Page 132 of One Eye Open (The BlackWater)

“Brandon, a lot of people are dead.”

“The building collapsed.” Brandon said back and she nodded.

“I think it was you know who.” She said glancing round to see if anyone was nearby and might be able to hear her.

“If it is they’ve upped their game.”

“Did you think they’d do something like this?” Maddie asked.

“No. Did you?” Brandon asked back.

Maddie shrugged. “After everything I guess it’s only been a matter of time.” She brushed her hair from her face.

“If they’re after Cole…” Brandon began.

“He’s dodged a serious bullet. You know what they’re like Brandon. Remember when they were after me. They didn’t stop.”

“Cole won’t like having guards.” Brandon stated. “If that’s what you’re thinking.”

“I don’t care what Cole likes. I’m not risking it.” Maddie said “And neither would you right?”

“Let me handle it.” Brandon said.

“Fine. Do what you need to do….” She trailed off feeling like the police officer nearest to her was paying for too much attention for her liking. “Where’s Charlotte?” She asked.

“Not there. She was with Owen. She took the day off.”

“Thank fuck.” Maddie muttered. “Look I have to go. Let me know if you get anything.”

“Sure” Brandon said. “Look after Cole.”

“I always do.” She said hanging up.

She walked over to the ambulance seeing that he was perched beside it in some sort of makeshift tent. A medic was busy patching his head up.

“It’s probably best if we glue it.” The man said disappearing and returning with what suspiciously like superglue.

Cole nodded. “Do what you need too.” He muttered before looking at Maddie. “You’re limping.” He said.

“No surprises there, I ran two streets to get here.” She smirked.

“Hold still.” The paramedic said squeezing it out over the wound. “It’ll take a few minutes to set. Best if you sit here and wait while it does.”

Cole nodded. “Has Brandon got anything?” He asked.

“Nothing.” Maddie said wincing at the size of the wound on Cole’s head.

“It looks worse than it is.” Cole stated. “I was lucky I’d popped out. If I’d been in my office I wouldn’t be sitting here.”

“You think you were the target?” She asked.

He shrugged. “I doubt it. If someone wanted to kill me there are a lot better ways than simply blowing up the entire office.”

“Is that your official stance?” Someone said behind them making them both turn.

“Who are you?” Cole replied tensing.

There were two of them he realised. Both standing there, both lurking, both obviously having eaves dropped.

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