Page 66 of One Eye Open (The BlackWater)

Maddie spent the evening in the bar, with Becky, ignoring the growing confusion inside her. Part of her didn’t want to head back, to return to Cole’s and she was half tempted to ask to stay at Becky’s for the night but she knew it would only put off the inevitable and besides she’d have to face him tomorrow, at the AGM and the thought of doing it in front of all the department leads from Black Tech, BlackWater and Black Industries made her stomach turn.

Better face it now, face Cole now, than in front of hundreds of his employees as well as god knows how many government officials and bureaucrats as well.

She took a deep breath and walked through the door, heading for the kitchen and feeling like she seriously needed a drink. She’d avoided having even just one the whole night, partly because she was driving and partly because she didn’t quite trust herself.

She opened the wine fridge, grabbing the only open bottle and poured a glass before half downing it.

“Maddie.” Cole said behind her making her half jump out of her skin because she hadn’t even realised he was there. She put the glass down turning to face him.

“Cole.” She said quietly.

“Where have you been?” He asked. He didn’t sound angry, more concerned than anything else.

“With Becky, at the bar.”

“Right.” He said before grabbing the bottle and pouring out his own glass. Maddie watched him for a second before taking another gulp of her own.

“How was your lunch with Brandon?” He asked.

“Good actually.” She said. “He wants me to carry on working the Marcus case.”

“I know.”

“Yeah he said you weren’t convinced.” She stated and he shook his head.

“It’s not my decision.” He replied and she narrowed her eyes.

“You’re right, it’s not.” She said before she could stop herself.

“About earlier…”

“I don’t want to talk about it.” Maddie said.

“Well I do.” He said back. “Because apart from anything else I have to work with her at least until this project is over and I don’t want you thinking god knows what.”

“Cole…”

“No Maddie, I want you to listen. I don’t care what you think you saw, what you think might have been going on but I am not interested in Jennifer or any other woman. You are the only woman I’m interested in, the only woman I give a damn about.”

“And yet your behaviour earlier suggested otherwise. She was literally all over you and you did nothing to stop her.” Maddie stated.

“That’s how she is.”

“Wow.” Maddie said shaking her head. “Do you not remember the other day, how you reacted when I told you about that sex worker? You said no one else has a right to touch me but you…”

His eyes narrowed. “That’s…”

“What? Not the same?” She cut across him. “It’s exactly the same.” She half shouted.

“Maddie I know you’re angry.” He replied.

“Angry? I’m furious.” She snapped. “After everything that’s happened this week. Everything I’m…” She stopped herself. Caught herself before her big mouth said everything.

“Everything you’re what Maddie?” He asked and she shook her head.

“It doesn’t matter.” She muttered.

“It clearly does.” He stated.

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