Finding You Always

Torn

Finding You Always

Chapter 48: Torn

Hong Kong

August limped into the bar and made his way to the dark haired woman that sat there. He knew he should have seen this coming. Making sure Emma had returned to Storybrooke ten years ago had only been a temporary cure for his condition. But now that her twenty-eighth birthday had passed, he was turning back to wood, probably as punishment for all his lies and deceitful behavior over the years in this world full of temptations.

He had pleaded with the Dragon for one of his cures, but he had demanded ten thousand dollars, which August didn't have. He barely had ten dollars to his name, let alone ten thousand. He over heard this woman say she was looking for one of the Dragon's cures as well...and she had the money. He knew it was wrong, but he was desperate.

He sat beside her, noticing she was looking at a picture of an elderly woman.

"Family?" he asked. She smiled.

"My grandmother. I miss her a lot," she replied.

"Family is important...even when we disappoint them. I'm August," he said. She smiled.

"Tamara," she replied, as they shook hands.

"So...here on vacation?" he asked. She smirked.

"Not exactly. I'm actually here to visit someone called the Dragon," she revealed. He smiled and nodded.

"Everyone knows him, though most will deny it if you ask them," August replied.

"Do you know a lot about him?" she asked.

"I know that he does things that can't be explained by logic or reason," he replied.

"Then...his cures. They work?" she whispered.

"I've never experienced it first hand...but from what I hear, yes. He can cure just about any ailment...for the right price, of course," August replied. She nodded thoughtfully.

"Are...are you looking for a cure?" he asked. She nodded sadly.

"Cancer...stage four. Nothing else has worked...so I figured, what do I have to lose?" she asked, as he eyed the wads of cash in her purse.

"Well, I hope it works out for you. Can I buy you a drink?" he asked. She smiled.

"I'd like that," she replied, as her phone chimed.

"Oh...I need to take this. Can you watch my purse?" she asked.

"Of course," he replied, as he looked at the money inside. It was wrong. It was deplorable...but he was desperate. He grabbed the purse and ran...

Penny glanced at him skeptically, as he opened the cell.

"Just like that?" she asked. Leo nodded.

"You're free to go," he replied. She narrowed her eyes.

"What's the catch?" she questioned. He sighed.

"No catch, Ms. Phillips. As you can see, we arrested the real criminal. She just tried to destroy the entire town, but she's been destroying lives for a lot longer. My dad isn't interested in anyone she has wronged paying anymore than they already have," he responded. She still looked unsure.

"No one does something nice for nothing in return," she said. He smirked.

"You really have never met our parents then," Emma added, as she put a hand on the girl's shoulder.

"This is your chance for a better start," Emma said.

"What makes you think I need a better life? I'm doing fine," she snapped defensively. Emma sighed.