Chapter 4: Pretty Little Liar

"Goodmorning!" Mary greeted Isabella as Emma helped her into the dining room the following morning, "Here, I made you some tea,"

"Thanks," Isabella said, "You shouldn't have—"

"Ah, don't be silly," Mary smiled, "You're living with us now."

Isabella smiled a bit and sat down. They ate and drank for a while and then Emma spoke,

"So, uhm, Ruby was here last night...Do you remember her?"

"Ruby?" Isabella said, "Yes...yes, we were friends. How is she?"

"She's good," Emma said, "She told me about you yesterday...About how she found you in the woods..."

"The woods..." Isabella said, "I...How will I be in the woods?"

"You don't remember?"

"I...I can't...Everything seems hazy..."

"It's okay," Emma said, "You don't have to remember everything right away. But it will help...I mean...so we could figure out what really happened. We have to work stealthily," She went on, "Regina is a powerful woman. If we don't do this right, it'll be big trouble..."

"Thanks," Isabella said, "For doing this. I don't know you but...thank you."

"Don't mention it," Emma smiled.

"So how can I help?" Isabella said, "I don't have a job, I—"

"Don't worry about it," Mary said, "You don't have to do anything, we'll handle it. Just make sure that the mayor doesn't see you, okay?"

"Thanks," Isabella said.

"No worries," Emma said.

xxxx

"Madam Mayor, you look worried," John Gold said as he went inside Regina's office. Regina was pacing back and forth, checking her phone from time to time.

"Mr. Gold," Regina said as she looked at him and took a deep breath, "What a surprise..."

"You do look surprised."

"What do you need?"

"Nothing, just checking how my friend is doing,"

Regina raised an eyebrow.

"So what's going on?" John asked.

"Nothing...just...stuff at the hospital..."

"What happened?"

"I can't tell you."

"Why not? It's my town."

Regina took a deep breath, "It doesn't concern you."

"But it concerns you a lot? You seem distracted."

"Mr. Gold, my business is my business."

"What a nice thing to say to a friend," John said sarcastically.

"Look, whatever it is, it doesn't concern you, so don't worry about it," Regina said, "Now, I should go. I'll see you soon. Just close the door, okay?" And then she left abruptly.

"You are such a liar, Regina," John muttered, "Don't worry, Regina, you'll get a taste of your own medicine." He then picked up his phone and spoke,

"You know what to do."