AUTHOR'S POV  

It's a quiet evening in the Bourgeois home and within the next few hours everyone will be sound asleep to wake up to a new day that hopefully will be another day closer to a capture. The detective made a visit earlier to inform them of another break in the case where Laurent learned that Erin set him up and all he can think about is that even though she overstepped a major boundary he still didn't want her severely punished. Had he known what she was capable of he wouldn't have and now he can't help but feel elated that she's suffering major consequences for her actions. He's also thought about being in the same store as the murderer and it makes him feel sick all over again. His love comforted him on that couch long after the detective left and each moment he was being held in Larry's arms he felt alleviated from the sick feeling though it's still upsetting to know he was that close. The sight of their babies coming back into the living room lifted his spirits and he kept it all off of his mind to continue spending quality time with them. Larry wanted to give mama the night off from cooking dinner and he made a delightful meal with his famous creamy Tuscan chicken being the star of the meal. He and Laurent are eating better lately which they find is also giving them more strength to tackle each day. Now that detective Brunet has knowledge of the suspect's location and is going after him helps tremendously though they hoped that he would have called by now. The time has ticked away and they've realized that he was unsuccessful but they do have complete confidence that it will happen. Laurent offered to clean the kitchen and eventually bath time for the babies got underway. Mama said goodnight to her loving family then retreated to her room to rest while Larry took Ayden to his nursery. Emma sweetly asked her papa Laurent to watch a movie with her before her bedtime and of course he agreed. Larry smiled when he saw the two of them on the couch with Emma very excited about watching the movie and he will join them after Ayden falls asleep. He's currently in the chair softly rocking him back and forth while reading a story. It usually doesn't take long for Ayden to fall asleep but it will take a little longer tonight as Larry hears a bit of congestion so he gets the humidifier up and running. He goes back to rocking him while his soft and beautiful voice sings him a lullaby. The vapors begin working rather quickly and with Larry's sweet serenade Ayden falls into a deep sleep so Larry carefully stands up and places him in his crib. He double checks the monitor to make sure they're able to hear him especially tonight since he's a bit ill then heads for he and Laurent's bedroom to double check the monitors in there. Now he can finally come and join his love and their little princess...but when he enters the living room he sees them sound asleep. It's a beautiful sight as Laurent is on the edge of the couch to keep Emma safe who's balled up and snuggled into him. Now standing in front of them Larry can't resist taking his phone out to take a picture. Afterward, he takes a few more moments to look at them then he gets down on his knees. Laurent's head is turned towards him as it rests against the couch cushion. Larry is gazing at the chiseled perfection that is Laurent's face then lightly places his hand on his right cheek to give him a soft stroke with his thumb. With those beautiful lips in plain sight Larry lowers his mouth to give him a soft kiss which doesn't wake him up so Larry chuckles softly then drops his mouth for another kiss but holds it this time. Laurent feels this one so his eyes flutter open...

Larry: *smile* "Hi", he whispers. 

Laurent: *smile* "Hi", he whispers back. 

Larry: "I'll put Emma in her bed and I'll see you when you come to the bedroom". 

Laurent: "Oki my love. I'll be there in a minute". 

Larry: *smile* "Oki", he whispers.  

Larry then stands up and reaches down to carefully pick Emma up. She wakes up for a moment but the instant Larry brings her into him she rests her cheek on his shoulder and instantly falls back asleep. Laurent raises up and stretches before getting up to make sure their home is secured. Larry has now reached Emma's room and after getting her comfortable under the cover he kisses her forehead then whispers, "goodnight princess". He quietly leaves and on the way to their bedroom he stops in front of Kaylee's. He hasn't been inside since the night detective Lane and the other officers raided their home. Larry will never forget the rage he felt when they disregarded their request to leave her room alone. He went into her room later that night to make sure her possessions were put back in their place. He vividly remembers crying angrily while he did as that was also the night they took his husband away. The painful recollection causes him to shake his head then place his open hand on the door while thinking that he would have given anything to whisper goodnight to her as he just whispered to Emma. He walks away and after he changes clothes he climbs in bed then suddenly has an urge to watch one of several videos stored in his phone of their beautiful Kaylee but decides to play it on the big TV screen for full effect. There she is. That bright and beautiful smile on her face as she looks into the camera then making faces to entertain her papa. She also laughs a few times and that sweet laughter is music to his ears. On the outside of the room stands Laurent who placed his hand on the knob but stopped the second he heard what he's sure is Kaylee's voice on the TV. He merely stands in place listening to it before closing his eyes and taking a deep breath then gently pushing the door open. He sees his love on the bed with his eyes locked on the screen and the look on his face is one of heartbreak but also expresses a desperation of wanting her back. Laurent's heart drops as he feels the same. He steps inside and gently shuts the door then begins walking over to the bed. Now that he's close enough to see the TV his eyes shift focus and now he's watching that beautiful smile from an equally beautiful young lady. He climbs into bed and no sooner than his back hits the headboard he's taking a hold of Larry's hand to give it a gentle squeeze. Tears have already escaped their eyes and now Emma is in the video having fun with her big sister. To see their interaction feels like a dagger has pierced their hearts because Emma doesn't have this anymore so the tears only become stronger. It isn't long before they find themselves wiping away those tears in sync with the soft echo of their sniffs. Eventually Larry's raspy voice speaks up...

Larry: "Look at how beautiful she is baby, and how sweet she is with Emma". 

Laurent: *sniff* "Yeah". *pause* "She loved being a big sister. She knew how much Emma looked up to her so she wanted set an example in a lot of ways and she always wanted to protect her". *chuckles* "Even when Emma did something she wasn't supposed to she wanted to take the blame for it so she wouldn't go to time out". 

Larry: *chuckles* "Yeah she did. She would say, 'I did it papa' but we always knew she was just trying to cover for her". *pause* "You remember how Ayden used to look at her"?

Laurent: *nods* "I do. Even as a baby he still knew there was something special about her and he always loved when she was close to him. She loved taking care of him just as she loved taking care of Emma". 

Larry: "She was the best big sister", he whispers. 

Laurent: "Yes she was", he whispers back. 

They continue to watch their little ray of sunshine until the video is over. Larry then shuts everything down and turns to look at his love. When Laurent notices a single tear drop fall from Larry's deeply saddened eyes he raises his hand to wipe it away with his thumb...

Laurent: "The police are going to catch him bebe. I'm sure it won't be too much longer". 

Larry: *soft sigh* "It's just been so many weeks. That's too long for him to still be free. He can do the same thing to another child and no parent should go through that. It really is the worst pain". 

Laurent sees his loves emotions beginning to flood him all over again so as he lays back on his pillows he pulls Larry into his chest...

Laurent: "Detective Brunet is on top of it bebe. It's hard waiting but if the killer tries to escape he won't be able to. If he does, he won't stay free. The police will make sure for that". 

Larry: "I know baby. It's just watching Kaylee then realizing she's really not here anymore so we can be close to her and see the joy she always had hurts me so I want this asshole in prison already". 

Laurent: "I feel the same way my love. They might catch him sooner than we think and that's what we need to believe will happen". 

Laurent feels him nod against his chest then Larry raises up to lean over and switch off the lamp. Now that the only light is the glow from the moon he goes back to resting against Laurent's chest and they snuggle together as the silence along with the comfort of each other puts them in a deep sleep...

~morning~

Larry and Laurent wake up in the same loving and connected position they fell asleep in. Larry can be somewhat of a busy body so he has the tendency to change his sleep positions but when Laurent felt him try to move last night he made it a point to keep his tender grasp on him so he couldn't escape. Their eyes open together and after Larry stretches Laurent takes his hand to smooth Larry's fro back to give him a soft kiss on his forehead. Their groggy but sweet voices greet each other good morning as they hear the kids who got up with their grandmere. They also smell a savory aroma in the air...

Laurent: "Whatever mama is cooking for breakfast smells so good". 

Larry: *chuckles* "I bet princess is helping her". 

Laurent: *smile* "I think she's going to be a chef like you bebe". 

Larry: *smile* "Yeah I can see that". 

Laurent gives him another kiss then sweetly suggests that they go and join them so they head for the bathroom to freshen up. Last night brought on so many emotions as they watched their little love on that screen and being reminded of the loving person she was. Having released those emotions and confident that they will be celebrating a victory upon the culprit's capture which they're praying will be very soon they feel a lot better though they will always miss her terribly. When they arrive at the kitchen they see Ayden in his high chair with a few of his favorite soft baby biscuits spread across with one in his hand. He also looks as though he feels a lot better thanks to the humidifier...but also because of Larry's tender loving care. They suspected Emma was helping her grandmere cook breakfast and they were right. She's at the table adorned in her little apron that mama bought for her. She also bought one for Kaylee as she always enjoyed helping with family meals too. On the table are several bowls containing different ingredients ranging from sausage crumbles to green onions that will be put into a breakfast casserole and with instruction from her grandmere Emma is smiling as she makes layers of the sausage and veggies. In between are sheets of buttery puff pastry that she carefully lays across. Larry and Laurent take several moments to merely stand back and watch as they smile at how happy she looks before finally stepping over to greet them good morning. When mama and Emma hear them their heads pop up in their direction and Ayden is even heard getting excited...

Mama: *smile* "Good morning my loves". 

Emma: *smile* "Good morning papas! Look"! 

Emma draws their attention to her putting this culinary masterpiece together which she is so proud of and they're proud of her...

Laurent: "Wooow princess. You're doing such a good job". 

Larry: "Yes you are baby and we can't wait to eat this". 

Emma: *smile* "Thank you papas". 

Their reply is to each drop a soft kiss to the top of her head then they go over to Ayden who decides that he wants to share one of his baby biscuits with them. They open their mouths and pretend to take a bite prompting Ayden to excitedly kick his legs and belt out that adorable baby laugh. Eventually the perfectly structured casserole is placed in the oven and coffee is enjoyed among the adults as they wait. The aroma as it bakes is divine and after it's done they allow it to cool off before they enjoy breakfast together. Larry and Laurent don't have plans today as they're hoping that by the end of it they will receive great news from the detective...

~afternoon~

Inside of a shopping center is an array of stores such as a clothing and drug store. There are also a few professional business suites and in the heart of the shopping center is a large grocery store. It's a fairly busy day as most parking spots are occupied while consumers are inside shopping and making their purchases. Several people have already exited with carts full of bags to load in their cars. No one is aware that there's a predator in the midst looking for someone to take hostage. They've merely gone about their day and once cars are loaded with the bags they get in their cars to drive off. This predator is carefully examining each person that comes in eye contact and he checks for number of bags among other factors such as who's alone or who's with other people. He finally comes across a woman who's alone and only has a few bags in her hands so he looks around to make sure no one sees what's about to go down. There's an object tucked under his shirt and he ducks low as he runs across the parking lot. He reaches her as soon as she's she opens the back door to her car and as she tosses the bags in she feels someone grab her from behind then shove her into the back seat. She can barely belt out a scream as the force was so strong it nearly knocked the wind out of her. He slams the door and quickly gets in the driver seat and before she has a chance to jump out of the car to run for help her eyes are being met with a gun. She gulps as she looks at it then slowly looks up at him. She hears, "give me your keys and your cell phone". She doesn't hesitate to give him what he demands but she's also in tremendous fear because she doesn't know what his further intentions are...and she's afraid of her fate that's now in his hands. She's internally praying that somehow she's able to escape him unharmed...but for now the only choice she has is to comply. He instructs her to lie down so she can't be seen then cranks up the engine and makes a beeline for the exit of the shopping center. He's desperate to get out of the city but he also doesn't want to draw attention to himself so he's careful to stay within the speed limit. He doesn't trust that the young lady who he's just taken hostage to stay hidden so when he notices an abandoned warehouse he pulls over then gets out and opens the back door. With the gun pointed at her he instructs her to get out and walk around to the trunk. She knows she's going inside so it's at this point that she decides to plead with him to let her go and with a promise that she won't call the authorities...but he just yells at her to shut up and do what he says. In tears she reluctantly climbs in and jumps when he slams the trunk door down...completely entrapping her in the darkness. She already feels as though she's suffocating being balled into such a small space. This mad man is already driving off and minutes later she's certain that they're on the highway heightening her fear of what will happen to her. She realizes that she has to think quickly. She believes the darkness limits her possibilities but then she has an epiphany. She's on a busy highway with cars behind them so all she has to do is somehow bust out the tail light and someone will notice...only she doesn't know how to. She begins feeling around the trunk with her hand hoping that there's an object she can use. Her eyes brim with tears when she doesn't feel anything strong enough. Then her hand hits something that feels like a tiny screwdriver and though she's a bit doubtful she knows she has to try so with the screwdriver in one hand she uses the other to feel around for the tail light. The moment she reaches it she begins jabbing the object into it and through her tears her shaky voice whispers, "come on, work". She then feels the car stop so she freezes in fear thinking that he's heard what she's doing and is furious about it. Any second now the trunk door will fling open and she will see the rage in his eyes as he drags her out to punish her in the most horrid way. She can feel her heart nearly beating out of her chest and her breathing is so labored she's moments away from a panic attack. What she doesn't see is that they're still on the highway but there's a stall because of traffic. Eventually the car begins driving again so she closes her eyes and sighs in utter relief then goes back to hammering away. With all her strength she's finally able to bust out the tail light then stick her hand out to frantically wave it desperately hoping that someone will see it. Several drivers surprisingly don't notice at all and drive around as they believe he's driving too slowly. It isn't until another driver gets behind them that her hand is seen. His eyes scrunch in confusion at first as he's kept some distance from the car. Now sure of what it is he gets closer and once a hand is confirmed he takes out his cell phone and places a call to the police. He gives them a description of the car and what she's also unaware of is that someone saw what happened in the shopping center parking lot and alerted the authorities so they've been on a manhunt. He gives the operator the highway he's on and the direction they're headed. Within minutes sirens are heard all over and soon there's a helicopter above to ensure the wanted man remains in sight. The frightened woman is relieved for a moment...but now she's fearing for her life in a different way as he now knows they're onto him so he begins taking them on a high speed chase. She doesn't have anything to hold onto so all she can do is pray that she makes it out of this alive and not succumb to a horrific car accident as he's driving at a dangerously high speed. He maneuvers through the traffic and startling the innocent drivers who don't see him coming. Surely he's bound to crash into one of them but he's flowing through as if he's done this before. Back in the trunk, the woman being held captive is silently praying as the tears flow and the more the car pulls side to side the harder she cries through her prayer. Moment by moment she's losing hope that she won't see daylight ever again because at such a high speed this can't possibly end any other way than fatally. But, all she can do is continue to pray. Meanwhile the suspect sees another stall of traffic ahead and he knows he can't wait for it to move. He's thankful to see an exit before he reaches it so he takes it. Now on the main road he thinks he will be able to throw the police off with all of the buildings in the area but when he looks in the rear view mirror he sees just how close they still are. Above is the helicopter that has also kept track of him and they're amazed that this criminal seems to believe he can get out of their sight. The police have communicated regularly over their radio and have devised a plan to end this chase once and for all. Minutes later the suspect is surprised to see cops ahead of him who have shut down the street so now he has no choice but to stop and though he does he will still try to escape so he abandons the car in the middle of the street to take off on foot only to be tackled to the ground moments later. He's immediately placed under arrest and forced to stand to his feet. He's patted down to check for weapons and when asked questions he stays quiet. He looks familiar to all of them but when they check his ID the name doesn't match who they believe he is...but that doesn't deter them as they're confident that this is who they've been looking for. He's placed in the back of a squad car and now he's en route to the precinct. Back at the car the shaken woman has been let out of the trunk and placed in the back seat while they take her account of what happened. She's so shaken she can barely talk but she's ultimately able to give her statement. She's then asked if she needs medical attention in which she's grateful they asked but replies that she wants to be taken home as she's in no condition to drive. They offer assistance in every way they can then see to it that she's taken home...

*****

Detective Brunet is at the precinct upset that he hasn't had any leads with all the measures that have been taken. Every few minutes he thinks about the suspect's home where he hoped they could arrest him though he wasn't at all shocked that he wasn't there for it to happen. He also can't get the shrine for Kaylee out of his mind. It was so disturbing that it's nearly haunting. It's still very difficult for him to get the discovery of her body out of his head but he just goes back to thinking of ways he can finally locate this menace to society to arrest him. He suddenly gets a knock on his door and when he grants entrance an officer from his team has told him that a suspect has been brought in after a nearly twenty minute high speed chase and that he looks a lot like the man wanted for Kaylee's murder. He's already been booked and is waiting in an interrogation room so Brunet can get a look at him. The detective's eyes widen and he practically leaps from his chair and speeds out of his office to go and see this for himself. He walks alongside the officer who's giving him details about kidnapping the young woman and putting her in the trunk of her own car. It's all so shocking, but not really, as criminals will do anything to escape capture. He's also told about the fake ID and that the suspect has altered his appearance. Like everyone else, Brunet is certain of who he is and when he walks into the room then gets a look at him there isn't a single doubt. In a serious tone he says, "Julian Ramos". There's no response which Brunet expected...but as far as he's concerned he doesn't need to say a word as he will do all the talking...

Brunet: "You can get more fake ID's and change your appearance every day but I never forget a face. You're the coward who kidnapped and murdered Kaylee Bourgeois. Now, there are additional charges being brought against you". 

Julian still doesn't reply but the detective isn't intimidated at all. He takes a seat at the table and looks dead in his eyes. Then suddenly he finds his voice...

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

Brunet: "You do know what I'm talking about and I'm not here to play games with you. She was an innocent little girl enjoying time on the playground when you snatched her up then took her life and crushed the family who lost her". 

*silence*

Brunet: "Your pompous ass can sit there as if you don't have a care in the world all you want but the evidence we collected will prove that you did it so you need to cut it out with this tough guy act and just admit what you did to her".  

Brunet thinks that there will be more moments of arrogance and refusal to speak. He may even wise up and state that he refuses to say anything until he has an attorney. To his surprise he hears in a voice without a shred of remorse confessing...

Julian: "Yeah I did it. You happy now"?

If only the detective can punch his skull in without getting in trouble for it he wouldn't waste another moment. It takes so much strength to restrain himself. He's already been read his rights for the crime he just committed but nothing is going to give Brunet more pleasure than reading him his rights for this one so looking him dead in his eyes he does exactly that...but with a twist...

Brunet: "Julian Ramos, you are under arrest for the kidnapping and murder of Kaylee Bourgeois. Now you EARN the right the remain silent...."

After the reading is over he turns him over to his fellow officer. Otherwise he would surely punch him. He channels that energy to head back to his office to make a very important and long awaited phone call...

*****

Since it's the afternoon Emma and Ayden are napping while Larry and Laurent are on the couch watching TV. They've remained anxious all day waiting to hear from Brunet. Mama is in the kitchen prepping for dinner and Larry becomes so anxious that he decides to go and retrieve a bottled water to settle his nerves. He asks his love if he wants one who sweetly declines but thanks him. Larry goes to the kitchen and after getting his water he begins talking to mama. Suddenly Laurent's phone rings so he quickly answers it...

Brunet: "Mr. Bourgeois, great news. The suspect was indeed trying to escape but we captured him and he's in jail now". 

*brief pause*

Laurent: "You got him". 

Brunet: *smile* "We got him". 

Laurent is heard belting out a deep sigh and the detective can tell that his emotions have understandably come over him. This has been long overdue and was increasingly becoming more difficult to wait. While it won't bring Kaylee back they can rest easier knowing that he's no longer walking the streets... 

Brunet: "I know you need to share this with your family so I won't keep you. This shouldn't make it to trial as I'm confident there will be a guilty plea based off the evidence so it's just a matter of sentencing. Once I have that date I'll call you".  

Laurent: "Thank you so much detective". 

Brunet: "My pleasure".  

The instant Laurent releases the call tears stream down his face as he belts out, "Mama?! Bebe"?! They both rush in and see him shaking...

Larry: "What is it baby"?

Laurent: "They got him bebe! They got him"! 

Larry immediately embraces his love and they weep together. Mama is crying too and she comes over to embrace her boys...who also embrace her...

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A/N: I don't think anything needs to be said other than sound off in the comments! Love you guys. ❤️