Page 202 of One Eye Open (The BlackWater)

They pulled into the drive and just like last time Maddie’s breath caught in her throat. The house was magnificent and if anything she thought she appreciated it more this time because she knew what to expect.

Cole glanced at her and she gave him a reassuring smile.

“Is Brandon coming too?” She asked suddenly realising she hadn’t thought to ask before.

“Yeah he’s just working through some things in the office but he’ll be done later.”

“What things?”

“With the case. He’s going to let Carlton take over for a few weeks.”

Maddie nodded. It felt right to do it and besides they knew Carlton was more than capable.

“We’re back.” She said quietly.

“Yep.” Cole muttered.

“I love you, know that right?” She said.

He frowned.

“Of course I do.” He said.

“I mean that if you wanted to stay, if you needed too, I’d support you.” She said.

He smiled. “I know Maddie. Let’s just take a few weeks, focus on getting you better…”

“And on supporting your dad too.”

He nodded taking her hand and squeezing it. He’d never expected her to be like this, for them to be like this, to have this. She was more perfect than he’d even realised, he thought.

They pulled up at the side of the house and Maddie glanced at all the other cars.

“Who else is here?” She said.

“No doubt the whole family.” Cole muttered.

Maddie groaned before she could stop herself.

“It doesn’t matter. We’re going to stay in my wing, we don’t have to see any of them, entertain any of them.” He said. “The only people we need to see is my dad.”

She nodded feeling relieved because in truth she needed some serious thinking time, some space, just her and Cole, but deep down she felt they’d still have too.

Ben had carriedtheir bags through and Maddie took a much needed shower, feeling like she was washing off the last of the mud, and the stench and all of it even though in truth she’d had more showers in the last day than was decent.

She got out, dried herself and wrapped a robe around her body. She could hear Cole in the sitting room, moving about and she walked back through meeting his gaze as he looked at her.

He sat down frowning.

“What’s on your mind?” She said because clearly something was. Was it his mum? Was it his dad? Wherever his head was at she wanted to know.

“Why didn’t you tell me about the clinic Maddie?” He said quietly.

She gulped. “How did you…?”

“Tony told us.”

She narrowed her eyes. “Seriously?” She snapped.

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