Page 170 of Skin In the Game (The BlackWater)

“Yeah I know. My friend Jane was one of them.” Becky replied.

“As in your friend from GCHQ?” Maddie said.

“Yep. She was being blackmailed like they tried with me.”

“Oh Becky I’m so sorry.” Maddie said.

“It’s okay, she didn’t hide it, she came clean as soon as we pulled her in. I think she was relieved to get it all out to be honest.” Becky stated.

Maddie shook her head. “Who else?”

“One of our Field Agents, Gareth.”

“Don’t know him.” Maddie said and then her brain clicked at the words Becky had said earlier. “Wait, you said you found a burner phone on his body. So he’s dead?”

“Yeah Burke’s dead. Aidan put a bullet in his head.” Becky stated.

“Oh.” Maddie replied unsure how she felt about it.

“I’m sorry, I know he was your friend.” Becky said.

“He wasn’t though was he? He literally played me from the minute I walked into that office. He set me up.” Maddie replied.

“Did he tell you why he picked you?”

“Yeah turns out he was buddies with Mitchell. It all goes back to the cave.” Maddie muttered. It felt like everything went back there somehow.

“Cole hasn’t seen you has he?” Becky asked her and she shook her head.

“No. I know he was outside because I saw him sitting there yesterday when my sister in law turned up but we haven’t spoken, haven’t said a word to each other.” Maddie stated.

“He hasn’t left the hospital.” Becky replied.

“What?” Maddie said.

“He’s outside. Right now, probably on his phone but he’s there.” Becky stated.

“For fucksake what does he want?” Maddie snapped.

“What do you think Maddie? He obviously cares about you.” Becky said back.

“But he knows, he knows I can’t…” She shook her head sighing.

“Want me to go get him?” She asked with a smirk.

“Nope.” Maddie said and Becky rolled her eyes.

“You two are as bad as each other.” Becky said.

“Maybe.” Maddie muttered.

Becky shook her head. “Have they said when you can get out of here?”

“Not for a few weeks at least. They can’t give me any strong painkillers so I’m stuck until my body heals.” Maddie stated.

“Why can’t they give you anything strong?” Becky asked confused.

“Trust me you don’t want to know.” Maddie muttered and Becky sighed.

“Sometimes I wonder if you might actually be right about that.” She replied and Maddie laughed.

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