Chapter 7-Preparation.
"I asked you all here today to tell you, I don't intend to continue this." Oliver said.
"You're firing us?" Curtis demanded, eyebrows raised. Oliver shook his head.
"You're all aware of the masked killer, Prometheus… I've been able to confirm who he is, under the mask." Oliver said. "His skill level… I cannot in good conscious take any of you with me to confront him."
"Why not?" Evelyn asked. "I faced him on that subway car. I even managed to get a cut in, and I'm hardly the best with a sword."
"As I recall, the only reason you survived was he didn't go for the killing blow." Oliver said sharply. "I don't want to risk your life like this. Any of your lives."
"So what's this then?" Jack Wheeler, Wild Dog, demanded. "You're going against him solo?"
"No. It will be two on one when it comes to it." Oliver said. "And then I'm retiring from this. For a while, at least. Hopefully forever. You all will have to make your own paths."
"So, is this a secret you might take to your grave, or will you tell us who Prometheus us?" Evelyn asked wryly.
"Prometheus is Adrian Chase, District Attorney." Oliver said. He reached for the manila folder on the table, took a full size picture out. "If I don't survive taking him down… I'm counting on you guys to make sure his secret is revealed." He took out a handful of flash drives, handed one to Evelyn, one to Jack Wheeler, one to Curtis. "These drives contain everything we could find about him, as much incriminating evidence as we could get. Not a lot, but it's all we obtained. It's enough to have him charged with a few crimes. We don't have proof for murder charges though."
"A flash drive? No parting gifts of bows or money?" Jack sighed. "Do we get to divvy up your assault rifles if you die?" Oliver raised an eyebrow, and he laughed. "Just kidding you, man. I'm sure you'll knock him dead."
"Are you going to kill him?" Evelyn asked. There was a moment of silence.
"We've been unable to get evidence for murder charges." Oliver said, drumming his fingers on the table. "Better question is, do you think the police could hold him? We believe he has figured out I am the Arrow. Meaning it's also likely he's figured out who you three are. If he talks to the police, we could all be sharing the same trial."
"So murder him to keep him quiet, huh?" Evelyn sniped.
"That, and the fact he's killed a lot of cops and a fair amount of innocent civilians." Jack retorted. He turned to look at the girl. "And there's a small matter of you attacking a city event and killing security staff before holding a gun on the then-mayor. That's a life sentence right there if dear Adrian decides to go public."
"I and my partner intend to take him down within the next few days." Oliver said, ignoring the spat. "Until you read about it in the papers, I suggest you all stay sharp and lay low, just in case. You may want to leave town for a while."
"How are you going to do it?" Evelyn questioned. Oliver shrugged.
"We're still making the plan. Obviously getting him outside city hall or the courthouse is appealing."
"When he won't be armed, because he has to go through security." Evelyn said.
"Right." Oliver nodded. "Obvious downside is all the police and guards that will come running at a moment's notice. No place really is ideal. His home is a possible target, but he's doubtless prepared, stashed weapons, maybe cameras, etc. Not to mention, easier for us to make the exfil from a city center. Many spots, places to lie low. "
"We could run a diversion." Jack offered. "Go start a bigger fire, suck away the oxygen from City Hall before you make a move."
"Possibly." Oliver shrugged. "That would draw away local units. Security would still be intact at City Hall, though, and it's a common ploy. It might just put him on alert."
"We should help you plan it out." Evelyn said. "Make it the best plan possible."
"That won't be needed." Oliver said. "I appreciate your skills, but between myself and my comrade, we have more than enough experience in extreme situations like this."
"That won't be needed." Jack repeated in a light, mocking tone. "Okay, boss. So give it a few days and see what happens, eh?"
"Yeah, basically. And rest assured, if I go down, or my places and computers are raided, none of you will be incriminated by anything found. The den here is going to be wiped and sterilized of fibers, prints, dna. No recordings or any mentions of your names or mentions of accomplices." Oliver said formally. He gave Curtis a look when the man touched a small railing. "And keep in mind everyone, touch DNA is a thing now. You touch it with your bare skin, you're leaving DNA samples. Shell casings, arrows, knives…"
"Not always admissible in court yet though." Curtis offered.
"Willing to bet your freedom on that?" Oliver sighed, shook his head. There was a moment of silence before he looked up, looking at them each once. "Team, you're dismissed. Good luck to you all."