A/N: So here we are. That episode. Let the fun begin...
Robbie frowned when he saw the name against the missed call on his phone. Laura looked at him, over her mug of tea. "Everything alright?" she enquired gently and Robbie glanced at her. "Yeah, fine, just a name I wasn't expecting to see," he replied and Laura considered him. "Louise Cornish," Robbie explained and Laura shrugged. "She was a great friend of Val's. Younger than us, mind, but they got on well," Robbie said. "Ah, well, I'll call her back later. How's your day looking?" Laura smiled, taking a final sip of her tea. "Not too bad. I'm going to work from home. Monthly stats are due, and I have some court preparation to do ahead of next week," she replied "oh, and there's an academic over from the US who wants to meet to talk about a paper I and some of the faculty gave last year at a conference, so I said we'd meet him tonight. Then this weekend is much as they ever are…" Laura sat back, setting her mug on the table and they smiled at each other. "Looks as though it'll be a nice day, so I might cycle up to the pub tonight," Laura said and Robbie stretched out his hand to capture her fingers into his. "I better get a shift on," he said and Laura nodded. "I'll give you a call later?" Robbie said and Laura smiled as he ducked down to kiss her affectionately before scooping up his jacket and making his way out of Laura's house. On his walk into work, Robbie called Louise back, apologising for having missed her call earlier that morning. After he'd finished the call, and agreed to pop in to see her later, Robbie strolled through central Oxford, making his way up the steps into the main police station with a spring in his step.
At a point in his life when his personal life was coming together in such a profoundly happy way, Robbie felt almost awkward to be learning what had been going onto with the couple, with whom, once upon a time, he and his late wife had been good friends. He'd liked Jack, thought him a solid sort of bloke, couldn't quite believe what Louise was telling him. It seemed uncharacteristic. So he said what he could, made sympathetic noises, drank her tea and phoned Jack, as he'd promised feeling strange about it all in a way he couldn't really put his finger on. After work, he wandered along the river, lost in thought, his attention briefly caught by something in the river. He stopped for a better look, and as he did so, the object caught the current and flipped in the water, allowing Robbie to ascertain it was, in fact, a piece of tree trunk and not something more sinister. He'd seen enough corpses dragged out of the river in Oxford in his career not to look twice. As Robbie stopped, unbeknownst to him, his figure caught his partner's attention. Laura smiled at the sight of him. He was too far away to call too, and besides, Laura could see one of the other faculty members strolling towards her and she sighed inwardly. God, Laura thought, please let the others hurry up! Her colleague waved cheerily at her and Laura raised her hand in greeting. It was a source of great sadness to Laura that she couldn't even soothe the awkwardness of the evening with a glass of gin. Just before the sunset, Laura considered her options. She was absolutely shattered, and pleasant though her colleagues were, it was time she headed home, so she made her excuses and slipped off to unlock her bike and cycle home.
When Laura got home, she found Robbie sat on the bench on her decking, a bottle of beer in hand, enjoying what was left of the evening light. He smiled broadly as she locked her bike up at the side of the house and held out his hand to her as she walked towards him. "You look pretty," Robbie told her as she stood in front of him and entwined her fingers in his. Laura smiled wearily, and then stifled a yawn. "Not seen you in that dress before," Robbie observed and Laura sighed. "Well, it's one of the few that still fits," she replied and Robbie grinned. He set down his beer bottle and lifted his hand to rest of the side of her waist, caressing her hip with his thumb. Laura looked down at him, and the adoration on his face made her smile. "I fear it comes with the territory, my love," Robbie reminded her and she nodded, stifling a yawn. "I'm so tired," Laura said wearily and Robbie considered her. "Why don't you go and have a bath, and I'll bring you some tea and toast?" He offered kindly, bringing his other hand to her waist and Laura smiled. She leant down and cupped his jaw in her hand, kissing him softly. "You are very sweet," she murmured "but I am just going to collapse into bed." Robbie pressed a kiss against her palm in return. "Alright," he said "I'll finish me beer, and lock up down here, then bring a book up if you like?" Laura smiled and nodded, stifling another yawn before heading into the house. Predictably, Laura was fast asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow, and Robbie read for an hour or two before he too drifted off to sleep.
The following morning, sunlight was streaming through the curtains into their bedroom when Laura stirred from her slumber. She stretched luxuriously, pleased to be waking without her alarm for once. She rolled over to find the other side of the bed empty, although still warm and she frowned. "Robbie?" she called, and he stuck his head out of the ensuite. "Morning," he said cheerfully as she sat up, before coming to perch on the side of the bed. He leant in to kiss her affectionately and Laura smiled against his kiss. "Did you sleep alright?" Robbie asked and Laura nodded. "Mm, yes thank you," she replied, leaning in for another kiss. "How about you?" Laura asked when they drew apart. "Yeah, fine," Robbie said and they smiled at each other. "So what are your plans for the weekend then, Inspector Lewis?" Laura enquired. Robbie grinned. He loved the way Laura annunciated his name like that. Sent a shiver of anticipation down his spine. "Well," he replied "I was hoping for a quiet day with you. No rosters. No dispatch. Maybe we could drive off somewhere, go for a walk and a pub supper somewhere? Tomorrow, I dunno. What about you?" Laura leant in for another kiss and Robbie closed his eyes, deepening the kiss instinctively. Laura murmured as they kissed and he slid his fingers into her hair. Eventually, they drew apart, breathless and they smiled at each other. "Are you coming back to bed, or what?" Laura enquired, her eyes sparkling and Robbie grinned, shifting himself properly onto the bed. He drew Laura into his lap, sliding his hands underneath her nightdress and easing it up. Laura drew it up and over her head and Robbie ran his hands over her ribcage and up to her chest, voicing his appreciation of her curves. "You're going to tell me pregnancy agrees with me, aren't you?" Laura chided and Robbie chuckled against her skin, scuffing kisses over her décolletage. "I'd not disagree with that statement," he said cheerfully, before ducking his head and gently lapping at her breast, rolling his tongue around her nipple. Laura inhaled slowly, closing her eyes and allowing the sensations to wash over her. She traced her fingertips through the hair at the nap of his neck, caressing his skin affectionately. "Ditch the pyjamas, Inspector," Laura murmured when he raised his head to look at her and he grinned.
As Laura sank down onto him, Robbie groaned in pleasure, throwing his head back. Laura grinned, sliding her hands down his chest and rolling her hips. "Oh, Laura, love," he muttered, entwining his wrists in the small of her back and she smiled broadly. Robbie drew her in to kiss her tenderly and Laura smiled against his kiss. As they moved together, Robbie found his hands wandering back to her breasts. Laura laughed, amused at his preoccupation and he nuzzled against her cheek. "You're obsessed," she murmured and he grinned. "You're gorgeous," he protested and Laura smirked, turning her face for a long, satisfying kiss. "Let me touch you?" Robbie asked, and Laura nodded. He brought his hand to the apex of her thighs, and Laura closed her eyes as he began to touch her, his thumb seeking her nub. As he hit the right spot, Laura moaned. "Oh, yes. There," she murmured and Robbie grinned as she ground her hips down hard. Laura gripped his wrist, holding his hand exactly where she wanted it and Robbie cursed under his breath as she clenched him tightly within her. "Robbie," Laura said urgently, and he nudged his nose against her cheek, seeking a kiss. "I'm so close, Robbie," she said and Robbie kissed her again. "Just let go," he replied softly and Laura ground her hips down again, closing her eyes. She turned her face to his again, kissing him until she gasped, moaning his name against his cheek, grinding her hips down as he thrust once, twice, spilling himself inside her, and then cradling her close in his arms, pressing a soft kiss against her forehead as they recovered together, against the pillows. "You're a marvellous woman," Robbie murmured and Laura smiled broadly. "I love you," she replied and Robbie pressed another kiss against her skin. "Love you too," he said.
A little while later, when Laura came down from her shower wrapped in her dressing gown, Robbie was making coffee in the kitchen and she gratefully accepted the mug he offered her, tiptoeing up to kiss him softly. "Thank you," she murmured and he smiled at her affectionately. "You were going to tell me your plans for the weekend," he reminded her jovially and Laura laughed. "Your idea for a walk and the pub later sounds nice. Then tomorrow I have some peer review to do, and then I plan to make something nice for dinner and laze about on the sofa for the evening," she replied. "I might meet Jim for a quick pint tomorrow evening, pop back to mine, pick up a few bits," Robbie said and Laura shrugged easily. "But you'll stay tonight?" She asked, meeting his gaze as she drank her coffee. "Aye," he replied and she smiled in return.
"Have a look around the immediate area, see what you can find," Robbie suggested to the fresh faced young constable who greeted him as he came onto the scene. Laura was crouched alongside the corpse, digging in the surrounding soil. She looked up and he flashed her a brief smile. "Morning Robbie," she said, as he surveyed the scene. "Laura," he replied in greeting "what have we got?" Laura stood up, twisting the soil sample into its container. "Gentleman of mature years, been dead some time but a bit of a puzzle. No maggots, no visible pooling, tongue's not distended, the nails…" Laura caught his eye and he could sense her amusement as he held out a hand to her as she stepped out of the hole in the ground . "Spare us," Robbie said. He'd heard enough. Laura smirked. "Best suit, polished shoes, clean hanky in top pocket, no underpants," Laura continued and Robbie frowned. " No kecks?" he queried, and Laura's eyes danced. "Ah, you can take the lad out of Newcastle," she quipped in her best Geordie accent and Robbie frowned. Laura considered him. "Not your usual focussed self, Robbie," Laura observed and Robbie held out his hand to her so that she could step out of the ditch. "Where's Hathaway?" she asked. "On his holidays. You ever meet Jack Cornish?" Robbie asked "Fast track detective, destined for great things?" Laura nodded. "I've met him, why?" she asked, perplexed. "It's just, we were always great mates, cut from the same cloth," Robbie began, scratching his ear, as though agitated and Laura watched him, slightly bewildered by where this conversation was going. "Nah, ignore me," Robbie continued, before gesturing to the corpse where it lay. "Is that it?" he enquired and Laura glanced down at the corpse. "I've been saving the best til last," Laura replied lightly "If I were to say that all the usual offices have been performed?" Robbie looked at her quizzically. "You see, Robbie, this man's already been through the tender hands of an undertaker," Laura explained.
Once she'd completed the scene survey to her satisfaction, Laura went over to her car to put her kit box in the boot, only to notice Robbie examining what looked to be a half eaten sandwich. "Anything interesting?" She enquired. "Best before the fifteenth, that was when, last week?" Robbie replied. Laura closed her boot. "You're a single bloke, zap it in the microwave, it'll be fine," Laura quipped, amused and Robbie all but rolled his eyes at her. They exchanged a brief smile before Laura got into her car and turned on the engine
After his tete-a-tete with Innocent later that day, Robbie made his way down to the mortuary. One of Laura's staff was just closing up the mortuary storage as he made his way in, and Laura was finishing the final clean down on the opposite side of the room. He flashed her a brief smile, knowing full well he'd missed the . "There's no obvious cause of death," Laura began "no broken bones, skull's complete, hyoid's intact." "So not battered or strangled then," Robbie mused. "The soft tissues are too decomposed to tell us anything" Laura continued as she dried her hands "and the organs have been mucked about with. And I can't do a blood test due to the embalming fluid in his veins," Laura said, with some annoyance as she dropped the paper towel into the contaminated waste bin, and the lid slammed shut. She looked up at him, a wry smile across her features. "So no identification then?" Robbie asked. "No," said Laura, amused "I've been through all his pockets." Robbie waggled a finger at her. "You're enjoying this," he said accusingly. "Just wondering how you're going to start untangling it," Laura replied, entertained. "With great skill," Robbie retorted, with conviction. "And without Hathaway," Laura continued, teasingly "be like having one hand tied behind your back." Robbie pushed open the door to the corridor, and waggled his fingers at her. Laura shook her head in amusement.
Laura's phone buzzed in her pocket and she cursed under her breath. She couldn't very well stop what she was doing at this delicate stage of the post mortem. She sighed, took a deep breath and refocussed on what she was doing, continuing the routine of process until her tasks were completely, the body safely stowed in the fridge and the mortuary sparklingly clean. As she returned to her office, she extracted her phone and unlocked it. She smiled when she saw it was Robbie. Fancy lunch? Laura perched on her desk, spun her laptop round and typed in her password, before scrolling to her calendar. She tapped out a response before hitting send, then gathering up her clothes and heading out to the mortuary changing room. When she came back into her office, showered and changed, hair more or less dry, she found a further message waiting for her. She read it quickly, stowed her things in her locker, and picked up her purse and jacket. As she made her way through the station, Laura smiled to herself, carefully avoiding any real eye contact with her colleagues in CID, before heading out onto the station steps to wait for Robbie. She perched on the handrail as she waited, and a few minutes later Robbie strolled out. Laura smiled at him and he stooped to kiss her cheek. "Hello," he said and Laura looked up at him, bemused by his uncharacteristic demonstrative affection. "Lunch is on you," Robbie told her, and she looked up at him curiously. "I left me wallet at home in the rush to get out the door this morning," Robbie explained and they turned to walk towards Broad Street.
"Don't be grumpy," Laura said cheerfully, cradling her cup of tea in her hands as Robbie ate his sandwich. "Hathaway's having a holiday." Robbie reached for his own cup. "Says he is," he replied and Laura frowned."Oh," she said "like that, is it?" Robbie raised his eyebrows at her. "Come on," Laura said. "He thinks I don't know about it, but his churchy pals have roped him in for some do-goodery," Robbie explained and Laura frowned. "Oh no," she murmured. "Fixing up an orphanage. More or less press-ganged him into it," Robbie told her and Laura pursed her lips. "Poor James," she said and Robbie scoffed. "Ge'dern, He'll fit right back in with them lot. He wouldn't know fun if it jumped up and smacked him in the gob," he retorted, taking a bite of his sandwich. "But you would?" she replied, disbelieving. Robbie considered her. "I've had me share," he replied smoothly, through a mouthful of sandwich. "In the distant past," Laura pointed out "although you did give yourself up to wild abandon the other night." Robbie looked at her curiously, and she tucked a curl behind her ear slightly self consciously. "Friday?" Laura muted and Robbie frowned "Standing in the dusk, drinking in the river," Laura continued, and realisation dawned. "Oh, yeah, yeah. Thought I saw a body," Laura's eyebrows quirked in amusement. "Well, it wasn't. It was a log," Robbie continued and Laura laughed. She giggled, and Robbie's phone began to ring. She took a sip of tea to mask her amusement as Robbie answered his phone. "Hello? Yes, Neil Strickley," he said "Good, thanks." Robbie hung up and Laura looked at him expectantly. "Name band, cut off his wrist or his ankle, found about 100 yards from the body," Robbie explained and Laura frowned. "Still, it's something to work on," Robbie said, before standing up. He gestured at their table before remarking "Sorry, your treat," and strolling back off in the direction of the station, much to Laura's amusement.
"That's not your usual car," Laura observed when Robbie opened the front door to her later that evening. Robbie considered the new BMW, parked on his driveway. "The other one got recalled. Something about a brake fault. So they gave me that one," he explained as he closed the door behind Laura. "Very posh," Laura observed and he narrowed his eyes at her. "Says the woman who drives an Audi," he rebuked and she rolled her eyes at him. "It's a *work* car, as well you know, and I have zero control over what I am assigned," Laura reminded him and he laughed before leaning in to kiss her. "Hello you," he said and they smiled at each other. "Hello," Laura replied, and he dropped a kiss to the tip of her nose. "Supper?" Robbie enquired, resting his hands in the small of her back and looking down at her. "Yes please. I'm ravenous," Laura replied with conviction and Robbie chuckled. "Hungry day in the office?" he enquired as Laura followed him into his kitchen. She arched an eyebrow at him and he smiled broadly as his gaze followed her hand resting on her pelvis. "Mmm, something like that," Laura replied, amused. "M&S' finest do for dinner?" Robbie asked and Laura nodded. "Lasagne and garlic bread?" he continued. "Any salad?" Laura asked hopefully and Robbie eyed his partner before turning to the fridge and produced a bowl of salad. "I can't believe that of all the things a woman craves in pregnancy, it's salad that's your thing," he remarked. Laura tutted, before perching on one of the breakfast bar stools. "It's not a pregnancy craving, Robbie, I simply want to eat a balanced diet," she rebuked as he passed her a glass of water. "So are you on call tonight then?" Robbie asked, as he began to sort out their supper. Laura nodded. "Yeah, top of the list tonight, but hopefully it'll be a quiet one," she replied and Robbie laughed. "The 'q' word, there's brave," he observed and Laura all but rolled her eyes at him.
The following morning, when her phone rang at 6am, Laura groaned into her pillow. She grappled for her phone, hitting the answer button and muttering "Hobson," as she answered. After she'd taken the details from dispatch, she hung up and returned her face into her pillow, groaning again. Robbie rolled over, snaking his hand over her lower back and pulling her against him. "Shout?" he enquired and Laura nodded. " Yeah," she murmured, rolling onto her side and Robbie drew her in for kiss. "Suspected suicide, but I need to go via the lab," she explained and Robbie heaved a sigh. "Reckon they'll be calling me in pretty soon too then," he observed and Laura nodded. They kissed tenderly, before Laura pressed a final kiss to his lips, before rolling over and swinging her legs down. "Feet on the floor, eh, Hobson?" Robbie murmured and Laura looked at him reproachfully over her shoulder. Robbie's phone sprang into life and Laura smirked. "No rest for the wicked," she remarked and he shook his head at her, before he answered it. Laura dressed quickly, and then came to stand by Robbie's side of the bed as he ended the call. He looked up at her, agreeably rugged in a faded t-shirt, soft cotton pyjama bottoms and morning stubble and Laura smiled at him. She cupped the side of his face and caressed his cheek affectionately. "I'll see you there?" she murmured as he stifled a yawn, before leaning his head against her stomach. "Yeah," he murmured in response and Laura smiled, tousling his hair affectionately. Robbie pressed a kiss to her stomach, squeezing her hand gently, and then looking up at her. "You, be kind to your Mam," he said, addressing Laura's barely perceptible bump, causing Laura to smile broadly. "Love you," Laura said softly and he squeezed her hand again. "Love you too, pet," he replied.
Robbie was already perusing the scene when Laura arrived at the surgery. "You just can't get enough of me, can you?" she remarked, amused and Robbie glanced at her. "I'll take out a restraining order, if you don't pack it in," he replied jovially as Laura set her kit box down. "Looks like another GP suicide," Robbie hypothesised in a more serious tone, gesturing to the dead man slumped over his desk and Laura frowned. Flirtation gone, she'd snapped into professional mode as she surveyed the scene briefly. "No note?" she enquired, stepping towards the man. "Not so far," Robbie replied as Laura examined the body quickly. "Right, well, I won't be here long. Reeks of whiskey, and the pills tell their own tale. The postmortem should be pretty straightforward," Laura said decisively. Robbie eyes her, a hint of amusement creeping back into his features. "That's what you said about Mr Strickley," he reminded her "another fine mess you've got me into." They smiled at each other, and Robbie headed back out into the waiting room where DC Grey was waiting for him.
As the body was bagged, ready to be sent back to the mortuary in a private ambulance, Robbie reappeared in the office. "The facts so far," he said "a body's removed from its coffin, somebody is cremated in its place, Peter Faulkner who owns the lion's share of the funeral partner says his wife has gone off on some mystery holiday, and her brother is found dead." Laura considered the checklist in her hand "Tara Faulkner was last seen on the 17th. If she'd been killed that evening, and then cremated four days later, this suicide could be Matt Whitby's confession," Robbie muted and Laura picked up her clipboard, considering him fondly. "My supposition won't help you," she quipped and he rolled his eyes at her fondly.
Later that day, as Robbie picked up his phone, to head out of the office, he turned and all but walked into Laura in the doorway. "I'm not going to make you a happy man," she began and Robbie considered her, an eyebrow slightly raised. "I'm always happy," he replied cheerfully "my face is misleading." He leant against the doorframe and flashed her a smile. "The assumed suicide…" Laura began "might just be murder?" Robbie finished for her. "He was poisoned," Laura said, holding up the post mortem report "mixture of PCP, methanol and formaldehyde." Robbie frowned. "Formaldehyde?" he asked. "Embalming fluid," said Laura "combined with the alcohol and the diazepam… And there was some of it in his lungs." Robbie frowned. "Any sign of bruising, suggesting he'd been held down?" Robbie asked and Laura pulled a face. "Possibly, but he'd been face down on a desk all night and it's very difficult to find bruising through lividity," she explained. Robbie looked at her hopefully. "Alright, I'll have another look," she conceded, unable to resist his expression. "I'll try not to pester you, but if you could…?" Robbie muted "Hurry it up?" Laura enquired "don't push it." Robbie met her gaze, before heading out of the office, leaving a thoughtful Laura in his wake.
Later that afternoon, Robbie could see Laura strolling towards him across the University Park. He smiled at the sight of her. "I've found your antemortem bruising on Dr. Whitby," Laura said. "Two areas of pressure wither side of the neck," Laura continued, resting her hands on his shoulders, much to Robbie's amusement. "He was probably too drunk to get up or fight them off because the bruising was pretty light," Laura explained, suddenly realising that she was all but caressing his suit jacket and their gaze met for a moment as he hands stilled. Laura withdrew her hands sharply and Robbie looked down at her, thoroughly entertained. "Final toxicology report, nothing new, same as before. Stomach awash with whiskey and undigested pills," Laura looked up at him, and Robbie gestured that they should walk back the way she'd come. "Faulkner's into whiskey," he mused. "So are a lot of people," Laura reminded him, shoving her hands into her pockets as they walked. "Faulkner said, when his wife suddenly turned up. He said 'this stupid lost body thing again' but if she went off on the night of the party and hadn't been in touch with anybody since, then why didn't she say to him 'what are you talking about?"
"Well, you'd just told her that her brother was dead," Laura reasoned. "Nah, nah, nah," Robbie said "she knew. Her and her husband pretend to be at each other's throats, but they're thick as thieves." Laura looked up at him. "Not if she ran off with Jack Cornish," Laura reminded him. "I'd bet my pension she didn't," Robbie retorted sharply "he wouldn't be seen dead with a woman like her." Laura considered this. "You think it was him in that coffin, don't you?" she asked. "Well, I hope not," said Robbie "but maybe he might have been about to uncover something big, so they thought, let's kill him." Laura exhaled. "And Dr. Whitby?" she asked "think he was in on the murder?" Robbie sighed. "I don't know yet, but I'm sure his murder links back to the Faulkners too. Anyway, there's a lad who wants to tell me something. Maybe he's going to wrap the answers up for us, nice and neat," Robbie mused and Laura smiled to herself. "I'll head over to Miller's in a bit," Robbie said and Laura glanced up at him. Robbie smiled at her, taking her hand into his and entwining their fingers. Laura smiled broadly as Robbie stopped, and realising they were alone, tugged her closer to him. "Laura," Robbie murmured, and she looked up at him, scrutinising his expression. "I get the impression that all this Cornish stuff is getting you down," Laura observed and Robbie sighed, bringing his hands to rest on her hips. "No one likes investigating colleagues," he replied and Laura tilted her head. "Hang on in there, sweetheart," she counselled and Robbie pressed a kiss to her cheek. "What would I do without you?" he wondered aloud and Laura laughed. "Well, you'd be sweet talking someone else into sorting your post mortem reports," she replied and Robbie snorted in amusement. "Not sure I'd get away with this with anyone else," he mused and Laura smiled. "I should hope not," she chided and Robbie kissed her cheek again. "You should get back to work," Laura reminded him and he sighed, before Laura turned her face and kissed him softly. "I have complete faith in you," she murmured and Robbie smiled. "I'll call you later?" he proposed and Laura nodded. They separated a little reluctantly, before walking to the end of the cut through, still hand in hand. Robbie turned to Laura, and tugged her closer. "See you later, my love," he murmured, kissing her cheek and Laura smiled at him. "See you later," she replied, squeezing his fingers before walking back towards the station.
When Robbie finally rocked up on Laura's doorstep it was almost midnight, and she grimaced when she saw his expression. She clicked her laptop shut, got out of bed and went to him, and Robbie gathered her into his arms, cradling her closely. He held her tightly, and Laura rested her cheek against his chest, running her hands up and down his back rhythmically in what she hoped what a soothing gesture. "Drink?" she enquired and he sighed heavily. "Go and shower, I'll bring you something up," Laura offered and he kissed the side of her head. "You suggesting I smell?" Robbie enquired and Laura chuckled. "You smell exactly like a man who's been wearing their suit for sixteen hours, or thereabouts," she replied and he huffed out a laugh. "So says a woman, who presumably, is completely desensitised to unpleasant smells," he retorted and Laura laughed. "On the contrary, sweetheart, I'm so highly sensitised to them, I can tell you what they tell me, and what this smell tells me is that you've had a long old day at work, and you need a shower, a glass of whiskey and some sleep," Laura replied kindly and Robbie squeezed her close. "And to cuddle up to my best girl," he said and Laura smiled, before pushing him towards the ensuite. Standing under the hot shower, Robbie closed his eyes wearily as he soaped his hair, enjoying the warmth of the water. Laura was right, he did need a shower, and he was looking forward to crawling under the covers with her and crashing out to sleep. When he came out of the bathroom, Laura was curled up on her side of the bed, a mug in tea in hand, reading a book. She smiled at him as he appeared in the doorway and he turned the light off, before coming to sit on the bed. Laura gestured to the bedside table and he smiled when he saw what she was pointing to. A mug of hot chocolate and a plate of toast was sat waiting for him, and he leant across the bed, kissing her softly. "Thank you love," he said and Laura cupped his cheek affectionately,, eyes twinkling. After he'd demolished his toast and drink, Robbie set the plate and cup on the bedside table and then slid under the covers properly. drawing Laura up against him. Laura settled her cheek on his chest, smiling as he slid an arm around her, holding her close. He pressed a kiss to her hairline, before turning and switching off the light. In the dark, Laura turned into him more and slid her hand over his stomach possessively as she dozed off to sleep. As Laura's breathing settled, Robbie smiled to himself, enjoying the sensation of her cuddled up to him. It really had been a long day and he was grateful not to be home alone in his flat. It was soothing to come home to Laura, to hold her close and seek solace in her presence. It really was time he got rid of his flat. Monty would be more than happy here, and Laura was fairly fond of Robbie's overly large moggy. Robbie yawned and Laura murmured against his chest contentedly. He closed his eyes and allowed sleep to overcome him.
The following morning saw Laura awake early and, at length, she gave up and got up, heading downstairs to the kitchen to make herself a pot of tea. She pulled out a journal article she'd been meaning to peruse for a few weeks and began to read, mug of tea in hand. After an hour or so, Robbie appeared and smiled when he saw her reading at the dining table in her pyjamas, glasses perched on her nose and a frown of concentration on her face. She was so engrossed she failed to notice him approach and she started slightly when he squeezed her shoulder and then pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "You been up long?" Robbie enquired and Laura shrugged. "Not too long," she said easily and he smiled. "Want another brew?" he enquired and Laura shook her head. "I'm good thanks," she replied. She looked up at him and frowned. "Is that the only tie you've got with you?" she enquired dubiously and Robbie considered his appearance. "It looks alright," he said, slightly petulantly and Laura glanced at him with an arched eyebrow. "It's just a tie, Laura," Robbie replied and she laughed. "Mmhmm," she replied and he dropped another kiss onto the top of her head before wandering over to the kettle. "You should shift more of your stuff over here," Laura muted and Robbie laughed. "What, so you can vet me tie collection?" he enquired and Laura smirked. "Would I?" she murmured, taking a sip of her tea and he laughed loudly. "You absolutely would," he replied confidently and Laura smiled. "There's space for another wardrobe in the nook," Laura pointed out and he glanced at her and smiled as the kettle boiled merrily. "Alright," he said and he and Laura exchanged a smile. "How's your day looking?" Laura enquired and Robbie considered this. "Well," he began "the case continues. Another day with DC Gray. Hathaway really cannot come back from holiday soon enough." Laura tutted gently. "You were a DC once, Robbie. Be nice," she rebuked and Robbie squeezed the tea bag in the cup before dumping it into the bin. He added a splash of milk and then reached for the loaf in the bread bin and dropped two slices into the toaster. "Morse wasn't nice, Laura," he replied and Laura laughed. "You're not Morse though Robbie. You're you. And you have a reputation as a thoroughly decent copper in the station, even if the DCs are all terrified of you, which I find hard to believe," she said and Robbie chuckled before rooting in the cupboard for the butter dish and some marmalade. "I doubt they're afraid of me," Robbie replied "I mean they're terrified of you…" Laura rolled her eyes. "Ugh," she replied and Robbie chuckled. "What about you? How's your day panning out?" he asked and Laura glanced over her diary. "Court prep, a meeting, one of my students wants a coffee, which is either code for a chat or a sob, and it's 50:50 with this particular student, and monthly statistics," Laura replied. Robbie wrinkled his nose. "Not on call though," Laura reminded him and he smiled. "Good," he said, as the toaster popped and he set about fixing his breakfast cheerfully. "You had breakfast?" he asked Laura through a mouthful of toast and she shook her head. "I'll make some yoghurt and fruit to take with me," she replied and he fixed her with a stern look. "You need to eat Laura," he reminded her and Laura tutted as she came past him to put her mug in the sink. "I know," she answered sulkily and he looped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close to him and kissing her temple. "S'only because I love you," he reminded her and Laura smiled.
Later that evening, thinking his work was probably done for the day, Robbie met Laura outside the college she'd been meeting her student at. He ducked to kiss her briefly and she smiled up at him. "I was at the college over the way," Robbie explained and Laura nodded. "I was interviewing Dr. Barnes again," Robbie continued. He didn't tell Laura the full story, beyond the basic facts. It seemed too close to home, a pregnancy in her forties, a stillborn baby. It had sent a small chill through him as Dr. Barnes had told him, but he kept that last sentiment to himself. "She told me she wants to adopt, seemed quite certain about it," Robbie finished. "She'll be lucky, single woman, mid forties, with a history of recent child bereavement," Laura remarked as they strolled across the courtyard. "Yeah, wishful thinking," Robbie mused. "Does she have an alibi for Matt Whitby's time of death?" Laura asked, hand firmly shoved in her pockets. "No way really of getting hold of any embalming fluid," Robbie replied. "So you're back to square one. Who was in the coffin?" Laura wondered aloud. "Who killed Matt Whitby?" Robbie countered. "Who tried to kill Liam Jay?" Laura responded. "And what has Jack Cornish got to do with all of this?" Robbie finished. "Tell you what though, I could murder a curry…" he glanced at Laura and she smiled.
As they reached the steps, Robbie gestured towards to river. "Have we got a moment to make a little detour?" he asked and Laura considered this. "Is it the scenic route?" she asked and he nodded. "Ruth Wilson, she lives on a boat down here," Robbie explained, hopping the fence with surprising ease. "We haven't been able to contact her all day, so she doesn't know about Liam." Robbie held a hand out to Laura as she climbed over the fence, and then kept hold of her hand, much to her bemusement. "We're out of step," Laura remarked as they strolled along the riverbank. Robbie considered this. "That's a good sign, that is," he remarked and Laura snorted softly, amused. As they looked ahead, the flames flickering on the boat caught their attention simultaneously. "Oh, God," Robbie muttered, taking off towards it and Laura instinctively reached for her phone, dialling 999 before she'd really registered what was going on. "Careful, Robbie, there'll be gas bottles," Laura called after him, knowing there was nothing she could do to stop him going into the boat. As she reported the fire, then closed the call, before running down to the boat, heart thudding, Laura momentarily questioned quite what was going on around her. She scanned the boat anxiously as smoke poured from the doors, and heaved a huge sigh of relief as Robbie reappeared from the smoke, bearing the apparently unconscious body of the girl. "Oh, thank God," Laura muttered before Robbie glanced at her, clearly expecting her to come and help him drag her out of the way.
As Robbie dealt with the paramedics and their colleagues from the police and the fire brigade, Laura quietly withdrew to a bench at the side of the river, keeping Robbie in her eye line. She inhaled shakily, well aware that the adrenaline was beginning to wear off. She leant forward, resting her forehead in her hands and tried to calm her breathing down. She felt sick to the stomach, and her heart was pounding. You're fine, Laura, she told herself Just breathe. You're fine. Robbie's fine. Take a nice deep breath. Out to the count of five, four, three, two, one, and in, two, three, four, five. Just keep breathing, and think of the baby. Laura gently slid her hand over her pelvis, rubbing her thumb under her belly button slowly, breathing in and out as slowly as she could. Eventually, Laura felt Robbie sit down next to her, felt him slip his arm around her shoulders and draw her against him. He pressed his lips to her temple and to her horror, Laura felt tears welling up. "You alright?" Robbie murmured, and Laura turned her face into the crook of his neck, unable to voice anything. "I'm so sorry, love," he told her and Laura nodded. "I didn't mean to scare you," he murmured and Laura sniffed. She let him hold her closely, until he pressed a further kiss into her hair and reluctantly, Laura disengaged herself from his embrace. However fragile she felt, the SOCOs would be arriving imminently to examine the scene once the fire brigade were finished and it really wouldn't do for the Chief Pathologist to be found in such a position with one of the most senior officers in the CID. "You need to finish up here," Laura observed and Robbie considered her for a moment before he nodded. "Yeah, I'll need to," he replied reluctantly and Laura sighed, before considering her hands, resting on her lap. "I'm going to walk home," Laura said decisively and Robbie frowned. "You want me to come with you?" he enquired gently and Laura looked directly at him. "Yes. Yes, of course I do. But I know perfectly well there's no chance in hell you'll be able to," she said and Robbie sighed. "I'm sorry, love," he said softly and Laura sighed. "Let me get this all tidied up, and I'll come back to yours?" Robbie suggested and Laura nodded. She stood up, Robbie following suit and he drew her into his arms, completely ignoring the assorted colleagues potentially witness to this gesture of affection. "This wasn't how I hoped tonight would go," he murmured, as he ducked to kiss her cheek and Laura sighed. "I love you," Robbie said, his voice low and Laura let out another shaky breath. "I'll see you at home," Laura replied softly, and he squeezed her hand before letting their fingertips drift apart as Laura headed along the path and back towards her house, while Robbie returned to the crime scene.
Robbie awoke the following morning, his arms still closely around Laura and he smiled to himself. He shifted his weight slightly and cradled her closer, dropping a kiss into her hair. Laura stirred slightly and blinked sleepily. "Robbie?" she murmured and he kissed her hairline. "Right here," he murmured and Laura sighed. "I've got you, you're alright," he told her soothingly and she smiled. "I am sorry, pet, about last night," Robbie told her and Laura closed her eyes again. "Well, we can have a curry anytime," she replied, at length and Robbie chuckled. "Well, how about I treat you to a proper dinner tonight?" he suggested and Laura paused. "If you like?" she replied slowly. "I ought to make it up to you somehow," Robbie continued "and it's nearly your half birthday." Laura laughed and looked up at him. "It's nearly your actual birthday," she reminded him and Robbie scoffed. "So, Dr. Hobson, will you go out for dinner with me?" he enquired and Laura snuggled in closer before leaning up to kiss him. "I'd love to," she replied and Robbie smiled. "Great," he said, tracing his fingers up and down her spine. After a few more minutes cuddled up together, Laura glanced at her watch. "You working today?" Robbie enquired and Laura shook her head. "I've got a rostered day off," she replied. "Good," Robbie replied "you deserve some downtime." Laura smiled. "I've got a GP appointment," she said and Robbie grinned. "About the baby?" he asked and Laura nodded. "Need to arrange a scan," she replied "but I might see a college friend, see if she'll do my antenatal care, if she doesn't think it's too ethically dubious." Robbie considered her for a moment and then pressed a kiss into her hair. "I'm looking forward to the scan," he confided and Laura smiled as his hand slipped down to rest over her pelvis. "I'll be relieved when we've had it, the scan I mean," Laura confided and Robbie gently caressed her stomach. "I have a good feeling about this," Robbie murmured and Laura sighed quietly. "I really hope so," she whispered and he kissed her temple.
Halfway through the afternoon, Laura's phone rang, disturbing the silence she'd been enjoying while she read her book. Badly in need of some downtime, Laura had pulled out a paperback from her to-read-pile, and was about halfway through it. She picked it up, frowning when she saw her partner's name on the Caller ID. "Robbie?" she said as she answered. "Hiya pet, you alright?" he asked and Laura smiled. "Yes, fine thanks. You?" Robbie cradled the phone against his ear. "I booked us a table for dinner," he told her and Laura arched an eyebrow. "Okay," she replied "where?" Robbie grinned. "The Randolph at eight. That alright?" Laura looked surprised. "Yes, yes, of course," she said slowly and Robbie's grin widened. "Shall I see you there?" he enquired jovially and Laura considered this. "Alright. Shall I see you in the bar?" she suggested and Robbie smiled to himself again. "Look forward to it, my love," he replied before closing the call, and then tapping the phone against his lips thoughtfully. Laura set her phone down on the arm of her sofa, wondering what to wear. The Randolph was, by no means, a regular haunt of theirs, a decidedly more upmarket option than the cosy routine of Oxford's finest pubs and bistros into which they had settled into over the last few years. She wondered what she should wear. Laura's wardrobe was reasonably well honed, the nature of her work meant that she rarely frocked up for work, though she had a small selection of smart dresses and suits which she wore for court appearances. Tonight would be trickier. For one thing, while her bump might not be discernible yet, Laura's cleavage was harder to disguise. None of her shirts did up any more. The pregnancy hormones, as far as she could tell, had gone straight to her chest. She ran through the contents of her wardrobe, in her head, wondering what might be suitable. At length, she remembered a charcoal dress she'd not worn for a while. It was slightly more forgiving in the chest, and the skirt was less fitted than some of her other frocks. That, with a jacket over the top, would probably fit the bill. But at some point soon she was going to have to go shopping, and find herself some maternity clothes. Only, despite all signs to the contrary, Laura still felt too wary to do so until they'd had the scan, and seen their child, know as far as they could that all was well.
Over drinks at the bar in the Randolph, as he recounted his day to Laura, Robbie knew that this had been the right decision. "You mean he didn't tell you to get stuffed?" Laura asked, chuckling and Robbie grinned "It was there, in the subtext," he replied, sipping his beer. Laura toyed with her glass, resting her hand lightly on her knee. "You okay?" she asked and Robbie nodded easily. "Yeah, they gave me a once over at the hospital," he said and Laura frowned. "No, not that, Robbie. You," Laura looked at him pointedly. Robbie set his glass down and considered the woman in front on him. "Yeah, you know me. I'm always alright," he replied easily. "Would you tell me if you weren't?" Laura asked "if all this funeral stuff was getting to you?" Robbie fixed his gaze on Laura. "It's not," he replied firmly. "Reminding you of… Val" Laura pushed "it doesn't seem to get any easier, does it?" Robbie sensed Laura's hesitance and he met her gaze steadily. "That's it. It does." Robbie told her and Laura looked at him. "I was stood outside the Crem the other day, watching that poor family in pieces, waiting for the pain," Robbie shrugged "Val's… slipping away." Laura shook her head awkwardly. "Time's passing, there's nothing you can do about that," she reminded him "doesn't mean that you can't…" Laura trailed off when she saw the expression on his face. "I know," he said "at first it felt like a betrayal, but no, I'm just turning over the page on a new chapter." Laura smiled at him. "Right," she said, her smile broadening as he smiled back at her, before they sipped their drinks.
"Kate's agreed to do my antenatal care," Laura said, after they'd finished their puddings, and were sat chatting, fingers gently entwined together on the table. Robbie nodded. "S'long as you're happy, love," he replied easily and Laura smiled. "She wants to see me next week, just check in," Laura continued and Robbie squeezed her fingers. "Want me to come?" he enquired and Laura nodded. "Of course," she said softly and they smiled at each other. "How far along do you think you are?" Robbie asked and Laura considered before shrugging. "The test said more than 3 weeks, and that was a good three weeks ago," she said "so at least seven or eight weeks," Laura replied "and given the way my figure is changing…" she looked up at Robbie, who failed to disguise his amusement. "You are beautiful," he said gently, squeezing her fingers and Laura chuckled. "I don't know, I'm not as far along as three months, but I think I'm at least two. Hopefully Kate can work it out from the scans," she continued and Robbie grinned. "Need to fix a wedding date too, now that we've worked out where" he muted and Laura considered him. "Don't you think?" he pushed and Laura smiled at him affectionately. "I know," she replied and they smiled at each other. "I don't need a big fuss, Laura," Robbie said "but I very much want to be your husband before this bairn arrives." Laura huffed out a breath, suddenly emotional and Robbie squeezed her hand. "You alright?" he murmured and Laura nodded. "Hormones," she muttered, and Robbie laughed before bringing her hand to his mouth and kissing it affectionately.
Bearing two mugs of coffee, Robbie rapped on the window of the mortuary, and Laura turned sharply at the noise. Registering her partner, she made her way across the room and out in the corridor, gratefully taking the coffee he offered and leaning against the glass, her back to her colleagues. "Heartless attacking two kids, eh?" she said, taking a sip of the coffee. Robbie glanced down at her, noting how petite she was in her scrubs and crocs. "I can't see who'd want to," he replied "nice kids too. Working lad, do anything to earn a.." He halted as a thought struck him and Laura looked up at him. "Should I be getting on with something?" she enquired. "Repatriation," Robbie said animatedly "Miller bringing bodies back from abroad. Expats. People who've died on their holiday." He ferreted for his phone as it broke into life, ringing from his pocket. Laura looked entertained. Robbie glanced at the caller ID. "Just in time, Hathaway," he remarked before answering the call. "Morning Sergeant," Robbie said cheerfully. "Sir," James replied "I had a hard time reading road signs in Serbo-Croat." "I had a weekend in Wales once," Robbie quipped and James ignored him. "I popped into the Central Police Station," James continued. "Did any of them speak English?" Robbie asked. "Better than I speak Serbo-Croat, fortunately" James replied dryly "they came out straight away. They've been watching the place for months, just looking for an excuse." Laura looked up at Robbie, wondering whether he planned to include her in this conversation and he took the hint. "Here, I'm going to put you on loud speaker," Robbie told James, before following suit. "Laura Hobson's here so mind your language," Robbie said and Laura bit her lip. "Morning," James said. "Hello James, you having a good time?" she asked kindly and Robbie scoffed. "You can go through all that when he gets back," he reminded her and Laura looked entertained. "That's me told," she thought to herself. "Crystal meth, sir. The farmhouse is a crystal meth factory," James told them. "Well, well," Robbie replied "no wonder the Faulkners have such fat bank balances." Laura looked up at him. "Yeah, they ship the stuff all over Europe," James replied. "So where is Jack Cornish now? Rotting in some Serbo-Croat cell?" Robbie enquired. "Vanished ten minutes after he saw me, I'd have thought," James said. "Right, well, we'll put a watch on all the airports and ferries," Robbie said. "You ever tried on of these electronic cigarettes?" Laura shook her head in disbelief. "Sorry?" James blew out a mouthful of smoke. "Help you give up the habit? Ever tried one?" Robbie pressed. "No," James said indignantly. "Well, you should," Robbie suggested and James stared at his phone, before hanging up. Robbie closed his phone. "How much crystal meth do you expect you could hide in a coffin?" Robbie asked Laura and she smiled and shrugged.
Having seen her GP the previous day and booked herself in for her first scan, Laura had begun to adjust to the practicalities of being pregnant. She was studying the roster, trying to work out who she was rostered on with over the next few weeks and how she might work around the chemical handling procedures her work entailed. At some point, she mused, she was going to need to entreat the discretion of at least one of her lab technicians. Her phone buzzed on the desk next to her, and Laura glanced at it. Miriam. She smiled and swiped the screen to read the message. Am in Oxford. You free for lunch? Laura cast an eye over her calendar and then checked the board. Nothing scheduled for her until later in the afternoon, so she supposed, she could probably meet Miriam for a quick sandwich. She texted her quickly in the affirmative and then turned her attention to her latest data set. A couple of hours later, Laura scooped up her purse and wound a scarf around her neck. It was a pleasant day, and Laura was quite looking forward to a little stint out of the office. She hesitated for a moment, and then picked up her jacket and then her pager. "I'm going for lunch" Laura called, and Hugh stuck his head back out of the staff room. "Alright Doc," he replied, turning to swipe her off the board. As Laura approached the sandwich bar she and Miriam favoured, she wondered whether to confide her news in Miriam. Mim had an uncanny way of knowing when Laura had something to tell her, and Laura could recount a number of occasions when Miriam had dropped in, or turned up on a day when Laura had news to share, quite unexpectedly. Miriam was waiting for her at the end of Brasenose Lane, and she greeted Laura warmly. Laura slipped her arm through her sister-in-law's, and they strolled up past Brasenose together. "How are you?" Miriam enquired as they found a table, and began to peruse the menu. "Oh, fine," Laura said lightly but something about her tone made Miriam look at her sister in law. "You sure?" Miriam enquired, frowning and Laura looked at her and nodded. "Brie and bacon?" Miriam asked, fairly confident of Laura's ordering habits and Laura hesitated for just a second. "I'll have the chicken and avocado," Laura replied, rueing not having thought through this first and Miriam looked surprised. "Okay," she said, and then gestured to the waitress than they were ready to order. With their food requested, Miriam sat back and considered her sister in law thoughtfully. Laura was definitely not her usual self and Miriam knew from years of wheedling confidences from Laura that silence was the way to do it. "How's Robbie?" she enquired at length and Laura smiled broadly. "He's good," she replied softly, toying with the napkin. "How are my gorgeous nieces?" Laura asked, glancing up and Miriam smiled broadly. "Oh, fine," she began, filling Laura in on the escapades of her daughters, and Laura smiled as Miriam spoke.
Their food arrived quickly and Miriam glanced at her sister-in-law as they began to eat. "You don't seem your usual self, if you don't mind me saying," Miriam observed wryly, and Laura chewed her lip. Miriam arched an eyebrow at her. "Is everything alright sweetheart?" Miriam asked kindly. Somewhere in the back of her mind, Miriam was beginning to mull over what she had ascertained so far. Something about Laura's choice of lunch had thrown her off and she was trying to place what it was. "I'm fine, Mim, promise," Laura said and Miriam considered her. "Alright," she replied, and began to eat her sandwich. As they chattered over lunch, Laura wondered if she should confide in Miriam. She was nervous about saying the words out loud for reasons she couldn't articulate and she didn't think it was just because she hadn't had her twelve week scan yet. But the idea of someone else knowing, apart from Robbie, suddenly appealed. Miriam was watching her carefully, wondering what on earth was going on in that incredibly clever head of Laura's. "Have you two set a date yet?" Miriam asked easily, and Laura chuckled. "No, not yet," she replied and Miriam sighed dramatically. "I need some notice, Laura," she chided and Laura laughed. "Later in the summer," she said and Miriam rolled her eyes. "Well, probably the early autumn," Laura said "can't imagine we'll want to leave it too much longer." She raised an eyebrow at her sister in law, for Miriam's interest was clearly piqued. "Gives Pat enough notice to get over from Australia, and Lynne to sort out her shifts and all that sort of thing," Laura said, finishing the last of her sandwich "and you know what Ellen's like. She normally needs at least three month's notice of everything." Miriam nodded. She was well versed in the trials of being close friends with Ellen. "You two still planning to keep it small?" Miriam asked and Laura nodded. "You and Sam and the girls, Robbie's kids, a handful of friends. I think it'd be lovely to be able to get everyone round the same table, and just celebrate quietly. Just a quiet civil service, somewhere pretty and a nice dinner." Laura said "And plenty of champagne," Miriam said and Laura smiled. "Absolutely," she said quickly but Miriam had observed her momentary hesitation. "Laura," Miriam said slowly, sitting back and considering her sister in law. "Laura, you have never turned down champagne in the thirty years I have known you, on calls being excepted. And you're being weird about…" Miriam tailed off and she narrowed her eyes at Laura. "Laura, are you pregnant?" she asked softly and Laura nodded, her eyes unexpectedly filling with tears. "Oh, Lou" Miriam reached over and squeezed Laura's hand and Laura dashed at her cheek ineffectively. "I have no idea why I'm crying," she confessed and Miriam laughed. "Hormones," she proclaimed and Laura nodded. "How far along are you?" Miriam asked and Laura thought about it "About eight weeks," Laura said and Miriam beamed. "You and Robbie must be thrilled," she said and Laura nodded, brushing away another tear. "I can't quite believe how lucky I am, Mim," she said softly and Miriam smiled warmly. "Sam is going to be ecstatic," Mim confided and Laura laughed. "I hope so," she replied and Miriam slipped her arm around Laura, squeezing her tightly. "You know he will. A new niece or nephew will help ease that broodiness of his. You know perfectly well he was angling for a fourth until about two years ago," she said affectionately. Laura nodded, sniffed and glanced at her watch. "I ought to get back," she lamented and Miriam nodded. "I'll get the bill, you go," she said and Laura leant over to kiss her sister-in-law's cheek. "Thanks Mim," she said and Miriam squeezed her fingers quickly. "Take care," she said and Laura flashed her a smile as she headed back towards the station.
Laura walked briskly back to her office, glad of a few minutes to herself to calm herself before she returned to the lab. She'd decided that she was going to let her student run all the chemical handling this afternoon. After all, as well as conveniently negating any impact on her, or the baby, Laura found it was much more straightforward to allow the students to learn on the job. The baby. Laura knew she was getting distracted already, and she needed to focus. She rubbed her stomach gently and strode round the side of the station, walking straight into Robbie as she did so. "Hello pet," he said cheerfully, steadying her by her shoulders and she smiled up at him. "Hello," she replied warmly and they smiled at each other. "Sir," Gray called after Lewis and he shook his head slightly before turning in the direction of James' voice. "Yes, Gray" Robbie said as he caught him up. "Sorry, Sir, Dr. Hobson," he said hurriedly and Laura smiled at him. "Everything alright?" Laura enquired and he nodded at her. "Fine, thank you Ma'am," DC Gray replied, and Laura smiled, shoving her hands into her pockets in what she hoped came across as a nonchalant fashion. "Just on my way to start this afternoon's PM," Laura explained and Robbie nodded. "We'll not stand in your way," he replied warmly and Laura flashed him a smile. She crossed the car park, and made her way up the steps and in through the back of the mortuary.
As the day drew on, Laura's phone buzzed, just as she and Hugh were finishing training her latest student on the basics of chemical handling in the lab. She excused herself politely, smiling to herself when she saw the message from Robbie. Fancy meeting me once you're done at work? Late afternoon stroll? I think tonight's going to be a late one.Laura opened her laptop, and considered her calendar. She had a couple of bits to finish off, but she could probably log off now, take her laptop home and work a bit this evening if she was going to be by herself for much of it. Having made her mind up, Laura logged out of her email, shut down her laptop and then texted Robbie back. Where shall I meet you? She tucked her laptop into her briefcase, scooped up her diary and grabbed her jacket. She glanced around her office, then walked out into the corridor, closing the door behind her. She walked past the staffroom, and popped her head in. "Hugh, I'm going to head off now. I'll work from home tonight, so if anything comes up, just drop me an email, or page me?" Laura smiled and Hugh waved a hand in greeting. Laura walked down the corridor, slid her name from 'in' to 'out' on the staff board, and pushed open the door to the car park. She headed down the steps and out to her car, quickly dropping her bags and her jacket in the boot, before locking the car and then checking her phone. She read Robbie's message, smiling to herself, before tucking it into her pocket and strolling towards the river. When she reached the bridge, she perched on the edge of the stonework, watching the water meander underneath while she waited.
As Robbie walked towards Laura, he smiled to himself, wondering what she was thinking about. She glanced up as he approached and smiled broadly at him. "Hello," Laura said softly and Robbie leant against the bridge next to her. "How goes?" Laura enquired, looking up at him and Robbie sighed. "Every time I think it can't possibly get any worse, Cornish and his mates find a new level of low," he told her and Laura grimaced sympathetically. "Jack Cornish didn't just fall into drugs, through poverty, or care in life. He walked in with his eyes wide open, knowing people are going to die, knowing lives will be ruined, and he just didn't care," Robbie said, leaning on the stonework. "Well, you'll put a stop to that," Laura said confidently and Robbie looked at her. "Well, we closed the factory, still got to nail Faulkner and his mates," he replied. "You will," Laura chided softly. "And when I do, do you fancy a ride one night after work?" "A ride?" Laura said incredulously. "What?" Robbie replied "Oh, oh, I mean a bike ride. There's a bike hire shop…" Laura chuckled "Robbie, you on a bike?" she said, through her giggles and Robbie all but rolled his eyes. She slid an arm around his waist, covering her face with her hand to unsuccessfully mask her giggles. Robbie grinned, sliding his arms around her waist, and interlinking his fingers in the small of her back while gazing down at her. "I do love you," Robbie told Laura, smiling at her and Laura smiled back. "I love you too," she replied softly and he ducked his head to brush his lips against hers affectionately. Laura slid her hand up, caressing her thumb over Robbie's cheekbone, deepening their kiss. At length, they drew apart and Robbie leant his forehead against Laura's, inhaling softly and cradling her close. "I don't care anymore, you know?" Robbie said and Laura looked up at him inquisitively. "You're my everything. I don't care who knows it," Robbie continued and Laura tiptoed up for another kiss. "Throwing caution to the wind, eh?" she murmured and he grinned. "With gay abandon, my love," he replied. "That being said…" Laura began and Robbie considered her curiously. "I need to run an errand in town before I come and meet you at the pub," Laura replied and Robbie sighed theatrically. Laura all but rolled her eyes and he tugged her closer, grinning as she laughed. "I'll be as quick as I can," Laura chided and he ducked his head to kiss her slowly and gently. "More haste, less speed, my love," he replied and Laura smiled broadly.
James followed Robbie back from the bar, and as Robbie passed Jean Innocent her drink, James dropped his backpack by the table leg. "Here he is, the boy wonder," Robbie said cheerfully. "I thought you had another few days, James," Jean observed curiously. "I knew he'd be bored out of his skull without us," Robbie muted and James considered him. "You're not far wrong, Sir," James replied and Robbie gestured to the pint. "Here, have this" Robbie gestured that James should sit down and passed him the beer he'd originally intended for himself. As James sat down Jean smiled broadly. "Well, I've enjoyed being the inspector's sidekick," she announced and James arched an eyebrow. "It's been alright, hasn't it?" Jean asked Robbie. "Ma'am," Robbie demurred, turning as Laura strolled towards him through the bar, a broad smile gracing her features. "Don't listen to anything he says," Jean rebuked "he's been a lonely little soul without you." James stared at Lewis as Laura threw her arms around his neck and kissed him lovingly. Jean's jaw all but hit the table as she took in the couple in front of her. Laura leant her forehead against Robbie's as he slid his arms around her waist. "I've been thinking about doing that all day," she murmured and Robbie smiled. "Same here," he replied easily, kissing her in return, before nodding to their colleagues. James smirked. Jean stared. "Evening," Jean said, her expression all astonishment. "James, gosh, you're sunburnt," Laura said, suddenly at a loss for anything sensible to say as the full consequences of walking in and kissing her partner in quite such a way, in front of his boss, dawned on her. "Thank you," James demurred politely, as Laura blushed. "I'll get the drinks in," Robbie suggested and Laura hesitated. "No, I'll get them" she said hastily and Robbie considered her. "We'll both get them," he proposed and Laura turned towards the bar, Robbie following her close behind. "You can have that one," Robbie said to a very bemused James. Jean watched them go before turning to James. "How long…?" she asked, exasperated. James shook his head. "I turn my back for five minutes," he murmured, taking a long sip of his pint. At the bar, Robbie took Laura's hand into his and squeezed it gently, chuckling. Laura looked up at him, and shook her head. He smiled at her encouragingly. "Oh god," Laura murmured, her cheeks flushed and Robbie chuckled, squeezing her shoulders. "Leaving now isn't an option, is it?" Laura lamented as the barman set their drinks on the bar. "Sorry, love, don't think so," Robbie replied cheerfully, before leaning in closer "but you can kiss me like that again when we get home." Laura shook her head and sighed. "I wonder if I'll ever live that down," she wondered and Robbie picked up their drinks. "Come on, let's face the music," he said and Laura duly followed him back to the table. "I can't even soothe the horror with gin," Laura said woefully and Robbie chuckled. "Nice to see you Laura," Innocent said cheerfully as Laura sat down. "Evening," she replied lightly and James glanced at her. "Been busy while I was away?" he enquired and Robbie hastily disguised his laugh with a cough. "The lab's always busy," Laura replied smoothly and Jean smiled broadly, clearly amused. "Well, glad I could be of assistance, Sir, even if I was on leave," James remarked and Robbie grinned. "Yeah, I was grateful for that, Jim," he replied. "Here, here," Jean said "you definitely helped us clinch it James." He nodded politely before returning his gaze to Laura. He grinned at her and she rolled her eyes at him. "I'm not biting, Jim," she told him and he smirked. "Any unexpected developments in my absence?" James enquired and Laura chuckled. "Nothing remarkable," Robbie replied levelly and Jean all but choked on her drink. "Really, Robbie," she chided and under the table, Robbie squeezed Laura's knee.