AUTHOR'S POV    

Larry's weakened body rests under the crisp but thinning sheet. There's an undertone of bleach as if the floors had just been cleaned a short while ago. He woke up seconds ago though his eyes are still closed as he's too fragile to move any part of his body. His breathing matches the soft, steady beeping of the machines that surround the bed...the only indication of his heartbeat. His existence. He realizes that he's in a hospital and at first he thinks he's dreaming since he doesn't recall what happened prior to. His curiosity of the environment prompts him to slowly pry his eyes open where he meets a dismal view of the magnolia colored room. It's void of beauty as its walls are simply cream. There's no decoration other than a thick white curtain that adorns the single window. His mind is blank at the moment but he's trying hard to recall what happened to end up in here. What little strength he does have he looks down at his arm and sees a needle that has been meticulously attached to him. Surely someone is in close proximity to the room that can explain what he isn't remembering so in an even weaker voice he calls out, "hello"? He's expecting to see a doctor or perhaps a nurse walk through the door. Instead, his eyes meet detective Brunet who's been waiting for him to come to. Larry may have been really disoriented...but when he sees the detective his eyes widen a bit as his memory is coming back to him. Now the detective is directly next to the bed and looking down at him with the softest expression...

Brunet: "How do you feel Mr. Bourgeois"?  

Larry: "I feel weak and my head hurts. What happened to me"?

There's instant hesitancy because to explain what happened and why he's here he will have to explain what happened in court. He's also spoken to Larry's doctor and learned that his body has been through quite an ordeal so to be reminded that the charges against his husband weren't dropped and that he has to remain in that cell for another month would surely break his heart all the more. But, he can't exactly keep it from him or avoid answering questions altogether so he proceeds in the most delicate way...

Brunet: "I spoke to your doctor and he ran some tests. He stated that you're undernourished as of lately and he suspects you haven't slept much so when you heard the ruling in court your body was just too weak to handle it". 

The moment Larry heard the words 'ruling in court' he immediately remembers it all and he can even hear the judge repeating the words that split his heart in two. His face morphs into the most devastated expression then he begins to cry and through those tears his raspy voice cries...  

Larry: "My love isn't coming home". 

Brunet: *soft sigh* "I'm so sorry Mr. Bourgeois". 

Larry: "He saw me pass out and tried to get to me, right"?

*brief pause*

Brunet: "Yes he did", he replies softly. 

Larry: "I knew it and he's so scared". *pause* "Detective, I need you to call someone who can tell him I'm oki". 

Brunet: "I can do that for you. I'll step outside and call one of my officers who's on duty right now to tell him. I'll also make sure he knows that I'm with you and I will see to it that you get home safely".  

Larry: "Thank you so much and will you please tell him that I love him"? 

Brunet: "You're welcome and of course I will".

Larry's soft face is a heart string puller and after he gently nods the detective steps outside while Larry sinks his head deeper into the pillow. Tears are sliding down his temples as he thinks about how frightened his love must have been when he saw him pass out. He can't recall every aspect of the hearing because of the state of his health right now so he wonders what exactly was said for the judge to decide that he will stay in jail instead of releasing him...and that's exactly what he will ask detective Brunet when he comes back in...

~meanwhile~

Laurent has been shaky and as scared as Larry knows he has been. He stood at the bars of his cell and any officer or whoever appeared to work for the department to help him. He would call out, "please help me. I need to check on my husband". But, his pleas were ignored. He couldn't help but wonder if detective Lane was responsible for no one coming to his aid...but he was too frightened and emotional to become angry. He just wants to know how his love is doing and being ignored only caused his emotions to pour from him like a waterfall. He eventually gave up and walked over to sit on his cot. The moment he plopped down he dropped his face in his hands and cried softly. Now he's hearing, "Mr. Bourgeois" so he instantly looks up though his eyes are cloudy from the steady tears. He rubs them a bit to see who's speaking to him and when he sees an officer he quickly stands to his feet to walk back over to the cell bars...

Laurent: "Is my husband oki"?

Officer: "Yes he's ok". 

Laurent closes his eyes, drops his head and blows out a huge sigh of relief. His body had been trembling due to being extremely nervous about what he would hear...but now that he knows his love is ok he's trying his best to pull himself together. He then looks up at the officer...

Officer: "Detective Brunet is with him and he wants you to know that once the doctor releases him he will take him home to make sure he gets there safely".  

Laurent: "Please thank him for me. He's been very good to us". 

Officer: "I sure will". 

The officer begins to walk away...but Laurent wasn't done so he calls out, "officer" in which he turns around to connect with Laurent who softly says, "please tell my bebe that I love him too". It didn't occur to the officer until this very moment that he didn't give Laurent the entire message that included that part so to hear this from Laurent softens his heart and he realizes what a powerful connection they have...

Officer: "I will", he replies softly.

Laurent: "Thank you".

Officer: "You're welcome". 

Laurent begins to back away from the cell bars and the instant the back of his legs hit the cot he slowly sits down. He would love to be by Larry's side right now but he's beyond grateful that he's alright and he won't be able to thank detective Brunet enough for helping him. That only increases the faith he has in him find who really killed their daughter and while he wishes he could be freed now he can rest easier knowing that fact...but most of all knowing that his love will fully recover...

Back at the hospital detective Brunet has stepped back into Larry's room. The first thing he noticed was Larry's heavy emotions so he walks at a slow pace over to his bed. When Larry sees him he doesn't hesitate asking him for the details of the hearing... 

Larry: "I don't understand why the judge decided to leave him in jail. What happened"?

Brunet: "Your attorney did everything she could and she did a great job in proving that the evidence wasn't strong enough but the district attorney created enough doubt in the judge. He mentioned how he's presided over cases where a child died at the hands of a relative and unless we can find evidence that for sure proves your husband didn't commit this crime he has to remain in jail until trial which is a month away".   

Larry: "No. My husband can't be in jail for a month detective. He didn't do this so it isn't fair that he's innocent and has to stay in there!

Brunet: "I understand Mr. Bourgeois but I need you to try and remain settled. You're not well", he replies softly. 

Larry: "I don't care for that. I want my husband out of there. We already lost Kaylee. We don't deserve this. My husband doesn't deserve this. He would have never hurt her". 

The beeping of the machines begin to increase at a frightening and rapid pace so the detective attempts to calm him down once more...

Brunet: "Please try to relax. Your vitals have to remain normal to avoid another physiological reaction. You have my word that I will get your husband out of there. The only person going to trial is the scum who took your daughter from your family. Not your husband". 

Larry: *sniff* "Please. Laurent is my life and Emma. Ayden. Mama. They need him too". 

Brunet: "I understand and I will work around the clock to get him released. Just try to settle for right now, ok"?

Larry takes a deep breath and as his body relaxes the beeping begins to slowly come back to a normal pace. Then it comes to him that he has no idea how long he was unconscious and suspects mama is now worried...

Larry: "Mama. She has to be worried for me now because I've been away for so long. Can you please take my phone to call her and tell her what happened"? 

Brunet: "Absolutely but I will have to step outside because the phone can't be near the machines". 

Larry: "That's fine. She will want to come here but I don't want the kids in a hospital and I really don't want them to see me like this". 

Brunet: "I understand. I'll tell her that I'm staying with you and when the doctor discharges you I'll take you home". 

Larry: "Oki and can you please ask the doctor if that will be soon? I need to get home to my babies". 

Brunet: "I will". 

Larry: "Thank you so much". 

Brunet: "My pleasure". 

Larry relaxes into his pillow though he's sick to his stomach about his husband having to remain in jail and can only talk to him by phone. Until Brunet gets him out visits with him can only be through a glass shield. They can't touch or kiss and to feel Laurent's touch just sends him to another place. The closest he'll get to it until this nightmare is over is placing his hand on the thick glass shield that will separate them. He's putting all of his trust into the detective that he'll be as quick in getting him out as he essentially promised. For now, he's thankful that he's here helping him and reaching out to mama to let her know what happened though he's certain it will shake her as much as it shook him so he's worried about her reaction...especially if Emma overhears the conversation. That's all the more reason he's hoping the doctor will release him. The sooner he does the quicker he can get home...

Now several feet away from Larry's room the detective has hit the button to call mama and since he's calling from Larry's phone she isn't expecting to hear a different voice...

Mama: "Son? Are you oki? What happened in court"?

Brunet: *clears throat* "Hi ma'am. This is detective Brunet". 

Mama: "Oh no. Something's wrong. What's happened to my boys"?

Brunet: "I'm sorry to have to tell you this but the judge didn't release Mr. Bourgeois".

The detective hears mama reply, "oh my God" as her voice fills with emotion so he knows she's crying now. He's already been feeling so much sympathy for this family and to hear mama so upset now nearly makes him emotional...

Brunet: "I'm so sorry ma'am but I will be working very hard to get that decision overturned". 

Mama: *sniff* "Thank you but why didn't Larry call me? Is he oki"?

Brunet: "When he heard the ruling...." *pause* "....he passed out and he's at Central hospital now". 

Mama is heard whispering, "my son" in shock. Silence falls for a only a moment before she speaks up in a hurried voice...

Mama: "I'll be there as soon as I can". 

Brunet: "That won't be necessary ma'am". 

Mama: "Why not", she asks softly. 

Brunet: "Well Mr. Bourgeois knew you would want to come down here but he prefers that you stay home with the children. He stated that he doesn't want them in this environment and he really doesn't want them to see him in a hospital bed". 

Mama: *soft sigh* "Yes I understand that. How long will he be in there"?

Brunet: "He'll speak with the doctor shortly to ask about his release. His doctor may want him to stay overnight for observation but whether he's released today or tomorrow I'll bring him home so you don't have to worry about that". 

Mama: "Detective, I'm sure my son has told you but we are so grateful for you. Thank you so much for everything". 

Brunet: *smile* "It's my pleasure ma'am. He'll see you soon". 

Mama: "I'll be here and ready to take care of him. Please tell him I love him, oki"? 

Brunet: "I sure will", he replies softly. 

Now that his second call was successful he can put Larry at more ease so he heads back for his room. Once he turns the corner he sees his doctor seconds away from going inside so he picks up the pace and enters the room just as Larry and the doctor begin speaking to each other...

Doctor: "How are you feeling Mr. Bourgeois"?

Larry: "I'm still a little weak but my head is starting to feel better". 

Larry's eyes then shift to the detective and the expression on his face is in anticipation of how his call with mama went. He gives Larry an assuring head nod and Brunet sees him instantly relax then continues his conversation with the doctor...

Larry: "How soon can I leave"?

Doctor: "Well I would like to keep you overnight for observation". 

Naturally Larry is opposed to this and while he isn't worried at all about the kids being taken care of because they're with mama he can't imagine being away from them overnight. Emma has already been dealing with her papa being away and given what happened today he needs to be home with her and Ayden...

Larry: "I can't do that doctor. I know you're just doing your job but I need to get home to my babies. I can't be away from them".

*brief pause*

Doctor: "Ok then I would like you to remain in bed for the remainder of the night. Make sure you're subsequently drinking plenty of water, eating and sleeping. After another day or so you should have full strength back but if you start to experience any unusual symptoms I want you to come back here or get to an urgent care".

Larry: "I can do that". 

Doctor: "Alright then I'll get the discharge papers for you to sign and have a wheelchair brought in to take you to the car". 

Larry: "Thank you doctor". 

Doctor: "You're welcome. Take care".

Once the doctor leaves the detective looks at Larry who is relieved that he's being discharged but is understandably still very upset about all that's happening so he begins talking to him...

Brunet: "Your mom sounds like one amazing woman". 

Larry: "She is and she's the best mama. She's always supported me and Laurent's marriage. The kids love her a lot too". 

Brunet: "When I spoke to her she said that she'll be there ready to take care of you". 

Larry: *chuckles* "Yeah I believe that".  

The light laugh from Larry is a pleasure to see as the detective knows there's a deep pain he feels inside. He's only working on the case so he can't imagine being subjected to the horrible treatment they've received on top of losing their daughter and in just a matter of seconds he becomes an even bigger advocate for them. He will make sure Larry gets settled at home then he plans to go straight to the precinct and dive deeper into the case because if there's one thing he won't stand by is Laurent remaining in that cell...

*****

Larry and mama couldn't have shown more gratitude to detective Brunet as he kept his word and not only drove Larry home but helped him inside. He also witnessed a powerful reunion in a sense between them as mama held her baby boy in her arms while weeping. When they released is when they turned to thank him once more for all that he's doing for them...but mostly Laurent. He left with the promise to update them on his investigation and now that he's made it to the precinct he's headed for his office only he gets sidetracked by detective Lane and when their eyes meet it isn't exactly the friendliest. But, when they're closer to each other Lane's lips turn into a smirk and the words that come out of his mouth are sarcastic...

Lane: "Just the person I was looking for". 

Brunet: "What is it"?

Lane: "Complaining to the captain about how I'm handling the case worked against you. He agreed with me and he also agreed that the other Bourgeois daughter should be interviewed". 

Brunet: "You can't be serious. She's a little girl". 

Lane: "Come on detective. You know how it works. As long as a child understands what's going on we can call that child to a witness stand if we have to so a little talk shouldn't hurt and, well, you know kids. They're brutally honest so she'll tell us exactly what we need to know to further incriminate Mr...." *clears throat* "....excuse me. Laurent Bourgeois". 

Detective Brunet's eyes instantly squint in anger and if he couldn't be suspended for punching this imbecile of a detective he wouldn't waste another second doing so. Of course detective Lane is getting nothing but pleasure in watching his reaction...and to make matters worse he smirks as he asks...

Lane: "Now do you want to deliver the good news? Or should I"?

*brief pause*

Brunet: "I'll do it. When and what time"?

Lane: "Tomorrow at noon. I've already informed the on-staff child psychologist". 

Brunet: "He just got out of the hospital. You remember why he was admitted, don't you detective"?

Lane: "Of course I do but he still needs to bring her in. Oh and please refrain from encouraging him to coach her on what to say". 

Brunet: "I'm not you detective. I take my job seriously and don't arrest innocent people so I would never do such a thing. Now you call the psychologist back and tell her that it will be the day after".

Lane: "I'm sorry but I can't do that. The captain approved tomorrow". 

Brunet: "I don't trust anything you say so forgive me for my need to verify that". 

Lane: *shrugs* "Be my guest".  

Brunet really needs to walk away because he can feel his hand tightening into a fist. He heads for the captain's office though deep down he knows that the captain has approved tomorrow and there isn't anything he can do about it. Once it is indeed verified he heads for his office to call Larry and inform him. He can feel his stomach turning as he waits for Larry to answer. He eventually does and he seems to be in better spirits which is more than likely because he's back with the kids so it's even more difficult to break this to him...

Larry: "Hey detective". 

Brunet: "Hi". *pause* "I um, I wish I was calling to give you better news". 

Larry: "I can't take anymore bad news detective. My husband is already in jail. What else do we need to go through"?

Brunet: "The captain approved to have your daughter interviewed". 

Larry: "What? She's six years old detective and she hasn't seen her papa in days. That's hard enough. I want her left out of this". 

Brunet: "I understand Mr. Bourgeois. I really do but there's nothing I can do". 

Larry: "So my daughter is supposed to talk to the police"? 

Brunet: "No she won't talk to the police. She will talk to the police department's child psychologist and we have interrogation rooms setup just for children with toys, stuffed animals and books". 

Larry: *deep sigh* "I just don't understand the point of this". 

Brunet: "The premise of child questioning is that children are expected to be very honest so your daughter will give insight into day to day life with you and your husband". 

Larry: "I do understand that". 

Brunet: "Mr. Bourgeois, on one hand I don't agree with this, but I also believe that you and your husband don't have anything to hide and if you refuse then detective Lane will be convinced that you do so I encourage you to allow the interview. I'll be there and you can watch through the two way mirror".  

*brief pause*

Larry: *sigh* "Fine. When"?

Brunet: "Tomorrow at noon". 

Larry: "We'll be there". 

Brunet: "Ok. I'll see you tomorrow and again, I'm sorry". 

Larry: "It's oki and I'm fine with it since I can watch her. See you tomorrow". 

Larry releases the call leaving detective Brunet to become upset all over again. If it were one of his children he would feel the same way so he would give anything to stop this...but he can't. On the flip side he knows Emma will be honest...and he knows that honesty will only help with getting Laurent released as he's confident that he and Larry are stellar parents...

~evening~

Larry had been following the doctor's order of staying in bed. Mama also made sure he ate dinner and has been drinking plenty of fluids. He told her what's on the agenda for tomorrow and needless to say she isn't thrilled at all but there's nothing that can be done about it. Larry's strength is coming back and he for sure wanted to tuck Emma in so after mama gave her a bath then got her pajamas on Larry went to her room. He read her the bedtime story of her choice then the time came to tell her about tomorrow so he closes the book and looks sweetly at her...

Larry: "Princess, papa needs to talk to you for something". 

Emma: "Yes papa"?

Larry: "Tomorrow I need to take you somewhere". 

Emma: "Take me where", she asks softly. 

Larry: "I'm taking you to talk to someone for what it's like being in this family". 

Emma: "But I'm not supposed to talk to strangers papa". 

Larry: "That's right, princess, you're not and papa is very proud of you for remembering that. But it will be oki for you to talk to this lady. All you need to do is go in there and be honest. You remember what honest means right"?

Emma: *nods* "Yes. It means that I have to tell the truth".  

Larry: "That's right my love. Now when we get there you will go into a room with toys and a lot of fun things to do while you're talking to her". 

Emma: "Will you be in there with me"?

Larry: "No, baby I won't be in there but I will be right outside the door so your papa won't be far away from you, oki"?

Emma: "Oki", she replies sweetly. 

Larry: "That's papa's big girl. I love you princess". 

Emma: "I love you too papa". 

Larry: *kisses forehead* "Sweet dreams", he whispers. 

Those sweet little eyes close so Larry stands up and quietly exits the room. He's saddened about sleeping another night in bed without his love beside him but he trusts detective Brunet. He believes in him and while a large part of him is against Emma being questioned because of the crooked detective he knows that it can only help bring his love home so he brings Laurent's pillow into him then closes his eyes to get some much needed rest...

~next day~

Larry slept much better than he has in quite some time and when he woke up he discovered that he had far more strength than the previous day. He told mama that depending on how he felt upon waking up determined whether he would either drive or take an uber. He feels strong enough to drive and after indulging in the brunch mama whipped up for them the time to be there was steadily approaching. Mama gave him her love and support then also told her little Emma that she's already proud of her. They're only minutes away from the precinct now and though he knows Emma will do well the protector in him wants to turn the car around and take their little girl home. But, he keeps driving until they finally arrive. Once he gets her out he takes her hand in his and they walk in with detective Brunet waiting. He thanks Larry for bringing her down and assures him that the child psychologist will be delicate in her approach with Emma. They're led to the room and just as he was told there's a two way mirror. Larry looks through it and the room is setup with children's tables with books as well as coloring books on top. There are large stuffed animals sitting in every corner and so much more. The door behind them opens and in walks the psychologist and Larry can tell she's been given details of the case. She's cordial to Larry, but it also seems as if she's cautious too. She then sees Emma and greets her in a cheerful voice. Emma waves her little hand at her then watches the unknown lady bend down at her level...

*smile* "I'm Ms. Boudreaux. Are you ready to come inside to have some fun and talk to me"?

Emma: "Yes", she replies softly. 

Boudreaux: "Ok. Just come with me".  

Larry: "Wait". 

She locks eyes on Larry while slowly raising up. Larry does the same as he squats down to talk to Emma...

Larry: "You remember what papa said. I'll be right here when you're done". 

Emma: "Oki papa".  

Larry raises up and looks at the psychologist who takes a gentle hold of Emma's hand then leads her into the room. Larry walks over to the mirror and he can feel detective Lane looking at him so he turns in his direction just to roll his eyes at him before putting his focus back on Emma who doesn't appear nervous and has been discovering all the toys...

Boudreaux: "So Emma, do you like to draw"?

Emma: "Yeah. I draw a lot at home". 

Boudreaux: "Will you draw something for me"?

Emma: "Yes. I can draw a bird with the sun and clouds". 

Boudreaux: "Those would be nice, but what I would really love to see is a picture of your family so how about you draw them for me"? 

Emma: *nods* "Oki".  

Seconds later a large piece of drawing paper is placed on the table along with a box of crayons and Emma gets right to it. Ms. Boudreaux tells her that she's making a drawing of her own so for minutes it's just the two of them coloring until they're finally done...

Emma: "I'm finished". 

Boudreaux: "Wow. This is a really beautiful picture".  

Emma: "Thank you". 

Boudreaux: *smile* "You're welcome. Now can you tell me who everyone is"?

Emma: "Yes. These are my papas and this is my baby brother Ayden. He's always happy when we're playing, and this is my grandmere who lives with us now". 

Boudreaux: "Who is this up here"?

*brief pause*

Emma: "That's my sister Kaylee", she replies sadly. 

Boudreaux: "Why is she up here and not with the rest of you"?

Emma: "Because she died". 

Boudreaux: "I'm very sorry to hear that Emma. You and your sister were really close weren't you"? 

Emma: "Yeah. We always played together, but she's an angel now".

Boudreaux: "That's why she has these beautiful wings", she replies softly. 

 Emma: "My papa told me that she watches over us because that's what angels do". 

Boudreaux: "Your papa is right". *pause* "Emma, what's it like living with your family? You do a lot of fun things together"? 

Emma: "Yes".

Boudreaux: "Do you always eat breakfast, lunch and dinner"?

Emma: "Yes and snacks too". 

Boudreaux: "Ok. Now tell me about your papas. Do you see them get angry"?

Emma: "I heard my papa yell one time, but he was worried for Kaylee. He said sorry and that he will never yell again".  

Boudreaux: "He hasn't yelled since then"?

Emma: "No", she replies softly. 

Boudreaux: "I see". *pause* "Emma, do you know what spankings are"?

Emma: "Yes. It's when someone gets oww-ee's on their bottom because they were being bad". 

Boudreaux: "Does that happen to you"?

Emma: *shakes head* "No". 

Boudreaux: "So how do you know what spankings are", she asks softly. 

Emma: "I had a friend at school and she told me that she gets oww-ee's on her bottom when she's bad". 

Boudreaux: "Ohh I see. So what would happen if you're bad"?

Emma: "I have to sit in the corner for time out". 

Boudreaux: "What happens when time out is over"?

Emma: "My papas tell me that they don't like to put me in time out. It makes them sad to see me in the corner but I need to listen because the rules protect me and keep me safe. Then they hug me and tell me that they love me".  

Boudreaux: "Was it the same for Kaylee"?

Emma: "Yes", she replies softly. 

Ms. Boudreaux has now spent enough time with Emma and her responses are very telling. She looks at the two way mirror and while she can't see detective Lane his expression shows that he doesn't have a good feeling. Now she's hearing the sound of Emma's sweet voice asking, "can I go to my papa now"? There's another brief moment of silence as she's still looking in the direction of the mirror then she replies, "of course you can sweetie". She stands up then takes a hold of Emma's hand and leads her out of the room. The door swings open and when Emma sees Larry she runs towards him. He picks her up and natural instinct prompts her to rest her cheek on his shoulder. Larry is beside himself in emotions and softly weeps as he gently rubs her back. He then hears that sweet voice asking...

Emma: "Why are you crying papa"?

Larry: "Papa's oki baby". *sniff* "Papa's oki". 

Seconds later he wipes his tears then pulls her from his chest to look at her and tries to appear cheerful. He asks, "you want to stop for some ice cream before we go home"? Emma would normally jump at the chance to have ice cream...but knowing her papa is sad she softly shakes her head to decline. Larry sniffs then replies, "oki then we'll just go home". He brings her back in so she can continue resting on his shoulder and as they walk away he hears detective Lane...

Lane: "Mr. Bourgeois...."

Larry: "Look, you wanted to talk to my daughter so I brought her here. Now please just leave us alone". 

Larry doesn't even wait for a response. He just heads for the exit leaving the detectives with the psychologist...

Lane: "She was coached". 

Boudreaux: "I've been doing this for a long time detective and if a child that age was coached then at the very least there would've been a struggle for her to remember what to say. I also ask children to draw their families because if they're being hurt in some way they typically tend to draw what's happening to them. Her responses were truthful and I don't suspect any abuse so it's highly unlikely that the victim was murdered at the hands of her father". *pause* "Find the real killer detective. Because it can't be Mr. Bourgeois". 

She gazes at him in silence for a moment or so then walks off leaving him completely stunned. Something then tells him to look at detective Brunet and when he does there couldn't have been a more obvious look of anger. Brunet then rolls his eyes and simply walks away from him while Lane looks at the exit that Larry has now disappeared behind. Outside Larry secures Emma in her booster seat then looks at her...

Larry: "I love you so much. You know that"?

Emma: "Yes papa. I love you too. Don't cry oki"?

Larry: "Oki baby", he whispers.   

Larry leans forward to give Emma a soft kiss to her forehead then gets in the driver's seat to drive off. On the way home he looks at Emma in the rear view mirror as she gazes out the window and he smiles. He can't wait to tell his love how well she did and he's certain that Laurent will be just as proud of her as he is...

------------------------- 

A/N: So, detective Lame's plan really did come back to bite him in the you know what and surely this has put more fire into detective Brunet. Please share your thoughts. Love you guys. ❤️