Lewis
I've managed to get Laura back into bed; we've both left our pajamas on. I simply hold her. I'm glad that she heard me speaking to Val, that she knows that she's not competing with a ghost. I know what that can be like. After Morse died I heard whispers around the station. I was offered the Virgin Island position by Strange before Val died but I turned it down. I don't want Laura thinking I see her as Val. Looking at the clock I see that it's early evening and we've spent nearly all day in bed. Truth be told we both need the rest. I let her breathing lull me to sleep. Around 5:30 I wake up and for once I don't feel the foglike hangover of too little sleep. I gently remove meself from Laura and head to the bathroom.
Hobson
By habit I wake up at six in the morning. It takes me a moment to remember where I am and when I do I smile. I then hear a strange pattern of splashing water and the *clink* of porcelain. I pad slowly towards the bathroom and see what is causing the noise—shaving.
"Good morning pet." Is Robbie's greeting as he spies me in the mirror. I'm transfixed as he raises his hand and swipes a path with his razor. The razor is then immersed in the filled basin and with a flick of his wrist the razor is cleaned before being strategically banged on the side of the sink to remove excess water. It is actually quite hypnotic. "Do you want me to drive you home, so you can get some clothes?"
"No, that's all right. Aberdeen Angus has left me some his collection to look at this morning so I'll be in scrubs all day. I'll just go into the station wearing the dress I had on yesterday and change there. I have some trainers in my locker." I take a deep breath through my nose and can smell the clean fragance of soap on Robbie. I take a quick summary of myself and realize my hair is a mess and I reek of sex. "Can I use your shower?"
"Of course you can, let me get you a fresh towel." I laugh inwardly as he dashes off to a linen closet with half his face covered in shaving cream. When he returns he smiles tenderly as he hands me the fluffy white towel. As I take it I utter a revelation, "Oh, you should know. I love you too."
It's a good thing I'll be showering since my right cheek is now covered with shaving cream from Robbie's kisses.
Lewis
While Laura is washing and dressing, I make some toast. I also have a few minutes to rummage through my old Police Constable belongings. When Laura emerges from the bedroom she is freshly washed and in a rumpled dress, I find the combination adorable. She passes on the toast and goes on the hunt for her handbag. When she is ready to go I amble towards her and extend my fist. "Here, I want you to have this."
She reaches out her hand palm up and I open my fist to deposit my offering.
"St. Christopher?" She asks as she inspects the medallion.
"No, St. Michael. Patron saint of Police Officers. Me Mum gave it to me when I entered the force. I would like if you wore it."
"Keep me out of freshly dug graves?" She jokes lightly.
"Aye that, and to show people you're mine." She exhales softly before opening up the chain and placing it around her neck. We make small talk on the way to the station. From the vehicles in the carpark I see that Chief Super is already in. I make me way to me office and see that James has already arrived—early. I'm barely to me chair when he speaks.
"Sir, I want you to know you have my full discretion."
"Aw, that's all right." I say in dismissal
"Sir you held my confidence with Fiona Kendrick."
"James, Laura and I discussed this. I'm actually on my way to see Innocent and tell her about us."
James' eyes grow wide and I'm reminded of my son, how his eyes would grow large when I threatened to tell his Mother something that he had done. I don't know if I can keep a straight face anymore so I get up to leave. "Be on me way."
Hathaway
I can't believe my boss is going to tell Superintendent Jean Innocent that he is in a relationship with Dr. Laura Hobson. I have honestly no clue what the woman will do with that information. I've seen a possessive and sympathetic side to Innocent. Possessive when she dragged Lewis to that chamber music recital. Sympathetic during the whole Munkford affair. I take a moment to pray for my boss.
Lewis
Fist raised I knock on the door, a muted "come in" drifts through and I stride into Superintendent Innocent's office.
"Robbie, what can I do for you?"
"I'm here to inform you of something Ma'am."
Innocent's face is puzzled, "New call out?"
"No Ma'am not yet. It's personal."
Innocent's face is still relaxed as a friends would be, "Go on."
I don't mince words, "Dr. Hobson and I we're in a relationship."
At my words her professional mask appears, "Intimate?"
"Yes, ma'am." I affirm.
"Longterm?"
"I would like it to be Ma'am." Is my answer.
She rises from her chair and I stand also. She comes to stand close to me at this moment she is every inch a Superintendent. "While the rules of fraternization don't seem to govern this particular pairing I want you and Dr. Hobson to keep this as professional as possible. No make-out sessions in the canteen, and no punching fellow officers if you think they're flirting with Laura. Also if I think there is any hint of anything inappropriate I will have all of Dr. Hobson's cases reassessed and you transferred. Do you understand?"
My answer is firm, "Yes Ma'am."
I then watch in awe as the professional mask drops and Jean addresses me, "I'm happy for you, Robbie. Just make damn sure you treat her well."
"Yes Ma'am."
She smiles and cocks her head towards the door. I nod and exit her office and head back towards mine. I see that Hathaway has placed a fresh mug of coffee on me desk. "You're still alive, all vital bits intact?" He smirks.
I shoot him a dirty look, "Yes, and I'm not being transferred so you're still stuck with me."
James raises his eyes towards the ceiling and smiles. "Well now that Super knows I don't have to keep your secret so I guess that means I still owe you?"
I sit and grab the nearest stack of files, "Bloody right."
My attempt at paperwork is not to be as Cooper barges into little domain to announce that we have a body.
