Chapter 10
Mallory Drake was a very confident woman. She never faltered or fidgeted in anybody else's gaze or scrutiny. She never showed weakness or any sign of discomfort in any situation she has been in.
That was why Harry Donn and Regina Mills couldn't help but snicker as she looked like a very lost puppy in the benefit they were currently attending.
It was usually Adam who attended these sort of things but under strict orders from Victor, the man was currently at home, having a relaxing evening and there was Mal feeling in the second chair for the invite of one Ella De Vil for the benefit for Storybrooke's animal shelter.
"Would you relax?" managed Regina as the three sat in one of the smaller round tables that sat only five people. "You look like you're going to faint at any moment."
"You relax," snapped back Mal as she once again looked at the entire room and settled of course to one very sexy minister who just laughed at something Arthur Camarie had said. Mal's gut dropped a little as Ella De Vil smiled at Camarie and Mal had to clench her fist to stop her from making a beeline to the exit.
"I think someone is a tiny bit jealous," said Harry as Mal turned to see him studying her with a very amused grin. Mal narrowed her eyes at him and then crossed her arms in front of her.
"Look who's talking, he who almost ran over Walter Oz because he showed up with a tall red head on his arm," fired bac Mal and Harry's smile dropped.
"Stop it before you two throw a tantrum," hissed Regina. Being a prominent man in society, Harry of course was invited to the benefit as well and seeing as Zozo Greene was also in attendance, both parties agreed that it was best for everyone if they sat at the same table. They all had one man they wanted to avoid, best avoid him united. "Or before I get the urge to call your respective women so you won't say anything at all."
Regina found herself under two glares and she couldn't help but smile as she took a sip of her drink.
"I see you three haven't killed each other yet," said Dr. Archie Hopper, as he made to sit right next to Regina. "Mind if I join you? I don't particularly wish to sit at the same table with Minister Malcolm and Mr. Greene."
"They're at the same table?" asked Regina, an eyebrow raised. Archie shared the Health and Wellness page with Victor and reported under Mal's section.
"Yes," began Archive as he settled himself. "And by the looks of it, I think this night has the chance of turning very eventful."
"Either Adam or Victor are becoming a bad influence on you, Dr. Hopper," said Mal as she drained her wine glass.
"You can't really blame me with recent events," replied Archie as she looked past Mal and smiled. "I see this night is already starting to become interesting."
Before Mal could even ask him what he was talking about, she heard the chair right beside her being moved. "Is this seat taken darling?"
Mal felt her entire face turn bright red. There was only one person in the entire world who would still use the word 'darling' in any sentence.
"Ummm," began Mal as she slowly turned to address Ella De Vil, who had a very big smile on her face and was holding a full bottle of wine. "Ummmm…"
"It's free, Ella," said Harry. "Please join us."
Regina and Archie had to swallow their own laughter as Ella sat down and placed the bottle of wine on the table.
"Looks like you could use a refill Mallory," said Ella as she filled up her glass. "My staff has informed me that you're the lucky one to interview me for the usual election series that Times has."
"I...ummm," began Mallory and the others stifled their laughter as to not make things worse. Good thing Regina covered for her.
"That's about right, Ella," replied Regina, much to the relief of Mallory. "The Times will pay of course. Just tell Mal when you're free."
"That would mean getting your number," began Ella with a very cunning smile. "You don't know how long I've wanted to get my hands on that bit of information, darling."
Mal could only stare at her as she froze in place. It took about five seconds for her to move, because of Regina elbowing her on the stomach, and handed Ella her calling card.
"Oh come now darling," said Ella, giving it back and handing her a pen as well. "I'd much prefer to have your cell than your office. Seeing as you're going to go down and look into my deep and dark soul for this interview, might as well talk to you personally and not through a secretary." She turned towards the stage and groaned. "I'll be back. Looks like the party is just about to turn dull."
Ella stood and made her way to the stage as the host introduced her for her opening remarks. When she was out of earshot, all other occupants of the table bursted out laughing much to Mal's glare.
"I don't know whose worse," began Regina. "Kilian, Adam or Mal. Honestly, you all look like dumb school kids with a crush."
"Honestly, Mal," began Archie. "There's nothing to be worried about. Especially since the feelings are mutual."
"What?!" whispered Mal as she resisted the urge to turn to towards the stage where the interest of her heart and mind was currently speaking about animal rights.
"It's very obvious from a psychologist's perspective," replied Archie, his attention on the stage in fornt. "She's addressing the entire room but her gaze keeps coming back to our table. She's a little disappointed that you still haven't looked her way. I'm guessing she's thinking that you're still busy writing your phone number on the card."
Mal turned just in time to see Ella De Vil turn to their table and their eyes met. Ella gave a small smile and Mal couldn't help smiling in return.
"Told you," whispered Archie and Regina elbowed him to shut up.
"They're having a moment, Hopper," reprimanded Regina albeit a smile on her face. "Don't ruin what you've just united."
Harry laughed but something caught his eye up front as well. The table reserved for VIPs had two occupants missing. He caught site of the two just as they exited the function room. He immediately turned to Regina.
"This night is moving along," began Harry as he stood discreetly much to the confusion of Regina and Archie. "Greene and Malcolm just stepped out."
"Oh you're not going alone," replied Regina as she motioned with her hand for Mal to remain seated. "You stay put. I don't need another editor of mine to wind up on sick leave."
Harry and Regina quickly left the room, both turning their heads as to where the other two might have gone. Harry turned. The function room was surrounded by a vast garden. They could have gone anywhere to make sure they're conversation would not be heard.
"If you were a villainous snake with a big secret to hide...oh wait you are," began Regina as Harry rolled his eyes at her. "Where would you go?"
"Somewhere no one will know this conversation will be taking place," replied Harry, scanning the ground. There were cameras still even in the gardens but Zozo knew the place and if there was a blind spot, Zozo would be the one to know.
And then Harry detected a certain scent in the air. If there was one thing he knew, it was the smell of something burning. He turned to Regina with a small smile. "When do powerful people talk?" Regina eyed him curiously. "Over a smoke. Follow me."
The benefit's venue was a strict no smoking function room but that didn't mean the entire grounds was off limits, especially given that the minister who orchestrated the benefit was a chain smoker. Ella would have booked a place where she could smoke no matter what.
Harry and Regina quietly made their way to the smoking area and true enough there was Zozo smoking and Malcolm looking very pissed off.
"That is a very grave and serious accusation Minister," began Zozo, clearly amused with the situation. "I, for one, am concerned over what had happened."
"I've already told you I'd be backing you, Greene," replied Malcolm, a certain venom in his voice that neither Harry nor Regina have heard before. "I can easily retract it if something else happens to him."
"I assure you, Minister," began Zozo, pausing to smoke and releasing a breath before turning back to Malcolm. "Your little secret is safe from me as long as you do your part."
"I am doing my part and you're the one going back on our deal," hissed Malcolm.
"I don't break deals, Minister," replied Zozo, his voice dark and threatening as he slowly walked over to Malcolm. "And I don't plan on breaking ours. I assure you, he will be unharmed...as long as you honor what we've talked about."
"I'll honor what we've talked about as long as you stay away from my family Greene," shot back Malcolm. "You're not the only one who has the cards here. I can withdraw my support as soon as I learn you've done something against him."
"And how will you learn that Peter?" asked Zozo with a wicked smile. "Keeping tabs on him are we now? Why didn't you as soon as you learned of his existence?"
Malcolm was silent and he narrowed his eyes much to the amusement of Greene. "Still haven't figured out how I've learned your little secret, haven't you Malcolm?"
Zozo finished his cigarette and threw it across the garden. "Maybe I'll tell you someday...for now don't act so tough."
"One word from me and you'll be finished, Greene," began Malcolm, his eyes ablaze with hatred. "For now, we need each other. Don't cross me."
"I wasn't planning to," replied Greene as he turned and headed back to the benefit, Malcolm's eyes glaring at him until he was out of sight. The minister sighed and was too heading back to the benefit as Regina and Harry turned to each other and straightened up from their little hiding place.
"I'm drawing a conclusion," said Harry. "What do you think?"
Regina thought about it for a few moments before eyeing Harry. "There was one word of confirmation from that. Malcolm said 'family'. But that could mean Felix for all we know."
"Especially since Felix was also admitted to the hospital recently," answered Harry.
"That was for the flu wasn't it?" asked Regina, trying to decipher the facts that they have.
"For all we know that was just a cover up," replied Harry. "Felix could have been poisoned or something and Malcolm saw it."
"Run the facts by me again," began Regina. "You found out that Malcolm had the Darling brothers do a background check on someone, including a DNA test."
"Not just a DNA test, a DNA paternity test to be exact," corrected Harry.
"Which brings us to the conversation David and Killian overheard between the three," continued Regina. "They heard the words, 'He's your -' before being cut off by Malcolm."
"Again that could mean anything though." replied Harry. "The paternity test leads us to a child but we don't know for sure."
"He mentioned family, Harry," countered Regina. She paused. "Greene mentioned being concerned over what had happened. I think the person Malcolm did a background check on was suddenly hurt and Malcolm thinks it's because of Greene."
"Greene showcasing his hand you mean," said Harry, as he ran a tired hand over his face. "Could be. There's someone out there who let's say got into an accident, was hurt but not fatally, and this is Greene's message to Malcolm that I can hurt this person."
"That I can kill this person if you don't do as I say," corrected Regina and snickered. "And Malcolm is retaliating that if Greene does harm this person, he'll withdraw his support."
"The one thing that we can really say is," began Harry. "This is family. Whatever Greene has on Malcolm has something to do with his family." He eyed Regina. "You need to ask Blue. Besides Felix, she's your only other lead."
"This could be after Blue knew him," argued Regina.
"But we still need to dig deeper into the man's past, Regina," countered Harry. "I'm no fan of Greene and I hate to see people who actually do their jobs get caught in his net, the Times most of all." He turned towards the benefit. "Greene has been a thorn for everyone. We can actually stop him from meddling with things, stop his influence once and for all."
"Harry this isn't about revenge," warned Regina.
"I know that," spat Harry. "It's about that man getting what he deserves. He has weaseled himself out of a lot of things, Regina. It's not just all those illegal things he's done but with other deals that he screwed people over." He paused and gathered his thoughts. "I am a businessman, and I may work underground but I know I owe people and what people owe me. Greene doesn't play fair. He never has. He's the coward who takes the easy way out and slithers his way out of situations when he has it coming."
"Ok I get it," began Regina, stopping the man from continuing his rant. "So what do we do?"
"We bring him down," replied Harry without missing a beat. "We bring him down once and for all."
Belle was glad to see Adam feeling better. She wasn't too keen on the dinner they had planned but things turned out better than she could have ever expected.
Given Whale's strict orders that Adam be under house arrest for a week or so, their dinner dates were Gold's house for the time being.
Tonight wasn't an exception. Adam was suppose to attend Ella De Vil's benefit with Regina and Gold had already asked Belle to come with him as his date. But given current doctor's orders, Regina had to take Mal, which the Features editor didn't take lightly...especially given who had had organized the benefit in the first place. With their night suddenly free, Gold had asked Belle to come to his house for dinner.
Given the day, the dinner turned into quote unquote Bae's usual family dinner with his parents and now parents and their respective significant other.
That was how Belle had spent her evening. Listening to Milah and Adam constantly tease each other as Killian complained every 3 minutes or so on what he was forced to be a middle off while Baelfire just quietly chuckled on one side, occasionally meeting her gaze.
Dinner was delicious as always. Even though Whale had ordered him to stay at home, didn't mean Gold couldn't still cook and he was the only one who did know how among all of the adults.
As Adam began clearing up the plates, Milah snatched them from his hand and motioned for the two of them to get to the living room and three of them (her, Kilian and Bae) could handle things.
"But-," began Adam but Belle had taken his arm and all but dragged her to the couch.
"I'm sure they can handle it," said Belle as she all but pushed him down on the couch. "And no you're not being useless in your own. Sometimes, you have to let other people do the work and relax for a bit."
Adam made to retort but he only sighed as Belle cuddled closer to him. "You know me too well, Belle."
Belle smiled as she wrapped her arms around him. "How are you feeling, truly?"
"Honestly," began Gold. "I'm doing fine. The headaches have gone and I'm pretty sure I'm coming down with a case of cabin fever."
"Adam," began Belle as she lifted her head from his chest to meet his eyes. "It's only been what… 4 days?"
"Trust me," said Adam. "You try being cooped up for 4 days without doing anything for all the leads you want to follow up on."
Belle sighed but she suddenly found herself giggling much to the surprise of her boyfriend. "Care to share with the entire class what is so funny sweetheart?"
"You just suddenly remind me of a character I love," began Belle, shifting her arms from around his wait to around his neck and leaning closer so her forehead was leaned on his.
"And who might that be?" asked Adam, a small smile on his face.
"'My mind rebels at stagnation.'" began Belle as she recited from memory and Adam found himself chuckling a little. "'Give me problems, give me work, give me the most abstruse cryptogram, or the most intricate analysis, and I am in my own proper atmosphere.'"
"'But I abhor the dull routine of existence. I crave for mental exaltation.'" finished Adam and he was rewarded with Belle kissing him on the lips.
"Knew you'd also memorize the quote," said Belle as she finally released his lips.
"Really guys," came the voice of Milah as the trio entered the living room all bearing mugs of hot chocolate. "Can't stay off each other for five minutes?"
"Hard since Whale had ordered no strenuous activities," remarked Gold and Milah glared at him.
"May I remind you that you have your son in the other room," said Milah but Bae had a counter to that.
"Like you remembered mom when I was staying at your flat?" came the innocent question and Killian couldn't help but laugh until Milah smacked the back of his head.
"What?" asked Killian, a smile still on his face. "Lad's got great memory."
"Speaking of memory," began Bae as he turned to his father. "Aren't grams, grams and grams suppose to be heading our way soon?"
"Judging by your father's face, I guess he completely forgot." said Milah as Gold's eyes widened in sudden realization. "Where were they last you spoke to them?"
"Asia?" offered Gold much to the glare of his best friend. "What? They never really talk about their trip when they call. It's always about me and-" He immediately stopped and went a slight shade of red as Belle realized his aunts must have been inquiring about her.
"I'd bet that we're just going to get a call one of these days and they'll be asking you to pick them up from the airport," said Bae as he drained his mug. "Wish school would finish up soon." He turned to his father. "You promised me a trip to Scotland and the Glastonbury Festival."
"As long as you keep your grades up, we have a deal," said Adam as he too drank from his steaming mug.
They soon said their good nights, Milah and Killian heading back to their her flat and Bae heading up to his room. Belle and Adam went back to the living room and settled into each other's arms in the couch once again.
"You know that trip to Scotland is open for another passenger," began Adam as he caressed her arms. "If you're open to the idea of course."
Belle chuckled and lifted her head to meet his gaze. "If you're offering, of course I'm open to the idea."
"Yes, I'm offering," replied Adam with a smile. "It'd be nice to show you and Bae the place where I grew up in."
"And meet your aunts," added Belle.
"That'll probably happen sooner than you think," said Adam as Belle's face fell a little. "Though you have nothing to worry about, I'm pretty sure they already love you."
Belle chuckled as she understood his sudden change in tone. "Adam, I'm pretty sure my father also likes you too."
"As much as I would love to meet the parents as this point of our relationship," began Adam. "I'd be more comfortable if my turn isn't in the near future."
"Oh and I'm supposed to be ok with the possibility of meeting your aunts in the near future?" asked Belle, an eyebrow raised.
"I swear they'll love you," said Adam. "You can ask Milah yourself if you don't believe me."
"You know I have a lot of people to impress in dating you," began Belle. "Three aunts, mother of your child and child itself. You on the other hand just have my father."
"And the rest of the Times," added Adam. "Do you know how many 'hurt her and I'll make you pay' talk I received when we started dating?" Belle laughed but she knew that would have been true. Sure Adam was the Associate Editor but the Features Section were very protective. "I was about a hair away from being scared off ."
"Well then," began Belle shifting to sit on his lap and wrapping her arms around his neck once again. "I'd just have to reinforce our relationship's staying power shall I?"
Malcolm couldn't stomach being on the same table as Greene throughout the entire benefit and had excused himself after dinner. He found himself back in the gardens, where his initial talk with Greene had taken place.
The benefit had proven to be uneventful, except for that little chat. Greene acted as though he wasn't worried about Malcolm's threats but Malcolm knew he struck a chord. Greene wasn't an award winning actor and Malcolm could read him quite well. He was cautious. Trying to put up a tough front when one word from Malcolm, Greene knew everything he had worked for will all come tumbling down and he would lose.
Malcolm sighed and debated whether to leave already. Ella De Vil would understand seeing as Felix was still out of commision and was at home. He turned to do just that when a voice floated from behind him.
"My husband informed me that you had talked earlier."
That voice had Malcolm frozen in place. He thought he would never hear those words ever again in his life, especially since the last time he did hear it was in a screaming manner. Screaming that it was Malcolm's fault that her daughter was dead.
Malcolm masked his surprise and slowly turned to face Vivienne's mother. She was slightly older than he remembered, well so was he in a sense. But her face was still gentle and yet her fierce eyes told you that this was not a woman you should mess with.
"I didn't speak nor did I even know that Merlin was here," replied Malcolm, in his most passive voice he could muster at the moment.
"I wasn't talking about my ex-husband, minister," replied Vivienne's mother as she walked closer to him, stopping a few centimeters in front of Malcolm. "I was talking about my current husband."
"I-," began Malcolm but realization crashed down on him like rocks of an avalanche. That was how Zozo Greene knew about his past, knew about everything. She had told him. "Mrs. Greene, we haven't been properly introduced."
"Oh you know me," replied Mrs. Greene with a very smug smile on her face. "I do my best work in the background."
"Or when no one can pin point you in a line-up," finished Malcolm. "How can you get the blame when no one knows you're the mastermind of it all?"
Mrs. Greene opened her mouth in a showcase of being hurt by his words but Malcolm knew she was mocking him. "Is that what you think of me, Peter? And here I thought we got along back then-"
"Back when you suddenly swooped in and abandoned your own grandchild in a market?" hissed Malcolm much to the gaze of Mrs. Greene.
"Swooped in?" raised Mrs. Greene. "Remind me where you were during those times, Peter. Where my daughter was in your priorities? Oh wait, you didn't care because you had already left."
"I loved your daughter," fired back Malcolm. "Didn't you slightly even contemplate that things might be different if you had told me? Vivienne could still be alive and we could actually be a family."
"Vivienne would still be dead had you known," whispered Mrs. Greene.
"You don't know that," fired back Malcolm. "You don't know how things would have turned out. You might actually have gotten along with h-"
"I will never get along with that monster," began Mrs. Greene her tone and demeanor changing completely as she advanced on Malcolm.
Malcolm was confused at the sudden hostility as he took a step back. "That monster killed my daughter."
Malcolm's eyes widened at the piece of information. How on earth? But he was able to answer his own question. "You told me she died in a car crash." His confusion turning into anger. "You lied to me!"
"As far as I am concerned, you and that child are the reason why my daughter is dead," snapped back Mrs. Greene. "And Merlin had the audacity to actually care for the child as though our daughter meant nothing."
"What changed his mind?" asked Malcolm, knowing full well Merlin would have done so because unlike his ex-wife, Merlin did have a kind heart.
"I managed to talk to him," replied Mrs. Greene and Malcolm did not believe a word of that.
"Like you and Merlin had any healthy relationship at all," said Malcolm as he didn't back down. "You had no right in lying to me! You had no right in keeping my son's existence from me."
"I had no right?" asked Mrs. Greene as she laughed at Malcolm's words. "You had no right in courting my daughter! You and that child of yours have no right in having a good life, especially since you robbed my daughter of her own!"
Malcolm fell silent as Mrs. Greene continued to glare at him. "But I guess certain compromises can be made."
Malcolm raised his eyebrows in confusion as Mrs. Greene walked past him. "I am a fair woman and I offer you the same thing I offered Merlin." She paused, letting her words sink in. "You can either spend your remaining existence having that happy life you've always envisioned with Felix while your child..." She turned and faced him. "Loses everything. Or vice versa."
"That wasn't what Greene and I talked about," began Malcolm but Mrs. Greene silenced him when she raised her hand.
"This isn't about you and my husband," she replied. "This is between you and me." She turned and headed back to the benefit. "Only one of you can come out of this unscathed Peter. I'd choose wisely who I would prioritize." She paused. "I'd learn from Merlin's mistake, Peter. Choosing that child is not in your best interest."
It was then that Malcolm realized what he was really in the middle off. Once he had agreed with Greene's deal...there was no hope of things going back to the way there were...no hanging threat that Felix would find out about his past or his own child finding out about his own.
He could beat Zozo yes...but no one could ever beat her. When she put her mind to it, she succeeded and if there was one thing that Peter Malcolm feared….it was Nimue.
