Metro-Chronicles

Incognito

Inside the thirty-second floor of the Metropolis Mutual Exchange, Lana stood before her office window gazing at the ground below. She liked watching the streets at night during her little breaks between last minute phone calls and paperwork. A grin unraveled across her face. She saw people drift off for places to forget their day; they were smiling, laughing or holding hands. It had been a while since Lana ran off to do anything remotely fun.

“You’re almost finished …” she told herself. Lana looked to see that the overhead clock read nine thirty, The cup of coffee she held was decorated with smiley faces; a novelty present courtesy of Lewis Kincaid, her boss, for a job well done. “Ten more minutes and I’m out of here.” She hurried to her desk, and began working on the computer when the phone rang.

“Grierdon Associates, Lana Lang, finance division, how may I help you?” she asked while typing the last figures into an account.

“Not another late shift, Lana. Wondered why your cell was turned off.” The voice was perky and sweet on the other end.

“Marah, you know I have to stay on top of things here. There’s an executive position opening up and I hope to snag it.”

“Well, that’s great, but you can’t keep this up. You’re missing out, and besides when was the last time you got it on at the dance floor?”

“I appreciate you worrying, Marah, but I’m just not interesting at getting my groove, swerve, or whatever on, anymore.”

“This isn’t about Bruce, is it? C’mon Lana, you said you wanted to try again. At least come out and party once in a while. Live it up a little.”

“Yeah well it was at one of those little parties I met Bruce and it was a mistake. Honestly, I’m tired of all those business uppity types. I need time off from men.”

“Okay, I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that last part, Lana. Can you hear yourself? You said ‘uppity’! Were you not the party queen at Metro-U? Get your booty out of that office and head down to Rush now.”

“Fine! Fine, whatever it takes for you to ease up…I was going to leave anyhow. Be there in ten minutes.” She leaned back in her chair and stared at the computer. This is her life, work. How pathetic, she thought. The mention of Bruce still made a knot in her stomach; He was the type of guy that made a woman feel unique. He remembered all the little things that most men forget like how much she liked Donne or that she preferred wildflowers over roses any day. But everything changes in a relationship when the “honeymoon” is over. You begin to see the future together. You see one other’s faults and deep desires like Bruce’s hope for the perfect family. He wanted a life Lana wasn’t prepared for at all: a marriage, kids, and a house in the suburbs. He didn’t think twice whether Lana needed some time to wait a while. So when things strained in their relationship, a frisky college kid entered the picture as his “assistant” within his corporation.

In two months of their meeting he chose to dump Lana.

“He’s a two-timing jerk.” She repeated over to herself, “Eck. Don’t obsess! Everything is better without him.” She shut down the computer, grabbed her coat then turned off the lights.

Rush had the reputation that many business only dreamed of in Metropolis. It was financially backed by the Luthors, and had the celebrity guest list worthy of any posh club in LA or NYC. Hovering amongst the crowds that night was Lex Luthor, well dressed and always surrounded by some of the most powerful people in the city.

“They said it would never last but things are turning quite nicely for me here in Metropolis, Lex. Cheers.” Jude Masterson, a Londoner with a crooked smile and sleek black hair was an assistant chairman at the head of Smithfield Pharmaceuticals, Europe’s largest medical distributor. He held up his pint of beer to Lex. Among the group of young execs who showed up at the club for some “fun”, Lex trusted only Jude because he was ambitious enough to be bought out. Masterson’s switch over to the British division of LuthorCorp proved again there’s nothing the Luthors couldn’t take.

“Just think of it as an investment toward a more lucrative future.” He gave a sideway smile and turned over to the bartender. “Leave the tab open, whatever these gentlemen want is on my account.”

“Good man!” Jude patted Lex on the back, and laughed ‘til his face seemed red. The man was already drunk off of three beers and two shots of whisky after being in the club for only an hour.

“Don’t worry about it.” Lex looked at Jude and the rest of the men from his office then felt his heart sink. He wanted out soon, or a break. “I’ll be back.” He wandered through the bar room area with his drink observing the crowd for women he would want to take home that night. He was in the mood.

Outside of the club a line behind the velvet rope stretched for more than two blocks. Dressed in a silk black miniskirt with a slinky, iridescent silver v-cut top, Marah stood off to the side of the entrance, her arms braced around her shoulders. As one of the foremost style columnist in the city she had a lot of connections and clout to get into any club.

“Hey Marah!” Greg, the bouncer, wore a tight black cotton shirt which outlined his bulky frame. It was a miracle he could get through a door, but luckily for him the club’s entrance had double doors. He smirked and shined his pearly whites at her. There was a time Marah might have considered him as a date but you’re only twenty-one once.

“What?” Marah squirmed against the chill in the air, she was going to kill Lana. It was more than ten minutes, try half an hour.

“You should be inside shaking that tail of yours instead of out here freezing.” He laughed while rejecting two flashy dressed guys in pin stripe suits.

“I know, I know Greg, but I’m waiting for a friend.”

“Well, it better be worth it.”

In the distance, Lana dodged quickly around swarms of people; some drunk, some shady, some lonely but ultimately everyone wanted out of the streets. There was a charge in the air that revved up her pulse in static beats straight through her heart. Something big lay imminently on the horizon. Lana shook her head for a moment, and brushed off the sudden adrenalin rush. She convinced herself it was nerves; it was, in fact, the first time she stepped out for fun in eight months.

She crossed the last street toward the club, when Lana noticed the line.

“Oh my god,” she whispered as small puffs of smoked escaped her lips and into the frozen air. She thought, “Had it always been that busy?” Her all consuming relationship with Bruce left her completely out of the loop. Marah had been right about one thing, Lana used to be the party queen and in her heart she loved it. Loved going out and knowing that she didn’t have to be on a list, or show ID. All she needed was a smile. Then and there, staring at the crowd and the bright lights of the club, Lana decided she’d throw down her inhibitions and take hold of her life again. Tonight.

“I’m sorry that I’m late.” Lana rushed up to Marah, who despite her frozen stance, appeared excited to see her. “I had to finish up some--”

“No, no, no.” Marah stretched out her arms and hugged Lana, “You’re here and that’s what counts. I was more afraid that you wouldn’t show up. Now, we have one slight problem…” she looked Lana up and down. Marah placed a hand to her chin.

“This look of yours isn’t going to work.”

“What?”

Lana was oblivious to the fact that she arrived to a club with nothing but a woolen jacket, a two piece navy suit, and her hair up in a French twist.

“Oh.” She made a quick look at herself then touched her hair. She blushed for a second then replied, “Listen, I don’t care how I look. You wanted me to show up and here I am--” She stopped for a moment as Marah reached into her hand purse and grabbed a set of keys.

“You’re in luck Lana Lang.” she smirked, and took Lana by the hand to the parking lot behind the club.

“What are you doing?”

“A favor.” Marah walked over to her new silver Mercedes, and popped the trunk. Inside was a large brown bag.

“Don’t tell me that--” Lana shook her head in hesitation.

“I’m your roommate, ergo, I have access to your clothes. When you said ten minutes, I knew you were not going to change. So I--”

“You’re sweet. Thanks. But honestly, I’m kind of scared of what you picked out.”

“Oh c’mon, they’re your clothes, you bought them. Why be scared?”

“Knowing you, it’s probably going to be something that will ignore the fact it is thirty-two degrees out here.”

“It’ll be fine. Let me work on your hair. You can change in the back.”

Lana paused and looked over to Marah who seemed nonchalant.

“Umm…you want me to change in the back of the car? In public? Won’t anyone see?”

“Are you kidding? People are too pre-occupied with scoring to check into people’s cars. Besides, I’ll look-out.”

“Okay,” Lana grabbed the brown bag and opened the back car door.

“Listen I told you guys no sneakers, no sandals, NOTHING informal!” Greg grabbed the collars of two men in ball caps whose jeans and polo shirts made them stick out like sore thumbs against the trendsetters in line.

“Hey there Greg,” a soft voice purred.

“Marah I thought you--” he stopped in mid sentence when he turned around and caught a glimpse of a beautiful woman. She stood beside Marah dressed in a sleek red strapless dress with a length just above the knees.

“This is Lana, Lana Lang.” Marah placed a hand on Lana’s back and gave a small push forward.

“Hi.” She stared up at the bouncer who for a moment Lana could swear was seven inches taller than her. He appeared speechless, and the silence was awkward. Maybe it was the make-up, she thought. Marah had gone all out. She gave Lana the dark smoky look for the eyes which drew attention to the intense hazel-green shade, and the lips were a glossy crimson color; every inch of her face captivating, and alluring.

“Marah, you know what I said before?” Greg stammered.

“You mean if was ‘worth it’?” she answered while holding back a laugh.

“Uh-huh. Believe me, it was completely…” he stood and stared at Lana in fascination.

“Um…can we get in?” Lana stepped forward. She gave him a grin that melded quickly into a warm smile. Without missing a beat, he let them through into the club whose hard triphop/techno beat pulsated louder and louder as the women approached closer to the core of the room.

Lex held his third glass of scotch on the rocks, the taste numbing his palette and clouding his thoughts. He sat at the bar which faced the dance floor. Since developing a severe case of insomnia, Lex saw the world differently. People were no longer just drones, they were conniving and manipulative. He always understood and believed that concept, but now he knew indefinitely. LuthorCorp was full of people climbing the business/social later, kissing his ass all the while holding out for the opportunity to tear him down. Either way, Rush, was an investment that held his social interest. It was his playground.

“Lex Luthor. I see you’re entertaining your latest cronies.”

Lex looked behind him, and saw standing upright in a beige suit, wearing black alligator shoes, Trevor March.

“Ah, it’s nice to know you’re not a bitter man there, Trevor.” Lex shrugged him off and turned back to the bar.

“You son of a bitch--”

“Didn’t you get transferred to the mail room over in Celenex?” his eyebrows scrunched as if took a large drink from his scotch, “ Hey, it’s still a job. You get benefits, what’s there to complain about Trev.”

“I wouldn’t be working there if you didn’t sell me out. But I wouldn’t be so smug and calm if I were you.”

“Was that a threat?” Lex placed down his drink, wiped a corner of his mouth, and turned to Trevor. He stared at him with an intensity that spoke of danger, and caution. “I’ve had people challenge me before but this little scene here is really pathetic. Calling me out in public, knowing I’m having you watched at this very moment.” The words of his father echoed in his mind the greatest advantage over an enemy is to show no limits, and know their weaknesses. “You still date that blonde over in LuthorCorp? What was her name?”

“Leave Brenda out of this…”

“That was it, thank you.” Lex smirked and took another turn at his scotch. He was becoming amused at the little confrontation.

“What are you getting at Lex? Just say it.” Trevor’s voice softened.

“We’ve all have a dark side. Yours happen to cover the cost of high price ladies, so to speak.”

“It doesn’t matter because I’m not seeing Brenda anymore.”

“I don’t believe you.”

There was a slight pause. Beads of sweat glistened on Trevor’s brow, and the air became thick with tension. Lex sat drinking until he signaled the bartender for another round.

“Lex, you don’t know what you’re dealing with here. Someone slipped up. You don’t sca-care me.”

“Did you just stutter?” Lex snickered as he propped his up his elbows on the bar while waiting for his drink; his confidence unyielding. “Trevor, you’ve dealt with private business matters in my company. Really, do you believe I’d let you go without some kind of collateral?” The bartender slipped the drink next to Lex’s hand and dashed away as quickly as he arrived.

A downward grin swept across Trevor’s face, “You think you’re so smart, but I’ve got the upper hand this time…you’ll be--”

Lex turned to Trevor and sat up. “Again, you fail to understand me, so let me put it in simpler terms.” Lex’s jaw clenched, “I will ruin you and everything you love.” He turned back to his seat, and resumed checking out the crowd. “Now, if you’re done warning me, I’ll go back to my drink. ‘Night.” He added with a glass raised to his lips. The evening had changed, and things were getting interesting. Perhaps it wasn’t a complete waste of time after all, Lex thought.

Just as Trevor March walked off from the bar all eyes centered on the dance floor, where women writhed and let loose. Lana raised her arms above her head and moved to the infectious rhythm as Marah danced between two men across from her. When the track ended Marah signaled Lana to a booth that opened up. They hurried and plopped down on the velvet cushioned seats.

“Ah! I’m having a great time Marah!” Lana beamed and tossed her hair behind a shoulder. She felt liberated and all the stress from the day slipped away. “This was a good idea, thank you for convincing me.”

“No problem. I’m just doing my time as your best friend.” Marah shook her head in amusement.

“Excuse me…” the voice was pleasant and cheerful. The women both looked up and saw a man dressed with black slacks and a grey shirt smiling at them. He had a sweet smile and upon impression looked mysterious with his dark hair and eyes. “I’m Jude Masterson. I saw you fine ladies, and decided I wanted to buy your drinks.”

“Isn’t that sweet,” Marah began while eyeing Lana to take up the rest of the conversation, “what do you think we should get?”

“Oh, how about a screw--driver? That okay?” Lana smirked and elbowed Marah under the table.

“Sure thing. I’ll return in a sec…” he paused and looked at Lana with a sly grin.

“This is Marah,” she pointed, “I’m Lana.”

“Good.” He winked at Lana before leaving. The women erupted in laughter.

Marah mimics Lana, “ ‘can I have a screw--driver?’ Mister corporate sexy man.”

“C’mon now,” Lana sighed for a moment looking away in embarrassment.

“You know…you’re starting to remind me of a girl I met a while ago at a beer bong tournament!”

Lana’s mouth gaped in shock, “I can’t believe you brought that up!” she shook her head and laughed before adding, “And if memory serves right, I kicked ass! Yours in particular.”

“Oh that was because you had Doug on your team. I was stuck with Walter...eck.” Marah’s face grimaced as she shuttered.

“Can you believe that was years ago? God I feel old.”

“Lana it’s because you’ve got to live a little. You know, kick up your heels more often. Best example right now? Jude. He’s cute, has a lovely British voice, and is definitely charismatic.”

“He’s attractive but I’m not so sure about him.” Lana’s face scrunched in disapproval.

“You’re not so sure about anyone these days Lana, but give it a shot. C’mon, we’re not in search of husbands. I think the phrase, ‘on the prowl’ is best.”

“Sure.” Lana looked down for a moment and took a deep sigh. She was diving head first into the singles scene all over again. It was painfully, and horribly unpredictable. You meet a guy and chances are they’re mostly in heat, in between relationships, or completely inept. Lana wanted something that felt comfortable, like the feeling of warming up in bed between the covers on a cold winter’s night.

“Don’t psych yourself out. You still have the magic touch, and that’s great! Did you see how Greg drooled all over you? Speaking of which, you owe me twenty bucks.” Marah clapped her hands in triumph, Lana didn’t understand.

“For what?”

“You didn’t believe you could do it. You didn’t think one smile could get you in…”

“Oh God, okay. Let me go to the coat check and get my wallet.”

“ I know you hate losing, but this isn’t about money, honey. It’s about principle.”

“I know…ugh I hate it when you’re right about anything.” Lana got up and straightened her dress before sashaying away.

Jude returned. “Where did Lana go?” Asking as he held glasses of mixed drinks in each hand.

“Ladies room,” Marah patted the seat beside her, “why don’t you sit and tell me more about yourself.”

Getting from one end of the club to the other was nearly impossible for Lana to do without rubbing against someone or nearly tipping over their drink. She let out a sigh of relief when she made it to the entrance hall; finally some breathing room.

A tap on her shoulder made her jump. “Lana?” The voice whispered, and she turned around. It was Trevor March.

“Oh, hey.” She laughed while putting a hand on her chest in relief. “You caught me off guard there.”

“Sorry I didn’t mean to startle you. It’s been a while, hasn’t?” he stared closely at her with bloodshot eyes as the stench of alcohol permeated from his clothes.

Lana struggled to think of where she had seen him before. “Trevor? Trevor March. You were a client at Grierdon last year, I remember now. I worked briefly with you.”

“Yes, that’s right,” he replied as he stepped toward her, “How could I forget someone like you? So sweet, and now, oh my…this little get up is attractive.” Lana began to back away from him. “Where do you think you’re going?”

“Coat check. I need to get something. It’s good seeing you Trevor. Take care.” She waved and at that moment he grabbed her arm.

“Jushhh like dattt? Hi and good-bye?” Trevor’s voice began to slur, and Lana felt her heart race.

“ C’monnn hhhonney.” He leaned forward as if to kiss her, Lana recoiled.

“You know this is the complete wrong way in getting a woman’s attention.” Without thinking twice she clenched her hands into fists.

“Oh, yeah, and how am I suppose to act?”

“Listen, I’ve--” she stopped mid sentence as he planted a firm kiss on her lips. “NO!” Quickly, she released her arm from his grasp, and pulled away to see Trevor’s beady eyes glaring at her in heat. As if by reflex Lana lunged toward him. She made a swift punch with her right hand which threw him back, and made her fall forward a bit. He returned from behind and grabbed the back of her hair tightly; knotting it around his fist. Lana jabbed her elbow into him fast then pushed her weigh back, throwing them both to ground. She scrambled to her feet then swayed with disorientation; she bent over slightly to catch her breath. When she looked up, he appeared to come at her again. Lana then stood straight up and threw all her strength into a left hook. Trevor fell down with a hard thud, Lana covered her face with her hands which ached, bled, and soon felt numb.

“Lana?! Lana! You okay?” a muffled voice called from a distance.

“I had to do it. He was coming at me… he grabbed my arm…he scared me and I-I…Oh my god.”

Her thoughts raced and the echoing sounds of people approaching became louder. She couldn’t distinguish who was as her side. All she knew at that moment was fear.

“Lana, look at me. Are you alright?” She felt the warmth of strong hands caress her hair, and touch the back of her hands. Finally she moved her hands away from her face.

“Lex?” she couldn’t believe it. It had been four years since she even saw him, let alone interacted with him personally. Busy with trying to rule the world, Lana heard of Lex’s new found responsibilities of running LuthorCorp several years back.

“It’s okay, come with me.” Lex was leading her to a hidden side entrance of the club while the sounds of music and crowds shifting through the halls reverberated in her ears, and then gradually became faint.

A surge of exhaustion rolled over Lana the minute Lex took her to the private room. She felt his arm secure around her waist. He was leading her through the space. “Lex…” She murmured.

He took her to a plush sofa which centered in the room. In front of her there was a fireplace, and a bookshelf off to the side. “Okay, sit here,” his voice was calm and soft as he sat Lana down, “You’re in shock which is no surprise considering tonight.” He maneuvered around the room with ease, and brought back a pillow to place behind her head.

“You want some water?”

“Uh-hmm.” Lana took in a deep breath, as she leaned back on the sofa, thoughts back of Smallville returned: The Talon, Aunt Nell, and Clark. Tears began to stream down her face. Having Lex in the same room with her brought all the memories back, rehashing old wounds.

“Hey, it’ll be okay.” Lex returned with a glass of water and some ice. “You’re safe. Here put this on your knuckles,” he gazed at Lana, and noticed how more beautiful she developed over the years; if it was even possible. Lex shook his head slightly, he couldn’t believe the woman dressed in red on his sofa was the same girl who cornered him with a business proposition all those years ago; innocent, stubborn, and remarkable. Now, however, the small town girl was all grown up and the change was stunning. Lex took a seat beside her and pressed the ice gently against her knuckles; the swelling was getting worse, and he frowned. “I’ll take you to the hospital tonight. Make sure there isn’t anything else wrong. The swelling should go down but take some aspirin because it will hurt again.” He caressed the back of her head; felt the smoothness of her hair.

“Thank-you. I don’t even know where to begin I--” Lana looked over to him and saw in his face an expression of kindness that was rare. Even during his stay in Smallville, Lex appeared witty or sarcastic at best. “I didn’t think I’d run into you again.” She said softly while letting her shoulders fall and back ease into the sofa.

“I just regret that it’s under such terrible circumstances, Lana. Listen, I talked to Marah--“

“Oh my god, Marah, does she know? Wait how do you know her?”

“Whoa, slow down.” He replied as he placed a hand against her arm, “Take it easy. I know Marah because Jude, the guy who approached you two for drinks, is an associate of mine. He introduced us when you left, she mentioned your name and well… all the pieces came together.”

“Does she know Lex? I don’t want her to worry. She won’t go home without hearing from me.” Lana sat up and looked over to him, her lips trembling and eyes filling with tears again.

“I know. I contacted Jude, and she took over the phone.” Lex let out a small laugh much to Lana’s surprise. “She put up a fight until I told her to call the police if you didn’t show up in the morning…” he got up and put his hands in his pockets. “I made Jude give her my business card.” The firelight behind him outlined his contours, and created an ominous glow. “As far as your things, they’re being sent up now.”

“Why am I not surprised?” Lana cracked a smile and it drowned out the colors of the room. Lex felt a mixture of relief and then sudden anger.

“Lana,” his voice became tense, “I want you to know everything is under control. The police are on their way here to deal with this…incident.”

“You’re not going to this settle this one for me Lex…” Lana’s voice strained, and her face washed over with a bitter cold stare; it was a look of firm determination that warned him to back off. “ No. I won’t let you. I’ll deal with Trevor.”

Lex shook his head in frustration and knew that she could not prepare for the amount of time and effort it would take to prosecute March.

“I understand but that’s not the most important thing right now, okay? I’ll have my driver pull up and take us to the hospital now where the doctors will look you over. No more fights for you Lana.” Lex got up and went for his cell phone behind her, “I’m starting to think those lessons I gave you a while back are starting to haunt me.”

“No, Lex. It saved me tonight. I know…you’re right.” She sighed and slouched down in the sofa where she began to drift asleep.

Hauled to the police precinct in cuffs, Trevor slouched in a drunken stupor. The memories of the evening were jagged images.

“Mr. March? I’m Officer Langley. Do you understand your rights?” The officer held in his hand a clipboard with a detailed summary of the events at the club. There was a time Luthors dealt with situations on their own, but calling the service of law enforcement was new to Langley.

“Huh?” Trevor opened his eyes to a world of blurry shadows and muffled sounds. The two officers beside him pushed him onto a seat.

“Mr. March you are in the police station for assault, sexual misconduct and driving while under the influence. You’re blood alcohol level is point two five. Do you understand?”

“Uh…I wanna lawyeerrr” he slurred.

“ Okay, so you do understand why you’re here.” Langley signaled to the officers, “These men are taking you to a holding cell.”

Outside the station a black chevy parked across the street with the engine running. The driver, a mild manner man with tuffs of grey hair crowning his receding hairline sat patiently. He held a lit cigarette out the window and a cell phone next to his ear.

“Yeah, they just hauled him in sir. I’ll wait an hour, and then go ahead with the plan? Yes.” He threw the cigarette out, and snapped close his cell phone; a grin began to form at the corners of his mouth.

At St. Ambrose Hospital Lex took a seat across the emergency room. The smell of disinfectants littered the hallway, and nurses with clipboards dashed about the room. The interiors of a hospital were all too familiar. When his mother received treatments before her death, Lex became accustomed to the routine of sitting for minutes or hours. He pre-occupied his time by thinking of useless information like how many steps it took him from his seat to the entrance door, or sometimes he meandered through the floor in search of a vending machine. He made a game of it all except this time was different. His thoughts raced with questions and concerns about Lana. It was a long time since he had seen her in Metropolis. It was two years ago at best, and the occasion was a holiday party that he hosted for his clientele. Lana was there with a man name Bruce, a man who had investments in LuthorCorp briefly. Since it was a rare for him to appear at social functions, Lex remembered Lana vividly; she wore a green velvet dress, and a ridiculous yellow party hat. She appeared happy, and it relieved him to see her that way. Since she left Smallville and Clark behind, Lex felt protective of Lana. But Lex knew her too well; she would resent him for watching over her, so instead he kept track on her secretly. It was a pleasant hobby for sometime until Lionel assigned him full responsibility of LuthorCorp.

A feeling of guilt washed over him. It was quite ironic really. During the time he kept an eye out for her, nothing came up, and the moment he let go of her, something horrible happened…in his own club of all places.

“Mr. Luthor?” A voice called. Lex turned aside and saw a woman step out from a room. She wore a white coat with a plastic name tag pinned on her left side that read Cara Richards, M.D. She approached Lex with one hand in her pocket, and a clipboard in the other. The look on her face was stoic, and for a moment Lex’s heart sank. He couldn’t shake off the feeling something was wrong.

“Is there a problem doctor?” he walked over towards her. She looked down for a moment, and took out a pen from her pocket, and scribbled something on the clipboard.

“Physically she’s fine but…” she looked up at Lex, “She’s been through a lot…”

“Please get to the point.” His voice tensed as a sense of apprehension escalated inside of him.

“I’m concerned about her state of mind, Mr. Luthor.” She took a deep breath and waited for a reaction.

“She’s in shock. That’s to be expected.”

“Yes, usually, but it’s a little different with Lana. Please, walk with me over here.” She led him to a door where through a small window Lex saw Lana; she was seated with her hands on her lap; a blank expression on her face. Dark circles formed under Lana’s eyes against her worn out pallor; fatigue was setting in.

“She can’t remember certain facts about herself such as names of relatives but…” Dr. Richards gazed along with Lex before turning to him, “Mr. Luthor, when I referred to the assault she panicked. I had to explain to her why she was in the hospital.”

“What? She was fine on her way down here.” Lex continued to watch Lana and felt his chest tighten.

It was difficult to keep his feelings in check. He was determined to have Trevor March disappear for good.

“That may be the case. However, the shock of the ordeal is processing now. There is a psychiatrist I can recommend.” She handed over a business card to Lex, “The name is Selena Edgars, and she’s the best here.” She placed a hand on his shoulder, “For now, Lana needs to avoid stress, and get some rest. Maybe a vacation is a good idea.”

“I’ll see to it, doctor.” Lex looked down at the card and studied it for a moment before looking up at Dr. Richards, “Can she go home tonight?”

Dr. Richards nodded and opened the door. “Lana? You’re ready to leave now.” She smiled and Lana stood up, gathered her things, and walked past Lex.

“Mr. Luthor? There’s one more thing…” Dr. Richards added, “See her home personally. You’re the only person she mentioned she trusts right now.”

“I planned on it. Thank-you.” Lex moved to Lana and walked her down the hall. He held his arm around her waist as she leaned her head against his shoulder.

Minutes into her ride home, Lana’s thoughts began to clear, “Lex?” she whispered, “Are you taking me to my place?” They sat side by side, slouched upon their seats, and leaning upon one another.

He turned to her. “If that’s alright with you. I called Marah, and she’s at the apartment.”

“Good.” Lana answered as she nuzzled against him, “Oh…” she looked up at him and pulled away. “Sorry, I-wasn’t--” she stammered.

“Don’t worry. You’ve had a long night…Lana?” he looked at her, “We haven’t kept in touch since Smallville. After seeing you last night, I realized that I’ve missed your company. We should make plans soon.”

“I don’t know Lex,” she replied while sitting up straight.

“How stupid of me, of course,” Lex answered, “you have a boyfriend--”

“No, I don’t” she interrupted then turned to the window, “He left eight months ago. Besides, that’s not it. I’m overwhelmed with work, and there’s an exec position up in the firm.”

“Lana, as one workaholic to another, considering all that has happened, you need a break.”

“Lex you don’t get it, do you?” she snapped, “I’ve worked all these years for an opportunity like this one coming up, I can’t just take time off. I don’t have clout like you.”

“But I do get it Lana. I can’t believe I’m going to say this,” he reached for Lana and turned her towards him, “it’s not worth it…I believe the last thing you need is to end up like one of the execs who work for me. Lana, when I was rescued from the island, a long time ago, I went straight back to work. Hell, I was side by side with my father. It didn’t make things better.” With that the limo stopped, and Lana put a hand to his arm.

“I want to meet up with you…I just don’t know when I’ll have the time Lex.” She stood up and opened the door.

“Why do you always do this to us?” he then grazed his hand across her cheek. The air was thick and the space between them felt narrowed. Lana was the first to pull away.

“I have to go.” She answered quickly

“Lana?” Lex asked one last time before she got out of the limo. He reached in his pocket and handed her a business card, “You can reach me anytime on that number.”

Lana took the card and studied it for a minute before she looked to him and nodded. Lex decided to wait until she entered the apartment before taking off. RING RING Lex answered his flip phone.

“You got it? Impressive. I want details later. Bye.”

Marah sat on the sofa with her hands wrapped around a hot mug of coffee. She hadn’t slept since she returned from the club; Jude made sure that she returned safely and didn’t leave until the sun rose. Images of the people, and the conversations she had at the club drained her. She couldn’t believe that Jude was interested in her originally, and that Lex Luthor was an old friend of Lana’s from Smallville. Then to top off the night, she was rushed home without Lana; only to be told via cell phone that everything was being taken cared of at the moment. If all the things she heard of Lex Luthor were rumors then the aftermath of the club was proof enough of the Luthor influence. All Marah wanted at that moment was her best friend to be safe, and the fear of Lana’s condition brought her to tears.

Softly, the sound of a key turning and opening the front door made Marah jump to her feet.

“Lana?” she whispered while rushing to the hallway. It was at the turn of a corner that Marah saw Lana; a pale version of the woman she met at the club last night. Immediately, tears rose in both their eyes and they embraced. “I’m so sorry. It’s my fault. I should never had you walk alone, I just thought--”

“Shhh…” Lana cooed while holding onto Marah, “It’s over now. I want to change out of these clothes…”

“Oh, of course.” Marah pulled away from Lana, and then wiped her tears away with the back of her hand, “Do you need anything?”

Lana nodded and broke out a thin smile “Some tea, maybe.”

Lana approached her room with her arms wrapped about the waist. She felt nervous and anxious at the idea of slowing down and relaxing. Until that very moment she was able to distract her thoughts. The adrenalin rush died out a long time ago, shock was wearing down, and denial was sinking in. She put off her true feelings about the attack to a bare minimum. In her mind, everything felt broken down in compartments. Upon opening her bedroom door, and saw that her pajamas were laid out in bed, and the hamper lid open.

Marah must have been bored, she thought to herself.

As soon as Lana slipped into clean clothes, she felt a wave of exhaustion and sadness wash over her. She scrunched up in bed atop the covers and lay to her side.

There was a sudden knock on the door.

“Lana? I’ve got your tea.” Marah called from behind the door.

“You can come in Marah.”

She entered the room with a little breakfast tray that had a plate of biscuits alongside the cup of tea.

“Oh, good, I see you’re in your ‘jammies. I thought you’d want something comfortable. I was worried and bored so I thought--” she spoke quickly as she placed the tray beside Lana.

“Slow down, I’m going to be okay, Marah. Really.” She laughed as Marah’s eyebrows bunch up in confusion.

“I know you’re not going to want to get into this right now…but Lex did treat you well, right? He isn’t some stranger.”

“No, far from it…” she spoke as she reached for her cup a tea and gently placed it to her lips. “It’s a long story, Marah, but let’s just say that I know him well enough.”