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

“I agree. They don’t know that we’re aware of their connection. It could be useful in springing the trap. We need to get them all to fall into it at the same time.”

“But Mickey isn’t a firefighter,” said Caleb.

“No. We draw him there first, then we draw in the firefighters.”

“Okay. Now we just need to decide where we’re going to spring the trap.”

“We could take a leaf out the firefighter’s books,” said Faith. “And look for somewhere that’s disused because of fire.”

“The downside to that is that it could be dangerous for us,” said Vance. “They know how structurally safe a building is. We could walk in somewhere and fall through the floor again.”

“I don’t ever want to do that again,” she grimaced.

“Exactly.”

“I’ve got it,” exclaimed Caleb. “A friend of mine owns one of those laser tag places, you know, where people run about like tits shooting each other with lasers. It’s perfect. It’s a big place but it’s split into smaller rooms.”

“Great idea Caleb,” smiled Faith. She anticipated it wouldn’t be too long before he would be ready to lead. He just needed to have more faith in his own abilities.

“I agree it does sound pretty perfect,” said Vance. “But would your friend let us use it?”

“Probably, if we pay him enough.”

“What time does it close?”

“Ten o’clock.”

“Could you ask your friend?” said Faith.

“No problem but I’d rather do it in person. Letting us have the run of his livelihood for a few hours is a big ask. I reckon he won’t ask any questions if we pay him enough and promise not to damage anything.”

“And we need to learn the layout of the building first,” said Vance.

“There’s not much to learn,” said Caleb. “You’ve got the main reception area, arcade and a small café downstairs and then the five laser tag rooms upstairs.”

“I think we should invite Mickey Gunning to the party too,” said Faith with a wicked smile.

Vance glanced at his watch. “It’s two o’clock now. The laser tag place shuts in eight hours. Plenty of time to plan.”

“My friend will be there now,” said Caleb. “He spends most of his time there, he doesn’t trust anyone else to manage it.”

“I still think we should cry fire,” said Faith. “Being called out on a routine shout would be the only way to stop them from getting suspicious.”

“And in order for that to work,” said Vance. “We need to find out when Ben’s crew’s working next and that they won’t be joined by any other firefighters.”

“I wonder if Matthew would be able to find that out?”

“I think it’s the only way we’re going to be sure,” said Vance slowly.

“I’ll call him and ask.” When the call was answered and she heard his voice, her stomach performed a most unwelcome flip. “Hi Matthew.”

“Hi Faith,” he said in the tenderest tone she’d ever heard him use. “How can I help?”

“I’m with my brothers,” she told him as a warning so he wouldn’t come out with anything inappropriate. Although they couldn’t overhear, she was worried about giving something away herself. “We’ve come up with a plan to end this once and for all.”

“End it how? Because these people will be missed.”

“Not like that. Jules hasn’t given her permission either but we do want to spring a trap and we need to make sure that we do it when all four of them are on duty. I wondered if you could somehow get access to their rotas?”

“I’m not sure. I do know that firefighters manage their own duty rotas but I don’t see how I can access them. Firefighters usually work two day shifts and then two night shifts and they’ve worked the last two night shifts…”

“Meaning they might not be working the night shift tonight.”

“Exactly.”

“And we can’t be sure there won’t be other firefighters working with them.”

“From what I’ve seen of Ben and his crew, it’s usually just the four of them but you never know.”

“We have to be sure. We can’t risk anyone else getting caught up in this.”

“What do you have planned exactly?”

“We’re still working it out but we’re going to shout fire.”

“And what if there is a genuine fire in the town and there’s no firefighters there to sort it out because you’ve got them tied up, or whatever it is you’re going to do to them?”

“Oh crap, I hadn’t thought of that.” She dismissed his worries. “There probably won’t be.”

“You can’t know that for sure. What if someone dies because you’ve got hold of the firefighters on duty? Not only is that wrong but everyone will wonder where they are.”

“Shit,” she sighed, dragging her free hand through her hair. “That’s a good point but it’s the only way we can think of luring them into a trap.” It struck Faith that they knew who the firefighters’ accomplice was. Could they use Mickey to lure them in instead? “Back to the drawing board then.”

“I’m glad you’re doing the right thing Faith. I know you wouldn’t be able to live with yourself if innocent people died because of your actions.”

“You’re right, I couldn’t. Thanks Matthew,” she said, trying not to sound too affectionate. “Speak to you later,” she added before hanging up.

“He shot down our plan, didn’t he?” said Vance coolly.

“He made the good point that something bad might happen if a real fire starts in the town and we’ve got the firefighters who are supposed to be on duty. Not only might innocent people die but everyone will ask where the firefighters were.”

The ice vanished from Vance’s eyes. “That’s a good point.”

“Yes it is.”

“Bugger,” said Caleb. “It was a good plan too.”

“We could still use the plan,” said Faith. “We just need different bait. We