You're putting a lot of time into this equestrian show.
I didn't realize its importance.
I'm inviting the Smalls to come watch me ride in this weekend's competition.
Oh. Well, I take it everything's good on the father-daughter front.
Actually, they're great.
Well, this could actually work out, then.
Let's just say I'm cautiously optimistic.
I keep living my life waiting for the other shoe to drop.
You deserve to be happy.
Thanks, Clark.
Clark, what happened to you?
Story deadline...?
Stop me when I'm getting warm.
My article about the debate team. Chloe...
...I'm really sorry. I got caught up helping Lana.
I'll get it to you first thing tomorrow.
Well, unfortunately, Clark, I needed it tonight.
To fill in the hole, I had to blow up the lunch menu to a 60-point type.
- I'm sure that'll be fascinating. - Chloe, it's my fault.
- I asked Clark to help me. - No, Lana, I don't blame you.
Well, I'm gonna go lock up in the back.
- Thanks again for your help. - Yeah.
Chloe, I'll make it up to you. I promise.
I can't say that makes me feel any better, given your track record on promises.
It's one story, what's the big deal?
That you couldn't give up one riding practice to do.
- Don't make this about Lana. - I'm not. This is about you.
And your perennial inability to be there when I need you.
Don't you think you're being a little harsh?
No. I don't.
I'm never a priority in your life, I'm always
just your backup plan and I'm tired of it.
- That's ridiculous. - Is it?
If that's the way you feel, maybe I should quit.
Maybe you should.
Fine. I quit.
Help me get this stuff out of the back!
Right.
Hey!
- What do you think you're doing? - Get out of here!
Hey!
Hurry up, dude. Hurry up.
Okay, let's go. Let's go!
I got it. I got it.
- How could they do it? - What, beat the crap out of me?
I'm sorry, Dad, it just... It hurt.
It actually hurt.
- What'd you tell the police? - I left beforehand.
You witnessed a crime. You have an obligation to report it.
And put myself back on Sheriff Adams' radar? I don't think so.
What could I tell her, I used my x-ray vision to see the plate?
All right, I understand. Just calm down, what else did you see?
He was wearing a class ring.
I think he goes to Smallville High.
Just because he has a class ring doesn't necessarily mean he goes here.
I mean, he could be a graduate.
Meanwhile, in Lana-land, looks like your ship's finally come in.
- Oh, I mean, we're... - "Just friends."
You better invest in a new set of cue cards. I've never seen her so happy.
Well, I wish it was just me, but Lana's been
walking on air since her dad stepped up.
Pete, who's that guy?
You mean Eric Marsh?
You really need to pick up a sports page.
All right, Eric, show us what you got.
Let's go, Eric. Step up.
All right, give me some heat.
- Nice swing. - Yeah.
Eric's got the highest batting average in Smallville High history.
He really put the team on the map.
Rumor has it they're getting sponsorship for equipment and uniforms because of him.
Not to mention the scouts that have suddenly added a detour to Smallville.
Funny thing, though...
...he used to suck.
What do you mean?
We played on the same Little League team for five years.
He was always a benchwarmer.
When did he go from zero to hero?
Not sure.
Sometimes you work hard enough, you get your dream.
Or he's under some pharmaceutical enhancement.
You thinking steroids?
Right now, I don't know what to think.
Lex.
It's been too long.
And I thought we agreed to keep face-to-face contact to a minimum.
For business, perhaps. This is a social call.
I've come to offer my congratulations on your engagement.
Though I admit, I...
It hurt that I had to learn of your pending nuptials...
...via the gossip pages of the Inquisitor.
Come on, Dad.
Since when has my personal happiness ever been of the slightest interest to you?
And where is...
- Helen? ...Helen.
Helen's out of town at a medical seminar.
I suspect your visit would be putting her anger management techniques to the test.
But then we both know you're not here to discuss my wedding plans.
Oh, what is this?
Oh, Lex, I'm surprised that you would...
...put stock in the reportage of a high-school newspaper.
I usually don't...
...but I did some checking of my own and Io and behold, it's true.
What are you moving in the middle of the night in unmarked trucks?
Nothing out of the ordinary.
I'd hate to think that you'd stoop to use common thuggery to get back at me, son.
Wait a minute.
Are you insinuating that I had something to do with robbing your truck?
Dad.
That would be illegal.
Legalities are inconsequential. I would want my property returned.
For what it's worth...
...I had nothing to do with it. But the fact
that you came this far to ask intrigues me.
What's in there that's so important to you?
Give my regards to...
...your fiancee.
Enjoy.
Henry. This is a surprise.
Well, I was in the neighborhood.
Regular coffee, no additives. And when you come by three times a week...
...you don't need the excuse.
I guess some small part of me is still getting used to all this.
What, dropping by for a casual visit with your daughter?
No, entering a business co-owned by Luthor without an injunction in my hand.
Thanks. But it's been worth it.
I feel the same way.
What's this?
The seating chart for this weekend's show.
They set aside a section for riders' families.
I took a leap and reserved a couple of seats for you and Jennifer.
Lana, that was thoughtful.
Yes, I'll definitely be there.
But Jennifer won't.
She's never really accepted me, has she?
She just doesn't know you like I do.
Give her some time, she'll come around.
Pete, check this out. Before Eric's sudden sports career...
...he was an honors chemistry student with a straight-A average.
Guess you don't get the babes and the free Nikes for that.
It says here he was in a chemistry lab explosion...
...at Kansas State University last summer during chemistry camp.
That's probably why he's got the plate in his head.
Yeah, but what's he doing knocking over a LuthorCorp truck?
I thought you quit the Torch.
Just clearing out my desk.
Wait a minute, you quit?
Apparently I can't be counted on.
I didn't even know quitting was an option.
Funny.
Tough crowd. Hey, I'll catch up with you later.
- Keep me posted on Eric. - Yeah.
Marsh? Why are you guys interested in him?
Doesn't matter.
Clark, I didn't ask you to quit the Torch.
Yeah, but all I do is disappoint you.
I didn't say that.
I just said it seems like you drop everything
for Lana with no regard for anyone else.
I thought this wasn't about Lana.
It's not.
- It's not. - Every time you see us together...
...you look at me like I'm cheating on you.
I'm sorry, but if that's the way you feel...
...maybe we shouldn't hang out anymore.
Tell me it's working, boys.
This stuff's incredible.
Another score and we'll take it out on the street.
Yep, as long as there's enough for me.
I got a major league scout coming to watch me next week.
Then you can make the next batch, champ.
- Who do we have here? - Hold him.
You're not going anywhere.
Were you following me, Kent?
I know you robbed that truck.
You're pretty smart.
But you see, I'm smart too.
I finally found a way to have everything I wanted...
...and nobody is gonna mess that up.
You don't know what you're doing.
Looks like you know about the meteor rock.
It's dangerous. I've seen what it can do to people.
Like get me a multimillion-dollar contract in the majors?
He knows too much.
All right, get up.
If he goes, our problem goes with him.
We don't know who else he told. Let's pack up and get out of here.
Let's go, man. Put this in the back.
- Clark. Oh, my God, what happened? - I saw one of the hijackers.
He goes to our school. I followed him to the old foundry. They jumped me.
Clark, you still couldn't stop them?
No, I think it has to do with refined kryptonite.
They had kryptonite bars, the same ones that were in Lionel's safe.
That's what they stole from the truck.
Clark, what would they be doing with kryptonite?
Melting it down and inhaling it. That's what's giving them incredible strength.
Jonathan, we have to bring in the police.
Yeah.
- The police can't do anything. - Clark.
Dad, they threw me into a blast furnace. They overpowered me.
If there was kryptonite in there, I wouldn't be here now.
We can't let our concern about your secret intimidate us into silence.
Maybe there is another way.
Marsh, drop the bat.
What is this?
I don't wanna tell you again. Drop the bat.
You're under arrest for assault and armed robbery.
What are you talking about?
We got a tip, looked through your locker.
You can't without a warrant.
Guess again. We don't need a warrant to look through a student's locker.
The driver, he came to long enough to tell
us about the aliens that trashed his truck.
Don't worry, now. You can use your one call to phone home.
Okay, the only time you're ever this quiet is when you're sleeping. What's up?
Clark and I decided to put our friendship on an indefinite hiatus.
Over one newspaper story?
Let's just say that certain insurmountable forces...
...finally made us raise the white flag.
I'm sorry. If there's anything I can do to help...
Who is that?
Jennifer Small.
Thanks.
- Mrs. Small. - It's not what you think, Lana.
I don't know what you mean.
I am not cheating on my husband.
I know that's what you thought.
But the man you saw me with was just...
...an old friend of mine from college.
Why are you telling me this?
I wasn't gonna say anything to Henry.
He also happens to be my divorce attorney.
Divorce?
Henry never mentioned anything.
That's because he doesn't know. At least, not yet.
Why are you divorcing him?
Lana, I've learned to handle a lot in this marriage...
...but that's because through it all, I knew I was Henry's priority.
Since he met you...
...I am not sure that's true anymore.
- I never meant to come between you. - But you did.
Lana, you are all he talks about.
You're a window to a happier time.
I guess I am telling you this because I'm admitting defeat.
You win.
Mrs. Small, I don't want to win.
Goodbye, Lana.
- So much for an interview. - I admire your dedication.
Though I suspect the hospital might not be quite so understanding.
Mr. Luthor.
What are you doing here?
Paying a bedside visit to a loyal employee.
It's Miss Sullivan, isn't it?
You know who I am?
I've followed your work at the Torch for some time.
Given today's front-page scoop, I assume you came...
...hoping Mr. O'Connor would confirm...
...his connection with LuthorCorp.
I think you just did that for him.
It was never a secret.
Unlike the now-missing contents of your truck.
On or off the record?
The police report says robbery, but no one's been able to find anything.
We were moving some industrial material. It's nothing important.
Somebody sure went to a lot of trouble to get to it.
Oh, it's a competitive world, you know that.
Corporate sabotage is just one of the costs of doing business.
- Mr. Luthor... - Miss Sullivan, I admire your zeal...
...and your work at the Torch is exemplary...
...but trust me.
You're looking for a mystery where there's none to be found.
Clark.
Are you okay?
I got blind-sided yesterday by a couple of
guys. Guess I'm still a little shaken up.
What happened, did you get hurt?
I'll survive. It was more of a wrong place, wrong time kind of thing.
I know the feeling, at least metaphorically speaking.
I ran into Jennifer Small today.
Found out that she's filing for divorce from Henry...
...and I'm the reason.
That's intense.
- Have you talked to Henry about it? - What can I do without making it worse?
He should know what's going on, there might be a chance to salvage his marriage.
Sounds like you should be taking your own advice.
I hear you and Chloe are calling it quits.
That's different.
- Why? - I can't just sit here...
...and watch Chloe get hurt over and over when I can't do anything about it.
What's so bad that's come between you two like this?
Well...
I wish I could make it go away.
- You can't. - You and Chloe have been friends forever.
You can't just let that go without a fight.
At least the Clark Kent I know wouldn't.
If your father sent you, I had nothing to do with the robbery.
No, no, my father doesn't know I'm here.
I'm sure his representatives will be around, though.
No, I came to talk about your future.
- What do you care? - I checked into your baseball career.
I understand there's interest from some big league scouts.
Yeah, there's more than just interest.
All right? There's college reps, there's agents.
This is just a bump in the road.
Two felony charges with bail set at a quarter of a million dollars.
I'd say more like a brick wall, wouldn't you?
- Why, do I look scared? - You look guilty.
And if a jury agrees, you can kiss all that talent and promise goodbye.
Like I told the cops, I didn't do it.
Well, I guess you have nothing to worry about.
But if the charges stick...
...you might need a friend.
All right, what is it that you want?
I want to know what you stole out of my father's truck.
Well, assuming that I even have a clue what you're talking about...
...what's in it for me?
Chloe, what happened?
Go away, Clark.
Are you okay?
Physically, yeah, I'm fine.
Emotionally...
...what do you care?
I want to help.
We'll get the Torch back on its feet.
There is no "we" anymore, Clark. There's only me.
And this paper was my whole life.
It was the one place I could come to when everyone and everything let me down...
...and now I don't even have that anymore.
- Where are you going? - To find a friend.
Chloe.
Hey, Kent, I heard the paper's not gonna press.
Did you do this?
I don't know how the hell you got out of that fire, but you'd better back off.
What are you doing out of jail?
Seems I've got friends in higher places that I didn't even know about...
...and suddenly you're not so anonymous.
I'll testify to put you away.
Oh, no, I'd think about that, Kent.
I know you're unbreakable, but people that you care about...
...aren't. I'd sure hate to think...
...something happened to those wholesome parents of yours.
Clark.
Your mother.
How's Mom doing?
She's got some...
...minor cuts and bruises. I still want to get her checked out.
This pregnancy doesn't need any more complications.
I should've been there, Dad.
- You couldn't have done anything. - Still.
I'm not gonna let you beat yourself up about this.
What happens if they come back?
You and Mom should go away, until this settles down.
I have never run away from a single thing
in my life and I'm not about to start now.
Look around, look what they did to this place.
You said I can't protect you.
You have to think about Mom, about the baby.
I am thinking about Mom, I am thinking about the baby.
I'm also thinking about you.
Dad, please.
Please.
I'll take your mother to a doctor in Metropolis...
...and maybe stay with your grandfather for a couple days.
Son, I'd feel a whole hell of a lot better if you'd agree to come with us.
I can't.
I'm not gonna stand here and ask you to do nothing...
...because you and I both know that I would not do nothing.
But I want you to remember something, son.
They have your strength...
...but they don't have any of your other abilities.
You make sure you give yourself a fighting chance.
- Lex. - I gotta let you go.
I just found out that you visited Eric Marsh in jail.
Were you the one to bail him out?
I wasn't aware my visit was public knowledge.
What's Marsh have to do with you?
I was the one who phoned in the anonymous tip.
Him and his buddies nearly killed my parents yesterday.
Are they all right?
They're in Metropolis, it's not safe at home.
I heard your father's back.
- If this is some sick game between you... - It's no game.
Clark, that truck was carrying a load of highly refined meteor rocks.
If I'm not mistaken, I think my father's resumed his Level 3 experiments.
What does that have to do with Marsh?
Look, I bailed him out, hoping he'd provide answers.
Maybe he'd lead me to the meteor rock.
Where is he?
I don't know.
He beat up a security guard I had on him.
There's gotta be a way to draw him out.
Clark, I don't have anything Marsh wants.
Except for the meteor rocks.
Marsh has a connection inside LuthorCorp that tells him when the shipments go out.
If he thinks your father's bringing another load out...
I still have contacts at my father's firm. They could let the word out.
The truck will be empty when Marsh hits. My security team will be all over them.
I've seen what Eric can do. You have to get the police on this.
Just go home, Clark.
I don't want you or your parents involved any more than they already are.
Once Marsh and his friends have the truck, give them a lot of room.
Nobody does anything until they lead us to the meteor rock.
We're set, Mr. Luthor.
The truck's getting ready to move.
Wait for my signal before you start following.
Nobody moves without my direct order...
Change of plans.
Okay, I've got the van. Get ready to make the switch.
Anybody follow you?
I didn't see anyone, but we'd better hurry. Luthor's bound to have it bugged.
How's it feel, Clark?
Eric, don't do this.
You don't understand, Kent.
It's done.
That's all of it.
At least for now.
Hey, Lex.
Clark, how are your parents doing?
Just fine. They got home from Metropolis last night.
- That must be a relief. - Yeah.
Eric's arrested, so it looks like your plan came off without a hitch.
So it seems.
The intriguing thing is, my people had nothing to do with it.
- Then who did? - No one knows.
Marsh and his friends aren't talking...
...but they were found unconscious and the meteor rocks are still unaccounted for.
Who do you think has them?
I have my suspicions.
Lana.
- Hey. - Hey, Henry. Thanks for coming.
Your message said something regarding the horse show.
I hope you're still planning to ride.
To be honest, I'm not sure.
I don't understand, I thought you were really looking forward to this weekend.
I was. Believe me.
But I think it's more important that you spend this time with Jennifer.
Lana, she told me you two talked. If this is because of something she said...
No, I came into your life out of nowhere and dropped a bomb on your family.
I didn't know how our relationship was going
to work out, but after a rocky start...
...I finally know that you love me.
I don't want to lose that.
I don't know what Jennifer told you, but things between us aren't that bad.
Henry, she's hiring an attorney.
What?
You need to talk to her, tell her how you feel.
Whatever happens after that is up to you.
You're my daughter, I just can't walk away from that.
You're not. I'll always be here.
But right now, I think Jennifer needs you more.
Hey, Dad, how's Mom?
You'll be happy to know that both mother and child got a clean bill of health.
- Good. - Look, son, I wanted to tell you...
Hi, Lana.
- I'm proud of you. - Thanks.
- Miss Lang. - Mr. Kent.
You must be here for Donatello. I'll saddle him up.
No, I'm not practicing, Clark.
In fact, I think I might drop out of the show.
I take it things with Henry didn't go so well.
I told him I'd always be his daughter...
...but we should put our relationship on
hold until his marriage gets back on track.
- Wow. - Yeah.
How are things with Chloe?
I went to go talk to her but this whole Torch thing put her over the edge.
She told me to go away.
You two will work through this, Clark.
I hope so.
- I miss her already. - I know what you mean.
I think we should remain cautiously optimistic...
...that each of us will get a second chance.
You know who's really the loser in all this?
Donatello.
Poor horse worked so hard and now he can't even strut his stuff.
I guess I can't disappoint him.
Besides, I wanted to share this with someone special and I still am.
You're still going, aren't you, Clark?
You can count on me.
Miss Sullivan.
Mr. Luthor.
Your principal told me you might be here.
I hope I'm not interrupting you.
No. No, I mean...
...I've never entertained a billionaire before.
You'll have to excuse the destruction.
- I was recently vandalized. - So I heard.
By the same men who hijacked my truck, I think.
Actually there's still a question.
Eric Marsh owned up to the robbery of the truck and the assault...
...but he said he didn't have anything to do with the Torch.
I mean, why confess to the heavy crimes and deny that?
Well, it's not easy to understand the criminal mind.
What's this?
This is an interesting display.
I call it the Wall of Weird.
I'll come to the point, Miss Sullivan. I'd like to help you rebuild.
I've instructed the LuthorCorp foundation to make a donation to your school...
...the fund specifically earmarked toward rebuilding...
...and updating the journalism department.
Mr. Luthor, I'm confused.
I mean, the struggling editor in me wants to just leave it at "thank you"...
...but the journalist in me has to ask, why?
I'm impressed with your...
...willingness to explore alternative ideas, options.
You interned at the Daily Planet this summer, didn't you?
Yeah.
I have a little influence there.
They certainly could use some new blood.
Maybe...
...a column...
...to introduce your unique point of view.
I don't want to look a gift horse in the mouth...
...but I don't understand why the most powerful man in this city is helping me.
We're after the same thing, Miss Sullivan. The truth.
You know, journalists are the midwives of history.
Perhaps with my help, we could...
...make history together.