And yet another blaze, presumably a case of arson...
has drawn firefighters to the West River area.
Six in the last 24 hours, yet the Metropolis fire department officials have no leads.
There is a custodian trapped inside...
the West River Garment Company building on the top floor.
The engine ladders aren't tall enough to reach him.
And the building stairwells are engulfed in flames.
There doesn't appear to be a way to get him out.
- It's him. - Superman.
There he is!
Hey, Superman!
It seems that Superman has been able to reach the man in question.
- You'll be okay now. - Superman!
You've been helping the fire department all day.
- Any idea who is behind this? - No. We're too busy fighting them.
There are rumors that the arsons may be gang-related. Any comment?
I'm sure the authorities are doing everything to find out.
Now, if you'll excuse me.
Superman! Thank you!
You got nothing.
But, Johnny. Last night you said I had talent.
Last night you did. Next!
- We have a situation. - I'm busy.
There was another fire, this time at Rudy's place.
- I'll take care of it. - Rudy pays us for protection.
- I said I'll take care of it. - How?
You really wanna help me in the Metro Organization?
You know I do.
Then put on some tap shoes. I need a new chorus girl.
Come on, I said next. Come on.
Hey, you, with the legs. The long legs.
Yeah. You. Come here.
Baby cakes. You're in.
Sorry, girls. Better luck next time.
- It's too dangerous. - Not for me.
Look, it's very simple. The Metro gang controls West River.
West River is on fire. Only West River. So I am going undercover to find out why.
Those guys aren't just club owners, they're gangsters.
Gangsters, you know?
Cement shoes, sleeps with the fishes, that kind of thing.
This is cold. Thank you for your concern, but no thanks.
- Chief! - What's up, Kent.
Please. Talk some sense into her, would you?
You ever try to milk a steer?
Lois. What's the problem today?
The problem is that Clark here would rather lose the scoop...
on the West River fires, than have me take a few little chances.
Lois.
If I'm an investigative journalist, I've gotta be able to investigate, right?
- A scoop? - A sure thing.
You know, Kent...
it's always been my policy to back my reporters 1,000%.
I mean, if you went up there and opened those windows...
and told me that you could fly, I'd back you up.
I'd miss you, but I'd back you up.
Thanks, Chief.
Doesn't mean you shouldn't be careful.
You should have discussed this with me before...
you took this on. We're a team.
Sometimes players have to wait on the bench...
while other players run with the ball.
You're in over your head on this one, Lois.
If you can't stand the heat, stay out of the story.
Besides, I'm first and foremost a professional...
and I would never do anything to compromise my personal safety...
or the integrity of my work.
Lois, this just came for you.
The dry cleaner said he had a terrible time with...
the feathers.
Schools, shops, restaurants, theaters, offices, apartments.
A self-contained community.
A giant step forward in urban reawakening.
A bright new jewel in Metropolis's crown.
Mr. Luthor.
Aren't you worried about making such an investment in the West River area now?
No.
What about the fires? Even Superman can't keep up with them.
Superman's made a valiant effort. Unfortunately, he's failed.
I suppose that proves he's only human.
West River is currently a blight on the face of our fair city.
Lex Harbor will change all of that.
How do you respond to accusations that...
coercion was used to pressure the city council...
to approve this project without appropriate study?
Well, I don't respond to accusations, Mr. Kent.
I'm more concerned with results.
I believe with Lex Harbor, we can take Metropolis...
back from the criminal elements...
and the gang influence that apparently even Superman can't control.
Good day.
When you're not on stage, you're out here taking orders.
If you hold the tray like this then you'll always have one hand free for protection.
Protection?
Eyes ain't the only things that wander in this joint.
Better give them something to wet their whistle with...
or I'll be back at the truck stop slinging hash.
Let me. I could use the practice.
- They tip big. - There's $20 in it for you.
- Rocco. - Yeah?
Tell the Robertson boys they got one week to pay up.
- Then you take care of it. You got it? - Okay, Johnny.
Next. Lou. Numbers.
Take is down this week, Johnny.
Less street traffic on account of the fires, which...
I think it's time we start talking about.
You just worry about your own problems.
We're the Metros.
Nobody's gonna touch us. Not as long as I'm running things.
- I'll take care of the fires. - How?
What?
How are you going to take care of the fires?
- Thirsty, boys? - Yeah. Thank you.
Over here, gorgeous.
So, where were we?
You were telling us how you would deal with the fires.
You got something to say, save it for later.
Why shouldn't I say it now?
Because you don't talk in meetings, that's why.
Maybe I should start.
You hear that?
Let me tell you something, Miss M.B.A.
All that piece of paper means is, you do the books and stay outta business.
Stay out of business and watch it go down the drain.
Sure. Okay. Go on.
Tell us all how stupid we are.
Not stupid. Inefficient. Misdirected. Out of date.
Still doing nickel-and-dime gangster stuff.
It was good enough for Pop.
Poppa would be the first to say it's time to move on.
He would be the first to tell you to get a good husband...
start having babies, and leave the real work to the men.
That's what he did tell me to do, Johnny.
Only he didn't realize you would destroy it all. The old days are over.
The rackets are dead. But we've still got a chance.
We've got an organization, and we have influence.
We could be legitimate and make twice as much money.
Yeah. We got an organization.
Look out!
And I'm still the head of it.
Just what we need. A cool head in charge.
Where'd everybody go?
Beer.
- What are you doing here? - I came to see the show.
You will ruin everything.
Looks like you're real close to the story.
I am. I spent the entire afternoon...
with the leader of the Metros in his inner sanctum.
Wearing this?
And who are you supposed to be? Popeye, the Sailor Man?
Five minutes.
- Go away. - I'm here to back you up.
- I don't need backup. - I think you do.
- How'd you get so close to this guy? - He's a man. I'm a woman.
You want me to draw you a diagram?
Places. That means you, sweet thing.
What did you find out so far?
Johnny and his sister don't exactly see eye to eye.
Some sort of power struggle going on. Now fly.
And miss your debut? I think I'll stick around.
You will stick out like a sore thumb.
Thanks for worrying, but...
Let's go!
I think you're on, "sweet thing."
Whiskey. Make it a double.
Another one.
- It'll hit you like a ton of bricks, pal. - Alcohol never effects me.
Sure.
Besides, it can't be any worse than what's already...
happened to me today. Hit me again.
Don't you wanna know what happened?
I got fired. That's what. Thrown off my ship, just like that.
Here again it's Toots and the Fabulous Metro Dancers.
Any job openings? I've done some bartending.
- I don't think so. - Why not?
- You're not the type. - What's that supposed to mean?
- Excuse me. Is there a problem here? - No. No problem.
I was just asking your man here about a job.
I'm afraid we don't have any openings at this time.
I'm also afraid I'm going to have to ask you to leave.
We have a very strict dress code here at the Metro Club.
Johnny! You're a dead man!
- Out. Everybody out! - Come on. Let's get out of here.
- Clark, are you okay? - Yeah.
Who were those guys?
I think we've just been introduced to the Toasters.
Beat it, kid.
First thing we gotta do is find out who they are...
and arrange for a little payback.
- I don't think so. - Hey, I'm talking here.
Not anymore. You can't keep working like that.
They hit us, we hit them. It's never gonna stop.
- I've had it with your mouth. - And I've had it with your stupidity.
I'm not gonna let you destroy the organization our father built.
Not gonna let me? How're you gonna stop me?
I think I already have.
She's right, Johnny. We all have to make a living.
You should've seen this coming, Johnny. Now it's too late.
Says who?
If that's the way you guys feel about it, I'll...
You need a vacation. Get him out of here.
Come on, Johnny, let's go.
I know that some of you would like to go back to the way...
things were when my father was alive. That's not gonna happen.
We have an opportunity to take this organization to the next level.
Out of the back room, into the boardroom.
Any of you who disagree are welcome to join Johnny in retirement.
Any questions?
Good. Let's get to work.
Have you already sent that article on the Toasters down to copy?
I'm just putting the finishing touches on it now.
Drumstick?
I swear, if you breathe a word of that to anyone...
You said something about the article?
Yes. Stop the presses. They've just had a big meeting...
Johnny is out and his sister, Toni, is taking over.
If we hurry we can get it in the afternoon edition.
- Lois... - Clark, I'm on a deadline.
Professional, but naughty. I like it.
So, I guess if Johnny's out, so is your plan.
Don't be ridiculous. I'm perfectly placed.
Well, I might be, too.
What are you talking about?
Toni asked me to meet her at the club this afternoon.
For what?
Well, I'm a man she's a woman...
would you like me to draw you a diagram?
Lois.
How's the undercover work coming?
Fine, Chief.
Well, I didn't think you'd chicken out on me.
Since when is Metro business front page news?
Since the Toasters declared war on us.
This says that Johnny is out and I'm the new head of the Metros.
That information can only come from inside.
Could Johnny have leaked the story?
I put him on a plane, just like you said, with an escort.
Then it's someone else. Find him. Fast. We can't afford this kind of exposure.
Toni. It's the guy from last night. You said you wanted to see him?
Send him over.
Lou.
You skip.
- I've changed my mind. - About what?
The dress code. It doesn't apply to men who save my life.
Good. 'Cause these are the only clothes I've got.
Maybe we can change that.
I didn't come here for a handout.
- You said you had a job for me? - Bartender, right?
- Mister... - King. Charles King.
Charlie. Yeah. You look like a Charlie.
- You were very brave last night. - You needed help.
Are you always that cool under fire?
- Try me. - I might.
But for now, let's just start with bartending.
Keep your eyes and ears open and we'll see about moving you up.
- You're the boss. - I hope so.
Excuse me. I don't mean to disturb you, but we got a small problem.
Toots just quit. Says she's scared that the Toasters could come back.
- Does she have a contract? - Yeah, of course.
Then sue the sequins off her, and get us a new singer.
Done.
So. When do I start? Boss.
As soon as you get yourself a shave and something appropriate to wear.
Welcome to the Metro Club.
- Soda, please. - Coming right up.
- What are you doing here? - My job.
You're looking at the Metro Club's newest bartender.
- Charlie. - Charlie?
- I hardly recognized you. - Join the club.
Just getting to know the help.
Not too well, I hope.
Beat it, kid. I gotta get to work.
Long Island Iced Tea with a squeeze of lime.
- How did you guess? - I asked.
Initiative. I like that.
Lou tells me you're having a problem with the freezer?
No problems.
You hear about the Toasters' latest stunt?
Burned a police station to the ground about a couple blocks from here.
Bad for business. They're out of control. They've got to be stopped.
What're you gonna do about it?
Not that it's any of my business.
I just don't like anything dangerous getting too close to you.
- That's quite a line you've got. - I mean every word.
Good evening. Miss Taylor's expecting me.
We'll talk some more about this later. Right now you just stay there...
and look handsome. I've got some business to discuss.
Welcome to the Metro Club.
Thank you.
I trust things are running smoothly, Miss Taylor?
Everything's under complete control.
- Shall we talk over a drink? - Yes. I'd like to.
Luthor.
Anything I should know about here in West River?
Don't you think it's better to be surprised?
No, I don't. Ever.
I'm concerned about the Toasters.
You want to talk business before we have a drink?
Ladies and gentlemen, the Metro Club proudly presents Miss Lola Dane.
- All right! - Bravo!
Brava!
Lois?
- Did you see him? - Of course I saw him.
Get out of here. Don't even stop to get your things.
He's a friend of mine. He wouldn't hurt me or let anything slip.
I don't trust him.
- What's he doing here anyway? - I don't know.
Next time I see him, I'll ask him.
- So this is how you spy on the meetings. - Yes.
I'll teach you some of my other tricks.
But right now I have to get ready for my next number.
Interesting place for a bartender. Run out of olives?
Here she is. Your leak.
Lois Lane, reporter for the Daily Planet.
I guess I'm gonna have to find myself another singer.
Good work.
What do you want me to do with her?
Come on.
You'll pay for this, Kent, I swear.
It's King, remember?
Benedict Arnold is more like it.
Get that trash outta here.
- I had no choice. - You had a choice.
You could have pretended we were sharing a moment of passion.
But you didn't think of that, did you?
No. But I'll remember that the next time we're in a closet.
Don't even think about it.
- It's for your own good, believe me. - No!
And stay out.
Guess we won't be hearing from her no more.
Speak for yourself.
You rotten, backstabbing piece of slime.
You know, some people might be fooled by that innocent boyish exterior.
- But not me. Not anymore. - Tea, Lois?
It's a calming herbal blend. I learned it from a medicine man in Fiji.
The secret is the fresh mint.
I don't suppose you care, but you have completely blown the story.
I had no choice. Now Toni will stop looking for a leak.
At least my cover's still safe.
Well, merry Christmas and happy new year.
Sometimes on a team, the person carrying the ball...
gets hemmed in and she has to hand off to another...
member who's in a better position to score.
- You better go. She's here. - Who? How do you know who it is?
Because I'm expecting a dinner date.
Toni.
I get it. You don't have to draw me a diagram.
- You're jealous. - Jealous? Are you out of your mind?
You better hide, Lois. She can't see you here.
I don't want to hide.
Look, I'll find some way to distract her, and then you sneak out.
Once again, I'm in your debt.
I thought I'd pay you back with a home-cooked meal.
How does lasagna sound?
Delicious.
- Nice place. - It belongs to a friend of mine.
He lets me stay here whenever I'm in Metropolis.
- You know, you don't have to do this. - I want to.
- You always get what you want? - Not always.
- How about you? - Let's see.
- You don't waste any time, do you? - Not if I can help it.
You say something about lasagna?
Jealous.
That'll be the day.
Like I really care.
I am jealous.
- Let's do it. - I beg your pardon?
That song request. Let's do it.
Let's fall in love
- My singing career is over. - Why? You were magnificent.
Oh, it was just an act.
No, I prefer to think it was the real you. Passionate. Sultry. Seductive.
Say, got an extra spoon?
Come in.
Well, it's exactly how I pictured your apartment.
Actually, I was thinking of remodeling.
- Thanks for not blowing my cover. - Well, that's what friends are for.
Tonight you look as though you could use one.
Lex, what were you doing at the club?
I was meeting with the new leader of the Metro gang.
She called me. According to her...
we have similar interests in the West River district.
- I find that hard to believe. - So do I, but she talks a good line.
Slum clearance, uplifting the neighborhood...
micromanagement, growth and prosperity.
- Do you believe her? - Not for a minute.
I think the whole thing was designed to get me to slow down...
my own plans for reviving the area.
She even suggested...
a partnership of sorts.
Lex.
- What're you doing here? - I came to warn you.
- I think Toni's hiding something. - What?
I wish I knew.
I know that if I were a smart reporter looking for answers...
Iooking for the source of all the problems in West River...
I wouldn't look any further than Toni Taylor.
Thanks for the tip. I guess I owe you one.
Don't think I won't try to collect.
Good night.
You are a great cook.
My father's idea of higher education was a summer at the Cordon Bleu.
I thought you went to business school.
I did. After he died.
I really miss him.
The only thing I ever wanted was to have him be proud of me.
I'm sure he would have been. You're picking up where he left off.
Only after my brother almost ruined us.
He just never thought big enough.
Unlike you.
Look, Charlie.
I don't want to run a crime syndicate. I want to run a conglomerate.
We have the organization and the structure for legitimate business.
Sounds like a good plan.
If I can just get past this thing with the Toasters.
You will.
With my help.
Maybe, but not tonight.
I have a previous engagement.
Disappointed?
It just gives me something to look forward to.
You're full of surprises, Charlie.
Spare change?
Thank you, too.
- Is this really necessary? - You got the money?
- $100,000. - You said $200,000.
After the way you botched the hit on my brother, you're lucky I came.
Do you know I could have been killed?
Yeah. That would've been a real shame.
Don't forget who's running this show.
The fires were supposed to stop when I took over.
What do you think you've been doing?
Having fun.
Well, the fun stops now. I want the Toasters back.
I don't think so. We kind of decided to hold onto them for a while.
- Listen, punk... - No. You listen to me for a change.
You and the Metros, you're nothing.
We could wipe you out just by pulling a trigger.
- I made you. - And we are so grateful.
Wrap her up.
The four of you against the Metros. You don't have a chance.
Why just four? Why not 40, or 400?
Recruiting's a snap.
Plenty of guys love to see things burn.
- You don't have the weapons. - Not yet.
But we'll figure out how to make more.
We're not as dumb as you may think.
- Anything? - Nah.
You wouldn't believe how big the rats get around here.
No. I'd believe it.
What now? What about me?
Well, we got a little barbecue planned for tomorrow.
We thought we'd start at the wharf...
and work our way back up to the Metro Club.
When we're done with that, we'll get back to you.
If the rats don't get to you first.
Keep an eye on her.
All right. I see you.
And I'm gonna get you if you cause any more trouble.
Your little tail is mine.
Lois, what's up?
Tough night, Clark? Where's the phone?
It's right there.
- I thought I was hard on clothing. - Would you stop that?
Get me whoever's in charge of the Arson Investigation Unit.
No, I won't hold. I said...
What's happened? Where were you?
Sleeping with a rat. How about you?
- Lois, Toni left here about 10:00... - I know.
Yes, I'm holding. No, don't.
- How do you know? - Because I followed her.
This is going to come as a shock to you, but Toni is behind the Toasters.
Or she was behind them. Now they've got her held captive.
What?
The Toasters are completely out of control.
They plan to burn West River to the ground...
starting with the wharf and moving inward unless...
someone picks up this rotten line.
We are now over what appears to be to this reporter...
Lois. Put down the phone.
You won't get through.
As of yet, I can see no fire apparatus on the scene.
I'm going to the police station.
They need to know what they're up against. Meet me at the Planet.
Superman, I hope you're out there.
Terence Baker for Lex Comm News.
I'd like to propose a toast.
Let's cook.
You know what they say about people who play with fire?
Yeah, they get burned.
It's about time someone cooled you guys off.
- You can't leave us like this. - The police are on their way.
I'm sure they'll have a nice toasty cell waiting for you.
Well. It's about time.
How the mighty have fallen.
Save the speeches. Just untie me.
I don't think that would do either of us much good.
- We had a deal. - No. We had a plan.
It seems to have turned out a little bit better for me than it did for you.
I was able to pick up all the real estate I need for Lex Harbor.
At, shall we say, fire sale prices, thanks to the Toasters.
Whereas you, my dear, had it all in the palm of your hand.
The Metros, West River, the future as a legitimate entrepreneur.
And you got careless.
You let a reporter...
come between you and an empire.
I'll tell everyone you're behind the Toasters.
No, I don't think you'll do that.
You're intelligent. You know my power extends well beyond the normal reach.
Even to Metropolis's Women's Prison.
No, Toni. You'll take the blame...
you'll do your time, I'll keep my eye on things here in West River.
When they let you out, maybe I'll let you back into the game.
You're a dangerous man, Lex.
I never realized how dangerous until now.
Well, thank you, my dear. Thank you very much.
And welcome to big business.
- How'd you find me? - I had a tip.
We've got to get out before the Toasters come back.
Superman already took care of it.
- Looks like you came through for me. - Looks like you let me down.
I had to create a situation that would allow me to take over the Metros.
- There was no other way. - There's always another way.
- Charlie, please. - My name's not Charlie.
It's Clark Kent. I work at the Daily Planet.
- I guess both of us were hiding the truth. - Yeah.
So. What happens now?
I think you know.
Can I talk you out of it?
I guess not.
I'll miss you, Charlie.
Every parcel on the list. Excellent.
Let's move directly to phase two.
I'd like to break ground on Lex Harbor sometime next month.
Well, I wouldn't worry about that. Toni Taylor and I have an arrangement.
The weapons? Destroy them. The plans, too.
Should we ever need to revive the Toaster technology...
it should be easy enough.
Hi.
Where've you been? I already finished the story.
Save room for a sidebar on Toni Taylor. I've just been saying goodbye.
A touching farewell, I suppose.
- She wasn't all bad. - Well, nobody's all bad, Clark. Or all good.
- Except Superman. - Naturally.
Superman wouldn't cut me out of the story...
by ratting on me to the opposing team.
It's good I got myself back into the game and scored the winning touchdown.
Well, sometimes the quarterback has to fake a throw...
to his primary receiver, to free up his secondary target.
I'm tired of fumbling around with all these football metaphors.
Me, too. I pass.
- Let's drop the ball. Okay? - Okay.
But tell me, honestly.
You weren't the slightest bit jealous of me and Toni Taylor?
You'd like that, wouldn't you?
Me, home alone, in a shlumpy robe...
crying into a tub of Rocky Road.
In your dreams, Kent.
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