Stuart sipped his coffee slowly. Knowing Robbie it was the only one that he was going to buy for him. He'd noticed that Robbie couldn't keep his eyes off the waitress and wondered if he should make a move. If Robbie had his way Stuart would be paying for 3 doughnuts, cookies and muffins and Stuart really needed to save right now. He looked at Robbie trying to catch her eye and decided to get his attention.

"So about Mr Hutton?"

"Yeah, I really think we need to go back to his secretary" Robbie told him.

"Robbie you went there twice, once with Jackie and once alone. Your just waiting for the cooling period so that you can ask her out"

"Well excuse me for being determined to crack a case"

"That's not all you want to crack" Stuart said, with his eyebrows raised.

"That's hurt my feelings Stu, why don't you get me another coffee to make up for it, and throw in a muffin too" Stuart knew it. He got up with a frown and did as he was told. Robbie was pulling his leg but really needed to dig out the dirt on this case. Annual reviews were coming up and he'd didn't want the boss to think he was slacking. Despite eyeing up the pretty waitress and every other women in sight, he also noticed Stuart was on edge, but figured he was just anxious about the reviews as well. He nodded as Stuart came over with his peace offerings.

"Thanks mate" Robbie took the coffee and clasped it in his hands, looking at Stuart as if that would tell him his thoughts. "You seem more off than usual, you ok?" Robbie asked him.

"I'm just gonna get a refill" Stuart said to change the subject and he quickly got up, them both knowing that Stuart could have got one before. Stuart became more anxious as he reached the counter. Robbie couldn't find out. Not yet. He hadn't even told Jackie yet. For the time being he would just have to act normal and not arouse his friend's suspicions. If they grew concerned about it, all the boss would have to do is look at them and he'd know. Burke knew people that well He knew them that well. He smiled as he gave his money to the waitress who'd finally stopped looking at Robbie to smile back. The change jingled in his pocket as he walked back and to stop Robbie talking, he thought he'd mention he'd pulled.

"Looks like she wants second helpings"

"Look at the lasses in here, Stu, they all do" Stuart smiled at him and Robbie bit his lip as Stuart decided to go back to the case. "So you're gonna talk to the secretary and I'll go over Mr Hutton's debit card statements. I'm sure his wife will give them up with no hassle" Robbie picked a blueberry out of his muffin and leaned forward in his chair. Stuart looked at the blueberry, thinking he was teasing him. "You gonna eat that?" Stuart asked. Robbie shook his head.

"Stuart don't be afraid to tell me" Stuart's eye's widened. "What?" Robbie ate the blueberry and picked off another piece of the muffin. "I know what's been keeping you awake at night mate" Stuart sipped his coffee, surprised at how hot it still was. He told himself he was ready for his friend's reaction, good or bad. "I'm glad you know" Stuart said as he breathed in deeply. Robbie nodded, satisfied he'd got the answer. "Stu, you like to play it cool, but admit it, you hate review day too, don't worry, it'll be our little secret" Robbie pinched a bigger piece of his muffin and smiled at Stuart's confused face. "Drink up, we've gotta get back"

Stuart looked at his friend as he picked up the cup. He didn't want Robbie to change and in order for that to happen, he realised that he could never know.