Page 4 of One Eye Open (The BlackWater)

“That’s Bill Horton. Black Tech.” Carlton whispered into Maddie’s ear clearly seeing the confusion on her face and she smiled at him in what she hoped looked like a thankful gesture.

“Any other questions?” Cole asked looking around at them. Everyone shook their heads and he waved his hand for the next department lead to start presenting.

When it came to Maddie’s turn she was more than grateful for the break in between. It felt like she’d been sat in her seat for the best part of the day and her arse was practically numb with it.

“Maddie.” Cole said smiling at her and she did her best not to in any way react in an unprofessional manner.

“Thank you. So you all know I’m here covering for Brandon, any questions you have don’t save them but ask as I go along and I’ll do my best to answer but any I can’t, feel free to send his way.” She said and they laughed.

She clicked the mouse as the PowerPoints loaded and Brandon’s slides illuminated in front of them all and she started going through each one answering the few questions she had as she went.

“So this new department….” Carlton began leaning forward and she knew it would be him that engaged the most. “How many cases are you planning on handling in your first year and what’s your five year goal?”

“Good question. So far we’ve already taken on a hundred cases, solved just under a quarter and on track to close another ten per cent by Christmas assuming the CPS can keep up with us. We are recruiting for three more teams below myself and Max the other joint lead. Our goal by the end of next year is to be managing around a thousand cases within the whole department and by year five we want to have established ourselves as the go to for all private Major Crimes cases.”

“You want to get that reputation in five years?” Someone asked and she shrugged.

“I don’t think it’s unachievable.” She replied and Carlton nodded. “We have the man power and the expertise to do it, we are cherry picking our cases right now, selecting the ones we know we can close and the ones with the most press around them too. I think it’s realistic as long as we maintain our current momentum.”

“Not bad.” Carlton said and a few people laughed. “If she makes a success of it, I want first dibs on her coming over here and replicating it.” He added looking to Cole who ran his eyes over Maddie before he could stop himself.

“You’d have to persuade her to leave London.” He stated and Maddie raised an eyebrow at the possessive tone of his voice.

“Maybe I can.” Carlton said and Cole laughed like it would never happen.

“Let’s see what happens in five years’ time. Maybe I won’t achieve it and then none of you will want me.” She quipped and they all laughed.

“Let’s see Maddie.” Cole said quietly and she fought the very real risk she might blush right there, in front of them all. “Right, Q4 Objectives. Rod, you’re up….” He said tearing his eyes away from him to look at the only man in the room who hadn’t yet presented.

“Thanks Cole. So I get the unenviable honour of being the last one to present before you can all leave.” He began and everyone laughed.

When the meeting was finally over Maddie stood, stretching slightly and clicking her neck realising that she really wasn’t made for this whole corporate malarkey and she’d much rather be chasing down targets though the streets than sit in a pair of heels and a tight dress acting like some high flying business exec.

“What time’s your flight?” Carlton asked her.

“Not till later. I’ve got to head back to the hotel to grab my stuff though.”

“Well next time you’re over let me know, I know some of our guys would love to meet you.” He said and she grinned.

“I’ll speak to Brandon. I’m sure he’d be happy to have me cover his presentations from now on.” She said.

“Well you certainly make them more entertaining.”

“Ha, well I’ll be sure not to pass that on.” She replied laughing.

She left the room expecting to see Cole but he’d vanished and she frowned wondering where exactly the man had gone.

“Miss Cooper, your cab is ready.” The man who’d led her from reception was there and she followed him back down the same stairs assuming that wherever Cole had gone he’d find her soon enough, whether in this country or back over the pond.

The cab pulledup outside the hotel and Maddie paid the man, got out and almost immediately made a beeline for the bar feeling like she’d not only earnt a strong drink but needed one too. Besides she was already packed and her flight wasn’t for another four hours so it wasn’t like she had anything better to do with her time. The only thing she did wish was that she could kick off the ridiculous heels she had on and replace them with something comfier but her need for a drink outweighed her need to change her footwear.

She walked through the crowded room noting that even though it was a working night the place was packed. The bartender served a few people then spotted her and came over.

“Moscow Mule.” She ordered. “Make it a double.”

He nodded and disappeared off to grab a fresh bottle of vodka before coming back and pouring the simple cocktail into an overly fancy cut glass.

“Keep the change.” She said passing the man a $20 bill because it wasn’t like she’d be needing any more dollars after tonight. Picking up her glass she looked around hoping to find a quiet table but the whole place was packed and then she spotted one, right in the corner, perfectly tucked away.

---