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Chapter 7

Tommy hadn't been kidding about the food being excellent. Felicity felt like she'd eaten way more than she should've. The steak was so tender that all it took was a cut from her fork. Then the rich chocolate cake for dessert nearly put her into a sugar coma. Not that Felicity would expect anything less for Starling's elite.

The food wasn't the only observation she'd made throughout dinner. Their assigned table, only one over from the mayor's, was a mix of businessmen and city leaders. The topics discussed during dinner ranged from tax increases to the best vacation spots. Not once did they talk about the real purpose of the event.

Felicity, not having much to contribute to any of the topics, sat back and observed Oliver. Although he gave off an air of not having a care in the world, she could tell that he was listening intently to what the others were saying. The Arrow was always just beneath the surface.

Tommy, on the other hand, looked bored out of his mind. He whispered something to Laurel. When she smiled, he pushed his chair back and stood. "Well, ladies and gentleman, as much as I'd like to sit here and chat with you all night, I promised Miss Lance here a dance."

Another set of couples also excused themselves. The orchestra began to pick up the tempo in music now that dinner was finished and guests were congregating on the dance floor.

"Ah, I miss dancing," commented the older woman next to Felicity. She had a soft, soothing voice that reminded Felicity of her grandmother. The cane she'd used to hobble over to their table earlier hung off the back of her chair.

"I've always enjoyed it," Felicity said politely back.

"Mr. Queen, aren't you going to ask your lovely date to dance?"

"I value her feet too much to do that," Oliver charmingly replied. He turned to Felicity. "I'm not much of a dancer."

"I find that hard to believe." She leaned in so only he could hear her next words. "You're always so...coordinated."

"It's not the same."

"Hmm, looks like I could teach you a thing or two." There was a teasing challenge in her gaze.

Before Oliver could reply, they were interrupted by a tall, dark-skinned man with a British accent. "Oliver, it's good to see you."

"Walter." Oliver stood to greet him. "It's good to see you, too."

"It's been a while." The indirect reference to his mother's funeral hung in the air. "How have you been doing?"

"I'm okay," he answered, battling the overwhelming sadness he could feel creeping up on him. Most people meant well by offering their condolences but really it just served to reopen the wound. Walter was different, though. If anyone understood the loss, it was him. He'd been family.

"And Thea? How is she liking school?"

"It's been good for her to get away."

"I'm glad to hear that." Walter glanced at Felicity. "Who is this?"

"This is my good friend Felicity Smoak," Oliver introduced. "Felicity, this is Walter Steele. He's the CFO of Starling National Bank. He was also married to my mother."

Felicity shook his hand. "Nice to meet you."

"You as well, Ms. Smoak." He had a kind voice. "Mr. Palmer is seated at my table. When I saw you come in with Oliver, he told me that you are consulting at Queen Consolidated. He's been very impressed with your capabilities."

"Thank you. I try."

"I may be mistaken, but I could've sworn your name came up when I was CEO of QC. I was very involved in the recruitment process at the time. Companies are only as good as their employees, after all."

"The year I graduated from MIT someone from QC did contact me with an offer. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to accept at the time." It was yet another opportunity she'd had to sacrifice because of Cooper. Now that she knew Oliver, Felicity wondered how different her life would've been if she could've said yes. Would she and Oliver still have ended up crossing paths? She hoped so.

"Well, I'm glad that Oliver was able to achieve what we couldn't."

Sensing that they needed to talk in private, Felicity thanked Walter once more and excused herself to the ladies room. Oliver watched her leave, frowning when he noticed a few more pairs of hungry eyes following her exit. Among them was the mayor himself. Mayor Schultz was a slimy old bastard. Of course, Oliver still had to smile-through gritted teeth-and return the man's wave when he looked over at him.

"So the company is doing well?" Walter questioned Oliver, reclaiming his attention. "Because if you ever have any questions, I'd be more than happy to help. I know firsthand how challenging it can be, especially when you're first taking over."

"Thank you for the offer, Walter. I'm trying to get QC back on track. With all the bad publicity after the earthquake and then the cyber attack..."

"It's going to take some time, which is understandable," Walter stated. "Your mother, as you know, always wanted you to take your rightful place at the company. She had complete faith in you. I know you'll make her and your father proud."

Oliver, not trusting his voice, nodded in gratitude. When he'd first gotten back from the island, his mother and Walter had offered to make him vice president of QC. It couldn't have been further from what Oliver wanted at the time. He'd already started suiting up and patrolling the streets as The Arrow. Not only would QC take up most of his time, but it would make Oliver look too changed. Too responsible. His secret identity was dependent on the fact that people underestimated him. It was at the ribbon cutting for the Applied Sciences building, named after his father, that he pretended to be drunk and publicly declared he would never be able to take Robert Queen's place. It was a mission accomplished-his family had been sufficiently embarrassed-and he'd hated every moment of it.

His mother's death left him no choice. Queen Consolidated would've been ripe for a hostile takeover if he hadn't stepped in as CEO. The company was his family's legacy. His last connection to his parents. Oliver couldn't just let it go without a fight. The dread he'd once felt walking into his office was replaced with a sense of purpose and familiarity. Sometimes it was the only time he allowed himself to feel anything.

"I should go say a quick hello to the mayor. I've got to be leaving soon and can't avoid it all night." He patted Oliver's shoulder. "Don't be a stranger, son."

"I won't."

Oliver scanned the crowd but didn't see any sign of Felicity yet. He imagined that the line to the ladies room must've been long. It was usually out the door at these events. While he waited, Oliver circulated the room. He even brushed his annoyance aside to join Walter in talking to Mayor Schultz. He informed them of the relief efforts underway in The Glades and the SCPD's initiative to clean up the streets. It was a sales pitch by all accounts, and both he and Walter promised donations from their companies.

"Thank you. The city truly appreciates your generosity." The mayor couldn't help but add, "I trust that there will be no security breaches at QC with you in charge now, Oliver. There are no more spare earthquake machines lying around that have been overlooked?"

Oliver resisted the urge to clench his fists. The man was trying to get a rise out of him. Mayor Schultz had never cared much for his family, though he happily accepted their campaign contributions. "I can assure you the technology has been destroyed. I've seen to it personally."

"Excellent." He did a quick glance around the room. "Your date seems to have disappeared. I was hoping to meet the elegant young lady."

I bet you were, Oliver thought. "She stepped out for a moment."

"Well, be sure to bring her around before the night ends. I'd like to personally thank everyone in attendance."

The mayor was full of crap with that line. He'd been eyeing Felicity like a fresh piece of meat. There was no way in hell Oliver would let her anywhere near him. "Sure," Oliver easily lied and excused himself. He saw Tommy at the bar and joined him.

"How much did Mayor Schultz hit you up for?" his friend knowingly questioned.

"Plenty but I'd already spoken with the board of directors about making a donation. If Schultz wants to think it's because of him, let him. You?"

"Merlyn Global is doing the same." Tommy sipped his drink. "Of course he had to bring up my ass of a father beforehand. Nothing like trying to lay the guilt on thicker."

"He asked me if we had any spare earthquake machines lying around. He at least waited until after I agreed to give the money to bring it up."

Tommy shook his head. "The bastard."

"Where's Laurel?"

"Bathroom. She's probably trying to wash off the corruption from when Schultz kissed her hand. Where's Felicity?"

"Same."

"Let's hope they're getting along in there. I'm sorry about earlier. I didn't know Felicity was connected to the Brother Eye case when I told Laurel about her." He muttered, "Not that it was the only thing seeming to bother her."

"It's not your fault, Tommy," Oliver stated, choosing to ignore that last part. He and Laurel had agreed to be friends, but that didn't mean the old wounds were completely healed. It wasn't something Oliver wanted to think about tonight.

"Looks like there's nothing to worry about. Felicity is still alive." He pointed to where she stood on the other side of the dance floor. "Then again, you might have some competition."

Oliver saw that Felicity was in deep conversation with Ray Palmer. Seconds later, her serious expression melted away as he made her laugh. "We're just friends, Tommy," Oliver said automatically. The words sounded hollow to his own ears.

Tommy smirked and slapped his back. "Then her being friendly with Palmer should be no big deal. My bad."

Ray was saying something else to her. He then gestured to the dance floor. Felicity grinned politely as her eyes searched the room.

Oliver had already started walking as he absently said, "Tommy, I'll catch up with you later." He marched right up to the pair. "Felicity, there you are," Oliver smoothly interrupted, pretending not to notice Ray. "Time for a dance?" He held out his hand to her.

Felicity looked awkwardly between him and Ray. "Uh, sure." She took his hand, and Oliver pulled her closer to him.

"Hello, Oliver," Ray greeted pleasantly.

"Ray," Oliver finally acknowledged. "Walter said you were in attendance. Enjoying the evening?"

"Yes. I'm always eager to lend a hand-or money in this case-to a good cause." He glanced at Felicity, "I had actually asked Felicity here if she'd like to dance, but I see you've got that covered."

"She is my date for the evening."

"Of course. Well, enjoy the rest of your night." His politeness took on a more eager tone when he addressed Felicity. "Will you be in the office tomorrow, Felicity? I've got some new system plans I'd like your opinion on."

"I'll be there."

"Good." With a final nod to Oliver, Ray excused himself.

"What was that?" Felicity inquired as they made their way onto the dance floor.

"What?"

"I thought you said you don't dance."

"I thought you said you could teach me."

Felicity tilted her head and stared at Oliver, trying to figure him out. After leaving the ladies room, she'd searched for him. He'd been talking with the mayor at the time, and Felicity didn't want to interrupt. She had been about to go to the bar when Ray approached her. They talked for several minutes about some of his latest prototypes he was working on. Ray's eyes practically lit up when he went into inventor mode. When he did ask her to dance, Felicity had been surprised. She would've said yes under normal circumstances but wasn't sure, since she was there with Oliver, if it would be considered rude to accept.

Her decision was made for her when Oliver suddenly appeared. She'd been shocked that he asked her to dance but couldn't resist the offer. The situation got more uncomfortable after that. The way Oliver had said she was his date and brought her closer seemed almost possessive. She was probably over-analyzing the entire situation, but Felicity would be lying if she didn't admit his reaction gave her a little thrill. Ray, the nice guy that he was, had gotten whatever message Oliver was trying to send and had backed off. It was kind of surreal.

Oliver found a spot on the dance floor that wasn't as crowded. He pulled her closer, raised the hand that held Felicity's and put the other on the curve of her waist. Naturally, her free hand went to his shoulder.

"I probably could teach you to count off," Felicity informed him, "but I'll give you a break. How are you at swaying?"

"I think I can handle it."

"How did things go with the mayor? The conversation looked pretty tense there at the end."

"Fine." His voice sounded strained, but Felicity didn't push him on it.

"Walter seems nice," Felicity pressed on. She needed to keep talking or else her brain would go totally haywire from the feeling of his hands on her.

"He is," Oliver agreed. "He was a good friend of my dad's for many years. It was a few years after the Queen's Gambit sank that he married my mom."

"Were you okay with that?"

Oliver admitted, "It bothered me at first. But when I saw how happy he made her, I made peace with it. My mother deserved that after everything."

"And they were together until the end?"

"No. They got divorced last year, and Walter left the company. My mother was devastated, and for a while I was angry with him. That's until I learned about all the secrets she'd been keeping. I think Walter knew there was a part of her life she was hiding, and it put too big a strain on their relationship."

"How did your sister take it?"

"Walter made it clear that she could always come to him if she needed him, but it was still another loss."

"And I thought losing one father was tough," Felicity murmured.

Oliver didn't miss the sorrow in her voice. "Did your father pass, too?"

"No, worse. He, um...he abandoned my mom and me. I was so young that I barely remember him, but I do remember how much it hurt when he left."

Instinctively, Oliver pulled her closer to him. "I'm sorry."

Felicity could feel her eyes watering and blinked away the tears before they could fall. No matter what age she was, it still hurt to think about it. "It's ironic. My father couldn't get away from me fast enough, and Cooper could never let me go."

Oliver lifted her chin so that she was looking at him. "Hey, neither one of those instances was your fault. They were both fools."

Felicity gave him a small smile in thanks before resting her head on his shoulder. Oliver's hand returned to her waist as his chin rested atop her head. The distance between them when they'd first started dancing was completely gone. Oliver was aware he should pull back but couldn't bring himself to break the connection. No one would be able to tell from looking at Felicity how much she'd suffered. There was a goodness in her that was innate. He'd noticed it the moment he met her. Felicity loved bright colors, constantly cracked jokes and wasn't afraid, even at the cost of her own life, to do what was right. Oliver knew she felt that Brother Eye had taken a lot from her-and she was probably right to an extent-but whatever hell she'd been put through, she was made stronger because of it.

The orchestra finished its song just as a soft chime rang through the room. Felicity reluctantly pulled away from Oliver. For a moment, she'd forgotten where they were. She could feel Oliver's eyes on her, but stared ahead at the stage. It hadn't been her intention to get so emotional. Felicity wasn't sure what it was about Oliver that made her want to suddenly open up. Despite their partnership, they barely knew each other. And yet, when he told her that her father and Cooper's actions weren't her fault, she believed him.

The mayor approached the stage and took his place behind the podium. The room fell silent.

"I hope you've all been enjoying your evening. It has been a very difficult year for Starling City."

That was putting it mildly, Oliver thought. Then again, turmoil was Starling's default setting.

"Our losses have been incalculable. Our grief unimaginable. But with the generous donations you people are making tonight, we will come back from this tragedy-"

Oliver stiffened when he felt that small, chilling feeling creep up the back of his neck. It was that indescribable sense that something was wrong. He took Felicity's arm and surveyed the room.

"Oliver, what's the matter?" she whispered.

"You have failed this city, Mr. Mayor," came a loud, booming voice.

Murmurs spread through the crowd as everyone turned to find the source.

"The Glades have descended into hell on your watch," the voice continued. "You swore to protect all the citizens of Starling. Not just the wealthy."

"Where is that coming from?" Felicity muttered.

The mayor smiled nervously. "I'm sorry about this, folks. I'm sure we'll have this sorted out in just a minute."

Oliver looked to the bar and saw two masked men standing on top. They hadn't been there moments before. The screaming started when the automatic rifles became visible in their hands.

"As far as we're concerned, you can join them in hell," one of the masked men shouted as the other opened fire.

The mayor was shot in the chest multiple times before collapsing to the ground. The room erupted into chaos as the police and security details present opened fire. Oliver grabbed Felicity and pulled her toward the kitchen entrance. He was just about to tell her to stay put when two more masked gunman were upon them. They must've snuck in through the back.

"Oliver," Felicity murmured, panicked, as they pointed their guns at them.

"If it isn't Oliver Queen. Can't say I'm surprised to see you sneaking out the back like the coward that you are," said the one on the left.

Protectively tugging Felicity behind him, Oliver faced them head on. "What do you want?"

"Just what was taken from us when your horrible family decided to play god," the man answered. "We are The Hoods, and we will take this city back." He pointed the gun at Oliver's head. "Say hello to your mother for me."

Oliver didn't hesitate as he reached out to snap the wrist of the man aiming at him and punched him in the face. Quickly, he managed to push Felicity off to the side and onto the ground as the other man charged at him. Oliver blocked his blows, landing a few of his own, and swiped his gun before throwing him over one of the metal counters.

"What exactly happened to you on that island?

Turning around, gun raised, Oliver faced the first masked man. To Oliver's horror, he held a gun to Felicity's temple. His injured hand was curled around her waist, keeping her close.

"Let her go. Your problem is with me," Oliver said carefully. "It's not with her."

"Go ahead, rich boy, pull the trigger," the man taunted. "I'm not afraid to die. That's what happens when you've got nothing left to lose." He squeezed Felicity, causing her to whimper. "You, on the other hand..."

Felicity closed her eyes at the feeling of the cold barrel against her skin. She needed to remain calm and keep a clear head. That's what Diggle had told her. She went through the self-defense maneuvers he'd taught her, but none that she could remember dealt with having a gun pointed so close to her head. Felicity watched Oliver, recognizing that calculating look of his. If she could just distract the gunman in some way...glancing at the counter beside her, Felicity noticed a small skillet.

Slowly, she reached her hand over. Oliver's eyes caught the subtle movement, and he gave her a discreet nod. Once Felicity's fingers touched the handle, she gripped it firmly. The gunman was getting fidgety; it was now or never. With her right elbow, Felicity slammed him hard in the gut. The man bent forward, giving her the perfect opportunity to whack him in the head with the skillet. Dazed, the man's grip loosened just enough for her to get away.

Felicity launched herself to the floor near Oliver just as he fired the gun. The first bullet knocked the weapon out of his hand. The second bullet landed in his leg, causing the man to shout and fall to the ground. Oliver walked forward and knocked him out for good measure.

When he was sure they were no longer in danger, he knelt down in front of Felicity. "Are you okay?"

"I wasn't aware you knew how to use a gun," she breathed. "I mean, I hoped you could. But there was still that small chance-"

"Felicity," Oliver interrupted mid-babble, placing a hand on her face. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah. I'm fine."

Checking her over, Oliver was relieved to see not so much as a scratch on her. She was shaking, but that was normal. A moment later, the kitchen doors opened and the SCPD came charging in. Oliver helped Felicity to her feet and held on to her in case her legs were unsteady.

"Mr. Queen. Ms. Smoak. We meet again," Detective Lance stated. Tommy and Laurel were trailing behind him.

Tommy breathed a sigh of relief. "My God, we were wondering what happened to you."

"We came in here to hide when we ran into these guys," Oliver said. "Did you catch the others?"

"My officers were able to bring them down before there were any more casualties." Staring at the unconscious bodies on the floor, "Looks like you were pretty busy yourselves."

"They called themselves The Hoods. They wanted revenge for what happened to The Glades."

"We gathered that much with them shooting the mayor and all."

Staring at the blood pooling on the floor from the wounded gunman, Felicity had to look away. Noticing her squeamishness, Oliver mentioned that he was going to take Felicity outside for some air.

"Fine. Just don't go anywhere. I'm going to need statements from the both of you."

"Sure."

"We'll give ours now and then join you," Tommy told him.

Oliver nodded and guided Felicity out of the kitchen and past the chaos in the ballroom. "Seriously, are you okay?"

"Yes. I just..." She thought of the way the mayor's lifeless body had crumpled. "I've never seen anyone die before."

"Sometimes these things happen." Oliver placed a hand on her shoulder. "I wish I could say that you get used to it, but you never do."

"I don't think you're supposed to. Otherwise, we'd be them." Felicity spared a glance at the ballroom. The paramedics were wheeling out the gunman that Oliver had shot. "So what are we going to tell Detective Lance?"

"The truth. I took them down-with your help." Oliver gave her an encouraging smile. "You held your own in there."

Felicity snorted. "Only after the guy managed to press a gun to my head."

"I thought the frying pan was a nice touch."

The blonde laughed softly and shook her head. "Desperate times call for desperate measures. Diggle will be proud."

"Speaking of." Oliver waved his hand when he noticed Diggle making his way through the crowd.

"Are you guys all right? I saw the news and rushed over."

"We're okay. Two of the gunmen are dead. The other two are in custody."

"That's it?"

"I think so. We should look into it just in case."

"Well, let's get the two of you out of here."

"Felicity and I have to give statements."

"Oliver, are you sure Detective Lance won't be suspicious?" Felicity inquired. "It's not like you were wearing a mask when you took those guys out."

"It'll be fine. I'll tell him that I've trained with my security team as a precaution. Can't be too careful nowadays."

"Oliver," Tommy called. Oliver left Felicity with Diggle and met his best friend. "Detective Lance is ready for you guys."

"All right. Why don't you take Laurel home? My bodyguard is here. He'll take Felicity and I back when we're finished."

"Just when I think this city can't get any more messed up," Tommy scoffed. "Yet another disaster caused by my father."

Detecting the guilt in his voice, Oliver said, "This wasn't on you, Tommy."

"Maybe so. But why do I constantly feel like I'm the one paying the price?"

Ever since he'd gotten back from the island, Oliver had felt the same way. His parents had left quite a mess in their wake, and all Oliver had been trying to do was right their wrongs. Looking at Tommy, Oliver didn't know what to say. He was still searching for the answer himself.