You might remember this from the epilogue:
"And he kept his promise, with one exception. Just one exception to finally close that chapter from his past that had haunted him for centuries. But it was done and dealt with and he was back at her side, ready for the next doctor's appointment."
A couple of you asked about it… and yes, I've always planned to expand on that…. so here it is

Enjoy!

Heart Ripper

"Captain? There's someone from Boston Police Department calling from you."

Killian automatically sat upright on his office, his heart sinking.

"Aye, put it through…"

"Killian, it's Tom Cavendish. First, congrats on the promotion."

"Thanks Tom, how are things over there?"

"Not so good, I am afraid… I'm calling regarding that case you asked me to keep an eye on for you. There had been recent developments…"

"What happened?" He asked nervously

"Breaking and entering. They messed up the place without taking anything. And the boyfriend… he was beaten up. It looked like it was a robbery attempt but…"

Killian sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose, "But you don't buy it… do you?"

"Not really, not with the background story you mentioned to me when you called."

"Is the boyfriend ok?" Killian asked

"He'd spent the night at the hospital, but he was discharged today. A few bruises, a nasty cut on his arm and a couple of broken ribs."

He swallowed hard, "And the girl?"

"She's scared, but unharmed. Anyway, I know this case poses a personal interest for you and we need to track this guy once and for all. I asked my bosses to let you into the investigation… I told them you were our best shot to find him."

"And?" Killian sat expectantly at the edge of his seat.

"And I was able to convince them. You and your partner are welcomed to join us at your earliest convenience."

Killian looked at the framed photograph he had on his desk, next to Liam's insignia, "Let me tie up some things here and we will be there."

He hung up the phone, letting his mind drift back to the memories he'd tried to keep locked in for a few years now. But this time he let them come back, fierce and strong, filling him with a purpose. He remained like that for a few minutes before he got up and quickly headed out of his office and into the adjacent room.

"Mac…" He called and Mac raised his head to look at him, "We are expected in Boston. Get your things sorted out. We leave as soon as possible."

"Aye aye, Captain." Mac saluted before giving Killian an inquisitorial stare. "Everything alright, mate?"

Killian shook his head, his jaw clenching, "Not really and I – I can't do this alone. I need you in this one, Mac."

"And you'll have me, partner. I'll head home and talk to Laura, say goodbye to the kids. Pick me up later tonight?"

Killian nodded. "I should do the same. I need to talk to Emma."

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Emma knew something had happened the moment she met Killian's eyes as he entered their house. She quickly went to him, a questioning stare invading her features, but he only pulled her to him and hugged her tightly, burying his face in the crook of her neck.

"He's back." He whispered against his hair and she felt his body tight with tension.

He stood by the door of their house a few hours later, a duffel bag on the trunk of this car and his hair damp from the quick shower he'd gotten. He studied her features, his eyes boring into hers.

"I have to do this."

"I know." She replied, trying to hide her apprehension in a halfhearted smile. "Be careful."

His eyes bore into hers, "I will be back, I promise. He has no magic, I have the full extent of the law at my hands. I have the winning hand on this one, Swan. But I will be careful."

He kissed her fiercely, his lips moving with hers in a rhythm that was familiar, yet always intoxicating for him. He rested his forehead against hers, his nose nuzzling hers.

"I love you, Swan. I am not taking chances with my life. I'll come back to you." He promised, his hand resting on her slightly swollen stomach.

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They arrived in Boston early the next morning and Killian wasted no time to head to the station. After being briefed by Tom and his team, he requested to talk to Belle immediately. He was informed that they were staying in a hotel nearby, as they didn't want to go back to the apartment.

Killian and Mac headed there immediately. When Belle answered the door, he could see the worry etched on her features. Her eyes filled with tears when she saw him, a myriad of emotions crossing her face. He reached to envelop her in a comforting hug.

"Are you ok?" He asked.

She nodded as she pulled away and let them in, "Yes, we are ok. We're just…"

"I know…" Killian said, his eyes scanning the room to the brown haired man sitting on the couch. His face was bruised and he was clearly in pain; yet his face showed resolve and bravery. Killian liked him immediately.

"Captain Killian Jones, from New Jersey Police." He said as he went over to shake the man's hand. "This is my partner, Detective Mac Sanders." He motioned to Mac.

"Will Scarlet," Will replied shaking his hand as his eyes darted briefly to Killian's prosthetic hand. Killian smirked and Will nodded briefly.

Killian turned around to address Belle, "We were briefed at the station but is there anything else you can think I need to know?"

Belle smiled sadly at him, "Other than the fact that you were right all those years ago?" She shook her head, tears coming to her eyes again.

Killian was by her side in an instant, "I will find him… you'll be safe. Do you have someone to stay with in the meantime?"

"I called Ruby, she'll be coming tomorrow and we'll figure out what to do then…"

"Good." Killian smiled before he turned around again and looked at Will, "Do you remember anything?"

"Whoever they were, they work in a pack. And trust me, mate, they are no thieves." Will said.

Killian nodded before giving Belle's arm a squeeze and heading to the door.

"Thank you, Killian." He heard Belle's soft words and he turned around to nod at her. "You didn't have to come…"

"I did." He said.

/-/

Mac had seen Killian fighting demons before, but not like this time. He'd hardly slept and he tracked all over the city, partnering with Emma's old colleagues, until he was able to find the so-called thieves. He was ruthless in his interrogation, and what scared Mac the most was the contained rage that was pouring out of him. He'd never seen him so angry, yet so in control. It was terrifying.

It didn't took Mac long enough to piece it all together. When one of the men cracked and confessed the whereabouts of this Robert Gold they were seeking, Mac knew he had to talk to Killian before it was too late.

He found him at the storage room of the station, his hand fidgeting with that hook he'd gotten to wear when situations were too dangerous.

Killian lifted his head and Mac could see the haunted look in his eyes.

"Aye, let me have it, Mac." Killian said, running a hand through his hair, the hint of a smile coming to his lips.

Mac sighed, "I need to ask you a few questions and I'll trust you won't lie to me."

Killian swallowed before nodding.

"This man, Gold, is he related in any way to Milah's death… and your hand?"

"He is." Killian admitted.

"Can you prove it in court?"

"I can't." Killian scratched behind his hear and Mac raised an eyebrow at him.

"There's more to it, isn't it? One of those tales for another time that never actually comes?"

Killian chuckled sadly before nodding.

"That's what I thought…" Mac paced around the room before stopping and turning around to face Killian, "I just need you to be honest with me for a couple more questions, Killian."

Killian briefly nodded.

"Do you wish to kill him?" Mac asked bluntly.

"Aye… I've wanted to for a very long time." Killian said averting his eyes.

"Should the opportunity presents… do you want me to stop you, mate?" Mac's eyes bore into his and Killian pondered his answer for a few moments before replying in a strained voice.

"Yes."

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Gold wasn't hard to find, nor did he present any threat to Killian and Mac as they barged into the apartment. Not physically at least.

But the moment Killian's eyes met Gold, that dark part that still lived within him took over and he thought how easy it would be to just kill him. And end this story once and for all. Soon he had him pinned against the wall, his hook at Gold's throat as he spoke ruthlessly. "Tick tock, Crocodile."

"Go ahead… do it." Gold said laughing, "I have nothing to lose…"

The hook pierced Gold's flesh and the darkness in him relished at the sight of blood. He was about to finish the job when he heard Mac's voice.

"Killian, you are better than this…"

"No – he's not." Gold sneered. "He likes to think he's a hero, but he's nothing but a villain." Gold's eyes bore into his, "You've wanted this for eternity, pirate. You can do it now… you can kill me. Deep down you know you are still the same villain that only wants revenge."

And villains don't get happy endings…. The words resonating in his mind where enough to make him pull his hook away.

"That is where you are wrong, Dark One." He spat. "I no longer want revenge. I want justice."

He quickly turned him around and handcuffed him, reading him his rights. And then he leaned to speak in Gold's ear, so no one else but they could listen, "She will rest in peace now. And I, I would go back home, and honor her memory by helping raise her grandson. I've moved on, Crocodile; and my family is waiting for me… my wife, my unborn child, Henry. You, you have nothing left but years in jail."

/-/

The relief in Belle's look made him smile. When she mentioned she wasn't keen on staying in Boston after everything that happened, Killian was quickly to offer them his help.

"I – we have an apartment in Jersey. It's not much, but you can come stay there and start anew. I know Emma and Henry would love to see you again."

"We couldn't…" Belle said but Killian stopped her.

"I insist. Jersey is nice and if he ever manages to get out of jail, we can protect you there."

Mac smiled at them, "And my wife's family owns half the business on town. We can basically get you jobs to get started immediately."

Will and Belle hesitated before Killian gave her another smirk, "Besides, I'm willing to bet Ruby will end up in Jersey sooner rather than later." He cocked at eyebrow and Belle couldn't help but laugh.

"Alright," She said. "We'll be there in a few days… let us get our stuff together."

Killian nodded, "That is settled then. We will help you out here and head back to Jersey when you are ready."

Belle shook her head before giving him a bright smile, "Killian, I - we appreciate it, but you don't need to stay." She slowly walked towards him, her hand resting on his arm as her eyes looked kindly at him, "Go back to Emma..."

"Would you be ok?" He asked. He desperately wanted to come back to Emma's side, he needed to be with her more than anything, but he didn't want to leave Belle on her own.

"I have Will here… I'll be ok."

"I'll stay." Mac volunteered and Killian turned around to give him a confused look. "Vinnie texted me. He's coming this way to see Ruby and help in any way he can. I'll stay here and catch a ride back with him. But you should go…."

"I – I can't…" Killian hesitated and Mac interrupted him.

"Killian, your wife is 20 weeks pregnant. Get out of here and go back to her."

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He arrived back at their house late at night, and he opened the door carefully, as not to wake Emma and Henry. But she was still up, sitting in the armchair by the fire, lost in a book. She turned around and smiled softly at him.

He quickly strode the distance and was by her side in an instant, collapsing in her, his arms holding her tight as he whispered fervently, "I love you, I love you…."

He pulled his head away from the crook of her neck to punctuate each declaration with a kiss, each kiss growing more passionate and desperate as she tilted her head to kiss him back until all that it mattered was him and her; and he scooped her in his arms to carry her to the bedroom.

They laid awake in bed, as he pulled her closely to him, her head resting on his chest.

"It's over, love. After centuries, it's finally over." He whispered, placing a soft kiss on her hair.

Emma lifted her head so he could see her eyes, a soft smile on her face. "She can rest in peace now, Killian. You've avenged her."

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Killian woke up before sunrise, his mind and body rested in a different way for the first time in many centuries. He slowly got off the bed, careful not to wake Emma and headed to the front porch, sitting there looking at the sea as he waited for the sun to come up in a new day. It felt symbolic somehow.

The sun was barely up when he heard the door opening and he turned around to find Henry carrying two mugs.

"You're up early, lad." Killian said as he grabbed the mug that Henry handed him and smelled it. It was mint tea. "Not your usual drink, Henry."

"I know," He said before sitting on a chair and taking a sip.

Killian took a sip as well and they both sat there silently for a while.

"Did she like it?" Henry finally asked, his voice strained.

"It was her favorite," Killian said, his eyes focused on the horizon, a soft smile coming to his face at the memories, "She would drink it at all times, but she'd loved to have a cup at night, before going to bed. She'd sit on the desk of our cabin and draw for a little bit while drinking mint tea."

Henry stood silent for a moment, his fingers moving over the rim of his mug. "Is my grandfather in jail?"

Killian turned around to face Henry. "Aye, and he will be a while."

"Good." Henry said and Killian felt another weight being lifted from his shoulders.

They stood there for a while, both sipping tea and looking at the sea, until Henry finally spoke.

"Would you tell me more about her sometime?"

"Aye, whenever you want, lad." Killian assured him.

Emma found them like that, sitting in silent companionship and she joined them with a mug of hot chocolate for herself.

"Everything alright?" She asked as she snuggled next to Killian and he grabbed her hand in his, placing a soft kiss on her knuckles.

"Aye, Swan. All is well."