**Chapter 2: Escape and Kryptonite**
**Metropolis Prison**
At Metropolis Prison, Lois and Clark met Inspector Henderson, who was examining the scene. They approached him behind the security cordon.
- Henderson! Lois called out.
Lane, Kent, I figured you’d come. We found Georges Winter hanged in his cell at 6:20 AM. When we tried to question his cellmate, we discovered he had disappeared.
- This is a high-security cell. Wasn’t he checked every 20 minutes? Lois was unfortunately very familiar with the procedure.
- Yes, of course. If I didn’t know Superman so well, I’d think he was the one who helped him escape... The cellmate was Michael Brown, a member of Intergang. He had been here for two years. The guard claims to have seen him asleep during his 6:00 AM check. But since we found a rag doll in the bed, he could have left before then. No one knows how he got out; one of my men is reviewing the prison cameras. I should know more by late morning.
- And about Georges Winter? Clark asked.
- Hanged with an electrical cable. Even though suicide seems plausible, the simultaneous escape makes me very doubtful. The body is with the coroner.
- Thanks, Inspector. Will you keep us informed? Lois asked.
- Of course, don’t forget to share your findings with me as well!
**Somewhere in a Warehouse in Suicide Slum**
Meanwhile, in the underbelly of Metropolis, two men were plotting in a dark warehouse. A man in his forties, dressed as a prison guard, changed into jeans and a t-shirt. His cold blue eyes turned towards another man in camouflage.
- Well, now that I’m out, let’s get down to business. Can I see the rock you told me about?
The man in camouflage opened a chest and a red glow escaped from it.
- Wonderful! What exactly does it do to Superman?
- According to my information, it makes him apathetic; he wouldn’t care if a crime was being committed. Other times, it makes him uncontrollable—he loses control of his powers and becomes unable to manage anyone.
- Perfect, perfect. We can plan our little shopping spree now... I’ve seen some artwork that interests the boss a lot.
**In Front of Metropolis Prison**
Lois and Clark exited the prison. Clark looked puzzled.
- This suicide is too convenient. Georges Winter talks and then kills himself? His cellmate, a member of Intergang, disappears... It looks like a murder disguised as a suicide.
They stopped and faced each other.
- Who are you thinking of? We’ve had Johny Bermuda in prison for almost two years...
- He’s always denied it... And then it was too easy, Mindy Church’s call just as we arrived... what if it’s her?
- She’s way too naive to be a hardened criminal...
- An act! Aren’t you the one who should be wary of appearances? Lois replied with a wink.
- Why? He adopted his most innocent look possible...
She planted a quick kiss on her husband’s lips and turned towards her car parked nearby. Clark stood there, hypnotized by his wife.
- Come on, Clark, let’s go interrogate the prosecutor. Maybe he’ll give us some clues to confirm my theory.
**Suicide Slum**
- What’s the plan? Mr. Camouflage asked.
- Do you still know how to shoot?
- Who do you take me for? I was awarded the Gold American Sniper two years in a row during the Gulf War before those damn Marines tossed me aside like a common fly for refusing to shoot at soldiers designated to me... they were kids, damn it!
Mr. Camouflage was very agitated, running his hand through his hair as he paced back and forth in the dark warehouse, lit only by small, grimy windows four meters off the ground.
- We’re going to install the kryptonite in a laser weapon. We’ll arrange to lure Superman, and while he’s busy saving the world, you’ll shoot from a rooftop… and then we’ll have a clear path! Michael Brown’s usually cold gaze took on a sinister glint.
**Chapter 3: Flames and Frustrations**
**348 Hyperion Avenue**
Clark, standing by his bed, removed his glasses. He placed them on the nightstand before taking off his t-shirt and laying it on the sofa next to the bed.
- The prosecutor was very vague; it was as if he wanted us to believe that Georges Winter hadn’t revealed anything to him...
Lois arrived a few moments later, dressed in a beige nightgown.
- Indeed, but did you catch his slip of the tongue? I’m sure he said “she.” On the other hand, what am I saying, of course you heard it... You always hear everything... if only I could super-hear.
- Your hearing is nothing to envy from Superman’s; you heard perfectly well, - Clark replied with a wink.
He pulled back the sheets and lay down. She snuggled beside him, resting her head on his chest. Clark gently held her close, appreciating the comforting warmth of her presence—a rare moment of peace in their hectic lives.
- Anyway, that confirms your theory... I can’t believe that a woman so... – Clark began.
- So what?
- I can’t find the right word, but she doesn’t seem very smart...
- She hides it well; who would imagine that the ingénue is a crime lord? She plays the grieving widow. Honestly, I never bought her perfect wife act when we met them with Bill Church. She’s a gold digger; you can trust my instincts.
- Yes, maybe... - Clark wasn’t entirely convinced, but he wasn’t going to argue with her.
Her proximity gave him other ideas. He wanted to fully enjoy this moment with her. He caressed Lois’s back, then quickly rolled them over.
He lay on top of her, hovering slightly above to touch her without pressing his weight on her. Lois laughed softly and gave him a smile, looking deeply into his eyes. She saw all the love her husband had for her and the burning desire in his eyes. He closed the space between their lips and kissed her gently. The kiss soon deepened, Clark asking for permission to explore her mouth. Lois allowed him and wrapped her arms around his back.
She caressed his muscular shoulders, feeling all the quiet strength beneath his smooth skin. He was so strong he could lift her as if she were as light as a feather, or lift a plane with one hand, but when he touched her, he was infinitely gentle, never a force that could hurt her, whether in anger or during their intimate moments.
The heat rose quickly, and things were becoming decidedly interesting. Lois lost track of her thoughts, focusing on the moment and on her husband, almost naked in her arms.
Suddenly, Clark pulled away, tilting his head to the side, listening to a sound only he could hear. Lois sighed, her eyes filled with disappointment and sadness... this call came at the worst possible moment. Clark was not yet fully carried away by passion, focused solely on her, although the sexual tension between them was already very high... frustration would soon be their only companion.
She tried to hide her emotions and not make Clark feel more guilty for leaving her.
- What do you hear? she asked.
- Firefighters, there’s a fire at the Baker Orphanage.
- Go, save them, Clark, – she said, trying to mask the disappointment in her voice – I’ll join you there!
- No Lois, stay here; the fire has just started, I won’t be long – Clark replied, turning into his famous costume.
- The evening is ruined. I might as well work; at least it will keep my mind occupied.
- Alright, be careful. He kissed her lips and disappeared in a rush of air.
- I love you, she replied, he was already gone, but she knew he could hear her.
Last edited by Aurore; 08/25/24 08:04 AM.
