Hi everyone,
I'm excited to share a new chapter of my fiction with you.
I’ve been enjoying writing this story so much, but I must admit I haven’t received much feedback on the previous chapters. It leaves me wondering if there’s something I should improve, or if the story is working for you as it is.
That’s why I’d really love to hear your thoughts this time. Whether it’s about the dialogue, the plot, the characters, or even the writing style, all comments are welcome! Did certain scenes stand out to you? Surprise you? I’m open to constructive criticism and anything that can help me make the story better.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and share your feedback. It means a lot to me, and I hope you’ll enjoy this episode as much as I enjoyed writing it!
Happy reading,
Chapter 9
After 30 minutes of organizing her notes, Lois decided it was time to notify Henderson. She left a note on Clark’s desk:
"Gone to see Henderson. Love you. Lois."
She exited the elevator at the Daily Planet parking level. As she grabbed the handle of her car door, she felt a hard object press against the small of her back, accompanied by the unmistakable click of a gun being cocked.
She raised her hands and turned around to face her assailant.
“What do you want?” she barked.
“Nothing special. Just thought we’d go for a little drive,” the masked man replied.
“You couldn’t be more original?” she retorted. “I get kidnapped about once a month. You should read the Daily Planet—things never end well for my abductors. Superman shows up, saves the day, and you end up in jail. Why don’t we save us both the trouble? I’ll call the police, and we can just wait for them here. No need to work so hard. Besides, I’ll fight back, and you might get hurt...”
“Oh no, I insist. I’d like to meet Superman, actually. I’ve got a little gift for him.”
“Oh, great. Then let me call for him!”
“No, no, the gift isn’t here. I wouldn’t want to ruin the surprise. Let’s go now, and stop talking—it’s giving me a headache.”
Lois pretended to cooperate but, at the last moment, spun around and kicked the gun from the man’s hand. She steadied herself and bolted for the exit. Unfortunately, she was stopped by a second man. She had to accept the inevitable—she had no chance.
They gagged her, bound her hands and legs, and loaded her into the back of an SUV.
Lois found herself tied up and gagged, her heart pounding wildly. Fury coursed through her veins as she cursed the situation and began formulating an escape plan. These men clearly intended to lure Superman into a trap, and given their mention of a “gift,” there was a high likelihood kryptonite was involved.
She worked to remain calm, analyzing the situation. The SUV sped along an unusual route, steering away from downtown. They were likely heading for an isolated location where they could neutralize Superman.
Meanwhile, Clark was still clearing traffic after a highway accident when a wave of anxiety washed over him. Something wasn’t right. He quickly finished the task and took to the skies, scanning Metropolis with his super-hearing for any sign of Lois—but there was nothing.
Back at the Daily Planet, he hurried to the newsroom, expecting to find her immersed in their investigation. But all he found was a note on her desk:
"Gone to see Henderson. Love you. Lois."
Clark frowned. Something didn’t add up. He immediately contacted Henderson, who confirmed he hadn’t seen Lois yet.
Turning to Jimmy, he asked, “Jimmy, do you know when Lois left?”
“No, I didn’t see her leave,” Jimmy replied.
A sense of dread settled over Clark as he rushed to the parking lot. There, near Lois’s Jeep, he found her keys lying on the ground.
Panic gripped him—Lois had been kidnapped.
He immediately called Henderson to inform him, then began searching for clues. Using his super-senses, he scoured the area meticulously but found nothing useful.
Henderson soon arrived.
“Clark, I’m sorry to hear Lois is missing. Are you holding up okay?”
“You know, I’m starting to get used to this,” Clark replied with a forced laugh.
“Yeah, I can imagine. So, what can you tell me?”
“I had stepped out briefly. When I came back, she’d left a note saying she was going to see you. Then I found her keys near her Jeep.”
“Right. What were you two working on?”
“We’re still investigating Intergang. We got a major lead after infiltrating the Black Star Club last night. Lois was likely coming to update you—we believe Intergang is planning an attack, possibly during tomorrow’s fair or parade. On top of that, we’re still looking into the Brown brothers’ murders and the smear campaign against Superman. We think it’s all connected to Intergang.”
Henderson nodded.
“I see. Plenty of reasons for them to target Lois. Don’t worry, Clark, she’s tough. We’ll find her.”
“I hope so, Inspector. If you don’t mind, I’ll try contacting Superman for help and continue the investigation. If they’ve taken her, it’s because we’re getting too close to the truth.”
“Of course, Clark. Good luck.”
Clark flew over the city, desperately searching for his wife. He had neither heard nor found any clues.
“Lois, please, give me a sign,” he pleaded. But no sign came.
Remote House
After two hours on the road, the SUV carrying Lois finally stopped. Her body was numb from being unable to move, and her wrists burned from her repeated attempts to free herself. She heard car doors slam. Two men roughly hauled her out of the vehicle.
“Time to stretch your legs, princess,” one of them sneered.
Lois, despite the pain and fear, kept her mind sharp. She had to stay alert if she wanted to escape.
Clark will come for me, she thought.
But she also knew she needed to buy herself some time.
Her captors wasted no time, shoving her forward. She glared at them defiantly.
“We know Superman will come for you. He always does. That’s what we’re counting on. But until then, come on—let’s show you around your palace.”
Lois walked, her mind racing for an escape plan. She knew her captors would eventually make a mistake, and she would be ready.
Inside the building, they led her into a room.
“This house was built just for you. Everything is reinforced and lined with lead. And, of course, it’s soundproof. Wouldn’t want Superman dropping by unannounced. Now, get inside your room.”
They shoved her into a surprisingly luxurious space, complete with faux windows, a large bed, a bookshelf, an armchair, and a TV.
“Make yourself comfortable,” one of the men said mockingly.
They closed a heavy door behind her, locking her in.
“Give me your hands.”
Lois extended her hands through the bars, and they removed her restraints.
“You can scream all you want now—nobody will hear you.”
They closed a second door, leaving Lois alone in her gilded cage.
Lois tore off her gag, letting out a frustrated scream. Taking a moment to calm herself, she turned her anger into steely determination.
She began methodically searching the room. Opening every drawer and cupboard, knocking on walls, and inspecting beneath the mattress and cushions, she found hidden microphones, cameras, and even ventilation grates that might offer a potential escape route.
Suddenly, a sickly sweet voice echoed through hidden speakers, and the TV flickered on. Mindy Church appeared on the screen.
“Well, hello, Lois. May I call you Lois? After all, you’re my honored guest. How do you like your new apartment?”
“Mindy Church! I can’t say I’m surprised to see you—you were at the top of my list.”
“Really? I’m flattered. I put so much effort into your capture. I hope my men weren’t too rough with you. I wouldn’t want any bruises for the photos we’ll show on national TV.”
Lois, ever blunt, cut straight to the point.
“Let’s skip the small talk. We’re not friends and never will be. So, what do you want?”
“Oh, Lois, you wound me. We could’ve been such good friends. After all, we share a common interest...”
“I doubt it.”
“Oh, but we do! Superman—he’s a good friend of yours, isn’t he?”
“He’s a friend of Clark’s and mine, yes.”
“Well, I’d like to invite him over. We could have such fun here. I even prepared a little smoke show for him. To complement his costume, I chose green. Do you think he’ll like it?”
Lois gasped as her worst fear was confirmed—a kryptonite trap.
“Oh dear, I seem to have chosen the wrong color. What a shame! But I’m sure he’s polite enough not to mind.”
