The Emerald

Chapter 18 - News

"You guys have made us so late!" Felicity said as soon as Roy and Oliver entered the lair. "We were supposed to be at the Mansion twenty minutes ago. Your mom's going to kill us!"

"Felicity, I don't think mom's going to be that mad." Thea said with a laugh as she hugged Roy, subtly checking to make sure he was still in one piece. "Besides, I texted her to let her know we were running late. I don't think she'll make a big deal out of it now that she knows."

"Thea's right Felicity." Oliver said as he placed his bow back in the case. "Don't worry about it. Roy and I will change and we can go." He smiled at her just before placing a small kiss on her lips.

It only took the men five minutes to be ready to leave again and they were soon on their way to the Queen Mansion. Thea and Oliver had been right, there was no need to worry. When they walked in the front door of the mansion they were each greeted with a hug from Moira.

"Sorry we're late mom." Oliver said as he returned her hug.

"I assume it was unavoidable." Moira commented with a smile.

"Yes, we got a call from a friend who needed to talk." Oliver explained vaguely. He noticed the questioning look from Felicity and simply gave her a look that said they would talk later.

The group moved to the dining room where the Lance family and Walter were gathered.

"Everything good on the Arrow front?" Lance asked, curious as to whether or not it was a new case that had kept the group.

"Everything's fine Detective." Oliver smiled, happy that he no longer had to hide the truth or make his sorry excuses. He was finally able to be honest with those in this room and it had taken a huge load off of his shoulder.

"Does that mean we can eat then? Because I'm starving!" Roy commented as he smelled the delicious food in the kitchen.

Everyone laughed as they sat down to enjoy a nice leisurely dinner with friends and family.

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"David Wilson has arrived sir." Andrew told his boss as he escorted the man into the office.

"Wonderful!" The Dealer said with glee as he rose to shake David's hand. "Good to see you again David."

"Sir." David answered, clearly ready to get to the point. "I understand that you have a job for me?"

"Yes, there is a concert in this auditorium tomorrow." The Dealer told the man as they walked over to look at the blueprints spread out on the table. "I want you to blow it up."

"How large of an explosion would you like?" David asked with a smile, already planning out the bomb in his head.

"As large as you want! I'm trying to get someones attention with it." The Dealer answered. He wanted to make sure that this would draw out the Arrow. He knew David would not fail him.

"I'll need some supplies." David commented distractedly as he looked over the blueprints before him.

"I'll give you a list of places you can find what you need." The Dealer informed him. "You can get anything you want in this town... you just have to know where to look."

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Detective Lance was excited to finally share his news. He had managed to wait until they were well into the meal, however the excitement was officially too much to bear.