It was filthy weather, Robbie mused, and he didn't envy Laura one bit in her scene suit. With the best will in the world, and indeed, the best thermals in the world, it was absolutely baltic. He gazed over the crime scene, and Laura glanced in his direction. She stood up from the corpse and then beckoned him over. "Where's Hathaway?" she enquired, wrapping her arms around her and shivering slightly. Robbie frowned. Laura looked pale, and wan and he didn't like it one bit. "No idea," he replied "you alright?" Laura sighed. "I'll live," she replied "just a bit chilly. Meanwhile, I need to fill you in on this scene." Robbie smiled at her sympathetically. "Go on then, Dr. Hobson," Robbie said and she smiled at him warmly before beginning to explain her preliminary findings.
Later that day Robbie saw Laura in the corridor, and her expression made him frown. "Can I see you in your office, Dr. Hobson?" he enquired and she shrugged wearily. "Of course. I just need to drop this report to Jackson's team and then I'll be with you in five?" Laura replied and Robbie nodded. Robbie strode off to the mortuary and made his way into Laura's office where he waited. Anne Marie stuck her head through the door, and looked surprised when she saw Robbie. "Dr. Hobson told me to wait here," he muted and Anne Marie nodded knowingly. "Life runs more smoothly when you follow her instructions, or so I've found," she observed and Robbie chuckled. "Something like that," he replied jovially. "I'm about to put the kettle on. Dr Hobson needs some honey and lemon. Would you like a coffee?" Anne Marie asked and Robbie considered this. "You're alright, but thanks. My sergeant usually has a brew waiting for me, and I'll be alright for now," he replied and Anne Marie nodded and smiled, before heading off down to the staffroom. A few minutes later she reappeared, with a steaming mug, filled with a slice of lemon and some honey and hot water. She smiled at Robbie again and then left him in Laura's office.
A few minutes later Laura appeared in the doorway, and Robbie turned to greet her. She looked pale and he considered her, frowning. Her nose was slightly reddened and she had her arms wrapped around her, as though she was cold, despite the fact that she was wearing several layers. "You alright?" he asked, worried and Laura grimaced. "Just the station lurgy, I expect," Laura replied, picking up the mug which Anne Marie had left her and sipping from it. Robbie studied her, concerned and Laura sat down with a sigh. "When have you scheduled the pm for?" he enquired and Laura gestured to the report on her desk. "I've already done it,' she replied "but I just need to tidy up the entry on the system. Just needed some painkillers, and a hot drink. Then I'm going to go home and go to bed." Robbie couldn't remember the last time Laura had been poorly. She was one of the most robust people he knew and she rarely called in sick. "Alright," he said. "Did you want something?" Laura asked, rubbing her forehead. "Oh, it'll keep. Just wanted to check you were alright…" Robbie tailed off at the incredulous expression beginning to form on Laura's face and he scowled at her slightly, affronted. "I'm fine," Laura said softly, tempering her response "and it's kind of you to be concerned, but I spent the morning at a very chilly crime scene, the mortuary showers are on the blink and I haven't been able to get warm all day. That's all. I'll be alright once I've got home, had a really hot shower, and cuddled up on the sofa for a few hours with a hot toddy." Laura might have been slightly irked by Robbie decrying her own ability to tell whether she was actually ill or not, but she recognised that Robbie's concern came from affection and not from any malintent. Robbie nodded and inhaled slowly before flashing her a smile and heading out of her office.
A couple of hours later, Laura gave in, saved her work and shut her laptop down. She was still cold - no amount of hot drinks seemed to be helping and she just wanted an early night. She shrugged on her jacket, and wrapped her scarf around her neck, before rooting for her car keys and then picking up her briefcase, neatly slotting her laptop in so that she could, if necessary, work from home the following day. As she turned out the lights, she sighed to herself and then made her way out to the car park. She tapped out a text message to Robbie, and then got into the car, dropping her briefcase into the footwell. She drove home carefully and then pulled up outside her house. She turned the engine off and leant her head back against the headrest, closing her eyes wearily. She was still cold and utterly shattered. But she knew she needed to get inside the house, and that sitting in a cold car was hardly going to help. As she slotted her key into the front door, Laura realised that the sitting room light was on and she frowned. As she opened the door, she registered Robbie's shoes neatly lined up against the wall and her confusion deepened. "Hello?" she called, and Robbie appeared in the doorway to the sitting room. He looked concerned when he saw her and then held out his arms. "Laura, love, you look terrible," he murmured as she laid her cheek against his chest, and allowed him to cradle her within his arms. 'What are you doing in my house?" she wondered aloud as he held her close and he grinned. "Brought you a proper dinner," he replied and Laura looked up at him, perplexed. "Chilli con carne, with some rice and all that. Wanted something to warm you up," he explained, sounding slightly sheepish and Laura's expression proved unreadable for a moment or two. In the end, Laura settled for mumbling a variant of thank you and Robbie pressed a kiss to the top of her head. He reached into the pocket of his jeans, and passed her a box of painkillers. She looked confused. "You appeared to be running low - you took the last two in the box in your office earlier, so I topped up your stash. Go and have a hot bath, and dinner'll be ready in about half an hour. Just get yourself nice and cosy," Robbie told her and Laura smiled, grateful and suddenly tearful.
She was relaxing in a very hot, very bubbly bath when there was a knock at the bathroom door a few minutes later. "Come in," she murmured and Robbie stuck his head round the door. "I made you a brew, love," he said kindly and Laura smiled. "It's cinnamon tea, or something from that ridiculous collection of yours. Thought you'd probably not want the caffeine from normal tea," Robbie said earnestly, setting it down by the side of the bath. He cast a glance over Laura's face, noting that there was a little more colour in her cheeks and feeling better about that. She smiled at him, sitting up in the water slightly and Robbie returned her smile. "Dinner in fifteen?" he proposed and Laura nodded, reaching for her tea. "Thank you sweetheart," she said gratefully and then as Robbie made to head back downstairs, she stopped him. "Robbie?" Laura said and he turned to look at her, curious. "I love you," she said and he smiled broadly. "Love you too, pet," he replied warmly.
Laura appeared in the kitchen a little while later, dressed in pyjamas and wrapped in her dressing gown and he smiled at her, before handing her a plate of food. "Table or sofa?" he enquired, knowing perfectly well that Laura would always, always choose to eat at the table. 'Table," she demurred "on the proviso that we cuddle up on the sofa afterwards." Robbie picked up his plate from the counter and came to sit with Laura and as he sat down next to her, Laura entwined her fingers in his and squeezed them. They began to eat in companionable silence, fingers still interlaced. "You any warmer now?" Robbie asked, at length and Laura nodded. "Did ye not have any lunch?" he asked and Laura shook her head. "Anne Marie has been feeding me hot drinks all day, and I've not had much appetite," she replied and Robbie looked dubious, before picking up his fork and finishing his final mouthful. "I think I'm just going to crash out on the sofa for the rest of the evening," Laura muted and Robbie sat back, his fingers still laced in hers. "I'm slightly worried I'm going to give you this lurgy though," and Robbie smiled. "I think if you were going to give me your lurgy, love, then that ship has sailed," he replied and Laura blew out a breath. "Maybe," she said wearily and Robbie squeezed her fingers. "You done?" he enquired and Laura nodded. Robbie stood up and picked up their plates, taking them over to the sink and depositing them therein. Laura was still sat at the table, and he came back to her, laying his hands on her shoulders. He glanced at the kitchen clock, and then squeezed her shoulders before stooping to press a kiss to the top of her head. "You look done in, love," he observed and Laura stifled a yawn."I am pretty tired," she owned, and Robbie considered her. "Why don't you just go to bed?" he suggested, "and I'll come up when I've cleaned up here." Laura yawned again and nodded. She was really very tired, and feeling quite under the weather and it was a relief not to have to pretend any more. She stood up, and then turned back towards the living room in order to head upstairs. Laura tucked herself up in bed, and laid her head on the pillow wearily. It was beginning to throb and she was so tired. When Robbie came up five minutes later, with a book under his arm, he sighed when he realised she was already fast asleep.
"Laura, you ought to be in bed, and if you'd going to be bloody minded about it, and insist on working, then you ought to work from home," Robbie said and Laura folded her arms in a way that Robbie recognised. "I'm not being an arse, Laura, so don't give me that look. You're poorly and it does no one any good if you're ill on the job. And you're running a temperature, which I know you'll never admit, but I'm not totally daft," Robbie told her and Laura sighed, before glowering at him. "Will you please have a day in bed? Let your body get over this lurgy?" Robbie said, and Laura looked up at him. "Fine," she acquiesced and Robbie wrapped his arms around her shoulders gently, drawing her against him. Laura closed her eyes and allowed him to hold her close, and she sighed. "You're not well, pet. You're entitled to a day in bed when you're genuinely ill," he murmured against her forehead, his arms wrapped around her. Laura genuinely couldn't be bothered to argue, and she did really feel awful. A day in bed was quite tempting, and Laura rarely wanted to spend a day under the covers. She concluded that perhaps one day off wouldn't do her any harm. In the end, she was tucked back up in bed with a steaming mug of tea when Robbie headed off for the office. Laura had phoned in sick, and dumped her work laptop in the study. She'd picked up the book she'd been meaning to finish for ages and taken it back upstairs, before snuggling back down under the covers and beginning to read.
James was reading a file in their office when Robbie strolled into CID that morning. Robbie was minded to spend the day refreshing his memory of the case he was due in court over later in the week and James was clearly similarly minded. "Morning," Robbie said cheerfully, noting the mug of tea waiting for him on his desk. "Thanks for the brew," Robbie continued as he sat down at his desk and James glanced over, nodding at the greeting. "Been in long?" Robbie enquired, taking a hasty sip of his tea, then considering the box James had retrieved from the records store. "About 7.30," James said "wanted to get my head back round this case before I'm in court on Thursday." Robbie wrinkled his nose slightly; he and James had been called for the same session on this case. The suspicious case Laura had dealt with the day before had turned out to be what Laura liked to term "a common garden heart attack" and the case was closed, leaving Lewis and Hathaway to prepare for their forthcoming court case. Although he complained about it at length, Robbie sometimes thought that this was the element of a case that Hathaway liked the most. The summing up and the framing of it all in court. Hathaway was in his element in court. A battle of wits, in pursuit of the common good was exactly how he liked to kick back. Hathaway had some beautiful turns of phrase and Robbie suspected his preparation for his appearances in court was really quite considerable.
It was early December, and Robbie was beginning to look forward to Christmas. With Lynne's baby due in the New Year, he wasn't planning to be off much at Christmas and Laura was going to be working too. But the station Christmas party was imminent, and it was nearly Laura's birthday and Robbie was minded to think that it was going to be a fairly pleasant few weeks. Lost in his musings, Robbie settled down at his desk and began to read. After a while, Hathaway began to mutter to himself and Robbie cast a glance in his direction. "Problem?" he enquired and Hathaway sighed in distaste. "I need Laura's insight," he replied "Rawbones wrote this report and it's impenetrable in its use of scientific jargon. I'm not even sure if he ever intended for it to be readable. Laura's far superior at reports and hers actually make sense." Hathaway stood up and stretched slightly before heading for the door. Robbie didn't like to mention that Laura definitely wasn't in the lab, and if she'd actually listened to him, she was still likely to be tucked up in bed. Not least because Hathaway was likely to want to know how Robbie knew Laura's whereabouts, much less a precis of her general condition. As Hathaway walked through CID, Robbie slid his phone onto the desk. How are you doing pet? he typed, half hoping that Laura wouldn't respond for a while. It was only 10am after all and if Laura had any sense, she'd still be cuddled up under the covers and dozing at the very best. His phone buzzed and he glanced at it. Laura. Tucked up in bed with a book and a nice cup of tea. Painkillers taken. Happy now? x Robbie smiled to himself. Glad to hear it pet. He tucked his phone back into his pocket, before resuming his reading. Hathaway strolled back into their office twenty minutes or so later. "Hobson's sick," he remarked and Robbie looked up at him. "Not like Laura," he said, ruffling the back of his hair and Hathaway frowned. "Anne Marie said she sounded dreadful," he replied, tossing the file back on his desk "I'm going to make coffee. Want one?" Robbie nodded and James picked up his mug before strolling out of their office and in the direction fo the office kitchen. And thus, the morning passed peacefully for Lewis and Hathaway. Both were absorbed in their preparation for court and it was only the rumbling of Robbie's stomach that led him to cast a glance over to the office clock. "Fancy some lunch lad?" he enquired and James shut his file. "Go on then, sir," he replied. Robbie tossed the file gently onto the desk, and retrieved his jacket from the back of his chair. He glanced across CID and was unimpressed to see thick white flakes swirling outside the window. James followed his gaze and then grimaced. "Great," he muttered and returned to the office for his coat and for Robbie's. "I thought it was cold this morning," Robbie observed, shrugging his jacket on and James sighed wearily. "It was pretty chilly yesterday but I didn't think it would actually snow," he lamented as they walked through the station. "We could just go to the canteen," Robbie suggested and Hathaway made a derisory snort. "I'd prefer an alternative source which might actually provide nutrition," he remarked, pushing his way through the loading bay doors, blasting them both with an icy wind. Robbie turned up his collar against the chill and they stomped down towards the sandwich shop they favoured for their lunchtime jaunts.
Laura, in turn, was quite pleased that she'd opted to take a rare sick day. She truly felt dreadful, and she'd dozed through most of the morning, tucked under the covers and with an extra blanket wrapped around her shoulders. When she'd woken from her anticipated nap, woozy and warm, the colour of the light cascading in from the windows made her frown until she realised it was snowing. The very idea made her shiver and she snuggled back down under the covers. Her head was beginning to throb again and she was in need of more painkillers and more tea. She considered her options and edged her way out from the covers, sliding her feet into her slippers and wrapping the blanket around her. She made her way downstairs carefully, and put the kettle on. As she waited for it to boil, she considered the contents of her fridge and was pleased to find some soup. She retrieved it and unclipped the lid, putting it into the microwave and setting that going. As the kettle boiled, Laura reached for it, pouring hot water over the tea bag and letting it brew. She glanced around the kitchen, considering what else she might have and opted to make some toast. Perhaps she'd curl up on the sofa this afternoon, watch an old movie and generally take it easy. It was nearly Christmas, perhaps she'd get away with an old black and white favourite. Her phone buzzed and she glanced at it, smiling to see it was from her sister-in-law, Miriam. Hello sweetie. Hear you're poorly. Need a care package? I'm in Oxford this afternoon… Laura's expression grew soft at the thought and she quickly tapped out a response before the microwave beeped to denote its completion. Thanks Mim. Just about to crash out on the sofa for the afternoon. I'm full of lurgy - you may wish to avoid. xx Laura retrieved the soup and carefully poured it into a bowl before carrying it and her toast over to the sofa. She settled into her seat, and began to eat her lunch. As she finished the last of her soup, her phone buzzed again and Laura picked it up. Will swing by with provisions as soon as I can. xx Bless Miriam. She and Miriam had hit it off as soon as Sam had brought her home his first summer home from University, the same summer that Laura had begun grammar school. Goodness, Laura though, over thirty years now. And Mim had gone out of her way always to be kind to Laura, and Laura had grown to love her dearly, considering Miriam to be her sister, rather than her sister-in-law. Today was proving no exception. Thank you lovely x Laura texted back and then dropped her phone back on the coffee table. She curled her feet underneath her and snuggled back under the blanket.
A rap at the front door woke Laura from her dozing, and she stumbled over the blankets in her haste to answer the door. She sleepily checked her reflection in the mirror and then went to answer the door. She glanced through the privacy hole and was relieved to see Miriam waiting on her doorstep. "You could have used your key," Laura reminded her as she opened the door and Miriam flashed her a smile. "Didn't want to invade your privacy," she replied indulgently, shutting the door behind her and then handing a carrier bag to Laura. "You didn't have to," Laura protested as Miriam dropped her handbag onto the sideboard and followed Laura into her living room. Laura peered into the bag and smiled. Lemons, fresh ginger, a pot of honey, a stash of trashy magazines, some luxurious looking bath foam and some painkillers, along with a slab of Laura's favourite cake from a cafe near to Miriam's. "Have I mentioned that I love you Mim?" Laura asked, setting the contents down on her dining table and Miriam smiled. "Once or twice," she replied, leaning over and flicking the kettle on. "Want some cake?" Laura asked and Miriam smiled broadly. "Oh go on then," she replied and Laura returned her smile. She retrieved two plates and two mugs, setting them down on the counter and reaching for the tea bags. "Tea?" Laura enquired and Miriam nodded, before taking the box of cake, and retrieving two slices. Laura made their tea and then brought it, and the milk to the table. "Not like you to be off sick," Mim observed, cradling the mug in her hands and Laura grimaced. "I've been running a temperature for three days and yesterday I got so cold at a scene that I couldn't stop shaking," she confessed under Miriam's steely gaze "and Robbie essentially refused to leave until I gave in and agreed to a day in bed, or at least, on the sofa. And I couldn't be bothered to argue." Miriam smiled. "Glad to see he's got the measure of you," she replied warmly and Laura rolled her eyes.
"What are your birthday plans?" Miriam enquired, as Laura curled her feet up underneath her on the sofa. Miriam carried the two mugs of tea over, and then, having returned for the cake and the plates, settled on the sofa next to Laura. Laura accepted the plate and considered. "I haven't really got any yet," she replied and Miriam considered her. "I know your birthday always gets outshone by Christmas, but we can do something nice if you like?" Miriam offered, forking a piece of cake into her mouth. Laura sipped her tea and thought for a moment. "Maybe. Let me check the roster when it comes out, and see what Robbie has to say on the matter," Laura said and Miriam's smile broadened. "And how are things with Robbie?" she enquired lightly, a smile dancing at the edge of her lips. Laura grinned, and Miriam chuckled. "Love's young dream, eh?" she observed and Laura shook her head, blushing slightly. "We're good," Laura said levelly. Miriam raised an eyebrow hopefully, knowing that probing Laura rarely got answers and leaving her to confide in a silence was a far more effective technique. Laura pulled the throw over her knees a bit more, still feeling a bit shivery. "Last year I had just gone back to work, and Robbie and I had a takeaway and a quiet night in," Laura mused, resting her head on her hand and Miriam smiled warmly. "Sounds nice," she replied and Laura smiled. "Yeah," she said softly "it was." Laura sipped some more tea before she spoke again. "You know, when you're young, you have all these ideas of the perfect romance, what your ideal partner might be like, and then life comes along, and you don't meet the right person for what feels like forever," Laura mused and Miriam smiled. "And then when you do, when the prospect of something is just at the tip of your fingers, and you begin to wonder if the circumstances are ever going to be right for your hopes to be realised. God, I'm almost 43 and I sound like a foolish schoolgirl," Laura said and Miriam shook her head. "No, you don't," she protested and Laura smiled. "I'd sort of written off a relationship, got to the point where I was quite settled by myself," Laura said "and it's funny to think how much has changed in just over a year." Miriam delicately forked another piece of cake into her mouth, still listening. "Think this might be happily ever after?" Miriam asked and Laura inhaled slowly, a smile dancing at the edge of her mouth. "I think, at least, I hope, we're headed down that road," Laura replied and Miriam grinned. She raised her mug of tea to Laura's and chinked their mugs. "May your hopes and dreams come true," Miriam proposed, and Laura smiled. "I'll drink to that," she replied.
Later, after Miriam had washed up, fussed over Laura a bit more and then made her way back to their home outside Oxford, Laura curled up on the sofa, watching an old episode of the West Wing, snuggled up under the covers. At length, the light began to fade and Laura got up to draw the curtains and turn the lamps on. She made herself some more honey and lemon and took some more painkillers. She settled back on the sofa, and tucked herself back up. Her phone buzzed insistently and she glanced at the screen. Robbie. Laura smiled. How are you feeling pet? Do you need anything? Can I bring you supper? Mmm, yes, she did need to eat. Laura considered the phone in her hand before tapping out a response. Some company for dinner would be nice, if you're prepared to run the risk of the dread lurgy x A few minutes later a response pinged in. Want me to pick something up from the supermarket? Laura tapped the phone against her lips and considered this. Maybe some risotto. Am feeling quite feeble still. x Something comforting like the rice would be a perfect dinner on a night like tonight. Her phone buzzed again and she read the response. Your wish is my command. See you in about an hour my love x
When Robbie pulled up outside Laura's house he was pleased to see the lamps glowing dimly against the chill of the November evening. He pulled his Barbour jacket around him, and retrieved the bag of shopping from the passenger seat along with his overnight bag. He locked the car, and then walked up the path to Laura's front door. He rapped on the door, and at length, it opened to reveal Laura, still looking slightly wan. "Hi," he said, smiling at her and Laura held the door. "Hi," she said, and he ducked his head and pressed a kiss to her cheek. "Trust you've been taking it easy?" he enquired as he stepped through and dropped his bag in the hall. Laura nodded, and he presented her with the shopping bag. "Thank you," she murmured and he smiled, rubbing the back of his head wearily. "Long day?" Laura asked as she made her way into her kitchen and Robbie leant against the breakfast bar. "Aye, a lot of reading ahead of court at the end of the week," he replied as Laura unpacked the food. She turned to the oven, retrieved a baking tray and unwrapped the food Robbie had brought with him. Sliding the dish into the oven, she set the timer going and held out her hand. "Come and sit with me," she murmured, and he captured her hand in his. Robbie drew Laura into his arms and she slid her fingers around his waist, nestling them between his shirt and his jacket. "Feeling any better for a day in bed?" he enquired and Laura stepped closer in. "Mmm, mostly a day on the sofa," she murmured against his cheek and he smiled. "Glad to hear it," Robbie replied, maintaining his hold on her waist. "Much rather have you around if I'm obliged to spend a day in bed," Laura murmured against his cheek and Robbie grinned. "Mmm," he replied as she nestled against him, and he cradled her against him. "Yes, that's a very enticing prospect," Robbie replied and he felt Laura's smile broaden. "You heading back into the office tomorrow?" he asked and Laura exhaled softly, her breath warm against his skin. "I'll see if I'm still running this temperature," Laura replied and Robbie pressed a kiss to her hairline. "Don't want you making yourself really poorly," he counselled and he felt her smile again. It felt so nice to be stood here with Laura cuddled up in his arms, and he kissed her again. "Just want you to take care of yourself my love," Robbie murmured "and let me take care of you too." Laura sighed and nodded. "Alright," she replied and Robbie closed his eyes, content to be with her, and to be able to hold her close. "I love you," he murmured and Laura smiled, happily held in his arms. "Love you too," she replied softly.
"I spoke to Dispatch today," Robbie said and Laura murmured something. "I sweet talked them into letting me see the roster for the weekend before your birthday," Robbie continued and Laura frowned slightly. "So, I happen to know that I am off duty, and you are off duty," Robbie said and Laura lifted her head from the crook of his neck and frowned at him slightly. "Of course I didn't ask about your roster, but the senior staff are rolled together, and you, my love, are just above me in the lines, so when I see my timetable, I see yours too," he reminded her and she looked at him reproachfully. "Don't pout at me," Robbie said amiably and Laura folded her arms. "I thought," Robbie told her, keeping his hands on her waist and looking at her "that unless you had a better offer, we might escape Oxford and hole up somewhere far away and celebrate your birthday?" Laura tilted her head, and considered her partner, and the hopeful look in his eyes. Bless him for wanting to spoil her. "Where did you have in mind?" she wondered aloud and Robbie grinned. He knew that hypothetical question meant he'd half won the battle with Laura, and he hoped he'd balance out his wish to spoil her with her need for independence. "There's this little country house hotel in rural Wales," he replied "I know the language is funny, but the road signs are still in English, right?" Laura actually rolled her eyes and he chuckled. "I've emailed you the link to their website," Robbie said "so I know you weren't checking your emails, because you didn't react." Laura smiled broadly. "No, I stayed under a blanket under the sofa, and did very little," she replied and Robbie pressed a kiss to her cheek. "Good girl," he said and Laura scowled. "Oi," she rebuked and he drew her closer for a kiss. "Have you got plans for that weekend?" he enquired and Laura shook her head. "Can I steal you away for a couple of nights? Let me wine and dine you?" Robbie enquired and a soft smile crept across Laura's features. "Alright then," she replied warmly "you've convinced me."