Big Top

Chapter 22

The picture is Audrey Hepburn if you've never seen her, our Audrey in the story :) she's simply gorgeous!

***

Louis's pov

I took a deep breath after Harry walked away. I hesitantly knocked on the door, pondering if this was really a good idea or not. But if this worked it would keep Audrey and the baby safe. I was very relieved when he opened the door and didn't appear to be drunk. The only pungent smell was the stench of his cigar. "Hello, son. Do you need something?" He greeted me, he didn't seem to be busy.

"I actually need to talk to you about something. Can I come in?" I asked fiddling with my hands nervously.

"Sure." He lead me through the door into his car. I smelt no alcohol even being inside which seemed even more odd. He always drinks at least a glass before a show, maybe he just hasn't yet. "What do you need?" He asked, shutting the door.

"Well, I'm not going to waste your time, so, I'll just cut right to the chase." I told him as he took another puff of his cigar. "What would you do if...i-if I got a girl pregnant?"

He looked at me strangely then sat his cigar in the ash tray on his desk. "You did what now?" My heart started to beat faster.

"G-got a girl pregnant." It felt so strange to say that since it obviously would never happen.

He leaned against his desk and laughed-Wait, what? "Well, I would say that's you're problem, son, and you'll just have to deal with it." He just smirked at me then turned to his liquor cabinet.

"Well, what if it was one of the showgirls?" I asked cautiously. He stopped his movements and turned back around with a stern expression.

"Which one of my showgirls?" His voice got deeper.

"I'm not telling until you promise not to hurt them." I wanted to make sure he wouldn't hurt Audrey or the baby. He could be angry all he wanted with me, but he was not going to hurt them.

"Who?" He asked again.

"Promise me." I said again.

He took a deep breath and glared at me then finally spoke, "Fine, I promise I won't do anything. Now tell me who." He demanded.

"Audrey." I sighed. His eyebrows rose as did a corner of his mouth. He nodded then turned back around to his liquor cabinet to pull out a bottle. "So, you promise nothing will happen to her or the baby?" I really needed to make sure, I knew I could never truly trust him.

"As long as she stays out of the way nothing will happen to her or the kid." He confirmed, pouring himself a glass.

"Thank you, Sir."

"But," he turned to me, "You must take full responsibility of them, they depends on you and you only. Understood?"

"Yes, yes, thank you, Sir." I thanked him again. I felt so relieved and overjoyed that he wasn't angry. But I would still have to keep an eye on him and his men, hopefully he won't go back on his word. He nodded to the door-my signal to leave-and I left.

I made my way back to my car where everyone was waiting. I walked in and Audrey had calmed down thankfully. She was seated on the sofa next to Martha and Harry was sitting in three chair across from them. They all turned their heads towards me when I came inside. "What did he say?" Audrey hurriedly asked me, worry still in her eyes.

"Nothing's going to happen to you or the baby." I assured, walking over to sit next to her, "As far as Richard's concerned, the baby's mine and I take full responsibility for you both." She sighed in relief then hugged my neck.