AUTHOR'S POV  

It's a new week for Larry and Laurent. After the breaking news about Samuel, Laurent spent the weekend making Larry as comfortable and less fearful as possible. He was successful at both and to make sure his love stayed that way he was careful about what they watched and even suggested several movies in place of regular TV. Slowly but surely Larry was feeling less antsy. Even smiling more, mostly at the way Laurent was taking care of him, but whatever the reason Laurent was happy because there's nothing more beautiful than a bup smile. For the remainder of their weekend Laurent cooked the meals and in between made snacks for them to munch on. Larry didn't lift a finger even though he insisted on helping. Laurent wouldn't hear of it and he was beyond happy as well as eager to make sure bup knew that his every want and need would be taken care of. Since it's Monday, Laurent sensed some apprehension from Larry upon waking up because they're going to be a part but they made it a point to check in with each other before they so much as stepped out of their cars and go inside for work. Now it's mid-afternoon and Laurent is swamped with work. It's been meeting after meeting along with what seems like endless paperwork. It's possibly the busiest the office has been in a while...but even with all this work Laurent's mind is always on bup and while Larry doesn't have the freedom to use his cell phone during the day Laurent has already sent him a couple of text messages being the loving husband he is that Larry will check as soon as he's able to. Laurent's assistant, Briana, has come in as she always does around this time to give him various things such as messages, reminders for one on one consultations and to ask what he would like ordered for lunch. He's thankful that he has such an efficient assistant that stays on top of things and after giving her his lunch order then flipping through all the messages he has, he notices one that takes priority over the others and is about to return the call when his cell phone rings. If it isn't Larry he just lets it go to voicemail but he looks at the screen and notices that it's detective Marteau who he hasn't spoken to since he and Larry found out about the woman who was attacked over the weekend. Laurent has an instant feeling that this call has something to do with that and there's more to it so he quickly answers...

Laurent: "Hey detective. What's going on"?

Marteau: "Hi Mr. Bourgeois. I'm calling because there's been a break in the new case. My team and I went back to the crime scene to see if there was anything we missed since it was so dark at the time of our initial search. We came across a few blood droplets which were collected and sent to the lab for analysis. Because of Samuel's prior arrests, his DNA was in the system and it was a match to this crime". 

Laurent stomach begins flipping because finally they have something on him that will get him thrown in prison where he belongs... 

Marteau: "And that isn't all. I received a call from the victim who couldn't remember much the night I took her statement because she was slipping in and out of consciousness during but now she remembers scratching his arm as she was trying to fight him off of her so I imagine we will see some scratch marks". *pause* "We also had a witness come forward with information about the car he drove away in so it was definitely him and we have more than enough evidence to officially charge him". 

Laurent's emotions are going back and forth now. He's happy to hear this of course but it infuriates him that his bup got hurt and two other people had to be hurt before his rampage finally came to an end...but he's also sure he hears something in the detective's voice. It's not elation like it should be after this huge break and he's also confused about something he said...

Laurent: "Detective this is great news but you said you will see some scratch marks on his arm, not you did see. Does that mean he's not in jail yet"? 

Marteau: *deep sigh* "That's the thing. We can't find him now so he's still on the loose. We've been looking for him since all of this came to light but we haven't located him as of yet". 

*silence*

Marteau: "I'm just as shocked as you are Mr. Bourgeois but I promise you we are looking for him and we won't stop until we find him. I've given a description of him to all of the airports just in case he tries to leave". *pause* "He knows that he wasn't so careful this time around and I'm thinking he even knows there's evidence so he's laying low. I still don't think he's going to come after either of you but I'm still asking both of you be alert and very careful". 

Laurent: "I'll protect Larry with my life. Always". *pause* "Thank you for calling me". 

Marteau: "You're welcome". 

Laurent releases the call and angrily tosses it to the side. He still has several hours of work to get through including all of these one on one consultations later on so he has to be about business...although it will be a task extremely difficult to accomplish...

~afternoon~

Larry has just completed another school day and when he called Laurent to inform him that he's on his way home Laurent didn't answer. Depending on how busy his day is Laurent can't always answer the phone so that wasn't concerning at all. He arrives home and after getting settled inside he takes his phone out to try again. This time he answers...

Laurent: "Hey bup". 

Larry: "Hey baby. I'm home". 

Laurent: "Good. Is the alarm is set"?

Larry: "Yeah it is". 

Laurent: "Did you have any problems coming home"?

Larry: "No problems. I'm still upset from the news this weekend and I think about that a little bit today...but I'm oki". 

Laurent: "I'm upset about that too my love but I'm glad you're home safely". 

Larry: *smile* "I am baby". *pause* "But I don't know what we're having for dinner yet and I have papers to grade so I need to go". 

Laurent: "Oki bup. I'll see you when I get home". 

Larry: "Be safe baby". 

Laurent: "I will. I love you". 

Larry: "I love you too". 

There was something in the way Laurent said, "I will. I love you" that raised suspicion in Larry from the second he heard it. It's like Laurent's hiding something and considering they just fought about several things Laurent has been hiding over the weeks Larry doesn't want to go through this again. If Laurent is keeping something from him hopefully the fights they've had causes Laurent to think twice before he keeps anything from him again. He'll be home in a few hours and face to face would be better to talk instead of on the phone so he goes to the bedroom to get changed into more relaxing clothes then heads for the kitchen as he's now figured out what to cook...

~evening~

The savory chicken, mushroom and cheese crepe bake was pulled from the oven minutes ago and he's putting the finishing touches on a garden salad when he looks up at the time. It's almost 6 and Laurent is usually home by 5:30. He isn't in panic mode at this point as he could be stuck in traffic but he stops what he's doing and cleans his hands so he can place a call to him just to be sure. He's sure Laurent will answer and tell him that he is in traffic as Larry suspects so the call should be a quick one. Once the call rings for a third time he becomes a bit confused. When it goes to voicemail he becomes heavily confused. He hangs up and calls Laurent's business partner. He's called Matt quite a few times whenever Larry can't get a hold of Laurent and that normally settles him...but he isn't prepared for what he will hear...

"This is Matt". 

"Hey Matt. It's Larry". 

Matt: "Hey Larry. It's been a while since we've talked. How are you"?

Larry: "I'm oki. How are you"?

Matt: "Everything is good, thank you". 

Larry: "Welcome. Um, Laurent isn't home yet. Is he still working"?

Matt: "Laurent left around 4:00 buddy". 

*brief pause*

Larry: "He did". 

Matt: "Yeah". *pause* "Is something wrong"?

Larry: "No. Nothing's wrong". *pause* "Thank you". 

Matt: "You're welcome. Take care". 

Larry: "Yeah you too". 

Matt is barely off the phone before Larry is attempting to place another call to his love with full panic mode set in now. Laurent's been off of work for nearly two hours and he isn't home. This second call goes unanswered as well and a shaky Larry is walking quickly to the front of the house. He looks out of the window and doesn't see Laurent pulling into the driveway so he runs over to the security system to disarm it then runs out the front door...also running to the end of the driveway where he can get a better look down the street to see if his car is coming down. Nothing. He runs his clammy hands through his fro then runs back in the house for phone call number three and this time he will leave a message if Laurent doesn't answer. Just as he feared...he doesn't...

"Baby this is the third time I'm calling you and you're not answering. I called Matt and he said you left work at 4. Where are you? I'm worried. Please call me back and get home soon, oki? I love you. Please come home". 

He releases the call and his next move is to turn the TV to a news channel. He doesn't know what he might hear...and he's afraid of what he could hear but once he finds a news station he leaves it there. He tries to allow time to pass before calling Laurent again to give him time to either return his call or preferably, walk through the door, but it's finally starting to click that he really has no idea where Laurent is and it's terrifying. Now he's hearing the news anchor...

"Over the weekend we reported the brutal attack and rape of a woman in the back of a local bar. Since then, a witness has come forward and described the car he saw the suspect running towards the car then speeding off seconds later. With additional information provided by the victim, authorities are now looking for Samuel Picard who they say is a serial criminal and they also believe he's connected to another attack that happened two weeks ago". *picture of Samuel appears on screen* "This is the suspect wanted in connection with these crimes and authorities are asking that if anyone has any information on his whereabouts to contact them immediately. You will remain anonymous". 

Larry feels like he's experiencing deja vu as this is not only the same news anchor who reported the attack but it's about...him. Again. Larry is unaware of the detective calling Laurent this afternoon and the extent of their conversation. Now he's beginning to wonder if he's aware of this information and him not coming home has something to do with that. His eyes widen in fear then he tosses his phone to the side, stands up from the couch to run to the bedroom and over to the closet. He takes the box containing the gun and although he absolutely hates gun he has to check. He gulps hard then slowly lifts the lid to see if it's still inside. It's empty. "Oh my God" he whispers to himself. He throws the box down then hurriedly makes his way to back to the living room because the next call he places won't be to Laurent. It will be to the detective. He knows there's a business card with his cell phone number on it somewhere so he frantically searches through the drawers. It's taking time to find it and now frightened tears are building in his eyes. If he doesn't find it he isn't sure how he can get in contact with him. Thankfully, he locates it and he deeply exhales in relief then goes for his phone to call him. He answers almost right away...

"Detective Marteau". 

"Detective. It's Larry Bourgeois". 

Marteau: "Hi Mr. Bourgeois. What can I help you with"?

Larry: "I need you to find my Laurent. He's not answering his phone. I called one of his business partners and he told me he left around four but he's not home"!

Marteau: "Mr. Bourgeois, please try to relax. He could have stopped somewhere and maybe left his phone behind. I wouldn't worry just yet".

Larry: "No! You don't understand"!

Marteau: "What do you mean"? 

Larry stops himself because it comes to him that he shouldn't tell the detective about the missing gun or Laurent's plans of going after him because that could mean trouble for his love and he doesn't want anything to happen to him although he does believe that they can find him before it even gets to that point. It is possible that Laurent could be out somewhere and left his phone behind...but Larry is sure that's not what happened at all and while Laurent promised he wouldn't go after Samuel, Larry knows him all too well. Laurent somehow found out about this monster avoiding capture and that lit a fire inside of him. He's been on a rampage and Laurent is ready to put a stop to it...and because he knows how much Laurent loves him he knows that Samuel hurting him is why he's doing this instead of letting the cops do their job. But, Larry can't and won't let anything happen to him. He has to find him...

Larry: "Look, I know him oki? He wouldn't be away this long without calling me. Something is wrong detective. I can't wait twenty four hours so please don't tell me that. I really would like your help...but I'll find him by myself if I need to". 

*brief pause* 

Marteau: "Of course I'll help you find him".

Larry: "Thank you so much". 

Marteau: "You're welcome". *pause* "Is there any particular place we should look first"?

Larry: "No. I...."

*silence*

Marteau: "Mr. Bourgeois? Are you still there"?

Larry: "Yes I'm here. Sorry. I just remember that we have a GPS on the cars now. Laurent added it after I got hurt so we can find him faster this way". 

Marteau: "That's perfect". 

Larry: "Yes I need to go on the computer and sign in. That's how I can track it". 

Marteau: "Ok. I'm on my way to your home right now so please wait until I get there". 

Larry: "Oki. Thank you detective". 

Marteau: "You're welcome. See you soon". 

Larry is still extremely worried about his love but the detective willing to help him does provide some relief. He's waiting for the computer to boot and while he waits he whispers into the atmosphere, "please be safe baby. I love you so much". That elicits a warm tear to fall from his eye so he wipes it away...only for several more to follow. This has been such an emotional time for him. Larry can't recall a time in his life where he's been so emotional and a part of him hates that he has been...but he also can't help it. It's all just been so much but he's hopeful that before night's end Laurent will be home safely and they will be in each other's arms...

*****

With the sun completely set now Laurent can do what he set out to do with the probability of someone identifying him being very low. He had several articles of dark clothing stored in his trunk that he never took out so taking the gun and storing that in the trunk too was an easy task. Since he spoke with the detective and found out that Samuel hasn't been located he knew then that it was time for this madness to end and that he would be the one to do it. The detectives may not have found him...but this is the same scum who hurt the love of his life so Laurent is determined to find him. The only difficult part in all of it was seeing Larry's calls but choosing not to answer them...but he knew that if he did he wouldn't be where he is now. Searching for Samuel. Larry would have tried to talk him out of it and Laurent simply can't take this anymore. His disguise is top notch and this time he isn't nervous whatsoever. After all, he spent weeks preparing for this so if he has another run in with those thugs, he's ready. He's been stopping random people in the neighborhood and asking questions but it's no surprise that they haven't been responding to him so far. That, however, is about to change. He sees a guy in a hoodie with his hands shoved in the pockets of it walking towards him so he approaches him just as he did with all the others. Giving him the vibe that he's from around here...

Laurent: "Aye bro". 

"Yeah" ?

Laurent: "I'm looking for Samuel. You know where he is"?

Naturally this guy gives him a suspicious look so Laurent has to change it up a little...

Laurent: "I'm cool bro. I know him and it's been a while since I've seen him. Just trying to catch up so have you seen him"?

"Not lately. I don't even think he's been home in a while. The last time I saw him was about a week ago and he's been MIA since then. A few other people have said the same thing". 

Laurent feels a deep disappointment but does well in keeping his cool...

Laurent: "Oki. Thanks bro". 

"No problem". 

Laurent turns around and his face instantly changes to anger. He begins walking away when this guy shares something prompting him to immediately turn around...

"If you really want to see him you can try a few neighborhoods over. He hangs out over there often so he knows some people". 

Laurent: "I will. Thanks a lot man". 

"Sure". 

Laurent wasn't prepared to let this go because of the few people who didn't tell him anything and he's glad he didn't because he wouldn't have learned of this. Samuel wouldn't be seen around his own neighborhood being that he's trying to stay hidden but it only made sense to start there. Now that he's been told where else to look...he's on his way...

~meanwhile~

The detective arrived at the Bourgeois home rather quickly after informing Larry that he's coming. He joined Larry at the computer and it didn't take long to get a strong signal from the GPS tracking. The detective's eyes widened when he saw the neighborhood the car is in and even more shocked when he sees it move to a different neighborhood. One that he's never been to. Larry noticed the look on his face but before he could ask if he knows the area...

Detective: "I have to leave now and get there". 

The detective begins power walking towards the door prompting Larry to stand up...

Larry: "I'll come with you".  

Detective: "Mr. Bourgeois, you really should stay here where you're safe". 

Larry: "I don't think you understand detective. This isn't just anybody. This is my Laurent and I can't stay here knowing he's out there". *pause* "Please let me come with you". 

*brief pause*

Detective: "Oki. You can come but I have to ask that you stay in the car". 

Larry: "I can do that. Let's go". 

The detective heads for the door while Larry grabs his keys then over to the alarm system to set it. A bundle of nerves set in as he gets in the detective's car. Now they're taking off to find the man of his life...

*Laurent*

Laurent has remained steadfast in his search. He was told to try the place he's in now but he also searched the other neighborhoods before ending here. He now believes that this is where he's going to find him and he's even more anxious than before. There aren't as many people out and about to ask questions. He also hasn't found Samuel yet either and he's becoming annoyed that it's taking some time. He's studied Samuel's mugshot carefully so he's confident he will spot him from a mile away. He turns down an alley and stops when he sees a group of men engaged in conversation. He stopped because one of them looks very familiar. He eventually sees that familiar figure give each of them a pound before walking away. He's positive it's Samuel and confident that he's blending in with the environment, but of course ready if these guys think he's invading their territory, he walks past them to follow him. He doesn't take action right away as he needs to see exactly where he's headed and who might be around. When Samuel turns the corner he's turning down another alley. When Laurent turns that corner and sees that there isn't another soul in sight he speeds up...looks around to make sure that it really is just them then reaches behind to pull the gun out that's been tucked away and calls out, "Samuel" who stops dead in his tracks then turns around. His eyes go wide because he recognizes this face. Albeit different from the one he hurt...it's still the same. Laurent raises the gun and points it at him...his finger on the trigger. He's a second away from pressing it to fire a shot in him but to his surprise Samuel raises his arm up and hits Laurent's arm in somewhat of a karate move that knocks the gun out of Laurent's hand. This ticks Laurent off and now is when two weeks of learning karate himself comes into play. They get into a scrap right in the middle of this alley. There's a punch here, a kick there with Laurent striking the most blows. Samuel is belting out all kinds of sounds in reaction which are clear indications he's in pain...but to Laurent it isn't enough. He's seeing images of Larry after the attack. Him being on the stretcher as EMT's brought him out of their home, his eyes nearly swollen shut but still able to see Laurent as he cried and reached for him. Larry's coma from the nightmare that put him there and all the nightmares he's had. Laurent's blows become relentless. Samuel is putting up a fight and he's able to strike Laurent several times...but Laurent barely feels them because the more he thinks about bup the angrier he is and his adrenaline is going full speed...

Larry and the detective arrived in the area minutes ago and while they spotted Laurent's car, Laurent is nowhere in sight. The detective called for backup and once they arrived he politely yet assertively reminded Larry of their agreement that he would stay in the car. Larry has stayed put and he's been as patient as he could be...but the detective hasn't been back to tell him that Laurent has been found or anything for that matter. From the car, he can see them searching the area and he can tell they're around several alleys. He begins having a feeling that Laurent is in one of them and he's correct...he just isn't aware that he's actually located Samuel and they're in a full on fight. He knows he should keep his word to the detective but he just can't sit still anymore. He tells himself that he'll come back if he feels he needs to but he knows he's close to Laurent so he gets out of the car. Taking care to watch the environment he begins walking to find him...

Meanwhile, Laurent and Samuel's fighting hasn't stopped. Laurent needs to get the gun back in his hand to take care of this slime once and for all so he does a swipe of Samuel's leg which causes him to flip and slam into the ground. Laurent frantically looks around for the gun and when he finds it he picks up and points it at him. Samuel already knew that's what he was going for so he pushed through the pain and sat up. The moment he found himself staring at the barrel of the gun he yells...

Samuel: "Don't shoot"!

Laurent: "Shut up"!

Samuel quickly obliges and as he's trying to catch his breath he meets eyes with Laurent who's also trying to catch his own breath...

Laurent: "Don't say another word". *pause* "You hurt my Larry. You remember him right? You beat him in his own home then you came to the hospital and tried to hurt him there. You hurt those other people too but it stops right here". *pause* "You don't get to hurt anyone else". 

Samuel: "Look man. I don't know what you're talking about". 

Laurent: "Stop the fucking lying". *pause* "It's over for you". 

At that moment he hears, "Laurent"! He's confused at hearing that voice and he turns his head. There's bup standing at the end of the alley. He then turns back to Samuel so he doesn't have the opportunity to catch him off guard. Out of his peripheral he sees Larry walking towards them and he doesn't want him anywhere near this...

Laurent: "Bup stay back"!

Larry: "Laurent no"! *pause* "Detective! He's over here"!

Within seconds the detective and his team are over and watching the scene...

Marteau: "Mr. Bourgeois, put the gun down"! 

Laurent completely ignores him and although he hasn't pulled the trigger he's finding it difficult to drop the gun...

Larry: "Detective, let me go and talk him down". 

Detective: "No, we can handle this". 

Larry: "Detective please. I'll be very careful. Just let me go and talk to him". 

*brief pause*

Detective: *sigh* "Fine but we're moving in closer". 

Larry: "Yeah oki". 

Larry begins walking towards Laurent and it's as if he can hear the sound of his own heartbeat being that he's so nervous...

Larry: "Laurent"?

Laurent: "Stay back bup".  

Larry: "No. You can't do this. I won't let you". 

Now directly beside him Larry's voice softens as he proceeds to talk to his love...

Larry: "Come on baby. Put the gun down. The cops are here so let them handle this". 

By this point angry tears are pouring down Laurent's face as he continues staring angrily at Samuel. Eventually he replies to Larry in a shaky whisper...

Laurent: "He hurt you bup". 

Larry: "Yes he did...but nothing would hurt me more than if something happened to you and I can't live this life without you. Ever". *pause* "He's not worth it baby so please, put the gun down". 

Although still extremely angry Laurent hearing those words from bup prompts him to slowly drop his arm so the cops quickly move in to place Samuel under arrest while the detective takes Larry and Laurent to his car...but before they get in the detective just looks at Laurent...

Laurent: "I'm sorry detective. You talked to me for this...but I couldn't help it".  

Detective: "We'll discuss that later. Right now I need you two to go home and I need to get to the station".

They all get in the car and he takes them to Laurent's car so they can leave...

~hours later~

Larry is without question upset with Laurent for going after him and it wasn't because he broke his promise to him. He could have gotten hurt or worse...but Laurent being safe means so much more to him so since they've been home they haven't left each other's side. It's been quiet between them mostly but Laurent's phone rings and it's the detective...

Laurent: "Hey detective. What's going on"?

Detective: "I need you both down here right away". 

Laurent: "Why"?

Detective: "Please. Just come quickly". 

Laurent: "Yeah oki. We'll be there soon". 

As Laurent releases the call he turns to Larry to tell him and though confused they leave quickly to get down there...

*****

Upon arriving they were brought straight to the detective's office. On the way they discussed possible reasons he needs to see them. The detective didn't say anything that would have them think Laurent is in trouble...but it is possible. They're waiting anxiously for him when the detective finally comes in...

Marteau: "Thanks for coming down so fast". 

Larry: "Welcome". *pause* "Is Laurent in trouble"?

Marteau: "No he's not". 

They weren't aware that they were holding their breath after Larry asked that and when the detective said no they blew it out...

Marteau: "I called you down here because we presented Mr. Picard with the evidence from the rape and from there he confessed to the other crime". *pause* "He also wanted to negotiate a deal for his sentence".  

Laurent: "So why are we here"?

Marteau: "Because it has something to do with the crime he committed against Mr. Bourgeois. He didn't act alone. He was hired by someone to commit the crime with the promise that he would be paid a certain amount of money but he never received the rest of it and every time he's tried to contact him he's been unable to".   

Laurent: "Who hired him"?

Marteau: "Martin Vidal". 

Laurent's face scrunches into confusion because he doesn't know who this person is...but when he looks over at Larry it's clear that he does...

Laurent: "Bup? You know this person"?

Larry: "Yeah". *pause* "He's the father of my missing student, Terrance". 

---------------------------------  

A/N: Hey my loves. Everyone was curious about Terrance but I'm sure what you all are really wondering is why his father is behind it. You all will find out in the next update where the final pieces come together. In the meantime, sound off in the comments! Love you guys. :)