New Home (Dubois Chronicles 1.18)
DJ Dubois
Originally Written November 1986; Rewritten February 2005

Rating:  FRT (New rating system=teen appropriate).

Advisory:  Language and child abuse

Notes: Gabrielle is from Xena Warrior Princess. The characters from Forever Knight belong to Sony Tri-Star. The characters from Smallville belong to DC and the WB. The characters from Mutant X belong to Marvel Studios.  All other characters are mine. Please send comments to dante0220@yahoo.com.

Prologue [Amazon Village—c. 89 AD]

Gabrielle, Bard-Queen of the Amazons, writes….

One would think that after the ordeals in Smallville and Genomex, David Dubois would have had protection against his father’s scheming. After all, isn’t it the privilege of the young to enjoy life before the onset of adulthood with its responsibilities?

Alas, if only it were so…

In my time as Francesca’s “roommate”, I have observed the workings of the twentieth century courts. While they are ‘modern’, I would never pronounce their brand of “justice.” In this case, Stuart forced the court to give him custody over David. With Janet too ill to fight back, that left David little choice but to move to Ludlow and endure still more pain.

Stuart, however, continued to underestimate his son’s friends…..

 

 


Chapter 1 [Springfield, MA—District Court; March 10, 1982]

The two story building in the downtown area heard all sorts of cases ranging from petty theft to civil disputes. No matter what, in all cases, the judges ruled and that was that. Barring appeal, the sentences stood.

On that morning, Judge Randolph Reynolds sat in his chambers, looking grimly through a folder and considering the latest family case before him. For the past two weeks, Stuart Dubois had pressed the court for custody over his son, David. Claiming that Sarah, his ex-wife, was neglecting the boy, the consultant promised that he would provide a good home. However, questions persisted for the judge. What is this case in Smallville? I really should grant Mrs. Dubois’ lawyer that continuance but on what grounds? I have nothing to deny the father. Why then do I feel that this is wrong? He put on his robes and headed toward the courtroom.

 


****

 


Meantime, Stuart sat contentedly, waiting for Reynolds to return. Both he and his lawyer had presented their most convincing case to the court. It should be considering how much trouble went into concocting it! He frowned, remembering the previous three months and the failures he had endured in Smallville and closer to home. If Dave’s under my thumb, I’ll break him!

His lawyer, Frank Moynihan, tapped him on the shoulder. “Here he comes, Stuart.”

“Let’s see how good you are, Moynihan,” Stuart muttered as they stood along with the rest of the court.

“We didn’t allow David in the room for a reason. He would have ruined the whole thing,” Frank pointed out.

Stuart looked back toward the back of the room. “And so would they.”

 


****

 


Meantime, Ricardo Alvarez and his wife sat in the back of the room, observing the proceedings. For the previous month, they hadn’t said a word to their children about it, knowing how they felt about Dave. During that time, the superintendent had pulled every string with Social Services, cajoled officials and even went to the judge with an offer to take Dave in.

Stuart declined of course.

He’s going to beat that boy to a pulp. Or worse, Dave will kill him this time and end up in jail for life. Ricardo bowed his head.

“We tried,” Jeannie indicated.

“It’s not fair. I mean, they’re not even allowing Dave to testify for himself. How many times does that man have to beat him before they get the picture?” Ricardo protested.

“You know the system favors the parents. Remember what we talked about before?” she reminded him.

“Oh I intend to follow through on that. Trust me,” he asserted. “Here comes the judge.”

 


****

 


Reynolds urged, “Be seated.” He turned to the jury box and asked the foreman, “Have you reached a verdict?”

A tall African-American man stood slowly. For the previous three days, the jury had argued heatedly about handing the boy over to his father especially given their history. However, his vote had been the deciding factor in the decision. “We have. The boy is to go with his father.”

The judge stared at the back of the room, meeting a group of eyes there. While they had kept their peace, he knew that David had friends in Amherst that wanted him to stay there. They offered us another way. However, the law is the law. “Thank you then. Such is the decision of the court. The boy is to be handed over to Stuart Dubois within the next 48 hours.” He whacked his mallet on the bench. “Court is adjourned.”

“Congratulations, Stuart,” Frank expressed, shaking his client’s hand.

“Nice work, Moynihan. Be right back,” Stuart replied while heading for the back of the room. “Sorry, Alvarez, I had to do that.”

I’ll bet you are. “You went by the system, Stuart. Too bad they didn’t hear about Smallville or Genomex,” Ricardo conceded.

“Don’t start with that. One might think you were obsessing,” Stuart hinted.

“I wonder why?” Of course, I’ll be making a few calls of my own too when we get back to Amherst. “Just make sure you don’t do anything more to him.”

“I’m his father. I have the right to do whatever I want,” Stuart snorted.

“Just remember, Stuart, the state might disagree. And whatever this court decided can be appealed,” Ricardo indicated. “You may have your mother fooled but not me. Remember what you promised this court.”

“As if you could do anything,” Stuart dismissed, turning on his heel. “I’ll expect those papers turned over to the school board by tomorrow, Alvarez.”

“Come on,” Jeannie urged, almost pulling her husband from the courtroom. “We need to let him know before the court does.”

You may have won this round, Stuart, but if you do anything more to Dave, so help me…. Ricardo bit back any response and stormed from the room.

This wasn’t over. You could count on that.

 

 


Chapter 2 [Amherst—White Knight newsroom]

Even as the deliberations went down in Springfield, Dave looked over the latest copy of the White Knight with a careful eye, inspecting the articles before it hit the press. After the last three months, it felt great to be caught up in his school work and doing this in the newsroom instead of some hospital room. They kept things going along. He smiled. Karen and the others sure know what they’re doing.

“Ahem,” a familiar voice called.

He turned to see his girlfriend walking into the room. “I was just thinking of you.”

“You were, were you?” Karen smirked as she approached. “That’s nice.” She kissed him. “That’s even nicer.”

“You know I owe you a couple of things for Valentine’s Day and your birthday and…for you passing the license exam,” he pointed out.

“I think given the fact that you were stuck in Genomex gets you off the hook. Besides, having you here is the greatest present I could want,” she declared. “Besides, you know that doing all of the editor-in-chief stuff was getting tedious. I mean you get the title and I do the work?”

He arched his eyebrow at her. “Yeah right. That’s me—Chief Slacker.” He frowned, feeling another wave of numbness across his head. With Gram’s cancer, my physical therapy and the custody hearings, my mind’s been going in fifty directions at once. I just wish I could be the boyfriend she deserves.

“Hey, I know it’s not your fault. Sorry. I didn’t mean to say it that way,” she apologized. I really need to watch it.

He patted her hand. “I know that. You’re going to be late for work and I need to get this edition ready for Miss Jenkins. She’ll be here any minute and….” He looked up to see their advisor walk through the door with a serious look on her face. “Miss Jenkins, I’m almost done.”

“That’s okay. Karen, I’m glad you’re here. This concerns you both,” the advisor told them both, shutting the door.

“What is it, Miss J?” Karen wondered, feeling the emotions within the others.

“They decided, didn’t they?” he inquired, feeling the numbness getting more pronounced.

“They? Dave, who? What?” Karen insisted.

“Dad rigged up a custody hearing in Springfield. He’s claiming that Mom’s being negligent and given my actions in Smallville, I should be in a more stable home,” Dave revealed sarcastically. “Your Dad’s been involved, trying to stop it. I take it they didn’t listen. I knew I should have taken Dr. O’ Connor seriously!”

“David, now wait a minute….” Miss Jenkins interjected, trying to head off a tantrum. She still remembered the fight from the previous month between him and the Strand.

“No! It doesn’t matter! It never matters! It’s always about him and what he wants!” Dave protested, shuddering as he felt the tremors shoot through him. “Well, I guess we know what the truth is, don’t we? Copy’s done anyhow.” He grabbed his coat. “Excuse me, I need some air.”

After he had left, Karen looked at their teacher purposefully. “You all knew and nobody told me? Why not?”

“Because your father said not to. For what it’s worth, I’m sorry. Since he’s leaving, I guess you know what I have to ask next,” Miss Jenkins explained.

“H…he’s leaving? No. Not after everything that’s happened!  He can’t leave!” Karen denied.

“The court’s ordering that he go to Ludlow. That’s it, Karen,” the advisor noted. “At least, you could keep Dave’s seat warm for him though?”

“Excuse me?” Karen inquired.

“You’re now the editor in chief. Well, acting editor-in-chief anyhow,” Miss Jenkins continued.

“I’ll need to keep Dave in the loop though. And this is only until we can figure out a way to get him back here,” she agreed. “Well, I guess we’d best call a meeting tomorrow and….” She winced as a strong tide of darkness swept over her. “Oh no! Miss J., everything’s set. Lock up please! And let Mrs. Campbell know what happened!” She grabbed her coat.

“What?”

“Thanks!” Karen concluded, rushing out of the room and toward the bike rack.

Now what? David, don’t do anything stupid! Please! Looking at the time, she picked up the phone. “I’d best let the Express know where she is.”

 


****

 


[Center Cemetery]

Dave kneeled before his grandfather’s grave, not knowing what to say or do. His emotions wrecked havoc with his senses. “How could this happen?” Hot tears of pain ran down his face. “How could those bastards let this happen?”

“Things happen for a reason,” Lorenzo pointed out as he appeared. “Nicholas and I told you.”

“A reason? Grandpa, you’re kidding, right? Dad beats on me like a drum! How could they miss…that?” the teen argued. “I’m beginnin’ to think ya’ll up there don’t care!”

“You know better than that,” the spirit rebuked. “Man’s law is imperfect.”

“No kidding. How else could men like Dad or Uncle Lie-onel screw people while kids like me keep paying the price?” he demanded, feeling a cold spasm passing through him. “There ain’t no justice.” He looked at the spirit darkly through the yellow eyes. Smirking darkly, he vowed, “’Cept what I take fer myself.”

Lorenzo forced himself to remain calm. This is not the boy’s fault but he has to control that thing inside of him. “You can’t do it.”

“Watch me! He ruins everythin’!” Dave slurred. He screamed in frustration; the terrible sound echoing back into town.

“I know.”

“The ghost killed you and Mrs. C.! She’s killin’ Gram! She threatened my friends! When IS ‘NOUGH ‘NOUGH?”

“Believe me; I know. You just have to make it through the next eighteen months if you can. Then you’ll be able to do what you want,” Lorenzo promised.

“Not bloody likely!” Dave ranted. “I won’t give in….I won’t.” He turned to the east and the old house and bellowed, “YOU HEAR ME? YOU’LL NEVER HAVE ME! NEVER!” Then he forced himself to calm down, allowing his eyes to return to normal. “Grandpa, I….”

The angel shook his head. “No apology needed. This is a travesty. But you do have support.” He looked toward the gate.

“Dave?” Karen asked huffing from lack of breath. “I thought you might come here.”

“Great! Now I’ve made you late,” Dave spat, mentally beating himself up over that too.

“Mrs. Campbell will deal with it, I’m sure. It’s going to be all right,” she assured him. “Miss Jenkins just told me. How can they let this happen?”

He embraced her. “I was just asking Grandpa the same question. Sorry I ran out on you both. I felt another one of the you-know-whats coming.”

“And you wanted to keep it from me? Newsflash, Hotshot, I can feel your moods. Don’t worry; we’ll keep things going here,” she pointed out. “Until you return.”

“Yeah right,” he disagreed.

She forced him to look at her. “Now you listen to me! I’m not giving up on us, Dave, and neither should you! Daddy’s not going to let this stand. Now at least, I know why he’s been so upset lately. Meantime, I thought you should know that I’m the Interim Editor-in-Chief.”

“Interim?” he asked.

“Only until you come back, Dave.” She took his hands and looked into his eyes. “I won’t let our dreams die. And you will come back to us…to me. Now come on, I’m buying you a mocha. We need to meet with the others.”

 


****

 


[Cappuccino Express—Five minutes later]

Mrs. Campbell checked her watch with concern. I’m glad Alice called to let me know what’s going on. Karen’s too responsible not to deal with things. I just hope Dave’s all right. Seeing the two teens in question come through the door, she walked over. “Is everything okay?”

“Sorry I’m late. I’ll make it up later,” Karen apologized.

“That’s fine. I appreciate that you had Miss Jenkins call me. Go ahead and punch in. Dave, I want to talk with you in my office.”

Here it comes. “Fine,” he agreed, following her in there. Once she had shut the door, he asked, “I don’t want to cost Karen her job, Mrs. Campbell.”

“Karen’s fine. I can appreciate why she did what she did. It’s you I’m concerned about. How are you doing with this news?” she inquired.

He glared at her. “Need you ask? It’s like a death sentence. I get Randy and his buddies full time. And that’s not even counting Dad. If I wasn’t bound for the nuthouse before, this will put me there for sure.” He sighed. “I was doing so well here before he started screwing around with things again! Why can’t he leave me alone? WHY?”

“I wish I knew. Meantime, can I suggest some coping strategies?” she asked. “You’re 18, right?”

He nodded.

“Maybe you might want to stay as busy as possible? Minimize your contact with him. I’m sure Ms. Parsons can give you a reference at the town library. And you could always get your driver’s license and a cheap car,” she proposed.

“I just wish I didn’t have to leave,” he declared. “Mrs. Campbell, I know you’re right. But sooner or later, he’s going to beat me again. I don’t know how many more times I can take that.”

Why didn’t they see that? What was the judge thinking? As with the rest of the town, she recalled the standoff at the high school only a month earlier. That anger has surfaced. “You can always take the bus up here too.”

“Like Dad will let that happen,” he cracked. “Forget that. I wish Gram weren’t so obsessed with this happy endings stuff. She has this fantasy that Dad and I can make up. I wish she’d get over it!”

And there is his dilemma. Which heart to break? His? Karen’s? Or his grandmother’s? No teenager should have to deal with this not to mention the abuse. “Well, you have tonight and tomorrow at least. I’d go to school and enjoy it. Then you’re coming here after your meeting. No objections.”

“I guess mine don’t mean much anyhow,” he replied sullenly. “Thanks but the others are waiting.” He walked out the door and shut it behind him, leaving her to her thoughts.

 


****

 


April, Garth and Steve sat in their usual booth, drinking coffee and talking about their latest assignment. As with Dave, they were feeling glad that everything was returning to relative normalcy.

Steve flexed his left arm. “It feels good to get it out of that splint and sling!”

“I’ll bet it does,” Garth remarked. “You might be trying out for the team yet.”

“I wish. Maybe Dave should with that funky delivery of his,” Steve replied. Just then, he saw the guy in question meander toward them with an angry expression on his face. “Uh oh.”

“Three mocha alert,” April appraised.

“At least,” Dave noted grimly, sliding in beside them. “I should have known it was coming. Dr. O’ Connor warned me but I didn’t take it seriously!”

“Take what seriously?” April asked. “Dave, what is it?” Seeing Karen hurry over, she insisted, “Karen, what is it?”

“Apparently, his father got the restraining order overturned and then…get this…he got custody over Dave,” the waitress reported, clearly allowing the disbelief into her voice.

That observation made the others drop their jaws. After everything that had happened, they would have bet anything and everything against that happening.

“That means…Ludlow? Oh, Dave, I’m sorry,” April expressed.

“Thanks. Really, guys, thanks. We’ll need to let the staff know,” Dave noted dejectedly.

“Miss Jenkins and I will call it tomorrow,” Karen agreed. “I’m interim editor-in-chief if that’s okay with everyone.” She squeezed her boyfriend’s hand. “As far as I’m concerned, I’m only holding the fort until we get the legal stuff straightened out and you come back.”

“That goes for all of us,” Steve agreed.

“And meantime, let’s try to meet in Springfield at some point, all right?” Garth proposed.

“There’s a plan,” Karen agreed. But I wish he were still staying!

 

 


Chapter 3 [Boston—Captain’s Hearth]

Nick sat at the bar, sipping on a glass of blood wine and wondering how he was going to help Dave through this latest mess between him and his father. Just a little over a month earlier, they teenager and his friends had survived their encounter with Mason Eckhart, the Genetic Security Agency and the Strand. When will Stuart ever learn to leave David alone?

LaCroix sat down next to him, smirking in amusement to say the least. “Still worrying about the world’s problems, aren’t you?”

“In this case, it concerns me,” the former Crusader asserted. “I don’t want to talk about it, LaCroix. Leave me alone.”

The General couldn’t take the hint. “Nicholas, the boy’s father has settled it! Don’t interfere!”

“Even if he kills the boy? Or worse yet, trips off the darkness inside of him? Pray I help to solve it, LaCroix unless you want Nikki to call in the Enforcers,” Nick countered.

“And I will, LaCroix,” the resident Elder agreed. “You may be my master but I am the Elder here. You do not dictate policy to me.”

That statement made LaCroix’s temper flare. “You will RESPECT me!”

Nikki’s eyes went yellow and she vamped out. “Then act as if you DESERVE it! Nicolas seeks to deal with the problem. As long as you do the same, I will help you. If you prove a hindrance, I will ask you to leave. Nick, my office.”

Nick shook his head at the Roman.

“Not another word, Nicholas. Not ANOTHER WORD,” LaCroix hissed.

“Suit yourself,” Nick replied, following Nikki.

“Foolish boy,” LaCroix muttered. “The father always has power over his children.” He rose and stalked out of the tavern, having had his fill of the discussion at hand.

 


****

 


After he closed the office door, giving them privacy, he asked her, “What is it?”

“I just received news from my contact in Social Services. The decision came down this afternoon. We’re too late,” she noted.

“Given how Stuart rigged the whole thing, I’m not surprised,” he told her. “I’ll help get the appeal started.”

“Perhaps you might wish to speak with your friend, Lillian Luthor? The Smallville fiasco should be sufficient to reopen things,” she suggested. “You know we cannot let the boy stay with his father for very long. By week’s end, I plan to go meet with the Alvarez girl’s father.” She smiled knowingly.

He shuddered, knowing that smile. “David’s kept them clear of the Community. You aren’t going to hurt them, are you?”

She arched her brow at him. “You really care about these mortals, don’t you? Relax, Nicolas, I’ve met Karen Alvarez in person. She is rather impressive in her own right. You know she is sensitive to our kind?”

“She is?” he wondered.

“She sensed me in the graveyard,” she told him. “However, given her ability to control Dubois and his moods, she’s an asset to the Community. I wish LaCroix had let me finish the boy’s father in Metropolis.”

He imagined how that confrontation went down. “What brought that on?”

“He threatened you, Nicolas. Besides, after the mess he and Luthor made, I thought a lesson was in order,” she explained dryly.

If it was as bad as what she did to the Inquisitor in Barcelona, I don’t want to know. “I should go and check on these matters tomorrow night,” he declared.

“No. We are going tomorrow. There is nothing we can do to stop the transfer now. However, certain other forces can be set in motion. Come; have another drink.”

He leaned back in his seat and stared at the ceiling. David, I hope you’re okay.

 

 


Chapter 4 [Following afternoon]

Dave sat at the desk in front of the Knight’s assembled staff, thinking about what to say to them. After all of the fighting, struggling, etc., it means nothing. What do I tell them?

At his side, Karen rubbed his arm supportively.

In the audience, his classmates were still trying to absorb the shock of the situation. In just under 24 hours, the entire newspaper had been thrown upside down. Fortunately, they had the other editors. However, even those who were lukewarm to Dave personally felt badly for him. They knew how his father treated him.

Finally, Dave stood up and cleared his throat. “Well, I see it’s 3:00 so I have to start in. As most of you know, my father won a custody hearing yesterday. That means that I start school in Ludlow tomorrow and I…have to move in with him.” He shuddered at the thought but made himself continue. “I really enjoyed working with all of you. I’m sorry that I have to let you down like this. At least I’m leaving you in capable hands. I know I can count on you to keep up the standard of the paper. Mrs. C. would have wanted that….” He bit back a sob. Damn it! “If not, well, I could make spot inspections. Anyhow, I’m going to let Karen take over. Karen?”

“Thanks, Dave. Well, everyone, I never thought this day would come. This is a dark day indeed but we will overcome. First of all, Dave, you could never let us down. As I told you in Smallville, this isn’t your doing. I promise you too—we will be watching to make sure you’re all right. And, as far as I’m concerned, I’m only keeping this seat warm for you. Something will work out for you and you’ll be back. That’s one thing I’ve learned from watching you, Dave. You survive. We’ll be down every chance we get too,” she informed him.

Steve stood up. “Circle April 5th on your calendar. That’s when we play there in baseball. I smell a road trip.”

“That would be nice,” Dave agreed. “Let’s see how it goes. It’s almost time for me to meet Dad.” He sighed. “Take care, everyone. It’s been great. If the editors can stay, I need to yak with them.” After everyone else had left, he told the Cadre. “I appreciate the support.”

“We meant it,” Steve informed him.

“And I meant what I said. I’ll call you this weekend, okay?” Karen added, giving him a kiss for support. “This isn’t good bye.”

“Yeah,” he agreed. “Thank you, Miss Jenkins.”

“Do us proud and hang in there,” the advisor told him while shaking his hand. Even as she did, she worried about his well being. How will he survive the eighteen months?

“I’ll try,” Dave replied, heading out the door while his friends watched. He hustled out lest the others see his reaction.

 


****

[An hour later—Janet’s house]

Dave moved the last box into the moving truck and looked around at the house. After 25 years, the house stood empty. His grandmother had already left with Stuart a few hours before, leaving him to drive down with the movers. I can’t believe she really did this.

Beside him, Karen shook her head. “It’s time. I still can’t believe this!”

“Hang in there, Karen. It’s only a year and four months,” he reminded her. “We’ll get through. Right?”

“Right,” she concurred tearfully, embracing him. “You hang tough. I love you.”

“And I love you,” he agreed, taking her hands. Then he gave her a kiss before heading for the truck. After getting in, he watched her as she disappeared into the distance.

Her head drooped. “Dave, I wish this didn’t have to happen.” For several minutes, she stared at the horizon, trying to deal with her feelings. Then she got on her bike and headed for the Express.

 

 


Chapter 5

[Superintendent’s Office—7:30 PM]

Several hours later, Ricardo worked in his office, trying to keep his mind off of Dave’s situation. Granted, he should have been home hours before but he couldn’t bring himself to face Karen or Charles just yet. Caroline was fit to be tied when she heard but can I blame her? What else can we do?

Just then, he heard the outer door open.

“Bonnie?” he asked.

“Ricardo?” Nick called.

“Nicholas? What are you doing here?” the superintendent inquired. Turning the lights on, he saw Nikki standing with him. “And who is this?”

“Ricardo Alvarez, meet Nikki DiCosta, a very…important person back in Boston. Nikki, this is Ricardo Alvarez, Amherst’s superintendent and Karen’s father,” the former Crusader introduced.

“Very nice to make your acquaintance. We have a mutual interest, Dr. Alvarez,” she added, shaking Ricardo’s hand.

“We do?” Ricardo queried.

“Yes. The Dubois boy. Terrible thing, no?” she replied.

“The judge ruled on it. He has to move,” he pointed out.

“You are mistaken, Dr. Alvarez. No, he did not. The question is what would you do about it?” she indicated.

“Excuse me?”

Nick clarified, “David turned 18 last month. He’s of age to make that decision for himself. The reason he moved was because he has no other place to go. Lillian talked to you about this, I thought. Especially with Stuart’s past record as a father, I don’t see any issues with the proceedings except for Janet’s feelings.”

Ricardo nodded. “Si. I keep telling Jeannie we need to take him in. I’m frustrated. The kids are upset. My wife is torn over this. But we have to give Stuart a chance, don’t we?”

She frowned. “Give him a chance to murder the boy or worse, permanently damage him? No. I know that the moods are his father’s work. There are those of us in Boston who would be amenable to assisting in emancipation proceedings if you get my meaning?”

“Emancipation? But if it’s as easy as you believe, then why didn’t it happen?” Ricardo wondered. Then he slapped his head. “Stuart did this. That’s why he made sure Dave wasn’t anywhere near that courtroom.” Hearing the phone ring, he asked, “Now who? Please excuse me.” He answered it, “Ricardo Alvarez.”

“Ricardo, this is Lillian Luthor in Metropolis. Lionel and I just heard what happened!” Lillian replied. “Janet pushed David into this, didn’t she?”

“She, Sarah and Stuart did. I don’t have to tell you what people are saying up here. I’m sorry to ask this but your husband didn’t have anything to do with this, did he?” Ricardo pressed.

“We’ve been out of the country for the last two weeks. As I said, we just heard. I can’t believe it but Lionel’s more upset about this situation than I am,” Lillian declared. “This was so quick especially after what happened in Smallville and Genomex. Is there anything we can do?”

“Actually, Nicholas O’ Connor and an associate of his are here with me right now. They were discussing emancipation proceedings but that would take another lawyer,” Ricardo mentioned.

“Let me speak with my husband. Granted, such things take time but I think Lionel’s of a mind to help us this time. Meantime, you need to speak with your family about David. If we get him away from Stuart, it’s bad enough that we’d break Janet’s heart. I don’t want Karen caught in the crossfire either.”

“I know. The main concern though is to give Dave a stable haven. If you could speak with your husband and let us know? You can reach me here or at home. Thank you for calling, Lillian,” Ricardo expressed.

“That’s my priority as well,” Lillian concurred. “My best to everyone up there. If you or Nicholas hear anything, don’t hesitate to call me.” She hung up.

Ricardo hung up his end. “That was Lillian Luthor.”

Nikki smirked. “I suppose she wishes to assist our cause?”

“And you have a problem with that?” Ricardo wondered.

She shrugged. “Not at all. I just wish her husband would stay out of it. He’s done enough.”

“Actually, he’s angry about this too,” the superintendent pointed out.

Nick arched his eyebrow while considering the situation. He’s outraged about Stuart taking David away from here and keeping him in potential check? This is strange. “I agree with Nikki. We may need to keep him out of this.”

“Lillian thinks he’ll help us. Let’s hope she’s right,” Ricardo noted.

The two vampires nodded to each other. Let’s hope.

 


****

 


[Metropolis—Luthor Mansion]

Lionel sat on the sofa, glaring into the fire burning in the ornate fireplace. So much planning! And now, Stuart does something like this! His mind touched upon the folder in his office safe. He knows that I planned this for us. He gulped angrily on his scotch. Nobody stabs me in the back and gets away with it!

“Lionel?” Lillian asked expectantly, walking in the door. She braced herself, knowing there would be an argument over dealing with Dave and Stuart.

“Yes, Lillian?” he asked. “I’m thinking about things. What is it?”

“It’s about David and Stuart. I trust that’s what you mean,” she guessed. Seeing the icy blue sparks in his eyes, she felt anxious as if staring down an angry cobra. “I can’t believe Stuart got custody especially after…well…”

“Yes. That,” he declared, still smarting over the last two misadventures. “He waited until I was out of the country to do this.”

“What? Lionel, what do you have to do with this?” she insisted.

“In this case, nothing. I know you find it hard to believe but I want David to stay in Amherst. If he’s stable, it’s to everyone’s benefit,” he told her. Especially mine.

“Nicholas O’ Connor suggests emancipation. David just turned 18 so….” she pointed out.

“Moynihan steamrolled that option likely in the case phase,” he theorized. “But I can do one better.” He picked up the phone and dialed. “Walter, this is Lionel Luthor. I need you to take on an appeal case for me.”

“Appeal?” his lawyer wondered. “Lionel, you and Lillian just got back from Paris! What happened?”

“You didn’t know that Stuart took custody of his son, did you? Walter, you know my wishes in that regard,” Lionel told him, letting his anger show.

The attorney gulped, feeling very much like shark bait at the moment. “Nobody knew until the ruling came down.”

“That is what I pay you for, Walter…to keep tabs on my interests. Fortunately, Nicholas O’ Connor has come forward with a suggestion: emancipation,” the billionaire reminded him, adding the proposal at the end.

“And what do we do with the boy afterwards?” Walter wondered.

“Leave that to Lillian and me, Walter. You start the paperwork. Pull up the file on Smallville. That should be enough to sour the pot and open the door again. I want this case back on the docket by the end of the week. Understand?” Lionel insisted, not wanting to hear any further excuses. “Contact O’ Connor or Henry Small in Smallville if you have to but I want this resolved.” He hung up and paced about the room.

“You really told Walter that?” she asked incredulously.

“Yes, Lillian, I did. I’m not the monster everyone says now am I?” he retorted with an air of sarcasm.

“I appreciate this, Lionel. The boy deserves a good home,” she expressed.

“I agree.” Especially that home. Stuart, you’ll learn not to cross me. So help me.

 


****

 


[Cappuccino Express—just before closing time]

Karen straightened the chairs and finished wiping tables down. Despite the pace of customers in the café, she didn’t feel any better. Just a few more minutes and I can go home. She heard the door open and close. “Yes?”

Nikki stepped into the establishment and inspected it. “So, this is the Cappuccino Express. Very nice. Good evening, Miss Alvarez.”

Karen shuddered at the sight of the Elder. “We’re about to close but I can get you a cup of tea or something if you’d like.”

Nikki shook her head. “I’m here to see you actually. I mean you no harm.”

“Then why are you here?” the teenager asked, feeling as if the Devil himself were tempting her with a Faustian deal.

“I heard about David’s case. I wish to help. So does Nicolas,” the visitor indicated. “Our Community is not without its…resources, Miss Alvarez.”

“Uh yeah. Speaking of Dr. O’ Connor, where is he?” Karen queried.

“He’s in the cemetery visiting with his old friend,” Nikki indicated. “I have a question for you. Would you and your friends be willing to share what you know with Social Services?”

She nodded. “About Dave and his father, sure. But about the other situation, I didn’t think you’d want that exposed.”

“Other situation?” Nikki asked. Damn her telepathy! “I suppose you mean about his condition and the reason behind it? Nicolas told me you all didn’t remember that.”

“The others don’t. I recalled it while I was in Smallville. Look, ummm….I would never say anything about it, him or all of you if you get my drift,” Karen assured the visitor.

“That is a very good attitude and we appreciate it. As for David’s condition, it would only get worse if he’s with his father for any length of time. You’ve seen only the barest glimmers of it,” Nikki declared, letting her eyes glow at the girl.

“You mean the scene at the school last month? He seemed to change,” Karen commented.

“If you don’t help him, he’ll slide further into that state. If that happens, we would need to take action,” Nikki informed her. Seeing Mrs. Campbell come through the door, she stopped short. “We will talk about this again.” With that, she turned and left abruptly.

“Who was that?” the manager asked.

“A friend of Dr. O’ Connor’s,” Karen replied, setting up the last table. “That should do it. I really should be getting home.”

“Wait a minute. Are you all right? Dave never came by. What happened?” the manager wondered.

“The meeting ran late and he had to leave,” Karen explained, taking off her apron and punching out. Putting on her coat, she left quickly, not wanting to let her boss see her tears.

 


****

 


[Faerie Realms]

The Empress rubbed her forehead, feeling the pain coming through the view portal. Even though the goddess had warned her about this event, she still had difficulty dealing with it. Surely the boy should be spared at least for a while.

“You know why he is tested,” Grimwilkin advised, entering the chamber.

“With due respect to the goddess, Grimwilkin, this is pointless,” she countered testily. “And Cybelle suffers from this as well.”

“The girl is torn but she knows where her true allegiance lies. You do as well,” he indicated. “Already forces are in motion on Outer Earth. We must wait out this storm.”

“I know that,” she concurred. “I hope that the boy can hold onto the inner darkness.”

“He has to. Meantime, we can only hope and pray for him,” he told her. “This ‘Social Services’ gives me just the opportunity.” She smiled. “Pauline has an errand to run in this regard. They want an intercessor, do they? She will do so according to the goddess’ will.”

She never knows when to leave anything alone. I hope the goddess will not be too angry. He leaned on his staff and watched the developing storm along with him.

Onto Part 2