CHAPTER 21

Regina dressed to kill in a short black dress and heels that would draw any man's eyes to her beautiful legs. Emma had whistled when she came down the stairs and said that Graham would be putty in her hands. She was probably right. Emma assured her that Graham would show up at the bar; they'd talked during lunch and she put the idea in his head. The plan was to arrive at 'The Rabbit Hole' around 9:30 they didn't think that Graham would be there already but he was. Regina made eye contact with him the minute they walked in and he eyed her up and down immediately. Emma went to the bar and ordered the first round while the rest of the ladies picked a table. Regina did her best to stay calm but she was nervous. She couldn't stop thinking about Robin. Emma came over with their drinks "Everyone doing alright," she asked.

"I'm worried about this stupid wire," Regina said.

"Trust me it's not going anywhere. I taped it. Just try to relax," Emma said.

"It will be fine. Try not to worry," Ruby said.

"Let's nail this asshole," Mulan added.

Mary drank her beer and smiled "I'm with them even though I know my husband is going to freak out."

"We'll be right here. So, take your drink and go talk to him," Emma said.

Regina took a deep breath and stood; she walked over to the bar where Graham was sitting "Graham, can I talk to you," she said softly.

He turned around "Hello gorgeous. Have a seat," he said.

She sat next to him "Last time I saw you things got intense. Believe it or not . . . I wanted to ask if you're alright," she said carefully.

"You're asking me if I'm okay."

"Yes, I mean it's obvious that you're upset that I'm with Robin. You said some things that . . ."

"I was wrong. I was out of line and I know that now. It's just . . . I care about you Regina."

"I'm very confused," she said slowly.

"Where's your boyfriend tonight," he asked.

"He's out of town visiting his son."

"So, he doesn't know you're here."

"No, he doesn't," she admitted.

He took her hand "God, you look so beautiful. You always do. Are you going to sit with me for a while?"

"Sure, if you want me to," she said. He kissed the top of her hand and they started talking. Emma and the rest of her friends were watching from the other side of the room.

Ruby rolled her eyes "Good grief. I hope he slips up."

"Just be patient – if he drinks enough he might," Mulan said.

"Regina is good. She'll figure out the best way to get to him," Mary said.

Emma got a text from Jefferson "Regina just brought up the fire."

"We are on high alert," she text back.

"I'll go order another round," Mulan said.

They watched as Graham bought Regina another drink and Emma whispered "She brought up the fire. Jefferson overheard her."

"When David and Robin find out about this they are going to be so angry," Mary said.

"Well, thankfully neither of them are here," Emma said.

Mulan came back over with the drinks and whispered "Jefferson heard Regina say to Graham "maybe you could do your own investigating."

"She's laying it on thick," Ruby said.

"Good and he keeps drinking which is a good thing," Emma replied.

A few minutes later; Mary's eyes widened as she glanced over at the door "Oh' shit my husband just walked in. I'm on it," she said as she quickly got out of her chair and ran over to David. She grabbed his hand and pulled him over to their table "Look who's here everyone."

"HI David," Ruby said.

"Emma, what is Regina doing over at the bar with Graham and is he holding her hand?"

"I can explain," she said.

"Hurry up," he said angrily.

"She's wearing a wire," Emma said quietly.

"Go over there and get her. We are leaving," he said through gritted teeth.

"David what's wrong," Mary asked.

"Not now. Just go get her Swan," David said.

"Alright, just relax. Let's get ready to leave everyone," Emma said. She walked over to the bar and they watched as Regina stood and then Graham hugged her and then kissed her cheek. Her eyes almost bulged out of her head when she turned around and saw David.

"We're leaving. Come to our apartment we need to have a serious discussion," he said. Everyone walked out and Regina met Mary's eyes – something was definitely wrong.

David was so angry – even Mulan was nervous. He ordered everyone to sit down once they were inside the apartment. Then, he said to Emma "You're suspended for three days without pay."

"What the hell!"

"You put Regina in danger," he said.

"I didn't. It was completely safe."

"You weren't authorized to let her wear a wire Swan. So, you're suspended and don't look at me like that," he said to Mary.

"Why did you hurry us out of the bar," Ruby asked.

"This does not leave this house. We are already investigating Graham and the reason I didn't tell you is because I didn't want you doing something like this. There is a chance that he is very dangerous. Now, you two need to leave and keep your mouths shut," David said. Ruby and Mulan left and he let out a breath "I'm assuming Robin has no clue about any of this?"

"No, of course not he would have worried. David, this was the only way to get Graham to talk," Regina said.

"I want that wire. Go take it off her," he said to Emma.

They went into the bathroom and Emma unzipped Regina "Jesus, he's pissed. I can't believe he suspended me."

"I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault. This is going to hurt," Emma said. She began ripping the tape and the wire off Regina and then a few minutes later they went back out to the living room. Mary was making tea and they all sat down "Where is he?"

"He's talking to Robin," Mary said.

"Oh' shit," Regina said. "Why is he insisting on calling and telling on me like I'm a child?"

"He's gone into full-fledged brother mode," Mary said nervously.

"I don't care. That pisses me off," Regina replied.

"It's pretty obvious Robin knows about the investigation. Lots of secrets going on around here," Emma said.

David came out of the bedroom and took the wire off the counter and then handed his phone to Regina "It's Robin. He wants to talk to you."

Regina closed her eyes and took the phone "Hello?"

"I'm just going to say this – I'm bloody pissed Regina but despite that I still love you."

"Robin . . ."

"No, don't say anything. I'm too angry right now. I'll see you tomorrow and we'll talk."

"I love you too," she said.

He sighed "Go home," he said angrily. She handed the phone back to David.

Emma stood "We should go."

"I changed my mind . . . two days. I need you. Now get out," he said angrily. They both nodded and then practically ran out of there. Mary handed him a cup of tea "I can't believe you went along with this."

Mary shrugged "Emma thinks Regina can get through to Graham."

David sighed "I'll let you in on a secret – she's right. But now was not the right time. C'mon let's go to bed."

"Oh' you're not making me sleep on the couch," she teased.

"No, not tonight but you deserve a spanking for sure," he said.

She laughed "Promises . . . promises."