Keep-a-readin' , then do some a-reviewin'-pleeeease. It makes me smile.

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The door opened to reveal Robert, clad in OR scrubs with a package under his arm. He looked a bit embarrassed but couldn't hide the grin on seeing her. A huge smiled spread across her face too. Her spirits lifted, which was odd because Robert's presence had never had that effect on her before.

'Finally,' she said, abandoning any pretence, 'I thought you'd been scared away.'

Not entirely sure what she was referring too, but happy just to see her again, Robert walked in and closed the door.

'I didn't know my presence was so desired,' he said playfully, walking across and sitting beside her.

He could have sworn she blushed.

'Oh well it's a slight improvement on the nurses who just come in to poke and prod me and cause me great pain. What's that?' she asked, quickly.

Robert reached into the package and pulled out some magazines.

'Figured you'd be bored,' he said, 'but I suck at presents so-here.'

She took them with a smile and quickly looked through the pile.

'Crosswords?' she said, raising an eyebrow.

'It's a proven fact that crosswords help with the healing process,' he said, straight-faced.

'Really?' she asked.

'Yeah, you do a couple and you're so bored you heal quicker so you don't have to do anymore.'

She laughed. Robert made a mental score. He'd made her laugh, ding, one for him. He was trying to keep things light, silly even, to ease her into what he was going to say later. Much later though, because he was enjoying himself. This was just like normal. No, it was better than normal, because they were having a conversation like two human beings. And she was laughing.

Okay, we can try a little more.

He reached into the bag again.

'Oh and there is of course this.'

He pulled out a lollypop. Elizabeth struggled not laugh, as it was beginning to hurt her side but was happy to play along.

'That for me?' she asked, evenly.

'Yes. Don't worry I got one for Ella too just in case she feels left out.'

'A lollypop?'

'What, Lizzie, you don't like it?'

'Well-'

'Cause I can keep it you know.'

'-shut up and give it here.'

'You're sure now.'

'Robert-'

'You sure you want my lollypop?'

'Don't make call the nurse.'

He considered a moment then held out the lollypop which she took with ceremony, then shook her head downwards, concealing her giggle.

'My side hurts now,' she said, smiling.

'Sorry,' said Robert, 'I know my visits are painful but-'

'No they're not, you know that. Don't make me boost you're ego even more,' reproved Elizabeth.

Robert sat back, feeling a little bit guilty, but strangely warmed by her admittance.

'Nice room,' he said.

'My father's influence,' she shrugged, 'still it's quieter. Although, I am beyond bored.'

'Knew there was a reason you were glad to see me,' teased Robert.

She shot him a look, but it was half-hearted.

'To be honest,' she said, 'I feel a bit embarrassed about seeing you again.'

Robert's brow wrinkled.

'Why?'

'Because of the way I acted last time. I was so...I'm not sure of the right term...out of it? Only not. I was very...in it. Everything I was feeling was so acute and it seemed like I knew how everything was-'

She stopped, confused.

'Did any of that make any sense?' she asked.

Robert looked upward and thought for a moment.

'No,' he said, 'but seriously, Elizabeth, you don't have to feel embarrassed. You'd just been through a terrifying experience, anyone else would have been wailing their guts out.'

Elizabeth studied her fingernails and was suddenly worried about how much of a mess she must look. She hadn't done her hair properly in days and she wasn't wearing any makeup. Then she wondered why she was bothered.

'I didn't ruin your jacket did I?' she asked, suddenly, changing the subject.

'No. I hung it up to dry for a few hours and it was fine.'

They chatted amiably for a while. Robert mentally thanked God and promised to get that tambourine for keeping his pager silent.

Elizabeth was feeling better than she had done in ages. Talking to Robert in a normal manner was unusual but pleasant. He was witty and charming and she felt utterly relaxed in his presence, rather than the usual feeling of suspicion.

'You've been in surgery?' she asked, eventually.

The surgeon within was dying to get back again and feel the rush. She really missed it and realised what Robert must feel all the time now.

'What gave it away?' asked Robert, avoiding the question.

'What was it? I know its shop but I'm getting itchy fingers sitting around here all day,' wheedled Elizabeth.

Robert carefully told her about the days procedure. He didn't want to upset her, so avoided mentioning why the man's internal organs were so cut up.

For her part, Elizabeth didn't ask. She guessed the cause, but didn't want to think about it. She was just fascinated by the details of the operation; the little shortcuts and near misses it involved. Robert found it a release to have someone who understood to talk to about his other love. Just one more reason she was his perfect woman.

'-took us a while I can tell you,' he said, 'and they'd all ready started by the time I came in.'

'Why?'

'Oh I had a phone call,' said Robert, dismissively.

'Who from?'

'Lizzie, my private life is not that interesting.'

'So it was private?' pressed Elizabeth, raising her eyebrows.

'Have you been watching Murder She Wrote re-runs?' he asked.

He was trying to avoid the question, but he didn't want her finding out any other way. He just needed to ease into it.

'What are you not telling me?' asked Elizabeth, suspiciously, 'if it was just routine you would have told me.'

'So it was just routine.'

'I don't believe you now.'

Robert sighed.

'Okay,' he said.

He started to tell her about Yvonne's phone call, pausing now and then to wait for her to stop giggling about his award. Then he paused.

'So, how does this involve me Robert?' Elizabeth asked, a grin playing on her lips, 'do I get one too?'

'Okay Elizabeth, this bit is serious,' he said, 'you...the police have been coming to talk to you haven't they?'

Elizabeth shrugged and made a face.

'A couple of times. The same questions over and over, I hope I never-'

She stopped, the smiled fading, and looked straight at him.

'What did she say?' she asked, quietly.

Robert avoided her gaze.

'You're going to have to testify. At Martins trial.'

'Why? What could they possibly have to prove? He's guilty!' demanded Elizabeth.

Robert shrugged and avoided her eyes.

'That he wasn't mad,' he explained, 'Yvonne thinks that he's going to plead temporary insanity. If they prove that, he'll get off. Well he'll get help I suppose, but no jail.'

Elizabeth was silent. She had thought, for some reason, that she would never have to see Martin again. After repeating her story to the police she had thought that would be an end to it.

Foolish idea. She should have known Martin wouldn't go down without a fight. Then again, who was to say he wasn't mad at the time?

'Elizabeth?'

Robert was looking at her, concerned. She didn't look up.

'Mmm?' she mumbled.

'Are you...all right?'

She blinked, then looked up.

'I think I will be,' she said, determinedly, 'I've faced worse, after all. I need not remind you of a certain Mr Rollins.'

Robert shifted uncomfortably. He knew she was strong, but could she be that strong?

'No, you needn't. I have no doubt you could do it,' he said.

Elizabeth bit her lip.

'He...you spoke to him Robert, do you think he was mad at the time?'

Robert gave a small laugh. Was she joking? He'd spoken to really insane people before and as unstable as Martin seemed, he didn't think for one moment he wasn't perfectly in control.

'A failed business and broken relationship do not a lunatic make, Lizzie,' he answered.

Elizabeth nodded non-comittedly. Robert noticed and leant forward.

'You...don't think he was do you?' asked Robert.

Elizabeth did not reply.

'Lizzie, this man shot you!' said Robert, loudly, 'You can't let him get away with it!'

'I know that Robert!' she snapped, her voice rising, 'I am more than aware of that! But I have to tell it how I saw it. Anyway, all they are going to ask me about is what I remember, not about his sanity.'

Robert struggled with his anger. What was she talking about? She couldn't possibly to want him to get away with it?

'Elizabeth don't be naive,' he said, 'His lawyers are going to use you. They'll ask you because you're a reliable witness and if you say he seemed insane the jury will believe you.'

Elizabeth looked away. She knew he was right, but Martin's actions had been confused and she was no expert. And she knew she couldn't lie.

'Elizabeth?' pressed Robert.

'I'll do what I have to Robert-tell the truth.'

They both fell silent. Elizabeth could feel the irritation running off Robert, but she was equally as annoyed. Why couldn't he just help her? Why did he have to battle with her? Then again, Martin had nearly killed her. That had tortured Robert.

Elizabeth felt her eyes become moist and fought hard against crying. She stared out across the city again.

Robert watched her face. He'd upset her again, just when things were going so well. But he didn't want Martin to go free. For his sake and hers. Then he saw the tears form. I can't make her cry again, he thought.

'Sorry,' he said, 'I should come with a health warning.'

Elizabeth snorted.

'That's the second time you've apologised to me, in so many weeks. Its becoming quite a habit,' she said.

Robert reached out and took her hand. He expected her to flinch or pull away but she didn't. She just looked down at his hand.

There was a knock at the door. Robert pulled his hand back sharply and they both looked towards the door.

'It's not a nurse they usually come straight in,' said Elizabeth, absently, 'come in?'

The door opened and the head of her father popped round.

'Visiting party I-well this is a surprise. Hello Robert.'

Robert stood up quickly and edged out from his chair. He plastered on a fake smile. No matter how much he loved Elizabeth, he couldn't get on with her parents. Charles Corday emerged into the room with Ella.

'Mr Corday,' said Robert stiffly.

The two men regarded each other for a moment, in what Elizabeth felt was a new definition of 'the awkward moment'. Then Ella, with tact and diplomacy, broke the silence.

'Rob!' she said, holding out her hand.

'Hi Ella,' he said, focusing on the kid, 'and how are you today?'

She very seriously held up her toy dog and said,

'Abda Black onto dah!'

'Absolutely,' answered Robert and the little girl smiled.

Robert grinned, then remembered where he was and coughed awkwardly. He turned back to Elizabeth.

'I'd better be going,' he said.

Elizabeth nodded, her face unreadable. Turning back, Robert again fake-smiled at Charles.

'This place never stops,' said Robert, blandly and quickly stroked Ella's cheek, 'see you kid.'

He moved round Charles and opened the door.

'I suppose I should thank you,' said Charles, turning.

Robert paused with the door half-open. A thanks from the great Charles Corday? This was something his ego wouldn't mind listening to.

'I understand you were...instrumental in assisting the police and also took care of my granddaughter here. That was...very good of you.'

Charles gave a little nod and Robert figured that was as much thanks as he was going to get.

'Oh really it was nothing,' said Robert, laying on the modesty.

'Robert has been very kind father,' interjected Elizabeth, 'he's been visiting me too.'

'Has he now?' said Charles, his smile cracking, 'well isn't that nice.'

You're really struggling to be polite here aren't you, thought Robert, is it terrible that I like watching you squirm?

'Thank you for your visit Robert,' said Elizabeth, evenly, 'we'll continue our discussion later.'

Robert nodded at her, cast another glance at Charles and left. Charles turned back to his daughter and walked across to her, handing Ella over.

'Surely you've suffered enough without Robert Romano's constant attention?' he said, settling opposite.

Elizabeth kissed and hugged her little girl.

'He's done a lot for me Daddy. Besides he's not the same as when you last met him.'

'That I can see. Although I think it would take far more than just getting his arm sliced off to change that man.'

'How about the potential loss of his career? Listen Daddy, I don't want to talk about this with you. I just want to enjoy my little girl.'

She kissed Ella again, then remembering something, reached into the brown paper bag Robert had left on the table. There was indeed another lollypop, but this one was a Kermit the Frog one.

'Muppit!' said Ella, reaching for it greedily.

'I've lost count of the number of times cherub's said that,' said Charles, curiously, 'rather an odd word for her to learn. Any ideas darling?'

'She's never seen them as far as I-'

Elizabeth paused and cast a glance at the door, a smile spreading over her face.

'I really couldn't say,' she finished.