Chapter 2: The Swan Thief

"Do I really have to go to dad's tonight? I was gonna help Will with all the planning for the barbeque!" Henry was packing his clothes into his small suitcase that he used on the weekends he spent with his dad.

"Yes, this is his weekend, and you know it's important that you spend time with him."

"I know, I get it." He groaned. "But can I still see Will before dad gets here?"

"Alright, but don't be late getting back, your dad will be here in less than an hour. You know how much he hates to wait."

"That's because he gets uncomfortable being around you for longer than two minutes."

Emma laughed. "Well, let's not make him uncomfortable then."

As soon as his mother walked out of his room, he reached into his drawer to pull out the notebook he kept so well guarded. He stuffed it into his backpack and zipped it shut. Carrying his stuff, he tossed everything down by the door and slipped into the hall.

Instead of heading across the hall to Will's, he walked next door and knocked on 4C. Looking around anxiously, he waited for an answer. As he was about to give up, the door opened, Killian stood in front of him, his hair disheveled with a cup of coffee in his hand.

"Morning, lad. Everything alright?"

Henry glanced down the hall toward his apartment. "Yup, just checking in to see how your first night went."

"Are you some sort of welcoming committee?" He joked.

"Nah, did Ruby come by yet?"

"Ruby?" He said with a twitch of his lip and a look of confusion on his face, obviously she hadn't invited him to the barbeque yet. God, no one ever did anything urgently around here.

He heard a bark from behind the man and a dog came skipping out from one of the rooms. "Cool dog." He exclaimed, slipping under Killian's arm, and entering the apartment.

"Why don't you come in and say hello to the dog." The man said sarcastically before pausing with a sigh. "His name's Smee."

"Hey Smee. I'm Henry." He looked up at Killian. "Anyway, I stopped by to invite you to a barbeque, since apparently Ruby hasn't done it yet. And by the looks of the place, you might need somewhere to eat." He looked around at the empty apartment.

"Yeah, my stuff is supposed to arrive tomorrow. So, what's this barbeque you're going on about?"

"It's an annual thing we do here, barbeque on the roof to welcome summer. Everyone comes and it's a good place to meet all the neighbors. You can bring a friend or girlfriend…"

"Ah, well, I don't have a girlfriend, but I suppose I can bring a date."

No girlfriend. "So, you're single?"

"You're pretty nosey for a kid."

"Mom says I'm curious. You should meet her; her name is Emma."

"I think I met her boyfriend yesterday. Graham I believe."

"Oh him, yeah. He's a security guard for old people." Henry said, brushing off the question.

"I beg your pardon?"

Henry ignored the question, not wanting to get into any discussion with him about Graham. "So, you'll come to the barbeque?"

The man laughed. "Well, I don't suppose you give me much choice, lad."

"Awesome, I'll let Ruby and Will know."

"Is Ruby your little friend's mom?"

Henry shrugged, "Ruby doesn't have kids."

Killian just shook his head, "Alright, well I need to get to work, so I guess I'll be seeing you at this barbeque."

"Oh, where do you work?"

The man narrowed his eyes. "Do you work for the CIA or something?"

"I bet you work on a boat." Henry mused.

"Bloody hell kid." The man's eyes widened.

"I knew it." Henry cheered as he patted the dog on the head and walked to the door. "It was the anchor keychain. And you seem like a boat guy." He shrugged, stepping out into the hall. "See ya later, Killian."

The door shut behind him and the grin on his face grew wide. He knew he was a Captain. He just knew it. He ran back to his apartment, turning back quickly to knock on Will's door.

"Oi, I thought you went to Neal's today." The man answered with just a pair of shorts on. "You know I sleep in on Saturday's."

"Sorry, just wanted to tell you that 4C is coming to the barbeque."

"Bloody hell, I didn't even talk to Ruby yet, how did he know?"

"I invited him, we're friends." He said with a shrug, turning and entering his apartment, closing the door behind him. As soon as he did both of his parents turned around from the spot they were standing.

"There he is. I told you he would be on time." His mother said with an icy tone.

"Hey kid, you ready to go?" His dad walked toward him, grabbing his bag from the floor.

"Yup." He wrapped his arms around his mom and hugged her. "I'll see you tomorrow night."

"Love you, kiddo."

"You too mom." He squeezed her tightly and then gripped his backpack, turning to his father who nervously shifted toward the door.

"I'll have him back by 7pm tomorrow. See ya then, Ems." He paused, then opened the door, ushering Henry into the hall.

"Be good, Henry." His mother hollered after him.

"Hold the elevator." Henry looked up as his father called toward the man at the end of the hall. Henry smiled when he recognized Killian.

"Hey, Killian." Henry greeted him happily as he entered and stood next to him.

"Hello again, lad."

"This is my dad, Neal." He said, staring back at his dad. "Dad, this is Killian, he just moved in next door."

"Perfect." His dad mumbled under his breath. "Why isn't it ever an old lady?"

"Sorry, Mate, what did you say?" Killian inquired.

"I said, nice to meet you." His father lied. Henry wanted to laugh at the man's immediate reaction to Killian. His dad always seemed to be intimidated by other men, especially if they were anywhere near his mom.

He had long since given up the childish notion of his parent's getting back together. While he was sure his dad still had an interest in his mom, he had overheard enough conversations between them where his mother had made it clear that there was no future between them.

His mother never said a negative thing about her father to him, but he was old enough to know that his dad wasn't exactly husband material. He had heard Ruby refer to Neal as a "grown child" when she and his mom had returned from one of their "girl's night out" parties.

The elevator arrived at the ground floor and Henry parted ways with Killian with a wave, climbing into his dad's truck for the drive across town. His dad lived in the city, preferring to be in what he referred to as the hustle and bustle of the big wigs or something equally as stupid as that sounded.

As soon as he got to his room, he pulled out his notebook scribbling excitedly after the events of the afternoon.

Captain Jones strutted through the town of Bostonia, observing the townsfolk as they scurried around preparing for the annual ball. Occasionally he caught the eye of a maiden milling about, sizing up his options for the evening. He had been summoned by the King on an urgent yet delicate matter, one that required him to be discreet regarding the reason for his visit.

As he approached the castle, a guard gestured to him and immediately escorted him to the back of the castle, he was led into the garden and told that the King would be with him shortly. Killian had never been to Skyline Manor before, he was unfamiliar with the town of Bostonia, and its inhabitants.

"Captain Jones." He turned and saw a man striding toward him. Surely this was King David. He bowed, then stood to meet the man's eyes.

"Your Highness, I came as soon as I got word of your request."

"I appreciate your expedience, as well as your discretion in this delicate situation."

"I fear I do not know the details of why you have summoned me."

The King caught the eye of his guard and nodded slightly, the man stepped inside the castle walls, leaving them alone. "I am not sure if you are aware of my sister's situation." Killian nodded that he did not know the situation that the man was speaking of. "Princess Emma is to choose a husband at the upcoming ball."

"I am not looking for a wife." Killian said with a slight chuckle.

The King laughed heartily. "No, no. My sister is being courted by a dear friend of mine, Duke Humbert. It is my hope that she will choose him to marry on this night."

"Then I truly am confused as to why I have been summoned."

"I don't want anything to distract my sister from her suitor. However,…" He leaned toward the Captain. "Have you heard of The Swan Thief?"

"Aye, he is renowned throughout the lands. No one knows his true identity, yet he has managed to lighten the purses of many a kingdom. The rumor is that he has a reputation of sullying plenty of fair maidens in his wake."

"Including my sister." He said quietly. "Many years ago, my sister placed her misguided trust in him when he was but a young man, he deceived her, and she was left with a son. Obviously, the scandal of an unwed Princess suddenly finding herself with child would have brought dishonor on our kingdom and thus Princess Emma hid away until Sir Henry was born. Our people were told that Sir Henry's father died and abandoned him, his pockets full from the kingdom's coffers and Princess Emma took pity on the boy and raised him as her own."

"And what of the boy? Does he know of his origins?"

"Sir Henry knows that he is the son of Princess Emma and that if the truth came out, it would be dangerous for both he and his mother."

"My apologies, your highness. Your sister's virtue aside, how does this involve me?"

"I have it on good word that The Swan Thief plans to disrupt the ball this evening."

"He is in town?"

"Yes, my wife, Queen Margaret has received a special jewel from the Queen of Arendelle. I believe he will attempt to steal this item."

"And you would like me to stop the man? Why me, I'm certain you have very capable guards?"

"You have a certain reputation, one that has reached the shores of Bostonia. You are the most feared Captain in all the realms, and you always catch your man."

"For the right price." The Captain added.

"Yes, and I believe you will find this price to be most pleasing."

"And all you require of me is to capture this Swan Thief in order to take my payment?"

"Discreetly, yes. I do not wish my sister or my nephew to know of his presence. His being here would be most unpleasant for the festivities and my sister."

"And where will I find this Swan Thief?"

"I believe he is on his way to the castle, even as we have this conversation."

"And you will divulge to me his true identity?"

"His name is Neal Baelfire."

Emma spent the rest of the evening nervously cleaning the apartment. She was never prepared for Henry to go to Neal's. Half the time he would call and cancel hours before Henry's was to leave, other times he would show up thirty minutes early wanting to know why he wasn't ready to go.

As much as she wanted her son to have a relationship with his father, she hated the fact that she had to share him at all.

Her front door opened, and her best friend Will came bounding through the room. "Do you have beer over here?"

"I thought it was BYOB tonight?"

"It is, but I forgot to go shopping because I slept in."

"Which one was it, did you forget to go shopping or sleep in?"

He laughed nervously, "Which one gets me beer?"

"Why do I love you so much?"

"Because I'm handsome and I put up with you?" He jumped over the back of her couch and landed on the cushions below him.

"How old are you?"

"Come on Em, please?"

The door swung open, and Ruby walked in with a twelve pack of beer and a bottle of rum in her hand. "Let's get this party started."

"My hero." Will exclaimed, jumping up to unload Ruby of her treasures.

"I figured you would forget again." She said with a roll of her eyes.

"I knew you loved me." He said lovingly, kissing Ruby on the cheek.

"Eww, you know we're never gonna happen right?" Ruby shoved him toward the kitchen.

"Only in my dreams, lass." He teased in their usual ritual.

"Where's Graham?"

"He gets off at eight, he'll be here in a bit."

"Is that when they put the old people to bed?" Will laughed.

"You're as bad as Henry." Emma groaned. "He has a great job."

"I know. I'm kidding, Emma. It's just…sometimes he's a bit…"

"Wooden? Boring? Predictable?" Ruby chimed in.

"You guys are terrible friends." She complained. "He's a really nice guy and I like him a lot."

They were interrupted by a knock on the door and Emma gave them both a warning glance before she opened the door. However, it wasn't Graham at the door but the new neighbor she had seen in the hall the night before.

"Hello, sorry to bother you, lass, I'm your new neighbor. Killian Jones." Emma tried not to stare, she really did, but the voice was mesmerizing and his eyes kept drawing her in, suddenly she found herself unable to blink. "Hello?" He repeated and she shook herself out of her trance.

"Sorry, yeah, I'm Emma."

"My stuff is still being delivered and the moving company lost a few of my boxes. You wouldn't happen to have a bowl I could borrow?"

"Um, sure, yes I mean. One second." She turned around and wandered into the kitchen, looking through her cabinets for a bowl.

"So, you're the mysterious Jones in 4C?" Will questioned the newcomer. "Henry told me he invited you to the barbeque next weekend."

Emma's head snapped toward Killian. Her son invited him to the barbeque?

"Um yes, the lad is very friendly." He said with a tone of discomfort.

"Here you go." She offered the bowl toward him.

"Thank you, love." He responded and she felt as if her tongue was swelling in her mouth causing her to be unable to speak.

"Uh yeah, no problem."

"I'll bring it back tomorrow, if that's alright."

"Of course."

"Well, enjoy your evening." He turned to leave before Ruby crowded behind her.

"You like poker or alcohol?" Emma turned and glared at her friend. "We're having an adult night." She announced with her tongue practically hanging out of her mouth.

"Oh, well, I'm making dinner for my date, actually. But thanks for the invite. Perhaps another time." He said with a smirk that made Emma's heart race.

"You're welcome any time at my place. I'm just across the hall at 4D." Emma shoved her friend backwards into the apartment.

"Thanks again." He smiled and Emma slammed the door shut quickly.

"Oh my God, Ruby, I'm surprised you didn't throw your bra at him and start screaming his name."

"Did you see that man? Damn." Ruby sighed.

Emma bit her lip, she had to admit the man was easy on the eyes, but he did just say that he was making dinner for a date. And oh my God, she had a boyfriend. Greg or Garret… her brain was suddenly going blank.

Killian walked back to his apartment in a haze. So that was Henry's mother. He had only caught a glimpse of her when he saw her in the hall previously, but up close she was almost intoxicating. It was a true shame that she was attached to the man he had met previously.

He opened the door to his apartment, Belle standing at the counter stirring the pasta on the stove. "Did they have a bowl."

"Aye."

"Oh great, it's always nice to have good neighbors."

They finished preparing dinner, sitting down at the table with Belle to enjoy their hard work. "I forgot to mention that I was invited to a barbeque this weekend, care to join me."

"Who invited you?"

"Apparently I moved in right before the annual barbeque. Henry, the lad next door invited me."

"You got invited by a kid?"

"Aye, odd child, very curious. Possibly working undercover for the CIA." Killian joked.

"Aww, you made a friend your own age." She teased.

"Very funny."

"I'm serious though, it's nice. Maybe he doesn't have any other friends around here."

"Not true, he said his best friend lives across the hall. I think he said his name was Will."

"Well, I think it's sweet."

"You think everything is sweet, lass." He teased.

"I think you're sweet." She blushed and he tried to ignore the smile on her face and the way she stared at him with emotion in her eyes.

"You wound me, French. I may be dashing, dare I say devilishly handsome even, but sweet? You take that back, woman." He chased her down the hall toward the bedroom, capturing his prize as he dragged her into the darkened room.

When Henry returned home the next evening, he found his mother lying on the couch, her sleep mask over her face. "Mom?"

His dad dropped his bag on the ground loudly and Emma jumped from the couch. "Oh hey, what time is it?"

"It's 7pm." Neal announced. "Are you sick?"

"Not really, no. Headache." She groaned. "Did you have fun, kid?"

Henry glanced at his dad and lied. "Loads, we watched Pokémon and ate pizza."

His mother started to laugh, and Henry narrowed his eyes. She immediately recognized his warning. "Well, that's great. Sounds fun."

"I'll uh guess I'll see you in a couple weeks." His dad announced, and Henry wrapped his arms around his waist before taking off down the hall toward his room as he shouted his goodbye.

He stopped at his door, listening to his parents talking softly in the other room.

"So, about the next visit. I have to…" His dad started before his mom cut him off.

"Seriously, Neal?"

"I'm going out of town for a couple of weeks. Business."

Henry rolled his eyes. He was pretty sure the business he was talking about was a dark-haired woman with big boobs that his dad had spent all weekend facetiming.

"Did you tell him already?"

"I was kind of hoping you would just let him know."

"Of course you were." He mother said flatly.

"I just hate seeing the disappointment on his face."

"Maybe try not disappointing him so often then."

Henry sighed and quietly closed his bedroom door. He tossed his bag into his closet and slammed himself down onto his bed with a thud. Digging into his backpack he pulled out the old notebook and scanned through the last words he had put on paper. Biting his lip, he grabbed his pencil.

Neal Baelfire sat alone in a darkened corner of the Thirsty Lion tavern in the port of Bostonia. The busty red haired bar wench sauntered over to him with a cold mug of beer, slamming it on the table as the suds poured down the sides of his glass.

"Anything else I can get you?" She cooed.

"How bout some company?" He offered. "Perhaps just the two of us?"

"You payin'?" She said with a drawl.

"You got a room here? I need a place to stay." He asked, dropping a cloth bag onto the table, the sound of coins clanging together bringing a smile to her face.

"Let me get you a key, sugar."

As the woman retreated, Neal watched the portly man on the other side of the bar, drinking his pint alone. The man was always on time, never a moment late. His plan was falling into place. Soon he would take what he needed, what was owed to him. He would be able to afford the life of luxury that was denied him, that she had kept him from. Once he had the ice diamond, he could afford a new life, far away from Bostonia.

Once he had the ice diamond, he would have his son again.