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

“It seems so,” she sighed, feeling exhausted. The shock of the chase and the crash was catching up with her.

“Bloody hell. He’s been watching us, gathering intelligence, informing them of our movements. What I want to know is how they even know each other?”

“No idea but that’s something we need to find out. Have you told the others?”

“Yeah. They’re waiting at Pulse. I thought you might want a meeting. Or would you prefer to go home and rest?”

“We’ll rest when this is over. Let’s go to Pulse.”

“By the way, my friend said the number on Patrick Prentiss’s phone was a burner phone that hasn’t been used in days.”

“Not a surprise but we have to check all leads,” sighed Faith.

“Phone,” murmured Vance.

“What?” said Faith.

“I took Adam’s phone,” he said, patting down his pockets. He produced it from his jacket and sighed. “Bugger. It was in my right pocket, the side the car was rammed and it’s smashed to fuck.”

“I’ll give it to my friend to look at,” said Caleb, taking it from his brother. “He still might be able to pull something off it.”

Vance dropped off in the back of Caleb’s car, as did Faith. She was woken by her phone ringing. It was only when she saw Matthew’s name pop up on the screen that she realised she needed to bring him up to speed.

“All right?” she yawned into the handset.

“Oh I’m sorry,” came his snippy tone. “Did I wake you?”

“Yes but I had a good reason for being asleep. You see…”

“Never mind all that. I’ve just had some disturbing photos sent to my office at the station.”

“Photos of me and you meeting up?”

“You’ve had the same?”

“Yes. They were taken by Adam, my ex-boyfriend who I asked you to warn off from stalking me. He threatened to tell everyone I’m a police informant.”

“Oh bloody hell,” he exclaimed.

“Have you spoken to him yet?”

“No. It was on my to-do list today. I got delayed with the Enfield case.”

Relief washed over Faith. If he had gone to speak to Adam he would have probably told him about her and Vance.

“Where is Adam now?” continued Matthew. “Knowing you, you didn’t just let him wander off into the sunset.”

“No. We stuck him in the boot of the car.”

“What?” he exclaimed, making her wince.

“But don’t worry,” she added. “Me and Vance were attacked by the firefighters who robbed us and they freed him.”

“Attacked? Are you all right?”

“Oh fine. They only chased us in transit vans around an industrial estate until they finally ran us off the road. They got Adam and tried to take me and Vance but they weren’t good enough. We’ve just left A&E and we’re both fine, just tired and bruised.”

“Well, I’m glad you’re okay but this is getting out of hand.”

“Just a bit,” she said, rubbing her eyes with her free hand.

“Where are you now?”

“Outside Pulse. We’re having a family meeting. Listen, these firefighters are linked to Dillon’s death, I’m sure of it. They’re ruthless and violent and it looked like Adam was working with them. It wasn’t an abduction. It was a rescue.”

“I just don’t understand why they’re doing this. I’ve looked into Ben and his crew and they’re all completely legit with no criminal records. It doesn’t make sense why they’d suddenly do this. Are you sure this isn’t personal? Have you done anything to piss them off?”

“Not that I know of.”

“That isn’t reassuring. Is Adam going to try and bribe me with these photos?”

“I don’t know. He’ll probably be even more pissed off now his plan failed but if your superiors do find out, tell them I’m a confidential informant.”

“I can’t do that. Jules would kill me.”

“That information has to be kept secret, so I’d be protected.”

“I appreciate you trying to cover for me but that won’t go down well for you. If they do find out I’ll come up with something but it won’t be that. I’ll see if I can find any connection between Adam and the firefighters. Has he ever been a firefighter or tried to join up?”

“Not that I know of. I can’t think how they’re connected.”

“I’ll email you what I have on Ben and his crew. Have a good hard think. Your paths could have crossed before.”

“Thanks Matthew, I appreciate it.”

“It’s the least I can do. Thanks for talking to Alice. She’s giving me another chance.”

“That’s great news.”

“I’m really happy. I don’t want to lose her.”

“Good. She’s a cracking woman.”

“She is that. I’d better go. I’ll send you that information.”

“Thanks Matthew and take care.”

“You too. Bye.”

Vance was still asleep, so she gently shook him awake. The blue in his eyes was pale and faded but he smiled when he saw her.

“How are you feeling?” he gently asked her.

“Tired and sore. You?”

“The same. I’m looking forward to the noodles and pinot.”

“Me too,” she smiled.

Vance gently squeezed her hand. As Caleb was waiting outside the car, keeping an eye out it was safe to do so.

“We’d better get in there,” she said.

“I suppose,” he yawned.

They both hauled themselves out of the car and headed inside the club. Jason, Abi, Michael and Kevin were waiting in the office. Faith regarded the latter warily after their argument, smiling when he embraced her.

“Are you okay?” he asked her, the concern clear in his voice.

“Fine, just a bit sore. Kev, I’m sorry about earlier…”

“Don’t be. I was a mouthy arsehole, as usual. I just want this mess tidied up as soon as possible.”

“Me too,” she smiled. “Friends again?”

“Always,” he smiled back before hugging her again.

The rest of the siblings looked on with relief.

Kevin released her and turned to