Takedown by Heather Atkinson (latest books to read txt) 📕

wrapped in a duffle coat, scarf and gloves, feet encased in furry boots, hair protected from the elements by a beige trilby.

“Hello Faith,” she said. “Are you alone?”

“Yes.”

“Good because we need to talk. Let’s not stand in the hallway like savages, let’s talk in comfort. I need to sit down, my arthritis is giving me jip.”

“This way,” said Faith, holding her breath as she led them into her living room, expecting to feel a bullet slam into her back.

“You’re moving?” said Flo, noting all the packed boxes.

“Yes. I’ve bought a new flat. I don’t want to stay here after the fire.”

“Understandable.”

“Drink? I know you like to chat over a brew.”

“Not this time.” She turned to her son. “Check the flat. I want to make sure we really are alone. Faith has a track record of not telling the truth.”

Faith decided it would be wise to remain silent when Flo produced a gun from inside her coat and pointed it at her. She watched Gordon waddle about the flat, checking each room. Her heart started to thump when he went into the kitchen but he just came out again.

“All clear,” he said.

Faith wondered where Vance had gone. There were very few places to hide in the flat.

“Good,” said Flo. She gestured to the couch with the gun. “Sit.”

“Thanks,” said Faith a little sarcastically, taking a seat on one of the couches.

Gordon sat beside his mother on the opposite couch, the gun never wavering from Faith.

“Gordon mentioned this is something to do with Harry Paisley,” said Faith.

Flo nodded, put her gun down on the couch and removed her hat, patting her neat silver hair. “A little bird told me you killed him.”

“You know I couldn’t have done it Flo. I was in hospital when he vanished, you remember, after I was left fighting for my life, thanks to Marlow.”

“Yes, I do remember. I may be old but I’m not senile but this little bird told me you gave the order before you were attacked. Your brothers actually killed him but they were just the heavies. You were the one who decided his fate.”

“Flo, I swear I didn’t. I don’t know what else to say but I really didn’t. The Wallace brothers…”

“Don’t treat me like an idiot. Harry was a danger to you and you removed that danger. In a way I can respect that, it was a move I wouldn’t have hesitated to make myself but he was the only joy my old friend had in her entire life and you killed him.”

“I didn’t.”

Flo’s gaze turned to ice. “Gordon, if she says she didn’t do it one more time, shoot her in the knee.”

“Which knee?” he replied.

She rolled her eyes. “I really don’t mind. The decision is yours.”

“Yes Mum,” he said, looking thrilled at the prospect.

“That’s hardly fair,” said Faith. “You’re not even giving me a chance to defend myself.”

“I don’t need to give you a chance,” said Flo. “I’ve already judged and decided you’re guilty.”

“So what now Flo? After being judge and jury are you going to be executioner too?”

“The problem is, I can’t believe a word you say. It seems you’re good at keeping secrets.”

“What do you mean?”

She opened her handbag and produced a photograph. Faith’s heart sank when she saw it was the same image of her and Vance having sex in the woods.

“Let me guess,” said Faith. “The little bird who was chirping in your ear was my ex-boyfriend, Adam?”

“Yes and before you say they’re photoshopped you should know I’ve had them analysed by an expert and he says they’re genuine. You’ve been having an incestuous relationship with your own brother. No wonder you were so desperate to get him out of prison. I expect it’s been going on a long time, hasn’t it?”

“Yes but it’s not what you think.”

“Oh this will be entertaining Gordon,” she said, patting her son’s arm. “Let’s see what excuse she comes up with to explain this one.”

“I’m not related to Vance or any of the Chambers family. My real name is Brooke Olivia Maxwell. Wilf Chambers stole me from my real family when I was a baby.”

Flo chuckled. “I’ve got to give you credit Faith, you’ve got a wonderful imagination.”

“I’m not making this up and I can prove it. I have the results of the DNA tests on my phone and the article about my kidnapping.”

“Not interested. To be honest, I don’t care if you have sex with all your brothers and your sister’s dog. What’s important about this photo is that it proves you’re a liar who will plummet to any low, disgusting depth.”

“So, because of that photo, you believe I killed Harry?”

“Yes. I’m sorry, I don’t want to do this to one of my best customers and I do like you Faith but I did warn you what would happen to the person who killed Harry.”

“Oh for God’s sake, I di…”

She recalled what Flo had told Gordon to do if she denied it again and promptly closed her mouth, to his disappointment. “So that’s why you joined forces with Mickey Gunning and the firefighters? You got those flash devices from Raven’s father, didn’t you?”

“I know Nik of old, we’ve done business quite a few times. He’s bought a lot of weaponry off me over the years. He never hesitated to give me those flash devices when I asked. I thought they’d give the firefighters the upper hand. Mickey came to me for the guns for Ben and his crew to use as they had no idea how to get hold of any weapons themselves. He was a smart man Mickey, everyone always underestimated him. He knew I’d want revenge for Harry’s death, so he asked if I wanted to help. I had no idea you