Lessons: Becoming the Green Arrow

Episode 9 - Records (Part 2)

Episode 9 - Records (Part 2) 

AN - This picks up right after the end of Part 1 so Team Arrow is working on dealing with the embezzlement allegations made by John Deleon.  

DISCLAIMER - No overnight success, I do NOT own CW's Arrow or any DC Comics villain!

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"Of course, I can spin this Mr. Diggle. I have been taking meetings with the QC Board lately and you have support there. There are others who owe me favors. How much time do you need?" Walter smiled broadly and ignored Oliver's words as he was grateful for the opportunity to be included in their plan and to help his stepson. 

Everyone turned to Felicity who after nodding at Oliver spoke calmly. "I'll need a week."

With the Plan in place, Team Arrow, Walter, and even Detective Lance worked to do their part during the week that Felicity requested. Oliver held the press conference simply stating that the charges were baseless, but that he would fully cooperate with any investigation as it would prove his innocence. Walter granted an exclusive interview to a well-known and respected journalist friend of his and he used the opportunity to enthusiastically defend his stepson. He also took several private meetings and shored up support in the business community and even QC. Lance continued to filter intel to Felicity as he was trapped on desk duty until he received medical clearance. Team Arrow continued to protect the city at night while Felicity worked her magic in cyberspace tracking the hacker. 

Things were actually going according to Plan for once so Oliver was surprised when Walter reached out to him once again. He was further surprised when his stepfather requested a private meeting immediately and asked that he not provide details to Felicity. Oliver reluctantly agreed even though he planned to update Felicity and the Team afterwards. 

"Walter, is something wrong?" Oliver bypassed pleasantries when Walter joined him at the bar. It was clear the older man was troubled and that put Oliver on edge. 

Walter looked around suspiciously before sliding a folder over to Oliver. He had stopped reading its contents after the first page but he knew there was enough there to cause problems for Oliver and Felicity. 

Oliver's brow furrowed as he checked the mirror behind the bar for threats before directing his attention to the folder. He barely hid his surprise when he realized that it was a copy of Felicity's juvie record. He flipped through the pages without reading the details as he tried to suppress his anger. Oliver gritted his teeth and fought for a bland tone when he spoke. 

"How did you get this? Did you read it?" 

"I didn't read it." Walter quickly assured his stepson as despite the bland tone he could see the muscle tic in Oliver's jaw. He continued even though Oliver looked back to the mirror behind the bar. "I've been speaking to the QC Board and Deleon interrupted this evening's meeting to give it to me. He told me it was only a copy but that he wanted you to have it." Walter didn't share all the other rubbish Deleon mentioned such as Felicity sticking around QC to work for Oliver after Walter was gone as she clearly learned the tricks early. He had already witnessed how protective Oliver was so he had decided to withhold those details. 

Oliver growled under his breath as he pictured putting an arrow or two or three through Deleon. 

"Listen Oliver, I can help you bury this but with the embezzlement accusations as well...I'm sorry but you might not be able to get QC back right now." Walter hated to admit that he only had so much leverage but it was an unfortunate truth. 

"Felicity comes first. I'll do what I can for QC but this is more important. Do whatever you need to do to protect her." Oliver wasn't worried about QC as instead he was already working on a plan to allow him to visit Deleon as the Arrow.