Page 26 of One Eye Open (The BlackWater)

“Yeah I’m completely healed but it’s like it’s in my head sometimes.” Becky stated before a strange look flickered across her face. “I guess it’ll pass eventually.”

“Have you thought about seeing someone?”

“You mean professionally?” Becky asked and Maddie nodded.

“I don’t know, the thought of talking to a complete stranger…” Becky started but fell silent.

“It’s not that bad, honestly.” Maddie stated.

“Wow you’ve changed your tune.” Becky half laughed.

“I’m serious.” Maddie said. “Brandon might have forced me there and I hated it at first but it does help. It makes you realise you’re not actually crazy.”

“I don’t know.” Becky muttered before taking another swig and Maddie decided to leave it there. She didn’t want to push her and besides if anyone had suggested it to her she would have shot them down in an instant before she’d been forced into it.

“So how’s the new team?” Maddie asked her. Brandon had taken the opportunity to expand after Maddie had left and his team had tripled in size.

“They’re good. It feels like me and Doug are the seniors but they’re learning the ropes pretty fast. It’s got to be tough for them though, to come straight into Brandon’s team.”

“Yeah it was bad enough with you lot when I started.” Maddie joked and Becky smacked her.

“So what are you doing next week?” Becky asked and Maddie narrowed her eyes, her bottle frozen half way to her mouth.

“Why do you ask?” She said.

“Because it’s your birthday.” Becky stated.

“How do you know that?” Maddie asked.

“I picked your life apart when you were a suspect remember. I know everything there is to know about you Mads.” Becky quipped.

“Fuck off you do.” Maddie replied laughing.

“I’m guessing you don’t have anything planned then?”

“Nope and I intend for it to stay that way.” Maddie stated. She hated her birthdays. Something always went wrong on them. Not always a big thing, not always a dramatic thing but the best few birthdays she’d had were the ones where nobody knew and she just celebrated in private with a takeaway and a bottle of wine.

“Reckon Cole will do something for it…” Becky said grinning.

“I reckon he won’t if he knows what’s good for him.” Maddie said.

“Maybe he’ll tie you up Mads, treat you to a birthday spanking.” Becky teased and Maddie laughed even louder.

“Stop fantasying about my boyfriend.” Maddie said then her eyes widened at the word she used.

“Boyfriend eh? So it is official?”

“I live at the man’s house, it’s hardly just sex anymore.” Maddie stated more to herself than to Becky.

“You live at Cole’s house Maddie. Cole Fucking Delicious Black’s house.” She said loud enough that a few other people glanced in their direction.

“And you’re with Aidan. Have you seen the man?” Maddie replied.

“Seen him? Have you? He’s an animal Maddie. An actual animal.” Becky stated and they both burst out laughing again.

“So when’s the wedding?” Maddie teased and Becky flushed bright red. “What?”

“You can’t tell anyone this, I mean not anyone.” Becky said looking around like there might be half the room trying to eavesdrop on their conversation.

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