Before heading out on patrol, Quentin sat at his desk finishing paperwork from the prior night. A steady drumming could be heard as he tapped his pen against the wooden table top. As Wendy had suggested, Quentin continued to check in on Laurel; the last time being this morning. Unfortunately, she seemed to still be struggling, although she wouldn't admit, even to her own Dad. Her frame had thinned and hidden under makeup, dark circles were forming under her eyes. Quentin had given up on questioning her as she would just get defensive and close up completely. Finishing his paperwork, Quentin moved to head to his squad car. Only feet from his desk, he came face to face with a woman. Feeling his body stiffen, his brows raised.

"Officer Lance right? You're a friend of Wendy's… my daughter. I had left a note for you that was for her."

Wendy had been so concerned that Shelia would corner her that Quentin wasn't sure Wendy had considered that she might come back to the station. It had passed through Quentin's mind, but as time passed he'd pushed it aside.

"I shouldn't be speaking with you," said Quentin turning away.

"Please." Shelia reached out, placing a hand on Quentin's arm. "You're close with Wendy. I just need to talk with her, but she won't answer my calls."

As far as Quentin was aware, Shelia had only seen him once at the station and not with Wendy. The fact that Shelia stated he was close with her, without question, didn't sit well. "Wendy probably has a good reason for not speaking with you."

Taking a seat in the chair beside Quentin's desk, Shelia stared at the floor, a deep frown forming on her face. Not looking at Quentin, she spoke. "I've done things, said things – horrible things, but I'm only here to make amends. I've been sober for a couple of months, attending AA meetings and step nine is to make amends to the people I've harmed. I don't expect her to forgive me. How could I, but I need her to know."

Studying the older woman, Quentin couldn't smell any alcohol on her breath and she showed no other signs of having been drinking recently. He also noted, that although she did look tired, she looked healthier than he would have expected. Still, he didn't trust her, not after everything Wendy had told him. Just the way she was fidgeting gave Quentin a feeling that Shelia was keeping some details to herself.

"I won't make any promises," said Quentin. "I have to get to work."

Shelia stood. "I understand. I won't bother you again. I'll be in Starling a little while longer. If I don't hear anything, I will move on." Taking a couple of steps, she turned back. "Take care of her. I never have and I know she acts as if she doesn't need anyone, but she does."

As Quentin watched Shelia walk away, his eyes narrowed and he pressed his lips into a fine line. He'd have to tell Wendy about this, but not just yet. There were parts of Shelia's story he wanted to confirm and he'd like to know what she had left out. Thankfully, he knew just the person for the job. A higher power appeared to be reading his mind. On the way to his squad car, he received a call that there had been a robbery at Queen Consolidated's Applied Sciences Division.

Shortly after Quentin's arrival, Oliver along with Diggle, and Felicity arrived. It was not known what was stolen and the scene itself was baffling. The thieves had entered through a door that appeared to have been blown open, but there were no signs of explosives. Quentin would have sworn on his badge that at least three men were involved, but what was left of the security video showed only one guy. As they were discussing possible scenarios, a man, if you could even call him a man; he looked like he was barely out of high school, declared it was one man alone.

Introducing himself as Barry Allen, a CSI from Central City, he explained that they had an apparent similar case and he was sent to Starling by his Captain. Barry's demeanour changed at the mention of 'unexplained similar elements' making Quentin question whether Barry had ulterior motives. Glancing at Oliver, his expression also showed the same hesitation to believe Barry's story.

"So you think one guy ripped through this door like it was nothing more than tin foil?" asked Quentin.

"Yes, one very strong guy. It takes about 1,200 foot pounds of torque to break a person's neck." Holding out his tablet, Barry pulled up a picture of one of the dead guards and zoomed in on his neck. "You see these marks. The bruising pattern suggests the killer used one hand. Do you realize how hard it is to break someone's neck?"

Quentin was mulling over this information when one of Starling's CSI's interjected, asking for a list of the entire inventory to figure out what exactly was missing. Barry again had the answer; an industrial centrifuge. Felicity gave a quick explanation, mostly for Quentin's sake, of what the function of a centrifuge was. Barry picked up from Felicity, explaining that the centrifuge was ripped straight out of the ground. They shared an awkward exchanged that resembled flirting, making Quentin groan to himself.

Barry again stated his theory. "You can see the cracks heading to the door. Footsteps. One guy."

"There has to be another explanation," said Quentin. Making eye contact with Felicity, Quentin motioned for her to step back with him, away from everyone else. "You might want to fill in our mutual friend."

"Don't worry. I'm sure he's already on it," replied Felicity who moved to go back with everyone else.

"Wait. One other thing. I need a favour, for Wendy."

Felicity looked at Quentin, brows raised in question.

"Shelia stopped by the station earlier today."

Felicity's eyes widen. "She's trying to use you to get to Wendy. She must be getting desperate."

"She told me some things, and I plan on telling Wendy, but I have a feeling she's holding something back."

"And you want answers before telling Wendy."

"I know you're good at getting information and I know you'll keep this between us."

"Yes, of course. I'm in," replied Felicity.

Quentin filled Felicity in on what Shelia had told him and asked that Felicity find out anything and everything, focusing on the last few months. He also mentioned his feelings that Shelia was following Wendy. Supplying her with the address and phone number Shelia had previously left Wendy, Felicity agreed to contact Quentin as soon as she knew anything. They went their own ways, neither of them needing to discuss how Wendy might react. The last time had showed them more than enough.

Drinking black coffee from the largest cup the diner owned, Quentin sat in his usual spot. The early morning robbery was an odd case. It had distracted his mind from Shelia and the things she said, but the department was coming up empty on leads only adding more weight. What kind of person would steal a centrifuge and even worse, what hell were they planning to do with it. Quentin was even torn on what he hoped Felicity was working on; finding information for the Arrow or for him. The diner's bell signalled Wendy's entrance. Wendy had arrived later than usual, coming from a meeting with a potential trainer. Quentin watched her walk towards the booth. Sitting up a little straighter, it still caught him off guard that just Wendy's presence made him feel more energized, almost renewed.

Sitting across from Quentin, Wendy sighed. "This city doesn't seem to have one competent personal trainer or martial arts expert."

"How many have you met with now?" Quentin asked.

"The two today makes six. Is it too much to ask for them to have at least a little knowledge and not just be some overly muscly body builder with zero IQ."

"Hmm, and here I thought that's what you were looking for."

Wendy laughed. After the event with the Count, Wendy had explained to Quentin that she was interested in finding someone to help her expand on her military training. In Quentin's eyes, Wendy was already a strong woman, but the experience with the Count amongst other things had made her feel weak in her own eyes. If expanding her skills would help remind her of her strength, Quentin wasn't going to hold her back.

"I have another meeting in the morning. This one at least seems the most promising so far. I got his name from someone and they say he's the best. Enough about me, how was your day?"

Bringing his coffee to his mouth, Quentin took a moment to think before answering. As planned, he would leave out his morning talk with Shelia, at least until he had heard from Felicity. He skipped to the robbery. Wendy was bound to hear the details from Felicity anyways, so he didn't hesitate to fill her in.

"It's probably just another escaped criminal from Iron Heights that the higher ups are covering up," said Wendy.

"One guy though? This CSI kid, Barry from Central City seemed adamant that it is was one guy. He appeared to be hiding something, so lord knows what his opinion is worth, but so far we've come up empty on finding evidence to prove otherwise."

"At least you've got the best backup in Felicity and the Arrow."

Quentin and the Arrow were on the same team now, but he didn't like being dependent on him. Starling employed a large police force and still the Arrow solved cases faster. Not following the rules had it advantages. At the first sign of tension creeping up his back, into his neck, he invited Wendy back to his place. More coffee would not help with his current mood or tension level.

Shortly after, they left together. On the way, he received a text message from Felicity. I've got information you'll want to hear. Meet me at the diner tomorrow morning. He simply replied, Miss Smoak, your speed is impressive. I'll be there. Thankfully, Wendy had a meeting with another trainer in the morning and would be gone before Quentin would have to leave to meet Felicity.

That night, holding Wendy against his chest, feeling her breath on his skin, Quentin felt a contentment he hadn't felt in a long time. Even after months of knowing Wendy, their moments of intimacy still made Quentin nervous. He'd married his ex-wife young so there hadn't been a lot of other partners in all his years. Wendy seemed pleased, happy with him, even complimenting him and she came back for more. Life was far from perfect. In actuality, he was positive perfect didn't exist, but Wendy was a good fit for his life.

-oOo-

Stopping on the street corner, Wendy confirmed that she was less than a block from the studio, her meeting location. It was located just outside of the Glades, not too far from her work. What made this meeting more promising than her others was that this trainer will only meet with people by referral. A patient had overheard Wendy asking Lily if she knew of anyone in the city and offered to pass her name on. The meeting was with Ariel Reyes, an Eskrima Master. Eskrima, Wendy had learned, is a form of martial arts from the Philippines that focuses on weapon based fighting and on environmental awareness.

The studio was small, personal, meant for one on one training. There was a flowery aroma in the air that she couldn't quite place, but it was pleasant and sweet smelling. Looking around, there were multiple training weapons on one wall and across the room there was a door labeled as an office. Wendy was about to walk to the door, when a man she could only presume was Ariel stepped through, closing the door behind himself.

He wasn't a tall man, a couple inches taller than herself. Wearing a black tank top and pants, he was built exactly as Wendy would have guessed a true martial artist to be; not overly muscly like her other appointments, but more slim and lean. He was most likely part Filipino, having olive skin and dark hair. It was his eyes that caught Wendy's attention the most. They were amber, almost gold, a colour she was sure she'd never seen. While she was trying to estimate his age, he introduced himself, extending his hand to hers. Sliding her hand into his, she also introduced herself.

Looking directly at Wendy, Ariel studied her. "So what brings you to my studio?"

"I want to expand on my abilities. I was a solider, so I have military training; mostly with the use of guns and self-defence. I'm also skilled with a baton, although a little rusty from lack of practice."

"And why should I teach you?" asked Ariel, shifting around the room.

Wendy took a moment to consider her answer. The question was asked with a softness and not harshly, but she felt as if this was a test. It appeared that Ariel was trying to decide if Wendy was worth taking on. His presence was strong and filled the room making Wendy want to train there. It was also her first promising meeting and she'd been through everyone else in the city she could find.

"I want to learn and I have the ability to do better, be better. I'm strong, I'm smart and unlike a lot of people nowadays, I'm patient." Wendy shifted her weight, but held a strong stance, speaking carefully. "Plus, working and volunteering in the Glades is an everyday risk."

A smirk had appeared on Ariel's face. "You're very certain of yourself."

"I am, but I also know I need some improvement and I can't do it on my own."

Nodding, Ariel studied Wendy for another moment, then informed her he would need time to decide. Exiting his studio, Wendy stopped and laughed to herself. The meeting was nothing like she'd expected; it was completely backwards. All her other meetings, she was the one asking the questions. What really got to her was she had learnt nothing about this man, Ariel Reyes. Nothing at all. An internet search prior had turned up nothing and it hadn't seemed important enough to have Felicity look into. Strangely, though, there was a good feeling in Wendy's stomach; she was positive she was going to hear back from Ariel.

There were a couple of hours to spare before her next shift, so Wendy headed home. Opening the door, her ears were filled with odd scraping noises. Closing the door, Wendy moved further into the apartment and discovered the noise was coming from Felicity's room. Tentatively, Wendy peeked her head in the doorway. Felicity, a deep frown on her face, was ferociously sliding hangers around in her closet and there were dresses littering the bed.

Wendy leaned on the door frame. "I know you have a hard time selecting an outfit, but try not to take it out on the clothes."

Felicity flopped onto her bed. "I'm starting to understand your apprehension of men."

"Oliver again?"

"And Barry."

Wendy shifted a couple of the dresses and took a seat beside Felicity. "The CSI from Central. I did hear you shared a moment with him."

"Oh… you've heard." Felicity then realized. "Right, Detective Lance. Anyways, Barry's not a CSI, only an assistant and his bosses don't know he's here."

Felicity and Barry had been working on the robbery case together and Felicity filled Wendy in on what Barry had told her during their time together. Barry's Mother had been murdered when he was young, and there were odd circumstances around the case. Like Quentin, Oliver had been suspicious of Barry and had Diggle look into him. That's when they found out Barry had lied and that he hadn't told Felicity the whole story. Showing up at the office, Oliver confronted Barry and forced him to share the whole story. His Dad had been arrested and convicted of the murder of his Mother.

"It wasn't his Dad though, he said something came into their house, like a tornado. Barry somehow ended up twenty blocks from their house and his Dad was arrested. He was just a kid, so the police didn't believe his story. So now he looks into odd cases. And Oliver." Felicity scoffed. "He's upset because Barry lied about who he really was, like we don't do that every day."

It was understandable why she was upset with Oliver, but Barry, Wendy wasn't sure. "So I get the anger with Oliver, but you clearly believe Barry's story, so what's got you worked up with him?"

Felicity's cheeks went pink. "You're going to think it's silly."

Sitting up straighter, Wendy was intrigued. "Try me."

"Oliver is throwing a party for Moira tonight and Barry was supposed to be my plus one, but Oliver chased him away." Smiling a little, Felicity stroked her arm. "He's cute and brilliant; if it wasn't for him we wouldn't be where we are with this case… and it just would have nice to spend a normal night with a nice guy."

Felicity rested her head on Wendy's shoulder and Wendy put her arm around her. Wanting to have some normal experiences was a feeling Wendy was familiar with. What she had figured out was that there really isn't any such thing as normal. Normal was what you make of your own life and expect back from it.

Wendy pulled Felicity to her feet. "Maybe he'll show up? We'll make sure you look spectacular – just in case."

It wasn't usually Wendy's forte, picking out dresses, but her effort seemed to perk Felicity. After shuffling through an innumerable amount of dresses, they settled on a floor length bright pink one. It was cute, but elegant and had a spaghetti strap top that showed just enough skin.

"I've got to get ready for work, but make sure to have some fun." Wendy stood, about to leave Felicity's room. "And, if Barry doesn't show, maybe you'll catch the eye of, well, you know who."

This time, Felicity's cheeks went a dark shade of pink.

Wendy was almost through the door when Felicity stopped her. "Hey, how was your meeting this morning?"

Not thinking, Wendy answered, "He did all the asking, which is promising. He'll only take on people with real potential. Not that he actually tested my skills, but I have a good feeling."

It wasn't until Wendy left, leaving Felicity to get ready, that she realized she didn't remember actually telling Felicity about this particular meeting. Wendy was sure she hadn't seen Felicity since making the appointment, but shrugged it off as a lapse of memory.

Having pulled a double shift, the sun was just breaking over the horizon as Wendy headed out of the hospital. The automatic doors opened letting fresh air pass over her skin. Wendy slid her phone out of her pocket intending to check for messages, but before she could, a familiar voice called her name. Turning, she was met by Sin.

Pacing for a moment, Sin rubbed her hands down her pant legs. "Sara told me I could trust you if I ever needed help."