"That sick bastard treats a dead body as a gift?" Matt was pacing furiously across the bullpen, a thunderous expression on his face. In an effort to vent his frustrations, he slammed his hand against the wall, causing Robbie to slosh hot coffee into his lap. Muttering a curse, he began to dab at the stain with kitchen towelling, shooting a glare toward a sniggering Stuart as he did so. Recollecting himself, Matt dropped his voice to a conspiratorial whisper, darting a glance toward the squad room door. Jackie had retreated to the ladies room in an effort to compose herself, and Matt didn't want her returning unexpectedly and overhearing his next remarks. "One of us needs to escort Jackie home. I don't care how strong and together she says she feels – she shouldn't be left alone tonight." Robbie made eye contact with Matt over Stuart's head, before simultaneously dropping their gazes to their younger colleague's face. Adopting a sheepish expression, Stuart protested, mumbling an excuse of which the only discernable phrase was "have a date." With a knowing smile, Matt gave his constable permission to leave, but not before issuing Stuart with a directive to arrive on time in the morning "no matter how good a time you have." Flushing scarlet, Stuart nodded, before scurrying out into the corridor, eager to escape from his teasing colleagues. Chuckling, Matt began his own preparations to depart for the evening, but abruptly stopped upon noticing Robbie's slightly murderous expression.
"I've had to stay and work despite having a date hundreds of times. Why does Stuart's social life take precedence over mine?"
"Haven't you ever heard of the boy who cried wolf, Robbie? The constant stream of bimbos you classify as a dating life doesn't cut it in my book as a reasonable excuse to abandon work. Besides, you only have to walk down the street to attract potential partners. Some of us have to work a lot harder." With a knowing smile, Matt made to leave. As he exited into the corridor, he called "Be on time in the morning. And take good care of Jackie."
Realisation dawning, Robbie shouted at his boss' retreating back "Stuart gets the evening off but I get stuck with Jackie? What if I had other plans this evening?"
"I certainly won't stop you. I wouldn't want to cramp your style, after all." The familiar voice caused Robbie to freeze, guilt knotting his stomach.
"Shit," he murmured under his breath. When did her movements become so stealthy? He turned around, an apology forming on his lips, before he was struck by how composed she looked, despite what she had been through so far this evening. Smiling at having caught him unawares, she gathered her things from her desk, asking him "Should we go? I think I'm right in assuming your company is meant to be of some comfort to me. I suppose I'll make do."
Poking his tongue out at her, Robbie grabbed his own things and fell into step with her as they exited the bullpen, filled with grudging respect for Jackie's quick wit. Life certainly was never boring in her company.
He watched her and that skirt chasing colleague of hers leave for the evening. The sight didn't worry him particularly, as he knew she possessed enough intelligence and self respect not to fall for his charm. However, he would have to monitor the situation. After all, she belonged solely to him.