AUTHOR'S POV  

Detective Brunet has sat at his desk with the deep silence enclosing him as he fights to keep his emotions from overflowing. Only moments ago he sat across from the devil who killed a little girl who he's sure had dreams that she still had a life ahead of her to fulfill. She just may have been the person to truly change the world. With loving parents like Larry and Laurent he's also sure they would have motivated her to achieve those dreams. Listening to Ramos confess to the crime with no remorse and that sinister smirk before and after Brunet became enraged is nauseating. It's not like he's never seen such soulless non-humans before as he's been in this field for a long time. But, this was a child. A child who loved her papas more than anything and it cuts like a knife knowing that she called for them so many times to help her. As much as he tried to hold back tears they couldn't help but slip from his eyes and drop onto the mahogany desk that he's worked countless hours behind to find her killer. His heart hurts deeply for the Bourgeois family. Also knowing that Kaylee has a younger sister and baby brother that no longer have her hurts deeper. He recalls the first night Laurent had to spend in jail because of his former partner. He stepped a few feet away to give him some privacy when he called home but he could faintly hear him talking to Emma and heard him call her princess along with telling her he loves her. His soft tone towards her only confirmed that jail was the last place he deserved to be so in the midst of his tears he also felt rage at detective Lane building again. Kaylee was Larry and Laurent's other little princess and that's why he will fight tooth and nail to make sure that Ramos receives the maximum punishment, and as he told the press, he certainly wouldn't object to the death penalty. As far as he's concerned, after all the crimes he's committed prison would be too easy for him. He can't recall a time in his career where he's favored the death penalty so much but to be so cold, heartless and barbaric is inhumane.  There was never a doubt in his mind that he's the culprit. He knew from the first time he saw him on the camera footage at the drug store but with years of routine in murder cases he also knew that he had to get the confession in detail to make sure it all coincides with the evidence collected. It's common practice for recordings such as these to play out in court and he's listened to many...but the more he thinks about it the more he realizes that this one would be far too difficult. The family has been through so much and with Laurent's arrest only a week after they buried their child they haven't had time to grieve. To hear the gruesome details in court would be nothing short of devastating so he decides that he should place a call to the prosecuting attorney who's different from the prosecutor that helped to unjustly put Laurent in jail. New trial, new prosecution and a new judge, but most importantly physical evidence should be more than enough for a conviction. He takes in a deep breath and softly exhales then picks up the receiver to place the call. Being that she's a prosecutor she always has her work cut out for her so he may have to leave a message asking for a returned call as soon as possible. But, as luck would have it her assistant informs him that she's available and asks if she can tell her who's calling. He's then put on hold briefly in which he's internally hoping that this phone call results in a mutual agreement...

Brunet: "Ms. Le Roux. Detective Brunet here". 

Le Roux: "Hello detective. I was going to call to inform you that a court date for the 10th has been set".

Brunet: "That's only a week away so that's great news". 

Le Roux: "Yes it is but since you called first I sense you need to speak with me regarding this case". 

*brief pause*

Brunet: "Yes I do. I wanted to ask if there's any chance we can leave the recording of Mr. Ramos detailing the crime out of the trial". 

 Le Roux: "I'm not entirely sure that can be avoided detective. It might be deemed just as crucial in obtaining a conviction". 

Brunet: "I do understand but I also think it will be too much for the parents of the victim. I've shared with you what they've gone through. We have his confession and the evidence against him is strong which at this point doesn't even include the the victim's dental records that I will subpoena so they can be compared to the bite on his arm. With the records and the additional evidence we should get that conviction which will give him the maximum sentence so the recording doesn't have to be played in court".  

Le Roux: "I certainly agree with you and I'm also certain you have done a stellar job on the case so his confession isn't necessary, but even with the evidence as strong as it is the recording may still come into play so as a precaution perhaps you can prepare the victim's parents for the possibility. I realize the preparation won't make it any easier for them as this was their child, but the judge could demand to hear it and if he does then neither of us will have a choice in the matter".  

Brunet: *soft sigh* "I see your point. I'll make a visit to their home today regarding this. I just wanted to ask if it's at all possible to leave it out". 

Le Roux: "I realize why you want to as a parent myself and I can assure that I won't mention it. I'll stick with the physical evidence, but should he ask...."

Brunet: "I understand". *pause* "Thank you for your time". 

Le Roux: "Anytime detective". 

When he releases the call he belts out another sigh...a much deeper one as the call wasn't successful like he hoped it would be, though he knew her response was likely, so a part of him anticipated it. He checks the time and it's an early enough hour to make a visit to the Bourgeois home. He decides against calling first as the saddened tone in his voice will be easily heard and he doesn't want them sick with worry before he arrives to speak with them so he merely grabs what he needs then leaves his office...

~meanwhile~

It's a beautiful day outside. Not too cold or unbearably hot. The temperature has been just right so the Bourgeois family is enjoying time in the backyard to take advantage of the serene weather. A large blanket is spread across the evenly cut grass with Emma and Ayden sitting on top happily playing with each other. Larry is with them to make sure that Ayden stays upright and doesn't fall back. Laurent and mama aren't too far away as they're sitting at the patio table and looking on with smiles at the brother-sister duo. When the doorbell rings they collectively look in that direction with Laurent ultimately telling them that he'll go and answer it. They've all gotten use to impromptu visits from detective Brunet so on the way to the door he's already certain it's him and that he's here to give them what they're hoping is the court date for sentencing. He's not at all thinking that it could be heart wrenching news...but when he opens the door and sees the look on his face he can feel his stomach tighten. There's usually a standard greeting to each other but the detective's expression is far too worrisome so he urges him to come inside and as he takes a seat Laurent heads for the backyard to alert Larry. Mama of course stays with the babies but she instantly gets a sense of urgency that's beaming off of Laurent so she's just as concerned as to what this particular visit is about. They will share with her afterwards as they always do so for now she just puts her attention on the babies. Larry reaches the living room and he's so startled by the look he doesn't greet him either. His nervous voice just asks him what's wrong in which the detective just asks them to take a seat so they slowly and cautiously sit across from him...

Brunet: "The good news first and there are two parts. I spoke with the prosecutor and Mr. Ramos has a court date scheduled for the 10th". 

Larry: "That's great news. We were worried that it was going to be a while and we want him in prison as soon as the court can put him there". 

Brunet: "I agree". *looks at Laurent* "Your ex-student, Erin, will be facing punishment for obstruction of justice which is a felony so she faces up to five years in prison though her receiving the maximum sentence isn't likely. She has a spotless record so the judge could go easy on her". 

Laurent: "But she will still be punished and that's all I care for". 

Brunet: "Her hearing is in two days and she's requested that you be there beforehand because she would like the opportunity to talk to you". 

Naturally Laurent is surprised to hear this though his expression shows more anger now that she's a part of the conversation. Silence ensues before he hears his loves voice...

Larry: "Baby? What are you thinking"?

Laurent: "I'm thinking that I don't know if I should see her bebe".

Larry: *nods* "I understand my love".  

Brunet: "I will be there but you can certainly think it over Mr. Bourgeois. There's no excuse for what she did and an apology certainly won't rectify it but it will give you a chance to say anything to her that you feel is necessary". 

Laurent: "Yeah. I'll think for that". 

The detective nods and as Larry and Laurent gaze at him the expression on his face hasn't deviated from the deeply concerning state Laurent saw the moment he opened the door. While it's great news that Erin will receive punishment as well as the court date for Ramos thankfully being as soon as it is and they would hate for both to essentially be overshadowed by bad news, they still can't help but wonder what else he has to tell them. Larry gulps then in a soft, cautious voice he asks...

Larry: "What's the bad news detective"?

*brief pause*

Brunet: "In most criminal cases, particularly murder cases such as these, we're required to get a recording of the culprit's confession. They're detailed in nature because we have to make sure that what's been confessed is consistent with the evidence. It isn't uncommon for the judge to request that any recordings be played in court so I just wanted to prepare you both".

Laurent: "You mean we will hear what he did to her". 

Brunet: "Possibly", he replies softly. 

Larry: "But we didn't want to know detective. It will be too hard to listen to that so what are supposed to do? Miss court that day"? 

Brunet: "You definitely shouldn't miss court. This will be your chance to give impact statements that will inform the court how deeply his crime affected both of you and your family. It also means that the culprit will hear from you as well, though I have to be honest. He's the textbook definition of a psychopath so your words more than likely won't resonate with him. He won't care at all...but since the judge will see how nonchalant and unaffected he is by the impact of your daughter's death that will only drive him to make certain that the punishment fits the crime even more".

Laurent: *deep sigh* "Every day it feels like this nightmare is never going to end". 

Brunet: "I understand how difficult this day will be for both of you, and because you will also give statements that will be difficult in itself I wanted you to hear this from me instead of being surprised if the judge calls for it". 

Larry and Laurent turn to look at each other. Only a moment goes by before they have the same thought so they turn back to the detective...

Laurent: "Difficult isn't the word detective, but we appreciate you coming here to let us know and we will try to prepare for that". 

Brunet: "You're welcome". *pause* "If you decide to come to Ms. Lebeau's hearing, it starts at 10 am. If you decide that you want to hear what she has to say, please arrive at 9:30". 

Laurent: *nods* "Yeah oki". 

Brunet: "As always I'll touch base with you as necessary". 

Laurent stands up to walk him to the door and after a firm handshake the detective leaves while he shuts the door then turns around to face his love. Larry slowly stands to his feet and he appears to be on the verge of emotions. Laurent extends his arms as he walks over to him and Larry allows himself to be enveloped in those strong arms...

Larry: "I don't think we can listen to that baby. They need to put him in prison. They know he did it". 

Laurent: "I agree my love. Maybe the judge won't need to listen to it if the prosecution does what she's supposed to do".

*brief pause* 

Larry: "And if he does"?

Laurent cups Larry's face to bring him in and place a gentle kiss to his lips to soothe him then looks deeply into his eyes as he whispers...

Laurent: "I'll have you. You'll have me and we can lean on each other through the pain". 

Larry: *nods* "Oki", he whispers back.

Laurent gives him another kiss and because it's such a hard subject he changes it by sweetly suggesting that they get to the market to do some food shopping. They take a few moments to compose themselves as to not alarm Emma. When they step back onto the patio mama's head turns and her worried eyes begin to dart between them. Larry tells him that he'll go over and be with the kids while Laurent pulls her to the side to tell her what's going on. Her heart sinks at the possibility of them hearing what happened to Kaylee and she, too, would prefer that it be left out. Anything harder than living without her would be knowing the torment she went through before such a sweet and beautiful soul was taken from this earth. When Laurent brought up the subject of Erin wanting to speak to him before her hearing mama doesn't exactly sway him to attend but she definitely assures him that she will support his decision either way. He then looks over at his love and their babies which will always bring a smile to his face. Moments later...

Laurent: "We should get going bebe". 

Emma: "Where are you going papas", she asks sweetly. 

Larry: *chuckles* "We need to go food shopping princess so we're going to the market". 

Emma: *smile* "Can I come"?! 

Larry looks up at Laurent who's still smiling and when he winks Larry knows that means she should come with them. She's always loved riding in the shopping cart and helping her papas place items on the belt at checkout. Time with her is always time beautifully spent and it will also take their minds off of the news detective Brunet brought them so Larry smiles back at his love then looks at Emma to smile at her too as he replies, "of course you can princess". Emma's eyes couldn't be brighter as she jumps up and takes off for her bedroom. Larry and Laurent look at each other again and laugh because they know she's going for her change purse that she keeps the money from her weekly allowance in. Mama picks Ayden up and they all head inside. Seconds later Emma comes in and with that same beautiful smile she excitedly belts out, "I'm ready"! She runs over and jumps into Laurent's awaiting arms then they all look at mama...

Larry: "Anything you need mama"?

Mama: "I'm fine son. I'm just going to feed Ayden then rock him to sleep". 

Larry: "Oki. We'll be back soon". 

Mama: *smile* "Oki my love". 

Larry smiles at her then turns around so they can head for the car. On the way Emma sings along with the music which brings bigger smiles to their faces. When they arrive they take one of the shopping carts designed for children and once she's secure they go aisle to aisle. Larry breaks away at times to get certain items if they've passed the aisles they're on but mostly they stay together. The last time they were out they witnessed people staring at Laurent and not in a nice way...but since he talked to the press these stares are different. Nearly everyone that they notice seem to feel bad that he went through the whole ordeal. The fact that they saw him free should have been an indication that he was innocent...but speaking publicly about it put it in an entirely different perspective. Laurent isn't expecting anyone to come over so they're a bit thrown off when they see someone neither of them have ever met walk towards them. Natural instinct is to protect Emma by shielding her but when she starts talking they slowly begin to let their guard down...

"I know you both don't know me but I've been keeping up with what happened to your daughter. My name is Maureen and firstly I just wanted to offer my condolences".

Laurent: "Thank you so much". 

Larry: "Yes, thank you. We appreciate that". 

Maureen: "You're welcome". *looks at Laurent* "I detest that fact that you were put in jail for this crime and I just wanted to let you know that I'm sending light and strength during this difficult time for both of you. Justice for your little girl is near and will be the comfort you need to rest easier".

Laurent: "Thank you, Maureen. That was very kind of you". 

Maureen: "My pleasure. You both take care".  

Larry: "You too", he replies softly. 

She gives them both a soft handshake, even smiles at Emma, then walks away to continue her shopping while they stand motionless as they're shocked by a complete stranger's shocking yet touching interaction. They eventually get back to shopping that includes Emma's favorite fruits and Ayden's favorite baby biscuits. When they head for checkout Emma decides that she wants to purchase her favorite kid's juice with her money so Laurent smiles then asks her what flavor she wants. He takes it out of the cooler and with that adorable smile she replies, "thank you papa". Laurent drops his mouth to give a soft kiss to her forehead then replies, "welcome my love". They get in line then he helps her out of the cart and hands her some items to place on the belt. The clerk notices and smiles then tells her she's such a big girl for helping. Emma smiles and after her juice is scanned the clerk hands it to her. Realizing that one of her papa's is about to pay for it she takes one dollar out of her change purse then runs up to Laurent and holds the bill up for him to take...

Emma: "Here papa". 

Laurent: *smile* "Papa's got it princess. Keep your money, oki"?

Emma: "Oki. Thank you papa". 

Laurent: "Welcome my love". 

Moments later they're given the total so they pay then take off for the parking lot to load the groceries in the trunk before heading home. Day turned to evening where dinner was prepared and the remainder of it is normal as it's time spent together. The predominant silence that filled the house late into the night was indicative of everyone being comfortable in their beds and sleeping peacefully. Larry's head had been resting on his loves chest and it's been mostly quiet as they've both thought about what the day brought them. Some good news but also some bad news from detective Brunet that they weren't at all prepared for though Maureen's words of comfort earlier helped, and as they told her, they were very appreciative. Laurent had been thinking about Erin's hearing on and off throughout the night and was still unclear as to if he will see her. But, now he's made a decision and wants to share it with his love...

Laurent: "You awake bebe", he asks softly. 

Larry: *mumbles* "I'm awake". 

Laurent: *chuckles* "No you weren't and I'm sorry my love. Go back to sleep". 

Larry: "No it's oki baby. You need to talk"?

Laurent: "I decided to talk to Erin". 

Larry: "Are you sure"?

Laurent: "Yeah. I think I should". 

Larry: "I can go with you if you want". 

Laurent: "Thank you my love but you can stay here with mama and the kids". 

Larry: "Oki. I'll still be with you".

Laurent: *kisses forehead* "I know". *whispers* "Get some sleep".

Larry: "You too", he replies softly. 

Larry raises his head to kiss the side of Laurent's neck then nestles into it before falling into a deep sleep. Laurent can feel his loves soft breathing against him, and while seeing Erin is a bit unnerving to say the least, the sensation is a comfort to him making it that much easier to fall into a deep sleep himself...

~day of hearing~

Laurent has had a couple of days to prepare for this and when he woke up this morning he felt anxious to get there. Now that he's arrived he's waiting to be escorted to the room where he will talk to her. Detective Brunet also arrives as he will witness with Laurent what her sentence is. When he sees Laurent they greet each other and Brunet tells him that he will wait outside the door so they can go inside the courtroom together. Laurent nods then looks at the guard who opens the door. He steps inside and there sits Erin who appears nervous. Laurent isn't at all affected by her nerves as all he can feel now is anger. He connects with her and when she sees his anger her eyes widen as her nerves have increased. It's almost a look of fear. He slowly sits across from her and she doesn't waste a moment...

Erin: "Thank you for agreeing to see me, professor". 

Laurent: "Just tell me whatever it is you need to say". 

Erin: *gulp* "First I need to apologize for coming onto you and getting upset that you went to the dean. You were just doing what you were supposed to and I shouldn't have overstepped that boundary". *pause* "What I'm most sorry for is setting you up. I didn't know she was your daughter". 

Laurent: "So if she wasn't my daughter would you have admitted what you did"?

Erin: "I...."

Laurent: "No you wouldn't". 

Erin: "I would have admitted what I did professor. I just mean that I feel even more awful knowing this now". *deep sigh* "I feel really awful". 

Laurent: "You should. Detective Brunet told me everything. You saw who killed my daughter and you didn't say anything. You knew I was in jail and you knew I would lose my job". 

Erin: "I'm so sorry and I'm ready to accept my punishment for this". *pause* "I'm really sorry about what happened to your daughter. I'm just sorry for everything and even though what I did shouldn't be forgiven I hope that one day you're able to".  

Laurent: "I don't think you understand what I've been through so forgiveness isn't something I'm thinking of. Yes you should get punished and you will". *pause* "I think my time here is done". 

Before she can get another word in Laurent stands up and angrily walks towards the door. The guard quickly opens it and when he steps outside he sees the detective waiting for him just as he said he would. Laurent had the intention of going into the courtroom with him...but changes his mind as he's too upset...

Laurent: "Detective, I can't go in there. Will you call me and tell me what happened"?

Brunet: "I sure will". *pause* "It really took some strength to go in there with what she did and I commend you for that". 

Laurent: "Thank you". *sigh* "I just need to get home to my family".

Brunet: "Understood and I'll be in touch".  

Laurent nods and they shake hands. He then makes his way towards the courthouse exit and once he's in his car he has a thought that perhaps he should have stayed for the hearing. But, he realizes it's for the best. Besides, it's only a matter of days before he'll be back in this place and possibly hearing what happened to their angel which is painful enough so he cranks up the engine to do exactly as he said...get home to his family... 

---------------------------

A/N: So, what does everyone think of his meeting with Erin? Was there more he should've said or were his words adequate? Please share your thoughts. Love you guys. ❤️