Disclaimer: Just a poor twenty-something. I own neither OUAT nor Double Jeopardy.

A/N: Yes, I'm horrible. I have started another fic. My muse has been rather uncooperative of late and with several family events and problems going on, I just haven't had time to write as much. But this idea stuck and I couldn't help myself. I thought it would also be nice to let everyone know that I'm not going anywhere, but my time is limited. So I hope you enjoy this story.

BTW, I often post regularly on tumblr, sometimes I even post fics there that I don't post here. So you can find me on tumblr as tinuviel-undomiel if anyone is interested.

Until Proven Guilty

Chapter 1: Happy Anniversary

The town of Storybrooke, Maine was founded by miners in 1803. It has always remained a very small town, largely forgotten by the rest of the world and the residents prefer to keep it that way. Because the town is so small and so isolated, the crime rate is very low. There is only one police officer and that is the sheriff. Primarily his job is to find the teenagers who egg houses every year on Halloween and make them clean their mess.

There is only one known murder in the town's history. It also occurred in 1803. The miners were so enraged by the harsh conditions inflicted on them by their supervisor that seven of them hacked him to pieces with their pickaxes. It is not a story often told to any tourists who happen to find the town.

Storybrooke was the sort of town one would expect for everyone to keep their doors unlocked, kids went to one school for twelve years, and everyone enjoyed the same apple pie at the same diner every Sunday. The murders, rapes, and all around wicked things were to be found in Boston or New York, not Storybrooke.

Which is why the story that follows would rock the sleepy coastal town for years to come.

It was proving to be a surprisingly busy Thursday for Belle French. Her morning class had included an exam she still wasn't feeling too sure about. Then her bus had been packed because of some sort of convention going on. To top it all off, a large shipment of antique tools had arrived and she'd already cut herself while sorting it all out.

Mr. Callum Gold was in the back of the antique and pawnshop going through his rental agreements for a new property he had bought. He had said only hello when she arrived and directed her to the box of product. He seemed a bit testy this morning. Belle couldn't help but wonder if he'd had another fight with Milah. She tried not to pry into Mr. Gold's personal life, but she knew that not everything between him and his wife were smooth. She didn't know the particulars and she didn't dare ask why.

On the other hand, his relationship with his son, Baedan, was wonderful. The little four-year-old was often found at his father's shop, playing amongst the wares and frequently coming home with a new toy he father happened to procure for him amongst his items for sale. Belle hoped that dear boy would pop by after pre-school. She hadn't seen him in a while since her last sitting job for the Gold's weeks ago.

"Belle," she heard Gold call her.

Belle put down the glass mobile of blue unicorns that had just arrived on the counter and dusted her hands before walking to the backroom. "Yes, Mr. Gold?"

"This book just came in." He held up a rectangular packaged wrapped in brown paper. "A customer had it rebound. Please take it to them right away."

It was almost time for her lunch break and Belle didn't relish the idea of running around Storybrooke in the August heat. Still, she couldn't help but be curious as to who in town had a book be restored. She was one of the few who haunted the local library.

She took the book and headed back towards the front of the shop. Belle was halfway to the door when she glanced down at the address printed on it.

3449 Willow Lane

That was her address, well the one she shared with Granny and Ruby, and she knew neither one of them had every cared for books. Then she saw written above the address was the name Isabelle French.

"Open it," she heard Gold saw softly from behind her.

Belle's heart was hammering against her ribs as her fingers peeled away the brown paper and tape. She gasped at what she found.

It was a leather-bound copy of Her Handsome Hero. The pages were yellowed, but still clear and legible. The letters on the cover were engraved with gold. There were even beautifully colored illustrations inside. It was the same book her mother had read to her when she was little, the one she'd carried around with her until it was torn into pieces and damaged beyond legibility.

Tears blurred her vision as she turned around to look at her boss. "H-how?" she asked.

"It took some digging," he said, "but I finally found a first edition in reparable condition. I meant to give it to you for your birthday last week, but the repairs took longer than I expected."

"I thought you had forgotten," she whispered.

"Of course not," he said, "I just fell a little behind in my plans."

Tears rolled down her cheeks as she hugged the beautiful book tightly to her chest. "Thank you," she said. She set it down on the counter just long enough so she could wrap her arms around the greatest boss in the world.

He seemed a bit surprised by her reaction, but warmly hugged her back. Belle let herself relish this moment, trying to ignore the way her blood heated and pulsed through her veins. "It's the best present I've ever gotten," she said.

"I'm glad you enjoy it," he told her, gently pulling away from her. "Now you go enjoy your lunch."

"Now I have something else to read," she said, "Ruby will like this too."

He let out a snort and shook his head. "I highly doubt that. She's never seemed to be the literary type."

"She'll still enjoy looking at it," Belle said, smiling at him. "Thank you again."

"Seeing you love it so much is reward enough," he told her.

Belle smiled at him again while her heart leapt at the L word. She knew Ruby would scold her if she ever knew of this hopeless crush, but she still clutched the beloved book her chest and let her heart dance.

Granny's diner was the more popular setting for lunch in the small town of Storybrooke. However, Gold preferred Tony's Italian restaurant due to its far superior lasagna as well as it's quieter environment. Not to mention he had long suspected of Granny spitting in his food when he had to raise the rent on her inn slightly three months past. The waiter showed him to his usual table where Killian was already waiting for him.

"Cal, there you are," Killian said over his beer.

"Sorry, I'm late. I was giving Belle her birthday present."

"Ah, how did that go?"

"Great, she loved it. I assume she's at Granny's now telling Miss Lucas all about it."

Killian nodded. "You got her a book, right?"

"A first edition of her favorite," Gold told him.

"Then I pity Miss Lucas."

Gold chuckled and took a sip of the wine Killian had thoughtfully ordered for him. "Are you taking Milah on another sailing lesson this afternoon?"

"Yes, that was the plan."

"How are they going?"

Killian smiled at him. "Fantastic. She's a natural."

"I'm glad to hear it," Gold said, "She's always saying what a great time she has on your boat. I think these sailing lessons have really been good for us too."

"Really?" A smile curved Killian's lips at the question.

"Yes. I know she's been missing New York, so these sailing lessons have given her something to do that she can enjoy."

"I'm more than happy to help her in that," Killian said.

"Thank you," Gold told him, "I think that rough patch we went through is finally over. I knew things would change when we had Bae and moved here, but I think we've finally found our equilibrium again."

"That's good."

The waiter brought them their usual lunch fare and they asked each other their usual questions about work. Killian's retail brokerage was going well, but he far more enjoyed his time on his boat than in the office. Meanwhile, Gold was planning on a trip to an antique fair to see what wares they had for sale.

"Sounds very boring," Killian said with an exaggerated eye roll, making Gold chuckle. "Will you submitting your assistant to this torture?"

"Belle enjoys these trips," he said, "She often finds more books at discount prices."

Killian shook his head and took another long sip of beer. "Hard to believe a girl that pretty could also be such a bookworm."

"Don't tell me you're that shallow?"

"Well you know me, I enjoy a hot body more than a high IQ when I'm looking for a date on Saturday night."

"I'll be sure to mention that in my toast if you ever happen to get married."

Killian let out a laugh. "I highly doubt that will happen."

"The marriage or the toast?"

"Both." Gold tilted his wine glass at him in a silent salute. "Back to the subject of your assistant," Killian said, "You said before you bought her a book?"

"Yes, a first edition of her favorite, Her Handsome Hero."

"Sounds exciting," he said dryly.

"It's sentimental," Gold told him. "Her mother read it to her when she was little."

"That's sweet," Killian said with a shrug, "Pretty fancy for a birthday present."

"Well it was a bit late. Her birthday was last week, but the rebinding took longer than I anticipated."

Killian nodded, but tilted his head at him. "You had a book rebound for her? That's kind of…well personal for someone who is just your assistant."

"What do you mean?"

"Well I bought my secretary a box of chocolates for her birthday, not a kitten."

"Belle likes books," Gold told him.

"And Margie likes cats, but there are things that you buy your assistant and then there are things you buy to impress someone."

"What are you saying, Killian?" Gold asked.

"Well…Belle is a very pretty girl," he said, "And you appear to like her quite a bit."

"I do, but what…Oh God," he groaned into his hands, "Are you thinking I'm sleeping with her?"

"Well, it crossed my mind."

"No!" Gold snapped, "I'm married, Killian. I would never betray Milah like that."

"Okay, sorry, it's just a little odd is all."

"Belle has been through a lot. She deserves something nice."

"Fair enough," Killian said.

Gold took another swallow of his wine, hoping the fine vintage would soothe him and put this all to rest.

"But…no, forget it," Killian said, waving his hand errantly.

"No, go on ahead," Gold told him.

"Okay, you've had to have noticed that Belle is attractive."

"Even a blind man would notice that," he replied.

"And you've never once thought about it? Not even a fantasy?"

Gold nearly choked on his wine as he drained the glass. Good God, how had their lunch turned into this? "I…well…I…"

"Come on, man, you know I won't tell Milah about this," Killian said, "And it's not like you did anything wrong. Every man in the world has his little fantasies."

Gold let out a sigh. "Fine, yes I've had…thoughts, but that's all."

Killian let out a laugh. "Now you're talking. So tell me about these thoughts?"

"Not in a million years," he said, glancing down at his watch, "Besides, I have to pick up Bae from preschool."

"All right, but don't think that I'll forget about this," Killian said, "At last, Callum Gold has admitting to being a red blooded male! This deserves a toast."

"Have it for me," Gold told him, "I'll see you later, Killian."

"Keep enjoying those fantasies, mate," Killian said with a wink while he finished his beer.

It was an odd friendship they had. Killian was into wild pursuits, chasing anything in a skirt, and flashy cars and boats. Meanwhile, Gold preferred quieter evenings at home with a book or playing with Bae and his Legos. However, their friendship had been born from the sleepless nights of college and plundered along even after they moved into different fields. Besides, weren't these sorts of peculiar relationships meant to endure anything?

He left the restaurant and walked down the main street, his cane clicking along the ground as he went. It was an old injury he had, one he's obtained from his rather less privileged youth when a knife got him in the leg and damaged the muscle. He'd learned to live with it and didn't let the disability shatter his imposing aura. If anything, the cane reminded his fellow man that he had lived a tough life and had earned his way to the top.

Gold only let his guard down around the people he cared about most. The number one person on that list was now zooming past the day care attendant, sliding through the barely open door, and hurtling himself into his father's waiting arms.

"Papa! Papa!" Baelfire Gold shouted, his little arms holding onto him tightly, "I made a cup today!"

"You did? I bet it's beautiful," Gold said, gently disentangling himself from the four-year-old before smoothing back his riotous hair, "Go get your things and then you can play at the shop for a while. How does that sound?"

"Will Belle read to me?" Bae asked.

"I'm sure she will."

"Yeah! I want her to read the Rumple book again."

Gold wasn't entirely sure what the "Rumple book" was, but as long as Bae enjoyed it then it was worth its weight in gold. Bae ran back for his Spider-Man backpack and took a painted mug from his instructor.

"Here, Papa," Bae said, pressing the multi-colored nonsensical mug into his hands, "You can drink coffee with it in the mornings."

"I will use it everyday," Gold promised his boy.

They stopped at the ice cream shop so he could get his son a cone before walking back to his shop. Belle was already perched in a corner with her nose buried in her belated birthday present. She smiled when she heard Bae call her name and carefully put her book out of reach of his sticky fingers.

Bae showed her his mug and started chattering on about everything he had done with his friends at preschool. He let Belle settle his boy down with a juice box and found what must have been the "Rumple book" after Bae asked for it five times. Gold took up to repairing an old clock while he listened as Belle told the story. It turned out to be a rather peculiar adaptation of Rumplestiltskin that took pity on the odd imp and even had him falling in love with a beautiful maiden. The story was rather interesting, so much so that he found himself listening to Belle's voice as she imitated the various characters than doing the task he'd set before him.

Once the book was finished, Bae entertained himself with some of the toys his father kept for him there. Belle and Gold went over the day's accounts and dealt with the customers that wandered in.

They closed up shop at six o'clock. Belle gave Bae a kiss on his head in parting and thanked Gold again for her book before heading in the direction of Granny's inn. Gold loaded Bae up into his car seat and drove him home. Milah's car was already in the driveway as was Killian's motorcycle. The latter surprised Gold, leaving a puzzled expression on his face as the two of them walked into the house. Milah and Killian were in the living room, sitting together on the sofa and speaking to each other in whispers.

"Mama!" Bae called out cheerfully and ran to give her a hug, "You're home! Hi, Uncle Killy."

"Hello, buccaneer," Killian said, holding out a hand so Bae could slap at it with his own palm.

"What on earth are you doing here, Killian?" Gold asked.

"Is that anyway to say hello, mate? Are you that sick of me?"

"Of course not, this is just unexpected." Gold walked over and kissed his wife on the cheek. "Hello, Milah. How were your sailing lessons?"

"As exciting as always," she said with a smile towards Killian, "I have an excellent tutor."

"The two of you will have to take Bae out sometime. I know I would spend more time leaning over the rail, myself."

Killian let out a laugh. "A shame, you're missing out on the greatest sport on earth."

"I'll keep my feet on land, thank you," Gold told him. "Will you be staying for dinner?"

"No, thank you, I have other plans. I only came with Milah so the three of us can discuss something."

"Sounds important," Gold replied. Bae had wandered over to the other side of the room to pick up his tablet and start playing some of his favorite games.

Milah smiled at her husband. "Darling, I have a marvelous idea on how we can spend our anniversary this weekend."

"Do you?" He asked, raising one brow in curiosity. He had thought they may just enjoy a quiet evening at home like they had the previous year.

"Killian knows of a wonderful cabin in the park," she said, "I thought it would be nice if you and I spend the weekend there, just the two of us."

"What about Bae?" Gold asked her.

"That's why I'm here," Killian stepped up to say, "Milah has bribed me with a bottle of my favorite brandy to babysit him for this weekend." He grinned at him and added, "I promise to keep the bottle at home while I do so."

Gold let out a snort of amusement and shook his head. "You sure you can trust this scoundrel, Milah?"

Milah sidled over to him and wrapped her arms around her neck. "It will be fun," she promised her husband, "There will be wine and I promise to pack something extra special for you," she said with a wink.

It had been a very long time since the two of them had taken a vacation alone, not since Bae was born. A county getaway was not really Milah's style, but after their little rough patch, she had been trying to do things differently. How could he say no to that?

"Well you've certainly twisted my arm enough," he told her, leaning over to give her a quick kiss. "I'll be sure to pack my things and leave some instructions for Belle this weekend." He looked over at his friend. "I'll leave you strict instructions for Bae as well. If you do anything out of turn, I'll keelhaul you."

Milah let out a cheerful laugh while Killian gave him a mocking glare. "Fat chance you'll do that without a load of Dramamine first."

Gold chuckled and then looked over at his son. "Bae, how would you like to play with Uncle Killian this weekend while your mama and I are away?"

"Yeah!" Bae cried out in delight, "Uncle Killy can play pirate ship with me."

"It's settled then." Gold kissed his wife again, "I'll look forward to it."

"So will I," Milah said, "I have a wonderful surprise waiting for you."

"I can't wait to see it."

She smiled at him and wrapped him into a warm hug. Gold couldn't help but feel marvelously happy. He'd never thought he'd be so lucky to have such a wonderful wife and darling boy. Nothing could get better than this.

The drive to the cabin wasn't terribly long, but Gold did quickly see how remote it was. The trees stretch endlessly on either side of the road. He held Milah's hand as they drove up. He'd worried they'd lost this sort of intimacy forever months ago, but they'd found it again. Yes, this was an anniversary worth celebrating, even if it was only year seven.

The cabin proved to be clean and comfortable, if a bit outdated. That was all right. They didn't intend to do a lot of cooking there anyways. They brought their bags inside and started settling in. Milah banished him from their bedroom with a wink, so he went downstairs and opened a bottle of wine and put out some cheese and crackers she'd brought with them, but he doubted they would eat very much.

He was stoking the fire when he heard his wife clear her throat. He turned and his breath left him in one great gust. She was wearing a black negligee with red lace accents. A black silk robe covered her shoulders and arms, but was open so he could see how her beautiful body was barely concealed.

"Glad to know I can still surprise you," she said.

"Yes," he told her, "You can."

Milah walked over to where the wine bottle was and began pouring two glasses. "Make sure the fire is going good. Killian said there is no heat in this place. Not to mention, I've always wanted to make love in front of the fire."

Gold made sure to put another log on just for that wicked promise while she finished with the wine. Milah handed him his glass and then held up her own as a toast. "To us," she said, "May we always be this happy."

"I'll drink to that," he said, clinking his glass to hers and then taking a hearty swallow.

"Finish your wine," Milah said, "Then you can enjoy the rest of your anniversary present."

"I'm looking forward to it." He eagerly sipped at his wine, draining the glass, before setting it aside and taking his wife into his arms.

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoO

Gold woke up in his cold bed hours later. Milah wasn't beside him like she had when he'd fallen asleep. He wondered over that for a moment before deciding she must have gotten hungry and wandered downstairs. He took his robe up from his suitcase and draped it around his shoulders to ward off the chill.

"Milah?" he called out for his wife as he went down the creaky stairs.

The wind was blowing hard and he could hear some sort of banging. He looked over and saw the door was wide open. "Milah? Where are you?" he called out again. He hurried towards the living room, but felt his feet slip out from under him.

Gold fell into something cool and slightly sticky. He couldn't see it very well in the dark, but the coppery smell left a sick feeling in his stomach. He gingerly climbed back to his feet, wincing as pain shot through his bad leg. He limped to the wall and fumbled around until he found a light switch. The harsh bulbs confirmed his worst fear.

Blood.

A/N: Please review and tell me what you think.

Next chapter: Gold struggles with the loss of Milah and realizes he is the primary suspect. The trial begins and Gold realizes he may be in danger of being convicted for a crime he didn't commit.