Laura saw in the New Year, illuminated by flashing lights and surrounded by colleagues, in a time honoured fashion, examining a crime scene. A stabbing in Chipping Norton saw her called out at 1.30am on New Year's Day, and she couldn't even take comfort from the prospect of seeing her favourite DI since Chipping Norton was decidedly off his patch. In another universe perhaps, flashing lights and familiar faces might have signalled quite the party, but on this occasion, Laura considered as she surveyed the scene, it was all rather bleak. She didn't much like the look of this one. A complex scene - the victim had tried to crawl for help, and hadn't made it, the knife still firmly wedged in his back, but the handle wiped clean. No obvious motive, no theft, no forced entry and yet it was a vicious wounding, undertaken with some force. Laura didn't envy her CID colleagues much on this one. The proximity of the crime scene to the county boundary also meant that colleagues from across the county line might potentially become involved and Laura knew that inter-agency dialogue could be a total and utter bind.
Back at her car, Laura stripped off her scene suit and shoved it into the carrier, ditching her gloves, and swapping her shoes back for the trainers she'd arrived in. Shivering in the wind, she pulled her winter coat back on, and hurriedly got into the car. She checked the clock as she turned the engine on and then yawned loudly. 3am. Ugh. Laura checked her rearview mirror and, waving a hand in retreat to her SOCO colleagues, she turned the car around and drove back to Oxford. It was a straightforward enough drive, and Laura was grateful to get home when she eventually did. It was pitch black and very chilly as she made her way down the garden path, and it made Laura feel quite shivery. Something about the way the light scattered from the street lamps made the garden look quite eery and Laura suddenly felt quite unsettled. She unlocked the front door, letting herself in, and looking it firmly behind her. Laura walked round her house, checking all the doors and windows, before taking herself back downstairs and putting the kettle on to make a mug of camomile tea. Tired and cold, Laura was more than aware that she was brewing a panic attack, and the rhythm of making a cup of tea was soothing. Once the kettle boiled, she made the tea and then took the mug upstairs to her bedroom. Undressing and slipping in a pair of well worn and very comfy pyjamas, Laura got into bed and wrapped a throw around her shoulders. She closed her eyes and took a long slow deep breath, before sipping her tea. Slowly, the familiarity of her bedroom and keeping her breath nice and steady began to ease the tension she felt and Laura began to unwind.
Tea drunk, she snuggled down in the bed and smiled slightly as she realised she could smell Robbie's aftershave on the pillowcase. Laura closed her eyes and nestled against the pillow. It was a bit pathetic, Laura decided, but she didn't much care. She missed him, missed his presence in her bed. They'd only been together for six weeks but it felt like longer, and coming home to him had become unexpectedly routine. He'd come back from Manchester a few days ago and she'd been so pleased to see him. It had been really lovely having him around, and although Laura knew that the New Year and return to regular routines would make it harder for them to keep their burgeoning romance to themselves. They were fortunate really that this had all developed out of a really solid friendship, and that the two of them spending time together was considered to be fairly normal by those who knew them. Laura suspected that they were probably going to get away with maintaining their infrequent dinners, drinks and possibly slightly more. But equally, James in particular, if not the other around them would become suspicious at some stage. Laura smiled to herself. Ah, yes, James. She wondered how long it might take James to work it out. He was an infuriatingly intelligent man, and Laura suspected that he would fairly quickly put two and two together. As she drifted off to sleep, a smile dancing across her lips, it was the prospect of a future with Robbie at the forefront of her mind.
Later that morning, Laura roused from her sleep. She blinked at the clock sleepily, light pouring through the gap in the curtains and was pleasantly surprised to see that it was quite late morning. Nearly ten am, but still pretty chilly. Laura nestled back down in the blankets. She was quite happy tucked up in bed for now, and she yawned. Her phone buzzed on the side and she reached for it. A handful of texts, largely New Year's greetings, a reminder from her brother that she was welcome at theirs and an enquiry from Robbie as to how her on-call had panned out. Laura cast a glance over her emails, but decided that nothing was worth answering on New Year's Day. Robbie, Sam and Ellen's messages required answers and Laura considered how she would spend the day as she tapped out a message to Ellen. Happy New Year Els. Dinner soon? Lx. Laura knew she was now off shift for the rest of the day, and she wasn't due into the office until the following day so she could relax for the rest of the day. The rest of the week was fairly standard - two days on day shift, two on call, Sunday off, and as she mused over her options, Laura decided she'd text her brother back suggesting they all meet up for Sunday lunch and a walk by the canal the following weekend. That would be something pleasant to look forward to.
That just left Robbie and Laura considered how she should best respond. She very much wanted to see him, but she was itching for a decent run and to clear her head. And she needed some time to herself. Laundry and cleaning wasn't going to do itself. Happy New Year! I got a shout in the wee small hours, so I'm off the clock until 4pm. Am going to go for a run this morning, then catch up on chores. What are your plans? Lx Laura checked the weather forecast on her phone and considered what kit she wanted to dig out for her run. It wasn't forecast to get much above freezing, so gloves were a must and Laura considered that she'd probably want a buff to keep her ears warm. Her trusty running jacket was waiting in the hall, and she'd dig out some leggings and a t-shirt too. New Year's Day was likely to be quiet - most people would be sleeping off hangovers, and Laura was keen to get going. Some coffee and a piece of toast would set her up, and then she could be out. Her phone buzzing stirred her from her revelry, and she smiled when she saw the reply. Happy New Year pet. Fancy a curry tonight? Laura considered this for a moment before she replied. That might be the perfect solution. She could have a leisurely day to herself and then catch up with Robbie later. Sounds lovely. What time? Usual place? Will it be open? Laura replied, and then reached for her dressing gown. It was definitely time for some coffee. As she glanced around her bedroom she sighed. It was a cosy space and she was going to miss it when she moved. The new house was going to be lovely, and Laura was already considering what she might do with the garden. There was a gorgeous pagoda in the garden and she was looking forward to making the space her own. She tied her dressing gown around her, and pulled on a pair of thick socks. Her phone buzzed in her pocket as she made her way downstairs, and she pottered about in her kitchen, making coffee before she leant against the counter and retrieved it, mug of coffee in hand. I reckon it'll be fine, but I'll ring and check later. Expect the pub'll be open if not. Laura smiled. The eternal optimist, was Robbie.
Laura thoroughly enjoyed her run around the Oxfordshire countryside. The weather was chilly but crisp and the wind bustling about flushed the last of Laura's fatigue from her body. After an hour and a bit of exercise, she arrived home refreshed and cheerful. It had proved a perfect way to start off her year. Stood under the water in her shower, Laura eased the last of the tension from her neck, enjoying the hot water coursing over her. She rinsed the last of the shampoo from her hair and then reached for her favourite shower oil. Soaping her skin, the familiar scent relaxed her and when she stepped from the shower, Laura concluded she was feeling like a whole new woman. She dried herself off, wrapping a towel around her hair and then began to apply moisturiser. The second layer of scent was a luxury Laura rarely had time to indulge but it was nice to take the time to pamper herself a bit. If Robbie ended up coming home with her tonight, she knew he'd comment on her perfume. He seemed to have a bit of a thing about the scent she wore. Before Christmas, lying in bed, he'd nuzzled against her shoulder, pressing kisses to her skin. "What is it?" he'd asked curiously and Laura had frowned. "What do you mean?" she asked and he'd feathered more kisses across her shoulder. "Your perfume. Whenever we're together, I can smell it, and I'm curious," he replied and Laura smiled to herself but didn't say anything. "Sometimes," Robbie continued, his lips close to her skin "I catch a hint of it when we're together and it drives me mad until I can get you to myself again," Robbie told her, kissing the side of her neck and Laura closed her eyes, arching her neck so he could scuff his mouth across her skin. Laura smiled to herself at the memory, working the last of her moisturiser into her skin and then heading back to her room to dress. Opting for skinny jeans and a long sleeve t-shirt, then pulling a looser knit over the top. She blowdried her hair quickly and then headed downstairs for some breakfast.
The rest of the day passed peacefully for Laura. After her run, she'd retrieved the new book she'd been reading and curled up on the sofa with it for a couple of hours, and once she'd had enough of reading, she'd pottered around the house, catching up with chores and laundry. As dusk began to settle, she considered the room around her. She'd miss this snug. She avoided the garden room - it still felt unsettling to be in there, and the memories were too fresh. But the snug, she hoped she could recreate something of the same space in her new house. Laura was beginning to look forward to creating a home in the new place, to redecorating it and making it her own. Laura got up and drew the curtains, carefully checking the locks as she went. Once she'd done the ground floor, she went into the kitchen and considered the contents of the fridge. She mused for a moment and then retrieved her phone from her pocket. Do you fancy coming here for dinner instead? Laura suddenly fancied cooking, and she wasn't inclined to schlep out for the sake of it. Her phone buzzed and she smiled at the appearance of his name. You sure? Don't want to take advantage of your hospitality… Robbie grinned as he read Laura's text. Yes, an evening at Laura's would be very pleasant no doubt. But he meant it, he didn't want to push his luck. Her response arrived promptly. I offered. Besides, I fancy cooking. Laura was, it transpired, a very good cook and Robbie was quite happy to be on the receiving end. Shall I bring a bottle? He messaged her back, considering the options available in his flat, and trying to decide if it was worth nipping to the off license on his way over to Laura's. It probably was. He ran his hand threw his hair and considered his outfit, just for a moment. It was still astonishing to Robbie that Laura found him attractive. He'd hoped she might feel something for him, something more than friendship, but the physical connection between them was more than he'd dared dream. He'd worried about the age gap, convinced himself that he was too old for her, that he wasn't the right man for her. And yet, the second that they had kissed, all those doubts had eased away. And now, in the early days of this relationship, Robbie was growing in confidence, allowing the remaining vestiges of doubt to disappear. Laura was so lovely, so beautiful and he was still slightly stunned that she wanted him. Thrilled, but stunned. His phone vibrating in response drew him from his musing. If you like. Won't be anything fancy so don't worry too much. Robbie tapped his phone against his lip for a moment and then set it down on the side. Would it be presumptive to take an overnight bag? So far, he'd ended up staying with Laura every time he'd gone over, and she'd stayed with him a couple of times too. He much preferred her place. It was very hard to resist the lure of a sleepy Laura, to feel her snuggling into him, have her skin against his and even though they were both due in the office tomorrow, it was definitely worth one more night with her.
Robbie headed to his bedroom, and quickly put together an overnight bag, along with his suit for the following day. He figured he could leave it in the car, just in case he ended up staying. He hoped he might. They were going to have to be careful from now on, if they wanted to keep this to themselves, and Robbie and Laura had talked about this. Talked about wanting to keep it between them. He'd worried she'd think he wasn't serious about pursuing a relationship with her, but on the contrary, it was something he wanted so badly and he wanted to build a sure foundation for a future with Laura. What he didn't want was overt attention, station gossip, knowing looks. And if a bit of discretion means that he could spend long nights in Laura's arms, hold her close and enjoy her company then he was fine with that. Besides, what did Laura want?Perhaps they were both overthinking this. Was the status quo enough? He'd promised her time and he had meant it. He didn't want to rush her, put pressure on her and yet they'd already slipped into an easy routine. Robbie sighed. He thought he and Laura understood each other on this. What was it she had said? I just want this, Robbie. Time with you, just the two of us. I don't need an accolade or a label. We don't need to live in each other's pockets. I just want a little time together, when we can. Robbie dropped his washbag into the bag, and zipped it up. It was strange in a way. He was completely convinced that his future lay with Laura, and in some ways this undefined yet burgeoning new side to their relationship was strange. They were together, to all intents and purposes. Yet, they weren't.
Robbie sat down on his bed. When he'd married Val all those years ago it had never once dawned on him that one day he might find himself in this situation. You never thought about it, when you were young and in love, having kids and working through jobs and exams and life. And to have that forever suddenly snatched away. It had been a dark few years. And he'd hated every moment. He'd railed against the injustice of it all. And it was unjust. Val deserved better. The kids deserved better. Hell, he deserved better. But it was what it was. And here he was now. Gradually finding his way out of this dark period in his life. It was a new year, an opportunity to begin afresh. And he wanted to grasp it with both hands. Laura had been present in his life for so long, and she'd been a dear friend. Inviting her to Glyndebourne had been such a turning point for him. It hadn't worked out, work getting in the way as usual but she'd been so good about it. And they'd stuttered for a while, caught between friendship and something more. Until October. Never had Robbie had his reality checked so pointedly until he was driving down the road towards Homewood, rigid with fear that he wasn't going to get there in time and Laura would be dead. His relief at getting there and hearing her scream was huge. And goodness, he'd barely wanted to let her go when she'd walked into his arms in hospital and cried in relief and fear and weariness.
Perhaps they were both holding back. Did it matter? At some point he wasn't going to not be able to stop himself from telling her that he loved her. It was going to tumble out one day. It was clear as day to Robbie. And he wondered if Laura felt the same way. He hoped she did. She acted as though she did. Was what they were settling into enough? For Robbie, beginning this with Laura would ultimately mean one thing. If they were going to be together in the long term, then he wanted to marry her. God, even thinking that made him inhale sharply. It was the first time really that he'd allowed himself to entertain that thought. But it was, he thought, actually how the land lay. It wasn't something immediately on the horizon. But for him, then commitment to Laura meant marriage. This was ridiculous. Robbie shook his head, stood up and picked up his bag. Here he was, not even sure how to describe their burgeoning relationship and yet, simultaneously sure that one day he was going to marry Laura. Lewis, man, you're a queer fish, he told himself. His phone buzzed in his hand. So what time will I see you? Robbie dropped his bag by the front door and reached for his jacket. On my way, pet.