AUTHOR'S POV 

It's been several minutes since Marcus left for the bathroom but he isn't back yet. Knowing him as well as he does Larry thinks he's discreetly checking out this entire operation but didn't mention it to him because Marcus knows he would have tried talking him out of it. He can only hope he's careful. Meanwhile, Larry still can't believe he just made the drop. He knows Marco won't see any part of the money but it's still hard to believe, well, any of this. The minutes keep passing by and with neither the detective nor Marcus coming back he becomes anxious and he's certain now that something bad has happened with the plan. He won't go investigating but he prays that they will be back soon. Right at that moment he hears someone coming in and feeling relieved he turns around. To his surprise it isn't Marcus or the detective, instead, it's the officer who's been guarding Laurent's hospital room...

Officer: "Mr. Bourgeois"?

Larry: "Why are you here and not with Laurent"?

Officer: "That's why I'm here. He woke up and when he found out what's going on he checked himself out and demanded to be brought to you".

Larry: "Then where is he"?

Officer: "He's waiting in my car because I wanted him to take it easy. I'll take you to him but I need to alert Detective Mitchell of everything".

Larry: "Oki. Just please hurry".

The officer nods then takes out his phone to place the call... 

~actual phone call~

Officer: "Detective"?

Detective: "You do realize we're in the middle of a very important operation". 

Officer: "Yes sir".

Detective: "What is it? And make it quick".

Officer: "Yes sir. I know this wasn't proper protocol but Mr. Bourgeois woke up so I explained to him what was going on. He demanded to be brought to his brother so after he checked out I brought him here".

*brief pause*

Detective: "You're right. That wasn't proper protocol but we will speak about that later. For now you make sure those boys are protected. They've been through enough. Is that clear"?

Officer: "Yes sir. I'll make sure they're safe".

Detective: "Good".

After releasing the call he turns to Larry...

Officer: "I'll take you to your brother now".

*****

AUTHOR'S POV

Marcus: "Who the hell are you"?

Woman: "Who are you"?

Marcus: "Hey. I'll ask the questions here and don't play with me. I saw what happened at the food court so I know you're working with Marco".

Woman: "Marco"?

Marcus: "That's right. You know him as Franco...but I'll let him explain that to you". 

*brief pause*

Woman: "Ok. So I'm working with him. What's your point"?

Marcus: "Don't get smart and I'll tell you what the point is".

She isn't aware of this but Marcus discreetly whipped out a gun right before she turned around to face him only he's keeping it out of view. He steps to her and places the gun against her stomach causing instant panic with her...

Marcus: "As I said, I know you're working for Marco and he's hurt some people I really care about. I'm here to make sure he won't do anything else so you start talking to me right now".

Woman: "Please don't kill me. Listen Franco just needed me to get this money for him and he promised me and the other guy some of it if we help him. That's it".

Marcus: "So where is he"?

Woman: "I'm on my way to my place to meet him".

Marcus: "Good. Let's go. You're taking me to him but no funny business or I'm going to fill you up with some hot shit, got it"?

She nervously nods her head and slowly walks to the driver's side. Marcus looks around to see if anyone has noticed anything. Seeing that the coast is clear he jumps in the passenger seat and now they're on the way to meet Marco. Marcus is so ready to get his hands on him he can hardly contain himself...

~meanwhile~

Detective: "Ok team, the accomplice is heading towards the parking lot. My guess is he's on his way to meet Franco to deliver the money. I'm going to follow him and as soon as I get to the destination I will dispatch all of you the address and request backup so be ready".

All: "Yes sir".

*****

The accomplice doesn't live far away from the department store and although the detective is a few feet from the home can see that there's only one car in the driveway...but he can't assume Marco isn't inside. Marco for sure knows he's wanted by the police but he isn't expecting them to be a part of this plan as he told Larry no cops and he's certain that Larry kept his word although he'll still do whatever he needs to in order to cover his tracks. He's so arrogant that he thinks like most criminals think...that he can get away with anything as long as he's careful. He will be in for a huge surprise. The detective takes out his radio to do just as he said...

Detective: "Ok team. The address is 5810 Deerwood Lane. Get here immediately".

In the short time it would take for his team to arrive the detective keeps his attention on and around the house to see if the main person in this case will pop up...but also to make sure the accomplice won't try anything as well...

*****

The other detectives as well as a swat team showed up armed and ready to take these guys down. Detective Mitchell immediately gives instruction...

Detective: "I need a few of you in the back and a few on the side. The rest of you will stay with me and we'll go through the front door". *pause* "It's time to move in".

With slow steps and weapons in position they surround the home. Then...

Detective: "On three".*pause* "One, two, three".

The door is kicked off the hinges and the team runs inside expecting to find two males and the money...

All: "Get on the ground now"!

The male accomplice is sitting at the dinner table eating when he's surprised by this take over but complies quickly. Now on his knees the detective comes behind him and places him under arrest...

Detective: "Who are you"?

"Kevin".

Detective: "Last name"?

Kevin: "Baker".

Detective: "Where is Mr. Reyes and the money you picked up"?

Kevin: "I...I don't know what you're talking about".

Detective: "Mr. Baker, you're in enough trouble as it is so I wouldn't recommend lying to me. My team and I have been following you since you picked up the money". *pause* "Now I'm going to ask you again. Now tell me where the money is and Mr. Reyes...or as you know him Franco". 

Kevin's eyes dart in confusion at what he just heard about Marco and the fact he had no idea he was being followed. He's in such disbelief that it takes him several minutes before he answers...

Detective: "I'm waiting Mr. Baker".

Kevin: "I...I don't know where he is and I don't have the money, I swear". *sigh* "He said all I had to do was switch bags with his friend".

Detective: "What switch? And who is this friend"?

Kevin: "She was sitting behind me at the food court. Her name is Delilah. He set it up with her first then asked me to help. At first I said no because I thought it was a set up but he assured me that he discussed with some guy named Larry that no cops would be involved so I agreed".

A/N: Chapter eleven (Fugitive) is where the female accomplice makes her appearance. Remember when Franco showed up at someone's house at 2 am? You probably thought that was Kevin but that was actually Delilah. :)

The detective recalled seeing a young lady sitting behind Kevin but he didn't think anything of it. He can't believe that he or his team didn't see the switch. That only makes him more determined to zero in on Marco once and for all. Kevin still has some details of this plan remaining and the detective stands there in anger as he listens...

Kevin: "Within the next couple of days he was going to give me a few thousand for helping him". *pause* "I didn't want to do it sir but I really needed the money".

Detective: "Don't give me that. You could have found a different way to get what you need. Now, you're an accomplice in this crime so you'll be punished as well. You won't see a dime of that money".

After hearing that Kevin begins to softly cry...but the detective is completely unaffected...

Detective: "Save the tears for the judge. You get zero sympathy from me". *pause* "Now, where do we find Mr. Reyes"?

*****

~meanwhile~

Laurent's mouth is slightly open as he's really surprised at what he just witnessed. Whatever Marcus talked about with the woman was clearly very serious. He watched Marcus get really close to her and it appeared as though she was instantly afraid. They talked for only a brief moment then he saw Marcus looking around as if he's looking to see if anyone is watching before getting in the car with her. Just like that they were gone. Laurent ran his hand through his hair and exhaled...frustrated that all of this happening and to see Marcus confronting some woman and disappearing with her doesn't help. The sight of one person however will help. He sees two people walking out of his peripheral so he turns his head and there is Larry walking towards the car. His eyes light up when he sees him...as does Larry's. After the officer unlocks the doors Larry quickly hops in the back seat and scoots right next to Laurent then whispers in his ear...

Larry: "I'm so glad you're oki baby".

Laurent: "I'm so happy to see you", he whispers.

They look at each other and smiled sweetly...but are then interrupted by the officer...

Officer: "Until this guy is captured you two will be coming with me to police headquarters where you'll be safe". *looks at Laurent* "How are you feeling"?

Laurent: "I was feeling weak...but I have the most important person in my life with me now so I feel stronger already".

Laurent smiles at his love once again who's already smiling back at him. How they love each other so. Then Laurent remembers what he just witnessed and he has to inform them...

Laurent: "I just saw Marcus".

Larry: *looks confused* "What? Where"?

Laurent: "In the parking lot".

Officer: "Are you certain it was Marcus"?

Laurent: *nods* "Yeah. He was talking to some woman and whatever they talk for looked serious. They didn't talk long and when they finished he look around like he look for someone. Then he got in the car with her".

Officer: "Ok. Thank you for telling me this. I'll alert the detective".

Laurent nods then turns to Larry who is still looking confused...not to mention really nervous so Laurent softly places his hand on Larry's thigh to bring him comfort then they rest against the seat and wait for whatever is next. Although unsure of what it is and where Marcus is now...they're together again and that's exactly how they will get through it all...

*****

Marcus and Delilah finally arrive at her place. As they walk to her apartment he still has the pointed at her but it isn't visible to anyone. They go inside and after locking the door behind them...

Marcus: "So when will he be here"?

Delilah: "He should be here within the next fifteen minutes".

This is all the time Marcus needs to do what he planned. He looks around the apartment...gun still on her and eventually he spots a red bandana on the couch. Making sure she doesn't try any sudden moves he manages to keep focus on her while picking it up. He throws it at her and demands that she tie it around her eyes. She hesitates as if she's refusing to so Marcus cocks the gun prompting her to do it quickly. He goes over to a table to grab the chair in front of it then guided her over to sit down. Now she's feeling something tightening around her ankles...

Delilah: "Are you tying me up"?

Marcus: "Quiet".

No sooner than he tied her arms up behind her there's a knock at the door. It has to be Marco...and it's perfect timing. In a soft voice...

Marcus: "Listen up. I'm going to quietly unlock the door and hide next to it so he can't see me when he opens it. When you hear me say ok you tell him to come in".

Delilah nods so he softly walks over to do as he said. In position with the gun ready to be used if necessary..

Marcus: "Ok".

Delilah: *clears throat* "Come in".

Franco walks in and just as Marcus anticipated he doesn't see him hiding. The moment Marco sees her tied up he rushes over in a panic...

Franco: "Oh shit! Who did this to you D"?!

A second later he hears the door slam causing him to whip around to see who it is...

Marcus: "What's up Marco"? 

----------------------------- 

A/N: I know, it's a cliffhanger but I'll be updating soon. Hope everyone enjoyed! If so, please vote and comment! Love you guys. :)