DS Gray now had a source for reliable information at the hospital and helped Robbie find Laura.

Robbie entered a recovery room where the diminutive blonde pathologist was sleeping. He pulled a chair up next to her bed and prepared to stay for the duration. Any attempts by hospital staff to dislodge him were unsuccessful. He took one short break when Jean Innocent came and kept watch.

One night in the pub a few years back Jean had confided in both Laura and Robbie that her husband had fathered a child with another woman. It added another clue as to why Jean did not look forward to going home at night. Robbie never expected that child would one day join his family as Ken's partner.

Shortly after returning to his post, Robbie noticed Laura struggling to open her eyes. "Laura." He gently brushed his finger on her cheek.

Her eyelids were too heavy to stay open. Without seeing, she knew who was there next to her. Her throat dry, she managed to croak out his name. "Robbie." Laura's heart beat a bit faster but her brain wasn't ready yet and she drifted back to sleep.


Jonathan booked a suite at the Randolph for Val and Ken for after she was discharged from the hospital and a smaller classic room for himself. Ken would spend most of his time at Ryan's bedside. Ryan came through the surgery and his body was getting used to the new kidney while his other injuries healed.

Val wanted to visit Ryan before she left the hospital and Jonathan walked her down to his recovery room. Jonathan had not wanted to upset Ryan by visiting. When they got to his room, Ken was waiting outside for them. "Mum, they said one at a time so why don't you go in." Val went in and sat by the man she had come to think of as a second son.

Ken had news for Jonathan. "I told him you were here. He wants to see you."

"Really?" He choked up. "Thank-you."

After a few minutes Val came out. She nudged Jonathan. "Your turn."

"He looked at Ken. Are you sure?"

"Yes, we talked briefly. The time for secrets and lies is over. Now it's time for forgiveness."

Jonathan quietly entered the room and sat by his son's bedside and held his hand. Neither spoke for a few minutes, then Ryan whispered, "Hi Dad."

When Jonathan came out he told Val and Ken that Ryan was asleep.

Val asked, "How did it go?"

Tears welled up in his eyes, "My son, he forgives me, wants me back in his life."

Ken stayed at the hospital while Jonathan got Val settled in at the Randolph. Before he left her to rest he had something to ask her. He dug his hand in his pocket.

"Rose, sorry I mean Val, I bought these last week." He handed her some tickets.

"Cats, the musical, next month at the town hall theatre?" How did he know it was her favorite show?

"I was wondering if maybe you would like to go with me. If you are planning to go back to Australia, that is."

"I am."

"Just friends", and then more softly, "for now."

She considered his offer and decided it was worth the risk. "Yes I'd like to go. It's nice to have a friend."

Jonathan smiled and was happy he had chosen an evening at the local theatre and not a weekend away.


Laura now had her eyes fully open "Hey you."

"How are you feeling?"

"I'm not sure yet. What are you doing here?"

"I have you under surveillance. You are a difficult woman... to keep track of. "

"Why, am I under arrest?"

"If only it were that easy to hang onto you. Are you feeling up to a few questions?"

"That depends who the questions are from, DI Lewis, or Robbie." She coughed. "I need a drink."

Robbie held a cup of water to her lips. She nodded. "Better. Go ahead."

He tried not to sound like a police officer. "How come you are here? I thought Mr. Innocent was the kidney donor."

She shifted on the bed to raise her head. "He was a match, being Ryan's biological father helped his chances. Upon further testing it turned out he's given his kidneys quite a bashing over the years and they are not suitable for donation." She winced in pain. "Jean and I got tested when he did and found I was also a match. I always lubricate my kidneys with excess water when I drink so they are in pristine shape."

"Ken is grateful. I'm happy Ryan is alive but my family has hurt you again."

Laura leaned back against her pillow and Robbie clumsily tried to straighten her covers.

"Robbie, What's that?" She pointed at his bandaged right hand.

"That's for putting yourself in harm's way, twice, to save Val and now Ryan. There's a wall needing a new paint job."

"Robbie you would have done the same thing." She gave him the once over again. "And that?" She carefully touched the bruise on his other hand.

"That was for the message you left."

"What was wrong with it?"

"It was only a small bump! When I got the text about the accident you were the first person I thought of."

"That means a lot to me Robbie."

He lifted the cup of water so she could have another drink. "I've been a bit of a fool. I should have told you about Val as soon as I got that letter from Lawrie."

"Maybe you can make it up to me when I get back from New Zealand. If you haven't gone back to your first love."

"When you get back, what about me?"

"Robbie, you are not going to New Zealand with me."

"But we're all set, we planned it. What am I meant to do, stay here alone?"

"You have work." She touched his arm. "Running around in a bullet proof vest makes you happy." Then she punched his shoulder with as much strength as she could muster.

"What was that for?"

"You were going to wait until the last minute and tell me you weren't going with me, break my heart."

"I-"

"Robbie I can tell by the expression on your face I am right."

"I'm sorry luv. I am a lot of a fool."

"I saved you the trouble Robbie. Our new chapter took a turn I did not expect. We went from lovers to flatmates, well flatmates with benefits, sometimes, not often lately."

Her assessment of their relationship hit him in the gut. This wasn't how it was meant to be. Robbie blurted out, "Marry me."

Laura made a face. "No. That won't change anything. I'll never know whether I have you or not. Sometimes our relationship is like a hobby to you, you're here when it's convenient, you use me when you want to , just like that damned canoe."

"Laura, how can I make you understand? I love you and I love Val but I'm in love with you. I'm not in love with Val anymore. That chapter is finally closed."

"Is that because she closed it?"

"All these years...we didn't come this far just to get this far."

She tapped his chair with her finger. "How long are you staying here?"

"Until you go home."

"I'm going to Brad and Carole's house to recuperate for two weeks, not home."

Laura's brother did not approve of Robbie, did not see him sticking with his sister through thick and thin. His wife Carole was a bit more optimistic and could see the love between the pair of them and wanted Robbie and Laura to have their happy ending. "I can drive you to their house."

"Brad will pick me up. As I said, you have work."

"There must be something I can do."

"You can get that bloody canoe off my patio before I get home."