A/N: this chapter does contain mentions of guns and usage of them. Please be aware of this if you are not comfortable reading about firearms.

When she woke up the following morning, it was too a stomachache so horrible, Regina had the urge to burrow under the covers and ignore the world for a few hours. Or a few days.

But that was not an option. Not today. She had promised Graham to come down to the station in Steveston, and she was planning on keeping that promise. He needed her help for something. Regina didn't know what it was about yet, but she did know that the frantic yes she had given last night, still remained today.

If there was something- anything- she could do to help Emma, she would damn well do so.

Regina had a feeling that she would be willing to tear herself apart for Emma.

She got out of bed and shrugged a bathrobe over her pajamas. Opened her closet and found a set of clothes. She wasn't paying much attention, simply hauled it out the closet without looking at it. Then she left her bedroom and marched out in the hallway and into the bathroom.

She shed her pajamas. She soaped her body in and washed her hair. Rinsed with conditioner. After a moment under the hot spray, she switched off the water and stepped out of the shower. Dried her hair. Peeled off the bandage and gently spread ointment on the nearly healed wound and red lines. How was it possible that they after almost eight months still could look so deep and tender? It felt like it was only yesterday Killian made those lines on her neck.

She reached into the cupboard under the sink and found the little first aid box. Found a new plaster and carefully placed it on the wound. Once she had patted the edges to make sure there were no crinkles or folds, she brushed out her hair. Noted that it was getting a bit longer. Not too long. She wouldn't allow that. Couldn't let that happen. Long hair reminded her of numerous occasions in which strong, ungentle hands had fisted in them.

She got dressed. In what she discovered was a black pencil skirt and one of her cream-colored blouses that tied at the front. Regina didn't even check herself to find out whether it was a skirt day or not. She simply put on the skirt, tied the strings on her blouse into a large, neat bow. Then she put on the black scarf that matched her skirt. She carefully smoothened it out to make sure it covered every inch of the plaster. She wasn't gonna risk a repeat of the situation yesterday. Emma had seen her without the scarf. Regina wasn't actually sure whether Emma had seen her throat or not, but one could never be too sure. She smoothened the scarf a little extra and then she left the bathroom to go back to her bedroom.

In her bedroom, she quickly and professionally applied makeup to her face. Concealer to hide the dark circles underneath her eyes. Eyeliner and mascara to accentuate her dark eyes. A touch of grey eyeshadow to her eye lids. Plum colored lipstick. Every stage of putting on makeup was quick, professional and methodically. And with the knowledge that she was overdoing it. This was how Regina reacted when everything around her was collapsing. She put extra effort into looking her best. The more chaos around her, the more polished and perfect her makeup became.

On the night where Killian attacked her, her eyelashes had been dark and slightly curly, and her lips had been painted a deep shade of red.

Regina looked at her reflection without actually seeing it. Her mind was scrambling. The events from yesterday swirled about. Seeing Emma had been absolutely wonderful. The feelings she half-heartedly had tried to bury, had bubbled to the surface in full force.

She still liked Emma.

Very, very much.

Her heart had ached when she left.

Her heart had ached when she cried.

And placing her hand on top of Emma's had not filled her with dread.

Regina's mouth twisted and fear gripped her heart and squeezed it tightly.

Emma could have died.

The brick Liam threw through her window could have killed her.

And it would have been Regina's fault.

Liam threw the brick because Emma had been to see her.

What if the vicious act had severely harmed Emma? Or killed her.

The answer was simple.

Regina would not have been able to live with herself if that happened.

She took a deep breath. Reminded herself to remember what Zelena had told her. That Emma was fine. That no harm had come to her.

Thank god.

Regina took another deep breath.

It could have gone horribly wrong.

It was a mere miracle that it had not.

Regina reached back and cringed when trying to loosen the tight muscles in the back of her neck. She was so tense. Felt like she had been tensing her muscles all night. She probably had. And tossed and turned too, she suspected. Her sleep had been fitful. She'd had nightmares. About Emma. About Liam. About Killian. About everything, really. One big pile of ugliness in her head. As terrifying as this morning with all its unknown factors was, it was a relief to be awake and not stuck in that horrible dream.

Regina adjusted her scarf one last time. Then turned her back on the mirror and went downstairs.

Zelena greeted her. Her face was pinched in worry, and her cheeks paler than normally. She sounded less than present when she told Regina that she had made coffee.

Regina stalked over to the coffee machine and poured herself a large cup of black coffee. No milk. No sugar. Just black and unfiltered. That was exactly what she needed to get through this stressful morning.

"How are you feeling?" Zelena asked as soon as she sat down.

Regina offered a shrug and a vague smile. Was there any other way to respond, really? She took another large gulp of her coffee.

"No breakfast?" Zelena asked, and her mouth twisted slightly as Regina's plate remained empty.

God, no. If she ate anything this morning, there was an overwhelming chance she would throw up. Regina shook her head in response. No breakfast.

"I don't like this."

'I am not hungry. Sorry,' Regina signed and flashed her sister an apologetic smile.

"No," Zelena shook her head. "I don't just mean that. I mean… all of this. Going to the station. I don't like that Graham was so vague. Why does he even need your help?"

Regina raised an eyebrow while signing. 'Because Emma is in danger because of me.' It was obvious, really.

"Well, I don't like it," Zelena said and her mouth twisted again. She ran her fingers through her thick, red hair. "Maybe you don't need to go. Maybe I can go instead-"

But Regina interrupted her by shaking her head. 'He asked me to come,' she reminded her sister.

"But is it a good idea? With everything you have been through…." Zelena absentmindedly twirled a lock of her hair around her finger. Regina recognized the gesture. She had seen twenty year old Zelena do it a million times when she was nervous.

Regina reached across the table and gave her sister's free hand a light pat. Then she lifted both hands to sign once more. 'I want to help. If I can do anything that will help them to catch Liam quicker, I'll do it.' She did not mention anything about the secret hope she carried in her heart. The silent wish for what would happen after Liam had been caught. Whether there still was a chance for her and Emma. A chance to start over. Try again. Without the threat of Liam looming in the distance. Regina wanted nothing more than that. But despite Emma's visit yesterday, despite the way she had leaned into her hand when she cupped her cheek, Regina still feared that it was too late. She feared that this horrible business with Liam and all of her baggage had scared Emma away. Anyone would be scared to date someone who had the traumas Regina had.

Perhaps she was simply too damaged.

Perhaps it was simply too difficult.

Perhaps there was too many things she could not do.

Kiss.

Touch.

All the things that were a natural part of dating.

Regina wasn't capable of doing any of them.

She was scared of those things.

And honestly, fear wasn't very appealing.

Who would date someone who was scared of kissing and touching?

Who would date someone who recoiled when shown affection?

Sure, Emma Swan was special, but….

Regina swallowed something and tried to get rid of the unpleasant cotton feeling in her throat. It hurt to think about the possibility of loosing Emma for good.

No. That wasn't right. Regina corrected herself. She could not loose Emma Swan. Because she never had her in the first place.

Emma Swan wasn't hers to lose.

Emma Swan was free to see whoever she wanted to see.

Date whoever she wanted to date.

Kiss whoever she saw fitting.

Regina had to take a large gulp of her coffee. The thought of Emma Swan kissing someone else hurt too. As did her own selfishness. What business did she have getting upset over the possibility of Emma kissing someone when she couldn't even kiss her herself? What business did she have to feel so entitled when she was scared of affection?

She would have to push the thoughts and feelings aside. Not show how she felt. The choice had to be Emma's. And if Liam was ever caught, and Emma then never wanted to see Regina again, Regina was going to respect that. She would never bother Emma Swan again.

Never.

Never seeing Emma again.

The three weeks they had been apart suddenly seemed like nothing. Compared to 'never' WAS nothing.

Regina felt a sharp twinge of pain in her stomach. Definitely psychosomatic. Definitely real. She had no idea how she was supposed to cope if Emma did not want to see her again once all of this was over.

She had been happy in those few weeks she had 'dated' Emma.

She had felt different.

Lighter, somehow.

Better.

"Regina."

Her head snapped up and she only felt a tad reluctant as she met her sister's gaze.

"Your hand," Zelena said softly.

Regina looked down. Oh. She had not noticed that she had started to pinch the soft spot between her thumb and index finger. It was a terrible reaction to stress she had started to display after the attack. One day, Zelena had yelped upon seeing Regina's hand, and Regina had finally realized that the skin was completely purple. She had been pinching her skin for hours.

Now she slightly embarrassed let go and rubbed the abused skin. It was already reddening slightly. Regina cringed. She had to stop inflicting physical pain upon herself when she was stressed. She reminded herself to talk to Kristine about it the next time she saw her. She reached for her cup of coffee and refused to meet her sister's concerned gaze. She was not the one Zelena needed to be concerned about. Emma Swan was. She was the one who could have been killed last night. She was the one who was in danger. Not Regina. So everyone (including Regina herself) had to stop feeling so goddamn sorry for her all the time. She had no use for their pity. And she was so fucking sick of sitting around and being unable to do anything.

Regina snatched her cup of coffee and took a large swig of it. Made a decision right then and there. If the opportunity to actually do something useful presented itself during Graham's mysterious meeting, Regina was gonna take that opportunity. It was about time that she took charge and DID something that didn't involve hiding in her bed and cry. She was the one who had brought Emma in this terrible situation in the first place. And she would be damned if she couldn't get her out of it too.

She would do anything in her power to help. No more running and hiding. No more feeling useless. Now was the time to take action.

And if Emma by some miracle still wanted anything to do with her once Liam was captured…. Regina would not hide behind more apologies. She would take a leap and hold onto the best thing that had happened to her in a very long time. She would not push Emma away again. Not if she could help it.

But if Emma wanted nothing to do with her once this mess was over…. Regina would respect that. Not only that. She would also UNDERSTAND it. If she had been the one in Emma's position, she wasn't so sure she would have dared embarking on anything with a woman who had so much baggage. If Emma wanted to step away, it would be a wise thing to do.

They left after breakfast. Regina said goodbye to a still half-asleep Henry and left him in Chad's more than capable hands, and off they went. She and Zelena. Of course she was coming with her. Regina needed a translator. But even if she hadn't, she doubted that she could have made Zelena stay home. She was acting every bit as the protective older sister she had become when an eighteen-year-old, wide-eyed Regina had found her in England and had stuttered out that they were half-sisters. Zelena, who had been aware that she was adopted and had made attempts at finding her biological family, had bursted into tears. Had stumbled towards Regina and then pulled her in for the tightest, fiercest hug Regina had ever gotten. She would never forget what Zelena had said while they hugged on the porch. "'There you are. Finally, finally! You found me!'"

She owed Zelena everything. Regina didn't for a minute doubt that if it hadn't been for Zelena's interference with her plan, she actually would have jumped out of the window that day. The memory had her shivering.

"I don't know why it has to be so bloody cold all the time," Zelena said as she turned up the heating in the car. "Hopefully it'll get warmer in here in a minute."

Regina had to hide a smile. That was Zelena, alright. Always so aware of every little thing she had done. Of course she had thought that Regina had shivered because of the cold. Sometimes her older sister was a bit like a mother hen. Regina appreciated it, but she was also very aware that she had to start living her life again. Couldn't hide in Zelena's house for the rest of her life. Henry needed a room. A proper room he really could call his own. And honestly, Regina didn't want to be the third wheel in Zelena and Chad's life for all eternity.

Yes, someday she would move out and start a life of her own with her son. Become more of her own person again. She wondered what it would be like to live on her own again. Did she even know how to do that? The years with Killian Jones under her roof had made her forget how it was like to live on her own. Make her own choices. Cook the food she wanted to eat. Drink whatever beverage she saw fitting. Wear whatever she wanted. Killian had made all her decisions for her. From what she ate and to what she wore in her own home. Regina's mouth twisted a little at the memory of coming back from the bathroom and finding an outfit neatly laid out on the bed, ready for her to wear. Underwear, stockings, skirts. He had decided everything down to the last detail. He had even decided which necklace and which pair of earrings she should wear with the outfit. And Regina had not questioned it. There had been no room for arguments. The decision was simple, really. Wear the clothes or face the consequences.

"Is everything okay?"

Regina turned her head and realized that she had just shivered again. She silently scolded herself. If she kept this up, Zelena would think that she was unwell. And she was not. She was just….

Regina nodded and smiled a little to indicate that she was as fine as a fiddle. Or whatever.

"I wonder what this is about," Zelena mumbled. "Graham better have a good ass excuse for dragging us to Steveston this early!"

Regina cracked a more genuine smile. She too was most interested in knowing the reason for Graham's mysterious meeting at the sheriff's station this early. She hoped that it was because he had found some kind of way to catch Liam. Or was it perhaps a lineup? Had he caught Liam without telling Regina because he was worried she would not show up if Liam was there?

No, she didn't actually believe that was the reason. It had to be something else. She just didn't know what it was. But she did know that she was going to help in any way she possibly could. No matter the task. No matter how hard it was. No matter how much her PTSD reacted to it. Emma Swan had given her so much in such a short amount of time. Now it was time to give something back.

"Are you nervous?" Zelena gently asked.

Regina shook her head. No, she wasn't nervous as such. It was hard to be nervous when she had no idea what this was about. Perhaps she would be nervous when she knew a little more, but this time she would not let the anxiety get the best of her. She would not hide.

"I'm proud of you."

That made Regina raise an eyebrow and sign: 'I have not done anything.'

"He's a policeman," Zelena said simply. Her voice was still soft and gentle.

Oh. That. The fact that Killian had been a policeman had been a bit of an extra betrayal. A person with authority. A person who helped people on the job. Assisted in emergencies. And beat his fiancé as soon as the door closed.

Regina drew in a breath. There was a great many things that didn't make sense about Killian Jones and his double personality. His double life. For all his crap about wanting to be better, Regina suspected that he actually had enjoyed it. Being the sweet, reliable Killian Jones at work and then turn into something quite different at home. Doctor Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

Well, it was safe to say that he never would get a career in the police now. His co-workers and boss had been shocked when they found out what he did, and they had actually sent Regina an enormous bouquet of flowers when she was in the hospital.

Regina leaned her head against the window and closed her eyes. Tried not to think about it. Tried not to think about anything….

Regina's legs felt a bit stiff as she exited the car and went towards the sheriff's station with Zelena trailing behind her. It felt strange being back here despite it only having been a few days since she was here last.

"Are you ready?" Zelena asked softly as they reached the door.

Regina nodded and straightened her posture as much as possible. She could do this. Of course she could. She had been here once. On her own. And that hadn't killed her. Which meant that neither would this. Period.

As ready as she would ever be, Regina opened the door and stepped inside the sheriff station. Regina opted for keeping her fur collar coat on. Right now, the coat acted as a kind of shield, and she liked that. Zelena didn't take off her coat either. Her face was pinched with worry, and her mouth drawn into a scowl. Regina knew that Zelena's coat was not acting as a shield. She kept it on to send the message that they would be leaving again soon.

The two sisters exchanged a look and Regina opened the door.

Graham was standing right on the other side of the door, and he greeted them with a professional smile and a: "Regina. Zelena. Thank you both for coming."

"What's this about?" Zelena asked him. Her jaw was tense and her tone more aggressive than what was required.

Regina raised an eyebrow in warning at her sister. There was no reason to take that tone with Graham. It was completely uncalled for. And deep down, Zelena knew that. Regina knew that she knew.

"Well, why don't you take a seat?" Graham suggested. "Is there anything I can get for you? Coffee? Tea?"

"No thank you. An explanation would suffice," Zelena said tightly.

Regina flashed her another look and lifted her hands. 'Calm down,' she signed. 'It is not his fault that Liam is an asshole.'

Zelena pursed her lips but didn't say anything. The chastising had worked as intended.

Regina took Graham's advice and sat down. After a moment, Zelena did the same, but Regina was not paying attention to her. She was much too busy looking at Emma. She looked as lovely as ever, but…. What the hell was that?! Regina immediately zeroed in on the bandage around Emma's right hand. Then she glared furiously at Zelena. She had said that Emma wasn't injured, so what the hell was that bandage doing on her hand?!"

"'I didn't know,'" Zelena quickly mouthed when she found out why Regina was glaring. "'Graham didn't mention it.'"

Honestly, Regina wasn't completely sure whether she believed that, but she forced herself to let go of it and busied herself with looking at Emma instead. Apart from the bandage on her hand, she looked unharmed. Thank god. Regina had the most overwhelming urge to walk over to her and take her hands between her own. But she didn't do it. Of course she didn't.

"Well..." Graham said, forcing Regina to look away from Emma. She had completely forgotten that she hadn't just come here to look at Emma Swan. Graham had a plan. And he was about to unveil it.

"As all of you are aware of, Liam Jones' threats escalated yesterday when he threw a brick through Emma's window," the Sheriff started, and Regina's heart dropped into her stomach. She knew that Graham had to be professional and maintain a calm façade, but that didn't make it any less hard to hear him talk about what had happened in such a manner that was almost casual.

"Yes, you explained as much over the phone yesterday," Zelena said tightly. Her leg was bouncing as though she was ready to jump up at any given moment.

"And afterwards, he called Emma and threatened her verbally," Graham continued. "Luckily, Emma was smart enough to record the threat." The sheriff looked at Regina. "None of us are in doubt that it's him who's behind all of this, but we still need to have him identified formally. Regina, would it be alright for you to identify his voice?"

Was that all? Seriously? Was that the only reason she was here? Graham could have played the recording over the phone and Zelena could have given him Regina's yes. There was no reason for them to drive here. Regina nodded, but couldn't help to feel slightly disappointed at this development. She had hoped that Graham had some kind of grand plan. Not just this.

"Thank you," Graham said and then turned to Emma. "Emma, did you bring your phone like I asked you to?"

"Yep, it's right here," Emma replied as she reached inside her pocket and found her phone. After a bit of tapping on it, she handed the device to Graham.

"Thank you," Graham said as he tapped on the phone for a second. Then he looked at Regina and frowned a bit. "I'm going to play the recording now, but I have to warn you. It is very unpleasant."

For a very bizarre but brief moment, Regina had to scold her features in order not to smile. The year and a half she had lived with Killian had been hell on earth. It had been a living nightmare. A lesson in humiliation and stripped modesty and terror, and Graham was worried that THIS was going to be unpleasant? It was safe to say that Regina had experienced worse things. She gave a quick nod and forced the bizarre smile as far back as she possibly could.

"Alright. Here we go." Graham said. He tapped on Emma's phone again, and then an all too familiar voice boomed through the quiet sheriff station:

'NEXT TIME I'LL BASH IN YOUR FUCKING FACE! YOU FUCKING BITCH! I WARNED YOU, DIDN'T I?! STAY. AWAY. FROM. HER!'

Click.

Well. Graham was right, that was unpleasant. And it was beyond all doubt that it was indeed Liam Jones. Regina would recognize that voice everywhere. It was so similar to Killian's voice. Which was the reason Regina found this to be unpleasant. She had hoped that she never would hear Killian's voice again. Out of the corner of her eye, she noted that Emma was looking at her, but Regina made sure to keep her face blank. This was not about her or what she was feeling. This was about Emma, and the threat Liam was posing to her.

Graham furrowed his brow as he looked at Regina. "Was that Liam Jones' voice?"

Regina nodded and signed her 'yes' which Zelena translated into: "yes. That's Liam's voice."

"Alright," Graham nodded and tapped on the phone again before he handed it back to Emma. "Thank you."

Regina nodded slightly. Hoped that there was more. She so wanted to be useful, and it aggravated her to think that this was the only thing Graham had needed her for.

"Was that all?" Zelena asked. She on the other hand was eager to go home, Regina knew that. She was worried about what this could do to Regina's mental health. Regina more than knew that. But she also knew that she wanted to do more than just identifying Liam's voice. So much more. Anything.

"No," Graham said. "We searched the woods last night, but we didn't manage to find Liam, and the problem is that he doesn't have an official address."

Right. So it was exactly as Regina had suspected. Liam was still a rootless man who lived nowhere and everywhere. She was not surprised. But this did make him very hard to find.

"Nor does he have a job," Graham said and frowned. "At least not an official one. How he manages to live is a mystery, because we haven't been able to track him via credit card either."

Liam had clearly let everything go to hell since Killian landed himself in prison. Regina wondered what his plan had been if he hadn't started stalking Emma. Would he have searched for a different way to target her? Probably. Regina knew from Zelena that Liam had been very vengeful in court. And he had never been the type of man to give up.

Emma appeared to be gnashing her teeth. "So, you're saying that he's living some sort of ghost life and only pops up when-"

"When he threatens you," Graham quietly finished the sentence. "Yes."

"But that makes it impossible to find him!" Emma exclaimed and the look of frustration on her face was one Regina recognized. It was an expression she had found herself wearing many, many times.

"If he vanishes in thin air every time, he's threatened me, then how the hell are we supposed to find him?!" Emma continued. Her voice rose in volume. The frustration was bubbling just below the surface.

Graham proceeded to walk back and forward in the office. His pacing made Regina nervous. In glimpses, she saw Killian walk back and forward in almost the same fashion. She bit the inside of her cheek harshly and reminded herself that Graham was not Killian. Not at all.

"I don't think it's a question of finding him as much as it is a question about luring him out," Graham said quietly and looked poignantly at both of them.

"Luring him out?" Emma repeated and raised an eyebrow. "Exactly what does that mean?"

Regina was glad she had asked. She too was confused about what that meant. How was Graham planning on luring Liam out of the shadows?

"The laws are tricky when it comes to stalking," Graham said and tapped his fingers lightly against the desk.

Yes. They sure were. Regina knew all about that. She had looked into getting a restraining order against Killian when she decided to leave him. Before he attacked her.

"Yeah, yeah, unless he has actually done something to me, you guys can't do anything," Emma said. She sounded annoyed and frustrated. Whether it was about the ridiculous law regarding stalking or Graham's stalling remained unclear. Perhaps both. "I already know that. Where are you going with this?"

"You're right," Graham said and nodded. "As long as he hasn't done you any harm, it's impossible to file for a restraining order against him."

"I KNOW that," Emma groaned frustrated. "Again, what's your point with this?"

Graham fell silent, and Regina shifted a bit in her chair. She too was impatient and wanted to know what this was about. If only Graham would get to the point already. There was no reason for him to stall like this. And even less if he was doing it because of her. Whatever he had to say, she could handle it.

"I think we have to use unorthodox methods to catch him," Graham said finally and shifted so he stood leaned against the desk.

"And what does that mean?" Emma asked confused.

Graham turned his head and looked at Regina. "We need him to violate his restraining order. If he does that, we have a very valid reason to put him away."

Oh. Regina was surprised she wasn't more surprised by this. It was not a bad idea at all. In fact it was a very good plan. Possibly the only way to indeed catch Liam red-handed-

"No!" both Emma and Zelena said in unison, and Zelena's sharp voice made Regina jump a little.

"Absolutely not," Zelena hissed and the words were a bit muddled because of the way her jaw was tightly clenched. "That's not gonna happen. You'll have to come up with something better!"

"I don't think there are any better options," Graham said quietly. "Liam Jones only strikes after Emma has been with Regina, and so far, Emma's meetings with Regina has spanned over a few hours at most. I believe that the answer would be to create a situation in which Emma and Regina are together for a longer span of time, a situation that enrages him in a way that leaves him unable to do nothing but interfe-"

"No." Zelena said again. Her nostrils flared dangerously.

"They wouldn't be left on their own," Graham said firmly. "They would be protected by police ready to grab Liam Jones the moment he's in the same room as Regina-"

"I said no!" Zelena interrupted again. Her voice was louder this time. "I'm sorry, but there's no way in hell that's gonna happen! You're not gonna use my sister as a decoy! And Emma too for that matter!
You can't use them in an attempt to smoke Liam out! You're putting them in danger!"

"They would be protected," Graham said again. "The situation wouldn't be allowed to escalate. Everything would be controlled, and-"

"That's enough!" Zelena half-shouted. "I refuse to listen to anymore of this insanity! You are not using my sister as a decoy, and that's final! Don't you know that Liam threatened to kill her?! He's dangerous! He is every bit as bad as his brother! I almost lost Regina once, and I refuse to let anymore harm come to her just because the police aren't competent enough to-"

"It does sound like a very dangerous situation," Emma interrupted and shook her head. She too looked at Graham like he was insane.

"I believe that's our only option to catch him," Graham said simply.

Regina nodded and lifted her hands to let them know that she agreed with him.

But before she could, Zelena spoke again. "Well, I believe differently!" she snapped and curled her hands into fists as she leapt from the chair. "I'm sorry, but this is insanity! It's the craziest thing I've ever heard! Do you even hear yourself? Do you hear what you're asking my sister to do?!"

"I'm well aware that the method is unorthodox, miss Mills-"

"The method is insanity!" Zelena bellowed, interrupting Graham. Her blue eyes were flashing dangerously.

"I agree, it's too risky," Emma said and folded her arms across her chest in a defiant manner. "There are too many things that could go wrong!"

Regina tried again. Tried to tell them that she was not afraid of Liam and that she wanted to do this. But they were not paying attention to her lifted hands. None of them did. They were much too busy telling Graham what she could and couldn't handle.

"She's right!" Zelena hissed. "I should be speaking to your superior for even suggesting this!"

"And besides, it might not even work!" Emma pointed out, jaw clenching in a very Zelena-esque way.

"Oh, I believe it would," Graham said. "I believe that Liam would the situation so tempting that he-"

"I don't care what you think!" Zelena shouted. "This is not gonna happen!"

Emma nodded in agreement. "It's too dangerous, Graham! It's just too dangerous!"

Regina had had enough. How dared they?! How dared they deciding what she could and could not do?! Why weren't they paying attention to her instead of treating her like she was made of glass. She was not! And if they refused to see that, she would have to make them LISTEN to her instead. Regina wetted her lips and forced her broken vocal cords to do something that was excruciatingly painful but extremely necessary right now. "I-i-i-it... i-i-i-s n-n-not you-u-u-ur d-d-d-de-ci-ci-ci-sion t-t-t-o m-m-ake." Regina's hands flew to her throat. Oh god, that hurt so much! It felt like someone was pouring burning hot lava directly into her throat. And what's more, it was extremely humiliating to squeak in that tiny, broken whisper the attack had left her with.

But it worked. The squabbling immediately stopped, and Emma whirled around on the spot and looked at her. Regina briefly wondered if Emma felt disgusted by her now that she knew how she sounded. Or not sounded. This was not her voice at all. This tiny, broken excuse for a voice did not belong to her. But it was the best she could do right now.

"T-t-t-the d-d-d-d-d-de...cision. i-i-i-i-is m-m-m-m-mi-i-i-ine." She stuttered and bit the inside of her cheek hard. She was not going to let the pain get the best of her. Not today.

"Regina, no!" Zelena said immediately and put a hand on the top of her shoulder. "It's dangerous!"

Okay, that was enough. This was the last straw. Regina lifted her hands and harshly spoke her mind: 'how dare you tell me what I can and can't do? I am not a child, Zelena! Nor am I a delicate little flower! I am a grown woman, and I am perfectly capable of making my own decisions. I don't need you to do it for me!'

"I was not trying to make the decision for you!" Zelena protested. "I'm just concerned! I don't want you to be in danger!"

'I have been in danger before, and I survived that!' Regina reminded her sister. 'I am still here, and I refuse to hide in my bed while waiting for this to magically go away! I can't! Emma is in danger because of me! She could have been killed because of me! Now I get the chance to stop Liam, and I am going to take that chance, Zelena. My mind has already been made up.'

Zelena completely deflated at that. Her eyes brimmed with tears now. The mask of anger slipped away and was replaced with what she truly was feeling. Fear. "Sis, please! It's dangerous! I... I almost lost you once, I c-can't-"

Regina leapt from her chair as quickly as Zelena had done a moment ago. But not to display more anger. Instead she promptly wrapped her arms around Zelena and gave her a tight hug. She felt Zelena's shoulders shake. Felt her arms drape very lightly around her. For once the roles had been reversed. For once, Zelena was the one who needed to be comforted and not the other way around. Regina became the older sister and Zelena the younger. Regina gently rubbed her back and let her cry against her shoulder. It was better to get it all out. Audience be damned. She knew that better than anyone.

After a moment, Zelena sniffled, lifted her head and straightened her posture. Regina wiggled her fingers once to indicate that she wanted to sign, and Zelena gave her a particular nod that meant go ahead.

And so Regina signed and Zelena translated: "I want Emma to be able to live her new life without feeling afraid or being watched. I want her to be able to go to sleep at night without being afraid that someone is watching her, I want to end this, and if my presence is necessary for that to happen, I'll be more than willing to help."

Emma made a tiny sound. She too looked rather affected. On the verge of tears. Regina found it to be quite jarring that she was not crying when everyone else seemed to be. She was used to being the one who cried. But for once, she was the one holding it together. She looked at Zelena who gave a faint nod and a little smile when she reached out and touched Regina's hand.

"Very well," Graham said, and then he turned to Zelena. "I understand your concern, Zelena, but I assure you, neither your sister nor Emma will be left on their own-"

"Where's this decoy thing supposed to take place?" Emma interrupted. "Not here in Steveston! I don't want any more broken windows, or anything else for that matter. When he walked in and stole the master key to Eugenia's Inn, there was a waitress in the backroom! If he had known she was there, he could have hurt her!"

Steveston was definitely out of the question, yes. And so was where she lived. No way in hell she ever would let Liam come anywhere near her son. Regina turned to Zelena and quickly signed. Zelena translated: "And it can't be near Zelena's house either, I don't want him anywhere close to Henry or my sister."

"Of course not," Graham said seriously. "We'll find a suitable place. Somewhere remote, but..." he stopped talking when Regina started signing. She had just gotten an idea, and a pretty brilliant one too.

"I might have an idea," Zelena croakily translated. Her face was quite pale as the realization of Regina's plan dawned upon her. "My father left me a little log house near Salmon Arm. My ex-fiancé and I went there a few times, and I believe it would enrage Liam to know that I'm there with someone else."

"I believe you're right about that," Graham nodded. "It'll provoke him, and right now that's exactly what we want."

Regina nodded. Indeed it was. It was the perfect place for a fake-romantic-getaway.

Graham turned to Emma and explained: "Salmon Arm is a lake four hours away from here."

"Oh," Emma said and nodded. Then she looked at Regina. "And you have a place there?"

Regina nodded in confirmation. Saw in glimpses how her past self got drunk on champagne and cut her wedding dress to shreds. She did not regret it. But she did hope that there weren't any traces of it anywhere.

"I've been there a few times myself," Graham said. "And it's a fairly remote area, which makes it perfect for the purpose." He rubbed the back of his neck and continued: "I'm thinking that myself and another officer will drive ahead so we can be there first," Graham mused. "Then the two of you will arrive, and then we'll wait for Mr. Jones."

"And you really think he'll take the bait?" Emma asked doubtfully.

Regina wished that she had been capable of answering that. With a roaring 'yes'. Liam would not be able to resist that kind of temptation, she knew that. He was a thrill-seeker. Always had been.

"Yes," Graham said immediately. "Judging by what Regina has told me about Liam Jones, he seems to think that she has ruined his brother's life. He believes that she doesn't deserve to be with anyone else. I think that the idea of Regina being away with someone else will be the last straw for him. He'll pay no attention to any restraining orders in his eagerness to get back at her-"

"That's enough!" Zelena hissed and squeezed Regina's hand slightly as she shot her a concerned look.

So did Emma, but Regina did her best to remain completely stoic. She was not afraid of Liam Jones.

"Shall I put things into motion?" Graham asked. He was clearly offering Regina the opportunity to say no if she wished to.

But Regina was not going to back out. She needed this. She needed to look Liam Jones in the eyes and made sure he understood that she was not afraid of him. She nodded.

Zelena squeezed her hand again.

"Very well," Graham said. "I'll alert the other officers." He looked at Regina and Zelena. "There's a good chance that this plan will already be put into action tomorrow."

"Alright," Zelena said. She looked positively nauseous.

But it suited Regina just fine. The sooner the better. There was no reason to drag it out.

"And until then..." Graham looked at Regina and then back to Emma. "There must be no contact between the two of you. Not even via text. I'm not taking any chances here."

"Right," Emma mumbled, and her face fell completely.

Regina felt the same kind of disappointment she was sure she saw in Emma's face. But she was not surprised about this. There was no reason to tempt fate. Meaning Liam.

"We have a plan then," Graham said and bounced to his feet. "I'll phone you both when I know exactly when we're putting things into motion." He looked at Regina and Zelena. "I think it's better if you take the backway out."

"Right," Zelena said and squeezed Regina's hand softly once more.

Emma looked like she was going to be sick, so Regina gently freed herself from Zelena's grasp and walked over to the younger woman. She didn't even think about it before reaching out and very softly placing her hand on the top of Emma's shoulder. When Emma looked up, Regina flashed her a small, reassuring smile. Almost one of those she flashed Henry when he was scared. She did not want Emma to be scared.

Emma appeared to be trying to compose herself. Scolded her features. Her voice was very quiet and almost timid as she said: "I'm sorry."

Okay. That was not exactly the first thing coming to Regina's mind. At least not for Emma to say. Regina had actually been about to get Zelena's attention so she could translate as Regina apologized to Emma for having put her in this horrible situation. But here Emma was, apologizing. Regina tilted her head in confusion.

"That you had to…" Emma didn't finish the sentence. Just tapped her throat vaguely.

Oh. Honestly, Regina had already sort of forgotten about that. Regina shook her head to indicate that it was okay.

"It's not," Emma insisted in a low mutter, and Regina could see that she was genuinely sorry about this.

"She's right," Zelena said quietly as she came over to them. "You have your own opinions, and I can't just speak on your behalf. That's not how this work, is it, sis?"

Regina smiled a little and shook her head. Definitely not how it worked, no. She was glad that Zelena understood that. And relieved that Emma hadn't understood her angry signing. She didn't want Emma to think that she was angry with her.

"I'm sorry too," Zelena said gently.

Regina nodded once. That was all she needed. One apology was enough. She didn't need Zelena to beg for forgiveness. She brushed a lock of hair behind her ear and wiggled her fingers to sign. They should go. She suddenly had somewhere she needed to be.

"You're right," Zelena said with a nod. "We should get going."

"I'll call you when I know if this thing is going to happen tomorrow," Graham said, suddenly reminding Regina that he was still there.

"Alright," Zelena said and Regina nodded in unison.

They shook hands with Graham. First Zelena, then Regina, and then they left the Sheriff's station through the backdoor. She had to leave quickly. Otherwise she would have lingered by Emma's side. To make sure she was okay. To assure her that everything was okay. And to simply be near her….

"You okay?" Zelena asked once they were back in the car.

Regina nodded.

"Are you sure?"

She nodded again. Out of the corner of her eye she saw that Zelena was looking at her, but Regina didn't have the energy to assure her sister more than she already had. She was much too busy thinking about the task at hand. Liam. Looking him in the eyes. She was not afraid of him. She was pissed. Furious at him for what he had done to Emma. She was looking FORWARD to looking at him and letting him know that she was not scared of him. And as soon as he was banged up in jail with his brother, well…

Then maybe things could go back to normal. Or at least as normal as things could be for her. Regina so hoped that Emma was going to be a part of that 'normal', but she could not be certain. She would have to ask her. Ask her and give her the opportunity to say no if that was what she wanted.

Emma deserved the best.

Regina was far from that, she knew. And yet she couldn't stop thinking back to those glorious few weeks where she and Emma had texted and joked and seen one another. Those weeks had been flickers of lights amidst the darkness…

When they arrived back at Zelena's place, the two sisters parted ways. Zelena's phone rang, and she went into her office to take the call. It was most likely something work related.

Regina checked on Henry. He was engaged in an intense round of video games with Chad, so instead of bothering him, Regina went upstairs to change out of the formal clothes and into something that was more casual and appropriate for the place she was going. Then she reached inside the bedroom drawer that always remained locked to find what she was looking for. Once she had found it, she carefully slipped it inside her purse.

Downstairs, she wrote a note for Zelena, explaining where she was and left it on the kitchen counter, so she was sure her sister found it. She instructed Henry to win over his 'uncle', and then she left the house again.

Regina had always liked driving. She had always found it to be an excellent way to clear her head. And that was also the case today. She didn't switch on the radio. Today she was not afraid to be alone with her thoughts. She felt oddly prepared for battle. She was not afraid to face Liam. She was looking forward to it. Looking at his pathetic face and know that she was never going to see him again. That he would never be bothering Emma again.

She trusted Graham completely. Trusted that he would take care of them. He was a good man. A good sheriff. No harm would come to either her or Emma. And she would spend her time convincing Zelena of that when she got home. If Zelena had her way, she would probably insist on going with them to the log house. But she could not do that. No sisters allowed on the 'romantic getaway'. Liam would look through the ruse immediately if he got wind that Zelena was there.

But the other thing… Her and Emma in an isolated log house in the middle of nowhere… Liam would not be able to resist that. It would be like dangling a carrot in front of a horse. And Liam was going to devour that carrot. He loved taking risks. Regina had heard him say that a million times. She curled her fingers around the wheel when she remembered what Liam had done to her. Refused to help when he could. He knew that Killian was abusing her, and he chose to do nothing about it. Turn the blind eye. Be loyal to his brother. That was unforgiveable.

Yes, there were many reasons why Regina looked forward to look into Liam Jones' eyes. One being to show him that she was not afraid of him. And the other to say 'Look what your brother did to me. Look what kind of man he is. That's the monster you were protecting. Do you feel like a big man now?'

She bit the inside of her cheek. Reasoning with Liam Jones was probably a waste of breath, but she still needed to close this chapter of her life. Needed to see him so she could move on. Hopefully.

She made it to her destination. Found a parking spot and hopped out of her car. She had only been here three times, but the instructor, Mrs. Hillman still recognized her and smiled. "'Morning, Regina!"

Regina flashed her a smile and bowed her head in greeting. Like so many others, she knew of her 'condition'.

"Brushing up on your skills?" she asked her.

Regina nodded again.

"Good for you. You're the only one here today," she told her, and that suited Regina just fine.

She walked inside the building, found it to be indeed empty and then reached inside her purse. Found what she had plucked from her bedroom drawer. The gun. The small handgun she had been given by the police to defend herself with 'just in case'. Regina had never thought that she would actually be needing it.

But tomorrow was definitely 'just in case'. The biggest 'just in case' there would ever be.

She trusted Graham completely. Of course she did. She trusted that he would grab Liam before he could do anything. She was well aware that all of this was happening because of her.

But Emma was the one Liam had tried to kill last night.

Emma was the one Liam had ALMOST killed. It was pure luck that he had not.

Tomorrow night, Regina would not settle for assuming that they would be lucky.

No. she wanted to be prepared. In every possible way she could be. She did not care whether it was to overdo it. She was not going to take any chances. Not when it came to a man who bore the surname 'Jones'.

IF Graham and his officers was not quick enough, and IF Liam got the chance to get anywhere near Emma… Regina would not hesitate to protect her. She would not hesitate to do what was necessary.

Regina slipped off her coat. She was sweating a little. Like she always did whenever she came to the shooting range. She suspected that it was the disbelief over this being her life that somehow bled through and materialized as sweat.

But if everything went right tomorrow night, she might never have to think about the gun again. She would have no reason to need it. Because Liam Jones would be gone. For good. He would never interfere with her life or Emma's again.

Regina wetted her lips. She was glad that she was here alone. She had attracted some curious glances before. And she sort of understood why. Understood their curiosity. A silent woman just shooting and shooting as though her life depended on it. She would have stared too if she was in their position.

She loaded the gun. Slipped the protective earmuffs over her ears and made sure they sat tight. Then the safety glasses. Made sure they sat tight over her eyes. She had been given a lesson in how to properly protect her sight and hearing. And she had been given several lessons in how to shoot. And she was fairly decent at it. At least she knew which parts to aim for.

She lifted the gun and pushed all thoughts out of her mind as she straightened her posture and widened her stance slightly. Lifted the gun and took aim at the cardboard with the printed silhouettes. Squeezed the trigger like she had been taught by Mrs. Hillman.

The sound of the shot was dulled because of the hearing aid she was wearing. Her finger trembled slightly, and she swallowed her saliva as the target carrier system transported the silhouette-y 'target' closer.

Regina inspected the printed silhouette. There was a hole in it now. Right in the middle. The chest. She swallowed again as she pushed a button that made the 'target' retract and be replaced with another printed silhouette. Then she lifted the gun again. Took aim.

And fired.

Another hole.

Right in the silhouette-man's chest.

She had hit her target perfectly.

Regina tried not to be appalled or shocked at how easy it was for her to shoot perfectly. Instead she reminded herself that this was necessary.

Liam had thrown a rock through Emma's window.

There was a good chance that he would bring a weapon with him to the log house as well. A knife. A gun. Anything.

She had to consider every possible scenario.

Had to be ready for every possible scenario.

And no matter what, she wanted to be quicker than him. If it really came to that, she wanted to be ready and prepared to do what was necessary.

Even if that meant shooting Liam Jones.

Regina fired again.

And again.

And again.

And again.

Fired until her thumb cramped, and her shoulders trembled, and she was out of breath.

Four shadowy figures on the cardboard greeted her. All of them with holes in their chests. She was better at 'shooting to kill' than she thought. And that worried her.

As it worried her how easy it was to let her mind drift when she took aim once again. It was too easy to imagine that it was Liam Jones she was aiming at.

Or Killian Jones.

It was too easy to imagine that it was Killian standing before her as she took aim and fired again.

The man who had hurt her.

Again and again.

The man who had threatened her son, her little prince.

'I'm just saying, babe…...It would be a shame if something happened to him….'

That was what Killian had said to her. Those were the exact words he had used when he indirectly threatened Henry with a smirk on his face.

Perhaps that was why she couldn't stop shooting.

And shooting.

And shooting…...

To Be Continued….