Pheromone, My Lovely - Matchmaker Style
Rated PG-13
As always comments are welcome. (ken.janney@kjanney.com)
* * denotes emphasis
< > denotes thoughts
As always comments are welcome. (ken.janney@kjanney.com)
Pheromone, My Lovely - Matchmaker Style 10/12
Previously
Perry's door was slightly open so Lois and Clark simply walked in. Clark closed the door behind them and they moved over in front of his desk.
Perry was sitting there, behind his desk, with his head buried in his hands. When he looked up to see who had had the temerity to enter his office uninvited, Lois let out a gasp. Right in the center of his face, there was a very big, very white bandage across his nose and over his cheeks.
Clark, concern in his voice, asked, "Chief, what happened?"
At the same time, Lois asked, "Does it hurt?"
Answering Lois first, Perry said, "Only when I laugh, although there's very little danger of that happening in the near future."
Clark spotted what appeared to be some legal documents on Perry's desk. He used his supervision to look at them then to provide a cover he picked them up to look at them. "Sexual harassment … Rehalia …"
Perry offered, "That's not the worst of it. Alice threw me out. Called me a no good hound dog. Now I'm livin' in the heartbreak hotel. One hundred and fifty-nine bucks a night."
As Clark placed the papers back down on his desk, Lois spoke up, "Chief, you have a defense. A complete defense."
"We've been looking into what happened. We found out that a research chemist sprayed a pheromone compound on us." Clark added sympathetically.
Perry was puzzled, "Pherawhat?"
"Pheromone!"
Clark added, "It made all of us …"
Lois interrupted to clarify, "Some of us …"
Clark finished, "... fall wildly in love. Completely beyond our control."
Perry brightened up and sat up straighter in his chair. "Well, that'll take care of the lawsuit. But not Alice. She'll never have me back."
Lois advised, "Fight for her, Chief."
Clark added, "Shower *her* with presents. Write *her* poems. Put *her* on a golden pedestal. Tell *her* you *worship* her."
Perry thought about this advice and his continence brightened, briefly, then he sagged in his seat and said, "She'll never buy it."
Clark encouraged him, "Come on, Chief. What have you got to lose by trying? Explain what happened over a candlelight dinner. After sending her some roses, of course."
Lois nodded her agreement, "Yeah, that should work. Roses and a nice dinner. I like that idea. Go for it, Chief."
"I guess it's worth a try. Okay, I will."
And Now:
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Chapter 9
A little later
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Nigel Saint John escorted Miranda to Luthor's office and entered to find him waiting for her. For a change he wasn't behind his desk, but in an easy chair near a side table. As she entered, he stood and moved to greet her. He reached for her hand and taking it, brought it to his lips and kissed the back of it.
Miranda, however, was wise to Luthor and his machinations. She remained cool and didn't allow his charm to sway her.
Straightening, Luthor started the conversation, "Congratulations, Miranda. I'm the first to admit when I've made a mistake." He turned and started to pour two flutes of champagne as he finished, "I hope you've given my offer some consideration."
Miranda had decided to fight fire with fire. "I've done nothing,
but think about it." She paused to accept the flute of champagne that he offered her before she continued, "Of course, there are plenty of others who'd be willing to offer me a tidy sum for my formula."
Luthor had expected as much from her. He countered with, "True, but
I'm offering you a full partnership. Fifty-fifty."
Miranda shot right back, "Seventy-thirty."
Lex countered with, "Sixty-forty."
Miranda acquiesced, "Done."
Luthor raised his glass and said, "Good. Now, come. A toast. To you. To your brilliant success. And ... to our new partnership."
They both drained their glasses. Luthor had some hopes of sweetening the deal, but in order to do that he needed Miranda to consume more alcohol. He collected her glass and turned to refill them.
When he turned away, Miranda pulled out a small atomizer and sprayed some on both sides of her neck and then sprayed some in the air in Luthor's direction so that when he turned he would be in the cloud. When he turned he walked into the mist, but his mind was on what he had planned to do to gain his advantage so other than wincing somewhat he didn't pay any attention to what had just happened and he handed her the glass.
Miranda proposed a toast, "To us."
Miranda was watching for a reaction as they drank, but she could see no change.
Luthor was still trying to mine her for information. "I'm a bit concerned about the temporary nature of the perfume. Forty-eight hours isn't much time."
Miranda's reply was gratifying, "I'm only using a one percent solution. In its purest form, 'Revenge' would cause a total and
permanent breakdown of all inhibitions."
Luthor smiled in satisfaction and said, "Excellent."
Luthor collected her glass again and turned to pour them each yet another glass.
While his back was turned, Miranda moved over and put her arms around him from behind. He turned in her arms to face her.
Miranda said, "Lex, I had hoped that this would not just be a business partnership, but more ... the way it once was between us."
She was very disappointed when he said, "I think not, Miranda. I never mix business with other people's pleasure."
Miranda was surprised at his response. She had expected him to be falling all over her in a passion. She asked, "But now … don't you … feel anything toward me?"
Luthor thought for a second, as if taking inventory and then said, "No, I don't." Seeing this turn of events, Luthor chose to cut his losses and end the interview, "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a dinner date."
Miranda was furious, "With Lois Lane?" Luthor's reply just made her the more angry,
"Yes. That is assuming your potion has worn off and she will leave her country bumpkin partner behind. Nigel will see you out. We'll talk tomorrow."
Miranda was furious, her plan had failed. For some reason, the potion was having a delayed action on Luthor. When she started to say something, she felt Nigel take her arm from behind. Once again, she was being thrown out. Miranda was crushed, heartbroken. Luthor moved to the phone and dialed a number. He humored her as she left. "Just think, Miranda. Soon the world will bow to our discovery."
Miranda railed at his use of the word ‘our'. Her reply was spiteful, "Yes, soon, Lex. Soon all of Metropolis will feel the pain of love spurned."
Brooking no further delay, Nigel pulled her out through the door. Luthor stopped for a moment, wondering about her words, but quickly forgot what she had said.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
That evening
As they were about to leave for the dinner, Clark stopped and canted his head to the side in that gesture that Lois had become so accustomed to. "What is it?"
"Silent alarm. That means a bank or a jewelry store." He did a spin change into the Suit.
Just then the phone rang. Clark answered, "Kent residence."
It was Perry on the other end, "Clark, we just had a tip. Harrad's Jewlers is going to be robbed tonight. For some reason the tipster mentioned you by name."
"I'm on it, Chief." He hung the phone up.
Lois quirked an eyebrow.
"An anonymous tip was called in about a robbery."
"Awfully convenient, if you ask me." As he was leaving, Lois said, "I'll call and cancel."
Clark paused on his way to the balcony and said, "No, go ahead. Let’s not disappoint Luthor. Let him think his little ploy worked. I'll join you as quickly as I can. Go get the interview."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
After Clark left, Lois climbed into her Jeep and drove to LexTower. After parking she entered the lobby and saw Nigel waiting for her. He escorted her around the corner to the private elevators. The door to one stood open, waiting for them. They entered and Nigel pressed the button for the top floor. After several minutes, the doors opened to reveal Luthor's penthouse.
"Ah, good evening, my dear." Looking around, making it look as if he had no idea as to the cause, he said, "I thought that Mr. Kent was going to accompany you."
"He had to go report on a story at the last second. As soon as he is finished, he will be joining us."
He held out his hand in invitation directing Lois to move to the balcony. After she had passed him he moved next to Nigel and said, "Go back down. If Kent shows up, prevent him from coming up. Do whatever is necessary."
Nigel patted his left side, just under his arm pit as he replied, "I understand, sir." He nodded and turned back to the elevator. As the doors closed behind him, Luthor turned and moved to the balcony to join Lois.
Lois was standing on the balcony of Lex's penthouse, looking out over the city, the lights twinkling below. She sighed and said, "It's lovely up here Lex." Meanwhile she was thinking, <Almost as pretty as when Clark takes me flying, but then there's nothing that can compare with that.>
Lex escorted her to a table and seated her as he said, "I never was much for crowded restaurants. I prefer to eat alone ... present company excepted."
Lois noted that there were actually three places set. "Clark said not to wait for him. He'll be here as soon as he can be."
Lifting her fork, Lois delicately took some salad. She noticed that Luthor was staring at her rather than eating his own salad.
As she was lifting her hand she noticed that he was staring at her in a way which he had never stared at her before and it made her uncomfortable. Lois was wishing that Clark would arrive. She asked, "Lex, are you feeling okay?"
His reply, didn't really answer her question, "Of course. I am
never sick. I just ... don't think I ever noticed your eyes before. How rich, how deep, like dark pools of light. A man could drown in those pools."
Lois was concerned, this was not like Lex. His attempts at being romantic … ‘dark pools of light' indeed. He was definitely coming on to her. Clark had definitely been right. <I need to keep mentioning Clark. Maybe he'll get the hint.> "Uh, thank you. Clark likes my eyes too."
At the mention of Clark, Luthor released her hand and tried to shake the feelings of jealousy that came over him. He prided himself on his control. His control was what enabled him to manipulate people so successfully and he could feel that control slipping. He picked up his fork, sampled the salad and then finding it insufficient distraction reached for and poured some wine.
As a way to move the conversation away from the direction it had started to take, and provide an opening to ask about Miranda, Lois was gesturing with her hands as she said, "Things have been utterly crazy at the Planet. You wouldn't believe ..."
As she started to speak, Lex stopped pouring the wine and set the bottle back in its bucket.
She was becoming concerned about his sanity as he started staring at her, almost
through her. This time he picked up her right hand and looked closely at it. Lois found herself wishing that it had been her left hand so that her wedding ring would have been there to discourage him.
As if mesmerized, Luthor said, "Your hands."
Taken aback, Lois asked, "What's wrong with my hands?"
Luthor replied, "They're so graceful. So delicate. Like fine porcelain." He got a faraway look in his eyes as he started to quote, "'Imprison her soft hand and let her rave ... and feed deep, deep upon her peerless eyes ...'
Taking her hand back, Lois said, "You're acting very strange tonight, Lex." With a slight chuckle she added, "How many glasses of wine did you have before I came?" <I wonder what is wrong with him. He didn't act like this before. I don't know whether to feel flattered or frightened. If I didn't know better … his next statement gave her pause.> Lois had a nagging feeling that she should know what was happening.
Defensively, Luthor replied, "None. I never drink alone. And, I am never drunk. I am always in control. Complete ..." He moved his chair closer before he continued, "You ... are ... the ... most beautiful creature I have ever seen."
Pulling back from him, trying to give herself some distance, Lois said, "I'm happy to say that I think that Clark would agree with you. I wonder what's holding him up. He should have been here by now. I wanted to start the interview." <I need to get this on more of a business footing, less personal.>
"Forget about that bumpkin. I'm here, you're here. Let's not waste any more time." He reached for her hand again.
Lois snatched her hand away as he reached for it and jumped out of her chair. Luthor stood and followed her as she backed away. After only a couple of steps, Lois backed into the banister around the balcony which halted her retreat. When she found that her retreat was cut off she said, almost under her breath, "Clark, where are you? I need you, Clark! Hurry up, will you?"
Seeing his prey stymied by the banister he made a clumsy lunge for her.
Lois sidestepped and Luthor crashed into the banister. Turning his head he saw her standing a few feet away.
She had assumed a karate fighting stance and was prepared to do battle if necessary until Clark arrived, either as Clark or as Superman.
Suddenly Lois heard the doors of the elevator opening.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Clark had arrived on scene just as the robber was trying to make his getaway.
Seeing Superman, the robber pulled out his gun and started to shoot. Superman's hands became blurs as they went into motion, snagging slugs out of the air. There were too many bystanders to allow the bullets to bounce off of his chest. Someone could be hurt by the ricochet. When his ammo was expended the thief dropped his gun and put his hands up.
Picking him up by the scruff of the neck, Superman turned him over to the MPD Officers that had just driven up in a patrol car.
While one of the officers read the perp his rights, the other put the cuffs on him.
Once he was in the back of the car, one of the officers took Superman's statement.
Once this was recorded and Superman had signed he flew off.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Nigel had been waiting for Kent. He knew that he should have some time, because the location of the heist was all the way across town. <Mr. Luthor should have all of the time he needs.> He was surprised when, suddenly, through the glass window he saw Kent looking in and waving. <How did he manage to get here so quickly? Mr. Luthor is not going to like this. Oh, well. He will need to be delayed.> He frowned and watched as Kent then turned and strode through the doors into the lobby.
As he approached, Nigel said, "Ms. Lane stated that you would be delayed. We were not expecting you this soon."
"I ran into Superman at the robbery and he offered to give me a lift."
With a quick movement that would rival a slight-of-hand expert, Nigel produced a small caliber automatic. He said, "That is most unfortunate, for you. Mr. Luthor does not wish to be disturbed. I've been directed to take you back to the Planet because your presence it not wanted. I'm sorry, but I cannot take no for an answer."
Unfortunately, for Nigel, Clark was close. With a swift movement Clark pushed against the barrel and slide of Nigel's weapon, knocking it out of alignment relative to the hammer called being ‘out of battery' and making the weapon unable to fire. Wrapping his hand around the slide and receiver group he kept the weapon inoperative and twisting his hand he removed the weapon from Nigel's grip. As he was doing this he planted his right fist under Nigel's chin, lifting him a couple of inches into the air. A second later Nigel fell in a heap to the floor, unconscious.
Clark jacked back the slide to eject the round from the breech, locked it open and ejected the magazine. After removing the rounds from the magazine he tossed them into a far corner. They sounded like pebbles being thrown across a road as the skittered across the floor. Then he removed a wooden #2 pencil from his pocket and after jamming it into the breach he broke it off, leaving the end in the breech. Then he put the empty magazine back in the butt, allowed the slide to slam forward and then dropped the useless weapon on Nigel's ample stomach. To outward appearances the weapon was just as it had been however until the pencil stub was removed it wouldn't chamber a round. Clark said to the unconscious form, "Sorry, but I'm going up whether you or Lex like it or not."
Clark turned to the bank of elevators. He pushed a button, but there was no response. He puzzled about this briefly, then sliding his glasses down his nose, examined the plate closely. He noticed a card slot.
Nodding his understanding he turned to Nigel and x-rayed him. Seeing a card in an inner jacket pocket, he reached in and lifted it out.
As he straightened up he heard Lois, faintly, "Clark, where are you? I need you, Clark! Hurry up, will you?"
After sliding the card into the slot he hit the button and the doors slid open. Pulling out the card he entered the car and seeing another slot in the panel, he slid it in and pushed the button for the top floor.
His anxiety increased because of the speed of the elevator. It was an express, but it was still too slow for his liking.
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