"Are you positively sure that your son did not hear anything at all?" whispered Belle and then giggled as she shifted her head above Gold's chest to look the man straight in the eye. "I think we made quite a racket."

Belle and Gold had decided to spend the entire weekend together and at Gold's house. Most of the activities they both had in mind didn't require anything except maybe a good stocked fridge and a sturdy surface.

Gold ran his hand through Belle's lovely hair and smiled. "Either that or he started to hear something and turned the volume of his headphones through the roof."

Belle giggled and snuggled closer to Gold, relishing in his warmth. Gold pulled the covers over them and wrapped both his arms around her. He gently kissed the top of her head and savoured the scent of her hair.

"Should probably set an alarm lest Bae decides to barge in here tomorrow morning," said Gold but did not attempt to move from his place.

"It's actually later today," corrected Belle, smiling again but closing her eyes. She was going to fall asleep real soon and it was a good thing that Adam had covered them up because knowing the 18 year old boy living a couple of doors from them, he was going to barge into his father's bedroom demanding breakfast and will have the shock of his life. "Maybe you could lock the door."

"He's smart," replied Gold and Belle noted the slight slur of his speech, telling her that Gold was pretty much close to falling asleep as she was. "Well I think he is, and if he proves otherwise, then the trauma might just teach him the lesson of not barging in his father's bedroom just to demand I cook him breakfast."

"Only you could use us getting caught in bed naked together as a parental tool," laughed Belle breathing in the man currently in her arms. Heavens, he smelled good and if she wasn't too tired she might just straddle him again and kiss his bare chest until the sun came up.

"Maximizing resources sweetheart," said Gold, eyes closed and ready to surrender himself to sleep. "Are you really contented with using me as a pillow?"

"Warmer and softer," replied Belle with a yawn. "Besides, you like it."

"Can't argue with that," said Gold as the two fell into a good night's sleep that lasted until the other resident of the house woke up and went his way to his father's bedroom.

Baelfire proved to be a smart and sweet lad as he gently opened his father's bedroom door to take a peek and found himself smiling broadly when he saw the two nestled together. He didn't linger though and promptly when to the kitchen and fixed up a breakfast for three. Knowing full well that his father and girlfriend would probably be famished after their activities last night.

He was after all 18 and could understand the situation but it still felt a bit weird knowing that it was his father. But then again, now he had things to blackmail and tease his father about.

"You're up mighty early," said a voice from behind him and Bae turned to see Belle, wearing one of his father's university shirts, a broad smile on her face. "And here we thought you were going to barge into your father's bedroom and demand for food."

"I did sneak a peek," admitted Bae with a small smile. "I'd figure I'd let you sleep in seeing as you were very busy last night."

Belle's face turned a bright red and pretended to cough. "Oh...you um...heard"

"Well to give you credit," began Bae with a smile. "You did try very hard to keep it down. But some things just can't be silenced."

Belle groaned and covered her face with her hands as Baelfire laughed. "Seriously, it's not that bad Belle. I'm old enough to get it. Besides, mom and Killian have scarred me for life when they forgot I was staying over and I'm surprised they were not heard by the entire inhabitants of Storybrooke."

"You know you and your father have the same sense of humour," groaned Belle as she finally lifted her head from her hands and glared at the teenager.

"Like father, like son," replied Bae with a smile that reminded Belle so much of her boyfriend. "Speaking of, where is my dad?"

"Snoring like a baby the last time I checked," said Belle as she lifted her phone. "Managed a quick shot as blackmail."

"Exactly my thoughts about your activities last night," said Bae. "You know, he's probably right. The two of us will be the death of him."


The weekend ended too soon for Gold's liking because he had a good 48 hours spent mostly with Belle and occasionally with his son who did not wipe the smug grin on his face all weekend. But alas Monday came and his first order of business was setting up the interview with Zozo Greene. That proved to be easier said than done since the man's secretary said that Greene was incredibly busy and had no time to indulge the 'pathetic excuse' for a newspaper for an interview even if they were the one's paying for the food.

Which is why it was a surprise when Ashley suddenly came knocking that afternoon.

"Greene's on the line for you," said Ashley, rapping her knuckles on Gold's office door frame to get his attention.

"That was quick," replied Gold. "I thought his secretary said that man was incredibly busy."

"Apparently not for the Times," came the smug reply and Gold had to grin. "What I'd give to see that secretary's face now, after the hell she put me through this morning. You'll take it or should we let him squirm."

"We're becoming a bad influence on you Ashley." commented Gold with a smile as he nodded and lifted the phone on his desk. "Mr. Greene, I wasn't expecting to hear from you so soon."

"Well I was intrigued by your call, Adam," began Zozo, his usual enthusiasm framing his words. "And here I thought I wasn't going to hear from the Times so soon."

"I did say I was going to check with my editor-in-chief first Mr. Greene," explained Gold. "And we are going to be conducting the interviews with candidates for our Sunday specials."

"I take it that I am the honoured one to be interviewed by the great Adam Rumford Gold, am I not?" asked Zozo, a glint in his voice and Gold had to suppress a groan. The man was too eager to be talking to him and it just fed his over cautious mind. "Splendid. My offer still stands. I'll pay for our meals. How about lunch day after?"

Gold's eyes narrowed at how immediately Zozo had taken control of the conversation but the editor knew he had to play along. He needed to make Greene feel like he was the one in charge but when the interview came, Gold was going to crush him.

"That would be fine Mr. Greene," said Gold. "But the Times will pay for our-"

"Nonsense," cut off Greene. "It will be my pleasure. How does the Vault sound? I'm sure we can arrange for a private booth so that the interview will have no interruptions and less noise. I'm sure it'll be alright with Ms. Mills and Mr. Midas will gladly be alright with your company not having to pay."

Gold could only glare at his office wall. Zozo was demonstrating his dominance and power. Fine, if he wants to show off then so be it.

"I guess I can only agree," began Gold, trying very hard to sound pleased and he guessed it worked because Greene laughed on the other end of the line.

"Good, I'll see you then Adam," said Greene. "I'll be sure to read up. I wouldn't want to embarrass myself in front of you. Oh and bring your appetite."

Gold let him hang-up first before he removed the receiver from his ear, letting his hand dangle by his side. With a sigh, he called out his office. "Alright, how many we're eavesdropping?"

Silence and then Killian, Emma, David and Ashley all entered his office, all with sheepish looking expressions on their faces. Gold placed the receiver back down and raised an eyebrow at his staff. "Well?"

The four all exchanged looks. "That sounded fun," began Emma and Gold glared at them.

"Were you expecting a grudge match over the phone?" asked Gold. "The man just showcased his dominance and insisted that we have the interview at the Vault and that he will pay. Friedrich won't mind and I'm sure her majesty won't say that it's unethical."

"Maybe because you're the one writing it," said David. "If that were me, she'd probably shoot down the idea."

"You want us to back you up?" asked Killian. "We could get a table and watch you from afar."

"I sort of agree with him, Adam," began Ashley. "The Vault, private booth...who knows what he has plans for you."

"I'll be fine," said Gold but he was also worried about what was to come a day from now. "If I'm not back by 3 have someone call Graham."

"That's reassuring," began Emma but she nodded. "You sure? I mean Killian's idea might actually be a good thing."

"But Greene will be unto to us," argued David. "Not a good thing to give him cause to raise suspicion on us."

"David's right," said Gold. "I'll be fine. Greene won't try anything and he knows that the Times knows about the interview so if I disappear, he'll just be the prime suspect."

"And since campaign period has started," began a new voice as Blue entered the office. "He won't risk his chances of losing just to get back at our Adam here."

The three writers and assistant all turned to their boss and reluctantly nodded and left the room. Blue closed the door and sat in front of Gold's desk. "I assume you have a date set already?"

"Lunch, day after," Greene insisted we have it at the Vault and he'll pay," said Gold and Blue didn't react. "What's wrong Rhea?"

"Peter Malcolm also insisted that he provide lunch," explained Blue. "We're doing it at his home."

"I can reassign this to Marco if you prefer," began Gold. "I know you and Malcolm have a history-"

"A history we've both put past us, Adam," cut off Blue. "I'm alright with it. I actually came to ask if you have any guide for me since the piece on him is different than the other candidate profiles we've done."

"Of course," replied Gold as he turned back to his computer but then a thought came to Gold and he sharply looked back at Blue. "Rhea, I know this is none of my business but you may help us crack an angle."

"What is it?" asked Blue, confused but at the same time interested in helping her colleague.

"We believe Greene has something on Malcolm," began Gold as he handed her his phone and Blue replayed the video that Killian had captured days prior. "Do you think it has anything to do with your best friend?"

"Maybe," began Blue as she handed Gold his phone back. "Vivienne and Malcolm were dating back when I was still in the United Kingdom. We were all in secondary school at that time and Malcolm's family were thinking about relocating. Things didn't end well and they parted ways. That was really my only interaction with Malcolm. But as you know, Vivienne died around 6-7 months after Malcolm and his family left to live here."

"I may be jumping to conclusions here," began Gold. "Do you think he had a hand in her death?"

"No," said Blue after thinking about it. "When I say things didn't end well, it's really because of Vivienne's parents, specifically her mother. Her parents weren't the picture of a happy couple if you will. Sure they loved each other but they only did stay married because of Vivienne."

"Are they still alive?" asked Gold.

"Not sure on that part," said Blue, looking a little sad and Gold felt guilty for probing her on the matter. "Her father disappeared when Vivienne died and I never really kept in touch with her mother. Her mother disliked Malcolm and she down right detested me." She turned to Gold with a shrug. "Sorry I wasn't more of a help."

"You have," said Gold, as he leaned back in his chair. "Malcolm's personal life is a mystery. Whatever Greene has on Malcolm has to be big for him to be that paranoid. I don't think it's his past then since I'm pretty sure he's told his husband about his past with Vivienne."

"Yes," began Blue. "With the times I've met Peter and Felix, Felix does know of our mutual friend."

"Do you think he loved her?" Gold found himself asking.

Blue sighed. "In all honesty, yes I think he did. But I guess fate had other plans for the both of them. I'm just sorry I wasn't there when Vivienne needed me the most. She never said she was facing problems with the break-up when we exchanged letters."

"Why did she die?" asked Gold, trying to piece together a part of Malcolm's life in a way that might help them help the Education minister.

"Car accident," said Blue. "I don't really know much of the details except for what her parents told me. Drunk driver struck her and she lost control. Dead on impact."

"I'm sorry," began Gold, leaning forward on his desk to eye Blue.

"It's been 40 years," began Blue. "I've moved on. Sure there's still that regret that maybe I should have stayed with Vivienne during those times but I had to be with my family. I do think about what it would have been like if she were still alive...I think she would have been working for the Times as well. She was really great with words as well." She sighed then turned back to Gold. "I'll try and get a hold of her father. He might have more to share about Malcolm's past."

"Thank you," said Gold as he handed her the printed guide for the interview. "I've sent it to you as well in case you need a digital copy"

"Thanks," said Blue as she rose. "And fair warning, you might need to do a miracle of edits to have my piece. I was never a writer to begin with."

"You'll do fine," said Gold as Blue left the office. "Ashley could you call Killian and David for me."

"What's up boss?" asked the two as they entered the office.

"Blue's given me another angle," began Gold. "Malcolm's ex-girlfriend, Vivienne. You can ask her for more details. She's going to try and track down Vivienne's father. I want a background if we can get anything."

"You think this is what Greene has on Malcolm?" asked David.

"Maybe," began Gold as he stood from his chair. "Or it could be nothing. Either way, I want someone working on Malcolm's angle while the rest focuses on Greene and his ex-wife."

"Deceased ex-wife," said Killian. "Maybe that's the connection."

"I hope not," said Gold as he followed his writer's out his office. "If we want to help Peter Malcolm from Zozo Greene, covering up murder is where I draw the line."


"It's such a pleasure to you have you join us for lunch Rhea," greeted Felix as he led Rhea to the kitchen where they were to dine. "Peter's just fixing himself upstairs. I told him that you already had a picture of him to use but he insisted."

"Yes Jefferson has said that he already organized that with you and Wendy," replied Blue, thinking that she was expected to make a comment. In all honesty, she was sorely tempted to take Adam on his offer of changing her interview subject. But everyone was already good with their tasks and Blue just had to stomach talking to Peter Malcolm for the next hour or so.

"I just want to be presentable Felix," came a voice from the staircase and Peter Malcolm descended to the ground floor in a white polo shirt tucked into his grey slacks and wearing leather loafers. "Nice to see you again, Blue."

She wanted to correct him that only friends and family could call her Blue, but swallowed her pride and took the offered hand. "Peter."

They proceeded with lunch with the occasional casual conversation until Malcolm finally excused the two of them and proceeded to the Education Minister's study to conduct the interview.

To say that there was no love lost between the two of them was an understatement. She had never approved of Malcolm for Vivienne but supported her decision when the two had become a couple only for Malcolm to break her heart which made Rhea want to charge the man even if he did live right across the world.

The interview continued with strictly business, not chatter between the two and was only interrupted when Felix entered and brought them some tea and biscuits. Felix offered her a lovely smile but glared at his husband and promptly left them to finish the interview.

"Well I guess that's that," said Blue as she turned the recorder on her phone off. "Thank you for accepting my interview offer quite promptly. I'll get this to Adam and I'll let you know when the piece will be out."

"Thank you," replied Malcolm. Both made no attempt to get out of their respective chairs and Malcolm sighed. "Rhea, I-"

"There is nothing that you can possibly want to say to me that I would like to hear Mr. Malcolm," cut off Blue as she fixed her things. "I'd best head back."

"i just wanted to apologize-"

"Your apology doesn't undo what you did or bring her back," hissed Blue as she stood. "So don't waste your breathe."

"I'm not responsible for her death," came the angry reply and Malcolm towered over her. "I'm just trying to be a decent human being and comfort a friend."

Blue laughed bitterly. "Friend? You consider me to be your friend? We were never friends, Malcolm. I knew you were going to break her heart. I should have argued more with her to save her from the pain you were going to cause."

"Well by all means say it then," said Malcolm. "Say it, or would you prefer we stand on her grave so you can say to her 'I told you so'."

"How dare you say that," said Blue, one more push and she would slap the man hard across the face. "She was my best friend! I cared for her like a sister and I just wanted what was best for her."

"You don't get to decide who Vivienne has feelings for or not," fired Malcolm. "Despite your dislike for me, Vivienne and I loved each other."

"Oh really," challenged Blue. "Why do I find that hard to believe?" She moved closer to the man and stared him down. "You played with her feelings. You acted like you cared about her when we both know you just wanted someone to call a girlfriend back then. The first chance you got of leaving, you did. You didn't even try to stay behind because you were afraid of commitment." The two glared at each other, both not backing down. "You know what, I'm glad you ran before things became too serious. At least then it was only Vivienne you abandoned and nobody else."

It took all of Malcolm's self-restraint not to sigh in relief. Blue didn't know and if she didn't then Vivienne only told her parents about what had happened. "I didn't kill her, Rhea."

"Yeah well you might as well have been that drunk driver who did," said Blue, turning her back to him and getting her things. "In my book, you're even worse. Don't bother Mr. Malcolm, I'll see myself out."

She didn't dare turn to face him or look him in the eye because one more minute and she would burst into tears. She walked briskly out of the house to the car Leroy had parked in the driveway. The man was kind enough to offer his services for that afternoon.

"Back to the office- hey are you ok?" asked Leroy as she got in. He studied her face which was very very close to breaking down and crying the entire ride. "Blue, what's wrong?"

"Nothing," said Blue, hurriedly buckling her seat belt. "Let's just go, please."

"Wait!" came the call and both Blue and Leroy turned to see Felix rushing to the car. "Rhea, if I may."

Blue sighed and rolled down the window. "Felix you don't have to-"

"I would like to apologize all the same," replied Felix. "He's been acting strangely for the past two weeks now." He sighed and turned his head back to look at the house then back to Blue. "I know you two have a history but he does regret what happened to Vivienne and if he could go back and tell her that himself, he would."

Blue could only nod, already aware that her eyes were starting to water. "I'm sorry and thank you for your hospitality Felix. We'd best get back to our office."

"Of course," said Felix in defeat. "I just...you're his last link to his early life Rhea. I know you were never close friends but I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive him."

Leroy did the smart thing and got them out of the Malcolm residence without another word. He kept looking at her but Blue just sighed and let her tears fell, her hand rubbing her temple in an effort to control herself.

Peter Malcolm was a constant reminder of her failure as a friend and confidant to one of the people very important to her life. She didn't lie when she told Adam that she had put it past her but it still felt like a stab in the chest every time she saw Malcolm, happy and contented with his life. Vivienne should have had the same. Instead, she had died young leaving everyone who knew her with regrets.

She sighed and wiped her face with her handkerchief. "Thank you, Leroy."

"No worries sister," came the gruff reply but the man turned to her. "You sure you want to head back to the office. I could drop you off at your place?"

"I'll be fine," said Blue. "I need to talk to Adam." She noted how Felix had mentioned that Malcolm has been acting strangely for the past two weeks and it fit with the video Adam had showed her the previous day. To add, why with Malcolm apologize for Vivienne now after all the years they have stumbled upon each other in Storybrooke? Adam was right, there was something up with Malcolm and it had something to do with his past, specifically with Vivienne Avalon.


"You sure you're alright?" asked Milah as she offered a Blue a cup of tea. The two women plus Regina and Sidney were all in Adam's office discussing what had transpired.

"Brilliant," replied Blue which earned her a glare from the younger woman. "Sorry, I'm still in that kind of mood." She turned to the owner of the office. "Has David and Killian found anything yet?"

"Not yet," said Gold as he leaned back on his desk, arms on either side as he steadied his posture. "But I'm sure they'll get something."

"I'll try and find her father tomorrow," said Blue as she placed the now empty cup on the coffee table.

"I wonder what it is that has Malcolm all worked up," wondered Sidney out loud. "And from what I gather, his husband doesn't know."

"I draw the line of doing a sympathy piece if it's murder," said Regina as she turned to Gold who rolled his eyes and gave a sarcastic chuckle.

"What do you take me for, Regina?" said Gold, not looking at her. "I'm not that low just to get a story." He turned to Blue and his gaze softened. "I'm sorry I put you through that. I should have assigned it to someone else."

"You offered and I declined, remember," replied Blue. "I thought I could do it...but at least it does confirm our suspicion."

"Not exactly," said Milah. "It doesn't confirm it per se but does point us to a right direction. Whatever Greene has on Malcolm, it may tie up with him nevertheless and we can use it on both men."

"It cannot be tied to Greene altogether though," reasoned Sidney.

"Yeah but he is using it against a current public minister," reasoned Regina. "That's still blackmail."

"I'm more curious on Malcolm in all honesty," began Gold. "If this is about his past with Vivienne Avalon then why did he bury it for the past 4 decades?"

"It's that big," said Regina. "Which is why I am suggesting you bring someone with you tomorrow. We all know how dangerous Greene is. He has something on politicians and we never know what he'll do to a journalist."

"It's a public place though," argued Sidney. "I'm sure Greene won't try anything."

"Not unless Adam here pisses him off," said Milah and she gave her best friend a hard stare. "Please promise us you won't rile up the beast."

"I'll try?" offered Gold and everyone in the room gave him a scathing look. "The man walks with a smug look on his face that just dares everyone to piss him off."

"Adam please," said Regina. "I don't want a repeat of what happened to Dove, especially when it's you."

"I'll be on my best behaviour," said Gold, raising his hands in surrender.

Regina studied him for a moment then turned to Blue. "If he doesn't check in at 3 pm tomorrow, I'm calling Graham."

"I'd tell him now," said Milah. "Just so he's informed and so that he can be on guard in case he sees any of Greene's men carrying a body bag to the docks."

Gold glared at her who only managed to shrug in reply. "Better safe than sorry."

"More like paranoid," mumbled Gold as he rounded his desk and sat down on his chair. "The only thing we can do at this point is look for more facts. The interview tomorrow may or may not help us to finally get Greene but I assure you I will not value a news article over my own life."