Yes, Harry Donn is Hades.
Chapter 8
Harry Donn glanced back at his watch.
9:19
That was odd. Adam was never late for any sort of meeting. Usually when one says a time, Adam Rumford Gold would be there half an hour early. If something had come up, Adam was sure to give him a call. He was fairly obvious with the note and Adam for sure knew that it was him that had bumped into the editor back at the Vault earlier that day.
9:20
Harry sighed and ordered another wine. Ten more minutes and Harry was going to call it quits and just barged into the man's office first thing tomorrow morning…
But there was something amiss here and Harry couldn't help but feel a little worried.
Sure, he and Adam had their difference but when things were dire, they also had each other's back. Given the urgency of what he had found, Harry wanted nothing more than to inform his 'sort of' friend.
Harry was about to give up and leave when someone's familiar red hair caught his attention. True enough, there wa Zelena Greene sitting all alone at the bar, nursing a drink and looking...well looking down right miserable.
Harry felt his heart skip a beat. Sure he was older than her by a decade or so but damn the woman certainly could make his heart beat faster...or make it stop with a small smile. Adding the fact that Harry and Zelena's mother had prior business together..something which he is already thinking of ending.
Technically speaking though, Mrs. Greene wasn't biologically Zelena's mother and the older woman never really did adopt Zelena-ahhh! Harry shook his head. What the hell was he thinking? He's basically had this conversation in his head numerous times. No courting Zelena Greene. No getting involved with someone. No falling in love-
Harry swallowed and turned to Zelena who had her back to him. Nope, he was screwed. He had fallen and fallen hard for the red head. Harry was a businessman, ruthless to some, but even knew when he was beat and just go with it.
Deciding that Adam could wait if he did arrive, seeing that the editor made him do so, Harry took his glass and walked over to Zelena.
"Waiting for someone?" asked Harry as he settled his glass on the bar, leaning sideways as Zelena turned to her visitor. "Looks like you could use the company."
Zelena's smile was very bright and Harry found himself copying it. "Actually, I was just...well I just wanted to grab a drink." Zelena replied, her usual confidence wavering a little. "You?"
"Alas I appeared to have been stood up," said Harry in a meager attempt to be hurt. "And here I thought I could get lucky. He was a man afterall."
"Change in types, Mr. Donn?" asked Zelena with a glint in her eye and a mischievous smile.
"Well who says business and pleasure cannot be mixed?" teased Harry. "But sadly no, this was mostly business. Depressing though that even in business meetings, I get stood up."
Zelena laughed as Harry finally sat down beside her, leaning his arms on the bar. "Business meetings at this hour Mr. Donn, and here I thought you were fun and all."
"Oh believe me, Zelena," began Harry, leaning closer to her. "I can be fun if I want to be."
They shared a small smile and was Harry's mind playing tricks on him or was she leaning closer and closer to him...their lips almost close...but that was soon interrupted by Harry's phone going off. Harry mentally cursed it and didn't even bother to look at the caller, wanting nothing but to tell the person on the other end to go bother someone else.
"I'm rather busy at the moment, call back later," hissed Harry and he was about to hang-up when the frantic voice of Milah Spinner stopped him in his tracks.
"Harry, there's been an accident!"
"Damn it!"
David, Emma and Neal turned just in time to see Killian kick the vending machine in the waiting area hard. He leaned on it, head bent down. Emma turned to her co-worker and boyfriend before finally standing and walking over to Killian. She placed a hand on his shoulder reassuringly.
"Adam's tough Killian. He'll be alright." began Emma.
"Yeah and what would have happened to Ashley or Mary Margaret if Adam hadn't gone down to the archives with them?" growled Killian, keeping his head down. "Greene will pay for this."
"Easy Killian," said David from where he and Neal sat. "We don't know if it was really Greene or not."
"Who else could it have been?" demanded Killian looking up and glaring at David. "You're girlfriend-"
"Is fine so can we not argue at the waiting room just to let out some steam because we're all worried," came the strict voice of Mary Margaret as she arrived in the waiting room and David immediately stood and hugged her. "I'm fine, I promise."
"Where's Ashley?" asked Neal.
"Still being looked over," replied MaryMargaret with a smile. "Sean's with her." Emma noticed the bright smile and studied her. "Well she did say I could announce it. Ashley's pregnant!"
The room's atmosphere lightened a little with Mary Margaret's reassurance that everything was fine with Ashley and the baby and that the doctors just wanted to see how the baby was doing given that they had only found out about him or her just now.
"Any word on Adam?" asked Mary Margaret as she sat beside David.
"None yet," replied Neal. "Milah and the other board members are speaking with Graham. Belle and Ethan went to get Bae. Victor hasn't come out to give us an update but I think he's only going to give it to either Milah, Belle or Bae."
"Give Whale a little credit," began Emma, pacing the waiting area. "He knows how we all care about Adam. I'm sure he'll give us an update when he can."
"When he can," voiced out Killian who finally stood and leaned back on the nearby wall, arms crossed in front of him. "Given that we haven't heard a thing just tells me that-"
"Killian stop it, man," began Neal. "It won't do any of us good by thinking like pessimists."
"No I'm being a realist," fired back Killian but at everyone's glare, sighed and let his tough act drop. "I know...I'm just worried."
Silence descended upon them after that. It was truth for everyone of them. All thinking the same thing...was Adam ok?
The doors to the waiting area opened and admitted most of the board and editors of the Times with Graham Hunter, sheriff of Storybrooke with his deputy Eric Docks, the husband of Regina's secretary, Ariel.
"Has Victor dropped by?" asked Milah, her face clearly conveyed the worry she felt. Killian immediately wrapped his arms around her and Milah hid her face in Killian's chest.
"No word," answered David as the board and management sat in the waiting area.
"We'd best head back to the station," said Graham but he turned to Neal and Emma. "Keep me updated."
"Where's Ashley?" asked Eric.
"With Sean," replied Mary Margaret. "I think he dropped everything to come hear. They're back in the ER."
"You can go and see if they need a ride, Eric," said Graham. "I can finish up at the station and have Walter do some final rounds at the Times."
Eric nodded and the left. Graham turned to Regina. "I can assign an officer to stand guard if you want."
Regina turned to her staff but shook her head. "No, I think there won't be a second round to finish the job. Whatever they were planning, it wasn't this."
"Agreed," replied Graham. "I'd best get back to Ruby and tell her what has happened." He left the waiting area just as another man entered the room much to Emma and Killian's glare.
"I assure you I come in peace," said Harry Donn, a little out of breathe as he turned to Milah and Regina. "A word."
Killian made to reply but one look from Milah silenced him. "I called him, Killian. He and Adam were suppose to talk tonight."
"And I got stood up," added Harry. "Although circumstances are of course understandable."
"For all we know, he could have orchestrated this," growled Killian but turning to Milah.
"I'll have you know I consider Adam a friend," hissed Harry as he advanced on Killian but Regina stood between them.
"Enough," warned Regina, her voice making no room for arguments. She turned to Harry. "Hallway, now."
Harry glared at Killian one last time before leaving the waiting area with Milah and Regina. "That boyfriend of yours sure has a temper."
"Like you don't," replied Milah. "You can probably set your hair on fire with your own bloody temper."
"Look," began Regina, taking charge of the conversation before things got out of hand again. "We're all just stressed and worried. What did you manage to find out Harry?"
"Hodor and his men weren't at their usual drinking place," replied Harry. "I've asked my people to search and there's no trace of them. That usually happens when Greene has something planned."
Milah shared a look with Regina. They were all thinking it. Greene had something to do with this. "I was there at the Vault earlier...it looked like everything went alright. Greene was all smiles, not his usual fake ones for the press, when the interview ended."
Milah had called Harry to be her eyes and ears at the Vault while Adam had his interview. Sure Ethan was waiting outside but he had no access to the interview itself. Harry on the other hand could be seen in the Vault without raising suspicion and be able to give Milah a heads up in case things turned south.
"What else did Sheriff Hunter find?" asked Harry as he leaned on the wall where he stood.
"Nothing much," replied Regina. "Except that there were files scattered everywhere. They've collected most of those not properly kept in case they have prints or something but I doubt it. Mary Margaret and Ashley both remembered the men wearing gloves."
"I don't get it," sighed Harry. "This doesn't sound like Greene's MO. He was too happy at the end of the interview and even when I could hear them, Greene was too engrossed with himself. Adam was actually on his best behaviour."
"Then what was this?" asked Milah, on the verge of tears once again. She couldn't even bare to tell her own son what had happened and Belle was good enough to offer to get the boy with Ethan.
"Whatever it is," began Harry, running a hand over his hair. "I don't think it was Greene's intention to get Adam to the hospital."
The trio fell into silence as they waited for any news. Regina then turned to Harry, "Why did you want to meet Adam tonight?"
"He asked me if I had anything on Peter Malcolm a couple of days ago," explained Harry. "I told him I didn't but I could look into it if it had something to do with our mutual enemy."
"Enemy of my enemy is my friend," added Regina. "Found anything."
"Possibly," said Harry, lowering his voice as he turned to see if there was anyone else in the hallway. "Peter Malcolm has buried something for most of his adult life and apparently only found out about it during the last decade or so…"
Adam's head was killing him as he slowly became aware that he couldn't remember what had happened and where the hell he was.
'I think he's waking up," came a female voice from a distance and Adam wanted nothing more than to question the person but all that came out of his mouth was a pained groan.
"Easy Adam," whispered another voice, this time male. "Try opening your eyes."
The request took a little time for Adam's brain to process but slowly he did try to blink his eyes open only to shut them and groan in pain again.
He heard movement and then the man's voice whispered again, "Try now Adam."
Adam hesitated but slowly opened his eyes again. He was relieved to see that the room was dimly lit and he could make out blurry forms of two people in the room, one on each of his side. He let his eyes focus and finally recognize Milah and Victor looking down at him, concern written all over their faces.
"Hey," offered Victor. "You in the room with us."
"Getting there," replied Adam, his voice hoarse and his throat felt like a desert. Milah must have read that on his face as she offered him a glass of water.
"Gently, Adam," said Milah as she helped him slowly take small sips.
Adam drank and felt his throat sang in relief as the cool liquid raced down and eased his throat. "Thank you," he could only whisper. "What happened?"
"Bullet graze to your head and your fall wasn't that gentle either" said Victor in a low voice as not to aggravate him. "You hit your head pretty bad on the wall and on the ground on your way down. Seeing your reaction to light earlier, I'm putting this down as a concussion."
Adam could only stare at him down. How in heaven's name did he get shot at?
Seeing his confused face, Victor asked him, "What's the last thing you remember?"
"I…" began Adam but couldn't bring himself to recall anything much. "I was in my office...I think."
"Concussion alright," repeated Victor. "You were in and out of sciousness when you were brought to my ER. Sometimes responsive, sometimes not."
Adam closed his eyes and tried to recall what had happened. Images blurred and mixed together in rapid successions that his hand was up cradling his head in an instant.
"Ashley, Mary Margaret," he rasped and Milah took the unoccupied hand to anchor him back.
"They're alright," assured Milah. "They're fine. As you are too, just gave us quite the scare."
Adam relaxed a little at Milah's words and slowly sank back down on the bed, eyes blinking open. "How long?"
"It happened around 8 and it's now midnight," replied Milah as Victor took some notes on Adam's chart.
"What I mean," began Adam, turning to Victor. "How long am I here for?"
Milah resisted the urge to giggle as Victor glared at his patient.
"As long as I want, Adam," retorted Victor, closing the editor's chart and giving Adam his most terrifying doctor glare. "I mean it. Sure you're coherent and conscious now but you were in and out of consciousness and I want to make sure there's no additional brain damage to the one you already have. You know the pig-headed stubborn one that you've had since I've known you."
Milah smiled as the two men exchanged glares. "The only reason that I could have been in and out of consciousness is because you drugged me."
"I had to stitch you up, in the head, if I may add," hissed Victor, still not bringing his voice up. "Next time I won't give you a shot then."
"Thank you, Victor," said Milah before Adam could counter. "Could you tell the people in the waiting room that he's awake."
Victor glared one last time at Adam before nodding and heading out. Milah sighed and looked at her best friend, "Adam…"
"I need to get to the bottom of this as soon as I can, Mil," replied Adam, his words were strong but his voice didn't have the same strength.
"Yes, well, let Graham and his men take a crack at it first before diving head first," replied Milah, gently caressing his head. "Harry's here by the way."
Adam groaned, remembering the meeting he was supposed to attend. "I have no energy or willpower to deal with him right now."
"He's been pacing a hole in the floor," replied Milah with a smile as Adam looked at her in surprise. "He has grown protective of you."
"I doubt that."
"Dad!"
Baelfire ran to the room and immediately swallowed his father in a hug. "Don't you ever scare us like that!"
They broke apart and Bae placed his hands on his father's shoulders, reassuring himself that his father was alright.
"Wouldn't dream of it, Bae," replied Adam and his eyes flickered towards the door to see Belle leaning on the frame, a small relieved smile on her face. "Us?"
"Mom, the entire Times, Belle," replied Bae as he sat on his father's bed. "You had us worried."
"So much that Baelfire didn't even eat any dinner yet and it's closing to morning," said Milah. "Why don't we go grab something to eat Bae, I'm starving."
Baelfire turned to his mother then gave his dad a grin before replying, "Sure thing. Make out session is bound to happen."
"Baelfire," hissed Adam as Milah pushed her teenage son out the door, passed a already blushing Belle French. "That boy is going to be the death of me."
"Better him than a bullet," came the reply and Adam's eyes softened as Belle took the space Bae had vacated on his bed. "He wasn't kidding you know. Everyone was on the wits' end at the waiting room."
"They're still here?" asked Adam.
"Yup," replied Belle with a small smile as she gently caressed the arm near her. "But they'll probably be heading home once Milah updates them." She smiled and turned to him. "You never told me about Harry Donn before."
Adam groaned and covered his eyes with his unoccupied hand. "He sure does know a lot about us."
"Yes well it's 'business' apparently to know everything," replied Adam.
Belle laughed, prompting Adam to look at her. "He acts like one of those fans who loves seeing their favorite characters hook up or something."
"If that equates to a big child then yes," replied Adam. "He most certainly is."
The settled into silence, Belle's hand still on his arm. It was more of her reassuring herself that he was alright, he was awake and most importantly he was alive. Adam must have sensed that because she motioned for Belle to lean in closer and she happily obliged as they met halfway, worry and love defining their kiss.
Belle's hands immediately went to his face as Adam buried one hand in her hair. They broke apart, leaning on each other's forehead, breathing each other's air...that was their reassurance that everything was going to be ok...for now.
Victor wasn't in a good mood as he reached the nurse station. His shift was just about to end and of course he just had to have the patient with no concern for his well-being at all.
He hurriedly signed off on the charts he had in frustration, his thoughts going back to the trauma room where he couldn't focus on his job...but focus on the bleeding form of his friend having been shot at.
A soft hand covered his own and he stopped and turned to see his girlfriend standing right next to him.
"I'd say your patient is well on his way to recovery," said Blue as Victor sighed and wrapped his arms around her.
"He won't be if he doesn't take it easy," replied Victor. "Damn man just wants to get back to work as soon as possible."
"He wants to get to the bottom of this," corrected Blue. "And he's not the only one. People's lives got put into danger and he won't rest until that danger is dealt with. You know Adam, Victor. He'll willingly risk his own life to protect the people he cares about."
"I know…" drifted Victor as he hugged Blue tighter. "I just...I hate seeing my own friends being brought here...hell, seeing his head injured like that...I had to calm myself down just to do my damn job."
"Hey," assured Blue, placing her hands on his shoulder. "You did do your job. He's fine. He's his usual stubborn, jerk of Adam Rumford Gold." Victor's face did not lighten up and Blue pushed on. "He's alright, Victor. You did great."
Victor finally sighed and nodded, giving her a small smile. He leaned forward and was just about to-
"I'm sorry but can we-oh I didn't mean to intrude."
Victor groaned and released his hold on Blue just as Peter Malcolm turned his back to them.
"No worries, minister," said Victor clearing his throat and giving Blue an apologetic look. "I'll just get Felix's discharge papers ready and you can leave." He gave Blue one last smile before darting away towards another office, leaving Blue and Malcolm alone.
Malcolm was too engrossed with the floor but he could see the piercing glare that Blue was aiming at him. But she eventually sighed, "Is Felix alright?"
"Just a bad case of the flu," replied Malcolm, still not meeting her gaze. "Dr. Whale has agreed that he doesn't need to be admitted."
"Well that's good to hear," replied Blue, softly, also avoiding his gaze.
"So...what brings you here, Rhea?"asked Malcolm hesitantly. Felix wanted him to fix things between the two of them, seeing as they were friends once upon a time. Malcolm would have just buried it but Felix insisted and well when Felix said it, Malcolm was pretty much screwed. "I think I saw a lot of people from the Times in the waiting area as well."
She didn't know why but something inside Blue told her that she should tell Malcolm the entire thing. It wasn't like this was going to be in the news or anything. They would probably write an article about it but not as a headline.
"Some people broke into the Times' archive and in their escape managed to shoot at Adam," explained Blue. "He's alright. The bullet just grazed his temple." She immediately added as Malcolm's eyes widened with her news. He immediately sighed in relief with the added information.
"That's good to hear," replied Malcolm, his voice calm but Blue noted something different in his tone. "He's awake then.'
"Just about," replied Blue, watching the man closely. "Wanting to get back to work from what Victor tells me."
"Yes well some men just won't take thing laying down," replied Malcolm. "I can tell Mr. Gold is a fighter. No matter what, he will push through."
"Yes well that's Adam for you," replied Blue, she eyed Malcolm and sighed. "Sort of reminds me of you...after the whole-" She swallowed and turned to leave. She couldn't bring herself to say her name. "I'm glad Felix is alright. Good night Mr. Malcolm."
Malcolm watched her go and turned to the hall where felix was waiting. He was worried of course. He wouldn't be able to push it at the back of his head. He needed his own reassurance that he was ok.
Mind made up, he turned to the nearest nurse and asked, "Do you know where I can find the room of Mr. Adam Gold?"
