Chapter 7
This chapter covers a period of about six months from April to September of 2005. To put some timing for perspective, Robbie's first letter was sent in January of 2005. It took almost seven weeks for Laura's first letter to make its way to him (late February). Robbie didn't want to push his luck so he waited several weeks to write her back. She got his letter in April 2005.
Dear Laura,
Thanks for writing me back. Don't worry, I wouldn't dream of pushing my luck with you. I wouldn't want to be one of those demanding, cheeky Detective Inspectors who need to be put in their place.
Would your envy of my sunshine be made better if I told you it is often hot and humid here? And it often rains as well. I could also tell you about the mosquitos that could take down a small farm animal. Or I could just shut up about it all and learn to be grateful for the very green grass on this side of the world.
I am better than my letter probably led you to believe. Especially now I've joined the local cricket club. Mostly I'm coaching one of the local boy's teams. But there is an older league starting soon and I'm thinking about joining it. Just for a laugh really, a little exercise, a little fresh air. So your advice, while just now delivered, is already making a difference in my life.
Fondly,
Robbie
PS
I like your bad jokes but I do draw the line at puns.
Dear Robbie,
You always were smarter than Morse gave you credit for me. I say that both for realizing not to push your luck and for heeding my advice in advance.
Mosquitos do make my envy somewhat better. Although I would take a few nice hot days. The rain has also brought cooler weather. I am pretty certain we won't get a summer this year. I might have talked myself back into my envy. You might have to give me some other reason not to be green with envy.
I admit I had quite the laugh imagining you playing cricket. In all honesty, I've only ever seen you in suits. I'm quite certain you don't wear suits all of the time but the gap between suits and cricket whites is fairly wide. I do hope you did it though.
Oxford is the same as always. The police department is ticking along. Crime happens, it gets solved or not solved. Life goes on. Sometimes I wonder if there is a point to it all, if I make a difference.
I should go. Despite my last paragraph, I promise I'm not as jaded as I sound. Just a bit overworked and long overdue for more than a weekend away. Luckily I have just that coming up very soon. I'm taking three weeks off so if I don't write for a while, don't worry, I haven't forgotten about you.
Your friend,
Laura
Dear Laura,
I guess I should call myself lucky there was only one bad pun. I'll let it slide this time but next time there might be some type of formal reprimand.
Three weeks away? Must be nice. I hope you are going somewhere warm and sunny. Will the medical examiner's office survive without you? For that matter, will the Oxford police department? Imagine how demanding and cheeky those DIs will be upon your return.
Yes, I did decide to join the adult league. I'll have you know I am quite good. I'm not sure if it's the exercise or staying busy but I'm finding I don't mind it here as much. I've found a routine, made a few friends, even the weather seems better.
You probably won't get this until you've returned from your holiday. I hope you had a good time and wherever you went left you relaxed and rejuvenated.
Fondly,
Robbie
Robbie,
Just a quick note from my holiday. You'll be happy to know I am somewhere warm and sunny. Greetings from Kastellorizo. It's simply breathtaking and exceptionally relaxing. I am no longer green with envy, in fact, I am quite tan.
L
Robbie,
Greetings from Kas. It's a beautiful village a short ferry ride from Kastellorizo. It's one of the best diving places in Turkey. That's the plan for today followed by a walk through the village. I suspect this won't be the only day spent here. It's an easy ferry ride from Kastellorizo. Hope cricket season is going well. Are hurricanes something you have to worry about where you are?
L
Robbie,
There's been a change of venue. This postcard comes to you from Antalya. I thought of you today as we drove past a cricket pitch. I was a bit surprised to see one here. It's much hotter here. This is the last destination. My holiday ends in five days and I'm back to Oxford. Believe it or not, I am looking forward to cooler weather. I will miss the tan though. Hope you are well.
L
