Page 216 of One Eye Open (The BlackWater)

“What does that mean?”

“Brandon is worse than me. Much worse.” Cole stated.

“In what way?” She said.

“In every way. The reason you don’t see it is because he doesn’t want you too. You think I have control issues then you don’t know Brandon.”

She felt her eyes widen. Was this really the same man they were talking about? They rounded the corner, almost through the trees and stopped as Brandon sprinted up to them.

“Talk of the devil.” Maddie muttered.

“There’s someone at the house.” Brandon said quickly. “With a gun.”

“Who?” Cole asked.

“I don’t know. I just got a glimpse…”

“Where is everyone else?” Maddie asked.

“They’re out. It’s just Ben but I doubt they’ll be interested in him.” Brandon said.

“Guessed correct on that.” Someone said loudly and they all turned.

“Holden?” Maddie said squinting in disbelief. What the fuck was he doing there? She hadn’t seen him in over a year. Not since the day she’d stormed out of Homewell. He was barely metres away, hands raised, gun pointed right at the three of them.

“Get on the ground.” He spat.

“What the fuck is this?” Maddie asked.

“You always had a big mouth Cooper, don’t give me an excuse to really shut you up.” He said and she glared at him. “Get on the ground. All of you.” He said through gritted teeth.

They got to their knees, hands raised watching as he stepped closer.

“Lie on your front. Face down.” Holden ordered.

Maddie scowled glancing at Cole then Brandon as they did it. Brandon looked across at her, his eyes widening for a second as he saw the sparkling ring and then carefully, deliberately he moved his hand to touch hers. She frowned feeling something cold, something hard too. He lifted his fingers and she glanced seeing the handle of a tiny pistol. She slid it under her hand, slid it away from him, snapping her eyes back to Holden to make sure he wasn’t watching but all his focus seemed to be on Cole.

“Why are you here?” Maddie asked as he prowled around them.

“Why do you think Cooper? You were always such a good agent, you figure it out.” Holden snapped.

“You’re in on this? You’re involved?” She said.

“Well done Cooper. Finally catching up I see.” Holden replied.

“What’s your plan then?” Cole asked. “You going to kill us?” He asked half mockingly.

“Maybe I am Cole. Getting rid of you wouldn’t be so bad now would it?” He said.

“Good luck with that.” Maddie muttered and Holden kicked her hard in the side and she gritted her teeth.

“I could never see it myself.” Holden said squatting over her.

“See what?” She asked.

“Why everyone was so interested in you. Why Rab was so obsessed. Even Mitchell.”

She gulped. “You know Mitchell?” She said.

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