Reset

She slurped some more of her coffee and turned to look at the clock, it was three am and it was time for her next patrol. Slamming the mug down she picked up the keys to the police cruiser and marched through the corridors until she was in the cold night air, she rushed into the car and was thankful that it was still somewhat warm from her previous patrol an hour previous.

With detachment she started the car and began to slowly drive along her, now usual route, slowing down every now and then to observe anything that might seem out of the ordinary. Half the time it was simply shadows or an insomniac out for a walk but she monitored everything none the less. After she had completed her drive through of the main streets she turned onto Mifflin Street and started to slowly drive up the road it was then she saw something definitely out of the ordinary and definitely not a shadow.

Regina was standing at the end of her garden path, by the road, she wore what looked like pyjamas with a thick, black coat over the top. Emma slowed down and opened the window as she came to a stop and Regina walked over to the car window and held out a Thermos and a Tupperware box.

Emma looked at the items and frowned, "what's this?"

"Cinnamon and spiced apple tea and a freshly baked apple turnover, without the sleeping curse," Regina said as she placed the items on Emma's lap as she hadn't moved to take them.

"Why?" Emma puzzled.

"Do I need a reason?" Regina asked as she stood up and folded her arms across her chest to protect herself from the chill of the night air.

Emma glanced down at the items and arranged them on the passenger seat beside her, "thank you," she mumbled.

Regina looked at the pale tone of Emma's skin and was positive that the young woman had lost weight, her eyes seemed glossy and unfocused and she was clearly exhausted, even her hair had lost its usual shine.

"Would you like to come in?" Regina suggested lightly, "I could do with the company."

"No, I have to finish my route," Emma said and flicked her eyes to the clipboard that raised beside the steering wheel. It had a list of locations and a number of boxes so she could add the time of the last patrol in that area.

Regina nodded, "I understand," she didn't but she needed Emma to think that she did, "will I see you tomorrow at the council meeting?"

Emma nodded, "yes.. you're going? What about Grace?"

"She's coming too," Regina smiled, "when it comes to politics it's good to start them young," she joked but it was lost on Emma's serious face.

"Okay," Emma nodded and looked at the clipboard with a determined glare.

"Emma," Regina said to attract the blonde's attention and when Emma turned to look at her she smiled, "I believe you're in breach of town rules when it comes to working hours."

Emma swallowed, "what do you mean?"

"I mean that I see you every night working and I know you work during the day as well, while I admire your dedication the rules are in place for a reason, your health," Regina said softly.

"Not your problem anymore, Regina," Emma sniped back.

Regina nodded and continued to smile, "you're quite right, Sheriff. I'll let you get back to work."

Emma nodded and picked up a pen and wrote a time stamp on the clipboard before driving off up the road leaving Regina to watch the Sheriff with a pensive expression.

Chapter 22

Archie Hopper fumbled with a number of folders and papers as he walked into his new office, Regina's old office. He hadn't redecorated, in fact he rarely spent time in the office at all as he preferred his old office but on days where there was a council meeting it was easier for him to work at the town hall.

"Would you like some help?" Regina's voice called out causing the man to jump and drop a couple of bits of paper to the floor.

"N-no," he said as he bent down to pick the papers up and looked up at the woman who was happily bouncing her daughter on her knee having invited herself into his office and taken a seat in the armchair.

"Do we have a meeting?" Archie asked with a frown.

"No, I wanted to speak with you," Regina told him.

Archie nodded and closed the office door and walked over to the desk and dropped the papers and folders in an undignified mess before joining Regina and sitting on the sofa and smiling at baby Grace who was looking at him with a grin.

"Something is wrong with Emma Swan," Regina announced, "is she a patient of yours?"

Archie stuttered at the directness of the question, "R-regina I can't answ.."

"Have you at least noticed her strange behaviour?" Regina continued.

Archie shook his head, "I have hardly seen her lately."

"Precisely," Regina sighed, "she's working all hours. She's breaking town charter regulations regarding working hours for town employees, I would have expected you to notice?"

Archie took of his glasses and polished them on the soft material of his waistcoat and softly asked, "you've noticed her working hours?"

"Of course, it's hard to avoid the fact she's so clearly.." she paused, "something is wrong with her."