"Fucking hell!" Emma scolded herself. The sudden ringing of her phone startled her.
As she frantically searched for a nearby hand towel, she watched the sideways coffee cup quickly roll across the table, as the dark brown liquid spilled from it. Wiping up the mess, she answered her cell phone, "Yea? What is it?"
"Everything alright Swan?" Killian asked on the other end, concerned.
"More or less.." Emma replied. She finished cleaning up the spill and sat down at the table. Taking in her breath she explained, "I should ask you the same question. How did things go with Cora? Did you speak with her?"
"I did."

Silence.

"...ok, and??" Emma eagerly asked.
"And, I'm meeting with her this evening for a proper interview. She wouldn't speak with me any sooner. Quite calculating, that one."
"Ppffttt! I could've told ya that.." Emma laughed into her cell.
"Fair enough," Killian agreed, "Have you found any more information yourself?"
"Mmmm.." The blonde thought for a moment, "to be fair Killian.. it was a very interesting night. Didn't really get much sleep."
"Oh," Killian paused, "Well. That's not like you Emma.."
Rolling her eyes, Emma clucked her tongue.
Suddenly, he realized what she meant, "Ah, so I see. Very good then Swan. Today's a new day, yeah?"
"Indeed, Killian. Say, what time are you meeting up with Cora?"
"She insisted on 7pm."
"Mmm.. ok. That's around the same time I planned to drop in on Robin."
"Did you want to compare notes afterward?" He asked.
"Yea," Emma agreed, "I'll ring you around 8pm."
"I look forward to it."
"Oh, and Killian?"
"Yes?"
"Please be careful.. Cora is not to be trusted."

****

Regina lay in her bed, awake. The morning sun dropped in through her windows ever so softly, casting a warm layer of heat across her skin. Memories of her night with Emma raced through her mind. Beneath the soft, white sheets, She felt a throbbing soreness between her legs every time she moved.

She loved the feeling.

Regina remembered experiencing pure pleasure every time Emma entered her. How the blonde thrusting herself against Regina's body. Using just enough force to keep her begging for more. It was a feeling familiar to her. She could never forget Emma's touch. All these years in between, and yet, it still brought on the same wonderful pleasure and happiness she fondly remembered. Regina closed her eyes. She felt herself become wet at the thought...

After a few minutes passed, Regina managed to break free of her thoughts and sit up in her bed.
She smiled at the sound of birds chirping outside, and stole a glance at the clock on her night stand; "10:45am..." she whispered to herself, "Good lord! I havnt slept so late in ages!"
Throwing the covers off of her, she slid her feet into her favorite house slippers and made her way downstairs.
As she made her coffee, Regina began a text message to Emma;

Her fingers feverishly tapped the screen, "Hey Em, I'm sorry you couldn't stay the night.."
She waited for the coffee to finish brewing before checkin her phone for a reply.

Nothing.

Regina put down her phone and poured herself a cup of coffee.
Moments later, she heard the soft "ping" of a text coming through. She leaned against the counter, coffee cup in her hand, and opened the text.
"Regina, hey"
"Is everything alright?" Regina texted back.
Silence again, from her phone.
"Emma?? Are you there??"
"Yea, everything's fine.. sorry, just a bit stressed.. these last few days have really been a whirl wind.."
"I'm sorry.." Regina responded back.
As she continued to type into her phone, the screen lit up announcing a call from Emma.
"Hello?"
"Hey. Regina, it's me."
"Hey. Em.. what's going on?"
"A lot, honestly.. just a hectic morning. Anyway," Emma continued, "I wanted to let you know I'm swinging by Robin's apartment this evening to properly question him about the case. I thought you should know."
"Oh, I see. Um, thank you.."
"Sure.. listen, I gotta run. But I'll speak with you soon."
"Em! Wait, I..."
But it was too late, the light on the screen from the call faded to black.
"Um, ok.. I guess that's that.." Regina said to herself, confused and worried.

*****

Ruby looked up from her desk as the doorbells chimed at the entering of a client.
"Hello! Welcome to Mills & Associates." Ruby announced, walking around the desk to greet the potential client. How can I.. oh." She stopped. "You."
"Well! That's a heck of a greeting, love. A tad bit on the rude side though, yeah?" Killian asked.
"That depends," Ruby answered, "Some might consider it more rude to not return a lady's phone calls after having what seemed like a good night!"
"Ahh.." Killian replied, "Yes, about that. I am sorry. Truly, it was not my intention to seem uninterested.."
"Well, you definately did."
"Aye.." he continued, "Perhaps the lady might consider giving me a second chance?"
"Jones," she said, rolling her eyes, "It's been like, what? A year now? That ship has sailed."
"Oh, I don't know about that.. I'd say it's closer to.. ten months?"
"Mmm.." Ruby smirked, "a year. Anyway, what brings you by the firm so late? I was just about to lock up."
Before he could answer, Killian was struck in the back by the opening of the door. Ruby covered her mouth with her hand at the sight of Cora knocking into Killian as she entered the firm.
"What the..." Cora exclaimed.
"Mrs. Mills! Are you alright?!" Ruby asked, concerned.
"It would appear she's fine..." Killian mumbled under his breath, rubbing his lower back.
"Detective," Cora exclaimed, "You're early."
Glancing at his watch, Killian replied, "It's 6:55pm.."
"Yes, I can tell time Detective Jones, thank you." Cora replied, "And I do recall telling you to come by at seven o'clock."
"I see.." he replied, awkwardly. "My apologies then."
"Well, you're here now." Cora continued, moving passed him, "best not waste any time."
"Yes, of course.." he agreed, offering a tight smile to Ruby.
"If there's anything you need, Mrs. Mills, let me know. I'll wait to lock up so you're not alone." Ruby explained.
"That won't be necessary." Cora quipped back, abruptly turning to face her.
"Oh," Ruby replied confused, "Are you sure? It's really no trouble.."
"It's quite alright dear," Cora assured her, "There's no need to stay on my account. I'll be just fine here with Detective Jones."
"Ok then, if you insist. I'll lock up behind me."
"Thank you Ruby."

*****

Startled by a knock at the door, Robin turned off the TV and moved to answer it.
"Ah, Detective Swan," Robin exclaimed, "Please, come in."
Emma gave him a tight smile as Robin moved aside from the doorway, slowing her to enter the apartment.
The door led into a small living room. A TV, a couple of sofas, a small wooden coffee table and a leather reclining chair filled the room. 
Moving from behind her, Robin quickly cleared a few half empty take out containers from the coffee table.
"Thank you, Mister...?"
"Robin. Just Robin is fine Detective."
"Ok.."
"Won't you sit down?"
"Thanks." Emma replied, taking a seat on one of the sofas.
"I must admit, I expected you much sooner." Robin explained.
"Heh, yea.." Emma gave a stifled laugh, "I, uh.. I was a bit tied up."

"I see." Robin replied, "So? What can I do for you, Ms. Swan?"
"I came by to ask you a few questions.. about your son, and the day he went missing."
Emma reached into her jacket pocket for her notebook, however, she came up empty handed. Quickly she checked her jacket again thoroughly, but still did not retrieve what she was looking for.
"Is everything alright?" Robin asked, concerned.
"Oh, um.." Emma answered, with her brow knitted together she lied, "I seemed to have forgotten my notebook.."
"Ah, that's not a problem!" Robin exclaimed, "Go on ahead and use your phone to record our conversation, I don't mind."
"Yea, about that," she continued, "I prefer writing things out. It helps me think."
A brief moment of silence passed between them before she continued, "You wouldn't happen to have a notebook or some paper I could use, would you?"
"You know what? I do, actually." Robin replied, "Just a sec, I'll be right back."

Emma glanced around the room while she waited. It was a small apartment, but it seemed warm, welcoming. In the kitchen, from what she could see from her seat, the sink was full of dishes waiting to be washed, and small bits of trash had piled up around the trash can in the corner of room. No doubt the evidence of someone living alone.
Less than a minute later, Robin reemerged, a thick wire-bound notebook in his hand. He held it up,
"Will this do?"
"Thank you." She replied, taking the book of lined paper from him.
"It's actually Henry's notebook. I'm not much of a writer or note taker myself." He explained.
"I see.." Emma answered. Methodically, she flipped through the pages. She caught glimpses of what appeared to be notes Henry had taken from school, dated a few days prior to him going missing. As thick as the notebook was, it had a few dividers in it, separating each subject.
"Is this Henry's only notebook?"
"That I know of, yes." Robin answered, slightly confused, "It's the only notebook in the apartment."
Emma examined the blank pages too, then bouncing back to Henry's note taking, paying close attention to Henry's handwriting and writing style. Slowly, she took a folded up paper from the pocket of her jeans, and she compared it to the lined pages of the book. The paper from her pocket was nothing like the paper in the book.
She handed the note to Robin.
"Do you know what this is, Robin?"
Taking it from her, he replied "Um, no I don't think I do.. I - "
Robin skimmed the words written before him, "What the hell is this?"
"That," Emma explained, "is a sort of, 'ransom note'. I believe it was staged to seem like it was written by Henry to his mother."
"What?!"
"That was the same reaction Regina gave me." Emma confessed.
"Well, if you don't think it really is from my son, then who do you think actually wrote it..?"
"Well," Emma began, extending her hand to him for the letter, "I'm not quite sure. Honestly, I suspected it was from you, now I'm not so sure."
"ME? Detective, with all due respect, I am the child's father!"
"Please," the Detective explained, "Don't work yourself up over it. Try to understand that in cases like this one, A parent or guardian is always the first to be suspected.."
"Did you suspect Regina then??"
Emma perked her head to the side in thought, "No, I don't suppose I did.."
"Interesting." Robin replied sarcastically.
Emma rolled her eyes, "I did check it out though, to be thorough. Robin, listen, there's something you have to try to understand.."
"..that you and my wife used to sleep together? Yes, I've heard."
Emma looked at him with wide eyes, "Uh.. um.. I mean yeah, sort of..." she paused then continued, "..it was more than just that though, that's what I'm trying to say."
"Alright," Robin replied, "I'm listening."
"We didn't just sleep together.. we were in love, at least I was.. regardless, we were best friends. We practically grew up together. The point is, I know her. Logically, yes, of course I had to follow protocol and follow all the steps in order to officially rule her out as a suspect. But, naturally, I know Regina has nothing to do with this. And I think deep down inside, you know that too."

Robin began to speak, but paused before allowing anything to escape his lips. "Mmm.." he responded, "Well, I'm glad you're doing what needs to be done. After all, I was assured by Regina, that if anyone was going to find our son, it would be you."
"Oh, really..? Regina said that?"
"Why yes, of course Ms Swan. Do you disagree?"
"Oh, no! God no.." Emma replied. Truthfully, She was shocked that Regina had really spoken about her to Robin, of all people.
"Thank you," She continued, "for holding so much confidence in me and my work."
"Just please, find my boy. Find Henry, Detective. So that we can put this nightmare behind us."
Emma gave him an understanding smile, "You can count on it."
Standing to leave, she added, "Thank you, Robin. I know this isn't easy."
As they both walked toward the door, Robin spoke "Listen. I want to be upfront with you. It's the least I can do.."
"Uh, ok.. I assumed you already were?"
"I'm not talking about the situation with Henry, Emma."
"Oh. Ok, what then? I don't understand.."
Robin gave her a tight smile. Touching her shoulder, he said "You, Emma, you make her happy..."
"Make who happy, Robin?"
"Regina, of course." He continued, "I have known Regina for years, and we've been married a while now. I have never in my life, seen such an expression on her face.. in her eyes, then when she speaks of you, Emma."
Emma stood in the doorway, shocked, not sure what to say.
"I want you to know, I'm going to sign the divorce papers. I plan to talk to Regina about it the next time I speak with her."

"Robin... Listen, I -"
"Please," he cut her off, "I love that woman far too much to be the one holding her back from her true happiness. Whatever you do Emma, don't give up on Regina. She needs you."
Robin patted her shoulder with tears in his eyes.
"Have a nice evening, Detective." He said with a forced smile, before closing the apartment door.

*****

Regina jumped at the sound of her cell indicating she had a text.

"Regina, we need to talk, like now."
The message was from Emma.
"Oh! I was just about to step out.. Is everything alright? What's going on Emma??"
"I'm on my way over. See you in a few."

Well that was weird..

Taking her keys from her pocket, Regina headed back to her front door to let herself in.

*****

"So tell me, detective; what brings you by my offices?" Cora asked Killian as she gracefully took a seat behind her desk, a smug look on her face.
The room resembled an enormous library. The walls, lined beautifully with shelves displaying books of all sizes and contexts. The floor was made of hard wood; mahogany, was Killian's best guess. And a grand window, which drew from the floor to the ceiling, brought the last bits of sunlight into the room before sunset.

Killian cleared his throat and addressed the woman sitting at the desk in front of the window, "Well, as you know, the quest continues to find your grandson -"
"Well, it better be!" Cora cut him off, "Which furthers my question, Detective Jones; why are you here and not out there finding my Henry?!"
Killian chuckled softly, "Alright. I see what's happening here, Mrs Mills."
"Oh? You do, do you?" She questioned.
"Quite right," he explained, "Trying to throw me off the trail are we?"
"I have no idea what you're talking about detective."
"No? Then explain to me something; why would Regina's son go missing, then write a letter to her, asking her to get back together with his father? Why would he tell his mother that he would only return when they get back together?!"
"Sounds like you're a bit confused Mr Jones. I believe you should be asking Robin these questions, not me."

"Oh, I don't think so." He replied, "In fact, I've reason to believe you're the one pulling the strings here. It's quite obvious there's no one that wants Regina and Robin to work things out as much as you."
Cora pursed her lips at his accusations.
"Go on then, tell me I'm wrong." He continued, "Tell me I'm crazy to think someone would actually kidnap their own grandson just to keep control of their daughter's life."
Getting up from her seat, Cora moved from behind the desk. Offering a twisted smile, she spoke "You are indeed wrong, Detective. Very very wrong. Frankly, I've never been so offended in my entire life."
"Ok," Killian chuckled, "I've offended you? You can't be serious!"
"Oh, indeed." She replied, facing him now.
Just as Killian was about to speak, he felt a quick, sharp pain strike him on the back of his head, Killian's vision blurred, then quickly went black as his body slumped down to the floor.