Chapter 8

Emma had avoided Regina after the game. She had no plausible explanation for what occurred at the sports game. And she had no idea there were citizens of her kingdom here. As far as she knew, no one came to Earth. That was why she had come here. Anonymity was supposed to have been easy. What if those two men weren't the only ones. But how? why?

She frowned as she carried a broom down the hallway, preparing to sweep the entrance way before mopping it for the evening, the interaction with her citizens was at the forefront of her mind. It was nearing 4:30pm and everyone was watching the clock. They had just come on shift, preparing to clean up after today's working folks.

"Baby, why are you working here," she could hear the smug voice coming from Regina's office.

"Robin, are we going to go through this again? Because I like it. It is my father's legacy."

"But my little lady has no need to work. I can get you whatever you need." Emma rolled her eyes. Little Lady? Regina was a fierce and powerful woman. Anyone who was in the room with her could tell.

"I don't need anything," a loud sigh could be heard. "Why can't you just accept that I enjoy my job? I love what I do."

"I'll take care of you Regina. I'll get you anything you want…what would you want?"

"Nothing Robin," she sighed, her voice taking on a dangerous edge. "I want nothing. I'm not like your mother. I don't want to sit around all day and shop, get my nails and hair done. I like to know that what I am doing is affecting people. Be it here, at the CoC or the working to get the Lincoln Center open."

"But Regina," he stopped as he could see the anger beginning on her features. "How about I go get us some coffee." Emma could hear the frustration in both their voices. She couldn't understand what it was that made people think a woman didn't want to work. She for one found Regina's independence amazing. It was sexy. She wasn't afraid to say what was on her mind, and from the sounds of the conference calls that could be heard from her office…others didn't take her for a joke. She would be an amazing queen and co-ruler.

Emma waited until Robin left the office before strolling pass slowly, waiting for Regina to look up from pinching the bridge of her nose.

"Emma hi. How are you?"

"I am good."

"Did you enjoy the game Saturday night?"

"Yes I did."

"I hope Robin didn't offend you with his questions. Sometimes he can be extremely arrogant."

"Well…I guess he just can't help it." Regina simply smiled and nodded.

"Come in and have a seat. Take a short break." Emma nodded, walking into the plush office and sitting in one of the chairs across from Regina's massive desk. "You are such a unique woman Emma."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean that I've seen the way you work around here. I've never seen anyone take such pride in such….laborious tasks."

"One who wants to learn to fly one day, must first stand and walk." She said quoting a statement her father made to her often.

"Nietzsche….a surprising quote from a janitor, no offense." Emma nodded, wondering what the hell Neet-chee was. She grinned and opened her mouth to speak before being cut off by a roar.

"CORA!" Emma jumped up, running out of the office with Regina following close behind her. Standing in the middle of the entryway was a man wearing a long coat and hat. His eyes were large and scanning the room back and forth. He screamed the CEO's name one more time before taking a large gun from under the jacket and shooting it at the ceiling, plaster and glue coming down. "CORA!"

Regina jumped and looked around toward her mother's office, hoping that the older woman stayed put.

"Look, no one has to get hurt. Just get that bitch down here!" He waved the gun around dramatically, finally pointing it at Sidney. "You! Faggot, go get the evil witch!"

"Who is that?" Emma whispered to the panting businesswoman behind her.

"Johnathan. He was fired some months ago." Emma nodded, hearing the tremble in the brunette's husky voice.

"Come on!" Jonathan yelled and Sidney got up quickly from where he had huddled on the floor. The gunman glanced around frantically and Emma could see the insanity in his eyes. Like when a wild animal has nothing left and doesn't fear for anything. Not even his life.

"If anyone moves I will blow their fucking head off." Emma struggled not to move, looking around carefully, spotting Killian slightly behind and off to the side of the gunman. They both knew that the police wouldn't be here before he found Cora and that the obese security guard was useless. She glared at him confidently, trying to convey a message to the man who knew her best, before slowly picking up the broom she had been handling before talking to Regina.

"Sir," she said moving from her spot, ignoring Regina tug on her leg. "Sir I know where she is…." She could hear the gasps from the brunette behind her. "I can get her."

"Who the fuck are you?!"

"I'm new," she said softly, looking around in a terrified manner. "I just…I….I…." Without warning she swung the handle of the broom up, effectively launching the weapon from the gunman's hands, and landing it directly in front of Killian. She swept the handle one more time, knocking Johnathan off his feet and hard onto the floor, pointing the end of the handle at his throat. As he reached for another weapon, Killian cocked the gun.

"Freeze you disgusting pile of ogre shit!"

[SQ]

"Did you see it! Did you see the look on her face when we took him down!" Emma was giddy as she and Killian took out the trash. "I could see the shock and arousal on her face."

"Yes Emma…I saw it. I told you I saw it the first three times you asked." Killian stretched a clean bag across the container.

"Hey." Both looked to see none other than Cora Mills herself walking up. "After the police came, I never had the chance to thank the two of you for what you did."

"It was nothing," Emma said trying to fight back a grin.

"I knew he was going to be a problem when I fired him…I just didn't expect it to come in the form of a gun." She and Killian nodded.

"Well, I came here to ask if the two of you wouldn't mind leaving Sunday evening open. I'm having a small…dinner at my home."

"Sure!" Emma spoke up for the both of them. She wanted her 'in' with Regina's family and this was it. Cora Mills had finally noticed her. The woman nodded before walking back toward her office.

"You see, Killian. Being patient worked. She has now accepted us as equals."