AN: Another update! Not too short I hope. I hope everyone is still enjoying this story. Thankyou for all of the reviews (the kind words just melt my heart) and all of the follows and favourites. I love writing Captain Swan and have some other ideas that I might try with you all!

Chapter 23

Robin informed Killian to stay put until he could organise a discreet exit. The last thing they needed was a half drunk Killian Jones dashing out of the benefit like a crazed maniac. The press would have a field day.

Killian had instantly dialled Emma's number. He gave pleasant yet forced smiles to guests as he waited for her to pick up. The wait was excruciating.

You've reached Emma...

He quickly redialed. Killian called her phone at least half a dozen times...all with no response. Each time he felt his heart rate increase, his stomach twist and his lips quickly turned down into a frown.

Tired of waiting he turned to the bartender, "Pen?"

Killian scribbled a quick note on a napkin and flagged down a server. He pointed out Miranda and gave strict instructions for the note to be delivered in 10 minutes. It should be enough time for him to slip away without causing a nasty scene.

He was feeling incredibly impatient and wasn't sure if he could wait for Robin. The need to find Emma and protect her was overwhelming. It was overwriting his need to protect his reputation and that of the company.

Killian's phone tingled with a text message.

"Meet me at the loading docks."

Robin's message could not have come any sooner and Killian was instantly striding purposefully across the ballroom. He quickly pushed open the staff access doors and made his way into the kitchen area. He wasn't worried about being stealthy just getting the hell out of here.

Killian pulled up Graham's number on his phone as he dodged his way past the kitchen staff and equipment.

"Pick up. Pick up. Pick up." He muttered over and over, hoping that the chanting would grant his wish.

It didn't.

Killian stashed his phone and pulled aside one of the chef's.

"Where are the loading docks?"

The directions were a great help as he had been flying blind in his haste.

Robin was waiting for him on the concrete loading platform.

"Where's the car mate?" Killian questioned his friend impatiently. There were only catering trucks and a couple of white vans.

His head of security gave him a cheeky grin and pointed. Killian's eyes followed and landed on one of the non-descript white vans.

"Really?"

"You needed a fast way out but you also need discretion." Robin told him with a chuckle.

"Not good enough for the mighty Killian Jones?"

Killian ignored the jab and moved towards the vehicle, he was sick of wasting time.

"Get in."


Between the confrontation with David and the emotional turmoil with Killian, Emma was keen to let off a bit of steam.

"Does Killian have a gym?"

"Down the hall." Graham indicated with a flick of his head. He'd been quiet all evening and Emma was glad he hadn't tried to prod her for information. She had a hell of a day and didn't need the ribbing or the heart to hearts.

Emma quickly changed into her reliable workout gear and snatched up her iPod and headphones.

Killian's gym was extremely well equipped. It came with several cardio machines, weights and a hanging punching bag. All of this was impressive but Emma's eyes were immediately drawn to the array of melee weapons that studded one of the walls. Knives, swords and staffs were among her favourite training weapons and she noted that she would need to coerce Graham into a duel later on.

Emma dutifully performed her warm up stretches before cranking her tunes and losing herself on the treadmill.


Graham felt the need to give Emma some space so he had immersed himself in work. There were tonnes of emails he needed to respond too. He was a highly sought after man but his priority was to Killian and now to Emma. He would stay as long as he was needed.

Emma needed a friend that she could talk to about the case and about whatever the hell it was that was going on between her and Jones. He knew that pushing her would just get him frozen out. He needed to let her come to him.

Graham's eyes flicked down to the clock on his laptop's screen. Emma had been in the gym for well over half an hour. He was tired and cramped and could use a good work-out...Maybe Emma could use a good sparring partner.


Emma had jogged for half an hour before deciding to change it up with some weights. She was just setting up when Graham sauntered into the gym.

He was dressed in work out wear and a slight grin filled her face. Maybe now she would get to use the hand held weapons.


"Can you drive any bloody faster?"

It felt to Killian that he could run faster than the damn van. The traffic was nightmare and Robin had been weaving beautifully between cars in order to get back as quickly as possible.

Robin had placed Killian in the back of the van for their escape from the benefit. Once around the block, Killian had climbed through into the passenger's seat and attempted to call Emma, Graham and even the security men he had posted in the parking garage. His building had excellent security measures but it wasn't beyond a person like Gold to breach those defences.

"Still not answering?" Robin questioned, shooting Killian a small sympathetic glance before his eyes returned to the road.

Killian simply threw his phone at the dashboard and slumped back in his seat. He was beyond frustrated. How dare Gold think that he can threaten her.

"I take that as a No." Robin remarked dryly as he shifted lanes and popped through an amber light.

Should he call the police? Should he call the FBI? Should he call anyone?

"No." It was as if Robin could read his train of thought.

"Get there faster then!"


Emma was surprised at how well Graham was versed in staff fighting. She had let him pick the first weapon, knowing that she was adept at each of them and wanting him to think he had an advantage.

During the first several blows, Emma had concentrated on her defense. Graham was a strong and very physical man. She didn't hope to beat him by brute strength but she hoped that she was faster and simply more athletic. She continued to hold back, her eyes scanning his movements for any weaknesses.

Emma deflected each and every blow. The pace picked up quickly and she found herself enjoying the challenge Graham was presenting.

"You and Killian?" Graham breathed out between blows.

She narrowed her eyes and took a step back.

"That topic is off limits." Emma rushed forward, swinging the staff over head. Graham dipped to the left and sliced rapidly across. The staff hit her side and she winced.

"Found a weakness." Graham retorted before taking another swing. Emma sidestepped and swung her own staff back at him. The sticks clashed and Emma quickly spun around to whack the back of Graham's legs.

"Low," Graham huffed out before straightening back up.

"You need to talk to someone." He commented before moving in for another round.

Emma grunted, "When I want to talk...I will!"

She needed to reign her emotions in and get back to kicking Graham's ass.


Robin flew through the security gate. There was no one manning the station and both men glared at each other. They sped into the parking garage, and Killian had practically leapt from the van whilst it was still moving. He raced towards the private lift. He had assigned a guard at the entrance and his eyes darted rapidly for the man.

"Bloody Hell." Killian cursed as his eyes focused on the sight in front of him. The security guard had both his hands and feet bound, a red target painted onto his head and his chest.

"Killi..." Robin's voice trailed off as he came up behind Killian.

He ignored the guard, stepped to the side and swiped his card for lift access. His eyes were blinking rapidly as he fought to process exactly what this meant.

Was Emma hurt? Did she need him?

Shit

Killian hadn't felt this useless for a long time. It was eating him up inside.

The lift ascended slowly and Killian prowled it like a caged animal.

The doors opened and he rushed into the foyer.

"EMMA!" Killian called her name repeatedly. His voice was going to be hoarse later but he couldn't care less.

The lights were dim and it was chillingly silent. He raced up the stairs and systematically checked each room.

Nothing.

"Killian. Downstairs." Robin called out and Killian swore that he felt his heart skip a beat.

He nearly tumbled down the stairs in his haste.

"The Gym." Robin whispered to his friend. Killian didn't know what to make of the whispered location and ran down the hallway.

Killian burst into the gym and was shocked at what he found.

He couldn't contain the anger that boiled up at the scene in front of him.

Emma was on her back with Graham leaning over her.

Killian lifted his fist, rushed forward and punched him.

Hard.

TBC