Earth
Her former beau’s lips quirked into a tight smile and said with his rich baritone. “Hello Lois. It’s good to see you again.”
Clutching her hands into tight fists to keep from slapping him, she answered. “Oh yeah? Well, I can’t say the feeling is mutual.” Whirling around to Perry and Franklin Stern she pointed angrily at Talmadge and said with icy fury, “Mr. White, why is this reporter from the Washington Chronicle in your office?”
Perry answered calmly, “Settle down Lois. The cover story is I brought him in because RoxxTen is pulling the same stunt in Washington, D.C.”
“Ah… you two know each other?” Mr. Stern asked his deep rumbling voice tinged with concern.
“Yes. We were in college together. Worked on the campus newspaper.” Paul said quietly.
Realization slowly dawned on Perry’s face; he spoke very slowly. “Um, were you Professor Hennessy’s editorial assistant?”
“Y…yes.”
Perry groaned. “Great shades of Elvis! You’re that Paul?”
“Yes.” Talmadge said, his face becoming more impassive with each question.
“Is that all you can say?” Lois growled. “As a well-known international financial journalist, words should be your stock-in-trade.”
Exasperated, turning from Paul, and glaring at Perry she said, “How am I supposed to write a significant investigative article with someone who works for our competition and only speaks in monosyllables? It’s going to look suspicious. So much so, I won’t be able to do the assignment any justice.”
“Agent Talmadge is going to protect you while this RoxxTen investigation is in play. He’s a journalism graduate of Metro University, but he’s also a trained FBI operative who worked with Director Peter Burke in his white collar crimes division in New York.”
Franklin Stern’s eyebrows went up. “Wait a moment, you worked on the Neil Caffrey art theft cases with Reese Hughes, Mr. Burke’s former boss?”
Talmadge nodded, “I did. Mr. Hughes was a good man, it’s a shame he had to retire after the cancer treatments.”
The older man grunted, “If it hadn’t been for Reese trusting Paul’s abilities, that criminal Caffrey would have gotten away with millions of dollars in stolen artwork. Two pieces of which belong to me. That was a well-written article on how he was taken down. I don’t suppose you care to tell us how?”
The young man before them remained silent. It was painfully obvious to all of them they weren’t going to get any inside information out of him. Instead, he said to them in a quiet voice, “The bureau was contacted by Inspector Henderson for me to be a sort of…bodyguard until the RoxxTen matter has died down.”
Her eyebrows went up in complete surprise. “Agent Talmadge? How can that be? It’s a well-known fact he writes a twice-weekly business column. How does someone like that get to be my bodyguard? Since when do I need the FBI to watch my back?”
“Sometimes the bureau has need of a person’s expertise outside of its confines. They wanted to keep me on as a ‘consultant’. Talmadge said softly, but he did not elaborate further on his particular set of skills outside of journalism.
Perry cleared his throat, looked at his star investigative reporter and said in a fatherly voice. “Lois, Agent Talmadge is going to be working here temporarily – to help with the RoxxTen story … sort of like an exchange program with the Chronicle … as your new partner.”
The office atmosphere – which was stacked with tension before - had just increased fivefold. Lois Lane had experienced myriad set-backs; fiancé kidnapped, adjusting to life without Clark and fighting against debilitating low spirits. The RoxxTen investigation had been the shot in the arm she needed. Now, Mad Dog Lane was back with a vengeance. Suddenly someone from an unpleasant part of her past was going to be working with her on this investigation. All the men, even Franklin Stern, braced themselves for an explosion. Thus, they were greatly surprised when Lois’ response was a single, softly spoken word, “Why?”
“Paul’s experience as a journalist and working for the FBI makes him a natural fit. He’s not Kent, but Lois you’ve churned up some mighty dangerous waters with that RoxxTen article.” Stern responded.
She threw her arms up in agitation and faced the men. “What else is new? I’m an investigative reporter! That’s what we do! How is someone who specializes in business going to help me?”
Agent Talmadge looked at her with a determined set to his jaw and said, “You, better than anyone knows I can more than pull my weight.”
Lois glared at him, a bitter retort dancing on her tongue, but she decided not to use it.
He continued, “My contacts in the business world are more extensive and better qualified to help us in this investigation.”
Perry decided the situation had to be gotten under his control. “Listen, Lois, this newsroom is down one investigative reporter. I can’t afford to lose another during my watch. Agent Talmadge is here. So, get used to him being around ‘cause he’s going to stick to you like super-glue. This won’t last forever. The Feds are closing in on Bill Church, Sr., and his goons. Hell, go out there and work on the follow-up article with him. Make me proud.”
She closed her eyes, and they could actually see her lips moving as if in quiet prayer. “Right. Okay Perry, for you … and Clark. But nobody has to know he’s a federal agent. Some of my contacts get very nervous when they hear those two words.” She turned, looked Talmadge up and down then said caustically, “Let’s go on a tour in the Daily Planet’s building layout. Starting with the print room and ending here. While we’re doing that I’ll fill you in on my work with the RoxxTen story. Try to keep up!” Then she pulled open the door and exited the office.
Her new colleague sighed and moved to depart as well, when Perry said firmly with a tone that demanded his attention. “Ah … Mr. Talmadge?”
Looking over his shoulder, Paul said. “Yes sir?”
“Earlier last year, your former classmate, Ms. King caused a heap of problems for my newsroom and Lois. So I would appreciate it if you don’t cause as much trouble to Lois as she was. Respect her abilities and experience as a reporter. Otherwise, you’ll have to answer to me … and then her fiancé when he returns.” Perry’s face turned as hard as iron. “Trust me, that’s the last thing on Earth you want.”
Talmadge fully comprehended what he was up against, nodded solemnly and followed his new partner.
Franklin Stern released a breath he did not realize he was holding. “They were classmates with that King woman. Did we just start some difficulties pairing up those two?”
The managing editor sat down heavily in the comfortable old leather chair, which groaned from the unwelcome load and Perry rubbed his sweat forehead. In a tired voice he responded. “Oh yeah, Franklin. A whole angry hornet’s nest full. Did you hear her calling me Mr. White? She hasn’t used my last name like that since she started here! If we are not careful, the bullpen is gonna be a battlefield. Elvis and Priscilla’s divorce was a walk in the park in comparison!”
Franklin Stern gave a long, slow whistle. “Perry, this is one of those times when I’m glad to be upstairs. Keep me informed. See you later.” With that he hastily exited the office.
***
An hour after giving Talmadge a full tour of the Daily Planet building, Lois reached her desk, and she said, “Okay we have met all the department heads except Cory Hawke who edits the business section which runs on Tuesday. I understand he’s interviewing Harrison Wells, the founder of S.T.A.R. Labs. If he’s still around, maybe you two should get together and talk ‘shop’”. Before Talmadge could answer, the phone on her desk rang, she picked up its handset and said. “Lois Lane. City Desk.”
<<Hello Lois! It’s Grace Chen. Martha’s azure blue merino wool came in last night. It has such a cuddly and soft ‘hand’ I’m thinking of ordering some additional skeins for myself! By the way, Jean said she’s available anytime this week for a lesson if you’re free.>>
Lois’ mood brightened, a call from Grace was special and getting a chance to work with a knitting teacher of Jean Carter's caliber was a rare treat. “Oh! The ‘Stitch Doctor’ is in? That’s terrific!” She lowered her voice and surreptitiously looked around and seeing only Talmadge continued in a lower tone. “I have my project bag with me. What about 4:00 today?”
<<Hmmm, she is coming in after lunch. One of my customers, Miss Winley, is working on a putting in the button band to a sweater. It’s taken forever to finish that project! After her lesson is complete, Jean should be able to take you around 4:00. Now Lois, if an exceptional story pops up, call us so we know so she can go home rather than waiting around.>>
“Agreed! Martha is going to be so surprised hearing about my latest domestic skill. See you soon.”
They exchanged good-byes and hung up.
Paul Talmadge looked up from his new desk and with a suspicious voice asked. “Where are you going at four o’clock?”
She responded with a harsh whisper. “If you must know, to Rhapsody Knits; it’s a shop on Napier Avenue and that’s not for gossip. So relax, I’m going for a knitting lesson and not doing anything remotely dangerous. Does that meet with the Feds approval?”
He snorted, “Since when did you start knitting?”
Again, a barded comment played on her tongue, but refused to surface. “Since my fiancé’s mother would like to have her yarn picked up by me. Since the local yarn shop near her doesn’t have a great selection.”
“Oh? Kent’s mother lives here?”
“My in-laws live in Smallville, Kansas.”
Remembering that Lois was not yet married, but deciding to let that pass, he cocked an unbelieving eyebrow and said, “Since when?”
“Is there an echo chamber in here? Since always. As a ‘valued’ part of the City Desk team do a little research about your co-workers! Past and present! Now, if you don’t mind, I have a story to finish, and you have to read the company’s handbook!” With those words Lois sat down, booted up her machine and began typing furiously.
Paul returned to his desk, sat down, and began reading the book which had been placed there earlier in the day. In time he became absorbed in reading since it provided a head’s up on the Daily Planet’s computer system. But every few minutes or so he would look over at Lois’ desk. Thirty minutes had passed and when Lois had finished writing up the article and sent it over to Perry, he got up, walked over to her and said softly, “Is there any place we can go to discuss … our current work situation? Not here, too many ears and eyes.”
“That suits me just fine. Meet me in the supply closet.”
Pointing his chin over to the empty conference room, he said in a low voice. “Why not over there?”
Lois did not answer, only picked up an empty No. 2 pencil box and moved past him. That particular conference room was where she and Clark had had some of their worst fights and best conversations. It might sound a little odd to anyone else, but the room was special and there was no reason to spoil it with Paul’s presence.
They passed Stacy as she walked down the ramp, watched them exit and then approached Jimmy. “Hey, is that supposed to be Mr. Kent’s replacement? Ms. Lane is not happy about it.”
Jimmy shook his head in disbelief. “His name is Paul Talmadge. Lois just introduced him as her temporary partner on the City Desk. Emphasis on temporary. I … I guess the suits upstairs decided it was time to occupy the chair and desk, but no one could replace CK.”
With a reluctant sigh Stacy responded. “Yeah, I agree with you. I better finish pulling those State Senate hearing files for Eduardo before he bites my head off.” With that the researcher turned away quickly and headed for the morgue.
***
Down the hallway, Lois entered the dark supply room, which no matter how many times Mahaila cleaned it, still smelled of ink, pencil shavings and old erasers. She flipped on the light switch and without waiting for Talmadge, began to hunt among the tall wooden shelves that were jammed full of all kinds of office supplies for a box of No. 2 pencils.
When Talmadge entered the supply room, he looked at his colleague in surprise. “I thought we were going to talk. Are you really looking for pencils? Why not use a PDA to keep track of your notes?
The response to his questions was a very unladylike snort. “There you go, thinking again! PDAs run out of power too soon and syncing them up is a real nightmare! They may be the wave of the future, but pencils are easier. Listen, the bullpen will start gossiping about us if we don’t come back with supplies for your desk. So, tell me what’s on your mind.”
He said. “Since when do you care about backroom gossip?”
In response she held up her left hand and displayed a one-carat solitaire diamond set in yellow gold. “Let me get you up to speed. Since I became engaged. No way do I want to disrespect my fiancé. So, talk. You have five minutes!”
Paul stood in front of Lois and folded his arms in a defensive posture. “All right. I admit that was a cheap shot. Your fiancé was literally threatened and kidnapped in front of the entire newsroom and is being held hostage in an alien war zone. I need to be a lot more understanding. The last person you expected to see in Mr. White’s office today was me. Probably a lot of memories came to mind … maybe … they weren’t all bad?” he asked sheepishly.
He waited for a response, but with a flash of smoldering fire in those fierce brown eyes, he decided it was best to steer clear of their last ill-fated meeting on campus.
He continued, “Yeah, we haven’t gotten off to a good start. When my supervisor asked me to accept this assignment, I almost turned it down.”
She handed him a cardboard box and began filling it with supplies. “Oh, I don’t know, it might have been better for all concerned if you had! The last thing the Planet’s newsroom needs is for two of its reporters tearing into each other.” She took in a shallow breath and leaned against one of the wooden shelves which creaked ever so slightly as it took her weight. “Talmadge, us working together is not going to be easy or pleasant. But there’s no reason to make everyone around us miserable. We have a follow-up story to research and write. Let’s be professionals and get the job done.”
Sighing, he answered. “What Linda and I did years ago was … wrong. Believe it or not, coming here to protect you while the FBI and the MPD sort out this case with RoxxTen is my way of trying to right it somehow.”
Lois, who was not in the least interested in hearing this belated confession, said, “Yeah? Despite what that flatfoot Henderson says, I don’t need a babysitter. Before … Clark or you came along I was able to get out of worse disasters than this!”
Her voice caught; it was the first time Talmadge had heard her mention his name. Before he could stop himself he said. “Who is Clark Kent anyway? Your boss Perry White, Mr. Stern, and Jimmy talk about him like he was some sort of hero!”
A look passed over Lois’ face, one he did not recognize. He was certain in all the time of their relationship such a riot of joyful emotions had never been displayed for him. She relaxed and answered him with a tone of voice he had never heard before. “Let’s just say he is hero enough for me. Now, regarding our working relationship, you’ve a ton of work to do in order to ‘right it’. Come on, let’s get back to the bullpen, we can start by going over my notes.” She turned and headed for the door.
Paul held the cardboard box full of office supplies and followed behind. “Not so fast, what about this 4:00 appointment? I’m supposed to be protecting you!”
She answered him without looking back, “That’s personal and a part of my private life, which you are not invited to be involved with. Besides, Grace and Jean are going to wonder who you are. Remember I am engaged. Now regarding the case, we have to start tracking down an enforcer named Simcoe.”
“Simcoe? What about Elden Kraft? Did that turn into a dead end?”
Lois gave him a tight little smile and spoke in lower tones. “Aha! So you have been listening! Unfortunately, Mr. Kraft might literally be dead. Therefore, this investigation is going in another direction, my source says he was somehow involved with Intergang. We get Simcoe, then work our way up the Intergang food chain. Oh yeah, Talmadge, you owe me the story of how a journalism major ended up working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.”
Talmadge nodded thoughtfully, giving the impression that getting the story out of him was going to take time. Finally he answered. “Where do we begin?”
Lois walked briskly out the door and called over her shoulder. “I’m going to ask Nolan, Bobby and my least favorite snitch, Crazy Willy to help me find this guy. In the meantime, we need to learn more about RoxxTen’s current CEO, Charles Belfield. Which is where your business contacts come in.”
They entered the bullpen and walked down the ramp, talking in the no-nonsense manner of investigative reporters determined to nail down a lead.
Perry watched as the two reporters went to their separate desks and began to work. Lois dialed her phone and Talmadge, once he put away his supplies started looking through a thin, battered notebook he had pulled from his leather backpack. The rest of the bullpen’s inhabitants picked up on their quiet intensity. Mad Dog Lane was not working with Clark, but she did have a partner, albeit a temporary one she could actually tolerate. One who could help clean up their tiny corner of the world and assist a lot of hard-working people as well.
The managing editor actually grinned like a happy bear at the sight and then said sotto voce, “Up and at the bad guys, Lois. Clark, whatever he is doing on New Krypton, would be proud of you!”
