Paper cut *Emma Swan and Killian Jones*
The paper cuts on Emma's hands stung.
Photographs of Camelot residents hung on a large, rolling cork board. Storybrooke's sheriff sat in her spinning chair facing the board, her feet propped up on her desk.
Regina sighed. "You would think one of them would talk."
Emma nodded, not glancing at her friend who stood near the window.
"At least we know who the players are," Emma replied.
The sheriff and her deputy (David) had spent the last week gathering photographs of King Arthur's favourites. His Knights of the Round Table were in most of the shots, but there were a few other key players, like Sir Morgan.
Regina's black heels clicked on the white tile as she paced. "Why didn't he take her with him?" she muttered.
Emma stared at the picture of Queen Guinevere. She wore modern clothes – a pencil skirt and matching navy blue jacket – and her hair was in a braided bun. She reminded Emma of Regina when Emma first arrived in Storybrooke.
"She either doesn't know anything, or he knows she won't tell us," Emma said with a sigh.
This witch hunt was starting to get to Emma. While she and her family were in the Underworld, Arthur attempted to overtake Storybrooke and created a "new Camelot." Thanks to the dwarfs' knack for rallying the masses, the attack was thwarted. For now.
Upon their return, Emma and Regina devoted a great deal of time to welcoming Camelot's people. For the most part, it had gone well. A few weeks ago, Emma and the town council members, which included Regina and her parents, went to Camelot's camp and spoke to those present. Arthur, the coward, had already gone into hiding.
It was a cold, overcast day, sending a chill through Emma. She spoke first.
"I am not here to arrest any of you," she began, letting the wind carry her voice to the far reaches of the field. "I know it's not easy adjusting to this new world. It was my curse that brought you here and that's why I'm here now. I want to apologize for the pain I have caused you."
A handful of people cursed her, but Emma ignored them.
"I brought you here when I was the Dark One, but that is not who I am now. Storybrooke is a good, safe place and I want you all to experience it as that. I know Storybrooke is not your home, but until we can find a way to get you back to Camelot, the town and I would like to give you a gift."
Regina came forward and told the residents about the new houses being built, classes to teach them how to use the modern equipment, and larger classrooms for their children to attend school. Snow White introduced herself as one of the teachers and said she was eager to begin working with their children.
Overall, it was a success. Over fifty percent of the residents moved into new home and were adjusting well. However, there were holdouts. Those were the ones on Emma's board.
Raindrops pelted the windows. The street lights flickered on. Emma glanced at her watch. She told Killian to prepare supper for Henry. She would pick up Granny's on the way home and be there in time for family movie night. Tonight was Henry's pick. Trying to educate Killian on the wonders of cinematography was wonderfully hilarious. Knowing Henry, he would have an epic science fiction adventure ready for when Emma got home.
"I'm bringing Guen in tomorrow," Emma said. "If Arthur's boys are watching, they will tell him. If we keep her close, it might force his hand."
"And if it doesn't?"
"Then we keep searching until we find him. He can't get far. If he has left Storybrooke, he won't have an easy time getting back in."
Regina rubbed her forehead. "I hate this waiting game. We should have found him by now."
"We will find him, Regina. We have to."
Regina smiled sadly. "Wouldn't it be nice if we could go one week without a monster or some sort of disaster?"
Emma smirked. "Tell me about it." She grabbed her leather jacket and shrugged it on. "You didn't have to come over, you know. I'm sure Robin misses you."
Regina snorted. "The last place I want to be is home." She ran a hand through her hair. "Charlotte is not an easy baby."
Emma's brow furrowed. "Are you okay?"
Regina licked her lips. "Honestly? No. I'm tired, emotionally drained, and constantly angry. All Robin and I do is fight. I'm sick of it."
Emma went over to her friend and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Do you want to come over? Killian won't mind. Henry would love to spend some time with you."
Regina sighed, her shoulders sagging. "Thank you, but no. I can't leave Robin alone all night." She grabbed her purse.
Emma nodded. "The offer doesn't have an expiration date. You can stop by anytime. To be honest, I kind of miss living with my parents. My house is too quiet," she teased.
Regina smirked. "Don't tell them that, or you'll never get them out of your house."
The women left the office, locking the door behind them. Emma jogged over to her yellow bug as Regina shielded her hair with her bag. She made it safely to her car, giving Emma a wave. The sheriff returned the wave and smiled as she watched Regina drive off. Emma let her bug warm up for a minute before heading to Granny's.
When she got home, she made sure to prepare the guest bedroom. Just in care.