A/N: Apologize in advance for the short chapter – it's a transition Chapter! Stay tuned for more :) - JTD

The booming sound from the front door echoed throughout the entire manor, signaling was knocking on the door.

One of the Beastman's butlers, Lumiere, knew this was an eagerly anticipated guest and he did not want to keep his master waiting. He hurried to the front door and welcomed the guest in to the manor and led him to the library where Adam was waiting.

Adam stood up from his desk when Lumiere announced that his guest had arrived earlier than expected.

"Ah, Judge Frollo. It is a pleasure to see you this afternoon. Please do have a seat," Adam said, greeting his revered visitor.

"Lumiere, have Mrs. Potts bring some tea, will you, please?" Adam asked before Lumiere hurried off to do his master's bidding.

Adam could barely contain his excitement. Frollo had scheduled this meeting this morning after telling Adam he'd uncovered a secret that could help in Charming's campaign and capture the infamous Jack Sparrow all in one foul swoop. He sat on the edge of his desk, crossed his arms and prepared to hear the seasoned judge's revelation.

"So, what have you to tell me? What can help Charming best Rolfe and send that weasel Sparrow to the gallows."

"It seems that our dear Captain Sparrow has found a love bird."

Intrigued, Adam pursed his lips.

"It seems that Esmeralda Teach has cast a spell on the blood thirsty pirate."

"The dancer Esmeralda? I'm sure she's just one of his many conquests, Judge, I assure you."

Frollo countered his response with an evil glare.

"That may have been true in the past for Sparrow but that is not the disgusting display I witnessed last night."

"And what was that?"

"Well not only were they practically committing adultery on Walt Street but I saw his eyes as she left him. That look in a man's eye is very distinct and very telling."

"You're saying that Esmeralda is different from all the others? How do you figure?"

"Let me ask you, Mr. Beastman. Have you ever seen the look of undying love in a man's eye?"

Adam blushed, knowing all too well that look.

"That, my boy, is how I know. If we can get to Esmeralda. We get Sparrow. From the look in his black eyes, he'd probably fall on his sword if she were burned at the stake."

"You deduced all of this from one embrace on a public street?"

Again Frollo shot him the darkest, most evil glare Adam had ever seen.

"Are you questioning my judgment, Mr. Beastman?"

"No, sir."

"Good. Now where is that butler of yours with the tea?"

In the hall, Anya hid behind a pillar so Lumiere would not see her as he passed by to serve the tea Adam had asked for. She had heard everything Frollo and told Adam. Just when she thought Adam couldn't get more low, he did. Her heart raced.

Was Frollow stalking Esmeralda? If Frollo and Adam use Esmeralda to get to Jack, what does that mean for Will? For Aladdin? For Flynn?

She couldn't let Adam hurt her friends.

She ran back to her room and locked the door. She picked up her phone and dialed Will. She needed him to know so he could plan. But her call went unanswered. She panicked. She knew she had to tell someone and soon. Since Adam was busy in the library, she figured it would be easy enough to sneak out without being seen or followed by one of Adam's goons. She climbed out the window and down some wandering ivy until she reached the ground and ran to Royal Hall to tell Derek about the latest development with Adam.

"Anya, what a surprise. You look distressed. Is something wrong," John Rolfe said answering the door at Royal Hall.

Anya, out of breath blinked to get her bearings as she was ushered inside.

"Where's Derek? I need to tell him something."

"He's busy at the office. I'm going over some campaign points for a dinner next week at the Jungle's. Would you like to help me?"

Anya shook her head.

"No. I'm sorry. I can't. I need to find Derek."

John furrowed his brow.

"Anya, what's wrong? Did Adam do something again? Derek has made it no secret what a monster he can be."

"He hasn't done anything yet but he might."

"What do you mean?"

"You know Jack Sparrow right?"

John smiled.

"Of course. Who doesn't?"

"Charming's whole campaign promised is based on getting rid of him and his crew. My friends are in his crew. If anything happens to them, and I didn't do anything to stop it - "

John put his hands on her arms softly.

"Shh. Anya, take a deep breath and tell me everything."

"Oh, Dimitri, this is perfect! Flynn, what do you think?" Jasmine giddily asked as she was being shown the Waterhole property with Dimitri and Flynn.

"It's great, Jas. I think it'll be even better that Cruella's," Flynn responded.

Jasmine blushed.

"Don't be so modest. If your clothing is anything like your cooking, you'll be golden," Dimitri added winking.

Flynn rolled his eyes.

This had been his entire afternoon as they toured the property. Dimitri had not stopped flirting with Jasmine. Flynn was growing increasingly annoyed by their flagrant display. But he was trying not to show because he and Jasmine were doing so well with this whole friend thing. He didn't want to ruin it.

"Dimitri, you are too kind. Thank you for showing me this place. I think I'm ready to make an offer."

"Perfect. I can draw up the paperwork this afternoon."

"Really? That soon! I can't wait! Flynn, isn't this exciting? I finally have my boutique!"

Flynn smiled seeing how thrilled Jasmine was. This was her dream and it was finally coming true. He couldn't be happier for her. He was about to invite her to a celebratory drink, when Dimitri crushed his chance.

"And after I finish the paperwork, how about I take you out to dinner tonight to celebrate?" Dimitri asked.

"Oh you don't have to."

"No, I insist. It may not be as good as your salmon, but I can treat you to a nice meal."

Dimitri was smooth. Flynn couldn't deny that. It was his own fault for leaving them alone last night so he could deal with Meg's crisis.

"Okay. Sure. I'd love to go."

Flynn couldn't take it anymore. He had to get out of there.

"Hey, Jas, congrats on the new place. I'm so happy for you," he said with his phone in his hand. "Meg just texted so I need to jet, but I can't wait to see what happens with this place."

He hadn't lied to Jasmine in a while but it was a necessary white lie to get him out of this gut-wrenching situation.

Jasmine was taken aback.

"Oh. Okay. I'll see you later then?"

Flynn smiled and nodded before leaving.

He could kick himself for what he'd done.

As he made his way home, he thought about what an idiot he'd been for not seeing this coming. He'd known Dimitri for years. He'd known Dimitri to be a womanizer akin to the great Captain Jack Sparrow himself. But he'd wanted to help Jasmine. Flynn felt like a fool. He had set this whole thing up to make Jasmine happy and get closer to her. And here Dimitri was reaping all the rewards. It wasn't fair.

"Flynn! I'm so glad I caught you!" he heard a female voice cry as he was crossing the street to his building.

He turned around to see a frantic Anya running toward him.

"Hey, Anya, how goes it?"

"Flynn, the situation with my brother has taken a new turn, I'm afraid."

"What do you mean?"

"Frollo came by this afternoon and told Adam he's been seeing Jack and Esmeralda together."

Flynn cocked his head.

"Wait what? I thought she...never mind...what does this mean?"

"Frollo has convinced Adam that if they somehow get to Esmeralda, they'll get to Jack."

"Holy shit, he's more maniacal than I ever dreamed of! What do you think they are planning?"

Anya shrugged.

"I'm not totally sure. But nothing good. That Frollo guy gives me the creeps. And he seems totally fixated on Esmeralda. He kept talking about witchcraft and spells and it was really weird."

"Do you think Esmeralda is in danger?"

"I mean, nothing would surprise me at this point. But I would hate for something to happen to you guys if they happen to act on it."

Flynn did some quick thinking for a temporary solution.

"I'm going to get the crew together and discuss. Have you already talked to Derek?"

Anya shook her head.

"No. He wasn't home. I talked to Rolfe."

"Good thinking. At least someone is up to speed."

"Frollo is a scary dude, Flynn. Esmeralda needs to be careful."

Flynn nodded.

After sending a text to Jack, Will, Eric, Sinbad, Tullio and Derek for an emergency meeting, Flynn called Esmeralda to warn her about her new "fan".

"Jeez, Es, pick up the phone."

"What is it with people and their phones today?" Anya added as Flynn furrowed his brow curiously at her response.

Little did Flynn know, Esmeralda was in no mood to answer her phone.