Rules of Love
Folc4evernaday
Chapter 3
***
Lex watched as Gretchen worked on replacing the chunk of glowing green kryptonite that was keeping Metallo powered. In its place, a circular disc was placed. She chipped off a small chunk of Kryptonite and placed it in the center of the disc. The circular disc illuminated in green and she turned back to him and smiled. “It’s working.”
Lex moved to where the Kryptonite sat and lifted in his hands with awe, “My Excalibur.” He breathed in awe, feeling the power that came from holding Kryptonite in his hands.
<<“You live in a fantasy world, Luthor. Neither Clark nor I will ever do anything to support your marriage to Lois.”>>
<<“Bars won't hold me... Luthor.”>>
<<“ I love Lois, but she's much too independent, don't you think? Well, I’ll take care of that…”
“Clark Kent knows where I am.”
“That's right. I'll have to kill him, too.”>>
<<“Luthor…”
“How strange. Strange to hear you say my name and know It might be the last words you speak. But am I making a mistake? Will the pain of losing the challenge you represent be worse than the pain of constantly losing to you?”>> He had had everything in the palm of his hands. Superman’s destruction and the knowledge that he had won Lois Lane. He had won the rivalry with Superman for her heart. He had won. Just as quickly as it had come to him….victory. It had been snatched away in a blink of an eye.
“We’ll need to test it to verify its authenticity given the exchange of hands,” Gretchen said from behind him. “Perhaps a field test?”
“Yes,” Lex nodded. “A test.” He looked to the corner and saw Nigel standing in the doorway. “Nigel, I assume Mr. Bender is hard at work locating the stolen money.”
“Ramin is keeping a close eye on him. We should know something within the next hour or so.” Nigel reassured, pulling out a notebook.
“Excellent,” Lex set the Kryptonite down on the table in front of him. “And what were you able to find out about Lois Lane?”
Nigel looked at him carefully before responding. “I’m still checking into things, but it doesn’t appear that any major changes have occurred.” Lex noticed his former butler look away as he said this, “There was an incident with Arianna earlier this year, but that loose end is being handled.”
“Incident?” Lex furrowed his brow.
“Arianna made a lookalike of Lois Lane and tried to frame her for the murder of Superman.” Gretchen piped in with a sigh. “You can guess how well that turned out.”
“Arianna always was creative when she got angry.” Lex mused. “Anything else?”
“I’m told she’s resumed her position at the Daily Planet. Still partnered with Clark Kent…” Nigel’s eyes did a little dance at the mention of her partner’s name.
“Something you want to tell me, Nigel?” Lex asked.
“I’m still verifying some...
rumors.” Nigel responded quietly. “Nothing more.”
“In my experience rumors always hold an ounce of truth,” Lex said, taking a step toward him. “What aren’t you telling me?” Nigel looked away, and he turned to Gretchen who shrugged. “Very well. I’ll find out for myself.”
“Lex!” Gretchen called after him, but it was too late.
***
Clark wrapped his arms around Lois from behind, leaning in to kiss her as they approached the Planet building after their late lunch. He wasn’t sure what had brought it on, but he could tell something was bothering Lois. Given the subject matter of their latest story, it didn’t surprise him that she was distressed. He felt there was a large piece of the puzzle that they were missing. He could feel something in the air, a hypersensitivity that made him more aware of his surroundings. Everywhere they went today he felt like someone was watching...waiting.
Lois giggled as they walked through the revolving doors of the lobby together. “You know we keep it up and people are going to talk…”
“People always talk.” He pointed out, whispering in her ear as they crossed the lobby together. His arms rested loosely around her waist, holding her close.
She reached out to press the call button on the elevator then turned in his arms, looping her arms around his neck as she faced him. “You do have a point.” She reasoned aloud, running her hands over his shoulders. “No point in worrying about human nature.”
“Uh-huh,” He leaned in to kiss her, running his hand over her cheek. He smiled when he felt her body relax against him. Her hand moved to the knot of his tie, twisting it with her hand as he slowly broke off the kiss.
She smiled against him and whispered, “Thank you,”
“For what?” He asked, brushing a strand of hair out of her face.
“For somehow always knowing just the right thing to say or do.” She murmured, holding his gaze. “I love you, Clark.”
“And I love you, Lois.” He wanted to say so much more in that moment, but knew now was not the time or the place. “I know this isn’t easy.” He whispered, cupping her cheek.
“For either of us.” She said solemnly. “Clark…” She began but was cut off by the soft ping of the elevator doors opening behind them. A large crowd stepped off, and they stepped to the side to allow them room to exit. A reminder to them both that they were in public. “I guess that’s us.” She said hurriedly, stepping on the elevator.”
“Yeah,” He followed her into the elevator, noticing a balding man pushing a broom in the corner of the lobby that appeared to be watching them. He met the man’s gaze for a brief moment before he turned away, pushing his broom toward the exit as the elevator doors closed behind them.
***
Lex stared at the elevator doors, unable to hide his contempt for the public display he’d just seen. Not only had he lost his fortune and good name but it seemed Clark Kent had wasted no time in moving in on what was once his.
His hand tightened on the broom in his hand. To lose her to Superman was one thing, but to lose her to someone like Kent? No, this would not do.
***
Lois let out a long sigh, watching as Clark continued to wait on hold with Detective Ryder for information on the client file for Nigel. It was probably a long shot, but it was worth a shot. “Still on hold?” She asked, knowing the answer already from the expression on his face.
“Yep,” He grimaced, handing her the paper in his hand. “Why don’t you try the DA’s office and see if anyone over there is familiar with any cases against Nigel or his aliases?” He suggested with a pleading look.
“You sure that’s a good idea?” Lois shared an amused expression with him. There was only one person at the District Attorney’s office they’d done business with.
“We don’t have any other leads.” He pointed out.
“Okay,” Lois nodded, grabbing her purse to head downtown. Though her history with Mayson Drake wasn’t the best; they were both professionals. Hopefully, it had been long enough for both of them to put the past behind them and work together. Afterall, putting criminals behind bars was what Mayson did, right?
“Hey, Lois,” Jimmy approached her with a paper in his hand.
“What is it, Jimmy?” Lois asked, looking back at him as she walked toward the elevator.
“I got that information you wanted on the van from earlier? DMV says it’s registered to someone named, Carl Wright. Park Ridge address. Police are questioning him now.” Jimmy said excitedly.
“Thanks, Jimmy,” Lois said happily, taking the paper from him.
***
“Kent?” Lex hissed angrily, pacing in front of his former butler. “How long?”
“From what I gather they’ve been in a committed relationship for over four months now,” Nigel said coolly.
Lex’s brow furrowed, “Four months?” The exchange he’d witnessed earlier had been troubling. He hadn’t expected Lois to remain in mourning after his passing, but he never thought she’d move on so quickly either. He certainly didn’t expect her to move on with someone as lowly as her partner either.
“Yes, from what I gather they’re quite happy.” Nigel’s tone remained emotionless as always, looking at him expectantly.
“Yes, I’m painfully aware,” Lex growled angrily, recalling the encounter he’d witnessed in the Daily Planet lobby. In the entire history of his relationship with Lois never had she displayed public affection to him like that. Never had she allowed him to…
“Ms. Lane has moved on, sir,” Nigel said, throwing in the sir as a gesture to soften the blow of his words.
Lex shook his head, unwilling to accept defeat. “No. Obviously this...
fling is unexpected, but I’m willing to move past it. We need to move forward with our plans. How is Bender coming with the transactions?”
“It’s proving to be a bit more difficult to get the money back without declaring you living.” Nigel pointed out. “Many of the banks still have a hold, but thankfully you did make me executor of your estate.”
“How fortunate.” Lex smiled at him. “When can we expect the deposit?”
“We should have close to a hundred thousand by the end of the week. Anything more than that will raise red flags.” Nigel explained.
“And the Kryptonite? Are we ready for the first field test?” Lex pressed.
“Gretchen is sorting through the final details as we speak,” Nigel reassured him.
A long pause fell between the two of them, and Nigel finally spoke. “She won’t come as easily as she did before.”
“Who?” Lex looked back at him innocently.
“Lois Lane,” Nigel said, meeting his gaze. “It nearly destroyed you trying to chase after her before. Are you willing to take that chance again?”
“I underestimated Superman last time,” Lex admitted with a long sigh. “I won’t be making that mistake again. As far as Lois Lane is concerned, I will not be denied. I'll give her the chance to come willingly, but if she won't, I'll take her by force.” His eyes darkened, “I will be the last man standing in this battle.”
***
Mayson Drake sat behind her desk, staring coolly back at Lois. It had been a few months since the two women had been in the same room together. She recalled all too well their last meeting. The night Mayson showed up on Clark’s doorstep after the debacle with Professor Hamilton’s resurrected Capone gang. After Clark had explained where he stood to Mayson she had rushed out of his apartment in a huff. Though Lois had never gotten along with Mayson, she knew Clark had thought of her as a friend. It had been hard for him to lose that friendship-despite the fact that Mayson had seen the friendship as much more. During their recent investigations, they had gone out of their way to avoid one another and allow a cooling off period. It seemed now was the end of that cooling off period. Mayson was the Metropolis contact for the investigation into Lex Luthor’s criminal activities as well as the ongoing investigation into his accomplices—namely, Nigel St. John.
She could feel the Mayson’s stare piercing through her skull but didn’t dare look away for fear it would give Mayson the upper hand. “Thank you for agreeing to meet with me, Mayson,” Lois began, clearing her throat to break the silence.
“Of course,” Mayson nodded, offering a tight-lipped smile, “You said you were working on a story that involved Lex Luthor’s doctor?”
“The woman that stole his body.” Lois nodded, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “Dr. Gretchen Kelly.”
“Yes, I’m aware,” Mayson said, pointing to the file folder on her desk.
“I’m just not sure what you think she has to do with Nigel St. John.” She looked back at her expectantly.
“According to a, uh, confidential source she and Nigel were seen together recently in Metropolis,” Lois said cautiously. “I was hoping you might be able to provide some insight into your involvement with him. You’ve been tailing him for most of this past year after all.”
“Among other criminals.” Mayson peered at her quizzically, “I’m not aware of any meeting. When was this?”
Lois bit her inner lip, uncertain how much information she wanted to divulge given it seemed she and Clark had more information at the moment that the DA’s office. “It was within the last week.” She said evasively.
“I see,” Mayson said, setting her pen down. “And you want to know what the DA’s office has on Nigel St. John to help with your story?”
“Exactly.” Lois nodded, getting the feeling Mayson was being a bit too forthcoming at the moment.
“No,” Mayson said, scrunching her face and jutting her chin out in defiance.
“I see.” Lois tapped her pen in her notebook. “Any particular reason?”
“You mean other than the fact that the case against Nigel St. John is a pending investigation?” Mayson looked at her with an arched eyebrow, giving a smug smile as she stared back.
“A pending investigation that the DA has yet to build a solid case on and seems to be several steps behind everyone else.” Lois pointed out as she stood up, gathering her things and heading for the door. “You had no idea about the meeting between Gretchen Kelly and Nigel. What else are you missing?”
“Wait!” Mayson called after her.
“Yes?” Lois looked back at her expectantly.
“Maybe I was a bit too hasty.” Mayson began hesitantly. “You
do have information that could be helpful to our case.”
“And you have information that could be used for this story,” Lois said cautiously, watching as Mayson twiddled with her pen in her hand.
“So what is it going to take for us to work together?”
“You tell me,” Lois said, crossing her arms over her chest and staring back at Mayson expectantly.
***
Perry leaned back in his office chair, drumming his fingertips across the woodgrain of his desk. Clark let out a sigh, throwing a glance at the empty desk in the newsroom. It had taken him almost an hour to track down the information he needed from first the DMV and then Detective Ryder. Lois still wasn’t back from the DA’s office yet.
“Still no sign of Sheldon Bender?” Perry asked, looking over his front page mockup for the evening edition.
“I’m afraid not,” Clark said with a frown. “The police said the owner of the van loaned it to a friend of his. An ex-con named Ramin Tarbush. I talked to his parole officer. He hasn't seen Tarbush for weeks. But he gave me a description. It's an exact match with the homeless man that was standing outside Bender’s office before the van pulled up.”
Perry frowned, tapping his index finger against his chin, “Sounds like a lead to me.” He grunted, “If you can track him down.”
“I’ve already put out word with both mine and Lois’ sources. I’m just waiting to hear back. If he hasn’t gone underground, that is.” Clark shrugged.
“Sounds like you two have your work cut out for you,” Perry observed.
“I’m sure Tarbush will show up, Chief,” Clark sighed, glancing at the elevators with a sigh. “I think I may head over there to make sure she hasn’t gotten herself into any trouble.”
Perry let out a hearty laugh, “You do that.” He tapped the copy of the story Clark had turned in, “This looks good. Why don’t you two go ahead and call it an early night? It’s been a rough few days for the both of you.”
“Thanks, Chief,” Clark called over his shoulder, heading out.
***
“Thanks for your help, Mayson,” Lois said, walking with her down the City Hall steps. “This information on Nigel will hopefully help us track him down.”
“Just don’t go in without notifying authorities.” Mayson countered as they reached the bottom of the steps. “A lot of planning has gone into this operation. I don’t want it ruined because you’re chasing a lead. Need I remind you of what happened at Georgie Hairdo’s Casino?”
“We’ll remain inconspicuous during our investigation,” Lois promised. “Believe me, nobody wants a repeat of what happened at that casino.”
“Yeah,” Mayson offered her a friendly smile. A quiet lull fell between them as they stared back at one another awkwardly. “This is weird, isn’t it? Working together?”
“Yeah,” Lois admitted, “I guess with everything that’s happened…”
“It seems so…petty.” Mayson blurted out at the same time.
“
Petty?” Lois echoed, crinkling her eyebrows at her.
“Well, I mean
I seem petty.” Mayson corrected herself. “Truth be told I’ve been avoiding you.”
“Oh.” Lois looked down, uncertain how to respond.
“It seems silly to act like this. I mean we’re grown, adults.” Mayson continued. “Professionals. We should be able to work together without letting our jealousy get the better of us.”
“Right,” Lois said, tight-lipped, doing her best not to go down that path. She may not like Mayson as a person, but she was a good source to have. It wasn’t something she would have admitted to herself a few months ago due to her own insecurities when it came to her relationship with Clark, but now that some time had passed she could see where forging a relationship with Mayson was beneficial to both of them.
“Well, goodnight, Mayson. Good luck.” She nodded, turning on her heel and heading to where she had parked.
She reached the crosswalk when an old man in a wheelchair approached her, “Excuse me, miss? Would you mind helping an old man across the street?”
There was something strange about the way he looked at her. His eyes felt familiar and unnerving all at the same time. “I, um, sure,” She finally settled on an answer, taking ahold of his wheelchair handles and helping him through the busy crosswalk.
“Say, aren't you... that woman who almost married Lex Luthor?” The question hit her like a ton of bricks.
She swallowed hard, trying not to react. Today was not the day to revisit her failed engagement to Lex. Everything about today seemed to jog memories from that day. “Uh, yeah,” She managed to squeak out.
“Lois Lane.” the man said her name with a smoothness that seemed younger than his age appeared to be. They reached the other side of the crosswalk, and he turned to face her, “Tell me, what was that fella Luthor like?”
“You read the papers.” She said uneasily. “He was a criminal.” Her tone turned to ice as she met the man’s gaze warily. “A
dangerous criminal that hurt a lot of innocent people.”
“Yes, but…” He began to interject, but her attention was pulled away by her name being called.
She turned to see Clark approaching and let out a sigh of relief. She couldn’t put her finger on it, but something inside told her she needed to get away from this man. “Excuse me, that’s my boyfriend. Have a good night.”
She didn’t notice the dark expression that crossed over his face as he wheeled himself away. She did notice the smile on Clark’s face as he took her in his arms, “Hey,” said as he approached her.
She smiled leaning in to kiss him, “Hey,” She let out a soft sigh as he broke the kiss off.
“What was that for?” He asked curiously.
“I have to have a reason?” She gave him a flirtatious smile, running her hands up the front of the lapels to his suit jacket.
“No,” He ran a hand against her cheek. “Were you able to get any information from the DA’s office on Nigel?”
“Yeah, but we have to promise not to interfere,” Lois answered with a knowing look. “That goes for caped superheroes and well-meaning reporters.” She cut him off before he could jump into a reminder about how she always found trouble around every corner.
Clark frowned, the creases in his forehead tightened, and he looked at her quizzically, “No caped superheroes?”
“I’ll explain on the way,” She said, pointing to the parking place her Jeep was parked in. He still wore a quizzical expression but nodded as they approached her vehicle. She let out a sigh, feeling the uneasy feeling that had come over her earlier dissipate. Clark always seemed to have a way of making everything better—most of the time without even trying. He had a way of putting everyone around him at ease. In the early days of their meeting and working to one another, she had found herself divulging personal feelings and details about her life to Clark without even realizing it.
***
Lex Luthor did his best not to react under the disguise he wore, covering his face beneath rubber cosmetics and baggy clothes as he did his best to probe Lois Lane on her feelings toward him. He looked back at her with a smile as she pushed his wheelchair through the crosswalk. “Lois Lane.” They reached the other side of the crosswalk, and he turned to face her, “Tell me, what was that fella Luthor like?”
She seemed taken aback by his question. He did his best not to react, taking her expression in as he listened.“You read the papers.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “He was a criminal.” Her tone grew cold as she added, “A
dangerous criminal that hurt a lot of innocent people.”
It seemed many of his criminal dealings had been discovered by the police and by Lois. He had fallen from grace in her eyes. “Yes, but…” He stopped, turning his head when he heard the sound of Lois’ name from an all too familiar voice.
He looked up to see Clark Kent approaching. Lois seemed all too eager to excuse herself, beaming at the lowly journalist in a way he wished to see her look at him. She mumbled a quick goodbye, “Excuse me, that’s my boyfriend. Have a good night.”
His eyes darkened as he watched her join Clark Kent on the side of the street, allowing him to take her in his arms. He snorted in disgust, wheeling himself away. He looked back in time to see the couple embrace into a clinch. He groaned to himself, unable to wash the distaste from his mouth.
“She’s moved on, sir,” Nigel said, approaching from behind and beginning to push the wheelchair.
Lex let out a sigh, unable to help himself. “She’s as beautiful as ever...How she can…”
“Focus on the task at hand.” Nigel reminded him.
“Yes, once we’ve authenticated the Kryptonite we can begin plans to finally get rid of Superman.” Lex spat angrily. “With him out of the way, rebuilding my empire and taking back what is mine will be child’s play.”
“Mr. Bender’s assured me the first deposit should be hitting your offshore account by morning,” Nigel added.
“Excellent,” Lex sighed, “These rags are beginning to leave a rash…”
***
Clark nodded to the waiter as he set the basket of bread on the table for him and Lois to share. He’d finally picked up the ring. It had been pure torture today working side by side with Lois and not being able to say what he had been dying to say for weeks now. After his talk with his dad, he felt more confident about his decision. He was prepared for her not to say yes even though he really hoped she would. He knew it was still a long shot asking her so soon after starting their relationship, but he also knew he’d never been so sure of anything in his life. He had to let her know how he felt. He had to try. In the past few months, they hadn’t exactly done anything by the books when it came to their relationship. Of course, there had been nothing normal concerning the circumstances of their finally dating either. They’d overcome so much in such a short period of time.
He looked over at Lois who was still very quiet. He frowned, realizing she was still upset over what was bothering her earlier. After a quick patrol around the city and stopping by the jewelry store he’d met up with Lois outside City Hall and found her very distraught. She’d been quiet on the ride over to her favorite Italian restaurant for dinner and to exchange notes.
He handed her a bread roll from across the table as he caught her up on what he’d found out about the kidnapper, Ramin Tarbush. “So, we finally got a name and face to the kidnapper. I’ve got some feelers out with the usual sources to see if anyone’s heard from him.”
“What about Bobby?” Lois asked, twirling the pasta on her fork as she looked up at him curiously.
“I left a message for him but haven’t heard back yet. That’ll be first on the agenda in the morning.” Clark explained with a warm smile. Lois appeared to be calming down. She seemed almost desperate to leave when he’d caught up with her earlier. Something appeared to have spooked her.
“That’s good.” Lois nodded, taking a sip of her water.
“You okay?” Clark asked cautiously. He already knew the answer of course, but he still didn’t know what was bothering her.
“Just a weird day is all,” she said with a smile.
“You want to talk about it?” He inquired, keeping a close watch on her facial expression as it changed between uncertainty and the need to divulge whatever was tormenting her internally. “Lois?” He ran his hand across hers, stopping the incessant tapping she was doing with her index finger against the table. She looked up at him with a pained expression, wrenching his heart as he croaked out, “What’s wrong?”
“It just feels like no matter how long it’s been and no matter how hard I work...I still can’t escape it.” She said with a scowl.
“Escape what?” He asked.
“My ignorance.” She said with a sigh. “The biggest mistake of my life...well, almost.”
“Luthor?” He guessed, noting the distaste in her tone.
“Everywhere I go today there’s the reminder of my stupidity,” Lois said bitterly. “It’s been months, and I thought I was over it. I thought I could actually forget how close I came to losing everything…”
He took a deep breath before responding. Talking about her almost-wedding to Lex Luthor wasn’t something he enjoyed rehashing but considering the subject matter of their current investigation he knew it was something both of them had to discuss. “Lois, you haven’t lost anything. Perry and Henderson got there in time to warn you. The Planet got rebuilt…”
“What do you mean got there in time?” Lois looked back at him in surprise.
Clark shrugged, looking at her quizzically. “Perry said they got there in time to stop the wedding.”
“No, he didn’t.” Lois shook her head. “
I stopped the wedding.”
His eyes widened, and he looked at Lois in surprise, “
You stopped the wedding?”
***
“Lois, you haven’t lost anything. Perry and Henderson got there in time to warn you. The Planet got rebuilt…”
Lois listened to the words Clark was saying but wasn’t sure how to respond. She looked over at him in surprise, “What do you mean got there in time?”
Clark’s eyebrows scrunched, and he looked back at her quizzically. “Perry said they got there in time to stop the wedding.”
“No, he didn’t,” Lois whispered. She shook her head, finding her voice finally. “
I stopped the wedding.”
She watched as the pieces came together and realization washed over him. His eyebrows rose in surprise, and he responded, “
You stopped the wedding?”
She took his hand, smiling up at him shyly, “Remember? I told you I couldn’t go through with it.” She said with a shy expression on her face, “I said
‘I can’t’, and then the police and Perry busted in before Lex could react.”
His brow furrowed as he recalled the conversation they had many months ago. “You said
'I can’t?”
<<“I stopped the wedding because I realized it hurt more to lose you — my best friend—than it would have hurt to lose Lex. That’s when I knew I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t go through with it. I couldn’t go through with it because all I could do was think about that day at the park and wonder....”>>She nodded, meeting his gaze, “The whole time I was getting ready all I seemed to be able to think about was you.” A tear rolled down her cheek, and he brushed it away. “I know it seems stupid that I still let that day get to me.”
“It’s not stupid.” He said reassuringly, “Luthor put everyone through a lot.”
“I don’t know what I would do if I ever lost you.” She confessed, looking up at him tearfully.
“I’m not going anywhere,” he reassured, running a hand against her cheek. “You never cease to amaze me, Lois Lane,” He murmured, leaning in to kiss her.
***
In the corner of the restaurant, Gretchen Kelly watched as the couple she’d been watching embraced. She rolled her eyes, trying not to gag. How Lex could see anything in this woman who had obviously moved on without a second thought was beyond her comprehension. Yet here she was, demoted to spying on Lois Lane for Lex and keeping an eye out for Superman while the big boys had all the fun. Soon all this would be over though. Once Lex got back his money and escaped they’d be living a life of luxury far away from the traitors that had destroyed him.
***
Sheldon Bender held a file folder in his hands, fidgeting nervously as he looked around the abandoned subway tunnels he’d been led down once more. Nigel St. John stood behind him with a rugged man who looked like he hadn’t showered in almost a month. His hair was mangy, and eyes were bloodshot. The way he kept moving from side to side with a wild expression made Bender wonder just how trusting he should be that he wouldn’t accidentally shoot him.
He turned the other corner and found Lex waiting for him. “Ah, Mr. Bender, I assume you’ve come with more than just excuses?”
“The, uh, account’s been set up for transfer.” Bender handed him the file. “I’m still waiting for more of the assets to be unfrozen, but there’s $500,000 in there now. The rest…”
“How convenient you were able to find such a large amount in such a short amount of time, hmmm?” Lex peered at him with a sinister gaze.
“I’ll get it back, Lex, I promise,” Bender squeaked out as Lex grabbed him by the collar.
“No one steals from me and lives to tell about it!” Lex snarled angrily.
“Every last red cent, Bender…”
“I-I just ne-need some time,” Bender pleaded. He felt a hard blow to the side of his head and fell to the ground.
TBC...
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