The Next Morning

 

 

    Willow stood nervously in the study, waiting for Lionel Luthor to make an appearance.  She looked around the room in awe.  Willow hadn't seen much of Lex's mansion, but what she had seen was very impressive.  She couldn't even image what it would be like to have the kind of money the Luthor’s had.

 

    "Ah...Ms. Rosenberg.  I'm so sorry to have kept you waiting."  A deep voice spoke from the doorway, and Willow turned to see the Lionel Luthor.  He looked exactly like he did in his pictures: handsome, regal, and a little frightening.

 

    "It's all right, Mr. Luthor.  I know you're a busy man."

 

    Lionel walked over to his desk.  He sat down and gestured for Willow to do the same.  "Please, Ms. Rosenberg, have a seat."  He opened one of the desk drawers and pulled out a rather large, and extremely old looking book.

 

    "Is that the book?"  Willow asked.

 

    "It is indeed, Ms. Rosenberg."

 

    "Please, call me Willow."

 

    A smile slowly spread across Lionel's face. "Very well, Willow.  If you don't mind me cutting right to business, I'd like to talk to you about the payment."

 

    Willow frowned, confused. "I thought that Giles already sent you the money."

 

    Lionel leaned forward, his elbows on his desk, fingers steepled under his chin. "I'm afraid, Willow, that after some investigation of the situation, the price has gone up."

 

    "You should probably call Giles.  I really don't know anything about your deal with him. I'm only here to pick up the book."

 

    "Ah, but I'm not talking about more money. It's you I want something from, not Mr. Giles."

 

    Willow's frown deepened.  "What are you talking about, Mr. Luthor?"

 

    "I hear you've been spending time with Clark Kent."

 

    There was a long pause.  Willow looked at him in shock.  "How do you know about that?"

 

    Lionel's grin widened. "I'm a Luthor.  I have many resources at my disposal.  For instance, I also know that you are a fairly powerful witch.  I'd like to make a deal with you."

 

    "You already have a deal with Giles. If you’re going to break that one, I see no reason why I should trust you."  Willow's voice held an edge of anger in it.

 

    "You're friend has been searching for this book for quite a while.  I'm offering it to you.  All I want is one small favor."

 

    There was a look in Lionel's eyes that Willow recognized, but she couldn't place it.  Then it hit her.  It was predatorial. It was a look she had often seen in the eyes of vampires.  It was a look she had seen in Angelus' eyes.  It frightened her, seeing it now.

 

    "What do you want?"  Willow finally asked.

 

    "I want you to find out everything you can about Clark Kent."  Lionel said simply.

 

    Willow almost laughed.  "What?  Why would you be interested in Clark Kent?"

 

    "Mr. Kent is a very interesting young man.  He has secrets.  I want to know them.  If you want the book, you'll figure them out."

 

    Willow stood up.  "There's no way I going to help you.  I don't know Clark well, but I would not betray him like that."

 

    Lionel raised a hand to stop Willow. "Not even if this book could help a friend?"

 

    Willow studied his face.  "What are you talking about?"

 

    Lionel smirked. "Well, I suggest that you give Mr. Giles a call.  You should ask him why this book is so important."

 

    "I don't believe you."  But despite her words, Willow was very curious.  She wondered what he could possibly be talking about.

 

    "Call him.  Like you said, you barely know Mr. Kent. I'm offering you a chance to help a loved one.  I'll contact you tomorrow.  You can give me your answer then."

 

 

 

TBC