Page 138 of One Eye Open (The BlackWater)

“Wake up Maddie. We’re here.” Cole said quietly.

Maddie groaned opening her eyes looking around. It felt like she’d slept for far too long.

“Where…?” She began “Where are we?” She asked. She didn’t recognise the street or any of the houses.

“This is Brandon’s place. The Police are searching the house. And I didn’t fancy hauling up in some hotel.” Cole said.

“Shit Cole.” Maddie said wondering if he felt as violated by the search as Maddie had when BlackWater had gone through her apartment. She grabbed her crutches and clumsily getting out of the car.

“Welcome to my house Maddie.” Brandon said as she snorted.

“Come on let’s get a drink. God knows I need one.” Cole muttered.

“But my stuff. I don’t have anything.” Maddie said.

“I packed a few things from the house anything else you need you can borrow.” Cole said.

“Okay.” Maddie said because at this point she just didn’t care either.

She limped inside on the crutches, following Cole and Brandon through the eerily quiet corridors.

The house was so different to Cole’s. It was ultra-modern, made from steel and glass with an unashamed block architecture. Inside it was sleek, minimalist, like more of an art gallery than a home.

Everything was white, pristine, immaculate.

“Can I get a shower? I feel like I stink.” Maddie said as they reached Cole’s wing.

“Go ahead Maddie. I’ll make something to eat because I don’t know about anyone else but I’m starving.” Brandon said.

Maddie gave an exhausted smile and limped on through to the bedroom.

“Well?” Brandon said as they both watched her.

“I told you. I think it’s a coincidence. I don’t think it’s linked.” Cole stated.

“We have to ask her.” Brandon replied.

“Fine. Go make something to eat and when she’s out we will.”

Brandon nodded before striding off and Cole stood staring back at the door and listening to the sounds of Maddie shuffling around.

Maddie strippedoff her clothes as quickly as her aching body could. She then hopped into the shower and turned the water as hot as she could bear. It cascaded down practically tearing at her skin and she groaned as her muscles instantly relaxed. She grabbed the shower gel lathering it up, covering her skin and scrubbing off all the dirt, all the grime, all the stench of the last few hours. When she was done she washed her hair too, scrubbing at her scalp, kneading it as if she was giving herself a massage.

She walked out of the bathroom feeling like she’d spent forever hiding in the shower, hoping the water would calm her nerves and sort her head out. She felt all over the place. She felt like she was free-falling. That everything about her, her control, her focus, was off.

She snarled, punching the wall and cursing as the damn concrete bruised her knuckles, like she thought there’d be any other outcome.

She dried herself off. Grabbing some shorts from the bag and a jumper of Cole’s and after wrapping her hair up into a top knot she grabbed the crutches and headed downstairs.

She saw Cole and Brandon both sitting, clearly waiting for her.

Cole’s eyes snapped to her and she felt herself almost flush at the way he ran them over her. She was covered, she was decent so why was he looking like he wanted to jump her? She thought.

She sat down in one of the armchairs tucking her good leg under her. She felt better from the shower, more energised, more human.

“Here.” Brandon said passing her a plate of food.

“Beans on toast?” She said smirking.

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