Lauriver Chronicles

Chapter 74

Tommy Merlyn was currently stewing in his safehouse in Corto Maltese, far away from Star City and from US extradition.

Ever since the Undertaking had been thwarted, he'd been forced to go into hiding, fleeing the country and due to that, the Thanatos Guild had abandoned him, since most of them were former members of League of Assassins who'd been poached by his father and now they were being hunted by the League too, due to the Undertaking violating the League's code of honor.

Tommy didn't have a whole lot of places to run right now anyways, since after he'd been exposed the US government had frozen all his assets and he was on the most wanted list of Argus, the CIA, the FBI, Interpol and nearly every other government on Earth and to add insult to injury, Merlyn Global Group had been acquired by and folded into Queen Consolidated by Oliver Queen. Just another thing his former best friend had taken from him. Though they'd only frozen his known assets, since Tommy had to give his father credit. He'd planned for this contingency and had set up secret accounts that while they weren't what he'd grown up with, they were enough for him to get by on, though he still needed to ration it out, since he'd be using a majority of his remaining funds for a different enterprise.

Until he'd proven himself worthy of leading the Thanatos Guild again, he'd need a smaller, more covert team to help him not only get his revenge on Oliver, but also continue what his father had started.

"Well, well, so this is where the infamous Prometheus has been hiding." a man's voice said and Tommy turned to see the first of his guests arrive. Floyd Lawton, aka Deadshot.

"Been awhile Lawton." Tommy said.

"Yeah, last time I saw you you'd put an arrow in my eye. Give me one reason I shouldn't return the favor?" Lawton asked angrily.

"Because back then I was just following my father's orders. And since I killed him, I'd say I got justice for you. Plus, before I had to go into hiding, I snagged something from my family's former company that should help make up for it." Tommy said as he pulled out a box and opened it to reveal an eye.

"So you stole me someone else's eye. I'm flattered, but you shouldn't have. Seriously, that's gross." Lawton said and Tommy rolled his eyes.

"It's a cybernetic prosthetic eye, originally designed to replace damaged eyes of soldiers, particularly snipers, developed by Merlyn Global Group. A little souvenir I took on my way out of Star City." Tommy said and now Lawton smirked.

"How enhanced are we talking?" Lawton asked and Tommy grinned.

"You'll never need a targeting scope again. The only issue is finding a doctor qualified to implant it, since there aren't many of those around here." Tommy said.

"Then it's a good thing you called me as well." China White said as she entered the house.

"Well, well, China White. What brings one of the most infamous members of the Chinese Triad here?" Lawton asked.

"She's been excommunicated from the Triad due to her failures against Green Arrow. I offered her a chance to reclaim her former glory." Tommy said.

"Especially since the Triad won't allow me to return until I've killed Green Arrow due to all the times he and his team have interfered in their affairs and they got me exiled. I look forward to returning the favor." China White said.

"So what do you have in mind?" Tommy asked.

"Dr. TO Morrow. This kind of thing is exactly up that mad scientist's alley." China said and Tommy nodded.

"My father and I kept tabs on Morrow's work and I agree. The only issue is finding him." Tommy said.

"Luckily, I still have a few contacts that can help with that, assuming you can make it worth their and my while. Beyond a promise of revenge." China said.

"I need proof of service before you get any money. Especially since my bank accounts aren't what they used to be. Though one of my operations should change that soon enough, thanks to the new head of the Scorpion Gang in Star City. A man who owes his freedom to me." Tommy said

"Ricardo Diaz. Aka the Dragon." China said and Tommy nodded.

"He was an associate of my father's and I helped him find a technicality to get out of prison and set him up as leader of the Scorpions." Tommy said.

"The Dragon has a reputation of not playing well with others. You think he can be trusted?" Lawton asked.

"Rule one of our trade, never trust anyone. At least you two have codes from what I've seen and you know how to take orders, as long as the price is right. Am I wrong?" Tommy asked.

"Nope." Lawton said.

"Sounds right to me." White confirmed.

"Diaz on the other hand, well, you control a guy like that by making him you. Before I put him in charge of anything, I beat the shit out of him and warned him that if I suspected he was getting any dumb ideas, I'd make him wish that I sent him back to prison, which I will do, but he just won't be in one piece." Tommy said.

"Damn, you really do have the man pegged." Lawton said, impressed.

"Maybe, but Mr. Merlyn still doesn't have all the resources he needs." a new female voice said and they all turned to see a young asian woman about Tommy's age walk in wearing some kind of red and black body suit that was similar to Green Arrow's.

"Who are you?" Tommy asked as he pulled out his sword.

"Relax. My name is Emiko Adachi and I'm here on behalf of the Ninth Circle. I believe we have much to discuss." Emiko said with a grin.