Ten of Hearts

Chapter 37: Mad as a Hatter

   Emma could not find Greg and Tamara to save her life or for the real matter, Regina's life.  She had no clue where they were, what they were doing, and why.  Jefferson was pacing in front of the couch in the living room, his heart pounding out of his chest as he had called Regina four times in a few minutes.  He was getting worried that something happened to her and his mind ran through suspects, landing on Greg, Tamara, and Hook.  Little did he know how accurate he was. 

   He couldn't handle the stress anymore and bursted out of the house, rushing to the car in a quick manner before taking off towards the town hall.  He had a strong feeling it was those three that did something to Regina, but he found it very concerning that she wouldn't answer the phone.  Once he arrived, out of rage and terror he slammed the car door and stormed into her office. 

   Emma had apparently been calling Regina too, of course no answer either.  The blonde made her way to her friend's office.  As Emma walked down the hallway she looked down for a second and ran into Jefferson who also just arrived.  Without thinking the hatter slammed her against the wall and growled, "WHERE'S REGINA?!"

   "Hey!  It's just me, chill," she said and he immediately apologized.

   "Sorry, it's just I kinda have anger issues I guess and..."

   "I know you don't want to see Regina hurt, me either.  She's my friend," she said sympathetically.  "How do we find her?"

   "I don't know.  Uh...call your mother or father or someone," he said.  "Maybe Gold can help?"

   The blonde nodded and took out her phone, calling the Dark One as Jefferson looked through Regina's desk.  Her purse was sitting on the table, opened, like she was shifting through it.  His eyes fell to the floor, to look for anything she might it dropped, maybe even her kidnapper.  That's when he noticed a deep red speck on her usually pristine floor.   

   "Emma?" He acknowledged in a very wary voice.  "It's blood.  And her purse, it's open and left here alone," he said, looking up at her with a concerned look in his blue eyes. 

   She didn't know what to say, but to speak when Gold finally picked up.  After a few minutes of riddles and bickering, Emma hung up and sighed loudly.  "Gold says he'll be here soon, but not under his will.  Belle her our conversation and told him to help.  And Jefferson?  Take a breather, relax a little bit," she insisted as she as about to go out in the hall.

   "I can't take a breather or relax knowing Regina's in danger.  W-what if those bastards have killed her already?!"

   "Don't think like that!  Great, I sound like my mom, but...have hope."

~•~

   August, David, and Snow rushed into the office as they awaited Gold.  David had pulled Henry and Grace out of school and dropped them off at the loft.  Jefferson was notably more nervous and furious as his leg was bouncing up and down and he had a murderous look on his face.  August and David would act the same if their lovers were in this position, so they didn't even bother. 

   Gold finally walked into the office with a little glass container in his hand.  Jefferson immediately stood up and confronted the Dark One.  "How do we find Regina?" He asked frantically.