Green Arrow Issue #12: Seeking Answers

It's been days since the incident at the King estate, and yet, that seems to be all the news can focus on. The Emerald Archer of Star City! Who is he, and where did he come from?! Their words, not mine. Victoria Munch, reporter for Star City News, seems hellbent on figuring out the truth of it all. So now I have to worry about her investigating me, in addition to my half-sister trying to kill me. Yeah, can't say that's something I was expecting either. To just suddenly have a half-sister that I didn't know about, that wants to kill me. Sounds like something straight out of a soap opera.. Just another day in the life of Oliver Queen, I suppose.

 

In other news, who is Oliver Queen's new mystery woman? I hear in the background on the tv, as I'm making myself chili. I glance up, as they segway into several papparazi shots taken of me talking to Dinah at Sherwood Florist. Anything to fill the gossip channels.. I mean me and her? Hah, good luck with that. Sure, she's quite the bombshell, but I don't know if I can see us really clicking all that well. Besides, she doesn't seem to be a big fan of me either. Felt like it took everything in her to hold in her resentment. I could be wrong though, since opposites do attract. At least, that's what mom keeps telling me.

 

I've tried to figure out who hired Thea to kill me, but with very little in the way of leads, I've gotten nowhere. She wouldn't budge... Who hates the Green Arrow that much? My first thought was Anthony Venza, but he's still in prison. As for Clock King, he's w---dead.

 

The phone starts ringing, snapping me out of my train of thought. Upon reaching the phone, the caller ID reads Tommy. So I bring the phone to my ear, and answer.

 

-----------------------

Verdant, moments earlier.

 

Father's gone once again. He did what he does best, and ran away. After everything that happened the other night, I'm not surprised. The archer, SCPD, and some assassin. It was all too much for him. Guess it doesn't really matter that much anyways, as he's not even present when he's here in Star City. Still wish he could see the value in what I'm doing here with Verdant, and telling me that he's proud of me for once. But of course, he's not there... Really could use someone to talk to right now.

 

Of course, everyone's left for the night, as I'm just finishing up some paperwork for our vendors. I wonder what Oliver's up to right now. After all, it's been a while since we've had a movie night. Pulling out my phone from my pocket, I dial Oliver's number, bringing the phone to my ear.

 

"Hey Tommy, what's up?" He answers seconds later, his voice carefree as usual.

 

"Besides trying to run a business, which means a whole lot of paperwork? Not much man! So I was thinking, since I'm surprisingly almost done here, we could have one of our classic movie nights. It's been a while, and there's still so many movies you have to catch up on. Since you know, you've missed three glorious years."

 

"Yeah, you don't have to remind me.." He replies.

 

"So what do you say? I'll swing by Blockbuster and pick something up? Maybe start with Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring? Or maybe A Beautiful Mind?" I ask, and there's a bit of a pause before Oliver responds

 

"I'd love to Tommy, but unfortunately I've already got plans for the night. Raincheck though?"

 

"Yea uh sure. Some other time then. Sounds good. C ya later." I say with a sigh, the excitement in my voice quickly fading, as I hang up, and place the phone down on my desk. Yet again Oliver bails. Third time this week. Normally I'd think it was just some girl. But this is different. His tone was different. Looks like it's just me, Merlin, and a bottle of Chateauneuf-Du-Pape tonight.

 

Moments later, I hear the opening of the door to Verdant. Could've sworn I locked it. I put my pen down, and make my way out of the office, towards the front entrance.

 

"You know, you should be more careful. Leaving the door unlocked.. That's not very safe, especially in the Glades. You never know who could walk in." A voice taunts.

 

"Who are you, and what do you want?" I ask, trying not to fall for the bait. It's then that a figure emerges from the corner. She's wearing a dark red outfit, and sporting orange goggles, with gauntlets on each arm.

 

"Don't you watch the news? Who I am should be pretty obvious.."

 

"You.. You were there the other night. The assassin."

 

"Don't treat me like some common crook. The names Red Dart!" She scoffs, raising her gauntlets, aiming them at me. Her voice sounds familiar. It takes a few more seconds before I realize who it is.

 

"Thea.. Why are you here?"

 

"It's Red Dart! Thea's been dead for a long time now" She yells, glaring at me, ready to shoot. I'm actually going to die now.

 

I could say, That's not what this application says! But if I say that, I'm dead for sure. No ifs ands or buts about it.

 

"Okay, okay. Red Dart, what do you want from me? If you want the job, you can have it! I promise I won't tell anyone about this! Just don't kill me." I reply, stuttering throughout my sentence, clearly scared for my own life.

 

"Kill you? Oh no, Thomas King, I have much bigger plans for you. Starting with telling you the truth about Oliver Queen."

Done