People Make Mistakes Chapter (11/13)

Banner By: Andrea

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Chapter 11
August 19th 2010



Tess glanced around the room making sure Lex wasn’t in eye shot before moving towards the bookshelf and pressing a small button on the inside of the bottom shelf. The board slid open and Tess looked at the thin vile of purple liquid that lay on the small velvet surface.

She reached in, fingers curling around the delicate glass as she lifted it out of its resting place and slid it carefully into her clutch. It had taken her several hours to get away from Lex long enough to swipe it from the facility he’d kept Karen in.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of shoes hitting the floor outside the bedroom. She sat at her vanity pulling some lipstick out of the draw as Lex walked in. He was buttoning his cuff links as he took her in. She was clad in a deep burgundy dress with a back that dipped down to the curve of her ass. His eyes darkened at the sight of her. He cleared his throat and spoke.

“Are you almost ready?”

“Just finishing up actually.”

“Good let’s not be late.”

She nodded and stood. He placed a hand low on her back and spoke against her ear.

“You look breathtaking.”

“You don’t look too bad yourself.”

She swallowed hard as he nudged her forward. Once they were walking down the hallway she thought it was time to broach the topic of Nathan Bingham.

“Did you ever find out who adopted the Bingham boy?”

He smirked.

“As a matter of fact, I did.”

“Oh?”

“Mmm. Imagine my surprise when I found out it was Oliver Queen. Can you imagine…Oliver with a child. Apparently he and Miss Sullivan adopted the boy together. I wasn’t aware that they were seeing each other.”

She could feel him watching her closely as she spoke.

“They’ve been together for quite some time now.”

“I see. Well no worries. We’ll have Nathan in our possession by the end of the evening.”

“Oh?”

“I assume Oliver will be attending the event with Chloe tonight. What better time to take the boy then when they aren’t around? Besides it give us the perfect alibi if Chloe feels it necessary to point a finger at me, which she undoubtedly will.”

Tess nodded and smiled.

“Makes sense.”

“I like to cover all my bases.”

As they made their way to the car Tess let out a heavy breath. After tonight there’d be no going back, no matter what she did from this point on he’d never forgive her.




_____

Chloe paced back and forth in the living room, nerves getting the better of her. They’d spent all day trying to find proof that Lex really was back and it wasn’t all some horrible joke. But all they managed to find for their trouble was a few black and white video images of him leaving the airport.

She was worried and she didn’t think going to some charity event was the best idea right now. But Oliver assured her the best thing they could do was pretend like everything was normal and not panic. If Lex didn’t realize they knew he was back then they would have the advantage.

So after spending the day introducing the general to Nathan and trying to formulate a plan of attack where Lex was concerned, she had gotten dressed for the evenings event. She was just turning getting ready to make another round through the room when Mia’s voice broke through her thoughts.

“Chloe stop…you’re making me dizzy. Listen I know you guys are freaking out about the whole Lex thing but you’re only gonna be gone a couple of hours and I promise not to leave Nathan’s side. Plus we’ve got Impulse and Cyborg on call.”

Chloe sighed.

“I know I’m being ridiculous, but you don’t know Lex. I’ll just feel better when this whole night is over and we can figure out what he’s up to. Did you have any luck talking to Nathan today?”

Mia stretched out on the couch and shook her head.

“Not really. He hinted at having a secret that his Mom told him to never tell…but that’s about it. If he’s got a power or whatever he’s keeping it to himself.”

Chloe sighed, curls bouncing as she shook her head, worry etched into her features.

“He definitely has one or Lex wouldn’t have gone through all this trouble. This is so infuriating. I hate not knowing what’s going on. No one blindsides me…I’m Watchtower!”

Mia watched the older woman’s rant and couldn’t help the grin that slid onto her face. Chloe was a force of nature when she was angry. She tilted her head to the side glancing down the hall wondering how Oliver was doing with Nathan.

Oliver glanced in the mirror as Nathan sat on the bed watching him get ready. He pulled his suit jacket on and made a face before taking it off tossing it aside and getting a different one.

“Are you coming back?”

“Of course buddy. We’re only going for a couple of hours for business and then we’ll be back. But you’re gonna hang out with Mia while were gone. Is that okay?”

He turned so he was facing Nathan who was looking down at the comforter that he was playing with in his hands. He shrugged.

“Yeah I guess.”

Oliver sighed and moved so he was sitting next to the 8-year-old. He nudged him with his knee and Nathan looked up at the blonde haired man. Oliver gave him half a smile as he spoke.

“Wanna talk about it?”

“Everyone seems upset. Is something wrong?”

Oliver pursed his lips together and answered his question carefully.

“Nathan…do you know why you and your Mom left Florida?”

“Because there was a bad man after us.”

“Do you know why?”

He didn’t say anything.

“Nathan…I told you when we first met that I’d never lie to you. I want to help you, but if I don’t know why the bad man was after you guys…I can’t help.”

After a couple of minutes of silence Oliver started to get up right as Nathan started to speak.

“Mom said the bad man found out our secret and wanted to do bad things with it. So we had to leave. She said we needed to find her brother and sister that they’d help us. Even though Mom’s not here will the army man still help?”

Oliver moved an arm around Nathan and pulled him to his side.

“Of course. That’s what family’s for. We’re going to do everything we can to keep you safe.”

He nodded and Oliver smiled.

“But it’s nothing to worry about tonight. Come on I’m sure Mia is waiting for you to go play with her. I think she hooked up the new play station earlier while you were out with Chloe and the general.”

Nathan’s face lit up and he hoped off the bed.

“Awesome!”

He ran out of the room and Oliver chuckled as he followed him out a slightly baffled look on his face. Kids sure were a resilient bunch.




_____

Tess took a sip of champagne and her eyes scanned the room. She was finally away from Lex at least for a little while. There was no sign of Oliver or Chloe yet, she was almost hoping they didn’t show. She smiled and waved at some of the board members as she started moving through the room.

Her eyes drifted to the clock hanging on the wall and she sucked in a deep breath. Ten more minutes until she spoke to the crowed, thanks everyone for coming and introduced her fiancé to the charity gala. She still couldn’t believe she agreed to this.

She’d done a lot of stupid things over the years, helping the Kandorians included, but aligning herself with Lex was probably the most stupid thing she’d ever done. And that wasn’t even the worst part. Using a little boy to help climb the political ladder…it was just wrong.

She gulped down another mouthful of champagne and took a deep breath. Her nerves were shot and at this point she wasn’t sure she’d make it through the night. She heard a small commotion behind her and when she turned she caught sight of Oliver and Chloe.

She straightened her back and made her way towards the makeshift stage. When she was standing in front of the microphone she clinked her glass to get the attention of the room. Everyone quieted down and turned towards her. She caught Oliver’s eyes and as she spoke never once looked away from him.

“Thank you all for coming this evening and supporting this great cause. In addition to the free gifts at the door Luthor Corp has a very important announcement to make. When I first started at Luthor Corp a lot of people were surprised that Lex left the company to me, but what people didn’t know was that Lex Luthor and I were engaged.”

A low mumbling began in the room and Oliver frowned as he glanced towards Chloe. She tilted her head towards him and spoke quietly.

“What’s going on? That’s not true…is it?”

Oliver’s hand tightened on Chloe’s waist as he shook his head, jaw clenched, voice tight.

“No, it most certainly is not.”

He turned his attention back to the stage as Tess continued.

“When I found out he went missing and was presumed dead…I just couldn’t believe it. I knew if he was really gone that I’d feel it inside me. So I put together a team of specialists and for the past three years in our spare time we searched every inch of the globe for him.”

Her voice was taking on a shaky tone and as Chloe glanced around the room she realized the women around her were eating it up. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room well except for hers of course. Oliver was tense beside her and as Tess continued speaking Chloe’s stomach dropped.

“And then last week…a miracle happened. We found him.”

There was a collective gasp as Tess grinned, tears in her eyes.

“It was a scary few days and a long trek home, but he’s back So tonight I’d like to welcome back our original CEO of Luthor Corp and my fiancé, Lex Luthor.”

He stepped out from behind the curtain smile on his face as the guests in the room cheered and he pulled Tess to his side as he waved at the room. He looked down and his eyes found green ones. His lip curled into a smirk and if it was possible Oliver’s hold on her tightened.

Chloe didn’t look away, she glared at him until he laughed and turned his attention to the people talking to him in the front of the room. Her voice was soft when she spoke.

“Oliver…Oliver.”

He glanced down at her a eyebrow raised, a preoccupied look on his face.

“We should check in at home.”

He frowned.

“Chloe we need to follow Lex and see what’s going on. Mia would have gotten in touch with us and the guys if there was trouble.”

He started to move in the other direction and she gripped his arm tugging on it lightly. She couldn’t put her finger on it, but the same bad feeling she had the other day was knawing at the pit of her stomach telling her something wasn’t right.

“Ollie please. One phone call. I just want to check in on Mia and Nathan.”

His face softened at the pleading in her tone and he nodded.

“Okay come on. Real quick.”

He guided Chloe towards the hallway while looking over his shoulder eyes seeking out Lex and Tess. He didn’t know what the hell was going on, but he needed to get Tess alone so he could talk to her. He sighed. Maybe he should have just called her back…




_____

Nathan held out his cards and grinned as Mia shook her head. They were sitting on the couch, TV on filling the apartment with the soft sounds of Phinnious and Ferb, one of Nathan’s favorite cartoons.

“Jeez kid, that’s the third time in a row you beat me. You’re pretty good at this game.”

“My Mom taught me how to play.”

She gave him a warm smile and ruffled his hair.

“Cool. Hey you hungry? Want some popcorn?”

He smiled and nodded. She stood up and piled the cards in front of him.

“You shuffle while I grab some grub and no cheating.”

He nodded as she moved into the kitchen. She was rummaging through the cabinets looking for the popcorn when she heard the sound of breaking glass. She froze, stood up slowly and called out the Nathan.

“Hey Nate…you okay in there?”

She held her breath waiting for his answer.

“Yeah, Ferb is so silly.”

Maybe she was just hearing things, but it didn’t hurt to check. She walked down the empty hallway towards the bedrooms and pushed Nathan’s door open first. She flipped on the light and everything seemed to be in place. She moved on to her room and then Oliver and Chloe’s room next.

She pushed open the door and walked into the master bedroom. She reached out for the light switch and right before her hand hit the switch a foot connected with her stomach. Her body double over, the wind knocked out of her and as she straightened up a fist came slamming towards her face.

She blocked the punch swung and connected with the guy’s nose before sending a round house kick to his side that knocked him on his ass. She ran through the door and towards the living room grabbing her cell phone off the counter as she went.

“NATHAN!”

He jumped off the couch as he saw the panic on Mia’s face.

“We need to go now.”

She held out her hand and he took it. They were heading towards the elevator when there was another crash from the living room.

“Hurry Nathan.”

Mia heard the telltale click of a gun and she pushed Nathan behind her. She turned and the man was dressed from head to toe in black, crazy smile on his face, gun pointed at her. She tilted her head toward the living room where another man stood, no weapon that she could see.

“If I were you I’d step away from the boy.”

“Not a chance asshole.”

He smirked.

“Have it your way.”

He cocked the gun and pointed it at Mia. Her heartbeat sped up as she squeezed her eyes shut. He put pressure on the trigger and right before he pulled it Nathan shifted behind her and screamed.

“NO! Don’t shoot her! Put down the gun.”

Mia’s eyes popped open and she shook her head.

“Nathan get in the elevator.”

Mia looked back at the man only to see confusion filling his face as he placed the gun on the floor.

“What the hell is going on! Joe…Joe I can’t move.”

Mia looked at Nathan as realization hit her. That was his power. She went to move, but then the other guy was in front of them an evil glint in his eyes. Nathan told him to back off, but his grin only widened as he moved closer to them.

“Your little powers don’t work on me kid…only on normal people and I’m anything but normal.”

He lifted his hand and a ball of fire appeared there. He motioned to his partner.

“Whatever you did…undo it. Now.”

Nathan shook his head and gripped Mia’s leg.

“I’ll kill her.”

He hesitated, looked at the man and a couple of seconds later he stumbled and then stood up straight. The house phone rang in the background and the guys glanced at each other. Mia pushed the phone she was holding behind her back into Nathan’s hands.

He gripped it, opened it and glanced at her. She mouthed the number two and he nodded. The phone stopped ringing as the answering machine came on a loud beep sounded before Chloe’s voice filled the room.

“Hey guys we just wanted to check in and make sure everything’s okay. I’m gonna try your cell phone Mia. We should be home soon…just be careful.”

Her cell phone rang in Nathan’s hand and two heads jerked toward them. The first guy raised the gun and Mia opened her mouth and did the only thing she could think of at the moment. She called out for Clark right as the gun went off.

She felt something hard beneath her as small hands gripped at her body. The last thing she heard before everything around her went black was the sound of Nathan screaming her name.

Chapter 12