Ch 2 – The Real Oliver Queen

AN: Thank you all for the wonderful response and encouragement (love, love, love reviews/ faves/ follows)! Let's hope this version of Det Lance doesn't disappoint! We are still working toward a little more Team Arrow action and interaction but I had to lay the groundwork for their mission. Still from Lance's POV.

Disclaimer: Still not mine and still no profit being made!


It couldn't be, could it? Could Queen be the Arrow?

Was she part of the reason both Queen and the Arrow had changed? Maybe I do need to stop by the club myself and speak to Ms. Smoak in person instead of just returning her call.

Even as he thought that the call came in – "Explosion at Queen Consolidated – reports of hostages taken. Units rn route."

Grabbing his phone he returned Felicity's call only to hear her voicemail immediately answer.

Lance arrived on the scene several minutes later and was forced to pause in the midst of utter chaos. He had seen such traumatic scenes before but that did not mean he didn't feel the impact of this particular one so reminiscent of the Glades destruction. Thoughts of that night brought Felicity to his mind again as she was the one helping him protect the others, Where are you Ms. Smoak?

"Lance, come on – we need help."

Acknowledging the call of duty, Lance put his personal feelings aside and followed the bomb squad tech toward the make-shift headquarters where the police and emergency personnel had gathered to coordinate their efforts.

Lance took a moment to survey the scene as he strode across the street. A police barricade was already in place and gave official personnel the run of the street but throngs of people pushed and crowded nearly overwhelming the barrier. Fire trucks, police cruisers and ambulances were parked haphazardly as crews rushed to respond to the call for help. Clusters of survivors clung together in fear even as the police and EMTs sought to provide aid. Smoke billowed from the windows but otherwise the building itself was eerily quiet as if it was the eye of the storm.

Lance shook his head and refocused his attention on the hub of activity representing the official response to the tragedy. Fire, EMT, Police and others were represented and working together as snippets of intel were dispersed in intermittent bursts.

"Unconfirmed explosion on lower level prompted fire alarm and started as an orderly departure – I think they thought it was a just a drill…"

The speaker's voice though loud was barely audible over the dull roar of the street scene chaos and was easily drowned out by the sharp wail siren of a departing ambulance.

"Unknown number of armed masked gunman – unknown number of hostages" added another responder.

The acrid smell of smoke clung to the scene even as the bulk of the haze now floated above the street. Fits of choking reverberated from various points along the street.

"One witness just reported the gunman pulled people from the stairwell and took them into the interior of the building…no info on who or if it was random or not." Someone reported.

Screams from survivor near building pierced the air and caused several police to pull their weapons before realizing there was no new danger.

"No demands or contact from the gunmen – no eyes or ears inside. Building sealed tight now." Another bit of information provided.

The heavy odor of burnt metal permeated the air to the point of leaving an acrylic taste in Lance's mouth. God, what happened here, Lance wondered as he continued to process the scene as well as the incoming information.

"Negotiator on the way."

Helpless cries of desperate family members trying to break through the police barrier added to the tension of the survivors and first responders. Anxiety now hung even more heavily in the air and was almost more oppressive than the lingering smoke.

"Last of the injured being transported to the hospital now – mostly minor injuries reported currently."

The hum of the press giving live reports grew louder as they fought for to get the money shot of the devastation.

"What happened to the security guard? Has he been transported yet?"

"He hasn't been interviewed yet but he did report 5 gunmen entered – he was knocked out and restrained but another QC employee freed him."

This information penetrated the chaos in Lance's own thoughts and snapped him to attention. He swung his gaze around the scene until he saw a uniformed man sitting just inside an ambulance. Well, what do ya know, Lance thought to himself as he saw the man was speaking not to the police but Oliver Queen and his bodyguard.

Lance quickly made his way over even as he tried to observe Queen impartially despite his immediate response of anger at the very sight of the younger man. What he noticed first was that both Queen and Mr. Diggle stood perfectly still, calm even, which made them stand out among the chaos. Focusing on Queen, Lance noted he appeared to be only mildly interested in what the guard was saying. He couldn't put his finger on why but Lance found himself tensing as he approached the surprisingly tranquil scene.

Mr. Diggle was facing Lance as he approached and despite Lance being on alert he was unable to detect any visible sign that the man warned Queen of his presence and yet Queen turned abruptly toward him when he was a few feet away. Lance wondered what threat the bodyguard saw when he noted that the man moved quickly to Queen's side, Would the Arrow really need protection? He couldn't help the quick grin at that random thought despite the seriousness of the situation. It was only then Lance noted the bodyguard didn't move in front of Queen but instead placed a hand on his shoulder.

He also noticed, with some pleasure, that Queen's patented charming smile was more of a grimace this time. Maybe he's not as calm as he seems. Instead of being relieved at that thought, Lance found himself fighting more inner tension and turmoil.

"Detective." As Lance had stopped correcting Ms. Smoak about his title he didn't see a reason to belabor the point with Queen.

"Queen." Lance bit out grudgingly while trying to ignore the buzzing in his head. It couldn't be, could it? Could Queen be the Arrow?

"Lance, this is Charlie Davidson. He's security at QC and has some useful information." It was Mr. Diggle who spoke calmly into the silence.

"Detective, good to meet you." Charlie offered the polite greeting before getting down to business. "There were 5 gunmen, heavily armed, 2 with duffle bags. They fired a few shots in the air and cleared out the lobby." Charlie hesitated here and exchanged a quick look with Mr. Diggle much to Lance's exasperation.

"Continue Mr. Davidson. What happened next?" Lance spit out the command in annoyance even if this wasn't his witness to question.

"I sent a message to Mr. Diggle and sounded the silent alarm for the police. Three remained in the lobby while the other two took the stairs. I couldn't see which direction but the explosion that went off a couple minutes later was from below."

Lance took a moment to jot down a couple notes even as he noted that neither Queen nor Mr. Diggle appeared surprised by any revelation so far. He couldn't resist asking, "Have you already told this to the police or only to Mr. Queen?"

Charlie actually stood up even as the paramedic tried to prevent that action. "I answered all the police questions, Detective. Mr. Queen came over to check on me and was concerned about the other QC employees as well."

"As you are so concerned, Mr. Queen, do you have a list of your employees who are unaccounted for and in danger?" The unspoken words, Because of you, lingered in the air. Despite a momentary twinge of guilt, Lance couldn't, wouldn't take them back even as he noted Queen showed no reaction to the accusation.

"We are still working on that-" Queen's voice was more of a growl which surprised Lance as his face remained blank.

"As soon as we know, you'll know. I assure you, Detective, Mr. Queen wants to help you." Mr. Diggle had interrupted Queen and Lance only vaguely wondered as the slight emphasis on the 'Mr. Queen' part.

"And Ms. Smoak?" Lance couldn't help the worry that seeped into the quiet question.

With a roll of his shoulders, clenching of his fists and a tightening of his lips into a thin line Queen gritted out, "Still inside." He met Lance's eyes then and held his stare.

There was a moment of awkward silence that was broken only as Thea Queen called her brother's name and rushed to hug him. Lance was close enough to hear her single word plea of Felicity's name and to see Queen close his eyes even as he enveloped his sister in a hug and gave one quick shake of his head.

The siblings stayed close for another moment before Thea eased away, shot a look to Mr. Diggle, smiled at the security guard and then placed herself on her brother's other side. Lance noted she held onto his arm even as she reached blindly for the hand of the young man who joined her. Ah, so Mr. Harper is part of the family now too?

Lance preferred to ignore the concern and love of the family scene and instead focused on the task at hand. "Queen, do you have any idea who would do this? What they could want?"

"While there are always enemies in this business, there have been no credible threats to Mr. Queen or the company." Mr. Diggle again responded for Queen.

"So what enemies do come to mind then Mr. Diggle?" Lance was angered by the vague response and wondered if he was trying to protect Queen or conceal something else.

"Without hearing the demands we have no way of sharing any valuable insights Detective." Lance nodded reluctantly as he accepted the logic of that response and the fact that Mr. Diggle was not going to give an inch.

It then occurred to Lance that no one in the group was reacting as you would expect – no fearful cries of distress, no ranting accusations for the police to do more, no restless pacing, nothing. The five simply stood close together and wore impassive expressions.

Lance gritted his teeth and practically snarled his next question in obvious frustration, "Anything else to add Mr. Davidson?"

The five parted slightly to allow Lance to again see the security guard who was once again seated and receiving medical attention.

"One man pushed passed me to access the security system…" The guard paused then directed the rest of his statement to Queen with a grimace. "I tried to stop him but, well, he won."

Lance watched as Mr. Diggle placed a hand on his shoulder and nodded when the security guard met his gaze.

"I was unconscious – don't know for how long." Davidson again directed a single statement to Lance before looking back to Queen. "It was Ms. Smoak that woke me up but the one of the men pulled her back instead of allowing her to leave. They knew who she was – it was intentional, they meant to keep her. I know it." The guard again held Queen's eyes before adding, "I'm sorry Mr. Queen but they forced the rest of us out."

Lance didn't quite understand the apology but before he could ask Queen responded as he offered a hand to Charlie and they shook.

"It's ok Charlie. I'm sure Felicity is glad you are safe as are we. Thank you."

Lance turned a surprise gaze to Queen as there was genuine emotion in his tone. Spoiled rich boy showing concern for a rent-a-cop?

"Mr. Queen – we have contact from them and they are asking for you. We need you over here now." A uniformed officer delivered that message somewhat nervously.

There was no verbal response but Lance couldn't help but note all four moved together to follow the officer with Queen leading the way. Lance followed as the group quickly made their way to the police headquarters.

"Has Oliver Queen joined us yet?" The disembodied voice came through the speakers distorted but intelligible.

"I'm here. What do you want?" Queen responded calmly as he walked even closer to the mobile tech unit phones.

"Your family brought destruction to the Glades and it's time you felt that in your own home."

"If it's me you want then let the others go." The negotiator and police quickly motioned for Queen to stop that line of thought but he ignored them. "Shouldn't you consider your hostages as the innocent people of the Glades? You can't really want to punish them, can you? So take me instead."

"This isn't your call to make Queen. We'll tell you what we want and when we want it. Just know that all of this is on you...we'll send another message soon." The call ended abruptly.

"Mr. Queen, we cannot authorize you to trade yourself for the hostages. Allow us to do our job and we'll get everyone out alive." The negotiator spoke with calm determination.

Lance watched as Queen simply ignored the man and turned to walk away even as Mr. Diggle spoke, "We understand. Mr. Queen will be here if you need him."

Queen then stopped and after a brief pause turned back to the officers and added with a polite smile, "Thank you for your assistance. We'll work with you, of course."

Lance was surprised by the sudden switch in Queen as he offered the group a polite and slightly condescending smile but realized even as the others accepted it that it was what was expected of him. Was Diggle prompting him to act as Mr. Queen? Who's the real Queen then? Lance pondered even as he watched the five walk way the buzzing returned to pester him. It couldn't be, could it? Could Queen be the Arrow?

The tragedy continued to slowly unfold to an unknown end as Lance split his attention between his official duties and observing Queen and his cohorts. They had laid claim to a small table near the headquarters and appeared to be working on a laptop while talking quietly and place a few calls. At least the others were active, Queen just seemed frozen as he stared at the QC building. Lance caught a few looks of concerns directed at Queen and even a few comforting touches but he remained immobile and impassive.

Just like the Arrow, Lance shook his head at his own traitorous thought. He still had no solid evidence identifying Queen as the Arrow and remained determined to fight that possibility. Just because he may not be that same spoiled little rich boy doesn't make him a hero, Lance thought angrily as he clung to his denial.

However, as he continued to watch Oliver Queen stand absolutely still with his gaze fixed absolutely on the building where Felicity Smoak was being held, he couldn't stop the thought, so what happens to both Oliver Queen and the Arrow if Ms. Smoak doesn't make it out?

Lance found himself moving toward Queen without conscious thought and having no idea just what he intended when he reached him; however, his journey was interrupted when Roy Harper stepped in front of him.

"I would leave him alone Detective. Felicity, well, she's his." Roy's voice trailed off with a look at Thea. Only later would Lance realize the statement wasn't prematurely ended and Roy had meant that simple truth as it was.

Lance turned back to Queen just in time to watch as the young man became even tenser before sprinting toward the building. His action shocked the police and his friends which allowed him a head start even as others now followed. It was only after he had taken several steps himself that Lance discovered the reason for Queen's move – Felicity Smoak was walking slowly from the building.

Before anyone could breathe a sigh of relief or even reach her or Queen though, her voice came through the mobile unit's speakers as she spoke. "Oliver, wait. I am their message to you and I have to go back." Her voice trembled at the end.

Several were close enough to hear her speak in person now but her attention remained locked only on Queen. "Oliver, I have their demands – they say they want you to pay for your family's destruction of the Glades and I've written their demands down for you." Felicity states handing out a paper as Queen continues to approach.

Lance watched as Queen took the paper and then held both her hands in his as he stood mere inches from her. "Felicity" her name on his breath was a mere whisper as he spread their joined hands out which opened her jacket and exposed the bomb attached to her.

"I'm ok, we will all be ok…it's not what you think, Mr. Queen." Felicity offered a weak smile before she continued. "And, Oliver, I'm sorry but I did give them access to the QC computer system including security – they asked for it." Felicity again paused and she and Queen simply stared at each other for a moment before she turned to John Diggle. "John, I hope Charlie is ok – make sure you tell him I'm glad he's out of here and not to worry about me."

With one last look to Queen, Felicity Smoak pulled her hands from Queen then turned away quickly and walked back into the building. Lance was startled from his own horror when he heard the scuffle of Queen's bodyguard and Roy Harper struggling to hold Queen back.


AN2 – This one has taken longer than the others which just kinda wrote themselves truthfully. Not sure why I'm struggling with this but hopefully it wasn't as painful to read as it was to write! I do plan to have Lance make the necessary connections next chapter and help the Team out! Pls be patient and keep reading! :)