Once Upon A Time: The Devil's Next Step, Part Fourteen

By Rebekkalee Mouri-Hibiki

" Done, " Emma said as she set the hat down. She had managed to finish the hat regardless of her shaking hands. " Now, can we go? "

Jefferson took the hat and looked it over, " Not bad. It's better than the last one. "

" Great, " Emma said. She waited for the answer to her question. Jefferson seemed too occupied with examining the hat though. She frowned, " I asked if we could go. "

Jefferson stood up and gave Emma a sideways look, " If it works. "

Emma watched him as he walked to a rather open space in the room and gave the hat a spin. It turned, starting to wobble a bit as it gained speed and a purple fog rose from the center. It rose about a foot into the air, hung there then vanished as the hat grew still. " What was that? " Emma couldn't believe her eyes.

Jefferson growled, turning to her. " It's not enough! You didn't put enough magic into it! "

Emma didn't have time to think as he strode to her, grabbing her by the throat and jerking her up out of the chair. She brought her hands up, clawing at his arm. " Let go, " She croaked out, his grip making it almost impossible to breathe.

" Make another! Put more magic in it this time! " Jefferson snarled in her face before he let go of her.

Emma fell back down to the chair, tumbling to the floor as she gasped for air. She held her throat, trying to say the words she wanted to say but was sure Jefferson did not want to hear. " But my magic... " She gasped.

" You have it so use it! " Jefferson growled as he grabbed her by the arm and pulled her back up into the chair. He didn't look it but he was quite strong, making Emma feel like a rag doll. Being choked left Emma weak and she had no choice but to let him do as he pleased. He grabbed up the scissors, shoving them at her point first, " Make. Another. Hat, " He ground out.

Emma took the scissors, narrowing her eyes. In a shaky flick of her wrist, she had them turned around and pressed into his stomach. All she had to do was give them one good shove and he would be in a lot of trouble. He was shocked by the turn of events and she glared up at him.

" My magic isn't strong enough yet, " She hissed through clenched teeth. " I could make a hundred hats and they would be the same. "

Jefferson's expression changed, a sinister grin curling his lips as he moved quickly, snatching the scissors from her hand and flung them away. The force of the throw embedded them in the wall to his right and he grabbed a fistful of Emma's hair, pulling at it hard and he glared at her. " That was very brave of you but stupid. I think you're holding out on me. Your magic is unlocked so how come it didn't work? "

Emma grit her teeth, feeling like Jefferson was going to rip her hair out of her head. She narrowed her eyes, " I can't control it yet! It's there but I have no idea how to use it! "

" Then what have you been doing at Mr. Gold's house? " Jefferson snarled.

" Working on it! " Emma replied. She wanted to hit Jefferson in the crotch, the face, anywhere that would get him to let go of her head. She knew it would have disastrous results tough so she tolerated the pain the best she could. She gasped, " With Belle there, we haven't gotten much done. "

Jefferson tightened his grip then released her, " Damn it! "

Emma sighed, her head throbbed from her hair being pulled so hard. She scrambled in her mind for some way to get him to take her to Regina. She was scared to wait any longer if what he said was true. " Look, " She said as the thoughts formed in her head. " We need to stop Regina's plan for Belle. Once we do that, I can work on my magic. I'll make you another hat once I can control it better. "

" How do I know you're just not saying that? " Jefferson asked.

" I'm not, " Emma said emphatically. " Please. We have to keep Mr. Gold safe or I'll never know how to use my magic and you'll never get to take your daughter home. "

Jefferson frowned, his expression letting Emma know he was thinking it over. She watched him as he did, silently hoping he would see her side of things. Mr. Gold was the only person who could help her and he wouldn't be able to if Belle carried out whatever Regina had programmed her to do. Finally, he sighed, " Fine. "

" So you'll take me to where she's hiding? " Emma tried not to sound too hopeful.

" I'm taking you to where she keeps the things that is the key to releasing Belle from her control. I can't guarantee she'll be there, " Jefferson corrected her. " THEN you'll make my hat once you can use your magic properly. "

" Maybe I can get Mr. Gold to help? " Emma offered. " Perhaps he'll do it once he finds out how you helped me. "

" I doubt it, " Jefferson scoffed. " He's too selfish for that. You have to do it. "

Emma frowned. She didn't think he was that selfish, not as of late anyway. He had done so many things to help her, giving of himself when she thought he wouldn't. She wasn't going to say that to Jefferson though.

She didn't want to start another argument and possibly risk another violent outburst. Her arm stung from how he grabbed her and her head still hurt from the hair pulling. She was also certain she would have marks on her throat as well. " Fine. I'll work on my magic and try again when I'm in better control. I promise. "

Jefferson quirked his mouth, " And I intend for you to keep it. Now, come on. Let's go. "

Emma furrowed her brow then motioned to her feet, " I don't have any shoes. I can't go out barefoot. "

Jefferson rolled his eyes and let out an annoyed sounding sigh, " Wait here. "

Emma watched as he walked out of the room. She waited two ticks before going to the telescope at the window. It was aimed at the police station but not for long. She scrambled in her mind to think of the location of the apartment, wanting to see what was going on there.

She moved the telescope until she found it, finding that the view of the living room was almost perfect. Her stomach clenched, wondering just what Jefferson had seen. She felt violated all over again, knowing he had probably witnessed all of her awkward 'family' moments that she was still trying to come to grips with.

A lump rose in her throat as she watched Mary-Margret nervously pace back and forth, wringing her hands as Henry sat at the dining room table, looking worried and scared. Mary-Margret's face was blotchy like she had been crying. Emma wished for some way to tell her where she was and ask her to get help.

She pulled away from the telescope, scanning the room for a telephone. She was certain she had seen one the last time she had been there. Her eyes settled on it and she started towards it. She was almost there when the door to the room opened and Jefferson stepped inside.

" Don't bother, " He said as he closed the door. He held a pair of dress shoes in his right hand. He motioned to the phone with his left, " It's not hooked up. "

" Why would you have a phone if it's not hooked up? " Emma asked as he approached her.

Jefferson smirked, " I knew you'd try to use it so I took the cord off of it. "

Emma frowned, " Oh. "

" Here. Put these on, " Jefferson shoved the shoes at her. " They might be big but it's what I've got. "

Emma took them and dropped them on the floor. She stepped into them, finding they were indeed big. Standing there in the too big clothes made her feel like a child playing dress up with her father's things. It was better than being naked but it still wasn't comfortable.

Jefferson smirked, " Cute. Now, fix your shirt. We might run into the queen after all. "

Mr. Gold paced Belle's room. She was still sleeping, the nightmares having died down and letting her rest a little better. He was nervous though. The feeling that Emma was in danger had grown to the point he could not sit still so he had used all of his ability to see something... anything that could help.

He managed to get a vision of Jefferson manhandling Emma, leaving him angry and feeling helpless because he couldn't stop it. He watched as he first grabbed her by the throat before tossing her roughly to the chair she had been sitting in. She tumbled from it, hitting the floor before he snatched her up again, this time by her arm. At that point, Emma made a feeble attempt to gain control of the situation but she was still too weak from being choked, Jefferson taking the scissors Emma had pressed against his stomach before flinging them away.

He then seized a great handful of Emma's hair, pulling it hard and making her grimace. He couldn't hear what they were saying but he could tell Emma was bargaining with him, her only choice in the situation. Jefferson suddenly released her but they continued to negotiate. It seemed they had come to some sort of agreement for Jefferson left the room.

The vision faded at that point, his anger so high he could no longer concentrate. He had no choice but to calm down and let it die down before he could see any more. That was proving impossible though because he was way too disgusted with Jefferson's rough treatment of Emma. He startled when there was a knock at the door. He took a deep breath then let it out, needing to collect himself before he could face Frederick.

" Yes? " He called.

" I finally got a hold of Jasmine, boss. She's on her way, " Frederick said through the door.

Mr. Gold curled the corner of his mouth, almost forgetting about the maid and her betrayal. He walked to the door and opened it. He looked at Frederick, " Have you made the... preparations? "

" Yes, " Frederick nodded. " I made a huge mess in the study. "

Mr. Gold arched an eyebrow, " And the other thing? "

" It's almost finished, " Frederick replied. " Just about a foot more. "

" Good, " Mr. Gold said. " I shall hide in my room until she does something stupid... and I'm sure she will. "

" Right, boss, " Frederick said and took a step back.

Mr. Gold stepped out into the hallway, glancing back at Belle. He then looked at Frederick, " She's sleeping. She should be fine while we take care of this. "

" Okay, boss. I'll go down and wait for Jasmine, " Frederick said and headed for the stairs.

Mr. Gold waited for him to descend the stairs before walking to his room. He would remain in his pajamas and robe, hoping it would keep Jasmine's suspicions from being aroused. The girl had only seen him in such a state once before and that was when he was upset over falling for August's betrayal. He hoped she would equate his appearance with emotional weakness.

He went into his room, going to the dresser where he had stashed the mirror pieces. He put them in the pocket of his robe and went back out to the hall just in time to hear a knock at the front door. He hit just out of sight as he listened to Frederick open the door and let the maid inside. " So what happened again? " Jasmine asked as Mr. Gold heard the rustle of her coat.

" Miss Belle was in the study and the ladder broke. She grabbed a shelf as she fell and pulled down a bunch of books. Mr. Gold is busy with her so he wants you to clean up the mess. "

" Oh, " Jasmine said flatly. " And it couldn't wait until morning? I was coming anyway. "

" He wants it cleaned now. You know he can't stand messes, " Frederick said.

Jasmine scoffed, " I know. Where is he now? I wouldn't want to get in his way. "

" He's taking a nap upstairs, " Frederick explained. " He had to take care of Miss Belle by himself. Once he had, he called me. "

" Oh, I see, " Jasmine said, a bit a suspicion tainting her voice. " I bet it was a lot of work considering. "

" He managed, " Frederick replied. " He's exhausted though. He fell right to sleep. "

" I bet, " Jasmine said. " So the study? "

" Yes, " Frederick said. " I'll be in the kitchen if you need anything. "

" And what of Miss Belle? " Jasmine asked.

Frederick paused, " She's resting in her room as well. The fright of it all left her tired as well. "

" Alright, " Jasmine said. " I'll get to work and I come find you once I'm finished. I wouldn't want to leave if it's not up to his standards. "

" Sounds like a plan, " Frederick said. " See you when you finish. "

" Right, " Jasmine said. Mr. Gold listened as she moved through the house towards the study. When he heard the door close, he went back into his room to wait. If his theory was correct, she would stay there until she felt it was safe then come upstairs.

He watched the clock for about ten minutes when he heard someone in the hallway. The rooms of the house may have been soundproof but that did nothing to dull his senses. He heard Jasmine's footfalls until they stopped at Belle's door. A moment later, he heard the gentle creak of the door open then close again.

He slipped into the bathroom, going to the door that led to Belle's room. He stood close, listening as Jasmine moved across the floor to the bed. He could hear the rustle of the covers and Jasmine gently slapping Belle, probably in the face to rouse her. Belle let out a sharp gasp but did not speak.

" Belle? What are you doing? " She hissed. " Wake up. You have things to do. "

" I'm sick, " Belle's voice was weak. " I can't... "

" Have you been taking the medicine I brought to you? " Jasmine asked sharply. " You know she said you would get really sick if you didn't. "

" I don't like the pills, " Belle murmured. " I don't like how I am on them. "

Jasmine scoffed, " And this is better? You're all sweaty and smell like vomit. You've been sick, haven't you? "

" A little, " Belle said.

" It's because you haven't taken your pills. You can't do what you were sent here to do if you're like this, " Jasmine said.

Belle groaned, " But I don't know if I want to do it anymore. "

" You know what's at stake if you don't, " Jasmine said sharply. " She's going to kill you. "

" I know but... " Belle's voice trailed off.

Jasmine let out a sigh, " Hold still. I was scared this was going to happen. "

" What are you doing? " Belle asked.

" I have a shot that should make you feel better, " Jasmine replied. " It's just going to sting for a moment. "

" No shots, " Belle's voice became panicked. " No shots, no pills. I don't want any of it. "

" You HAVE to, " Jasmine hissed. " Now hold still. "

Belle let out a cry, prompting Mr. Gold to open the door. Jasmine was standing over Belle, a syringe in her hand as she injected something into Belle's backside. She froze though when she saw Mr. Gold. " Sir, " Jasmine gasped, the shock causing her to press the plunger down swiftly and completely inject Belle.

" What are you doing? " Mr. Gold stepped into the room. He narrowed his eyes, " Don't bother. I heard more than enough through the door. "

Jasmine backed away from Belle, the syringe falling to the floor. " I can explain. Really I can. "

" I told you not to bother, " Mr. Gold advanced on her. " How long? "

" How long what? " Jasmine asked.

" Have you been working for Regina? " Mr. Gold said sharply.

Jasmine swallowed hard, " I... I... "

" Why did you bring Belle this mirror? " He reached into his robe pocket. He threw the bundled up towel on the floor, the mirror pieces scattering across the floor.

" she told me she would kill my father if I didn't cooperate... I... I... " Jasmine stammered.

" Never mind, " Mr. Gold snarled. " It won't matter in a few moments. "

Jasmine paled visibly. She looked petrified but managed to whisper, " What are you going to do to me? "

Mr. Gold walked towards her, " Something much more merciful that you deserve. "

Jasmine continued to back up until the wall behind her stopped her from going any further. " Please? You have to... "

" I don't have to do anything, " Mr. Gold cut her off. He then looked towards the open door, " FREDERICK! "

A moment later, the man was standing in the doorway, " Yes, boss? "

Mr. Gold looked at Frederick, " Please take care of this traitor. "

" How do you want it done, boss? " Frederick came into the room.

Mr. Gold gave Jasmine a cold smirk, " As cleanly as possible. Take her. "

Jasmine shook in fear as Frederick advanced on her before scooping her tiny body up and carrying her from the room. Mr. Gold watched until they were gone before turning back to Belle. She appeared to be sleeping, possibly from whatever Jasmine had injected her with. He walked over to her and checked her pulse.

She had one and it was strong so he felt a little relief. He wondered what Jasmine meant by the things she had said though. He turned to the bedside table, opening the drawer there. He found nothing in it so he closed it.

He checked every place in the room he could think of but still came up empty handed. A thought occurred to him and he went to the closet, going to the handful of dresses he had gotten her. He ran his hands in the pockets of each one, finding nothing until he got to the last dress, a bag shoved in the corner beneath it catching his eye. He picked up the bag and opened it to find it contained six rather large bottles of pills.

He pulled them out one at a time, finding they had handwritten directions on when to take each. He put them back, closing the bag. He went back out to the bedroom, closing the closet door behind him. He looked towards Belle but soon his vision darkened, a mental image assaulting his mind.

He reached for the wall to his left to support himself as the unbidden vision crashed down on him. He could see Emma's car but she wasn't driving it. It was Jefferson at the wheel, Emma in the passenger seat with her hands bound with duct tape all the way from her wrists to her fingers. It seemed Jefferson did not want to give her a chance to escape as he sped down the road with obvious disregard for his safety or anyone else's for that matter.

Mr. Gold breathed hard as he watched him drive until they reached the cemetery. Jefferson slammed on the brakes, making the car lurch forward before it settled and he turned the engine off. He pulled out a knife, holding it up to Emma and saying something he couldn't quite make out, perhaps a threat. He then got out of the car, walked around to Emma's side and jerked her out roughly.

" It's done, boss, " Frederick's voice caused the image to break. He sounded concerned as he then said, " Are you okay? "

" Fine, " Mr. Gold lied. He was now scared but he wasn't going to show it. There was no telling what Jefferson would do, that much he knew. He looked at Frederick, " Remember when I told you to be ready to leave at a moment's notice? "

" Yeah, " Frederick nodded.

" It's that moment, " Mr. Gold said firmly. " I need you to go to the cemetery. "

Frederick looked perplexed, " Why? "

" Because that's where Emma is, " Mr. Gold took his hand from the wall and pointed towards the door. " Go now. Before it's too late. "

Frederick nodded before running from the room...