Chapter 1
The door to his new flat pushed open easily, there was a slight squeak to the hinges. He made a mental note to tend to those. His arms were full so he kicked the door closed, the squeak annoying him or perhaps it was the mind-numbing fatigue.
Dropping his purchases onto the kitchen table he quickly put them away. His mind wandered to the events of the day. He'd hoped today would be a peaceful return to Oxford. Instead, it seemed, all he had learned was time had passed him by.
There was a new Chief Super. She wasn't fond of him, wanted to put him out to pasture. It wasn't for him, he needed to be in the field, needed to be active. Well at least he had one last case before he was forced away.
The only familiar face in his entire day had been Laura Hobson. She'd moved up the ranks, seemed to be doing well for herself. It was doubtful anyone was going to be putting her out to grass anytime soon.
Fatigue pulled at him, the stress of returning had kept sleep at bay. He'd told the lovely doctor, Kate, he'd been awake for 28 hours. That number was probably off by half. He rubbed his eyes. Perhaps he should take the pill Kate had given him.
He pulled the blister pack from his pocket. Rolling it between his fingers, he was just about to get up to get a drink.
"You don't need that pill."
He turned, a small gasp, then a smile. "I wondered when I would see you."
"I've been here all along."
Slumping into the chair, "I haven't seen you in a long time."
"You haven't needed me."
His head dropped onto the table, "I always need you."
He could almost feel her hand gently stroking his hair, "No, you don't. But you do now."
A gentle smile curved his lips as his eyes closed, "Will you stay?"
"For as long as you need me."
Just before he fell asleep he whispered, "I love you, Val."
The knocking at his door woke him. He sat up, startled awake. Desperately he looked around the room but she wasn't there. It had all been a dream, a hallucination. Scrubbing his hand over his face, he walked to the door, opened it.
The lanky sergeant was standing there, a look of disapproval etched across his face. "We have another body. You didn't answer your phone."
Motioning with his head, "I need ten minutes to shower. Make me a cup of coffee."
"The Chief Super will be waiting."
"I haven't showered in almost 40 hours Trust me, she will appreciate me more when I'm clean."
He walked away, leaving Hathaway standing in the doorway. In the bathroom, he started the water, stripping his clothes while he waited for the water to heat.
"The time away was good to you. I like the tan."
He dropped the clothes, turning to see her perched, impossibly, on the window sill. "I thought you were a dream."
"Perhaps you're still asleep or hallucinating."
Robbie pinched himself, "Damn."
"Did that hurt?" At his querulous look, she smiled, "Last night you seemed happy enough to see me."
"I thought you were a dream."
"You really should shower. I don't have a sense of smell but if you really haven't showered in almost 40 hours, I can imagine."
"How are you here?"
She shrugged, "I told you last night. I'm here because you need me."
"To drive me crazy?"
"Who says you aren't already crazy? I mean you are talking to a dead woman."
"Sir, you really should hurry. The Chief Super won't be pleased."
"You really should heed the dishy sergeant's advice. I'll be here when you get home."
Before he could respond, she was gone. He stepped under the hot water, hoping it wash away the remnants of the dream or hallucination or whatever it was.