Emma's uneasiness grew over the weeks after Goldilocks' release; no one had spotted the thief since.

"Maybe she left Story Brooke. She could have used another bean." Mary Margret comforted.

Emma shook her head, "No, she's still here. She's waiting for her chance."

"Emma no one has seen her. We've asked everyone. Robin said she hasn't been around the Merrymen's camp…there isn't a sign of her at the house she was squatting in before. You're being paranoid."

"Maybe you're right…what about the Rabbit Hole? Anyone seen her there?"

Mary Margret sighed, "It's been a while since we checked."

David interjected, "I'll go check. But after this we need to stop worrying about her." Emma started to interrupt. "No. This needs to stop. We can still be aware but no more peering around every corner expecting an attack."

Alcohol hit his nose before his other senses registered anything else in the bar. Everyone who was considered scum of the earth could be found here. Shady sheriffs, pirates and thieves. Loud music and gruff voices filled the air as he scanned for Goldilocks. As he turned to leave an angry voice drew him to the pool tables.

A large man was yelling drunkenly at someone who was obstructed from David's view it wasn't until he heard the woman's retort that he knew what it was about, "Call me when you sober up, sailor. We can go another round. But right now I'm keeping what's mine, you can try to win it back another night." Goldilocks shouldered her way through the gathering crowd counting a fistful of bills. She stopped in front of David and lifted her eyes to his face, "Well hello, Sheriff." She called in a boisterous voice.

"I'm surprised you can hustle people in pool."

"What can I say Sheriff? I pick up on things quickly. Had a few weeks to learn." She beamed over her fistful of bills "Are you here to arrest me again?"

David's eyes scanned the crowd that quickly dispersed when they heard the word 'Sheriff'. "Just wanted to see if you were still in town."

"Afraid I was planning some trouble? I've just been here Sheriff. Making some new friends." She laughed spreading her arms, "Have you come to be my friend too?"

David shook his head, "No, just stay out of trouble."

She laughed, "I'm a thief, Sheriff. It's hard to stay out of trouble when you've got a reputation to keep. But if you're wondering I haven't taken anything since you arrested me."

"That can't be good for your reputation."

She smiled at him, "You know Sheriff I like you. I actually feel bad about throwing a knife at you. Let me buy you a drink to make it up."

"I'll pass."

She studied him, "You like the pirate. You consider him family don't you? You ain't going to hold a grudge against me for one little stabbing are you? I just steal things, Sheriff. Hook is the only person I've ever tried to kill and he hurt me first. You can't tell me you've never tried to get revenge on someone who hurt you or someone you love."

David didn't want to answer her question. He hated what Hook had done to her. Goldilocks could become a valued asset to the town; but she was so blinded by revenge he couldn't see that happening. "I think it's time for me to go" he turned to leave and heard her call after him as he made his way through the door.

"Tell Emma I said hello." She crooned.

…..

Late that night Goldilocks slipped through the streets quiet as a shadow making her way to the edge of the town. Coming up to the small shop on the end of Main Street she carefully picked the lock and made her way inside.

"Rumplestilsken, Rumplestilsken, Rumplestilsken." She repeated the name carefully scanning the room. She sighed when no one appeared and turned to leave.

"You know names have power, Dearie."

She turned to the source of the voice quickly, "So it does work" she marveled.

"Aye but it's not a game to be played."

Goldilocks could feel his power radiating through the room. "I want to make a deal."

He scoffed, "You don't have anything I want, Dearie." She tried to interrupt him but he held up his hand, "And I know you're thief for hire, but you aren't the only person in this room good at stealing. So why don't you run along?"

"You want Hook dead as much as I do." She smiled as she saw she grabbed his attention. "But you don't want the blame. I've seen you with her. That woman. Is that your wife? She seems like a nice lady."

"Tread carefully."

Goldilocks smiled, "You're the Dark One. She doesn't exactly look evil. You say you've changed? Let everyone believe that. You get to bring the Captain to his death but everyone will believe it was me."

"Keep talking."

"I have magic beans left. I'll give you two. For that you help me get Killian Jones into the hold of the Jolly Roger. I want him to suffer like I did; left helpless and a prisoner."

"For how long?"

"As long as we deem fit."

"And when that time is up?"

"We hang him from the yardarm of his own ship, with his hook buried in his heart." Rumplestilsken's eyes darkened, "I want three beans."

"Two. I'll kill him with or without you."

"Why bother even coming to me?"

"Because with your help I can make him suffer."

The Dark One turned her words over in his head, "Two beans." He agreed, "And while you have him I can come to you at any time for favors."

"Will I have you protection?"

"Until the job is done…yes." He assured her.

"Deal" her eyes held a murderous glint.

….

Goldilocks nursed a coffee on a corner stool at Granny's counter listening to the morning crowd surrounding her. She noted a soft foot fall stop behind her and she turned to the source.

"Good morning Emma."

"What are you doing here?" Emma's eyes narrowed suspiciously

Goldilocks leaned back against the counter, "This world has some very interesting things. Coffee is something I've begun to grow fond of."

"What've you been doing these past few weeks?"

"I didn't realize I needed to check in. You didn't mention that last time."

Emma clenched her jaw observing the thief, "Where'd you get the new clothes?"

Goldilocks hand slipped into the front pocket of her blue sweatshirt, "I have a receipt. This is for everything I'm wearing" Emma scanned the receipt, "Have you ever tried ice cream, Emma? It's amazing. I can't seem to get enough. Can't decide which I like better ice cream or coffee."

Emma slapped the receipt down on the counter, "You seem to have figured this world out."

Goldilocks shrugged, "Can't take all the credit. Scarlett is a big help."

Emma rolled her eyes, "Just stay out of trouble."

Goldilocks watched as Emma exited the diner and turned back to her coffee, smiling at Ruby she ordered another cup to go. Draining the rest of the mug she tossed money on the counter and took her leave. Exiting Granny's she watched as Emma paced beside her yellow bug in an attempt to work off frustration. Sipping her coffee she made her way to the forest.

…..

"Emma we don't have any proof that she's up to something." David tried reasoning with his daughter. "You should be glad we've known where she is the past few days. I talked to her at the bar, Ruby said she's been in for coffee, people have seen her all over town."

"And Robin even mentioned she's been back around the merry men's camp with Will Scarlett." Regina shrugged, "This is better. Now we know where she is we can keep an eye on her. She's building a routine…"

"She's building a routine." Emma whispered

"Emma do you think you have something?" Mary Margret pressed gently.

"An alibi. She's building a routine, she's going around town making herself seen so she'll have an alibi."

"Alright maybe she is. But you confronting her every time you see her won't get her to spill. Now we watch and wait."

"What if waiting means she makes another attempt on Killian? What if this time someone with magic isn't right there to save him?"

"One of us could stay with him at all times." Regina sighed

"That won't be necessary." All turned to the source of the voice, "Swan I know you're trying to do your job but I'll be alright."

"Killian she's trying to kill you. She's said as much."

"I know and frankly I deserve it." Emma tried to protest, "I'll be alright I promise."