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"Here's what Oliver Queen had to say to the most recent threat-"
"You're seriously gonna threaten me with notes? Come on, don't be a coward. Show your face already!"
"That wasn't smart of him," Green Lantern sighed.
Flash shook his head. "Come on, doesn't that guy know anything about killers? They don't like being called names."
"I know he doesn't care about his safety," Black Canary said, placing the remote on the conference table in front of the Founding Seven. "But someone has to keep him alive."
"Agreed." Superman stood up. "You have any League members at your disposal."
Batman drew everyone's attention with a simple shift in his seat. "There is a problem with that plan."
"What would that be?"
"We can't just send heroes to Oliver Queen's next gala, or to keep an eye on him, without raising suspicions. Celebrities and the rich always receive threats like this, and we rarely send heroes to protect them."
"Batman has a point," Wonder Woman looked from the Dark Knight to the banshee-powered human.
Hawkgirl looked from Black Canary, to Superman, to Batman. "Well, we could send some heroes undercover. I mean, this is one of our own we're talking about."
"That's up to the other heroes," Batman reminded her. "Whoever agrees to go undercover will be revealing their identity. That isn't something to be taken lightly."
They deliberated about it for a few more minutes, but Black Canary knew Batman was right. She couldn't expect anyone to reveal their secret identity. Anyway, she would have to reveal Green Arrow's secret identity to explain why she was so intent on protecting the playboy. What kind of fiance would she be, doing that without even asking?
As she walked through the halls to the teleporter, Stargirl popped out of one of the side rooms. She was looking directly at the older woman while she nodded to the inside of the room. Black Canary simply tilted her head.
"Black Canary, come here!" Stargirl finally whispered, ducking back into the room.
Curiosity got the better of her. She followed the teenager into the room, only to find a few other Leaguers in their waiting for them. S.T.R.I.P.E., Crimson Avenger, Shining Knight, and Vigilante were all standing there watching her.
"We hear Arrow got himself into a bit of a jam," Crimson Avenger commented. His arms were folded and his face was stern, but there was a bit of light in his eyes.
She considered affirming the statement, but the thought of betraying her fiance's trust once again stopped her. "Oh? This is the first I'm hearing about it."
"Don't worry, darlin'," Vigilante laughed. "Avenger here knows all our secret identities. Y'ain't betrayin' nothin'. Avenger told us th' minute he saw the news."
"We just want to help," the giant robot that was S.T.R.I.P.E. assured her.
Black Canary found herself laughing. "I'm sorry, I appreciate it, but sending a robot isn't quite…inconspicuous."
Stargirl was floating to her right. She moved a little closer. "We're serious! We just want to keep Green Arrow safe too."
"We have already devised a plan," Shining Knight informed her. "And I must warn you, we are much like Green Arrow in that we intend to carry out any plan we invent."
Her smile softened. There was a sincerity in all their demeanor, with a hint of amusement. She had always been aware of the secret bond these heroes shared with her Green Arrow. Though, she was never aware that anyone besides herself and the Founders knew his secret identity. It had come at a bit of a shock that Crimson Avenger - and now the rest of those in the room - had this knowledge. At the same time, it was a major relief.
"Okay," she nodded, finally. "If I won't be able to stop you, I might as well join you. What's your plan?"
"Nuh-uh," Vigilante shook his head. There was a hint of a smirk under his bandana. "That's a secret right there, an' it needs ta stay that way 'fore we ruin it."
Now the Crimson Avenger smirked - something she was sure was very rare. "Do you trust us?"
She didn't know what was going to happen, but she was certain it was going to be unexpected. "Ollie's next gala is tomorrow night, seven thirty."
-->>>---------->
Dinah Lance found herself getting more and more anxious as the gala got closer. There was no telling whether the person behind the threats would even be there. And she had seen the invitation list - how was she supposed to find her fellow heroes? Let alone the shooter? At least for the other heroes she had a general idea of how they looked, what they sounded like.
"I wish you hadn't put that target on yourself like that," she sighed.
She and Oliver Queen were in the back of his limo on their way to the gala's location. They were almost there when she spoke.
"Oh come on, Dinah," Oliver said. "We both know it doesn't matter. I'll be fine. It's just some punk trying to scare me."
"You know better than to ignore threats!" She lowered her voice before continuing. "You'd think our other job would have taught you that much at least!"
"Our other job is why I'm not worried," he replied quietly. "Even if this punk shows up, we both know how to protect ourselves."
He was right, and she knew it. She couldn't help but be on edge though. She wished she at least knew the others' plan. What if they had forgotten the time? Or that it was tonight?
She shouldn't have been worrying. Lee Travis watched the couple walk inside. They were bombarded by all of Ollie's rich friends. He shook his head. He didn't like this plan, but it was the only one Speedy agreed to. And while he didn't like it, he did have to admit that it would be amusing. They were such a cute couple though.
Roy Harper was set up in a building across the street from where the gala was taking place. He looked through the sniper scope he'd added to his bow for this specific mission. It was pinned directly on Ollie's blond mug, but he could still see everyone around him. His initial answer had been "I'd love to see Ollie get shot." Of course, according to Crimson Avenger, that was the only wrong answer. He sighed and lowered the bow. It was likely to be a very slow, cold, and boring night. People had threatened his partner before and they never went through with it.
Sir Justin pulled lightly at the shirt collar from where he stood next to the punch bowl. His aura of discomfort had distanced the other attendees. He nodded at Dinah when she and Oliver passed by, forgetting himself.
Pat Dugan walked over after the couple had passed. He hissed a reminder at Sir Justin while pouring himself and his step-daughter some punch. The knight offered a small apology before he went to join Courtney once more.
Courtney sipped on the punch off and on. She was the focus of attention for many a young man and, while she thought it was a bit flattering, it was also very awkward - because Pat was standing so protectively by her side the entire time. She harumphed at the unfairness of it all while he reminded her why they were there.
"It's not fair that everyone else gets to have all the fun," she pouted.
Pat glared at her. "It wouldn't be as convincing with you, Courtney."
Ollie scanned the sea of faces around him. He saw two that weren't supposed to be there. A waiter passed by with a tray of champagne glasses. He took two of them and, handing one to Dinah, asked, "Do you feel better now that you've seen your little secret agents?"
"What are you talking about?" She asked.
"Come on, Dinah, I'm not a complete idiot. I've seen Sir Justin without his helmet before and…" -he looked to where the knight was still standing, awkwardly shifting and adjusting his tie and suit constantly- "he doesn't really fit in that well anyway. And I saw Lee on the way in."
"I don't know who Lee is," she replied.
"I'm just surprised I haven't seen Roy ye-" He stopped himself. "Actually, no, I'm not."
"He's across the street," she muttered before sipping on her champagne.
"Wow! Okay!"
"Mr. Queen, Miss Lance, can I get an interview and a few pictures for the Daily Planet?"
Their conversation was halted when Jimmy Olsen and Lois Lane of the Daily Planet approached them. He'd had his own plan of how to handle this, and he was sure it was now ruined by his friends' arrival. Maybe he could salvage some of it…
Flashing one of his signature playboy grins, Ollie reached out and grabbed Lois' hand. "It would be a pleasure, Miss Lane. I'm glad you could make it."
"Mr. Queen, I'm just here for an interview," Lois warned as Ollie kissed the top of her hand.
Dinah covered her mouth. She knew he was just putting on an act - it was part of Oliver Queen's charm to be a lady's man. While Bruce Wayne had more class about him, Oliver Queen definitely had more phone numbers. That was something Dinah was convinced of.
"So, may we begin?"
He flashed a fresh smile. "Whenever you're ready."
Dinah just sipped on more of her champagne.
Lois rolled her eyes. "Okay. Jimmy, can you grab some punch for us both? We can start then."
"Oh no!" Ollie handed Dinah his glass, simultaneously stopping the young photographer. "Please, allow me. It's the least I can do for someone as pretty as yourself."
Justin shifted again. These shoes were pinching. How could anyone stand them for so long? He froze when he saw Oliver coming toward him. At first, he didn't think Oliver recognized him. The other blond just began to pour some punch without giving Justin so much as a glance. He mentally congratulated himself on holding his disguise.
"Sir Justin," the familiar, friendly voice greeted quietly.
"Arrow," Justin's reply was automatic. He cursed himself to the heavens as soon as he realized what he'd done.
"Are you and Avenger the only ones here?"
"Nay." Try as he might, it wasn't befitting of a knight to lie.
"Then get the others," he grabbed the two glasses and, though his tone said he was not happy, he smiled the same wide grin he'd been giving all the patrons, "and get out."
"I think Sir Justin's been discovered," Courtney whispered to Pat.
Pat shook his head. "I know he wanted to be included, but that was just a bad idea."
"Now, where were we?" Ollie handed one glass of punch each to Jimmy and Lois before taking his champagne back from Dinah.
"Lois was just telling me how much she admired my patience," Dinah replied, smiling at him.
"Ah, isn't that nice. I wish I could say her trust in me was as good as her patience!" He laughed.
Lois raised her eyebrow. "Any woman who can stand by and watch you kiss another woman's hand without getting jealous has way more trust in you than I would."
Dinah grinned. "I'm glad you invited her."
"Now, can we-" Lois was cut off again as the crowd began to murmur and part.
Heavy footfalls sounded through the somewhat eerie silence. Ollie found himself asking what now. And then, to his further surprise and dismay, someone who hadn't been invited by anyone emerged and continued to walk toward him.
The country singer Greg Saunders stood before him. It was someone he never interacted with, though Dinah liked some of his music. The man had tried to reach out a few times when he hosted his own shindigs but Ollie always made a point of not attending. And what was worse - the man wasn't even dressed right! From head to foot, he looked as if he'd just finished a day on the farm.
"How did you get in here?" Ollie growled.
"Hey now," he flashed a grin, "that isn't any way to speak to a guest is it?"
"You aren't a guest. You weren't invited." Ollie made the mistake of gesturing with his glass.
Greg pried the champagne from his hand. "Well, don't mind if I do. Mighty nice of ya to offer." He nodded to Dinah as rage filled the archer's face. "Anyway, I was invited by yer darlin' here."
"As if! Leave Dinah out of this!"
"I can't rightly do that. I'm only here ta see her."
The crowd had gathered around them now. Even Lee, Justin, Courtney, and Pat had been drawn in.
Dinah was the only one who wanted to go the other way, especially after what happened next.
Greg Saunders raised his stolen glass. "I'd like ta offer a toast to ya, darlin'. We may be through, but you'll never hear me complain." He downed it in the seconds to follow.
Oliver's heart dropped just as low as Dinah's did. "What- What does he mean, Dinah?"
"Oliver, I don't know," she insisted.
"What is he doing?!" Pat whispered.
Lee shook his head in disbelief. "I don't know. This was Roy's part of the plan."
"Well now," Greg scanned the audience with all their black ties and fancy dresses. "Looks like I came underdressed. Ah no matter."
"Listen," Oliver stated firmly.
"I'm listenin', I'm listenin'." Greg snatched another glass of champagne off a nearby tray.
Oliver tried to stop himself from throwing hands right then. This hack was ruining his party! "You got some nerve coming in here and accusing my fiance of-"
"Fiance?!" He seemed shocked. "Hey now! She never told me it was that far along. I'd've never!"
Roy grinned as he watched Ollie's face turning as red as his own costume. He couldn't believe he'd gotten Vigilante to agree to this! Then again…he did say he'd already run it by everyone else and they'd approved. Oh well. What Vig didn't know wouldn't hurt him, and in the meantime, Roy got to watch Oliver squirm a little.
"Anyway, tell me about these threats on your life." The musician threw an arm around the playboy's shoulders as if they were old buddies. "They must have you really scared."
"What are you talking about?" Ollie snapped.
He motioned around with his third glass to Lee, Justin, and Pat. "Well, all the bodyguards you brought." He chuckled heartily. "Only a yellowbelly'd have bodyguards for somethin' like a threat.
Ollie pushed him away. Some of the drink spilled over the top and onto the floor. "I don't have any bodyguards!"
Dinah jumped forward and grabbed his arm. He hadn't meant to yell that particular phrase, but he had been caught off guard by this scene Greg Saunders was causing.
"Come on now. Save some of yer dignity and admit it."
"Alright just stop!" Dinah finally joined in. "You've insulted my fiance enough!"
Roy continued to watch as Dinah laid into Greg. But, he was no longer watching the three undercover heroes. His eyes were fixed on a man in the background. This man was looking at his watch a lot. The boy wasn't sure why, but it was suspicious enough to garner his attention. He quickly sent off a text to Crimson Avenger.
Lee scanned the group behind Ollie. He caught sight of the individual Roy had texted him about. It took a moment to get Justin's and Pat's attention, but once he had it he pointed the man out to them as well.
Finally, Dinah was done speaking to Greg. She grabbed Ollie's hand and began pulling him through the crowd toward the door. "Come on, Ollie. I can take a lot of things, but not someone insulting you like that."
Ollie didn't fight. He was glad she was taking him out of there. He was sure that if Greg Saunders had said one more thing, he would have punched him.
"He's leaving," Courtney said. She had called Roy, pretending like she was gossiping with a friend when - well, they were gossiping and laughing about what was going on.
"I see him."
-->>>---------->
"Ollie, it wasn't their fault!" Black Canary followed Green Arrow as he raged through the halls of the Watchtower looking for his so called friends. "I'm the one who asked them to come!"
"I can only be mad at you for one thing at a time, Dinah," Green Arrow snapped back.
"What's that supposed to mean?!"
"You still have to explain what the heck Greg Saunders was talking about!"
She stopped in her tracks. "Do you really think I was cheating on you?"
Green Arrow spun around. "He sounded pretty sure of himself!" He didn't wait for her to respond to the accusation when he saw Stargirl exiting one of the rooms. "Stargirl!" He jogged past Black Canary to catch the teenager. "Where are S.T.R.I.P.E. and the others?"
"Uh…" Stargirl looked at Black Canary, then she sighed. "They're in here…" She led the couple back into the room she'd just exited.
S.T.R.I.P.E., Crimson Avenger, and Shining Knight all looked up when they heard the door. They froze when they saw who was with the girl.
She gave a nervous chuckle and mouthed a quick "sorry."
Ollie took a deep breath, then unleashed his rage. "I can't believe you guys! You're supposed to be my friends yet you can't trust me to take care of my own problems? And on top of that," -he looked directly at Crimson Avenger- "you violated my trust! We all agreed it would be a good idea to have someone who knew everyone's identity, and now I'm starting to regret that choice! At least Vigilante had some sense to stay out of it!"
As if he had been summoned, Vigilante walked into the room at that exact moment. He froze when he saw Green Arrow and Black Canary. "Did I interrupt somethin'?"
"No," Green Arrow said, with as much gentleness as he could muster in his anger. "Come on in. I'm just about done here. Do you know what these idiots did?!"
Vigilante was wary as he entered.
"They came to my party to protect me!"
"Oh no." Vigilante's voice was flat. Not unusual when Green Arrow complained about something the cowboy thought was good.
"And then that hack Greg Saunders showed up!"
"Hey now!" Vigilante folded his arms.
"Vig, sit down," Crimson Avenger warned.
Vigilante glared at him. "I'll sit down if'n I wanna sit down."
"You're going to have to excuse me for a minute," Green Arrow told Vigilante before turning back to Black Canary. He knew the cowboy was as gentlemanly as they came, and he was about to lay into the woman. "Now what was that with Greg Saunders? What aren't you telling me?!"
"I told you I had no clue what he was talking about!" Black Canary snapped back.
"Hey now, you two," Vigilante took a step toward them.
Green Arrow held his hand out to stop the approach, but didn't address him. "Listen, I get it okay? I don't know why you'd choose me over someone like that either."
"Wouldja listen ta me?"
"Ollie, you're reading into things that don't exist! Nothing ever happened!"
Vigilante grumbled. He pulled his bandana down and simultaneously spun Green Arrow around to face him. "Hey! I toldja ta listen ta me!"
There was a split second where the two were face to face. A split second later Vigilante was sent to the ground. Green Arrow rubbed his hand - Vigilante did not have a soft jaw.
"That was uncalled for!" Vigilante snapped. He jumped to his feet and charged forward. His left hand led the way.
Green Arrow grabbed his wrist and tried twisting him around, but Vigilante allowed himself to fall down low enough to headbutt the archer's stomach. He pushed him into the wall and freed his hand. Before he could fully pull back, Green Arrow grabbed hold of his shirt - right above either shoulder. Vigilante grimaced. He almost cried out when he was thrown back-first into the wall beside Arrow. Ollie managed two steps before Greg pulled one of his revolvers.
"I swear ta high heaven if you touch me again I'm gonna shoot ya."
"Oh I'm sorry, did I find a sore spot? Don't think I didn't notice you favoring your right arm!"
"Course you found a sore spot! From where I got shot last night!"
"You didn't have time to get shot!" Black Canary joined the exchange, having finally gotten a look at Vigilante's face and understanding why Green Arrow had attacked him. "You were too busy telling lies!"
"I had jus' enough time between the moment you walked out the front doors and th' moment he slammed the car door." He set his steady gaze on Green Arrow. "You'll be happy ta know yer would-be assassin is behind bars for aggravated battery - a.k.a. shootin' me in th' back!"
There was a long silence while Green Arrow thought over everything that had been said. Slowly, his hardset form began to soften. "You…you actually got shot last night?"
Vigilante let his gun fall to his side. "Yes!" He replaced it in his holster in the silent minutes that followed.
Stargirl's voice was quiet as she asked a question, and admitted her participation in last night's activities, "So, why wasn't Speedy in here getting lectured with the rest of us?"
The cowboy replaced his bandana, nodding to the next room. "He's in the other room and he'll be there 'til someone figures out how ta untie the impossible knot fer makin' me slander a lady like that."