AUTHOR'S POV  

The Bourgeois home is eerily silent. Larry has to get ready so he can get to work...but discovering the business card of a gun range is preventing movement. It isn't often that he looks inside this drawer but when he has he's never seen anything like this and it undoubtedly shakes him. He's utterly confused as to why Laurent would be at a place like this and his mind is all over the place trying to determine that reason. Guns are terrifying for him and now he's beginning to wonder if there's one in their home. He can feel his stomach turning into knots thinking about that possibility as his eyes start looking around wondering exactly where Laurent might have hidden it. Then he realizes Laurent would take extra care to make sure Larry doesn't find it because he knows Larry hates guns and it's for that same reason he can't understand why Laurent would want have one. He then takes a look at the time and he's unable to go on a search nor can he try to find anything else Laurent might be keeping from him...but he does make a mental note to do that once he's home since he's by himself for a couple of hours. Instead of putting the card back in the drawer he decides to hold onto it and as he stands up to walk to the bedroom he knows exactly what he's going to do with it...

What would normally be a morning of a well-balanced breakfast, and of course eating that breakfast with his love yet being unable to, Larry doesn't have much of an appetite so he packs a few pieces of fruit also including a small lunch then makes his way towards the front door. He sets the security alarm and with everything he needs in tow he steps out then locks the front door. As he walks to the car he watches his surroundings though he's only seeing neighbors leaving their homes to leave for work themselves. He tosses his bags in the back seat then gets in the driver's seat...but before he cranks the engine he pulls out the business card along with his cell phone. He dials the number and the instant the phone goes to his ear he can hear his heart nearly beating out of his chest. Although he wants answers, oddly enough he doesn't even know what he's going to say. A small part of him wants to just hang up and wait to hear what Laurent has to say about this...but another part of him feels he needs all the information this place can give him to compare it with whatever Laurent tells him to see if it all matches up. He knew something was up. He just knew it and the fact that Laurent has been hiding this and only he knows what else, his emotions are now going from confused to angry. Finally someone answers the phone... 

"Montreuil shooting range. My name is Troy, how can I help you"? 

Larry: "Yeah I need to know if Laurent Bourgeois has been coming there". 

It immediately goes quiet and without question that irritates Larry so he quickly speaks up...

Larry: "Hello? I asked you a question". 

Troy: "Yes sir. I apologize. Can you hold on for one minute please"?

Something in Larry's gut senses something isn't right so he doesn't respond with a yes or a no. Instead...

Larry: "Why do you need to put me on hold? Has he been coming there or not"?

Troy: "Sir please hold. I'll be right back with you". 

Larry has to stop himself from going over the deep end so he blows out a sigh of frustration then replies, "fine". When he hears the hold music he blows out another sigh then cranks the engine up so he can finally take off for work. When he's out of the neighborhood and onto the main road he's still on hold which is beginning to frustrate him ten times more than before. He's close to hanging up and calling back while also telling them that he doesn't want to be put on hold again...but then he hears Troy's voice again...

Troy: "I'm terribly sorry about the wait sir". 

Larry: "Just please tell me about Laurent Bourgeois. Does he come there and how many times a week"?

Troy: "I'm sorry sir but I'm unable to give out any information". 

Larry: "What?! You mean you put me on hold only to come back and say you can't tell me anything"?!

Troy: "Sir I just needed to check our policy on giving out information".

Larry: "This is my husband I'm calling about! I don't care for some policy! I need to know if he's coming there"!

Troy: "I understand sir and I do apologize again, but I'm unable to tell you anything about any customer". 

Larry is only minutes from his school and he needs to calm down so his students don't see that he's upset for one, but also because he needs a clear head to effectively teach so he takes in a deep breath. It then comes to him that this could be, and most likely the reason, Laurent left so early this morning. It would make perfect sense because the place is obviously open. He calms down a little...but naturally is still upset so he replies, "fine" again then releases the call and not a moment sooner because he's finally arrived at his school. The anger is rebuilding in only a matter of seconds...but there's nothing he can do now. He can just hope that this anger doesn't come out throughout the day. After parking, he retrieves his bags from the back seat then heads inside...

~meanwhile~

The fresh smoke from the semi-automatic weapon is swirling into the air...the man standing behind that weapon is Laurent who's just rounded off the last four shots resulting in four perfect holes into the shooting target ahead of him. With his protective googles and headphones on he looks at the target with an angry face. The same angry face that's formed from the very first shot since he's been coming here because all he can picture ahead is Samuel. Laurent has surprised himself lately with those very thoughts. All his life he's never hurt a fly and for the rest of his life he hadn't planned to...but bup getting hurt sealed the deal and when he thinks about that he doesn't care about his thoughts no matter how bad they are. He slowly drops his arms and after one more look at the target he turns his head to the instructor, Mike, who's stayed close to him during his session. He turns the gun over to him and as he's removing his googles and headphones...

Mike: "Great job Laurent. You get better every time you come". 

Laurent: "Thank you. I'll be back soon". 

Mike: "Alright bro. See you". 

Laurent gives him a pound and heads for the exit so he can get to work. On his way out he's stopped by Troy at the front desk...

Troy: "Mr. Bougeois, may I see you for a minute"?

Laurent: "I really need to get to work. Can it wait until next time"?

Troy: "Well I just wanted to tell you that someone called for you while you were practicing". 

Naturally this causes Laurent's face to scrunch into confusion and he can't imagine who could have called him because the only people who know about this place are the staff who he requested that they all keep his weekly sessions private. He was confident Larry wouldn't find out about it but he requested the privacy anyway just to be safe. He takes the few steps over to the desk and braces himself for what he's about to hear...

Laurent: "Who called for me"?

Troy: "Your husband". 

Right away it feels like someone has punched him in his stomach and knocked the wind out of him. He knew Larry had been suspicious of him but he never would have thought he would find out he's been here. Now he's wondering how he found out and what this will lead to when he gets home...

Laurent: "What did he say"?

Troy: "He wanted to know how long you've been coming here". 

Laurent: "But you didn't tell him anything right"?

Troy: "No I didn't. I told him that I'm not allowed to give out customer information". 

Laurent hadn't realized that his whole body tensed up as he was talking to him because the moment Troy informed him that he didn't tell Larry anything his shoulders dropped as he blew out a huge sigh of relief. He won't see him until this evening so he doesn't have to worry too much about what's going to be said for now...but when he is home he's certain this will only be another rift between them and he has the rest of the day to brace himself for it...

~afternoon~

Larry: "Class is almost over but before you pack up your bags I need to remind you that the test tomorrow is on the last three chapters and it's at the very beginning of the class so everyone needs to be here on time. You guys did really well on the last one so I'm expecting the same on this one oki"?

After receiving a collective response the rustle and bustle of their backpacks begin and eventually the bell rings so they're out of their seats leaving Larry alone to pack his bags. He was successful in getting through the day without the upset of what happened this morning taken over and distracting him but now that he's alone he can't help it. He didn't get any information from Troy but having at least two hours before Laurent gets home he can do a search of the house like he thought of this morning but couldn't. He then becomes emotional because he's shocked that it's come to such a place. Sure they argued last night because Larry was afraid Laurent's odd behavior was a result of infidelity but they made sweet love later and how amazing it was as always. As Laurent said, it was one way to show the joy he feels being married to Larry and he will never need nor want anyone else. On the flip side, Larry can't help but feel angry because while Laurent was assuring him of one thing he was being completely secretive about something else. This isn't how their marriage operates and it's completely throwing Larry that it's happening. He then picks up his pace to leave but the moment he's out of his seat he hears a soft knock on the door so he turns his head to see the principal...

Larry: "Hey Ms. Rousseau. Everything oki"?

Rousseau: "Hi Mr. Bourgeois. Everything is fine. I just wanted to follow up on your student, Terrance". 

Larry: "What did you find out"?

Rousseau: "I haven't been able to get in touch with his parents. Normally I wouldn't press the issue but his parents seemed so satisfied with him being here that I don't understand why it was so abrupt". 

Larry: "I don't understand it either. He was here the day I came back then he was gone. I just want to make sure everything is oki". 

Rousseau: "That's what I left in the messages to his parents. I assured them that we're not trying to pry but we're genuinely concerned and also wanted to ask if it was something the school could have done. It could just be a move and the new school was closer which would explain why his transcripts were requested. It just seems odd that there was no communication with either of us before they took him out especially considering how active they were. They were always at school functions and making sure parent/teacher conferences were attended".

Larry: "I agree". *pause* "Well thank you for trying to talk with them". 

Rousseau: "You're welcome and if I hear from them soon you will be the first to know". 

Larry: "I appreciate that. See you tomorrow". 

Rousseau: "Sounds good".  

Larry softly nods and now all packed up he follows her out of the classroom and locks the door behind him. On his way to the car he's thinking about this situation and how it really is strange. He agrees with Ms. Rousseau in that they aren't trying to pry, it all just seems so odd and Larry is certain that it's deeper than a simple move...but the situation with his husband is more upsetting and needs his full focus to get to the bottom of what exactly is going on so as he drives he's not only thinking about searching their home but also what he's going to be said when Laurent is there...

*Laurent*

The time is exactly 4 pm and usually Laurent gets off at 5 but today he has somewhere to stop before he goes home. Knowing that Larry called the gun range definitely surprised him and now it's only going to make their conversation more intense even though he's prepared himself for it including questions he's sure Larry will ask. Deep down he's hoping Larry won't ask them...but he knows him all too well so he will. Still, that isn't enough to stop him. He hasn't spent the last two weeks training to stop now. All he can do is hope Larry understands. He's already sent his assistant, Briana, home for the day so he shuts everything down and heads for his car...

*****

Twenty minutes later Laurent is pulling into an unfamiliar neighborhood. It isn't one like Samuel's in that it's sketchy or known for high crime rates...but it isn't too far from it although he feels much more prepared here than he did previously. Being caught off guard by the thugs was the ammunition he needed and should something go down he's ready. He has a small piece of paper with the apartment number and the name of the person to ask for so feeling calm, cool and collected he does a semi-jog up the stairs once he's at the correct building and now in front of the door he gently knocks. He hears some voices coming from the inside and he can also smell smoke that's clearly coming from this apartment and not those around him. Seconds later a gentleman answers with a cigarette hanging from his mouth. He instantly gives Laurent a suspicious look...but Laurent isn't deterred at all... 

"What you want"?

Laurent: "Yeah I'm here to see June. She's expecting me". 

Whoever this person is begins to scan Laurent up and down but it doesn't appear that he's going to try anything since Laurent announced who he's there to see while also stating that she's expecting him. He eventually steps back to allow Laurent to walk in and when he does it's into a room full of smoke. His natural reaction would be to cough as he can't help but inhale some of it as there's a lot but he doesn't want these people seeing any reaction from him or have them think he can't handle it so he just clears his throat. The guy that let him in tells him that he'll take him to the backroom where June is so Laurent nods then follows him. As they're walking he looks at all the people inside and what previously sounded as though they were all having a good time it's now near silence with all eyes on him since they don't know who he is. Laurent isn't sure why he's getting such looks considering what he's there to see June for because he's certain that different people who they perhaps have never seen before come there often. He just keeps his cool and continues following until they eventually end up in a separate room where there are a few people sitting a table playing a card game...

"Aye June. This dude says he's here to see you".

Thinking that it was going to be one of the younger people at the table Laurent's eyes widen in surprise when the one who responds is a lady who's older than everyone in the home. She, however, is far from surprised at his reaction and as such she merely stands up and walks towards him...

June: "Are you Lau"? 

Laurent: "Yeah". 

A/N: Can anyone tell me what movie this scene is inspired from? 

When Laurent did some asking around about where he could get what he needed he told himself that he wasn't going to give his whole name. She doesn't seem like the type who would have asked for it to begin with...but he definitely doesn't anyone to know his full name. Without another word she walks over to a closet and is fidgeting around for a few moments before stepping back, closing it then turning around. That's when Laurent's eyes come in contact with a gun. This is what they spoke about and now he's seconds away from possessing it. He tries not to let his nerves show. After all, it isn't everyday he does this. In fact, it's the very first time and he never imagined he would need one. She calls out the price they agreed on so Laurent pulls the cash out of his pocket and hands it over to her. Now, the gun is being placed in his hand and as he looks down at it he gulps then looks back up at her...

Laurent: "Thank you". 

June: "No problem". 

Laurent: "And this can't be traced right"?

June: "Right". 

Laurent: "Oki. Thanks again".

June simply nods so Laurent tucks the gun in the back of his pants then turns to leave. He walks by the same people and he doesn't stop to look at them. He just keeps walking until he's eventually out the door. Relieved to be out of there but anxious to get this weapon off of him he walks at a fast pace to his car. Once he's at the trunk he pops it open then looks around to see if anyone is watching him before quickly yet carefully taking it out and putting it in inside of a small box. He quickly walks around to the driver's side to get in and the door is barely closed before he's cranking up the engine to get out of this place...but now that he's on his way home he becomes nervous all over again knowing he has to face his love about what's going on...

~meanwhile~

Since coming home Larry had been searching all over for other clues as to what Laurent's been up to but other than the card he hasn't really stumbled upon anything else. Usually he goes straight to prepping for dinner minutes after he's home but that was far from his mind. He went from room to room, drawer to drawer, any and everywhere he could think of to find something. When he wasn't finding anything he started to get frustrated. It wasn't until he looked at the computer that it came to him to check their bank account online for purchases or withdrawals of cash that seemed odd. He was over at the desk in a flash and once he logged into their account he began to meticulously scan all activity. The first thing he noticed was a withdrawal and in comparison to the previous ones this one is particularly alarming. He whispered into the atmosphere, "what is going on with you Laurent". He became so upset that he decided to get up from the computer and head for the kitchen to make dinner. What he's discovered so far is enough to confront Laurent when he comes home...

Laurent slowly inserts the key in the door with the intent to quietly creep in and hide the box containing the gun from bup. Of course there's the alarm signal that beeps every time a door is opened so no question Larry will hear that. He will just try to make a dash for the bedroom before Larry can see what he's doing. He steps inside and quietly shuts the door then walks quickly to the bedroom watching to see if Larry will come around the corner to greet him. He successfully makes it to the bedroom without any interference and he removes the box from his briefcase. He walks inside their huge walk-in closet and places it on the shelf on his side. To make sure it stays hidden he places an article of clothing over it. He breathes a sigh of relief but before he changes clothes he decides to go and speak to Larry. After all, they already have something to discuss and any further delay could potentially make it worse. He turns around to leave the room only to stop dead in his tracks at Larry standing at the opening of the door... 

Laurent: "Hey bup". 

Larry doesn't answer right away. He just blankly stares at him. Then...

Larry: "You didn't come to the kitchen to talk with me". 

Laurent: "I'm sorry. I just wanted to bring my things inside". 

Larry: "You always talk to me first". *pause* "Are you hiding something else like the gun range and the money you took from the account"? 

Laurent hears the stern and angry voice and it nearly intimidates him. It's very rare that he sees a look like this in Larry's eyes or hears such a voice and he realizes this conversation just might be tougher than he thought...

Larry: "What's going on Laurent? And I want the truth". 

*brief pause* 

Laurent: "Oki. I go to the gun range a few times a week". 

Larry: "Why"?

Laurent: "Bup I'm just learning how to use a gun for protection". 

Larry: "You know how I feel for guns Laurent and I don't want one in this house". 

Laurent can't respond to that considering what he just hid. Larry reads his face and he's realizing it just might be too late for that statement...

Larry: "Wait. Is there already a gun in this house? Is that why you took all of that money out"? 

*silence*

Larry: "Don't get quiet on me Laurent". *pause* "Did you buy a gun"?

Laurent: "Yes I did". 

Larry blows out a sigh, closes his eyes then drops his head in disappointment. After thinking about it for a few seconds he brings his focus back to Laurent...

Larry: "So where is it"?

Laurent: "I came in and I took it straight to the bedroom. It's on the top shelf in the closet. On my side". 

Larry: "And you weren't going to tell me". 

Laurent: "I was going to tell you bup. I was just looking for the right time and I was trying to figure out how to tell you. The same thing for the gun range". *pause* "I also take karate classes so when you see me sweating it's because I had one before I came home. Sometimes I take the classes on my lunch".

Larry: "So you've been lying to me all this time". 

Laurent: "I didn't lie bup. I just didn't tell you because I...."

Larry: "Not telling me is lying Laurent"! 

Laurent expected Larry's anger so he isn't surprised at all by such a reaction as he can also tell there's a ton of emotion behind it. He thinks about what Larry said and he blows out a sigh of regret because, well, he's correct...

Laurent: "You're right. I'm sorry". 

Larry calms down slightly...but he isn't prepared to accept that apology just yet as he's still putting things together...

Larry: "The other day you told me you were coming back from a business lunch but you had a class that day. Didn't you"?  

Laurent: *nods* "Yeah". 

Larry: "So what else did you lie for? Did you lie for cheating on me"?

Laurent: "No. I didn't lie for that. I hid some things from you, yes, but I have not cheated on you. I need you to believe that". 

*brief pause*

Larry: "Oki. I believe you, but I still don't understand why you're doing all of this". 

Laurent: "Because my love. I have to protect you". 

Larry: "And I told you that you do protect me Laurent. Why do you need a gun for that"?

Laurent: "Bup the more you ask me that the more we're just going to keep going in circles. It's the same answer. I don't know what else to say". 

Larry: *sigh* "Fine. If you feel this is what you need to do then I won't fight you for that. Just as long as you don't plan on doing anything crazy".

Larry turns around and storms off leaving Laurent in a daze at the last words uttered. Of course Larry saying as long as he doesn't plan on doing something crazy instead of asking directly if that's what he's planning is a relief to Laurent because things would have gone from bad to worse...and it's also for that very reason Laurent can live with telling his love a half-truth...

------------------------------- 

A/N: Hey my loves. This chapter was somewhat on the lighter side because the story is wrapping up but it will be intense before it ends. So, any theories about Larry's missing student? What about Larry saying as long as he doesn't do anything crazy? Do you think he will ultimately ask him? Sound off in the comments! Love you guys. :)