165I know, I know, I'm way beyond late.
But I have my reasons, mainly being swamped with a job that turned into a nightmare in 5,000 different ways, plus my personal life not being amazing, so I'm trying to get back into the swing of things and having other things to do besides work and feeling sorry for myself.
So here we go! The final chapter!
Not exactly an advertised fact, but this is going to be the final showdown and the conclusion to this story. So buckle in, and off we go!
"How in the world can we expect to do anything when James is working with Zelena?" Emma exclaimed in a hushed whisper as they crouched behind the bushes.
Regina was silent and pensive, so Emma repeated her question.
"I think that is exactly how we're going to get them," Regina finally said. At Emma's apparent confusion, Regina added, "You said it yourself, if Gold knew about us from the get go, he would have killed us long ago. Instead, he found out now. Which means that someone told him, and that certain someone, who I'm betting is Zelena, did so now because it's convenient for her and whatever plan she's got up her sleeve. This means that he doesn't know about Zelena's secret affiliation. And James is clearly not making out with Zelena on the city's dime."
"I still don't see how we fit in," Emma said after a second of processing.
"We're the convenient scapegoat. James brought us in as a way to set events in motion. We'll be offed as part of an operation gone wrong, and leave Gold exposed, opening the way for the power couple in there to snag everything and build their new empire," Regina explained. "It's a good plan, but obviously we're going to stop them."
Emma floundered. "How do you expect us to do that? We're on the run from the law and being hunted down by the mafia, in case you forgot."
"It's easy. We expose James for corruption and his collaboration with Zelena, and we get all of Gold's papers in order to expose his illegal activities."
Emma nodded along. But then she frowned and asked, "How do we get anyone to believe us?"
"We use all three of them."
"Say what?" Emma spluttered. "You want to use the mafia and a corrupt cop, and whatever Zelena is, to clear our names?"
Regina smirked, and held a finger to her lips. "I have a plan."
Gold smirked as a guard opened the door to let his visitor in.
"You know, I knew you ladies were smart, conning me into believing you were legitimately interested buyers. But right now, coming to my home just like this by yourself no less, was a truly dumb move."
Emma shrugged, seeming completely unperturbed by the situation she was in. "Is it a dumb move if I have information to help you?"
"Information?" Gold chuckled. "And what the hell kind of information do you have that would interest me?"
"How about the fact that Zelena is selling your secrets to the cops?"
Gold's face fell and twisted into a grimace. "What? Wait, why would I believe a word that you say? You're on the run, you'd say anything to save your own hide."
"Seriously? Don't tell me you actually believe any of the drivel being spewed about us?" Emma asked, going to sit down on the chair in front of Gold's desk.
Gold cringed at Emma's imprudence. "Again, why should I believe you? You're cops."
Emma let out a bellowing laugh. "Cops? Oh wow, that's rich. Tell me, Gold, if I was a cop, why would I have actual cops chasing me down?"
"My sources indicate you are rogue cops. Further from that, what use would it serve me to know more?" Gold wiped an imaginary speck of dust from his desk.
"Maybe because of the fact that Zelena is doing all of this to topple your empire and rebuild her own version with none other than the chief of Boston PD's detectives, one James Nolan," Emma said, presenting a print-out that she had snagged prior to coming there.
Gold gingerly picked the print up, and his face of disgust deepened as he registered that he was looking at Zelena and James in an amorous embrace.
"I know, the bile is just bursting to come out," Emma commented. "I mean, I think it makes sense. Your empire is at the top of its game, and it's ripe for the picking. And with your son back, what better moment to strike? It's no secret that Neal hates you, all she had to do was spurn him along and get your attention. But like any good con, you need to be looking away from where all the action is, otherwise you'll end up losing everything."
Gold sniffed, crumpling up the paper with the picture. "This all sounds very convincing, and I'd be prepared to believe your tale, but there's still the matter of your loyalties. Are you a cop or not?"
Emma shrugged. "If I was a cop, would I be here to offer you a deal?"
"A deal? That's mighty brave of you to offer. You are aware I always come out on top with a deal, don't you?" Gold grinned predatorily. "What could you possibly have that I can't acquire myself? You're on the run."
"I guess that's a chance you'll have to take. You have to accept the deal before I reveal what the deal is."
"Ooh, we're playing with high stakes aren't we?" Gold giggled. "And here I thought the brains of the operation was Regina, or whatever her real name is."
"Regina is...no longer my partner," Emma stated. "She and I disagreed on our plan of action. She wants to join Zelena and James, the winning team as it were, and leave you to rot."
"You disagree?"
"Of course. A shake-up in the Boston underworld would take months, if not years to finalize. I read up about when you took over. It was a done deal and within days everyone accepted you as the new leader. Now, loyalties will be tested and lines will be drawn. I have no interest in politics. Just the bottom line."
Gold seemed impressed. "A very sound notion to have. But if she is with them, and you're no longer partners, what interest would I have in helping you? As I understood, your venture was a joint one. I have no room for solo endeavors."
"I'm sure we can work something out." Emma flashed a conspiratorial smirk, one that Gold returned.
"Very well, I agree to the terms. What is your deal?"
"You give me full access to your entire business, and I will personally make sure Zelena and James cannot pull you under. I will fortify your empire in a way that not even the best could crack."
Gold let out a hearty laugh. "You are quite easy to underestimate. But I am not so easily swayed. I have people who can help me with that. You are grasping at straws."
Emma leaned back in her chair. "You accepted the deal, if you don't recall. I have stakes here, and I can sweeten the pot, but only if I have your full cooperation."
"I suppose that I will be needing someone to take Zelena's job, and you are quite the cunning business woman." Gold reasoned. Then he asked, "What is the deal sweetener?"
Emma shook her head and then leaned forward, right hand out. "No, first we make it official."
"Usually my contract methods are a bit more concrete, but this is not a usual situation." And so Gold shook on it. "Now, the deal cincher?"
"I can get your son back, and assure he stays," Emma supplied. When Gold looked interested, Emma added, "I may have had a tryst with your son some years back, and he may still have feelings for me. Who knows, we could rekindle, have a child..."
Gold did a double-take. "I could have a grandson?"
Emma figured it was best to not include the fact she already had a son with Neal. Gold didn't need to know that. "Indeed. But that can't happen if I have to be on the run from your goons."
Gold's demeanour shifted completely. "Well then, this changes things."
Regina didn't waste any time using the handy lock-picking kit that Emma leant to her, and inviting herself into James' home. She was always big on dramatic entrances, and as she leaned on the doorframe of the living room, the lovebirds were none the wiser.
"Colour me entirely surprised, mixing business with pleasure like that can be dangerous," Regina stated with a smirk.
As expected, Zelena and James sprung apart at her voice, eyes wide and mouths agape.
"Regina…" James seethed, patting his pants down as if searching for his gun.
Regina cackled. "I'm quite certain what you're feeling in your pants is not your gun."
James' cheeks flushed in anger and embarrassment. Zelena growled. "What the hell do you want?"
"What any smart and sensible person does when they're on the run from both the cops and the mafia: try to broker a deal," Regina said.
James let out a guffaw. "You think we'd make a deal with you? You're at the end of your rope, and it shows. Not even Emma is here, far as I can see; drove her away?"
"We had a disagreement," was all Regina said. "In fact, she is right now talking to Gold and spilling all your delicious secrets and plans to take over his empire."
Zelena let out a huff. "You're bluffing."
Regina shook her head. "What would I have to gain by lying to you? James himself said, I have nothing left. The least I can do is join the winning team."
"Say we believe you," Zelena cautiously began, "what do you have to offer us?"
"My services. You two opened your hand way too early, and your empire is in danger of never being formed. I am already an outlaw in the eyes of the criminal underworld. Let me into the fold and I will see Gold's business tumbles, taking him down too. Bonus for you, you two don't have to get your hands dirty by letting me handle everything."
James crossed his arms. "That sounds like a mighty tempting deal. What do you get out of it?"
"20% profit for the first year, and then I will leave and never come back."
Zelena grinned. "Oh good deal. How can you know we won't betray you?"
Regina shrugged. "I don't. But I suppose the knowledge I have, and my cunning, which James can attest to, is enough to keep me alive and out of your hit list for a while I'd wager."
James and Zelena exchanged a quick glance, and then the latter said, "Welcome to the fold. Now do tell us how your glorious ex wound up wanting to help that good for nothing Scottish fool?"
Emma had quite easily hit the jackpot with this room. The evidence she had in front of her was enough to not only put Gold away, but also plenty of his associates, including people within public office, and fellow cops. Now she just had to figure out how to get all of these documents out of there.
"Are you going to make me stay in that stuffy room with all your records?" she asked as she entered Gold's office. She had spent the entire night poring over the documents, too paranoid to actually sleep.
To make matters worse, Gold had confiscated her burner phone, so she had no way to contact Regina.
"Are you planning on taking a trip with my precious documents?" Gold asked, amused.
"Not exactly, but I love a room with a view," Emma responded with a smirk. "Maybe you can have your little assistant Lacey help?"
"I don't see why not."
While Lacey helped Emma, she took the opportunity to spring the next part of the plan.
"I need you to contact Red and tell her to come here," Emma whispered.
Lacey frowned. "Don't you have her number?"
"Not sure if you haven't been keeping up, but I'm not in the best position to keep a tracking device such as a phone in my person."
"Touche. When should I ask her to meet you?"
"As soon as she can get away." Then Emma added, "I'll also need another favour."
Later in the afternoon, Ruby had shown up.
"Oh thank god you're okay," she breathed as soon as she saw Emma, and went to give her a hug. "I begun to fear the worst when I hadn't heard from you guys."
Emma returned the hug with gusto, and then said, "Sorry about that. It's been a whirlwind, plus we had to get our plan in order."
Ruby looked surprised. "You guys have a plan?"
"I was just wondering that myself dearie," came Gold's voice from the doorway. "And don't tell me you thought I wouldn't have upped security knowing what I do."
Ruby tried to reach for her gun, but froze when two burly men with their own guns appeared, pointing them at Ruby and Emma.
"Ah ah. Not so fast." Gold tutted. "Please put your weapon down and kick it my way, would you?"
Much to her chagrin, Ruby did as Gold ordered.
"Now, you two have a lot of explaining to do." Gold smirked, kicking the gun away. "And I would appreciate the truth."
Emma sighed, hoping she could salvage her cover. "This is my associate, Red, you might have seen her when you came to see our operation. I have a side plan with her to regain control of said operation, but right now, Regina has the keys to the place. I sent Red to scout things out, but we're still a no-go."
"I see." Gold scrunched his nose a bit, like he didn't believe her. "Apprehend them."
The two goons approached Emma and Ruby, and took hold of them by their upper arms. They vainly tried to struggle, but the men were much stronger.
"Do you think I am an idiot? Be honest," Gold inquired with a quirk of his lips. "I have done my research. I know just who you are, Emma Swan. You, Ms. Mills, and Ms. Lucas here."
"Then why pretend otherwise?" Emma asked, jaw slack.
"Curiosity. I like being challenged, and you provided just that. You two are certainly not the first band of cops to want to infiltrate my ranks in order to bring me down. But you are the first group to get this far. I must express my astonishment."
"That's how Zelena knew," Emma gasped.
"No," Gold shook his head. "What that witch is doing with that pasty cop was out of my purview. But worry not, I will make them pay for this."
Ruby scoffed and muttered, "Looks like the stiff can still be taken by surprise."
Gold let out a giggle. "Indeed I can, though I'd caution those kind of snippy remarks. It won't bode well for you."
"Like I have a very bright future ahead of me in this current situation," Ruby deadpan riposted.
"Quite true. Enough monologues from me. I am a busy man, and I don't want to make your deaths agonizing and-" He was interrupted by the doorbell, and he groaned. "What now?"
"Mr. Gold! Some guests for you!" Lacey's voice trailed from the open doorway, the latter none the wiser about what was happening in the room.
"Just my luck," Gold muttered. He turned to his henchmen, and barked, "Keep an eye on them. If they get free, it will be your heads."
A minute or so after he left, the french windows opened, and a contingent of cops showed up, all of them armed, with Regina at the helm.
Emma recognized them all as the ladies that helped to populate the lair, and she sighed in relief. They were safe.
"What the hell is the meaning of this?" one of the henchmen snarled.
"You are trespassing on private property!" the other exclaimed.
Regina, clearly smug, stated, "We're cops, we have every right to be here, especially considering how you're holding the two ladies here."
Ursula pointed her gun at the burliest one, who was holding Emma. "If I were you, I would let them go."
"You are outnumbered," Ruby added, taking note of the many women against the two of them. "I'd do as they say big guy."
Wisely, the two men surrendered, and Regina was quick to make her way to Emma, and assess if her girlfriend was alright. If they didn't have an audience, she would have been quick to bring her in for a kiss. But as it was, they still had to take care of Gold before they could be totally clear.
"He left to take care of some guests," Emma explained, taking an offered gun from the squadron of ladies.
"We know," Regina nodded. "I might have helped to orchestrate it. And good thing too, we were just in time."
Emma scoffed. "We had it under control, right Rubes?"
"Speak for yourself," Ruby responded, strapping on her vest. "I was pissing my pants there. Another second and I would've been a goner."
Emma shrugged at Ruby's theatrics. "Let's get Gold."
"And our favourite couple," Regina added, and exited the room before Emma could ask for more information.
Once they reached the foyer, they found quite the scene. James was pointing a gun with a silencer at Gold's head, and Zelena was comfortably using James' left shoulder as an arm rest. Gold had one hand clutching his right leg, which was sporting a red blotch that clearly came from James' gun, and his other hand was lazily raised, as if he was just uninterested in his current predicament, rather than grimacing through his pain.
On the floor near the door, Lacey laid crumpled in a heap. Ruby hoped she was unconscious, and it mercifully seemed to be the case, noting the lack of blood around her.
"Well, doesn't this make things easy for us," Emma started. "We can just arrest all of you at once."
Gold seethed and uttered, "Under what charges?"
Jerking a finger behind her, Emma said, "Well in your case, I'm sure the documents you so graciously handed to me will create quite a stir. So pick anything: extortion, bribery, murder, the list goes on."
"You'll forgive me if I don't surrender immediately, Ms. Swan. I have another pressing matter at hand," Gold dryly stated, gesturing to the gun by his head with his hand, and his wound with his chin.
"Oh don't worry," Regina was quick to add. "They'll be arrested too."
James let out a guffaw. "I think you might be confused. I am your superior. You have no right to arrest me."
"To the contrary, we have every right," Regina countered. "You see, I went to Spencer with everything I had, and he was very interested in hearing about how you had been conducting business with a well-known criminal's partner, and the conspiracy to murder two detectives really didn't help your case. So I have every right to arrest you. So if I were all of you, I would let my partners here arrest you."
Zelena growled and spat at Regina and Emma. "You conniving little bitches! You ruined everything!"
Emma chuckled. "Yeah, we tend to do that, being cops and all. Shame on you for thinking Regina would betray me like that."
James huffed, and quickly spun to take aim at Regina with his weapon, but Emma was faster, and shot him in his hand, making him drop his weapon, and clutch his now bloody hand. Reluctantly, he raised his shaking hands, sobbing quietly through the pain.
Zelena, after seeing her beloved give up, quietly followed suit. The ladies moved in to arrest the trio, and tend to Lacey, who was coming to.
All in all, it was a very peaceful arrest. Regina had been expecting for things to get ugly, and for someone to wind up shot, but all three criminals were smart enough to know when they had to throw in the towel to avoid making a bigger mess, and let themselves be cuffed.
When Lacey was also arrested, Ruby's face fell, but she quickly assured her she would vouch for her.
Once everyone was being marshaled to the police cars, Emma and Regina finally got a moment to themselves.
"Told you it would work," Regina victoriously stated.
"You did cut it a bit close though," Emma countered.
"Says the woman who said she had everything under control," Regina scoffed. "But you should know by now, you never need to doubt me."
"You know I never did," Emma grinned.
Regina let out a mock gasp. "That is a bold-faced lie! You doubted the entire thing!"
Emma shrugged, plastering a conspiratorial smile on her face. "I plead the fifth."
"You are insufferable," Regina said, smacking her playfully on the arm.
"Yeah, but you love me," Emma quickly riposted, bringing her face closer to Regina's.
Regina hummed, closing the gap until their lips were almost touching, and hummed, "Touche."
They took the opportunity that no one was watching them to share in a sweet kiss together, only breaking apart when Emma's hands began to wander lower than they should have in a public setting.
"Now come on, let's get our lives back," Regina said, offering her hand to Emma, who took it without missing a beat.
Emma felt an immeasurable relief to be able to get back to her normal. Seeing Henry after so much time away made tears prickle at the corner of her eyes.
She was incredibly grateful that that mission was finally over, though she would never regret having taken part in it. It had led her to Regina, and with it, a blossoming relationship which had been steadily growing. They were in talks of moving in together in the not-so-distant future, as soon as they decided whose apartment they would take.
With James' arrest, the detectives department needed a new boss, and Regina was quickly drafted as the best candidate. To no one's surprise, she was fitting in quite nicely in her new role. However, Regina still insisted on being Emma's partner in the field, and would assist her on cases as often as she could.
After a few months, Ruby got upgraded to a detective, and she couldn't be happier to once again be working near her best friend. She was now dating Lacey for real, who had gotten a full pardon after her cooperation in apprehending Gold, as well as her testimony to all the crimes she had witnessed and overheard Gold commit. Plus it helped that she had been vouched by not only Ruby, but Emma and Regina as well.
As expected, Gold's empire had crumbled with no one at the helm. James and Zelena had lost everything, as their plans had been revealed through Gold's papers, as well as Regina's testimony, not to mention the recordings of their conversations. A court date had been set where their case would be determined, though everyone was sure the nefarious duo would be spending a long time in jail.
Gold himself was facing an extensive list of charges like Emma had said, and was already in jail, where he would likely never get out. The insult on top of everything was that due to his shot leg, he now truly had to use a cane, unlike the prop he'd had beforehand.
All in all, it had been the perfect sting, and Emma and Regina's heroic operation had received plenty of accolades. They had received medals and a badge of honour, and the streets of Boston were safe once again.
But not for long.
Neal looked around his father's once-lavish office, well, what was left of it. Everything had been overturned, and many things lay broken and ripped apart.
He seethed, and glanced at the newspaper in his hand detailing his father's arrest. "I will destroy you for what you did to my father, Emma Swan."
Tadaa!
I left it open-ended in case I ever decided to revisit this universe and its characters.
I hope everyone enjoyed this cop fic, I definitely had a blast writing it!
Now I have other fics to focus on, starting with Such a Heavenly View, and Flirting with Death!
Let me know your thoughts!