Chapter 11:

John Diggle liked to think of himself as an ethical man. A man who, unlike his stepfather, Roy Stewart, lived to protect people and would never abandon someone in a time of crisis. John may have been forced to kill child soldiers and other enemy soldiers in Afghanistan, but he believed that he could be better away from the battlefield. He even ignored his own personal desire for revenge against whoever killed his younger brother, Andy. He never wanted to break the values his mother raised with him; especially the ones kindness, service, humility, and to not harm.

That was why he chose private security versus accepting Amanda Waller's offer to join A.R.G.U.S. all those years ago. His wife at the time, Lyla Michaels, had immediately accepted. His first love always believed in the philosophy that the ends justify the means. John had a hard time accepting her decision, and eventually, after a year of trying to convince her to choose a different career, she decided to separate. They divorced a year later.

Andy had said it was for the best. "She was never right for you. Too independent. You deserve someone who will actually listen to you."

When Diggle woke up last night and learned that Oliver Queen was the Hood, John realized that the deep, haunted eyes of Mr. Queen were more than ones of a fellow soldier. They were ones of a killer. When Mr. Queen demanded that John join him in his secret life, John had immediately refused. The Hood not only attacked people; he acted under his own personal interest against every code of honor that John valued. He couldn't work with someone like that.

Mr. Queen had told him to think it over. Diggle had been about to tell him there was nothing to think about when the Hood's security cameras showed two trespassers. Soon, John discovered that Mr. Queen's sister was as messed up morally as him. She stalked him; discovered his relationship with Lyla and her role in A.R.G.U.S. Worse, Ms. Queen wanted John involved in a war of vigilantes. According to her Prometheus was a dangerous killer, but her brother wasn't. That was utter nonsense. Both the Hood and Prometheus threatened the people of Starling City. While John appreciated that Ms. Queen cared about the Queen's Consolidated employee and his safety, he knew that her personal bias was clouding her judgment.

With all that in mind, John knew he was making the right decision.

In one of the Queen's mansion's private rooms, John watched the Queen sibling's clueless mother Moira consider his resignation. Finally, the blond woman nodded. "I understand that Oliver hasn't been easy to protect. You have done your job poorly, so I can accept your resignation. If you are looking for another job, I do have another opportunity lined up for you. I'm sure you remember the woman we met in Central City. She would like to hire you as a bodyguard for her son. I'll pay you the same rate as before."

The Queen family was a strange group of people. The children were insane vigilantes, and the mother was so morally superior that she insulted you when she wanted something from you. She expected everyone to bend to her will. John was not sure which family member was the worst.

"Thank you for the offer, but I can't accept it."

His nephew and Carly were both now in a safehouse owned by one of Lyla's trusted co-workers. He wanted to join them and protect them from Prometheus. That vigilante was still a mystery; John almost died, and he was clueless about his attempted killer's true identity. The woman Ms. Queen rescued was thankfully recovering from her blood clot at A.R.G.U.S's secret hospital. That was due to luck. Prometheus might succeed in harming his family if he chose to protect a stranger.

"Well, if you change your mind, Ms. Clayton only wants you." The older woman's pale blue eyes stared down at him. "My grandson is a charming six-year-old boy. He won't resist your duties. Ahem. I'll let you in on a little secret that might convince you. Apparently, the vigilante Prometheus is not as altruistic as he appears. He's a danger to my grandson. He's a virtuous boy who deserves protection."

John loved children. A.J. was the sweetest and so funny. His nephew deserved his focus. Carly needed him.

"I'm sorry, but I can't, ma'am."

Mrs. Queen nodded. "I had to ask, but it's right. I'll explain to Ms. Clayton that you're unable to help. You may go."

As John left the room, he shivered. The room felt cold under her disappointed gaze.

When Thea and Oliver entered their mother's study, they found her looking through a dusty photo album.

"Hello Oliver, Thea," Moira greeted, smiling widely. Thea saw her glance at her hurt appearance in concern. "I've been feeling very nostalgic today and thought you both might want to look through some old photographs of the good old days."

Thea guessed Walter told her mother about the 'motorcycle accident' and to not mention it. According to Raisa, Walter was currently working at Queens Consolidated.

Oliver hesitated, but Thea immediately took a seat beside Moira on the warm red couch. "That'll be fun!" Thea grinned at a collage of photos of her as a baby. "I'm so cute." There's her dad holding her. Robert appeared so happy.

"This is what you said was so urgent," Oliver snapped. "I don't have time for this."

"Ollie," Thea said sharply. She wanted to focus on finishing a plan to stop Prometheus too. But sometimes it was good to appreciate the small things in life. If Thea learned anything since she was twelve, it was that people can leave or die at any time, and she should live in the moment with them as much as she was willing. "I know you're stressed, but we can take an hour to look at photos."

"You can if you want, but I'll go back to my original plans for the night," Oliver replied.

Thea rolled her eyes. "Well, go then." Like this Oliver would actually leave her alone when he knew that she was involved in his secret life.

"Oliver, whatever girl you're planning on seeing tonight, she can wait," Moira commanded. "I know you are mad about my secrets, but it's been five years since the three of us spent any time together relaxing as a family. Do you really want to let a grudge ruin our time together?"

Oliver grimaced. "Fine. Thirty minutes. Then I'm going." He sat on Thea's other side.

Oliver was true to his words. Right after thirty minutes passed, he stood up to leave. Thea was about to follow suit, when their mother spoke, "I met with Ms. Clayton yesterday."

"I know," Oliver said sharply. "Samantha told me. She's angry, but we agreed to not talk about any custody changes right now. I told her that I do want some custody. We'll figure it out, but you need to stop involving yourself in the matter."

Their mother frowned; her hands pressed against the couch's burgundy cushions. "I only want to help you. I don't wait Samantha to railroad you. I know you like to see the best in people, but Ms. Clayton is not a good person. I see now that I made the wrong decision and that you deserve to be in his life. Ms. Clayton doesn't want you in William's life. She'll do anything to manipulate you. I'm only looking out for you because I love you."

"I appreciate it mom," Oliver sighed. "I'm glad you're willing to help me with knowing William. But I can't let you influence my decision either. There's more at stake than custody. I'm still adjusting to life at home."

Their mother nodded. "I only want what's best for you."

"We know, mom." Thea squeezed her hands. "But Ollie's got it handled."

"I also wanted to warn you that the vigilante Prometheus might be an enemy of the family." Moira blanched blue eyes blinked rapidly. For once, uncomposed.

Oliver glanced and Thea nodded. Thank goodness, Samantha warned them about this. Thea and Oliver had practiced for this moment.

"What do you mean?" Oliver said calmly.

"Samantha told me that Prometheus was after her. After I saw a threatening note from an anonymous person to Ms. Clayton who called themselves SM, I asked the woman and she said that it was from that vigilante. She couldn't give me specifics, but apparently SM and Oliver have a history."

"I guess I do." Oliver said quietly. Sometimes Oliver could be the best actor. Squinting his eyes, Oliver tapped his fingers on the top of their mother's wooden desk. His face appeared so absent-minded. If Thea did not know who Oliver truly was, she would believe he was confused. "I don't remember someone with those initials, but I did ruffle a few feathers back in the day. I'll think it over and let you know if I figure out who it is."

"I hope you can figure it out." Moira straightened on the couch. "But now, more than ever, you do need a bodyguard, Ollie. First, those men tried to kidnap you and now this new vigilante has threatened your son. I'd like you to meet Rob Scott." A tall, plain looking man in a suit came in and stood in attention at the door. "He'll watch over you from now on. Please let him do his job. For my peace of mind."

As Rob introduced himself, Moira turned to Thea. "I know you admire these vigilantes. But can't you see that they are dangerous. The Hood killed multiple people; Somer's was one of your father's, both your father's, closest friends. Prometheus has a vendetta against our family. You need to be careful and realize that vigilantes are not good people."

"Don't worry mom." Thea replied confidently. "I know exactly the kind of monster Prometheus is. I hold him in the lowest regard possible."

"The Hood is the same. Just because he doesn't target us…," Her mother began.

"He's not mom. My gut tells me the Hood is better. That he would never hurt an innocent person. He's simply trying to make a difference," Thea interrupted.

"But, Thea, I need you safe. To be safe you need to understand that vigilantes are not celebrities. They're not superheroes. They are men with savior complexes who will harm anyone who gets in their way."

Thea leaned against the edge of the couch, crossing her legs. "Mom. Let's just agree to disagree about the Hood."

"Thea!"

"Mom. Don't worry so much about me." Thea knew what to say to distract her. "Ollie and I found a place for me to spend the next few weeks, so I won't be in any danger from vigilantes. I decided to go to rehab to help with my drug problem."

Her mother's face immediately transformed. Beaming, her mother hugged her; all arguments forgotten. "Thea, I'm so proud of you."

For so long, Thea had wanted to hear those words from her mother. She only wished that it wasn't in response to a lie.

Margo Weinberg giggled as she danced with her friends Aliza Shelby, Zoe Harman and Chasity O'Connell. This was the perfect night; the music was roaring all the best pop hits; the flickering lights were shining, and she had not a care in the world thanks to the Ecstasy she ingested. Too bad her other friend, Thea Queen, decided to go prude and leave them all behind. It had been weeks since the girl attended a party. Not that Margo missed her that much. Thea always seemed to hog all of the hottest and most affluent men's attention.

Like that exquisite Tommy Merlyn who just passed Margo. He was all over Thea the night of Oliver Queen's welcome home party. Maybe Margo could catch his eye tonight. Oh, no! He was flirting with some redhead wearing to die for heels who was shouting about how excellent her lover boy is. Margo had no chance with someone that stylish. The man kept calling her cute the other night. So, humiliating.

Whatever! Aliza and Zoe were shimming to the beat. Chastity was telling Pudgy Sally who's boss. That stalker! She needed to Snap that! Her little sister, Hannah, was always begging Margo to send her videos through Snap Chat of these nights.

"Here you go, Hannie! In a few years, this will be you!" Margo squealed into her phone. After snapping the video of Chastity's fabulous comebacks, Margo took a selfie. She sent it to Hannah as well. God, Margo looked gorgeous in her shimmering pink dress.

Someone laughed behind her, and Margo quickly sent the Snap to her sister. She turned and grinned at her two potential boytoys. Who should she choose? The scrumptious brunette or his Mexican friend? The first was definitely Margo's type; a few years older who wore a finely polished suit. He definitely was on the wealthy side with his Rolex watch and Ray-band glasses. In her dreams, he would fit her fantasy as a secret agent who led her to a life of fancy parties and adventure. The Mexican was too foreign for her taste.

Aliza squealed, running up to them. That bitch. The brunette was Margo's! Aliza should go back to the girls and give Margo a chance to be the center of attention for once.

"Hiya!" Aliza danced to the beat, flinging her long blond hair over her shoulders before grabbing the Mexican's hand. "Come dance with me. I'm Aliza, what's your name?" As the Mexican answered, Aliza winked at Margo. Hmm, maybe her friend did care about what Margo wanted. Aliza was a good wing woman.

Margo glanced at Zoe and Chasity. They were making out near the bar. Aw, everyone knew they were the real deal with a capital D. They would not mind being left alone.

"So, what is a gorgeous girl like you doing standing here all alone?" The brunette shouted over the music, smirking.

"Oh, I don't know, waiting for you!" Margo felt lethargic, excited for the chance to score a hot man in his twenties. So many times, they got distracted by Thea's notoriety from the papers as the heiress with a dead brother and father, or picturesque blond girls like Aliza. Bony, pallid brunettes like Margo were never their first choice. She hoped that someday she would have actual boobs that drew men in.

"Nice bar, er." Such an awkward guy. "Come here often?" Still his hair looked so stylish, and his face was oh so handsome. Margo could stare at his electric blue eyes all night long. It was almost like they were reflecting from the fluorescent lights on the club's ceiling.

"Yes. Poison is only the best new bar in town!"

He said something that was hard to hear over the rift of a guitar solo in the song the DJ was playing.

"What?"

This time she heard him. Thank goodness for the brief break between songs. "Can I get you a glass of champagne?

A bit too try-hard of an offer, but a free drink was a free drink. "Sure." She shimmied over and grabbed his hand.

Soon he bought their drinks and they wandered off to the quieter hallway. Guess this guy was one of the talkers. She can always ditch him if he turns too boring.

He stopped suddenly and stared at something behind her. Margo turned to find Pudgy Sally strutting over.

"Stalker much." Margo hissed at her. "Go find your own man, Pudgy."

Pudgy Sally simply smiled and wiggled her well-endowed chest. "I just wanted to say hi. Where are you guys off to?"

"None ya business." Margo snapped back. "Go bother someone else."

"Lady," Her man interrupted. "You should go. We are just having some fun at this bar together. I'm sure there's someone else you can find tonight."

"She could come with us," the Mexican suddenly appeared, Aliza grinning wildly at his heels. Looks like someone got to make out tonight. Lucky her. Though it sounded like the friends wanted to take Aliza and her somewhere cool. So, maybe just maybe, Margo will be lucky too.

"No." The brunette said and grabbed his friend by the arm. "I need to talk to you for a sec?"

Margo and Aliza snickered.

"Looks like they're not interested in your fat ass." Aliza hollered. She said some more things, but Margo didn't bother to listen.

Her attention was drawn to the two men who were whispering about something to each other. Thanks to the silence in the hallway, she could make out their words.

"... no one else. It's bad enough we're doing this to two," Margo's man was saying.

"It's just a stunt." The Mexican replied. Interesting. Was Pudgy Sally pranking Margo and Aliza? Poor girl, you can't prank someone who knows what's going on. "S's is a good one. Nothing bad is going to happen to them. S just wants to freak out that rich bitch who's trying to stop S's plan to save the Glades." He muttered a string of words in Spanish.

Guess Pudgy Sally had a friend from the Glades. Figured the pathetic girl would hang out with low lives like that. She should ask Aliza later about what the Mexican meant about her involvement in the Glades comment.

"But the girl isn't friends with her."

Well duh, that's why dear old S wanted to prank them. Well, jokes on her. Once Margo figured out the plan, she would humiliate all three of them. She would play along for now.

"We can't very much let her go tell others what we're doing. She's seen our face, man. Are you in, or do I have to tell S you're too weak to help the many people suffering in this city?" The Mexican started growling, towering over his friend, reminding Margo of one of those drug cartel leaders she had seen in movies. Spooky. Maybe they were purposely letting her listen to this conversation. That was it! They were trying to frighten her. Well, Margo wasn't easily scared.

"Fine," the brunette said reluctantly. "Let's get this over with."

Margo quickly went back to the bickering Aliza and Pudgy Sally. Time to play their game.

"So, my buddy here has a place nearby that we'd love the three of you to come to." The Mexican said.

"Sounds fun!" Margo said.

"I don't want her tagging along," Aliza hissed into Margo's ear.

"They're trying to prank us." Margo whispered back. "I think Sally hired them to get back at us for refusing to be her friend. Let's pretend to play along before pranking them instead."

"I never knew Pudgy had it in her." Aliza snickered and tucked some of her hair behind her left ear. "I'm game," her friend shouted loudly to the men. "Let Pudgy have some fun too."

"Thanks!" Pudgy Sally's green eyes brightened. "I missed this. Remember all the fun times we had in middle school, Leese."

"Don't remind me." Aliza tilted her head downwards.

Hmm, Margo never knew that Aliza used to be friends with a loser. Was Aliza in on the prank too? Maybe, she should get back to the group. Margo inched towards the door that led to the main club room, but Aliza grabbed her hand.

"Don't leave me alone with this loser!" Aliza muttered. "Trust me, we're in this together. I hate Pudgy. I only hung out with her back then because our moms were friends."

"Good. But I gotta warn you, if I find out you're in with them on this, you are so dead! Social suicide."

Hand in hand, Margo and Aliza followed the men and Sally. Time for some pranking.

Too bad Zoe, Chasity and Thea were missing out on all the fun. Well, the rest of their group can always join in next time.

In the top floor of Merlyn Global Group, the corporation's CEO Malcolm Merlyn was in the middle of his nightly ritual. It included signing off checks, sending out last minute emails, reprimanding his assistant about his worst mistake of the day, locking his door, and now, the most important part.

It was time to listen to a voicemail. His dear, late wife, Rebecca's final words to him. The recording gave him the gift of hearing her voice and reminded him of why he was leading Tempest. It reminded him of all the bystanders from the Glades who stood and watched as Rebecca slowly died. It reminded him of his first kill; the night he made sure the man who killed Rebecca would never harm anyone else. It reminded him that the people of the Glades deserved the worst pain imaginable. Their death would be a mercy that would heal the dying city. Tempest will gentrify the Glades into a better place once the guilty population in the Glades were extinct. He just had to wait a few more months.

As Rebecca wished to not die alone, Malcolm clenched his hands around the budget he was reviewing. Dammit. In a couple of months, and if Dr. Markov kept messing up, Malcolm would need to find some way to get enough funds to support his mission. He could always ask Jason Brodeur or another member of Tempest for funds, but that led to auditors. He was forced to do that far too many times the past few years. He preferred to use his own money. It would be better to use some of his emergency fund. If Dr. Markov kept delaying, Malcolm might be forced to hire a new engineer and it might be time to use his son's trust to pay for the project. Well, the trust did contain Malcolm's well-earned money. Plus, the boy needed to grow up.

Speaking of his son, his assistant had just called to say that Tommy was in the lobby with some slut and wanted to talk to him. Malcolm could spare a few minutes. He handled his main projects for the day earlier. Nothing like bribing a young and wealthy entrepreneur to join Tempest to help with data analysis.

"Tell the girl to stay in the lobby. I'll see my son."

As Malcolm waited, he checked that his secret room was properly secure and locked his private papers in a locked drawer.

Malcolm knew his son was nearby when he smelled the stink of alcohol. Such a disappointment. He had tried to raise his son as a hard-working, businessman, but received a slacker and partier instead. Tommy would never amount to anything if he continued on this disappointing path. Maybe he should just cut off Tommy tomorrow and use the emergency funds the next time Tempest was in a financial strain.

"Next time take a shower before you come to my office," Malcolm said as his son entered. "I thought I told you to stop coming by while you're in a bender."

"Sorry pops." Tommy winked with a drunk smile. Stupid boy. "I needed to see ya. I gotta something important to tell you."

Malcolm stood up and walked towards his son. "Sit. Before you fall over and ruin my office." He pushed his son's wobbling body onto a hard wooden chair. He reserved the chair for all the times his son turned up drunk. Was this the second or first time this month?

His son now situated; Malcolm barked into his intercom for his assistant to get his son some water.

"Moira nothin' but a liar." Tommy shared as some drool dripped down his mouth. "She lied to Thea, me, you. We deserve to know. Can't believe you slept with her right after mom died. Wasn't she everythin' to you? Wasn't that why you left? Didn't want to see me? Hated me all these years. Because she died and I didn't."

Malcolm froze, remembering the night his oldest friend's wife visited him shortly after Rebecca's death. Moira had been just like Tommy that night. She came by drunk and frazzled. She had cried into his arms as she shared Robert's list of infidelities. After a while, Malcolm had tired of hearing about the foolish woman's pain. He was the one who had to deal with actual grief. He decided to distract her with a little revenge against Robert. It meant nothing. It just allowed him to get her to stop talking. He had closed his eyes, pretending she was his brown-haired beauty, and that Rebecca was still alive.

"Where should I put this?" His assistant had arrived with the water.

Malcolm grabbed it and pointed towards the door. "Shoo. Don't call me for the next hour and make sure no one comes in."

After the assistant ran off, Malcolm bolted the door behind him.

"I can't believe Moira told you." Malcolm said as he pressed the water against his son's warm head. Tommy may irritate him, but Malcolm did care about him.

"She didn't. Thea found out. Told Ollie and me. Moira basically got them to agree to not tell you. But I can't keep this from you. You deserve to know Thea's your daughter."

Malcolm clenched his teeth. Moira Queen. He gave that woman his utmost trust. He gave her a position of power. She paid him back with a lie. He might need to rethink who should be his second-in-command.

Still, there was some good news. He had more than one option now for his legacy. Pity, Thea was growing up as weak-willed as her brother. Maybe, he could fix her up with a little tough love and other effective forms of fatherly involvement.