Once Upon A Time: Dancing With The Devil, Part One
By Rebekkalee Mouri-Hibiki
(I don't own 'Once Upon A Time', ABC does. I'm just borrowing it for a bit. This a second story in a series and connects back to 'Into The Devil's Den' and takes place two weeks afterward. If you haven't read the first one then I encourage you to do so because you'll be so lost, even breadcrumbs won't help you ^_~. Tweet me at: RCoventry613)
Emma pulled to a stop in front of of the Storybrooke drugstore. She had gotten a call from one of the morning shift people that there had been a break-in overnight. It was the third break-in in two weeks. It was too early to detect a pattern and all Emma could do was take a report and gather evidence.
She sighed and got out of the police car once it was safe. It was still early so there was traffic... if what Storybrooke has could qualify as such. She made her way to the front of the store through the small crowd of curious onlookers that had gathered. She tapped on the window until someone came to the door.
It was the pharmacist, Mr. Clark. He opened the door. " Oh good, " He said then sneezed. The man was always suffering from some kind of allergy or so it seemed. " You're here. "
" I came as soon as you called, " Emma said. " Where did they break in? "
" You're not going to believe this, " Mr Clark said then sneezed again. " But it looks like whoever it was came in from an air duct in the ceiling. "
" An air duct? " Emma furrowed her brow. The points of entry at the last two crime scenes were also impossibly small for anyone normal sized.
Mr. Clark sneezed then said, " I couldn't believe it either but the grate is knocked off. "
" This I've got to see, " Emma couldn't believe her ears.
Mr. Clark sniffled, " Come this way. It's the duct in the back. "
Emma followed Mr. Clark to the rear of the store, an open duct glaring down at her from over the pharmacy. She looked at the counter, seeing a smattering of dust marred by petite footprints. From the pattern, Emma could tell the perpetrator was wearing some kind of climbing shoe. It obviously had to be something with really good grip for them to make it down the air duct without slipping.
" I see how they got in but how did they get out? " She asked. She scanned the floor for more prints but the thief had shaken off most of the dust before getting too far away from the duct.
" I don't know because all of the doors were locked when we came in, " Mr. Clark said and sneezed again.
Emma nodded. The other two robberies had no obvious point of exit either, " Well, those doors need to stay locked until I do my investigation. "
" How long will that be? " Mr. Clark asked. " Do you know? "
" Not really, " Emma shook her head.
" Can I do anything to help? " Mr. Clark said.
Emma put her hands on her hips, " Look around to see if anything is missing but don't touch. Once I'm done processing the scene, you can do an inventory and tell me what's missing. If any narcotics were stolen, I need to know about them. "
" The safe for them looks untouched, " Mr. Clark said then sniffled.
" Then just tell me if any prescription drugs were stolen, " Emma said.
" Right, " Mr. Clark nodded then sneezed. " Should I go check the cash safe too? "
" Yeah, " Emma nodded. The last two places had money stolen as well as merchandise. " That would be good. Why don't you do it now? "
Mr. Clark nodded then walked to an ajar door marked 'office' and went inside. He returned a few moments later, his face telling Emma everything she needed to know. " It's been broken into. The money that was in it is gone, " He confirmed then sneezed.
" I thought it would be. I have to go back out to the car to get my kit, " Emma said. " I need you to lock the door behind me and let no one in until I'm finished. "
" Right, " Mr. Clark said.
They went back to the front of the store and Emma walked out to the car, pausing as a familiar black car pulled in behind the police car. She stepped off the curb and got out her keys to pop the trunk, trying to appear like she hadn't noticed the car. She opened the trunk as she heard a door on the car behind her open then shut. She started rummaging around for what she needed when a scent she knew all too well wafted under her nose.
It was the smell of a campfire with undertones of a masculine scent and it sent a shiver down her spine as her knees went weak. " Good morning, Miss Swan. Quite a bit of activity this morning, " Mr. Gold said.
" Yep, " Emma continued to rummage in the trunk. She furrowed her brow, " What are you doing down here? "
" I stopped to pick up a few things but it looks like I'll have to wait, " Mr. Gold said.
" Yeah, " Emma nodded. " The store can't open until I'm done. "
" Then I'll have to stop by on my way home, " Mr. Gold sighed. " I have to go open the shop in a little bit. "
" Sorry about that, " Emma said.
Mr. Gold was quiet for a long moment then quietly said, " I haven't seen much of you these past couple of weeks. "
" Because your case is closed, " Emma didn't look at him. She couldn't look at him. She needed to keep her wits about her to focus on the investigation. " And I've been pretty busy with a lot of other things so I haven't had the time. "
Mr. Gold sighed, " I see. Perhaps you can come by the shop once you're done here? "
" What for? " Emma could feel the gooseflesh rising on her arms and her heart speed up. She could fight it for only so long before her body's reaction to his proximity overtook her resistance. The dreams she had started having about him had started creeping into her mind as well.
" Just come by, " Mr. Gold said. " Please? "
Emma sighed, " Okay. I'll come by. "
" Good day, Miss Swan, " Mr. Gold said and walked away.
Emma stayed at the trunk even though she had everything she needed. She took several deep breaths to get her head on straight before shutting the trunk, looking up just as Frederick, Mr. Gold's driver, drove past. Mr. Gold was in the backseat of the black car and gave her that damn smile when she made eye contact with him. She sighed then headed back to the drugstore...
The palace was dark but that didn't bother the petite cloaked figure that move through that darkness like a cat. The burglar was lithe and fine framed. She moved as if she weighed little more than a feather. By the way she moved, Rumplestiltskin could tell she thought she was alone.
He smirked to himself, knowing he would get a bit of thrill out of surprising her. He followed her all the way to her destination: The castle's treasure room. From the doorway, he watched as she collected baubles and trinkets deftly. She made no noise as she collected the items, plucking them gently from where they lay.
Once her sack was full, she turned to leave. It was at this point Rumplestiltskin showed himself, causing her to let out a startled squeak and fall backwards onto her ass. The hood of her cloak fell away, revealing she looked something akin to a cute little mouse.
Her mousy brown hair was braided and she had sharp looking brown eyes. Her little turned up nose twitched a bit and she had sharp features. He giggled, " I do believe there's a mouse in the King's house. "
The thief pushed herself backwards across the floor as Rumplestiltskin slowly walked towards her. " What do you want? " Her voice was high pitched, almost squeaky like that of a little child. Her black cloak fell open, revealing a tight fitting catsuit that showed she was indeed a full grown woman.
" Rumor has it that you're the best thief in the entire realm, dearie, " Rumplestiltskin continued to towards her until a wall stopped her from lurching any further back. " And I need your skills. "
" You want to hire me? " The thief's delicate voice trembled. " But you're Rumplestiltskin. You can do anything. "
" No, " Rumplestiltskin shook his head. " Anything and everything are two different things, dearie. Some times, I need a little help where certain... magic is involved. "
" What kind of magic? " The thief seemed confused.
" The good kind. The good kind that hides other magical beings from my eyes, " Rumplestiltskin said. " I'm working on a way to dispel such protection magic but as of now, I can't. "
" Then why don't you just work harder on it and not bother me? " The thief said.
" Because I need you to steal the thing that will help me do it, " Rumplestiltskin smiled. " Now, will you help me or shall I make a racket to attract the guards? "
" Don't do that, " The thief put her hand up. " There is a warrant out for my arrest and if I am caught, I will surely hang. "
Rumplestiltskin giggled as he produced a 'wanted' poster with the thief's picture and list of crimes from out of thin air. " Don't you think I know that already, Clarissa? That is exactly why I chose you. "
" I'll do it but you have to do something for me, " Clarissa said.
" I'm the one who sets the terms of the deal, dearie, " Rumplestiltskin said sharply.
Clarissa sighed, " Fine. Fine. If I do this, what will you do for me? "
Rumplestiltskin put his finger to his chin as he thought then snapped his fingers, " You get what I need and I will make sure you are whisked away to somewhere safe where you'll never have to worry about anything again. "
" Somewhere safe? " Clarissa arched an eyebrow.
" Well, no place is truly safe, dearie. I will, however make sure it's somewhere a lot safer than here, " Rumplestiltskin said. He put his hand out to her, " Deal? "
Just then, the sound of running feet came echoing down the hallway. It was most definitely the guards coming towards the treasure room. Clarissa looked panicked for a second then looked at Rumpelstiltskin's outstretched hand. She had a flash in her mind of the Gallows pole and it frightened her even more than the hobgoblin before her. She grabbed his hand and shook it, " Deal. "
" I hope you don't mind heights, " Rumplestiltskin said as he jerked Clarissa to her feet, tucking her under his arm quickly due to her small size and headed for the nearest window. She clung to him tightly, her fingernails digging into the leather of his shirt. He jumped up on the window ledge as if it were nothing, launching into the air just as the guards started shouting for him to stop.
" Are you crazy? " Clarissa shouted.
" Have a little faith in me dearie, " Rumplestiltskin said and snapped his fingers. Suddenly, they slowed down considerably, floating until their feet touched the ground. Rumplestiltskin set Clarissa down, finding she was indeed tiny. He wasn't a very big man himself but he felt large standing next to her
She barely came to his shoulder and he couldn't help but laugh. " What are you? " He poked at her shoulder with his index finger. " Twelve? "
Clarissa slapped his hand away. She put her hand in the middle of his chest and shoved him back hard, " Twenty five. "
Rumplestiltskin glared at her and grabbed her by the arm, " Don't you ever touch me again! "
" Look! " A guard shouted from somewhere above them. " There they are! Ready your bows, men! "
" Damn, " Rumplestiltskin hissed. He grabbed the Clarissa's hand, " Now run. "
Clarissa stumbled through the first couple of steps but soon matched pace with him. " Where are we going? " She asked as they took off down the cobblestone streets that surrounded the castle.
" I was hoping to your place, " Rumplestiltskin replied. " Tell me where you live. "
" The clock tower, " Clarissa said.
Rumplestiltskin nodded and headed for the tower in the center of town...
Emma sat in a booth at Granny's, her lunch inches from her hand and growing cold. She was trying to put together the information she had gathered from the crime scenes, her notes scattered all over the table. She had made a bubble chart on a yellow legal pad, drawing lines to everything each robbery had in common, which was actually very little. The robberies were all over town, the only common bond being how the perpetrator got in and out.
She had pondered it until she couldn't look at it anymore, her eyes drawn to the street outside. As she stared at the pedestrians and cars, she noticed an all too familiar person hobbling up the sidewalk across the street. She caught her breath when she realized Mr. Gold was heading for Granny's. She stood up and started to gather her things, hoping she could beat a hasty retreat out the back before he came in.
" What's up? " Ruby skittered over when she saw Emma scrambling.
" I need to go out the back but I can't carry all of this stuff, " Emma said. She froze when she heard the bell on the door and the familiar tapping of Mr. Gold's cane. It was almost like he wanted her to know he was coming instead of creeping up on her like he was so good at. She sighed and slumped back down to the booth, " Never mind. "
" Good afternoon, Ruby, " Mr. Gold said as he neared the table. His eyes lingered on her for a brief moment but it was nothing like the stares Ruby got from the other men in town.
" Hey, " Ruby forced a smile and gave an awkward wave. " What can I get for you? "
" Nothing really, " Mr. Gold replied. " I came to see Miss Swan. "
" Alright then, " Ruby took a step back. " Just call me if you need anything. "
" I will, " Mr. Gold said.
Emma glared at Ruby and mouthed, " Don't go. "
Ruby mouthed back, " I'm sorry. "
Emma frowned as Ruby retreated back to the bar. She hated the way everyone seemed to vaporize when Mr. Gold was around, leaving her to fend for herself. She forced a smile when she looked up at him. " What do you need? " She asked, trying to sound as normal as possible though she was starting to get gooseflesh. It was coming up quicker than usual.
" If you're not busy, I want you to come to the shop, " Mr. Gold said. " Now. "
Emma held up the legal pad with her bubble chart and motioned to her other notes, " Actually, I am busy and I haven't eaten either. "
" You can work on that later, " Mr. Gold said. " As for your lunch, you can get it to go. "
Emma frowned, " What is so important, Gold? "
" I wish not to discuss it here, " Mr. Gold's face got serious. " It is dire that you come with me to the shop right now. "
Emma furrowed her brow, " Did you get robbed as well? "
Mr. Gold put his hand up, " Shh. I told you I don't want to talk about it here. "
Emma stood up, " Ruby. "
Ruby looked like she was figuring someone's check. She snapped her head up, " Yes? "
" Pack up my lunch. I got to run, " Emma grabbed her notepad and notes. " I'll come get it later. "
Ruby came over and picked up the plate, " I'll have it at the counter when you get back. "
Mr. Gold moved aside to let Emma out of the booth then followed her out of Granny's. Emma went to the police car. She put her notes and notepad in the backseat then opened the driver's side door. " Get in, " She sounded sharper than she had intended.
Mr. Gold got in on the passenger side as Emma got in on her side. Even though it really wasn't that far, Emma wanted to get to the shop quickly. Less than a minute passed and they were there. Emma checked the traffic before darting across the street to park.
" When did it happen? " Emma turned to Mr. Gold once she turned the car off. " Why didn't you mention it this morning? "
" Mention what? " Mr. Gold looked confused.
Emma furrowed her brow, " I thought you said you were robbed. "
Mr. Gold smirked, " I haven't been robbed. You jumped to that conclusion all on your own, my dear. "
" Then why am I here, Gold? " Emma frowned.
" I need you to do something for me, " Mr. Gold said.
Emma's blood ran cold. She still owed him a couple of favors and she never knew when he would call them in. She narrowed her eyes, " What is it? "
Mr. Gold clucked his tongue, " Have a little faith in me, Miss Swan. Not everything I do is illegal. "
" I would argue otherwise, " Emma scoffed. All she wanted to do was get out of the car and put some space between her and the reason she couldn't have a peaceful night's sleep. He had gotten inside of her head despite her best efforts to keep him out.
Mr. Gold smirked, " Are we really going to go down that road again? You promised me we wouldn't, my dear. "
He had her there. She shut her eyes and sighed, " So what is it? "
" Let's go inside and I'll tell you there, " Mr. Gold said and opened the car door.
Emma got out on her side and waited as Mr. Gold walked to the door to unlock it. Once it was open, she followed him inside. He then locked the door behind them and drew the blinds.
" Are you going to tell me what this is all about? " Emma was getting impatient and the way he was securing the shop made her uneasy.
Mr. Gold glanced at her for a brief moment then started off to the back of the shop. Emma rolled her eyes, " Gold! "
" Come with me, " Mr. Gold didn't turn around.
" Not until you tell me what you're up to, " Emma nearly shouted.
Mr. Gold stopped and slowly turned, " I will once you come to the back. "
Emma growled, " You're impossible. "
" Right now, Miss Swan, " He said and turned back in the direction he was heading. He pushed the curtain aside and walked into the back room.
Emma silently cursed him as she walked past one of the display cases and noticed something wasn't quite right. The case was the one that the jewelry had been two weeks earlier, including a 100-carat diamond necklace. Now, all of it was gone. " Gold? " Emma called.
" I'm not asking you again, Miss Swan, " Mr. Gold sounded slightly annoyed.
" Jerk, " Emma muttered under her breath and walked to the back of the shop. She stopped when she saw Mr. Gold standing behind the work table. " So what's this thing you want me to do? "
Mr. Gold reached under the table and pulled out a large aluminum briefcase. He set it on the table, " I need you to keep this at the police station until this rash of robberies is solved. "
" What? " Emma put her hands on her hips. " Don't you have a safe here? "
" I do but that is cleaned out as well, " Mr. Gold said. " This thief has already proven they can crack a safe and I just can't risk any of this falling into the wrong hands. "
Emma looked at the case, " So what am I hiding? "
" The jewelry from the case in my shop, " Mr. Gold said.
" And the rest? " Emma arched eyebrow. The case was much too big for just the jewelry.
Mr. Gold gave her the crooked grin, the one that made her even more suspicious of him than she already was... and made her heart race. " Papers and the like. Nothing that concerns you. "
Emma nodded, " Right. "
Mr. Gold picked it up and offered it to Emma. " I have the only key and I'll hold on to that. "
Emma took the case reluctantly, her fingers brushing against his as they made the exchange. The brief contact sent a surge of heat through her and she almost dropped it. He caught it, offering it to her again. " Be careful, my dear. There's some very priceless things in here, " Mr. Gold said.
Emma grabbed the handle again, managing not to touch him, " I don't doubt that. "
Just then, there was a very loud knock at the front door of the shop. Mr. Gold sighed, " Can't they see the sign says 'closed'? "
" Sheriff Swan? " Regina shouted through the door. " I know you're in there. I need to talk to you. "
" Very popular today, aren't you? " Mr. Gold smiled.
" Seems so, " Emma breathed, her heart still beating in her throat. " I better see what she wants. "
" Yes, " Mr. Gold nodded. " She won't go away until she gets it. "
Emma let out a strained chuckled, " Don't I know it. "
Mr. Gold walked around the table and to Emma's left side. " Come. I'll unlock the door for you. "
" I think I know how to work a deadbolt, " Emma narrowed her eyes.
" Not the one I used. It locks with a special key only I have, " Mr. Gold smiled as he made eye contact with her. Emma's breath caught in her throat, a shiver running down her spine as he looked deep into her eyes for a moment that seemed to last forever. " I called you here for something else. "
" What? " Emma breathed.
" There's something I had hoped to take care of sooner but this is the first I've seen of you since I was under your protection, " He looked so sincere as he spoke. He took Emma's right hand in his left, holding it gently.
" Gold, " Emma whispered. She knew what was coming next.
Mr. Gold moved closer and gave her a little kiss on the cheek, close to her ear. " Thank you for saving my life, " He whispered, his breath tickling her cheek.
" SHERIFF SWAN! " Regina shouted. " Come to this door right now! "
Mr. Gold took a step back, slowly letting go of Emma's hand as he did. " We shouldn't keep her waiting. "
Emma watched as Mr. Gold walked to the curtain that separated the back room from the shop. She brought her hand up, feeling where he had kissed her. She took a couple of deep breaths to get her nerves together. She then listened as Mr. Gold unlocked and opened the front door, the bell tinkling.
" Why hello Regina, " Mr. Gold greeted her as if he were glad to see her. " What brings you around today? "
" I want to see Sheriff Swan, " Regina said sharply. " Where is she? "
Emma shoved the curtain aside and walked out of the back room. " I'm right here. What do you want? "
" I want to talk to you about these robberies that have been happening all over town, " Regina looked Emma over. She arched an eyebrow, " Are you well, Miss Swan? You look a little flushed. "
" I'm fine, " Emma said then glanced at Mr. Gold. Damn it if he didn't look like the cat that ate the canary. He had quite the impish smirk on his lips and there was nothing she could do about it without raising Regina's suspicions. " I have to go by the office first but I can talk to you after that. "
Regina looked at the case in Emma's hand, " What is that? "
Emma looked at Mr. Gold, who was now giving her a cautionary look. She looked down at the case then motioned to the display case they were standing next to, " Um, my crime scene kit. As you see, there're some things missing and I was here gathering evidence. "
" Oh? You were robbed too, Gold? " Regina arched a skeptical eyebrow.
" Yes, yes I was. I called Miss Swan to come check it out, " Mr. Gold said.
" I feel bad for that thief. I know robbing you never ends well, " Regina said.
" I've learned my lesson, " Mr. Gold answered sincerely. " That's why she's here. "
" Right, " Regina cast her doubtful eye back to Emma. " So do you always gather evidence without gloves? "
" I had some on, " Emma motioned to the back room. " I tossed them in the trashcan back there because that's where I finished. "
" She did, " Mr. Gold backed her up. " I saw them. "
" Anything other than the jewelry stolen, Gold? " Regina was obviously looking for a hole in their story.
" No, " Mr. Gold said. " I don't keep money in my shop overnight and my safe is very well hidden. "
Regina quirked her mouth as she thought it over then shrugged, " Well good luck getting your things back, Gold. Miss Swan? "
" Yes? " Emma said.
" As soon as you get that 'evidence' processed and logged, I want to see you in my office at city hall, " Regina said. Emma was pretty sure Regina was still having trouble believing the story she had come up with.
" I will, " Emma said.
Regina glanced at Mr. Gold then at Emma, " I have to go now. I have an important meeting at on the other side of town at one fifteen. "
" Then you'd better hurry, " Mr. Gold said, the clock striking one o'clock a moment after he spoke.
" Oh damn, " Regina said then scuttled out of the shop.
Emma watched as the door shut, leaving her alone with Mr. Gold. She glanced at him, " I need to go too. I have to find a safe place to put this stuff. "
" Please do, " Mr. Gold said. " I'll see you later, my dear. "
Emma walked to the door, wondering what she had gotten herself into this time...
Rumplestiltskin walked around the large room Clarissa called home. The walls were lines with pilfered treasures and trunks filled with gold coins. He picked up a coin, flipping it in his fingers. He muttered, " Busy busy girl. "
Clarissa came back into the room carrying two bowls. She went to a shabby table with two rickety chairs, " Would you like some soup? " she asked.
" Not right now, " Rumplestiltskin put the coin in his pocket and sat down across from her. He reached into the cuff of his coat and got his flask. He unscrewed the top and took a swig. He held the flask out to Clarissa, " A nip, dearie? "
" No thank you, " Clarissa said. She really didn't know what was in the flask nor did she want to find out.
" It's really good, " Rumplestiltskin urged her.
" I don't drink, " Clarissa said.
Rumplestiltskin screwed the cap back on and placed the flask back in his cuff. " So you just steal? "
" As much as I can, " Clarissa said then took a drink of her soup.
Rumplestiltskin made a sweeping motion with his hand, " What do you intend to do with all of this? "
Clarissa shrugged, " Keep it. "
" I see, " Rumplestiltskin said. " So you don't sell it? "
Clarissa shrugged, " I get enough coins I don't have to. "
" But what if you have to flee? " Rumplestiltskin arched an eyebrow.
" Then I'll just get the jewels and run for it, " Clarissa said. She took another sip of soup. She smiled a little, " I'm in it for the jewels mostly anyway. I like the way they sparkle. "
Rumplestiltskin giggled, " Then you'll love the one we're going after. "
Clarissa arched an eyebrow, " Tell me about it. "
" Oh it's a fine gem, " Rumplestiltskin said with a flourish of his hands. " It's huge. You may have heard of it. They call it the Wyvern's Tear. "
Clarissa dropped her bowl, " What? "
Rumplestiltskin giggled, " Oooh. That got the little mouse's attention. "
" I've searched everywhere for it! " Clarissa jumped to her feet. " Do you know where it is? "
" Yes I do, " Rumplestiltskin smiled. " I know exactly where it is. "
" Then why did you need me? " Clarissa asked.
Rumplestiltskin sighed, " It is sealed in a tower that is rumored unreachable. The only way in is by climbing the outside wall using teeny tiny bricks to walk on. "
" How tiny? " Clarissa asked.
" Too tiny for my feet, " Rumplestiltskin held up his feet. " It would have to be a child... or someone with the feet of a child. "
Clarissa held up hers, finding they were quite small compared to Rumplestiltskin's. " What about mine? "
Rumplestiltskin put his feet down and grabbed Clarissa's. He smiled after feeling them. " I believe they're perfect. "
" So when do we go? " Clarissa asked as she put her feet down.
" As soon as you're ready, " Rumplestiltskin smiled.
Clarissa stood up and went to where she had hung her cloak. She put it on and smiled, " Let's go. "
Rumplestiltskin leaped to his feet with a laugh, " That's the spirit! "