Page 141 of One Eye Open (The BlackWater)

“What choice do I have? I can’t let him bring it all down. Not everything you’ve built.” She replied.

“Maddie.” Cole sighed.

“Can you just let me handle this my way? For once?” She pleaded.

“No.” Cole said and she scowled. “This is what we’re going to do. Next time he wants you to meet him I’m coming too.”

“You can’t…” She began and he cut across her.

“Shut up Maddie.” He snapped. “I’m coming. I won’t say anything that gives away what I know but I’m not letting you do this alone. Besides you’ve met my parents. Isn’t it time I meet your dad?”

“Urgh.” Maddie said. “He’s not my dad.”

“You know there is another option…” Brandon said.

“What?” Maddie asked.

“You could just let it slip that you killed twelve armed assailants, maybe that would be enough to make him reconsider blackmailing you?” Brandon said and she shook her head.

“He already knows.” She stated. “Short of killing the man I can’t see a way around this.”

“Well that is another option too.” Cole said.

She laughed. “Don’t tempt me.” She said. “Now is the interrogation over?”

“Sure.” Brandon said.

Maddie met Cole’s eyes and he was still giving her a funny look but she decided in that moment to let it go.

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