Set shortly after The Gift of Promise. In my world, Jean & Laura are good friends.

I don't own any of the characters. If I did, they would have a lot more fun.

Chapter 1

Jean Innocent walked quickly through the halls of the medical examiners office on her way to see Laura Hobson. As she reached Laura's door, she could hear Laura laughingly say, "Thanks for last night. I had a really good time."

Jean peaked through the blinds on Laura's window to see if someone was in her office or if she was on the phone. She could see the back of a tall man looking down at Laura. Then she saw Laura's arms go around the neck of the mystery and he leaned down and very thoroughly kissed her.

Jean looked away trying to decide who the man was. The height was definitely right for it to be Robbie. However, it couldn't possibly be him, Laura would have told her, surely. Jean stood there debating what she should do when she heard the door open. It was too late for her to leave so she turned to pretend like she was about to knock on the door.

The door opened fully and Jean found herself face to face with a man she had never seen before: a very handsome man, who was most definitely not Robbie Lewis. He smiled at her, "Excuse me, I was just leaving. Are you looking for Laura?

A flustered Jean stammered, "Yes, I am."

He looked back at Laura and smiled, "I'll let you get to work. Let me know about tonight."

Blushing and avoiding Jean's eyes, Laura smiled and shyly said, "I'll call you."

Jean watched the man walk away before walking into Laura's office and closing the door. She looked at Laura, pointed to the hallway, "Who, what, when?"

Laura sat at her desk, she wasn't sure if she was embarrassed or amused. On one hand, she really enjoyed seeing the usually calm, cool and collected Jean Innocent so flummoxed. On the other hand, Jean had most likely seen her kissing someone who wasn't Robbie Lewis. She took a deep breath and dove in, "His name is Jack Avery. He's a professor of Biochemistry at St. John's."

Jean stared at Laura, then finally, "How long?"

Laura took a deep breath, "A couple of weeks, last night was the first night we spent together. He'd picked me up here so he had to bring me to work this morning."

It was Jean's turn to take a deep breath, "What about Robbie? Why didn't you tell me?"

Laura frowned, "I didn't tell you because I didn't want that question asked. You know "What about Robbie?" I've waited long enough for him to be ready. But, when he didn't show up for dinner last month, it was the final straw. I gave him a chance to at least explain what happened and he didn't. I met Jack the next week. And, he was interested and available and he didn't stand me up. So, I went for it."

Jean sat on the edge of her friend's desk and placed her hand over Laura's. "You can always tell me these things. Yes, I have rooted for you and Robbie over the years. But, I also know how hard it's been on you." She paused for a moment waiting for Laura to look at her, "I'm always on your side Laura."

Tears filled Laura's eyes making them even more vividly blue than normal, she smiled at Jean and squeezed her hand, "I know, Jean, I just wanted this for awhile to see if I could do it. I was going to tell you at lunch today."

Jean nodded, understanding what her friend meant. "Yeah, that's why I am here. I can't make lunch today. The Chief Constable has requested the pleasure of my company. I would ask you to dinner, but based upon that earlier conversation, I think you have a better offer."

Laura laughed as she wiped the tears from her eyes. "He's going to cook for me. So, how about tomorrow night? You can come to my place, I'll cook and we can drink too much."

Jean stood up, "You've got a date." She walked to the door and opened it. Before she left the office, she turned to Laura, "If this isn't a passing fling, you need to tell Robbie."

Laura nodded at Jean, "We can talk about that tomorrow night." Laura's mobile buzzed and she looked at the screen, "Speak of the devil, looks like we have a body."

Jean waved at her friend; "I'll let you get on with it then. See you tomorrow."

Jean walked down the hall and after she rounded the corner, she pulled out her mobile and opened a new text message, "Be warned, the lovely Laura has a new friend. Don't think your Guv will be pleased." She hit send and headed back to her office.

Chapter 2