Break a Leg

III.

                The waiting room was a diverse mix composed primarily of dozens of Regina’s victims hoping for poor surgical outcome, the Charmings, Emma and Henry.

               When the mob started discussing where the queen would be buried, Emma finally decided to use her authority as Sheriff to move people out. She met with real resistance. “We will leave when one of two things happens,” Leroy barked. “She lives or she dies.”

                Seeing Henry’s look of horror as he realized that his mother’s death was being discussed, Emma hurriedly pulled Leroy to the side. “Look, Henry is here and no matter what she did in that past life, she is his mother now. And having people here hoping for her death isn’t helping.” She leaned against the wall, realizing how draining this whole event had been. “I will call you after … whatever happens, happens. Just take the mob to Granny’s please?”

                Leroy looked momentarily ashamed, “Fine, but when she dies I get the first call.”

                Emma sighed, “Leroy it’s the twenty first century. Maybe people died a lot in, wherever you guys are from, but people here get surgery all the time and 99% of them make it without a problem. Why are you guys so convinced that something bad is going to happen to her?”

                Leroy smiled a smile that ran chills down Emma’s back. “Those 99% don’t have an anesthelogist whose son was sent into the evil witch’s candy cottage and was never seen again…”

                Emma was moving almost before he finished, long legs stretched out in a full sprint, blonde hair whipping behind her. She made it to the operating room and pushed her way past two huge orderlies and a very stoic faced nurse in record time. She pulled a mask on her face as she pushed into the room.

                “Ms. SWAN!” Dr. Whale’s voice was pure fury. “This is an operating room! Get out!”

                “Not until you hear what I have to say!” Emma gasped, leaning back against the door to hold back the two orderlies trying to push their way in. “I know all about what you are planning Mrs. Shu! And I know you have been looking for your son who went missing ..” pant, shove. “but I also know that you were a bit overwhelmed with your other children…” last count 14 “And there is a possibility he just hasn’t been found yet.” Emma drew in a breath, bracing. Damn these guys were strong. “Your husband told me that you get a bit overwhelmed with them all  back in the enchanted forest and there was a possibility your son may have run away after you spanked him and sent him to bed without dinner. We will find him.”

                “You don’t know what I’ve been through...” Mrs. Shu stammered, “They all said it was because of me – but it wasn’t – she is the cause!”

                “You might be right, Mrs. Shu and that’s why we are looking but if you do this and you are wrong you will be going to prison.” Emma grunted as her foot slipped and she attempted to fix her position. “And you will be hurting my son.”

                Dr. Whale voice was cold, “Mrs. Shu step away from the anesthesia.” Speaking to his assistant. “Cast that – I’m finished.” His eyes scanned the monitors, and his expression indicated everything was within perimeters. “I’ll bring her out.”

                The door flew open knocking Emma to the ground. Two very angry red faced men moved in to grab her when Dr. Whale spoke. “Thanks for bringing me that mask, Emma. Next time please wear a gown and head covering.”

                “Sure Doc.” Emma shrugged off the meat hands grabbing her arms. “Protect and serve and all. I’ll just be going.”