I know it's been a white. I've been busy with other stories. Anyways, enjoy the new chapter.
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Crystal Frost and her "Suicide Squad" arrived at their new base in a farmhouse miles outside of Central City. To lessen suspicion, they traveled there separately. Crystal rode a mini-van. Slade and Helena took the long way in their Lamborghini. Laurel rode with Leonard on his motorcycle. Constantine and Katana "borrowed" a cab.
Crystal arrived first. Leonard and Laurel arrived twenty minutes afterwards. Slade and Helena showed up half an hour later. Constantine and Katana arrived one hour with a damaged cab. There were about half a dozen dents, bullet holes, a smoking engine, and an almost flat tire. The swordswoman and the magician exit the vehicle to see the confused, appalled faces on their teammates.
"Mr. Constantine asked to stop for a drink. He irritated a gang of bikers and I'm sure you can see the result of our scuffle," explained Katana, gesturing to the damaged cab.
"Yeah, well, in my defense, they threw the fists first. I was just talking," said Constantine.
"The wrong words can lead to conflict, John," said Crystal. "Keep that in mind."
"Hey, I'm a man not afraid to speak his mind," said John. "For instance, I think Mr. Wilson could use a shave."
"I think I prefer he keeps the beard," said Helena.
"So, Ms. Frost, how'd you get your hands on this dainty little place?" asked Leonard.
"It's one of my six homes in the country," said Crystal.
"Six homes, huh?" replied Laurel. "Good thing Bart is a speedster. Otherwise, he'd be complaining when he grows up."
"We better get inside before some bystanders see us," said Crystal. "These fields aren't exactly abandoned."
The seven teammates enter the farmhouse with their belongings from their previous base in Gotham. As soon as everyone was inside, Leonard slams the door and locks it, capturing everyone's attention.
"Well, now that we're all here, let's get down to business," said the ex-thief.
"Something wrong, Mr. Snart?" asked Crystal.
"Yes, there is," said Leonard. "You may be the Mistress of Deception, but people who've seen you for who you are cannot be fooled. People like me."
"And what are you implying?" asked Crystal.
"That you're not completely honest with us," said Leonard. "You asked us to help you put DeVoe in the ground, yet every one of us here feels that you're leaving something out."
"I thought I made it clear that I cannot disseminate that information for the good of the mission," said Crystal.
Leonard takes out his Cold Gun and aims it at Crystal. Slade draws his blade and Helena readies her crossbow.
"Let's make it clear, Frosty. We're not doing you any more favors unless you tell us why we're here," said Leonard.
"And make it quick," said Slade.
"You really wanna do this in front of my boy?" asked Crystal, covering Bart's eyes.
"He saw us kick A.R.G.U.S. butt back in Gotham. I think he can handle this," said Laurel.
"Are you against me, Laurel?" asked Crystal.
"No, I just want to see a good fight," said Laurel.
"What's it gonna be, Frost?" asked Leonard. "Do you want us to spoil the baby even more, or are you gonna come clean about your true intentions?"
"I'd hate to ruin this lovely house of yours, Caity," said Helena.
"Uh, I think I'll wait outside," said Constantine
Slade quickly takes out his gun and shoots at the wall next to Constantine, preventing him from leaving.
"No one's leaving," growled Slade. "Snow, I told my son once that trust begins with honesty. While life may not be that simple, I still stand by that saying."
Crystal puts down Bart on his bed as she thinks about coming clean about her secrets. She needed the squad to help her defeat The Thinker, but she couldn't keep them in line if she can't earn their trust. After feeding Bart a bottle of milk, she faces her team and opens her mouth to say what's on her mind.
"You're right," said Crystal. "I have an ulterior plan besides recruiting all of you for this mission."
"Just spit it out and I'll lower the gun," said Leonard.
"I needed all of you for specific reasons," admitted Crystal.
"Care to elaborate?" asked Laurel.
"For you and Ms. Yamashiro, it's simple. She's not tied emotionally to anyone. You have no qualms about doing what's necessary, especially if you consider it fun," said Crystal.
"Well, a loose cannon can be healthy sometimes," said Laurel.
"Mr. Wilson's purpose in this missions is to... get through to his son," said Crystal.
"What about my son?" asked Slade, pointing his blade at Crystal.
"Joe's here in America," said Crystal. "The resources that the Jackals possess, DeVoe wants it. In exchange for his services, DeVoe agreed to help him find you."
"No," muttered Slade, unable to believe this even if it sounded serious.
"I asked Helena to join us to keep an eye on Slade and make sure his emotions don't jeopardize the mission," continued Crystal.
"What about me?" asked Leonard, still keeping his finger on the trigger of his Cold Gun.
"DeVoe's contact in Central City is a crime lord named Amunet Black. She knows me only as Crystal Frost, and she hates. She doesn't owe me anything. She does, however, owe you and I need that favor," said Crystal.
"And me?" asked Constantine.
"I'll tell you when the time comes," said Crystal. "Rest assured, your services would be sufficient payment for your debt to me."
"Well, I can work with that," said Constantine.
"So, you're just using us to get rid of some obstacles," accused Slade. "I should've known better to think you've changed."
"I have changed, Slade," said Crystal.
"So why still play with us like we're pawns?" questioned Leonard.
"Because I'm desperate, you know that," said Crystal. "DeVoe doesn't care who dies as long as he gets The Flash out of the Speed Force. I have enough reason to be hellbent on stopping him, but if all of you can't work with that, there's the door."
Crystal picks up Bart and walks upstairs to her room, leaving the rest of the squad to think about her confession.
"Unbelievable," commented Helena.
"Now, now, Bertinelli. Let's not throw a fit," said Laurel, pretending to sound cute.
"Leave it to you to side with her no matter what," retorted Helena.
"Calm now, everyone," pleaded Tatsu.
"Oh, so are you gonna preach to us?" questioned Helena.
"I do not like this as much as you do," said Tatsu. "But I believe her when she says that she needs us."
"Then you're a fool, Ms. Yamashiro," said Slade. "That woman is an enigma with a chaotic mind. I can't be a part of her twisted games. Not again."
"Then get in line, Terminator," said Leonard. "I'll be seeing you all."
"You are just going to abandon us?" asked Tatsu.
"We're not friends, Ninja," said Leonard. "I came here to collect the money that was promised to me, but now I see that all this trouble isn't worth $1,000,000."
"I think I'm gonna go out and get another drink," said Constantine. "If any of you wanna join, then join."
Constantine walks out the door. When Slade and Helena heard the sound of their Lamborghini start up, they went outside to see that the magician has stolen their ride. Slade checks his pockets and realizes that the keys aren't with him.
"That son of a..." cursed Helena.
"I think we could all use a drink," interrupted Laurel.
I'm sorry it has to stop here. You may want to read the AUTHOR'S NOTE.