Emma was waiting in a small meeting room inside the courthouse, fidgeting with the sleeve of the simple black blazer and nervously checking the clock on the wall counting down minutes. She is scheduled to go in front of a judge for a bail hearing and according to young officer outside, her lawyer is supposed to meet her a minute ago. She is still to hear a word from her after yesterday night.

Perhaps Ms. Mills came to her senses and is quitting her. No, she wouldn't do that without saying anything, not yet anyway. There's plenty of time. Perhaps once she finds out more about Emma's not really impressive track record in life, she'll figure out there are better things to do.

Wow, easy on the self-pity Swan, it is not very attractive. Emma brushed her fingers through her washed hair, pleased that at least she doesn't look as pathetic as the night before.

A second later her lawyer swooped in like some kind of a Dior wearing saviour, and it didn't matter Emma knew she was coming, it didn't matter she promised herself not to care, a breath still managed to escape her.

"Good afternoon Miss Swan," Regina said with a modest smile while taking her seat opposite of Emma. "I see you're looking better today."

"Ms. Mills, hi, yes. Mmm thank you… for that. For… making sure I get some sleep."

"No need to thank me Miss Swan, we can't have you fainting in the middle of the courtroom, can't we?" Regina said with only a twinkle in her eye indicating she was interested in Emma's well-being for reasons more than just Emma embarrassing her in front of the judge was. "I am pleased you managed to get yourself cleaned up and refreshed."

"Well… yes. I mean, thank you for clothes too."

The lawyer just leaned her head on the side, opened her tablet and said to her client, "We have several issues that we need to discuss before we see the judge. First problem is the judge itself. I have previous experience with this person. While he is not a complete moron, he is also very conservative, has outdated views on women and he won't make my job easy. Understand?"

Regina waited to make sure the information properly sank until Emma nodded in confirmation.

"Secondly, my associate is waiting for you to give us the website you used to set up your fake profile. The district attorney's office probably already got it from Gold, since I'm sure they are using it for the case. Please type in the URL here." Regina passed the tablet to Emma who, feeling very conscious about the fact her lawyer will soon see her catalogue of underwear shots, typed in the address.

"Ms. Mills, are we being monitored here? Would you mind if I use this to check something?"

"Not now, Miss Swan, we are very limited with time. Perhaps later if needed."

If needed. Meaning, if she doesn't get out. Goody. She slid the tablet back to Regina and decided she had been slut shamed quite enough by the men around her, so she will look Ms. Mills in the eyes and own her actions without being embarrassed. After all, she is successful in what she does in part because she can do… that. She also had to admit to herself, perhaps she also wanted the lawyer to be a little bit impressed as well. Not that it mattered.

Taking the tablet Regina raised her eyebrows as the website opened at the images of Miss Swan posing quite alluringly in black silk and lace. No wonder Jones hired this "Dark Swan" persona with little questions asked. Her creamy skin was glowing in the blue and grey light as she stood in front of curtained window, hair cascading in soft waves. She could see the muscles of her stomach and her arms. She mentioned swimming. Well, she clearly wasn't lying. Her face was half covered by a lacy mask that just served to offset the redness of slightly opened lips. God, she was breathtaking.

"I take it this is a work of a professional photographer, not a friend holding an iPhone?"

"Yes, it was a professional."

"And you have maintained this… cover successfully for a while?"

"Aha, at least two years. I need the bait every now and then, so I get the site online when needed, modify the content to fit the target."

Regina maintained her cool façade and copy pasted the address to a message to Tink. "We will see what we can do with this."

She left her tablet on the table and once again turned her full attention to the blond in front of her. "Tell me about your criminal record Miss Swan."

Emma intertwined her fingers. "Wow, straight to the point."

"Well, can you blame me? Tick tock Miss Swan," said Regina noticing Emma's obvious and not surprising discomfort with the topic.

Emma took a deep breath and started, "I was 17, silly, naïve girl trying to get by after leaving my last foster family. I got involved with an older guy after trying to steal his car. His name was Neal Cassidy and he was a thief. He convinced me… no, he seduced me is perhaps a bit more accurate description of what happened."

"How old was he?" Regina interrupted with an obvious question.

"27 at the time we met."

Emma lowered her hands into her lap so that Regina doesn't notice just how uncomfortable she was with the story. How can she feel embarrassed, Regina wondered, when it was obvious to everyone that this is statutory rape.

"I know what you're thinking. Yes, he is in jail, but not for anything like that. Not for… girls. He... He planned a job. Local post office in Tallahassee. Really easy one, in and out, he promised. I was outside waiting thinking it was all so romantic, and then I heard shots and I knew immediately how stupid I was. He carried a gun and someone got hurt. An older men died in the hospital. Police got me a minute later in his car outside of the scene, they found me in shock. And he, he just left me there alone and ran."

"You testified?"

"Aha… eventually they promised me a lighter sentence. I still got 9 months in detention. I was so young and stupid and lucky it didn't end worse for me."

Regina pursed her lips, "Oh Miss Swan, you were very obviously failed by the system and at such young age. But that does not mean…"

"Doesn't it? You really think this time will be different?"

"This time you have me."

Their eyes met, and god help her, but Emma believed her. On the other side of the table Regina tried to hide the fact she was very much chastising herself for making promises like that. What is her problem? This entire situation is so up in the air she shouldn't really say anything like that until it becomes a bit clearer.

"Miss Swan, I'm not going to lie to you or try to make this situation look rosy. We will have a pair of worthy opponents in that courtroom, both judge and the district attorney on your case are problematic characters. They are also in a good relationship with Gold. Now this case is still not about murder, but change could happen every minute. Besides that, can you think who else would want to harm Jones?"

"Who wouldn't? The guy has enemies literally everywhere. Another drug group, parents of kids he sold to could be dangerous? He had a string of ex-girlfriends and more bad habits then I could count. Those guys on that boat were quiet and quick and they knew what they were doing. If they were contractors, the culprit could be anyone."

Regina raised her eyebrows, "That is literally more or less the angle my office is taking and already investigating. We have a private detective we sometimes work with, I'll see what he can find."

"Well, if you could get me some internet access, I might be able to help."

Regina had a perfect smirk on. "First we deal with prostitution Miss Swan, and then we deal with the missing gangster."

Lawyer broke the eye contact to check her watch. "It's almost time. You know how these type of hearings go?" At Emma's wordless confirmation, Regina continued, "Just let me do the talking and we'll see. The prostitution charges won't stick once we get some evidence of your work, so don't be worried about that in the long-term."

"Ms. Mills? Can I ask you something?"

"You want me to get you some coffee?"

Emma smiled at her mini-joke. "Well, I would never say no to a cup of coffee. But no, I was wondering, if I stay in jail today, would you be so kind to send someone to my apartment? You see, I have a cat."

Regina looked at her in surprise. "Really? I would have pegged you as a dog person."

"You wouldn't be far off. I love dogs, but cats are independent and resilient. Especially mine, so I'm sure she's been fine for now by herself."

"Say no more. I'll add pet rescuer to my firm's job description."

"I'm sure that will get you a new stream of revenue."

"I'm assuming the key is under the mat?"

"Close enough. It's in the panel behind the corridor plant," Emma cringed. "To be fair Ms. Mills, except for my computer that is useless to people with no hacking skills, I don't have much for burglars to steal."

Regina paused and went dead serious again. "You know that if they press charges for Jones, police will manage a warrant to search your place."

"They can be my guest. The only slightly embarrassing thing in my apartment I keep in the drawer of my bedside table," Emma deadpanned before realizing how Regina might not find the comment amusing. Her eyes winded, but Regina remained seemingly chilled.

"Very funny Miss Swan."

"Sorry," Emma blushed just a bit, and then immediately asked herself, what the fuck? She is here blushing in front of this woman like some innocent maid, and 5 minutes ago she was showing her sexy half naked pictures. And she already promised herself, no crushing on hot lawyers. Bad Emma.

"It's time to go. I'll call the guard."

Sitting there in the courtroom waiting for the hearing to start, Emma was feeling more and more agitated. There were not a lot of people present for the hearing, mostly security in the room and Gold sitting in the back of the room with another police officer. Her lawyer was quietly discussing with an imposing Anthony Hopkins look-alike to her right whom Emma vaguely recognized from either her files, or newspapers. Doors to the room opened and in walked a definitely familiar face of dashing August Booth. Emma tried to catch his eyes, but he kept his focus in front of himself. That did not exactly fill her with confidence.

Regina took her seat whispering to Emma, "Right. Spencer isn't budging. Emma, just stay calm."

Emma made a barely visible sign of acknowledgment, straightened her posture and lift up her head. She did nothing wrong, and she will not slouch in embarrassment like she did when she was in this situation 14 years ago.

"All rise", went through the courtroom and as they stood up, the bailiff continued, "Honorable Judge Sidney Glass presiding."

"You may be seated," said Glass looking in interest to the defense bench.

"Mr. Spencer, what do we have now?"

"Your honor, the state wishes for you to deny bail for Emma Swan, currently facing charges for prostitution. She is a high flight risk with no stable relationships within the community and with a habit of changing addresses."

"Mr. Spencer, that is a bit unusual. What do you mean when you say currently facing charges?" asked Glass.

"Your honor, if I may? I might shed some light on this" Regina interrupted Spencer before he got a word out. "The public attorney's office want to keep my client in jail because they are seeking to charge her for a crime they are not even sure took place. Miss Swan is, in fact, not a prostitute, which we can easily prove. She is a bail bondsperson, highly respected in her field of work and this exercise today is simply appalling."

"You honor," Spencer continued, "do other people in bail bond business have a website listing the price for their sexual services? No, I don't think they do. Do they also go by aliases? I don't think so. The website of our Dark Swan, which is how Miss Swan poetically calls herself, even lists the references of her former associates, which is to say other working girls, and may I add that in the room today with us is the owner of the agency Miss Swan supposedly works for as a bail bondsperson. He has never even seen this person before in real life."

"Technically Albert, that might be true but that does not mean Miss Swan doesn't have a clear record of previous apprehensions throughout the years which she conducted for Mr. Booth's agency. I am curious to see if you can provide this court with one name from the alleged list of Miss Swan's sex clients. Let me answer that, no you cannot. In fact, her work as a bail bondsperson can easily be proven, her work as a prostitute cannot be and you know it Spencer. Your honor, my client is a private person and keeps to herself, which is not a crime. In addition to that, Miss Swan has been held in custody since early hours of Sunday in devastating conditions inside the 11th precinct. Frankly, this court needs to apologize to Miss Swan and immediately let her go."

Spencer wouldn't have it, he was looking at Regina like she was being unreasonable and then he barked, "Your Honor, may we approach the bench?"

Glass waved his hand, "Be my guests."

Regina crossed her arms and looked at Spencer, "Really Albert, what are you trying to achieve here?"

"I am trying to achieve that we keep this woman in custody for the time being," he answered and turned to the judge, "Ms. Mills' client is a high risk case your honor. She is a prime suspect in what will very soon be a full-blown murder investigation of a criminal Killian Jones. She was found after she swam from a boat that was caught on fire with all sorts of evidence the state will be ready to present. For now we want to keep her where we can see her."

"You are pushing it there Albert," said the judge but then consented, "however, this woman really is a bit of a risk, Regina, and you have to admit it. I don't see any evidence to support her ties in the community. Nothing. No husband, no fiancé, and a lot of problematic behavior, what with this sexual website," he said with an obvious distaste.

"Would it help if she stays with me? I can vouch for her," Regina blurted out before she actually understood what she was offering.

"That is very noble Ms. Mills, but that is not how it works," said Spencer.

"Is it not Albert? And I suppose your tactics here today are how 'it works'? Detective Gold's as well?"

"That is all, both of you," Judge Glass interrupted. "I've heard enough."

When Regina turned to go back to her seat with a scrunched forehead, Emma's heart sunk a little bit. All right, that round was probably lost, but they expected as much, so chin up.

Sitting next to her client, Regina felt an overwhelming need to show her client some support and encouragement. For a moment, her fingers itched to touch Miss Swan's hand, or her shoulder. Clearly out of the question.

Sidney Glass continued, "Miss Swan, I agree with the district attorney that with your particular lifestyle there is little evidence to support that you will not disappear into thin air. So, you will stay in police custody for another 48 hours. This is all you are getting Spencer. If the state does not produce any substantial evidence to further charge this woman you will have to let her go."

"Your honor, the defense is objecting."

"I am taking that into consideration Ms. Mills. Adjourned."

He left the room before they managed to stand up as Regina leaned closer to Emma. "I'm sorry Miss Swan."

"It's fine. We knew this might happen", Emma said bowing her head.

"Hey," Regina turned towards her until her knee softly brushed Emma's tight and their eyes met again. "Don't worry," Regina she smiled, "I'll go and feed your cat. Is there anything else you might need?"

"No, thank you."

As she was looking at Regina with a mix of gratitude and a little bit of apprehension, hyper aware of a light point of contact underneath the table, security guard came to take her back. She swallowed at the response she found in brown eyes. They seemed to be sending her all the mushy signals of support the lawyer wasn't saying. Stay strong, I've got your back.

"Emma?" came a male voice.

Well, if they had a moment, it was interrupted by Booth.

"I'm sorry Emma, I tried to explain to them how we work but… they weren't really interested and I couldn't lie to them… We never actually met in person… and I…"

"It's okay August, I understand." Emma said looking at him, "I didn't really make an effort to… meet, and it was stupid of me."

The guard came at that moment to escort her away.

"I'll see you Emma."

"Bye August. See you later Ms. Mills?"

"See you later Miss Swan," Regina replied and as Emma walked away accompanied by the guard, she shifted her focus to the man in the purple shirt, "I need to talk to you and get everything you have on Killian Jones."

"Of course Ms. Mills. I'll send you our file."

"Excellent. I want it yesterday."

"Understood." Booth said wondering how on Earth is this woman managing to make him feel like a schoolboy answering to the teacher. Perhaps it's easier to achieve when the object of her stare has some guilt on his shoulder, like he does now.

"Mr. Booth, did you know what she was going into when she went for that boat? Did you have anything to do with what happened on the boat?"

Regina looked at August Booth with all the concentration and intensity she could muster.

"No… but I… never mind."

"What Mr. Booth? May I remind you that Emma is facing some serious charges in they find Jones?"

"Well, I guess I feel guilty. I've read our file on him, saw his face and though he will right up Emma's alley. She often handled difficult cases, but never before someone from the world of organized crime. I should have known better."

"Do you think that it was a coincidence? Miss Swan getting Jones?"

August looked at her confused, "Well... yes. What else could it be?"

"I'm just looking into different avenues," Regina answered calmly.

"You don't think I was the one setting her up?"

"Relax Mr. Booth. What I think doesn't matter. What I make a jury believe is what matters."

August unexpectedly grinned, "You are a real piece of work Ms. Mills. I'm glad you're Emma's lawyer."

As Regina turned around there was Gold, leaning on his cane looking all smug.

"You'll be hearing from me Mr. Booth," she dismissed August before turning her attention to the menace.

"What do you want detective?"

"Now Regina that is not to way to greet an older gentleman."

"You are not a gentlemen."

She decided she doesn't want to talk to him right now and continued on her way out of the courtroom thinking she can just speed-walk away from him to cause some more annoyance. As she gained distance, she hear him call after her, "Oh Regina! A little bird told me you've been sending post to the internal affairs. You would be wise to stop with your futile games!"

She just laughed at him, "Good luck for your little talk with them Gold. I wonder how many of those complaints can they tolerate annually before they grow tired of you."

As she was rushing down the stairs, she took her phone and dialled office. "Tink? Yes, as expected… No, I have to stop somewhere first and then I'll come. Call Graham, tell him I have some work for him and he should stop by around 6 but not later. I promised Henry I'll be on time today."

Regina hailed a cab and gave the driver the address her blonde client currently called home. There was a hungry cat waiting for her.

"Mom, there is a cat on our stairs," Henry said sounding a bit shell-shocked.

"Yes, I see her."

"Well, she is fluffy and alive and just sitting there. Mom? How come we have a live cat on our stairs?" He hasn't moved an inch since walking through the door looking at the cat like it might disappear if he blinks. Her Henry is just too cute.

"Henry dear, don't get too excited. We are cat-sitting for my client who is in jail at the moment. I wasn't going just leave poor Mal hungry and alone."

Henry's excitement was growing exponentially before her eyes. "We are cat-sitting? Her name is Mal? Can I play with her?"

"Yes to all… but take off your shoes and coat."

He was already cuddling the cat by the time she finished the sentence. Regina thanked heavens that the creature was quite domesticated and seemed to enjoy the attention, otherwise it would be difficult with an enthusiastic eight year old in his high-energy mode and an annoyed feline.

"Yes, shoes, coat, got it mom!"

Regina rolled her eyes listening to him going all mushy over the cat. If this works too well, she'll have to re-examine the no-pet policy of the Mills household.

An hour later Mal was happily playing with a woolly ball while Henry and Regina were finishing their dinner together. The precocious boy was looking at his mother like she saved the galaxy again. "Mom, if your client doesn't get out of jail, can we keep Mal?"

"Well Henry, that is just ridiculous question because my client is innocent and I would very much like if she could continue with her life as soon as possible with her cat to keep her company."

"So, you like your client?" Henry asked with his big eyes and toothy grin.

"Yes, Miss Swan is a smart woman, but life wasn't very kind to her."

"Then I'm happy we are cat-sitting for her. Mom, you'll get her out, won't you?"

"I hope so dear."

"And perhaps we can be friends to her and Mal then, and they could visit us sometimes."

"Perhaps." Regina half-agreed, not wanting to go into lengthy explanation of how professional relationships work.

Mal seemed to have a thing for the staircase, so she was happy to sleep there after Henry managed to literally tire her out with games and petting. Mother and son each worked their own paperwork, content in sharing the living room. Regina would look at her son every now and then just to enjoy how animated he was even while doing simple homework. After they said their good nights, Regina picked up her glass of wine and her tablet and laid on her couch, thinking about Henry's proposal.

While friendship with Emma Swan wasn't something that sounded like a likely result of their current client-lawyer situation, Regina found herself very… intrigued with the blonde. The most likely reason, aside from the case, was that her client was a peculiar kind of an introvert. Regina liked her kind smile, deep tone of her voice and a delicate balance she struck between being, well, a badass survivor and a sensitive victim of circumstances beyond her control.

She went into her apartment earlier today to get the cat and pack some clothes as she promised to do on their first meeting. Miss Swan's apartment was small, cosy and warm, but strangely impersonal. There were no pictures on the wall of friends and family members and no displayed trinkets from travels, no postcards or fridge magnets. As if the former foster child was prepared to leave the place at any given time, Regina realized.

"Mal? Maaal?" Regina called for the cat while observing her surroundings. The sofa looked comfortable and pillows looked a bit run down from the use in front of a TV set. MIss Swan probably binges on Netflix and chills.

On the shelf, there were some books and DVDs, nothing particularly notable, some Kerouac, some science fiction, Battlestar Galactica set and Star Wars trilogy. Her son and her client would get along just fine there.

Regina entered the bedroom. Bed was not made and was quite messy.

She wondered whether that was because Miss Swan is a restless sleeper or because she had some company before going on her ill-advised venture. Then she noted the bedside table and thought about the likely content of the small drawer. Unwanted images of Miss Swan in her underwear pleasuring herself on that bed filled her vision before the left side of her brain managed to kick in. She blushed at inappropriate thoughts and took a deep breath, immediately annoyed at herself.

"Get a grip Regina," she muttered. This was ridiculously stupid. She doesn't even know her client properly, she has only seen her twice. She is not even a lesbian… well, perhaps she should rethink that part considering the sexual nature of her milliseconds long fantasize. She pinched the bridge of her nose, took a moment, and then marched to the closet, opened it and quickly selected a couple of outfits for Emma. Right, she will need some underwear. For a second Regina entertained a thought of just going to the shopping mall and selecting something that would be a bit more impersonal instead of going through the drawers.

Stop behaving like a teenage boy, Regina warned herself with her mother's voice in her head. OK, so that is how she regains focus, it's perfectly normal.

She opened the first drawer of the cabinet and predictably, found a bunch of unsorted underwear. Mentally she added Marie Kondo on the list of possible Christmas presents for Miss Swan and then selected a couple of plain cotton sets that would be appropriate for sitting in jail. Funny, Regina. Now, the cat.

Sitting on her own sofa couple of hours later with mission accomplished and Mal nearby, Regina had no choice but to think about her actions and… reactions. Sure, physically, she would definitely describe Emma Swan as very attractive. The woman looked like a model. It's a little wonder she didn't have crowds of adoring fans serenading her under her balcony. Especially after seeing those pictures on the website.

Pictures.

She knew she shouldn't, she really shouldn't. Tablet was mocking her on her knees while she was sipping her wine and contemplating all the valid justifications for detailed examination of her client's fake escort website.

Damn it all to hell.

She picked it up and typed in the in the browser… and there she was. Regina took a bigger sip and swallowed slowly.

Her client. Her half-naked, beautiful client.

In the privacy of her house, Regina felt that the level of tantalizing attractiveness of the photos on the website went sky high. Feasting on the view of pale skin clad in the silky lingerie Regina was adamant that this is a perfectly understandable and acceptable action on her part. After all, this website was a big part of why Emma got stuck in jail for another 48 hours.

Is this really how Emma dresses when she wants to seduce? Or is it really restricted just to her Dark Swan character? Her underwear drawer seemed to suggest that privately Emma is more of a cotton kind of girl. Not that that wouldn't look attractive on her.

Whoa… That whole thought was way out of line. She cannot actually be considering the underwear her client wears and not wears, and she definitely wasn't supposed to notice the content of the drawer inside Emma's apartment. She shouldn't have opened it in the first place. She should have just gone to the mall.

Hell.

Regina took another sip of wine.

The cursor on the screen was pointing to the "more" button, mocking her. Does she really want to know what Emma had listed under her services?

She needed something stronger to drink for that decision. She went up, poured herself a glass of homemade cider, and took a sip while looking at the bloody tablet displaying the front page. OK, just this time. It's for learning.

Sensual and curious blonde, interested in long entertaining sessions and intense encounters with men and women who want to explore their boundaries.

Regina's heart skipped a bit as she took another sip.

This is stupid. Miss Swan said she modifies the website when she needs it and adapts it to fit the mark. This says nothing about her client. Nothing at all. It's all fake pretend. She might or she might not be interested in both men and women. In any case, it's not a question Regina should be considering unless it comes up during the trial.

But what about me, Regina though. Perhaps that is the question she needs to be considering about herself.

She slowly went through her list of failed relationships and one-night stands with different men. She never tried to date a woman. Of course, she was bi-curious or bi. That she couldn't possibly deny even before she met the stunning damsel in distress.

Regina smirked to herself at the title she gave Miss Swan which, she was certain, would not be appreciated. Oh well, what Miss Swan doesn't know, won't hurt her.

She tried to imagine what it would feel like to really, truly, date a woman. Her mother would probably get a heart attack, and Henry… Henry wouldn't mind. He is a young boy with a kind heart. Her prince.

Yes, that is where her focus should stay. Her son. And not non-existent girlfriends.

Regina closed the website and finished her drink.