Finding You Always

Prelude to a Storm

Finding You Always

Chapter 11: Prelude to a Storm

David put Keith in the jail cell. Jason had informed him that he was a regular at his bar known for minor harassment, bullying, and a few fights here and there. He thought armed robbery and attempted assault was a big leap from those minor altercations and now the man seemed as equally confused by his actions. Being behind bars could bring clarity though, David figured.

Mary Margaret and Emma came in with a man he didn't recognize.

"Hi," he greeted.

"This is Dr. Sakura...Whale's replacement," Mary Margaret said.

"Nice to meet you," he said, shaking David's hand.

"Likewise...he's roughed up a bit, but I'm not sure he requires a Doctor," David replied. Sakura smiled.

"Miss Blanchard says you were grazed by his blade," the doctor clarified, indicating the long scratch on his neck.

"It's just a scratch," he insisted.

"Made with a dirty blade," Mary Margaret replied. The doctor smiled.

"She's right, we don't know where that blade has been. She asked me to treat it and I recommend a tetanus shot, just for good measure," he said. David noticed the look on Mary Margaret's face. Her worry was tangible and sweet. But he made no mistake. Her expression said there would be no arguments so he relented and took a seat.

"Daddy...do you have to get a shot?" Emma asked a little fearfully.

"Yes, but it's nothing to worry about, princess," he assured, as he squeezed her little hand in his big one. The doctor cleaned the cut with gauze swabbed in alcohol to sterilize it, then used a clean pad to dab his arm, before giving him the shot.

"There...quick and painless," Sakura assured, looking more at the worried little girl than at David.

"Thank you Doctor," Mary Margaret said graciously. Paul felt a small stab of guilt, as he unknowingly bagged the swab which contained both blood and hair from the unknowing prince.

"You're both most welcome," he said, as he quietly left.

"I'll finish the paperwork on him in the morning. We should probably get back to City Hall," David suggested.

"Probably, though I'm not sure there's much point. The whole town saw you fight that guy while Sidney cowered in the nearest corner," she replied. He smirked.

"I'm sure he'll spin some tale about how he simply couldn't take action while I was handling the situation with violence," David said. She nodded.

"He did imply that he could have talked him down, but I don't think anyone is buying it," Mary Margaret replied, as they arrived in time to see Sidney finish his spiel. All eyes turned to David, as he reluctantly took center stage, fresh, albeit minor wound visible.

"I'm not really one for speeches..." David started.

"I know I'm new in town, but I'm dedicated to seeing that this town is kept safe. I'm not interested in politics and I can't be bought," he said, as his eyes traversed over some of Storybrooke's wealthy, most notably, Regina, Albert Spencer, Mr. Gold, and Principal Jenkins.

"I won't result to violence first, but I'm not afraid to fight when it's necessary. I will protect this town and its people. And I will always do what's just and right," he stated. To his surprise, there was applause from most and Mary Margaret beamed brightly at him. The crowd slowly dispersed, as they went to cast their votes.