The third letter is revealed and Robbie scores some serious points. Only two more happy chapters left before we get some major angst.
Chapter 36
At 1:30 that afternoon, Jean was in her car waiting on Laura. She had texted her to let her know she was in the parking lot. Her hand went to her purse again to feel the package inside. She had a moment of panic thinking she had forgotten the envelope. She started digging through her bag as the door opened. She jumped as Laura sat down.
"Sorry Jean, I didn't mean to startle you."
Jean waved her off. "No worries. I was just checking to make sure I hadn't left something I need." She glimpsed the envelope and smiled. "There it is; we are good to go. I am starving."
They drove away and ten minutes later were seated in one of their favorite restaurants. They each ordered a glass of wine and settled in for a nice catch up.
Jean started, "I came looking for you yesterday afternoon and your lab tech said you left early. Did you have special plans last night?"
Laura blushed while taking a sip of her wine. "Actually, I did have plans with Jack but he's not the reason I left early."
Jean raised her eyebrow, "So?"
"I got another present from Robbie. He must have brought it by while we were out walking."
Jean tried to seem surprised, "So what was it this time?"
Laura smiled, "It was actually very sweet. It was a book and a DVD."
"Yes, I can see how that would be sweet." Jean raised her eyebrow.
Laura smirked, "It was sweet to me. It was The Fairie Queene."
"Wasn't that the play you were supposed to see?"
Laura took a sip of her wine and nodded. "It was. The book was an old one that Morse gave him to introduce him to poetry. Apparently he read it a lot when he was in the BVI it helped him get past his urges to drink. The DVD was a recording of the production we were supposed to see. He bought it ages ago hoping one day we would watch it together."
Jean took a deep sip of her drink, "Wow, that is sweet."
"I know. He also talked about that night on the bench and how he wanted to kiss me. But, I asked an awkward question and he pulled away."
"So, how are you? I know that yesterday upset you. How did you feel about this?"
"This just made me smile. It was a lovely thought."
Jean looked at her, "But?"
"Nothing, just a study in contrasts. Jack arrived almost as I finished reading the letter. So, didn't have a lot of time to digest it."
There food arrived. They waited until the server walked away. Jean looked at Laura, "I don't understand what contrasts?"
"With Robbie, I have waited all of these years for him to say even a fraction of what he has said to me. And, then, Jack walks in and he says it so freely."
"Oh Laura, you can't compare. They are different men from different generations."
"I know that Jean. But, you forget, I knew Robbie when Val was still alive. He was open and passionate with her. So, it's not a generational thing. Maybe it's just a me thing."
Jean shook her head. "Laura, I can't imagine that for a moment. I haven't read the letters but from what you have told me this isn't a man who doesn't have passion he just can't express it well."
"But, that's it Jean, he used to be able to. So, why can't he now?"
Jean shook her head, "So what did Jack do that was different?"
Laura smiled, "From the minute he walked in the door, he told me how he had missed me. He brought dinner, made me go take a bath, planned a back rub. He just wanted to take care of me. I've never had that with anyone."
Jean smiled thinking of Richard, "It is nice being taken care of."
"Even this morning, I was a bit overwhelmed by his ability to openly share his feelings. He knew that I had something on my mind and he wanted to talk it through. There was no hiding even when I asked him questions about his wife."
"So, Jack still has the edge."
Laura rolled her eyes, "It's not an edge thing. I don't know. It's just; Jack didn't have to be forced into saying these things. He just does them. I still feel like Robbie is doing this because he was afraid of losing me."
Jean closed her eyes and took a deep breath, "I know his motivation may not have been the best. But, does it make the emotion any less real?"
Laura looked away, "No, but, will he regret it later. Feel like he was forced."
"Laura, I think the only thing he would have regretted was never telling you and losing you."
"Maybe. I hate to rush, but I need to get back."
They paid the bill and Jean drove them back to the station. As she parked, Laura went to get out of the car. Jean grabbed her arm and stopped her. "Before you go, there is something I need to give you." She reached into her bag and grabbed the two items. "Before I give you this, I need you to know that I am on your side Laura and no one else's."
"I know that Jean."
"Honestly, I am Switzerland. I don't care who you pick. I just want you to be happy. With that said, I think you have to listen to Robbie has to say. I know that he has handled all of this poorly and his timing is absolutely atrocious. So, at least try to put aside the timing and just process the feelings." She removed the package and envelope and package from her bag and handed them to Laura.
Laura looked at them and Jean saw the anger flash across her face followed by another emotion she didn't recognize. "Why do you have this Jean? I thought Robbie was delivering them."
Jean shook her head. "No, he came in on Monday and told me he was taking a week's vacation. He left the package from yesterday with James. And, he left me a letter that told me I would get a package today. I was to take you to lunch and give this to you. I know I should have told you. But, after seeing your face after the flowers, I couldn't do it. I'm sorry but I thought it would be better if you got them in the way he asked."
Laura stared at the items in Jean's hands. "So, you don't know what's in the package?"
"I have no idea. All he said was he had a plan and he asked a favor."
Laura looked away and laid her head against the headrest. "So, you're on Robbie's side?"
Jean touched Laura's arm, "No, Laura, I am only on your side. All I want is for you to be as happy as you deserve. But, one thing I know about you. If you don't see this through, you will always regret it."
Laura looked back at her. "I'm not angry with you Jean. I actually understand why he would ask you to do this. He knew I would be angry at this point and likely to do something truly stupid." She smiled at her friend, "He knew you wouldn't let me do that. You're right, I do need to separate the timing from the sentiment."
Jean smiled and held out the items to Laura. "I'll let you go so that you can be alone to look at these."
Laura took them and shook her head, "No, I want you here." She looked at the envelope. Once again, it had her name and the note to open the package first.
This package was much smaller than the one from yesterday. It was wrapped in delicate tissue paper tied with a raffia ribbon with shells attached. She carefully removed the ribbon and fingered the shells. Then she removed the paper and opened the box.
Inside was a delicate, woven necklace. At the center was a complex stone with multiple shades of blue and green whirling through it. Laura lightly touched the necklace feeling the gossamer thread work. Jean looked over and saw it. "Oh my, that's beautiful. It looks like you."
Laura nodded still unable to speak. She touched the stone feeling its smoothness. She traced the whirling colors, "It reminds of the ocean."
"I wonder where he found it."
Laura smiled to herself. She thought she knew the answer. She laid the box on the dashboard, opened the envelope and took out the letter.
Laura,
One of the last things you said to me at the airport that day was "Don't bring me a rubbish gift."
Laura remembered saying that. She hadn't really meant it. But, she had to say something or she was going to kiss him and beg him to stay.
When I returned from assignment, yours was the first friendly face I saw. Everything about Oxford had changed, but you were still the same sassy, sparkly woman you had always been. The minute you smiled up at me, I realized I hadn't brought you a gift at all. All I wanted to do when I saw you was touch you. I had to make do with carrying your bag.
You seemed very happy to see me that day despite your comment about my shirt. All through that case, you were supportive even as Jean was trying to force me out. Honestly, during that case, I thought about just chucking it all and retiring. Then I would see your smiling face and I knew that while I might be able to leave the force, I wasn't ready to be away from you yet.
She remembered that awful shirt. She had never seen him wear it again. God, she hoped he burned it. She had wanted to leap into his arms but she knew that would embarrass him. She'd had butterflies in her stomach when he took her case because their fingers brushed.
I wanted any reason I could find to see you as regularly as possible. And, at that moment in time, the only way I could do that was through work. Thankfully, Jean recognized my worth and begrudgingly let me stay on. I would have been lost if she hadn't. It is why I wanted her to give you this package. Had she made a different decision after that case, I might have moved north and missed out on sharing part of my life with you.
The necklace is from the BVI. I got to know several of the local artisans. The woman who makes these is especially kind and took pity on me. I called her and told her about you and she said she had the perfect piece. She emailed me a picture and the minute I saw it I knew it was meant for you.
The woven necklace appears so delicate but it is actually quite strong and can withstand a lot of pressure, much like you Laura Hobson. The stone at first seems serene until you really look at it. Then you see the complex patterns. That is what really convinced me. This necklace looks delicate and unassuming at first glance. But, when you look closer you see the quiet strength that hides a passionate, complex interior that is only revealed when you truly look closer.
That is who you are to me Laura Hobson. And, I want to spend the rest of my life getting to know that passionate, complex side of you even more. I know that I have only scratched the surface. But, I want so much more and I only want it with you. I know it's taken me seven years but here is your gift. I hope it was worth the wait and you don't think it complete rubbish.
I love you,
Robbie
Laura looked up with tears in her eyes. She heard a noise to her side. Jean was crying. "Oh, not you too. At least one of us should be calm."
Jean wiped the tears away. "How the hell am I supposed to be calm after that letter? That is the single most beautiful thing I have ever read."
Laura took the necklace from the dash "Until you look at the necklace."
Jean dug in her purse and found some tissues and handed one to Laura while she wiped her own face. "All I know is I have been married to Richard Innocent for 25 years and I don't think he has ever given me that romantic of a gift. And, while you might not want to hear it, that's passion Laura."
Laura stroked the stone as she looked at the box. "It is at that."
Jean watched her friend stare at the necklace. "So, does that put your passion issue to rest?"
"I don't know Jean. But, it does give me something to think about. Jean, where is he?"
Jean shook her head, "I don't know. He didn't tell me and I doubt he told James either. He just said he would be back to work on Monday."
Laura wiped the tears from her face. "OK, I have to get back to work." She opened the door and got out.
Jean opened the window, "Do you want me to ask James if he knows?"
"No, it's OK. See you tomorrow night."
"Are you sure you still want to do that?"
Laura smiled and nodded, "I'm sure. I'm not going to stop living." She turned and walked into the office.
Jean picked up her phone and dialed James. When he answered she asked, "Do you have any idea where Robbie is?"
"No ma'am. He didn't say in his letter to me. And, I went by his house last night and it looks like he hasn't been at home in a few days. How was your lunch with Laura?"
"It was good."
"How did she like his gift?"
"She loved it. He really hit the mark with this gift."
James smiled on the other end of the line. "Really, so the DI has a few tricks up his sleeve."
"He does indeed James. But, he still has a long road ahead of him."
"But, he's making progress right?"
She smiled picturing the necklace and Laura's face. "Yes, I think he is."
There was a pause on the line. Then James said, "Ma'am are you still there?"
"Yes James, I got lost in my own thoughts."
"Do you by chance have plans tomorrow night?"
"Yes, Mr. Innocent and I are having dinner with Laura and Jack."
James groaned, "You just said Robbie was making progress."
Frustrated, Jean sighed, "I said progress, I didn't say he'd won the war. Now, why do you ask?"
"Well, I am playing a small gig tomorrow night and I thought you and Mr. Innocent might like to come as my guests."
"Well, it's four of us."
"That's OK. I will text you the information and put your name on the guest list. Besides, this way I might get to meet Mr. Innocent."
She smiled at his eagerness. "I can't make any promises James but send me the information."
"Already done, I hope you can make it."
Jean ended the call. She thought back to Robbie's gift and realized that she wanted to spend some time with her husband. She called her assistant and told her she was leaving for the day. Then she drove home to surprise her husband.