First, you'll probably want to chase me.
It just might not be what you expected.
Enjoy while I duck and run once again.
++++
"Mrs. Luthor, wake up."
Lois came to her senses as Nigel shook her. "Wh... what happened?" The first thing she was aware of was that she was still outside on the balcony.
"You went crazy. Don't you remember?"
"What?" Lois was looking around, trying desperately to figure out what was going on. Just then the doors flew open and a group of police burst in.
"Don't move, Mrs. Luthor," one of the officers told her as he trained his gun on her.
"What?" At first Lois had thought they were there to take care of her, but they were pointing their guns at her. Her dim senses picked up Nigel's voice.
"I heard her say she'd kill him. He asked her to calm down. Then she just... ran at him, pushing him over the edge."
Lois' mind was a blur. What had Nigel just said? Her breathing was becoming fast and labored. She turned horrified eyes to the balcony wall where officers were looking over the side.
"Poor bastard. Horrible way to go."
Lois gasped for air. They couldn't mean what she thought they meant.
"Mrs. Luthor, you're under arrest for the murder of your husband. You have the right to remain silent...."
His words faded as she was pulled to a standing position and cuffed. Lois had grown numb. She wanted out of this life but not this way. She had never wanted Lex dead. Okay, yeah, so given half the chance she would probably have choked the life out of him. But...
When they were almost to the door, she remembered something very important. "My son! Wait! My son is asleep in his room." She fought against her restraints.
"Don't worry, Mrs. Luthor. Mr. St. John has agreed to contact your father to come for him."
"No, not Sam. Call Perry. Call Perry White." Lois' words drifted off as she tried to comprehend what was happening to her. She was led out of the penthouse and into the elevators, desperately trying to recall what happened. The last thing she remembered was Lex choking her, then everything was black. She closed her eyes and silently prayed that Perry would get her son. That's all that mattered.
****
Clark was on his way to his desk from the copy room when a staffer turned up the volume on one of the monitors. There must be a breaking story coming in. He'd just gotten back from an accident across town, so he hadn't heard anything else.
"As we speak authorities are escorting Lois Luthor from the penthouse she shared with her husband at Lex Towers. Witnesses say she had been suffering from a deep depression and finally broke. Before anyone could stop her, she pushed her husband over the balcony wall. Lex Luthor was pronounced dead at the scene."
Clark's eyes snapped across the room where an equally stunned Jimmy Olsen stood with his mouth hanging open.
The door to Perry's office banged open and he was practically running toward the elevator. "Get Mayson Drake on the phone and have her meet me at the Hall of Justice. We need an injunction so that we can get that baby out of there!" When he stopped to wait on his ride down, he searched out Jack in the crowd. "Jack, I need you to find Lucy Lane and get her cleaned up. And I need it done yesterday! Clark, high-tail it to Lex Towers and see what you can see. Make sure they don't take that baby out before we can go get him."
The other men began to scramble as soon as the doors closed Perry off from view. It seemed all hell had broken loose and they'd had nothing to do with it.
****
Thank God Lois was taken to the Forty Second, Perry thought as he entered the building a few minutes later. He'd had to beat his way through the throng of reporters outside just to get in. Inside was just as chaotic with policemen and other officials scurrying around. Bill Henderson met Perry half way across the room.
"What the Sam Hill is going on, Bill?" the editor demanded.
"Somehow I knew this one would get you out of that newsroom," Bill remarked. He motioned for Perry to follow him and went into his office and closed the door.
"It was messy as hell, Perry."
"I don't give a rat's cheese about Luthor. Good riddance! Lois didn't do this!" His voice was just below a shout and he stood, hands on his hips nearly shaking with controlled anger and tension. When he'd run out the newsroom, he hadn't grabbed his jacket and his tie sat slightly askew around his neck. He could have cared less.
"Well, Perry, everyone there says she did."
"They all work for Luthor! They'd say anything for a paycheck."
"Yeah, but don't you think they'd protect their payday now?" Bill challenged the other man right back with fire and passion of his own. He was one of very few men that actually dared stand toe to toe with Perry White. "With Luthor dead, his wife would have inherited the warehouse."
"We both know a man like Luthor is not about to die without stipulating where all of his money goes. There were more prenups than Elvis had hairstyles."
"That may be so, but even I can't do anything about this one, Perry. She needs a damn good lawyer. With any luck, she can get time in an institution on a plea of temporary insanity."
Perry stared dumbfounded at his long time friend. "That's it?" he asked in a calmer voice.
"Perry, I'm really sorry."
"Sorry doesn't cut it, Bill. Not after all we've been through." He shoved a frustrated hand through his hair. "Just say you'll turn a few stones before you pass judgment."
"I can turn all the stones you want me to, but this one might be out of my hands." And he had the grace to look apologetic. "Look, I can get you two minutes."
"With Lois?"
"Yes." He motioned for Perry to follow him and they made their way down the hall toward the back of the station where the holding cells were. Stopping outside a door, Bill ordered the guard to take a smoke break. "Two minutes," he reminded his friend.
Perry stepped inside the room to find Lois pacing back and forth. She stopped when the door opened and looked up at Perry. She reminded him of a caged and terrified animal. She was not the picture of someone who had killed her husband or even one who had wanted to. Her eyes were red and swollen, brimming with tears as she stared at him.
"I didn't do it, Perry," she said in a strangled tone.
If there was one thing he knew, it was that Lois Lane was no murderer. "Ah, I know, honey. And I'm gonna prove it." He hadn't known how much he'd missed this woman until just now. It was more intense than he thought possible. "You don't know how much I've missed you." Perry managed to whisper, his own emotions threatening to overwhelm him.
"Just get my baby out of there. Don't let his goons take him off to do God knows what with him," she pleaded.
"I'm headed to the Hall of Justice when I leave here so I can get an injunction."
She nodded and took a few more steps across the room. "How's...?"
Perry waved her off. He wasn't sure if they were being monitored or not. And he wasn't sure how far Luthor's reach truly was. But knew it was possible for even a man like him to be able to reach places from beyond the grave. "Working out well."
Another nod and she was pacing again.
He wanted so badly to reach out to her, but he didn't know this woman anymore. The change in her posture told him such an advance might not be as readily accepted as it would have at one time.
A tap on the door, then it opened. "You have to go. The DA is on the way," Bill said when he stuck his head in the door.
"Nothing," Perry said as he looked at Lois. "Say nothing until your lawyer gets here. Mayson Drake. I need her at the Hall of Justice for a bit, then I'll send her right on over."
"Thanks, Perry." She managed before more tears came. She quickly turned and faced the wall.
Perry's heart broke to have to leave her there. Reluctantly he tore his eyes from her back and left. So help him if Luthor wasn't already dead, he'd kill him.
****
Mayson Drake was a tall, blonde woman with as much attitude as she had intelligence. She didn't play games, jumping for the jugular the instant she was handed a new case. She was one of the best lawyers on the east coast, probably in the country. Once on the fast track to the District Attorney's office, she chose instead to continue private practice so that she was able to hand pick her clients. She'd been Perry White's lawyer for years. She'd also become Perry's friend. That's why she knew what he needed now.
By the time Perry arrived at the Hall of Justice, Mayson was waiting for Judge Burke to announce he was ready to hear her emergency order for temporary custody of a minor child.
"Mayson?" Perry called as he stepped inside the building.
She turned from where she was talking with a man and motioned him over. "We have a hearing with Burke," she informed him immediately.
"Then you know what I need?"
"Come on, Perry, I've known you for entirely too long."
He smiled at her and together they walked toward the room where they would try to convince a judge to allow them the right to take custody of Lois Lane's baby boy.
Minutes later they were sitting down across the desk as a middle-aged Asian woman moved her chair closer to the furniture so she could read over the file Mayson extended o her.
"I represent Perry White, editor of the Daily Planet. He asks that you grant him an emergency order of custody of Lois Luthor's son."
The woman looked up at them. "On what grounds?"
"Mr. White is Ms. Luthor's power of attorney and under the circumstances, he feels it is his responsibility to care for the minor child until such time other arrangements can be made."
The judge read for a moment. "I am not versed on Mr. Luthor's final arrangements."
"Begging your pardon," Mayson told her. "His arrangements are separate and apart from hers. The circumstances of his death reinforce the power of attorney and Mr. White is within his rights to act on her behalf. She would want her son cared for and protected."
"Does she have family members that could take the child?"
"The only family she has suitable to care for the child is a sister and she's out of the city at the moment. Mr. White could take this child immediately."
"And future arrangements? Mrs. Luthor's future is dire and I can't see Mr. White in a position to care for the child indefinitely."
This time Mayson had to look to Perry. She didn't know anything about what he planned beyond today. "There's a young man that works for me," Perry blurted out. "He has a baby daughter about the age of Ms. Luthor's son. Granted, his folks are caring for the child while he gets settled- he just came to work at the Planet a few months ago. He's a good man and a great father." Perry didn't know about the last part, but he did know Clark was one of the best men he'd ever met. He wasn't exactly sure why he thought that, but just knew that he was. And these babies really needed to be together. Of course, that was something else he couldn't talk about.
The judge sat back and stared at the aging man for several moments before leaning forward again. "This might not be the wisest thing I've ever done, but..." She picked up a pen and scribbled on the top document. "I'm granting the emergency order. I want to see you back here in a month with proposal in hand for the child's future care. If that young man is what you say he is, and if Ms. Lane will agree to her son's placement with him, I'll grant him temporary custody."
It sounded like hot air escaping a balloon when Perry sighed heavily. "Thank you, Your Honor." This was one burden off his mind. At least Lois' little boy would be in good hands.
"Thank you," Mayson repeated for him as she stood and shook the judge's hand. The papers were tucked into an envelope and they hurried from the building. Perry was about to break speed records getting to Lex Towers.
****
Clark had clawed his way through the crowd outside Lex Towers trying to find out anything he could about the accident that claimed Luthor's life.
And he was pretty sure accident was a better way to describe it instead of murder. Granted, he didn't know Lois at all, but would she have killed her husband? Had things gotten so desperate for her that she was led to a situation like that? Did she think that was her only way out? Would she do that knowing she still had two children who depended on her?
What about Perry now? She was in Kansas with his parents. He stopped and thought about that for a minute. Hell, Perry had really just become his daughter. A man like Luthor had probably even made provisions for his death and that meant Lois was in serious trouble. She wouldn't so easily get out of this situation.
"Clark!"
He turned from where he was trying to get a soda from the machine in the lobby to see Perry and a young woman pushing their way in.
"Grab one of those officers and come with me." He never slowed on his way toward the elevators. When Clark caught up, Perry nodded to Mayson. "Clark Kent, Mayson Drake. She'll be Lois' attorney."
"Good to meet you," the woman told him with a nod. She was on the other side of Perry, making it impossible for them to shake.
Clark returned her smile. "And you." He stepped into the elevator with the others, shoving his hands in his pockets. "I take it you got the injunction?" he finally managed.
Perry waved the envelope at him. "Nobody's left with him?"
"Nope. I've had a guy watching the parking garage as well." He'd wanted to use his x-ray vision to make sure the baby was still inside, but with so many people coming and going it had been nearly impossible. But there had been no one leaving with a baby.
"I have papers to pick up the Luthor baby," Perry told the officer. "I need you to make sure they hand him over without trouble."
"May I?" The young man took the envelope and carefully extracted the paperwork. When he was satisfied, he tucked them back inside. "No problem, Mr. White."
Clark looked up as the numbers ticked off the floors. He was glad when they made it to the top. Ms. Drake kept glancing at him and it was beginning to make him a bit uncomfortable. Granted, she was a beautiful woman and under other circumstances he might not have minded the attention. But...
The doors dinged and they all rushed toward the inner sanctum of the penthouse. Another officer stepped into their path.
"No one's allowed in," he told them.
"We just came for the baby." Perry shook the paper in his hand.
A detective stepped forward and read over the order. "Take him to find the baby, then escort them downstairs."
The group was led into a room, then another. Room after room was empty.
"Where is he?" Perry wanted to know.
"I have no idea," the officer replied. "We'll ask one of Luthor's people." He left the room as the impatient editor cooled his heels in the hallway outside the master suite. They'd even checked in there. They'd found the baby's crib, but it was empty.
A few minutes later the officer returned with a short, portly Hispanic woman. "Thea says that Master Luthor is not here," he repeated what the woman had told him in broken English.
"Where is he?"
"Me not know," she informed him. "Mr. Asabi took him right before Mr. Luthor fall."
"That son of a..."
"Calm down, Perry," Mayson spoke up. "We have the order, so we'll put out an APB. We'll find him." She was already dialing numbers on her phone and when there was an answer on the other end, she began barking orders.
"No wonder I didn't see anyone leave with him," Clark said, mentally kicking himself for not trying to look earlier.
"It's not your fault," Perry told him as he went into the room that had been Lois and the babies' room. He rooted around until he found a bag and stuffed it full of things. "We need to get back to the Planet," he declared when he'd packed a bag.
"Yeah." Clark followed him out into the hall. "I'm gonna look around a bit." He motioned toward another elevator on the opposite end.
"Do that, but be careful. I can't have you in jail, too."
He nodded at Perry, then hurried away. For the next few minutes he took a look around Lex Towers super style. What he found wasn't really a surprise. The place had more secret tunnels and passageways then the White House was rumored to have. The thing that did confuse him was that below the parking garage there seemed to be even more, only he couldn't really see it. It must have been lined with lead. Going down to get a better look was a bit tricky. He'd had to do it quickly to avoid detection. There was still a few guards scattered around.
"Loyal even after death," he whispered as he pushed against a metal door. On the other side was what looked to be an apartment. Very nice, very tastefully decorated. Beyond that was another small apartment. Then another and another. There seemed to be endless rooms and corridors- a small city of bunkers. If he was reading the markings on the metal correctly, this had once been a fallout shelter. Why had Luthor built his empire on top of a bunker? It seemed the man had been like an onion, layers upon layers of mystery and intrigue, all so nasty it stung to think about it.
When he failed to find anything that could help them in their search for Perry's brother, he headed back to the Planet. There would be a lot to do and the older Perry was probably fit to be tied.
****
Perry stomped through his newsroom a week later, slamming the door to his office. Jimmy watched him through the window as the older man threw an object off his desk at the wall. He eased from his seat and carefully opened the door to the chief's office.
"Perry?"
Perry was sitting at his desk with his head in his hands. He lifted his eyes to meet Jimmy's. "They denied her bail."
Jimmy shut the door and took the seat in front of Perry's desk. "Chief, she couldn't have done what they say she did."
"I know. That's what I've been trying to tell those nit wits all morning." Perry leaned back in his chair. "Hell, they've already convicted her. Say she resented Luthor for making her give up her career. His reps are saying she chose to stay home with her son; that it wasn't Lex that asked her to quit."
"We'll get her out of this, Perry."
"We have to Jimmy. I promised that girl a long time ago I'd always take care of her. I can't let her down."
"We won't." Jimmy didn't know that for sure, but he'd shake down every bum and businessman in the city if he had to in order to help his mentor with this.
"Where are we on finding the baby?"
"Nothing."
"Nothing?" Perry's voice rose in intensity. "Where could they have taken him?"
"Me, Jack, and Clark have picked through every single property he owns. We've contacted dozens of his constituents and even under threat of arrest, no one is turning over on him. If nothing else, they were terrified of Lex Luthor, even in death."
With a swipe of his hand, Perry cleared his desk. He thrust himself to his feet and turned toward the window. "Leave me alone, Jimmy," he said in a calmer, emotionless tone.
The younger man didn't say a word, just got up and left, closing the door behind him. He hadn't seen Perry like this in... well, ever! The man sure loved that girl.
"He's coming apart at the seams," Jack noted as he stepped up to Jimmy's side while they looked through the window at the man on the other side.
"Yeah." He watched a moment before focusing on Jack. "Got anything."
"Nadda!"
"Damn!" Jimmy shook his head in disbelief and despair before heading back over to his desk. This might actually be the case that finally led the best editor in the world to retirement.
****
Clark bounced Perry on his knee while he made faces at her. It was amazing how a tiny person could change your entire outlook on life. He hadn't flown back to see her much after leaving her with his folks, but in the last two weeks he felt she needed to know that someone loved her and cared about her, even if it wasn't her mother. Truth was he was the one who needed the reassurance.
He'd also realized this little girl needed someone to protect her and care for her because she was blameless in whatever it was that had happened between her mother and father. Clark had been mildly upset with Perry for legally attaching him to the baby without asking him first, but now he knew it was something that he was glad Perry had done. His legal status as her father would ensure she always had a home. He might not have wanted something like this at this stage in his life, though there was no way he'd just turn her out. With Lois in jail, she had no one.
Jack had tried to find Lucy. Perry had initially intended to clean her up so he could use her to get custody of Lois' son. Though now they really didn't need her. There had been another tense moment when Clark learned Perry had spoken for him again during his meeting with Judge Burke. But looking at Perry, he couldn't stay upset. He was already caring for Perry, he might as well add her brother to the mix. Besides, twins shouldn't be apart.
"Are you sure that's what you want to do?" Jonathan asked Clark. He'd just finished telling his parents about the situation with Lois and her son. In two weeks time, he would go with Perry and make it official. He'd become Xavier's legal guardian. He'd toyed briefly with the idea of legalizing Perry as well, but Perry reminded him that until they knew more about Luthor and his death, they should leave things the way they were. Maybe, he'd said, in a few weeks they'd be able to get Lois to sign an affidavit so that little Perry would become her legal daughter as well.
Clark looked at the baby grinning widely at him. "Yeah, Dad. It's what I want to do. They should be together."
"That's a lot of work, son."
The young man looked up at his mother. "It's a lot to ask you both. I know that, but please. I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important."
"Oh, honey, we don't mind this kind of work," Martha told him as she smoothed a hand over Perry's head. "To have babies in this house again..." She sighed and sat down. "But, son, you don't even know this woman. And you're essentially taking the responsibility for her children. Clark, we've read the things in the paper. It's not looking good for her. Are you prepared to raise these babies? If she's convicted, it would be years before she got out."
"What about then?" his dad wanted to know. "She'd want them. Could you give them back then?"
He pulled Perry up to his chest and patted her back. "I'd deal with that when the time came. All I know is that right now, this little girl needs someone to take care of her. I can't explain it, but I *have* to do this."
His parents exchanged a look before they both smiled. "It seems our son has finally found something he likes more than flying." His mom patted his knee.
The baby leaned back to look at Clark and blew through her lips happily. "Yeah," he answered with a chuckle. "I guess I have." He played with the baby for a moment before he looked back up at his parents. "I'll start flying out to help more. Maybe I can spend my nights off here to give you guys a break. I could even bring her out to Metropolis some."
"Clark, that little beauty is home and we'll love her like our own," his dad assured him as he stood up. "Help out as much as you can." He turned and headed outside. There was chores needed doing and he couldn't get to them from inside the house.
"Are the checks enough, Mom?"
"It's too much, Clark. You don't have enough left for yourself."
"Perry's helping. And Jimmy and Jack. They're really great guys." He smiled as he thought about the men he worked with. They really were special people. They were sacrificing a lot to help out Lois. She, too, must be something special. Clark found himself looking forward to meeting her. He'd been made an official part of her legal team- an investigator. He'd join Mayson and her legal assistant in two days when they went for their first briefing with Lois to set up her defense strategy.
In the meantime, a beautiful, dark haired baby girl wanted to play.
****
Clark met Mayson outside the Hall of Justice. Lois was still being held in county lock-up and would remain there until after the trial.
"Mr. Kent," the young lawyer said as she stepped up beside him at the entrance. This time she extended her hand.
"Ms. Drake." Clark shook her hand and smiled despite how uneasy he'd felt around this woman the last time they were together. He was looking at her face this time and her smile was very beautiful.
"My assistant couldn't make it. I might need you to take a few notes for me," she told him.
"I'll do whatever I can," he told her as they started walking.
"It's hard to believe men like you exist these days." She continued toward the door and he fell in step beside her.
"I'm just doing what I can."
"What you can is helping with the investigation or maybe testifying in court. Agreeing to take custody of a woman's baby, a woman you don't even know... Well, that's something else entirely."
Clark reached out to pull the door open. "I have a boy scout complex." When she quirked a brow at him, he grinned. "At least that's what I'm told."
"Complex is probably the only way to explain this." She smiled again and stepped up to the desk. Less than five minutes later, they were waiting in a conference cell reserved for lawyers and their clients.
A few moments later, Lois was led into the cell and sat down across the table from them without lifting her head. Even with her head down she looked as defeated as a person could.
"Lois, I'm Mayson Drake and this is Clark Kent."
Slowly her eyes raised and Clark nearly gasped when he saw the shadows in her dark orbs. What had this woman been through?
"Is it safe to talk?" she wanted to know.
Clark glanced around to make sure they were not being bugged. But Mayson was the one to answer.
"Yes. It's illegal for the police to listen in on our conversations. I'm going to be your lawyer."
"All I want to know is that my babies are okay." When she said that, a bit of fire flashed in her eyes.
"Babies?" Mayson asked. "As in more than one?"
"Yes. Babies!" Lois whispered fiercely. "I have twins- a girl and a boy."
Mayson looked to Clark for answers. "Her daughter was never documented. Luthor didn't want the girl." He didn't miss the look from Lois. "Lois felt her life was in danger and got her out. She's safe."
"Is she?" Lois asked as tears filled her eyes, pleading with Clark or Mayson to tell her something.
Clark's gaze went to her and his heart leapt. She was... tearing him apart. Those large eyes looked so much like Perry's. "She is," he assured her as he reached into his front shirt pocket and pulled out a picture. "It was taken yesterday."
Lois took the photo and held it like it was a fragile piece of glass.
"We'll discuss this later," Mayson told Clark. He merely nodded, much more intent on watching Lois. "Mrs. Luthor..."
"Lane. My name is Lois Lane." Her eyes lifted and Clark swore she transformed before his eyes. "That's the first thing I want. I want that to become legal." Her eyes shifted to Clark. "Where's Zay?"
"Your son?" he asked.
"Yes. I call him Zay because I can't stand that name." She focused on Mayson again. "Can I change that? His name?"
"Should you be worrying about that right now?"
"Let's get something straight, Ms. Drake. The only thing I worry about is my children. Make me Lois Lane again. Change my son's name to Collin Jerome Lane, then work on my defense strategy."
Clark's brows shot toward his hair. Jerome? Why Jerome? His middle name was Jerome.
Mayson seemed to understand Lois better than Clark thought she did. The woman smiled and opened her briefcase to take out several papers. She made a few notes on her notebook, then looked back up at Lois. "I'll have the papers back here this afternoon for your signature. With Luthor dead, you have all rights concerning your son. But if the girl was never documented..." She stopped when Clark touched her arm.
"Trust me on that one, Ms. Drake. We'll discuss it later. Just know that she's okay." He waited until she nodded before he moved his hand.
Lois glanced between them, then looked at the photo again. She didn't know this Clark Kent but if Perry did, then he must be okay. Besides, he had the kindest eyes she'd ever seen.
"Speaking of your son..." Mayson pulled out another paper. "Perry asked me to get you to consider signing a petition to grant custody to someone who can be trusted to care for him until this is over."
"You never told me where he was," she said to Clark.
He shifted uncomfortably. He hated to have to tell this woman they hadn't found her son.
Her eyes dropped away. "They have him, don't they?"
They being Luthor's people, Clark knew without asking. "We'll find him."
"You'll try." She wiped a stray tear and sighed heavily.
"And when they do, we need to be sure he's cared for." Mayson pushed the document across the table in front of Lois.
The woman read a moment before her eyes snapped up to Clark. "You want my baby?"
"I will take care of him until you can," he replied as his eyes tried to explain what he simply couldn't. There was this strange pull from Lois and it was upsetting his equilibrium.
"Who are you?"
"I work at the Planet."
"A reporter?" He nodded. "With Perry?" Another nod. She looked down at the release form. "If I sign this, it'll be filed before anyone can use it to say I've given away my son?"
"When you sign it, you're transferring custody straight to Clark." Mayson wasn't as polite as Clark. She used his first name, obviously comfortable doing so. "It will be filed as soon as I leave here. We have a hearing with Judge Burke week after next. She's agreed to grant the petition if Clark is deemed suitable."
"Are you?" she asked him directly.
"I have a good job, plenty of food, a clean, safe home. Don't smoke, no drugs, and last time I checked, I wasn't on any wanted lists." He wasn't sure why he'd said that, but it had come to his mind and he'd decided to do what Jack does- say it. When Lois began to laugh, he knew he'd made the right decision.
"Cross dresser? Gay? Married?" she asked between fits of laughter.
He chuckled softly. "Ah, jeans are about as racy as I get. Not gay and not married. Although I've been called a mama's boy a time or two."
When Lois finally calmed, she looked at him intensely. "Are you a good reporter?"
"I'm okay. Haven't won that first Kerth..."
"And you think you will?" she challenged.
"I know I will," he shot right back. She was sizing him up and he wouldn't disappoint her. There was something about Lois he couldn't explain- she was... seriously affecting him.
Mayson had watched the exchange, a little disappointed at first. Then she remembered where this woman was.
And promptly wanted to kick herself. Thinking those terrible thoughts... But never mind that. She had a job to do. She reached into her briefcase and pulled out several papers. "This is Clark's profile I've been putting together for the judge. Background check, financial history, job history... He's an accomplished journalist, Ms. Lane. He's won a couple of foreign awards. He has decent savings and money in his checking account. Only two credit cards with no balance, no other debt, no medical bills- in fact, no medical history." She glanced at him, but he shrugged.
"I've never been sick."
"What?"
"Really good genes," he said and again, Lois smiled.
"Anyway," Mayson went on. Her personal interest in Clark Kent would have to wait. "He graduated Mid-West with honors and athletic nods. He was even offered a contract to play professional football. His parents own their own farm in Kansas. He's a good candidate to take custody."
Lois continued to stare at Clark and was impressed that his gaze didn't waver. This was a special man; she could see it in his eyes. But why would a man who didn't know her want to do something like this? "What's in it for you?" she asked him.
"I'll know he's safe and protected and you'll have peace of mind."
"You don't know me," she told him.
"No, but Perry does. And he says you're worth it," he said softly.
Whether it was the tone of his voice or the look in his eyes, she couldn't say. But this was the right man to help her. "If Perry trusts him, so do I," she said and finally looked back at Mayson. "I didn't kill Lex."
"Why don't you tell me what happened on that balcony?"
"Well, that could be a problem..." She tucked her hair behind her ear, sighed heavily, and slowly began to speak.
