CHAPTER 20

Regina woke alone. She glanced at the clock and it was eleven in the morning. She was still tired but she smelled food. Robin was cooking breakfast. She quietly got out of bed and then went to the bathroom. She went out to the kitchen and smiled; Mary was sitting on a stool and Robin was at the stove. Regina came behind her friend and wrapped her arms around her "Isn't it great having a man who can cook," she teased.

Mary laughed "You're lucky. Did you sleep okay?"

"Yes, I'm not sure about my man over there though," she replied.

"I got a few hours. Don't worry beautiful," Robin said.

"Is David sleeping," Regina asked.

"Yes, he got home around six. I'm sure he'll be out for a while," Mary replied.

"Did they find anything," Regina asked.

Robin placed an omelet with potatoes and toast in front of Mary "Wow, thank you," she said.

"What kind of Omelet do you want my love?"

"Surprise me. So, what did they find?"

Robin poured her a cup of coffee "They found a total of 7 bugs and the car had one in it also. They were removed and are being dusted for prints," he said.

"Oh' my God," Regina said.

"The jewelry store is being checked tonight," Robin said.

"Are there any leads," Mary asked.

"I don't know," Robin replied. They were quiet and Robin finally placed a plate down in front of Regina and she began to eat. Mary had a strange look on her face "What is it," he asked.

"Last night when we were all talking at the table; Ruby said something . . . she said Graham hasn't been acting himself. She swore he was goading you. What if he has something to do with all of this?"

Regina put down her fork "When he was screaming at you Robin he was saying some crazy things."

"You've been so concerned and focused on Keith being back in town but what if he has nothing to do with this what if it's Graham," Mary said.

"Keith swore to me he had nothing to do with the fire and I believe him," Regina said. Robin was watching them talk about this and what they didn't know was that they weren't wrong. David was already investigating Graham but he didn't want them to know.

He had to change the subject "I'm sure David will figure it out."

"So, are you saying you know nothing about Graham being investigated," Regina asked.

"I haven't heard anything," Robin said. He hated lying but it was for her own good.

Regina's phone went off and it was a text from Emma "I can't sleep. I'm coming over. Xo," she said.

She put down her phone "Emma's on her way over."

"I guess I better make her breakfast as well," Robin said. Mary helped him with the toast and began to warm up the potatoes "Good thing you have a lot of eggs," he teased.

Regina cleared her throat "Robin, look at me." He turned around "Is David investigating Graham?"

"I can't talk about it," he said.

"You seem angry," Mary said.

"I am. Whoever this is – whether it's Graham or not invaded our home; he listened to private moments with our friends and with . . . us. I'm not angry. I'm pissed off." Emma arrived about ten minutes later. She plopped on a stood next to Regina and put her head down.

Robin put a plate in front of her "Thank you," she said as she slowly lifted her head.

"Why couldn't you sleep," Regina asked as Emma picked up her head.

"I'm too pissed," she admitted as she started to eat her food.

"That's going around. Can we go home tonight," Regina asked.

"Yes, we cleaned everything out and we changed the locks. We changed the alarm code too."

"We need to figure out who this is," Robin said.

"We will. They're dusting the prints very carefully. We should know something soon." Robin finally made his breakfast and sat next to Regina to eat. Mary cleaned the kitchen and Emma placed her head on the counter again. Her phone went off and she glanced down at it "Jesus, this sucks," she said.

"What is it," Regina asked.

"It's Graham. He's at the town line and he needs back up. I better go. Let David sleep."

"Are you sure," Mary asked.

"Yeah' I'll be okay. I'll switch shifts with someone for tonight." She hugged Regina and then kissed Robin on the cheek "Thanks for breakfast."

"Be careful," he said.

"I will. I'll call you later," she said to Regina and Mary. Robin pulled Regina over to the sofa and wrapped his arms around her while Mary continued to clean up.

She snuggled against his chest "I don't even feel comfortable going home. How can I feel safe there?"

"Babe, if David and Emma say it's safe; then it is."

"Do you really think so?"

"Yes," he said softly as he ran his fingers through her hair. "So, I think we should go home because after all it is Sunday and I'd like to spend time with you – alone." They gathered their things and thanked Mary and headed out. Once they got home; Regina sat in the car not wanting to get out. Robin took her hand "Regina, it's alright. It's safe," he whispered.

"I don't know," she said. She couldn't help what happened next. The tears began to fall. Robin held her as her body shook. He kissed the top of her head and whispered in her ear. Finally, after a few minutes; he grabbed their bag and walked toward the house. She thanked God for Robin because without him she wasn't sure she'd get through this.

Thankfully, the jewelry store was clean. Regina had a store meeting and was completely honest with her staff. She assured them the police were investigating but once again she asked that no one work alone – ever. She only told Tink about the speculations surrounding Graham – she was not to trust him if he ever showed up there. Call the police. Regina said those words over and over again to Tink so she would understand how grave the situation was. She made a comment about taking Mulan's self-defense class and Regina agreed that they should all know how to protect themselves and admitted that she loved it and wanted to get a punching bag for the basement. Regina was dreading the next thing that was coming – Robin was going to the resort to see his son this weekend for two nights. They both agreed that until this was all over it wasn't safe for Roland to come to Storybrooke. Regina knew he had to go but part of her was worried. She didn't want to be alone. When she mentioned it to Emma she offered to stay with Regina for the two nights. Once Robin heard that he was confident that he could go away to see his boy who he missed very much but part of him dreaded being away from her. He was packing his bags upstairs when he got the text from Emma – she was on her way. He grabbed his stuff and headed downstairs. The pot roast he'd made was resting on the top of the stove and the veggies and potatoes were also finished. He even set up the island for them to eat. A few minutes later; he heard them come into the house laughing and talking. It was almost time for him to leave "I'm in here," he yelled.

They entered the kitchen and Regina smiled "You made us dinner?"

"Yes, the pot roast is resting and the veggies and potatoes are all set."

"Wow, your boyfriend is pretty awesome," Emma teased. "Enjoy your time with Roland I'm going upstairs to pick a room," she said.

"Thanks," Robin said.

He leaned against the counter and crossed his arms and legs "What is it," Regina asked.

"I'm torn. I hate leaving you," he admitted.

She walked up to him and placed her arms around his neck "You're a dad. You need to go see your son. Emma is staying with me and we'll be fine. All I ask is that you call me when you get there," she said.

"You'll be safe?"

"Of course Robin; Emma's here it will be alright."

"Roland will be disappointed that you aren't with me."

"I miss him. Give him a hug and a kiss from me."

She walked him to the foyer and he picked up his bag "I'll be home Sunday afternoon." He hugged her and kissed her and when he pulled back he whispered "I love you."

"I love you too," she said. She watched as he headed outside and then drove off. Emma came down the stairs and they headed back into the kitchen to eat.

Emma sniffed the air "God, that man can cook," she said.

"I know. It's awesome." They both sat down at the island and began to eat "Thank you for staying with me. I know Robin felt a little better about leaving."

"He'd be annoyed with me if he knew what I was planning," Emma said.

"What are you talking about," Regina asked.

"I have this plan and it's a good thing Robin isn't around."

"What are you talking about Emma?"

"I think we should catch Graham in a lie," Emma said.

"How will we do that," Regina asked.

"Well, David and Robin will be pissed but we need to use you as bait."

Regina put down her fork "Emma - are you serious?"

"Yes, he's squeaky clean. If we're ever going to catch him in a lie you need to be the one to get it out of him. You have history together and it's obvious he has a thing for you. It's the only way we'll find out if he had anything to do with bugging your house."

"What exactly are you suggesting," Regina asked as she placed down her fork.

Emma sat back and let out a breath "Ladies night at the 'Rabbit Hole' tomorrow. Jefferson is in on this as much as he doesn't want to be. His exact words to me when I mentioned my plan to him was "Nail the asshole." I put a wire on you. You work your magic; do a little flirting and see if you can get Graham to talk. I'll casually mention to him at work tomorrow that we'll be there and I know he'll show up. Mary, Ruby, and Mulan are totally on board with this. Mary knows David will be pissed but all our friends agree this is the only way Regina. We need him to slip up and say something . . . anything that might incriminate him. So, what do you think?"

"Robin will be pissed."

"I know. I'm sorry. Hopefully, he'll see the big picture here and understand."

"Alright; let's do it," Regina said.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, you're right. I might be able to get him to talk."

"I promise. I won't put you in danger. That's why we involved Mulan – she's kind of a badass."

"What should my approach be with Graham," Regina asked.

Emma stood to clear and wash the dishes "You aren't going to like this but I was thinking you could play the "Damsel in Distress" card. Maybe, you could suggest you don't feel safe?"

Regina peered at her "You want me to talk smack about Robin?"

"Well, when you put it that way . . . that sounds awful. But, honestly – yes."

"No, I can't do that. He's going to be pissed as it is. I'll figure out another way. I hate this though Emma. I hate lying to Robin."

"You're just going to talk to Graham. It's not like you're going to throw yourself at him or anything like that. I just think he'll talk – I really do." They cleaned up the kitchen and then watched a movie in the family room.

Halfway through Regina's phone rang "It's Robin. Will you pause it?" She answered as she walked into the kitchen "Hi, my love," she said.

"Hello beautiful. I'm here and I already miss you. I'm sleeping in Roland's room at the resort and he's taking a bath. What are you and Emma up to?"

"We're just watching a movie. Thank you for cooking us dinner it was delicious."

"You are very welcome. I hate this Regina."

"I know but it's only for two nights. You'll see it will go by fast."

"I know. Will you text me before bed?"

"Yes, please give Roland a goodnight kiss from me."

"I will. I'll talk to you later. I love you Regina."

"I love you Robin." She leaned against the counter and sighed "I hate this," she said out loud. She couldn't concentrate on the rest of the movie but she tried. Once it was over Emma went up to the room she chose and Regina retired to her bedroom. She got comfortable in pajamas and took off her make-up and snuggled under the covers. She smelled Robin's aftershave on the pillows and shook her head – she couldn't believe she was going to go through with the crazy plan but she knew Emma was right. Regina sent Robin a text "Enjoy your day with Roland tomorrow. I'm sleepy and going to bed." She waited and then about five minutes later he responded with "I love you. Sleep well." Regina closed her eyes and tried to fall asleep but it took her quite a while to shut her brain off. She was dreading tomorrow night.