Chapter 23: Plan of Attack
Booth Estate
"Miss Milah, I think it is time to take the young bride."
"You are taking her today, good; I'm going to need to prepare for my act, I need to convince everyone I'm distraught over her disappearance."
"To not attract attention I had to recruit assistance but the job will be today. Your cousin has enjoyed visiting her parents for days now. She maintains a routine, the only change that was noticed is that she sometimes goes with that husband of hers but for the most part she goes alone and uses the same route."
"That is lovely news, thank you, Malcolm I will be forever in your debt." Milah leaves happily over the news.
Malcolm goes to search for Cora to inform her of the status of his task. He walks toward the office as per Enith, she was last seen there talking with August. He arrives and listens carefully since the door is not completely closed.
"Mother, please, doesn't make this into something more. I will never regret my decision to marry Milah. I love my wife, I just feel a responsibility towards Emma. A need to protect her, she is family after all."
"If you say so son but those thoughts you are having are a little out of the ordinary and besides, you both made your bed, now lay in it."
She walks out of the office and runs into Malcolm.
He leans to her ear and whispers, "It will be done today." He walks away and heads to the front door.
Golden Cove: Much later that day…
Emma's eyes suddenly go wide as her panic takes over and she realizes her situation is not a nightmare. She is not home in the warmth of her husband's embrace. She squints as she tries to make sense of the dark room.
She doesn't recognize her surroundings, and in that moment Emma Jones realizes two things. She will find her way home and she knows Milah is behind her predicament. Milah had warned them that if she was unhappy so would they be. Well, Milah is in for a rude awakening because Emma is not about to give her the satisfaction.
Emma focuses on remembering how she ended up in her current situation. It has to be her cousin's idea, she feels sorry for the poor idiot she convinced to help her. She wonders if she is to be killed off so Milah can have Killian. The thought angers her. She may have taken August away but she will never sink her claws into Killian ever again. She will reveal her for the conniving witch she truly is, to everyone if she has to. She can't help but feel sorry for August.
She has to be smart to find her freedom. She wants it dearly but if she is to find her way home, she needs to plan not rush things. She waits for her captor or captors to appear. The last thing she remembers is speaking to those two boys. What if they were taken because of her?
She hears the door creak and slowly open. She doesn't know if she should pretend to still be asleep or just confront her keeper. She closes her eyes and calms her breathing while assuming the fetal position facing the wall.
"Felix, should she still be sleeping? Should I go get the doctor?"
"Rufio, you worry too much. The Doctor said she would slowly gain consciousness."
Emma slowly turns her body toward the voices whilst keeping her eyes closed.
"She looks fine."
"He said she wouldn't be hurt. Felix, Captain Jones is going to be angry. I still think we shouldn't have done this. We should have gone to him, to warn him."
"Do you really think he still cares for us? If she is around he will forget about all of us."
"She seems nice; I think she would help us."
"You are so naive. We are nothing to a rich girl like her. I still don't see why the Captain married her. She is pretty but he has had so many women. What makes her special?"
"Felix, you talk like you want her to disappear."
"Rufio maybe the Captain isn't wrong about you. You are not ready to be in anyone's crew. You are soft." Felix pokes at Rufio's chest to enunciate each word. "You are weak and no one wants a man like that on his crew."
"I'm not weak! I just think there was another way. Felix, she is not going to disappear, at least that is what the man said."
"Accidents happen all the time."
Emma is listening carefully and although the words she is hearing scare her she knows she has a chance. The boy Rufio is her chance and if he helps her get home she will promise him the moon and the stars. She knows Killian may consider this as a betrayal on the young boy's part, but she will beg him to forgive Rufio if she has to. She hears the door open and slam shut.
She slowly opens her eyes only to be met with brown eyes and a dirty face. She hadn't really looked at the boy before. He has dark shaggy hair that hasn't been washed in a long time. She manages to smile at him.
"May I please have some water? My mouth is dry."
The boy rushes to a little table in the corner that she had missed in her earlier inquiry. There is a small pitcher with water and a small cup. He pours the clear liquid without taking his eyes off of her. He smiles sheepishly at her as he approaches her with the half-full cup. "Mrs. Here is your water, please drink it slowly."
"Thank you." She drinks the water as instructed. "May I please have some more."
"Yes, but keep drinking it slowly." He goes to get her more water leaving the pitcher now empty. He grabs a wooden chair and pulls it next to the little cot she in on.
She hands him the cup. "Why would you help someone hurt Killian? You have to believe me because this will hurt him."
"I'm sorry." He gets up and walks to the door.
"You know him better than I do. Help me and I will make sure he knows that."
He stops dead in his tracks, she is correct he knows Captain Jones. His temper is known all over the docks.
"Help me go home to him and I will make sure he knows. He will overlook this because he doesn't deny me anything. Please at least think it over."
The door shuts behind him and Emma stays put. She slowly rises and goes to walk around the barren room. She realizes it has been a while since she last ate. Her stomach growls as if confirming her thoughts. She hopes Rufio is back to check up on her soon. The other boy Felix seems to have made up his mind, from the conversation she heard he would let her starve if he could.
As if reading her thoughts or perhaps he had heard her stomach growl too, Rufio enters the small room with a small basket with crusty bread and some fruit along with a few pieces of cheese.
Hours turn into days as their routine continues. Felix hardly shows his face and when he does it is only to sneer at her and show his distaste toward the young woman he blames for putting a stop to his pursuit of happiness, in the shape of joining Captain Jones' crew. It is well known how strict Jones is but being a part of his crew for a lowly orphan is a dream come true.
Emma misses Killian so much, well her parents as well but she worries for Killian. She has asked Rufio to share some of the stories he has of Killian with her. The boy is happy to. She learns little bits and pieces of her husband and his generosity. He donates some of his bounties to the orphanage anonymously. She falls, if it's was at all possible, more in love with him. She shares the food she is given during those conversations. She can see moments when he is leaning towards letting her go. She will not give up until he has decided to help her.
Killian and David leave his and Emma's house. The house feels so empty without her, he is glad to be anywhere else. They venture to Killian and Archie's office. His father-in-law, always the optimist saying words of encouragement to the distraught younger man. As soon as they enter the space, Archie knows something is amiss.
"Killian, David, what is wrong?" The concern is evident in the kind man's voice.
"Emma is missing, she's just disappeared," Killian answers.
Archie is looking at Killian's appearance and glances to his old friend. "Disappeared, but how?"
"We have no idea, we haven't heard anything yet. She left in the morning for her visit with her parents and vanished."
"Killian, she will be okay and we will find her." The older man tries to reassure his friend in an effort to calm him.
"Why is everyone trying to convince me of that?"
"Killian, I understand there hasn't been any information but she was just taken. I'm sure this is an attempt to extort money from us."
"I hope you are right but I will not stand here waiting. I'm going to Tiny's and the docks. Maybe someone has talked. Most men cannot keep quiet and have to boast about their exploits." Killian walks out and heads to the tavern.
Archie looks at David. "I'm sorry David, he is obviously distraught and he has never really had anyone to be there for him before."
"Will he be okay out there?"
"Killian is a survivor; I worry more for the idiot that thought it was a good idea to cross him. Taking Emma was an error that may come with dire consequences."
"That is all I have ever wanted for her, someone to love her as I love her mother and somehow she found it in the least expected place."
"He truly does love her and if there was ever a doubt, it has disappeared. He truly found his happiness with your wonderful daughter."
"Archie, he is like a son to you, like the son you never had."
"He truly is; his father was one of my closest friends." Without realizing the small slip, Archie smiles his most encouraging smile to David. The same smile he always gives his closest friends. He has always been so supportive and encourages him at the times he is about to lose hope. "Come on old friend, now for the hard part." Archie looks again and finds his friend's sad face.
"We have to tell Snow. I have to tell her that within days apart; her husband has returned only for her daughter to disappear. How do I tell her?"
"Snow is strong and resilient. Where do you think Emma gets it from? Emma will be okay, there is a reason she and Killian fit so well together. There seems to be a connection between the two, just like you and Snow. Now let's go and tell Snow about the situation." Archie grabs his hat and they leave the office. His sudden stop grabs David's attention, as the other man looks at him a bit confused. "David wait we need to make a quick stop."
"Why would we need to make a quick stop Archie?"
"We need to send Liam a message asking him to come, his brother needs him. He also has an exemplary military record he may be useful."
"It is a good idea Archie, but I hope Emma is not gone for that long. A missive to Liam would be fast but how long will it be before Liam arrives, at minimum 10 days and that is if the weather cooperates."
"I know David but Killian needs his brother and even if by the time he arrives Emma is safe, a little reunion of their own would be nice."
With their minds made up, they head to send the emergency message and then go to the Nolan's. Archie and David arrive at the Nolan's home. Archie gives his friend an encouraging look. The scene feels so familiar but this time it will not be to deliver happy news, but the opposite.
"I will be here waiting for the two of you when you are ready," Archie says.
David slowly makes his way toward the bedroom he shares with his wife He opens the door gently and the creak stirs his wife from sleep.
"David, is that you?"
"Yes, my love."
"Sorry, sometimes I forget you are truly back." She sits up and her head rests on the headboard.
"You look tense is there something wrong?"
"Snow," he approaches the bed and sits next to her, "I have some news to share."
She looks at his blue eyes and smiles to encourage him to continue. "David, from the expression on your face I can tell it is nothing good." she raises her hand to caress his face. "I'm all ears."
He gets as close as he can to her as he puts his hand over hers. "Killian came earlier to pick up Emma, to take her home."
"He was here to take her home? But she wasn't here."
"Snow, Emma left their home in the morning to come here."
She darts out of bed. "But she never got here, she must have stayed home."
"Sweetheart, that is the same conclusion I reached but sadly it is the wrong one."
"David, how can you be so sure? Maybe-"
"Snow, Killian and I went to their home to check to see if she was home and the house was empty. There was no sign of her."
Tears slowly shed as she closes her eyes. "He is keeping her from us-"
"SNOW, he is as upset as we are, if not more. He doesn't know where she is anymore than we do."
"David, she has to be okay. This has to be a sick joke." She paces the room to alleviate the fear rising inside her.
"We will find her."
"Snow, Archie is downstairs waiting for us. We need to establish a plan."
She goes to grab something more suitable to wear. "I will be down in a few minutes. Go keep them company." Snow always the hostess.
"Keep them company?"
"I assume that Killian and Archie are both downstairs."
"Killian ventured by himself. It is just Archie waiting."
"What do you mean Killian went off by himself?"
"I think he is frustrated and he thinks maybe his old connections may help."
"Well, he is not the only frustrated one or one with connections. We should go ask Cora for help. She cares for Emma," Snow says, not realizing how well she is playing right into Cora's hand.
"We will decide once we are all together. I hope he has the sense to come here after he is done with his inquiry at his old haunts."
The Golden Goose Tavern
After leaving his father-in-law with Archie, Killian had done as he had said. He went to Tiny's to see if he could learn anything about his wife's disappearance. So far his visit has been fruitless. He knows it is late in the evening but he can't even think of going home. The house without Emma is nothing but walls and spackle.
Killian leaves the tavern drunk after imbibing one too many rum glasses. He tried to monitor his consumption, but the thought of Emma, out there without him is killing him. He wanders to the docks and looks around, there it is, his beloved ship, the Jolly Roger, swaying in the water.
He instantly calms. His lass is a beautiful, stubborn, amazing woman and in that moment he knows they will find their way to each other. He remains at the docks looking at familiar faces.
He notices a few faces missing from the lost boys; they usually all swarm to him whenever he is at the docks. He forces a smile and tells them that there is someone he wants them to meet, soon. He waves goodbye to them and makes his way back to the Nolan's home. He can't go home right now, not with the ghost of Emma too fresh in his heart and mind.
He knocks and is greeted by Snow. Her eyes are still rimmed red from the tears that she has been unable to stop and with the fresh ones that threaten to spill as she sets her eyes on him. His hair is a mess and his eyes match hers. His clothes are unkempt, his vest open and the shirt untucked loose over his trousers. She opens the door wide enough for him to enter as she scrutinizes his attire. He looks lost and distraught.
Soon they are all gathered in the living room; the trio of men and a lone woman talking and arguing over the best tactic.
David and Archie agree that they need to wait for a ransom or note before they proceed. The most likely outcome will be for them to reach out to Sheriff Nottingham.
Snow wants to ask Cora for help, to use the Booth name, power, and influence. Killian hates both plans. He doesn't want to wait, but he does see the validity in the theory. He for sure does not want to go to the Booth's for help, much less deal with a corrupt lawmaker like Nottingham.
David had hoped that Sheriff Humbert was still in the position, instead of his now-successor. The good sheriff had retired not long after David had left Misthaven all those years ago. He can understand Killian's hesitation with Nottingham in office.
Sadly, Killian is outvoted and it is decided to reach out to the unsavory sheriff as early as possible the next day.
"I believe it will be best if I don't come with. The meeting with Nottingham will flow better if I'm not there," Killian says.
"Killian, Emma is your wife and it would be expected for you to accompany us."
"Yes, I'm aware Emma is my wife but Nottingham and I don't have the best history. Besides, I have to go home, perhaps there has been news or a ransom letter delivered to the house by now."
"Alright, if you truly believe this is the best way, Archie and I will go."
"I will stay here in case the ransom letter gets delivered here." Snow chimes in. She has decided to go visit Cora the next morning on her own, without the men.
"Then it is settled, Archie and I will go to talk with Sheriff Nottingham, Killian will stay home, and Snow will stay here in case there is news on either residence."
"Killian, we can share the carriage. David, I will be here early. Snow, Emma will be brought home soon, please don't doubt that."
Killian nods in agreement. Snow and David finally attempt but fail to sleep. Archie goes to his empty home and prays he is not wrong because the heartache they would suffer would be too great. Killian finally goes home and he cannot find rest in their bed. Her scent is still too fresh. He decides to forgo sleep and goes to the guest room Emma was readying for Tink. She is just about done with the room. He walks throughout the room, seeing each small detail. The bed is comfortable, much more than Tink had ever had before. The room is engulfed by the scent of flowers, each picked by his wife.
He takes a note of the flowers she picked, mostly roses of different colors. He will make sure they are fragrant once Emma gets home. They will retrieve Tink as soon as she wants. Killian has decided to make sure upon Emma's return that she has all her desires.