The dinner rush at the Diner had finally ended. Ruby gathered some plates from an empty table and turned to walk to the kitchen. She stopped suddenly when she saw him sitting alone in one of the booths. She took in a deep breath then slowly released it before continuing on her way.

Mr. Gold held out his hand. "Miss. Lucas, might I have a word?"

She glanced at him. "I'm actually super busy," she replied as she went to walk away.

He raised his cane, blocking her path. He smirked. "That actually wasn't a request." He motioned to the empty seat in front of him. "Have a seat."

Ruby's jaw twitched as she exhaled deeply. She placed the plates down and slid into the seat. "What can I do for you, Mr. Gold?" she inquired unenthusiastically.

"Well, I would like you to stop sneaking around with Lacey, but I already requested that and been blatantly ignored."

Ruby swallowed nervously. She kept her full attention on the man in front of her. "I haven't seen Lacey since you told her to end it with me."

He released a laugh filled with disbelief. "Now, you and I both know that's not true." He leaned forward. "You're going to try and tell me she was that flushed from stacking books?"

Ruby looked down momentarily. She raised her eyes to meet his again. "So, should I expect to die sometime soon or end up in an alley beaten for touching what's supposedly yours?" She felt her stomach jump at her own words. Baiting him was the wrong thing to do.

His smirk spread across his lips. "I may have threatened you to scare Lacey, Miss. Lucas, but as of right now, no harm will come to you." He folded his hands together. "You see, you aren't aware of it yet, but you have an inner power that one day I may need to call upon." He opened his hands to stress his next words. "And if you're dead, I can't do that now can I?"

Ruby drew her brow together confused. "Why would I ever help you?"

"Because, when the fog clears, and you and Lacey have found your way back to one another … I'll leave you be. She'll be yours."

The confusion spread further across her features. "What in the hell are you talking about?!"

"You'll see soon enough." He reached into his jacket and pulled out his wallet. "But, until that day comes, I'll ask you again to stay away from her. For the time being, she belongs to me."

Ruby felt the heat of anger rush up her neck. "She's not one of your little antiques, Gold!" she exclaimed. "You don't own her!" She looked sternly into his eyes. "And you can't keep us apart. Not anymore."

He tossed some money on the table. A smug look covered his face. "Oh, but I can." He glanced at his watch. "Look at the time. I'm afraid I must be going." He patted the table and stood. "You have a nice evening, Miss. Lucas." He stood, gripping his cane tightly. He raised his finger. "And don't bother trying to meet her tomorrow. Lacey will be…" He waved his hand. "Indisposed."

"What did you do to her?!"

"Nothing you need to fret over," he stated as Ruby went to stand. He placed his hand on her shoulder, stopping her. "Now, she's fine, but I suggest you don't go looking for her." He grinned down at her. "It's my time. You'll have yours soon enough."

With that, he was gone.

Ruby bolted out of the Diner the minute she watched his car speed off down the street. She ran to the library as fast as she could. She pushed the door opened, stumbling from the force combined with her speed.

"Lacey!" she shouted as she frantically searched the library.

She ran down the aisles and checked the office. She clutched her hair with her hands as she turned in a circle. Without another thought, she ran from the office and up the stairs to the room. She stopped at the door, gripping the frame. There was no one there.

She further in and dropped down onto the bed. She felt sick. If anything happened to Lacey, she wouldn't be able to live with herself. She wouldn't be able to live. Her hands covered her face. She felt helpless. Her body started to shake as the tears began to fall.

Mr. Gold walked into his home and closed the door behind him. He tossed his keys onto the table as he made his way toward the stairs. He knew the day was coming. Soon, Emma would break the curse, and all of Storybrooke would remember. Lacey would remember. Ruby would remember. He would lose her for good. Even though he enjoyed and craved her companionship, he would soon have the one thing that made him happier than anything in the world.

Magic.

He walked up the stairs as far as he could go. He came to a door and knocked lightly. "Lacey, darling," he said as he slid open the tiny window. He peeked inside. "I'll be bringing you your dinner shortly."

Lacey sat in the corner of the room, her knees drawn to her chest. "I want nothing from you," she replied harshly. "Other than my freedom from this hidden prison."

"Now, Lacey, you know I can't do that. Not now." He tapped the door with his cane. "And you need to eat. I'll bring your dinner swiftly." He slid the tiny door closed and walked down the stairs.

Lacey pulled herself to her feet. She walked toward the door and pushed her body against it. She sighed, pressing her back against the door as she slowly slid down it. There had to be a way out of there. She needed to get away from him. She needed to be with Ruby. She placed her head in her hands, feeling the strength leave her body as she began to cry.