Chapter 3
Merlyn Global
Frank sat in his car, tightening his hands around the steering wheel. As he sat in the parking lot looking at Merlyn Global, Frank knew he had betrayed his friend and his family. However, the safety of his daughter must come first.
Frank remembers when he was in his office working late. The lights had suddenly went out. As he raised from his desk he could hear someone outside of his office. He slowly open the door and walked out of his office. "Hello, anyone there?" Frank slowly started to walk down the hallway. Only lighting was the emergency backup lights. That is when he first saw him. Frank turned and started to run, but soon he felt something graze his leg making him to fall to the ground. As he started to get up he felt a hand on his shoulder forcing him to turned around and he was thrown to the ground. There before him stood a figure in black with a hood holding a bow an arrow aimed at his throat.
"Mr. Merlyn has a message for you Frank. If you want to keep your daughter safe, you will let Mr. Merlyn know everything that has to do with him or mention that may come up. You will let him know the moment if any of the people in Tempest does anything suspicious or might have a change of heart."
"W-who who are you?"
"My name does not matter. What you do, does matter."
Frank saw him pulling back on his string as he was ready to release the arrow into him. He closed his eyes and turned his head. "Please, do not hurt my daughter or me. Tell Mr. Merlin, I will do it, please do not kill me. Please." Frank laid there frozen unable to move for a moment. He slowly opened his eyes and saw the hooded figure was gone.
Frank turned the car off and got out of the car and walked in Merlyn Global. A few moments later Frank walked in Malcolm's office and sat down. Malcolm did not look up once while he was signing some papers. Frank was not for sure how long he was sitting there. He wanted to look at his watch to see. Frank was even afraid to even look at his watch. A moment later, Malcolm laid the pen down and looked up at Frank. "You know Frank, it is amazing what some people will do to protect the people they love."
"I know what you mean, Malcolm."
"Oh come on Frank, why the gloomy look?"
"You threatened my daughter. You had me murder my friend, Robert Queen, and his son along with Robert's assistant."
"Frank, what had... " Merlyn stopped himself and started to smile. "Or should I say what is going to happen is Robert's fault. We have a chance to clean this city's filth once and for all. I truly do thank you for letting me know that Robert is not with me and was planning on buying up the remaining property. Do you really know why I am doing this?"
Frank swallowed hard, "Because of your wife."
"Yes, it is because of her, however, you truly do not understand. I have something I want you to listen too." Malcolm reached in and pulled a tape player out. "Now listen and just imagine this is your daughter from that night she was been raped."
Merlyn pushed the play button. "Malcolm, Malcolm please answer me. Please, ugh, oh God Malcolm, I've been shot. Please Malcolm pick up, please..." Frank could hear Malcolm's wife Rebecca crying out as she was dying.
Merlyn push stop and slammed his fist down on his desk and looked at Frank. "What if it was your daughter on the end of the line? Can you imagine as she is calling you and not getting hold of you while being raped? And what if they had killed her? Next time it just might be you having that phone call." Malcolm walked over to Frank and rests his hand on Frank's shoulder and started to tighten his grip on Frank slightly. "We need to do what ever it takes to make sure the Undertaking goes as planned. Even if that means cutting ties to old friends."
Queen's Residence
The next day Moira woke up and did her daily routine to prepare for the day. As she walked down the stairs she saw Raisa walking up the stairs.
"Good morning Mrs. Queen."
"Morning Raisa, so it must be like a vacation not worrying about cleaning up after my son."
Raisa smile, "Mrs. Queen, your son is not that messy. I have seen worse."
"Well, anyways, these next few weeks, take it easy."
"Yes, Mrs. Queen."
"Good, and now, is Thea up for school, yet?"
"Miss Thea was already dressed and is heading out the door."
"Hmm, okay. Thank you." Moira walked in the Kitchen and poured herself a cup of coffee and looked at her planner. "JEFF!" Moira called out.
Within a moment a man walked in the kitchen. "Yes, Mrs. Queen?"
"Bring the car around. I have a lot of work to get done today."
"Yes, Mrs. Queen." Jeff quickly left.
Moira took out her cell phone, "Hello, yes this is Moira Queen. I need to set up an appointment with Dr. Neil Lamb. Yes, that is fine. Thank you very much."
Jeff walked in the kitchen, "Mrs. Queen? The car is waiting for you."
"Thank you Jeff."
Moira's car pulled up in front of Merlyn Global. She was not for sure why Malcolm wanted to see her but she felt she had no choice. As Moira walked in Malcolm's office, Malcolm hung up the phone, "Moira, please have a seat."
"I prefer to stand. What do you want Malcolm?"
"Moira, please, there is no need to be hostile toward each other. Especially what we have."
"There is nothing... we have, so please tell what do you need. I do have a busy schedule."
"I think you need to sit down. In fact, I insist that you have a seat."
Moira looked into Merlyn's eyes. She felt a pain in her stomach and her throat tightening up. Merlyn walked to his door and locked it.
Queens Gambit 1854 miles from US Coast
Felicity stood on the deck feeling the sun shining down on her skin and the breeze blowing gently. They have been sailing for 29 hours now. She has been out to sea for over a day now. Robert and Felicity spent most of the day yesterday going over data and print outs from their Queen Consolidated division in Shanghai, China. Today, they are supposed to take it easy and not work.
Oliver walked up the stairs and stood behind Felicity. As Oliver reached over to kiss her on the cheek, he wrapped his arms around her. "I do not think anyone heard us last night. I know we have been together quite a few times, but how does it feel doing on a boat for the first time?"
Felicity raised her hands up to hold his arms closer to her. "Why Mr. Queen, the real question is, do you ask all of the girls that?"
"Hmmm, let see, there one, two, three, um maybe 5 or was it 67 or I think it was about 135..."
"Shut up, and yes it was very nice on a boat. Very different from my apartment for sure." Felicity leaned her head against Oliver's shoulder.
"I still cannot believe you had me wait for you for 4 months," Oliver said.
"I just wanted to make sure you were worth it Oliver. I wanted you to know I was different from the many of girls you had dated and I wanted to make sure it was right."
Oliver kisses Felicity on the head, "It was so worth it."
"Hey you kids," Felicity and Oliver looked behind them and saw Robert coming around the side. "Breakfast is ready. Need to go eat."
"AYE, AYE SIR!" Oliver said while saluting Robert.
"Son?"
"Yes, dad."
"Please, do not be a smart ass in front of your girl." Robert looked at Felicity and gave her a wink. "Felicity, please get my son to the kitchen before I have him swab the deck."
Felicity laughed a little, "Aye, Aye Sir." Felicity gave a quick salute and then grabbed Oliver to head to the galley.
Robert just stood there smiling at Felicity. As Oliver and Felicity went down stairs. Robert pulled a small leather book out of his back pocket. As he flipped through the pages he heard one of his men walking up behind him.
"Sir?"
Robert quickly put the small book back into his back pocket. "Yes?"
"Sir, we are still not able to reach Mr. Chen."
"Keep trying every hour."
"Yes sir," the crewman turned and left Robert.
Frank, what is going on?, Robert thought. Right now Robert could not worry about Frank. His attention was now on someone else. He reached behind his back and pulled a gun out. He open the barrel and saw he was fully loaded.
Felicity stood behind the door watching Robert and notice he had a gun. What was Mr. Queen doing with a gun? Maybe he has it for protection from looters, pirates or maybe for some other reason, she wondered. She wanted to get into Robert's cabin and search it. This would not be a good idea. She kept checking and clocking the crew routine but could not find an opening. She saw Robert putting the gun back behind his back and covering it up with his jacket. Felicity quickly turned and went back down the stairs. As Felicity was heading downstairs, she saw Oliver was coming up. "Oliver!"
"Felicity? You look startled. You okay? You never did show up to eat breakfast." Oliver asked.
"Yes, everything is great, just caught me by surprise. Did not expect you'd be heading up here so soon."
"Well, I was kind of missing you. So I thought, 'Hey Oliver, go find your girlfriend, she might be waiting for you'."
"LOL, well Mr. Queen, you found me."
"Ugh, I feel so old now. You called me Mr. Queen again."
"Well, I could call you Ollie, Pollie, Bollie, Follie..."
"Okay, okay enough." Oliver smile at Felicity. For the first time he was happy. Oliver only can remember one other time he was this happy with another woman. Laurel. Oliver was determined not to mess this relationship up and prove to Laurel she was wrong and he will not blow this relationship.
Felicity and Oliver walked up to the deck where Robert was standing. "Oliver, Felicity. Did you enjoy your breakfast?"
Oliver wrapped his arms around Felicity waist, "Well, we never made it there." Oliver said.
"Sorry my fault, it is just a beautiful day and sun is out. The ocean is calm, this is just to beautiful and I do not want to miss a moment." Felicity replied.
Robert started to laugh. He walked over and pick up a phone that was on hanging on the side. "This is Mr. Queen, can you bring three plates up to the deck? We are going to have breakfast up here. Thank you." Robert turned to Oliver and Felicity, "Okay kids, we are going to have breakfast on the deck. And Felicity, you're right. It is a beautiful day to not be stuck downstairs, but later on, we got to get back to work.
Merlyn Global
"Malcolm, there is nothing between us. That was a long time ago." Moira started to walk toward the door.
"Moira, I think you might want to sit down. After all, you did tell your husband not to support me and I could not go on with the Undertaking." Malcolm leaned back into his chair and gave the gesture for Moira to sit down.
Moira stood there looking at Malcolm. "I have no idea what you are talking about Malcolm." How did Malcolm know this?
"Moira, please do not lie to me. I also know Robert is on his way to Shanghai not for Queen Consolidated, but to buy up the rest of the property to keep me from doing what must be done." Moira could hear the anger in Malcolm voice. She started to feel her heart racing and fear had set in.
"M-Malcolm, yes I did tell Robert not to support you, but what you do not know is the only reason I told Robert not to support is that he needs to tie up his loose ends before committing to the undertaking. Far as I know, my husband is going to Shanghai for business. Nothing else."
"Ah I see, Robert's factory in the Glades. I can see your point. Moira, I know Robert told you of my plans. What do you think?"
Moira took a deep breath trying her best not let the fear take over. "I think you are right, the Glades do need to come down, however, it needs to be done right and not rushed."
Malcolm raised out of his chair and slammed his hands on the desk. "Yes, you get it! That is why the Undertaking will take place in about 5 years." Malcolm walked behind Moira and placed his hand on her shoulder close to her throat. "And tell me Moira, what should we do about the people who stand in our way?"
Moira was having trouble catching her breath. She was afraid of Malcolm and what he would do. "I think anyone who stands against you and the Undertaking needs to be dealt with."
Malcolm leaned down to Moira's ear. In a low voice, "And your husband, my friend, Robert is one of those people."
"W-what do you mean?"
"Robert is not going to Shanghai for Queen's business. As I had mention Moira, he is going over there to buy up the rest of the property to keep me from reaching my goal. And, by your own words, he must be dealt with."
"Malcolm, what have you done? My son is with Robert?"
"I know, and I am truly sorry. But it is too late. Rest assure, this is for a greater cause. You can go now. By the way Moira, how is Thea doing?"
Moira rose from the chair and saw Malcolm had a slight smile. "She is doing good."
"I am glad and Moira, welcome to the Undertaking." Malcolm looked up and saw Moira smiling.
"Thank you Malcolm. This Undertaking will be a great blessing when it comes." Moira walked out of Malcolm office and went to the elevator. As soon as she got in the elevator she took her phone out and started to call Robert. "NO!" Moira felt the tears running down the side of her face. Robert phone was out of reach. She had to get in touch with him fast. Moira walked out of Merlyn Global and got into her car.
"Mrs. Queen? Are you alright?"
"Jeff, home now and make it fast."
"Yes ma'am."
Moira dial a number on her phone, "Hello, this is Moira Queen, I need the Harbor master get in touch with the Queen's Gambit. This is an emergency. Yes, yes, yes... thank you."
Within thirty minutes Moira was home back on the phone with the Harbor master. "Please keep trying, it is an emergency. I need to speak to my husband." She had to warn Robert that Malcolm was on to him. That he might be walking in on a trap as soon they arrive. "Yes please keep trying to get in touch with them." Moira walked up to her room, locked the door and fell to her bed crying. She feared it might be already too late. She knew she should call the police, but with no proof and Malcolm connections, this would do no good. With his tone about Thea, she would be putting her daughters life at risk. Moira felt sick to her stomach. She quickly ran to her bathroom and started to throw up. Moira just sat there with her head buried. She knew she was trapped and she must do what ever it takes to keep her daughter alive and she prays that it was not too late for Robert and Oliver.
Starling Airlines Flight 287 over the Pacific Ocean.
Sarah sat in her chair looking out the window staring at the ocean. She could not see any land anywhere, no matter how far she looked. She felt the plane started to shake a little. She grasps the armrests tightly. Just turbulence, this all she thought to herself. The plane shook again. At that moment the Fasten Your Seatbelt sign lit up. "Attention passengers of flight 287," It was the captain of the plane over the intercom, "we are experiencing more turbulence than expected. Please have a seat and fasten your seatbelts. We will let you know as soon as we are clear." The plane again started to shake more. Sarah could hear some of the people crying out. Something was wrong, she could feel it.
Merlyn Global
Tommy walked in his father's office. "Dad, you wanted to see me?"
"Yes Tommy, please have a seat. I want you to reconsider coming to work for me."
"I told you, I do not want to have any part of this." Tommy said. Tommy could feel he was getting agitated at his father. For some reason his father would not let it go about Tommy working for him. "This, all of this is not me. This is not who I am."
"Then who are you Tommy? What do you want to do with your life? Ever since your mother..." Malcolm stopped himself quickly.
"Ever since my mother what dad? Ever since my mother was murdered? Dad, mom's death was not your fault. There was nothing you could do. In fact the people who just walked by and left my mom there and the person who killed, are at fault." Tommy took a deep breath and placed his hand on his father's shoulder. "Trying to get me to work for you is not the solution."
"I know son, but you are my son and your place is here, beside me, running Merlyn Global when I retire. And you are right. The Glades is responsible for your mother's death." Malcolm looked Tommy in his eyes, "You are a Merlyn, this is your birthright. Your future is here, not running around clubs and having parties everyday. You need to make something of your life. You and Oliver cannot spend the rest of your life counting on you family's money."
Tommy stepped back from his dad, "We are not planning on counting on you or Oliver's dad. In fact, me and Oliver have a plan of opening up a club in the Glades. Trying to bring something to that part of the city."
Merlyn quickly looked up at his son, "The Glades? Tommy, this is not a smart move on your part. A club in the Glades is not a smart investment. You are looking toward failure and making a fool of the Merlyn name."
Queen's Gambit.
Oliver laid there on the deck taking in the sun while Felicity sat in a lounge chair under an umbrella reading a book. "You know, you can put the book down and lay beside me."
Felicity lowered her sunglasses and peaked at Oliver from behind the book, "I could, but this book here is a lot more interesting at this moment." Felicity knew that was a lie, she just stared at Oliver for a few moments. Then they heard an explosion in the air.
Robert came running up to the deck along with a few of the crew, "What was that?" Robert asked. A few of the crew had binoculars and started to look out toward the see and the sky.
"There!" one of the men yelled out pointing out to sea.
Robert took one of the binoculars and looked, "Dear God!" Robert saw a trail of smoke in the air and as he looked to see where it was coming from, he could see a plane heading toward the ocean. "Get on the radio and tell them there is a plane about to crash in the ocean."
Starling Airlines Flight 287 over the Pacific Ocean.
Sarah could feel her stomach turning. All she could hear was the loud sound of the engine and the screams of the people. Sarah had the oxygen mask on, but still found it hard to breath. She looked out the window and saw they were getting closer to the ocean very fast. Sarah has never been much of a one who prays, but this time, it was different. She felt the force of the plane pushing her back as they were getting closer to the ocean.
Merlyn Global
"Enough dad, this is my life! Not yours!" Tommy walked out of Merlyn's office.
"Tommy, get back here."
Tommy turned around. "Just leave me alone for right now." Tommy stepped on the elevator and pushed the button for the garage. As Tommy stepped off, he felt a bag being thrown over his head.
Queen's Gambit
Robert turned and saw Felicity was not standing with Oliver, "Where is Felicity?"
"She said she felt sick and had to go down stairs but wanted to be alone." Oliver replied.
"Sir, Sir!" Robert turned and saw one of the men came running to him.
"What is it Randall?" Robert asked.
"Sir, the radio has been busted."
"What?" Robert quickly ran below deck to his cabin. As he opened the door he saw Felicity in his room. Robert pulled his gun out and pointed it at Felicity. "I think my suspicions about you were right."
"Mr. Queen, I can explain." Felicity said.
"I know you can. You were sent to spy on me. The only thing that kept me from outing you is that I know you love my son." Robert reached behind his back pocket and pulled the book out, "Is this what you are looking for?"
Felicity knew there was no way she could lie. Robert knew. "How did you know and for how long?"
"Not at first, but I have my sources, so about two months now. Now..." Robert pulled the cock of the gun back, "...tell me, what are you looking for and why, who sent you and why should I not kill you?"
Merlyn Global
Tommy struggled as hard as he could to free himself. "You are coming with us." Tommy heard one them said. Tommy felt something hitting him in the back of the head. Next thing Tommy knew, he was feeling himself about to pass out.
Starling Airlines Flight 287 over the Pacific Ocean.
As the plane shook violently, Sarah knew this was it. She was going to die. She would never see her family again. Sarah felt the plane impacting with the ocean. She saw the plane being ripped into pieces and saw the ocean water rushing in bringing them down under the ocean, Sarah felt her body hurting from the impact that had jar her then the cold of the ocean as it dragged her and the rest to the bottom. Last thing she thought was of her family and how much she loved them.
Queen's Gambit
"Tell me who you are?" Robert demanded.
Before Robert could react, Felicity reached out and grabbed the barrel of the gun and pulled him toward her. As he felt himself been pulled, Felicity used her free hand to grab Robert's arm and swing him around throwing him on the ground. Robert hears two shots been fired. Robert closed his eyes. Then he realized he was not shot. He open his eyes and saw Felicity pointing the gun at his door. As he stood up he saw one of his men on the ground holding a gun. "You killed him!" Robert screamed
"I know, but he was going to shoot you in the back. My name is Felicity, I am CIA." Felicity helped Robert to his feet.
"Care to explain why the CIA is spying on me?" Before Felicity had a chance to speak, they felt an explosion that had shaken the boat. The boat started to tilt to the side. Robert grabbed Felicity's hand and helped her up. "We got to get to the deck."
Robert and Felicity climb their way to the deck and saw it was raining heavy and the waves was picking up. "Oliver!" Felicity yelled out.
"A storm is coming in and looks pretty bad." Robert said.
"Felicity, dad, over here." Oliver cried out.
"Son, what happened?"
"The side of the boat just exploded and then the boat started to tilt." Then another explosion went off. They could hear the screams of the men caught in the explosion.
"We got to get the lifeboat." Robert said. As they work their way to the lifeboat, Robert notice all of the lifeboats have been damaged except one. But there was a problem. There was only room for two. "You two, take the boat."
"DAD, No!" Oliver cried out.
"You can hang on the side and we can hold you." Felicity said.
Robert smiled. Then a pop went off. Robert knew it was not the storm's thunder, it was the sound of a gun. Robert felt the bullet hitting him in the back. As he turned around, he saw two of his crewmen holding a gun. They started to fire again. Felicity grabbed Robert and pulled him behind some boxes that were on the deck. Robert looked at Felicity, "You two need to go, I will hold them off."
"No dad, we can all go."
"Oliver, your dad is right, if we all go, they will just shoot us one at a time in the boat." Felicity said.
Robert reached behind his pocket and handed Felicity the book, "If your are as smart as I think you are, you will figure it out. And, I know you are. Now go before it is too late and the boat drags the lifeboat with it."
"Dad, please."
"Son, I am proud of you, now go and let me do this so you can live. I am counting on you two to make things right." Robert raised up and started to open fire on the two men. One of the men was hit in the chest and felled over the side into the ocean. The other man quickly duck behind the side for cover. Robert fired 3 more rounds toward the man. "NOW!" Robert yelled.
Felicity and Oliver ran to the lifeboat. Another explosion went off, throwing them off balance. They quickly got up and reached the lifeboat and had unattached it from the Gambit. Oliver hopped in and helped Felicity in. They could still hear Robert and the crewman exchanging fire. Oliver started paddling the lifeboat away from the doomed ship. As they looked back they saw an explosion that took out the entire top deck. Oliver yelled in terror reaching toward the ship. Felicity held Oliver back from falling in the water. Oliver just laid there in Felicity arms holding tight to her shirt.
