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

tired and spent. She’d made an effort and put on a short black dress. Abi had helped her with her hair and make-up as she’d lacked the energy and enthusiasm. Her sister had done a great job of disguising the dark circles under her eyes and the paleness of her skin but inside she felt rotten. In these past few days she felt to have lived a lifetime. She hoped she didn’t look as old as she suddenly felt. A couple of men had hit on her but she’d sent them packing.

Worst of all, Vance was getting a lot of female attention. It wasn’t surprising because he looked so gorgeous in his grey shirt and black trousers and although he’d politely rebuffed all attempts to get closer to him, Faith was still struggling with feelings of jealousy, her temper not helped by how rotten she felt. He was on the other side of the VIP room to her, chatting to a man he’d gone to school with, two women standing close by constantly giving him the eye and tossing back their hair. He was ignoring them but that didn’t stop her from wanting to put her fist through their faces. She recalled how earlier that day he’d shielded her from gunfire with his own body and knew she didn’t need to worry about other women.

Faith jumped out of her reverie when someone sat down at the table opposite her.

“Matthew,” she said with a tired smile. “You look good.”

“Thanks,” he replied. “You look knackered.”

“I’m okay,” she yawned.

“Shouldn’t you be resting?”

“Can’t. Too much to do.”

“I’m sure it could wait until tomorrow.”

“Ben and the others could hit back at any time.”

“I don’t think they will tonight. An industrial unit went up in flames an hour ago and they’re busy tackling the blaze, which I heard is a raging inferno. Funnily enough, it’s the same unit I saw them in earlier.”

“What a coincidence.”

“It’s a clever way to keep them off your back and to give them a warning. You won’t be seeing them tonight.”

“Yes, Tariq and his friends did very well.”

“Tonight looks like a triumph. The club’s packed.”

“It’s going down very well. Everyone seems to particularly love the scaled-down version of Blackpool Tower in the centre of the dancefloor. They’re lining up to have their photo taken with it.”

“It is very impressive. Whose idea was that?”

“Caleb’s. He’s a natural.”

“He’s had a good teacher,” he said with a fond smile her way.

“Is Alice here?”

His smile fell. “No. She left me.”

“What? But I thought you’d sorted everything out?”

“We had, until I ran out on her last night when we were having dinner together.”

“Oh no, why? Was it work again?”

“It doesn’t matter why.”

Faith sighed. “It was because of me, wasn’t it?”

“Like I said, the reason doesn’t matter.”

“I’m so sorry Matthew.”

“It’s not your fault and there was no way I was going to sit back and do nothing while you were in trouble.”

“I really appreciate that but I didn’t want this to happen.”

“I know and I’m so grateful to you for getting her to give me another chance but it wasn’t meant to be.”

She patted his arm. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah. The house feels cold and empty without her but I suppose I’ll get used to it again. Such a shame because it felt like a home with her there.”

“You still might be able to win her back, she does love you.”

“I think I’m best letting her go. Even if she did come back she’d only leave me again the next time a case took over my life. I don’t want to be constantly worrying about when that would be. She said this wasn’t the life she wanted, so it wouldn’t be fair to try and win her back.”

“That’s very understanding of you.”

“I guess I’m doomed to be alone. Coppers and relationships don’t mix.”

“Some officers manage it.”

“Unfortunately I don’t seem to be one of them,” he said with a sad smile.

“She really meant a lot to you, didn’t she?”

“Yes but there’s a woman who means even more.”

Faith’s cheeks coloured when he stared at her meaningfully.

“I don’t think that would be wise,” she said.

“Why not? We’re both single.”

“And you’re on the rebound.”

“I’m not. I’ve been in love with you since we met.”

Her eyes widened. “You love me?”

“Yes,” he replied, gaze steady.

“You’re just upset over Alice.”

“I am but I still mean it. I love you Faith.”

“Why are you telling me this now?”

“Because you could have died in that fire and you wouldn’t have known how I felt. I had to tell you, even if you tell me to piss off.”

“I wouldn’t do that Matthew,” she said gently.

“I’m not expecting you to say it back. I just wanted you to know that you’re loved.” He got to his feet. “Well, I’d better circulate and keep an eye out.”

“Matthew,” she began.

But he walked away, disappearing into the crowd. She leaned back in her chair, processing this fresh shock. She’d known he had feelings for her but she’d no idea he loved her.

Vance settled into the chair by her side, snapping her out of her reverie.

“What did he want?” he asked.

“He was just letting me know that he’s keeping an eye out.”

“It looked a pretty intense conversation.”

“Alice left him. I think he needed someone to talk to.”

“Oh, that’s a shame.” This news pissed him off. When Young had been with Alice it had been easier for him to cope with his jealousy. Now he was free again it would be more difficult.

“He’s pretty cut up about it,” she said. “He’d hoped she was the one.”

“I don’t mean to sound harsh but that’s the least of our concerns right now.”

“Everything seems