At the entrance to the private terminal at Gotham International Airport, Li Jie leaned against the Patrol Van, watching the Gulfstream bearing the Queen Industries logo slowly taxi onto the apron. The cabin door opened, and John Diggle was the first to descend. His hawklike gaze swept the surroundings, and only after confirming it was safe did he step aside.
Oliver Queen followed him. He wore a well-tailored dark gray coat with no tie, his shirt collar casually open, and carried a lightweight travel bag. He looked more like a young CEO here on business than the avenger who drew his bow in the shadows of Star City.
"Oliver, Mr. Diggle." Li Jie walked over and extended a hand. "Good trip?"
"Not bad."
Oliver glanced at Li Jie, then at his bodyguard. "You call me Oliver, but you call him Mr. Diggle. Is there something between you two...?"
"No, no, nothing of the sort." Li Jie spread his hands toward them. "I just dealt with a particularly unpleasant John recently. I don't want that bad impression rubbing off on Mr. Diggle."
"Well, I certainly appreciate your consideration." The black bodyguard grinned. "How are we getting there?"
"You two..."
Li Jie looked around behind him. "Didn't book a luxury car to pick you up?"
"No, no. We thought we'd be more comfortable in your car."
Remembering what had happened last time, Oliver waved a hand awkwardly. "At least it'll save us a lot of trouble."
"Let's go." Li Jie opened the door and motioned them inside. "This is a bit... outside the usual boundaries. It might also be a business deal."
The police vehicle left the airport and merged into Gotham's sluggish evening traffic. Neon lights were beginning to glow beneath the leaden sky outside, while the distant silhouette of Wayne