Author Note: According to my notes, the story ends with the kiwis unmasked and Hathaway recognising Lewis as the ubermensch. So, if you read fanfic based on its literary merits, stop reading here. However, if you're reading this for Robson cuddles, here is a little epilogue that alludes to the teasers for series 9. Thank you all for reading and I am particularly grateful to everyone who reviewed this work!
When at last Lewis was allowed to come home, Hobson tucked him into bed and curled up beside him, tousling his hair.
"What is it, Laura?" He asked, taking her hands in his and raising them to his lips.
"I'm just happy to have you home."
"You usually rub my hair when you want something."
"Very observant, Inspector," Hobson replied and continued to muss his hair.
"Well?"
"Retire, Robbie. For the kids, for me, for yourself. Retire."
"I don't know, Laura. I'm just getting warmed up again! Just hitting me stride!"
"What if I looked into early retirement myself? We could go together- travel, see Ken, spend more time at Lyn's…"
"But you love what you do as much as I do…"
"I love you more, Robbie. Besides, Maddox filled me in on the gossip down at the station. It seems that you and I might not be the only ones moving on."
"No, not James- another pilgrimage?"
"Not James, Innocent! Rumour has it that after her big victory in the Lawrie case she is moving up on the food chain. Maddox heard that she was being considered for Chief Constable. But James thinks that she might just chuck it in and retire- go out as a hero. No one knows for sure what she's planning, but consensus seems to be that she's clearing out her desk."
"Na, that'd never happen. Not Jean Innocent."
"Never say never, Robbie."
"Fair enough, love, I won't say never to retirement. Just not yet. I have a few more adventures left, as long as you'll stay by my side."
"Always, Robbie. In fact, I am never letting you out of my sight again!"
He laughed. "This from the woman who doesn't want me loitering in her mortuary!"
She shook her head and gave him a playful swat before reaching across him to put out the light. "You need your rest if you're plotting more grand adventures, old man."
But the indomitable Inspector Lewis was feeling frisky.