Chapter 14
The week had passed with no word from Robbie. She didn't know the protocol for this. Should she call him, seek him out? During the week she'd been on pins and needles, had depended on her schedule to keep her somewhat focused.
In the evenings, after she put Matty to bed, all she could do was think. She found herself checking her phone to make sure it was working. It always was and there were no calls.
There hadn't even been a case to throw them together. One of those rare times with little crime. She'd seen James once, he'd sought her out to ask if he could take Matty to the park at the weekend. Nodding, she'd told him yes. Matty had been thrilled that evening when she'd told him over dinner.
The buzzing of her phone snapped her from her thoughts, finally, a call out. Perhaps she would get her answer as James & Robbie were on schedule. Grabbing her things, she headed for her car and a crime scene.
She worked the scene, taking careful notes, already drawing a few conclusions. Of course, nothing was final until she did the autopsy but even her casual observations might send detectives off to a fast start.
She didn't want to seem anxious but found her eyes searching the room, her ears listening for those broad tones. It was James' voice she heard first, "What do we have Dr. Hobson?" She looked past him to see if Robbie was near. Seeing her look he shook his head, "He's directing some of the PCs outside. He asked me to get the preliminary from you."
James cringed at her hurt look then smiled inwardly as she quickly covered it. She gave him the rundown finishing with a brusque, "PM tomorrow morning at 9, don't be late."
He knelt beside her, speaking so only she could hear, "Are you sure you don't want me to say something?"
Shaking her head, almost imperceptibly, she matched his lower tones, "No, he's made his decision. I just need to accept it." She stood, speaking more loudly, "Tell your DI I only need one of you in attendance. As you understand the science of what I do better, it's best that it's you."
James stood, understanding her brusque tone, "I will see you bright and early, Dr. Hobson."
Her eyes spoke volumes of thanks, only he would notice or understand. She gathered her belongings and swept out of the room. As she loaded the last of her things into her car, she saw him. His back was to her, he was standing alone. She couldn't help but glare at him, wonder at the level of cowardice it took to abandon a little boy.
Slamming the boot of her car closed, she made her way to the driver's door, anger etched across her face as she thought about Matty. She didn't notice Robbie turn to her.
He'd felt her gaze, was overwhelmed by it. As he'd turned, he could make out the anger even from the distance. It tore at him but he knew it was for the best. She would be angry for just a little while but it would pass and she and Matty, his name now seared in Robbie's brain, would find a new life. A better life than he could offer either of them.
Robbie watched her drive away, lost in his own feelings of inadequacy. He never felt James's glare. James watched Robbie let Laura drive away and wondered how he could do it. He couldn't imagine walking away from a woman like her much less from his own flesh and blood. Shaking his head, he felt his own anger building. Some people didn't deserve happiness.