A/N: sorry for the delay. Thanks for the patience and sticking with me.
Mentions of rape, abuse, molestation and paedophilia, Killian bashing (kinda?), language, drugs and others I can't think of at the moment.
I own nothing. Sorry for mistakes.
Part Three
Tribeca Preparatory Academy. 325 Chambers Street, New York, New York. Wednesday, November 20th.
The detective knew that Mallory would have a bit more information on Regina and her personal life. Perhaps something she told her could help. At this point Emma had nothing at all and the frustration was already setting in. She knew that she should have just waited for the DNA results and hoped for a hit but she couldn't stay still.
After leaving the hospital she headed back to the station. She just wanted to show her face and check in with the captain. She had lunch with her co-workers then she was on her way again. Olivia decided to go with her since Graham was off that day. Then again, it wasn't like Benson would pass up an opportunity to get out of the station. Emma didn't object though. She could use the back up and the company.
They left the station and headed for the private school on the Lower West Side of Manhattan.
The two parked outside of the building and just observed. After a while Emma checked her watch. It was only three so a few of the students were just beginning to file out. She could make out that the kids were all wearing uniforms like Regina's with a crest on the left breast pocket of the sweaters. The boys were in black slacks, white dress shirts underneath cardigans that were a darker, almost royal purple. They were neat and perfectly pressed all of the way down to their black dress shoes. Even the ties were perfectly straight. The girls' uniforms were identical to Regina's. They wore ties as well. The dress code confirmed that she was in the right place.
However, she had no idea what Mallory even looked like so, her best bet was to ask around and hope that someone either sends them in the right direction or they would bump into her.
"We might have to ask around." Emma said breaking the silence in the car. "I have no idea what this kid even looks like."
"What's the name again?" Olivia asked keeping an eye on the students as well.
"Mallory Grey. Regina's mother mentioned another girl too. A..." She looked down at her notepad. "Kathryn Nolan." She read. "But I think Mallory is a better option. Cora Mills also said that Regina confides in her and trusts her. She should know if Regina was in any trouble or if someone was bothering her."
Olivia nodded. "Okay. Mallory it is." She opened the passenger side door and climbed out of the car.
"Oh." Emma muttered. She had no choice but to get out on her own side. She knew that she had chosen the right person to bring along.
Emma took her place beside Olivia. The other detective's height never went unnoticed by Emma. She had quite a few inches on her, almost a whole foot. Her dark eyes were always sharp and aware of all of her surroundings. She always dressed businesslike in a blouse, slacks and oh those heels. It couldn't be easy but she made it work for all these years. Detective Benson was the best of the best. She was an inspiration to Emma. Exactly the kind of detective she aspired to be. She was so glad that she had taken her under her wing.
They shared a nod before heading across the street towards the school. The building itself was huge, white and imposing with black double doors. There were black iron gates outside that were a few feet tall and Emma couldn't help but think that this place reminded her of a medieval castle. She wouldn't be surprised if it was built to resemble one. The rich upper class does think very highly of themselves.
They hopped on to the sidewalk and stopped at the open gates.
The children were chatting along as they walked down the pathway.
A group of three boys came racing towards the gates. They possibly knew something about Mallory or Regina.
As they came upon the gate, Emma stepped out in front of them. The boys gasped and all came to a screeching halt only a few feet away. They tried to correct themselves.
"What the hell, Lady?" The shortest of the three, a dark haired kid with freckles, exclaimed as he fixed his jacket. "What's your problem?"
Emma shook her head. "No problem." She reached into her pocket and pulled out her badge. "Detective Emma Swan." She introduced herself, holding up the badge. Olivia raised her badge as well. "And this is Detective Olivia Benson."
"We didn't do anything. Stop harassing us!" One of the boys exclaimed, this one dark haired and short like the other but a tad taller and he was slim while the other was a bit chunky. The third, a tall thin boy with blonde hair and brown eyes, elbowed him in his side. "Ouch."
"How can we help you, Officers?" The shortest asked. He seemed to be the mouth of the group so Emma decided to address him.
"Detectives." Emma corrected. "We're looking for Mallory Grey. Do you know where she is?" The boys began looking amongst themselves as if contemplating whether they should tell her or not. "If you know but lie I will arrest you."
"On what grounds?" The leader asked.
"A stash of coke that weighs more than you do." She threw back. She would never frame anyone but he didn't know that.
"You would plant drugs?"
"Who says they're planted?" She looked over at Olivia who smirked.
"Not me." Detective Benson said with a shrug. Emma turned back to the boys and raised a brow. She waited patiently as they hesitated.
It didn't take long for them to cave. "Fine but I need to know what it's about." He said. "I don't want to seem like a snitch."
Emma put her hands in her back pockets and smirked. The audacity. "You should really be worried about looking like a drug dealer."
The boy's hands flew up in surrender. "Okay, okay..."
"I have a few questions about a classmate of yours and I believe that she may have the answers that can help me..." Emma explained shortly. All three of the boys' brows rose and they looked at her curiously. "Regina Mills." She sighed.
"Oh Regina..." the one in the middle said. "She's so nice and cool. Whatever it is, she didn't do it."
Emma raised a brow. "Do you know her?"
"She sits in front of me in Math."
Emma sighed. "Was she in school yesterday?"
They all nodded. "Yeah."
Emma had some more questions for them. "Did she seem upset or worried at all?"
The boys shook their heads. "She's always quiet but she didn't seem upset."
"What can you tell me about her friends?" Olivia asked.
The first boy shrugged. "I just see her with Mallory and her friends. It's weird because I know that Regina is not into any of the stuff that Mallory is into."
"Like...?" Olivia prompted. She had been quiet for the most part since Emma was still learning and she often let her take the lead for that purpose.
"Sex, drugs, alcohol." The tall one filled in. Both of his friends elbowed him then. He yelped in pain.
Emma didn't particularly care about that however. She had bigger fish to fry.
"And Regina's not into that stuff at all?" Emma asked.
"Nope." The leader replied with a shake of his head. "She's super good. So we're telling you she didn't do it."
Emma sighed. "She's a victim not a suspect. She was assaulted and she's in the hospital. She's unconscious so I have to see what I can find out without her help."
The boys looked horrified and Emma could see that it was sincere concern. She was excellent at reading people. "Why would someone hurt her?" One asked.
"She's so nice!" The middle one exclaimed.
"I don't know." Emma replied. "That's why I have these questions."
"Well I hope you find the dickhead that did it. Regina doesn't deserve that." The taller boy declared. "No one does."
Emma nodded. "I will."
The shortest boy looked over his shoulder then turned back to Emma. "See that girl in the gray coat?" He whispered as more of his peers passed them.
Emma looked over his shoulder and spotted a bunch of kids heading their way. It took a moment before she saw the very tall girl approaching. She was in a long gray coat that looked like it cost more than Emma's yearly salary. "Yeah?"
"That's Mallory Grey and those two girls are her friends." He said. "They'll know more about Regina than we do."
Emma nodded, accepting this. "Great. Thanks boys. Now head straight home or wherever the hell you need to be."
"Yes Officer." They said in unison and began making their way around them. Emma rolled her eyes.
"Detective..." She grumbled causing Olivia to chuckle.
Mallory grew closer to them and they waited. There were two girls on either side of her. A blonde in a white fur coat and the other was in a purple leather jacket. All three girls were tall in fact and very pretty. They reminded Emma of the type of girls that used to push her around in High School until she started pushing back... with her fists.
She couldn't imagine Regina hanging out with the stuck up popular girls club but then again, Emma had to remind herself that she really did not know Regina at all. They were still strangers even though Emma felt that she knew her.
Olivia tilted her head towards the girls and stepped inside of the gate, telling Emma to follow her. Emma shrugged and followed her inside. The detectives weaved through the crowd of oncoming teenagers that had only grown since they began speaking to the boys. They approached the girls and stopped directly in front of the blonde girl, cutting off her path.
She had her head down where she was lighting up a cigarette so she hadn't noticed Emma. She damn near collided with her before Emma cleared her throat, drawing her attention. The girl's head snapped up and she gave Emma a long disinterested look as she came to a stop.
"The women's shelter is down the street." The other blonde girl said waving a long manicured finger in that direction.
Emma wrinkled her nose. "Cute..." She muttered with a shake of her head. Oh if she didn't need information from them she would definitely give that girl and her slaughterhouse coat a piece of her mind. Since Regina's safety was more important than her pride she turned her attention back to Mal who had efficiently lit her cigarette. "Are you Mallory Grey?"
The girl took a long pull from her cigarette before blowing the smoke out. Emma waved her hand in front of the foggy cloud and coughed a bit. The girl's deep blue eyes locked on Emma's and Emma found herself momentarily entranced by them. They were something like crystal with at least four different shades of blue at once. She had never seen anything like them. It was almost like a kaleidoscope with all blues moving at once.
Her eyes were very distinguishable and probably only belonged to her so if she ever committed a crime and someone were to describe her eyes, Emma would automatically know that this girl was guilty.
"Who wants to know?" The girl asked dryly as she released another puff of smoke.
Emma rolled her eyes and fanned the smoke away again. "Us." She held up her badge and so did Olivia. "Detective Swan and Detective Benson."
The girl shrugged. She seemed completely unfazed. "What do you want?"
"To ask you a few questions." Olivia replied with a small smile.
"What if I don't want to speak to any cops?" Mallory challenged passively.
"What if I asked for your ID?" Olivia threw back. "I'm almost positive that you are not of the legal age to buy cigarettes. We could put you in jail and your supplier."
"Oh come on, it's not coke. It's just a cig." The girl in the leather protested. The girl in fur simply hid her hand that held her own lit cigarette behind her back.
Olivia shrugged. "Still illegal."
Mallory dropped the cigarette to the pavement and stepped on it, putting it out. She sighed deeply as if this was a great inconvenience and stared at the detectives. "Happy?"
"Those things will kill you, you know." Emma pointed out with a hint of sarcasm. Mallory simply shrugged.
"We all have to die from something."
Emma raised a brow. "That's awfully dark for such a young kid."
Mallory rolled her eyes. "Can we get this over with? I have somewhere to be."
Olivia and Emma shared a look. Emma then turned back to the girls and shrugged. They might as well get it over with. "Yeah. Do you have somewhere we can talk that's out of the way? Private, I guess?"
Mallory tilted her head and turned around. They assumed she was telling them to follow her so they did. She began leading them back towards the school. Olivia and Emma of course kept their guards up even though they doubted that these preppy girls were going to try anything. They had to wade through the sea of students again until they reached the steps that led to the entrance of the school but instead of climbing them they rounded them. They continued until they came to a bench that was a bit off from the rest of the students. Enough so that their conversation couldn't be overheard.
Mal hopped onto the bench and perched herself on the back of it, placing her heeled feet onto the seat. Her friends sat on either side of her legs. The girls then stared up at them expectantly.
Emma sighed and pulled out her notepad. She couldn't understand why they were so impatient.
"What are your names?" Olivia asked motioning between the two other girls.
"Ella." The girl in fur answered.
"Ursula." Said the other.
"Poor Unfortunate Souls, huh?" Emma cracked.
The girl just narrowed her eyes at her before rolling them. "Yeah, like I haven't heard that one before."
Emma shrugged. She clicked her pen and looked up at Mallory. "So Mallory-"
"Mal." The girl snapped.
Emma held in a groan. "Mal... I have some questions for you concerning a classmate of yours. A Regina M. Mills."
"Regina?" The girl asked with a furrowed brow. "Why? Is she in trouble?" The girl's usual indifferent persona faded away and gave way to panic. The other girls looked worried as well. "Whatever it is, she didn't do it."
"Nope." Ella agreed. "Gina is a good girl."
"You have the wrong person." Ursula added.
Emma sighed. Why do these kids always think that someone was arrested? "She's not in trouble. Well she is... in a way. She was found early this morning unconscious on the sidewalk."
Mal's mouth fell open. "What? What happened?"
"She was assaulted badly. Sexually and beaten." Emma continued. "She hasn't woken up so she can't tell me what happened to her but maybe you can help."
Mal's face was still taken over by shock and pain. She clearly cared about Regina and was hurt by the idea of her being mistreated in any way. She shook herself out of it and tightened her jaw. "Yeah, I can help in any way you need."
Emma nodded. "Did you speak to Regina last night?"
Mal shook her head. "No. I thought that was odd because she usually calls me before bed so we can..." She smiled sadly. "Just talk a bit. It makes her feel safe just to have someone listen to her."
Ella scoffed. "Right. It's not like that bitch of a mother listens to anything she has to say."
"Cora?" Emma asked.
"Yeah, the world's biggest bitch." Added Ursula. "She literally banned Mal from their penthouse because Mal is a lesbian and she was getting too close to Gina."
Mal sighed. "I'm glad it's not a secret."
"God forbid anyone gets too close to Regina." Ursula mumbled, completely ignoring Mal's comment.
"What does that mean?" Olivia pressed.
"Cora doesn't allow Regina to keep friends. She always wants her home. She won't even let her go to the movies on weekends." Mal sighed. "It creeps me out."
"Why?"
"It's like she's too close to Regina." Mal explained. "Regina won't tell me but there's something not right there."
"That's why Lena left." Ursula muttered.
"Who?" Emma and Olivia both asked in unison.
"Zelena. Regina's big sister." Mal replied. "She moved out into a dorm at NYU and never came back. She had enough of Cora."
Emma and Olivia both wore matching looks of surprise. "Did she say why she moved into a dorm when her mother has a place in the city?"
Cora did mention that she had two daughters. Emma wondered if these girls could provide just a bit more insight on the older sister and her relationship with Regina.
"Just that she was a psycho bitch but we already knew that." Mal sighed.
"Is she still in contact with Regina?" Olivia asked.
Mal shook her head again. "Nope. Regina won't speak to her. She feels like Zelena abandoned her and frankly I agree."
Emma wrote 'Zelena' in her notepad with a question mark beside it. She wanted to ask Cora about her. "What about their dad?"
"Not in the picture." All three girls said in unison. "He went back to Puerto Rico." Mal added.
"Does Regina have any contact with him?"
Mal made a face. "Not that I know of. Cora won't allow it."
Emma nodded. What she was getting was that Cora is controlling her daughters and isolating them. As far as she could see there was no crime being committed though and Regina wasn't in any danger. "What about boyfriends?"
Ursula and Ella snickered then and Mal sighed deeply.
"What?" Emma snapped. She really did not find the idea of a young girl being sexually assaulted to be funny at all.
"Regina is gay just like Mal." Ella said through her chuckle.
"That's why her mother didn't want me near her. She knew how I felt about her." Mal drawled dryly.
Emma sighed. Okay so Cora didn't like the idea of her daughter being gay. Homophobes made her skin crawl but unless Cora hurt Regina for it, once again there was no crime. "Anyone else have a problem with it?"
"Nope not unless they wanted to deal with Mal." Ella spoke up.
Mal is somewhat protective of Regina. Just looking at this girl both detectives knew that she wouldn't harm Regina nor would she let her go somewhere that is considered dangerous. She obviously knew nothing about Regina's whereabouts. "Okay just a few more questions."
"Sure." Mal sighed as she ran her fingers through her hair. She looked anxious. "If it will help Gina."
"Have you noticed anyone taking a particular interest in Regina? For example... watching her or following her?" Emma asked. "Has she expressed concern for her safety?"
Mal fell silent and stared out ahead of them. After a moment she shook her head. "No... well, not really."
Emma raised a brow but Olivia spoke up. "What do you mean 'not really'?"
"Well there's this guy. An alumni... he graduated two years ago. He took a strange interest in Gina in our freshman year. He gave me the creeps but she figured that he was a nice guy. I knew better." Mal provided. "He stands outside the school with his friend Sammy Smee now." She wrinkled her nose in disgust. "He always chats Regina up whenever he sees her. He sometimes offers her a ride but when she doesn't have her car I tell him she's riding with me."
Emma tilted her head. That sort of did raise a few red flags. It wouldn't be the first time a guy his age became infatuated with a girl her age. "What's his name?"
"Killian Jones." All three girls said in unison as their eyes shifted to something behind Emma. Both detectives turned around to find a boy standing just outside the gate smoking a cigarette. He was in tight black jeans and a black leather jacket with black heeled boots. That's all Emma could make out from there.
"That him?"She asked turning back around to face the girls.
They all nodded. "Yes." Mal replied. "I wouldn't be surprised if he raped Regina. Luckily for him you'll get to him before I do."
"Is that a threat?" Olivia asked.
Mal looked up at her and gave her a sweet smile. "Why, no Detective, it's merely an observation."
Olivia smirked a bit and nodded. "I see..."
Mal shrugged. "Sure would hate for him to lose his tiny dick and testicles." At Olivia's raised brow Mal raised her hands in surrender. "I'm just making a comment."
The detectives shared a look. That was enough questions for now. "Well, thank you for your time." Emma muttered as she reached into her pocket and produced a card. "Give me a call if you can think of anything else." She handed it over to Mal. The girl took it and read it over.
Mal nodded with a frown. Emma and Olivia began to turn to leave the girls alone but Mal's voice stopped her dead in her tracks. "Can I go see Regina?" She asked.
Emma turned to look at the girl who didn't look so big and bad then. Instead she looked small and scared, clearly shaken up by her friend's condition. The detective gave the teen a small smile. "I think she would like to see you when she wakes up. She's over at New York Presbyterian."
Mal nodded. "Thanks."
Emma nodded in return then she and Olivia continued on their way. She needed to chat with this Killian kid. He could have easily hurt Regina. It wouldn't be the first time that infatuation turned to a crime of passion. The beating that Regina sustained shown that this person was extremely angry or they knew her. Killian could very much fit both criteria.
"Regina is a lesbian." Olivia whispered. "Did you see that one coming?"
Emma chuckled with a shake of her head. She tried not to make assumptions from first impressions but in all reality she didn't expect Regina to actually be out, especially with a mother like Cora. This girl is very brave. "Hell no."
"The mother hated that."
"Which must have made her feel like her mother hated her." Emma sighed. She's dealt with that. She was a bisexual kid in the foster system. She had fallen for many girls in her time but she could never act on those feelings for fear of what may happen to her if anyone found out. It happened once. She was caught kissing a female classmate by her foster father. He blew up and the next day she was sent back. After that she suppressed that part of herself for so long and it was almost painful to do so. Things are different now but she will always have those scars. "I've been there. It's hard as hell."
Olivia shook her head with a look of sympathy on her face. "I can't even imagine. That must be so scary for a kid."
Emma sighed. "It's horrifying."
"At least she has Mal. She has someone who gets her and will protect her. I got a good feeling from that girl." Olivia said.
Emma nodded in agreement as they weaved through the students heading back towards the entrance. The crowd had thinned out significantly so it was a bit easier. They stepped back onto the busy sidewalk where the kids were dispersing in different directions.
They looked over to find Killian still standing there with a few other boys. She glanced over at Olivia who gave her a nod. They then began heading towards the boys. He was taking a swig from something that looked like a flask when they walked up. Emma shook her head as they stopped a few feet away from him.
She looked him over. He was tall, slim, dark hair and sharp blue eyes. His skin was fair but he was a bit more tanned than Emma. He had two diamond earrings in his ears and a tattoo of an anchor on his neck. His leather jacket was left unzipped revealing a black v-neck tee that was low enough to reveal his dark chest hair.
Killian looked like that guy. The type of guy that preys on nice girls like Regina. Would he rape her? Usually not directly but they do get off on hurting girls. Breaking their hearts rather. She set her jaw at that thought. She was so protective of Regina already that the thought of him using Regina made her want to punch him... hard.
"Killian Jones." Olivia said stepping closer. The boy looked over at them. His eyes that were outlined with more eyeliner than Emma owned raked over Olivia in a very inappropriate way before doing the same to Emma.
He smirked and gave them what Emma assumed was supposed to be a smoldering look. "Yes. What can I do for you lovely ladies?"
Emma and Olivia shared a look before taking out their badges out at the same time and holding them up to his face. "Detective Swan." Emma introduced herself. "This is my partner, Detective Benson."
The boys around Killian suddenly looked panicked. Killian, not so much. He kept his eyes on Emma's and maintained his cool guy demeanor. "Detectives... it's not every day I get questioned by lady cops. Then again, sexy cops with boobs are rare."
Emma balled her hands into fists at her side. What a sexist little asshole. She wished that she could arrest him just for his misogynistic statement alone. She hated him already. He had no respect for women and he thought he was a gift to womankind. Not in her world. She found him to be useless and repulsive already. A member of the small group that refused to evolve.
She was so glad that Henry was a gentleman already. He greeted women on the street, held doors open for them and would often give up his seat for a lady. He always spoke gently to his mother and was always kind. At only six, Henry understood that his mother was capable of doing anything that a man could. She was just as strong, just as brave and just as smart. He knew that gender meant nothing about a person's heart. Henry was a good kid and she thought despite her flaws she was doing well with him. Looking at Killian was just proof of that.
"I hope that's apple juice in that flask." Olivia sounded so bored and irritated.
His grin remained. "Yes ma'am." He said handing it over to his friend. The short round boy in the red worn hat took it and shoved it deep into his coat pocket.
The smell of rum surrounding the boys said that it wasn't apple juice at all. They knew this but they were not going to bust him for underage drinking or public intoxication because they needed some information. "Good." Was all Olivia said.
"I have some questions for you." Emma said stepping closer. "Regarding a senior in this school. Regina Mills."
Killian's eyes widened in surprise. "I didn't touch her, I swear."
Emma growled low in her chest and she took a menacing step toward him. "Excuse me?" She asked darkly.
"I never touched her." He repeated.
Emma saw red and before she could catch herself she was on him. She pushed him up against the gate and grabbed the front of his jacket. His eyes had turned frightened. "What did you do to her?!" She grounded out.
"Nothing!" The boy cried.
"What do you know?" She pressed.
"About what?" He asked.
"You know exactly what I'm talking about." Emma growled into his face. She saw Mallory and her friends exit the gate out of her peripheral. Mal was glaring at Killian. The blonde girl said nothing however and she and her friends headed off in the opposite direction.
"I don't know what you're talking about, I swear." He cried.
"Bullshit." Emma screamed. She pulled him off the gate and slammed him back into it, causing the metal to rattle.
"That's a little hard to believe. We come to question you about an underage girl that you know that was raped and the first thing you say is that you didn't touch her." Olivia pointed out. She was completely unfazed by Emma's aggression. She does work with Elliot after all.
"Wh-what?" He stammered. "What girl? Who?" He couldn't be this stupid.
"You don't even know her name?" Emma screamed pushing him further into the gate. His friends had moved back and were just watching. "Regina Mills. Your victim has a name, you little prick!"
The look of shock on Killian's face was almost believable. "Regina was raped?" He asked. His eyes locked on Emma's. "Is she okay?"
"She's alive which is terrible news for you." Emma hissed. He looked at Olivia then back at Emma.
"Can I see her?" He asked.
Emma chuckled darkly and removed one of her hands from him only to push her elbow up to his throat causing him to gag. She leaned in close to his face. "Fuck. You!"
"What?" He gasped out under the pressure of Emma's arm pressing against his windpipe. "I just want to know if she's alright or if she needs anything. "
Emma chuckled again and put more pressure against his throat. He gagged and she found that satisfying. "You have two options; come with us to the station so you can answer a few questions or we arrest you for underage drinking. Choose."
Killian hesitated and looked over at his friends. They looked as horrified as he was. Emma had to admit that it was nice to wipe that smug look off his stupid face. He looked back to Emma and nodded. "Okay."
Emma shoved him further into the gate before releasing him. He bent over and began coughing trying to breathe.
"Let's go." Olivia said grabbing his arm. She began dragging him towards the car before he could try to escape. Emma watched them go before turning back to his friends. They all looked ready to flee.
"If I find out that any of you had anything to do with it, I will be coming back for you. I swear to god I will make you hurt... badly." She narrowed her eyes at them. This was not a threat but a promise."Do you understand me?" She asked in a warning tone. The boys all nodded quickly. "Good. Now get out of here. You're trespassing."
She only had to say it once because in an instant the boys fled from the scene. She watched them as they scattered down the street. When the last boy disappeared around the corner she nodded to herself in satisfaction then turned on her heels and began heading for the car.
When she reached the curb she saw Olivia shove Killian in the backseat. She definitely needed to disinfect the backseat later. She glanced in both directions before heading across the street.
She let out a heavy sigh as she neared her car. Killian was her first suspect. She just needed a moment to get her head right before she began questioning him. She was very emotional about this case. She had a strong feeling that this kid did it. Now she just had to prove it.
Emma slammed her hand down on the table causing the kid across from her to flinch. "I am not going to ask you again, Killian, where were you last night?!"
Killian looked up at her and she could see that he was on the verge of tears. Not so tough now. "I told you I was home."
Emma scoffed. She wasn't buying it. She could practically smell the guilt on him. "And I'm supposed to believe that a cool guy like you was at home all evening?"
Killian shrugged. "It doesn't matter what you believe..." He snapped. " I was home. My older brother Liam was there. Just call and ask him."
Emma nodded. "As if people don't lie..." she muttered. "He's your brother. I doubt he would tell us that you weren't home last night because you were out brutally beating and raping a young girl for hours."
Killian sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. He was getting nervous. Nervous is good. She just needed to work on him a little longer and he would confess. "He's an honest guy. He wouldn't lie."
"Says you." Emma scoffed.
"I'm telling the truth!" He cried. Emma groaned and slammed her hands on the table again in frustration.
"Why'd you do it?" Emma heard a voice ask from behind her. She glanced over her shoulder to see Detective Elliot Stabler standing behind her, propped up against the door.
She didn't even hear him come in. She was grateful for him deciding to step in and help because if this kid was guilty Elliot could definitely get him to confess.
"Do what?" Killian whined and hid his face in his hands. He let out a long sigh and ran his hands up until his fingers combed through his dark hair again.
"Why did you viciously rape and beat Regina Mills?" Elliot barked as he pushed off of the door and began storming over to the table. Instead of stopping on the other side beside Emma, he rounded the table. He marched right up to Killian and got in his face. "Huh?" He asked staring Killian down. "She say no? She lead you on so you took?"
"I didn't rape Regina Mills... I'm really into her. I could never hurt her." Tears were welling up in his eyes and Emma knew that he was going to burst into tears at any moment.
"I bet he's not used to hearing no." Emma pointed out crossing her arms over her chest. She narrowed her eyes at the boy. "She get you all riled up then backed out so, you threw a tantrum?"
"Wanted to teach her a lesson for being a tease?" Elliot added.
"No..." Killian breathed out. "No. I care about Regina. I would never hurt her! Ask her. She'll tell you!"
"She's damn near in a coma because of you..." Elliot growled. "That's why we're asking you, moron!"
"And I'm telling you it wasn't me." Killian cried out.
"I'm not buying it. You're used to getting your way..." Emma said lowly.
"Regina's a lesbian. She likes chicks." He blew out a breath. "I like her but I know I don't stand a chance. She's my friend. That's it."
Emma wasn't buying the 'good guy' act. Killian Jones was a pig but she couldn't prove it. She needed more than him being a creep to prove that he hurt Regina. "Right... she's a lesbian which means you have no chance with your dream girl. How does that make you feel? Does it make you mad?"
The kid shrugged again. "It sucks and I'm disappointed but it is what it is. Plenty of other chicks out there. None as cute as Regina but oh well."
"You know what I think?" Emma questioned.
Killian sighed. "No."
"No wait." Stabler cut in as he leaned back and crossed his arms over his chest. "Let's see if we're on the same page."
Emma smirked at the man. "Be my guest..."
Elliot cleared his throat and kept his eyes on Emma as he spoke. "Okay, so he got frustrated because the girl he loved was into other girls so he decided to take what he wanted by force, hoping that it would make Regina change her mind..."
Emma nodded and hit the table again. She wagged a finger at Elliot. "Exactly or straighten her out."
"Great minds think alike" Elliot said stoically, tapping his temple with his index finger.
"You two are completely wrong. I would never force a girl to do anything." Killian groaned then and slapped his hand on the table. He turned his attention away from the detectives towards the single gated window.
Emma sighed. She was tired of this game. "Hey, Stabler, how long do you think Killy here will last in prison?"
At her words, Killian turned around then and his eyes locked with her. She could see the fear in them and that of course made her smirk and gave her an ounce of satisfaction.
Elliot looked over Killian for a moment then shook his head. "Not very long before he's someone's plaything in there."
Killian gasped then and looked at Elliot. His eyes were wide and he was shaking his head.
Emma's smirk grew. "Won't be long then until he knows exactly what Regina went through."
The tears began falling then and he broke down into ugly sobs. Emma made a face as she watched the blubbering idiot before her. She felt that she was close for a moment but of course she wasn't.
"He should just confess so we can make a deal." Elliot suggested plainly.
"I didn't touch Regina!" The kid bellowed. His voice was raw with emotion and he was shaking. Killian Jones was scared shitless and that is exactly what she wanted.
"So give us a DNA sample so we can rule you out." Emma declared simply.
Killian frowned and wiped his nose with his sleeve. Emma and Elliot shared looks of disgust. That of course was not the grossest thing they've had a suspect do in an interrogation room.
He looked at Emma. "Do I need a lawyer?"
This idiot is asking if he needs a lawyer? God! "Do you?" She asked with a raise of her brows. "I mean, we're trying to rule you out... that's all."
Killian realized that he has no choice and conceded. "Okay."
Emma looked over at Elliot. She was surprised and it nearly knocked her on her ass. She really thought Killian would be smarter than to incriminate himself. It seems like she was wrong.
Emma and Elliot shared a look. She wished she could high five him but that would be in bad taste and unprofessional.
She didn't want Killian to chicken out so she had to speed things up.
"Great. I'll be right back..." She tilted her head towards the door and Elliot nodded his understanding. She turned on her heel and began heading for it. She could hear the other detective following.
They slipped out of the room to find Olivia and their Lieutenant Cragen watching through the one sided glass. "He agreed to the sample." Emma said throwing her arms up in defeat.
"But that's a good thing." Cragen pointed out.
Emma shrugged. "I mean, sure I guess but I don't trust it."
"You think he's good for it?" Cragen asked turning back to the glass. Killian was sitting there with his elbows propped up on the table and his face in his hands.
"I do."
"So do I." Elliot agreed. "This guy is nineteen years old and preys on young girls. Regina Mills is as young and innocent as he could have without consequence. A perfect target for a predator like him."
"You think he's a pedophile?" Olivia asked finally turning away from the window, giving the other detectives her attention.
"Or a pedophile in the making." Emma pinched the bridge of her nose. Regina was very mature physically and even carried herself as an adult. She wasn't one however, not really. She looked older but her age alone could very well get him off. School girl in a uniform basically. He liked them young but he was playing it safe with an older teen until he got more comfortable. This meant that he could eventually work his way down from seventeen year olds to fourteen year olds. Emma wanted to nip that in the bud before he got that far. "We won't know for sure until we get a sample, Regina wakes up or he confesses."
"So it's out of our hands for now." Elliot concluded with an exasperated sigh. "I don't like that, Liv..." He held his partner's eyes. "Let's work on getting that sample."
Olivia nodded. "Okay. I'm on it."
She turned on her heel and headed out of the room to make a few phone calls. Emma sighed and turned back to the glass. She watched Killian for a moment. His shoulders were shaking as he sobbed. Emma hadn't an ounce of sympathy for him.
Cragen glanced at their suspect. "If he's pretending then he's a pretty good actor." He put his hands into his pockets.'"Well, we will know soon enough."
Well not soon enough for Emma's liking but what he said was true. "Right."
He nodded his head then patted Emma on the shoulder. He headed for the door as well. He stopped and gave Emma a nod before stepping out. When the door closed, Elliot and Emma took their places in front of the glass. They watched Killian with matching disgusted expressions on their faces. What a phony..
"We're going to nail this guy." Elliot muttered.
"Oh yeah..." Emma agreed. She knew she would. She would never stop until she feels that Regina had gotten all of the justice she deserves.
A tech came to the station and took the DNA sample from Killian. Shortly after Elliot and Emma were informed that they could no longer hold him so they reluctantly let him go but not without threatening him that if she ever caught him near that school again she was going to haul his ass straight to rikers.
Emma hated releasing him onto the streets again but there was nothing she could do. The DNA would be back soon enough and they could go from there. At least now they had collected more. She was eager to lock him up and throw away the key. Right now she had to just sit tight.
She hadn't gotten a call from the hospital about Regina so she decided to go check on her on her way home. Well, she said on her way but the hospital was well out of her way in the complete opposite direction in fact. She however didn't care. She needed to know that Regina was alright and she wouldn't be able to rest until she saw her again.
After wishing all of her co-workers a goodnight she headed straight to the hospital. She breezed straight through to Regina's room with the help of her badge. Emma was surprised that when she peeked into the girl's room she didn't find Cora Mills sitting there with her but instead there was Mallory Grey sitting at the edge of the girl's bed just staring at her. She couldn't believe that Cora managed to pull herself away from her child after the spectacle she put on for Emma. Maybe Detective Swan shouldn't have been surprised after all since Cora seemed to be fake.
Emma glanced down at her watch. It was late. Visiting hours had been over at least half an hour ago but there was Mal.
"We asked her to leave but she wouldn't." The sound of the voice startled Emma and she jumped. She glanced over her shoulder and found a nurse standing beside her with her arms crossed and a disapproving look on her face. "She isn't making any noise and Miss Mills has a private room curtesy of her mother but rules are rules. She seemed highly upset so I let her stay."
Emma nodded and turned back to the girls. "That's nice of you." She muttered sarcastically.
"Sure but she needs to leave soon."
Emma raised a hand to silence her. Visiting hours was the least of Regina's problems at the moment. Emma was partially relieved that Mal stayed with Regina and she wasn't left alone in case she woke up. "I got it."
The nurse nodded then turned on her heel and headed off down the hallway. Emma rolled her eyes. Why couldn't they give this girl a break? Her best friend nearly lost her life for God's sake.
Emma sighed and stepped into the room. "Hey Mal."
The other blonde girl looked over her shoulder and sighed upon seeing Emma. "They call you because I wouldn't leave?"
Emma shoved her hands into her back pockets and shrugged her shoulders. "I'm here to see how Regina is doing." She answered.
Mal dipped her head in understanding. She looked less defensive then. "She hasn't woken up."
Emma knew that she would be screwed for the entirety of the case. She let herself get emotionally involved but damn it she couldn't help herself. The guilt she had been feeling paired with the way she felt about the victim was simply a death wish. She wouldn't shake Regina or this case until the case was solved and she knew that.
"She will."
"The doctor said that she could wake up any time she felt like it. She isn't in a coma and her brain activity is normal." Mal shrugged with a shake of her head. "She just doesn't want to wake up."
Emma's heard of this before. It's rare but it happens and she would be lying if she said she didn't understand why Regina would never want to wake up. It was a traumatizing experience but staying asleep wouldn't help.
"She's really tired." Emma concluded. She didn't mean from this alone but generally.
Mallory nodded. "That's probably what it is."
"Why don't you head home?" Emma suggested. "Don't you have school in the morning?"
"With all due respect, fuck school. My best friend was hurt." Mal said but there was no malice in her tone. She just sounded like an upset kid.
"The best thing right now is to go about your night and day as planned. Regina would want that."
Mal looked over her shoulder and gave Emma a look that said 'how would you know what Regina wants?' But she didn't verbalize it. Instead she nodded her head and stood up. She squeezed Regina's hand. "Rest up, kiddo. I'll see you tomorrow." She then lowered her voice but Emma could still hear her. "I miss you." She bent over then and kissed Regina's forehead.
She straightened up as she smoothed down her clothes and began heading towards Emma. Emma gave her a small smile and Mal somewhat returned it as she stopped directly in front of the detective. "Killian did it, huh?"
Emma shrugged. "Don't know. We sent his DNA to the lab. We're going to see if it matches what we found on Regina."
Mal looked highly annoyed. "He did it."
Emma sighed. She couldn't really discuss the case with this girl. "Innocent until proven guilty."
That received an eye roll from the teen. "Yeah right."
Emma smirked a bit. "I know."
"Well when you do get him let me know."
Emma nodded. "You got it."
Mal nodded in return and glanced over her shoulder at Regina. She then looked back at Emma. "Um... if Gina wakes up, can you please tell her I was here and it took me almost an hour to find flowers that I thought she would like?"
Emma glanced over at the table and saw the two almost three dozen pink and white daisies in a white vase. There was a cute little get well soon card propped up against it. The Detective thought it was so sweet and despite Mal's bad girl act, she did have a heart and it belonged to Regina Mills.
Emma gave Mal a reassuring nod. "I will. I'll have her call you, too."
Mal's smile grew. "Great."
She stepped around Emma and began heading out of the room. Emma glanced over at Regina and just listened as Mal's heels faded from the room. Emma looked back over her shoulder just in time to see Mal peeking in through the window, giving her friend one last look before heading home.
Emma let out a long sigh and turned back to Regina. It had been a long day and she was so tired. She felt like she hadn't accomplished anything since Killian hadn't been arrested. Instead he was home. She rolled her eyes at that. How could he live with himself knowing what he had done?
She shrugged out of her jacket as she made her way across the room. She stopped at the visitor's chair and hung her jacket on the back of it before taking a seat.
She sat back in the chair and watched the girl for a moment. There was a steady, strong rise and fall of her chest. At least she was breathing alright. The beep of the heart monitor was steady as well.
"You know... Um..." Emma spoke to the sleeping girl. "We brought Killian Jones in for questioning today."
Regina didn't move and she stayed completely still. Emma was hoping for some type of reaction. She just wanted the girl to wake up. It wasn't fair that Regina was lying in a hospital bed while her attacker was running free.
"He claimed he didn't hurt you but I don't know... we took DNA from him. We won't get the results back for a while."
Emma sighed and crossed one leg over the other. She just had to let Regina know what was going on and keep her in the loop.
Emma felt a sudden vibration in her jeans pocket before her personal phone began ringing. She fished it out of her pocket and glanced at the screen. It was Ruby. She quickly answered the call.
"Hey Ruby, Look. I'm-"
"Hi Mommy!"
Emma sighed with a chuckle at the sound of her son's adorable voice. "Hey Kid. What are you doing up so late?"
"I'm waiting for you..."
"Oh." Emma rubbed a hand over her face. "I won't be home any time soon. This case is-"
"Is the girl okay?" Henry asked curiously. "Did you see her?"
Emma smiled at her son's concern. Her eyes fell on the girl in question. She didn't want to disturb her so she stood up and made her way to the opposite side of the room. "She's okay. She's sleeping now though." She explained as she leaned against the window and stared down at the street below.
The streetlights were providing light for the people busily moving about out there. It didn't surprise her that so many people were still out so late. This is the city that never sleeps after all.
"That's good. Tell her I said I'm glad she's okay."
Emma chuckled at that. "I will, Henry."
"Did you catch the bad guy, yet?" He inquired.
Emma sighed. She really wished that she had better news for him. "Not yet but we will."
"Yes. You will!" Henry agreed firmly.
Emma smiled at her son's confidence. She envied his optimism. "How was the rest of your day?"
"Good." He exclaimed. "Me and Ruby made pizza!"
Emma gasped, playing along with his excitement. "You did?"
He hummed the affirmative and she could imagine the big nod he was giving her. "We made you one, too. It's in the fridge."
"Wow. Thanks kid, I can't wait to try it."
Henry giggled. "Will you be home soon?"
"Very soon, Honey."
He fell silent for a moment before speaking again. "I won't see you before bed?"
Emma felt an instant pang of guilt at her son's heartbroken tone. "Not tonight. I'm sorry."
"That's okay. You have to protect the girl." Henry said seriously. "I will be okay. I have Ruby and Granny. She doesn't have anyone to protect her so, she can have you for a while."
Emma had come to the conclusion that her son was the sweetest child on earth. He cared so much for a girl that he didn't even know and had never met. That made Emma's heart squeeze and that made her even prouder of him. "Of course you will be just fine because you're my tough guy."
"Yes I am!"
"And I will take good care of her. Don't you worry."
"I know you will." Henry said. "You always take care of everyone."
That made Emma laugh. "Oh Henry, you are too much. Anyway, get some sleep. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Okay mommy! Night!" He exclaimed before blowing her a kiss through the phone.
Emma blew one back. "Love you, Buddy."
"Love you too, Mommy!"
"Goodnight kid."
"Night mommy!" He said before disconnecting the call. She didn't need to speak to Ruby because she had already messaged her and let her know what was going on.
Emma sighed as she stared down at her phone screen. Well, she was officially homesick now. She could make it home in time to be there when Henry woke up. She just wanted to hold him and give him a big good morning kiss.
"My daddy's name is Henry." A groggy, scratchy voice said from behind her.
Emma whirled around then to find Regina lying in bed with her head turned to face her. Her eyes were wide open and she was very much awake. Emma gasped. "You're awake." She breathed.
Regina nodded and went to shift but winced at the pain. "Where am I?" She asked looking around.
"You're in the hospital, Regina. I'm Detective Emma Swan. Do you remember anything that has happened to you?" Emma asked softly as she moved closer to the bed.
Regina fell silent then and her eyes glazed over with unshed tears. She nodded and her lip trembled. "Someone raped me." She choked out.
Emma could tell right then and there when it dawned on her. "I'm so sorry this happened to you." She said gently, she kept her eyes on Regina's as the girl gulped and gasped between sobs. "Can you tell me who hurt you?" She then asked gently.
Regina bit her lip and began shaking her head. A tiny whimper escaped her and Emma's heart shattered. She had so much fear. "No."
"No?" Emma asked, leaning on the railing of the bed. "You didn't get a good look at him?"
"I can't tell you." Regina whispered. "May I please have some water?"
Emma nodded and rounded the bed to the little table right beside Regina. She grabbed the pink plastic cup and the matching pitcher and began filling it with the room temperature water. She filled it half way and handed it over to Regina. The girl took it and began drinking greedily. It was gone in seconds. Emma leaned over and took the now empty cup from her. "Need more?"
Regina shook her head. "No thank you."
"I can go get you some ice, if you like?" Emma suggested.
"That's alright." Regina insisted timidly.
Emma gave the girl a smile. "Okay cool. Just let me know."
Regina nodded.
Emma sat the cup down and headed back to the bed. She crossed her arms over her chest. "Now, tell me who attacked you."
"I can't!" Regina cried as her tears finally sprang free again. "My mother wou-" she cut herself off and looked towards the window. She flinched as soon as she saw how dark it was. She turned back to Emma with sheer terror in her eyes. "What time is it?"
Emma checked her watch. "Quarter after nine."
"Oh no..." Regina breathed. "Mother is going to kill me." She moved to get up but Emma reached over and placed a hand on her shoulder holding her there.
"Whoa kid, where are you going?" She asked.
"I should have been home hours ago. My mother would be quite upset." Regina explained frantically.
"You mother would want you to recover from being assaulted." Emma said firmly, not removing her hand. What was this kid thinking and why was she so spooked.
Regina struggled against Emma's grip. "You don't know my mother..."
"So enlighten me." Emma pressed. She heard that Cora was a monster and if Regina told her a similar story Emma could help her.
"I have to leave." She tried to get up again but Emma held her down which didn't take much with the girl's size and weakened state. "You cannot leave. Your mother knows anyway. She was here."
Regina froze then and looked up at her with wide frightened eyes. Emma expected relief to wash over her but instead the fear set in deeper. "What did she say?" She asked carefully.
Emma shrugged. "Nothing significant. She was worried about you and asked me to catch whoever hurt you."
Regina made a confused face and shook her head. "Really?"
Emma couldn't understand why she was so confused about her mother being worried about her but she probably had her reasons, and Emma planned to find out what they were.
The detective nodded. "Really."
Regina settled back then. "She wasn't mad?"
"Why would she be mad? It wasn't your fault."
Regina sighed and laid back against the pillow. "I don't know."
"You have to tell me who hurt you."
"I cant, I cant, I can't." Regina sobbed out.
"Why not?" Emma pressed.
"He can hurt me and my family." Regina said softly.
"Regina, I won't let that happen. Tell me."
"Please don't make me tell!" Regina cried. She began breathing heavily as if she was hyperventilating. Emma could feel her fear and it only upset her. This kid was abused so badly that she was afraid to tell who put her in the hospital. "Please!"
Regina's monitors began beeping erratically and Emma knew that something was wrong. "Regina, okay, okay calm down."
Regina had her hand on her chest and was wheezing heavily as she struggled to bring in air. She was on the verge of a panic attack. Emma turned and began to go look for a nurse but before she could take a step, a group of about three nurses came rushing in.
"What happened?" the first nurse asked as she sidled up to Emma. She was a bit older and she had a very kind face. Emma stepped aside to give her room.
The detective watched helplessly as the nurses crowded around the girl, frightening her more.
"No stop!" Regina cried. Emma felt that in a way it was her fault. She pushed too hard.
"What happened?" the nurse asked again looking over her shoulder at Emma.
Emma sighed. "I was asking her if she knew her attacker. She wouldn't tell me. Whoever this son of a bitch is scared her to death."
The nurse nodded. "I have something for this."
She exited the room quickly. Emma watched the scene unfold before her of the girl struggling to get free from the two nurses holding her down. She wanted to make them leave the kid alone but she couldn't.
"Let me go!" Regina screamed.
"Is that really necessary?" Emma asked as she watched them hold the screaming girl down as she fought against them.
"Yes." One of them replied.
"So she won't hurt herself." Said the other.
Emma let out a sigh and just watched on helplessly. The older nurse returned with a vial and a syringe. Emma furrowed her brow. "What's that?"
"Something to calm her." Was all she said as she stood beside Regina's bed. She filled the syringe and brought the needle to the girl's iv then injected the clear substance into it. "That should do it."
The other nurses released Regina after her struggling weakened as the medication began to immediately take effect. The older nurse rubbed her hand over Regina's head. "You're going to be okay now, Honey." She whispered kindly. The nurse turned to Emma as the other nurses checked Regina over. "Maybe you should go. She is going to be sedated soon and unable to answer any questions."
"No!" Regina cried weakly. "Please let her stay. I don't want to be alone."
The nurse looked back to Regina then turned to Emma. She sighed deeply with a shake of her head. "Fine but no questioning until the morning."
Emma agreed. That was fair. "Okay."
The nurse smiled. "Okay. Let me know if she needs anything."
"You got it." Emma said.
The nurse smiled again. She checked Regina's vitals then with a dip of her head, she swept out of the room. The other two nurses followed, leaving Emma alone with Regina.
Emma looked at the girl that was staring up at her from beneath heavy eyelids. "Falling asleep?"
"I just woke up." Regina sighed.
Emma chuckled. "Sorry."
Regina shook her head softly. "It's not your fault. You're trying to help like before."
Oh, so she did remember her. Emma wasn't quite sure if she had but it was good that she trusted her.
"Yeah. So let me help you." Emma whispered.
Regina groaned tiredly. "I can't."
"Okay, don't worry about that tonight. Just sleep and try to get better and stronger."
Regina reached for Emma's hand. Emma was surprised for a moment but then she quickly latched on to the hand offered to her. She gave it a squeeze.
"I'm so scared." Regina whispered softly.
"This is scary so I don't blame you but you are very brave. You'll get through this."
"I hope you're right." Regina whispered. "And I am not strong. I'm as weak as they come."
Those words broke Emma's heart along with the defeat in the girl's voice. "You are stronger than you know, Regina." Emma whispered back.
Regina nodded softly then her eyes closed. The grip on Emma's hand loosened as the girl gave in to sleep.
Emma just watched her for a moment. It would be nice if they could get Regina to talk. Maybe Huang can sit in. He had a very comforting presence and a way of dealing with traumatized victims.
Either way they needed Regina's help to find her attacker. When Regina awoke she will ask her about Killian and they will go from there.
She wanted to show Regina just how brave and strong she could be and that began with showing her how to fight back.
Nothing is ever what it seems...
Thanks for reading.