Failure to Appear (Part 2)
"It was a pleasure, Swan."
She turned to leave, wondering if she had just missed her chance (her chance to find out more about this Gold character, of course,) but an instant later she heard steps behind her and his fingers closed around her arm. "Swan wait, will... will I see you again?"
The corner of her lip twitched and she bit her lip.
"I do really like grilled cheese," she told him.
Grilled cheese became a staple of Emma's diet that week, She joined the lunch crowd on her breaks from research and let herself enjoy the sounds of the ocean for far longer lunch breaks then she generally allowed herself. She enjoyed Killian's company, but there was always a small voice in the back of her mind; the fact that he might know something that could help her. But it seemed beyond tactless to ask him in the middle of a crowded tour boat about his late girlfriend. So finally, a few days later she found herself seated on a bench near the water, but this time in late afternoon. Mid-week in the off season... she'd high hopes that the crowds would be thin and she'd finally get her chance to ask him about things that were… well probably quite rude to ask about.
While he tied up the boat to the dock, he greeted her with a bright smile.
"I missed you at lunch today, darling, thought perhaps you'd grown tired of my roguish charm."
"Or perhaps decided to eat like a grown up today?"
"And yet, here you are."
She waited for him to tie up the gangplank and even let him offer her a hand into the boat to forestall any comments about liability (She was pretty sure he was making up the rule anyway...) In a few minutes she was munching on onion rings as they made their way south along the water front.
"No passengers today, Hook?"
"You missed the lunch rush, my dear. Intentional, I'm sure."
"Actually it was. I wanted to talk to you."
"I thought you might," he replied with a half smile.
"What do you mean?"
"You're something of an open book love, I saw your eyes light up when you realized who I was."
"Sorry… it's kind of my job."
"So I've learned. Honestly I'm amazed you waited this long. I'll make a deal with you Swan, I'll tell you what you want to know if you'll return the favor."
"What, I have to answer your questions too?"
"What do you say?"
"Why not," Emma finally responded. Honestly, she was surprised that he was willing to help at all. She'd looked into her files again last night after Henry had gone to bed and… it was not something she thought he'd be particularly interested in chatting about. The trial was still pending though, there were a lot of missing pieces due to the fact that a good chunk of Killian's testimony was being kept under wraps by the prosecution.
"Ok, first question. Does Gold have any Family, anyone close that might not be in his file?"
"Not that I know of. Except, you must know his new girlfriend, Belle?"
"If she knows where he is, she's not saying. I've followed her a couple times, no luck yet."
"My turn, love. Have you ever wanted to learn how to Sail?"
"Sail? I don't think it ever really occurred to me to want to learn."
"Here, take the wheel," he said, pulling her over by the wrist. He wrapped his arms around her so he could keep hold of the wheel and direct her movements.
"Isn't there a safer way to flirt with me, Captain?" Emma asked tentatively.
"Do you feel unsafe, Swan?"
"I'm more worried about your boat."
"I won't let you hurt my boat." He leaned closer, his lips brushing her ear. "I am trying to make an impression," he whispered. "Is it working?" Emma shrugged, hoping it covered up the shiver that prickled along her skin as his lips ghosted over her ear. She didn't pull away, though. He chuckled and continued. "The steering part is easy," he said. "All you need to do is watch those buoys. See over there," he pointed toward shore with his hook, "those designate the shallows. We want to stay farther out than that. And those out there," he pointed again, and Emma struggled unsuccessfully to focus on the distant point rather than his fingers brushing her waist. "Those are major shipping lanes. Go out there and it's like driving a bicycle in front of an 18 wheeler."
"Not so bad," she admitted. "It's kind of like driving a car."
"Also you have to know where the currents are, know what time of day it is and how the tide is moving. How to spot a sandbar and keep tuned to other ships wakes or gusts of wind that can throw you off course. But yes... other than that it's exactly like driving a car..."
"I don't think this is a good idea-"
"I'm right here, love," he said gently. "I promise I won't let you drift in front of an 18 wheeler."
"I think I'm better at finding people then I am at steering boats," Emma commented nervously as Killian corrected her oversteering.
"You're doing just fine." He was quiet for a moment and then she felt him take a breath. "Swan, there's someone I'd like you to meet. A neighbor and an old friend who may be helpful to you. Would you come over tonight? He and his wife are coming over for dinner. His wife makes the best fajitas in the city, I swear."
"Are you... asking me out, Hook?"
"In... technically. But no. if you and I were to go out again we would do so just the two of us. There would be wine and candlelight and I would spend all evening wondering if you would punch me if I tried to kiss you." She stiffened and he backed away, moving to the side of the helm so he could see her face properly. Besides, one doesn't generally bring their children on dates, and you are most welcome to bring your lad tonight."
"What did you mean go out again?" she asked, biting her lip to keep from smiling.
Killian motioned around him. "Well look at us, love. Romantic boat ride on the water, just the two of us, I brought you food."
"Food that I paid for-" Emma commented.
"I will be sure to rectify that on our next excursion. Perhaps you should text me your address so I can pick you both up tonight?"
"Trying to needle a phone number and an address out of me all at once? How very efficient."
"Efficiency is one of those leftover naval habits that I just can't seem to shake."
"Don't push it. I'll drive myself."
"As you wish, love."
"Can you tell me about Gold?" she asked, changing the subject to try to distract herself from the cold breeze where his pleasant warmth had been a moment before. "Paper trails are great but I'd like to have a sense of the guy."
Killian leaned against the side of the boat for a long while, looking past her out over the water. Just when Emma had finally concluded that their interview was at an end he began to speak. "They were married a few years when things began to sour. Perhaps it had been sour all along, I don't know, but when I met Milah she was seeking a way out. It took her another 8 months after we met to get a divorce. We lost count of how many lawyers and judges turned their back on her." He paused to reach over, adjusting her course when she drew too near the shipping lanes. "Gold has his hands in everyone's pockets and he used every connection he had to keep her. When we finally got free we left the city. Spent some time traveling abroad. After a few years she… she missed home." He took over the helm again to bring them into the next stop and Emma backed away from the wheel with relief.
"Something tells me your insurance people wouldn't love you letting me drive," she commented, trying to break the tension his words had left behind.
"Steer... not drive," Killian told her with a half smile, "and we'll just keep that to ourselves shall we. I'd hate for you to have to hunt me down next."
He hopped down from the helm for another couple of passengers and Emma was glad of the break. It gave her a moment to process what she'd already heard. His smile came down like a mask, and she was amazed at how easily he threw his walls back up. He chatted easily with the passengers with light smiles as though he hadn't just been discussing a woman who had been murdered in front of him, They disembarked several stops later and it almost pained her to resume their earlier discussion. But it was her job and she resigned herself to seeing the smile fall from his lips.
"So you came back to Boston?" she probed.
"Aye," The smile fell, as she knew it would, replaced by a tension she could nearly see. "Milah thought he'd have moved on. He hadn't. Gold found her again. She called the police on him several times but they said they couldn't do anything unless he actually tried to hurt her. He's got fingers in every part of this city. Lawyers, judges, the police. I wanted to leave but she... she was a strong lass, my Milah. She didn't want to be scared off by her own ex husband. I suppose it was a point of pride. I don't think either of us actually thought he would-" He clenched his jaw and looked away again. "I'm sorry, I don't suppose any of this helps you to find him."
"Doesn't hurt. This woman, Belle. I keep thinking she's my way in. But she's clever. If they're meeting I haven't been able to find out how yet."
"She may be your way in, but I don't think she'll help you... not intentionally anyway."
"Do you think she knows?"
"Milah was before her time. I went to her once, when I realized that Gold had taken an... an interest in her. I tried to warn her. It went ... poorly. Got a broken nose for my efforts when he returned home early."
"So he's more likely to fight than run?"
"Certainly. He uses a walking stick. I'm not sure if he really needs it or... I've gotten the wrong side of it a time or two. It's no normal walking stick. The thing must be filled with lead or something because it packs a punch."
"Does he carry a firearm?"
"Do you?"
"What?" Emma asked in confusion.
"I do believe it is my turn to ask a question, that was the arrangement, right? Do you, carry a firearm?"
"Yes, I do. People that skip out on bail often aren't very happy to be found."
"Good. I've never seen Gold with one though I wouldn't put it past him. With Milah he-"
"I know." She interrupted. She'd seen the crime scene reports already, no need to make him relive that particular moment. She'd been stabbed, multiple times. Overkill the report said. "If you don't mind me asking... how did you survive? The report said you were both drugged. If he'd wanted to..."
"His particular brand of cruelty, I suppose. I had just lost my brother in a car accident not long before ... Losing her too... let us just say that putting me out of my misery would have been an act of mercy he was not inclined towards.
Emma's mouth gaped open in surprise. "I'm... I'm so sorry," she mumbled.
"As was I, but I survived. If only to spite him, I survived." He turned to her with an intense gaze that tempted her to look away. "Are you sure, Emma? Are you certain you want to get pulled into this ... mess?"
"I will find him," she insisted. "I'm very good at my job."
"Oh, I believe you will. You strike me as the stubborn sort."
"I prefer... determined," she corrected with a smile.
"My concern is for your safety. It's a risky task you've set yourself. And even if you do catch him...
Emma cocked her head to one side in confusion.
Killian sighed, "In your professional experience, Swan, is it common for a man to be charged with second degree murder when there is evidence of pre-meditation."
Emma shook her head, "No, it's not."
"And in your professional experience is it common for a man to be given a bail amount easily within his means after he... after what he did."
"No," she admitted. "You don't trust the police?" she asked, "any of them?"
"I trust exactly one police officer. That's who I want you to meet tonight."
Who is the police officer guys. It's so very subtle (sarcasm sign :P)
Hope you enjoyed this and are now craving grilled cheese (and sailing lessons...)