Chapter 29: Truths Told
To say Killian is surprised to see his long lost brother at his doorstep is putting it mildly. He cannot stop the happiness he feels seeing Liam, he opens the door wide with a big smile - a clear invitation to enter.
Killian introduces Liam to Emma and their friend Tink. Liam smiles sweetly as he makes his own introductions. First, Elsa his love. Emma and Elsa share a moment of recognition. Emma's father had written about Elsa to Emma and vice versa. Then he moves on to Ingrid, Elsa's aunt and finally his former captain, Dakkar Nemo.
As the night's goes on, Liam and Killian share a moment away from the group.
"Brother, I'm happy you found a special lass like Emma. You made the right choice leaving the scoundrel behind." Liam pats Killian on the back.
Killian smiles, "Who says I've left the scoundrel behind?" and waggles his eyebrows. "My wife is quite fond of that side of me."
Liam shakes his head in disapproval. "That's no way to speak of your wife."
Killian rolls his eyes. "Brother, I'm sorry I offended your sensibilities. Sometimes the pirate is hard to be rid of. My Emma, she knows this and still loves me. I'm so happy you've come, how long are you staying?"
Liam ponders the question. "I have to first find accommodations for all of us."
Killian smiles, "We have more than enough room, I'm sure Emma wouldn't object-"
"I'm sorry, brother, but I'd rather not intrude on recently reunited newlyweds. I'm sure we can find lodging somewhere," Liam interjects.
"How about with my parents?" Emma suggests. "They have room and my mother would love the company. I'm sure my father would offer as well."
Emma and Killian escort the group to the Nolan's home once the evening has come to an end. David and Snow warmly welcome the group as the introductions are made. Snow is already planning a big dinner for the following night, to properly welcome their visitors.
The next morning at the Jones home, Emma wakes up first, she turns to face her husband. He's still in a peaceful slumber, she had missed him so much. She slowly pushes the hair on his forehead out of the way, and gently leans over to softly kiss him. She rests her head on his shoulder.
After a few minutes, he begins to stir. "Good morning, love."
"Good morning, Killian. Any plans today?"
"I was going to meet my brother at Archie's. I want to show him that the second chance he gave me was put to good use. I found myself a beautiful bride," he plays with her soft blonde hair, "and the business is one of honor. How about you?"
"I have some errands to do," she feels him stiffen at her words - the same words she'd spoken before she was taken - and rushes to reassure him, "don't worry, I'm taking Tink with me. Later in the afternoon we will go visit my mom and get to know Elsa and Ingrid." She also wants to look for Rufio, and Tink knows the boys well, but that has to stay a secret from her husband for now.
He nods his agreement. "I should get one of the men in my crew to keep you and Tink safe. It would have to be someone I trust."
"I think Tink and I will be okay. We can talk about this later."
Killian knows his wife is a force of nature and Tink will not go down easily, so for now he won't push her.
Cora waits in her room for the return of her daughter-in-law. She still hasn't decided if she should expose Milah to August, how would he survive the ridicule he would suffer if the truth comes out. Cora's smile becomes wicked as she thinks of ways to make Milah's life difficult. Perhaps the situation requires a permanent solution.
August had gone riding to clear his head. His frustration is overwhelming, all he wants is to understand Emma's attitude toward him. Her safety is what matters to him, and she is not safe with Killian.
He spots Malcolm, and walks towards him. "Mr. Peters, may I have a word?"
Malcolm had hoped to avoid August, he prefers to deal with Cora. "Of course, Mr. Booth. How can I be of assistance today?"
"First, I want to know where you've been? You disappeared for days without a word. That is very unprofessional."
"Mr. Booth, I was on an errand for your mother. I'm sorry, I thought you knew."
August sneers at the man. "You are to report to me and me alone, not my mother. If that's going to be a problem, perhaps you should look for employment elsewhere."
Malcolm tries to stay calm. He will tell Cora and hope she deals with her son. If all else fails, he will ask for a good amount of money. He knows her secrets after all.
Milah arrives at the estate with a big grin on her face. As soon as she enters the house, she is greeted with Enith's face.
"Ma'am, Mrs. Booth would like a word. She's in her room and she is not in a waiting mood."
Milah rolls her eyes. "I don't have to run to her side. I'll go talk to her whenever I feel like it." Milah turns around and starts to walk to her room, leaving Enith with her mouth open.
Enith storms to Cora's room. She knocks and soon is rewarded with an invitation to come in.
"Ma'am, Ms. Milah arrived home and I informed her you had requested her presence but she said she would come talk to you whenever she feels like it."
Cora smirks, "Oh, did she say that?"
Enith simply nods.
"Alright, I'll wait for her to come to me when she is ready, but this humiliation will be added to her tally of misdeeds," Cora promises as she sits on her chaise.
Enith curtsies and leaves.
Moments later, a sudden pounding on her door startles Cora. "Come in."
Malcolm enters with a scowl. "Your son just informed me I no longer report to you. He wants me to report to him and he was upset I left with no explanation. I tried to explain that I was on an errand for you, but he didn't seem to care."
Cora has to admit she is proud of her son for finally showing some backbone. Too bad he doesn't show it with his wife. "I'll talk to him, but you must do something for me."
Malcolm sighs in frustration, before asking, "What do you want me to do?"
Cora's back straightens. "You seem close to my daughter-in-law."
"I don't know what you mean, we are simply cordial."
She studies him for a second. "Good to know, that ensures the task I'm about to give you is done without hesitation."
That catches Malcolm's attention. "What is it you want me to do?"
"I would be very happy and generously inclined if an accident were to befall Milah, but unlike her cousin, I wouldn't object if she didn't survive."
"Cora, I don't know if I can do that. I've done some questionable things but never anything as such."
Cora's brow raises. "Oh Malcolm, don't tell me you've fallen for her charms."
He ignores her. "What did she do to incur your wrath? I know you are not particularly fond of her but to kill your son's wife?"
"My son's wife is a common, lying whore. She bewitched my son and made a fool of him. She let us believe she was entering the marriage pure but she had fallen into bed with someone already. Who knows how many men have been in her bed."
"Why not a simple divorce or an annulment. I'm sure you know someone that can do it for you."
"My son has no idea who he married. This way he can mourn her and find someone else. Too bad Emma married the pirate. She was the perfect fit for my son."
"You mean the eldest Booth, your son's brother."
Cora glares at him. "You keep your mouth shut, we don't need someone overhearing us. Especially now that I have the letter back in my possession."
Malcolm nods.
"So will you do it?" Cora asks. "Or don't you have the stomach for it?"
"I'll do it, but it will cost you."
Cora smiles, "It will be worth it."
"Do you have something in mind?"
"No, I don't, maybe while horse riding. I'm sure you can figure something out."
"All right." He nods in agreement and leaves.
Milah is in her room relaxing, nothing could sour her mood, not even her witch of a mother-in-law. She knows she will need to go see what she wants before she is summoned again. Putting it off longer than she has is not an option. Milah checks her reflection in the mirror and finally leaves to go have a talk with Cora.
She arrives at Cora's closed door and knocks.
"Come in," the older woman says.
"You wanted to see me?" Milah asks as she enters the room, leaving the door ajar and promptly sitting down.
"Milah, darling. I just wanted to tell you that things are going to change around here. Your insolence will no longer be tolerated, and you will behave the way you're told to." Cora smiles as she thinks to herself, at least for as long as you have left.
"August has no problem with the way I behave and once I tell him how you are speaking to me, he will tell you so."
Cora laughs, "Oh dear girl, I know your secret." She makes a show of pulling the vial out of a small box. "I know what kind of woman you are. You were never deserving of my son and this proves it."
Milah looks at the vial and the recognition is clear on her face - but still she tries to deny it. "I have no idea what you are talking about."
"Under normal circumstances, I would reveal the truth to my son, but, for whatever reason, he loves you. All I can do is make sure you are the wife he deserves."
Milah glares at her mother-in-law. "I'm not Emma, I will not fold to your demands. If you have a problem with that, I have no problem telling August the truth myself."
"You will do as you're told and that is final!" Cora seethes.
August stops just outside of his mother's door when he hears his mother and wife arguing. He tries to piece together the bits of the conversation he is hearing.
"You know what, you are right! That vial is mine. I had a lover before I married your ponce of a son. I'm just so tired of having to deal with you. You are right, your beloved son deserved my nitwit cousin."
"I knew you were not in my son's league. How in the world it is possible for you and Emma to come from the same gene pool is beyond me. You disgust me."
August finally walks in shaking his head in disbelief. "No,no,no,no! Tell me this is not true," he pleads as he drops to his knees and wraps his arms around Milah's midsection. His tears flowing, he sniffles, his voice muffled by her dress. "Milah, sweetheart tell me it's a lie. You love me and only me."
Milah tries to push him away with disgust. "For the first time in a very long time, I'm telling the truth, I had a lover before I ended up in your bed. I love him and only him. How could I love you, you are pathetic!" she finally pushes him away successfully.
Cora tries to approach August to comfort him, he turns to glare at her and she stops in her tracks and stills. "Who the hell is it? Hmm? Tell me who!" he screams.
Milah simply smirks and tilts her head. "Don't you know?" Her gaze burns through him as she laughs then turns to Cora. "Really, you still cannot figure it out? Well, let me spell it out for you both. Killian Jones. You both were so eager to believe that Emma was the woman rumored to have had an affair with him. I still cannot believe you two fell for that. Emma, my insipid cousin would have never fallen in bed with him."
August's eyes darken as he glares at his wife. "I'm going to kill him," he declares and then storms out.
"You stupid girl," Cora berates.
Milah taunts Cora, "You should have said goodbye to him, Killian will kill him. You and I both know that. Oh well, I suppose soon there will be two Booth widows." Milah walks out of the room and heads for her bedroom, with August out of the way she is free - all she needs is for Killian to walk away from Emma.
Cora's angered face is shaking in disbelief, no, no, no, not him. Cora glares at Milah's retreating body. When Jones had showed up, she thought it was money he wanted and she had sacrificed Emma to him in order to protect her son's inheritance. She hated to admit it, but if August was successful and Killian agreed to a duel, her son would not survive. Without thought, she grabs the letter and holds it to her heart. This will save her son. Cora calls out for Enith. She needs to get to Emma, she will help her save her son.
Emma is sitting in the living room waiting for Tink to finish getting ready when a loud banging on the door startles her. She gets up and smoothes out her skirt before walking to the door.
August stands there wearing a scowl on his face. "Where's that pirate?" He pushes his way inside.
"August, what's going on?" He looks upset and she tries to calm him.
"Did you know?" His scowl turns to anguish. "How could I have been so blind?" He slowly approaches her, to try to touch her. "You are an angel, and I threw you away for a harlot. I'm so sorry."
Emma's eyes widen the more he speaks. He knows, he found out about Milah. "August, it's okay." She avoids his touch but is unable to evade the smell of alcohol that oozes from his pores. He must have gotten drunk after finding out the truth.
"You deserve the world and that bastard took advantage of your good heart. I know you married Killian to protect me. I don't need protecting anymore, I will save you. I'm going to kill him and I will send Milah away after I divorce her. Then we can make things right. We can marry and have the life we were meant to have."
"August, I'm sorry you found out about my cousin's treachery, but I'm where I belong. I truly love Killian, and you have to know that he didn't know about Milah's betrayal until after he returned from Arendelle. Their affair has been over for a long time. She tricked all of us."
"No, you only married him to protect me, because you love me!" he screams as he starts to pace the room. Suddenly he turns to face her, his anger is back. "If what you say is true and you love him, I think it's only fair for me to have you as he had my wife!" He lunges at her, grabbing her and pulling her down to the floor. His alcohol-infused breath blows on her face. She tries to push him off, attempting to grab anything to aid her. She keeps kicking and pushing his face away.
Tink had heard voices while she finished getting ready. As she arrives in the living room she sees Emma on the floor struggling with a man on top of her. Tink looks around the room and grabs the first thing she sees, a big, heavy book. She swings at the man's head.
August winces at the impact and lets go of Emma as he tries to get up while rubbing his head. He turns to the intruder and all he can see is Emma's disgusted face next to the pirate's friend. He feels his stomach churn at his actions.
Emma finds her voice, "Get out! Leave now and never show your face here again. What you just did, I will never forgive. You claim Killian is the worst human alive, but he would never do what you just tried to do."
August looks at her one last time before he leaves.
"August knows about Killian and Milah, we need to warn him," Emma urges Tink toward the door.
Tink holds on to her tight. "Emma, I can go. Stay here in case Killian comes home, and don't open the door."
After August's exit, Cora had quickly dressed. She had to hurry, everything was a blur to her. She was glad Enith had noticed her son leave, and had quickly came to her aid. She had fetched Malcolm and soon Cora was out the door.
Emma is pacing the living room. She wonders if Tink has gotten to Killian on time. She is still shaken by August's behavior. She knows that if Killian laid eyes on her, he would know something happened and she was afraid of his reaction. Not afraid for herself, but for anyone who stands in his way avenging her. He has worked so hard to become an honorable man, and although she is still upset, August's death isn't the answer. This mess is all Milah's fault.
There is a knock on the door. Emma knows that Tink told her not to answer the door for anyone, but maybe it is them? She stands quietly in front of the door and the voice she hears is unexpected.
"Emma, darling girl. Please, open the door... hurry."
Emma opens the door after recognizing Cora's voice as an urgent plea.
Cora enters the house. "Emma, I assume your husband isn't home?"
"No he is not, he is at his office."
"Has August been here?" Cora has a feeling of what the answer will be.
"Yes, he was here and he was drunk. He attacked me," Emma answers. She still has no idea what Cora knows.
"Oh dear," she gasps as she paces the room and takes a paper out of her pocket. "You have to help me. August overheard a conversation I had with your cousin." Cora sighs, is Emma aware of the history between her husband and cousin or is she about to find out? She continues, "He found out some unflattering news about Milah and your pirate."
"August told me what he found out and I tried to explain to him things were not as he claims."
"Emma, did you know?" Cora asks.
"I did."
"How long have you known?"
"I found out after Milah and August married."
"Why didn't you come to me? We could have fixed this."
"Do you honestly think August would've believed us? He would've accused me of making up lies. I had no proof, it was my word against Milah's. I also had to protect everyone. My family, my parents adore Milah, this will break their hearts. I thought it was for the best to keep quiet, but then Killian showed up at the estate." She sighs, "That is when I knew he wasn't going to let her go."
"Yet, you still married him. Why?" Cora asked.
"That doesn't matter anymore. August went looking for Killian, and although I'm afraid of what will happen, I hope my husband does everything he can to come back to me. I'd prefer without any bloodshed."
"That is why I'm here. I need your help convincing your husband to walk away. He cannot hurt August because-"
"Your son tried to force himself on me. He is out of control. I will not ask Killian to refuse the duel in order to protect August's pride."
Cora's face hardens. "Emma, it was your cousin who did this to us all, I know, but time is of the essence. We need to go find them and stop this madness. Is it truly acceptable to you, dear, if your husband kills his brother?"
"His brother?"
"I know they will not believe me, but I have proof and they will listen to you. Please, help me save my son."
Emma stares at Cora in disbelief, all this time Killian had been alone, unloved, he was denied both brothers- his family. "I want to see this proof."
Cora hands the paper over, Emma reads it quickly and shakes her head. "You kept them apart, Killian and August could have grown up together."
Cora yells, "We are running out of time, that is no longer important, we have to go before your husband kills his brother."
Emma folds the paper and walks to the door. "Let's go, I sent Tink to warn Killian but I don't know if she got there in time."
Cora and Emma rapidly climb into the carriage after a quick introduction to Malcolm Peters, the new Booth Steward.
Smee and Thomas are working quietly, while Archie and Killian give Liam and Nemo a small tour of the office. Things are busy when August arrives at the shared office of Archie and Killian. He slams the door open with all his pent up anger, the rage he feels blinds him and he fails to notice the other men in the room.
"I loved you like a brother!" August yells as he rushes Killian and punches his face. He tries to take another swing but he is pulled off by Archie. He looks at Killian who is being held back by two unknown men.
Archie stumbles as he tries to keep August away from Killian. "August, what is the meaning of this?"
"Did you know? Of course you did, you've protected him his whole life." August sneers at Archie and turns to Killian. "You thought I'd never find out? About you and that whore I have for a wife!"
Killian stops the struggle to get away from his brother Liam and the older man, Nemo. The realization and understanding of his former friend's anger dawns on him. Months back it had been him in his place, from his return to the moment he found out about Milah's betrayal.
With an insincere smile, he says, "I will not lie. I've had many a man's wife, but Milah was unattached when our dalliance took place. She was going to marry me, if anyone should be outraged it should be me."
August shakes his head in disbelief. "Is that right?"
"August, your father wouldn't want you to fight with Killian. Remember his last words," Archie implored.
"You want me to honor my father's wishes? This man, I thought was my friend. He sullied my wife and if that wasn't enough, he seduced Emma into marrying him. I'm here defending their honor! I demand a duel to make things right."
Archie looks at Killian as the pieces fall into place. It was Milah, the woman Killian was to marry, but somehow he found love with Emma.
Liam finds his voice, "I will be his second."
August turns to Liam, "Who the hell are you?"
"I'm his brother," Liam answers.
August scoffs, "Brother? Well, your brother dallied with my wife, and still claimed to be my friend."
Liam turns to Killian and raises an eyebrow.
Killian shakes his head. "I haven't touched his wife."
August tries to get away from Archie who tightens his grip. "That's not what she claims, she admitted the affair quite proudly."
"Brother, is this true?" Liam asks.
August yells, "It doesn't matter, I demand retribution."
Liam answers curtly, "And you shall have it."
Killian turns to Liam, hurt at the doubt in his character.
August sneers, "At least one of you has honor."
Killian interrupts, "I do not deny my past with women is colorful, but I haven't laid a hand on Milah since she married you."
Realization dawns on August. "The rumor was true... but we were wrong about the identity of the woman, it was her, it was always Milah. Whether she was promised to you or not changes nothing. Once you're dead. I will be able to marry Emma and make things right."
Killian roars, "You will stay away from my wife."
August enjoys the anger he sees on his former friend's face. "You will die knowing I will make her mine. Just like you enjoyed my wife's companionship, I will enjoy Emma's. Meet me at Deadman's Peak in an hour. Make sure your affairs are in order." He storms out, followed by Archie who only nods at Killian.
Killian knows he has some explaining to do. Bloody hell, once Emma's parents find out, they will beg her to dissolve the marriage. He runs his hand through his hair. There's no time to think of that. Perhaps he can ask his brother to take care of Emma if he doesn't survive.
Liam claps Killian's back, "Was this Milah the woman you were to marry when we first met?"
Killian admits his truth, "Aye, when I returned she was already married. I will not lie to you brother, I still wanted her and at the time, I would have taken her, but then I met Emma and from the start I felt a pull to her. Slowly she filled my dark heart with her light."
Liam nods, "Good, her father is a close friend and she is a lovely lass. Let's get ready for this. Do you have a weapon?"
"Aye," Killian responds as he goes to his desk and pulls a revolver from the top locked drawer.
"This is obviously not going to be a proper duel. Anything else you need to do before we leave?"
"I can't face Emma. If I do, I know I will not be able to leave her. How could I? I don't doubt my ability to win the duel, but how will I face her after? All I want is to be the kind of man she deserves."
Tink had never ran that fast before in her life. She used every back alley and road she could think of to make her journey shorter, only to open the office door and simply find Mr. Smee and Mr. Thomas. She had missed them! Mr. Thomas had kindly offered her some water, while she was catching her breath, and Mr. Smee recounted the tale for her.
She is about to leave to go give Emma the bad news when the door flies open for the third time. Emma rushes inside, followed by Cora. Mr. Thomas' demeanor changes rapidly at the sight of his old boss.
Tink confusedly asks Emma, "What are you doing here?"
"Where's Killian?"
Tink answers sadly, "We missed him and yes, that jerk was here. Mr. Smee said they all left to go to the duel."
Both Cora and Emma pale at the information.
Emma turns to Mr. Smee, "Where did they go? What's the location?"
Smee looks down, "I'm sorry ma'am, I don't know if I should. A duel is no place for a lady."
Emma turns to Mr. Thomas, "Michael, please, we need to know. We have to stop it and we are losing time."
Cora snaps as she looks between Smee and Mr. Thomas, "You idiots, we need to know now! If we don't stop it and my son dies, I will make it my mission in life to ruin the rest of your lives!"
Mr. Thomas turns to Emma, "Ma'am, they went to Deadman's Peak. Mr. Hopper left with Mr. Booth, and Captain Jones' brother went with him and so did Mr. Nemo."
Emma smiles gratefully at the man. "Thank you, Michael. So where's this place?"
Michael Thomas looks at Mr. Smee as to ask for permission.
"I can take you. It's hard to get to if you don't know the area," Smee reluctantly offers. "Ma'am, you have nothing to worry about. The Captain has never lost a duel," Smee tries to calm his captain's wife.
Emma gives him a small smile. "Thank you, Mr. Smee."
Deadman's Peak is an accurate name for the cliff. So many men had lost their lives here. The less honorable people simply kicked the deadman's body down the cliff into the welcoming waves of the sea. The proper duels followed protocol. Archie Hopper knew all of this, he also knew that Killian was the more experienced of the two brothers, and that once the truth was known, he would never forgive himself. His attention turns to a pacing August. "August, are you sure? Your father wouldn't want you to go through with this."
"Are you serious? That pirate-" he spits, "he deserves to die, he was never my friend."
"August, you can't be serious? I saw you two together when you were young. Your father's wish was for you two to look out for each other like brothers."
August glares at Archie. "Why are you here? It's obvious you care for him as if he was your son and yet you're here with me?"
"Killian has his brother Liam and Captain Nemo. You're alone, and although I don't agree with your desire for a duel, I feel like I owe it to your father. He was my best friend."
August turns to look at the small trail that leads to the peak. "Thank you," he whispers.
"August, are you sure you want this to be to the death?"
August sighs, "He deserves to die."
Archie's head falls in his failure to persuade a different outcome as a reluctant Killian arrives followed by Liam and Nemo.
Emma and Cora hear a single shot as they are closing in on Deadman's Peak. Emma picks up her pace as she tries to run up the cliff. She almost trips a few times in her haste to reach the top.
Emma arrives as Killian is about to take his shot.
"Killian!" she cries out as she hurries to reach his side.
All the men turn to her.
"Killian, you can't do this. Please, both of you have to stop!"
Killian's right arm was scratched by the bullet. Emma sobs with relief as she finally reaches him. She gently touches his face, blocking him from August's view. She slowly turns to face August and takes out the paper. "This," she waves the paper in the air, "is the reason why you two cannot do this. You are brothers, both sons of Brennan Booth, and this is proof."
August shakes his head. "No, you are lying! He is not my brother."
Emma slowly walks up to him. "This says otherwise. Look at it!"
August reaches for the paper, as a frozen Killian looks on.
August reads the paper and he recognizes his father's signature.
"This is a lie, lies to save him," he points at Killian, "this is not over!" He throws the paper on the ground and rushes past the group.
Killian and Emma hold onto each other as they make the trek down the cliff.
Liam, Captain Nemo, and Archie are behind them.
Cora had raced after August as fast as she could, but her son had ignored her pleas to listen to her.
Cora gets on the carriage with the help of Malcolm and heads to the Booth Estate hoping to find her son there.
Killian, Emma, Liam, Captain Nemo, Archie, and Smee head to the Jones home.
Emma's head rests on Killian's left shoulder.
August walks into the tavern and heads to the back. He waves at the barmaid and sits down. The chair next to him slides noisily on the ground. August turns to glare at the intruder.
"Mr. Booth, fancy seeing you in a place like this," Nottingham says as he sits down.
August smirks, "We have an enemy in common Sheriff. How do you feel about working together?"