Page 86 of One Eye Open (The BlackWater)

“Yes, especially as you haven’t been here in a while. It would be good to give the place some of your attention for change.” Constance said staring at Cole.

“It gets enough of my attention when it needs it.” Cole stated.

“Is that what you think?” Constance replied.

“Constance.” Hugo said throwing her a look.

“No, he needs to realise this place doesn’t just run itself. There is a history to uphold, a legacy to maintain.” She stated.

“I think I’m more than aware of that fact thank you.” Cole said before tucking into his food.

Maddie pulledon the pair of wellies feeling her leg protest already. She’d pushed it too far, she knew it and the alfresco romp yesterday had definitely made it worse. Not that she was complaining and not that she’d be saying anything now. She was going to play along, Smile and pretend and one way or another get through this damn weekend.

Cole’s mother, her sister and Jenny were staying back while everyone else seemed to be crammed into the boot room, all wearing Barbours and chammies and looking like some live scene from Country Life.

“How’s the leg?” Brandon asked.

“It’s okay.” Maddie said. He gave her a look like he didn’t quite believe her.

“They told you to rest it.” He stated and Cole turned to watch her for a second.

“Maddie?” He said quietly.

“It’s fine, honestly.” She said standing up.

“What’s fine?” Charles asked looking between them.

“Maddie’s leg.” Cole stated in a tone that made it clear Charles was interrupting something.

“What happened?” Charles asked anyway.

“I got shot seven months ago.” Maddie said.

“So that did actually happen then?” Charles replied looking from her to Cole.

“What?” Cole half snapped looking back at him.

“That she got shot. We all thought it was an excuse for you not to show.” He said with a smirk.

Cole shook his head before taking Maddie’s hand.

“Let’s get going.” He said before walking out into the yard.

Maddie glanced at him, seeing the look on his face as they walked. He was on edge, she could see it. Something was clearly on his mind.

“What is it?” Maddie asked quietly.

“What?” He said looking at her.

“You, somethings on your mind.” She stated.

“It’s nothing.” He said dismissively.

“Tell me.” She said.

He sighed looking at her. “My mother is sick.” He replied dropping his voice so no one could overhear them.

“How sick?” Maddie asked because something told her it wasn’t just a cold.

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