Finding Hope in Rainbows
Chapter 3
"Are you prepared to make a decision Ms. Mills?"
Regina hesitated before she spoke. "I believe so."
"Regina," Gold sounded exasperated as he addressed her. "You can win. I do not know why you are entertaining this idea."
"Ms. Mills?" Archie spoke over Gold. "I need an answer from you."
"I wish to take the agreement." Regina rushed out as if the words would hurt her.
"Your honor, I believe my client is under duress and is unable to make decisions for herself."
"WHAT? I am doing what is best for me. I cannot live in a cage."
"We would win." Gold argued.
"And what if we don't? This is my life at risk here." Regina turned back to the judge. "I agree to the plea agreement."
Judge Hopper cleared his throat. "Have you read the agreement?"
"Briefly."
"Let me explain it, you are required to receive treatment in a rehabilitation center for a minimum of twelve weeks, but it can be extended to as long as the court feels is necessary. I will receive weekly reviews from your counselor, informing me of your progress. When the court and your counselor feel you are a stable, healthy, and productive member of society, you will be released. When released, you must begin a mandatory five hundred hours of community service and you will be on probation for the next three years. If you break any laws during your probation period, your full sentence will be enacted and you will go to jail for the maximum amount of time for your crimes. You will also forfeit your driver's license permanently. Do you understand these conditions and accept them?"
"I do your honor." The district attorney stood from his table and walked to Regina with the contract.
"Just sign here and here." Robin stated and gave her a small smile.
As soon as Regina had set the pen down, Gold abruptly stood. "You have just ruined your life Ms. Mills. I look forward to the day you prove me right." He stated with a malicious tone as he turned and headed to the doors.
The second Gold had walked through the door Judge Hopper stood. "Bailiff, we have to go now!"
The bailiff nodded and quickly moved to Regina's side. "Come Ms. Mills, we need to get you changed and out of the building before Gold gets too many reporters gathered outside."
Regina stood and was thoroughly confused. She followed the bailiff regardless and headed to the side door of the courtroom.
Emma stood as Gold rushed by her. She quickly texted David,
Bring the car around. We will be outside in 4 minutes.
She then headed to Archie's chambers. When she walked inside she was greeted by the Judge and Robin.
"Are we all set?"
Robin answered as Archie removed his robe. "Yes, should just be another moment until they bring her in here."
"And my conditions?'
"The only three people that know of her location are the three of us. Your location or your company's name is never mentioned in any of the documentation. Not even her parents will know where she is." Robin stated and Archie nodded along as he spoke. "As for the other condition, I do not know why you would need immunity from any wrong doing."
Emma smirked. "You are the DA. I am pleading the fifth when it comes to any wrong doing or the planning of anything illegal. But just in case, I would like immunity. Trust me Robin; I am not going to lose another one."
As Emma finished her statement, a knock sounded on the door and the bailiff entered with Regina directly behind him. "She's ready sir."
"Thank you. Regina, come in please." Regina stood awkwardly waiting. "This is Emma Swan. She will be your counselor for the next twelve weeks. She is also a specialist in getting in and out of tricky situations. She will get you safely out of the building. By now, Gold is rounding up reporters to share his story and we need to get you out of here before they become a nuisance."
Regina looked Emma up and down as if assessing the enemy.
"Nice to meet you Ms. Mills." Emma stated with a smirk.
"Why am I wearing scrubs? I look like a nurse that just got done with her shift."
"That's the intention. Now, if you will come with me, we need to get out of here." Emma stood and grabbed Regina's hand.
"Do not touch me!"
Emma laughed. "This is going to be fun. Let me fill you in your highness, we are trying to get out of the building quickly and undiscovered. If you wish to leave the courthouse without being hounded, it requires a little effort from you. For example, changing your clothes, walking with someone unfamiliar and in a manner you normally wouldn't. They are looking for Regina Mills, fashion icon, or maybe Henry Mills' daughter. Do you understand? Every second we waste with you being difficult is making it easier for you to be spotted, followed, and harassed and although that probably sounds fun to you, we both know you cannot afford to screw this up and go to jail! Now," Emma grabbed Regina's hand again. "If you will accompany me to the car."
Regina walked next to Emma as they left the Judge's chambers and quickly lost her way with all of the twists and turns through the building. It seemed for every set of stairs they descended, they took another flight up. Eventually, they came to a door that appeared to never be used. Emma quickly looked out the small dirty window and with a nod shoved it open. The door jamb creaked as it swung open and the two women made their way across the grass into a yellow taxi.
"Were we spotted?" Emma asked the driver.
"Of course not! I thought for sure they were going to be flocking the building. How do you know where the enemy is at all times?"
"It's one of my two superpowers!" Emma stated. "Regina, meet David. David, meet Regina."
David pulled away from the curb and nodded in the mirror to the woman sitting in the backseat. "I picked up some wine, water, and soda. It is in the fridge back there."
At this, Regina frowned. They were in a taxi, what fridge? As she began to process her surroundings, she noticed the taxi had the interior redone and it almost appeared to be a luxury car on the inside. Leather seats, a mini fridge, television and DVD player all gave the feeling of the cars that usually picked her up for galas and events. One set of seats were facing the front of the car and the other faced the rear. Emma sat across her in the rear facing seat. Regina was grateful so she could look forward and see the possible destination.
"Wonderful David! Thank you." Emma turned to Regina, "Would you like something to drink?"
"Should a counselor be offering me wine?" Regina responded with a self-righteous tone.
"No, but I am not a normal counselor, and let's consider this the last one before your supply gets cut off."
Regina just nodded and accepted the glass as Emma poured herself one as well. As she sipped the drink, Regina assessed her new companion. Emma was slightly taller than her and was thin, but muscular. Her hair was blonde and wild, but she appeared to be attempting to tame it by putting it in a ponytail. Her eyes were bright and always watchful. She appeared to be looking constantly at her surroundings. Her knee bounced as if worried or nervous, but her face showed no sign of anxiety. Regina noticed Emma's hands holding the glass appeared strong and her long fingers wouldn't stop fidgeting with the glass. "Where are we going?" Regina finally asked when she was done appraising her captor.
"I can't tell you. But it's a long ride, so sit back and relax." Emma replied as she finished her wine and leaned back into the seat across Regina.
Regina finished her glass of wine as well and felt her eyes droop. "I do not feel well."
"That is probably the drugs I laced your drink with."
"WHAT?" Regina cried out as she began to feel dizzy and woozy.
"We are going very far away, and you cannot know our destination. I had to drug you. But I promise you will be safe."
"Says the woman that just drugged me." Regina slurred as she passed out on the seat of the car.
"Ok David, she's out. Head to the airport."
David just nodded and turned left at the next intersection.