Alexander Luthor would admit he was pretty bad at remembering faces. Apart from distinguishable characteristics that would otherwise leave an impression on him, he tended to forget most rather easily. Before now he would regard that flaw as nothing but a ‘small hindrance’, but it so happened to be that he was currently struggling with this ‘small hindrance’ as two men now stood before him.
Seated in his office in the main boardroom, Luthor looked to the man on his left. Clothed in what appeared as a Cadmus security guard uniform, equipped with a semi-automated rifle straddled between his arms. The ID card strapped to the left side of his belt confirmed that the man does indeed work here. Purple hues of black woven fiber optic sleeves were a nice touch to the uniform he designed himself. Personally Luthor would’ve elected for greener uniforms, not that small discrepancies like those could annoy him much.
Shifting his eyes to the right, Luthor observed the second man. Wearing nothing but faded black slacks and a lab coat that dangled down past his shoulders. Thin rimmed glasses perched in front of watery, bloodshot eyes constantly flicking towards and away from Luthor. The disheveled man was the spitting image of a generic scientist, if everything else didn’t already give it away.
Luthor brought his gaze towards the scientist’s name tag, reading the name “Dr. Thomson” etched in permanent marker. Dr. Thomson’s thin arm absentmindedly scratched his own elbow, trepidation oozing off of him like a mouse caught in front of a cat. He was nervous, he was afraid. Luthor liked it when they were afraid.
People that is, as people can be found in abundance. It’s people that are the commanding majority of all living things on earth. Though the word people includes both strong and weak minded individuals, it’s people such as the pitiful scientist shuffling nervously in front of him that brings joy to Luthor’s wicked heart. People like these were among his favorite types. They’re easy to control, easy to manipulate.
Easy to dispose of.
Luthor stopped himself from smiling, instead opting to finally ask the question hanging over everyone’s heads.
“Ah, Dr. Thomson. To what do I owe the pleasure?”
Flinching slightly from the abrupt question, Dr. Thomson forced his eyes to face the daunting man. While not managing to look straight into the bald man’s eyes, he gave a hoarse reply. “W-well, you see Mr. Luthor. After you announced that the Doomsday Project would be postponed ‘till further notice. I have, er, my fellow co-workers and I have come to a conclusion on how we feel about your decision.”
“And that is?”
“I, uh, well we strongly urge you to reconsider. I-if you would be so kind.” Stumbling over his own words, the scientist stood patiently for his boss’ reply.
Lex Luthor gave Dr. Thomson a look that could bore through mountains. Hell, it could bore through the man of steel himself. He thought carefully, regarding the situation before nodding to himself and leaning back.
“May I know your first name Dr. Thomson?”
“J-Jayson, it’s Jayson...sir”
“Right, Jayson Thomson...” Luthor spoke slowly and gingerly, lulling Dr. Thomson into a false sense of safety and security. A tone that did a lot to release most of the tension that previously bore down onto the scientist. “Are you happy working here?”.
Dr. Thomson arched an eyebrow to this. What did he mean by that question? Of course he was happy working here, he should be right? After all Luthor has done for him, how could he assume otherwise? Employee benefits, monthly vacations, worker’s compensations, all at the small fee of giving his trust to Luthor and his decisions.
Fear and doubt dissipated off him like smoke from a volcano, Dr. Thomson responded, “Of course sir. You’ve done so much for me and my family, how could I not be? The only reason I’m worried about the project’s hiatus is ‘cause I’ll be out of work-”
Luthor blurted out in a sudden bit of laugher, not able to contain his abrasive but soothing demeanor any longer. After what seemed like five minutes, he composed himself again.
“Well this is a nice change from the uneasiness you came into the room with. But have no fear doctor, all the employees being laid off will be paid on leave. Meaning you will still receive your weekly salary without having to work.”
A wide, genuine smile wasted no time spreading onto Dr. Thomson’s face. “Th-thank you so much sir! I didn’t realize we were still being compensated. My co-workers informed me that project Doomsday would be stopped for who knows how long...I didn’t think for a second we would still be being paid...” Dr. Thomson couldn’t speak no more for his throat started to choke up from the emotion of Luthor’s generosity.
Luthor stood up making his way over to Dr. Thomson, placing a tender but firm hand on his shoulder. “No need for any thanks Jayson, I understand. Now I know you already understand the reason as to why we have to do this...but I cannot further emphasize the importance of the authorities or a certain caped crusader not finding out about the project. It’s bad enough the power surges are being linked to our underground laboratory and it won’t be long until we’ll be put under surveillance.”
Dr. Thomson forced words out of his mouth, “I-I still need to come back tomorrow to collect my things. Is that okay?”
“Of course.”
Removing his glasses and wiping away a few stray tears from his eyes, Dr. Thomson managed to compose himself before giving Luthor a goodbye. He left the room with an almost noticeable bounce in his step, brimming with new found joy he didn’t have earlier.
When the door to the boardroom finally did close, Luthor let out a long and well needed breath. He never did enjoy putting on false facades, but it had to be done. It’s always better to leave your prey unexpected and aloof before you make a move.
The guard, almost as a statue, had not moved from Luthor’s left throughout the whole ordeal. Luthor, while still facing the door Dr. Thomson left through, spoke to the guard, “Get rid of him after he comes back tomorrow. I already made arrangements to dispose of the rest of the employees. The less people left over from the project the better.”
Without missing a beat the guard gave a solid salute before exiting out the same doors the scientist before him had.
Luthor adjusted his dark colored tie before crossing his arms over his chest. A subtle smile inching its way onto the corners of his lips.
He really did love people like Thomson. How could he not?
----------------------------------------
The rusty but still optimal 4x4 vehicle rolled to a stop just short of a long driveway. Three luxury cars lay in front of his uncle’s three garage doors, probably because they couldn’t fit inside. No doubt they’re worth way more than the car AJ was sitting in.
“Here we are kiddo. Make sure you don’t give ‘em too much trouble okay?”
AJ turned to his left from the passenger’s seat to look at his father. Aside from a few wrinkles that sagged along the corner of his eyes and front of his forehead, he looked fairly vigorous for a single dad who was well into his 50’s.
Noticing AJ’s eyes lingering on him longer than usual, a wide grin cracked open before replying, “What? Don’t tell me you’re already homesick now are ya?”
Giving out a routine chuckle before climbing out the right side of the vehicle and onto his uncle’s driveway, he bid his dad a farewell. “Don’t worry dad, I know the second you get back home you’ll cry ‘till the neighbors complain.”
“Haha! Tell your uncle and the girls that I said hello for me will ya?” Shifting the car back into drive his dad then proceeded to continue down the road adjacent to him. AJ gazed at his dad’s arm waving at him. “See ya Sunday!”.
As the car got further and further away, it finally took a left turn before completely disappearing behind a few thick oak trees.
AJ wasted no time hauling himself up the long narrow driveway before climbing up a few granite filled steps that lead onto the front porch of the sizable abode. After ringing the doorbell and taking a few steps back, it wasn’t ten seconds before he heard a shrill, “Coming!” from inside.
Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.
That’s Shirley alright, boisterous as always.
The front door swung open much to AJ’s sudden shock. Surely he expected to see his small and cute younger cousin standing before him, although he wasn’t one hundred percent sure that was the case.
“AJ! So good to see you!”
The bewildered teen didn’t even get a chance to reply before being overwhelmed into a tight embrace. As quick as it came she ended the hug and stepped back, a wide and cheerful smile full of pearly whites plastered on her face.
Indeed it was Shirley standing in between the open door, with those unforgettable eye popping emerald green eyes and her light set of freckles that spread evenly along her nose and cheeks. The same dimple indented on her right cheek was further proof it was his cousin. AJ noticed her previously short chestnut colored hair that now hung down past her shoulders. Tan skin that replaced her previously pale one stood out in her tight black crop top.
It’s Shirley alright, and she’s changed. But more than that she’s-
Yes, certainly now after getting a better look at her he could see clearly now. Shirley had gotten, well, how should he put it...bigger.
Her rather large bosom accentuated further by her tight clothes combined with the way her bare waist blended perfectly with her wide hips, it shouldn’t have been possible that this was the same girl he saw last year.
“-can stop staring you know?”
AJ blinked once then refocused his eyes back onto Shirley’s face. “Huh?”
She gave out an annoyed huff, “I said you can stop staring, it’s kinda weirding me out.”
Replacing his bemused expression with a sly grin, he strut past his younger cousin and into the house. “Oh please, I wasn’t staring.”
Following AJ into the house, Shirley closed the door behind her.
“Umm, you totally were. Your eyes were bulging out your head while you were looking me up and down. You looked like such a creep.”
Taking his shoes off then setting his bag down on one of the living room couches, he flopped down next to his bag. “Whatever you say Sherry.”
“Ugh, you're still gonna call me that?” AJ could hear her rustling behind him in the kitchen, most likely grabbing some snacks.
“What do you mean? I always call you that.”
“Yea but...It’s starting to get old now. Don’t you think that name is a little childish?”
“Aw what?! But saying Shirley all the time is such a mouthful, it’s much easier saying Sherry don'tcha ya think?” Embarrassingly enough when they were both younger AJ thought her name was Sherry instead of Shirley. It wasn’t until he was around ten or so when Shirley questioned him as to why he kept calling her that. Realizing he had been getting her name wrong the whole time, he masterfully improvised the reason being nothing other than a cute nickname for her. That improvisation being something he (sadly) takes pride in to this day. “And what do you mean childish? It’s not childish for someone like you.”
Shirley walked over to the couch next to him and set down a bowl of caramel corn along with a few juice packets. She sat down beside him before turning her head at him with a look of annoyance.
“What’s that s’pose to mean? Someone like me?”
After leaning forward and popping a caramel glazed corn into his mouth, he continued. “I mean it suits your personality. Someone that’s giddy but also kinda an airhead. Kinda like that.”
Shirley’s look of annoyance quickly turned to one of hostility.
Shit, I didn’t mean it like that.
“Oh no, uh, what I meant was that Sherry not only sounds like Shirley but it also gives off that cute bubbly vibe you have. Not that you’re dumb or anything, er, I can call you Shirley if you really want.”
The hostile face died down to one that was a bit gloomy. “No it’s fine, I get it. You still see me as a little girl who’s over the top and everything. Looking back I guess I haven’t changed much really.”
Of course I manage to fuck up, why am I not surprised?
AJ thought of something to say to cheer her up. She’s probably annoyed that he still sees her as his annoying little cousin and hasn’t changed since. Noticing the way her back slightly arched on the couch and the curves that followed, he was reminded of exactly how much she’s changed.
“I wouldn’t say that Sherry.” A confused Shirley looked back to her older cousin, certainly curious as to what he was going to say this time.
“For one, your body matured a ton since I last saw you. You also got a bit taller and your skin’s got a nice tan on it. Not to mention you’ve got a nice rack now.”
Shirley’s eyes widened more than AJ’s when he first saw her at the door. A red tint spread across her freckled nose and cheeks before shouting out, “Wha wha-what are you saying?!”
“What? Are you serious? I’m saying that you got a hot bod and should be proud. I guarantee the guys at your school are checking you out-”
Shirley quickly stood up and cut him off. “Sh-shut up you weirdo! Why’re you saying such weird things?!” If she wasn’t blushing before, she definitely was now. “First you call me an airhead now you act like some kinda pervert?!”
“What do you mean pervert?! I was just trying to cheer you up!”
“How is saying i’ve ‘got a nice rack now’ supposed to cheer me up?!”
“I thought girls liked getting complimented on stuff like that! And you’re the one all sad about not changing!”
“Ugh!! Whatever, just stop talking! I’ll be in my room if you need me!”
Still standing up, Shirley turned on her heel and swiftly got out the room. Shortly after that AJ could hear her clambering up the carpeted stairs.
What was that? She didn’t care much when I made fun of her body before. But when I decide to compliment it for once she acts like that? The hell?
Not wanting to let the sour mood ruin his appetite, he quickly got back to snacking on the delicious caramel corn before searching for the remote somewhere on the couch. He figured he could watch something to pass the time.
After fishing out the remote from between some cushions, AJ flipped the T.V. on. Unsurprisingly enough it was set to the news channel. Right before he was about to change channels however he stopped himself when he realized just who was on the screen.
The man of steel himself, Superman.
This must be the press conference I heard about yesterday. It seems pretty hyped up because of Superman, I wonder-
AJ’s phone started vibrating in his pocket, interrupting his thoughts. Grabbing the remote again he muted the television then dug his phone out from his pants. Glancing at the screen he could see who was trying to call him. It was his uncle Jay.
Not wasting anymore time he hit the green pickup icon on the screen and held the phone up next to his ear.
“What’s up uncle Jay?”
“Hey AJ! Good to hear you. I’m just checking in to see if you’ve arrived yet.” AJ could hear the hum of the road in the background, it sounded like his uncle was in a car.
“Yea I was just with Sherry a little bit ago. She’s fun as always.”
“Haha, I’ll bet. Anyways, I’ll be home kinda late today. I’m finishing up a business of sorts but don’t worry. Sandra should be on her way sooner than me. I told her to pick up some food from outside when she arrives. Sounds good?”
“Oh yea that sounds great! Thanks for the heads up.”
There was a pause on the other end, giving time for AJ to realize that something was a little off during the call. His uncle almost sounded anxious, like he was worried about something. His voice over the phone was a little too forced, it was impossible for him not to notice. He could be imagining it though, after all, he hadn’t heard his uncle’s voice since he last called him a month ago.
“And AJ.”
AJ’s ears perked up when his uncle called his name again.
“Yeah?”
“There’s something I wanna show you when I get back. Think of it as a sort of surprise from me.”
A surprise? It’s not like it’s my birthday or anything. He hasn’t done something like this last year has he? But I’m pretty sure he hasn’t, so then what?
“Okay unc, sounds cool. I’ll see you then.”
“Alright AJ, take care.”
Just like that the call ended, leaving AJ to surmise what the surprise might be. Would it be an expensive gift, or money perhaps? Well it’s not like a secret that his uncle is well off in the wealth department. Then again the gifts he did receive from his uncle were usually a nice stack of benjamins that came along with a birthday card that etched a message from yours truly.
Yea, it’s most likely money or something. Can’t really think of any other surprises my uncle could come up with. Kinda sad to say that giving me money every time each year isn’t much of a surprise after all this time.
Content with his thoughts, AJ peered back at the T.V. screen and noticed that Superman was no longer the focus and in his place stood another tall man. This man however a similar build to the man of steel had the demeanor of someone totally opposite. Where Superman shines in his justice induced glory, the wealthy individual on the screen appeared as if he demanded your attention and you wouldn’t be able to look away. Bald and clad in expensive looking threads that would put even his uncle to shame, AJ couldn’t help but feel he’s seen this guy before.
Familiar and yet he could not piece his name together.
----------------------------------------
“Lex Luthor...damn that son of a bitch!”
After getting off the call with his nephew, Jayson Thomson sped his vehicle faster down the highway. He had unfinished business with the conniving individual.
He thinks he can get rid of me and I wouldn’t notice? Well that bastard has another thing coming!
Ignoring the speed limit Jayson increased the car’s momentum by pushing down the gas pedal further. Swerving past cars through the slightly congested road were the least of his worries.
Noticing the very building nearing in the distance, a sweat began to trickle down on Jayson’s forehead. He couldn’t mess up, there was zero room for error. He’s risking not only his life but the lives of his family’s as well.
It all comes down to today. Only God knows how everything will play out.