Takedown Heather Atkinson (rosie project txt) 📖

if it does I’ll sort him out personally and if I think I need back-up I’ll take Caleb. Out of the four of you he’s got the coolest head. The rest of you get too riled up.”

“I never did when I was a copper.”

“Because that wasn’t personal. When it is personal you lose your mind, you’ve always been the same.”

“Well the truth is certainly coming out now, isn’t it?”

“You know it’s true Vance.”

He took her hands in his. “I just want to protect you Faith.”

“And I appreciate it but I don’t need protecting.”

“You said you couldn’t go through me being banged up in prison again. Well I couldn’t go through you fighting for your life in hospital again. That was the worst time of my life, even worse than when I was sent down for something I didn’t do. At least then I knew I still had you but when you died on the pavement I…I felt like falling down beside you and never getting up again.”

“Oh Vance,” she breathed, hugging him.

He hung onto her and kissed the top of her head. “I know I can get riled up but only when someone I love is in trouble.”

“I know but you’ve got to control yourself, especially now our position is so precarious.”

“All right, I will,” he sighed. “But seriously Faith, the police won’t do anything about this.”

“Matthew might. We’re fighting enough people Vance. I don’t want to fight any more, it’s exhausting.”

“Okay, go to Young with this but if he doesn’t manage to do anything then me and the boys will sort him out.”

“No. Me and Caleb will sort him out. I want Adam warned off, not put in intensive care.”

“You might regret not dealing with him harsher.”

“I’m sure I won’t.”

Vance’s look was doubtful.

When Matthew was told someone was waiting to see him in an interview room at the station, Faith was the last person he was expecting to see.

“What are you doing here?” he demanded, closing the door behind him. “We said we’d never meet here.”

“Don’t panic,” she smiled. “I come on official business. I told your sergeant on reception that I want to make a complaint about a stalker and that I’d only talk to you after what happened with Marlow. You’re the only police officer I trust, all of which is entirely true.”

“Well, I appreciate that trust. Is this anything to do with a recent theft?”

“No, it’s something else and I think it needs to be handled legally.”

“Intriguing.” He gestured to the small Formica table with a plastic chair either side. “Take a seat.”

“Thanks,” she said, sitting opposite him.

“So, what’s this about?”

“My ex, Adam Parker. You remember him, he came to my flat when you were there and you pretended to be a plumber?”

“Yes, I remember.”

“He’s been stalking me. He’s the reason why I’ve felt like I’m being watched.”

“How do you know?”

“My brothers set up some cameras and he’s on them all – outside my building, outside my mum’s house, following me when I went shopping. I’ll show you,” she said, taking out her phone.

Matthew studied the footage and nodded. “That certainly is strange.”

“I want you to talk to him, warn him off.”

“Why me when you and your family are more than capable?”

“Because I don’t want anything bad to happen to him. If my brothers get involved, then it probably will.”

“I take your point. All right Faith, I’ll have a word with him.”

“Thank you,” she smiled, relieved.

“Do you know where I can find him?”

“No, sorry. I’ve no idea where he’s living now.”

“Not to worry, I’ll track him down and I’ll let you know when it’s done.”

“Thanks Matthew, I really appreciate this.”

“Not a problem. To be honest, I’m relieved to be doing something on the level for you, for once.”

“Good.” She caught the look in his eye. “What’s wrong?”

“It’s Alice,” he sighed. “She’s fed up of our relationship.”

“Because of all the hours you’re working?”

“Yes. I’ve told her things will go back to normal once I find who killed Dillon but she’s losing patience. We were talking about getting engaged but she wants to put that on hold. She’s not sure she’s got the stamina for living with a police officer. Not that I can blame her, it isn’t easy. Since I was made DI, I’m working even more hours. She hinted at me quitting the job but I couldn’t, not even for her. I love it too much.”

“And you’re good at it too. You really like this girl, don’t you?”

“I do. She’s the first woman I’ve met that I think I could settle down with.” He winked at Faith. “Well, the second one but the first woman I thought that about didn’t agree.”

She patted his hand. “I’m sure it’ll work out.”

“I hope so.”

Faith got to her feet. “I’ll let you get on. Thanks for your time Matthew, I appreciate it.”

“No worries. I’ll get him to back off. The last thing we want is Adam getting caught up in this business with the firefighters.”

“Speaking of which, have you found out anything about them?”

“My informants came up with nothing but I did discover that Ben and Amanda both have financial problems, living way beyond their means.”

“What we don’t understand is why steal from us? Why not just rob some cash from somewhere? Our product is a lot harder to move on.”

“I see what you’re saying but I don’t want to discuss it here.”

“Of course, sorry. I’d better get back to it.”

“I’ll let you know when I’ve spoken to Adam.”

“Thanks.”

Faith left the station and got back into Vance’s car, which was waiting at the kerb.

“Have we been followed?” she asked him.

“Not that I can see,” replied Vance.

“Matthew’s going to