Page 209 of One Eye Open (The BlackWater)

He frowned picking it up and looked at Maddie. “One moment.” He said hitting the mute button. “It’s for you.”

“Who is it?”

“Who do you think?”

“Urgh.” Maddie said as they laughed.

“We’ll leave you to it. We’ll be in the main house. Come join us when you’re done.” Cole said getting up and Brandon followed him. Maddie waited till they were out of earshot before unmuting and putting the phone to her ear.

“Maddison.” Alfred said as soon as he heard her voice.

“Alfred.” She said back copying the exact tone he used.

“I heard you went missing.” Alfred stated.

“I did for a little while but I’m back now.”

“Everything okay?” He asked like he genuinely cared.

“Everything is just dandy.” Maddie replied sitting down.

“Is that all you’re going to say?”

“What do you want me to say?” She asked. “It’s a case. I’m hardly going to disclose any details to you.”

“I’m your father.”

“That doesn’t mean you get to know anything.” She said.

She heard him sigh and it threw her off a little. “Fine.” He muttered. “Seeing as you missed our last rendezvous I’m scheduling a new one.”

“Fine but I’m away for two weeks at least.”

“Where Maddison?”

“You mean you’re not following me?” She replied.

“I figured we were past that. Why, should I be?” He said.

“No. I’m at Norton Park. Cole’s mum passed away.” She stated though she was unsure why she was suddenly opening up to him.

“I see. Then take the time, when you’re back in London let me know.” He said.

“That’s it? You’re just going to leave it?”

“Do you enjoy me pissing you off?”

“Not exactly.”

“Then accept when I give you leniency.”

“Is that what this is?” She asked.

“Let me know when you’re back Maddison.” Alfred stated hanging up and she frowned at the phone in shock. When had Alfred turned into a man with a conscience? She sighed. He almost sounded like he cared and that there wasn’t some nefarious plan behind all of this.

She got up, grabbed the crutch and went to find everyone else, walking slowly through Cole’s wing to the main house.

Only something caught her eye.

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