Frank followed them to the mess. He was more than a little curious about this new arrival that had stolen Sally's attention.
"Hey Guys, look what I found" Sally said cheekily
"Rob..."
"Hyper...mate..."
"Hows it been..."
"Sharpe??..."
Were the various greetings. He saw the warm reception Rob received and the fact Sally had only just let go of his hand so he could greet everyone, but still hovered close, a look of love and respect present on her face. A look he wished she had for him. He watched moodily from the corner and even looked on in amazement as Adam hugged Rob like he was an old friend. Rob then sat down, Sally on one side, Adam on the other and seemed to just be talking and laughing amongst each other, with a few questions thrown in by the others. Frank wished they'd have a shout so he didn't have to see all this. But nothing, the watch was quiet that evening. People didn't complain though. After a while, Rob led Sally away from the crowd to the bunks for a private word. Frank watched with mild interest. He heard Sally talking in hushed tones to Rob. She sounded surprised and excited, Frank listened to the conversation, but was only able to hear a little
"Just you and me again. Come on. You can stay with me. I've really missed you Sal" He heard Rob's soft Irish voice beckon Sally
"Its a big step. I think it would be good but I'm trying to work out if I can do it. I mean this place is like my home, my family" Sally countered
"I know Sal, but think about it. It's a rare opportunity. I'm sorry, I've just really missed you. Life has been very empty and no one at the watch makes me feel like you do. Plus the promotion is good and they will cover your training." Rob suggested further
"How long are you staying for?" Sally asked, while she had made rash choices in the past, she wasn't going to repeat it again. She'd think about it calmly and logically.
"I've got 3 days leave, so I'll be going on Wednesday, and I will really need an answer by then" He answered
"I'll tell you Tuesday. That OK?" Sally compromised
"Of course" He said and Frank could hear the smile in his soft, Irish voice
"Were are you staying?" Sally then asked
"Well I was hoping to stay with you" He said "If you have any room...if not I can always speak to Adam or a B&B"
"Well the place I'm living is a bit of a dump, can't really afford much else at the moment. But it's got a double bed, if you don't mind sharing?" Sally inquired
"No. That sounds great. I'll head off early and get some ingredients for my famous Lasagne. I'll meet you when you finish if you like? Please consider this carefully and don't make any rash choices" Rob said and Frank saw him take her hand and pull her to her feet.
"Come on wonderful, lets go grab you some food, your never know when you'll get a call" He guided her to the mess, not seeing Frank. Frank having only heard part of the conversation was even more curious about Sally and Rob's relationship. He decided he might have to do some digging and decided to find Adam and get the low down. Discreetly of course, about Rob and Sally's relationship. He wanted to know if Rob was a threat and why they were so close.
Later in the mess Frank cornered Adam as he sat in the corner reading the paper
"So. Adam, tell me about this Rob guy?" Frank enquirered
"There's not a lot to tell. They lived together when he worked here. Rob helped Sally through the incident with Joe and Sean. His always been there for her, and when Rob had personal issues, Sally helped him through. She sat and listened, and didn't judge, unlike the rest of us I'm ashamed to say. She just stood by him, unquestionably faithful. They were like two peas in a pod and still are. He was amazing after Sally was raped. Many of us didn't know what to say but he did. He really took care of her. He wouldn't think of anyone else, his very protective but didn't smother her. He took it very seriously and felt like he'd let her down, as the night Sally was attacked he'd stayed at mine. Just leave it. Rob is one of the best things to happen to Sally. He has done amazing things for her, and she has done some for him. I wished he'd have stayed, she hasn't been the same since he left. She's been more distant"
"What was that?" Frank asked "The personal issue about Rob?"
"I can't tell you. It's personal." Adam said knowing Frank had a minor issue with sexuality decided it was best left alone for now "Anyway I'm going to go and have a word with Rob."
"You get on well with him don't you?" Frank asked trying to find out more
"Yes we do. He makes me feel valued. I'll see you later mate" Adam said shrugging it off
"Yeah. Outside mine. We have one more task ahead of us, then I will make sure they leave you alone"
"'K" Adam answered nervously
