Chapter Two

The building Oliver purchased was a former factory, which allowed him three floors. He stood in the gutted factory considering his plans for it, as he had just enough money in his personal trust to renovate it. The first floor he selected for training and storage of his bike. It was a large enough space to set up a parkour course, salmon ladder, arrow range, Wing Chun dummy, a training mat, and weapons area. The second he was going to turn into a living loft for himself, which included a bed area, a kitchen, and a living area. He decided to buy Japanese scrims to break up the loft into the areas he needed. Finally, the third floor would be highly secured and the location for computers, his Arrow gear, his arrows and equipment to specialize them, and his Arrow uniform.

Without Felicity, he needed to find someone he trusted to set up the security. He would also needed someone with IT skills to set up his computers. Walter might be able to assist him with the security and IT person, though the IT person was going to set up a complicated system for him. Which I won't be able to completely run, he thought to himself. He was almost ashamed at how spoiled he had gotten with Felicity and her skills. But he just couldn't rely on those skills anymore. They came with too painful a price.

His smart phone rang. He looked at the number. It was Walter.

"Hello."

"Oliver, son, Walter here. I've got some good news for you," he started.

"I could use some, Walter," he said.

"I was able to get a certain percentage of your Queen Stock back, which is now Palmer Technologies stock. I've talked to Ray Palmer and he is willing to offer twenty-five million for the stock. Shall proceed with the deal?" he asked.

Oliver thought about the idea of owing some of Palmer Technologies stock. That large of investment would give him a place on the board of director if he pushed for it. The thought of being able to keep an eye on Palmer and what he did with his family's company and certain employees interested him.

"Without selling the stock, how much have of my family's wealth have you been able to get out of receivership?" he asked.

"The mansion, which you can sell as there is a market for it right now, art work and jewelry adding up to nearly eighty million dollars, and the private planes, which will sell easily. I would say that one hundred and fifteen million. I know it is a long way from the billions your family was worth," he said with sadness in his voice. "You know Moira left everything to you."

Oliver sighed. He expected that his mother would leave everything to him since they were having trouble with getting Thea to sign anything. Her petulance cost them their family's fortune. Anyway, she was using Malcolm Merlyn's money at the moment. This thought soured his mood even more.

"Walter, can you put the mansion, planes, and art work on the market. There a few pieces of jewelry I'd like to keep then the jewelry can go on the market, too. As things sell I want you to set up a trust in my name," he said.

"You're keeping the Palmer stock?" asked Walter.

"Yes. Tell Palmer that I'm keeping the stock and as a substantial stockholder I'd like a position on his board of directors," he told Walter.

"Really?" Walter said with interest. "Why are you interested in Palmer Technologies, Oliver?"

"Because a good portion of it used to be Queen Consolidated and I haven't given up getting my family's company back," said Oliver. "You can tell Palmer that I am interested in his stewardship of my family's company."

"Interesting move, Oliver. I applaud it," said Walter. "If you need advice or help you know I'm here for you."

"Thank you, Walter. I have the feeling I'll be needing your help often," said Oliver, who then hung up.

He put his smart phone away and looked at his wrist watch. Tatsu was due to come to Starling City today. He needed to pick her up at the airport. Besides his Ducati bike, he still owned a 2004 Maserati Coupe that his father gave him, which he kept in storage. It was time to get it out of storage and for Oliver Queen to start being seen again, especially if he was going to be a board member of Palmer Technology.

Arrow

Carrying a cup of coffee Felicity entered Ray's office. He summoned her to talk about personal matter. She assumed that he wanted to talk about the A.T.O.M. suit.

"Good afternoon, Ray. I take it you have a change or fine tuning of A.T.O.M. on your mind," she said with a smile. "Of course, I'm in favor of more protective armor. Anything that will keep the wearer as safe as possible because scars are not sexy on everyone."

Felicity thought about her last sentence and blushed. Once she got used to Oliver's scars she had to admit that she found them sexy. She convinced herself to view them as badges of honor and not something to be ashamed of.

"I didn't call you here about A.T.O.M.," he said. "I know that you are friends with Oliver Queen."

Hearing Ray say Oliver's name stunned Felicity. She was trying lately not to think about Oliver, even though part of her was worried sick about him. Ra's Al Ghul would want him dead for real once he discovered he was still alive.

"Um… I… I worked for Mr. Queen, as his EA, as you know and used to help him with IT problems for his club before that. Um… we are sort of friends," she said.

"It appears he's gotten some of his former wealth out of receivership with the help of Walter Steele and now owns twenty-five million worth of Palmer Technologies stock," he said sounding less than thrilled. "It makes him the second largest personal stockholder after me."

"Okay, well, that's interesting," said Felicity.

"He wants a sit on the board of director," Ray said.

"Really? Oliver? Oliver Queen wants to sit on the board of directors?" she said in shock.

"Yes, he does. That surprises you?" asked Ray.

"Well, he wasn't that interested in business even when he was the CEO of Queen Consolidated," she answered. Oliver was up to something. That was the only explanation. "Can you say no to him?"

"I'm not sure I should or can with that large a piece of voting stock," said Ray. "I'm going to ask him to dinner to discuss business for tomorrow night. I want you there with me."

"I'm not sure that is a good idea, Ray," she said.

"Felicity, you are a VP of my company, a trusted advisor, and my girlfriend," smiled Ray. "I think it's a great idea."

Felicity cringed at the word girlfriend. When she rejected Oliver, she saw no reason not to start a relationship with Ray. It was safe in a strange way and comfortable. Oliver, what are you up to?

"Do you want me to call him and set it up?" she asked.

"Felicity, you are not my EA. I'll have my EA track down Mr. Queen and arrange for the dinner. Do you know what he likes to eat?" he asked.

"Italian," mumbled Felicity.

Arrow

Oliver pulled up in his Maserati at his new building in the Glades. He got up, opened up the freight door, and drove into the abandoned floor then he and Tatsu got out.

"This is not much of a place," she said.

Oliver shrugged then said, "I'm having renovated. The second floor does have two beds and a bathroom facility. I thought we could stay here."

"Where do I train you?" she asked.

"First floor. The contractor starts on it tomorrow. He told that he'd have the first floor done in two days," said Oliver. "We can start training in three. The second floor all they have to do is fix the wood floor, paint it, patch it, and put in a kitchen, so it should take only a day or two. The third floor I'll fix myself."

"I am used to staying in less than luxury," she said.

"Tatsu, I can't thank you enough for this help, for all the help you've given me," he said.

"You were a friend to Maseo, me, and…," she paused unable to say her son's name then continued, "when I didn't deserve your friendship. Anyway, if I can train you to defeat Ra's Al Ghul then maybe I will get my husband back."

"Maybe?" he sighed.

His smart phone rang. Oliver took it out and looked at the number – Palmer Technology. He smirked then answered it.

"Oliver Queen."

"Mr. Queen, my name is Alice Knopf. I'm Mr. Palmer's Executive Assistant. He'd like to invite you to dinner tomorrow night along with him and Miss Smoak, our VP of Tech R&D," she said.

"May I bring a date?" he asked not wanting to leave Tatsu alone.

"I'll let him know. Mr. Palmer was thinking of an Italian restaurant, will that be fine?" Miss Knopf asked.

"I'd prefer Japanese," he said.

"I'll let him know this. I'll be calling you back with a time and location," she said.

"Thank you, Miss Knopf," he said then hung up.

Tatsu was staring at him with interest.

"We are going to dinner tomorrow night with the man who bought my family's company from underneath me and his date, the woman I love," he told her.

Tatsu sighed then said, "You do not believe in living a simple life, Oliver."

Arrow

Oliver pulled up in his Maserati with Tatsu in the passenger seat. He got out wearing a black Armani suit, while Tatsu wore a short black dress and shawl that he bought for her that afternoon. Oliver handed the valet the keys to his car then growled a whisper, "No scratches."

He looked up at the name of the restaurant.

"Subarashii," said Tatsu. "It means excellent."

Holding Tatsu by her left elbow, Oliver escorted her into the restaurant. They stopped at the maître' d station.

"Oliver Queen. I'm expected by Mr. Palmer," he said.

The maître d was an older Japanese man. He smiled and said, "Follow me, sir."

He showed Oliver and Tatsu to Ray's table where Ray and Felicity were already waiting for them. Oliver glanced at Felicity. She wore a blue dress with red dark red lipstick and her hair down and no glasses, which meant she had her contacts in. He inhaled her scent then closed his eyes to make sure that his mask stayed in place.

"Ray Palmer, Oliver Queen," he said then offered Ray his right hand to shake.

Ray stood up and shook it then looked at Tatsu.

"This is my dinner companion, Tatsu Yamashiro," he said.

She nodded her head at Ray then looked at Felicity and smiled. They sat down.

"This is my date and my VP of Tech R&D Felicity Smoak," said Ray.

"Felicity," Oliver said in a low voice then forced a smile.

"Oliver, Miss Yamashiro," said Felicity.

"I ordered us some sashimi and sushi to start with as an appetizer," said Ray in his most pleasant manner. "We can order the main meal afterwards. Do you care for some sake?"

Ray went to reach for the white sake container, but Tatsu grabbed the bottle first and poured Oliver his sake. Oliver then sipped the sake and nodded his approval. He picked up the sake bottle and returned the favor and poured Tatsu some. She smiled at him.

"Do you two want to be alone?" growled Felicity.

Tatsu looked at Felicity and again smiled then said, "I was merely being polite according to my culture and Oliver reciprocated."

Ray looked at Felicity with a raised eyebrow. He had to wonder just how close Oliver's and her friendship was.

"Sorry. Sometimes what is said in my head comes out of my mouth without a filter," she said. "It's embarrassing and I am trying to get better."

Oliver looked down at the table and suppressed a smile. Before he could say anything the appetizer arrived. The waitress placed a large plate of sushi and then a large plate of sashimi down. She looked at Ray.

"Thank you," he said. "We'll order our main course later."

She nodded her head and then left them alone.

"So," Ray started, "much to my surprise I find out that you are now the second largest personal stockholder after me of my company. I was willing to buy the stock from you, but you hae something else in mind."

Oliver smiled slightly, "When is the next board meeting, so I can take a seat on it."

Ray smiled and said, "I can see that you are direct on matters that are important to you."

"You have no idea," mumbled Felicity.

Ray looked over at her, so she picked up her empty cup and held it towards him.

"Sake, please," she said.

"Are you sure?" he asked her.

"Oh, I'm positive," she said.

"Mr. Palmer," Oliver started.

"Please, call me Ray."

"Okay," said Oliver. "Ray, since you bought my family's company, I find myself with some free time. I think being a member of your board of director will give me direction and something to do."

"Plus, you get to keep an eye on me and how I run the old family business," said Ray.

"Bullseye," grinned Oliver.

"So, I hit the mark," said Ray.

"You did. And I tip my hat to you. I never miss the mark once I have someone in my sight," said Oliver. "Figuratively speaking that is."

Felicity coughed vigorously as she the sake she was drinking went down the wrong pipe. Ray took the cup away from her and gently patted her back. As he patted her back, she glared at Oliver. For a moment his mask dropped and she could see the sadness in his eyes. She dropped her glare and stared down at her plate.

"Are you okay?" Ray asked her.

"The sake went down the wrong pipe," she admitted.

"Be careful," Ray said then leaned over and kissed her cheek.

Oliver's mask of indifference went back into place.

"So, Ray, you didn't answer my question – when can I take a seat on your board of directors?" he asked.

Ray smiled. It was outwardly a friendly smile, but in reality it was his mask that he wore. He didn't want Oliver on the board, but he knew he'd have a hard time keeping him off of it.

"We meet on Friday for a short meeting at Palmer Technologies at ten o'clock in the morning. I can introduce you to the board then," he said.

"Where is the meeting?" he asked.

"The conference room on the twentieth floor," he answered.

"Excellent," said Oliver. "So, shall we enjoy our dinner now?"

"Of course," replied Ray.