Lauriver Chronicles

Chapter 85

Later that night found Frank Bertinelli sitting in the interrogation room at the SCPD precinct, waiting for his lawyer to arrive, since he wasn't going to say a word to the police until then.

But someone else had other plans as the lights in the room flickered and when they came back, Green Arrow was standing in front of him.

"Like I told the cops, I'm not saying a word without my lawyer." Bertinelli said, since while he didn't think that would work, it was worth a shot.

"What makes you think you have a choice?" Green Arrow asked, taking a play from Batman's book.

"You won't do anything to me. After all, you're a hero." Bertinelli said.

"Maybe, but that just means I won't kill you. How injured you get, well that all depends on how much you cooperate." Green Arrow said as he slammed Bertinelli's head into the table he was chained too, giving him a bloody nose, for starters.

"What do you want to know?" Bertinelli asked, since he'd rather give the Green Arrow someone else to beat up instead of him.

"Why did your men attack Laurel Lance and her partner today? That's not just risky, it's stupid." Green Arrow snarled.

"I was following orders." Bertinelli said and he could tell that he'd piqued the Green Arrow's interest.

"I thought you were at the top of the food chain. Who gives you orders?" Green Arrow asked.

"The same guy that nearly all the crime bosses in this town answer too. Arcane." Bertinelli said.

"That's all you have for me? A codename?" Green Arrow asked.

"That's all I know. Arcane is super secretive, most of the underworld doesn't even believe he exists and the ones that do don't know anything about him. He keeps his face covered whenever he does make an appearance and he disguises his voice. No one knows who he is." Bertinelli said fearfully.

"Give me something that I can use and I'll let you be put into witness protection. Otherwise I'll see if I can just get you sent to Iron Heights, which we both know would be a death sentence for you, especially since you're a snitch." Green Arrow said.

"Look for the Dragon. He's Arcane's second in command and his proxy. He's the one I usually deal with." Bertinelli said.

"I've heard about the Dragon. A street name for a small-time crime boss." Green Arrow said.

"He was. Now he's number two of the largest criminal enterprise in this city." Bertinelli said.

"Do you have a real name for him?" Green Arrow asked.

"Diaz. That's all I know." Bertinelli said, hoping that was enough for him.

"I can work with that. Enjoy witness protection. Even though you don't deserve it." Green Arrow said as the lights flickered and again and he was gone.

"I see you had a visitor." Detective Quentin Lance said a few minutes later when he came to check on Bertinelli and smirked when he saw how bruised he was.

"You let that maniac in here." Bertinelli accused.

"I have no idea what you're talking about." Quentin said, since the SCPD had a policy of turning a blind eye to Green Arrow's interrogations, since he was a member of the Justice League and his methods could be effective. Besides, after what Bertinelli had done to his daughters and granddaughters today, Quentin wasn't feeling the most generous or protective of him.

Both the Arrow and Bat families were in the Barracks as they watched news reports about Bertinelli's arrest.

"Good riddance." Laurel said, since she and the others had been discharged from the hospital, they were all sitting around the conference table while the members of both teams who'd been involved in the raid were standing behind them.

"Agreed. The FBI is going to have a field day with this." Samantha said, since she had contacts with the FBI that told her that Bertinelli was a high priority target for them.

"While we at Argus got our own prey. Deathstroke is currently enroute to Belle Reve, he'll receive medical treatment there. We're pulling out all the stops to make sure that he doesn't escape." Sara said.

"Good. This was a good night for more than reason, since I also got some information about the real mastermind behind the attack. Apparently Star City has its own Kingpin of crime. I got a codename for them. Arcane." Oliver said.

"Wait, Arcane, are you sure?" Abby asked.

"That's the name Bertinelli gave me, why?" Oliver asked.

"Because I fought him when we rescued your mom from Deathstroke. He's one of the most powerful magicians I've ever fought." Abby said.

"Which means that taking him down is going to be harder than I thought. And it's already going to be hard, since Arcane worked hard to make sure no one knows his real identity. But I have a lead on his second in command. But we'll focus on that tomorrow. Tonight, let's enjoy this big win." Oliver said.

"Agreed. That was a big win. Honestly, I can't remember the last time I had this much fun in the field. Probably not since my days in the military." Jake said and Oliver chuckled.

"Well you're always welcome to join us Jake." Oliver said.

"Especially since Team Arrow is going to need a new Argus contact." Sara said, deciding now was the time to drop the news.

"What do you mean?" Laurel asked her sister.

"Ava got a call yesterday from the President, she wants Ava to transfer to the Argus HQ facility in DC, since she wants to keep a closer eye on the organization, so we're moving there at the end of the month. After the wedding, I made it clear that we are not leaving the city until the wedding I have been waiting for for years happens." Sara said.

"Thank you Sara and give Ava our congratulations, since this is a huge opportunity for her and you. I'll reach out to Diana in DC, see if there's room for White Canary to join her team there." Oliver said.

"Thanks Ollie." Sara said.

"We're gonna miss you though." Laurel said.

"I'll still be around. After all, Thea can't be the only aunt to teach your kids how to get in trouble." Sara said with a chuckle.