Disclaimer: I do not own Once Upon a Time
X
Atlanta, Georgia
"Just roll the feed." Jensen sighed as the detective from the Atlanta PD directed the head of security to scroll through the footage that matched the time Emma and Henry would've arrived in Atlanta. His conversation with the teller in Dallas echoed through his mind. Bruises, she had finger shaped bruises on her arm. West did that no doubt.
"There she is." The detective nudged Jensen. "Who's that teller?" He asked the security guard.
The guy shrugged, "No idea, have to ask Human Resources." He picked up the phone and dialed an internal line before handing it off. Ten minutes later the teller was sitting across from them, fidgeting nervously.
"I don't know nothing." He told them. "I didn't do nothing wrong." The confessions of a man guilty of something, Jensen thought to himself.
"We know," Jensen stepped forward, "we're looking for someone, a young woman, she bought a ticket from your booth."
The man took the photo of Emma, "Oh yeah, she was real scared. The boy was half 'sleep when they came up. She wanted to know about the different stations and where all she could go and all." He shrugged, "I remember her real well. Came up to my booth twice." He held up two fingers, "First time she came up looking for the phone booth. I pointed it to her and she made a call and then came back. It was a quiet night so she could get through fast. Bought a ticket to Portland if'n I recall correct." He scratched his head and thought about it some more, "Yeah, Portland. Paid cash. Most of 'em do."
"Most of who do?" Jensen asked.
"People running from something." He shrugged and leaned back, comfortable now that he wasn't in any trouble for whatever he was doing illegally, "Don't want to be tracked, but I got me a steel trap." He tapped his head, "She made a phone call real quick and then bought two tickets to Portland."
"I'll get in touch with the Portland office." The detective from Atlanta stood up and pulled his phone out. "I'll have someone on standby if you want to continue to track her down."
Jensen nodded, "Thanks." Please tell me you got away from there, Emma. Please tell me we can't track you down.
OUAT
Storybrooke, Maine
Emma tugged on her sweater as she squirmed in her booth at Granny's. Regina and Tink should be arriving any minute. She was suddenly regretting her decision to have brunch with them. They would find out. They could find out about Walsh and send her back to Texas. If Walsh knew where she was he'd come after her. He was probably hunting for her because she made him look like a fool. If he'd left her that would be one thing, but she could never be allowed to leave him. She needed to go before the women got there. She needed to get Henry from school and pack them up and move them to a big city. She needed to call August and tell them there was a change of plans and there was no point in coming to town on Saturday. She needed to,
"You're not leaving are you?" Tink appeared as she shoved her phone back into her purse and made a move to stand.
Emma stared wide-eyed up at her, like a deer caught in headlights, "Um, bathroom, I just didn't want to leave my stuff." She mumbled.
Tink knew she was trying to bolt, so she smiled easily and said as she slid into the booth, "I'll watch it for you."
Nodding, Emma rose, reluctantly leaving her purse behind as she made her way to the bathroom. When she returned, Regina was sitting by Tink, "You tried to leave?" Regina asked with an arched brow.
Emma frowned, "No." She lied.
"You're a terrible liar, Miss Swan. How did you manage to trap bail jumpers?" Regina questioned.
Emma straightened her shoulders and glared at Regina, "Quite well, Madam Mayor." She snapped.
"Oh, she's got fire." Tink grinned, "I like it." Emma just rolled her eyes.
"Fine, I was trying to leave." She relented.
"Leave the diner because you decided you weren't in the mood for pancakes or leave Storybrooke because you're afraid of getting too close to anyone and whoever you're running from finding you here?" Regina asked with an arched brow.
Emma bit her lip and ducked her head. Tink reached across the table and latched onto her hand, ignoring the way Emma jumped at the contact, "You know he won't find you here, whoever he is."
Emma's eyes shined with tears as she looked up at the women, "You have no idea who he is and how well connected he is. He will find us eventually. It doesn't matter where we go. As long as he wants to find us, he will."
Regina and Tink were both silent as they studied Emma. Finally, Tink asked, "Who is he?"
Emma chuckled, "You'd never believe me if I told you." She picked up a menu, "Let's eat something before I have to go in. Besides," She paused, "I'm sure the DA and the mayor have some crises to deal with today.'
Regina went to protest, but Tink kicked her foot to silence her. Instead Regina smiled, "Very true. I have an infrastructure budget to review."
OUAT
Tink sat on the corner of Graham's desk as he closed the blinds to his glass enclosed office, "I'm telling you, Graham, she's running from someone powerful and she's convinced that no matter where she goes he'll find her. He could be Henry's father, and if that's the case then he could have some claim to Henry. And if he's hurt her, if he's hurt Henry, then we can't let him near them. And if he's powerful he could go over all of our heads. You know we may be important here in Storybrooke, but if he went to the governor," She shook her head, her blonde hair swinging around her shoulders, "you have to do something."
Graham chuckled and grabbed her face with both hands, cupping her cheeks gently as he pressed a kiss to her lips, "I'm not sure what you expect me to do if she won't tell you anything other than confirm that we do know she's running from something."
Tink sighed and shoved him back lightly, "Don't distract a woman on a mission." Tink ordered. "I just think there must be something we can do."
"You really like her, don't you?" Graham asked with an arched brow, crossing his arms.
Swinging her legs that dangled off the edge of the desk, she sighed, "Yeah, I do. She's got a spirit I admire. And she's sweet, even if she tries to hide it."
Graham grinned, "You mean she's just like you and Regina, meaning you three will be thick as thieves when you're not trying to kill each other."
"Regina and I are not that bad." Tink protested.
"Yes you are, but it's why Robin and I love you so." He placed a kiss on her forehead, smoothing out her scowl as he did so. "And I'll see what I can dig up on her."
"Maybe Killian can find something out? You know, maybe they could spend time together." At Graham's confused look she snorted, "I have to do everything don't I? Pair them up. Separate the dynamic duo that is Jones and Nolan and put Killian with Emma. Trust me." She stood up and reached up on her toes to press a kiss to his lips. "Thanks for lunch, babe, I'll see you at home." Graham made a content humming noise in the back of his throat before she stepped away, grinning at her as she walked out the door.
Killian appeared in his office doorway a moment later, "Blinds closed?" He leered, "Having a little fun, there Sheriff?"
Graham rolled his eyes, "Sod off, Jones." At Killian's laugh, he shoved him roughly, "Hang around when Emma gets here, we're going to change the schedule slightly."
"You're no fun." Killian muttered as he picked up a tennis ball and tossed it to David.
"A bloody waste of resources is what you are." Graham muttered as the door opened, "Ah, and there is my favorite deputy." He called out as Emma entered.
Emma frowned and rolled her eyes, "Wow, Scarlett's not doing anything bad today I guess." She caught the ball just as David threw it to Killian. "This is what you guys do when you're bored?" She asked, tossing it to Graham. "So, now that I'm here, what's up?"
"We're going to alter the schedule slightly." Graham tossed the ball to Killian, "Jones, Swan," he pointed to the two of them, "You're going to be working together." At the surprised looks he said, "Just for the time being. We'll keep switching it up as we go."
David's eyes narrowed, "Does this have anything to do with why Tink was here?"
"Meddlesome fairy." Killian muttered.
Emma reddened at the conversation, "Um, whatever you think, Graham." She shrugged out of her jacket and draped it over a chair, "When will this start?"
Graham shrugged, "Tomorrow."
Emma pulled her phone out of her pocket and sent a quick text, Very subtle, Tink.
A moment later she received a text back, Figured the two of you could use some forced bonding time ;)
I hate you. I hate you and Graham. Be sure to pass that message along.
Love you too, Emma.
"Everything okay?" Graham asked.
"Just sending threatening messages to your fiance." Emma quipped.
OUAT
"How was school, kid?" Emma asked as Henry threw his backpack into the trunk of the car.
He slid in next to her, "Pretty good, can I play soccer?" He asked.
Emma's mouth gaped open, "What?"
"Soccer. There's a club team and everyone's on it. Robin coaches it. Killian helps. Can I play?" He asked.
Emma smiled softly, "Sure, kid. I'll swing by the range tomorrow and talk to Robin about it."
"Thanks!" Henry bounced in his seat, "So what's for dinner?"
Emma rolled her eyes, "Food is all you think about." She shook her head, "How about Granny's?" She asked. He nodded before delving into the newest project to do with penguins in Mary Margaret's class.
OUAT
Emma walked into the gun range the next morning after dropping Henry off at school. "Hi," she smiled to the man behind the counter, "is Robin in?"
The man nodded, "Yo, Robin? Some girl's here to see you. It's not Regina." He called back.
Robin rolled his eyes, "Thank you Little John." Robin emerged from a back office, "Ah, Emma, you here for a little target practice or perhaps a concealed weapons class?"
Emma grinned, "Not today, I already have my permit." One of the things August had gotten her, along with a gun. "I wanted to talk to you about the soccer team you coach. Roland and Neal have convinced Henry he should be on it, if you have room."
Robin grinned, "Of course there's room for your lad!" He motioned for her to come around the counter, "Let me get you the official paperwork and you can just leave it with Killian today. He's my assistant coach."
Emma accepted the papers, "Thanks, Robin, I really appreciate it."
He patted her arm, "No problem, lass, anything for you and Henry."
Emma rolled her eyes, "Regina can't keep her mouth shut can she?"
"She didn't tell me any details."
"It's because she doesn't know any details." Emma emphasized.
"Well, if it would make you feel better, at the gym in town there's an instructor, Mulan, she teaches self-defense classes, if you're interested. They're on Wednesday evenings, which is when we have soccer practice, so Henry would have somewhere to be and the gym is right next to the soccer field."
Emma bit her lip, "Thanks, Robin. I'll look into it all."
OUAT
Dallas, Texas
"I want her found, Captain." Walsh paced around Wells's office, "If you have to send someone to Portland do it. I want to make sure Henry is alright."
Wells crossed his arms, "I understand you never adopted the boy."
Walsh waved his hand, "I hadn't gotten around to it, but make no mistake, he's my son. And I want to make sure Emma hasn't gotten the two of them into some kind of trouble. I need you to find them."
Wells nodded, "I'll send Jensen to Portland to see what he can find. There police up there are more than willing to help."
"Thank you, Captain. And of course I'll cover any extra expenses." Walsh paused, "I hear you're gunning for Chief of Police," he paused, "I'll make a call to the mayor's office this afternoon."
Wells straightened and held out his hand, "Very much appreciated, Walsh."
OUAT
Storybrooke, Maine
August put the kickstand down on his motorcycle and tucked his helmet into the back case. Twirling his keys around his fingers, he took the steps two at a time up to the Sheriff's Station. Emma wasn't expecting him until Saturday, and it was only Wednesday, but he'd wrapped up his work in Tennessee earlier than expected and was hoping this would be a good surprise.
He threw the door opened and was greeted by the sound of Emma laughing. "Killian, you are by far the most absurd person I've ever met. You don't seriously do that with the kids?"
"What they love it!" Killian grinned at her. August paused in the doorway. The two were throwing a tennis ball back and forth.
Emma caught the ball and shook her head, "So this is not honestly what you guys do all day, is it?" She questioned.
August watched as the man shrugged, "Sometimes, when Graham's not around. Now that we've got a fourth member of our little crime fighting squad he won't be around all of the time."
"Crime fighting squad?" Emma questioned, "Really? Cause the last guy we chased down stole four books from the library to find buried treasure on the beach."
"Hey, now before that he stole actual money from the pharmacy." Killian objected.
"Which he left floating around the park."
"Are you calling our thieves boring and nonthreatening?" Killian quipped.
"Maybe." Emma leered.
"I'll let Scarlett know so he can up his game next time he's bored her stoned." Killian told her. August chose that moment to clear his throat and make his presence known. He crossed his arms and leaned in the doorway. Killian held the tennis ball, "Can I help you?" he asked.
Killian was startled when Emma let out an uncharacteristic squeal and nearly tripped over her feet to cross the room, throwing her arms around the newcomer, "I thought you wouldn't be here until Saturday." She whispered.
August's arms wrapped around her waist and he lifted her slightly off the ground, "I wrapped up my case early, thought I'd surprise you and Henry." He released Emma after one more squeeze and stepped forward, "August Booth."
Killian studied his hand for a swift moment before shaking it, "Killian Jones."
"So this is Killian?" He asked with an arched brow.
Emma shoved August's shoulder, "Don't be an ass." She warned.
"Wouldn't dream of it." August studied Killian for a moment, "Nice to meet you, glad to see Ems here is making friends and not being too prickly."
"I'm not prickly." Emma protested.
August draped an arm comfortably over her shoulders, "Yes, you are. Need I remind you of the tea incident?"
Emma shoved him away, "You promised to never bring that up again, Booth. And so help me God I told you I'd have to kill you if you told anyone."
August grinned at her, "I'd like to see you try." He winked and Emma nearly doubled over in a fit of laughter.
"Whoa, what's going on here?" The door opened revealing Graham and David arriving for their shift.
Killian bounced from foot to foot uncomfortably, "Just getting to know Emma's friend, August Booth."
August turned and held out his hand to the two new men, "August."
"Graham Hunt."
"David Nolan."
"It's so nice to meet you guys." He glanced down at his watch, "Want me to pick Henry up on the bike?" He asked with another wink.
"He's not going anywhere near that bike of yours ever." Emma wagged a finger at him.
"Why not? You've always loved the bike." August feigned hurt, "Or were you lying to me?"
"Of course I love the bike." And it was true, ever since August had turned sixteen he'd had a motorcycle and she'd always loved that. The truth was, before she ran away from the foster system and met Neal, she always loved everything about August, but their relationship had never crossed that particular line. "That doesn't mean I want my seven year old son on a flying coffin."
He held up his hands, "Fine, can I go with you to pick him up?"
"Of course, he'll be thrilled." Emma grabbed her coat, "See you guys tonight at the soccer field." She waved, "Henry is now on a soccer team, Killian coaches it. Oh, and you can meet the girl he's already head over heels for. My little boy is growing up. There's a girl who doesn't have cooties out there." She lamented.
August placed an hand on the small of her back as he led her out the door, "It was bound to happen some time, Ems."
When the door shut, Graham asked, "Who the hell was that?"
Killian shrugged, "He just came in and interrupted and she was thrilled."
"Background check him." David told Graham. "We should find out who he is."
"Dave," Killian began, "we should stay out of her life. We're not responsible for looking after her."
"Like hell we aren't," Graham sat down at a computer, "I'm on it."
"Mate," Killian sighed, "she's not our family."
"She could be yours." David pointed out.
"You saw how she was with that Booth bloke, and whatever she's running from, she told him where she was. No one here stands a chance of finding out who she is." Killian sat down at a desk, "And we've got paperwork we've been avoiding." Graham and David shared a look. Killian was quite obviously upset at the newest visitor to their little community because he was quite obviously smitten with their newest deputy.
XOXO
MAS