The storm outside quieted and Avelina dressed quickly while Jefferson slept. There was no time to waste anymore; she had to find Grace and Henry. Holstering her gun to her hip she slid her spare into her ankle holster and shrugged her jacket on, turning back to stare at Jefferson for a moment before stuffing her feelings deep down into a little box and walking out of the police station.

The wind still whipped outside and occasional splatters of rain hit her in the face as she ran to her car. Pulling her cell phone out she called Emma.

"Emma, can you hear me?"

"Avelina! Have you seen Henry?" Emma sounded desperate and out of her mind with worry.

"No, I'm heading out now. Where do you live? I'll pick you up and we'll go find him and Grace."

Emma gave her directions to her home and Avelina tore out of the parking lot, tires skidding on the wet pavement. As she slammed on the brakes in front of Emma's apartment, Emma ran out of the building and climbed into the car.

"Perfect timing" Avelina said, smiling at the other woman.

"I was watching from the window."

Avelina nodded and tore away from the curb. "I suggest we start with the abandoned house that we've hear so much about."

Emma nodded, "They're either there or at one of Gold's properties."

Avelina wrestled the car through the rain that had begun to fall again and cursed as they hydroplaned for a moment. When they had righted she breathed out harshly and shook her head, "This is a hell of a storm, even for Maine."

Emma nodded and looked up at the sky, "I've never seen one like this."

Avelina slowed for the twists and turns of the roads that led to the abandoned house on the outskirts of town and whistled softly as they pulled up. It was an enormous mansion. "You could fit my entire apartment in one of these rooms, I'm pretty sure."

Emma nodded, "Let's go check it out."

Avelina followed her out into the rain and up onto the porch, waving for her to go around one side of the house while she went around the other. They moved quietly, peering into the windows for signs of Regina or Gold or one of the children.

Avelina sighed softly, the house looked abandoned. As she rounded the corner to the back of the house she spied Emma peering into a garage separate from the house. Jogging over she whispered, "What'd you find?"

Emma pointed to the glass of the door and Avelina peered in, raising a brow when she saw Regina's flashy Jaguar. She and Emma shared a grin before turning back to the house.

Emma laid a hand on the door and pushed it open easily, raising a brow at Avelina. Avelina raised a hand and pulled her gun before nodding and shutting the door softly behind them. Emma stared at the gun for a moment, her face pale and her eyes wide before nodding jerkily and stepping forward.

Avelina knew it scared her to see a weapon out when there were children involved, Emma's child, but when there were adults who were potentially violent and dangerous, Avelina wasn't taking a chance.

They walked through the large kitchen which smelled of apple pie and into the opulent dining room, past a study, and into a cushy living area. Avelina held up a hand. She had heard a thump from upstairs, she was sure of it.

Pointing to the ceiling she waved to Emma who nodded and followed her up the stairs quietly, both of the stepping softly to avoid alerting whoever was upstairs of their presence. Avelina stepped onto the landing and listened.

Regina's voice was sharp in the quiet of the house. "Rumple, I am telling you I heard something."

There was a moment and then Avelina heard Gold speak. "Well then my dear Regina, why don't you go look and see who it is?"

The floor creaked and Avelina winced, anticipating Regina storming out of one of the rooms. "Because I don't trust you alone with the children."

"Hmm, then perhaps you should relax dearie. There is a storm brewing if you hadn't noticed."

Regina scoffed, "I did notice, as I'm the one who summoned it."

Gold chuckled softly, "A tidy bit of magic, especially for a land with no magic. What did you have to sacrifice to get it?"

Regina hissed softly, "None of your business. And trust me when I say I have enough leftover to get rid of all our law enforcement problems."

Avelina turned her head and met Emma's gaze, both of them startled. What the hell? Emma mouthed to her. Avelina shook her head. She had no idea what Regina was talking about.

Magic didn't exist.

It was just a storm.

Right?

A third voice joined the group. "Well this storm gives me the perfect cover to finally get out of this damn town and away from that nosy cop. She's been hunting me all the way from Boston."

"Well perhaps if you hadn't taunted her you wouldn't be in this situation you fool. You could have left at any time but you had to prove what a master thief you were to her." Regina's voice was mocking and dripping with disdain.

"Oh yes Your Highness, how could I ever have thought I was as wise as you? A mayor who gets herself locked up, breaks out, kidnaps two children and goes on the run? I'm sure you're the person to give me advice on being a criminal."

Avelina bit her lip too keep from laughing. It was all just too ridiculous. Her thief from Boston was taunting Regina, and was clearly working with her and Gold, all of whom were clearly bonkers.

Shaking her head she waved a hand to Emma and pointed to the door where the voices were coming from. Emma nodded and Avelina held up three fingers, slowly counting down. On three they burst down the hall and threw the door open, startling the occupants.

Regina slid back against the wall and grabbed Henry to hug against her chest. Emma saw the action and her eyes narrowed in rage, stepping forward until Avelina put a hand out to stop her.

Gold and Yard were standing in front of Grace, who sat on a small bed, peering up at Avelina in fear and curiosity.

Avelina smiled at her and Henry, "Hey kids, everything is ok, but it's time to go. I want you to get up from the bed Grace and come over here. Henry, please walk away from Regina."

She watched as Grace stood her expression terrified as she stepped forward, brushing against Yard and Gold. When Gold's hand gripped her shoulder Avelina raised her gun and grimaced, "Gold, I'm going to have to ask you to let go of the girl. I will give you three seconds before Emma comes over there and takes her."

Gold stared at her for a long moment, and then nodded, his hand withdrawing from Grace's shoulder, allowing the girl to run across the room to Emma. Emma hugged her tightly and whispered, "Go downstairs to the kitchen and wait for us. You'll be safe."

Grace nodded and scampered down the stairs.

Avelina turned to Henry and smiled faintly, "Hey Henry, you okay?"

He nodded and frowned, "Can you please not point that at my mom?" he asked softly.

Avelina hesitated and then shook her head, "Henry I'm sorry but I can't do that. She may be your mom, but she was under arrest and she fled, and took you without permission, and she took Grace. She endangered you, and we heard her threaten Emma and myself just now."

Henry looked heartbroken. He turned his chin up to look at Regina and whispered, "Why do you have to be the Evil Queen? Why can't you be better?"

Regina looked as though her heart was breaking and her lips trembled. "Oh Henry. I'm only doing this for you. Don't you see that they're coming between us?"

Henry shook his head and twisted away from her, facing Regina. "Only because you can't learn to be good! They don't want to hurt me, Emma just wants to be my mom and love me. Avelina wants to catch this guy who stole from people! They're good guys! Why can't you be a good guy?" His voice caught and broke and Avelina could tell he was crying.

Regina sighed "Oh Henry" and reached a hand out to touch his cheek but Henry flinched away.

He turned and nodded to Avelina, walking slowly across the room to Emma who wrapped her arms around him, letting out a soft sob of relief. After a moment she pushed him away and smiled, "Go downstairs with Grace, we'll be down soon."

Henry nodded and moved slowly down the stairs, his shoulders slumped and his face streaked with tears.

When his footsteps had faded Emma turned back and stepped forwards to glare at Regina. "How dare you endanger him and Grace. I'll end you for this. You'll never see him again."

Regina smirked, "I highly doubt that."

Avelina sighed, "You know what? I don't care what you think. Shut the fuck up. Get on your knees, hands behind your back. You're under arrest and you have the right to remain silent. I suggest you exercise that right or I'll punch you in the goddamn mouth."

Regina scowled at her, "Not a chance in hell am I getting on my knees. And if you so much as touch me I'll sue you for police brutality."

Avelina laughed, "Honey, I've seen police brutality. You wouldn't want to see what that's actually like. Now, kneel." She walked a few steps closer and raised a brow, waiting.

Regina scoffed and stared at her, cocking her hip slightly, issuing a challenge in her expression. Avelina grinned and holstered her gun. Grabbing her first set of handcuffs she walked over and grabbed Regina's wrist, wrenching it behind her back until it was painful and the other woman shouted in pain.

Grabbing the other wrist she clicked the handcuffs around them, loosening them slightly so that they weren't painful anymore. Regina huffed and glared at her over her shoulder, "That was entirely unnecessary."

Avelina grabbed her arm and shoved her into a chair, "You're right, you were stupid. Now shut up."

Turning to Yard and Gold she pulled her other set of handcuffs and swung them on her finger and grinned, "Who's next boys?"

Yard grinned back and edged toward the windows, "Sorry Detective but I just don't like prison cells, too confining!"

Avelina frowned and reached for her gun, "Yard, don't do it."

He shrugged and smiled, "You won't be fast enough."

"You sure you want to bet on that?"

He grinned, "I'll see you around Detective." In a flash of movement he ran towards the window…and turned into a bright yellow canary.

Avelina stared at the bird as it slipped through the small opening in the window and out into the storm. Her eyes blinked rapidly as her brain tried to process what had just happened.

Turning to Gold she pointed to the window and asked, "What the hell was that?"

He grinned softly, "Magic dearie."

Nodding, Avelina stepped forward and held up the cuffs, "Well, regardless of whether I'm going insane or not, you're still under arrest."

Gold nodded and held his hands out, "Would you mind doing them in front? I won't be able to walk otherwise."

Avelina glanced down at his cane and sighed. "Fine." She quickly cuffed him and took the cane, tossing it to Emma, who barely caught it, having still been staring at the window in confusion.

"You take Gold" she directed Emma who nodded and strode over to take his arm, guiding him out of the room. Avelina went to Regina and grabbed her arm, dragging her to her feet and marched her down the stairs.

Regina balked in the kitchen and nodded towards a pie on the counter, "Would you mind bringing that? I made it for the children and I don't think it's right to punish them."

Avelina stared at her for a long time, wary. She didn't trust the woman farther than she could throw her, but she didn't think she would poison the kids…

Finally she nodded. "I'll come back for it. Let's go." She and Emma marched the two adults out to the car and seated them in the back before deciding to leave Emma at the car to watch them while Avelina went back for the kids.

Avelina drew Emma aside and spoke softly, "Don't take your eyes off them. Keep your gun out. We don't know what we saw in that room when Yard…disappeared. He could come back, and we don't know what he'll do. I'll be right back, but you need to be on alert."

Emma nodded and drew her small gun, her eyes scanning the yard. Avelina smiled reassuringly at her before running back to the house.

Grace and Henry were sitting at the island in the kitchen talking softly when she ran inside, their conversation ceasing when they saw her. Avelina smiled softly, "Okay guys, time to go."

Henry nodded and stood, "I'll sit in the back with mom and Mr. Gold."

Avelina sighed and smiled warmly at him, it took a lot of courage to make that decision. "Okay kiddo." She smiled at Grace, "You'll sit up front on Emma's lap, ok?"

Grace nodded, looking solemn. Avelina grabbed the pie off the counter and handed it to Henry, "Can you hold this on the way out to the car? I'll carry Grace since she doesn't have shoes."

Henry nodded and took it from her while Avelina crouched and smiled at Grace. "I know you're scared honey, but I have good news. You're going home to see daddy. He misses you so much."

Grace's eyes widened and she reached out to touch Avelina's shoulder, "You know my dad?" she whispered.

Avelina nodded, "I do. Jefferson is a wonderful man and he has missed you everyday that you've been gone. He's tried so hard to find you." She found her voice breaking and tears filling her eyes, thinking of how pained Jefferson's face had been when he had shown her Grace's room.

Grace's face lit up as she smiled, "Let's go home."

Avelina nodded and she gathered the girl into her arms, smiling when Grace's arms went around her neck and her head rested on her shoulder. Her soft sigh brushed against her skin and Avelina felt something maternal in her stir.

She smiled at Henry and nodded, "Let's go kid!" He smiled back and followed her out to the car, where Emma still waited, looking alert and nervous. She smiled brightly at Henry and waited until he was in the car to close the door behind him.

Avelina sighed and smiled at Emma, shifting Grace in her arms, whispering, "I think she fell asleep, poor thing was probably so scared she's been running on adrenaline." She lifted a hand from Grace's back and pointed to her jeans, "The car keys are in one of my pockets, can you drive?"

Emma nodded and carefully dug into her pockets, snagging the keys without waking Grace and started the car. Avelina carefully sat down with Grace in her arms and nodded to Emma who silently nodded back and turned them away from the house and back to town.

By the time they arrived back at the police station Avelina felt both anxious and relieved. They had found the children, safe and sound, but what they had witnessed at the house was entirely unexplainable.

She carefully stood and carried Grace into the station, Henry following close behind. Emma stood by the car, her weapon drawn, watching Regina and Gold until she returned.

Avelina turned to Henry and smiled, "Can you go open your mom's office door? I want you to hang out in there. I'm going to make sure Grace and her dad are together." Henry nodded and ran ahead, carrying the pie with him.

Avelina grabbed the cell keys off the desk and walked over, calling out softly, "Jefferson." She watched as he roused from his sleep and was grateful that he had dressed at some point. That would have made for some awkward questions.

He sat up and rubbed his eyes, giving her a bleary, confused look. Avelina smiled softly at him and turned slightly so he could see Grace's face. His face drained of color and he stood, rushing to the bars, his grip on them so tight his knuckles were white.

Avelina held up the keys and walked over to unlock the door, pushing it open. She waved at him, "Come on. She doesn't need to see you in there" she whispered.

Jefferson gave her a grateful look and stepped out, following her over to a small couch where they sat down. Avelina gently transferred Grace from her shoulder to lying down on the couch, her head in Jefferson's lap. She went to Jefferson's cell and took the blanket to cover her with, backing away quietly.

Jefferson caught her hand, "Where are you going?" he asked quietly.

"I have to go transfer Gold and Regina in here. They'll take up all the space in here, so consider yourself free to go."

He stared at her for a long moment and then nodded, his eyes shining for a moment before he blinked and it was gone. "Thank you."

Avelina swallowed hard and smiled tightly, "Well, you were trying to get her back. I'm not pleased with what you did, but I suspect Emma understands now."

Jefferson nodded and released her hand. Avelina smiled briefly before turning and jogging out to the car, nodding to Emma, "Okay, let's get em inside."

Once again Emma took Gold and Avelina took control of Regina, ignoring her whining and ridicules, pushing her inside and into a cell, unlocking the cuffs and shutting the cell without saying a word.

Emma closed the cell on Gold and went into her office, sitting down beside Henry and pulling him into a tight embrace that the young boy didn't look like he was objecting to.

Avelina smiled and heard a small voice, "Dad! That's her! She rescued me!" She turned and found Grace had woken and was sitting beside Jefferson, eagerly pointing to her. Blushing softly, she walked over and pulled a chair up to sit down.

Grace smiled at her, "You rescued me and brought me back to my dad!"

Avelina nodded, "I did. My name is Avelina McNair, but you can call me Avelina."

Grace nodded, "I like your name Avelina."

Avelina smiled at Grace and then up at Jefferson, "I like yours too Grace." She hesitated and then sighed, "Grace, would you like to go home?"

Grace nodded excitedly, "Can we? Dad said you might have some questions to ask me."

Avelina sighed and frowned softly, "I do, but I can wait. Why don't I drive you home and I'll come talk to you tomorrow."

Jefferson gave her a grateful look, "We would really appreciate that Avelina."

Avelina nodded, "Okay, well then, let's get going. Let me just tell Emma." Jefferson nodded and Avelina went and knocked on Emma's door, smiling softly at her and Henry. Emma waved and she went in, "Hey, I'm going to take Jefferson and Grace home, okay?"

Emma raised a brow but nodded, "Sounds good."

Avelina smiled tiredly, "I can swing you and Henry home when I'm done."

Emma shook her head, "Mary Margaret is coming to get us, we'll be fine."

Avelina smiled, "Perfect. I'll see you tomorrow then."

Emma sighed and nodded, "You want some pie? I don't really like apple pie."

Avelina shook her head, "Nah I'm good. I'll see if Jefferson wants some."

Henry shook his head, "No! It's made by the Evil Queen! Throw it out! She's trying to poison us!"

Avelina and Emma shared a look, an undercurrent of wonder and disbelief running between them. "Henry…I-I just don't think that's true." Emma stammered.

Henry's face flushed with anger and he stood, "It is! She wants you to eat it and die!"

Avelina felt a sense of unease grow at Henry's words. If a man could change into a bird….

Henry rooted through Emma's desk, his face frustrated until he found a plastic fork. He held it up triumphantly.

"I'll prove it to you!" he shouted.

Avelina stepped forward and shook her head, "Henry, no." The sick feeling in her stomach grew stronger.

He scooped the fork down into the pie and withdrew a large forkful of apples and crust. With a triumphant gleam in his eye, he fit the entire bite into his mouth and chewed, swallowed.

Emma raised a brow, "See kid? Nothing."

Henry stared at the pie in confusion and then at the fork.

His eyes rolled back in his head and he collapsed to the floor, his mouth frothing, his body spasming.

Emma screamed and knelt next to him shouting his name.

Avelina heard another shout of Henry's name and turned to see Regina banging on the bars, her eyes wide in horror.

Her gaze turned back to the pie, no longer seeming wholesome and appealing, now deadly and poisonous.

Holy shit.

Emma's shouts of Henry's name brought her back to reality harshly and she quickly knelt and pushed her aside, grabbing Henry into her arms. "Emma! We need to take him to the hospital."

Emma stared at her for a heartbeat and then nodded. "Grab the pie. They can test it." Emma nodded again and snatched it off the desk, following her out to the car. Avelina laid Henry onto the backseat and switched places with Emma.

Tires squealed on pavement as she tore away from the police station and roared down the streets to the hospital. As they screeched into the ER bay Emma leapt from the car and carried Henry into the hospital. Avelina pulled around and parked, carrying the pie into the hospital.

She followed the commotion and pulled one of the nurses aside, "Take this pie to whatever lab you have. It's the last thing Henry ate before he collapsed."

The woman nodded and took it, leaving Avelina to find Emma. She pushed through the nurses and doctors until she made her way to Henry's bedside and found Emma, white as a sheet of paper, and tears streaming down her face.

Henry had an oxygen mask on and nurses were taking blood. The machines registering his vitals were showing poor outputs, even to a non-professional like Avelina. She turned to Emma and rested her hand gently on her shoulder.

Emma flinched and turned sorrowful eyes up at her. "Why would she do this?" she whispered.

Avelina shook her head, "I think the kid was right. I don't think was meant for him. You were meant to eat this and this was meant to happen to you."

Emma shuddered and her eyes grew flinty, "I'll kill her."

Avelina gripped her shoulder, "Don't say things like that in front of me."

Emma's face turned into a snarl, "I don't care. She did this to Henry, and I will find out how she did it."

Avelina looked around the room at the nurses and doctors and coughed lightly leaning down to murmur, "Have you considered what Henry said? What we saw tonight?"

Emma stared at her.

"You're crazy."

Avelina nodded, "I thought maybe that was it." She shrugged, "But my robbery case didn't make any sense, until I saw that man turn into a damn bird. And I'm willing to bet that's not all he can turn into. And I'm guessing magic is real."

Emma shook her head, "No. No way."

Avelina pointed to Henry, "Emma, there are no poisons that act that quickly. There just aren't. What else is there?" she demanded.

Emma stared at Henry and felt that unease that had tortured her ever since Henry had come into her life grow stronger.

Was it possible?

Magic?

Emma looked up at Avelina, "Then how do we save him?"

Avelina's jaw set, "We talk to the two people who seem to have all the answers and have no place to go."

Emma's eyes lit with pleasure, "Let's go."

Avelina nodded and Emma stood. She turned to the doctor and grabbed his jacket, pointing to Henry, "Doctor Wale. You will do everything in your power to heal my son."

The man looked incredibly nervous and nodded. Emma released him and turned to Avelina, "Let's go."

Avelina smiled and lead the way out to the car. This would be her first interrogation of an Evil Queen and Rumplestiltskin, but hey, every good cop learns to roll with the punches.

Magic, who knew?

AN: Hey lovely readers! Sorry it took so long to get another chapter out! I got a little stuck on where I wanted to go with this, and I think I'm now un-stuck! I hope you enjoy! Please review! Thank you all for reading!