Chapter 8 - live wire

The sound of the electricity crackling through the line was almost deafening as he deftly stepped in front of Lois. He didn't think. He didn't have to. He was there, and so was she…but there was no time to try to cover-up his abilities.

"Clark!" Lois screamed, as the power line landed dead center in his chest.

Clark wrapped one hand around the burning end that had seared a whole in his white dress shirt, so much for no evidence…and with the other hand, yanked the remaining wire loose from the building. With the power severed, the line went dead in his hands, but continued to glow a faint red-orange from the burnt rubber and wiring. At super-speed he tossed the wire away from the alley.

Clark glanced over the rims of his glasses at the two workmen who'd scuttled for safety behind their truck. The one still in the cherry-picker peaked over the rim at his comrades.

"Are you alright over there?" Clark asked, not realizing that his voice had pitched lower, authoritatively. When the men nodded, apparently more worried about themselves and their job, than with the man who'd just caught a blazing power line, Clark drew in a deep breath.

Oh, God. Please…tell me she closed her eyes. I can't believe I let this happen again! He swallowed and turned very slowly to the woman behind him.