{ storybrooke }

18. { the stable boy }

Mary Margaret sits onto the bed of her prison cell with her back against the stone wall, her eyes following Emma and Mr. Gold as they argue about the next step in her defense. Though, the longer she was between these walls the less hopeful she got. 

Winter was standing in the room as well. Luckily she had fully recovered from the blow to her head after a few days of rest. She stays besides Mr. Gold, who was standing opposite of the sheriff.

"A pre-trial interview with the prosecution? Explain to me how that is a good idea," she proclaims. She was uncertain that this interview would do her friend any favors. Instead, she worries about all the things that could go wrong in such an interview.

Mr. Gold remains calm as he explains that the district attorney would merely wish to ask Ms. Blanchard a few questions about the case. Emma puts her hands on her hips and stays apprehensive of the idea. "She's done answering questions. And why are we kissing up to the DA? Why aren't we going after Regina? She's the one who's setting up Mary Margaret."

The pawnbroker raises his voice as he argues that they have no proof of the Mayor ever doing such a thing. The skeleton key that they found in the cell was not enough to tie her to this.

Winter glances between the two bickering adults at Mary Margaret. She closes her eyes and rests her head against the wall behind her. She feels sorry for teacher. It was so obvious to anyone who truly knows her that she is incapable of doing something like this, yet there was no definitive proof that would exclude her. In fact, basically everything that they could proof was not particularly in her favor.

Emma asks what Mr. Gold's plan is. He explains what he had in mind. "I believe our best chance of winning this case is to employ our most valuable asset." Mary Margaret pipes in, a little flicker of hope lightening up her eyes. "What's that?"

"Well, that's you, dear. A sweet, kind elementary school teacher. Doesn't exactly fit the prototype of a killer, now does it?"

Emma frowns. She looks at the pawnbroker with a face full of disbelief. "That's how you're gonna get her aquitted? By using her personality," she asks, truly wondering if the man really thought it to be a good plan. She thought he was smarter than that.

"Perception is everything, Ms. Swan, not just in the courtroom but in life. As such, I am sure you can imagine how the jury would perceive Ms. Blanchard if she agreed to cooperate with the district attorney. These things engender trust. It shows the jury she's at least trying-"

A voice interrupts Mr. Gold's words, causing the pawnbroker to fall silent and glare at the person entering. It was Sidney Glass. He calls Emma's name, but then seems to realize he is not alone in the room. "Oh, I'm sorry to interrupt. I just, uh, came by to drop these off. I thought they might brighten the place up," the man explains. He holds a vase with flowers in his hands. 

Emma and Sidney then enter her office and begin a conversation. Winter turns back to Mr. Gold and Mary Margaret. The teacher rests her hands on the bars of her cell. Mr. Gold speaks in a hushed tone to her with Mary Margaret occasionally responding or asking a question.

Sidney leaves shortly after and the sheriff walks back towards the cell, where Mary Margaret has an answer ready for her friend. She will go talk to the district attorney. Emma asks if she is sure, to which Mary Margaret responds that she knows she has nothing to hide and wants other people to see that too. To let them see her for who she is.

After she said that someone behind them speaks up. Winter turns her head to glance over her shoulder. Standing behind them are Madam Mayor and an unknown man. He was older and well-dressed with a stern look in his cold eyes. Winter hesitantly looks at Mr. Gold, who seems calm under the new presence.