"S'all bloody friars," Robbie lamented to Laura over a cup of coffee in the corridor outside the mortuary and she looked curiously at hime. . "The poisoning you had through this morning?" Robbie replied and Laura nodded. "James must be in his absolute element," Laura remarked, amusement evident in her features and Robbie sighed. "You have no idea…" he replied wearily. "You looking forward to Italy?" Laura enquired and Robbie nodded. "Aye, it'll be nice to have some time with Lynne," he said warmly and Laura smiled. She knew that Robbie absolutely doted on his daughter, both his kids, but he was especially close to Lynne. "You know you'd have been very welcome," he reminded her and Laura smiled. "It's really sweet, but I just can't make the dates work. I've been booked for this conference for months, and I'm chairing two sessions so I can't really duck out," she replied and he nodded. "Yeah, fair enough," he replied. "Shall I send you a postcard?" he enquired jovially and Laura chuckled. "Whatever makes you happy," she replied. "How's the rest of your day?" Robbie asked, draining the remainder of his coffee and Laura sighed. "Busy. I'm lecturing this afternoon and then I have to come back here to finish off the day," "Well," Robbie said "let me know when you're done tonight, and if you fancy it, you can always come over to mine." Laura smiled to herself. "Now, there's an offer if ever I heard one…" she replied.
"Look, I won't have the toxicology results just yet," Laura said, slightly tersely as she walked out of the pathology labs the following day to find Robbie waiting for her. "No," Robbie said easily "just wondered if you fancied a bite to eat, on the off chance?" Laura sighed slightly "Sorry, I'm booked," she said, a hint of reticence in her expression. Clearly she was on her way somewhere. "Ah," Robbie said, visibly disappointed and then he shrugged. "Never mind." "You want to talk?" Laura said warmly and Robbie shrugged. "It'll keep," he replied. Laura frowned and then glanced at his hand. What on earth was he looking at? She stepped to his side, and examined the leaflet. "How to donate a body for medical research?" She looked at him curiously. "I just picked it up in reception," Robbie began to explain "our Lynne's on at me to sort out me will, her partner being a financial advisor." They made their way out onto the loading bay. "Mmm, some cultures believe you can't make it to heaven without all your bits intact," Laura reminded him and Robbie all but rolled his eyes. "Some of us don't believe in heaven," he replied. "Ha," Laura said and then she turned to him. "Do you know who asked me about donating their body? Morse. I told him he should help the living and consider donating his organs instead. He said he wouldn't inflict his organs on anyone," There was merriment etched in Laura's features, and Robbie grinned. It was nice to be able to share a joke with Laura - she'd always been able to make him laugh. "All those years, eh?" Robbie said nostalgically, and Laura gazed up at him, scanning over his face and trying to make out his train of thought. "Still, things change, don't they?" Robbie continued "Walk you to your car at least?" He offered his arm and Laura slipped her hand into it as they made their way down the steps and into the car park.
When they reached her car, Laura gently squeezed his elbow before letting her hand drop. He ducked his head to kiss her cheek affectionately and Laura smiled. 'Late one today?" Robbie enquired and Laura shook her head. "Tutorials for the rest of the day, evening off and then on call tomorrow," she replied and Robbie looked hopeful. "Any chance…" he began and Laura shook her head. "Sorry," she said softly "I've got an evening of marking ahead of me, and I need to focus on it fully." Robbie sighed. "Alright, pet," he murmured and she smiled sympathetically. "Dinner one night later this week?" Laura asked and Robbie nodded. "Yeah, that'd be nice, if the case allows," he replied and Laura smiled.
Robbie was translating the note when Laura and Hathaway approached him, Laura stripping off her gloves as she did so. "Well, he's out of the ground," she said "but I'll need to take him away to get a proper look. And, er, he's got a finger missing," Laura began to ease herself out of her scene suit, Hathaway assisting her gently. "When you say missing?" Robbie asked. "Someone's hacked it off," Laura replied bluntly, tying the sleeves around her waist and then heading over to her car. "What does the Italian mean?" Hathaway enquired. "According to this, 'a kind of wild justice'," Robbie replied. "Revenge…" Hathaway said ad Robbie looked at him. "Francis Bacon, 1655. He wrote 'revenge is a kind of wild justice'" Hathaway explained.
It was warm in the evening sunshine, and Laura was not much enjoying the necessary scene suit in all it's plastic glory. She was very ready for a shower, but had to wait until she was back at the mortuary in order to get one. And although she wouldn't do the post mortem until the morning, there was still the preliminary logging to do. Somehow, she suspected, it was going to be a while until she got a shower, much less got home. Laura was carefully stowing away her kit when something made her turn her head. She smiled when she realised it was Robbie strolling towards her. "Hello," she murmured as she stowed the last few piece of kit into the case, carefully slotting each into the right section, and then glancing up at him. "Hi," he said and Laura smiled at him. Robbie's stomach lurched slightly and he returned her smile happily. Robbie perched on the edge of the boot of her car and she smiled at him indulgently. There was simply no way any other officer would have got away with such a liberty. "Got plans for the rest of your evening?" he enquired and Laura shook her head as she locked the case and set it carefully into the boot. "Well, I've got to set the various processes in place," she glanced at her watch "but I reckon I'll be done in a couple of hours, and then I'm not due in the office until tomorrow morning." Robbie sat back and folded his arms. "Hmm, well, Dr. Hobson, perhaps I could coerce you into a nightcap?" he mused, glancing at her and Laura smiled to herself. "Perhaps you could," she replied softly.
Later that evening, Laura pulled her car up outside Robbie's flat, and pulled the handbrake on. She turned the engine off and got out of the car, shutting the car door behind her, locking the car behind her. Laura shifted her bag onto her shoulder and made her way over to Robbie's front door before ringing the doorbell. Robbie grinned as he saw the outline of Laura's figure waiting on his doorstep, and he twisted the lock to open the door. She was leaning up against the wall as he opened the door and he grinned at her. Laura came in through the hall and into Robbie's flat, dropping her overnight bag in the doorway to his bedroom. "Hello you," he said, closing the door behind her. Laura shrugged off her leather jacket and Robbie hung it up on the hook. He held out his hands to Laura and she interlaced her fingers in his, tiptoeing up to kiss him softly. Robbie smiled against her kiss, bringing his hands up to her shoulders, and then sliding them around her shoulders, deepening the kiss and Laura murmured in satisfaction, tucking her hands in between his shirt and his jacket, resting them on his waist. "Hi," she replied as they drew apart and they smiled at each other.
"It's good to see you," Laura murmured and he grinned boyishly at her. "S'always good to see you Dr. Hobson," Robbie replied, still smiling broadly and Laura tiptoed up for another kiss. "I seem to recall you promised me a nightcap," Laura mused aloud and Robbie chuckled. "Aye, I did," he replied, kissing the end of her nose and she smiled. Robbie interlaced his fingers into Laura's again and they made their way into his living room. "What's your poison, Hobson?" he enquired, reviewing his collection of spirits and then glancing at Laura as she curled her legs up under her on the sofa. Laura stretched out her arms, trying to ease the tension in her shoulders. "Mmm, how about some Talisker?" she said and Robbie located the bottle and a tumbler. He poured a measure for Laura and then located a second glass and poured another for himself. He picked up both glasses and came to sit with Laura. "What time have you scheduled the PM for tomorrow?" he enquired and Laura yawned. "8am," she replied. "Early night for me," Laura continued and Robbie caught her eye mischievously. "Mmm," he replied and Laura shook her head as if in disbelief. "You've had a busy few days," he observed and Laura sighed. "I know. Sorry I haven't been able to spare you much time," she replied and Robbie rubbed his thumb over her knee. "It happens," he replied easily and she flashed him an appreciative smile.
It was a nice end to the day, Laura mused. She was shattered, and the whiskey was already making her sleepy but the prospect of curling up in Robbie's arms tonight was simply too much to resist. A companionable silence settled between them as they drank their whiskey and Laura leant against Robbie. He slipped his arm around her shoulders and she draped her arm over his lap and around his waist. It was only when Laura's glass tilted dangerously a few minutes later that Robbie realised she'd actually fallen asleep. He smiled to himself, setting his glass down on the table and then retrieving Laura's and placing it carefully next to his. Poor Laura. He wondered if this was actually the first time she'd sat down today. He adjusted his position slightly and cuddled her closer, cradling her in his arms and enjoying just holding her close. After half an hour or so had passed, Robbie concluded that it was time to get them both to bed. Laura was clearly exhausted and he was quite weary. "Laura?" he murmured and she snuffled in her sleep but didn't wake. Robbie shook his head slightly and considered the woman in his arms. There was nothing for it, he decided, shifting to the edge of the sofa and then sliding his hand under Laura's knees. He settled her against him, and then scooped her up and carried her through to the bedroom. Carefully he lowered her onto the mattress and slid his arms out from under her. Laura settled against the pillow and he smiled, pressing a kiss to her forehead. He drew a throw over her and then went to wash his face and clean his teeth. When he came back, Laura was fast asleep and he turned out the light, before cuddling up behind her and drawing her back against him.
At 6am, Laura woke, wondering where she was. She stretched and Robbie mumbled something, tugging her back against him and pressing a kiss to her shoulder. Laura smiled, before realising she was still wearing all her clothes. She must have fallen asleep on the sofa, and then, Robbie, bless him, must have carried her into bed. She entwined her fingers with his and squeezed them. They were both so busy at work and it meant that their time together was far more limited, which wasn't how she'd hoped it would pan out. And today she was due into the mortuary by 7.30am. Laura sighed, and Robbie pressed another kiss to her shoulder. "S'too early, Laur," he murmured and Laura turned in his embrace so that they were nose to nose. Robbie smiled boyishly at her and Laura's expression softened. "I know," she said "but I've got to be in early." Robbie kissed her lovingly and Laura murmured against his kiss. "You don't have to be yet," Robbie reasoned, his hands beginning to wander and Laura chuckled. "I suppose I don't have to go quite yet," she replied as Robbie began to kiss down the side of her neck and she closed her eyes, inhaling slowly. Robbie edged up her t-shirt and she obliged him by yanking it up and over her head. "Your t-shirt," she murmured and Robbie removed it, tossing it to the ground. Skin to skin, they kissed slowly and sensuously for a few minutes before Laura began to ease Robbie's pyjama bottoms down. He reciprocated, sliding his hands from her waist to ease her leggings out of the way. Laura kicked them off and Robbie settled his weight over her.
Laura sighed happily as they continued to kiss and she could feel his arousal, pressed against her. She brought her hand to stroke him and Robbie moaned in pleasure against her kiss. "Oh, Laura, my love," he murmured and she smiled, drawing him in for another kiss. Touching and teasing each other, they entwined themselves until Robbie was poised to thrust into her. Laura raised her hips, sliding her hands around his waist and pulling him down to her. As he thrust into her, Laura arched her head back in pleasure and Robbie feathered kisses over her skin. They knew each other so well by now that Robbie knew exactly where and how to touch her in ways that gave her the most pleasure and soon she was crying out his name as they moved together. Laura hooked her leg around his waist and Robbie groaned as he thrust more deeply into her. Resting his forehead against hers, their eyes met and they smiled at each other. Robbie slid his hand until their fingers met, and he brought them between them, touching Laura intimately. Her eyes fluttered shut and Robbie kissed her cheek. Laura's breath hitched and he grinned, feeling her tighten around him. Robbie clutched her closely, sliding his hand around her waist and she kissed him deeply, then crying out his name as she began to come undone around him. As she tensed around him one final time, Robbie thrust hard into her, coming hard and they lay together, breathing hard in the early morning light. Robbie nestled against her, closing his eyes and resting his cheek against her collarbone. Laura wrapped her arms around him, pressing a kiss to his forehead and they lay quietly for a few moments, savouring their closeness.
A buzzing on the bedside table drew Robbie's attention and he grumbled, reaching for his phone before it chirruped into life. "Lewis," he said wearily and Laura smirked, smoothing his hair and he looked up at her, exasperation apparent in his features. Laura kissed his forehead and he smiled at her before sitting up, and listening to the particulars of the call. As he ended the call, he leant over to Laura and kissed her lovingly. "Sorry love, duty calls," he said wearily. Laura sighed and pressed a kiss to his lips. "Nevermind, eh?" she murmured and he shook his head. "This isn't how it's supposed to be," he said and Laura rubbed his cheekbone with her thumb. "I know," she replied and Robbie sighed. "Mind if I shower first?" he asked and Laura shook her head. "Go on, I'll shower after you and then lock up while you go ahead," she suggested and he leant in for one final kiss. "Thank you," he murmured gratefully and she smiled.
A text came through to Robbie and he scanned it briefly. "I'm due to meet Dr. Hobson," he explained apologetically. "Can you finish up here?" he asked Hathaway and James nodded. "Thanks, Professor." Robbie returned the photographs and headed out of the college and off to where he was meeting Laura.
It was a pleasant enough afternoon, Robbie mused as he sat drinking his tea while he waited for Laura. He smiled when he saw her coming, and she returned his smile warmly. He began to get up to greet her, but she was already speaking as she approached him. "Prepare for the weird, Robbie," she said, and then she sat down next to him "Jeremy Swain's cause of death. It's a first for me in a homicide. Starvation," Laura said in a fairly cheerful tone. "Starvation?" Robbie said quizzically. "And, or, dehydration," Laura continued. "How long would that take?" Robbie asked, sitting back in his chair. "Well, they say three minutes without air, three days without water and three weeks without food," Laura replied "But it's a moveable feast." She smiled at him. "To coin a phrase," Laura flipped over the page in the report "From his live body weight and general health, I am estimating he died between four to ten days ago, and he last ate two weeks ago, closer to three." She looked up at him, expression full of interest. Clearly this case had piqued her professional curiosity. "And that would fit with when he disappeared" Robbie mused "but he can't have been in the ground that long? He must have been kept hidden somewhere, tied up and gagged. What about this missing finger?" Laura passed him the report. "Left hand, little finger, severed at the base of the proximal phalanx, there," she explained, demonstrating on her own hand. "After death," she finished. "Small mercies," Robbie observed and he glanced over at her. Laura made as if to pick up her briefcase and make a move but Robbie halted her. "There's something else if you've got five minutes," he continued and Laura looked intrigued. "Sure," she said, and Robbie signalled to the waitress.
"Could I have another cuppa please? And, Laura…?" he said. Laura flashed a smile at the girl. "Tea for me too please," she said and the waitress headed off to fetch their order. "I was going to tell you this last night, but then, you know... Anyway, Lynne rang me yesterday," Robbie said cheerfully and Laura looked intrigued. "Oh?" she said, clasping her hands together. "She and Tim have some news," he continued and Laura arched an eyebrow expectantly. "She's, er, pregnant," Robbie said, a expression of pride apparent in his features and Laura smiled broadly. "Oh, Robbie, that's really lovely news. Congratulations," she reached over and squeezed his fingers affectionately. Robbie beamed. "She's just had her twelve week scan, so they've just told me, and Pat, and Tim's folks," he continued and Laura twinkled her eyes at him. "You must be thrilled,' Laura said and he met her gaze. "Yeah, yeah I am," he said, a little bit gruffly. Laura considered him for a moment, and then as the waitress appeared to serve them their tea, the penny dropped. "Lynne must be missing her Mum," Laura said sympathetically, and Robbie met her gaze. "A couple of friends lost their mothers young," Laura continued gently "and I know they both found their pregnancies without their mums really hard." Robbie poured himself some tea, and then nodded to Laura's cup. "Tea?" he enquired and Laura nodded. "Never thought I'd see grandchildren on me own," Robbie owned wistfully and Laura smiled sympathetically again. "I just wanted to tell you first," Robbie said, sliding the cup over to her and then squeezing her fingers. "You didn't have to," Laura replied softly, but her eyes betrayed the pleasure she felt at the confidence. "Well, I wanted to," Robbie said, as Laura picked up her tea and sipped it. "Lynne wants me to move up North nearer them" Robbie continued and Laura looked at him wide eyed. Her stomach lurched slightly. "I don't have any plans to head straight up to Manchester if that's what you're wondering," Robbie said and relief flooded Laura's features. "Of course I want to get to know me grandchild," Robbie said "oh I dunno Laur. Me Dad died when he was my age, but at the same time… I, oh I'm explaining this horribly." Laura sipped her tea slowly and he rested his fingers so that they were touching hers. "I don't want to miss out on me grandkids anymore than I want to move away from Oxford, and lose you," he concluded and Laura regarded him affectionately. "Robbie," she chided "I'd never want to come between you and your family." and Robbie shook his head. "That isn't what I meant, pet," he said, tracing his fingertips over her wrist and they looked at each other. "You wouldn't" he said simply "besides, Lynne is tremendously fond of you." Laura smiled.
As Robbie made his way up the station steps, he met Laura strolling out. "You looking for me?" he said hopefully and Laura stopped. "Ugh, no. I've been arranging to talk to some probationers," she explained "to explain my job." She didn't look impressed. "Can you explain mine?" Robbie asked, sliding his hands into his pockets and Laura fixed him with a weary look. "You told James your news?" she enquired. "Not yet," he replied. "Don't leave it too long," Laura chided and a flicker of exasperation crossed Robbie's face. "No," he said and they smiled at each other before Robbie continued into the station and Laura headed back to her car.
Robbie suddenly turned on his heel and headed back to the steps. Laura had just closed her boot when she heard her name and she glanced back towards the station. She smiled when she saw Robbie strolling towards her. "You called?" she replied and he came back down the steps. "Can I buy you dinner?" he asked earnestly and Laura titled her head curiously. "Why, what have you done?" she asked dryly and Robbie laughed. "Nothing," he protested and Laura smiled. Robbie stepped towards her and Laura looked up at him. "Obviously, I'd very much like to kiss you, but I know you'd kill me in an undetectable way, so I won't" Robbie continued, meeting her glance but giving the impression to the casual observer that they were simply two colleagues conversing. "So, my love, agree to come to dinner, and I'll make my way back into the office," he concluded, eyes twinkling but expression solemn. Laura shook her head. "You're a cocky sod, Robbie Lewis," she rebuked "but yes, alright. Text me and tell me where to meet you."
"Are you seriously considering moving to Manchester?" Laura eventually asked later that evening. Home from their dinner out, they were curled up on her sofa, a glass of wine apiece in hand and quietly passing the remainder of the evening together. Robbie rubbed his hand over the back of his head and then allowed it to drape over Laura's shoulders, gently caressing her shoulder. "I can imagine Lynne could be quite persuasive," Laura mused and Robbie chuckled. "Aye, once she's set her mind to something, she'll not let it drop til she's satisfied," he replied and Laura sipped her wine thoughtfully. "I dunno, pet," Robbie continued "I'm excited about the baby, obviously. But I'm settled in Oxford. It's been home for so long. Starting afresh doesn't appeal so much. I mean, I want to get to know my grandchild, but I'm not ready to ditch everything, or everyone…" Robbie squeezed her shoulder affectionately and they exchanged a smile. "It's not as straightforward as Lynne might like to think, and her old Dad can't just drop his life in Oxford and hotfoot it up to Manchester without so much as a by your leave." Laura smiled to herself. "I would understand if you wanted to consider it properly," Laura replied and Robbie sighed. He put his glass on the coffee table, before gently retrieving Laura's glass and then turning to her. He took her hands into his and squeezed her fingers before bringing them to his lips and kissing them. Laura smiled, wondering what he was going to say.
"I mean it Robbie," Laura said and he smiled at her. "I know you do, and I'm bloody grateful Laur," Robbie replied "I just don't think I'm ready to jack it all in, you know? I'm happy here, settled. Maybe if life was different… I dunno. But it isn't. I like me work, I like being with you. I think maybe I need to talk that through with Lynne. I mean, I reckon she's got me best interests at heart." Laura smiled, squeezing his fingers. "And it's not just about me," Robbie continued and Laura frowned for a moment. "You have a say in this too, love," Robbie said and Laura smiled shyly. "Your views matter, Laura. I think you have the right to tell me properly what you think about whether I retire, or maybe I scale back me hours, or maybe I don't," Robbie said and Laura sipped her whiskey thoughtfully. He sat back, resting his hand on her leg and they sat in companionable silence for a few moments. Robbie was prepared to wait for Laura's response - he was well aware that she didn't like being put on the spot, and he squeezed her knee affectionately. Laura smiled to herself and rested her hand over his. "I guess it's only natural for Lynne to want you nearby," Laura said, at length. "I mean, she's lost her mum, and with Pat being abroad, it's very normal to want to keep what family she does have in the UK close by. But, equally, you have a life here in Oxford, and it isn't completely fair to expect you to give that all up for the sake of it. Do you think you could find a compromise with her?" Robbie considered this. "Aye, I'm sure I could. But what would that be?" he wondered and Laura thought about it some more. "Could you work out going to see her once a month, once the baby arrives. I mean, she might not want that forever, but for the first year or so, that might be of some reassurance for her?" Laura suggested and Robbie thought about it. "Aye, that's not a bad idea," he replied slowly and then leant in to brush a kiss against Laura's cheek. "Knew I could rely on your infinite wisdom, my love," he told her and Laura smiled.