Takedown

by Heather Atkinson

“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 to be running smoothly. Hopefully we’ll get through tonight unscathed, then we can go home and sleep. I’m absolutely knackered.”

  “Me too and I’m sick of not being able to share a bed with you.”

  “I know. I’ve been thinking, I can’t go back to living in that flat, not after those bastards broke in. I won’t feel comfortable. So, I’m going to find somewhere else to live.”

  “But it works so well where we are now. It means we can practically live together without the others knowing.”

  “We can do that, in another block of flats. I’d also like somewhere on the ground floor, with a small garden so Blossom can sit outside if she wants to.”

  “Who?”

  “The cat I’m getting from the shelter.”

  “Oh yeah. I forgot about that.”

  “She’s a house cat but she still might want to bask in the sunshine. I also want somewhere with two exits.”

  “I can understand that.”

  “We might find somewhere with two available flats, so we can carry on as we are.”

  “You’re certain you want to do that?”

  “Yeah,” she said, frowning. “Why, don’t you?”

  “I’d prefer it if we moved in together but I suppose it’s not the right time.”

  “I’d love that too but it’s really not. We can only tell everyone once the business is stable and everything is running smoothly. If the family react badly we might have to move away and we need to be sure Caleb will be up to running everything without us.”

  “So that was why you made him decide about opening tonight? You wanted to test him?”

  “I did and he made the right decision. He doesn’t let panic or fear overwhelm him but he’s not ready yet.”

  “I don’t think it’ll be long before he is, then we can finally be together.”

  “Yes,” she quietly replied.

  “You don’t sound very enthusiastic.”

  “I’m worried about the effect it’ll have on our family. You saw how Caleb reacted to that photo of us together. He said it was the most disgusting thing he’d ever seen.”

  “Because he thinks we’re related. He’ll change his tune when he finds out we’re not.”

  “Or he might not.”

  “Don’t worry about that now. Let’s just concentrate on getting through the next few days.”

  Faith nodded but found it hard to put all her fears on the backburner. She knew the news of their relationship might destroy their family and she wondered if she had it in her to do it to them.

  “Lil,” smiled Caleb when he saw her standing at the bar on the main floor. “You look amazing.”

  “Not so bad yourself sexy,” she smiled, going up on tiptoe to kiss him.

  He wrapped his big hands around her waist and kissed her.

  All the young twenty-something women who had been hoping to catch his eye were confused by his interest in what to them was an old woman.

  “Well done,” Lil smiled up at him, sliding her arms around his neck. “This place is great. I reckon you’ll make it the most popular club in town. I’ve even spotted a couple of footballers and a TV presenter.”

  “And they’re all arseholes making demands about chilled champagne and exclusive use of the bathrooms. I told them to sod right off.”

  “Good for you. Start as you mean to go on.”

  Caleb smiled. They were surrounded by plenty of young studs but it seemed tonight Lil only had eyes for him. Despite his promise to distance himself from her, this was so rare he determined to enjoy it.

  “Have you been up to the VIP room yet?” he asked her.

  “I’ve not had the chance. I’ve only just arrived.”

  “Come on up. Faith’s there.”

  “Lovely,” she smiled. “It would be nice to catch up with her, she’s so busy these days.”

  He wrapped an arm around her waist and held her close as he escorted her upstairs into the VIP room. Lil leaned into him, smiling like the cat that got the cream. She was with the man of the hour, as well as the most gorgeous man in the room and she loved the jealous looks she was getting from the younger women he hadn’t even noticed were there. They passed Jason and Kevin, who were surrounded by a gaggle of admiring women.

  “She doesn’t look very well,” said Lil with concern when she spotted Faith slumped at a table, talking to Vance.

  “It’s been a bit rough lately. She’s been through a lot.”

  “Like what?”

  “I’ll leave it to her to tell you.”

  Faith looked up and smiled as they reached her table.

  “Lil,” she said, getting to her feet to hug her friend. “Lovely to see you. Sit down. Would you like a drink?”

  “I’d love some champers please.”

  “I’ll get it,” said Vance. “Does anybody else want anything?”

  “I’ll have another orange juice please,” said Faith.

  “I’ll have champagne too,” said Caleb, sitting beside Lil. He caught Faith’s sharp look. “I haven’t had a drink yet and I’ll just have the one. Don’t worry, I’ll keep a clear head.”

  “And I can’t drink champagne alone,” said Lil, planting a passionate kiss on his lips.
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  Lil was one of Faith’s closest friends but the way she treated Caleb annoyed her. She was only cosying up to him because he was the man of the moment. Despite what he’d said about breaking it off with her, he seemed very content to go along with it.

  “So,” said Lil when she eventually let Caleb come up for air. “Tell me everything that’s been going on.” She looked to Faith. “Caleb said you’ve had a rough few days and you don’t look very well.”

  “There was that fire at my flat,” she said. “I got trapped inside and had to be carried out.”

  Knowing filled Lil’s eyes. “I heard about that fire but the funny thing is, despite all the smoke and the fire alarms going off, I heard there was no actual fire. No one could find one.”

  “It was a small fire but it created a ton of smoke, most of which I seemed to breathe in. I ended up in hospital suffering from smoke inhalation.”

  “Then you should be resting at home, not in a busy nightclub.”

  “I want to support Caleb on his big night.”

  “He can handle it. You should be tucked up in bed girl, you look rough as dogs.”

  “Thanks,” she said wryly. “I might go in a bit. I could really use some sleep,” she added, stifling a yawn.

  “So, there hasn’t been any trouble then?”

  “What makes you say that?”

  “Well, first there was Dillon’s murder. I heard he was working for you. Then you came in to speak to his friends. Patrick Prentiss ended up with most of his fingers snapped, which I know is Vance’s speciality and then there was the mysterious fire. Come on Faith,” she pressed when she didn’t reply. “You’re one of my best mates and if you’re in trouble I want to help.”

  “There’s nothing to help with. I’m just getting over the fire. It was a bit of an ordeal. A couple of day’s rest and I’ll be as right as rain.”

  Lil sighed. “All right, I won’t push you, even though I know you’re lying. You’re the most stubborn mare I ever met, so it would be pointless.”

  “Because there’s nothing to tell.”

  “That’s not what the local jungle drums are saying.”

  “The jungle drums can be wrong.”

  “Not in my experience.” She continued to regard her expectantly but when it became clear that Faith was not going to be forthcoming she said, “Actually, I did hear something that might interest you.”

  “Oh yes?” said Faith, stifling another yawn. God she was knackered. She was tempted to rest her head on the table and go to sleep.

  “Mickey Gunning was released from police custody this afternoon.”

  This had Faith sitting up straighter. “What? But I heard he was being done for burglary.”

  “He was but his lawyer managed to get him released on bail. He’s pretty pissed off.”

  “At who?”

  “You lot.”

  “Us? What have we done?”

  “He thinks you set him up.”

  “But we didn’t.”

  “He reckons you told the police about his connection to Dillon Enfield.”

  “Lots of people knew that they worked together.”

  Lil noted that she didn’t deny it. “I heard he wants revenge. If he hadn’t got nicked he wouldn’t have been done for the burglary.”

  “That’s ridiculous. The police must have some evidence against him to charge him.”

  “Apparently something came out in interview that gave them what they needed.”

  “You mean the idiot dropped himself in it.”

  “Probably.”

  Faith glanced at Caleb, who was looking equally worried. Didn’t they have enough enemies without some lunatic with a fetish for Stanley knives going after them?

  “Excuse me,” said Faith, getting to her feet.

  She scanned the room for Matthew and when she didn’t see him she headed downstairs into the main room. She sighed as she regarded all the bodies. It would be impossible to find him in this lot. On the plus side, Lil’s shocking news had helped her shake off the lethargy. It occurred to her that she hadn’t thanked her for the warning. No doubt Caleb would do that and enjoy himself at the same time.

  Faith winced as violent strobe lights flickered across the dancefloor. She pushed her way over to the DJ, who controlled the lights and jabbed him in the arm.

  “Turn those bloody things off,” she told him. “Do you want to cause an accident? No one can sodding see.”

  “Sorry,” he said, hitting a switch.

  Faith breathed a sigh of relief when the gentle muted lights returned. “That’s better. Don’t put those on again. You’ll have everyone convulsing on the floor.”

  “Got it,” he said, eager to please.

  “Wanker,” she muttered as she continued her search.

  She found Matthew standing at the back of the room nursing a pint, looking miserable.

  “I need to speak to you,” she said.

  “What?” he frowned, unable to hear her over the music.

  “I need to speak to you,” she yelled in his ear.

  “About what?”

  “We can’t talk here. Come up to the office.”

  Unlike Pulse, Eclectic’s office was on the first floor and he followed her upstairs to a small, poky room with no windows.

  “That’s better,” she sighed with relief, closing the door behind them.

  “What’s wrong?” he said.

  “I’ve just spoken to Lil who runs The Red Lion. She said Mickey Gunning was released from police custody and he’s blaming us for him being arrested for burglary.”

  “That doesn’t make any sense,” he frowned. “He dropped himself right in it during interview. He told us about a robbery he did with Dillon that matched an unsolved burglary we were investigating.”

  “According to him it’s our fault he was being interviewed in the first place. He says we grassed him up to the police.”

  “But you did.”

  “I know that but how does he know?”

  “He probably put two and two together. Only I know that you gave his name and I’ve not told anyone.”

  “Can’t you lock him up again?”

  “Not without something concrete. I refuse to fit anyone up.”

  “I would never ask you to do that Matthew, especially after what Marlow and his friends did to us.”

  He nodded. “I know. Sorry.”

  “It’s okay but it’s going to get even worse with Mickey coming for us.”

  “He won’t. He’s out on bail. If he tries anything he’ll be sent straight to prison.”

  “Mickey has one hell of a temper and it often overrides his common sense.”

  “I’ll see what I can do,” he said, dragging a hand down his face.

  “I’m sorry Matthew. You’re going through your own shit and I keep dumping mine on you.”

  “That’s what I’m here for.”

  “Not just that. I want you to know that I don’t just see you as a fixer. You’re my friend too.”

  “Thanks,” he said with a tight smile. “That’s good to hear because I seem to have very few of those at the moment.”

  He looked so miserable her heart went out to him. “Come here,” she said, hugging him.

  She smiled as his arms went around her and she nestled into the warmth of his chest. It felt nice and comforting.

  “Matthew?” she said.

  “Yes?”

  “Why is your heart beating so hard?”

  “Because you’re pressing against me.”

  Faith decided it was time to release him.

  “That was nice,” he said, the smile back on his face. “Thank you.”

  “Your arms are still around me.”

  “Your hands are still on my waist.”

  “So they are,” she said softly as they stared at each other.

  When he dipped his head to kiss her, Faith’s instinct was to jerk her head back but she didn’t move. As she gazed into those dark eyes of his, her own heart st
arted to beat harder.

  He cupped her face in his hands, the feel of his skin against hers making her ache inside and when he kissed her she didn’t pull away, moaning into his mouth as the kiss deepened. His hands went into her hair as her arms locked around his neck.

  The memory of Vance shielding her from a bullet returned and she tore herself away.

  “What’s wrong?” he said.

  “This isn’t right,” she replied, turning her back on him.

  “Because I’m a police officer?”

  “Yes,” she said, deciding that was truth enough. “And it’s not fair to lead you on now I know your true feelings. On top of that, you’re getting over the break-up of your relationship.”

  “I’m not using you to get over Alice if that’s what you’re worried about,” he said, coming up behind her and wrapping his arms around her waist, resting his chin on her shoulder. “I wouldn’t do that to you.”

  She gasped with pleasure when he kissed her neck and she leaned back against him, enjoying the sensation. He was making her body come alive in a way it hadn’t when they’d slept together. That had been very pleasurable but it was now enhanced because she realised she did harbour feelings for him, feelings that ran deeper than friendship.

  He turned her back round to face him and kissed her again. Faith was furious with herself when she didn’t step away.

  “No,” she said, finally tearing herself free of his embrace. “We shouldn’t be doing this.”

  “Yeah, I know,” he sighed, rubbing his forehead. “I just can’t help myself. I’ve never met anyone like you before.”

  “Well, no harm done,” she said, catching her breath and running a hand through her hair. “Let’s not mention this to anyone, especially my brothers.”

  “Agreed. They’d probably chop me up into tiny pieces.”

  “More than likely. I like you Matthew, I really do and if things were different then…”

  “I know,” he said gently. “The worst thing is, I think you’ve got the stamina to have a relationship with me and put up with my career but we could never be. No one in your world would ever trust you again and my superiors would be furious with me.”

  “Shame,” she said, gazing at him as she was hit by the force of her feelings for this man. No wonder Vance had kept telling her to only communicate with him by phone. Had he picked up on something she hadn’t even realised herself? And why was it only striking her now? Had she needed that physical connection to bring her feelings home to her? Or was it because she’d nearly died in a fire?