Finding Hope in Rainbows

Chapter 2

Emma sat in the last row of the courthouse. Right after the call from Judge Hopper, she began the job. She left David and Mary Margaret in charge of preparing the house, and she packed for her journey. She researched everything possible on the entire Mills' family, but focused on Regina Mills. She caught the next flight out to Los Angeles and had arrived with a week to gather information before the court hearings began. Emma knew there would be many challenges in dealing the infamous Regina Mills. The woman was known for her stubborn and uncooperative behavior.

"All rise for the Honorable Judge Archie Hooper."

Emma stood and saw Archie enter through his chamber door. She smiled as she saw the tinge of grey around his ears. It had been a long time since she had seen the man who had helped her grow into the woman she had become.

"First on the docket sir is an assault and battery." Archie listened intently to the bailiff and nodded. He knew the hardest case would be the last of the day.

"Alright, let's get started."

Six hours later, Archie arrived back from lunch to see Emma Swan sitting in his office. "I have never figured out how you get back here without anyone seeing you." He stated as he walked into the room.

Emma turned in her seat to acknowledge him, "And I will take that secret to my grave." She replied as she gave him the signature Emma Swan smirk.

"Emma, I am so glad you are here. I definitely need your help. I do not believe her lawyer has even discussed the plea bargain that the District Attorney and I have come up with."

"Why do you think that?"

"Robin sent it and Mr. Gold immediately responded with a no. He is required to share all offers with his client. I believe he wants to make a name for himself with a public trial with a whale of a client."

"But he won't win!" Emma interjected. "And who is Mr. Gold?"

"It doesn't matter to him. He is a lawyer originally out of Chicago but relocated here to represent the rich and famous."

"I thought Ms. Mills doesn't have a dime."

"She doesn't. He is doing it pro bono. This leads me to believe he wants to get something else out of this. He is always looking for something to inflate his power and reputation."

"First thing to do is make the hearings private." Emma mumbled while rubbing her head. "Then we have to announce the deal in front of Ms. Mills to make it sound appealing."

"You know I have to have a reason to make a hearing private."

Emma stood and started to turn towards the door.

"Emma, where are you going?"

"Arch," she said with a mischievous look "The less you know the better. Just be prepared to somehow inform her of the plea."

And with that Emma quickly walked out of Judge Hoppers chambers and began looking for her patsy.

Judge Hopper entered the courtroom for the last time of the day. There, standing at the defense table was Regina Mills, unaware of being played by her own lawyer. Archie looked around to see the courtroom flooded with reporters. He hoped Emma's plan worked and that it was not illegal. Archie cleared his throat as he sat down and looked directly into Emma's eyes. She gave him a wink and he hoped she knew what she was doing.

"You may be seated." He directed. "Ms. Mills, you are charged with 1st degree reckless endangerment, driving under the influence, driving with a suspended license, and possession of an illegal substance. How do you plead?"

"Not guilty, your honor."

"Mr. Gold. I did not address you, I addressed your client." Judge Hopper stated firmly.

Gold had the decency to look slightly embarrassed before scowling at the judge. Regina opened her mouth to speak, but before she even stated a word a scuffle began to occur on the other side of the room.

"Your cord tripped me! I should sue you!"

"What? My cord? What about your wheezing interfering with my recording. I probably don't have anything audible on my tape?"

"Good! You are a horrible journalist anyway." The first reporter began to shove the second. The second reporter bumped into a lady who was standing in front of the two men.

Before long, the entire affair had involved most of the rows dedicated to the media.

"That is enough." Judge Hopper yelled as he banged his gavel. "Order. I will have order."

As soon as it began, it seemed that the fight had ended. Judge Hopper sighed as if the only option pained him. "Effective immediately, I have no choice but to deem these proceedings private and close the courtroom to all spectators."

"NO!" Mr. Gold shouted.

"Sit down Mr. Gold. I cannot have unsafe actions happening in my courtroom. And if it is this bad in the preliminaries, imagine how dangerous this room could be during a trial."

"Of course your honor," he stated in a tone that inferred the sarcasm. "I would like to discuss the possibility of removing this infraction as the trial gets closer."

"We will see." Judge Hopper stated. "Bailiff, escort everyone that is not necessary for these proceedings."

As the Bailiff herded everyone to the doors, Emma and Archie made eye contact. She gave him a winning smile and pointed to Regina. He gave a slight nod as he lowered his head to look at his notes. As the last of the spectators walked out of the courtroom, Archie prepared himself to become an enemy of Mr. Gold's to try and save Regina Mills.

"Now, where were we? Ah, yes. Regina Mills, how do you plead?"

Regina looked to Gold. Emma could see the uncertainty and fear in the grown woman's face. Gold nodded at her and gave a creepy smile. "Not guilty."

"That is surprising." Judge Hopper replied sounding confused.

"Judge!" Gold stated in a warning tone.

"Why is it surprising that I do not want to be found guilty?" Regina Mills blurted out.

"I figured you would have taken the plea agreement. The DA offered an amazing deal. I have to remind you that if you are found guilty you will more than likely serve full sentence since you are a repeat offender and owe all damages and court costs."

"Wait. What deal? I was not aware of any offer."

"It was a ridiculous offer." Gold interjected.

"And you didn't inform me of it? Isn't that against the law?"

"No." Gold stated.

"It is against the code of ethics though." The district attorney mumbled.

"Shut up Robin!"

"Silence." Judge Hopper interjected. "Ms. Mills, the district attorney offered a suspended sentence in exchange for community service, mandatory rehabilitation, and revoking your driver's license."

"Do not take the deal. You can win at trial and gain the public's trust again." Gold coaxed.

"Ms. Mills, I cannot sway you one way or another, but if found guilty you are facing up to twelve years in prison."

"Your Honor!" Gold admonished.

"May I think on it tonight?" Regina questioned.

Archie turned towards Robin. "Is that alright with you counselor?"

"I can agree to that."

"Great. We will reconvene at eight o'clock tomorrow." Judge Hopper banged his gavel once as he stood. "Court is adjourned."

"Hello."

"David, I will need assistance with transporting her tomorrow. I have a feeling she will take the deal and this will be a challenge. I have already bought your ticket, catch the next flight to L.A."

"Copy that Emma. I'm on my way."

A/N: So this is my new story, I hope you guys like it. It's a bit different than my others (check them out if you are not) This is going to be much more intense and a slow burn. So I really want you to tell me what you guys think. I love reviews and thank you for continuing to read!