Chapter Two

Robbie Lewis looked at James worriedly; he'd been monosyllabic since his meeting with Innocent but had refused discuss it, merely saying that they'd been interrupted and that he'd have to reschedule it but Robbie knew that there was more to it. Getting up, he said,

'I'm just popping over to the mortuary; question about the autopsy report.'

Relieved that the blatant lie at least got an amused smirk from James, Robbie made his way to the mortuary to consult Laura Hobson. She was in her office doing paperwork and Robbie smiled involuntarily as he saw the expression of concentration on her face. He knocked and went in, feeling a surge of pure joy as Laura's face lit up when she saw him. Without a word, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her. Laura responded and for a couple of minutes Robbie simply revelled in the happiness and love that he felt. However, when his hands started to wander, Laura stopped him, saying,

'Robbie, you do know that I share this office, don't you?'

Robbie blushed even as he laughed at her teasing. He'd never been an exhibitionist and he'd genuinely forgotten where he was. Rallying, he said,

'I thought doctors were unshockable.'

'They are. They'd just enjoy blackmailing me over it.'

Smiling broadly, Robbie said,

'Just like coppers. Got time for a coffee?'

'Yes, it's a quiet day today so far. Let me just save this.'

A few minutes later they were sat in their favourite café. Laura waited until Robbie had stirred his drink then said,

'What is it?'

Robbie smiled wryly, thinking not for the first time that with her exceptional observational skills, Laura would have made an amazing detective,

'It's James. He's upset.'

'The case?'

'Mebbe…'

'But?'

'But he was more upset after going to see Innocent.'

'But that's understandable, isn't it? She probably tore a strip off him for wanting to resign.'

'I don't think it's that.'

Laura raised an eyebrow sceptically so Robbie continued,

'He doesn't get upset like this when she gets angry. Also, Innocent knows he was devastated by what happened; she wouldn't have laid in to him.'

'True, Jean takes her pastoral responsibilities very seriously, particularly where James is concerned.'

'Aye, well they've always hit it off.'

'Could she have taken it as a personal betrayal?'

'Mebbe…' said Robbie, doubtfully.

Laura thought for a minute then said,

'Why don't I see if Jean will meet me for lunch? She's probably dying to vent.'

'Good idea.'

'And why don't you invite James out for a drink with us after work. You know how hard he finds it to talk about things. Perhaps a drink or two with friends will help.'

Robbie nodded and they finished their drinks and went back to work.

Half an hour later, Laura was staring anxiously at her phone as she thought about what she'd just heard. Jean Innocent had been friendly but distant and Laura had thought that she wasn't going to get any information from Jean until she'd been inspired to invite her for drinks after work with 'her and the boys'. Laura had distinctly heard a quaver in Jean's voice as she'd refused and Laura had realised that Jean was really upset. Concerned, she had extracted a promise from Jean to have lunch with her tomorrow but had been forced to concede defeat as far as today went.
When she had first met Jean Innocent, Laura had been wary, thinking that Jean was ambitious, uptight and uncaring. As they'd got to know each other, Laura had discovered that the latter was completely untrue; Jean was a very caring woman. Gradually, over time they had become good friends and she wished that Jean would confide in her now. Sighing, she sent Robbie a text,

*Jean upset too but refusing to talk about it. *

*No surprise there. Lunch? *

Robbie's response made Laura smile, even as she acknowledged the truth of his comment. Jean Innocent was almost as bad at talking about her feelings as James was.

Robbie had been more successful than Laura, so after work the three of them had headed to The Trout for a couple of drinks. An hour later, Laura exchanged a concerned look with Robbie as James got up to get the next round in. James was having whisky chasers with his beer and seemed determined to get drunk as quickly as possible, which was not normal behaviour for him at all. Robbie shrugged and Laura grimaced, acknowledging that if James wanted to get drunk he could. He was an intelligent adult and if he wanted to be nursing an almighty hangover at work tomorrow that was his business.
As James returned with the drinks, the pub door opened and DI Peterson came in. Robbie immediately put his arm around Laura's shoulders. Laura shot him a level stare and he blushed guiltily but didn't move his arm, saying,

'I just want to make sure that he doesn't pester you.'

'Robbie, the whole station knows that we're together now; he's not going to pester me. He was always very respectful, anyway.'

'Glad to hear it.'

Peterson came and joined them and they talked shop as he drank his beer. After a few minutes, they all noticed that Peterson was turning round every time the door opened.

'Waiting for someone?' asked Robbie.

'No. Well, not really. I was just wondering if the Chief Superintendent was coming in tonight.'

'Oh?'

'I just had an idea I wanted to float past her,' said Peterson airily.

Laura narrowed her eyes thoughtfully as, having been told that they weren't expecting Jean, Peterson drank up and left.

'I see the news has got around,' said Laura, 'I wonder how many of the others will be trying to accidentally bump into Jean outside of work now.'

'What news?' asked Robbie.

'Jean's divorce.'

'She's finally got rid of that idiot? About bloody time,' said Robbie.

'Wait? She's getting divorced? DCS Innocent?'

'Keep up, James,' said Laura teasingly, 'Yes. In fact she is now divorced.'

'What? When did it happen?'

'She got the decree absolute last week. I'm surprised it's taken this long to get around the station honestly.'

'Hang on, Laura,' said Robbie, 'How long have you known?'

'And why didn't you tell us?' added James.

'She told me about six months ago and I didn't tell you because she swore me to secrecy.'

'She's divorced,' said James, blankly.

Robbie looked at James affectionately,

'Yes, lad and if it's taking you that long to understand a simple statement, then it's time you eased off the whisky.'

James blinked then said,

'You're right. In fact, I think I'm going to head off now. Night.'

Without waiting for a reply, James strode off. Puzzled, Robbie said,

'What was that all about?'

Laura smirked and he narrowed his eyes at her but she shook her head, saying,

'I could be completely wrong. Ask me again tomorrow.'