“Oh God,” she breathed. “If he has been following me it’s possible he’s seen us together.”
“If he had I’m quite sure the git would have told everyone in Blackpool by now.”
“What if he’s biding his time? I really hurt him when we had that one night stand.”
“Well he’s got a fucking nerve because he was engaged to another woman and he didn’t even tell you. He needs sorting out and I’m going to do it.”
“No you’re not Vance,” she said, pressing her hands to his chest when he made for the door again. “I will not see you get sent back to prison. This time we do it properly. I’ll make a complaint to the police and get him stopped legally.”
“What the fuck can they do? On all this footage he’s standing in a public area and he hasn’t approached you or harassed you. They’ll do fuck all,” he bellowed, chest heaving.
“Will you calm down?” she told him. “You’ll have the neighbours complaining about the noise.”
“Fuck them,” he snarled.
“If you don’t get a grip I’ll smack you right in the face.”
“What have I done? I’m only trying to protect you.”
“You’ve got a temper Vance and sometimes it makes you go too far. If you do something stupid and get sent back to prison I swear to God we’re done. I will never visit you or even speak to you again. I mean it,” she added when he opened his mouth to retort. “I couldn’t go through that again.”
“Fine. Go to the police then and watch them do nothing.”
“I’ll go to Matthew. A quiet word in Adam’s ear from a detective inspector might be enough to scare him off.”
“I’ve worked stalker cases Faith and I can tell you it won’t be enough. If anything, it will probably cause him to escalate.”
“And 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 talk to Adam.”
“It’ll be fine.”
“Adam always was obsessed with you but he’s never gone this far before. I’m worried he’ll escalate.”
“He won’t after he’s had a telling off from a detective inspector.”
“Me and our brothers would be more persuasive.”
“Matthew’s handling it, end of. Now we need to go to Red Bank Road.”
“Why?”
“I want to talk to Alice, Matthew’s girlfriend. She works at the animal shelter there. She’s fed up of all the hours he’s working. I’m going to convince her to stay in the relationship.”
The jealous part of Vance thought this was a very good idea and he started the engine. “Red Bank Road it is.”
CHAPTER 12
Faith found Alice feeding the cats. She was a dainty, pretty woman with a snub nose, short chocolate brown hair and large blue eyes. It wasn’t the first time they’d met, she’d bumped into Alice and Matthew in the shopping centre and had coffee together. The two women had got on well. Faith thought her sweet, gentle and good-hearted.
“Faith,” she smiled. “What are you doing here? Do you want to adopt one of these lovelies?” she added, scratching a small ginger cat under the chin. “Buddy here’s a gorgeous little fella. He’s only one year old, bless him. Someone abandoned him by the side of the road, he’s lucky he didn’t get run over. It makes me so furious.”
“I agree but I’m here about Matthew.”
Her smile fell and she stopped scratching a disappointed Buddy. “Has he sent you?”
“No. He’s no idea I’m here but he did confide in me that you’re getting tired of the relationship.”
“I’m tired of hardly seeing him.”
“It’s only temporary, just while he works on that murder that was in all the papers.”
“I know and his job is so important. When he told me what he did for a living I promised myself I’d be understanding but I had no idea just how much he’d have to work. I hardly see him and when I do he eats, takes a shower and falls asleep.”
“It won’t be like that all the time.”
“No, just until the next big case comes up. We’ve been talking about getting married but I don’t know if this is the future I want. Matthew’s great, he’s so sweet and kind and funny but I want someone I can go hiking with, take off with for the weekend, travel. His job would never allow that.”
“True, there’s no denying it but he’s one in a million. You could spend the next ten years looking and never find a man like him.”
Her eyes flashed with suspicion. “You sound pretty keen yourself.”
“Not at all. Me and Matthew are just friends but he was there for me when it felt like the entire Blackpool police force was against me and my family and he helped get my brother out of prison, as well as stop a dangerous group of corrupt coppers. I owe him so much and I want to do something for him in return. Persuading you to give your relationship another chance would make me feel like I was giving back.”
“I see,” she replied, the suspicion vanishing. “And I’d like to give him that chance but what’s the point if he can’t give me the future I want?”
“And what if you break it off and regret it?”
Alice sighed and chewed her lip. “I’d miss him like crazy.”
“There you go then.”
“But I have to put myself first. This isn’t just because of the case he’s working on now, it’s been building for a while. He’s married to the job. I know I’d always be second best.”
“He’d never think that about you.”
Alice’s smile was sad. “He already does.”
“I’m not sure that’s true. Have you talked to him about this?”
“I haven’t had the chance.”
“Yes you have,” said Faith gently. “You just don’t want to have the conversation but at least talk it through with him first. Surely that’s a better option than just giving up on the relationship?”
“Well, you do have a point. I felt like I was giving up a bit too easily and we are living together now, which makes things more complicated. You’re right, I should talk to him.”
“Nice one,” smiled Faith. “Just tell him how you feel and see if there’s any way you can work it out.”
“I’m not sure there is but I’m willing to give it a go.”
“That’s brilliant, he’ll be so pleased. He’s worried you’re going to dump him.”
“He is?” she said, eyes filling with concern. “I don’t want him to feel bad.”
“Then talk to him. It’ll make him feel better.” Faith didn’t like playing on this but Alice was the type of person who couldn’t bear to cause another living creature pain, human or animal. Faith wished there were more people like her in the world.
“I will, the first chance I get.”
Faith bent down to pet Buddy, who started purring with pleasure. “Well, I’ll be off then. It was nice seeing you Alice.”
“You too Faith.”
“Good luck with Matthew. I hope you work it out, you’re a great couple.”
“Thanks. I’ll walk you out.”
As they passed the other cats in their pens, Faith noticed one large black cat with a white patch on its head. Unlike the others this one wasn’t up and playing. In fact it looked lethargic. There was something sad about this cat that touched her heart.
“That’s Blossom,” said Alice. “She’s been with us a long time.”
“How long?”
“Three years.”
“Oh, bless her,” breathed Faith.
“She’s eleven years old. Everyone who comes here wants a younger cat and she has some expensive health problems.”
“Can I see her?”
“Course,” smiled Alice, unlocking the door.
They stepped inside the pen and Blossom raised her head. Faith petted her and she started purring, rubbing her face against her hand.
“I try to give her extra attention,” said Alice. “But I don’t always have time because we’re so busy.”
“What’s wrong with her eyes?” said Faith when Blossom opened her eyes to reveal cloudy blue orbs.
“She has cataracts, so it’s difficult for her to see. She needs eye drops every day and she’s also diabetic, so she needs regular injections too and she has arthritis in her legs. No one wants to foot the bill for all her treatments.”
“I take it she’s an indoor cat?”
“Oh yes. We could leave this pen door wide open and she wouldn’t attempt to get out. The outside world terrifies her. She was found abandoned in some woodland by a couple of hikers. Thank God they came across her quickly because she wouldn’t have lasted long on her own with her blindness and medical conditions. We think her owner didn’t want to pay for her treatments anymore.”
Faith swallowed hard as tears formed in her eyes. She could happily inflict any amount of pain on a person but what had been done to Blossom made her heart hurt. “I live in a flat. Would she be okay there?”
Alice’s eyes lit up that someone was finally considering taking on Blossom. “That would be ideal for her actually. Because of her arthritis and bad eyesight she’d struggle with stairs and it’s not as if she needs to go out. Does your building allow pets?”
“Yes. It sounds like we’d be perfect for each other.”
“And you’d feel confident giving her her medication?”
“Not a problem.”
“She wouldn’t get on with children or other pets. She needs a very quiet household.”
“I don’t have either. My home is very peaceful. Can I hold her?”
“Certainly.”
Faith petted Blossom for a little longer to put her at her ease before gently scooping her up. Blossom nestled into her arms contentedly and Faith kissed the top of her head.
“Looks like a perfect f
it to me,” smiled Alice.
“She’s got a gorgeous loud purr.”
“I think she’s delighted that someone’s finally taking an interest in her. She’s such a sweet girl.”
Faith thought of all the trouble she had going on right now and didn’t want to drag Blossom into it. “I couldn’t take her just yet.”
“Oh,” said a disappointed Alice.
“Maybe in a week or so.”
“Oh, right,” she replied, cheering up. “The adoption process takes a bit of time anyway. First we get you to fill out an application form and we decide if she’s suitable for your home but I think we already know the answer to that. Don’t worry about that, I’ll put in a good word for you. Then you need to have a few visits with her here to make sure you’re a match and then we’ll bring her to your home to make sure she’d be comfortable there and that it’s a suitable environment. After that we have one final interview to make sure you understand all her needs and if you decide to go ahead we’ll take payment then, which is sixty pounds. All money goes back into the care of the animals. No animal sanctuary works for a profit and hopefully Blossom will finally be in her forever home.”
“Sounds good to me. I’ll fill out a form while I’m here.”
“Brilliant,” grinned Alice. “You won’t regret it, she’s so lovely and gentle. I thought about taking her myself when everyone kept passing her by but Matthew has a dog and I have two cats, so she wouldn’t have been happy.”
“With me she’ll be spoilt rotten for the rest of her days,” smiled Faith, nuzzling Blossom’s fur with her nose, the cat’s purr growing even louder.
Faith spent another ten minutes with Blossom before reluctantly putting her back in her cat bed. “I’ll see you soon gorgeous girl,” Faith told her, giving her one last stroke before leaving, Alice locking the pen door behind her.
After filling out an application form, Faith returned to Vance’s car.
“What took you so long?” he asked her. “Did Alice beg you not to make her stay with Matthew?”
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