Cloudless Skies

Chapter 10

Emma washed her face and went back to work. No one seemed to notice her missing presence though. She was scheduled to take care of the first class dinner rush, which meant that she had to see Killian. She looked down at the necklace in her hand and slipped it around her neck. It was the only thing she had of him now. She avoided him and Cole that night. She didn't look at him or even come within fifteen feet of him. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a satisfied smirk on Cole's face. All she wanted was to protect the man she loved. Her heart broke as she realized that she never told Killian her true feelings. After she was finished waiting tables, she put a fancy dress on and went above deck, and leaned over the railing, looking at the stars. Someone stood next to her and looked at her.

"You did good," Cole said.

"I know I did because I feel miserable," Emma mumbled without taking her eyes away from the water.

"And that is exactly why I need you out of the picture."

She glanced at him and furrowed her eyebrows in confusion. "What?"

Cole smirked evilly and turned around. He grabbed her wrist and held her hand up high in the air. "Who do you think you are, trying to pick my pocket?" He yelled in anger.

Neal and David ran up to them. Confused looks on both of their faces. "What's going on here?" David asked.

"This wench was trying to steal from me!" Cole yelled. "I demand for her to be arrested. Now."

"What? No! I didn't do anything wrong!" Emma protested.

Two security officers ran up to Emma and grabbed a pair of handcuffs. They pushed through the small gathering of people and cuffed Emma. "Let's go, Miss."

Emma fought and jumped around. "No! I didn't do anything!"

The security officer grabbed her shoulder and pushed on it, sending pain shooting up her arm. "Enough." She stopped struggling and they led her to the brig below deck. The officer uncuffed her and shut the the cell door. "Looks like the only company you'll have is with your thoughts," he remarked before leaving the room.

Emma sat down on the bed and pulled her knees up to her chest. She cried silently. 'It's not fair!' Her mind screamed. 'Killian will have no idea that I'm here. He'll wonder where I am.' She cried harder as she thought of him. There was a constant pain in her chest. Her heart was broken, and sooner than later, she'd be dead because of it. Four hours past, and the tears had stopped long ago. Her teeth were chattering, and the blanket provided barely any warmth. Suddenly, the hallway light went on and the sound of heavy footsteps came down. She propped herself up on her elbows and looked up. David came into the hallway and she jumped up off the bed. "David!" She said with a smile.

"Emma, God, it's freezing in here!" He grabbed two more blankets and gave them to her through the bars of the door. "I brought you some food." He slid the tray under the door and she immediately went to it. "I brought you some clothes too. Something more comfortable." He gave her her favorite pair of trousers and her favorite shirt. Yes, it was the design for a man but she really didn't care.

"Thank you!" She moved the tray and pulled the blanket around her shoulders. "Has Killian asked about me?"

"He has."

"And what did you tell him?"

"I told him I haven't seen you. I'm sorry, Em, but you and I both know it would be best if he didn't know where you are."

"I know. But, can you do me a favor?"

"You name it."

"Tell him I love him?"

"It would be best if he didn't know."

"He loves me anyway. You don't get over someone that quickly." Emma took her necklace off and held it in her hands. "He gave me this."

David sighed in defeat. "Fine! I'll tell him. But he won't know you are down here."

"That's okay. I just need him to know that I love him."

"We'll get you out of here. Even Neal is trying. He may not like you, but he knows you didn't try to pick someone's pocket."

She nodded. "Goodnight, David. And thank you."

"Night," he replied and left the room.

Emma changed her clothes and grabbed her blankets. She wrapped them around herself and instantly felt better. Sleep hadn't come easily, but eventually she drifted off to the soft lapping of the waves against the ship.

Killian was drinking his flute of champagne, sitting on some crates against the railing, looking out at the water. A tap on his shoulder brought him out of his trance. He looked up and saw his father.

"May I sit?" Cole asked.

"Why not?" Killian replied, looking back out at the ocean.

"We are going to have to set up your wedding when we get back, son."

"No. I'm not marrying Regina." Killian drank the rest of the champagne and placed the glass down on the deck. "I know what you had Emma do. I know about your deal. I know what you were going to do if she didn't answer your wishes. She'd rather break my heart, then see me die. But you know what? I love her."

"And she loves you!" David yelled as he ran up to Killian out of breath.

Killian stood up. "What? She-she loves me?"

"Yeah."

Cole stood up too. "No. She doesn't have any feelings for you."

Killian turned to face his 'father.' "And what right do you have to say that? You aren't my dad. Who exactly are you?"

Cole smirked. "Well, I guess the secret's out now. You're right. You aren't my son. I made a deal with a common man. He gave me his youngest son in exchange for what I offered him. My wife and I couldn't have children, and we needed someone to carry our name. So, you want to know where you come from? Find a man named Brennan. Lives on a farm the last time I heard from him. You can try to find him, but just know, Killian. As long as I'm alive, you still belong to me. You have to do what I say."

Killian was furious. He grabbed the lapels of Cole's suit jacket and pushed him to the railing. "Then I guess I should find my freedom by letting you go then." He pushed Cole over the railing, and the man fell into the water below with a loud splash.