Chapter 7
Augusta, 2014
"Glad you came a little bit earlier", said Robin.
"Of course", said Emma.
"Here's the plan. I want you to go to this bar at this address and look for this man. I want you to flirt with him and get him to buy you a drink. I will be at the bar in the back taking photos. To make this believable, you may have to kiss the guy, but it won't go beyond that", said Robin.
"I've seen worse", said Emma.
"Anyhow make sure you get this done. I can't wait for us to nail this guy", said Robin.
"You sound kind of cynical", said Emma.
"You have to be in this profession", said Robin.
"Understood", said Emma. "I am wondering if I should ask but what's the story with Will"? said Robin. "He's harmless. He flirts with all the pretty ladies. Was he bothering you"? said Robin.
"No just wondering that is all", said Emma.
"Good choice in outfit", said Robin. Emma borrowed a pretty green sleeveless dress made of cotton and was formfitting from Ruby and a pair of sexy black stilleto heels that she had to buy specifically for the job that she never wore before. She rarely wore dresses and definitely never one that was formfitting. Luckily she made it to the bar without breaking her neck.
So Emma was off to the location, Blue Blazes. It was easy to find the location. She went in the bar and scoped out the room. She saw her target sitting at a bar stool nursing a gin. She made her way to the bar and sat next to the guy. She drummed her fingers on the table to get his attention and then smiled at the guy. "Rough day"? said Emma.
"I've had better. But it is better now that you are here", said the guy. Emma forced herself to smile at the guy again.
"Yeah I hear you. It was a long day for me. Glad I can come here and unwind", said Emma. "What's your name? I'm Edward", said Edward. Robin gave her a name to use as a cover. It was Lisa Smith.
"Lisa. Nice to meet you Edward," said Emma.
"What brings you to Blue Blazes? I never seen you here before", said Edward.
"Needed to unwind after a tough day at work", said Emma. It was part of the cover story Robin told her to use.
"What do you do"? said Edward.
Robin didn't discuss this with her, did he? she thought to herself. So she thought off the top of her head, "I'm a executive assistant".
"Really where"? said Edward.
Was this guy for real, she thought to herself. Who cares!
"Some accounting firm downtown", said Emma. She figured there were a few accounting firms in the city and it sounded boring enough that he would not ask more questions about it. Turns out she was right.
"How about you"? said Emma.
"Lawyer. I handle divorce cases. Not very cheerful", said Edward.
"I understand", said Emma.
"I have to deal with people fighting in my job and then I come home to my wife arguing with me. Not fun", said Edward.
"Yeah doesn't sound like it", said Emma. She smiled at him and said, "Let's just sit together and relax and forget about things for a while".
"Sounds good to me. I see you do not have a drink yet. What would you like"? said Edward.
"How about a beer. If they have Samuel Adams that would be great", said Emma.
"Okay, let me get it for you", said Edward. He got the bartender's attention and ordered her a beer.
"Here you go", said Edward. "Now we can both get relaxed".
"Thanks. Did you always live here in Augusta"? said Emma.
"I actually live in a suburb of here but I always worked in Augusta. Suburbs are pretty but not much to do there", said Edward.
"Yes. I live here in Augusta myself. Not a bad city", said Emma.
"Yeah it is okay", said Edward. "But after traveling to places like New York City, Paris, London and Rome, it pales in comparison. Have you ever been to those places"?
"Just New York City", said Emma.
"Oh you should visit Paris. Maybe we can go there together someday", said Edward.
Emma forced another smile and said, "Yes that would be lovely".
Edward took her hand and she tried not to flinch or take her hand away. She smiled at him again and she said, "I'm glad I met you Edward".
"You too Lisa", said Edward. "Would you like to have a nightcap with me"?
"I'm so sorry, I have a long day at work tomorrow, but why don't we sit here longer and enjoy each others company", said Emma. She rubbed his hand.
Then he leaned in to give her a kiss. She tried not to back away. She thought about her favorite actor Gerald Butler and pretended she was kissing him. It must have worked because he looked at her with a satisfied smile.
"I'm so glad I met you tonight. You are just what I needed", said Edward.
"Me too. I'm glad to have met you too", said Emma.
He kissed her again and again she pretended he was Gerald Butler. He went to order another drink and when he came back, Emma said, "I'm sorry but I have to go. Early work today tomorrow. It was great to meet you".
"Here's my cell number. Call me if you want to spend more time together. I hope you do", said Edward.
"Thanks", said Emma. "Maybe I will".
Finally she was able to leave the bar. When she got to her car, Robin called her just like he said he was going to do.
"That was perfect. I got some great shots of you guys. You got the job", said Robin.
"Terrific. When do I officially start"? said Emma.
"Tomorrow. At 11. Be there", said Robin.
"Will do. Thank you and good night", said Emma.
"Goodnight", said Robin.
This chapter will introduce the Merry Men..note: John is Little John and Sam is Friar Tuck.
Emma got to Robin's office at 10:45. She was worried about leaving Granny in a lurch but Granny insisted that she would manage and eventually find someone else. When she arrived she saw Will sitting at the desk again. "Oh it's you", said Emma.
"Nice way to greet someone", said Will.
"I haven't forgotten last time. I didn't say anything because I did not want to jeopardize my job. Now I will speak my mind and say you acted like a jerk", said Emma.
"That was harsh. You don't even know me. I'm cute and loveable and sweet", said Will.
"Sure you are. By the way, who cleans this place anyhow"? said Emma. "Don't you have a cleaning service"?
"Robin always says he was going to get around to it. Maybe you can clean it up or something", said Will.
"Seriously, do I look like a maid? But I would be more than happy to look into a cleaning service for you guys", said Emma.
"Ask Robin about that", said Will.
About 5 minutes later, Robin walked in with several coffees. "Emma, this is for you. It is a plain coffee with cream and sugar on the side if you want it. I forgot to ask you what you like. Add it to the list in the kitchen and see where you are on the rotation to get coffee", said Robin. "After that come to my office and I will tell you more about the job".
So she went to his office and sat down.
"Okay I'm going to tell you about your main responsibilities. Most of investigating duties will be in the evening or night, so generally you will come in at 1 and work until 9. In the hours before your investigating duties, you will assist in answering the phones, filing, organizing this office. Also while you are at it, can you call in a cleaning service"?, said Robin.
Emma was kind of shocked. She did not know why she thought that she would only be doing investigating. She quickly recovered and said, "I think I will start with the cleaning service. Which phone should I use?"
"Use the one in the kitchen. Speaking of the kitchen, you can bring your lunch and put it in the refrigerator and eat during your lunch hour. You don't get paid for your lunch hour, but you are guaranteed a full hour unless we are shorthanded", said Robin. "I will introduce you to everyone quickly first. I know you met Will". Here is John* and Sam*. There is also a guy named Alan who works part time but is not here today. They all smiled and waved at Emma.
"Before I get started, is there either a computer or a phone book I can use to find a cleaning service"? said Emma.
"Oh right, we do also have another room with a computer that everyone can use. Go use that", said Robin.
Emma went to work. She looked up Yelp reviews, copied phone numbers and made calls and got estimates. About an hour later, she put the information on Robin's desk. He was not at his desk at the moment. She decided to try to organize some of his papers and make his office look more presentable. While she was cleaning she saw a photo of a little adorable boy. His son? Emma thought to herself. She looked at her watch a little while later and realized it was 1 PM and she was hungry. She was going to return to the diner to see how Granny was managing.
When Emma left Robin returned. He was impressed to see that his office looked more organized and that he saw the list of the potential cleaning services, in order by price.
Will was sitting at the desk looking at some YouTube videos. He sees another woman come in. This one is older but also attractive. He smiles at her and says, "And how can I help YOU?"
The woman rolls her eyes at him and says, "You can help me by getting Robin Hood. I would like to talk to him".
"Yeah the women all want to talk to him. What do you want", said Will.
"I'd prefer to talk to him. If you don't mind", said the woman.
"You'll have to wait a few minutes. Personal or business"? said Will.
"Business", said the woman.
"Great. Fill out this form while you were waiting", said Will.
The form was an inquiry form to find out what kind of services were needed and information about the client. Will then paged Robin and told him a potential client was waiting for him. "Who is it"? said Robin.
"I have no idea. But she is attractive", said Will.
Robin shakes his head in dismay. Typical Will. "I can meet with her in a few minutes".
"What's your name"? said Will to the client.
"You are still not trying to flirt with me are you"? said the woman.
"You remind me of someone. I can't think of who", said Will.
"Well I am Mary Margaret", said Mary Margaret.
"Ok then", said Will.
"Tell the woman to come in", said Robin.
Mary Margaret went in and said, "Hello Mr. Hood. I need your help. Here is my form with some information on how you can help me. Thanks for meeting with me".
Robin took note of her expensive clothing and jewelry and said, "No problem. Please let me know whatever I can do to help you and please call me Robin".
"Thank you. As you can see on the form I am trying to look for my long lost daughter, Emma Swan, who is presumed dead", said Mary Margaret.
"Emma Swan"? said Robin and he looked shocked. He quickly recovered and said, "Sorry I thought you said something else. I thought you said a Emma Smith. I know an Emma Smith".
Mary Margaret looked at Robin puzzled and said, "Yes Emma Swan".
"Well I would be more than happy to take your case, Mary Margaret", said Robin.
Now I am going back to the past. We will see what happens to Regina and Mary Margaret. In the present, I started focusing on Henry and later chapters focusing on Emma. In the past, the primary focus is on Regina and later Mary Margaret. I will alternate between the 4 during the story. Through my research I learned about a program called Gateway to College. It started in 2000. Even though this is a lot earlier, I really liked the concept and decided to use it for Regina here. Thanks again for the reviews and favorites. Hope you enjoy and Happy New Year!
Silverbrooke, 1980
Regina called Archie. "I need your help", said Regina.
"Sure with what"? said Archie.
"I need you to help me expedite the emancipation, guardianship and my inheritance", said Regina.
"Yeah you will need a lawyer for that", said Archie.
"So that means you will help"? said Regina.
"Personally I think to make things quicker, you would need a high profile lawyer, like the one who defended your mom, George Nolan", said Archie.
"But I want you", said Regina.
"Thanks, but if you are really serious about moving things along, someone like Mr. Nolan is the way to go", said Archie.
"Oh alright", said Regina.
She went to the district office to find out about alternatives to completing high school. There were a few options but she had to be at least 16 to participate in any of them. So really she had to stay in school for basically until the end of this school year. Perhaps she could continue to do the work in the library if she must attend there.
Now she was ready to call Mr. Nolan. She looked up his number and dialed his office. His secretary answered. "Hello, please could I make an appointment with Mr. Nolan", Regina said in her most grown up voice.
"Are you a current client"? said the secretary.
"No, but..", said Regina.
"He is not taking any new clients right now. He's too busy", said the secretary.
Regina was debating whether to go to the desperate maiden route or the ballsy demanding route. She thought with the secretary maybe the desperate route would work. "I really need Mr. Nolan's help. I"m all alone. I don't have any parents or relatives to help me and if he doesn't help my sister and I will be thrown in foster care", said Regina.
"How old are you"? said the secretary.
"16", Regina said. Close enough, she thought to herself.
"And your sister"? said the secretary.
"11", said Regina.
"You poor things", said the secretary. "I think the earliest I could get you in is next Monday".
"But if I don't get in sooner, they will take us away", said Regina.
"It is from my experience that Social Services does not move that fast with these things, but let me talk to Mr. Nolan. I may be able to work something out", said the secretary.
"Thank you so much. What is your name"? said Regina.
"Mrs. Worthington. I need your full name and phone", said Mrs. Worthington.
Regina gave her the information and hung up. She was so focused on everything she forgot about Mary Margaret. Mary Margaret was actually in her room sleeping. She didn't want to bother her, so she closed her door. She was thinking if she would be able to go to school tomorrow. She had no choice right now.
She got a call from Mrs. Worthington later that afternoon. "Hi Regina. You are in luck. Mr. Nolan wants to take your case and says he will meet with you this evening at 7".
"Thank you so much. I'll be there", said Regina.
Finally something was going right for Regina. Luckily she still had Mary Margaret's nanny, so she asked Johanna if she could stay a little later today and she said that it was okay. She got directions to the bus to his office. She made it there early. She noticed a café on the way and grabbed a tea. At first she thought she had made a mistake. It did not look like anyone was there since there were only one or two lights on and Mrs. Worthington or anyone was there. Hesitantly, she walked in. "Hello", called out Regina.
"Yes I'm here. I'll be out in a minute", said Mr. Nolan.
She was a little nervous but she kept her cool. "So we meet again, Regina", said Mr. Nolan. "When Mrs. Worthington told me your name and about your story, I was intrigued and decided to meet with you. I will likely take your case but I want to hear details first. Just to let you know before we start, I need $1000 for my retainer fee".
"I don't have that with me", said Regina. "I could try to get it soon though".
"I guess I can give you until tomorrow night", said Mr. Nolan.
"Tomorrow night"? said Regina.
"Yes tomorrow night. Will that be a problem"? said Mr. Nolan.
"I don't think so. Ok.", said Regina.
"Tell me what you need to do", said Mr. Nolan.
Regina told him the whole story starting from the will to the present.
"First of all, you don't need to worry about going into foster care. Social Services is so behind, it would take a least a week or two before they catch up to you and I could get things done before then", said Mr. Nolan. "You said you had a letter from your stepfather, so guardianship should not be a problem and I can get them to speed up on your inheritance from your stepfather and get permission for you to get your inheritance from your father at an earlier age, but you would have to have the emancipation in place first. Make sure you get me the money tomorrow and I can get things rolling for you".
"Okay. Thank you so much", said Regina.
"Don't mention it. Anything else? Because I need to go", said Mr. Nolan.
"No that is it", said Regina.
Regina was thinking how she would get the money for the retainer. She remembered her mother had some expensive jewelry she kept at home but some of it was in the safety deposit box. She hoped the jewelry at home was still there and enough. She could take it to a pawn store and get some money. Worst case scenario she would have to also pawn the necklace her father gave her years ago. It was very special to her and one of the few things she had left from her father.
Regina was able to work at the library in school again. She had found a phone book in the library and found a name of a pawn shop in Augusta that would work. She had found the jewelry in the morning. She hoped it would be enough but she would bring her necklace with her just in case. She also looked up directions to the pawn shop on the map. She would have to take the bus again but she was getting used to that.
The pawn shop was called Mr. Gold's Pawn Shop. It was in a not so great part of town. Regina dressed in a pair of jeans, wore a baseball cap and jacket as to not attract attention to her. She went in and had to wait a few minutes. Finally it was her turn. The guy at the desk looked at the jewelry and said he could give her $600. She would need to give in her necklace. She prayed that she could get it back. Then he said that her total would be $1000. She was relieved. She ran out of the store and caught a bus to Mr. Nolan's office. She saw Mrs. Worthington there and thanked her again and told her what happened. Mrs. Worthington told her she would page Mr. Nolan for her. About 10 minutes later he came out and she gave him the money.
"I start working on things tomorrow", said Mr. Nolan.
She went home and realized how tired she was.
"Where were you? Luckily Johanna was able to stay a little later today", said Mary Margaret.
"Sorry, but I will say that all the stuff I did today and yesterday is to help us", said Regina.
"Really? How"? said Mary Margaret.
"I will tell you more soon", said Regina. "Did Johanna feed you"?
"Yes. And you did you eat"? said Mary Margaret.
"No. I'll just grab something from the refrigerator", said Regina. She found a yogurt and quickly ate it. She told Mary Margaret that she was tired and was going to bed early.
"Regina, I found this envelope on the floor. I think it fell out of your jacket pocket", said Mary Margaret.
"Thanks and good night", said Regina. She grabbed the envelope and went upstairs. She got ready for bed. She was curious about the envelope, because she did not remember getting some letter or such and having it in her pocket. She ripped it open and saw there was a long letter in there with her name on it. Basically the author of the letter was telling her that he had the secrets to being independent and getting what you want from life. He explained his life story and how he came from nowhere and is now on top, with wealth and power. He stressed how you had to break ties with family, because they were going to hold you back. Regina thought it was all kind of creepy, so she stopped reading. She wasn't sure if she should throw it out, so she tossed it in the bottom of her closet and went to sleep.