James had melted into a pool of cool blue time. All that existed was this man focused on his lips and his nerves signaling his brain that this is what pure joy was. He knew it would end soon, but at least for one moment in his life he knew.

There was a noise out there in never-mind-land somewhere and suddenly his joy was abruptly ended with a rather irritated voice asking against his lips, "What the bloody hell is that!"

James turned and his breath caught and he stood up with a look of disbelief, "I believe that would be Chief Strange. I don't know the other man…ghost…whatever?"

The look on the Chief's face was mortified and annoyed, "I don't know you, but is that Lewis that you were…snogging?"

James snapped to attention, and held out his hand, "Detective Inspector James Hathaway, Sir. I know you from your portrait. Yes, this is Detective Inspector Lewis. He won't be able to see you properly, only a vague disturbance. I seem to be the Ghost liaison for the Thames Valley Constabulary. How may I help you, Sir."

Strange seemed pleased with the adherence of police formality that Hathaway indulged in without the screaming and running away he'd been subjected to most of the time. He smiled and extended his hand in a cool pretend handshake which both pulled off with a synchronized grace. Strange took a step back and introduced his companion, "Detective Inspector Hathaway, I am pleased to introduce, Detective Inspector Fred Thursday."

The other man nodded and appeared somewhat confused.

"Pleasure. I have heard many kind things about you, Sir, though sadly third hand. My former Governor and Detective Chief Inspector Morse's former bagman, DI Robert Lewis. Now, what may I do for you gentlemen?" Hathaway asked pleasantly.

Strange took a deep sad breath and shook his head, "Well, matey, it's Morse."

"It most often is." Thursday interjected.

Strange pushed his glasses up his nose and shrugged agreement, "He's escaped."

"Again." Thursday added helpfully."No need to deny he was here, son, we already know he was. Got a grief beacon from, Lewis over there."

James turned his head and looked confused. "I don't understand. Escaped from where? What, pray tell, would he be incarcerated for?"

Strange looked uncomfortable and tried to explain, "He isn't in confinement, he just isn't meant to be out here meddling with you…er…"

"Living people." Thursday said obligingly.

"Stop finishing my sentences, matey."

"Then get to the point faster. Morse will be harder than ever to track if he gets a jump on us. You know what he's like," Thursday said.

"Yes, I do. And his Bagman is here. He will be back."

James turned to Robbie. "Chief Strange and DI Thursday are looking for Morse. It seems he's escaped from…not-jail."

Robbie appeared shocked, "Well, I haven't seen him personally you understand, but it was my understanding he'd done what he intended and was headed home…or …er…whatever you call it. "

"Yes, sir. That was my interpretation, though his departure was rather abrupt," James collaborated.

Strange looked confused, "What was it he wanted? He's not to be meddling with your cases, matey."

James smiled, "He wanted to advise Robert that he was in need of a check-up. Didn't want him to knock off on me like Morse did him. Oh and told us you ordered we not muck about with the disciple case."

"What?"

James led him over to his suspect board, "I was using their old notes to try to figure out who killed an estate agent."

"Well, good. Morse always was obsessed with this case. Bad lot there. Tim Perry?"

"Yes, sir." James said.

"Sold me the house I died in," Strange stated.

"He was murdered around twenty-four hours ago."

Strange nodded then peeked around James at Lewis, "Bad heart, was it? And you were…"He waved his hand about.

"Just an experiment, sir. For a case. May have gotten a bit enthusiastic." James said with pure innocence on his face.

Strange looked relieved. "Oh. Well then."

"He actually lives with Dr. Hobson. Just came round because I was hit by a car. Anything else I can do for you, Sirs?"

"No. No. Carry on." Strange kept looking at Robbie. "See you soon, Lewis."

James bristled at that, "No, you bloody will not."

Thursday stepped forward as if to protect Strange. Hathaway glared.

"Morse may have been right to have come, matey. If you see him, tell him we need a word with him," The rotund ghost said kindly.

Hathaway frowned, taking the hint most seriously, "It was a great honor to meet you both. I will pass on your message, should he return."

"Can Lewis see… him?" Strange asked softly.

"No, Sir. I interpret."

"I see. Well, when someday comes. Do look me up, Hathaway. Chasing our wayward souls can be quite the adventure, much like police work."

"I shall indeed, Sir," James said kindly.

I know it is a short one but I hope you liked it. Yes, things are about to cock up in a whole new way - You would be bored otherwise! Any mistakes - It is half-four a.m. Thanks for the reviews.