Lazar’s jewelry store and its rival, CJ Abelhammer’s held the largest collection of loose gemstones in the famed district.
<paint big red target on said store>
The older gentleman, with his trademark genteel manner, thanked Clark for his timely warning, but he was sure no harm would come to them.
<patiently awaits attempted robbery>
But currently a certain silver Jeep Grand Cherokee was parked across the street from the jewelry store and Lois and Clark sat in the front seat; they had been on stake out since closing time watching patiently for anything out of the ordinary.
Alone time for our favorite couple!
Jimmy had eaten the last cold slice over an hour ago.
....or not.
“Hey, it’s Wednesday; you two are getting married on *Saturday*. I want Lucy to help me look for a new suit tomorrow after work. I can’t do that if we are sitting here on stake out again. But to answer your question; no not originally, but at the rate this so called heist is taking place, I might have to because you two will be on Honeymoon in Hawaii!”
Or...you know...on a time traveling adventure to lift a curse so you can finally make love and all...
Clark could not help but smile to himself. The contemplation of a week spent in a tropical paradise with his future wife brought very pleasant thoughts to mind indeed.
Clark spoke in such a manner as to remind her that Superman could move fast enough to prevent anything from happening to the older gentleman.
<whispers in Clark's ear> Um....Jimmy.
He squeezed her hand and looked compassionately into her pleading brown eyes, all but forgetting their colleague’s presence.
That could be a problem.
“In the middle of a stakeout? Isn’t this the wrong time to be asking personal questions?”
It's either that or a game of "I Spy?"
“No time like the present. Do you think Lucy might be interested in a guy like me?”
Awwwww!
“Sure Jimmy, why wouldn’t she be interested in you? After all, didn’t Ultrawoman tell me you were cute?”
Awwwww!
“What he does is important, yet I don’t want to be the kind of person he is. Its time to sink roots and I’m serious about having a good relationship with the *right* woman… like you and CK have together. So it’s important to know before my heart gets involved, is Lucy thinking along the same lines?”
<Hugs Jimmy, kisses him on the cheek> So cute!
He was a word class lunkhead for not revealing his secret sooner. He - and Lois –had learned the valuable lesson of honesty and openness in their life together. He dreaded the thought of Jimmy wasting time and making the same blunder.
Awwww, I love you, Clark.
Meanwhile, they had a thief to catch.
What? She can't multitask?
“But CK, don’t you have your fancy new cell phone?” Jimmy said.
A momentary silence filled the car, while Clark anxiously tried to figure out an excuse.
A message flashed up informing him he was out of the designated call area.
Saved by the lack of good technology.
“There he goes again! Your fiancé disappears at the drop of a hat! One of these days he’s going to do that when we really need him!”
Jimmy! That's your best friend you're bad-mouthing!
From across the narrow street the spill of the street lamp provided an excellent view of Lazar’s. A strange heavy green mist or gas seemed to coil up malevolently from the floor.
Is it laced with Kryptonite????
“Oh no!” Lois shouted. “We’ve got to help them.” She reached over to open the car door, but Jimmy held her shoulders fast.
Erm, Clark, NOW would be a good time to show up.
“No, my information *cannot* be wrong! Perhaps there are more loose gems in the safe,” a cultured voice responded.
Hmmm...I'd almost guess at Nigel St. John, but that's not possible....
“No! Lazar owes me! I could have been the best cutter in the district!”
Oh, hello there, little clue.
Suddenly, a well-known sonic boom ripped through the night air, and a brilliant flash of red and blue sped past the jeep and into the store.
About time too! :p
They raced to the open door, barely heeding the gas, when the Man of Steel emerged with two men, each holding their bound hands in front of them.
Erm, if that's knock-out gas, should it affect them too???
Superman responded with his usual disciplined politeness, “Given their familiarity with the layout of the store and what The Phantom said about Mr. Lazar, it sounds to me like they are a couple of disgruntled former employees. Good thing they weren’t carrying guns.”
Yikes!
“I don’t believe in guns – OK? Somebody’s bound to get caught in the crosshairs. I use a little sleeping gas, wait for it to take effect, break in the back of the store, grab the loose gems and run. Nobody gets hurt, no fear of eyewitnesses talking. It’s a better, more elegant way to commit a crime.”
So, you got that confession on tape, right, Jimmy?
“The fresh air should revive them.” He said. He cocked his head to listen. Now if you will excuse me. I am needed elsewhere.” Without another word, the Man of Steel flew into the night.
Did he just tell a white lie???
“Wow, that was quick,” Jimmy said as he watched the swiftly disappearing figure. “You know, Lois, ever since you and CK got engaged, Superman seems…well, a little standoffish.”
Erm...until he gets cozy with Lois in public and is accused of having an affair with Lois.
Instead the task fell to Jimmy as he enthusiastically launched into a spirited description of the last five minutes.
Ha! I can so see that!
“That’s The Phantom!” he gasped… “Why, it’s none other than my former pupil, Phil Slater and Reese Lloyd, one of my former salesmen!”
Ah!
Jimmy was granted not only photo credit, but a contributing byline as well.
Awww! Yay!
“You two are the best!” With those happy words he bounded up the ramp and disappeared inside the elevator car.
Awww, love is in the air...
More please!
