Once Upon A time - season 1

Hat trick

Storybrooke. Present. Storybrooke Sheriff's Department.

Mary Margaret Blanchard's cell stood eerily empty, the door hanging open. The quiet of the space was broken only by the distant sounds of the sheriff's station. The scene shifted to the dense woods outside the town, where Mary Margaret sprinted through the underbrush. Her heart pounded as she paused momentarily against a tree, catching her breath before she plunged back into the tangled foliage, her flight desperate and determined. Back at the sheriff's station, Henry Mills sat in a chair, engrossed in his book. The pages displayed a vivid illustration of a young Snow White. Emma Swan and Mr. Gold entered the hallway, their footsteps echoing in the quiet building. "Henry? What are you doing here?" Emma asked, glancing at him with curiosity.

Henry looked up, his face a mixture of relief and unease. "I came to congratulate you."

Emma's brows furrowed. "For what?"

Henry shifted awkwardly. "Your genius plan."

Mr. Gold, who had been lurking nearby, stepped forward with a puzzled expression. "And what plan's that, Henry?"

Henry glanced down, embarrassed. "Right." Mr. Gold turned and began walking away.

"Sorry, I thought Mr. Gold was in on it now that he's Miss Blanchard's lawyer," Henry explained.

"In on what?" Emma asked, confusion lining her voice.

"The escape plan," Henry replied.

"The what?" Emma's confusion deepened.

From offscreen, Mr. Gold's voice cut in with urgency. "Sheriff, could you join me, please?"

Emma and Henry followed Mr. Gold to the empty cell, its cold, metallic walls stark under the harsh fluorescent lights. Emma's heart sank. "She's gone." She said. "Henry, what did you do?"

Henry's face paled as he stammered, "I didn't do anything. She was gone when I got here."

Mr. Gold's demeanor turned serious. "Her arraignment is tomorrow. If she doesn't show up—"

Emma cut him off with steely determination. "She's a fugitive now. It doesn't matter if she's convicted for Kathryn or not; she's in serious trouble. I have to find her before someone else does."

Mr. Gold's voice carried a hint of grimness. "Oh, you mean Regina."

Emma nodded. "The arraignment is at 8:00 A.M. I'm sure Regina will be here bright and early, ready to gloat."

"Well, you have until 8:00 A.M. then," Mr. Gold said, his tone resigned.

Henry, looking eager to help, spoke up. "What about me? How can I help?"

Emma shook her head firmly. "Go home."

Henry protested, "Emma if she leaves Storybrooke—"

Emma cut him off, her voice urgent. "Not now, Henry. Come on." She guided him toward the exit, her resolve clear.

Mr. Gold's voice followed them, filled with a somber tone. "Miss Swan, I understand that time is critical, but if Miss Blanchard doesn't return, her future is at stake. And if you're caught aiding her, yours will be too."

Emma's gaze hardened with determination. "I don't care. I'd rather lose my job than lose my friend."

———————

Emma drove her Bug down the winding road, her mind preoccupied with the urgency of her search. Her distraction almost had dire consequences when she barely avoided hitting Jefferson, who had stepped out in front of her car. With a jarring screech of the brakes, Emma slammed the car to a halt. She quickly got out and rushed to Jefferson, who was sprawled on the pavement. "I'm so sorry!" Emma said, her voice tinged with concern. "Are you okay? I didn't see you there."