AUTHOR'S POV

~one month later~

Marco's trial starts today and Larry and Laurent have been mentally preparing themselves for it. They've never had a courtroom experience before let alone one that involves them so needless to say it's a little unnerving. On the plus side, since Marco's capture they have been closer than ever. Laurent has completely healed and they've been back to doing what makes them happy, well, other than being with each other. They've had a few workshops and have danced at various events. The big kicker is practicing for the Battle of the Dance stars competition which is just days away. What they're looking forward to the most about this competition is that they will be together...as it should be. With all the work they've had it's hard to spend as much time together as they would like...but oh when they do. And it's not always making love, although amazing each time, it's simply being in each other's presence. They can't recall a time in their lives where they've been happier and once this trial is over which should result in Marco receiving hard time it will be even better. Larry has wondered if the fans are curious as to why they aren't seen with any women or why there hasn't been any mention of a girlfriend for either of them but they agreed that they will decide when the time is right to share their relationship with the world. For now they just want to focus on work, getting through this trial and most of all, being with each other. Larry is dressed and ready to go and while he waits for Laurent he's at the window looking at the busy activity of the city. Much like the night of their mutual confessions Larry will eventually feel Laurent coming up and wrapping his arms around his waist. The moment Larry's feels those strong arms he smiles then places his hands over them. Laurent softly kisses his neck then speaks softly and sweetly to him...

Laurent: "Hey bebe. You oki"?

Larry: "Hey my love. I'm oki. Just thinking".

Laurent: "Thinking for court"?

Larry: "Yeah. I'm so nervous".

Laurent: "I know bebe but it will be fine. He will pay for everything he did".

Laurent places more soft kisses to Larry's cheek to which Larry melts into then...

Laurent: "Marcus said he will meet us there. His flight was delayed".

Larry: "Oki". *sigh* "I guess we better go".

Laurent slowly turns Larry to face him and the moment Larry sees that sweet smile he's already feeling better. Laurent observes Larry's beautiful face then caresses his cheek while looking into eyes. Then he whispers,"It's almost over my love". Larry softly nods so Laurent takes him by the hand so they can leave...

*****

They arrive at the courthouse and since the dynamic duo known as Les Twins are a huge part of the case there are several reporters eager to get a statement from them...

Reporter: "Larry and Laurent, what are your thoughts about the trial starting today"?

Laurent: "Please. We don't want to answer any questions".

Of course in true reporter fashion they ignore them and the questions keep coming but they simply continue walking while avoiding answering them. They eventually make inside the building where they notice the detective soon after entering...

Laurent: "Hey detective".

Detective: "Hey. How have you two been"?

Laurent: "We're good. Busy. You"?

Detective: "The same. Hard at work".

Larry: "Detective, are the reporters always like this"?

Detective: "Unfortunately they are. They all have to get "the story". *pause* "So how do you both feel"?

Laurent: "Just ready to get it over with". 

Detective: "I understand being nervous but just let the fact that justice will prevail bring you comfort in there, ok"?

Larry and Laurent: "Oki".

Detective: *looks confused* "Where's Mr. Palmer"?

Laurent: "His plane took off late but he will be here soon".

Detective: "I see". *pause* "Well let's go inside and take a seat". 

They agree then follow the detective inside. The feeling as they look around the courtroom can only be described as surreal. They look at the judge's chair then the witness stand...still in disbelief that they will actually be sitting there and explaining what happened to essentially a bunch of strangers. They came close to the front to take a seat then look over at the prosecuting and defending attorneys sitting at their respective desks going through paperwork with no care in the world. They imagine it's because they're used to cases such as these. Minutes later they're watching the courtroom fill up with so many people and it practically turns their stomachs that everyone's eyes will be on them as they testify. Larry is always grateful to have Laurent by his side but Marcus still hasn't shown up and the trial will be starting soon so he looks towards the double doors to see if he's walking through. He's internally praying that he does soon as he wants nothing more than to have him there too...only he's still not walking through the door so his leg starts bouncing slightly. Laurent takes notice then lightly places his hand on it to relax him. Already knowing what Larry is nervous about...

Laurent: "Don't worry bebe. He will be here".

Larry nods but makes it a point to check the door every few minutes. Finally, Marcus walks in and beyond relieved Larry stands up as he smiles while waving him over... 

Marcus: *smile* "What's up fellas"?

Marcus goes to each one and to give them a bro hug. Then...

Marcus: "Sorry I'm late".

Larry: *smile* "It's oki. We're happy you're here".

Laurent: *smile* "Yeah and it's starting soon so you made good time".

As if on cue the side door opens and the jury files in and the small talk remaining in the courtroom comes to an instant halt. This is just the jury but already Larry and Laurent are realizing just how real this is. After the jurors take their seats the door across the room opens with two guards walking through followed by someone in an orange jumpsuit...Marco. His eyes go directly to Larry and Laurent and he wastes no time giving them an evil smirk. They give him an evil look in return...but Marcus returns the smirk. Marco's eyes stay on them even as he takes his seat. Then his attorney leans over and whispers something to him causing him to temporarily remove his focus. When she finishes he looks back at them...only this time the smirk is gone and a sinister look is replaced with it. It isn't until the bailiff comes out of the judge's chambers he turns back around...but he's sure to roll his eyes at them before he does. In a loud voice that echoes  throughout the courtroom...

Bailiff: "All rise". *everyone stands* "The honorable Judge Paul Louis Rucker presiding".

Larry and Laurent gulp as they watch the judge take his seat. The trial is officially beginning...

Judge: "Please be seated". *everyone sits* "We will get opening statements under way shortly but first I would like to read through the charges for Mr. Marco Reyes. The defendant will now stand".

Marco's attorney quickly stands up...but of course Marco has to take his sweet time....

Judge: "Mr. Reyes, you are being tried by the state of New York for the attempted second degree murder of Mr. Laurent Bourgeois, extortion, conspiracy, theft, and for the assault and battery for the shooting of Mr. James Walsh. We also have a charge of second degree murder for Mr. Jonathan Tucker but since that occurred in the state of North Carolina current jurisdiction states that case be handled separately. Therefore, we will focus solely on the charges committed in the state of New York". *pause* "Mr. Reyes, how do you wish to plead"?

Marco: "Not guilty".

Judge: "Very well. Then let's begin with opening statements starting with the prosecution".

The prosecuting attorney stands up and makes her way over to the jury to begin making the state's case against Marco with overwhelming evidence. It's making Larry and Laurent wonder why there's even a need to be a trial but they reckon that's just how it is sometimes. Larry looks at his love who gives him a soft look as if to say that everything will be ok. He then feels Laurent's index finger brush over his hand to further comfort him...and it does. Laurent also gives him a gentle smile before turning his attention back to the attorney who's now wrapping her argument up. Now it's time for Marco's attorney and Larry takes a breath so deep that his chest can literally be seen rising and falling. As they listen to her it's clear that she's trying her best to prove even the smallest amount of doubt that Marco is responsible for these crimes. Although the prosecuting attorney did an amazing job the defending attorney has shown she is certainly no amateur and they began to wonder just how "easy" this trial is going to be. Once she wraps up her argument she walks over and takes her seat just as calm and cool. Then the judge speaks...

Judge: "Thank you counselors. The prosecution can now call its first witness".

Wright: "Thank you, your Honor. The prosecution would like to call Mr. Kevin Baker to the stand".

They're unsure of who this person is and they watch in confusion as a gentleman is brought into the courtroom. Marcus sees their confused faces so he leans over and whispers...

Marcus: "That's the guy working with Marco and Delilah. He's the one that picked up the bag and switched it with her at the food court".

The confused looks on their faces go back to normal and they nod as Kevin takes the stand...

Prosecuting Attorney

Wright: "Mr. Baker. As it relates to the extortion, what is the exact amount in question"?

Kevin: "Twenty thousand dollars".

Wright: "And how did it come about that you would take part in this plan? Walk us through that conversation please".

Kevin: "Well, Franco...." *clears throat* "I mean Marco called me and said that he was getting a large amount of money and would give me a few thousand if I helped him get it. He wouldn't really explain anything else".

Wright: "I see. So you simply agreed and went to retrieve this money without any questions"?

Kevin: "Yes I did. I really needed the money".

Wright: "And you weren't aware of the antecedents leading up to this set up such as the stabbing of Mr. Bourgeois"?

Kevin: "No. I just did what he asked".

Wright: "Now Mr. Baker, are you able to formally identify who this person is?

Kevin: "Yeah. He's right there". *points at Marco*

Wright: "Thank you Mr. Baker. I have no further questions your honor". *pause* "Your witness counselor".

Defending Attorney

Malone: "Now let me make sure I have this correct Mr. Baker. You stated that the amount was $20,000 and my client recruited you to help him get it, correct"?

Kevin: "Yes, that's correct".

Malone: "Now walk us through that. What exactly happened that day"?

Kevin: "Well Marco sent me to the men's department in Macy's department store. He told me that some guy name Larry would be dropping the money off in the last fitting room stall so I went to get it after I knew he made the drop. My next instruction was to go to the food court and make a switch with his friend Delilah. He didn't fully trust Larry so he said her help was an extra precaution to ensure he would get the money".

Malone: "But you never actually saw the money"?

*brief pause*

Kevin: "No I didn't. But the bag had a nice weight to it. It felt like it could be money in there and Marco said...."

Malone: "But Mr. Baker, if you never checked the bag how can you be so sure money was in there? I mean for someone who really needed the cash I would think that would have been the first thing you did. It would have only taken a few seconds".

*silence*

Malone: "Alright, moving forward Mr. Baker. What happened after the switch"?

Kevin: "I went home".

Malone: "And"?

Kevin: "I guess about twenty minutes later the cops broke down my door, forced me to the ground and arrested me. He then asked where Marco and the money is and that's when I explained everything to him".

Malone: "Did they search your place anyway"?

Kevin: "I saw a few cops searching...yes".

Malone: "Were you presented with a search warrant"?

Kevin: "No".

Malone: "So not only did you not see the money with your own eyes the detective and his crew didn't either nor did they have a search warrant to search your home"?

Wright: "Objection your honor! The detective and his crew had more than enough probable cause to take action against Mr. Baker".

Malone: "Correction. They thought they did and regardless of anything anyone has claimed so far regarding this charge Mr. Baker has already stated that he wasn't 100% sure that there was money in the bag and when the cops arrived they couldn't find anything themselves even without a search warrant which they are required by law to have".

*brief pause*

Judge: "Objection overruled. Continue Ms. Malone".

Malone: "Just one final thought your Honor. Now Mr. Baker, if you picked up this bag that once again you weren't sure had money in it and you proceeded to tell the cops everything even though they didn't find anything in your home, it seems as though you've incriminated yourself more than my client".

*silence*

Malone: "Exactly. No further questions your honor".

Judge: "You may step down Mr. Baker".

~meanwhile~

Larry: "This is not looking good baby", he whispers. 

Laurent: "It's oki bebe. They will get him. Don't worry", he whispers back. 

Larry silently exhales and after Marco's attorney took her seat Marco looks back at them with yet another evil smirk. It's as if he just knew this was going to turn out in his favor so now he's even cockier than before. Larry just rolls his eyes and put his focus back to the front...

Judge: "The prosecution can now call its second witness".

Wright: "Your honor. We would like to call an expert witness who would have way more knowledge of Mr. Reyes and the charges against him. Someone who can also testify that there was money in that bag regardless of how much Ms. Malone tries to prove otherwise. Ms. Delilah Phillips".

Marco: "What?! I thought she was dead"?!

Malone: "Mr. Reyes, you need to calm down or the judge will hold you in contempt".

Marco bites his lower lip in anger then the next second Delilah is brought into the courtroom with Marco looking at her completely astonished. He then realizes that the high he was just on is about to slowly but surely come down...

Malone: "Your honor. I wasn't aware of this expert witness".

Wright: "Your Honor the prosecution did our job and sent her a request for discovery to obtain any and all pertinent information to prepare her defense. However, she did not file the proper motion in a sufficient amount of time to officially receive this information. Therefore, the prosecution was not at liberty to inform her of said witness".

Judge: "Mrs. Wright is correct Ms. Malone". *pause* "Ms. Phillips, please take the stand".

To be continued...

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A/N: Hey everyone. As we go further into the trial you all might hate me for a minute lol but hang in there with me. Hope everyone enjoyed! If so, please vote and comment! Love you guys. :)