By LoisLane80 <LoisLane80@hotmail.com>
Rated PG-13
Submitted June 4, 1998
Summary: Some unexpected news threatens the harmony in Lois and Clark's personal life and erodes their mutual trust.
*NOTE: This story was written as an episode of the Fifth Season, as if I were a writer. The time frame on it is after they have given up the baby that was sent to them. My address is LoisLane80@hotmail.com Thanks!*
***
"Come on, Lois. It wasn't THAT bad," Clark said as he and his wife stepped off the elevator into the news room.
"You mean you thought it was going well when my mother started in saying we need a baby of our own and went into how painful labor is and my father said he could BUILD us a baby?!"
"Okay, but other than that…"
"You mean when I spilled the wine and mother started jumping up and down because it got on her new white dress? Come on, Clark. It was a disaster. I don't know how you talked me into going."
"Hey CK. Lois, there's someone at your desk waiting for you. Says her name's Valerie," Jimmy Olsen said as he approached them.
"Valerie? Do I know a Valerie?." Lois looked quizzically at Clark, who shrugged. Lois quickly poured herself some coffee and walked down the ramp to her desk.
"Lois, Clark, in my office now!" shouted Perry, the editor and chief of The Daily Planet.
"I'll go, Honey. You go talk to Valerie.
***
"What is it, Chief?," Clark asked as he shut Perry's office door.
"Where's Lois?"
"Someone was here to see her."
"Who?"
"I don't know. Some girl named Valerie."
"Oh, well, you'll do. There's been a series of robberies in Metropolis. The thing is, there's no alarms. No sign of breaking in. No evidence. No nothing."
"Nothing?"
"No."
"Nada?"
"Nope."
"Nilch?"
"Not a thing, and that's about enough N words. I want you and Lois on this thing."
"You got it, Chief."
***
"Valerie?" Lois looked at the nervous girl sitting by her desk. She had long brown hair and brown eyes. She was wearing a white flowered dress that didn't fit right. It was too loose at the top and too tight around the waist. She stood up quickly when Lois addressed her.
"Lois Lane? What a pleasure to meet you."
"What can I help you with?"
"Well, I don't know if I should have come to you, but I didn't want to go to the police. I have a secret fear of cops," Valerie said as she thought to herself *You're an idiot. Don't say you're afraid of cops. That's suspicious.* "I'm not sure why. Anyways, I saw someone murdered last night. In a back alley. I got turned around because I just moved here and I decided to cut through a back alley to get to my apartment faster. They didn't see me, I don't think. A guy in a mask shot an older guy and took off the other way. I ducked behind some boxes, but what if he saw me?" She looked scared.
"Do you know who it was?"
"No. Like I said, I just moved here."
"Do you know which alley?"
"No." There were hundreds of alley in Metropolis.
"Is there anything else you can think of?"
"No."
"Okay. You can go home and I'll get back to you. I really think you should go to the police."
"I don't think so. You can if you want."
"Okay. Can I have your phone number and address?" The young lady rattled off an address on the other side of Metropolis. "And your name?"
"Valerie."
"Valerie what?"
"I didn't tell you?"
"No. I don't think you did."
"Oh. It's Glossen. Valerie Glossen."
"Okay, I'll get back with you." Valerie walked away just as Clark came up sipping his coffee.
"What'd she want?"
"She saw a murder and she didn't want to go to the police. She's new, so she didn't know details. I think we ought to turn it in to the police and see what they find. We can't do anything until…" She suddenly sat down.
"Lois, Honey. What's wrong?" Lois put her head between her knees. She stayed like that for a minute, then sat back up.
"Honey, are you okay?" Clark stood there like a worried parent.
"Wow! Talk about sudden. I've never had nausea come on that quickly. Yeah, I'm fine now." As soon as the words were out of her mouth, she grabbed the trash can and threw up.
"Lois!" Jimmy ran up, "What happened?" Lois looked up at Jimmy, and then at Clark.
"I haven't felt this bad since I had that Chinese from Ralph's Bagoda when we were on that stake out." She grabbed the trash can again.
"Lois, maybe you ought to go home for the day. I can handle the story."
"Story? What story, Clark?"
"The one Perry gave us. I was going to tell you after you told me about Valerie."
"I can't go home if we have a story."
"Lois, Sweetheart, you're sick. Take the day and rest."
"Clark, this is an assignment. I can't leave now. Besides, I already feel better. Come on, what's it about?"
"Are you sure?" Clark was still skeptical. He know Lois would do anything for a story.
"Clark, I'm fine! I think I know myself better than you do. Now what's our assignment?"
***
"So there's no clues?," Lois asked as they walked to the first place that was robbed, The Armanda Inn.
"Lois, I'm telling you, I would have heard something."
"Well, what are we supposed to do then? Ask the Bell Boys if they saw anything?" The Armanda was a nice hotel, but it wasn't rich.
"You've done this before. We'll just start with Mr. Armanda."
***
"I'm sorry, Mr. Armanda isn't in right now. May I take a message?" the receptionist asked politely.
"Do you know when he'll be in?" Lois asked.
"Actually, I don't. He's usually here, but he hasn't been in all week, even with the robbery. The police have a missing person thing out on him."
"Okay, thanks." She walked out with Clark. "Now what? We can't do anything! He's robbed and he skips town. Great, just great!"
"Lois, calm down. Let's go to the Planet and look for links. There could be a link between the robbery and Mr. Armanda being gone."
"Of course! Why didn't I think of that?"
"Honey, you seem a little out of it. What's wrong. Are you still sick?"
"No. I'm just thinking about something else."
"You really should go home."
"You're right." Clark looked at her surprised.
"You will?"
"Yes. And I'll meet up with you later."
"Why the sudden change? What do you know that I don't?"
"Nothing. I'm just going home to rest."
"Okay. You want me to take you?"
"No, I'll drive. I'll see you later." She smiled and got in the Jeep. Clark came around to the driver side window.
"You're all right with this?"
"Of course." She leaned through the open window and kissed him.
"Bye."
***
"Clark, where's Lois?"
"She went home sick."
"Lois?"
"Yeah, why?"
"Well, son, she's NEVER taken a sick day. You sure she's not sneaking around behind your back?" Perry smiled. "Aww, I'm thinking of the old Lois. The 'I'll-stop-at-nothing-to-get-a-story-first' Lois. She'd never do that to you, Kent. How's the story coming?"
"I just came in to cross-reference all of the robberies. So far all we've got is that the owner of Armanda Inn is missing. It may be linked. Do you really think Lois is doing something behind my back?"
"Nah, she wouldn't. I wouldn't worry. You keep at that story."
***
*It can't be. It's impossible. Dr. Klein said…but I've never had morning sickness, and I am late…but Clark can't,* Lois thought as she opened the purple box. "I can't believe I'm doing this. And without Clark. It can't happen. This is all my imagination. I'm going looney. I'm talking to myself. Now I know I'm looney." She pulled out the instructions.
***
"What next?" a guy in a black turtleneck and black pants asked.
"I think it's time to go big."
"But Lois, what do you mean?"
"I said don't call me that! It's Valerie. Just because my father, Lex Luthor, idolized Lois Lane doesn't mean I have to live with the stupid name." She said "Lois Lane" in a mocking way.
"Sorry, Valerie. What do you mean?"
"I mean banks. I'm sick of small hotels and jewelry stores. Let's think big! The Bank of Metropolis must have thousand of dollars. I want you to get Willie Wompfred, manager of the bank."
***
"Jimmy, I want you to pull up everything you've got on The Armanda Inn, Jalkson's Fine Jewelry, and Mason's."
"Mason's, as in the bar?"
"Yeah."
"Okay. Hey, CK. Where's Lois?"
"She took the day off."
"Huh? You must not have heard me. I said Lois."
"I know, and I said she took the day off."
"Lois?!" Jimmy laughed when he said it.
"What's so surprising about that?"
CK, Lois has worked here for seven years and she's never taken off. She had the measles once and still came in. She looked terrible. And infected the whole office. I just can't see Lois taking off because she threw up. I'm surprised you haven't heard that story. It was right before you came. I'd just started. Are you sure she's not hiding a story from you?"
"You guys are so mistrusting of Lois."
"Well, she was, I mean, totally against it this morning. How'd you talk her into it?"
"I just said she ought to rest and she…suddenly…Ugg! Lois!"
"What is it?"
"You're right. She's hiding something. She's never changed her mind that quickly. She's never changed her mind at all. I'm going to check on her." Clark grabbed his suit jacket from the back of his chair and jogged to the elevator. Lois met him as he came up the ramp. She was wearing a huge smile.
"What's the hurry?" she asked.
"Where've you been?"
"At home. Why?"
"No, you haven't."
"Yes, I have. I stopped at the drugstore real quick on the way there, but after that…"
"Lois, I know you're up to something. What is it?"
"Oh! Well, you're right. I am up to something." She jumped up and gave him a hug. As she did, she whispered in his ear, "I'm pregnant."
For a moment Clark stood there stunned while she waited for his reaction. Her smile began to fade the longer he stood there. Finally, he said, "So that's why you…" He gestured toward her wastebasket. She nodded and smiled again. "And you're sure?"
"93% sure."
"But Lois, you know I can't…" He was interrupted by Jimmy.
"Okay. Perry and I have bets. Where were you, Lois? What were you doing?" He stood on the tiled floor next to the ramp with Perry at his side.
"I'm…" Clark covered her mouth before Lois could say anything. "She's feeling better. But she WAS at home. I can't believe you guys bet!" Clark said with a smile as he rolled his eyes.
"Well, uh, we didn't mean to…Lois, we're sorry for not trusting you," Perry apologized.
***
"Clark, come on. Be reasonable. I wouldn't do that to you!"
"You know I can't have children! It can't be mine."
"Stop yelling! You know that's not true! Why would I do that to you?"
"I don't know. Maybe you thought there was no other way."
"This conversation's ridiculous! Listen to us!"
"Whose fault is that?"
"You don't honestly think I'd cheat on you, do you?"
"I don't know what I think. I've got to get back to work." Clark walked out of the conference room, leaving Lois standing in there by herself. When Clark came out everyone turned back to their work and pretended not to have been watching. Although the conference room was sound proof, they'd been making gestures that could be seen through the glass walls. Clark went to his desk where he was met by Perry.
"Ya know, son, you can always talk to me if something's wrong."
"Thanks, Chief." Perry stood there a minute while Clark worked.
"I, uh, could maybe help if you have a problem."
"Thanks, Chief."
Perry stood there a little longer and added, "Okay, as long as you know you can come to me."
"Jimmy, did you get that information on those places I asked for?"
***
`Lois stood there staring at the door where Clark had left. The tears slid down her face. He didn't believe her. She didn't know what to do. She wanted to cry on someone's shoulder, but that someone was him and she couldn't do that. Finally, she wiped away her tears and went to her desk. She couldn't work.
***
"CK. I got that information for you on the three robberies. Get this. Two of the owners have been found dead and the one is missing. None of the men were related in any way and I couldn't find a link between the three businesses."
"Any similarities in the deaths?"
"No evidence on either body. Both were found in a back dumpster."
"Thanks, Jimmy." Clark got up and headed toward the elevators. Lois followed.
"Come on, Clark. Clark, we need to talk. Clark!"
"I'm busy. I still have to work."
"Fine. DO you think the murders are connected to the robberies? Do you think that Valerie witnessed one of them?"
Clark shrugged.
"Clark, just because you're mad you don't have to give me the cold shoulder. We're still work partners. I don't even see why you're so mad. Isn't this what you wanted?"
"I have to go." Clark took off into the sky. Lois watched where he'd flown and sighed.
***
"Hey, Chief. What do you think's up with Lois and CK?"
"Aww, Jimmy. It's none of our business. I bet it's about what Lois did this afternoon. I wonder what kind of story it is. She should check in with me on these things."
"I bet it's the burglaries."
"What's she know."
"Not much that I know of. Maybe she has a source. Why's CK so mad?"
"You know what I think, Jimmy?"
"What?"
"That we need to mind out own business."
"Right, Chief."
***
"Jimmy, is Lois here?" Clark asked as he stopped off the elevator.
"No. I thought she was with you."
"Nope." Lois walked in. Clark sat down at his desk and sorted through the papers on it as Lois started toward him.
"Clark, we have to talk. You can't just run off."
"Lois, not now. I'm busy."
"Oh, really?" She grabbed the papers from his hand. "Hmm, that's odd. These are the computer printouts from last years cold spell. Clark, you can't hide in your work."
"I've got to go."
"Clark, no you don't. You're…ignoring…me." He was gone before she finished.
***
"Martha, it's Lois. Give me a call when you get home. I'll be at the Planet…Hi, Mom. I need to talk. Give me a call and I'll come over," the Kent's answering machine read when Martha pushed the blue button.
"Sounds like the kids have a problem," she said to her husband.
"Mmm…you take Lois and I'll call Clark."
"No, because Clark will come down. I'll call Lois first."
"Hoace Hame," Lois answered her phone. She'd tried to say, "Lois Lane," but she'd just taken a bite of her sandwich. "Oh, hi, Martha. I'm so glad you called. It's about Clark. Has he called you?"
"No, Hon. What's wrong?"
"I'm pregnant."
"Oh, that's wonderful!" She covered the phone receiver with her hand as she called to her husband in the other room. "Johnathan, Lois's pregnant!" She spoke into the phone. "What's so bad about that?"
"It's Clark that's so bad. He's ignoring me. He's using Superman as a way to stay away from me. He's mad at me." Lois was crying.
She didn't have to worry about CLark seeing her because he couldn't even stand being in the same room with her.
"Lois, calm down. Why's he mad? He wants kids, too."
"He thinks…he thinks…that it's not his." She started crying harder.
"That's silly, Lois. Clark would never think you cheated on him."
"But he does. He told me. Because of Dr. Klein."
"He said so? Oh, Lois, I'm so sorry. That's not like him. I'll talk to him. Are you all right?" Lois sniffled on the other end.
"Yeah, but it's hard. Clark won't even work with me, so I have nothing to do."
"I'll talk to him."
***
The dark haired man crept behind Willie Wompfred who was walking home. About a block from Willie's house, Jarvis grabbed him.
"Don't say a thing and come with me." He led Will back to his car where Valerie was waiting.
"Good work. So, Willie, I've got a proposition for you." Willie was silent. He had to be because he was gagged and his hands were being tied. He tried to escape, but he was no match against Jarvis.
***
"Clark?" Martha said into the phone when it was answered on the other end. There was no answer to her question, but soon she knew why. Clark, as Superman, flew in.
"Mom, it's Lois."
"Oh?"
"She's pregnant."
"What's so bad about that?" Clark was too preoccupied to see his mother wasn't surprised.
"Mom, I can't have children."
"So you think Lois cheated on you? Lois would never do that."
"That's what part of me thinks, but the other part keeps saying 'It's not yours, Dr. Klein said you can't.'"
"Honey, sit and listen to yourself. Maybe Dr. Klein was wrong. You know Lois would never hurt you. You're ruining this for her. How do you think she feels? She's not happy without you. And what's this about you flying off when she talks?"
"It's hard to talk to her. She doesn't understand."
"Clark, you don't understand. You're hurting Lois. This is a miracle sent to you and if there's anything I know about, it's miracles. You're not usually so skeptical. That's usually Lois. She wants to be happy, but you won't let her. I think you kids need to talk."
"That's what she said."
"I know. I talked to her and I agree."
"You talked to her?! No wonder you're on her side. You don't understand either."
"Son, we understand perfectly." Johnathan spoke for the first time. "You need to go back and tell Lois you're sorry."
"I don't think so. I'm right on this. I have to be." With that, he flew out.
***
"Perry, I want to do this story on my own," Clark said as he shut Perry's office door behind him.
"Why, Clark? What's wrong with Lois?"
"Nothing. I just think I should work alone."
"Clark, you can tell me if something's wrong."
"Nothing's wrong."
"Oh, Clark. That's more bull than a cow with the runs. I've watched you avoid Lois. Now tell me what's wrong."
"It's complicated, Chief. I just want to work on my story. There was another robbery and missing owner. This time it's The Bank of Metropolis."
"Clark, think about what's best for the paper. That comes first. Lois and you are a great team and that's what's best."
"It's not best if we can't talk. Chief, it's just one story. I can handle it myself."
"You're not speaking?" Clark sighed.
"Not exactly."
"I hope you guys can work it out. And this better not effect your work!"
***
"Perry says we have to work together," Clark said as they walked along the sidewalk.
"Why'd he say that? We always work together."
Clark looked at her. She stopped and turned to him. "You didn't. You asked him for another partner? How could you do this? I AM still you wife and partner!"
"And whose fault is it that we can't even talk to each other?"
"As a matter of fact, it's yours!"
"Mine?! You're the one who started it!"
"No, I didn't. You did because you don't believe me!"
"Can we just work?"
"Fine."
"Fine."
"Good."
"Why do you always have to have the last word?"
"I don't."
You do too."
"Do not."
"See?"
"What?"
"You're doing it."
"No, I'm not!"
"Yes, you are."
Forget it. Did they ever find the body of Mr. Armanda?"
"No. We're supposed to meet Bobby Bigmouth in an hour."
***
"I ain't heard nothin'. No gang or nuttin'." Bobby took a big bite of the Submarine sandwich Lois and Clark had brought him. They were in Lois's Jeep.
"Nothing? We bought you lunch and you don't know anything? Give me back that sandwich," Lois said, as she reached into the back seat to grab the sandwich.
"Lois!" Clark said as he grabbed her arm.
"Well, he hasn't given us anything."
"Hey, sometimes it don't happen underground. I gotta run. Next time, I don't want no Diet soda. I want regular." Bobby gathered up his lunch and got out of the car.
"Can you believe that man? Next time he's not getting dessert."
"Lois, maybe he doesn't know anything."
"He does too. Did you see the look on his face?"
"I think you're imagining things."
"I am not. How about lunch?"
***
"I looked up the links between the places robbed and their owners and there's no links. The only thing they have in common is that the owners are either missing or dead," Clark said between bites.
"Hmm, Clark?"
"Yeah?"
"Do you really think I cheated on you?"
"I think we should get to work."
"So you don't not think I cheated on you?"
"Lois, I don't want to talk about this."
"Clark, we have to talk about it sometime."
"Not now."
"When? When this kid is born? Clark, we need to settle this."
"There's nothing to settle." Again he took off, leaving Lois looking after him and sighing.
***
"What do you mean, 'you forgot'? You don't 'forget' things like wearing gloves when handling a dead bady! No, no, no! This isn't happening to me! Everything was going so well. You idiot!" Valerie screamed.
"Gee, Lois. They won't figure it out. They won't even check the body. Don't worry."
"How many times do I have to say it? MY NAME IS NOT LOIS! I can't stand that goodie-two-shoes. She makes me want to gag."
"Sorry."
"Now, we need a plan to make sure this isn't linked to me." She paused and pulled out a gun from the pocket of her fur coat. "I know how to fix this."
***
"So, all we know is that it may not be underground," Lois said to Perry in his office.
"Where's Clark?"
"He's…" She started to make another lame excuse, but realized she didn't have to. "I really don't know."
"You wanna talk?"
"Not really, Perry. Nothing's wrong. He probably just went to get us lunch."
"Doesn't anyone come to me with problems anymore?" Jimmy who'd been listening came in.
"Chief, I need some help."
"Not you, Jimmy. I'm talking about Lois and Clark." Lois rolled her eyes.
"We're fine, Perry."
"Anyways, Lois, I did have a reason for coming in here."
"What's that, Jimmy?"
"There was another robbery and murder. William Wompfred, age 38. Manager of The…"
"Bank of Metropolis."
"It gets better. They found fingerprints on the body. They're an exact match to a guy named Jarvis McKay."
"Never heard of him. Where is he? I want to talk to him."
"There's more. McKay was found last night on the next street over. He was shot."
"Anything on him?" "Uh, uh. Nothing." Lois glanced out the glass wall of the office and saw Clark adjust his tie as he stopped off the elevator.
"I've gotta go," she said as she started out of the office.
"Clark." Clark looked toward the voice and saw Lois coming toward him. What could he do? Turn back around and leave? It was too noticable. Instead he pretended not to see her and went to his desk. But Lois was too quick and cut him off as he passed her desk. "Clark!"
"Lois, I'm busy,"
"Give me a break. You've never been this busy. Besides, I wasn't going to talk about IT." She stressed the word 'it' so that he understood what it meant. "I was going to tell you about the other two murders." She signaled Jimmy to come over as she continued to tell Clark about their new lead. "Jimmy, get me anyone and anything McKay was connected to."
"You got it."
***
"Clark, in my office," Perry called into the news room. Both Lois and CLark made their way to his office.
When they stepped in, Perry said, "Lois, what part of 'Clark' do you not understand? If I had wanted you, I would have said 'Lois, in my office.' I'd like to talk to Clark. Alone." Lois took the hint and left. "Clark, you wanna tell me what's wrong?"
"Nothing, Chief. Really." Perry raised his eyebrows.
"Normally, I wouldn't butt in on your personal life, but when it effects your work, well, then, I think it's my job."
"How do you think it's effecting our work?" "You guys are partners and you said yourself that you two aren't speaking. Look at her." He gestured out the glass wall to where Lois had her head on her desk and her eyes closed. "She's wearing the same thing she wore yesterday, but that's propabably because she didn't go home. She slept on this couch!" he said, pointing to the brown leather couch in hes office. "Now, tell me what's wrong and maybe I can help."
"I don't think so, Perry."
"Then at least make sure she goes home and gets some sleep. I don't want this effecting y'alls performance anymore, you hear?"
"Yes, Chief," Clark replied as he started out the door.
"Oh, and Clark?"
"Yeah?"
"I hope you guys work it out." Clark smiled and nodded.
***
Clark made his way over to Lois and put his hand on her shoulder.She jumped up with a start and looked at Clark.
"Oh, my god! You scared me to death!" she said through deep breaths as she placed her hand over her heart.
"Perry says you need to go home. You're not getting any work done."
"Huh? Oh, I'm fine. I'm getting plenty of work done. I was just going over…" She trailed off as she shook her hand at a stack of papers on her desk."
"Lois, you were sleeping."
"I was not. I was…Was I really?"
"Yes, and Perry wants you to go home."
"Probably because I slept on a couch," she said sarcastically.
"Do you mind if I sleep in the bed? Or should I say your bed?"
"Why are you mad at me? You could've slept at home."
"Right. You'd've handled THAT real well. I was better off here."
"You can't be mad at me for what might have happened."
"Why not? You're mad at me for what didn't happen. Besides, I can be mad at you if I want to."
"No you can't! I'm mad at you so you can't be mad at me!"
"Clark, now you're starting to sound like me!" Their voices had raised and they were attracting attention throughout the news room.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"It means that I always say stupid things like that when I'm mad and that you're not allowed! That's what!"
"Oh, THAT'S real fair!"
"Forget it. I'm leaving." She grabbed her brown bag and stalked out.
***
"CK, what was that about?" Jimmy asked as he walked up in his usual, bouncy way.
"Nothing, Jimmy. Did you get that information on…"
"Jarvis McKay," Jimmy cut in. "Yeah. Right here." He handed Clark a stack of papers. "These are the people and these…" He paused while he handed Clark another stack, "are the 'things.' You know, banking, companies. All that good stuff."
"Thanks, Jimmy. You're the best."
"Tell the chief that. They start annual raises next week." Clark smiled.
"Will do."
***
"And if you mess up, you'll end up like McKay, got it?"
"Yes."
"Good. Now go get him."
***
"Clark, is that you?" Lois called from the kitchen when she heard the front door slam. When there was no answer, she added the top slice of bread to her sandwich and went into the living room with it, along with her tray of chips, soda, and an apple. She backed through the swing door and found Clark sitting on the couch typing on his lap top.
"What are you doing?"
"Jimmy got that information on Jarvis McKay. I'm cross-referencing the names of the people murdered with the people he was associated with."
"And?" Clark clicked a button and sighed.
"Nothing, unless you count McKay's coworker that used to be on the bowling team with Armanda in high school."
"Hmm. Have you sorted through the people he knew and picture I.D.ed them?"
"Lois! There are 367 names on this list. That would take a month!"
"Not at super-speed!"
"Yes it would. I'd have to wait on the computer."
"So, now what are you doing?"
"Cross-referencing all the organizations and stuff with the people murdered." He paused while he waited for his computer.
"Nothing."
"Well, let's think." She sat down beside him and took a bite of her apple. "Everyone who's been murdered is the owner or manager of a business."
"But not all big companies."
"And each place was robbed."
"So maybe…"
"it's not about the people murdered…
"but about the money."
"But why kill the owners?"
"Maybe the owners were in on the robberies for the insurance."
"That still doesn't explain why they were killed."
"I don't know."
"Well, McKay had to be in business with someone or else he wouldn't have gotten killed."
"So cross-reference the people with the things."
"Already did. Everything's linked to something else."
"Then we'll have to I.D. all of them and read up on everything. Which do you want?"
"Hmm. I'll take things for 500." Lois smiled at her husband's attempt at humor.
***
"Oh, my god. Clark! Look!" Clark came to Lois's side. They'd gone back to the Planet and had been there for hours. Now, it was eight o'clock and even Perry was going home.
"What in the Sam Hill are you two still doin' here?" Perry asked as he put on his coat. "I want the two of you to go home. And that's an order." Lois didn't even look up.
"Sure, Chief," she answered still looking at her computer screen. Clark looked up and opened his mouth to agree, but whistled instead.
"What's the big occasion?," he asked, looking at Perry in a tux.
"Aww…I had to get this monkey suit out 'cause Alice and I are goin' to the symphony tonight. I'm supposed to pick her up at 8:30."
"So things with you two are going well?"
"Well, son, let's just say that even Elvis couldn't have had as good a relationship as Alice and me right now." He looked at his watch.
"And all that's gonna change if I don't scadadle. She'll have my hide if I'm late." Clark laughed and nodded. As Perry left, Lois started again.
"Clark, Look! It's that one girl…you know, the one who was here a couple days ago?…Valerie! That's it, Valerie. This is her."
"Except her name's not Valerie. It's…Lois Luthor."
***
"Clark, you don't think that Lex had a daughter, do you?"
"Why not? He had a bunch of sons…and he WAS obsessed with you, enough to name a daughter after you."
"Good grief. Didn't he have any normal children? Well, she just moved to the top of the list."
"We'll talk to her tommorrow."
"Right now, I'm going home. You coming?"
"Nah. I'll stay here and work."
"Clark?"
"Yeah?"
"I love you."
***
"Hello?" Lois stared at the elderly woman who had opened the door.
"Hi, I'm Lois Lane from The Daily Planet. This is my partner, Clark Kent. We were wondering if we could speak to Valerie."
"Who?"
"Valerie. Valerie Glossen." "You must have the wrong place. I don't know no Valerie."
"Is this 142 South State Street?"
"Yeah."
"And you don't know a Valerie Glossen?"
"Nope. Never heard of her."
"How about a Lois Luthor?"
"No. I don't know anyone. Now leave me alone."
"Okay. Thank you."
***
"Now I know she's behind it. She didn't want to go to the police because they would catch her. Ha! Her plan backfired! We caught her."
"Lois, don't count your chickens before they're hatched."
"What's that? Another Smallville saying?"
"It means we haven't caught her yet. And even if we had, we don't have proof."
"Clark, she's Lex Luthor's daughter. That's proof enough. Plus she knew the murderer and came to me with some vague story and gives me a false address."
"I hate Lex Luthor more then anyone else, but maybe not all of his children are bad."
"Give me a break. The only way we ever meet his kids is through crime."
"That doesn't mean anything."
"Why are you defending her? She gave me a false name, for Christ sakes!"
"Maybe because she doesn't want to have to live up to a bad name to people like you!"
"You're defending her to get back at me, aren't you?"
"No I'm not. I just don't think you're being fair."
"Well, neither are you."
"What are you talking about?"
"This baby! I mean think about it. Have I ever cheated on you? Why would I? I'm in love with you!"
"Lois, I don't want to talk about this."
"Because you know I'm right and you're wrong, right?"
"I've got to go."
"Gee, what a surprise. You know, it's REAL convienent that Superman gets called whenever this topic comes up."
"Lois, I'm not making this up."
"Yeah. Sure. Go."
***
"I told you you couldn't out smart them! They're not called 'The Hottest Team in Town' for nothing. They crack every story," Valerie's inside guy at the Planet said to her.
"Okay, so they're a little closer then I expected, but I can deal with that. I have a plan to get more money AND keep them away, too."
***
"Where's Perry?" Lois asked when she found he wasn't in his office or the news room. Jimmy answered.
"I don't know. He left a while ago with some couple. Never seen 'em before. Lady with long hair. Guy with blond. Why?"
"You say you've never seen them?"
"Nope."
"Did you get a look at them?"
"Yeah. Perry introduced us. Why?"
"What were their names?"
"I don't know. I was busy. I didn't pay attention. Sorry."
"Could you identify them by picture?"
"Maybe. Why?" Lois started working on her computer pulling up Luthor's file.
"Come here." Lois tapped her screen and Jimmy looked at it.
"Yeah, that's her. Wait. NO, her name definitely wasn't Lois Luthor. I'd've remembered that."
"But this is her picture?"
"Yeah, I think. I don't know."
"Great! Perry's in trouble. Where's Clark?"
"I thought he was with you."
"Forget Clark. If you were Lex Luthor's daughter, where would you hide?" She thought for a moment. "That's it! Come on, Jimmy."
"Come where?" But Lois was already to the elevators.
***
"Perry White. Chief Editor of The Daily Planet. Like a daddy to little Lois Lane; buddy to do-gooder, Clark Kent. We'll see just how much they're willing to give up to keep you." Valerie ungagged him.
"What in the Sam Hill is going on? Where are we? What do you want? Money?"
"No. Well, yes. But more than that, I want Lane and Kent off my back."
"Ha! They're on to you. They'll be through that door any minute. With Superman. You might as well give up and let me go."
"Oh, really? How do you know?" Valerie asked sarcastically.
"They told me."
"Hmm. Then who am I?" Perry didn't answer. "Oh, so they're on to me, but they didn't tell you that I am Lois Luthor, Lex Luthor's only daughter? That's odd." Perry squirmed. "Let's make a deal. You stay here in this underground hide out. Lined with lead, of course. I will, of course, leave, and cause this place to cave in. Now if you're so sure your little 'friends' are on their way, then you don't have to worry." With that, she walked out.
***
Perry sat there and counted the rats, waiting for his death. He heard the sound of footsteps from somewhere. He wondered if Luthor had changed her mind and come back.
"Hello?" he called. "Anybody out there? I need some help." The footsteps came closer. Now he could make out two sets. "Help! Who are you?"
***
Clark stepped off the elevator and instinctively looked towards Lois's desk. She wasn't there and Clark gave a sigh of relief, but was curious of where she was. He looked for Jimmy, but he wasn't there either. Clark started towards Perry's office to ask him, but Perry was gone, too.
"Morton, Where's everyone?"
"Who?"
"Lois. And Perry and Jimmy."
"Lois and Jimmy left a half an hour ago. Perry's been gone a while. I'm not sure where."
"Where's Lois."
"I don't know. She just left." Clark went back to his desk and looked at his list of messages: His mom, wondering about dinner tonight, and Dr. Klein, with no specific message other than to call. He called Dr. klein first.
"Bernard Klein."
"Dr. Klein, it's Clark Kent. What do you want?"
"Clark?" Dr. Klein asked distractedly. "Oh, yes, yes. Clark, I was wondering if you could get a hold of Superman for me. I have something to talk to him about."
"Sure, I'll send him over when I see him." Clark hung up after a series of okays and yeses and left, loosening his tie on the way.
***
"Perry?" Perry heard the whisper come from the right hand corner.
"Who is it?"
"Is she gone?"
"Who?"
"Luthor."
"Yeah, who are you?" Lois and Jimmy came out of the darkness of the corner.
"Lois."
"Perry, are you all right? Did she hurt you? Here, let me get these ropes undone."
"Lois, how'd you know where I was?," Perry asked, bewildered.
"Come on. She going to blow us up."
"Where are we?"
"We're in…" A voice cut her off.
"Lex Luthor's old hideout. I'm sure you know it well, Lois." Lois Lane straightened up when she saw Valerie holding a gun.
"Can't say the same about you, Lois, can we?"
"Don't call me Lois!"
"You were abandoned by your father. He never wanted a girl. You were a disgrace." Valerie waved the gun around.
"Shut up or I'll shoot you."
"But he left his mark on you. Naming you after his one true love. Me. He cursed you with the name so you couldn't escape him, even though you never saw him."
"That's enough!"
***
"Dr. Klein, you wanted to see me?" Superman asked.
Well?"
"Do you still have a girlfriend?"
"What?"
"Do you still…"
Well, I was going through the tests we ran on you and found a part that I'd never seen, that said that if you were to…you know…during a cetain number of days a year, depending on your location and the sun's heat, then it may be possible for you to have children…if your partner's blood is O positive."
"Lois's is."
"What?"
"Oh, I said Locuses. It's a term used for words like wow."
"Uhh, right."
"Do you know what those days are?"
"Not right now, but I can find out."
"Thanks. Call Clark when you find out."
"Sure, Superman."
***
"Nice going, Lois. Couldn't keep your mouth shut, could you?" Jimmy asked as he looked at the bomb about ten feet from them. It read 2:46, 2:45, 2:44… Lois struggled.
"Oww!" yelped Perry. Ther three of them were tied to a pole. Whenever one of them moved, the rope tighted for all of them.
"Oh, like it's my fault she had a gun. It's worked before on people. How was I supposed to know it make her go insane. Would it be insaner? Is that a word."
"Lois, do you always get in this much trouble?" Perry asked.
"Only when I'm working." 1:32, 1:31…
"Well, since we're going to die, I want to say something," Jimmy said.
"We are not going to die!" Jimmy kept going.
"I…I'm a virgin." Lois laughed.
"That's what you wanted to tell us?"
"Well, I mean…" Perry cut into Jimmy's explanation.
"Aww, Jimmy. That ain't something to be ashamed of. Elvis was a virgin 'til he married Pricilla."
"Thanks, Chief."
"Well, while we're on the subject, I want ch'all to know something, too. Lois, I think you're the best reporter there ever was. You're the daughter I never had." 1:15, 1:14… "and Jimmy, you're a great pal. You've helped me a lot these last couple of years…with Alice and all." Lois looked at her lap. A tear slid down her face.
"Since it's open mike, I want to share with you all the joy that I would have had if I hadn't gotten us killed…I'm pregnant." 14, 13, 12, 11…
"Well, this is it. You guys have been great. Ten, nine…" Jimmy started the countdown. When he got to three, he stopped as Superman came through the ceiling.
"Clar…Superman, a bomb!" 2, 1…Superman grabbed it and stuck it in his mouth right before it exploded.
"You guys all right?" he asked after he'd untied them. "Ms. Lane, Mr. Olsen, Mr. White?" Lois approached him.
"How many times have you eaten a bomb for me?"
"Six, and I'd do it sixty more." Lois smiled. "Well, if everything's all right here, I'd better go find Ms. Luthor."
***
Lois was lying in bed, reading over her story when Clark came in and lay beside her.
"Oh, you mean you're sleeping with me again?"
"Dr. Klein called today. He said he found some things he'd overlooked last time in my tests."
"And let me guess. You can have kids."
"Yeah."
"I think you owe me an apology." Clark got on one knee on the bed.
"Mrs. Lois Lane Kent, will you forgive me for thinking you would lie? And for treating you badly and ignoring you and…do I have to keep going?" Lois laughed.
"Of course."
"How about I just show you?" He bent down and gave her a long, passionate kiss.
"That'll work."
THE END