Sometimes A Surprise Is Just What You Need

Untitled Part 24

As Oliver, walked out the doors of the ballroom his eyes were immediately scanning the hall for Felicity. Where is she? As he walked around the corner to the right, Oliver froze, moving quickly to the wall. He could see a Chinese man who he recognized as China White's right hand standing about 10 yards away. He was a big man, his black hair pulled back into a ponytail, he had a knife pulled and was holding it to the throat of a small blonde woman. His blonde. Felicity. Oliver saw red

Felicity immediately started to struggle, however the guy who had grabbed her pricked her neck with his knife, causing her to still. In a heavy Chinese accent he spoke into her ear."You need to be more aware of your surroundings. You never know who might be lurking nearby. Now, if you so much as twitch or if a whimper escapes your lips, my knife will slit your throat from ear to ear."

Felicity's brain immediately started to run through scenarios. This was bad. Probably as bad a situation as she has ever been caught. The man ran his knife down Felicity's cheek, almost caressing it. "I am going to take you to China White. Let's see what lovely plans she has for you."

As he was about to move her forward, Felicity felt his arms fall away. Ducking quickly she turned to see Oliver, standing over the man. His eyes were distant as he felt around the man's chest, grabbing the knife and his phone. Then he looked up at Felicity. His face changed from anger, to relief as he grabbed her arms, pulling her into a tight embrace. Felicity wanted to melt into his arms and never let go. But she knew they did not have enough time.

Leaning back she spoke quickly, "Oliver, China White is back in the ballroom, and she has a bomb detonator. I was following her and was about to let everyone know when this goon grabbed me."

There were so many things Oliver wanted to say at this moment, but he knew they would have to wait, and Felicity could see in his eyes, that they would definitely be having a discussion later. Tapping his comm, Oliver spoke quickly. "I have Felicity. Do any of you have eyes on China White? She has a bomb detonator, so we do not have time to waste."

Felicity heard John's voice in her ear. "Copy that Oliver, I have eyes on her."

"John, be careful. There are probably more Triad members here and they will be keeping an eye on her. One had Felicity by the neck when I found her. He is down now." Oliver looked at Felicity when he spoke, the concern still evident in his eyes, his voice tight as he reached forward slowly to her neck. Pulling his hand away, she could see blood on his hand. Am I bleeding?

Reaching up Felicity felt a wetness on her neck. The guy must have nicked her. She would have to worry about that later.

Oliver gave her one more long, searing look, before turning and dragging the guy out the door to the alley. Laying him by the dumpster, he returned, and headed toward the ballroom, Felicity was right behind him.

John and Lyla slowly worked their way closer to China. She had slid into the room, keeping to the back in the shadows. Speaking softly, John spoke into the comms. "Lyla and I are in close proximity. We are going to try to get the detonator." Heard four voices respond back with copy.

Using subtle hand signals from the military he knew Lyla would understand, he and Lyla split up. She moved to China's right while he went left. Seeing an opportunity Lyla immediately moved. Grabbing China White's hand, she applied pressure, the remote falling to the floor. China immediately twisted, knocking Lyla to the ground as she turned and disappeared out the door. John moved quickly to Lyla's side.

"Are you ok?"

Lyla grimaced, standing slowly, then she held out her hand, showing him the remote. "We all are", she said with a smile.

John grabbed her hugging her tight. Then pressing his comm he informed the rest of the team that the threat had been eliminated, but that China White had escaped. He told them all to convene in the lobby, and moved quickly towards the doors holding Lyla's hand tight.

Everyone moved to the lobby. Roy and Slade were the last two to arrive, Shado close to Slade's side. She knew what he did, and had always proven herself trustworthy, standing at his side supportive, but quiet. Unfortunately when Roy had heard Felicity on the comms, he had to tell Thea that he had to go. She had smiled, and leaned in kissing him on the lips before telling him to call her and handing him her number.

Oliver and Felicity walked up, Roy immediately walking up to Felicity and touching her neck. "Blondie your bleeding!"

"I'm ok Roy", Felicity said, giving him a warm smile. "It's just a flesh wound. One of China White's goons surprised me." Felicity felt Oliver tense next to her. Looking up she could see his jaw ticking.

"Roy can you go take care of the guy that had Felicity. He's laying in the alley, near the trash cans. I pinched his phrenic nerve, causing him to lose consciousness but he will be awake soon. Take him to the SCPD. We can have Agent Lance run down there tomorrow and question him."

Roy nodded, "With pleasure", he said as his eyes turned to steel. If he got in a few punches after the guy woke up, who would be the wiser?

Oliver turned back to Slade. "I am going to get Felicity home. Go home and get some rest." Turning to Lyla and John he gave them a curt nod. "Good job guys."

Oliver, Felicity, John and Lyla all headed to the limo. Slade and Shado headly out shortly after, his arm tight around Shado's shoulders.

They dropped Lyla and John off at John's apartment before heading back to Felicity's apartment. Oliver had been silent the whole ride. She could tell he was biting his tongue and knew she would probably get an earful when they got to her apartment. That was not exactly the way she has envisioned their night ending.