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Posted on behalf of Vgerland
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Chapter 9 – Old Friends Matter Too

Clark entered the bullpen and sat down at his desk. He looked over at the rental listings he’d printed out the day before. Feeling he had more important things to worry about he tossed the printouts in the trash feeling they were most likely worthless by now anyway in the tight rental market. He opened a window to his email program hoping perhaps one of his many contacts had gotten back to him and smiled broadly when he saw among the multitude of junk mail items something of particular interest.

DarthVader777 Hey dude, ‘bout time you showed your skinny butt.

He chuckled to himself and immediately opened it.

Dude, just when I think you can’t get any stupider you go and do just that! What the ____ were you thinking just leaving like that? (Fill in the four letter word of your choice. No use offending you when I can’t even enjoy seeing your reaction.)
That said, while you were getting your beauty sleep I was busy tracking down your little fiend. I have to give him credit he is clever at covering his tracks but guess what? I’m better at uncovering them.
Call me at the same old number. Maybe I’ll even share.
Darth

Clark smiled as he deleted the mail noting it had been sent two hours earlier. As his screen went back to the inbox a new message from DarthVader777 popped up.

DarthVader777 Where are you?

He opened it and again chuckled.

Hey you.
What do you need an engraved invitation? BTW, how do you like my new email address? I made it just for you.

Clark again deleted the email then retrieved his cell phone opening it up he keyed in a number from memory. He quickly scanned the other emails then looked at the various papers that had been left on his desk wanting to make sure nothing else required his immediate attention. Finding nothing he focused on the call as a familiar voice answered.

“Gotham Exterminators, you got’em, we’ll get’em.”

“Heh, very funny. It’s me and you know it. I just got your message.”

“Well, can’t be too careful. The back door will be open.”

“I’m on my way.”

Clark got up and started to make his exit when he saw Perry headed right for his desk with a determined expression on his face.

“Kent! Where did you three disappear to this morning? Just because you turned in a couple great articles the last couple of days doesn’t allow you to just disappear for the better part of the day when we have so much going on here. Tell me you and Lois were following up on a lead, but just why did you need Richard too?”

“Sir, it’s complicated. All I can tell you right now is that we’re on Luthor’s trail. We’ll fill you in with more tomorrow. Right now I need to meet a source.” He looked at his watch frowning to make his case as he walked away leaving Perry standing there with his hands on his hips.

“I expect more details tomorrow, from all three of you.” The older man called after him shaking his head as he went back to his office.

Not more than a couple minutes later Superman was flying into the cave entrance and landing in a very familiar batcave. Little had changed in the cave atmosphere itself but there did appear to be some major upgrades in the lab and control areas. Then his eye was caught by the batmobile and the other vehicles both land and air. He was impressed with the improvements and advances that had been made in his absence.

“It’s about time you got here.” A dark clad man said as he appeared in the room from one of the secret entrances connecting the lab area in the cave to the main house.

Superman turned around to face him. “You haven’t changed a bit. I had hoped you would have mellowed out by now.”

“You can’t teach an old bat new tricks.” Bruce lit one of the cigars in his hand blowing out the smoke. “You on the other hand surprise me Boyscout. I didn’t know you had it in you.” He tossed a second cigar to Superman as he smirked.

Superman frowned not connecting his meaning. “You know I don’t smoke.” He offered the cigar back as he came within reach.

Bruce scoffed. “Keep it as a souvenir.”

Still confused he looked at the cigar in his hand and understood. The cigar had a little blue band proclaiming It’s a Boy! He looked up at his friend wondering, how did he know?

“What, you don’t think I can count? When you put me in charge of your rather meager savings and asked me to watch over your mom I figured something was up but when you just up and disappeared without another word even I was surprised.”

Bruce sat down at his control console still smoking his cigar once again smirking. “Here I suggest you use one of these next time.” He tossed a small cellophane wrapped package on the desk in front of the man in blue.

Superman ignored the package knowing full well what it was. “That doesn’t explain how you knew about Jason, I didn’t even know till just the other day. Have you been spying on Lois or something?”

“No, not really, but I did keep an eye on her writing and something changed shortly after you left that concerned me so I looked deeper and figured it out. Cute kid, but like I said, I was more than a little surprised. It kinda goes against that wholesome boy scout persona.”

Superman turned away uncomfortable with the other man’s scrutiny. “I didn’t come here for a lecture. You hinted that you found Luthor’s tracks.”

Bruce sat back in his chair blowing a smoke ring before replying sarcastically, “Well you know sometimes even in the anti-crime business it helps being known as a rich playboy.” Sitting up he grabbed a file folder as he extinguished the cigar then opened the file taking out a printout.

“I found evidence he was in Grand Cayman sometime yesterday. It appears he may have had some offshore accounts there or perhaps what he stole from that old lady, Vanderworth. Surprise surprise. I know it’s not much but it is a start. Me being the kinda guy I am I thought hey, you would want to know.”

Taking the printout Superman looked it over. “Thanks, it’s more than I had found and you’re right it is a starting point. Is this your contact there?” He asked pointing to a name.

Bruce nodded. “What happened between you two? I mean you go all inter-galactic just before a kid shows up.”

“It doesn’t matter, it’s over… and it’s none of your business anyway. Is there any indication that Luthor is still on the island?”

“Hmmm, we seem a little touchy. You look tired too. I saw you all over the news last night. I know what that is like. Throw yourself into your work so you don’t have to think about your own non-existent personal life.”

“I told you it’s none of your business. My personal life is fine.” That thought seemed to relieve some tension allowing him to relax slightly almost smiling as he added. “I do have a personal life, I have a son but you wouldn’t know what that feels like.”

Seeing the change in his friend’s demeanor he was struck with a realization. “You still love her. Wait, that is where you were when those Kryptonians took over, it all makes sense now. You do still love her… you left thinking you couldn’t have her.”

Superman reacted by crossing his arms in his classic pose growing annoyed again. “Are you done now? You didn’t answer my question. Do you have anything else concerning Luthor?”

Bruce shrugged and shook his head still watching his friend.

“Then I have more important things to do than stand here entertaining you.” He started to leave then turned back, “Thanks, I owe you.”

“Speaking of which, I have a favor to ask of you. It seems that one of the Wayne Enterprises satellites is malfunctioning. Do you think you might be able to take a look at it?”

“Sure”

“It gets easier you know… especially if you find a nice diversion. I suggest you take these though.” He picked up the small package again offering it up.

Superman exhaled clearly exasperated. “I’m not you, and there will be no such diversions. As far as Jason goes, he makes everything else worth it.”

Bruce looked at the other hero thoughtfully. “If you say so.” Then he picked up another printout. “Here are the satellite specs, tonight wouldn’t be too soon.”

“I’ll be in touch.”