Missing Dog

Disclaimer: New tricks = Not mine. Nuff said. :-(

Sandra awoke to a sudden noise, she lay for a while, trying to get her bearings. The window was in the wrong place, and the walls were the wrong colour. She closed her eyes again and concentrated, she could hear voices, and a dog! It took a few moments for her to remember the events which lead to her and Robert being asleep in Esther and Brian's spare room. She felt the warm body behind her, his breathing slow and steady, indecating that he was still asleep. She turned carefully, making sure not to wake him, and slipped out from underneath the covers. She noticed her clothes were neatly folded on the end of the bed, Robert's were there as well. 'God bless Esther,' she thought to herself. She got herself dressed and stood watching the sleeping man, his face was relaxed and he looked so much younger and untroubled while he was asleep. She perched on the edge of the bed and gently brushed a stray piece of hair away from his face, he stired slightly but didn't wake, making her smile. She stood and slipped out of the room, taking care to be as quiet as possible. She made her way down the stairs and into the kitchen, Esther was mixing ingredients in a bowl, she looked up and smiled as the younger woman came in.

"Where are the other's?" Sandra asked.

"Gerry and Jack have gone home. Brian is in the garden. He's painting the fence as pennance for giving everybody a sleepless night. I've got quite a good list of jobs lined up for him, he won't dare complain." Esther told her cheerfully. "Are you hungry? I kept some breakfast for you." Sandra glanced at the clock, it was only just past nine. She could smell the delicious aroma of Esther's cooking and realised that she was very hungry.

"Thankyou." She said. She perched on one of the little breakfast stools as Esther produced a plate from the warmer and placed it in front of Sandra.

Sandra wasn't normally a breakfast person, but the full English she was now looking at was making her mouth water and her stomach rumble. She tucked in, and it wasn't long before she had cleared her plate. "That was amazing Esther, Thank you."

"You deserved it. Hiking around the woods in the rain, while my daft husband snoozed in the comfort of a nice dry shed. You make sure you don't let him forget it in a hurry." She smiled.

"How were the others? Did they say anything?" Sandra asked nervously.

"They made fun of Brian a bit," She paused, "Gerry wanted Jack to tell them what he and Robert had spoken about in the woods."

"Did Jack tell him?"

"No, he wouldn't. I think it troubled him a bit, whatever Robert had said. Jack said he needed to think things through first." She sat down opposite Sandra. "What's wrong love? The boys all know now, I think they'll be alright with you and him being together."

"I can't believe he thought I was embarrased by him. Why didn't I see it?" She berated herself.

"Why does he have so little self esteem? He seems like such a confident man. I've seen him making speeches in front of crowds, and speaking to cameras and reporters, he seems so sure of himself."

"He isn't, it's all an act. He is very aware of what people think of him, and how they talk about him behind his back. It hurts him. He's spent his whole life as an outsider, I don't know how much I should tell you, he told me about his childhood while he was drunk, I don't know if he even realises how much of it he told me. He just want's somebody to love him for the person he is."

"What kind of person is that?" Esther asked, leaning her head on her hands and looking at Sandra intently. Sandra smiled.

"He's funny, he can always make me laugh, no matter how down I'm feeling. He's affectionate, always giving out little cuddles and kisses, he always seems to know when I need a hug. He's kind and considerate to a fault. He loves to play music, and he's got a great singing voice. He Loves his children, but he doesn't get to see them much anymore and that breaks his heart. He hates being called 'Bob', and being at the beck and call of the politicians. He's incredible, and I love him."

"I can see that." Esther smiled. "And I think he loves you just as much. Whatever happened to him, I think your the one to help him heal."

"I want to be. But I've already hurt him without even realising I was doing it."

"It's not all one sided, he has to learn to let you know when something is troubling him. You're not a mind reader Sandra, you need to tell him that it's alright to talk to you, to let you know when he's upset. He needs to know you won't walk away if things arn't perfect." Esther took Sandra's hand in hers, "I came to wake you earlier, but you both looked so comfortable, you fitted together perfectly. I couldn't bring myself to disturb you. It's a rare thing to find the person you fit perfectly with. Some people can go a whole lifetime without that person. When you do, it's worth fighting for." Sandra squeezed Esther's hand, she knew the older woman was right. "Now go and wake your man. There is a breakfast here for him, then you can get on with enjoying the weekend." She went back to mixing her cake, Sandra stood and left the kitchen, making her way back upstairs. Esther gave her an affectionate glance as she watched Sandra's retreating back. 'That one is definately worth the fight' she muttered.

Sandra slipped back into the darkened room, she sat on the edge of the bed and watched Robert sleep, she brushed the hair from his face, running the soft strands through her fingers, she noted the subtle silver strands creeping in around his temple and ears, she liked them, they softened his features, lessening the contrast between his dark hair and pale skin. He shifted slightly under her touch, rolling onto his back. She ran her hand along his jawline, feeling the light stubble there, she leaned in and kissed him on the lips, his breathing changed as he started to wake, he started to kiss her back, she smiled against his lips before pulling back. He yawned and stretched.

"Mmmm, that is a fantastic way to wake up." He sighed.

"Esther has cooked you a fabulous breakfast, and your clothes are clean and dry on the end of the bed. It's going to be a beautiful day, how do you feel about going to the park, it's much nicer during the day and when it's not raining cats and dogs. We could get a picnic and take it with us, just chill out and enjoy the day."

"There are regular police patrols through the park, we'll be seen." He said.

"I don't care, I don't want to hide anymore, I wan't everybody to know we are together. I'm not ashamed or embarrased by you, I love you and I want the world to know that. I'm so sorry I hurt you, I never meant to. Forgive me?"

"There is nothing to forgive, it's my own stupid insecurities kicking in again. I'd love to spend today in the park with you." He pushed the covers away and stood up, gathering her into his arms, she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and their lips met in another kiss, this one more passionate. She eventually pulled away, and he smiled at her, a nervous, shy smile. "Next week I've got to attend that fundraising gala the mayor and commissioner have put together. Will you go with me?" He asked.

"Of course I will. I'll be the proudest woman there."

"You'll probably be the most bored woman there, these functions are beyond dull, and you always end up with jaw ache from the excessive fake smiling and laughing at stupid jokes. But having you there beside me will make the whole thing bearable. I can show the world I am the luckiest man alive." He ran his hand through her hair.

"I will have to shopping, a special occasion like that requires a special outfit." She grinned.

"How about we go for a walk in the park, stop and have some lunch, then hit the high street." He smiled back.

"That sounds, like a plan. Now, why don't you get dressed, breakfast awaits."

Several hours later, Rob and Sandra were wandering through the shopping centre. The park had been beautiful, a vast difference from the night before, the sun was shining, warming them through, and they had enjoyed an ice cream while walking by the boating lake, and sat and watched as a young family tried to teach two small children to ride their bicycles without stablisers. They were spotted. The first time, they were walking past a pair of uniformed officers on foot patrol, Rob and Sandra had just kept on minding their own business, knowing the two constables were watching them. Sandra had thrown a casual glance towards them. Sure enough they were watching the DAC and DSI with amused looks and whispers. Rob had suggested they give them something to gossip about and had put his arm around Sandra's shoulders. She had leaned into him and they shared a quick, but intense kiss. A glance back had confirmed the uniforms were standing speachless, staring in their direction.

The second time they were spotted, they were heading back to the car, Sandra had noticed the two young PCs walking towards them and placed her hand on Robert's arm, He had smiled at her and taken her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze before turning his head and acknowledging the two officers who were looking at them dumbstruck.

So here they were, walking around the shops, knowing that by the time they returned to work on Monday, it would be common knowledge that they were together. She had already found the perfect dress, a form fitting midnight blue number which would cover enough of her to be seen at a respectable formal function, but would show just enough skin to let the imagination run wild, she had even persuaded Robert to buy a matching tie in the same midnight blue. She had also indulged in a set of dark blue lingerie, complete with suspender belt and black stockings. Robert had been rendered speachless as she had held them up for his inspection, asking him if he liked the colour, he had simply nodded, not able to trust his voice. Sandra had then announced that she needed to find shoes to go with the dress. At that moment in time, Robert would have agreed to anything, the thought of the lingerie lingering in his mind, making rational thoughts impossible.

Sandra felt on top of the world, she could feel that Robert was completly relaxed and at ease with her, that being seen to be a couple really wasn't a problem for him, she again felt a pang of guilt for making him believe she was embarrased of him. At this moment, she felt nothing but pride.

This incredible man on her arm loved her, and Esther was right, that was worth fighting for.

Author's note; Not sure about this, Missing dog was planned as a one shot, but I wanted to get this follow up done so I could concentrate on some other stories I have planned. I hope this is ok and doesn't ramble too much.