Page 151 of One Eye Open (The BlackWater)

“Who the fuck do you think it was?” Cole asked. “I don’t know what you think you have over Maddie but I’m done playing passive.”

“Cole Black?” Alfred said.

“Who the fuck else would it be?” Cole snarled.

They both heard the pause, like Alfred was having a moment to think, to buy time almost.

“What has she told you?” He asked more calmly than Maddie expected.

“I know enough.”

“So what, you want me to just back off?” He said amused.

“No Alfred, I’m not stupid enough to think you’d do that but unlike you I don’t hide in the shadows. You might have Maddie over a barrel, you might have me too technically but from now on whenever you see Maddie, I’ll be there.”

Another pause.

“Agreed. I think it’s about time I met my future-son-law.” Alfred said and Maddie opened her mouth to reply but Cole gave her a look not too.

“Maddie will confirm your relationship as her father to the press. Black Industries will ensure the story is buried.” Cole said.

“No need Cole. I have people already working on it. The story will be old news by the time the weekend is out.”

“Fine.” Cole said.

“I look forward to meeting you Cole. I’ve heard a lot of things about you.” Alfred said.

“I can say the same about you.” Cole replied and they all heard Alfred’s snort.

“Goodbye for now and I look forward to our family reunion.” Alfred stated before hanging up.

“Fuck me.” Maddie groaned.

“He sounds like a right prick.” Brandon said and Maddie laughed.

“You have no idea.” She said and then she looked at Cole. “I can’t believe you did that.”

“I’m not just going to sit there and listen to him talking to you like that, threatening you like that.”

“Thank you.” Maddie said. Sure she was annoyed, angry even but she knew that was more her pride than anything.

“That family reunion sounds fun.” Brandon stated.

“Probably just as fun as yours was.” Maddie replied.

“No this will be more fun. Don’t forget Kelsey will be there.” Cole said laughing.

“Fuck.” Maddie groaned.

“What’s wrong with that?” Brandon asked.

“Only that Kelsey thinks Cole is a real life James Bond…”

Brandon smirked. “If she’s ever in town…” He said to Maddie and she pulled a face.

“That’s my sister.” She said.

“Your half-sister and from the videos I’ve seen what that girl can do I wouldn’t mind a taste of that though I might have to decontaminate her first.”

“Yuck.” Maddie said as they both laughed.

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