Page 63 of One Eye Open (The BlackWater)

“What a shit couple of days.” Brandon said as they got in the elevator and she couldn’t help but laugh.

“You can say that again.” She muttered.

“And it’s only going to get worse.” Brandon said and she frowned. “This weekend. The family.” He said with a smirk.

“Oh fuck I’d forgotten that.” She groaned.

“Lucky you. It’s been like a death sentence over me.” He said and she snorted.

“Why are you and Cole so anti-family?” She asked.

“No offense but I thought you of all people would get it. Besides you’ll find out come Friday evening.”

“Urgh, if I’m still going.” She half muttered.

“You can’t bail Maddie.” He said and she sighed.

“Would you blame me if I did? After that?” She asked and he frowned.

“Maddie, I meant what I said, it’s not what you think….” His voice trailed off as the elevator doors pinged open and they both saw her, there in the lobby, typing away on her phone.

“Urgh.” Maddie said before she could stop herself.

“Brandon.” Jennifer said laying eyes on him before glancing at Maddie again.

“Jennifer, this is Maddie Cooper, Cole’s girlfriend.” Brandon said emphasising the ‘girlfriend’ bit and the girl smiled momentarily.

“We’ve met.” Jennifer said.

“Haven’t we just.” Maddie said before she could stop herself.

“Brandon, please speak with Cole, you need to persuade him on this project…” Jennifer said, her eyes focused entirely on him as if Maddie wasn’t even there.

“Not a chance Jennifer. I’m done doing your dirty work.” He said cutting across her. “And a word of warning, if I hear you pulling a stunt like that again…”

“You can’t do anything Brandon. You’re all words. I’m the project lead, Black Industries answers to me on this. Cole answers to me.” She said smugly before running her eyes over him, throwing Maddie a look and spinning on her Louboutin heels.

“Wow.” Maddie said.

“I fucking hate that woman.” Brandon said watching her go.

“Want me to kill her?” Maddie asked and they both laughed.

“Don’t tempt me.” He said.

They walked out of the building and down the street to the café grabbing a table tucked away in a room by itself. Brandon ordered the food at the counter while Maddie sat at the table flicking through her phone, answering a few emails and replying to Max’s question on a case.

“How’s it all going then? The Major Crimes Unit?” Brandon asked.

“Is that what this is then? A review meeting?” She asked.

“No. It just felt like an appropriate conversation starter.” He said with a smirk.

“Right.” Maddie replied. “Well it’s going great actually. We just handed another file back to the Police. The CPS are going through it now. That’s right on schedule.”

“Sometimes I don’t think you’re actually human Maddie, you’re like a machine.” He said and she froze at the words.

“Don’t say that. That’s what Burke used to say.” She said.

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