Manipulations and Destruction 7/20
Aurore
12/20/24 08:13 PM
Chapter 7
348 Hyperion Avenue
In their bedroom, the atmosphere was relaxed, but the anticipation of the upcoming infiltration lingered in the air. Lois, standing in front of the mirror, tried on several outfits before finally settling on an elegant burgundy dress that flattered her figure while reflecting the confidence of a woman ready to step into a world of high-stakes gambling. The rich, intense color was her favorite—and, more importantly, it was the one that never failed to melt Clark’s resolve.
Meanwhile, Clark sat on the bed, practicing shuffling and dealing cards with an almost supernatural precision. His movements were quick, nearly imperceptible to the human eye. Yet his focus continually drifted toward Lois, who was admiring herself in the mirror. He had removed his glasses—a private gesture he reserved for moments when he was simply Clark, unburdened by the weight of being Superman.
He watched her, captivated, letting the cards slide effortlessly between his fingers, though his mind was no longer on the task. His eyes lingered on the curve of her back, the way the light caught her hair, and the grace with which she adjusted the necklace resting on her collarbone.
Sensing his gaze, Lois turned slightly toward him, an amused smile playing on her lips.
“Clark, you’re supposed to be practicing your dealing skills, not playing the admiring husband.”
Clark smiled softly, the cards slipping from his hands onto the bed without him even noticing.
“How am I supposed to focus when you’re standing there, looking like that?” His voice was low, tinged with passion.
Lois raised an eyebrow, clearly amused, before walking toward him, her heels clicking softly on the wooden floor.
“Oh, is Mr. Kent having trouble staying focused?”
Clark gently took her hand as she reached him, pulling her toward him. She perched on his lap, her dress pooling elegantly around them.
“I assure you, I’m focused... just not on what Perry asked us to do.”
He pressed a tender kiss to her bare shoulder, his hands gliding over her hips. Lois closed her eyes for a moment, savoring the intimacy.
“You really should get back to practicing, Clark. We need to be ready for tonight.”
Clark sighed, his mischievous smile betraying his lack of interest in the cards.
“Fine... but you’re so much more captivating than any deck of cards, Lois.”
They lingered in the moment, stealing a brief reprieve from their hectic lives, before Lois rose, her lips curling into a playful smirk.
“Alright, dealer, back to work.”
Clark sighed, retrieving the cards, though his gaze never left his wife, stunning in that burgundy dress.
Black Star Circle
Clark, disguised with a neatly trimmed beard and round glasses, wore a sharp ensemble: a fitted white shirt, a black vest, and a bow tie. He was wrapping up a game of blackjack with a professional smile.
“I’ll now reveal my hand. The dealer has 20—you lose,” he announced, gathering the chips from the disappointed players, who stood and walked away from the table.
A man approached, raising his hand as if to stop them.
“Don’t leave just yet—Carl’s coming. You’re about to see real skill!” Humility, it seemed, was not Carl Bowers’ strong suit.
The games continued, and Carl, as promised, played with remarkable skill. Players came and went. A man seated next to Carl leaned in and murmured something in his ear. Clark’s super hearing caught every word.
“Nice fireworks this morning. The boss couldn’t stop raving about you.”
Carl was about to respond when murmurs swept through the room. He turned to see Lois entering on Perry’s arm.
“Check out the doll,” he muttered under his breath.
Lois and Perry’s entrance had been carefully choreographed to draw just the right amount of attention while maintaining credibility. Draped in her satin burgundy dress, perfectly tailored to her figure, Lois exuded understated elegance. Long silk gloves adorned her arms, and a delicate necklace graced her neck, signaling a woman of wealth and privilege. Her hair was styled in a sophisticated updo, giving her the air of a composed businesswoman. She scanned the room with a confident, slightly detached expression.
At her side, Perry, clad in an impeccable black suit, adopted a more reserved demeanor. He leaned in to murmur something to Lois, perhaps offering advice or encouragement. Their camaraderie felt natural, well-rehearsed.
They approached the main gaming table, where Carl Bowers—their target—sat.
“This is where the real fun happens,” Perry announced with a confident grin, straightening slightly to draw the attention of nearby players. “Miss Thornton has a particular fondness for risk.”
Lois offered a poised smile, taking a seat and casually eyeing the stack of chips in front of Carl.
“Risk... it’s what makes things interesting, isn’t it?” she said, her tone cool and calculating as she focused on the dealer’s cards.
From his position behind the table, Clark immediately recognized her but kept his expression neutral. He briefly glanced at Perry before returning his attention to the cards.
Carl, grinning, turned his attention to Lois, flashing a charming smile.
“That’s a rare quality in newcomers. I hope you’re up to the challenge.”
“Oh, I never play unless I’m certain I’ll win,” Lois replied with icy confidence.
As Perry observed the other players, blending seamlessly into the background, Clark continued to deal the cards, using his super hearing to pick up on the whispers surrounding Carl. Key information was beginning to surface.
One player leaned toward Carl, nodding toward Lois.
“We should keep an eye on her. She seems to know what she’s doing.”
Carl, amused, chuckled.
“I hope so. It might make the night more interesting.”
Lois, staying perfectly in character, turned her head slightly and flashed Carl a mysterious smile before placing a significant bet on the table.
The game was just beginning, but already, Carl and his men’s attention were fully fixed on her. Perry exchanged a brief glance with Clark, knowing that the next moments were crucial.
As the tension grew with each dealt hand, Carl’s smug grin remained firmly in place as he racked up another win.
“Seems like luck’s on my side tonight,” he declared theatrically, stacking his chips. “Maybe this game is too subtle for some.”
Lois clenched her jaw but kept her face composed. She hated losing, especially to someone so insufferably smug.
“Luck has nothing to do with it,” she said coolly. “You’re playing with overconfidence. And overconfidence often leads to a fall.”
Carl laughed, clearly entertained by her remark.
“You sound like someone who loses often, my dear. Maybe you should bow out while you still have a few chips left.”
Lois leaned forward slightly, her gaze piercing.
“Or maybe you should worry about what happens when your ‘luck’ runs out. Because I have no intention of folding.”
Perry, watching the scene unfold, played his role perfectly, maintaining an air of experienced authority. Clark continued to deal the cards, his expression unreadable but his senses keenly tuned to the room’s dynamics.
“Place your bets,” he said calmly, waiting for the tension between Lois and Carl to spill onto the gaming table.
Carl cast a disdainful look at Lois as he placed his chips back on the table.
"Very well, let’s see what you’ve got. Hopefully, your boldness is well-founded."
He laid down his cards, revealing a hand that was clearly a win. Lois muttered under her breath, her fingers brushing against her remaining chips.
"You’re lucky again, but luck, as you know, can turn quickly."
Carl raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
"You seem quite confident for someone who’s losing. Perhaps you’ve got another trick up your sleeve?"
Lois offered a faint smile, her eyes glinting with defiance.
"Perhaps. But you should know that overconfidence can be a trap. And it seems you’re a perfect example."
Carl straightened, amused, and gave the table a light tap.
"You’ve got guts, I’ll give you that. But sometimes, guts aren’t enough to beat skill."
Lois stood from her chair, leaning slightly forward to meet Carl at eye level.
"And sometimes, arrogance and conceit aren’t enough to maintain a facade. I wonder how long you’ll keep your mask from slipping."
Carl rose as well, their faces inches apart, the tension palpable.
"What are you implying? Do you think you can intimidate me with threats?"
Lois met his gaze head-on.
"I don’t make threats, Carl. I state facts. And believe me, the night is far from over."
Sensing the rising tension, Perry intervened, placing a calm hand on Lois’ shoulder.
"Why don’t we leave it at that for now? We could all use a little breather after this round. Louise, why don’t you grab a drink? Carl, I’m sure you could use a break too."
Carl chuckled mockingly.
"Very well, let’s take a moment to relax. But I’m looking forward to seeing what you’ve got up your sleeve, Louise."
Lois turned slightly, joining Perry as he escorted her toward the bar.
"Don’t get your hopes up, Carl. I’m not ready to fold just yet."
She paused to murmur to Perry,
"He’s far too sure of himself. We need to find something to bring him down."
Perry nodded in understanding, while Clark, lingering in the background, watched the exchanges closely, searching for opportunities to gather additional intel.
Carl strolled toward the bar with a self-satisfied grin. Lois and Perry followed, their exchanged glances filled with strategy. At the bar, Perry ordered drinks while engaging in casual conversation to blend into the environment.
"What can I get you?" the bartender asked.
Perry turned to Lois, offering her an encouraging smile.
"A glass of champagne for Miss Thornton, please. And for me, an aged cognac."
Lois kept her sharp gaze on Carl, observing his every move across the bar. Taking a sip of champagne, her expression remained unreadable.
"So, Perry, what do you think of the situation?" she murmured.
Perry replied in a low voice, his eyes scanning the room.
"Carl Bowers is clever and incredibly self-assured. He clearly trusts his abilities. But that might be where we can get him. He’s overconfident. We need to use that against him."
Lois nodded in agreement, her focus never wavering from Carl as he chatted with a group of players.
"I’ll have to be even bolder to unsettle him. And Clark—he needs to stay sharp. Every detail matters when trying to understand Bowers’ true motives."
Perry agreed.
"Clark’s doing great. He’s already picking up key intel. We need to keep playing the part and stay discreet."
Lois turned to Perry, her resolve evident.
"I’m going back to the table and raising the stakes. I want Carl to feel threatened. If we can push him to make a mistake, we might unearth something incriminating."
Perry nodded, appreciating Lois’ determination.
"Alright, let’s do it. I’ll stay here and keep an eye out for anything useful. Be careful, Lois. And make sure to keep the upper hand."
Lois adjusted her deep burgundy dress with grace and confidence before heading back to the blackjack table. Her movements were deliberate, her demeanor unshaken.
Carl greeted her with a smug smile, perceiving her boldness as a challenge he was eager to meet.
"Ready for another round?" he asked, his tone teasing.
Clark, in his role as the dealer, dealt the cards with precise and practiced movements. At the blackjack table, the tension was palpable. The players were focused, and the atmosphere buzzed with excitement.
Carl, in high spirits, stacked his chips with a disconcerting ease, a smirk playing on his lips. He seemed to savor every moment, his eyes fixed on Lois.
"Looks like luck is on my side tonight," he said, theatrically rolling his chips across the table.
Lois, gritting her teeth, slid a stack of chips to the center of the table.
"You know, Carl, luck is often a matter of perspective. And sometimes, those who seem the most confident have the most to lose."
Carl, amused, gave her a disdainful look.
"You’ve got guts, Louise. But don’t forget, the game is about strategy. Let’s see if your bravery matches your words."
Clark dealt the cards swiftly and efficiently, closely observing the players’ reactions. The game intensified with every hand. Carl kept winning, but Lois refused to back down, increasing her bets with growing determination.
"You know, Carl, I’m starting to wonder if your victories aren’t just a little too… consistent," she said, her tone challenging.
Carl shrugged, still smiling.
"Maybe. Or maybe you just haven’t figured out your cards’ true potential yet. The game’s complicated, Miss Thornton. You have to know when to bet big."
Lois leaned in, her eyes locked on Carl.
"Alright then, let’s show this room what betting big really looks like."
She placed a significant bet on the table. The air was thick with anticipation. Carl, still confident, matched her bet with ease.
"Let’s see what you’ve got up your sleeve," he said, his smirk unwavering.
Clark revealed the cards. Carl’s hand was another resounding win. Lois, visibly frustrated but unwavering, kept her composure.
"You’re lucky, Carl. But luck can change. And believe me, I don’t intend to let you win that easily."
Carl, savoring his victory, leaned toward Lois with a provocative smile.
"You’ve got spirit, I’ll give you that. But spirit doesn’t always beat skill. Maybe you should bow out before the night costs you more than you bargained for."
Lois clenched her fists, glaring at him.
"I have no intention of leaving until I’ve proven you’re far from invincible."
Carl chuckled and addressed the other players.
"We’ve got a real competitor here. May the best hand win."
The game resumed, and the tension was at its peak. Bets increased, and each card revealed seemed to amplify the intensity of the confrontation.
Lois responded by sitting at the table with calm confidence.
"Ready. Let’s see if Carl Bowers’ luck can still shine in this game."
Carl made a grand gesture, sweeping the cards in front of him.
"All right, ladies and gentlemen, place your bets. May the best one win."
Lois, focused, straightened in her chair, a determined glint in her eyes. She adjusted her bet, the largest of the evening.
"Very well, Carl," she said, her voice full of defiance, "let's show the spectators what true skill can achieve."
Carl, amused, looked at his hand and then at Lois with a smug smile. He nonchalantly raised his bet.
"You’re bold, Miss Thornton. But boldness is not always rewarded."
Clark dealt the cards, the room thick with anticipation. The tension was palpable as the cards were revealed one by one.
The cards were turned over slowly, and Carl observed with confidence. But as Lois revealed her final hand, a satisfied expression lit up her face.
"Let’s see if your confidence is well-placed, Carl."
She unveiled her hand: a perfect combination, a blackjack. The players around the table murmured in astonishment. Carl, visibly surprised, stared at his own cards in disbelief.
"Blackjack," Clark announced, his voice calm yet tinged with surprise.
Lois sat up straight, a triumphant smile on her lips. Carl’s chips slid across the table toward her, and she stacked them with assurance.
Carl, stunned, watched the chips being transferred, his facade of confidence shattering. The circle around the table fell silent, the impact of Lois’ victory resonating in the room.
"It seems luck has turned, Carl," Lois said, her expression proud yet composed.
Carl, forcing a smile, tried to regain his composure.
"You’ve done it, Miss Thornton. You really do have a talent for the game."
Lois, still smiling, slowly rose, her movements full of grace and satisfaction.
"Perhaps you underestimated my skills, Carl. But I’m far from done with what I’ve started."
Perry, observing closely, stepped beside Lois with an approving smile.
"Well done, Louise. You made quite the impression."
All eyes followed as Lois and Perry moved toward the bar, leaving Carl and the other players stunned. The energy in the room was palpable, murmurs and speculations growing louder.
Carl, lost in thought, turned to his associates.
"I’m going to need to reevaluate this evening," he muttered, his arrogance replaced by humiliation.
Clark, still in the background, observed Carl and his companions intently. Lois’ victory might just be the key to uncovering crucial information. The game had shifted, and with it, the rules of the investigation.
Lois added,
"Excuse me, gentlemen, this game has been fun, but I need to powder my nose."
She rose elegantly and headed toward the back of the room. On the way, she cast discreet glances, noting details around her. Once in the restroom, she paused briefly to ensure no one was following her, then slipped into a less-traveled side hallway.
She reached an inconspicuous door marked simply “Staff Only.” After a quick glance to confirm she wasn’t being watched, she pushed it open and entered. Inside was a small, sparsely decorated office with a dark wooden desk, a shelf filled with files, and a safe embedded in the wall.
Lois got to work immediately, sifting through the files on the desk. She quickly flipped through the documents, discarding irrelevant ones. Her eyes landed on a folder marked "Confidential." She opened it carefully and found detailed plans for explosive devices.
Her heart racing, she took photos of the plans with her phone, ensuring she captured every critical detail. She also noted the key to the safe lying on the desk.
The sound of footsteps in the hallway startled Lois. She quickly closed the safe and looked for a place to hide. She slipped into a closet, closing the door just as Carl entered with one of his men.
Inside the closet, Lois listened closely to their muffled conversation.
"That Louise is something else! She’s clearly fearless."
"And she’s so classy too!"
"Don’t let her distract you. Now, any updates on my transfer? Mrs. Church promised it within 12 hours of the explosion. I hope she kept her word."
Lois listened intently, trying to grasp the context. Carl seemed impatient, and Mrs. Church’s name came up again. This confirmed Mindy Church’s crucial role in Bowers’ organization.
Carl’s associate replied in a low voice,
"I checked earlier, and everything seems in order. The transfer was made as planned. But you know how Mrs. Church operates; she likes her plans to be airtight and always keeps control."
Carl grunted.
"Good. Let’s just make sure everything stays on track. We’ve got more tasks to handle before the next meeting."
After a few moments, the footsteps grew fainter as Carl and his man walked away. Lois waited a few extra seconds before stepping out of the closet, careful not to make any noise.
She quickly returned to the gaming room, where Perry was waiting anxiously.
"We’ve got something, Perry," she said in a low voice. "Carl Bowers and his associates are working with Mrs. Church on something far bigger than what we’ve seen tonight. It looks like there’s a carefully orchestrated plan underway."
Perry nodded, his expression serious.
"All right, we need to act fast. Let’s gather all the evidence we can and get in touch with the authorities. We can’t let these people carry out their plans."
Lois and Perry headed for the exit, determined to put an end to Carl Bowers’ and Mindy Church’s activities before it was too late.
Well - you'll see...