Author's note: Due to the wonderful response to the first chapter, I've decided to try to continue this story. Here is a short little bridge to the next real chapter. Please review! Thank you so much to those who already have!
"She's gone, ma'am."
Regina sat at home, heart heavy as stone as she mulled over this unexpected problem.
"How could she be gone?"
Twirling a glass in her hand, Regina's insides were as cold as the ice in her drink.
"I swear I don't know!"
The girl would have to be recovered, that much was obvious. But how?
"Who else has been down here besides me?"
The only small consolation was that the search was limited to Storybrooke, seeing as no one could ever leave. The first order of business was clear: Regina and Sydney would search the town looking for any trace of Belle hiding out on the streets or in the woods.
"No one! Except... the janitor..."
Regina thought it unlikely that their search would provide fruitful results. In her mind it was most likely that Belle had been found by someone in the town, and that she was now being provided shelter. Perhaps Regina should wait it out a few days, to see if anyone came forward about having found a lost girl. Then she could make her move. After all, even as Mayor, Regina did not have the power to search any home she pleased without a warrant.
The janitor pleaded, screamed, and wept pathetically as she tossed him in the cell, slamming the door loudly.
However, if Belle had not turned up after a day, the Mayor would be forced to conclude that someone had chosen to keep the girl and protect her, out of pity or sympathy or some other similarly detestable emotion.
Regina's smile was anything but happy: it was a cruel smile, a terrible smile, and it had the immediate effect of silencing the man's words so that only his choking sobs were heard.
The worst thing that could come out of this catastrophe was that Mr. Gold should be reunited with the girl. That was an entirely unacceptable outcome. That is why Regina made it her top priority from that moment on to find Belle quickly, no matter the cost.