Page 71 of One Eye Open (The BlackWater)

“It’s more of a burn.” The paramedic said whilst cleaning it up. “But it will probably scar.”

She nodded. Cole was there leaning against the side of the vehicle talking to Brandon quietly.

Aidan walked up to them both. “Building’s secure. All the bodies are out. Job done boss.” He said.

“Good job Aidan.” Brandon replied.

“It wasn’t me. We were just the clean-up crew.” He said looking at Maddie. “Think you might be on the wrong team, you’d make a cracking AR member.” He said and she laughed.

“Guns aren’t my thing.” She said.

“Could have fooled me.” He replied.

“Extend your leg.” The paramedic said bringing her attention back to him and she grimaced before doing as she was told. He ran his hand over her thigh and she yelped.

“It’s probably muscle damage but I’d recommend you get it scanned just in case.”

“It’ll be fine.” Maddie said and the paramedic threw her a look.

“At least rest it for a few days.” He stated.

“She will.” Cole said and Maddie rolled her eyes.

“Can I go now?” She asked.

“You can.” The paramedic said and she got up clambering out of the vehicle and then groaning slightly as she stepped down onto her bad leg.

All three of them were watching her and she looked around, ignoring them, wanting to just have a moment to think.

“Do you know what they wanted?” She asked still looking round and seeing all of them, all the hostages, they looked shell shocked at best.

Brandon muttered something and she looked at him.

“What?” She said.

“Same as always Maddie. It’s the same shit.”

“You mean…?” Maddie began because she didn’t know if Aidan had clearance.

“Yep.” Brandon said.

“For fucksake.” Maddie said clenching her fists.

“Sure you don’t want to come back?” Brandon asked and she laughed.

“No thanks.” She replied.

“Let’s get out of here.” Cole said and she nodded. She wanted to get away from all the stares, all the looks, the way everyone was treating her like some sort of hero.

She walked beside Cole, limping slightly but trying to hide it.

Her eyes fell on Jennifer. She looked like shit, in the back of an ambulance being checked over. Maddie met her eyes and Jennifer just looked away.

“You saved her life.” Cole said seeing where she was looking,

“Wasn’t much of a choice.” Maddie said.

“And with me?” He asked stopping to face her.

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