Page 85 of One Eye Open (The BlackWater)

“There’s no rush.” He said.

“Your family…”

“Can wait.” He stated and she nodded, giving into him, letting him be in charge, just like always.

They walkedinto the Dining Room and it literally looked like something out of Downton Abbey. Along the sideboard where silver trays with steaming hot food. On the table Maddie could see racks of toast and a butter dish, jam and thankfully a massive cafetiere of coffee.

“You took your time.” Brandon said as she started filling her plate with bacon and eggs. She was starving she realised and something told her she’d need to have a good breakfast to cope with whatever the day had instore.

“Did you miss us?” She asked and Brandon snorted.

“I did. I’ve been stuck with Charlotte and Creature all morning.” He said and Maddie shook her head.

Both Cole and Brandon had taken to calling Owen that and before she’d met him she thought it was both mean and uncalled for but they were right, something about him didn’t sit right with her. Maybe she was being paranoid, maybe she was imagining it but he set her teeth on edge, just a little, just enough to notice. She glanced over at the table and balked at the PDA the pair were putting on.

“Jesus.” She muttered and Brandon laughed.

“See what I mean.” He said.

“Is that really necessary?” Cole asked loudly and Charlotte broke apart from Owen and glared at her brother.

“Some of us are trying to eat breakfast.” Cole said and Maddie couldn’t help it she sniggered beside Brandon, hoping no one would notice.

“Just because you’re not an affectionate person...” Charlotte quipped.

Cole rolled his eyes and took a gulp of his coffee.

“This is going to be a long day.” Brandon muttered as both he and Maddie sat down beside Cole.

“What’s this? You’re only just eating breakfast?” Hugo asked walking in with Constance just behind him.

“Some of us like a lie in at the weekends.” Cole stated.

“I’m surprised you weren’t up at the crack of dawn working away.” Constance quipped.

“Bet he was in the crack of something.” Charles muttered and Maddie felt her eyes widen as he and Nicholas sniggered.

“That was inappropriate Charles. And rude.” Constance stated.

“So I was thinking we could shoot some clays, if you fancied it?” Hugo said deliberately changing the subject.

“Tomorrow would be good.” Cole said.

“Brandon?” Hugo asked looking across the table at him.

“Sure.” Brandon said before putting a forkful of food in his mouth.

“What about you Maddie? I reckon you’re a good shot if you work for BlackWater.”

“Oh she’s more than that.” Charlotte said and Maddie, Cole, and Brandon threw her a look.

“Am I missing something?” Charles asked sitting down with a mug, looking between them.

“Nothing to be concerned with.” Brandon said.

“How about we go for a walk this morning? Take a look around the estate.” Charlotte said.

“That sounds like a good idea.” Hugo replied.

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