Page 103 of One Eye Open (The BlackWater)

“With Richard.” Maddie said.

“An interesting turn of events.” He said. “I didn’t quite believe it was you at the Black Ball but how could it not be? You knew her name, you looked just like her and then Kelsey confirmed it.”

“Confirmed what?” She asked.

“That you were there. She described the dress she gave you.” Alfred stated.

“Fucking Kelsey.” Maddie muttered and Alfred smirked.

“She has her uses although not often.”

Maddie’s phone buzzed in her pocket and she sighed pulling it out.

“Two secs.” She muttered turning to the side and picking it up. “Maddie Cooper. Yes… okay…. No keep them there, it’ll be safer. Right. No that’s fine. I’ll be there in the morning. Thank you Inspector.”

She hung up and saw Alfred watching her intently. “I have a case that’s kicking off.” She muttered.

“Do you enjoy your work?” He asked.

She shrugged. “I enjoy getting the bad guys. I enjoy figuring it all out.”

“And what about getting shot?”

“Obviously I didn’t enjoy that.” Maddie snapped.

“How is the leg?” He asked.

She rolled her eyes. She was sick of everyone asking her the same damn question. “It’s great. Never been better actually.” She retorted and he laughed.

The waiter bought the mains in and they ate for a while in silence.

“Does Cole know you’re here?” He asked.

“He doesn’t. I don’t tell him everything I do.” She stated.

“So you keep secrets?” Alfred said. “Is that what I am, your naughty little secret?”

“Fuck off.” She muttered. “I haven’t told him because how would I possibly explain it to him huh? That I’m having lunch with a man who essentially raped my mother to conceive me and is now blackmailing me into some sort of father daughter relationship…”

“I didn’t rape your mother.” He snapped. “I have never forced myself on anyone. Why would I need to?”

She rolled her eyes at his pathetic excuse for a defence and choose to eat instead of say the words on her lips.

The rest of the meal continued in strained conversation and thankfully Alfred decided he was full enough to not want a desert though he kept Maddie sitting there, waiting as he finished the last of his bottle.

“I’ve enjoyed this catch up Maddison.” He said.

“Then I’m happy for you.”

“We’ll meet again, in a few weeks. Perhaps a different restaurant.” He stated.

“Whatever you decide.” Maddie replied as demurely as she could muster.

He smirked. “Maybe you would like to choose this time?”

“I don’t care.” She stated.

“As you wish. It’ll be where I say.” He replied taking another sip and then looking at her.

“You can go Maddison.” He said and she immediately sprung up from her seat, cursing as her damn leg protested the sudden movement.

“See you soon.” He called as she walked out of the room and away from him as quickly as she could while clenching and unclenching her fists over and over.

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