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Chapter 9

Day 185 Cont'd

David arrived at the Sheriff's office, sure enough Regina and Graham were at his desk looking at the computer intently.

"Guys I have a lead." David walked over to them.

Regina put her hand up. "I don't want to hear it. We have a lead of our own." She and Graham stood up.

"What kind of lead? I have an eyewitness account."

"Maybe we should hear him out…"

"No Graham. He's more worried about Ms. Blanchard than about Emma. Come on."

Graham shrugged at David then followed Regina out of the station.

David shook his head and sat down at the computer. Normally he wouldn't do that if it wasn't so crucial. He pulled up a software on information about licence plates in Maine. First he typed in MadJeff and there was no match. Then he typed in JeffMad. An address was brought up on the screen for here in Storybrooke. He wrote it down then left the station.

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"How can Emma give you what you want?"

"I've been watching her."

"Why?"

"I was curious the moment the Evil Queen brought her to town."

"The Evil Queen? Have you been talking to August?"

"No." He looked at her like the answer was obvious.

"Just tell me, how can Emma give you what you want?"

"She's the saviour. She can break the curse so I can be with my daughter again. You should know. Being separated from your daughter is the worst curse of all."

Mary Margaret looked at Emma. "How is Emma going to break this curse? All she is worried about right now is eating, sleeping, pooping and most of all feeling loved." She rested her lips on top of Emma's head holding her close.

"I don't know how she's going to break this curse. All I know is you are going to help her do that." He pointed the gun at her.

"How am I supposed to do that when I don't know how? That's a huge responsibility to put on a baby."

"Well you didn't think that when you sent her through that wardrobe."

"Please just let us go. You said you have a daughter. You wouldn't want to see her frightened would you?"

"Of course not."

"Well it kills me to see Emma frightened like this."

"I would do anything for Grace."

"And I would do anything for Emma."

"Then help her break the curse."
"I. Don't. Know. How! Besides how do I know the curse is real?"

"You've lived in this town for some time now. Nothing makes sense right?"

"That doesn't mean it's cursed."

"Tell me something… how long have you lived in this town? How long have you worked at the school?"

"Um…" She thought about it. "As long as I can remember…"

"Okay and how long has Emma lived here?"

"Six months."

"That's your proof right there. Just her being here things are making more sense. You only remember things from when Emma arrived here, everything before your memory is shot."

She stared blankly at him, then looked at Emma. He was right. Emma was the only thing is this town that made sense. Could he and August be right?

"Look this all happened because the queen hated YOU. She wanted to make YOU pay. And that sure is working don't you think? Not only are you cursed but she has taken your daughter and husband away from you and she's keeping them for herself. And in the process of all that everyone else is suffering too. So YOU need to help Emma break this curse."

"So you really think Emma is my baby?"

He rolled his eyes. "Do I need to go through this again? Do you believe or don't you?"

Mary Margaret looked deep into Emma's eyes. They sparkled looking up at Mary Margaret. Her whole world was resting in her arms that very moment. She held her close. "I believe."

David walked in and saw Jefferson still pointing the gun at Mary Margaret and Emma. He saw red and tackled the man. They each struggled for the gun and a shot went off.

"David!"

Emma started screaming.

David stood up and looked down at Jefferson. Blood was gushing from his arm. He rushed over to embrace them. He kissed Emma's head then kissed Mary Margaret.

Mary Margaret smiled in relief then looked over at Jefferson. "We need to get him to a hospital. And we should get Emma checked out just in case."

David nodded pulling his phone out. "You're getting checked out too Mary Margaret."

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Whale looked down Emma's throat. She was sitting on Mary Margaret's lap. "She looks fine. Just shaken up."

David was standing next to them. He put his hand on Mary Margaret's shoulder. "And Mary Margaret?"

"I can check her over too."

"WHERE IS SHE?" They heard Regina's voice yelling at a nurse. "Where is my daughter Emma?"

Mary Margaret held Emma tighter resting her chin on Emma's head and closed her eyes praying that Emma wouldn't be taken from her.

Regina walked in. "Give me my daughter!" She held her arms out.

"No!" Mary Margaret held her.

"Excuse me?" She reached for Emma but Mary Margaret pulled her back.

"She's shaken up and scared. She wants to stay with me." She wiped Emma's runny nose with a Kleenex.

"I will decide who she wants to stay with, I'm her mother."

"I need to check over Mary Margaret." Whale interrupted.

"Come on Emma, come to Mommy." Regina reached for her again.

"No, I don't want to be separated from her again." Mary Margaret kissed her forehead.

"Here…" David spoke in a soothing voice. "Why don't I take her. I promise you, I won't let you be separated from her again."

"David!" Regina snapped at him.

He shot her a glare. Mary Margaret nodded kissing Emma again then handed her to David.

David carried Emma out and Regina followed.

Mary Margaret watched them walk out then looked at Whale who was looking in her ears. "How is Jefferson?"

"He's being prepped for surgery. But it's not in a bad area so he'll probably be fine."

"What is the big deal?" Regina yelled at David. "I get that you have amnesia but you could at least try. I am your wife, she isn't. And she's not getting anywhere near Emma."

"Yes she is. Emma loves her. She needs Mary Margaret."

"Oh are you saying she doesn't need me?"

"I don't know, you seem more concerned about keeping Mary Margaret from Emma than you are about taking care of Emma. Mary Margaret only wants what's best for Emma. I don't see that coming from you."

"We are married and you are seeing this woman behind my back."

"Well what about you? Both you and Sheriff Graham were missing from your offices this morning and walked into Granny's together. I've seen the looks you two give each other, I know there's something going on between you two and I don't even feel a tinge of jealousy!"

"We should get Emma home." She changed the subject which made David roll his eyes. "And I'm sure Ruby wants to get home, she's babysitting August."

"I'm not leaving until I know Mary Margaret is alright."

"Fine, well I'm taking Emma home." She reached for her again but David backed away.

"She'll want to see Mary Margaret again."

Regina threw her hands in the air. "I've had enough! I'll meet you at home." She left.

David turned around and Mary Margaret walked out to them. She looked at David then smiled at Emma reaching her arms out for her. David handed her to Mary Margaret. She kissed her head.

"I've come to a decision."

"With what?"

"I'm going to divorce Regina and get custody of August and Emma."