Page 88 of One Eye Open (The BlackWater)

“Sure it is. What’s up?” She replied sitting down and running her hand over her damned leg.

“We think we’ve got a new lead on the Marcus case.” He said.

“You’re not meant to be working it.” She stated.

“I know but a lorry load of girls got stopped last night by Kent Police. It fits all the markings…”

“Are they okay?” Maddie asked.

“They’ll live.” He stated.

“How many?”

“Sixteen in total, all of varying age. Youngest is eleven, oldest is nineteen.” He stated.

“Jesus.” Maddie muttered. “Okay thanks for letting me know.”

“Want us to interview them?”

“No, leave it, I’m assuming they’re in hospital. I’ll get on it Monday.”

“No worries Mads.”

She hung up shaking her head. They had a lead, a new lead and sixteen girls had been saved before ending up god knows where. At least that was something, she thought standing up and going to find the others.

Cole walkedalong the hallway to the drawing room where evidently everyone had gathered.

Charles and Nicholas were standing just inside the door and talking so loudly their voices echoed as he walked nearer and he paused catching the drift of their conversation and narrowing his eyes.

“… yeah but you would wouldn’t you?” Nicholas said.

“If I was Cole? Sure I would. Hell any man would.” Charles replied.

“He’s the CEO, not like she could say no.” Nicholas said and they both laughed.

“Yeah but let’s face it, she’s getting the better end of the deal.” Charles stated.

“What? Than Cole, getting to fuck that every night?” Nicholas replied.

“I’m sure lots of hot girls throw themselves at him but you heard what she said, about her family, her upbringing…” Charles said pointedly. “She’s clearly not from money, being with Cole must feel like hitting the jackpot.” He added. “Coming here, seeing this, I’m sure that girl can’t believe her luck.”

“What did you just say?” Cole growled and the pair of them turned wide eyed staring at him in shock.

“It was just a joke.” Charles said quickly.

“Just a joke?” Cole repeated realising the entire room had gone silent as his family all turned to watch. “You stand here in my house saying shit like that.” He snapped.

“What did he say?” Hugo asked and Cole looked around at them, at all of them. Were they thinking it too he wondered. Where they all looking at her, at Maddie, and thinking she was nothing more than a gold digger after his money.

“Go on tell them.” He said and Charles and Nicholas shook their heads.

“That girl you’ve just been insulting has got more guts than the pair of you.” He stated and Charles scoffed.

“Sure she has.” Charles said smirking.

“You have no idea what she is capable of, what she has done.” Cole snapped.

“You mean what she has done for your money Cole.” Charles replied before he could stop himself.

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