Page 126 of One Eye Open (The BlackWater)

“So how have you been?” He asked.

“Never better.” Maddie said. “And you?”

He smirked. “I’m good. Work is going well, Kelsey hasn’t caused any catastrophes of late.”

“So everything’s perfect in your world?” She asked.

“More than perfect.” He said with a glint in his eye.

Maddie sipped her drink, waiting for him to speak.

“How was Kent?” He asked.

She narrowed her eyes. “You had me followed to Kent?”

He nodded taking a sip and not looking away from her.

“You don’t get it do you? I’m working on classified cases. You can’t just have people tailing me like this.”

“I can do whatever I want Maddison.”

She snarled clenching her fists. She was so close to just launching herself across the table and punching him.

“So I heard a rumour that the U.S. are about sign a deal for some very expensive military equipment….” He said.

“And I told you I know nothing about Black Tech. I don’t even know what weapons they make.” She hissed just as the waiter appeared with their food. Damn it looked delicious. It literally looked like the best sushi she’d seen in her life.

“Yeah you do Maddison. You were in the army remember. You’ve not forgotten all that training.” Alfred stated before picking up his chopsticks and digging in.

“Maybe not but that doesn’t mean I’m privy to anything like that.” Maddie retorted mixing some wasabi with a little soy sauce and dipping a piece of salmon and rice into it.

“So Cole’s not mentioned it. Not said anything over dinner?”

“No. We don’t talk about that kind of thing.”

“What do you talk about Maddison?” He asked.

She narrowed her eyes. “None of your god damn business.”

He laughed. “Let me guess. You make plans, you talk about your future. About marriage perhaps?” He asked watching her reaction which she deliberately kept blank. “Babies even?”

She shoved another bit of sushi in her mouth so she couldn’t reply.

“Do you want babies Maddison? Cole’s babies?”

“I can’t have children so it’s not really an option.” She snapped.

He paused watching her to see if he could see a lie. “Why not?” He asked.

“Why do you even care?”

“You’re my daughter. Of course I care.” He stated.

She let out a low breath. This fucking guy, she thought. “I had an accident when I was younger.”

“What kind of accident?”

“One that means you can’t have children.” She stated gritting her teeth.

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