Page 152 of One Eye Open (The BlackWater)

Cole placed his hand on her back in what no doubt was meant to be a support manner. It’d been just over a week since the bombing and their conversation and yet Alfred had already demanded a meeting like they didn’t have jobs to do. Like they didn’t have serious other shit to be getting on with.

The only consolation was that Carlton’s team was helping to pick up the slack and they’d uncovered ANPR footage that linked a vehicle to all the five cars that had had bombs planted.

“He has good taste.” Cole muttered as they walked into the restaurant. Two Agents walked behind them like bodyguards and Maddie had to fight the urge to cringe as people glanced in their direction.

“Expensive taste.” Maddie stated trying not to smash into any of the chairs with her crutches.

It was another top end restaurant, another private room too. Ahead Maddie could make out Alfred and the back of Kelsey’s head as well as the outline of another woman who was without a doubt his wife, Cynthia.

As they walked in Alfred stood holding his hand to shake Cole’s and he met his eyes, accepting it. It felt like some weird face off and Maddie threw Cole a look to remind him to play nice.

“Maddie.” Kelsey said hugging her delightedly before hugging Cole and Maddie practically rolled her eyes at the smirk he gave her.

“Maddison, this is my wife Cynthia.” Alfred said.

Maddie looked over at the poor woman. She was mid-thirties at most, beautifully coiffed hair, beautifully dressed in an outfit that Kate Middleton would be proud to wear. She looked the perfect trophy wife. Pristine, immaculate, exuding class and good breeding without looking trashy.

“Nice to meet you.” Maddie said.

“And you.” Cynthia replied but they all heard the slight tightness to her voice.

Kelsey on the other hand had opted for a skater style dress that curved low over her perfect breasts that seemed to bounce and jump with every breath she took.

“I’ve ordered a bottle.” Alfred said as they sat down.

“Cynthia this is Cole, Maddie’s fiancé.” Alfred said.

“Not fiancé.” Maddie said before anyone else could.

Alfred smirked. “As good as wouldn’t you say Cole?” He asked.

Cole shook his head. “Trust me, when I ask Maddie to marry me there won’t be any doubts about it.”

Maddie looked at him wide eyed and he met her stare right back.

“What happened to your leg?” Cynthia asked.

“Work accident. I damaged my muscle and it won’t heal.” Maddie said.

“Funny way to describe being shot.” Alfred said and Cynthia’s eyes widened.

“Like I said, work accident.” Maddie replied as the waiter came in and held the bottle for Alfred to approve. He nodded and the man opened it pouring a small amount for him to sample. He then held his hand for Cole to do the same but Cole shook his head declining.

“How long have you and Cole been together?” Kelsey asked.

“Almost a year.” Cole said. Maddie always let him answer that question because it felt odd to be the one answering it considering their history.

The waiter moved around the table pouring everyone a glass of wine except Cynthia who held her hand out over her glass to stop him.

“How come you never told me?” Kelsey said.

“I had other stuff going on.” Maddie replied.

“So you’re Alfred’s daughter?” Cynthia said cutting across them bluntly.

“Yes.” Maddie said.

“Who is your mother?” She asked.

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