Torrid Affair | LT ✔️

Chapter Twenty-Six: Determined

AUTHOR'S POV        

Laurent holds mama tight as she softly cries into his chest. Ever since he was given the news that Larry hasn't been located and breaking that news to mama they haven't been able to say anything as the shock as well as the devastation of the unknown is slowly but surely eating away at them. What was supposed to be quick run to the market for a few items turned into their lives being completely changed and their hearts broken all within a matter of minutes. Now all they can think about is what Larry is going through...the fear he must feel. Laurent imagines it's the same fear he saw in his eyes when he watched that awful footage of Todd swooping him away...only much stronger now as he doesn't know what will happen to him. Without question that's what Laurent and mama are extremely worried for too but...they just had to have faith that Larry is found before anything worse can happen. As Laurent continues to comfort mama he realizes it's been hours since she's eaten or had anything for that matter and although he's sure she doesn't have an appetite he still has to make sure she's well so in a soft, delicate whisper...

Laurent: "Mama? Can I make you something to eat"?

*silence*

Laurent: "You have to keep your strength up". *kisses forehead*

Mama still can't bring herself to speak and Laurent's already broken heart is near shattering but wanting to keep his strength up for her too he fights through tears...

Laurent: "I'll make you some soup", he whispers sweetly. 

He gently slides from underneath her and as he stands up to head for the kitchen she rests her head against the couch cushion. Laurent's pace is slow but with each step he manages not to cry...but as he pulls out the vegetables to chop and simmer them for the broth he can just feel the emotions stirring within him. As he begins slicing the tears finally fill his eyes and whenever he sniffs he makes them low enough so mama can't hear. He scoops up each pile of vegetables and places them in the broth...taking care to season them liberally and as he stirs the contents of the pot that soft cry evolves into a much bigger one. He places the spoon down then drops his face in his hands to cry. Through his sniffs he whispers,"I'm sorry bebe. I so sorry this happened. I love you". It takes several moments as well as several deep breaths before regaining the strength to continue cooking...still wondering the same thoughts and asking himself the same painful questions about his love. How he deeply hopes the detective will find him...and much sooner than later...

*Detective Duval*

The detective may have walked away from the suspicious home but as he sits in his car his gaze is still on it. He can't seem to let go of this nagging feeling that it's a place of interest and although he didn't hear anything nor did anyone answer he's sure it holds significance...but without having anything to go off of and the one neighbor he could ask about didn't know anything there isn't much he can do right now. That doesn't mean he won't revisit this particular area again but as of now there's nothing he can do. He has to figure out other avenues to take in this investigation and just when he's about to crank up the car his phone rings...

"Detective Duval". 

"Detective it's Phil". 

Detective: "Hey Phil". 

Phil: "Hi. I called because of a discovery near the abduction crime scene". 

Detective: "What did we miss"?

Phil: "We found skid marks from a parking space however it wasn't that close to the victim's car so I don't know if they're related but the marks are consistent with a car taking off in a hurry".