Once Killian was set up in a room to begin going through the fanmail, Emma dashed into the break room, leaning back against a window as she let out the breath she'd been holding in. A part of her knew she'd held the man up on some sort of pedestal, likely romanticized him in more than a couple ways, after all he'd created one of her favourite book series'. And now it felt like that image she'd created of him was shattered and fallen to pieces around her. An image the author had likely done his best to upkeep and encourage the public to have of him from how he'd acted around them.

He'd even apologized for the mess…

Wiping a hand over her face, Emma looked up as David entered the break room smiling sadly at her. "Looks like not even Humbert expected what we saw in there." Her eyes cast downward, remembering the conversation they'd had at his place while the man had gone to change clothes…

"You know him?" Emma had hissed, eyes narrowed on her partner as she took a step closer to him.

Graham had raised his hands in surrender, taking a step back, "we were schoolmates back in Ireland, even came to America together when we went to go to college, so yes, I know him. We fell out of touch though, an' I'll admit it was my fault, I was dealing with some things and sort of treated 'im like shit when he needed me. An' by shit I mean I kind'a ignored 'im." A grimace followed his words as Emma groaned inwardly.

That explained why Jones had been in a bad mood. If his own best friend was ignoring him during a time of need he had every right to be pissed.

"Did you know—"

"No, I didn't. Killian's the kind to go into hiding and lick his wounds, chances are only a few people know, but I can guess what's goin' on here an' it ain't pretty."

Emma could guess just as well as Graham, but she wouldn't solidify her guess until she knew more, but it told them that Jones wasn't their killer. Even if she'd have to ask him just where and what he'd been doing that night for procedures sake, chances were he was stone cold drunk that night. Dragging a hand over her face, she paced, stopping only when she heard his footsteps.

"We'll talk about this later, our priority is this case, alright?" Both men nodded, and she was thankful for that as she didn't know if she could take a talk about how her idol wasn't who she thought he was.

And worse; she didn't know if she was upset or thankful for the smack from reality…

"None of us could have seen that coming, so please, don't start. I'm just—taking a moment to process everything. We'll get back to the case and when I get home after all this I can mope about how I might have over romanticized Jones as the man of my dreams." As she spoke she moved over to the coffee machine, making a face at it as she wished they could fit some room into their budget for a better one.

The sound of a sigh coming from her father made Emma want to glare at him but instead she stared at the machine, wanting to remind him that she was a grown woman. She could handle disappointment. Emma wasn't the little girl being sent from foster home to foster home anymore, dreaming of finding a family, of belonging. Though the day her parents had found her, after losing her for years…

That had been the happiest day of her life.

"I just think that perhaps we should back up and look at this as if we don't know him is all—"

"And that's just it, we don't know him. All we know is his name and reputation," which if Emma knew anything of Jones' reputation, he was a womanizer, and loved to party, but for all she knew that was another part of his false image. "The only one of us who remotely knows him is Humbert, and he fell out of touch with him. So objectively, despite my position as a fan of his works, we're going in blind. My being a fan isn't going to adversely affect this case in any way, Dad." Her words were sharp but to the point, she was tired of being coddled because she'd put the man on a pedestal, forgetting that even stars could fall.

When she looked to him with narrowed eyes, the man had his hands raised in surrender, backing up. "Alright, I see your point. I'll see if he needs any help going through the fanmail." She nodded her agreement, watching as he exited the room, backing out to head toward the one where Killian was reading through letters. Once he was gone she fell back against the counter, hands resting on it's surface as she tilted her head upward, taking in a deep breath. This was going to be a long couple of days, and that was if they were lucky enough to catch the killer in that time!

Fortunately for her there were plenty of distractions to be had, Graham bringing news of a new lead pulling her from her melancholy long enough to follow him to the scene. Ruby had called her to tell her about some things she found on the victim's body, that she'd have Jones look to see if any of it was familiar, it seemed everything would work out.

Until they got the call about another crime scene.

At least with Jones in custody there was concrete proof that he couldn't have done it. Especially as her father would have been with him during the time of the crime, she doubted David would let Jones out of his sight knowing his daughter was a fan. "Yeah Dad, we're heading to the scene now, Graham and I just finished interviewing a lead, do you want us to meet you there?"

"Yes, Jones says he wants to get a look at the scene. He has a hunch—which he isn't telling me by the way—and wants to see this one. Told me he'd walk there if I didn't drive him so, I figured I'll keep an eye on him and get him there, to birds with one stone."

"Y'do know I can hear ye, right?" Emma had to stifle a laugh hearing Jones' annoyed tone through the phone, her father giving a quick goodbye before going to placate the author who by the sounds of it was muttering things in a language Emma wasn't familiar with. She hung up, slipping her cellphone into her pocket, before hanging her arm out the window, letting the cool breeze calm her nerves. "Hey, Graham?"

"Emma."

"What was he like? Before all this mess."

"I think that's a story for him to tell you when this case is over. I know you're a fan, Emma, and I know he's innocent as much as you do, but remember that he is still part of this case."

"He's also your friend, how do you deal with it? Knowing someone who you were so close to is at the centre of this?"

"I'm barely holding up honestly, we left Ireland for a better chance together, and here we are. I'm a homicide detective and he's a millionaire hotshot and an alcoholic."

She could only hum her acknowledgement at those words, glad to know that she wasn't the only one who'd had her rose tinted glasses shattered by the sight of the man they'd seen when they had entered Jones' home. It wasn't healthy, putting people like celebrities on pedestals, but she'd hoped to one day have a love like his and Milah's. One that transcended death. Emma just didn't think that he had trouble coping with death, that it would hold up until now.

Would anyone ever love her like that?

Emma was pulled from her melancholy by Graham as they arrived at the scene, putting on a front as she stepped out of the cruiser to head into the public pool where their next victim would be waiting. From the sounds of it it was straight out of another one of Jones' books, which meant they definitely had a crazed fan on their hands, either that or someone threatening Jones. Framing him was definitely out of the question as the man was accounted for during each murder. It was possible he could have hired someone, but somehow Emma doubted he'd go to these lengths.

A minute later, after they'd talked with the officer on scene, David and Killian arrived, the author stepping out of the cruiser as soon as it was parked. He jogged over to them, Emma holding up a hand when the officer went to tell him to step back. "So, is it another one from one of my books?" That tone, the look in his eyes—was it guilt?

She had to tell herself that of course he'd feel guilty, someone was killing people and setting them up to look like crime scenes out of his books. "Haven't seen the scene yet, but from the sounds of it—" her voice trailed off as she gestured with her head for him to follow as she stepped toward the crime scene.

The three followed behind her as she walked into the pool where the body was laying next to the water. Ruby was crouched next to the dead woman, and when she looked up to greet them she stilled. It was when she realized that the woman's eyes were on Jones that it dawned on her.

Oh no. She wasn't going to hear the end of this and she knew it. Ruby knew about Emma's love of Killian Jones' crime novels, his attention for detail and how he'd research everything thoroughly, she'd spent more than enough nights talking with Ruby about the man's latest book. She'd even cried about Zoe's death with Ruby, inconsolable even as Ruby tried to comfort her, reminding her that the character had been based on the man's dead wife. It was time for him to move on, and thus time to let go of Zoe.

What Emma didn't expect was for her favourite crime series to become the centre of an investigation, or for someone to be killing people in the same way the novels victims died.

"Is that—?"

"Yes, it is. He's consulting for the case as the crimes are based around his books. Now about our victim, Lucas." She stressed the other woman's surname, giving her a pointed look with a raised brow, arms crossed over her chest.

"Multiple stab wounds, look like she put up a fight. She was dressed up like this also so this is definitely staged. We have photos of the scene when we found it, she was laying face first in the pool."

"Death—"

"—Of a prom queen." Emma would have swooned at his thick accent, the way he said it, if it wasn't for the fact that she knew Killian shouldn't be on the scene.

"Jones, you should probably be behind the police tape, this is a closed investigation."

"Of which I am involved in, unless you want me to call the mayor to get a little leeway. Mind you, Liam may take issue with being woken up at this hour." That smirk made her want to smack him, especially how he sounded so damn cocky. How was he so sure the mayor would give him a pass to just have the run of their crime scenes? He may be involved and invited onto the scene but he had to obey their rules.

Emma was about to ask how he was so sure of himself until she remembered something; "Mayor Jones. You're related to the mayor."

His smirk turned into a grin, hands in his pockets as he rolled back onto the heels of his feet. "Happens t' be my big brother, so not just related, 'e's my sibling." Oh now she just wanted to shove him into the pool.

It was enough to have a cocky pseudo-celebrity and New York's most wanted Bachelor as number one suspect (ruling out the fact that all evidence said that he didn't do it), but the Mayor's baby brother too? Now this was just too much. "Jones, I need you to get back behind the crime scene tape, while these may be linked to your books, you're a suspect and not working the case with us." She reminded him, tone firm. "The only reason you are here is because you're the author of these books," and a suspect she had to tell herself.

"That and he did say he'd come here on his own—"

"Not helping, Nolan. Jones, behind the crime scene tape. In fact, it might be best you go home, we'll call you if you're needed." When he opened his mouth to protest, she raised a hand, "no. Go home, Jones. And if I catch you trying to pull strings I will lock you up for obstruction of justice and interfering with an ongoing investigation. Nolan, would you mind taking Mr. Jones home?" At least with her father out of the way she wouldn't have to deal with those looks he gave her whenever they were dealing with something that would hit a little too close to home for Emma.

Though she was sure David knew this was a sort of 'time out' for his stunts earlier. If she wasn't sure they'd butt heads, Emma would think her father and Killian Jones would make good friends.

The glare Jones shot her would have broken her heart had he not been giving her a headache at that moment, furiously thinking about how she wasnot his babysitter. She was not going to deal with an alcoholic celebrity author, and a case at the same time, and certainly not right now.

Emma watched with arms crossed over her chest as David lead Jones away, one arm at the man's back which was quickly shrugged away by the author. While she was sure she'd be hearing about this later, she couldn't find it in herself to care at the moment. There was a body that needed her attention—how did he even slip into the crime scene so quickly?—and a suspect list to compile. At least with Jones having alibi's for both murders she could scratch him off the list.

That meant it was likely someone with a grudge against the author and from the sounds of it, the man had a lot of people with a grudge against him.

With a sigh Emma turned back to the case at hand, ignoring the looks she was getting from both Ruby and Graham, they could judge her dismissal later. Right now she had a killer to catch before they murdered anyone else—or even their resident celebrity.

Killian was sour the whole way home, almost dodging Detective Nolan so he could investigate things on his own, but the man had a sharp eye and it wasn't as if Killian wanted to get arrested. No, he had to find out what he needed to know with out being caught, which might mean sneaking into the precinct to get the files when no one was looking.

Or use a few skills he picked up back home getting into trouble as a teen to swipe them. The thought brought a smile to his face, which he knew was making Nolan concerned but he could not care less. If they were going to shrug off how much of a valuable asset he could be then he'd solve this case on his own, with or with out their help. It was better than sitting at home alone drinking at least, and if Liam wanted to yell at him for what he was about to do later, he would point that out to his dear older brother.

He slammed the door shut on the cruiser once let off at his home. Killian didn't even let David have a chance to talk to him, to give the usual 'have a good night, we'll call you if we need anything'. The author was used to hearing empty words like that, not just because of his addiction but he was a fuckin' mystery author, he studied how these things worked. Heard words like that in his sleep when he remembered how his mother died…

The heels of his palms pressed at his eyes, pushing away thoughts of her dead body, Killian could never discern if it was him screaming or someone else in his memories. Just that someone had been screaming…

Gritting his teeth he moved into his home, a wave of guilt washing over him seeing all the empty bottles gone, and a note that she'd left him some food in the fridge. Isabel had likely told her about how he'd been arrested which just made him grimace, knowing he didn't deserve either of them, even if one was on his pay roll.

Shaking his head, he moved to the fridge to pull out the lasagna that had been left for him, setting it in the microwave to cook. Already he was formulating a plan to get into the precinct and steal the case files, his charm would likely be enough to to arouse suspicion, though he'd have to be prepared for when they caught on. Keep his cellphone off until he'd read all of what was in the files and had an idea in his mind of what was wrong. Something had felt off to him when he saw the first crime scene, and seeing the second—

He just had a feeling that he couldn't shake that whoever this was wasn't actually a fan of his works. Someone was being set up.

The sound of the microwave going off jarred him out of his thoughts, followed by the sound of his cellphone alerting him that his brother was calling. Wonderful. Someone alerted the overprotective big brother about his going to jail and being kicked away from a crime scene, he was in for it.

"Liam," his tone was dry as he answered the call, holding his cellphone with his left hand as he maneuvered his food out of the microwave with the other.

"Hello to you too baby brother. I heard you had a busy day." The cheery tone had Killian rolling his eyes, setting the bowl down on the counter as he looked for a fork.

"Understatement. They showed up just after I woke up—"

"Which knowing you was probably late in the day. How much did you drink last night?" Killian rested his hand on the counter, knowing his brother was trying to joke and be concerned but at the same time he knew Liam didn't have time nor energy to deal with his little brother's melt downs.

"That's not up for discussion right now, Liam. Anyway, I gave them everything I had, along with an alibi."

"And then they had to go and kick you out of the big kids club."

"It's not like that!" Fork found, he grabbed his bowl, heading for the living room so he could have a moment to sit down, knowing they would need to process everything before be could steal the files. "I am an asset to this case and if they actually let me take a bloody look—"

"This isn't like back home, Killian. They don't know what you know—" and if Killian had his way, they never would. A sigh left him as he set the bowl down on the coffee table, falling back on the couch. "Rather, they don't know you, your history."

"Graham's there…"

Those words earned him the sound of Liam sucking in a breath, knowing the weight of what that meant. Graham had left Ireland with them when he and Killian were just boys. Graham had no family, neither did the Jones brother, so it left them to only each other. For the longest time Liam and Graham were all Killian had…

"He probably doesn't want you getting involved with these kinds of things again, Killian. And I don't either, frankly. You've seen enough death to last a life time." That was saying it nicely.

"You know for the first time since she died I was actually eager to leave the house?"

"Killian, don't start this—"

"No, Liam. You know what that means. And if I go tell my therapist this, even she'll agree that anything that gets me out and into the world is a good thing." The only other thing that would need tackling would be his drinking.

"Just please tell me you're not going to do anything stupid." There was silence, as Killian couldn't promise that. Not when he had a plan in his head to walk over there and swipe the case files under the premise of apologizing for his behaviour. After all, he could make use of the files and see if he could find things that they didn't. "Killian."

"I ain't promising something I can't fulfil, Liam." That was all he was going to say on the subject, but he was sure that Liam knew it meant he had something stupid in mind already. Especially as he could hear his brother cursing in gaelic on the other side of the line, which meant he just knewKillian was going to do something and Liam would have to bail him out.

After a heavy sigh—likely Liam relenting to the fact that he couldn't stop Killian from going out and making a fool of himself—he heard, "fine. Just don't get yourself hurt, or killed." The 'or arrested' was silent, hanging in the air between them, though Killian already knew he'd be getting arrested soon enough, it would just be a matter of how long it would take for them to catch him.

"I won't. In fact, I'm going to go apologize to Detective Swan for my behaviour tomorrow."

"Good, maybe bring her something like chocolate or flowers."

"Aye, aye. I know the drill. I've had to do it more than enough times with Isabel."

"You get some sleep, alright? I'll call you tomorrow to see how you're doing." Empty promises, though he was sure Liam would actually call him once he found out what his little brother had done.

"You too, I will once I've eaten." There was a murmured good bye in gaelic before he hung up, turning the TV on to whatever looked interesting at the time. Maybe a Criminal Minds rerun would be enough to soothe him before bed, though he was sure his rest would be fitful as it always was. The nightmares never gave him a chance to just relax after all…

He woke the next morning, sprawled on the couch with his cellphone alerting him to a call. An annoyed groan passed from the authors lips as he righted himself, glaring at the offending device before reaching out to answer the call. "'Llo?"

"Morning, Jones." That had him sitting upright with interest, hearing Swan's voice on the other end. Killian wasn't even going to question how she got his number, chances are he gave it to her with out thinking, or she looked it up. "We got a suspect in custody, and I was wondering if you'd like to come see us wrap up the case."

Well that was kind of her, though he had a feeling their suspect wasn't the actual killer. It was a hunch, and one he'd likely pay for, but at least he wasn't a cop and didn't have to play by their rules. A reason he never went to law school, or even tried to become a member of law enforcement, the mere suggestion would have had Liam laughing at him, he was sure.

Rubbing the heel of his free hand against one eye, he yawned, "sure. Just gimme a bit, need t' get dressed and such." With that they said their good-byes leaving him to collect himself and try to pull himself together enough to head to the precinct.

Once there, he made a beeline for where she was talking with Detective Nolan. Likely Humbert was avoiding him, which just soured his mood, a scowl fixing itself on his features before he schooled his expression as they looked his way. He faked a cheery smile, hands in his pockets as he looked from one to the other. "Well then, lead the way?"

"Humbert's already in with out suspect. This is looking to be more difficult than we expected." While that explained where his old friend was, it didn't explain what was going on. Emma nodded to the observation room where he'd wait with Nolan as she interrogated the suspect with Humbert.

It wasn't until he was in the observation room that he understood, watching the man rock back and forth almost feverishly. "Is there any chance I could see the case files?"

"On going investigation—"

"Aye, aye." He shook his head. Just something felt off about all of this, he was getting that feeling in his gut again that they were missing something. It's likely this man was being set up. As they spoke with him it was clear he had some developmental disorder which brought up his obsession with the author, but his inability to sit still—this couldn't be their man. "Tell me, how did you narrow it down to him?"

"Fingerprints on a letter."

"Were there any at any of the crime scenes?"

"Well no—"

"Does this look like someone who could clean up fingerprints, let alone be meticulous enough not to leave any?" Killian had a hard time himself when his left hand acted up because of the old injury. "This doesn't add up, there's a piece missing in the story."

"Sometimes things are just simple like this, Jones. Not everything needs to be something out of one of your crime novels."

All that earned him was a dry laugh as he let himself out, determined more now that he had a hunch, and he had a plan on just how to get those files…

~!~

A sigh left Emma as she leaned back against the door to the observation room. "He's not opening up, he seems to be having some sort of episode. If he's on any medications, I don't think he's been taking them for some time." It took her a moment before she realized it was only Nolan there, brows knit in confusion. "Where's Jones?"

"He got upset, saying things about how things don't add up, finger prints, and stuff like that."

There was a curse, Emma pushed her hair back as she looked at her father a moment before shaking her head. "And you let him leave like that?"

"You don't think he'd—"

"He's a mystery writer who crashed one of our crime scenes to get a closer look and who has threatened to go to scenes himself. You tell me."

Both left the room in a rush, only to find Jones was not too far away, sitting at Emma's desk and going through her things. As they approached him, he raised the book he had in his hands, "knew you were a fan. The moment you mentioned one of my earlier novels I knew you had to be a groupie."

Emma's cheeks went hot, snatching the book from his hands, watching as he unconsciously wrapped the right hand around the left's wrist, massaging it. She almost wanted to apologize, though it had been him who'd been going through her things. A look was cast over her shoulder at Nolan, one brow raised. Though once her attention was back at her desk she noticed a few things; namely the flowers and chocolate now sitting there. "Did you—"

"Figured it would be a suitable apology for my behaviour, and thank you for allowing me to help in any way I can." He stood, crowding a little into her space. "Oh, and I took the liberty of signing the book for you, though I couldn't help but notice one of them was signed already."

Going tense, she pushed him away gently with one hand. "Jones—"

"Aye, aye. I'll get m'self out of your lovely hair." He picked up his jacket and some papers that appeared to be his on the desk. "Y'know where to find me if you need me, Swan." With that and a wink he was gone, leaving her to slump down into her chair, watching him go.

"Hey, Mom! Grandpa!" It was at the familiar voice Emma looked up, a smile lighting up her features as she moved to embrace her son. "Was that—"

"Killian Jones in all his surly glory. Yeah. And before you ask, case is still ongoing so I can't share any details."

"But Mom—"

"No 'but mom's. Now tell me about school."

It wasn't until she'd had David escort Henry home that she noticed the files on the investigation involving Killian Jones' novels were missing.

~!~

So he was right to suspect that something was wrong. Killian's finger traced along the pages as he read through the notes taking in the coroners reports, evidence, among other things. His eyes narrowed as he took in how there was no evidence, not even a finger print to link their man to the case.

Not to mention there was the issue of their suspect being obsessed. He looked over the photos of the man's apartment, taking in the shrine that had been built to 'honour' him. If he was this obsessed the crime scenes would have been an exact replica of how they were in the novels, but they weren't. To the untrained eye they were, but as this was Killian's own novels, well he knew where their true killer had gone wrong.

The flower petals were off, the dress of the 'prom queen', among other key details.

"Killian Jones, you're under arrest." He didn't even look up from what he was reading, though really he was impressed she'd found him so soon.

"You have the wrong man." Was all he said as he closed the files, moving to stand as he handed them to her, ignoring the sigh from Humbert. He thought for a moment that maybe Graham had lead them to him, but it was unlikely, and more likely Graham had called Liam to ask where he'd hide. "Looks like I'm not the only one who uses the mayor as leverage."

"How—"

He leaned in close as the handcuffs were being placed on his wrists, not so casually kicking the other man when his left wrist ached. "Humbert doesn't know me as well as he used to, and seeing as I'm sure he has my brothers number, well I put two and two together love. But you have got the wrong man. Dress on the third victim? All wrong. Flower petals around the second? Wrong. Fingerprints missing? You should have noticed all these things love. Perhaps instead of listening to the baboons you should trust your self more, aye?"

"You don't know me, Jones."

"On the contrary, I'd say you're somewhat of an open book."

He knew he'd gotten through to her however as she watched him being lead away, despite the childish fighting between himself and Humbert that was going on. Once out of earshot however;

"What the hell were you thinking?" Killian rolled his eyes as Graham hissed at him in gaelic.

"That I could do more to help than be a pretty accessory."

"By getting arrested?"

"What, like you or they were going to let me help any other way? I can do more than just provide things like fanmail and good looks."

"Killian, you left that life a long time ago."

"I'm not going back to crime, I'm trying to help stop it. Bloody hell, Graham I don't need to be coddled!"

"Is everything okay here?" Emma's voice drew them away from their argument, both men turning to look at the petite woman as she looked between them.

"Aye, Humbert and I were just airing some things." Killian said before Graham could say anything else, letting himself into the car before their earlier conversation could be continued.

Turned out that the moment Liam had been called he left his meeting to head to the precinct, already there when they'd arrived with him. Graham undid the cuffs, rolling his eyes as Killian scowled at him, massaging his left one. Though a pained noise left him as Liam smacked him up side the back of the head.

"What the hell were you thinking?"

A string of curses left Killian, feeling suitably cornered now with Graham on one side and Liam on the other. "I wanted to help you daft—"

"You're the daft one here, interfering with an ongoing investigation, stealing police files, I should let them hold you until it sinks in that you need to stop doing stuff like this."

"Oh bloody hell, what is it, gang up on Killian day?"

"Don't start Killian." Liam finished in English, looking over as Emma approached them. "Detective Swan, I apologize for my brothers behaviour."

"It's quite alright, just please make sure there's no repeat incidents. I don't want to have to go through this again."

"Will do," he nodded to her as he took Killian by the arm, the younger man cursing him as he guided him out of the building.

~!~

It bothered her however, that Jones had a point. The pieces didn't add up. Texting Henry that she'd be home late, she stared at the crime board, taking what Killian had told her to heart. If he was being set up, then it might not be a serial after all, and motive really was involved. It was a matter of figuring out who the real target was. Ruling out the first and third murders, that left them with the only the second—their suspects case worker.

The next morning, she showed up at the victims fathers office, rolling her eyes when she found Killian already there, as if he was waiting for her. "I thought I told you to stop interfering."

"You told my brother to keep me from it, forgetting that he's a busy man and not exactly my sitter."

Rolling her eyes Emma decided to just let him tag along, he was the reason she'd found this lead after all. The one that could very well crack the case. Not long after they'd figured out that the woman's father was dying and was to leave a large inheritance for her, millions in fact. The son who was in debt wanted it for himself, especially after being cut off due to his multiple financial failures.

Her murder had been for money after all.

Back at the precinct, Emma sighed, looking to Killian with a sight smile. "Thank you, with you you we wouldn't have solved the case." She offered him a hand, smiling tight. Though her pride was wounded, a part of her was happy to know he felt she could have figured it out on her own.

"No, thank you." He took her hand, shaking it firmly. While she was curious as to why, she didn't ask, letting him keep his secrets.

"I hope next time we see each other it will be under different circumstances."

When he doesn't respond in kind, Emma frowned, watching him go before shaking her head.

~!~

That night Killian worked hard at his laptop, talking with Liam over the phone about how inspired he was, making sure to emphasize that for his brothers sake. There was a follow up with Isabel to let her know that there was a new book coming soon and he had a new muse. One he'd be more than happy to follow up with if Liam could pull the strings.

"Detective Swan," Captain Mills started, "it appears Mr. Jones has taken a liking to you." Before Emma could interject, the woman raised a hand, "apparently you're to be his new muse and he wants to shadow you. Seeing the work he's done so far, I'm inclined to let him. As well, so long as he's here with us, the Mayor's happy, and you know what that mean's for us if the Mayor is happy."

A low groan left her at that, "for how long?"

"As long as he needs."

"Hello love, looks like we'll be seeing more of each other after all." Emma turned around to find him standing there, leaning against the door way, all mischievous grin and smug satisfaction. Oh she could punch him.