Page 82 of One Eye Open (The BlackWater)

Brandon was thankfully sat next to her and Cole’s mother sat across with Charlotte and Owen. Cole sat at the head with Hugo to the right side of him and everyone else was spread out along the sides.

“How was the clear up?” Maddie asked Brandon quietly.

“As you’d imagine.” Brandon said.

“Did you know? Did you have an inkling that something might happen?” She asked.

“No. The case has been quiet for a while. Too quiet if I’m honest.”

“And are there any repercussions? It wasn’t just our people in that room.” Maddie said thinking to all the god damn government officials that had been there.

“We’ve managed it. You did a damn good job of making sure there weren’t any serious casualties.”

“There was though. A woman got shot. I saw her. That’s what made me go in.” She stated.

“She works for Black Tech. We’ve sorted it. There won’t be a fall out at least not the same as if it had been an outsider.” He said.

“What are you two conspiring about?” Constance asked eyeing them both up.

“Nothing, just some work things.” Brandon said with a smile.

“Work? Again?” Constance said. “I think you lot might have some sort of addiction.”

“Leave it be Constance.” Hugo said and Owen began talking to her, taking her attention away.

“How you finding it so far?” Brandon asked and Maddie smirked.

“I’m not sure I have the words.” She said quietly and he laughed.

“They mean well. But you have to remind yourself of that.”

“I’m not sure Cole’s mother likes me.” Maddie stated.

“She’s a tough nut to crack. Besides Cole likes you. That’s all that matters.” He said and Maddie raised an eyebrow at him.

“It also gets easier each time you see them. Like you get used to them.”

“I’ll bear that in mind.” Maddie murmured.

“I grew up here. In this house, after a while you almost phase it out.”

“What about your parents?” Maddie asked before she could stop herself.

“My mother ran off not long after I was born and my father, Hugo’s brother, died in service when I was five.” He explained.

“In service?” Maddie repeated confused.

“For BlackWater.”

“Seriously?” She said.

“Yep. Constance and Hugo raised me as their own, alongside Cole and Charlotte.”

“Is that why you three are so alike?” She asked smirking.

“In what way?” He replied.

“Oh you know.” She said and he laughed.

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