An idea post S9 that I don't know about, or quite where it's going, or if it's worth pusuing but see what you think?

Monday

"Who's that?" asked Dimitri.

"The former Mrs Pearce," said Alec.

"How do you know that?" Beth asked.

"I know an ex wife when I see one."

"Hey, Evershed, guess who that is with Harry?"

"No idea," she said, trying not to sound at all interested.

"It's Harry's ex."

Now Ruth looked at Dimitri.

"Quite a looker," he added, "for her age."

"Yes," said Ruth, "she is."

"Thanks Harry," said Jane and placed her hand on his arm, "I'll see you tomorrow night."

"See you then." Harry smiled.

Ruth looked back to her computer as Jane left the grid.

Tuesday

"Harry, can you authorise this?" Alec handed him the form.

Harry named and signed.

"So that was the ex, was it?"

Harry looked at him quizzically.

"I know the signs," explained Alec.

Harry nodded.

"She's a good looking woman," Alec ventured.

"Mmm," acknowledged Harry.

Alec turned to go. It was all he was getting.

"Harry, I haven't quite finished the report you asked for. I've just had some new details through from the cousins which I need to incorporate."

"Don't worry, Ruth, tomorrow will be fine."

"I thought you needed it tonight?"

"I have something on, this evening."

"Anything nice?" she prompted.

"Hopefully."

That was all she got.

"So Harry's getting it back on with his ex. Never go back, that's what I always say."

"Thanks for your insight, Dimitri," sighed Beth, aware Ruth was listening.

"Well, she sounded keen enough on the phone, wanted me to remind him there and then about his promise for the evening."

"Maybe it's family stuff," she added hopefully.

"Yeah, and maybe it's not."

Wednesday

"Good evening then, Harry?" Dared Dimitri.

"Yes, thanks, it was very good actually."

Harry looked happy.

"That's the most cheerful I've seen him since the inquiry," Tariq commented.

"Something must finally be going right for him," said DImitri as he walked back to his station.

"Maybe it's helped him realise he needs something else in his life." Tariq was in wise mood that morning.

"In my experience that's not to be got from your ex," insisted Alec

"Yes, we know," snapped Beth.

Ruth sighed.

"Harry, reception called to say Jane is waiting for you." Alec called across as Harry left his office.

Harry said nothing but nodded and turned back for his coat. "I'll be out for a couple of hours," he said and was gone.

Beth looked at Ruth, her head was cast down.

Ruth was going for a sandwich. She'd not had time to eat. That wasn't true, she hadn't had the inclination to eat. Now though, mid afternoon and she felt a little hungry and she needed some air and she needed to be away from the constant speculation about Harry that was still ongoing on the grid. As she left the building she saw Harry and Jane approaching, she turned and headed the opposite direction. Jane's hand was threaded through Harry's arm.

"Thought you went for a sandwich?" said Alec.

Ruth sat down.

Alec went to repeat himself, she clearly hadn't heard. Beth caught his eye and shook her head, fortunately he wasn't Dimitri and realised.

Ruth looked at the report on her desk and decided she better take it to Harry, it was late already and that wasn't like her.

She crossed to his office, eyes focused on the report. As she slid the door open she was surprised to find his desk empty. She was more surprised to find Jane.

"Oh, I'm sorry," said Ruth, not really knowing why she was apologising.

"Don't mind me," said Jane, "I'm just passing through," she smiled.

Ruth put the report on Harry's desk.

"Harry's just nipped to the loo, if you need him."

"No, no it's fine."

"It must be good to have him back after the inquiry?"

"Yes," hesitated Ruth, "it is."

"I still can't believe they put him through all that. Weeks of trying to string him up, all over some device or other that didn't even work, I mean, what is the point of that?'

"Sorry?" said Ruth wondering if she was understanding correctly, was she talking about Albany?

"That 'secret weapon' that was just an old pile of rubbish. What was the big deal? I'll never understand how all of this ridiculous secrecy thing works." She sighed.

Clearly not, thought Ruth.

This was a secret she certainly didn't know about, until now.

Harry walked back in. He looked apprehensively between the two women.

"I've left the report for you," said Ruth and headed for the door.

"Thank you ," said Harry softly but she was gone.

"Who's that?" asked Jane.

"Ruth."

"I thought so," said Jane and smiled.