Disclaimer: I Do Not Own Once Upon A Time.

That Mischievous Grin

Chapter Nine

By LoveMeNever


Jaime walked down the streets of Storybrooke, her head pounding from her hangover and the afternoon sun. A string of profanities came from her mouth as she remembered that she abandoned her car last night to hitch a ride with the Mayor. A few people looked at her strangely when she walked by because she had her sunglasses and her black hoodie on with the hood up.

Near the police station she spotted her car. "Finally!" She exclaimed louder than she intended.

She was about to unlock the car and climb in when she noticed something yellow at the front tire.

A car boot. Dammit.

"Aw, come on! Really?!" She kicked the boot in frustration.

"You parked and left your car in a no parking zone, Jaime."

Jaime spun around to see Emma walking out from the station with her hands in her back pockets. She looked exhausted. Her eyes had dark circles under them.

"Can you please take the damn boot off?" Jaime leaned on her car with her arms folded. She took off the sunglasses, instantly regretting it, and put them back on. Some morning this was turning out to be.

Emma smirked and motioned for her to go into the station with her. "You need to pay the fine and sign some stuff before I can do that."

A fine?! Oh good going Jaime! She mentally beat herself up over leaving her car. Now you might need two jobs!

Sighing, Jaime entered the police station and followed Emma to the desk where she pulled out a piece of paper. "Sign this." the blonde said giving Jaime a pen.

"What is it?" If there is one thing Jaime knew, it was to never sign something without knowing everything about it. For some reason, she couldn't place an incident where she's learned that. She guessed it was common knowledge and shrugged it off.

"It basically says that you're paying the 300 dollar fine. Then you'll call this number here..." Emma pointed to the document to show Jaime the number, "pay the fine and then I'll take the boot off."

Jaime was just nodding with everything Emma was saying but the only thing she really heard was $300. "Perfect." She laughed sarcastically.

Emma smiled sympathetically, she wondered if Jaime had the worst luck ever, considering she was beaten half to death and now her car was booted. She hated being the bearer of bad news.

"At least you didn't drive it last night while you were drunk that'd be a whole different story." Emma said while she watched Jaime sign the paper. Jaime had to applaud the blonde's observing skills.

Last night she would have thought Emma would have been way to busy to notice that she was drunk. Guess not.

"Yeahh..." Jaime laughed nervously. "Lucky me." More like thank the Mayor for that.

Just as Jaime finished signing the paper a little kid burst into the station. "Hey Emma!"

"Henry, now's not really a good time." Emma told him but he just curiously looked between his mother and Jaime.

"Who are you?" He asked her.

Jaime's eyebrow rose, "Jaime. You're the Mayor's kid right?" She had only heard of him, never seen him, as odd as that was. The town gossiped about it when the Mayor adopted him.

"She adopted me... but Emma's my birth mother!" Henry beamed. "And she's the Savior how cool is that?!"

Okay, now Jaime was super confused. Savior? Where had she heard that? Probably some fairy tale story or movie. "Uh, sure."

Emma looked at her knowingly. Jaime assumed that she knew Henry sounded ridiculous too.

"What character are you then?"

"Sorry?" She was surprised at the sudden question and at how little sense it made.

"In my storybook, it's about all the fairy tale characters, who are all people from this town." Henry explained eagerness spread all over his face. "Mary Margaret is Snow White, Archie is Jiminy Cricket, and my mom is the Evil Queen."

Whoa, weird. Strangely Jaime felt a familiar spark. Like what the kid was saying was the truth but that wasn't possible. "Right-o."

"So who are you?" Henry narrowed his eyes trying to remember if he had seen her in his book.

"I'm no one, kid. Just strange ol' Jaime." She winked at him and grinned.

Henry swore he'd seen her before. He'd have to consult his book next time he was home.

"Where's the Sheriff?" He asked Emma. Jaime gave her a questioning look. No one told Henry?

"Go into my office Henry I'll be done here in a sec." Emma told the boy. He nodded and did as he was told. Not before quickly glancing at Jaime in suspicion.

She watched him then turned her attention back to Emma. "Kids." She chuckled.

"Yeah, so do you want to call now to pay the fine or later?"

Jaime had forgotten about the fine for a moment. "Oh, right. I'll call now." She took out her cell phone from her hoodie pocket and dialed the number on the sheet of paper. She glared at it hoping it would just magically combust and they could forget this ever happened.

No such luck.

The number had a recording asking for her to put in her bank account number and the amount she was fined. It explained to her that the money would be transferred and the fine was paid. A second later a fax came through the fax machine confirming the payment.

"Okay done. Can you take the boot off now?" Jaime asked impatiently. She needed to speak with the Mayor pronto.

Emma chuckled and grabbed a few tools before going outside to take off the boot. Jaime followed her with her arms tightly crossed.

"So... what happens now with Graham gone? Will you take over as Sheriff?" Jaime asked while watching Emma remove the boot. She noticed the woman tense up at the subject.

"I don't know..." Her voice trailed off. The boot fell off the tire. "There, try to watch where you park next time." Emma said seriously.

"Aye aye, captain." Jaime saluted sarcastically. Emma started to retreat to the station. "Oh and Emma? I'm sorry about Graham."

Emma nodded. "Yeah."

"I also wanted to know if he found anything regarding my case?" Jaime knew this was probably a bad time to bring this up but when else would she?

"I'm not sure... he didn't really keep me in the loop over that. I'll check his notes and let you know." Emma replied.

Jaime slouched, it would probably take a while for Emma to get back to her since she was swamped with Graham's sheriff work. "I can help you out, if you need me too, I can be quite investigative." She smirked.

Emma raised an eyebrow. "I don't think that would be a good idea. Whoever attacked you is dangerous and clearly has it out for you. It's best you stay out of the case."

"If you change your mind..." Jaime stared intently at Emma. "Just let me know."

"Sure." Emma smiled and retreated back into the station she needed to tell Henry about Graham. Something she wasn't looking forward too.

Jaime felt sorry for her as she saw Emma sit Henry down through the window. The kid's face fell and he looked extremely upset.

She had a feeling she needed to take the matter of her case into her own hands, Emma had her work cut out for her with being Deputy and having Henry.


The Mayor sat in her office once again doing paperwork. With Graham gone now, there was a lot of business that needed to be taken care of. She knew that the law said if the Sheriff were to pass away whoever was deputy would take his place in time. Unless the Mayor appointed someone else.

That was exactly what she was going to do. Appoint someone who wasn't Emma Swan.

"Madam Mayor."

Regina's nearly jumped out of her skin when Jaime spoke. "Normal people just knock, dear." She stated irritably.

Both women tried to ignore the leaping feeling in their hearts at the sight of one another.

Jaime knocked slowly on the open door to satisfy the uptight woman. "Better?"

A smirk made its way across the Mayor's features. "Yes. Now can I help you with something?"

Unamused Jaime answered, "You got me the job at Granny's." she stood directly in front of the Mayor's glass desk a small frown on her lips.

Regina failed to see why Jaime didn't sound happy. Sure, Jaime said she could get the job herself but when the opposite happened Regina felt obliged to intervene.

"I merely asked Mrs. Lucas to reconsider."

"Right." Jaime raised an eyebrow not exactly believing her.

Regina cleared her throat. "You could act a little more grateful. Without my help Mrs. Lucas would not have hired you. Not because you're not qualified, which you are, but because she is letting personal feelings get in the way." She firmly said. No matter how much Jaime meant to her, Regina still didn't like the ungrateful tone Jaime held. She would not tolerate that. Not from anyone.

Jaime sighed, "You're right." She rubbed her eyes having taken her sunglasses off before entering Regina's office. "Thank you, for talking to Mrs. Lucas."

"Your welcome." Regina nodded satisfied with the answer. "I do believe you now owe me two favors, correct?"

Mischief flashed in Jaime's eyes. "You are correct." Her voice carried the smallest amount of seduction.

"Then how about I take you up on one of those? I've been working all day without a lunch break, you should join me at the diner." It sounded like the Mayor's mind was pretty made up.

Jaime smirked at the 'your coming whether you want to or not' tone. Normally, she found bossy people to be well... bossy and bitchy, but strangely it was a quality she was growing to like in Regina.

"Should we take my car or yours?" She didn't need any convincing to go with the Mayor.

"How about you give me a ride this time?" Regina grabbed her purse and looked smugly at Jaime, who in turn just snickered. The two made their way out of the office. Jaime waited while Regina locked up.

Once they were both settled in Jaime's car she drove in the direction of the diner. The car ride was silent but not awkward. Honestly, Jaime felt at ease and relaxed, but she had no idea why. No one but the Mayor has made her feel that way.

Once parked, Jaime made sure it was a safe area to park in, they climbed out of the car and walked into the diner. Regina walked slightly in front of Jaime.

The first person Jaime laid eyes on was Ruby who looked like she was suffering from a worse hangover than she was. Jaime grinned slyly at the waitress. Aware that Ruby probably hated her guts for getting her so drunk. The look she received from the waitress confirmed that.

Regina lead her to a booth, they sat across from each other, and then she looked at her menu. Jaime did the same but every so often she noticed the Mayor glance up at her.

"I'm dying to know. What does the Mayor like to eat?" Jaime smirked while intently staring at Regina. Curiousness present in her eyes.

Regina chuckled. "It's not a big secret, dear." Ruby sauntered over and asked for their orders. Regina gave her order first. "I'll have a cheeseburger."

Jaime looked impressed. "I knew you had a wild side. I'll have the same then!"

"I hardly think eating a cheeseburger is wild, Jaime."

Well, you do act rather elegant. A week ago she would have never guessed the Mayor even knew what a cheeseburger was. "I guess I'm just intrigued with anything you do."

Ruby swiftly wrote down their orders and gave Jaime a dirty look and walked away. She couldn't really tell if it was jealously or anger. Regina noticed the interaction and wondered what was going on between the two women. Just when she was about to ask Jaime spoke up.

"So Regina... what do you do for fun?" She asked curiously.

"Fun?"

"Yes, oh please tell me you know what that is?" Jaime's eyes widened in fear the Mayor did not do anything for fun. That would just be horrid.

Regina laughed at the woman's face. "Of course. I enjoy cooking in my free time."

Relieved that the Mayor did indeed do something for fun Jaime sighed audibly. "Oh thank God!"

"And what about yourself? What do you do for fun?" Regina raised an expectant eyebrow while she took a sip from her water her eyes never leaving Jaime's.

"Ah you know the usual, causing mayhem, getting myself into trouble mostly." That was a very Cheshire-like answer Regina thought. From the first time she met Jaime in the hospital she was slightly disappointed that she seemed reserved.

It appeared that the woman had changed in a short amount of time. Regina growled inwardly knowing it was the effect Emma was having on the town. Everyone was starting to act like their old selves.

Not that she minded Jaime acting more and more like the woman she loved. It was just frustrating that the whole town was getting out of hand. Regina needed to stop Emma but deep down she didn't want too in fear of never being with Cheshire again.

It was a complicated and hard decision she was going to have to make.

Ruby setting down both plates with the burger on it caused Regina to snap out of her thoughts. Jaime was staring at her, her eyes darting all over her face like she was searching her. Regina couldn't tell what she was looking for, the woman's face was expressionless.

Being caught staring at her Jaime quickly cleared her throat and took a messy bite out of the burger. She felt so improper compared to Regina, apparently she even ate burgers elegantly. Is there anything this woman can't make into something proper? Was she raised as a Queen? Jaime joked.

"I meant to ask... how are you feeling lately?" Regina suddenly asked. Jaime was stuffing her face so the question caught her off guard. She covered her mouth with her hand while she finished chewing.

"I'm much better. Almost a hundred percent!" She mumbled through mouthful of burger.

Regina chuckled at Jaime's manners. "I see, I'm very pleased to hear that."

"Yeah. About last night I'm really sorry. I was totally out of line." Jaime's face became serious.

"Don't worry. I know you weren't yourself." Regina didn't want to talk about last night. Jaime nodded her understanding. "I know Graham is gone now but do you know if he found anything with your case?"

"Not yet, Emma said she would let me know if he did. I really just want to investigate it myself." Jaime laughed despite her seriousness. She was going to take matters into her own hands. She even had a plan going in her head. First step; find out if Gold was responsible.

Regina hoped Jaime wasn't actually going to investigate even if she was capable of taking care of herself.

"I sincerely hope you're not really considering that, Jaime." She said while raising an eyebrow and narrowing her eyes.

Jaime put on a fake smile and laugh. "Of course not!"

"Good!" Regina smiled but she suspected Jaime was not telling her the truth.

"Can I get you anything else?" Ruby asked when she checked up on the pair.

"Nothing for me, thank you." Jaime smirked and glanced sideways at the waitress. Ruby shifted, staring at the woman longer than necessary. Regina noticed and felt a tinge of jealousy, she made sure it didn't show. The Mayor did not get jealous or the Queen for that matter.

However, Jaime saw the slightest moment in the Mayor's jaw that told her something had bothered her. She smirked feeling somewhat proud she caused such a reaction.

"For you Mayor Mills?" Ruby asked finally breaking her gaze from Jaime.

"No." She replied with an attitude.

Regina did not like the looks being exchanged between Ruby and Jaime. It appeared to be silent flirtation.

"Okay, then here is the bill." Ruby placed the bill on the edge of the table and walked away. She went to the restroom and subtlety motioned to the long haired brunette.

Jaime's eyebrow twitched and she cleared her throat. "I need to use the restroom... I'll be right back." She slid out of the booth and hastily disappeared into the restroom curiosity evident all over her face. Either I'm about to get chewed out over last night or thanked for it. The latter would be preferable.

When she emerged into the room she saw Ruby applying makeup at the mirror as if she didn't have any on.

"Listen about last night..." Jaime began but Ruby stopped her.

"I just wanted to say thank you, it was the most fun I've had in a while..."

"I'm sensing a 'but'." Jaime smirked and crossed her arms while leaning on the wall.

"But it shouldn't, no it can't, happen again." Ruby looked upset, Jaime wondered what was going through her head. She just said it was fun and now she never wants to do it again.

"And why is that?" Jaime got incredibly close to her, Ruby's back was facing her so she was practically breathing down her neck.

Ruby shivered slightly. "We're going to be working together... and Granny..." She swallowed. "She'll be looking for any reason to fire you."

"You're going to let Granny stop you?" Jaime laughed and stepped away from the waitress.

"I'm doing it for your sake." Ruby sighed. "Look, oddly enough, I think you're fun and... intriguing and I know you need this job. That's why we can't hang out like we're friends, Granny would not approve."

Well, that's not what I expected. Jaime pursed her lips. "I get it. We can go back to being our old not friends selves."

Ruby was relieved and disappointed at the same time.

"Okay then."

They stood awkwardly for a second before Ruby pushed her way past Jaime.

She left the restroom a minute after Ruby and saw Regina sitting by herself looking bored. She felt guilty.

"Sorry! So anything else I can do for you Madam Mayor?" Jaime asked with her hands cupping her glass of water on the table.

Regina smirked. "Why don't you come over for dinner tonight?"

Jaime did a double take. Did she just ask me on a date? "Huh?" She said rather dumbly.

It was extremely cute Regina thought and it made her laugh. "I hope you like homemade spaghetti?"

"Of course!" She beamed.

"Good then it's a date." Regina snickered at the face the brunette currently wore.

The flirty behavior between Ruby and Jaime, Regina didn't like it, Jaime was hers. She was determined Ruby wasn't going to change that.

Jaime recovered from her shock and smirked.


After Jaime took Regina back to her office she decided to launch her investigation. Her first stop was Mr. Gold Pawnbroker & Antiquities Dealer.

When she arrived the door was locked and the sign read 'Closed' she growled and tugged at the door handle once more.

"Figures." She looked around to make sure no one could see her. There were a few people walking down the streets so not being seen wasn't an option out in the open like this. She wondered if Gold had a back entrance.

Normally she would give up but she knew she wouldn't be able to sleep without seeing this through.

She didn't know what was coming over her. Ever since her accident she's felt like another person. Curiosity overwhelmed her so she went to the back of the building, she could have cheered at the sight of the back door.

She pulled out two bobby pins from her back pockets in her jeans. Bending down to be level with the locks she put the bobby pins in and started to unlock the door. Once she heard a faint 'click' she smirked and opened the door.

Hopefully, Gold didn't bother to install a security system.

Thankfully, Mr. Gold was absent from the shop. His worktable was messy with a couple broken objects that he must have been trying to fix. "What am I looking for?" She asked herself.

She checked the drawers to the worktable and file cabinets searching for anything incriminating. What that incriminating thing was; she had absolutely no idea. She didn't find anything in the back so she went to the front of the shop where all his for sale items were.

She marveled at how much junk he had. Old baby cribs, swords, tea cups, and jewelry that looked like it was from the stone age.

One piece of jewelry in particular caught her attention. A necklace with a simple circle pendant. It wasn't pretty but for a strange reason Jaime felt attracted to it. The only way she could describe it was it felt like she had seen this before; it was familiar.

She was sure she had never seen this necklace in her life though. She picked it up to inspect it but dropped it when she felt a spark emit from it, the pain went straight to her head. She felt dizzy and suddenly got a headache.

"Ow... what the hell?"

She spun around when she heard Emma burst through the front door of the shop with Mr. Gold following. "Jaime?!"

Oh shit. This doesn't look good.

"Err... I can explain?" She said weakly. Mr. Gold looked pissed off and smug at the same time and Emma sighed while she grabbed Jaime by the arm, dragging her out to the police car.

Looks like I'm going to miss my date with the Mayor.

Thanks for reading! If this has any errors in it I'm terribly sorry I didn't have much time to edit it because of staying over at a friend's all weekend.

Reviews/Favs/Follows give me much joy! ;)