Testing a Theory
Folc4evernaday
Chapter 3
A/N I know. I know. It's been awhile.
I'm sorry. I really
really am. I swear I didn't forget about this one I just got sidetracked with RL and other fics.
I promise to finish this one now so please don't throw tomatoes.
Previously on Testing A Theory...“You don’t want to go down there.” Lois shook her head, tugging Cat away from the door.
“I don’t?” Cat asked in disbelief.
“No. Rats and bugs and creepy crawly things.” Lois shook her head. “You don’t want to go down there.”
“Yet Clark goes down there to….
think?” Cat asked.
“Well, he is a farmboy,” Lois said weakly.
“Uh-huh,” Cat said, pushing past her. “I just have a quick question for him.”
“Wait!” Lois tried to stop her, but it was too late. Cat had already opened the door. Lois sighed in relief when she saw her husband standing in the door with a box of #2 pencils in his hand.
“Clark?” Cat looked back at Lois, “How was the
Boiler Room?”
“Hot.” He commented, moving back toward his desk.
‘Thank God for super-hearing.’ Lois thought to herself.
“Here’s the pencils you needed.” He said, handing the box to Lois.
“Thanks.” Lois took the box and placed it in her desk drawer with the other half a dozen boxes he’d used as excuses whenever his disappearance from the newsroom didn’t go unnoticed. She looked over at Cat who was watching them suspiciously.
***
They mysterious blonde tapped her long fingernails on the table as she spoke on the phone through the double-paned glass window. “You’ve made the right decision Samantha. Allowing that evil man to let you take the fall for what he did is a crime in itself.”
“Can you get me out of here?” Samantha asked.
“I can,” she spoke with a glint in her eyes, “but first I need you to do something for me.”
“Wh-what’s that?” Samantha asked, uncertainly.
“Nell Newtrich.” The woman began slowly, “She has something that doesn’t belong to her, and I want it back.”
“What kind of thing?” Samantha stammered.
“A rock.” The woman said smugly. “A very special rock. It glows….red. I want it back. Get it for me and freedom is yours.” Before Samantha could respond, the woman hung up the phone and got up to leave.
“A
rock?”
***
“I think we need to try to call the warden and see if we can get in to talk to him this afternoon,” Clark explained, taking a seat on the edge of Lois’ desk. “I’m hoping he isn’t involved in any of this and can help us out.”
“Anything will help at this point,” Lois admitted softly. “You need to be more careful with your exits. I looked like an idiot trying to keep her out of the stairwell….looking for you.” She sighed, “What did she want anyway?”
“She said she wanted to know when Wallace’s divorce was finalized last year,” Clark said with a confused expression. He had to admit. Cat was acting out of character.
“Can’t she just search the Planet’s archives for that?” Lois asked.
Clark shrugged, “Apparently not.” He smiled, stroking her cheek and whispered in her ear, “Thanks for covering for me.”
“Anytime.” She grinned leaning up to kiss him on the cheek.
***
Cat Grant sat back watching as Clark took a seat at Lois’ desk, carrying on a conversation as he moved closer to her. He then leaned in to whisper something in Lois’ ear before the young woman turned to kiss him on the cheek. Lois’ behavior might as well have been setting off sirens that yelled,
'My Husband Is Superman!'She had been trying every trick in the book to keep Cat from going into that stairwell. Then when she finally did push past Lois Clark had been standing there with a box of pencils. The couple had shared a quick look and Cat had to scramble to come up with a plausible question to ask him for her story. It was lame, and Clark could probably see right through her, but she didn't care.
Something was definitely up.
Clark Kent was Superman, and she was going to prove it.
She smiled, imagining the look on Lois Lane’s face when she landed the biggest story of the century,
‘Superman’s Identity Revealed.’
‘Let the games begin,’ she thought to herself.
***
Chapter 3“Thank you for agreeing to meet with us, Mr. Baker.” Clark said, taking a seat across from the middle aged man with a thinning hairline. His large framed glasses were tilted slightly and his square jaw tightened as he stared back at them. He looked to Lois who was sitting quietly next to him notepad in hand.
“Of course, Mr. Kent.” Baker pasted on a smile, but his tone seemed anything but genuine. “We’re an open book here.” He peered toward Lois’ notepad, trying to see what she was writing as he spoke. “What can I help you with?”
“An inmate was murdered in his cell last night.” Lois said, looking up and meeting the warden’s gaze. “How about we start there?”
“Murdered?” the warden half choked out. “There’s been no murder.” Baker’s tone was careful as he continued, “I’m told we had a suicide last night, but…”
“Suicide?” Clark echoed, not sure how the scene he’d stumbled on earlier could have been classified as suicide.
“Yes, suicide.” Baker’s eyes narrowed as he spoke. “Medical Examiner just finished the report. I can have a copy sent to you if you’d like.”
“Please.” Lois tapped her pen on her notepad. He glanced over at her, seeing the same doubts he was having reflected in her eyes. There was no way Randy Goode’s death was a suicide.
“The guards are on duty last night,” Clark began, venturing toward his original line of questions he’d prepared. “Do you trust them?”
“Of course.” Baker sniffed. “Why wouldn’t I?”
“So, you have no reason to think any of the guards would do anything to one of the prisoners?” Clark prodded, watching Baker’s face twitch.
“My guards are trained to deal with every situation as they see fit. If a prisoner gets out of line they are allowed to use force, Mr. Kent.” Baker’s tone grew menacing.
“Would your guards ever retaliate against a prisoner?” Lois asked, arching an eyebrow as she spoke. “Perhaps move a prisoner to population where any of the other prisoners that may have a vendetta against him could get to him?”
Baker’s eyes darkened and he turned to Lois,“You don’t know what kind of scum we have to deal with here. It’s not all roses and sunshine in here.”
Clark met Baker’s gaze and tightened his jaw, “No one’s saying it is, Mr. Baker, but I can’t help but wonder if there may have been more to last night’s ‘suicide’ than you’re letting on. How did Randy Goode end up in General Population prior to his trial date being set?”
Baker leaned back in his chair, folding his hands over his chest, “I’m not aware of the details to his transfer. I’ll be reviewing them this afternoon.”
Clark exchanged a look with Lois who nodded, “I think that’s all our questions, Mr. Baker.” They stood to their feet. “If you could get us a copy of that medical report?” Lois reminded him.
“Of course,” He called after them as they left. “Always happy to help.”
***
Perry unlocked the front door to his condo, looking back at the young man that stood behind him warily. “I know it’s not much, but I just couldn’t stay in that old house by myself and well…” He let out a muffled grunt, unsure how to continue.
“Dad, it’s fine.” Jerry placed a hand on his wrist. “Things are different this time.”
Perry turned the final lock on the door and opened the door, revealing the spacious living room. He motioned for Jerry to enter and followed him inside, closing the door behind him. “I haven’t had time to get to the store this week, but I’ll stop by on the way home.”
Jerry looked around the condo, staring up at the high vaulted ceilings with a grin. “I never thought you were one for modern, dad.”
“Well, I figured a little change here and there wouldn’t hurt.” Perry cracked a smile, then pointed to the hallway that led to the bedrooms. “You’ll, uh, have your own bathroom. There’s clean sheets and a fresh set of clothes on the bed. Your mother will be by later this afternoon with the rest of your things. I went ahead and got you a new toothbrush and, uh…”
“Dad,” Jerry interrupted, placing a hand on his shoulder. “I got it. Just go ahead and head to the Planet. I’ll be fine.” His face fell to a sheepish frown and he added, “I have to go check in with my parole officer anyway.”
“Are you sure?” Perry asked, uncertainly. “I don’t want to just leave you on your first day out…”
“You’ve done more than enough. Taking me in, forgiving me…” Jerry let out a long sigh, “I’m not that person anymore. I’ll prove it to you and I will earn your respect again. I’m going to…”
“You’re going to do exactly what that parole officer tells you to.” Perry cut him off. “Now listen, your cooperation with the Feds is what got you out but you still need to make a living—a
legal one.”
“I know.” Jerry said, looking down at his feet. “I’ve got a lot to make amends for.”
“Yes, well, I’ve got some thoughts on that subject.” Perry drawled, heading for the door to leave. “Why don’t you swing by the Planet after you meet with your mother? We’ll talk over dinner.”
“Sounds good, dad.” Jerry flashed him a weak smile.
“Oh, Jerry?” Perry called, turning to look back at him. “I do respect you for what you’re doing. It takes a lot of guts.”
“Thanks, dad.” Jerry’s smile broadened, and Perry let out a good-natured laugh.
“Good to have you home, son. I’ll see you in a few hours.”
***
“He’s lying.” Lois said in disgust as they handed their visitor’s badge into the security desk.
“I know.” Clark said, placing an arm around her, walking toward the double glass doors that led to the parking lot. “What we don’t know is why.”
“You think he’s in on it?” Lois asked as the double doors opened and they made their way to the parking lot.
“I think he knows more than what he’s letting on. Whether he’s a part of it I don’t know.” Clark sighed, looking behind him at the tall brick building.
“We’ll figure this out.” Lois reassured, squeezing his hand.
“I know,” He gave her a weak smile, leaning in to kiss her. “We always do.” The sound of tires screeching on the otherside of the parking lot caught both of their attention. His brow furrowed, lowering his glasses to see what the commotion was. “They never give up,”
“What is it?” She asked, allowing him to guide her to where the Jeep was parked.
“Get in,” He looked over his shoulder, tugging on his tie. “I’ll meet you back at the Planet. I think it’s time Superman had a little
chat with
‘In-Your-Face-Barry-Dunning’ about the laws on harassment.”
“I don’t think that’s such a good idea.” Lois began to interject but he had already disappeared in a blur of red and blue. “Great.”
***
“Testing...one, two, three…” Barry Dunning spoke into the microphone, looking back at the camera. “Are we live?”
His cameraman, Mike gave him a thumbs up, holding the camera on his shoulder. “Rockin’ and rollin’ Barry.”
“Welcome to another exciting episode of In Your Face With Barry Dunning. As you recall our last episode ended with my cameraman and I nearly being run over by Lois Lane—desperate to escape those of us that are demanding the truth. A deafening silence has come from both her and Clark Kent in regards to the ‘alleged’ fake photograph that made headlines a few weeks ago. No comment on where Clark Kent was during the press conference and Superman—”
Barry stopped mid-sentence, noticing the frantic pointing by his cameraman. He looked behind him only to come face to face with a very familiar red and blue suit matched with a very angry looking Superman. “Uh, Superman,” His voice wavered slightly with a pitch too high that resulted in a squeak as he spoke, ‘man.’ He cleared his throat, trying to find his voice under the furious stare that the Man of Steel was boring him down with. “Ar-Are you a fan of the show?”
“No.” Superman’s features remained steely as he glared down at Dunning.
He swallowed the boulder sized lump that had formed in his throat, “Well, you should really give it a chance. I mean ….” He stopped when he saw Superman’s eyes narrow at him. His chiseled arms were crossed tightly across his chest in the infamous pose the Man of Steel had been captured in time and time again. However, unlike those photos where Superman was relaxed and smiling the expression on his face remained fierce. Dunning didn’t dare move for fear of making things worse. Instead he chose to remain still, waiting for Superman to make the first move.
‘If he tries anything it’s all on camera.’After what seemed like an eternity Superman finally spoke. “The act of systematic and continuous unwanted actions of one party or a group, including but not limited to threats and demands and making someone fearful or anxious.”
Dunning stared blankly at him, uncertain how to respond to the legal quote he’d just been given. “I’m not following.”
“Harassment is illegal, Mr. Dunning.” Superman glared back at him. “I’d suggest you consult with your legal counsel on your actions, but my educated guess would be that they’re
very actionable.”
“I thought you didn’t watch the show.” Mike piped in, earning him a menacing glare.
“There’s a very fine line between following a lead and harassment. You’ve crossed it. Now back off.” Superman warned.
“Yes, but we’ve still yet to…” Dunning rambled excitedly, trying to salvage what he could for the show’s sake.
“Yet to what?” Superman’s brow furrowed, narrowing his gaze at Dunning.
“Get the whole story!” Mike chimed in.
Superman let out a snort before tensing once more and responding, “There was a press conference. There was an arrest. Maybe you didn’t get the message? Maybe you’re hard of hearing? I don’t know.”
His shoulders shrugged and he stepped closer, leaning in so he was a few inches away. “You will leave the Kents alone. You will stop camping outside their home and place of business.” He turned to look behind him where Mike was fiddling with the battery pack on his camera. Superman smirked then turned back to Dunning with a menacing glare, “If you
don’t I will contact every journalist I know and make it my mission to find every piece of dirt I can on you and everyone you work with and shut you down. Are we clear?”
He wasn’t given a chance to respond. With that the Man of Steel disappeared into the sky, leaving a pigmented trail of red and blue in his wake. “Crazy, man. Absolutely crazy.” Mike said with a snort. “Can you believe that guy?”
“Yeah,” Dunning said uneasily, trying to shake off the sense of dread that had washed over him.
***
Lucille Newtrich was not one to be messed with. The blonde debutante held a certain position among the inmates and the guards. Her sister Nell was always nearby, helping keep everyone in line and keeping her sister protected.
Samantha swallowed hard as she approached the table where they sat, handing out cigarettes as payment to fellow inmates. “Dolores, that’s the third time. You’re wracking up quite a debt.” Nell said, jotting something down in her notebook.
“I’ll do better. I promise.” Dolores said humbly. “Just please…”
Nell looked to Lucille as she took a long puff from her cigar. Lucille nodded and Nell handed her her rationed cigarettes. “Double duty. No excuses.”
“Yes, of course.” she stammered before scurrying away.
Samantha steadied herself as she took another step toward the women, uncertain if she could muster up the strength to speak. Fortunately, she didn’t have to. Lucille turned her attention to her, wrinkling her nose at her. “Well, well, what do we have here?”
***
Lois flashed her badge to the security desk, spotting Clark by the elevators with a satisfied grin on his face. “Do I want to know?”
His grin widened as he looped an arm around her waist, “Let’s just say Mr. Dunning was reminded of the harassment laws in New Troy.” He reached over to press the call button on the elevator and she let out a defeated sigh.
“You shouldn’t have done that, Clark.” Lois said in a soft whisper. “Weren’t you the one that said we needed to just let it die down? How is it going to look if…?” Her rambling was cut short when he leaned in to capture her lips with his, silencing her with a kiss. Instinctually, she ran a hand against his chest, sighing against him.
“You were saying?” He teased, pulling away as he beamed at her, satisfied in his ability to make her speechless.
The elevator pinged and the doors behind them opened, revealing the empty car. “Perfect timing as always,” She sighed, fingering the end of his silk tie, walking backward into the elevator with him. He ran his hand up and down her lower back, sending a shiver of delight down her spine. It was really not fair that he had that effect on her. She glanced around the empty elevator and grinned, toying with his tie as she began to ramble, “You ever notice how the crowd in here lightens after lunch? I mean, it’s like people go to lunch and never come back and…”
She smiled back at him, feeling the solid frame of her husband brush against her as he leaned over to press the floor for the newsroom on the panel behind her. “You’re babbling again.” He reminded her, running a hand across her cheek.
“It’s what I do.” She reminded him, staring back at him expectantly.
“I know.” He murmured, leaning in to recapture her lips only to pull away at the last second when the sound of Cat yelling from the lobby rang out behind them.
“Hold the elevator!” Lois let out a muttered curse, biting her lower lip to suppress the groan of disappointment as she watched Clark reach over to press the ‘open door’ button. Cat Grant stepped inside the elevator with a bright smile, “Thanks, Clark.”
The elevator doors closed behind Cat and a soft hum filled the elevator car as they began to move. “I see they fixed that squeaking wheel that used to drive everyone crazy.” Cat observed with a laugh, “Remember that time Perry sent Jimmy and Mike up the line with hydraulic fluid and they got stuck?”
Lois flashed a half-smile, still not willing to reminisce with Cat about the ‘good old days’ as she seemed to think of them. She, Perry, Clark, and Jimmy had all been through hell and back after the Planet was destroyed. Cat had packed up and left without any warning. No good-bye. The next morning they found her desk cleaned out and the paper in shambles before Lex stormed through acting like its savior. They’d worked together for three years. Cat abandoned them all. Now here she was back acting like nothing had changed. It wasn’t that easy.
“Yeah, well, I guess they fixed the squeaky wheel when they replaced the elevator. You know, after the Planet got blown up and you abandoned everyone?” Lois said with just enough snark to get her message across. The elevator pinged, arriving on the newsroom floor and she pushed past the dumbfounded Cat and headed to her desk only to come face to face with Jerry White.
“Ms. Lane,” He cheered happily, extending his hand to shake hers. “It’s great to see you.”
Lois glanced around the newsroom still abuzz with activity then glanced behind her where Clark had just stepped off the elevator to meet her. “Jerry, I thought your meeting with the parole board wasn’t until next month.”
Jerry was supposed to help the FBI with their investigation into one of the mob bosses that Jerry had worked for during his misguided get rich quick scheme with red kryptonite a month ago. Thankfully, he’d seen the error in his ways and agreed to testify against Mr. Gadget and his son as well as provide evidence against Little Tony Zarate’s lieutenant—Mac Gambino. That and the glowing recommendation from Superman had helped make him eligible to serve out the rest of his sentence on parole.
Jerry shrugged happily, “Yeah, dad was able to pull a few strings to get it moved up and they released me this afternoon. I just finished the first meeting.” He shook his head, “Scary. Intimidating and I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone you know, but it’s good to be out.”
“Hmmm, I love a man with a little danger in his blood.” Cat sauntered toward them, extending her hand for Jerry to take.
He stared at her dumbfounded and Cat awarded him a smile, “Catherine Grant—Cat’s Corner. I’m sure you’ve heard of me.”
“Vaguely.” Jerry began, glancing at Lois and mouthing
‘I thought she left.’ Lois shrugged, watching with amusement as Cat began to unwittingly try and make her move on Perry’s son. Steven had made his way into the newsroom from time to time but due to his prison sentence upstate Cat had never been introduced to Jerry.
“Shouldn’t we warn her?” Clark whispered in her ear.
“So, I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation. Parole?” She ran a hand over Jerry’s chest seductively, and he jumped, startled.
“No way,” Lois whispered back loud enough so only Clark could hear her.
“Yeah, listen, I’m not really interested in ...whatever this is.” He said, taking a step back and looking pleadingly at Lois and Clark. “It was good to see you two. Tell dad I’ll catch up with him later. Mr. Stern’s got him on a phone conference right now.”
“Dad?” Cat’s brow furrowed.
Lois allowed a broad grin to spread across her face. “Cat this is Jerry White—Perry’s son.”
***
TBC...
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