight laugh.  He stood.  
"Look, Lois, it's getting late.  We'll be better able to 
follow up on these three tomorrow at the Planet.  Maybe we can 
pick Perry's brain."

Lois rose and escorted Clark to the door.  "Sounds like a good 
plan, partner.  Thanks for the dinner.  I'll see you at work 
in the morning."

"Good night, Lois."  Clark stared into Lois' soft brown eyes, 
he had to fight a nearly overwhelming desire to lean down and 
kiss her.

"Good night, Clark."  Lois got the impression, for just a 
second, that Clark was going to kiss her.  She shook off the 
errant thought as she slowly closed the door behind her 
friend, and partner.  

Lois had no sooner closed the door, and had barely made it 
back to the living room when there was a knock on the door.  
Puzzled, Lois retraced her steps.

"What did you forget, Clark?"  Lois opened the door.

"I could go back and get him if you want.  I just passed him 
in the hallway."  Lucy stood out in the hallway grinning at 
her big sister and the surprised expression on her face.   
"Sorry, I forgot my key."  She explained as she entered.  
"Soooo, you and Clark were *working* late?"

Lois rolled her eyes at her sister.  "Yes, Lucy, we were 
*working* late."  Lois softened her tone and put her arm 
around Lucy's shoulder.  "I don't know how much of the news 
you've been reading lately, but Clark and I are assigned to 
the murders of the two Planet reporters."

Lucy instantly sobered.  "Yeah, I saw some of the headlines.  
Pretty gruesome stuff."  Lucy shook her head.  "Hard to 
believe that Cat Grant is dead."  Lucy turned and grabbed Lois 
by the arms.  "You guys think it's some nut getting revenge on 
the Daily Planet, don't you?"

Lois just nodded.

Lucy bit her lip.  "Are you in danger?"

Lois shrugged.  "Probably no more than any other Planet 
reporter."  Lois gave her baby sister a reassuring smile.  
"But don't worry about it.  With Clark and I on the case, this 
nutbag doesn't stand a chance."  Lois leaned her head against 
Lucy's.  "Now, it's late, and I don't know about you, but I'm 
beat, and I need to get some sleep.  I've got a big day ahead 
of me tomorrow, and if I'm not mistaken young lady, you have 
an appointment at Metro U?"

"Yeah, but that's just an introduction thing.  The big one is 
the day after tomorrow," Lucy answered.  "But it is late so I 
think I'll turn in also.  Good night, Lois."

"Good night, Lucy."

**************************

"You wished to see me, sir?"

"Ah, yes, good morning, Nigel, come in."  Lex waved his 
assistant over towards his desk.  "Have we had any progress on 
tracking down this 'Headsman', as the papers have dubbed him?"

"Well, I think I have it narrowed down to a former employee of 
the Planet's."  Nigel handed Luthor a slim file folder.

Luthor gave it a quick glance.  "Hmmmm, interesting fellow."  
Luthor looked up at his aide de camp.  "What makes you think 
he's the one?"

Nigel inclined his head briefly.  "If I may direct your 
attention to the final paragraph."

Luthor read over the indicated passage a smile slowly 
spreading over his face as he did so.  "I see, very good, 
Nigel.  Do we know where this individual currently resides."

"Unfortunately, no, sir."  Nigel tried to look contrite.  "My 
sources were able to confirm his arrival in Metropolis three 
weeks ago, but the last address they had for him, a run down 
establishment in one of the seedier sections of the city, has 
drawn a blank."  Nigel shrugged.  "If he was there, he has 
since moved on.  I have some people out looking, but it seems 
that he has disappeared for the moment."

Luthor frowned.  "Well, I leave it in your hands, Nigel.  Keep 
me informed."  Luthor turned his attention to other things on 
his desk.

"Of course, sir."  Nigel excused himself.

**********************
(Chapter Five)

Lois sat at her desk at the Daily Planet staring at her 
computer screen.  She chewed thoughtfully on the end of her 
pencil as she read the information contained there.  A frown 
creased her brow, but didn't reach her mouth, as she escaped 
from the file she had been reading.  Her attention was drawn 
toward the elevator as its bell announced the impending 
arrival of someone.

Lois made eye contact with Clark as soon as he stepped off the 
conveyance.  She gave him a jerk of her head, signaling him to 
approach her desk.  He crossed the distance in moments.

"Good morning, Lois, what's up?"

"You're late.  Where have you been?"  Lois asked, her 
attention focused back on her screen.

"Good morning, Clark, how's your day going?"  Clark responded 
sarcastically.

Lois glanced up at him and rolled her eyes.  She kept staring 
at him, obviously waiting for his excuse for being late.  
Clark had been tied up as Superman, fighting a fire down on 
the docks.  It hadn't taken him long to assist the Metropolis 
Fire Department in quenching the blaze, but it was enough to 
make him late as he had to go back home to shower.  He still 
smelled a little of smoke.  Of course, he couldn't tell Lois 
that.

"Um, I had to - return a video."  Clark smiled weakly.  "I 
didn't want to have to pay any late fees."

Lois raised her brow.  "Another video?  When do you have time 
to watch all these videos you're always renting?"  Lois shook 
her head, then gave Clark a searching look.  "What movie was 
it anyway?"

Clark looked around, stalling for time.  "Um, it was, Lethal 
Weapon."

Lois gave Clark a slight pout.  "Why didn't you call me?  I 
loved that movie."

Clark shrugged apologetically.  "Well, er, you see, Lois, I 
didn't actually ever get time to watch it, but it was due so I 
had to return it."

Lois shook her head.  "I'm beginning to worry about you, 
Clark."

"Well, don't worry, Lois."  Clark gestured toward Lois' 
computer screen.  "What do you have there?"

Lois snapped her attention back to her computer.  "Oh, I've 
been doing some checking on our suspect list from last night, 
and I think we can safely rule out Maggie Person."

"Oh, why?"  Clark asked as he tried to read over her shoulder.

"She died in a car accident six weeks ago."

"That would do it."  Clark tilted his head trying to see 
around Lois.  "What did you find out about Timmons, and 
Dutcher?"

Lois turned back to her computer screen.  "Roger Timmons was 
paroled a few months ago.  Seems he'd been a model prisoner."  
Lois jotted down information on a scratch pad.  "This is his 
current address and phone number."  Lois said handing Clark 
the scrap of paper.  "Why don't you phone him, try and get a 
read on him.  We might just have to go out and pay Mr. Timmons 
a visit."

"Okay," Clark answered as he angled toward his desk.  "What 
about Dutcher?"

Lois frowned at Clark.  "I'm having trouble tracking him.  By 
all rights, he should still be in prison, but I can't get into 
their current records and earlier I got nowhere on the phone."

Clark nodded sympathetically.  Lois' attention was again 
diverted by the elevator chime.  Her mood suddenly went a 
couple of shades darker as she saw who came out.  Linda King 
strolled out.  Lois noted she was conservatively dressed in a 
simple, but smart looking, jacket and skirt outfit.  Linda 
looked around the bullpen, as if checking out her new hunting 
grounds.  Linda's gaze finally fell on Lois, she flashed Lois 
a barracuda smile and sashayed toward Perry's office.

"Gee, and I wonder why I don't like that woman," Lois muttered 
to herself.

"Well, scratch another one."  Clark hung up the phone and came 
over to Lois' desk.  

"What?  Oh, you phoned Timmons.  What did he have to say?"

Clark ran his hand his hand through his hair.  "Well, I never 
talked to Timmons directly.  I talked to his daughter."  Clark 
saw Lois' puzzled look so he continued.  "She's there taking 
care of Timmons.  He had a stroke three weeks ago, and has 
been partially paralyzed ever since."

Several emotions played across Lois' face as she came over by 
Clark's desk.  "We'll have Jimmy check it out, just to make 
sure it's not some cover story."

Clark shrugged.  "She sounded sincere, but you're right.  We'd 
best make sure."

"People, can I have your attention please?"  

Lois and Clark were drawn away from their conversation, toward 
their editor and chief and his call for attention.  He was 
standing at the top of the ramp, Linda King was at his side.

"I just wanted to take this opportunity to introduce you all 
to the newest member of our little family here, Linda King."

"Thank you, Mr. White."  Linda cooed.

Perry nodded toward her, then turned his attention to the 
crowd.  "Now, I know things have been difficult lately.  We've 
all lost two admired colleagues, and have had to endure the 
yellow journalistic trash being spewed forth by the scandal 
rags.  But we can't let that drag us down.  The Daily Planet 
is the finest paper not only in this city, but in the country 
and I know that all of you will do your utmost to keep it that 
way."  Perry gave Linda a smile.  "In that vein, I know you 
all will do what you can to help make Ms. King's transition, 
and that of Sid Loomis next week, to our little family as 
smooth as possible."

Lois not only saw, but also felt Perry's eyes boring into her.  
Lois felt compelled to move back a step under the intensity of 
her boss's stare.  She forced a weak smile onto her face as 
she met his gaze.  

"Let me show you to your desk, Ms. King."  Perry led the woman 
down the ramp into the main floor of the bullpen.

Linda chuckled in a self-effacing manner.  "Oh, Mr. White, you 
must call me Linda.  Calling me Ms. King makes me think my 
mother is here."

Lois thought she was going to gag as she watched the by play 
between Perry and Linda as they walked by.  Lois had to bite 
her lip to keep from making an angry comment as Linda passed 
by and gave her a little wink, when suddenly Perry looked over 
his shoulder and locked gazes with her.

"I want to see you and Kent in my office in ten minutes."

Lois quickly turned and placed her hand on Clark's arm.  Her 
attention was still on the retreating forms of Perry and 
Linda.  "Can you believe the looks that Perry gave me?"  She 
turned her gaze onto Clark.  "Clark, you know me pretty well.  
I'd never let my personal feelings interfere with my 
professional opinion would I... Clark?"

Clark had to choke back an impending laugh.  "Ah, well, that 
is I think that you, I mean that it's obvious that a person of 
your, Ummm, what was the question?"

Lois stamped her foot in annoyance.  "Clark?"

Grinning, Clark began to move away from Lois.  "I'd better 
talk to Jimmy and have him check the hospital records.  We 
need to confirm Timmons' condition."  Clark hurried toward the 
back of the newsroom.  "I'll meet you back in Perry's office 
in a few minutes, " he flung back over his shoulder as he 
rushed off.

"Clark!"

****************

Clark sat next to his partner in the chairs facing editor 
Perry White's large, cluttered desk.  Lois refused to look at 
him when he'd come in moments ago.  Clark briefly wondered if 
his boss noticed the definite chill in the room, or if it was 
just him.

Perry didn't look good.  Clark guessed that the chief hadn't 
been sleeping well lately.  Perry mumbled crossly as he 
shuffled a pile of papers from one side of his desk to the 
other.  Finally he leaned back in his chair, ran his hand 
through his hair, and sighed.  Clark could see the pain and 
weariness in his eyes as Perry eventually looked at his two 
best reporters.

"I hope you two have some good news for me."  Perry reached 
over and snatched a sheet of paper from his overflowing in 
basket and tossed it in the general direction of Lois and 
Clark.  "Three of our bigger advertisers have pulled out.  
They are worried about their reputations.  Being associated 
with a target of a madman isn't good for business."  Perry 
sighed again.  "The sharks are circling, boys and girls."  He 
leaned forward expectantly.

Clark shrugged somewhat helplessly.  "Well, Chief, Lois and I 
have just started our investigation, and while we think we 
might..."

Lois rolled her eyes and cut Clark off.  "We've narrowed our 
lists of suspects down to a couple, Perry.  I think that 
either one could be the killer, but we..."

"Sorry guys, but Clark asked me to let him know as soon as I 
found out."  Jimmy had stuck his head into Perry's office and 
interrupted Lois.  "It checks out.  Roger Timmons was admitted 
to Metropolis General twenty two days ago.  He was released to 
home hospice care last week.  The prognosis isn't very good."

"Thanks, Jimmy," Clark replied.

"Timmons?  He was one of your suspects?"  Perry interjected 
with a thoughtful look on his face.

"Yes," Clark answered somewhat nervously.

"Yeah, but he was Clark's choice," Lois quickly insinuated.  
"What do you remember about a Jeb Dutcher?"

Perry leaned back in his chair again, nodding.  "Now there's a 
name I haven't thought about in years."  Perry studied Lois 
with a look that spoke of approval.  "That was one nasty time.  
Did you know that he and I were partners once?"  When the two 
reporters just shook their heads, Perry continued.  "Yeah, it 
was a shame, he was a good reporter, and a great writer.  
Never did understand why he chose to move over to the city 
government beat.  At least not until his complicity with the 
corrupt councilmen was discovered."

Clark leaned in.  "So, Chief, do you think that someone who 
got caught taking bribes is the kind of person who could 
commit these murders."

Perry seemed to think for a moment before answering.  "Well, 
like any good reporter he was passionate about things."  Perry 
shook his head.  "And he was none too happy with me."

Lois gave Perry a quizzical look.  "Why is that, Perry?"

Perry gave them both a rueful smile.  "It was an investigation 
of mine which uncovered what he was doing.  Oh, he was never 
the target of the investigation, but by association with the 
councilman I was investigating for, ah, inappropriate conduct, 
Jeb's dealings were discovered."  Perry snapped his chair 
upright in a rush.  "Great shades of Elvis, it all makes sense 
now."

Clark couldn't stop himself from reaching out and putting his 
hand on his editor's arm to steady him.  "What is it, Perry?"  
Clark asked, clearly worried with the violence of Perry's 
reaction.

"I'm sure you two read about the unpleasantness surrounding 
his capture?"  Both reporters nodded silently.  "That his 
girlfriend was killed in the car accident during the attempted 
escape?"  Again, they nodded.  "Well, I don't know how much 
detail you were able to get from your archive search, but the 
accident was particularly gruesome."

Perry shifted his weight in his seat, delaying as he searched 
for the right words.  "Seems that Jeb picked a vehicle that 
wasn't in the best of repair for his getaway.  He picked 
mine."  Perry ignored Lois' gasp as he continued.  "Times 
weren't the best, Alice had to stay home with the kids, money 
was tight.  Let's just say that my car was due for some much 
needed maintenance.  As the fates would have it, he grabbed my 
car for his getaway."  Perry stopped and took a breath.  "He 
tore out of here as soon as the police showed up.  He knew the 
jig was up.  He managed to escape from the Planet but the 
police closed in, shortly after he picked up his girlfriend.  
It was his undoing, really.  If he hadn't gone to get her, he 
just might have gotten away clean."  

Perry sighed.  "Well, those nearly worn out tires just 
couldn't take the strain he was putting on them, and one of 
the front tires blew.  He careened out of control and smashed 
into a parked truck.  The car collided with the trailer, the 
impact tearing the roof clean off the car."  Perry ran his 
hands through his hair again.  "Miraculously, Dutcher only had 
scrapes and bruises.  He must have ducked or something.  His 
girlfriend wasn't so lucky.  It was quick, but it was 
gruesome.  I doubt the poor woman ever knew what was about to 
happen."

Clark swallowed trying to force down a queasiness.  "You 
mean?"

Perry nodded sadly.  "Yeah, tore the poor girl's head from her 
body.  She was dead instantly.  Jeb went a little nuts and 
even though he was bruised and battered he attacked the 
arresting officers."

Lois was shaking her head.  "No wonder he has been beheading 
his victims.  It makes sense, in a grotesque sort of way.  
He's avenging himself on the Daily Planet," Lois looked up at 
Perry,  "and you, by killing his victims similarly to his 
girlfriend's death."

"Only one problem."  Clark felt he needed to bring up the 
obvious.  "Dutcher is still supposed to be in prison, so we 
*could* be way off base here."

Perry frowned at his reporters.  "What do you mean, 'supposed 
to be'?"

Lois looked a bit sheepish.  "I haven't been able to confirm 
that he still is in prison.  The official records say he is, 
but they haven't been updated in a month.  When I call, I'm 
told that only the warden can release that sort of 
information, and he is currently unavailable."

Perry pursed his lips.  "Sounds suspicious to me.  Well I 
guess you two know what you need to do next."

"Visit New Troy State Prison and ask to visit Jeb Dutcher?"  
Lois interjected quickly.

"No, darlin'," Perry said with a joyless smile.  "I think you 
two need to talk to Inspector Henderson.  If you were able to 
come up with Jeb Dutcher as a suspect, then I reckon his 
people did also.  Maybe he'll be willing to tell you the 
current whereabouts of the man."

Lois and Clark looked at each other guiltily as they stood to 
leave.  

"We'll take care of that right away, Perry."  Lois said 
nodding as she allowed Clark to precede her out the door.

Once they had reached their desks, Clark stopped Lois as she 
was reaching for her bag.  "Lois, I've got an idea."  He 
paused for a snide comment but continued when none was 
forthcoming.  "Henderson, may or may not have a line on this 
Jeb Dutcher.  And if he doesn't, I'm not sure he'd be too open 
with a couple of nosy reporters about it."  Clark paused for 
another breath, looking at Lois expectantly.  "Okay, why don't 
I try to get a hold of Superman and have him talk to 
Henderson.  Superman's already expressed an interest in the 
case, and had gotten Henderson to tell him things that he 
won't tell us.  Maybe he'll be more forthcoming with Superman 
than he would be with us?"

Lois was silent for a moment, then nodded her head.  "It makes 
sense.  I mean, who can turn down Superman?"  Lois reached 
down and picked up her bag.  "Let's go."

"What?"  Clark responded, confused.  "Where are we going?"

Lois placed on fist on her hip.  "You said you were going to 
try and contact Superman."  Lois gave Clark a sadistic smile.  
"And I'm going with you."

Clark felt like a trapped animal.  "Ah, you can't.  I mean, it 
doesn't work that way.  You can't be with me."

Lois eyed Clark suspiciously.  "Why?  What is this big mystery 
with you and Superman?  If it wasn't for the amazing kiss he 
gave me during our run in with Miranda, and that pheromone 
stuff, I'd wonder just what kind of relationship you *do* have 
with the Man of Steel."

"Lo-is," Clark replied nervously.  "It's not like that, it's 
just..." Clark found himself looking around for an avenue of 
escape.  He thought he saw one coming in the form of Linda 
King.  "Ah, never mind, just give me a few minutes to check on 
something with Jimmy, then we can leave."  Clark hurried off 
before Lois could say anything.

"Chased away another one, eh, Lois?"

Lois whirled around and came face to face with a smirking 
Linda King.  Lois took a deep breath and counted to ten before 
answering.

"No, as it happens Clark just has to check on something with 
Jimmy."  Lois returned Linda's smirk.  "Clark and I are on a 
*real* story.  What great bit of journalistic bombast have you 
got planned for your first Planet effort?  Perhaps you could 
do a story on the mating habits of the knob-tailed gecko?"

Bewildered by Lois' words, Linda fired back.  "I don't know 
what you're talking about, Lois, but I think that it's time 
you realize that we are no longer in college."  Linda shook 
her hair back in an angry gesture.  "I know you don't think 
so, but I *am* a good reporter.  I may be stuck with this 
society gig for a bit, but I plan to show Perry just how good 
I am."  Linda inched her face a little closer.  "Watch your 
back, Lois, because it might not be too long before you aren't 
the alpha female in this little band of reporters anymore."

Lois' eyes blazed.  "You are so pathetic.  You may have been 
able to scam those losers at the Star, but Perry White is not 
going to be influenced by your batting your eyelashes at him.   
If you can't produce, which I know you can't, you'll be out 
the door quicker than it takes you to undress for one of your 
dates."

"How very droll, Lois.  Still the ever ready wit, I see."  
Linda chuckled.  "Speaking of dates, how are you and Clark 
getting on these days?"  Linda looked at Lois under hooded 
eyes.  "I mean, when he and I were partners, we shared some 
pretty special times."

Lois' fists clenched and unclenched at her sides several 
times.  "Puh-lease, give me a break.  Clark was undercover.  
He probably thought you were in on the deal."  Lois cocked an 
eyebrow at Linda.  "I'm still not convinced you aren't as 
guilty as Carpenter was."  Lois paused for a breath.  "As far 
as Clark is concerned, you steer clear of him.  He's a good 
guy, and is a little naive.  He's too trusting, even of back-
stabbing conniving witches like you."

Linda smiled seductively.  "So, are you two going out, or 
what?"

"What?"  Lois looked shocked.  "No, of course not.  He's my 
partner, and my friend.  We *work* very well together, that's 
all.  Not that it's any of your business."  Lois shook her 
head angrily.  "Now if you'll excuse me, Clark and I have some 
important business to take care of."

"Really?"  Linda asked too innocently. 

Lois eyed her suspiciously.  "Yes..."

Linda gave Lois a big barracuda smile.  "Then why is he 
sneaking onto the elevator?"

"What?"  Lois whirled just in time to see the elevator doors 
closing, with Clark inside.  "Clark!"

Lois rushed up the ramp and punched savagely at the call 
button, but it was too late.  The car had already left.

*******************
(Chapter Six)

Inspector Henderson stood as Superman entered his small, drab 
office once again.  He knew that he was in his office, and 
that Superman was the visitor, but he just couldn't help 
feeling like some junior officer being visited by his 
commanding officer.  Henderson knew that the feeling was 
ridiculous, and that Superman had never, nor would he ever try 
to make Henderson feel that way.  It was just, of all the 
senior staff at the Metropolis P.D., Henderson seemed to have 
more contact with the Man of Steel, and saw first hand what a 
difference this alien wonder man had made in their city.  He 
was less in awe of Superman's powers than he was of the innate 
goodness and caring.  Henderson often caught himself getting 
cynical, and chalked it up to one of the consequences of the 
job.  Still, with all that pain and evil that Superman had 
seen and dealt with in his short career so far, he was still 
always upbeat and positive.  Henderson didn't know how he did 
it, but he was grateful that he did.

"Welcome, Superman.  What can I do for you, this time?"  
Henderson wasn't sure, but Superman almost seemed a little 
nervous.

"Thanks for your time again, Inspector.  I've got a possible 
suspect name in the Daily Planet murders to run by you."

Henderson couldn't help the half smile.  "Don't tell me, let 
me guess, Lane and Kent?"

Superman smiled.  "Yes, they've done some research and come up 
with a Jebadiah Dutcher.  A former employee of the Planet 
who's currently doing time in New Troy State Prison."

Henderson shook his head in admiration.  "I've got to give 
them credit, they're good."  Henderson sat down, and indicated 
for Superman to do the same.  "Yeah, we made the connection 
with Dutcher also.  We did have the advantage of knowing that 
he escaped from prison a few weeks ago."

Superman stood up in alarm.  "He's escaped?"  Superman made an 
effort to calm himself.  "I'm assuming that since he's not in 
custody that you don't know where he is?"

Henderson nodded.  "Yeah, I'm afraid that's correct.  When he 
first broke out of prison, only the normal procedures were 
instituted to find him.  After the second murder, one of the 
detectives came up with his name as a possible."  Henderson 
shrugged.   "He had no priors for murder, or psychotic 
behavior so he wasn't on the top of our list of possibles.  It 
wasn't until someone dug a little further into his background 
that he became out number one suspect."  Henderson stood also.  
"I'm afraid the only thing we do know is that he was spotted 
over on the east side a few days ago, but seems to have 
dropped out of sight.  Believe me, we've got APBs out on him.  
It's only a matter of time until someone spots him again and 
we can pick him up."

Superman nodded.  "I'm sure you're doing all you can, 
Inspector.  I'd like to help.  Could you spare a recent photo 
of him?  The only references that Lois and Clark had were 
pretty dated."

Henderson nodded.  "Sure... and Superman - I know you're going 
to share this information with Lane and Kent.  Let them know 
that this is still an ongoing police investigation.  That they 
can't print anything without my prior approval, and ask them 
to be discreet about this.  If he is indeed our killer we 
don't want to tip Dutcher to the fact that we suspect him."  
Henderson paused for a moment.  "And tell them to be careful.  
I'd hate to have to add them to the list of Dutcher's 
victims."

"Thanks, Inspector."  Superman accepted the photocopy of 
Dutcher's last mug shot.  "I'll let you know if I find 
anything."  Superman paused at the door.  "And I'm sure Lois 
and Clark will share anything pertinent that they find also."

Henderson snorted.  "Yeah, I'll bet.  Well, Kent might, but I 
won't hold my breath waiting for Lane to share."

Superman smiled at the laconic detective.  "Don't sell Lois 
short, Inspector.  There isn't a more passionate seeker of 
truth and justice in this city than Lois Lane."  Superman 
quickly exited, leaving Henderson to ponder his words in 
solitude.

************************

Clark wished that the elevator would go slower.  He was not 
looking forward to facing Lois.  She was going to be mad, and 
with good reason.  He had snuck out on her, and now it was 
time to explain himself.  Of course, he had no explanation.  
At least, not one that she would believe.  It was too bad the 
truth was not an option... not yet anyway.

He checked the bag containing the chocolate eclair that he 
held.  He knew it was an obvious peace offering, and she'd 
know it too, but he thought that it wouldn't hurt.  Too soon 
the bell chimed announcing he'd arrived at his floor, and the 
door opened.

Clark stepped out of the elevator, his gaze instantly seeking 
out Lois' desk.  She wasn't there.  Clark wasn't sure if he 
was glad for the stay of execution or not.  There was 
something to be said for 'getting it over with'.  He walked 
down to her desk and set the bag on her desk.  He then 
returned to his desk and booted up his computer.  

Clark had actually gotten himself immersed enough in his 
travel article for the Sunday supplement that he didn't notice 
Lois' return until she was standing next to his desk.  Looking 
up, he saw Lois holding the bag with the eclair in front of 
her.  She released it, allowing it to fall into his waste 
basket.  Not saying a word, she turned on her heel and went 
back to her desk.

Sighing, Clark got up and followed her.  "Lois, look I'm sorry 
I took off without you.  It was just that, er - I saw you 
engaged in a conversation with Linda and I didn't want to 
disturb that.  I thought that maybe the two of you could use 
the time to, ah, work out your differences."

Lois looked up from her screen at Clark.  She gave him an 
insincere smile.  "How thoughtful of you."  She turned her 
attention back to her computer.

Clark dropped his head and sighed.  "Look, Lois, do you want 
to know what I found out or not?"

Lois spun around in her seat and stared balefully at Clark.  
"Are you sure you can trust me with the knowledge?  I wouldn't 
want to try and pry any deep dark secrets from you."

"Fine." Clark waved his hands in a gesture of dismissal.  "I 
won't tell you that Dutcher escaped from prison a few weeks 
ago, and that he's the police's number one suspect."  Clark 
walked back to his own desk and sat down feigning attention to 
his own computer screen.

"What?"  Lois jumped up and followed him back over to his 
desk.  "He escaped?  Do they know where he is?  Why isn't he 
in custody?"

Clark gave Lois a placid look.  "Yes, No, because they can't 
find him."

Lois sat down on the corner of his desk.  "Give."

Clark proceeded to fill Lois in on the details that Henderson 
gave to Superman.  He was careful to put a lot of 'Superman 
said' and Superman told me' in his narrative.  Lois frequently 
frowned during the retelling of his interview with Henderson, 
via Superman, but she didn't interrupt.  Clark handed Lois the 
likeness of Jeb Dutcher that Henderson had given him.

"This doesn't help us much."  Lois frowned deeper as she 
looked over the photo.  "He doesn't seem to have any unusual 
features that would be hard to disguise."

Clark looked at Lois, puzzled.  "What do you mean?"

Lois sighed.  "Clark, Dutcher is wanted felon who has recently 
escaped from prison.  Every cop in the city is going to have 
this mug shot.  Dutcher was a good reporter, he's not stupid, 
he'll know that."  Lois waved the photo at Clark.  "But look 
at him, a little make up, a beard, a mustache, a different 
hairstyle, maybe some glasses... what?"  Lois noticed a funny 
look on Clark's face.

"Nothing - but I see what you mean.  It wouldn't be hard for 
him to make himself look different."  Clark shrugged.  
"Keeping in mind, what Henderson warned us about, what do we 
do next?"

"Well I think that... Oh no."  Lois was interrupted by the 
arrival of Linda King.

"I see you found your  *partner* again, Lois," Linda said 
sweetly.

"We're trying to *work* here Linda.  What do you want?"

"From you, Lois, nothing."  Linda turned her attention to 
Clark.  "I wanted to ask Clark here if he'd allow me to take 
him to dinner tonight, my treat.  Sort of a celebration of my 
new job, and maybe he could fill me in on how things work 
around here.  Who are the people to get to know, who are the 
fools, who I should avoid."  Linda turned her stare on Lois.

Clark cleared his throat.  "Ah, that would be nice, Linda, but 
Lois and I have a lot of work to do.  Don't we, Lois?"  Clark 
gave Lois a hopeful look.

"That's right," Lois quickly answered.  "As I mentioned to you 
earlier, Linda,  Clark and I are working on...  oh wait,  I 
can't work tonight."  Lois saw the blank expressions on both 
Clark and Linda's faces.  "I've got a date tonight.  I can't 
possibly cancel again.  I've already put Lex off twice this 
week."

Clark just frowned but Linda seemed stunned.

"Lex? As in Lex Luthor?"

It was Lois' turn to give Linda the saccharine smile.  "Yes, 
Linda, I have a date with Lex tonight.  We have been seeing 
each other for a while now."  Lois' voice got low and ominous.  
"Why, are you planning on trying to steal him away from me 
too?"

"Not at all, I'm thrilled for you, Lois."  Linda replied with 
a smile that would put a diabetic into a coma.  "It works out 
perfectly.  That means Clark is free to have dinner with 
*me*."  Linda turned back to Clark, her look suddenly sincere.  
"That is, if you want to, Clark?"

Clark hadn't been paying much attention to the exchange 
between the two woman.  He had allowed his attention to wander 
once he'd heard that Lois was going out with Luthor.  It 
really bothered him, with what he knew about Luthor, that she 
was seeing him.  Sure, he couldn't prove anything, but Lois 
knew how he felt and that he thought Luthor wasn't what he 
appeared to the rest of the world.  Lois was all about trust, 
but she wouldn't trust her partner's word on this, she needed 
proof.  

"Clark?"

Clark snapped his attention back to the two women in front of 
him.  "What? Sorry, I didn't hear you."

Linda ran her finger along his arm.  "I asked if you wanted to 
have dinner with me tonight, Clark?  As long as Lois is going 
out on her own date, that means you're free from working 
tonight."

Lois brushed Linda's finger off Clark's arm, trying to make it 
look casual.  "No, it doesn't.  Clark is still going to be 
working on our story tonight, aren't you, Clark?"  

Clark stood up and frowned at his partner.  "Let me get this 
straight.  You can go out on a night on the town with Luthor, 
but I'm supposed to stay here and work on  *our* story?"

Lois backed off her attitude a bit.  "Well, no, you can do it 
from home.  I'm sure there is more data we can compile from 
records, and archived accounts of Dutcher's former friends and 
his former haunts."

"No, Lois, I think that if you feel that you can take the 
night off, then maybe I can too.  It's not as if the police 
aren't looking for him too."

Lois stared daggers at Clark.  "Fine, you can do what ever 
want!  I'm not your conscience."

Clark returned Lois' hard stare.  "Fine, I will!"

Linda smiled.  "Great, I'll pick you up at seven thirty."  
Linda patted Clark on the arm, then giving Lois one last 
victory smile, left the two feuding partners to their own 
devices.

*******************

Lois slammed the door behind her as she stormed into her 
apartment.  She was still angry at Clark for being such a 
fool.  Didn't he understand the kind of woman Linda King was?  
She was just trying to use him to further her own career at 
the paper.  How many times did she have to tell him about her?  
Wasn't he listening when she told him that she knew things 
about her that he didn't know?

"Lois?  Is that you?"  Lucy came out of the second bedroom 
which she had made her own for the time being.

"Yeah, it's me."  Lois turned to see her little sister come in 
from the other room.  "Hey, that's my sweat shirt,"  Lois 
frowned as she noticed what her sister was wearing.

Lucy grinned.  "Really?  I would have thought that it was 
Clark's."  Lucy pulled on the edges of the overly large 
Smallville High sweatshirt.

Lois grimaced at Lucy.  "Well, it is, er, was Clark's.  He 
gave it to me when I was last in Smallville.  It was a chilly 
night."  Lois glanced at her watch.  "Crap! I'm going to be 
late."

Lucy raised her brow.  "Oh, *working* late with Clark again?"

"No," Lois answered curtly.  "If you must know, I have a 
date."

Lucy brightened.  "Really?  That's great."  A sly smile 
crossed Lucy's face.  "Is it with Clark?"

Lois shook her head in disgust.  "No, of course it's not with 
Clark."  Lois affected a superior tone.  "I'll have you know 
that I'm going out tonight with none other than Lex Luthor."  
Lois tried to keep the smugness out of her voice but didn't 
entirely succeed.

"Luthor?"  Lucy asked, surprised.  "You're going out with Lex 
Luthor?  Why?"

Lois had started toward her bedroom but stopped and faced her 
sister.  "What do you mean, why?  You were always the one who 
wanted me to go out on dates.  Well, I'm going out with the 
most eligible bachelor in all of Metropolis and you sound 
disappointed."

Lucy shrugged.  "Oh, I'm sure the money is nice, and from the 
pictures I've seen, he's good looking, but I don't see him as 
right for you."

Lois sighed.  "Not you too."

"What do you mean?"

"Never mind, I just find it so amusing that everyone thinks 
that going out with a handsome, wealthy, and charming man is a 
bad thing."  Lois shook her head in wonder.  "I get to see all 
the best plays and operas.  We go to the finest restaurants.  
Do you know that he flew me to Paris a couple of weeks ago, 
just for dinner and dancing?"

Lucy shrugged again.  "Yeah, that's all very impressive, but I 
always thought you'd be better off with someone more down to 
earth.  Someone who you can have fun with."

"I have fun with Lex," Lois protested.

"Oh?  Do you go to ball games together?  Does he join in on 
your poker games?  Have the two of you ever gone bowling?"

"Bowling?" Lois said.  "Why would I want to go bowling?"

"Oh come on, Lois, you used to love to go bowling.  It was 
something that we both did to get away from the folks every 
Friday night."

Lois frowned at Lucy.  "Yeah, until you discovered boys."

Lucy blushed.  "Whatever, but when was the last time you went 
bowling, or just had some innocent fun?  When have you gone 
out with a normal guy, no interviews, no special conditions, 
just two people out for a good time?"

Lois studied Lucy for several moments.  "I know what this is 
about.  This has nothing to do with Luthor, or whether or not 
he's a *fun* date.  This is about Clark, isn't it?"  Lois' 
eyes bore down on her sister.  "For some reason you've focused 
on Clark as being the guy for me."

Lucy blushed again.  "I like Clark," Lucy admitted in 
embarrassment.

"Fine, you date him.  No wait, you can't, he's already on a 
date."  

Lois watched as her sister seemed to shrink back, deflated and 
defeated.  Her heart went out to her.  She walked over and 
enfolded Lucy in a sisterly hug.

"Oh, Lucy, I'm sorry I snapped at you."  Lois pushed the hair 
out of Lucy's face.  "Clark's a really nice guy, but I don't 
see him as someone to date.  He's my partner, and probably my 
best friend.  I don't want to wreck that relationship by 
trying to become something I know would never work."  Lois 
strolled toward the couch leading Lucy by the hand.  

The two sisters sat, Lucy spoke.  "But why Lex?  Do you love 
him?"

"Why not Lex?  There is something kind of heady being asked 
out by Metropolis' leading citizen.  He *is* handsome and 
charming, and he can take me places that I'd never get to go 
otherwise.  We do have fun, of a sort.  It's just not the kind 
that you are talking about."  Lois sighed and stared at the 
ceiling for a moment.  "But do I love him?  No, I don't think 
so.  I'm not sure if Lex is even capable of love in the normal 
sense."  Lois allowed herself a sad smile.  "We're just two 
over-worked professional people who use each other for 
occasional romantic companionship.  It's nothing serious, 
trust me.  I'll still be sitting here in this apartment trying 
to figure out my next big headline story when I'm old and 
gray."

Lucy looked at her sister, sympathy in her eyes.  "That's so 
sad."

Lois shrugged.  "Not really, I love my job and it's the way I 
choose to live.  I'm not saying I can't be swept off my feet 
by say, a tall, dark, handsome superhero, but somehow I don't 
see that happening."  Lois swatted Lucy on the leg as she 
stood up.  "But I'm not even going to have an occasional date 
with Lex, if I don't get my butt in gear."

Lois headed toward her room, stopping in the doorway and 
looking back at her sister.  "I'll probably be home late, I'll 
try not to wake you when I come in."  

Lois disappeared into her bedroom, and bath, to prepare for 
her date with Lex, leaving Lucy sitting contemplatively on the 
couch.

***************************
(Chapter Seven)

Superman cruised the skies above Metropolis.  His patrols had 
been altered from their normal routine.  He found himself 
checking those residences of Daily Planet employees 
specifically.  At least those who he knew where they lived.  
He knew that it was almost a futile effort, which had nothing 
on the proverbial needle in the haystack, but at least he felt 
like he was doing something.  

He skipped Lois' apartment tonight.  He knew she was out with 
Luthor and, for all that he hated it, he knew she'd be safe 
with him.  Not that Lois would feel she needed protection of 
any kind.  Lois was well aware of the danger that Daily Planet 
reporters seemed to be in at present.  Other Daily Planet 
reporters.  He knew that she had fretted over Jimmy and 
Perry's safety, but not herself.  She still thought she was 
immortal.  Clark *and* Superman fervently hoped that it was a 
notion that she'd never have to put to the acid test.

Superman did another quick fly over the east side, since that 
was the last place that Dutcher had been seen.  Unfortunately, 
he knew that he could fly right over the top of the man and 
probably not even know it.  Lois was most likely correct in 
her assumption that Dutcher was using some sort of disguise.  
After all, the police hadn't been able to find him and they 
had every one of their beat cops out looking for him.

Suddenly noticing that it was a quarter past seven, Superman 
decided he'd best get home and get ready for Clark's dinner 
with Linda.  He had to admit that he was kind of looking 
forward to it.  He'd much rather be going out with Lois, but 
that wasn't going to happen anytime soon.  Clark was just 
Lois' partner and friend.  He wasn't somebody you'd go out on 
an actual date with.  For that she had Lex.  Clark had to push 
the thought of Lois being with Lex out of his head.  He didn't 
want it to spoil the evening.  It wouldn't be fair to Linda, 
and he had to admit that Linda was a very attractive woman.  
He hadn't had much chance to get to know her when he'd gone 
undercover at the Star, but she seemed nice enough.  

It did irritate Clark some that Linda seemed to enjoy needling 
Lois, but no more so than Lois did Linda.  He was still 
confused by the intensity of the enmity between the two former 
college friends.  He knew what Lois had told him, but he 
wasn't sure that her version of the story might not have been 
exaggerated just a bit, and it had happened a long time ago.  
But then Lois Lane was not one to forget an offense, whether 
real or imagined.

Moving too fast for a human eye to follow, Superman flew 
through Clark's open bedroom window and quickly spun out of 
the suit.  He stepped into his shower and turned the water on 
extra hot.  He didn't feel the heat like a regular human 
would, but the steam was soothing.

It was a fully dressed Clark Kent who strode toward his 
apartment's front door at precisely seven thirty.  He waited a 
couple of moments for the knock before continuing on to answer 
the door.  He'd seen Linda coming up the steps moments before 
she knocked.

He reached for the knob and pulled the door open.  "Come on 
in, Linda."  Clark stepped back and allowed her to enter.  
"Welcome to my home."  Clark flashed her a smile.

Clark had seen Linda dressed up before, but she had outdone 
herself tonight.  It wasn't that she was in some elegant gown 
or the like, in fact, she was almost casual, but she had 
dressed to her own best advantage.  She wore a simply cut 
skirt in deep burgundy.  The matching jacket was slung over 
her shoulder revealing a ruffled front, sleeveless white 
blouse.  Simple hoop earrings and a gold chain choker 
completed the ensemble.  Her hair was worn loose, flowing 
naturally over her shoulders.  The red highlights in her dark 
blonde hair shone brightly in the overhead lights. Clark had 
to swallow to regain his composure.  Linda looked great.

Linda slid past Clark as she entered his apartment.  She 
suddenly felt a bit flushed.  Gawd, Clark looked good!  She 
had been attracted to him since she had first laid eyes on 
him.  He was a gorgeous guy with, what did she tell Lois that 
time, buns of steel.  She almost giggled at the memory.  She 
turned to face him and ran into that megawatt smile of his.  
Her breath caught in her throat for a second.  

She ran her gaze over his attire.  Clark had chosen to sport a 
little less business-like look than the suits he normally 
wore.  He wore a simple gray sports jacket, gray slacks, and 
instead of his usual white shirt and loud tie, a black, turtle 
neck pullover.  A casual look, yet elegant enough to fit into 
nearly any situation.  Clark definitely looked hot tonight, 
but Linda had been around Clark enough to know that his most 
attractive feature was that he was just a really nice guy.

Linda gave his apartment quick once over.  "As much as I'd 
like to get the full tour," Linda said as she turned and put 
her hand on Clark's arm.  "I've got a cab waiting, and 
reservations for eight o'clock."  Linda gave Clark a playfully 
seductive look.  "Perhaps we can save the tour for later?"  
She offered him her arm and allowed him to escort her out to 
the waiting taxi.

The restaurant was nice.  Not one of those places where all 
the effort went into looking like a fine restaurant.  
Attention was paid to those things that made patrons want to 
come back, like the food.  Clark had been there a couple of 
times before and he knew they had great pasta.

They were seated at a small table for two near the back of the 
restaurant.  The lighting was a bit low, but the table had the 
requisite candle to set the mood.  If Clark didn't know better 
he'd say that Linda was trying to set him up for a seduction.

Once the waiter had left to fetch their drink orders, Clark 
opened the conversation.  "So, Linda, I have to say that I'm 
surprised to see you still in Metropolis.  I thought you were 
headed for the bright lights of Hollywood?  What happened to 
your big movie deal?"

Linda blushed and ducked her head once before meeting Clark's 
gaze.  "Well, the money for the movie option was really good, 
and I will be getting a writing credit for the script, but I 
decided that I really didn't want to become an actress."  
Linda grinned.  "Not even for the chance to play Lois."

Clark laughed.  "So, the movie is still a go?"

"So far so good," Linda said, crossing her fingers.

Clark leaned back in his chair and eyed Linda a bit 
suspiciously.  "If I may ask, if you turned down the role of 
Lois Lane, then who are they going to get to play it?"  Clark 
could see Linda biting her lip trying to keep from laughing.  
"What's so funny?"


Linda tried to put on a serious face, but couldn't do it.  
"Well, they've beefed up the part a bit, and gotten a find 
actress to play the part."  Linda saw Clark raise his one 
eyebrow, waiting.  "They gave the part to Margot Kidder."

Clark snapped forward in his chair in astonishment.  "Margot 
Kidder?  You can't be serious.  Ms. Kidder has to be at least 
twice Lois' age, and doesn't look anything like her!"

"Welllll..." Linda couldn't hold back a giggle.  "I might have 
painted a slightly different picture of Lois."

Clark shook his head in amused disgust.  "So then, who plays 
the plucky heroine, Linda King?"

Linda gave Clark a sly smile.  "They're talking either Jodie 
Foster, or Julia Roberts."

The show business discussion was interrupted by the waiter, 
and both of them shifted their concentration to ordering their 
food.  Conversation shifted to small talk, mostly about each 
other's past, and their respective homes and growing up.  
Clark gave her a brief picture of what it was like to be 
raised in the country, on a farm.  Linda's upbringing was 
typical middle class suburbia.  It wasn't until dessert that 
the subject of Lois came up again.  Surprisingly, it was Linda 
who brought her up.

"Okay, Clark, I know you're dying to know, so go ahead and 
ask."  Linda smiled as she said it.

"What?"  Clark responded.

"Don't give me that innocent act."  Linda grinned to show that 
she didn't mind.  "I know that you are dying to know what the 
deal is between Lois and me.  I'm sure you've heard Lois' 
side, but knowing your fatal flaw of never prejudging people, 
you probably want to know my side."  Linda cocked her head and 
looked at Clark from beneath an errant curl of hair.  "Am I 
right?"

Clark grinned back at her.  "Guilty as charged."  Clark 
sobered a bit.  "Lois told me that the two of you were best 
friends, but claims that back in college you stole her story - 
and her guy."

Linda sighed and rested her chin on her hands.  "Let's see; we 
*were* best friends, I *did* steal her story, but I never 
stole Paul from her.  He came on to me, Lois wasn't even 
dating him, not really.  Their relationship was mostly in her 
head."  Linda frowned with the memory.  "Oh I admit that I 
knew that Lois liked him, but I was crazy about Paul, and 
would do almost anything for him.  That's why I was weak, and 
stole Lois' story.  I'd hoped it would make Paul like me."  
Linda sighed again.  "I'd kinda hoped that Lois, as my best 
friend, would understand.  But if she didn't, Paul was more 
than adequate compensation for the loss of a best friend."

Clark shook his head, like a disapproving parent.  "So, now as 
you look back on it with the advantage of age and hard earned 
wisdom, was it worth it?"

Linda gazed off into the distance, a dreamy look on her face.  
"Oh yeah."
She laughed at Clark's startled expression.  "But what about 
you, my friend?  We've sat here all evening, enjoying a 
delicious meal, making pleasant conversation like two old 
school chums.  I've seen the looks you've given me, and I'm 
pleased that you admire what you see.  But that 'something', 
that special interest, that I'd hoped to see in your eyes 
isn't there."  Linda's smile turned sad.  "You once told me 
that your relationship with Lois wasn't defined.  It's only 
not defined in Lois' mind isn't it?  You are quite sure about 
the way *you* feel."

Clark suddenly felt like a child caught sneaking into the 
cookie jar.  He didn't know what to say.  "I... well... Lois 
and I are partners, and she's my best friend.  I admire her 
passion, and dedication to her job.  She's a brilliant 
reporter and..."

"And you're in love with her."  Linda shook her head sadly.

Clark sat up straighter in preparation to rebuff Linda's 
statement.  Suddenly, his shoulders sagged in defeat.  "Yeah - 
I am."

The rest of the evening was a bit more subdued, but to each 
one's credit they both tried to keep things light and 
friendly.  Clark came to appreciate Linda's intellect more as 
he discovered things they had in common.  Linda came to 
realize just how special Clark was, and couldn't help but be 
depressed that he loved someone else.  An even fight she could 
handle, but it was hard to match up against unrequited love.

The two stood at Clark's front door.  It seemed at bit odd to 
him for Linda to be dropping him off, but it *was* the 
nineties after all.  He turned to thank Linda for the nice 
evening and found her right next to him.   She laid her hand 
on his chest, in a very familiar manner.

"Ah, I want to thank you for the pleasant evening, Linda, I 
had a great time."

Linda smiled slowly.  "I did too, Clark, but I want you to 
know something."  She locked eyes with him.  "Lois may not 
admit this, but I too am smart and talented.  And I'm a woman 
who, once she sets her sights on something she wants, doesn't 
give up easily.  I'm going to fight for my rightful position 
at the Daily Planet, and for those things that I want."  Linda 
rose up on her toes and gave Clark a quick kiss.  "Lois can 
do, or not do whatever she wants, but if she wants to keep 
what's *her's* hers, then she'd best be prepared to fight for 
it, because I surely intend to."  Linda let her finger trail 
down Clark's chest and stomach, then turned and headed back to 
her cab.

********************
(Chapter Eight)

The man dragged his 'companion' through the ever darkening 
shadows of the unlit walk paths next to the poorly maintained 
roadway.  One of the great things about a huge, sprawling, 
urban environment like Metropolis was that there was never any 
shortage of abandoned buildings to use for one's clandestine 
operations.  This was the third one he'd utilized since he'd 
arrived in town.  He still had ten more scouted out.  

He half guided, half dragged the young lady through the small 
side door of the old warehouse and dumped her into a chair 
he'd previously placed in one of the back offices.  She seemed 
younger than he thought she'd be, but then at his age, all 
people, to him, looked younger than their actual age.  After 
taking off her shirt he secured her wrists and arms to the 
wide arms of the chair, then secured her ankles to the heavy 
metal legs.  A wide piece of tape over her mouth completed the 
initial preparations.  The woman was still pretty groggy, but 
she'd soon be coming out of the sedative fog, and he hated it 
when they screamed.  The tears and the fear in their eyes 
provided him with the satisfaction he needed.  He didn't need 
the wailing and the cries too.

This had been one of his more bold abductions, taking her 
right from her home, but it had also been well planned.  He'd 
stolen a cab and had parked it right in front of the woman's 
apartment.  He'd then waited for a moment when the walk in 
front of the building had been empty and had gone up to her 
apartment.  Foolishly, the woman had answered her door.  He'd 
slipped in and had clamped the chloroformed rag over her nose 
and mouth before she realized what was happening.  Once the 
young woman had succumbed to the soporific vapors, he'd taken 
the time to inject her with the strong sedative.  He had a bit 
of a drive ahead of him and he couldn't risk having her wake 
up too soon.

Making sure there was no indication that he'd been there, he'd 
slung her arm over his shoulder and, locking the door after 
him, literally dragged her out of the building.  Luckily he'd 
run into none of her neighbors on his way out, but he hadn't 
been worried about that.  Once on the street, he did happen 
upon a pedestrian walking by.  His plan worked perfectly.

Asking the passing gentleman for assistance, he'd played his 
role as a cabbie to the hilt.  Muttering and cursing under his 
breath, he'd made sure that his drafted helper understood how 
much he hated dealing with wayward drunks and druggies.  It 
had worked just as he'd expected.  The fellow had made some 
sympathetic noises, but couldn't wait to get out of there, and 
had never made eye contact with either the 'cabbie' or his 
charge.

The man chuckled, enjoying remembering his cleverness.  Now, 
all he had to do was wait.

He carefully laid out the three boxes he'd need to send on an 
old wooden table that he'd also previously brought.  He 
arranged them in order left to right.  He painstakingly folded 
the woman's shirt and laid it in the first box.  He then 
fiddled briefly with the other two boxes.  At the far end of 
the small table a large, wicked looking machete gleamed 
brightly, matching the single low hanging light bulb in a 
reflected intensity.

He turned and noticed that the young woman had regained most 
of her senses.  A sick smile played across his face as he 
gazed into the soft brown eyes now wide with fear.  This one 
was going to be the most fun yet.

***********************


Lois leaned back and scrunched herself into the plush 
upholstery of the Luthor limousine.  She peered out the window 
on her side of the vehicle at the lights of Metropolis at 
night as a contented sigh escaped her lips.    

Lex gazed over at Lois, an amused look on his face.  "I take 
it that you enjoyed dinner tonight?"

Lois grinned over at Lex.  "Yes I did, Lex.  It was wonderful, 
as usual."

Lex nodded.  "Well good, I'm glad, because I've been thinking 
of hiring a new chef, and Andre comes highly recommended.  His 
bistro has always had a fine reputation.  It's important to me 
that you like his art."

Lois' cautionary guard instantly rose a bit.  Why would Lex 
care if she liked this chef's cooking or not?  Beyond securing 
another opinion, Lois couldn't think why Lex would need her 
approval for anything.  The thought of Lex hiring the 
marvelous chef away from the restaurant bothered her some.  
That others would no longer be able to enjoy the man's 
culinary expertise was sad.  But then, Lois was sure that he'd 
be handsomely paid and there was something to be said 
improving your lot in life.

"So, Lois," Lex interrupted her thoughts.  "What shall it be 
tonight  - the theater, the opera?"  He looked expectantly at 
Lois.

Lois shifted in her seat and stared at Lex for a few moments.  
A silly thought grabbed hold of her and wouldn't let go.  The 
corners of her mouth twitched slightly upward.

"Lex, you know what I'd like to do?"  She watched as he leaned 
a little closer, as if she had his rapt attention.  "I'd like 
to go bowling."

Lex leaned back and gave Lois a look that asked if she had 
taken leave of her senses.  "Bowling?  Lois, whatever for?"

Lois cocked a brow at Lex.  "What have you got against 
bowling?"

Lex shrugged.  "Nothing really, it just seems so... lower 
class."

Lois gave Lex a pouty look.  "Why, Lex, you're not stuck up, 
are you?  Come on, it'll be fun."

Lex frowned.  "I have to admit that, while I'm proficient in 
many athletic endeavors, *bowling* has never been something 
that I've tried to master."

Lois laughed.  "Believe me, athletics has nothing to do with 
it.  It doesn't matter how good you are, it's just as much fun 
if you're terrible, maybe more so."  Lois rolled her eyes.  
"Heaven knows that I'll stink.  I've haven't been to a bowling 
alley in years."  Lois softened her voice as she met Lex's 
eyes.  "Please," she asked in a little girl voice.

Lex allowed a sigh of resignation.  "All right, but I'm not 
sure I can get a place reserved on such short notice."

Lois shook her head.  "No, I don't want you to buy out a whole 
bowling alley just for us.  It's more fun to just go and 
mingle with the other bowlers and get ourselves caught up in 
all the noise and confusion."

Lex seemed more scandalized by the notion of mingling with 
other 'bowlers' than he had by the original notion.  "I don't 
know, Lois.  I'll probably make a fool of myself, and while I 
don't mind doing so in front of you, I do have an image to 
think of."

"Ah, come on, Lex, it won't be that bad.  Most of the people 
there aren't very good either, and most won't even know, or 
care, who we are."

Lex glanced over at Lois' elegant dress, and then down at his 
own