20 –
The One Without Lois and Clark (they're busy making love – let's leave them alone for a chapter <g>)West Coast Division of Edge Enterprises
San Diego, CA
Lenny Thorul had just gotten off the phone with Morgan Edge. He was as ticked off as he had ever been. <I knew Boyle's infatuation with Lane was going to be nothing but trouble. Dammit!>
"Sheila? Please get Mark Boyle on the phone for me, right now. Whatever it takes, do it!" Thorul was in his "dictator" mode.
"Yes, Mr. Thorul, right away," the administrative assistant replied, immediately dialing the Daily Planet's number.
"Daily Planet, Mark Boyle speaking. May I help you?"
"This is Sheila at Edge Enterprises; Mr. Leonard Thorul is waiting to speak with you, Mr. Boyle. I'll connect you now."
"Boyle - what's the hell's going on there? It's all over LNN that the Boy Scout came back from ISS and swooped down to the Daily Planet. Couple that with the videotape monitor we have on the outside of the Planet building which shows Lane exiting the building, then disappearing in a blur – it doesn't take too much grey matter to figure that one out. All the employees are gossiping about how Lane attacked you – I heard it right from Morgan Edge directly. He's none too pleased. What did you do, come on to her or something? Do I even want to know?" Thorul ranted.
"Lenny - good afternoon to you too. Wow, news spreads quickly in the States." Mark didn't want Thorul to get wind of his side deal with Max Deter. The less he said, the easier it would be to not accidentally put his foot in his mouth.
"I also heard Lane quit right after she tried to neuter you. I guess she didn't read her employment contract thoroughly. She has to work for us or be unemployed for six months before she's eligible to work for a competitor! I have a mind to haul her into court for breach of contract!" Thorul was really fired up.
"Lane has been an emotional mess since Kent went up in space. She was snapping everyone's head off. I don't care how good of a reporter she *was*, her ordeal in Africa has turned her into a basket case. The newsroom is better off without her, believe me," Mark said, in a lame attempt to cover his butt.
"Listen to me: Clark-Boy Scout-Superman-Kent is a champion in the eyes of the public – he saved the earth from a dangerous asteroid. Lane is also a folk hero from that April Fool's Day disaster. Superman's wife quitting the Planet is a PR nightmare – need I remind you of that? And Perry White is simply going to re-hire her when he starts on Monday. She quit working for *you* - not the Daily Planet. Any fool can see that.
"And Boyle – you can't BS a BS-r. There's more to the story. Either tell me straight out or you're going to be transferred somewhere so remote that female primates are going to look attractive to you!"
"There's absolutely nothing to tell, Lenny. I admit, I basically told her how I felt about her, but it's quite obvious the only one for her is Kent. I'm not sure what set her off. She had just come in from her therapy session with Deter. Honestly, I'm relieved she's gone – less temptation for me. Looking at her every day was making *me* crazy!"
"Dammit Boyle, your history of womanizing is coming back to haunt you. For once, couldn’t you keep it on a professional level? I can't tell you how disappointed I am in you."
"You've met her; you have an idea of how captivating she is," argued Mark. "Imagine seeing that *every* day."
"I learned a long time ago, Boyle: women are like spiders: they spin their web, you start tripping over your own feet, and before you know it, they have stung you and there's no antidote – you're dead."
"That's a pretty cynical attitude for a man in your position."
"And I've managed to stay single all these years for a damn good reason – women always want me for the wrong reasons – my money. No thanks. When I need a woman's services, I buy her for the night – no strings attached. A business proposition – no emotions involved.
"Anyway, you're going to the meeting on Friday, right? You and I are going to have a chat afterwards. I'm flying in Thursday night. I'm going to have to schedule a meeting with Lane myself. You know the expression 'keep your friends close and your enemies closer?'"
"I've heard it, yes. Why?"
"It's why Lane needs to work for the Planet. That's the only way we can control what topics she writes about – what she investigates – what we let her print. You're going to have to kiss some serious *** and get her back. We'll talk about it Friday. In the meantime, what about her sessions with Deter?"
"I told you - she had one this morning – I'm sure I’m not going to be able to get her to attend another, after she quit and all."
"I'm going to call Perry White. Those therapy sessions *must* continue. And make no mistake, she's going to be an employee of the Daily Planet again. If anyone can convince her, it's White. He's her mentor – she'll listen to him. See ya Friday."
"Yes. Friday. Good day, Lenny."
~~~~~
Perry had three more days left in the Mayor's office and he was spending most of his time in meetings with the Deputy Mayor who was going to take over his position. The last thing he felt like doing was taking a call from Mr. Leonard Thorul.
<He's your new boss, as disgusting of a thought as that is>, he reminded himself.
"Good afternoon, Mayor Perry White speaking."
"Mr. White – Leonard Thorul. How are the final days in the Mayor's office progressing? The Daily Planet can't wait for your return, by the way – everyone is so thrilled you're going to be back in your former position!"
<He can suck up with the best of them, can't he? Wonder what his angle is?> "Lots of meetings, loose ends to tie up, bureaucratic baloney. You know how that is, I'm sure, Thorul. What can I do for you today?" <Get to the damn point!>
"Yes, I know you're busy. I'll get right to the point of my call."
<Praise Elvis.>.
"Lois Lane attacked Mark Boyle today – kicked him in the groin, to be specific - and quit the Daily Planet. Has she been in touch with you in regards to that?"
Perry chuckled. "Good for her! I'm sure he deserved it, knowing Boyle as I do. And no, I haven't heard from her since Clark took off for space. I've been meaning to call and check up on her, but I'm up to my ears in paperwork and meetings, trying to wrap up."
"Look, White, we have to get her back. Boyle apparently came on to her and I'm going to have to write him up for sexual harassment in the workplace – even then, we may face a lawsuit from her. Besides, her employment contract specifically states that she cannot accept employment with any competitor for at least six months – so she'll be out of work if she doesn't come back. I'm sure you don't want Edge Enterprises counter-suing her for breach of contract. I know how Lois Lane looks up to you. I'll owe you one big time if you can get her back."
<Interesting turn of events. He obviously wants to keep an eye on her. Wonder why?> "I'll call her, Thorul. She's definitely the best – or at least she *was* ten years ago. Obviously Boyle hasn't changed his ways. He was a skirt-chaser back in our foreign correspondent days. He should know better than to mess with Mad Dog Lane," Perry said, humor evident in his tone of voice.
"I'll remember this, White. Let me know how you make out. I'm flying in tomorrow night – I'm relocating back east, as you probably know. If you can't reach me, my secretary will forward the call to my private cell phone."
"Fine. Really have to go, Thorul. I'll keep you informed," Perry said.
"Good bye, White."
<What the Sam Hill was that all about? I don't trust that guy at all. What do we really know about Leonard Thorul, anyway?>
Perry pulled out John Olson's business card, pulled his own private cell phone out of his jacket pocket, and punched the number on it.
"Agent Olson, NSA."
"Hey, John. How's it going? I hear Jim is going back to work tomorrow, finally. How's your sister doing?"
"Hey, Perry – thanks for asking, we're all hanging in there. Almost time for you to go back to the Planet - finally. I know Jim can't wait until you're there."
"Look, is there a private number I can call you on, or can we meet somewhere for a bite?"
"I have some free time right now. How about that Italian restaurant near City Hall? That's pretty close to you. "
"Right now it is, haven't taken lunch yet. See you in fifteen. Thanks, Olson."
"No problem, Perry."
~~~~~
Back at the Planet, Boyle was very nervous of the ramifications of Thorul finding out that he cut a side deal with Deter, which had obviously backfired in a big way. At that moment, his extension rang.
"Daily Planet, Boyle speaking."
"Yeah, Mark, it's Max. We need to meet. How 'bout tonight at the Metro?"
"Fine. I could use a drink right now, actually."
"Did Thorul call you too?"
"Let me call you right back." Fearful the line was bugged, Mark returned the call from his cell phone, after quickly escaping the newsroom and relocating to the roof of the Planet.
"Yeah, me again. Yeah, Lenny called and how do you Americans say it? 'wrote me a new one!' So what did he say to you?"
"He wanted to know how Lane's sessions were going, and what my game plan was to get her to return to therapy. Jesus, I didn't know it was the shrink's job now to recruit patients! What the Hell did I get myself into, Boyle?"
"You made a deal with devil, just like I did."
"We need to un-do it somehow. Making a little side money is one thing, but Thorul seems almost desperate to get Lane back to therapy. What's up with that?"
"I'm not sure. I told you, he believes that there's more to her ten-years-in-a-refugee-camp-and-they-they-left-me-alone-the-whole-time story," Boyle replied.
"Well, based on our last session, I have to agree with him. But he seems to *know* there's more, not just suspect it. What do you really know about the mysterious Lenny Thorul anyway?"
"Tonight, eight o'clock at the Metro. We'll talk then. Good-day."
"See ya."
~~~~~
Giovanni's Ristorante Italiano was jam-packed for the lunch crowd as usual. However, when the Mayor of Metropolis wants to eat there, tables are made available. Perry arrived first, and told the hostess to expect another gentleman shortly.
Looking around the busy restaurant, Perry spotted Bill Henderson and Mayson Drake having a heated discussion at the bar. Making eye contact with Bill, he waved them over, since he had a table for four.
"Mayor White – Perry! How the hell are ya?" said Henderson. "You've met D.A. Mayson Drake before, I take it?"
"Yes, I have – many times. Good to see you Mayson. You guys waiting for a table? Join me."
"Yeah. I guess being Mayor still has its perks, huh?" quipped Henderson. "Two people can't get *one* table, but *one* person gets a table for four. That's some strange math, there."
Perry laughed. "Actually, I'm waiting for John Olson. We have some business to discuss. Did you hear Lois quit the Planet today, after kick boxing Mark Boyle in the crotch?"
"No way!" Henderson laughed hysterically. Mayson, who was possibly more than just a little infatuated with Clark Superman Kent, feigned disinterest. Showing an interest in Lois, Clark's wife, betrayed an interest in Clark, by association.
"She actually quit the Planet? She *loves* the Planet!" Henderson exclaimed. "Boyle must have really sent her over the edge, pardon the pun."
"Well, I'm going back to work there Monday – I'm sure if Lois works for *me*, things will be different. Boyle's been virtually a sex addict ever since I've known him. He's a predator – a real womanizer. Sees an attractive woman, *has* to have her. Another notch in his belt. Better watch your step, Ms. Drake. You might be his next victim," Perry teased. "You're his type."
"I look forward to the challenge," she replied slyly. "Most men are intimidated by me," Mayson said, crossing her legs seductively. Her tight mini-skirt now revealed her upper thighs. "Introduce us. Is he attractive?"
"Well, I've heard he *does* look a lot like Clark Kent, Mayson!" Bill exclaimed.
"Absolutely, Mayson," Perry agreed. "He could be his older brother. You know, speaking of Clark – he thinks you hate him. I guess that's not true, huh?"
Mayson blushed at the inference that she was attracted to Clark. "Superman gets in the way of police work," she replied, not answering the question.
"When's the last time you went on a real date, anyway?" Henderson persisted.
"*Too* long, I guess," she replied, smiling. "Let's change the subject, gentlemen – and I use the term *very* loosely."
"So how's the Timmy Olson investigation going? Off the record, of course," Perry added.
"Slow. Very slow. Definitely a professional job. We're thinking of using an undercover team to investigate this one. Trying to keep it as a top priority investigation, but you know, murders and burglaries tend to slow us down a bit," Bill joked.
John Olson was brought to the table by the hostess at that moment. Perry stood up, shook his hand, and ensured that John, Bill, and Mayson all knew each other, which they did. They all sat down, looked at the lunch menu, and several minutes later, after ordering their food, got down to business.
"John, I asked you to lunch because something's not right about this Lenny Thorul character. No one hears about him for years, Luthor dies, and all of a sudden, he's Edge's right hand man. Doesn't that seem a bit fishy to you?"
"Yeah, after the crap he pulled on my son, I noticed the similarities between the way Luthor Corp's stock took a nose dive, and how Olson Technologies' went down in flames. Seems to me that it's the handiwork of the same person or persons."
"Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. How do I investigate this guy without him finding out? Edge has moles everywhere – I can't trust anyone, unless I do my own investigation. That's going to be pretty hard to do once I start back at the Planet. Since his home base has been San Diego, CA., up to now, I could ask Clark to fly there and try to dig up the dirt on him, but who knows what's going on with him right now? I won't have the resources at the Mayor's office – can any of you help me out here?"
"I'll have his complete resume for you by tomorrow," Olson said. "The NSA is naturally, a hack-free outfit," he quipped.
"Perry, you know I can't investigate him without some evidence," Henderson explained, "and I'm sure Mayson would be the first one to tell you that. *Please* give me something to go after – I'm dying to nail Edge Enterprises."
"I'll bring the info to you myself tomorrow, Mr. Mayor," Olson said. "No courier service – can't trust anyone at this point, present company excluded, of course."
"Looking forward to it. Thanks, John," said Perry. At that moment, the server came over with their food. "Let's eat, everyone."
~~~~~
TBC
