Weeks after Tommy's mother's funeral, on a Sunday, Jeffrey unexpectedly said to Mike:"Today, you're coming with me to work. There's a festival day—kids are supposed to accompany their parents. Be glad you get to go. You know what happens if you try anything foolish."
Mike looked at his father with tired, sorrowful eyes."Yes, sir. I will do it."
Jeff nodded."Then get dressed."
As they suddenly walked toward the parking lot, a robber appeared."Empty your pockets, now!" he barked.
Mike froze, completely shocked, raising his hands. His father, pride burning in him, snapped:"GET LOST! WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE POINTING A GUN AT ME? THIS STREET IS FULL OF NEIGHBORS WHO WILL—"
Bang.
The shot rang out. Mike barely registered it; it was as if it had come from nowhere.
The robber sneered,"That's what happens when you've got too big a mouth."
He grabbed the wallet and ran. Neighbors had already called the police.
When a patrol car arrived, they found the boy and took him to the station. During interrogation, Mike told them everything he knew.
Quentin Lance POV
Today was unbearable. I argued with my wife, then received a call about a murder.
Dinah said to Quentin:"Go if it's so important; I'm not running away from you."
Quentin, stubborn and annoyed, replied:"We'll discuss this later. There's been a murder attempt. I have to go to the scene. See you shortly."
General POV: Crime Scene
Quentin stepped out and approached the officers."Lance, tell me what happened."
"Yes, sir! The victim is a middle-aged man. He was out with his son when they were attacked. Apparently, the robber took his money—and his life."
Quentin nodded. Cases like this happen too often in this broken city.
"Who is the victim?" he asked.
"His name is Jeffrey Silver. His son saw everything. He's at the station and being questioned."
Quentin froze. One boy came to mind immediately—one with the last name Silver from nearby. He asked quickly:"What's the child's name?"
The officer replied nervously:"Michael. Michael Silver. He goes to Starling City Elementary. He was the only relative of the victim."
Quentin's expression twisted, a mix of hope and dread. It had to be a mistake. He jumped into his car and sped to the station. Upon arrival, he inquired until he saw Mike. Approaching the boy, he told the officer:"That's enough. I'll take it from here."
Quentin knelt down to Mike's level."Hey, Mike. I hoped we'd meet under better circumstances."
Mike looked at Quentin and said immediately:"Mr. Lance, I'm glad to see you. Please, can you resolve this case as quickly as possible? I want to close it."
Quentin was surprised."I understand, but you have to process this. It's okay to grieve. It's okay to cry."
Mike's eyes hardened."I would never cry for that damned devil."
Quentin froze. He didn't know how to respond. Seeing the expression on Mike's face, he realized the boy was serious.
"You might think I'm wrong, but I've always hated Jeffrey. He used me as his punching bag ever since my mother left. He called it 'discipline.' Do you think I can cry for someone who abused me my whole life?"
Mike didn't realize it, but Quentin did: tears streamed down the boy's face—not from sorrow, but years of pent-up frustration and abuse. Mike lifted his shirt, revealing bruises and scars.
"Jeffrey knew how to beat me so nobody could see. He hit me in ways no one would notice," Mike said, voice trembling, eyes burning.
Quentin was speechless. This boy, who had always shown nothing but kindness and helped his daughter, now revealed a lifetime of hidden suffering. Quentin had been grateful for Mike's friendship with Laurel, witnessing the boy's compassion. Seeing him like this broke Quentin's heart.
Quentin wrapped Mike in a protective embrace."You're safe now, Mike. I won't let anyone hurt you again."
Mike nodded, his voice quiet."I don't know where to stay… maybe at my father's apartment for now until they find an orphanage."
Quentin looked at him."We'll handle that. But to close this case, I need your help."
Mike nodded and gave him everything he knew, including a complete composite sketch. Quentin thanked him and took care of the case.
That Evening
Quentin said to Mike:"You haven't eaten. You can stay with me and my family for now. Tomorrow we'll get your things. Agreed?"
Mike nodded and followed Quentin home.