A/N: And so to Suffolk. See how we managed a whole chapter before we went off on a random plot line...

Thanks for your reviews. They are much appreciated :)

Several weeks later, Laura pulled up outside her much beloved family cottage and sighed in satisfaction. She turned the engine off, and got out of the car. The Easter weekend traffic was just beginning to build as she'd pulled off the A13 and she was delighted to be back in her native county. This house wasn't the one she'd grown up in. Their parents had died when she was in her early thirties and she and Sam had sold their childhood home, but they'd kept on her late grandmother's tiny seaside cottage which they came back to whenever they could, and rented out for a chunk of the year through a local agent. The money from the rent paid for any repairs, and for someone to come in and clean, and Sam and Laura took a certain number of weeks for themselves each year. Easter was a luxury, and Sam had taken his family off to Paris for a break so the cottage was Laura's for a few days. Laura was suddenly glad she'd worked Christmas - it made it much easier to negotiate a long weekend off roster and to be able to retreat to the country for a little while. Retrieving the key from her pocket, Laura let herself into the cottage and gazed around the living room. Yes, this had definitely been the right decision. Robbie was due to join her later - fortunately different people signed off their annual leave so unless there was a significant catastrophe, it was unlikely anyone would realise they were both away. And James was off too. Something about a music festival in Scotland and a sleeper train. Hopefully, he wasn't going to put two and two together either.

Laura picked up her bag and took it up to the main bedroom. The cleaner had clearly been in and it was nice to be back in Walberswick. It was quiet and Laura loved the views from the cottage. From the bed, she could see the sea and it cheered her. She opened the window, allowing the breeze into the room and then made her way downstairs. Laura hung her jacket up properly in the hall and then went through to the kitchen to put a pot of tea on. It was so nice to be away from Oxford, and the prospect of a weekend with Robbie all to herself was very pleasant indeed. She'd stopped off on the way and picked up enough groceries to see them through the weekend. They'd go to the pub tonight and she'd already booked a table. So all she needed was Robbie, and they'd be set. The kettle clicked off, and Laura turned to make some tea. Cup in hand, she wandered out to the garden and sat on the bench, watching the clouds scull past along the coast. She sighed in satisfaction and sipped her tea slowly. The garden was pretty and Laura had fond memories of playing in this garden as a little girl. There were roses dotted around the garden, and the wisteria was beginning to bud. Her own garden back in Oxford had begun to mirror this one, she realised. How funny. An opportunity to shape something completely new, and Laura had inadvertently recreated her granny's garden.

The sound of a car pulling onto the drive roused Laura from her musing and she set her mug down, before strolling round to the front of the cottage. Robbie was just getting out of his car when she appeared and he grinned at her. "Hiya love," he said and she smiled back. Robbie ducked his head to kiss her in greeting and Laura smiled. She traced her fingers up to cup his cheek and kissed him slowly. "Hi," she replied. "You are a sight for sore eyes," Robbie told her, looping his arm around her shoulders as they walked up to the cottage. "This is a lovely spot," Robbie observed and Laura nodded. "Next time though, we're going up north," he told her and Laura's eyes twinkled. "Next time?" she murmured, an eyebrow arched and Robbie snorted in derision. He dropped his case down and then pulled her into his arms so he could kiss her properly. Laura closed her eyes as his lips grazed hers and she relaxed into his kiss, sliding one hand under his jacket and the other up to his shoulder. Robbie cradled her closely, savouring the freedom to kiss her without concern. At length, they drew apart and Robbie grinned at Laura. "So this was your granny's place?" he asked, picking his bag up and then slinging his arm around her shoulders as they walked into the cottage and Laura nodded. "It was indeed," she replied and he glanced around. "You grew up down the coast from here, didn't you?" Robbie asked and Laura nodded. "Not far from here," she replied, winding her way through to the kitchen and refilling the kettle. "Going to give me the guided tour?" he enquired jovially and Laura looked over at him. "Of course," she replied before leaning on the counter. "You've seen the hall, and this is the kitchen and that's the living room…" Laura gestured to the sofa, and then she grinned at him. "There's a bedroom and a bathroom upstairs," she continued and Robbie shook his head. "Is that the best you can do Hobson?" he enquired and Laura laughed. "You made good time," she observed as the kettle clicked off and she began to make a cup of tea for Robbie. "Casting aspersions on my driving?" he enquired dryly and Laura laughed loudly. "Would I?" she asked smoothly and Robbie chuckled. "You absolutely would," he replied definitely and he and Laura exchanged an affectionate look.

Later, after Robbie had had a cup of tea, Laura took him for a walk down to the Estuary, and to show him round the tiny village. As they reached the edge of the river, Laura gestured to the opposite bank. 'There's a little rowboat which takes you across to Southwold," she said, and then turned up away from the bank. "If we walk up here, it takes you to the bridge over to Southwold. We should go over tomorrow. The Brewery does great food," Laura continued and Robbie smiled. Of course Laura had worked out most of the meals. "What?" Laura asked, and Robbie slid his arm around her shoulder, and kissed the side of her head. "So what are your plans for dinner then?" Robbie asked, still amused, and completely confident that Laura would have thought ahead to the next meal. Laura tucked herself into his embrace and they strolled along the Estuary. As they walked along, a dog trotted along towards them and then it's owner appeared in sight. "Aha," Laura said and Robbie frowned. "What?" he said and then Laura strode forward towards the woman, leaving Robbie confused and slightly trailing in her wake. "Lucy!" Laura called and the woman stared at Laura for a second before holding out her arms and throwing herself at Laura. "Laura Hobson!" she exclaimed and the two greeted each other happily, clearly of long acquaintance. By the time Robbie had caught up with Laura, the two were chatting animatedly. "You didn't say how long you were here for Laura?" Lucy asked, and as Robbie appeared at Laura's side, Laura slipped her hand into Robbie's. "Just for Easter," Laura replied warmly "Robbie and I fancied a break from Oxford." Lucy beamed at Robbie "Hello, nice to meet you, Robbie," she said and held out a hand. Robbie shook it. "Robbie, this is Lucy Richardson," Laura explained "she lives in Walberswick, and our families go way back." "Nice to meet you," Robbie replied. "I can tell you're not from Oxford originally either," Lucy observed and Robbie chuckled, wrapping his arm back around Laura's shoulder affectionately. "Nah, I think that's a fair observation," Robbie replied. After a few more minutes of chatting, Laura turned to Robbie for a second and smiled before turning back to Lucy. "You at the pub tonight?" Lucy enquired and Laura nodded. "The Anchor? We've got a table for dinner, I'm sure we could stay on for a drink," she glanced up at Robbie and he shrugged easily. Lucy grinned. "Great, I'll try and pop down. Marty's looking forward to seeing you, since you're back in town," she replied "Lovely to see you Laura. See you later. Nice to meet you Robbie."

As Lucy strolled back towards Walberswick, Laura looked up at Robbie, trying to gauge his reaction. "I hope you don't mind," she began carefully, and Robbie wrapped his arms around her shoulders. "Mind what?" he asked and Laura rested her hands on his waist. "I fear you're about to be subjected to some very old friends of mine," Laura replied and Robbie looked intrigued. "Worried I'll learn about your teenage indiscretions?" he asked and Laura laughed loudly. "Oh, Lucy can tell you most of those. I went out with her husband when we were kids," she replied. "Did you now?" Robbie enquired and Laura tiptoed up to kiss him. "We went out for six weeks when I was fifteen, twenty five plus years ago, and he and Lucy got together shortly afterwards. I really wouldn't give it much thought," she replied easily and Robbie returned her kiss gently. "What time for the pub then?" he asked and Laura glanced at her watch. "We've got a table booked at seven," she replied. "Grand," he replied easily and Laura smiled. Robbie ducked his head to kiss her softly again. "It's nice to see you looking so relaxed," he told her and Laura's smile broadened. "It's nice to be home," she replied. They strolled back along the bank of the river, hand in hand, chatting easily. Laura was so happy to be back, and she was looking forward to showing Robbie some of her old haunts. When he'd teased her about needing to go up north next time, Laura had been really thrilled. She'd arched an eyebrow, replied teasingly but the prospect of future weekends away really made her happy.

When they reached the cottage, Laura led the way to the front door, Robbie following her happily. Back inside, with the front door firmly shut behind them, Laura stepped into Robbie's arms and slid her hands up to his shoulders and entwined her hands at the nape of his neck. He looked down at her and they smiled at each other. Laura tilted her chin up and Robbie ducked his head down to kiss her, nudging his nose against hers and then kissing her slowly, and then again. As they continued to kiss, Robbie slid his hands around her waist, enjoying the sensation of his hands on her body and drawing her closer against him. At length, they drew apart slightly, foreheads touching and they smiled happily at each other. A giggle bubbled up in Laura's throat and Robbie looked quizzically at her. "I just feel like a teenager again," Laura owned and Robbie smirked. "Aye, that's exactly how you make me feel," he murmured, drawing her in for another kiss and Laura chuckled as she surrendered to his kisses again. Some time later, they drew apart and Laura shook her head when she realised the time. Robbie chuckled at her derision. "What?" he said, as she picked up her jacket and they made their way down to the pub for dinner in the dusk. "Sorry we're late for dinner, we lost track of time snogging like teenagers in the hallway," she retorted and Robbie laughed, squeezing her fingers. "Aye, well…" he began. There wasn't much he could say to that and he caught Laura's eye, grinning at her.

After an excellent dinner, Robbie and Laura tucked themselves away in a booth at the back of the bar, content to finish their drinks together. As the rear door swung open, Laura grinned and Robbie looked round to see what had caught her attention. Ah, Lucy, and presumably, her husband. He wondered about a teenage Laura, trying to reconcile the woman in front of him with her younger self. He wasn't jealous. That would be ridiculous, but the notion of Laura's younger years had him intrigued. Laura had stood up to greet her friends, kissing Lucy and then Martin affectionately. "This is Robbie," Laura introduced him "and this is Martin, and you met Lucy earlier." Martin shook Robbie's hand firmly. "Nice to meet you," he said cheerfully "now, can I get either of you a drink?" Laura considered her drink and then exchanged a glance with Robbie. He nodded almost imperceptibly and Laura smiled broadly. "I would love a G&T," she replied "and Robbie's on the IPA please Marty." Martin glanced at Robbie in a friendly fashion, clearly intrigued by Laura's companion. "Pint?" he enquired and Robbie nodded. "Aye, that'd be grand, thanks," he replied. Lucy pulled out the chair and sat down opposite Laura, grinning at her and then unwinding her scarf from around her neck and shrugging her denim jacket off. "So, how is life treating you then, our Laura?" Lucy enquired, and Laura smiled broadly. "All well with me," she replied warmly "and how are you and yours." Laura glanced at Robbie "Lucy and Martin have five children," she explained, as a by-word and Robbie smiled. "Wow, five kids," he said, rubbing the back of his head. Lucy's eyes twinkled and Laura chuckled. "Not a lot to do in rural Suffolk, eh?" she muted aloud and Lucy rolled her eyes. Robbie got the impression this was a long held source of banter between the two friends. "It's alright for you Laura, carefree and single," Lucy chided affectionately, and then glanced up at her husband as he deposited a tray of drinks on the table.

"Emmeline, Lucy and Mart's oldest is my goddaughter," Laura explained. Lucy took a sip of her drink and caught Robbie's eye. "I don't know what we were thinking," she confided in a mock confidential tone to Robbie. "Aye, I can see Laura would be a terrible influence," Robbie replied solemnly and Laura looked outraged, as Lucy giggled. "Yes, I can see we're going to get on fine," Lucy replied and Martin shook his head. "And how is my lovely goddaughter?" Laura enquired, slightly grumpily, and Lucy smiled. "She's fine," Martin said, settling down in his seat and picking up his pint. "Home from uni for the holidays, and watching her siblings so her old Mum and Dad can sneak off to the pub," he continued. Laura's phone beeped, and she pulled it from her pocket, casting a curious glance at it. Her expression switched from curiosity to amusement. "Thank god, I thought for a horrible moment it might be dispatch," she observed "but it's Emme, in fact it's Emme and all of your offspring." She glanced at Robbie and he regarded her fondly. Laura passed her phone to Lucy who chuckled at the picture. Martin rolled his eyes. "Kids, eh? So how do you know our Laura then, Robbie?" he enquired and Robbie glanced at Laura for a moment. She shrugged modestly. "Well, we've worked together for fifteen years or so now," Robbie replied "Laura's the lead pathologist and I'm an Inspector with Oxfordshire Police. So we cross paths a lot at work." Lucy considered Robbie for a moment. "I think we've met before," she said thoughtfully. "Weren't you at Laura's fortieth?" Laura blew out a breath at the memory and Robbie nodded. "Yeah, I was," he replied and Lucy nodded, satisfied. "Knew I'd seen you somewhere before." She turned to Laura "You haven't kept all of this under wraps since then, surely?" she asked Laura who choked on her drink, and shook her head. "God, no," Laura said firmly. Lucy arched an eyebrow, clearly amused but didn't press her any further.

"How old are the rest of your kids?" Robbie asked, allowing his hand to rest lightly on Laura's thigh. Lucy smiled. "Emmeline is 19, Ned is 17, Bella is 14, Thos is 10 and our baby, Libby, is four," she replied warmly. "They're a mad crew," Martin observed and Laura chuckled. "You'd never imagine he's spoiling for a sixth, eh?" she remarked and Lucy shook her head. "Gracious, not a chance," she said. Martin grinned. "Yeah, you were in no way getting nostalgic over Kate's wee girl, were you?" he nudged his wife who sighed. "Six just seems excessive," Lucy lamented, cradling her G&T. Robbie shook his head wryly, and Laura cast a glance at him. "Oh, you're going to set him off now," she said affectionately, and Lucy looked curious. "My late wife and I have two kids," Robbie explained. "Ah," Lucy said kindly. "You have to let a father be nostalgic for his kids, once they're grown," Martin said in a knowing way and Robbie nodded. "Aye, and mine are well grown," he said, taking a sip of his pint. "You know, I always thought Laura would make a…" Lucy began and Laura choked on her G&T. "Don't you bloody dare Lucy," she retorted and Robbie stifled a wry smile.

"Oi, Richardsons, Hobson… and, whoever you are, Hobson's squeeze. Come on. You've propped up my bar long enough. Haven't you got homes to go to?" the barman called, and Lucy rolled her eyes. "Alright, Owen," she called back. "I suppose that's our cue to head home." Laura laughed and drained the last of her G&T. She smiled at Robbie as he stood up. "Hobson's squeeze," he muttered disparagingly and Martin clapped him on the back. "Worse ways to be categorised," he said and Robbie shook his head despairingly.

The following morning, the sunlight had long been streaming through the bedroom window when Laura grudgingly opened her eyes and squinted at the clock. "Oh god," she muttered and Robbie opened one eye. "What?" he murmured and Laura mumbled something into her pillow. "S'later than I thought," she said and Robbie rolled over so that he was snuggled up behind her. "You're off duty and out of county pet. You're allowed a lie in," he reminded her and Laura sighed. "Good job, given my hangover," she replied warily, and Robbie chuckled. "You and Lucy sank a good amount of gin last night," he observed and Laura groaned. "Don't remind me," she muttered and Robbie kissed the back of her head. "How are you so sprightly?" she asked and Robbie smiled. "Because Martin and I stuck to our pints, while you and Lucy kept up with the gin," he replied, amused and Laura muttered something unrepeatable. "How about you have a nice hot shower?" Robbie suggested "and I'll make you some coffee. Then we can walk over to Southwold, and have a decent breakfast and you can nurse your hangover with the Saturday papers?" Laura buried her face into her pillow for a further few moments. "Coffee would be lovely," she replied and Robbie smiled to himself. He and Hathaway often teased Laura about her ability to hold her drink, but as a general she was pretty steady. She and Lucy had clearly enjoyed themselves last night - no wonder she was feeling a touch fragile this morning. Robbie pressed a kiss to Laura's cheek and rolled out of bed, heading down to fetch his beloved her coffee.

As Laura lay back in the bath, watching the clouds scull past in the sky, she smiled to herself. She was horribly hungover - Lucy and far too much gin was clearly to blame, but they'd had a lovely evening. Robbie had fitted in nicely and Lucy had pulled her close at the end of the evening and murmured her approval of Laura's choice of partner. That had pleased Laura. Not that she needed approval per se. Laura was grown up enough to make her own choices in life and she was confident that she and Robbie made a good match. But it was nice to know her friends liked him. Robbie was a thoroughly decent man. Kind, and intelligent. He made her laugh, had an uncanny knack for picking up when she'd had a rough day. Robbie's empathy was one of his greatest features. A knock on the door roused her from her musings and she smiled as Robbie poked his head around the door. "Coffee?" he enquired and Laura nodded. "God, yes, please," she said fervently and Robbie passed her a mug, made to her preference. "Thank you," she said gratefully, clasping the mug in her hands and Robbie stooped down to kiss her. "Pleasure," he replied and Laura smiled warmly.

After the water had begun to go cold, Laura set her now empty mug down on the bathroom floor and stood up, reaching for a towel. She dried herself quickly, and then made her way into the bedroom to get dressed. As she changed into clean underwear, she checked the weather forecast and dressed accordingly. She pulled on her jeans and a long sleeved t-shirt, before heading downstairs. Robbie was already dressed, and lounging on the sofa, waiting for Laura to make an appearance. "Better?" he enquired and Laura nodded. She leant down and kissed him softly. "Alright?" she asked "fancy a stroll and some breakfast?" Robbie did indeed, and having donned their jackets, and locked up the house, they headed back towards the Estuary and along the footpath up to the bridge to cross over into Southwold. It was a pleasant enough morning and Laura rather enjoyed the fresh air and the sensation of Robbie's hand in hers. "What do you fancy for breakfast?" she enquired as they walked along and Robbie considered. "If I know you, you'll have a strong sense of where's good for food," he replied in a slightly teasing tone and Laura rolled her eyes. "Sweet or savoury?" she enquired. "Mmm, savoury, I think," Robbie replied and Laura considered. "Well, Southwold is going to be a bit posh for your liking," she began, suppressing a giggle as Robbie wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close. "Never mind, I'm sure one of the pubs does a decent fry up," she continued and Robbie grinned. "Now you're talking my language," he replied.

After breakfast Laura insisted they walk the length of the prom, citing the need to work off the last vestiges of her hangover. She slid her hand around his waist, under his jacket and he wrapped his arm around her shoulder affectionately. It was a nice morning to be walking in the Easter sunshine and the small Suffolk town was busy with holidaymakers keen to make the most of the bank holiday weekend. "Shall we pick up the papers?" Laura asked, tucking her hair behind her ear and glancing up at Robbie as they walked. "Fancy a relaxing afternoon on the sofa?" Robbie enquired easily and Laura nodded. "Mmm, pretty much," she replied warmly and they exchanged affectionate smiles. They'd reached the end of the pier, and Laura was enjoying the breeze whipping around them. "Happy memories for you, this place?" Robbie enquired, drawing her closer to him and pressing a kiss to the side of her head. Laura nodded, feeling slightly nostalgic. "Many happy memories, this place," she replied, gazing out to the horizon. "Me Nan used to take us on the pier at Whitby when we were kids," Robbie said "buy us chips and pop, and we'd sit and dangle our legs off the end." Laura smiled. "Simple pleasures, eh?" she remarked and Robbie nodded. "I reckon you'd love Whitby," he replied and Laura smiled. "Next time, eh?" she said and he nodded. "Be nice to look forward to it," Laura said and he squeezed her against him. "So, papers, do we need anything else while we're on this side of the river?" Robbie asked and Laura considered this. "Well, I was going to suggest we had fish and chips tonight," she glanced up at him and he smiled at her knowingly. "So, what, come back over?" and Laura nodded. "If you like," she replied and he kissed the side of her head. "Mmm, yes, you and a decent chip supper, sounds a very agreeable way to pass an evening, pet" he murmured and Laura smiled to strolled hand in hand back up to the town and picked up the supplies they needed for the afternoon before leisurely making their way back over to the cottage.

Closing the front door behind them, Laura made her way into the living room and deposited the papers on the coffee table. Robbie was already filling up the kettle, and she unlocked the back door, allowing the breeze to drift into the cottage. "Brew?" Robbie asked and Laura smiled. "Mmm, yes please," she replied, picking up the weekend supplement and settling onto the sofa. With cups of tea in hand, they whiled away a few hours, enjoying the luxuries of quiet, companionship and a distinct lack of duty and on-call rosters. At length, Laura moved on from the papers to the book she'd brought with her and she nestled against Robbie contentedly as he slung his arm around her. It still slightly blew her away that it was so easy to be with Robbie, to not need to speak, but just to enjoy each other's company in a contented silence. Eventually, Robbie tossed the crossword down with an air of dissatisfaction and Laura glanced at him, amusement evident in her features. "Finished?" she enquired lightly and he snorted disdainfully. "Not quite," he replied and Laura smiled, before folding the corner of her page over and closing her book. "You going to catch up with your goddaughter while you're here?" he enquired and Laura set her book down on the coffee table. "Mmm, I didn't know Emme was home, because like most of the teenagers I know, she's crap at answering her Auntie Laura's messages, but if you don't mind, I'd like to at least take her for a coffee at some point this weekend," Laura replied and Robbie grinned. "Course I don't mind," he replied and Laura smiled."Is Emme your only godchild?" he asked and Laura sat up, curling her legs underneath her. "Well," she replied "no. She isn't." Robbie looked intrigued and Laura sighed. "Ligeia's daughter, Chloe, is also my goddaughter," she said and Robbie grimaced. "It's difficult though, because Ligeia was basically estranged from Chloe and Chloe's dad understandably wanted to keep her rooted with her family up in Scotland. I don't feel that great about it, but what can I do? He's within his rights to make decisions he feels are best for Chloe and I don't doubt he's got her best interests at heart. And I'm godmother to the son of an old boyfriend, but he lives in Australia and funnily enough, I don't see much of him. But he is a sweet boy, and unlike the girls, he's slightly better at keeping in touch with me. That's partly, I expect, because he's hoping to go to medical school next year and he keeps picking my brains," Laura explained. Robbie grinned. "And you've got your nieces?" he said and Laura smiled warmly. "Frolicking in Paris as we speak," she remarked and Robbie laughed.

"Your brother didn't have any kids?" she asked and Robbie shook his head. "Nah, just me and my two," he replied. He was intrigued by the notion of Laura's ex. It dawned on him that he didn't know much about her romantic life. He vaguely recalled she'd dated one of the DI's briefly when she'd first joined the station. Martin someone or other. Robbie didn't really remember. And occasionally she'd made passing reference to a date here, or a weekend away there. "You're pondering," Laura observed and he glanced at her, smiling. "Just reflectin' on the thought that there's whole swathes of your life I know nothing about," Robbie replied and Laura smiled. "International woman of mystery, that's me," she replied and he chuckled. "Does Lucy usually wind you up about making a good mother?" he asked and Laura rolled her eyes. "I knew you're picked up on that," she said accusingly and Robbie reached for her hand, interlacing their fingers. Laura sighed. "Lucy just wants me to be happy, and she sort of equates what makes her happy with being the same as what would make me happy," she replied and Robbie looked interested. Laura sighed again. "Lucy can't completely conceive of a life without a husband and kids. I mean, she married when we were 21. Sometimes I think she has me pegged as some kind of, I don't know, high flying career woman, which makes it sound far more deliberate than it turned out to be," she began, wondering how a lighthearted conversation about tea with her goddaughter had turned into a no holds barred assessment of her life choices.

She glanced at Robbie, wondering what he made of all this, only to find he was simply listening. "I never woke up one morning and decided that I did or didn't want particular things, but, nothing's ever been an option at what felt like the right time, or with the right person. And medicine's an all encompassing career, if you let it," Laura continued. "And did you? Let it, I mean" Robbie asked and Laura shrugged. "I've never loved a man more than my job," she said, studying her hands for a moment. "I've never been tempted to want to move to the other side of the world and start afresh, for example, never felt the need to make that clean a break." She glanced up at him, wondering where he was going with this. "I just find it hard to get my head around it… someone as lovely as you. On your own, I mean," Robbie said, slightly awkwardly. Laura grimaced slightly, and Robbie drew her against him so that her back was resting against his shoulder, and he laced her fingers with his firmly. Laura leant her head back against his for a moment. "Oh, there have been a few boyfriends over the years," she replied "but I haven't dated seriously for a couple of years." Robbie frowned. "Why?" he asked bluntly and Laura laughed. "Why do you think?" she retorted, a faint blush rising in her cheeks and Robbie looked confused before the realisation dawned on him. "Really?" he said, surprised and Laura nodded shyly. "Not fair on anyone, least of all me, to pretend I'm available, when, well, I'm not, really," she said and Robbie shook his head in disbelief. Laura glanced at her lap, and Robbie pressed a kiss to the side of her head.

"I remember," he began "the first time I saw you when I came back from the Virgin Islands." Laura considered this. "Poor James, dispatched to Heathrow by Innocent," she said dryly and Robbie chuckled. "Aye," he said wistfully "and then I walked onto that crime scene, jet lagged to high heaven, and suddenly I heard your voice. Four little words. 'Ah, the wanderer returns.' And there you were," Robbie said and Laura smiled, brushing her fringe out of her eyes. "That shirt was atrocious, Robbie," she remarked. "Still got it," Robbie replied with satisfaction and Laura rolled her eyes. "Of course you have," she murmured despairingly. "Anyway, it's not to say that marriage and babies hasn't been an option at points, but I've always chosen to stay in Oxford when push came to shove, broken hearts not withstanding. So marriage and motherhood hasn't worked out, and with hindsight, I think that's been for the best. It's not that I actively avoided them, like, say Ellen, and now, well, I'm 42. I think that ship has sailed. But you know, I like my work and I like my life. I like who I am, and I'm confident enough to value that." Robbie squeezed her fingers and she smiled at him. He wasn't really sure what he should say, what she might want him to say. It was aways interesting listening to Laura, and he liked getting to know her more. Idly he wondered if she'd ever want to marry him, and the very idea made him smile to himself.

"I'm glad you suggested this," Robbie mused later that evening as they lounged on the sofa after an excellent supper of fish and chips, glasses of wine in hand. Laura smiled broadly but said nothing for a few moments. Eventually he caught her eye and she sat up a little bit. "Wine?" She asked curiously and Robbie shook his head. "Time to ourselves away from Oxford," he replied and Laura nodded. "Won't be the solution every time though, will it?" She remarked and he frowned. "We're going to have plenty of rough cases, circumstances which make things difficult between us. Won't always be possible to escape," Laura continued and Robbie suddenly understood. He swirled the dregs of his wine in his glass and Laura watched him. "Other people wouldn't have been so understanding about the whole mess with Ali," Robbie said and Laura grimaced. She reached out and interlinked their fingers. "Laura," he began and she squeezed his fingers. "You don't have to..." she said quickly and he sighed. "You were so quiet, for days, Laur. I didn't know what to make of it. And it was all such a horrible mess. And I knew I'd hurt you," he said wearily. Laura chewed her lip. "It's a technique I use a lot. Work. Home. Love. Life. Working it all through quietly in my head before I act," she began to explain "and I suppose I'd forgotten how it comes across." Robbie looked puzzled and Laura smiled. "In professional feedback I tend to get somewhere between 'considered, aloof, distant'. Though I've long since stopped caring because I know the most important thing to do is do my job to the best of my ability and I can't do that unless I can get some distance and perspective on a case. But I know not everyone close to me finds it easy to deal with," she glanced up and he squeezed her fingers again. "It's been a while since I shared my life with anyone of any significance, Robbie. It's an adjustment for both of us," she said softly "and for the record, what you had to say about Ali kissing you threw me slightly, but I believe you when you tell me how you reacted."

"All I could think about was you," Robbie said and Laura could detect the faintest hint of rawness in his voice. "Sometimes I still can't quite get my head around you wanting me, lass. And I..." Robbie trailed off and Laura sighed. She set down her glass and moved so that she was sat next to him. "You have to get past this," she said softly reaching up to caress his cheek and he closed his eyes at her touch. "You know that I want to be with you. You know that I don't care about the age gap between us. I don't give it any consideration. It's your hang up, not mine." Robbie looked at her and smiled slightly. "Aye, pet," he said simply and Laura leant in to kiss him gently. "Maybe I should remind you how little I care about how old we are," she murmured against his ear and he inhaled sharply as she kissed the edge of his jaw, shivering as she continued to feather kisses down his neck. "Maybe you should," he replied, and Laura chuckled as she moved into his lap. "Actions speak louder than words," he muted as he slid his hands around her waist, holding her close and Laura smiled. "The words matter too, Robbie, but the demonstration is an added bonus," she murmured and he caressed her skin, sliding his hand under her t-shirt. "You're a very handsome man Inspector," Laura told him, and Robbie grinned. Laura had a particular way of articulating his rank which sent shivers of desire coursing through him. For years he'd wondered whether she knew the impact of her turn of phrase, whether she was deliberately flirting with him and he was delighted to learn that it really was quite intentional.