Chapter 6

Robbie chased after her, "Laura?"

"Robbie, just go to work. It's where you clearly want to be."

He stopped, stunned by her words. "Is that what you think? That I've gone back to work to get away from you?"

"Isn't it? You couldn't even be bothered to tell me."

"What would you have said if I had asked you?"

She sighed, "I don't need you to ask me Robbie. You don't need my permission but I want to feel included." His head dropped, at a loss for what to say to her. "Do you know how scared I was last night? You didn't come home and all I could think was how would I know if you were shot? If that sniper suddenly put you in his crosshairs?"

He pulled her to him, wrapping his arms around her. Her strangled gasp tore at him, "Laura, I'm so sorry. I didn't think."

She pushed at him, needing to be away from him, suddenly unable to breathe. "That's the point Robbie, you never think of me. Jean dangles the position in front of you and you jump, you don't even think to call me. You're miserable with me and you don't talk to me about it. You work until all hours and I never even cross your mind. I thought when you retired, when we moved in together…"

"Miserable with you? Why do you think that?"

"It's obvious. We cross each other in the house. When's the last time we actually talked?"

"Laura, what do I have to talk about? What time the post came? I know you're bored with me. I've felt you slipping away. I thought if I went back to work it would give us something to talk about. I can't lose you Laura."

She turned to him, "I'm right here Robbie. I haven't gone anywhere."

"Then why did you stop talking to me? You come home from work and if I ask questions you change the subject."

"I could see the look in your eyes every time I talked about a case. I thought I was hurting you talking about work."

Robbie took a tentative step toward, taking her hand. "Laura, I missed the job but I missed you more. I only accepted Jean's offer so I could see you more."

Twining their fingers together, she squeezed his hand, "Why didn't you say something?"

He smiled, "Why didn't you?"

"I've never lived with someone before. I thought it was just a natural calming of our relationship." She moved closer to him, "After the heated frenzy."

His free hand stroked her cheek, "Heated frenzy? Is that a medico legal term I am unfamiliar with?"

"It is my official medical opinion."

Pressing his forehead to hers, he gently kissed her. "I'm sorry for not talking to you."

"Why didn't you Robbie?"

"What if you didn't want me anymore? What if you found out I was really just a boring old man without any interests other than being hopelessly in love with you?"

A small laugh escaped as she slid her hands up his chest. She looped her arms around his neck, pulling him down. "Well lucky for you I already knew you were a boring old man without any other interests. And I fell hopelessly in love with you anyway."

They kissed, passion flaring in an instant. Each was overwhelmed by the feeling, something which had been missing from their relationship of late. Robbie's phone ringing pulled them back. Breathing hard Robbie pulled her to him, wrapping his arms around her, breathing in her scent. "That'll be James."

"Good to know his timing is as bad as ever."

Robbie laughed, pressing a tender kiss to her temple. "I can tell him no. We can finish our conversation."

Laura shook her head, "No, go. Our conversation will keep."

Lifting her chin to meet his eyes, "Are we OK?"

She smiled, nodding her head. "We will be."

"I love you, don't ever doubt that. I might not be good at talking and sharing, but never doubt how I feel."

"We have to talk to one another. I know I was just as guilty this time. But we only work when we are open with one another."

"Agreed."

She pushed him away gently, "Go, before James calls you again."

"Are you sure Laura?"

Nodding she pushed up to kiss him, "Be careful Robbie"

"I always am." He pulled her tightly to him and kissed her deeply. Leaving her breathless he turned to leave. At the door he paused, "So you know Laura, when I filled in my paperwork, I listed you as my emergency contact. If anything were to happen to me, you would be the first person called."