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

“I hope you’re doing the right thing Faith. I’ve dealt with a lot more stalkers than you have and they don’t give up easily.”

“It’ll be fine.”

“Adam always was obsessed with you but he’s never gone this far before. I’m worried he’ll escalate.”

“He won’t after he’s had a telling off from a detective inspector.”

“Me and our brothers would be more persuasive.”

“Matthew’s handling it, end of. Now we need to go to Red Bank Road.”

“Why?”

“I want to talk to Alice, Matthew’s girlfriend. She works at the animal shelter there. She’s fed up of all the hours he’s working. I’m going to convince her to stay in the relationship.”

The jealous part of Vance thought this was a very good idea and he started the engine. “Red Bank Road it is.”

CHAPTER 12

Faith found Alice feeding the cats. She was a dainty, pretty woman with a snub nose, short chocolate brown hair and large blue eyes. It wasn’t the first time they’d met, she’d bumped into Alice and Matthew in the shopping centre and had coffee together. The two women had got on well. Faith thought her sweet, gentle and good-hearted.

“Faith,” she smiled. “What are you doing here? Do you want to adopt one of these lovelies?” she added, scratching a small ginger cat under the chin. “Buddy here’s a gorgeous little fella. He’s only one year old, bless him. Someone abandoned him by the side of the road, he’s lucky he didn’t get run over. It makes me so furious.”

“I agree but I’m here about Matthew.”

Her smile fell and she stopped scratching a disappointed Buddy. “Has he sent you?”

“No. He’s no idea I’m here but he did confide in me that you’re getting tired of the relationship.”

“I’m tired of hardly seeing him.”

“It’s only temporary, just while he works on that murder that was in all the papers.”

“I know and his job is so important. When he told me what he did for a living I promised myself I’d be understanding but I had no idea just how much he’d have to work. I hardly see him and when I do he eats, takes a shower and falls asleep.”

“It won’t be like that all the time.”

“No, just until the next big case comes up. We’ve been talking about getting married but I don’t know if this is the future I want. Matthew’s great, he’s so sweet and kind and funny but I want someone I can go hiking with, take off with for the weekend, travel. His job would never allow that.”

“True, there’s no denying it but he’s one in a million. You could spend the next ten years looking and never find a man like him.”

Her eyes flashed with suspicion. “You sound pretty keen yourself.”

“Not at all. Me and Matthew are just friends but he was there for me when it felt like the entire Blackpool police force was against me and my family and he helped get my brother out of prison, as well as stop a dangerous group of corrupt coppers. I owe him so much and I want to do something for him in return. Persuading you to give your relationship another chance would make me feel like I was giving back.”

“I see,” she replied, the suspicion vanishing. “And I’d like to give him that chance but what’s the point if he can’t give me the future I want?”

“And what if you break it off and regret it?”

Alice sighed and chewed her lip. “I’d miss him like crazy.”

“There you go then.”

“But I have to put myself first. This isn’t just because of the case he’s working on now, it’s been building for a while. He’s married to the job. I know I’d always be second best.”

“He’d never think that about you.”

Alice’s smile was sad. “He already does.”

“I’m not sure that’s true. Have you talked to him about this?”

“I haven’t had the chance.”

“Yes you have,” said Faith gently. “You just don’t want to have the conversation but at least talk it through with him first. Surely that’s a better option than just giving up on the relationship?”

“Well, you do have a point. I felt like I was giving up a bit too easily and we are living together now, which makes things more complicated. You’re right, I should talk to him.”

“Nice one,” smiled Faith. “Just tell him how you feel and see if there’s any way you can work it out.”

“I’m not sure there is but I’m willing to give it a go.”

“That’s brilliant, he’ll be so pleased. He’s worried you’re going to dump him.”

“He is?” she said, eyes filling with concern. “I don’t want him to feel bad.”

“Then talk to him. It’ll make him feel better.” Faith didn’t like playing on this but Alice was the type of person who couldn’t bear to cause another living creature pain, human or animal. Faith wished there were more people like her in the world.

“I will, the first chance I get.”

Faith bent down to pet Buddy, who started purring with pleasure. “Well, I’ll be off then. It was nice seeing you Alice.”

“You too Faith.”

“Good luck with Matthew. I hope you work it out, you’re a great couple.”

“Thanks. I’ll walk you out.”

As they passed the other cats in their pens, Faith noticed one large black cat with a white patch on its head. Unlike the others this one wasn’t up and playing. In fact it looked lethargic. There was something sad about this cat that touched her heart.

“That’s Blossom,” said Alice. “She’s been with us a long time.”

“How long?”

“Three years.”

“Oh, bless her,” breathed Faith.

“She’s eleven years old. Everyone who comes here wants a younger cat and she has some expensive health problems.”

“Can I see her?”

“Course,” smiled Alice, unlocking the door.

They