Robbie had to work very hard to restrain his amused expression when he arrived at the scene of the crime to find Laura scowling at the ground. "Male, adult, must have been in there a couple of weeks," She announced rapidly, veritably stomping over to where he and Hathaway were waiting. "First inspection reveals a blow to the front right side of the temple, probable cause of death. All pretty straightforward really," Laura was clearly impatient as she gabbled this last bit of information. Neither Robbie nor James dared react, though they exchanged a look. Laura looked exasperated. "It's my day off. I had plans. I was trying to have a life," she said grumpily "instead of which, as usual, I'm up to my knees in body parts. Sorry." Laura sighed. After all, it wasn't their fault. "I don't think there will be any surprises in the post mortem but the grave's pretty interesting. The body was wrapped in a fine cloth, very fine. And this was laid on the chest." She held out the evidence bag to Robbie who took it and glanced over it. "He was buried with some ceremony then?" Robbie observed and James glanced at the makeshift cross. "And care," James concluded. Laura held out a further bag containing a watch. "There's an inscription on the back," she explained. Robbie turned it ver. "Nulli secundus," he read slowly. "Second to none," James translated sharply and Robbie looked up at Laura. "Who found him?" he asked. "Liv Nash, botanist. She's based at the botanic gardens," Laura replied, and James and Robbie turned to see a petite dark woman, wrapped in a blanket behind the scene tape. "What brought her all the way out here?" he mused. "They were doing some conservation work," Laura replied. James stepped towards her, and Laura gestured that Robbie should follow her. "Plans gone awry, eh?" Robbie asked as they walked back to the scene and Laura scowled. "Bloody Rawbones. It's just my luck. I am so overdue a day out of the office, and then this happens. I was number FIVE on the call list" she replied grumpily, folding her arms around herself. "I'm sure you can rearrange," he mused and Laura glared at him. "I'm going to remind you of this next time you're called in at an inopportune moment," she said grumpily and Robbie smiled at her. He stepped towards her slightly, so that no one could overhear him as they spoke. "Mmm, well, I'm sure you'll be first to remind me, my love" he said warmly and Laura snorted in derision. "I better go and set the incident room up," he lamented and Laura sighed. "Yes, I need to finish up here," she replied "and since my day off has been thoroughly ruined, I may as well crack on with the post mortem. At least I managed to get to the hairdressers before I was called in" Robbie smiled, thinking how easy it would be to duck down and kiss her. She wouldn't thank him for it though. "Maybe I can buy you a curry, end your day on a brighter note," he suggested and Laura smiled briefly. "Text me when you're done," she replied and he flashed her a smile before turning on his heel to find James.
"As expected," Laura said as she closed the mortuary fridge. Robbie and James waited as she strolled back to the mortuary station. "No surprises," she continued, stripping off her gloves and tossing them into the contaminated waste. "There are some bruises and abrasions to the face, which suggest a struggle," Laura said breezily, picking up the report and walking back towards them. "Blood tox?" Robbie asked. "Nothing fatal but not a happy picture, "Laura replied, handing the report to Robbie who scanned the first page. "Caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, amphetamine," Robbie read, and a flash of amusement flickered across James' brow. "Cigarettes and coffee for breakfast, lunch and dinner. He didn't do things by halves, did he?" James observed. "There speaks the voice of experience," Laura observed wryly. "Whatever gets you through," James replied smoothly and Laura glanced at him. "Not a happy man," Robbie said, looking up from the report and Laura pulled an exasperated face. "I'm not sure, Inspector," Laura remarked dryly "that it's possible to determine emotional state quite so decisively through a blood toxicity report alone." James smirked, and Laura caught his eye. "I'm not sure why you're smirking so, Sergeant," she continued and James considered his shoes thoroughly. "I'm not smirking," he protested after a moment or two of silence had passed and Laura rolled her eyes dramatically. "Just your facial features?" she hazarded wryly and James' lip quivered in amusement. "Something like that, Dr. Hobson," he replied levelly and Laura arched an eyebrow. "Mmmm," she replied.
"So hang on, she's been impersonating a police officer? And investigating the case?" Laura looked confused, and she took a sip from her wine glass. Laura curled her knees up under her and leant her arm along the back of the sofa. Robbie looked exasperated. "Aye," he replied, stretching out his legs "honestly, love, you've never seen anything like it. I swear the woman's insane. But anyway, at least I got to leave at a reasonable hour. Today, anyhow." He reached out and squeezed her knee and she smiled at him. "How was your day?" Robbie enquired and Laura shrugged easily. The door to Robbie's living room creaked open and Monty padded into the room. He stopped and considered Laura for a moment before padding over to her and sniffing the hand she extended out to him in greeting. He rubbed his head against her hand, and she fondled his ears affectionately. "Are we friends now, eh, Monty?" she enquired and he made a sort of burring noise at her which she took to be an affirmative, and then he hopped into her lap and made a show of settling himself down whilst looking smugly at Robbie. "Bloody cat," he murmured and Laura laughed. Monty purred loudly, as if proving a point and then nudged his nose under his paw and closed his eyes, satisfied with his position. "That cat is a complete tart," Robbie said, slightly resentfully and Laura ran her hand over Monty's sizeable flank. "Oh, he's fine," she said indulgently. "The whole case seems to rest about CS bloody Lewis," Robbie said and Laura smiled broadly. "The impossible quest?" she enquired, fondling Monty's ears and Robbie leant his head back against the sofa. "Oh don't you start?" Robbie muttered and Laura smiled to herself. "Honestly, I find an Oxford academic I actually like, and then she quotes CS Lewis at me," he continued, as much to Monty as himself and Laura smiled broadly.
"James seems to be getting awfully well with that botanist," Robbie remarked and Laura looked intrigued. "He bowed to her today," Robbie continued and Laura looked bemused. "He did what?" she asked, clearly entertained and Robbie shook his head. "Mebbe this is how James demonstrates interest in a woman?" he suggested and Laura chuckled. "You're mean," she protested and Robbie shook his head. "James needs a partner," he rued "someone to take his mind off the day job." Laura fixed him with a knowing look and he chuckled. "What?" he protested. "It's all very well for you to preach," Laura pointed out "but as far as James is concerned, you're single." Robbie shrugged. "Yeah, but I have been married. He probably thinks that gives me carte blanche." Laura fixed him with an unimpressed look and Robbie looked at her. "Anyway," Laura said and Robbie shrugged his shoulders. "I tell you Laura, you've never met a pair like these two. I've never seen a more entitled, pretentious pair…" Robbie gestured with frustration and Laura rolled her eyes. "No, after studying at Oxford for six years, and then working in the city for a further fifteen, and teaching for good five of those years, Robbie, no, I couldn't imagine what you mean," she retorted and he glowered. "An act of living post-modernism," Robbie began and Laura snorted in derision. "Oh good grief," she replied "that might be the most Oxford thing I've heard in a while."
"Anyway, we were at his college yesterday, so we can account for the last time we saw him, if that helps with your timings." Laura arched an eyebrow knowingly at him and he met her look with a degree of confusion."So, yeah we visited him last night," Robbie was saying to Laura as James strolled into the mortuary. "Connor's blood," James announced, holding out the jumper. to Laura "She said he'd been in a fight. Could you get this to forensics for me?" Laura took the evidence bag. "You always give me the nicest presents," Laura said cheerfully, but then her smile faded as she cast a glance between Robbie and James. "Sorry, not just any old case, this one?" she enquired more gently. "No," Robbie replied. "Go on Laura." She held the package more carefully as she began to detail the post mortem results. "Single blow to the back of the skull. There are some bruises, so there must have been a fight," Laura said. "Vincent and Mia are covered in bruises," Robbie confirmed, looking dejected. "And then the body fell into the river," Laura continued. "Fell in? So he was killed beside the river?" Robbie asked and Laura nodded. "There's fresh mud from the river bank compacted into the treads of the shoes, and then the body drifted someway down the river by the looks of it." She glanced between them, but they were both listening intently. "Lots of wear and tear after death, and silt in the pockets and folds of his clothes," Laura finished, considering the two men in front of her carefully.
The trilling of Laura's office phone made her curse, until she saw the number. "Hello?" she said. "Laura?" Robbie sounded weary. "Robbie? Everything okay?" Laura enquired, pushing away the marking in front of her. "Just a long old day, Laura, a long old day." Robbie replied and Laura grimaced. Even in the midst of a large pile of marking, she was instinctively drawn to her partner's voice, and the sadness in it made her just want to reach out to him. "Want to talk?" she prompted, and Robbie began to explain. "Innocent sent me round to Michelle Marber's. Bit gut wrenching really," Laura sat back in her chair and leant her chin on her hand as Robbie talked. "Dealing with the parents of young people is amongst the worst, Robbie," Laura said softly, after Robbie had talked himself out for a few minutes. "I know how hard it can be. Don't be too tough on yourself." Laura chided kindly and Robbie sighed. "I wish you were here," he said and Laura grimaced. She threaded her fingers through her hair, considering the pile of marking in front of her. "I wish I was with you too," Laura murmured and Robbie smiled. "Perils of dating an academic, eh?" he mused wryly and Laura smiled to herself, cradling the phone against her ear. "I'll be another couple of hours," she said and Robbie heaved a sigh. "I know, pet," he replied. "I could crash at yours tonight if you like?" Laura offered and Robbie smiled broadly. "Ay, I'd like that," he told her and Laura smiled warmly. "Well then sweetheart, let me crack on, and I'll be with you as soon as I can be," she replied. "Alright, pet," Robbie said, anticipating her arrival later that evening with great pleasure and some degree of relief. A couple of hours later, Robbie came to with a start, rubbing his eyes wearily as Laura appeared in the doorway of his living room. She considered him affectionately, and he stood up to greet her. 'Sorry love, I must have dozed off," he said and she tiptoed up to press a kiss to his cheek. "S'alright," Laura murmured, as she slid her fingers into his hand and entwined their fingers. "Shall we go to bed?" she enquired and Robbie nodded. "Yeah," he said, picking up his house keys and then walking through into the hallway and sliding the deadlock on the front door. As they got ready for bed, Robbie eyed Laura's backpack with confusion. Laura followed his gaze and smiled. "My go bag. Useful for multiple changes at work, and impromptu overnights away. I'll be in scrubs all day tomorrow so I doubt anyone will pay attention to what I go home in…" she explained and he half-smiled. "Aye," he replied as Laura slipped under the covers. Robbie pulled her against his chest and Laura settled within his embrace. "It's good to see you, pet" he murmured, nudging his nose against the back of her neck and exhaling softly. Laura smiled to herself, slipping her hand into his, and allowing both to rest against her hip. She yawned, wriggling closer and Robbie kissed the nape of her neck softly. "Nice to come home to you, sweetheart," she replied wearily and Robbie smiled contentedly as they drifted off to sleep.
The following morning, when Laura awoke, she was folded tightly into Robbie's embrace. She turned in his arms, and he made a sleepy noise of approval as she settled her head on his shoulder. "What time is it?" he asked blearily, and Laura looked at the bedside clock. "Half six," she replied and he grumbled. "Want me to make tea?" she asked and he nodded. "Have I mentioned that I love you?" he asked and Laura chuckled, raising herself up so that she could steal a kiss before getting up, pulling on his discarded jumper and padding down to the kitchen. When she came back a few minutes later, a mug of tea in each hand, he was still sprawled across the bed and Laura smiled to herself. "Oi," she chided and he rolled over, regarding her affectionately. "Thank you," he said earnestly as Laura passed him his mug of tea before getting back into bed. She set hers down, pushing the sleeves of his jumper back before getting back into bed and crossing her legs. She blew on her tea before taking a sip contentedly. "How was court yesterday?" she asked softly and Robbie sighed. He set his tea down and linked his hands behind his head. "Hard," he said sadly and Laura grimaced. "She deserved better that that… that lowlife," he said, his voice breaking, and Laura set her tea down on the side. She edged closer to him, and squeezed his shoulder. "I miss her, Laura," he said and Laura exhaled softly, reaching for his hand and taking it into her own. She squeezed his fingers, trying to work out how to respond. "I know, sweetheart," she murmured "it must feel so raw." Robbie nodded, a lump in his throat preventing him from articulating either the torrent of grief suddenly raging within him, or his gratitude to Laura for her empathy. "Grief's a bastard," Laura said, gently caressing his hand. "I had to ring Lynne and Pat, tell them that that lowlife had been convicted and… I hated having to remind them. It was tumultuous enough for me, and to cause them more grief. Lynne cried. Pat just sounded hollow and distant. I wish I'd been able to tell them in person, and I couldn't…" Robbie confessed "and it's just not bloody fair, Laura. It really isn't. To them, to me, or to you. Five years, and it's like a bloody punch to the guts. I can hardly bear the injustice of it." Laura closed her eyes momentarily, wondering what on earth to say in response to such an outpouring. "Oh Robbie," she murmured and he grimaced. "I'm so sorry, sweetheart," Laura said and she met his gaze levelly and she could't resist reaching out and caressing his cheek gently. He half smiled, half grimaced, leaning into her touch and sighing heavily. Laura wanted so badly to make it better for him, for it was within her nature to nuture, to care and her deep seated desire to heal contributed to her easy empathy. She leant in, kissed his cheek gently and he held her tightly for a moment, before she sat back, and picked up her tea again. Robbie reached for her hand and squeezed her fingers tightly. "I love you," he murmured, looking directly at her and Laura smiled warmly. "Love you too," she said softly.
"Laura? I need you to check on the blood tox of Murray Hawes?" Robbie said "the nicotine reading? Yeah. Can you do it now? It's just I think the lab might have made a mistake." "It is. It's citizine," Alex Falconer said and Robbie gestured. "I'll hear it from my pathologist, thank you," he said tersely. "Yeah, still here." "You're right, there is a mistake," Laura confirmed, and Robbie could hear the irritation in her voice. "It's a tiny molecular difference. It's not nicotine. It's citizine. But it's not it's usual state. It's been engineered." A flicker of satisfaction coursed across Robbie's features. "Thanks Laura," Robbie said and rang off. His phone buzzed in his pocket a few minutes later, but it was nearly an hour before Robbie actually managed to look at it. He laughed aloud when he read the message from Laura. *Your* pathologist? it read "I'll have you know I've only sworn allegiance to our blessed National Health Service, thank you very much. "Everything alright sir?" Hathaway enquired, and Robbie nodded. "Aye, fine. Come on, back to the station lad. Let's crack on with the paperwork." As Hathaway began the drive back to the station, Robbie keyed in a response to Laura. Yes, well, Dr. Hobson, perhaps we can discuss this at length over dinner? My treat. A few minutes later her response pinged in. As long as you don't bring Hathaway… "All well?" the aforementioned Hathaway enquired, glancing at his boss and wondering what was making him smile so much. He was uncharacteristically chipper, even for the end of a case, particularly one with such sad connotations. "Fine," Robbie replied cheerfully and Hathaway returned his attention to the road.
Later in the pub, Hathaway and Lewis cradled a pint each, hard earnt. Robbie's burst of cheer had faded and James looked veritably drained. They sat in a companionable silence, occasional remarks peppered in lieu of proper conversation. "She was right," James mused, staring out towards the river, through rain streaked windows. "How do you mean?" Robbie asked, swirling the remnants of his pint in the glass. "Michelle Marber." James continued and Robbie pursed his lips thoughtfully. "She told us at the beginning that the line of enquiry we should pursue was Alex Falconer, and she was right. And yet, we've got her no further in her searches. It adds a note of futility to a case I feel I ought to have more satisfaction in concluding." Robbie inhaled slowly, and then nodded. "Aye, I know what you mean," he replied and James grimaced. "You got plans for tonight?" Robbie continued and James shrugged. "There's a gig later I might go to," he mused. A silence sat between them for a few moments before James continued "What about you?" he asked, slightly awkwardly, conscious that they were both rebuilding their bonds with each other. Robbie drained his pint before he responded. "I owe Laura Hobson dinner," he replied levelly and James grinned. "People will talk," he observed lightly and Robbie shook his head. "People" he said staunchly "can mind their own bloody business. Laura's an old friend, and it's been a tough week." Hathaway considered the bottom of his glass for a moment before smiling, and catching his boss's eye. "Of course, sir," he replied contritely "Not sure she'll thank you for the 'old' bit though…".
"It's so sad," Robbie said. "Mrs Marber?" Laura frowned and Robbie could see her working back in her mind. "I think," Laura said thoughtfully "in fact, I'm almost certain that I did her son's post mortem." Robbie nodded. "Mmm, I read the inquest," he said "saw your name at the foot of the report. Open and shut case of overdose though. I'm got no questions on that front." Laura frowned. "She says she imagines her son's death 100 times a day. She's so desperately trying to hold on him," Robbie said and Laura grimaced. "She was asking me how I accepted Val's death," he owned and Laura exhaled softly. "I told her that I didn't know, and to be fair, I don't know. But I do know that being with you, it's made such a difference, Laur," Robbie told her, capturing her hand in his and tugging her fingers so that she looked at him. "It can't always be easy for you," Robbie said and Laura shrugged. "You're always incredibly good about Val," he replied and Laura made a funny gesture. "Well, I don't really see how I could be anything else," she said at length, and Robbie reached out to cup her cheek. "It's not calculated, Robbie," Laura said, her eyelashes fluttering down for just a moment. "I just love you," she continued and Robbie stroked her cheek with his thumb. "But you've loved me at my worst, my lowest point" Robbie reminded her and Laura smiled slightly. She set her wine glass down and adjusted her position. "We're neither of us perfect. We each come with our own history, our own foibles," she replied "so my loving you is incidental to Val. But you loving her isn't. And you wouldn't be you, and we wouldn't be us if it weren't for her, so…" she trailed off, meeting his gaze and trying to anticipate his response. She tilted her head slightly and he rubbed his thumb over her hand. They smiled at each other and he leant forward to steal a kiss. "Do you know though, what frustrates me about the whole thing is the thought of all that unpublished research going to waste? He might actually have been onto something, but we'll never know. Such a waste," Laura said "and so very sad. To love someone so much that you'd risk everything to try and heal them, and it all end like this…" Laura trailed off and Robbie squeezed her shoulders. "It's all a bloody waste," Robbie replied wearily "and I'll be glad when I can get this off me hands and onto the CPS."