Secrets

Chapter 2

Author's Note: Warning Chapter contains scenes of violence and may be discouraged for younger audiences.

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The day dragged on for Emma with few calls.   She was filing paperwork when a knock startled her.   She looked up to see Hook standing there with a to go bag from Granny's.   As if on cue Emma's stomach growled and Hook gave a knowing smile.  Emma took the bag from Hook and began to empty its contents onto her desk.

Hook laughed as she bit into one of the burgers, "I figured you might forget about lunch."

Emma blushed and swallowed, "Thank you."

Hooks eyes softened and he brushed some hair behind her ear, "You always did throw yourself into your work."

Emma leaned into his hand and briefly let her eyes close. His scent was surrounding her again. It was warm and comforting, especially on stressful days. He brushed his lips across her forehead, and she felt the sparks ignite from such simple gestures. She sat down the burger and pressed closer to him and he wrapped his arms around her. Killian sighed and stroked her hair as she settled against his chest. She never showed anyone else this side. She was always the stoic sheriff, even with her parents.

"Two more days.  I swear Emma, two more days and we can be whole again." He mumbled as she trembled.

The main door slammed and the two jumped a part. Emma stuffed a fry into Hook's mouth as David came around the corner and dropped his keys on the deputy desk. Hook eyed David warily as he registered Hook's presence.

"What are you doing here Hook?" David scowled.

"Ruby asked me to drop off Emma's delivery since she was swamped down at the Dinner." Hook explained.

"Well, you delivered it so get out." snapped David.

Hook looked at Emma, "One last thing Sheriff, can you stop by the docks later I need some help with one of those magic box things?"

"Sure, Hook I'll be by later to help you with the computer." chuckled Emma.

David scowled at Emma as the door banged signify Hook's departure. Emma shrugged at David and went back to her paperwork. David crossed his arms and leaned against the door frame. Emma sighed and shifted her chair to face David.

"Got something to say?" she asked.

"Why are you helping him? For that matter why did you name him the new Harbor Master? Damn it, Emma, he's a pirate! A thief and-" David exclaimed.

"I was a thief. I stole for years and everyone trusts me to be the sheriff." Emma stated coolly as she stood and placed some files in the cabinet behind her.

"You are the daughter of Snow White, and the savior, of course they trust you." continued David.

Emma slammed the file cabinet shut and leaned back against it, "Gram didn't know that when I became Deputy. The people didn't know that when I became sheriff. You need to back down David. Regina and I named Hook Harbor Master for his experience."

"Emma I am the king of-" began David.

Emma strode forward and stared down her father, "No! You are my deputy and as such you will respect my decisions. Is that clear!"

The slap rang out before David even registered, he had lifted his hand. Emma stared at him in horror and back away. Her right cheek glowed a faint pink, the print a clear sign of what he had done. Blindly she shoved David into the frame and ran out from the building.

The sunlight and loose gravel cause her to stumble. The pebbles cut into her hands as she scrambled back up and ran. She ran passed her bug and around the corner before stopping to collect her thoughts. The pain in her cheek was all the evidence needed to realize he had struck her. Emma felt the tears prick at the corners of her eyes. A gull's cry caused her to look up as it flew over. She looked forward and saw the water shinning out past the city limits. The masts swayed in the breeze. She heard David calling for her. With a deep breath she took off once more down the street. Emma never looked back as her feet carried her away from the station. She didn't stop until gravel gave way to wood and she was safely on the Jolly Rodger. She didn't let the tears fall until the scent of sea and rum engulfed her again.