Chapter Six
That Silver Lining?
The next day at the Planet Lois and Clark were closeted in their Editor's office for sometime, as they'd decided to let Perry and Jimmy into part of the story of Matthew's arrival and their intentions for the future. Both men were surprised, but not too much. After all, strange things often happened to Lois and Clark -- a baby abandoned on their doorstep wasn't too far off the scale.
"That's quite a story, kids, and you have absolutely no idea who the baby's parents are?" Perry asked leaning back in his chair and watching closely his two star reporter's reactions. Lois kept her expression bland, but something flickered briefly in Clark's eyes. Was it remorse or embarrassment, or a little bit of both? Clark never had been as good at hiding his inner feelings as Lois, but the boy was improving, Perry thought. Must be living with Lois that's doing it! He could be wrong, but he was certain he hadn't been told the whole story. Then again, did he want to know the truth? Probably not! So, instead he grinned helpfully up at the couple, waiting....
"No, Chief!" Lois finally offered, choosing her words carefully. "We still have no idea who left him with us."
She glanced over at Clark, her look conveying the point that she hadn't told an outright lie, but he answered with a non-committal, minuscule shrug. Clark had stated that he was willing to hedge the truth to protect his son and he was discovering that he'd be prepared to go a lot further down that road than ever before. Matthew's helplessness simply magnified the protective instinct in Clark.
"That sucks!" Jimmy decided to join the conversation. "Poor little guy! But whoever did it, must have known they were leaving him with the best people ever. I mean, everyone in Metropolis knows Lane and Kent's reputation for fighting for truth and justice...."
"Isn't that Superman, Jimmy?" Lois asked with just a hint of an exasperated smile.
"Sure, but you two do it too... in your own way. Maybe someone thought you'd make good parents. And weren't you checking up on adoption...."
"Jimmy!" This time it was Clark who cut in. "I don't think we want too many people to know about that, not now with Matthew involved. The last thing we want is Child Welfare or County Adoptions breathing down our necks. So, Lois and I would be grateful if you kept this quiet for the moment, until we can sort out what to do."
"Hey, CK, no sweat!" Jimmy quickly agreed. "I understand. Who would want someone like that 'dragon lady', Ms Bailey, chasing you around? Boy, did she have a face like an old prune!"
"I think we can do without your colorful remarks, Jimmy, but in this case, you're right. Lois, Clark, you know you can rely on our discretion. Also, I probably don't have to tell you, because I'm pretty sure you're already doing it, but you can use the Planet resources to look for... whoever abandoned your baby," Perry said helpfully. "And if you want any legal assistance, don't hesitate to ask and I'll talk to the Planet's legal team. If you're planning on adopting Matthew, I'm guessing you'll have to do so privately, so you're going to need a lawyer."
"Thanks, Perry." Clark stood up, intending to close the conversation. "We'll be sure to let you know if we need extra help."
"Oh, and in the meantime, you two can work more flexible hours if it will help with child care... until you've got something more permanent worked out. But don't you let that cat out of the bag," Perry said with a wink. "I don't want the rest of the newsroom thinking I've gone soft."
"Thanks, Chief. Martha and Jonathan are helping out just now, but they can't stay here forever. The farm won't run itself and we don't want to bankrupt them. We're lucky to have them here. This parenting business isn't as easy as I thought it would be," Lois admitted with a blush. "Babies don't keep the same hours as the rest of us do!"
A loud laugh issued from Jimmy. "Oh, that's why you two have been dragging yourselves around these past couple of days. Here I was thinking you were getting all ho... you were... well, you know what I was thinking, " Jimmy finished feebly. He was aware of being stared at. "Look if you don't need me any more, I'll just go... go stick my head under a cold tap!" With that final declaration, he backed out of the room, and the three others finally let their anxieties go with a hearty laugh.
"I guess you two should get back to writing some copy," Perry suggested. "This is still a newspaper, and I do need something from my best team. Just keep me informed on what's happening with Matthew, and maybe I could stop by and meet the newest member of the Kent family, if you wouldn't mind, that is."
"No, of course not, Perry. Look, why don't you make it this weekend, say Saturday for dinner?" Clark asked heading for the door.
"Yes, and, Perry, bring Alice, if she'd like to come," Lois added, slipping past Clark and out into the newsroom.
"Hey, Lois, how did you know I'm seeing Alice again? I thought I'd kept that quiet!"
"Chief, Clark and I have sources everywhere!"
Lois' laughter echoed round the door just as Clark closed it behind them, leaving Perry alone in the room, staring open-mouthed. Then he too continued to laugh. Lois and Clark weren't the only ones who knew secrets, only he kept them to himself!
*****
As arranged, later that evening, Superman duly picked up Doc Warner, and, since the old gentleman seemed to prefer to pretend that the hero and Clark Kent were two separate people, Clark played along. Superman flew carefully and slowly towards Metropolis as the doctor looked more frail than he remembered. At first, they travelled in silence, but the older man's lively personality soon emerged, and Clark spent most of the journey answering questions on his latest rescues.
Finally they arrived above the park near Hyperion Avenue, and Superman warned the doctor that he planned on landing in the cover of the trees where Clark was waiting nearby to drive him the short distance to the brownstone. The old man felt his feet touch the ground and he was grateful for the hand that steadied him while he found his balance, then the brightly clad figure faded into the shadows. Moments later, Clark appeared, glasses fixed firmly on his nose and dressed in casual clothes. He shook Doc Warner's hand warmly, enquiring whether the doctor had enjoyed the flight, before escorting him to the Jeep and home.
*****
The rest of the family welcomed the old man in and made him comfortable in the living room, Martha offering him something to drink, and not in the least surprised when he ordered his favourite beverage.
If Lois was surprised at her first sight of the elderly doctor, she kept it to herself. No one had described the man to her, but she hadn't been expecting him to look quite so old... and tired. He was tall but stooped, though she had the feeling that once his back had been ramrod straight, and that his now deeply lined countenance had once been very attractive. Yet, when she was introduced to him, his eyes lit up from within and his smile beamed brightly. He took her hand and shook it gently, as if she were made of fine porcelain, and Lois realised she was seeing the real Doctor Warner. The old man's body might be failing, but his spirit remained undaunted.
"Ms Lane," the doctor said in a voice that was only a little stronger than his physique. "I've been waiting a long time to meet you. Did Clark tell you, you're my favourite reporter? He's a close second, of course, but I do think you are much prettier! I know I shouldn't say that. These days, young women like to be known for their brains and not their looks, but it doesn't hinder to have both, you know... and you do!"
"Well, thank you, Doctor Warner, and I'm pleased to meet you too. Won't you sit down? You've had quite a journey!" Lois led her guest over to the couch.
The old man's eyes seemed to sparkle even more as he sank into the thick cushions. "Oh, yes, flying with Superman. An 'out of this world' experience if I've ever had one, but I'm sure you're quite used to it by now, Lois. May I call you that?"
"Of course, you may." Behind her, in his brand new baby carrier, Matthew began to stir -- not crying, not yet. Lois decided to lift him, just in case. After all, her son probably wanted a cuddle and Lois was very happy to provide one. Deftly, she lifted him into her arms -- she really was beginning to get the hang of this -- and turned to face her visitor. "Doctor Warner, we thought you'd like to meet Matthew, too."
"I would indeed," the old man replied, patting the sofa next to him in invitation. Lois sat with her child, showing him proudly to the doctor, who reached out a hand to touch the baby's soft cheek. "Matthew's a handsome boy, Lois, and do you know, he reminds me of Clark that very first time I saw him." For a moment, Doc Warner appeared flustered as he relived his memories, but he quickly composed himself. "Of course, that's not possible, but I can't help but feel like a surrogate grandfather here."
Lois smiled. This clever old gentleman certainly knew a lot more than he was willing to admit, but she wasn't perturbed. "For what you're about to do for us, you are practically family!"
"Which brings up a good point! Dr Warner, are you sure about this... violating your code of ethics?" Clark asked gently. He was grateful for the help, but felt he should give the doctor another chance to back out. "You know, you can still change your mind. We'd understand."
The grey haired doctor accepted the Irish coffee Martha had brought into the room and turned to smile at the young man he'd watched grow into one of the finest, truest, most compassionate beings on the planet. He supposed it was difficult for Clark to understand his motives. Young people saw things mostly in black and white, and real life was never so easily judged.
"I'm over seventy, son, and I've lived a long and mostly happy life, but this heart of mine isn't working as well as it was." He took a sip from his mug. "Mmm, Martha, just the way I like it!" The liquid slid smoothly down his throat, warming his innards. The night air had been cool on the journey, and he'd been thankful his transport had been superheated. Nevertheless, his old bones were happy to be back indoors and sitting on a comfortable sofa. "You know, my doctor would be telling me coffee topped up with whisky and cream isn't good for my state of health, but I'm a firm believer in a little of what you fancy does you good! Mind you, I'm not planning on buying the farm any time real soon, but I have treated my last patient, finally. I'll never work as a doctor again, so there isn't much the Medical Board could do to me, even if they did find out I'd bent the truth a bit."
"What you're doing is more than just a bit!" Clark reminded him.
"True, and I wouldn't be contemplating lying for a second if I didn't believe it was for the best. Clark, over the years I've seen people be economical with the truth -- people who were in positions of trust who were willing to bend the rules for the greater good, or even for far more self-serving motives than we're dealing with here. Special circumstances call for special sacrifices, so think of my breaking my ethics as my small sacrifice. One I'll gladly pay to help this baby find his proper home in this world. My heart may be failing me, but there's nothing wrong with my eyesight; I can see how much you and Lois love that little boy."
He glanced at the dark-eyed woman holding her child, staring down at him as if he were the most precious gift in the world. If only he'd had a second chance, he might have done things differently, he thought. When he'd lost Laura, he hadn't wanted anyone else... but that had been long ago, in another lifetime. He'd dedicated the rest of his days to helping the people of Smallville; good people, like Martha and Jonathan, and now Lois and Clark. Until this moment, he'd never regretted that decision, but seeing Lois and Matthew together....
Doc Warner felt his eyes mist over and he sniffed audibly. There was nothing he could do to change the past, but he could make sure of the future for this small family. "Now how about we finish our coffee and get down to business. I'd like to get home before I fall asleep in Superman's arms."
*****
A short time later Doctor Warner began to write his statement saying he was present at the birth of Matthew. Just as he had done with Clark all those years ago, he used his professional experience to estimate the baby's age, in this case about eight weeks old. He'd hoped for a shorter time-scale which the Kents would have to explain away, but he didn't think anyone would believe the baby was younger... even eight weeks was stretching it a little.
A date of birth, however, was needed to go on this document, and after a quick calculation, it was decided on the 22nd of February 1997. At this point, though, the doc's powers of invention started to run into trouble.
"Do we have a name for the baby's birth mother, or are both parents to go down as unknown?" The doctor enquired, his eyes alight with interest. "A father could quite plausibly remain anonymous, but a mother would have to have been present at the birth. Though, I expect it is just possible she could have left without telling anyone her identity and leaving her baby behind."
"Apart from that, doesn't that form have to say where the birth took place? And won't people wonder why it wasn't registered at the time?" This came from Jonathan who'd been reviewing a number of questions ever since Doc Warner had gotten involved, determined to make sure every angle was covered.
"Could we say that the doctor left the paperwork with the mother, thinking she would do it?" Lois asked, realising just how creative they were going to have to be in concocting a background for their plans. Still, that shouldn't be a problem for her or Clark. They were professional reporters, though normally they reported on fact and not on fairy tales. Lois was beginning to understand Clark's reluctance to fabricate stories... it led to a quagmire of complications and, in this situation, they couldn't afford to leave any loop-holes.
Her question, however, caused the old doctor to chuckle. "Oh, Lois, I wouldn't worry your pretty head about that one! I have been known to forget things these days.... It's a side effect of my dickey ticker and the medication. But I do have to warn you; anyone who knows me would find it very unlikely that I wouldn't discover my patient's first name, at least. Yet I suppose people might believe I would withhold it, if that mother requested it."
"But that's really not an option, Doc," Clark spoke up. "We already know that we need a mother's permission to apply to adopt Matthew...." Suddenly Clark's voice tailed off, but instead of the customary tilt of his head, he simply frowned intently.
Always attuned to her husband's moods, Lois' gaze switched to Clark and she barely stopped herself from asking what it was he was hearing... but perhaps he wasn't hearing anything. Then again, she knew by his body language that something had definitely caught his attention, so she was hardly surprised when a knock sounded on the front door. It seemed Clark knew who was outside, and he hadn't had to use his x-ray vision to discover who their visitor might be.
Directing a warning glance in Lois' direction, Clark hurried to the door and opened it. Even though he was aware of who was standing in the vestibule, his voice still sounded stunned as he uttered one word. "Zara!"
It was all he had time for before the young woman stepped up close and hugged him warmly.
<It's Sarah! Follow my lead!> The warning sounded in his head. Then she was walking past him towards the small group seated on the twin sofas and when she spoke again, it was in the normal way. "Aunt Martha, Uncle Jonathan and Lois, I want to thank you for taking care of my baby!"
Those last words stabbed like a dagger into Lois' heart. Lois too had recognised the woman immediately. Klein must have been mistaken when he'd identified her clone's DNA. Matthew was Zara's child -- Kal-El's and Zara's! It was her worst nightmare. Lois died a little inside, even if she did believe that the baby was conceived artificially. Clark would never have lied about a thing like that; he just didn't have it in him. Yet, how dare Zara leave her baby here with them and disappear without a trace, even if it was for his safe-keeping. How cruel could she be, letting them think Matthew was their own, and now return to claim him? Lois' arms tightened round her boy. She was not giving him up without a fight!
"And you must be Doctor Warner." Zara walked calmly forward, yet inwardly thanking Ching for insisting that they check out Lois and Clark's current situation before her visit. His thoroughness had allowed them to adapt their plan of action. "I'm Sarah Kennedy, the baby's biological mother and Aunt Martha told me you could help out with the adoption."
Adoption! Lois' eyes widened. Just what was Zara playing at? Maybe this meant that Bernard had been right. Her emotions were in chaos and she stole another glance at Clark and was relieved to see him looking as confused as she was.
Meanwhile, Doc Warner was studying the newcomer. Dressed in a plain black skirt that almost skimmed her ankles, a grey nondescript top which tried to hide most of her curves and her brown hair tied back in a severe fashion, this young woman was someone who was trying to look extremely dowdy, but failing miserably. The doctor decided to play along. "I don't think we've met before, but you do look a little familiar. Martha is your aunt?"
Martha rose from her place on the couch and came to stand next to the latest visitor. "Well, actually, not quite. Sarah's father is a cousin on my mother's side of the family. They live in Boston and we don't really see much of them, though Sarah has visited the farm in the past." Now the latter statement, at least, wasn't quite a lie. After Clark's duel with Nor, Zara had visited the farm, briefly, to assure Jonathan and herself that Clark was recovering from his exposure to the Kryptonite gas and would be staying on Earth. Both she and Jonathan had considered it very thoughtful of Zara. But in the meantime there was a story to create. "To tell the truth, that side of the family never did approve of me. They thought I was too much of a free spirit!"
Zara shot a searching glance at Martha and was grateful but not totally surprised. All the women in this family seemed to be very intuitive. Clearly, the older woman had understood why Sarah had chosen that particular surname -- they were a branch of Martha's extended family who lived near Boston. "I'm afraid they don't think much of me either now, Aunt Martha. They have a reputation to maintain, you know. Daddy was so angry that I'd gotten myself into this mess, and Mother says I've let the family down."
"It's terrible to think that even in the 20th century there are still parents who are so set against single mothers that they cast their children adrift. I can't understand it myself, but I know it still does occur." Doc Warner sympathised helpfully, enjoying this little game of charades.
"That's exactly it! They won't contemplate my keeping the baby and to tell the truth, I don't think I'm brave enough to raise a child on my own... and then there's my studies. I just don't think I could manage." Sarah heaved a gulping sigh and a trace of tears glistened in her eyes.
So that was what Zara was up to, and she was good. Doc Warner, too, Lois thought. Not that the doctor surprised her, but she was amazed that one of these pragmatic Kryptonians could turn on such an act. Zara had obviously missed her calling. Oh, well, if her throne was ever usurped again, she could always return to Earth and go on the stage! But Zara... no, Sarah was talking again and Lois felt it imperative that she listen to every word.
"That's why I want you, Lois and Clark, to have my baby and to raise him as your own. I can't think of anyone else I'd rather have to be his parents."
"Are you sure, Sarah?" As he spoke Clark drew nearer to Lois and Matthew, playing his role in the little drama.
"Oh yes! There really is no other way," Sarah affirmed. "Matthew is meant to be with you... if you want him?"
A loving glance passed between Lois and Clark before Clark spoke again. "With all of our hearts!"
There was a moving silence for some moments and hardly a dry eye in the house, so Doctor Warner decided it was up to him to see his part in this saga concluded. Not that he wasn't deeply touched too... but he was an old man and it was past his bedtime. "Good, then if you all know what you're doing, perhaps we could finish off this documentation, now that we have the mother's name. I take it, young lady, that you wish the father to remain unknown?" The question was asked very kindly.
"Indeed!" Sarah shuddered for effect. "I really don't want to give his name.... I should never have got involved. He's a married man."
Lois almost choked while Clark rolled his eyes. <Very funny, Zara, but don't over-play it! I hope you're going to give us a fuller explanation.>
<In due time, Clark.>
Doc Warner was oblivious to the mental conversation as he quickly concluded writing. "There it is," he said, finally, laying the piece of paper on the coffee table. "That should allow you to obtain a birth certificate for Matthew. Though I do believe another will be issued when the adoption's complete. I wish you all the very best, and it really was nice to meet you at last, Lois... and you, Sarah." The doctor struggled to his feet. "Now, Clark, if you would be so kind as to call that super-powered friend of yours, I'd really like to get home. All this junketing about the country has tired me out."
They fussed over the doctor; Jonathan brought him his overcoat and Martha helped him into it, before tying his scarf securely about his thin neck. By the time he was fully dressed, Superman had entered the room and was waiting for his passenger. They exchanged fond goodbyes with promises to keep in touch, but at this Doc Warner smiled sadly. He had also been a little economical with the truth regarding his condition; the life left to him in this world would be short.
Within no time, the house on Hyperion Avenue and Metropolis fell away beneath Superman as he and the doctor turned south west, towards Smallville.
"The Kents are such a lovely family," Doc Warner mused. "I feel privileged to know them."
"It's they who should be thanking you, Doctor! You did a really good thing for Lois and Clark tonight."
"Oh, think nothing of it, Superman. I've known Clark for most of his life and he's a very special boy. This was the least I could do to thank him for all the good he does in the world."
In the darkness, Clark's brow creased. Was the old man finally admitting that he knew the truth about his identity? "Don't you mean me... Superman?"
"Oh, no! I mean Lois and Clark, exposing all those master criminals by writing about them in the Daily Planet and making sure that they're locked away in prison. Because of the work they do, Metropolis and this country is a safer place to live in. Believe me, I was delighted to be asked to ensure that the first of the next generation of Kents is safely set on his path to creating a better world."
"Doctor Warner, you haven't by any chance met a middle-aged Englishman in a frock coat and bowler hat?"
Clark heard the doctor chuckle at that.
"Now that would be telling! An old man is entitled to some secrets too, you know."
They flew on in silence and soon Clark realised his passenger had fallen into a deep sleep. When they landed in the backyard of the doctor's home on the north edge of Smallville, he didn't awake, nor when Clark carried him through the house into his bedroom and laid him gently on the bed.
Carefully, Clark removed the old gentleman's outdoor clothes and shoes, loosening his tie to make him more comfortable, but still the doctor slept on. A brightly coloured quilt was folded at the bottom of the bed, and Clark pulled it over the old man, smiling as he did so. The ladies of the town, his own mother amongst them, had made it and presented it with love to their favourite physician when he had officially retired.
A wrinkled hand touched Superman's sleeve, causing Clark almost to jump. He hadn't noticed Doc Warner waken. The fitful moonlight penetrated the gloom and Clark caught sight of the old man -- he looked exhausted and his skin was wan.
"You've made me very happy and very proud of you throughout the years. I'm only too glad that I've been able to help in some small way, Clark. Now you should get off home; your family will be waiting for you. Take good care of them...."
The hand slid away and once again there was a deep hush. So much so, that Superman strained to listen to the doctor's heart beat. It was there, though slightly irregular. Probably a symptom of his illness, Clark surmised, but was reassured that Doc Warner's breathing and pulse seemed steady enough. Into the stillness of the room came the sound of muffled snores, telling Clark that the old man was asleep again. The doctor had called him Clark. For that one time, all pretence had fallen away and he'd said his real name.
Superman stood for a few minutes in the doorway of the bedroom, watching the man who had helped give him a chance in life and who had now done the same for his son. The Kents would always be beholden to this kindly country physician. Then he did as he was bid and flew quickly towards Lois, Matthew and home. He couldn't wait to hear Zara's story.
*****
tbc
