Chapter Six: Jobs

"John, it's only logical," Michael Darling said in a hushed voice, trying not to alert the three year old across the booth with hot chocolate that anything was amiss. "I think it's about time we start really fitting in here."

John Darling merely kept his eyes on the boy across from them. Henry was sporting a warm sweater with mussed hair, caught up in the mischief of blowing bubbles in his drink. "Henry," John warned. "We don't play with our food, remember?" Little Henry looked up and locked eyes with John before nodding.

"I'm sorry." John felt himself immediately soften at the voice. He naturally noticed how hard Henry worked to please him in particular. Michael would have to repeat himself two or three times, but all it took sometimes was a look from John to send Henry off doing what he was told. Michael speculated it was because the older brother was much more closed off and it took a miracle just to make him smile- though admittedly he had done it a lot more in these three years than the past three hundred. So as Henry pushed his drink away, John was sure to put a hand on his shoulder with a nod. Henry instantly beamed.

Michael still had his eyes on John. "John… he hasn't spent a moment apart from us in three years. He'll start asking questions sooner then we're prepared if we just keep him locked up in that house with us. And I really need a change of pace as well."

"I won't be much of one. It'll still be the same day over and over," John mentioned, still very skeptical.

"It could also be a good way to keep Intel on the town and the curse. We could keep an eye on the people we don't trust. In fact, I personally was thinking about getting a job here. Granny really admired my cooking at Henry's last birthday party." John just stared at Michael.

"What're we going to do about Henry then? We can't very well leave him by himself."

"I know that! I was thinking we could hire a baby-sitter if one of us isn't home. John, we could make it work. We should make it work. He needs to spend time with more than just the two of us locked up except for walks and the odd dinner out. Then he really won't understand."

John stared at his brother for a long moment before giving a nod of consent. "Go tell Granny you start in a week." His brother practically leapt to his feet in excitement, rushing towards the counter. Henry observed the scene a little confused. "Come on, kiddo. Let me help you with your coat." They both emerged from the booth and John helped zip up his jacket. "You're getting so tall," he commented, a little sad that time wasn't obeying his request to move slower.

Michael returned to the booth a moment later. "You are looking at the new chef at Granny's!" he cheered, obviously excited. "Oh, now I finally will get to cook for people who appreciate it! Thank you John!"

"You're welcome. Now let's get going. We have another stop to make before we head home," John said as he took Henry's hand. Michael gave him a look. "I think Sheriff Graham could appreciate a deputy. This is about gathering intelligence right? And who better to get it from than the Evil Queen's right hand man?"

-FAWH-

Their list of potential baby-sitters had exactly four names on it. It had once been longer, but for one reason or another one of the brothers had suspicion on the person and they were crossed out. There were only four people in this town they trusted completely with Henry for long hours at a time in this house. With their two schedules it looked like someone would be needed for lunch hours Monday, Wednesday, and Friday along with some hours Friday evening.

They started with Dr. Hopper knowing his client list wasn't too long. And who better to take care of Henry than a certified conscience. He was flattered by the offer but did in fact have a client he met with during those hours. John and Michael were slightly curious as to who that was and what fairy-tale he was from, but they dismissed it as prying. A name was crossed off their list and they were down to three.

Granny they knew was a long shot, but they still tried anyway. She insisted she wouldn't be able to leave working in front of the counter for that long but was again flattered that they thought of her. "We all know my parenting wasn't exactly top notch," she commented as she stared at Ruby's latest outfit. John and Michael, having read the book, knew this was certainly not the case and were quick to disagree. So their list was now officially down to two.

They officially became lost when Mary Margaret and Mother Superior turned them down. Mother Superior felt un-equipped to deal with a three year old and that they could understand. But it was Mary Margaret's hesitation and refusal that had baffled them. They had especially fought hard for the teacher saying they thought she would be perfect. But she had furiously shaken her head and insisted she wasn't the person for the job. Plus, she was busy with the kids in her class as it was.

So Michael and John were sitting defeated with an unaware Henry at Granny's when she walked in looking for them. She walked up with her kindest smile. "I hear you find yourselves in need of a baby-sitter. I'm here to offer my services." They both turned white and looked up to see Mayor Mills. And the two immediately understood why they had been turned down. If Regina wanted something, then the curse was bound to comply. And apparently she wanted Henry.

"I don't know Mayor Mills," John started as polite and clam as possible, "You just seem so busy with all your mayoral duties and we would hate adding more to your already full plate."

She took a seat across from them next to Henry, who just stared up at her. "My job is to serve the people of the town, and it would be an excellent service to a man who has taken up the uniform. I can work my hours around it, and I assure you if I was qualified enough to adopt a child then I can look after one for a few hours."

John and Michael were still faltering. "Mayor Mills, we appreciate the offer-"

"And in all honesty I've… since my adoption didn't work out the closest thing I've ever to felt with that is with Henry. I know that sounds very selfish, but I will keep to any and all schedules you have for him. I truly want to do this, and it seems frankly like I'm the only option you have." She pursed her lips. "I think I will go order a coffee and give you two a minute." She rose and walked over to the counter. Michael turned to John and noticed he was smirking.

"No," Michael whispered. "No. No. No."

"Think about it though. No one is going to protect him more or has more of a capability to keep him safe. And you're the one who keeps saying Pan never fails so the pixie dust will hold out," he stated logically.

"But she could find the pixie dust in the safe when she's in our house! We can't do this."

John looked at Henry. "Henry, would you mind having Mayor Mills for a baby-sitter when the two of us start working?" He looked at her a moment before hesitantly shaking his head. "Then it's settled. We'll just have her take him instead of having her over. Then the problem's solved." Michael still has his mouth open, trying to interject. "I would never do this if I wasn't sure. The more connected she becomes, the less she'll want to see anything out of the ordinary."

Michael let out a huff. "Give her a week trial period and then we will make a more final decision." John nodded and rose to go tell the Mayor the good news. Michael just looked at Henry. "You're lucky you're an only child." Henry dutifully nodded as he started blowing bubbles in his tea, Michael joining with his a moment later.

-FAWH-

That Friday, Mayor Mills opened her front door to find a very nervous Henry shuffling his feet and an even more nervous John and Michael behind him. "Come on in, Henry. I figured you could help me with some baking this afternoon," she smiled genuinely. Henry instantly turned to face John and Michael on the brink of tears.

They both knelt down. John put a hand on his shoulder. "Remember, Henry, we talked about being brave. Mayor Mills is being very nice by letting you stay with her when we're working. Remember your manners and behave. I will be back today at five-thirty." He ran a hand through his hair, looking up at the Mayor. "It's the first time we're-"

"Oh, I understand. I promise I'll take good care of him. Shall we start baking, Henry?" She extended her hand and the little three year old took it and followed her into the house, looking back over his shoulder. John and Michael both let out a huge sigh, Michael wiping away tears.

"It's only a few hours," he laughed to his older brother. "Why is this so hard? We are literally going to see him soon." John knew exactly why, but didn't say anything. Who knew what saying it out loud would do for this whole situation. So the two had silently got back in the car with John dropping Michael off at Granny's to work the lunch and dinner shifts before heading off to the police station. And Henry was going to be on their mind each and every moment.

Meanwhile, Regina had tentatively coaxed Henry into the kitchen and now had him spreading dough for an apple pie. He kept glancing back at the front door and had even refused to take his coat off. Regina was choosing to see it more as him being separated from them for the first time rather than a reflection on her abilities to look after a child. She had after all basically raised Snow. Sure she hated her and went behind her back the entire time, but it had to mean something.

He didn't say a single word the entire time. They baked and then colored in some books she had bought just for the occasion before having dinner. She tried a couple of times to strike up a conversation, but he had just looked blankly at her. When she answered the doorbell to John he had taken off at a run to tackle his legs in a hug. "I missed you! I missed you! You came back!"

John, caught off guard, knelt down and scooped Henry into his arms, hugging him tight. "Of-of course I did kiddo. I promised. And I would never break a promise to you." Henry wrapped his arms around John's neck, refusing to let go even as he stood up. "Thank you, Mayor Mills. I hope he behaved himself."

"He didn't say a word," she said a little more bitterly than she originally intended.

John gave her a sympathetic smile. "I'm sure it was just a rough day for him. We'll try again on Monday. Have a great weekend." She nodded and watched him carry Henry to the car before they drove off, Henry chattering the entire time. Oh how she really wanted to make this whole situation work out.

-FAWH-

Michael was quite enjoying his new job. Not that his surly brother and a three year old weren't capable of recognizing culinary brilliance, but it was nice to be appreciated. He would make up a new special everyday and though some were better received than others everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves trying it. He was finally able to use his skills on a much larger level, and it felt really good.

He was also using this opportunity to become closer with Granny herself, finding a sort of mother figure he hadn't had in a long while. She could be very bossy and most definitely wanted things done a certain way, but it was clear she cared very much both about the business and her granddaughter. He had been on the receiving end of a lecture or two, but she always made sure to give him a pat on the back afterwards.

Ruby was another story. Michael would watch her have the same fight with Granny every day and would find himself getting quite upset that Red Riding Hood had been reduced to this. Regina was quite sick about some of the situations these people were put in. The girl who once aided Snow White was now reduced to asking how his brother was doing every night. If there was one person he was happy about the curse breaking for it was definitely her.

He also found himself getting to know the routines of the people who frequented every day and was able to connect most to the characters they truly were. He kept a list that was locked in the safe along with the pixie dust for safe keeping. Some of the patrons could be quite difficult and some days they would make Michael regret the fact that he ever wanted this job in the first place.

But every day he would come home to Henry. And then no matter what his day had or had not been it all seemed worth it. He'd do anything for him.

-FAWH-

John found he was actually pretty good at his job. It helped that people seemed to commit the same crimes every day. And Graham was actually quite tolerable once you got to know him, despite the fact that he was obviously in too deep with the Mayor. That wasn't his fault though- no one could help it when someone else stole their heart. If John knew where it was he would be half-tempted to go in gun loaded to retrieve it for him. It was the least he could do for all the bear claws he had provided.

But of course he had Henry to think about. It was Henry on his mind whenever he locked someone away for the night and when they were released the next morning just to basically carry out the same deeds. But most of the time he thought of him as he just sat as his desk staring off into space or playing darts. He clearly hadn't taken well to having a baby-sitter and John was starting to wonder if this whole thing was really a good idea.

So Wednesday John had ushered the usual criminal they caught stealing from the Rabbit Hole into his cell when the phone unexpectedly rang. He went to answer it as Graham took to interrogating the Cockney accented criminal. "Sheriff's Office. What can I do for you?"

"He's okay, right?" Michael's voice came over the phone. "I mean, he doesn't hate us or anything for leaving him." John took a deep breath and put on his best big brother voice.

"Michael, it's alright. He's doing better. It's just going to take some time to adjust to not having us around. And it's honestly better that he does it now than…" He couldn't bring himself to say it, so he didn't even try. It's going to be okay."

"I still don't know about letting Mayor Mills-"

"She still has today and Friday left in her trial week. Let's just see how this all plays out. She might surprise us." He heard his brother take a deep breath. "I think about him a lot too, but like I said this is perfectly healthy for all of us." He waited a moment. "Feel better?"

"Yeah. Thanks John."

"Any time Michael. Have a great day." He hung up the phone with a smile and turned his attention to where Graham and their guest were now arguing like always.

"I'm just saying, mate, that I think the movie is absolute rubbish and I kind of judge my arresting officers for liking it. It's you own fault though," the criminal, Will, continued. "Everyone knows the spin-off is never anywhere near as good as the original. It can be good, but never as good."

Graham just rolled his eyes and dismissed him by walking over to his desk. "Sometimes I wonder if you have a heart," he grumbled. John couldn't help but laugh at this exchange, much like he did every time it occurred. Michael had been right. It was good to have a change of pace, get involved, and even possibly make some friends.

But he would still miss Henry enough to give him a tight hug every time he rushed into his arms. He was certainly a very special kid.

-FAWH-

On the next Friday, the last day of Mayor Mills's trial period, Henry still refused to take off his coat. He was at least saying sentences to her now and seemed to actively participate in the activities she planned for them. But he still would keep looking back at the front door as if waiting to be rescued. She was about ready to give up. She had hoped to build a relationship with this small boy, but it appeared her past was coming back to haunt her once again. She would tell John when he arrived today that it just wasn't going to work out. The poor boy shouldn't suffer because of her- like Owen.

They were interrupted at around three by a knock on the door. This was unusual, but she still opened the door to find Jefferson- the one person in this town aside from her who knew what was going on. She had decided to torture him by letting him keep his memories, driving him even more into madness. He gave her a crazed look and strode forward. 'I'm sorry, your majesty," he declared as he fixed a rag over her mouth. "But I need the boy." She tried to struggle, but soon everything went black.

She woke some time later and groggily rose. Then the panic hit her. "Henry!" she shouted, voice cracking. There was no answer. She took off at a run through the whole house, calling desperately. He was nowhere to be found. She grabbed the phone and quickly dialed the number for the police station. Jefferson was going to pay for this. She was going to make sure of it.

-FAWH-

"No. Stay at work and keep an ear out. Graham just headed out and I'm about to do the same. It's going to be okay, Michael. We'll find him… in one piece." John hung up the phone in the police station and let out a sigh. He knew the Mad Hatter was bad news, and now he had Henry. John grabbed the keys to his car and practically ran to his car.

Graham had headed up to Jefferson's house to see if he was there. John had another idea to pursue though. Jefferson was going to make sure Henry was special, and there was one thing he could do that any cursed person couldn't. He glanced at the gun holstered at his side. If Jefferson had so much as hurt Henry in any way he was not going to hesitate. He was done being powerless when people were taken from him.

He parked a distance away and crept along to the town line, gun in his hands. He was met by a sight he didn't expect. Jefferson was standing with his hand firmly on a petrified Henry's shoulder, but Mayor Mills was staring his down with pure fury in her eyes. He hid behind a tree, ready to spring at any moment.

"Just let me show you, Regina! If I show you then I get Grace back! Let me show you and you can change the curse!" So Jefferson knew what was going on, and he was trying to use Henry as bait. This could end really badly. He was about to pivot, when Regina spoke in a voice that froze him with the ice in her tone.

"You are not going to show me anything, Jefferson. Here is what you are going to do this instant. You are going to let Henry go and then you are going to hike back to that mansion I so kindly provided. You will stay there. If you don't I'm afraid an unfortunate accident will befall your daughter and then the only chance you stand of reuniting with her is in death." Jefferson hesitated. John knew he should be concerned about this threat, but he was kind of on the Mayor's side at the moment. He held his breath from his hiding spot. "You know I am completely serious. Let him go right now."

John only dared to breathe when Jefferson let Henry go. The sobbing boy then ran to Regina and tackled her in a hug. She pulled him close, glaring as the Mad Hatter solemnly filed past her and into the woods. John took a moment before emerging, gun drawn. She noticed him and allowed Henry to nearly tackle him to the ground. "It's okay, kiddo. It's okay. I'm here. I'm here now."

Mayor Mills approached him. "Jefferson appears to have abandoned him here. I don't know what his intentions were but-"

"Thank you," John cut in, hugging Henry tighter. "Thank you for protecting him. If something had happened, I don't… thank you." Henry peeled his face from John's jacket to look at the flustered Mayor and repeat his dad's sentiments.

"Thank you." And then the Mayor let out a true smile. John observed the moment and knew for sure that Mayor Mills was worthy of becoming Henry's babysitter. He had been right about allowing her build a relationship with Henry. She was willing to overlook things just for the sake of protecting him. And they certainly could afford someone else protecting the most valuable thing in their life. He gently lifted Henry up, cradling him close as possible, and walked him to the car.

"It's going to be alright, Henry. I promise." He was never going to let anything like this ever happen again. No one was going to take- oh no. John really needed to get his head straightened out, because this was starting to get pretty bad.