There is a particular date circled on Lee's personal calender for two years. Today. True to his word, he's stayed away from the Kent farm, and concentrated on building his own business (seperate from his father's) out of the family mansion. It's still got a ways to go before he can even think about challenging Lex Luthor's stranglehold on Metropolis business, of course, but sooner or later he'll get there.

Today, however, all of his attention is focused making sure the dinner reservations are in place at several restaurants, and that his staff is on alert in case Jessica opts for a home cooked meal. Lee looks himself over in the mirror one last time, knowing he excells at the casual dressy look, before swiping the single rose off the dresser and heading down to the car.

Thirty minutes later, he's pulling into the driveway of the Kent farm, careful not to block anyone's access to the exit (including his own) and making his way up to the porch.

Knock, knock, Jessica. Your date is here.

Two weeks to the day and Lee is back. He's well aware this is Jessica's night to help out at the Talon, how many other waitstaff are on duty, and the precise moment she gets off shift. This is why town residents will see the tall, lanky Luthor leaning against his car just outside the coffee shop.

Though he suspects very few know about the roses in the passenger seat. Those are reserved just for Jess.

Lee Luthor isn't quite a permenant fixture around town. He's got his little haunts, most of which involve walking across family land, and the mansion refurbished to look as it did in his grandfather's time (oh, yes, he is well aware of how Lionel died). The 'poor little rich boy' also likes to tear around in an SUV through back roads, which is a handy excuse for re-learning the lay of the land.

It's what helped him return the eldest Kent spawn to her family without being seen doing so.

And that's what brings him to the Talon, aside from locals raving about the drinks and the service. He ducks in through the door (6'4" makes for occasional head-meets-doorframe aches) and looks around for the blonde.

Only to see the younger twin behind the counter. She's tall. Nice ass, too, not that he'll ever say that outloud. Still...

"One mocha latte and a blueberry muffin."

The door of the truck is open, with no one paying attention to where the driver is. They're all in the line of fire; i.e, waiting to transport an unconscious half-alien from one holding cell into padded cuffs in the back of said truck. From there, Brainiac intends to ship her overseas, where Lex Luthor won't be able to interfere (again) with his plans for the House of El.

No one notices the tall man slipping into the drivers seat until its too late, and the real driver is found an hour later, unconscious and tied up in one of the nearby warehouses. By then, the truck is pulling onto the road that leads to a farmhouse held by one family for generations, with a break of a few years in which someone else tried to hold it.

The unconscious woman is eased out of the restraining cage, though it costs her rescuer a goodly amount of pain, and left --braceletless-- propped up on the front porch. He doesn't know exactly how long he has before he's noticed, prompting the stranger (though, really, he expects to be recognized and detained with every breath) back into the truck, and out of the driveway.

What's important is that Zoe Kent has been returned to her family. Who brought her back isn't important, right?

Lee Luthor certainly hopes so.