I am a despicable human being! Just joking, but seriously, sorry for taking so long between updates. I think I've gotten into the lazy summer syndrome.
Thank you CharlotteAshmore for beta-ing my chapter. She is a life saver.
I, of course, do not own any of the characters, but I love making them writhe in fear and panic while trying to catch a rat. Now onto malicious mobsters and daring detectives...
Belle was standing outside Gold Enterprises, taking deep breaths. It was the following Monday after their date, and they hadn't spoken since the awkward encounter with Ruby. She wanted to see Mason and reassure they were on good standing.
She also had a plan, after receiving Captain Mills' permission. Mostly, she had a plan to snoop around his office. She didn't know how she was going to achieve this, but she hoped an idea would come to her sooner or later.
She finally entered the building, holding her breath as she went up the elevator, and walked into Gold's lobby.
A woman was sitting behind a huge front desk, black hair falling over her eyes. Belle walked up, laying her hands on the marble desk.
"Can I help you?" the woman asked, brushing a wayward piece of hair out of her face.
Belle smiled, trying to stay calm. "Yes. I was wondering if Mr. Gold was available?"
"Ok. Do you have an appointment?"
Belle paused. She hadn't thought that through. She had been trying to act spontaneous. In her naive mind, it hadn't occurred to her that Mason might be busy. "No," she said, hesitantly. "Is he here now?"
She nodded. "He's not in a meeting, but he usually likes things to be orderly. I can schedule an appointment for you."
Belle was grasping at straws. Why hadn't she just called him? She was making things way too difficult for herself. Belle nodded at the phone on the desk. "Can you call him? Tell him that Belle French is here to see him."
The woman nodded, though she figured Mr. Gold wouldn't want to be bothered. She picked up the phone, pushing a number. "Mr. Gold? Yes. Belle French is here. She doesn't have an appointment, Sir." The woman nodded, finally setting the phone down. She looked surprised. "You can go in."
Belle nodded her thanks, walking towards Gold's door. He opened once she knocked, smiling at the sight of her.
"Belle," he leaned down to kiss her cheek.
She blushed, not expecting him to be forward. "Mason. Sorry I didn't call first, it was a spur of the moment thing," she said, stepping inside the office and taking a seat.
He waved her concerns away. "You're always welcome. You don't need an appointment."
"Well, that's good."
He chuckled. "It's good to see you. Sorry I didn't call. I really was busy with work this weekend."
Belle shrugged. "That's all right. I was busy helping my papa at the flower shop anyway." That wasn't quite a lie. She had been working there over the weekend to keep up appearances. She tried not to lie to Mason too much. It still made her feel irrationally guilty.
"Is there something you needed?" Gold asked, settling in his seat.
Belle shook her head. "I just wanted to see you," she said bravely.
He smiled, looking pleased. "Good." He leaned forward. "At least you're not using me," he winked.
Belle tried not to grimace.
"Do you want anything to drink? Water, tea?"
"Tea is fine," Belle responded, subtly looking around at his office. She was hoping he'd get up to get the drinks so he'd have to leave the room, but luck wasn't on her side.
Gold nodded, ringing his secretary up. "Miss Blanchard, please bring in two cups of tea."
Belle tried to smile, feeling her anxiety rise. She didn't know how to get him to leave his office.
"How are you today, Belle?" Gold asked, looking like the picture of calmness.
"Better now that I'm here with you," she flirted. She could tell he enjoyed it.
"No need for flattery, Belle."
She leaned forward. "Why? I already have you wrapped around my finger? Is that it?" she teased.
Gold smiled, indulgently. "Something like that," he murmured.
At that time, Miss Blanchard came into the room, carrying a tray with two cups of tea on it. "Is this all you need?"
Gold waved a hand. "That will be all, Miss Blanchard."
The secretary nodded, leaving the room.
Belle grabbed a cup, an idea forming in her mind. As she took a sip, trying not to grimace at the idea of ruining a perfectly good skirt, she subtly tipped the cup too far back. Hot tea splashed on her skirt. She gasped. "Oh, no. Not my skirt. I'm sorry." She nodded at where some of the tea landed on the chair.
Gold started to rise from his seat. "It's all right, Belle. We're all clumsy at some point. I'll get you a towel."
Belle nodded her thanks, breathing a sigh of relief when he left the room. She quickly stood up, knowing she probably only had a minute. She sprinted behind his desk, opening draws. She mostly saw paper upon paper of legal documents. Nothing she needed. She knelt down to the bottom draw, feeling her heart pound out of her chest. She went to pull the draw open, and stopped. It was locked.
Why would it be locked? She thought to herself. Knowing her minute was almost up, she reached for a handy booby-pin she kept in her hair and tried unlocking the drawer. She had never needed to unlock anything with a bobby-pin before, but Ruby prompted her to learn, stating that you never knew when it could come in handy.
Her heart was continuing to pound, sweat beading on the back of her neck, when she finally heard the click of the lock giving away. She hesitantly opened the drawer, instantly seeing a black book, very thin, more like a ledger. It was the only thing in the drawer.
Just as she reached for it, she heard Gold's cane tapping away at the marble floors. He was coming back. She regretfully knew she wouldn't have time to look and see what was inside. She shut the drawer, but didn't have time to lock it back up. She hoped and prayed that it instantly locked on its own.
Gold finally entered his office, carrying one damp and one dry hand towel.
He frowned when he didn't see Belle sitting in her chair. He moved his gaze and found her standing and staring intently at his book collection.
She turned around, smiling when she saw the towels. "Thank you," she said, gratefully, grabbing the damp towel and dabbing at her skirt. "This is one of my favorite skirts."
Gold smiled. "Well, we wouldn't want it to be ruined."
"No, it will be fine. Tea doesn't stain like coffee does, thankfully." She dabbed her skirt with the dry towel next.
When Gold didn't say anything, Belle glanced up curiously.
She noticed him subtly trying not to glance at her skirt.
It was at this time, it finally dawned on Belle that her skirt was white and damp, and covered in tea. And her pink set of panties could be seen through said damp white skirt. She bit her lip, trying not to blush. This was what happened when she tried to think on the spot: her underwear got revealed in a very awkward situation.
"Um," she continued biting her lip, not knowing what to say. She covered herself with the dry towel.
"I apologize, Belle," Gold said, glancing away. He tried to subtly move towards his desk, so she wouldn't see the affliction he was dealing with at the sight of her.
"It's all right. These things happen," she tried to laugh.
He raised an eyebrow. "Often?" he smirked.
Belle blushed, realizing what she had said. "Well... not often. More like never, but... I don't know what to say."
He chuckled, still keeping his eyes focused on her face. He was trying to be a gentleman. It was difficult. "So, are you staying for long?"
Belle glanced down at her skirt again. "I...should probably head back home and change."
"Probably a good idea," Gold said, clearing his throat.
Belle laughed, lightly. "Well, this is extremely awkward." She pointed a finger towards the door. "It was nice to see you again." She started backing up.
"You too, Belle." Gold tried to keep from laughing at the embarrassment on Belle's face. She was too sweet for her own good. He also tried to keep from staring at her legs, and what was right above them.
"Have a nice day, Mason." Belle quickly walked out the door, shutting it behind her. She leaned against it for a moment, breathing a sigh of relief.
Miss Blanchard glanced up from her desk. "Are you all right?"
Belle blushed when she realized the woman could probably see her underwear as well. She really would have to go home and change. No way could she go back to the precinct.
She thought of the thin black book she had found locked away in Gold's desk drawer. She needed to know what was in it. It had to be important for him to keep it locked up.
Belle nodded her head resolutely. She felt like she was onto something.
Finally, she thought, I'm being a detective.
"We have a lead in the Hook case," Captain Mills said, standing behind her desk like usual.
Emma, Ruby, and Belle were all stationed inside her office. The only one not there was David. His lack of presence left a weight in the room.
"What is it?" Ruby asked, pulling out a sheet of paper to take notes.
"We were able to track Jefferson down. Despite David's...unexpected breach in procedure, he was able to produce a hidden mic in the bar were Jefferson frequented, before he was taken off the case. It seems that Jefferson will be meeting some new recruits at a little movie theater downtown. Lieutenant, head there tonight, and don't make yourself seen."
Emma nodded, not questioning the Captain. Ruby wasn't quite the same. "Captain, why should Emma stay out of sight? David didn't."
Regina looked at the girl pointedly. "Exactly, and look what happened." She rubbed a hand over her hair, tired. "It will be better if Swan follows Jefferson and tries to get some information into what those men are planning on doing. She'll stay low, and not get caught."
"Of course I won't," replied Emma. "I'll make you proud, Captain."
Regina nodded. "I know you will." She looked at Belle. "Any news on the Gold front?"
Belle began to nod, slowly. "There might be. I was able to get into his office, and look through his desk."
Regina looked impressed. "How did you manage that?"
Belle tried not to blush. "I spilled tea on myself and he left to get me a towel."
Regina raised her eyebrows. "I guess it does pay to have you pretending to date Gold. He's letting his guard down around you. All right, did you find anything?"
"Possibly. I found a black book he keeps locked in one of his drawers, but I wasn't able to look at it before he came back."
"Was there anything written on it?" Emma asked.
Belle shook her head. "No. It was just black."
Regina pointed a finger at her. "Get back in there. I trust your gut, French. If it's important, we'll find out. Figure out what's in that book."
"I will," Belle promised, despite feeling guilty and proud at the same time. She would find out what was inside that book. She just didn't want to think of Mason's face if he ever found out she betrayed him.
Ruby was sitting at her desk, looking at the case file for Mason Gold. She was staring at the picture the police had on him. It was a picture of him at the opening of his company, standing before the building, large letters reading 'Gold Enterprises.' He didn't look so criminal-y in the photo, thought Ruby. He just looked like a proud, confident man.
Ruby glanced up from the photo, when she felt a presence by her desk. Belle had gone to a café next door to get coffee, so Ruby wasn't expecting her. She especially wasn't expecting David.
He approached her desk, rubbing his hands together in nervous energy.
"Hey, David. What are you doing here?" She placed the case file down.
David smiled a little. "I still work here, Ruby. It wasn't like I was fired. Just taken off the case."
Ruby lightly tapped her head. "Right. Stupid of me." When David continued standing there, not saying anything, Ruby spoke. "What's up?"
David rubbed the back of his neck. "I feel so embarrassed by what happened."
Ruby flicked her head. "Don't be. We've all made mistakes."
David nodding, not really listening. "So, is there anything new with the Gold and Hook case?"
Ruby paused. "I'm not sure if I'm allowed to tell you."
David shrugged. "I'm sure it's fine. Just because I'm not allowed to take part in the investigation, doesn't mean you can't tell me what's going on."
Ruby still hesitated. She figured she probably shouldn't mention anything, but she couldn't stand seeing David stand before her looking like a kicked puppy. She sighed, taking pity on him. "Jefferson might be meeting some people downtown at a movie theater tonight. Emma is going to see if she can find any piece of information on what might be happening."
David nodded, taking it in. "All right. I'm sure she'll do a good job, then."
Ruby smiled. "Yeah, you know she will."
"Thanks, Ruby." He rapped his knuckles on her desk, and walked away.
"You're welcome," she murmured. After she had time to think, her smile began to dim. She started to wonder if telling David was a good idea or not.
David was sitting in his tiny bed, inside his ramshackle apartment, muttering to himself. He hated being taken off the case. He needed to find a way to get back on it. If only he was able to bring back serious information that could help.
He brightened at the idea that formed inside his mind. He quickly grabbed his cell phone and called a number he didn't think he would ever be able to call again. He hit the call button, hearing the phone ring.
Finally someone picked up. "Hello?"
David brightened. "Jefferson? It's James."
"It's been a while, James," Jefferson said, opening the door to a backroom of the bar he was inhabiting. The room was messy, beer bottles and papers strewn over a couch against the far wall.
David shrugged, entering. "I've been busy."
Jefferson smirked. "Selling computers, no doubt." He snapped his fingers. "Oh, right. You're done with that ever since you came crawling to me, asking to be let into Hook's organization."
David hesitantly sat down on the couch, brushing a beer bottle and a slimy, old piece of pizza out of the way. He was hoping, by coming to see Jefferson that the Mad Hatter would reveal something about the organization he could take back to Captain Mills. David just hoped that the Captain wouldn't be too angry with him for going behind her back.
"Are there any plans I should know about?" David asked, trying not to squirm on the couch.
Jefferson frowned. "Why would I tell you anything? You still might be a cop, remember?"
"And you still haven't found any truth to that statement," David replied.
Jefferson chuckled, taking a seat in a moldy chair across from David. "That is true. So what are you doing here anyway, James?"
"I want to meet Hook," David said suddenly. "I need to meet him."
Jefferson shook his head, smoothing a hand over his waistcoat. "You're not ready to meet him yet." He looked up at David, his eyes shining. "But if you can provide any info on your cop friends, then I would maybe reconsider."
David didn't give into the prompt. "So you're going to a movie theater tonight?" he changed the subject. "To do what, sell drugs?"
Jefferson shrugged. "Maybe. I can't say." His eyes narrowed. "As to how you know about that though, makes me very curious."
David paused, thinking. "I have my sources."
Jefferson snorted. "Sure you do. They couldn't possibly be police officers by any chance?"
David still didn't give into the bait. He knew he was playing a dangerous game.
Jefferson continued speaking. "We're actually going to catch a rat."
David frowned, not understanding. The other man elaborated.
"There may be some detectives onto us, so we're sending one of our men to scout it out. See if any little officers show up."
"Why do you think that?" David's brow furrowed in confusion.
"Because I found this." He reached into his back pocket, producing a little microphone. "I happened to find it when I was spring cleaning."
David glanced around at the messy room. He wasn't sure if Jefferson's and his idea of 'spring cleaning' were the same.
"What are you going to do?" David felt his worry spike. He didn't want any of his co-workers getting hurt.
"Hook is finally going to play," Jefferson said, ominously, placing the mic back in his pocket.
David gulped, knowing that those words couldn't be good.
Emma pulled the baseball cap down even lower on her face. She was sitting within the movie theater, tacky red chairs lining the building. She glanced over her shoulder at the man who'd just walked in and took a seat towards the front. The theater was practically empty, except for herself, an older, overweight man, and the newcomer.
She figured the older man wasn't working for Hook or Gold. He seemed too intent on the movie, which was something about a dog trying to find its way back home. Personally, Emma found it a little contrived.
Emma squinted at the man in front of her, trying to make out any noticeable appearances, but he was also wearing a baseball cap like her. She rolled her eyes at the inconvenience, but then quickly looked towards the film playing when the man turned around and looked in her direction. She knew it was dark enough in the theater that he wouldn't be able to make out her appearance either.
He turned back around, then took out his phone, calling someone. She was too far away to hear his conversation, but his actions were definitely suspicious. She figured if he was smart, he'd be suspicious of her as well.
The man stood up and left the theater. Emma frowned, and stood up herself to follow the man, confused. Where were all the other men that Jefferson reported were coming to meet him? She couldn't help the pit in her stomach that something wasn't right.
She stayed back a ways from the man, until she left the theater completely. Once she was outside, shutting the door to the lobby behind her, she glanced around. No one around. The theater was built before a concrete wall. It was a pretty shady part of town, with the empty street looking menacing.
She began to walk down the sidewalk, slowly, trying to look casual. She kept her head down, but her eyes peeled up.
She passed an alleyway, subtly looking down it. It was too dark outside for her to see much. She continued walking, when she felt a blow to her head, a sharp pain blinding her.
She gasped and stumbled towards the ground. She righted herself and turned around to see a man tearing off down the street. Emma pulled out her gun, and ran after him.
She turned around a corner and saw the man at the end of a street, the sidewalks mercifully devoid of people. He glanced behind himself to see her running after him. Instead of turning the corner, he faced Emma head on, pulling out a gun himself.
"Put the gun down," Emma commanded. She still couldn't make out the man's face. His cap hid his features in darkness.
"Sweetheart, I have a gun on you as well," he responded.
Emma paused for a moment, thinking his voice sounded familiar, she just didn't know from where. "Put your gun down, or I'll shoot," Emma warned.
"Oh? You'll shoot?" The man mocked her. He cocked the barrel of his gun, prompting Emma to do the same. "You won't shoot me."
Emma raised an eyebrow. "Oh, won't I?"
The man shrugged. "Well, not before I shoot you."
Emma frowned, taken aback for a moment. There was something about this man that shook her to her core, making her fumble. Before she could pull her trigger, she heard a loud bang, and felt a searing pain enter her shin. She fell to the hard cement ground, groaning at the pain and for the fact that her fall gave the man the chance to run away.
She tried standing, but almost fell back down from the pain. She limped a little ways down the sidewalk, knowing that she wouldn't be able to run after the man. She sighed in pain and annoyance.
She grabbed her cell phone, and called for help.
One thing, though, had her in confusion. Why hadn't the man shot her in a more vulnerable area? A space on her body that, if shot, could have killed her? Why shoot her in the shin?
And why did he sound so damn familiar?
The following day, Belle gave Mason a call, asking if she could meet up at his office again. He happily complied.
Belle slowly entered his office, hearing Mason close the door behind her.
"Belle, what another lovely surprise." He leaned down and kissed her cheek again.
She raised an eyebrow. "Has your day been full of surprises?" she asked, as she sat down.
"My life is always full of surprises," he responded, mysteriously. He pointed at her dress. "Hopefully we won't have a mess on our hands like yesterday."
Belle blushed, and cleared her throat. "I hope not. Just keep me away from tea and I should be fine."
Gold chuckled, his eyes alight. He seemed to relax in his office. So at ease, Belle thought. Or maybe he was just at ease around her. The thought made her happier than it should.
Belle knew she had to come up with a way to get Mason out of his office again without being suspicious of her. Thankfully, Belle had a plan this time.
Gold leaned back in his chair, studying her. He couldn't help but admire her beauty today. The sun was shining through his office windows, hitting her face and body just right. It made her look more like an angel. Though, the thought of Belle being an angel made him feel guilty. He was most assuredly not an angel. More like a demon.
He shook his head to remove his self-loathing thoughts, and spoke. "I was upset that you had to leave so soon yesterday. I know why you did, but I was disappointed nonetheless."
Belle smiled, ducking her head. She had to stall for time until her plan could be brought into action. She glanced back up, leaning forward. "Mason, I was wondering..." she trailed off.
"Yes?"
Belle took in a deep breath and stood up. She walked around to the other side of his desk, Gold raising an eyebrow questioningly. She put her hands on his shoulders.
"Belle, what are you doing?" He didn't sound displeased, just confused. He still wasn't used to Belle being so forward.
"I'm taking charge," she said, steadily. She leaned down and brushed her lips against his. Mason didn't hesitate to respond.
He kissed her back, standing up to angle his lips against her own in an easier way. He pushed her body back against his desk, Belle letting out a gasp at the contact of her skin against the wood.
Belle hadn't intended on kissing him, but she needed a way to distract him. A way that let down his guard. She also just wanted to kiss him again. The first time they had kissed at her apartment had been wonderful, and this second time did not disappoint.
She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him tighter against her. He lowered his hands to encircle her waist, his left hand moving against her back.
"Belle, sweetheart," he murmured against her lips as he moved his own to touch her neck. She gasped at the overly sensitive feeling, and tilted her head back to give him more access. He lightly kissed her neck as she wrapped her arms around him even tighter.
Belle wouldn't normally be making out with a man while he was at work in the middle of the day, but drastic times called for drastic measures. She moved her left hand down his chest, brushing the buttons on his waistcoat.
Mason kissed his way to the sensitive area behind her ear, prompting her to let out a breathy gasp again. She couldn't seem to stop gasping. She tried not to be embarrassed for herself, and thankfully Mason didn't seem to have a problem with the noises she was making.
Belle put her fingers under his chin, lifting his lips back to hers. They began to kiss deeper and faster.
Gold was just about to lift her onto his desk, his hands traveling towards her waist, when he heard a commotion outside. It sounded like someone yelling.
They pulled apart, both breathing heavily. Gold frowned, listening. It was definitely someone yelling, a woman it seemed.
"Do you need to go check that out?" Belle asked, quietly.
Gold sighed, pulling away from her, despite frowning in displeasure. "I should. Something serious might be going on."
Belle nodded. "All right. I understand."
He looked longingly back at her, before gabbing his cane and walking out the door.
Once Gold entered the lobby, he saw a young woman with long brown hair who looked familiar. She was yelling at Miss Blanchard. The poor secretary looked about ready to cry.
"What do you mean, I don't have an appointment?" the brunette about screamed. "Don't you know who I am?"
Miss Blanchard shrugged, looking uneasy. "I'm not sure, miss. If you just tell me your name-"
"I shouldn't have to tell you my name," the woman cut her off. "You should just know it!"
Gold cleared his throat, stepping up to the woman. Once he got a better look, he recognized her from Belle's apartment the other night.
"What is going on here?"
The woman, Ruby, if he remembered her name correctly, turned around guiltily. "This woman doesn't know who I am!"
Gold raised an eyebrow. "Is she supposed to?"
Ruby paused. "Yes," she finally said. "She should. You know me Mr. Gold. I didn't think I'd need an appointment."
"You're a friend of Belle's, are you not?"
Ruby nodded proudly. "I sure am. I figured with you too dating and all, that I could come see you for free." She leaned closer to him, cupping a hand around her mouth. "You see, I'm in a little legal bind and I need a lawyer."
Gold just stared at her, trying not to laugh. Belle definitely kept some interesting friends. "Well, you'll have to make an appointment, and stop bothering my staff."
He began to walk back towards his office, Ruby praying that Belle had the time she needed.
It just so happened she did.
The minute Gold left his office, thankfully shutting his door, Belle scrambled to kneel behind his desk. She grabbed a pair of cotton gloves from her purse, just to prevent any of her fingertips from showing up on the wood. She slipped them on and tried opening the bottom drawer, only to find it locked again. She assumed that it did have an automatic lock, otherwise she hoped that Mason hadn't discover that someone broke into his desk. Someone like her.
Belle gabbed one of her bobby pins again and unlocked the drawer. She breathed a sigh of relief when she saw the black book still inside. She gently picked it up, opening it.
She held her breath from what she saw. It was a list of names, exactly like a ledger, with phone numbers and address information. She scanned the names, not recognizing any. She grabbed her phone anyway, and began to take picture after picture. Maybe the names would be of importance to the Captain.
All the pages were typed and placed neatly inside the ledger. It was more practical, Belle figured. Gold wouldn't just keep a list of precious information for anyone to find. By typing, he could easily change the information. The contacts might be outdated she reminded herself, as she assumed he changed his contacts phone numbers and addresses often so they weren't easy to find.
However, if anyone was going to know the updated version, it would be Mason Gold.
Belle was thanking her lucky stars that the ledger was only a few pages in length. Less names to go through. She finally made it to the last page, sweat on the back of her neck, when she heard Ruby stop yelling. Belle hoped Mason wasn't almost back yet.
She grabbed her phone to snap a picture, when she paused, seeing a name.
Kieran Hook.
Belle's hand wavered over the page, seeing the real proof that Mason knew Hook. She wasn't completely surprised, just disappointed.
She heard Gold's cane tapping on the floor, knowing that he was almost back to his office. Belle quickly snapped a photo of the page, put the book back, and shut the drawer.
She threw her gloves and phone back in her purse, and sat down right as Gold entered his office. She rubbed the sweat off the back of her neck, pretending to itch.
"Sorry, about that," Gold murmured. "It seems your friend Ruby stopped by, thinking she could use our relationship to her advantage."
Belle tilted her head in pretend confusion. "Ruby? Well, that's her I guess. I had no idea she was coming."
Gold sat down in his chair, looking at her steadily. "I figured. She seems like the type to do things in an extravagant manner."
Belle laughed. "You could say that again. Ruby is always over dramatic." She tried to calm her racing heart. She hoped Mason wouldn't notice the light sheen of sweat all over her face.
"How did two polar opposites, like you and Ruby, become friends anyway?"
"In high school. I was the quiet bookworm who ate lunch by myself, until Ruby and I met in a shared history class our freshman year." Belle smiled, shaking her head at the memory. "We were working on a project, a poster, when I drew this incorrect letter on the page, and for some reason, she just laughed and laughed over my terrible drawing skills. We became best friends after that. The shy bookworm and the outgoing serial dater. Ruby was constantly dating. I wasn't." Belle frowned. "We grew apart over the years, when I finished high school before she did. We rekindled our friendship a year ago when we both started working at the-," she drew herself up short. She had been about to say the police station.
Gold raised an eyebrow. "Both started working at...?"
"Oh, the flower shop," Belle said haltingly. "She needed a place to work and I have a dad that could use all the help he can get."
Gold chuckled. "Indeed. Well, I'm glad you have your best friend back in your life, no matter how...extreme she seems to be."
Belle laughed. "Ruby is quite a character." She paused. "Sorry about being...interrupted earlier," she said, awkwardly.
Gold frowned. "It wasn't your fault."
Belle tried not to flinch at how wrong he was. "I know," she lied. "I don't know what came over me to kiss you like that."
Gold smirked. "Well, it wasn't just you doing all the work, Miss French. I wasn't exactly complaining."
"True," she said, trying not to blush. They stared at each other for a moment, both wanting to speak, but neither knowing what to say.
Gold didn't understand why he clammed up like an inexperienced little school boy around Belle. Sometimes he just didn't know how to speak to her, while other times, speaking to Belle was the easiest thing to do on this planet.
Finally he cleared his throat, reducing the tension between them. "How is your father?" he asked, trying to change the subject.
Belle shrugged. "Good. Just working at the shop, like usual."
Gold nodded, slowly. "He seems like a good man, the one time I met him."
"You were terrible, you know. Coming into the shop like you did. My papa doesn't know that I'm dating you."
"You're a grown woman, Belle. I didn't think you'd need your father's permission." Though Gold didn't need Moe knowing that he was dating his daughter, as well. Somehow, Gold figured his exchange with Moe wouldn't go over well with Belle.
Belle flushed. "I don't. He's just not used to me dating, and you are..." she trailed off.
He raised an eyebrow. "I'm what?"
"Somewhat intimidating," she admitted. "I don't know if he'd approve."
Oh, he would definitely not approve, mused Gold, but he wasn't scared of Belle's father. Really, it was the other way around. Gold took some amusement at the memory of Moe about ready to shit himself when he walked through the flower shop doors. He cleared his throat again to disguise the chuckle that came out of him at the memory.
"What do you mean he's not used to you dating?" asked Gold, tilting his head. "He's never met any of your past relationships before?"
What relationships? Belle thought. She didn't really want to admit to her inexperience, not knowing how Mason would take to the fact that she literally had never dated before. She already felt like a colossal nerd when she blushed around him, she didn't need to add fuel to the fire.
Belle laughed, shakily, brushing a piece of hair back from her face. "Not really. I've kept that part of my life from him." She didn't like lying to him about this part of her life. A part of herself that could be honest. She already lied to him enough, but she just felt too embarrassed.
"Why, if I might ask?"
Why are you asking? she thought. Please stop asking.
"Um...," Belle shrugged, hating being put on the spot. Maybe it would just be easier if she admitted to the truth. It would definitely help her sweat glands, that was for sure. "Because he's always been uncomfortable with me dating, over protective dad and all. So I just never bothered including him into that aspect of my life." Nope, she couldn't admit to the truth.
"Fair enough."
"What about you? Any past relationship business you want to get out in the open?"
Gold's lips twitched, thinking of his recently ended marriage. Now was a good a time as any to tell her. "I was married," he said, slowly, watching her reaction.
Belle's eyes widened. "Oh, ok... Do you want to tell me about it?" she asked, hesitantly.
He chuckled at her tone. It was sweet. "A cheating wife usually ends in divorce."
She gasped. "I'm sorry. If this is too awkward to talk about-"
He waved a hand, cutting off her concern. "It's all right, Belle. My ex-wife, Milah, and myself never really loved each other. It didn't take any tears on my part to end our marriage."
"Then why did you marry her, if you didn't love her?"
Gold paused, not expecting her question. He didn't have an answer. He looked at Belle, steadily. "In my world, love doesn't always play a part in the decisions one makes."
"I'm sorry," she said again, softly. "I guess we come from different backgrounds. I can't imagine marrying someone other than for love."
"Well then, be glad you're not a part of my world," he responded, just as softly, feeling bitter and jaded.
"But, I am a part of your world." At his raised eyebrow, Belle elaborated. "I'm dating you."
He smiled, lightly. He understood what she meant, but she really wasn't a part of his world. He never wanted her to be.
Of course, he didn't know that Belle really did know the real him. Or, at least, what he really did for a living. After the proof she found that he really was working with Hook, brought Belle down to reality. She could pretend that she was dating him, but she couldn't keep lying to him forever.
Now that she knew he was working with Hook, she could begin to bring Mason Gold to justice. She was going to find evidence of Gold's crime organization, one way or another.
Mason would finally know all her secrets, and she would know his.
The thought terrified her.
"Great job, French," Captain Mills praised. "Finding hard proof that Gold and Hook are working together...well it changes the game."
For the first time in Belle's career, it was just herself and the Captain in a room together. Regina alone was a little daunting.
"How so, Captain?" Belle wrung her hands together.
"We can get a warrant to search Gold's office, see him confronted with the truth. See if he'll crack or not."
Belle cleared her throat, not wanting to disagree with the Captain, but knowing what would be smart and what wouldn't. "Captain, I don't think he'll break that easily. You can find the ledger, but it only is a list of names." At Regina's surprised look, not really expecting Belle to speak up, the young brunette took in a breath. "Listen, we need to find harder, more serious evidence linking Mr. Gold and Hook together. If you get a warrant to search his office too soon, I'm worried that he'll know it was me who found the ledger. We don't need him finding out the truth about me yet. I think I can find more, if you let me dig deeper. The minute Mr. Gold stops trusting me, is the minute this case becomes nearly impossible."
The Captain stared at Belle for a moment, when an impressed expression crossed her face. "All right, French." She folded her hands across her chest. "We'll wait. I told you before, I trust you. You're a bright, capable woman. You're a bright, capable detective. Don't let me down."
Belle hoped that she could hold up to that standard. The thought of Mason though, made it extremely difficult. She really didn't want to let Captain Mills down.
The little man was quivering in the chair, his hands and feet tied. His glasses were fogged up from his breathing. It sounded to Gold that the man was hyperventilating. It made him smile.
"So, Doctor," Gold rested his hands on his cane, standing before the tiny, gray haired man. "Do you know why you are here?"
Doc, as he was more commonly called, whipped his head around, only seeing iron and boxes. "In an abandoned warehouse?"
Gold stifled the urge to roll his eyes. "I didn't ask you where you are, but if you know why you are here?"
"Umm," Doc fidgeted in his cuffs, trying to think. "Our deal?"
Gold snorted, nodding to the two men standing behind Doc. They stepped forward, each placing a hand on Doc's shoulders. "How simplistic an answer, Doctor. Yes, our deal. More importantly, the loan I gave you of about...I don't know...ten thousand dollars." He tapped his chin, pretending to think. "You wanted to buy a nice sailing boat for your wife. You already had ten thousand, but needed double the amount. I gave you the rest of the money you needed, and two years to pay me back." He removed his hand from his chin, placing it back on his cane. "It's been two years now, and I still don't have my money."
Doc struggled even more, sweat covering his brow. "I-I know, but you know money doesn't just fall from the sky. I'm a miner, and money is sparse between me and my wife."
Gold sighed in impatience. "Then you shouldn't have been wasting your money, and mine as well, on a luxury boat you could, and still cannot, afford." He nodded at the men, who both moved their hands from Doc's shoulders, and grabbed a hammer each.
The hammers hovered over Doc's knees, threateningly.
"Then you shouldn't have given me the money in the first place!" Doc shouted, panic filling his voice. "You knew I wouldn't have the money. You just enjoy hurting people with your so called 'legal' deals."
Gold shook his head, pity filling his expression. "You blame me, good Doctor, but I'm not the one who came asking for help in the first place. You were. Now if you don't get me my money by the end of this week, then..." he trailed off, letting Doc fill in the blanks.
Doc gulped. "You're not going to hurt me are you?"
Gold shrugged, flicking a piece of hair away from his eye. "Not if you get me my money." A dangerous glint entered his eyes. "You don't need incentive, do you?" He nodded at where the hammers still hovered over Doc's knees.
Doc glanced down, panic straining his voice. "No, I don't. I'll get you the money. I promise."
Gold nodded, a smile taking over his face. "Then good. That's all I wanted. That wasn't so difficult, was it?"
Gold's two henchmen ushered Doc away, just as Killian entered the building. He shook his head in disappointment as he approached. "You let him go away unscathed? You're losing your touch, old man."
Gold crossed his arms, staring his protégée down. "Where were you last night? Jefferson told me you went to a movie theater. Why?"
Killian shrugged, acting nonchalant. "Jefferson thought we might have some cops onto us, so he wanted me to go and expose one of them."
"Without my permission? We don't need any one being suspicious of you. You could have blown your cover if one of your coworkers had seen you." He paused. "No one saw you, correct?"
Killian snorted. "Who do you think I am? A cop did show. Emma Swan. She didn't recognize me, so stop glaring like that. You look about ready to combust. It's not attractive on a man your age."
Gold continued to glare, as Killian continued speaking. "And anyway, she's not one of my 'coworkers.' I'm not a cop, never will be."
Gold lowered his hands to his cane. "That still doesn't mean I want anyone, especially a detective, to know the truth about you. It could ruin our entire operation."
"What do you have to worry about, old man? You're Mr. Fucking Gold. No one would ever suspect you to work with lowly Kieran Hook." He flicked a piece of lint off his jacket, not taking anything seriously.
"That is where you are wrong, Mr. Jones. Being 'Mr. Fucking Gold,' as you put it, automatically makes me a target. I am one of the richest men in Boston. I have eyes on me all the time. I wouldn't be surprised if any police officer came knocking on my door." He scratched his chin where stubble was forming. "Funny enough, a detective did come knocking on my door. He went by the name James Nelson. I never bothered looking into who he really was. He wasn't a threat, just an incompetent officer."
Killian tilted his head. "The name sounds familiar. I'll check into it."
"All the while, I have Albert Spencer toying with me," Gold muttered.
"Spencer? What does he want?"
"Just to brag to my face about how he made money off the imported shipments which were supposed to be mine. Which you were supposed to pick up."
Killian rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "Right. Sorry about that."
"I have a lot going on right now, Killian. I don't need you to ruin everything I have worked for by exposing yourself. Be more careful."
Killian nodded, understanding. "Damn, old man, you need to lighten up. Go have a one night stand or something. You're a free man now that you're done with your divorce. Try to have fun."
Gold fiddled with his tie, pulling it away from his neck. "I'll have you know I am dating someone." At Killian's raised eyebrows, Gold continued speaking. "And no, I am not telling you about her. She doesn't know about our life and I don't want her to."
"I'm just impressed you're dating, old man. And here I thought, after your divorce, you would become a eunuch." He patted Gold on the back. "Good for you. Whereas I am riding high and dry every day." Killian's eyes widened. "How is it, that you are getting rid of women and picking up women at the same time and I haven't slept with a women in months."
Gold snorted. "There is a saying as 'too much information,' Killian." He also patted the younger man on the back. "I guess I'm also more blessed than you."
With those words, Gold left the warehouse, chuckling at Killian's dumbfounded expression.
The anecdote that Belle tells Gold about, how her and Ruby met, was actually how one of my best friends and I met. We were freshman in high school, complete opposites, but somehow became the best of friends. She really was a serial dater. She'd go through people like a rat goes through garbage... that didn't make sense, but anyway, yeah she would date a lot. I was always the extremely shy bookworm, so Belle you are not alone.
Upcoming: Will Gold ever find out about Belle's lack of experience? Or more importantly that she is a detective? Will David continue being an idiot? Will Emma ever find out that Neal is Gold's son? Will she find out that Killian is really Hook? And will Ruby, well never mind, Ruby will just continue being Ruby. But anyway, stay tuned! (Cue cheesy old superhero action punch sounds)