Page 207 of One Eye Open (The BlackWater)

“Don’t be.” Brandon replied. “I meant both. He’s not sentimental, you know that but it’s still a shock and with you gone. You know Jamie sent us a live feed right?”

She nodded. “Yeah he had a mic and speaker set up so he could talk to me while I was down there.”

“That’s who you were talking too?” Brandon said.

“Yeah why how did you know?”

“We saw your lips moving, we thought it was a clue at first but the footage was too unfocused to make out anything you were saying.” He stated.

“That’s probably for the best.” Maddie said. “Anyway, it’s over now.” She muttered picking up the nearest bit of paper and scanning it.

“Is this Russian?” She asked.

“Yeah. It’s a transcript from some movie. Makes no sense.”

“What movie?”

“Some Russian romcom. It’s bullshit.”

“The movie or the clue?” She asked and he smirked slightly.

“I want to apologise Mads.” He said.

“For what?”

“For putting you in that situation, for letting you get taken like that, for everything you went through.”

“What are you talking about Brandon?” Maddie replied.

“I should have known it was some sort of trap. I should have seen it and I should have done more to stop it.”

“Oh Jesus not you too. Brandon don’t be an idiot. You didn’t cause it. You weren’t responsible.” Maddie said.

He shook his head like he didn’t quite believe her. “Cole thinks I should have seen it.”

“He said that?” Maddie gasped.

“Yeah. He made it perfectly clear what he thought when we realised what had happened.”

“You know what he’s like. He’s over protective. He didn’t mean it Brandon. We both know it’s not your fault.” She said. “Did you find the girls?” She added deciding to change the subject.

“Yes. The police located them the day after they got you. They’re safe.” Brandon said.

“All of them?” Maddie asked.

“Including Dani. They’ve put her in witness protection, the CPS are going for Marcus.”

“Good.”

“I’m guessing you want to go back to Major Crime now. Especially with Max still out.”

“No. I want to get these people. I’ve had enough of trying to pretend like I’m not involved.” Maddie said.

“Good. I was hoping you might say that.”

“I don’t like it though.” Cole said as he walked back in with a tray full of steaming mugs.

“I know Cole and I understand why, but Jamie said it was about you. That all of this was about you.” Maddie said.

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