Page 19 of One Eye Open (The BlackWater)

Maddie walked through the door pulling her jumper off and finally feeling like she could breathe. The damn thing had made her feel so stuffy, so hot all day and it was all Cole’s fault.

She kicked off her shoes and headed to the kitchen knowing he would be there.

“Do you realise my entire team could see that damn hiccy you gave me?” She stated as she walked in and stopped, eyes wide as Brandon looked her up and down from where he leant, glass in hand, against the worktop.

“Evening Maddie.” He said with a smirk and she shook her head before looking over at Cole who was laughing, actually fucking laughing.

“Well this is awkward.” She muttered more than aware that the thin strappy top she had on was absolutely not covering any of the evidence of Cole’s behaviour over the last few days.

“I’m just gonna…” She said taking a step back and they both laughed.

She walked back in with one of Cole’s tops on, now feeling sufficiently covered as she ignored them both, keeping her back to them and she poured her own drink out.

“Don’t worry Mads, I promise I didn’t even notice the massive hiccy.” Brandon stated and Maddie shook her head before turning round to face them. “And from all accounts you absolutely smashed the presentation for me so thank you.”

“I aim to please.” Maddie said raising her glass. They’d all started calling her by that name, she realised, Brandon, Doug, Becs, all her old team and though it had made her frown at first now she didn’t mind it.

Now it felt okay.

That, even though it had been Grant’s pet name for her the fact her friends were using it was like it was reclaiming it, that she was reclaiming it. Besides it wasn’t like that man could ever talk to her again, he was locked away for good now.

“I’m sure you do.” Brandon replied glancing at her neck and then across at his cousin who smirked.

“Maddie did a very good presentation. From what the board is saying you might have to fight her over who’s covering the next quarterly meeting. Carton in particular is anxious to have her back.” Cole stated.

“Well I’d hate to deprive them.” Brandon said looking at his cousin. “Or deprive you either.” He added and Maddie rolled her eyes.

“Urgh. Can you two stop it?” She muttered. “Anyway, how was Latvia? I take it you were successful?”

“Very successful. We got the man we were after. Case is closed.” Brandon stated. She knew his case was highly classified, and though part of her was curious, the rest of her didn’t want to know. She was starting to enjoy being oblivious again, not being a spook, just sticking to what she did best, Major Crimes and not having to worry about global security, espionage, or any other high drama things that Brandon, Cole, and the rest of her old team were still knees deep in.

“Nice.” Maddie said realising that if Brandon was back then so was Becky and they were long overdue a good drinking session.

“So how was New York, aside from the meeting?” Brandon asked.

“It was great.” Maddie said. “We got Harrison so it’s case closed on that too.”

“What’s that nine or ten cases you’ve closed now?” Brandon replied.

“Eleven actually.” Maddie said with a smug smile.

“Eleven?” Brandon repeated and she nodded.

“Not bad for six months eh?” She replied.

“Not bad at all. Carry on like that and we might just give you a raise.” Brandon stated and she laughed.

“Well it’s not all just me. Max has done his fair share and the teams we’ve got are damn good too.” She stated.

“All decisions you made. People you hired.” Brandon replied before looking at Cole and then back at her. “The stars definitely aligned the day you joined us Mads.”

“Like I had a choice.” She joked.

“You didn’t Maddie.” Cole stated, his eyes darkening in a way that made her frown.

“I do now.” She pointed out. “Things have changed. The case is closed now. The Omega Project is done and dusted.”

“You’re not going anywhere Maddie.” Cole stated quietly and she rolled her eyes at the possessive tone of his voice.

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