by Nicola May
‘Oh, I’m sure they do want to hear about it. A mystery benefactor leaving a shop to a young girl who hasn’t a clue how to run one. Especially as the shop has been closed for five years and all the locals have wanted a chance to buy it.’
Joe stopped walking along the cliff and clapped a hand to his head I dismay. Of course he’d meant to seed that nugget of information in; it made great radio and would also be an interesting hook to follow up in the Gazette. He hadn’t, however, anticipated quite how full-on Barry Savage would be. Like Suggs with a bone, in fact.
‘Well, Barry,’ Rosa said firmly, taking control, ‘they are not going to hear about it right now. However, if they would like to come along to the shop - anytime from ten a.m. tomorrow - maybe I can tell them then.’
‘Boom!’ Jacob shouted from the sofa. ‘You go, girl. What a complete and utter bastard.’
Joe smiled. Rosa might have no exams, but she was sharper than even he had realised.
Josh, listening in Carlton’s car, cared only that Rosa would come out with her confidence still intact. It was a massive day for the shop tomorrow and he was glad that he had managed to get away earlier than expected from work, to share it with her.
‘And as for not having a clue about knowing how to run a shop, Mr Savage,’ she went on, emphasising his last name, ‘that’s partially true. However, considering I only arrived in Cockleberry Bay a few weeks ago - just before Christmas, in fact - I am patting myself on the back for what I have achieved to date. Tomorrow, I have some great pet products for sale, there will be trinkets and gifts for the children, plus a face painter. I’ve even got some heart- shaped doggie treats.’
‘Oh, a Valentine’s Day theme for pets. I see what you’ve done there.’
‘Exactly. I have a mini-dachshund called Hot and he can be my Valentine anytime.’
‘Hot Dog, ha ha ha, that’s great. But do you have a real love in your life to mention then, Rosa?’
‘Not to mention – no, Barry.’
Josh laughed out loud.
‘OK, so everyone, looks like it’s going to be a cold but fine day tomorrow, so head on down to the Corner Shop in Cockleberry Bay. Fore Street, isn’t it?’
‘Yes. You can park on The Level if you are driving or get the number 48 bus from Polhampton, which leaves at ten-thirty. Oh, and I forgot to mention, there will be free glasses of fizz and snacks on arrival too. Plus a discount voucher for your first purchase at the shop.’
‘Sounds amazing - and I wish you all the luck down here in our close community, Rosa.’
The girl felt nauseous at the insincerity coming from his thin-lipped, podgy red face. Thank God the interview was over, since she knew she had made an enemy of Mr Toad.
‘Thank you so much, Barry.’
She went to remove her headphones, but he gestured to her to keep them on, intent on moving in for the kill.
‘Oh, and just before you go, Rosa. Any ideas about who the Christmas Cockleberry Bay hit-and-run driver might be?’
She put her hands out in a questioning manner, screwed up her face and mouthed, ‘What the fuck?’
‘You look surprised, but they would have taken a fast drive up or down from behind your shop, wouldn’t they?’
‘I really don’t want to comment on this, thank you. It is a police matter.’
‘A straight yes or no would have sufficed, Rosa.’
‘No, then. Thank you - and goodbye.’
The Beatles’ ‘Can’t Buy Me Love’ started to blare across the airways. Rosa pulled her headphones off indignantly.
Barry stood up to shake her hand, saying, ‘Welcome to the world of media, dear. You didn’t expect this to be straightforward, did you?’
Ignoring his hand, Rosa snapped, ‘To be honest, yes, I did, from a local radio station. It’s not exactly Radio Four, is it?’
‘You need to tell that Joe not to give me so many good leads in future then.’
Rosa felt sick to her stomach. ‘Have no doubt, I shall make very sure of that.’
Joe was waiting right outside in his Jeep. Suggs lay flat out in the back, legs everywhere.
Joe held the passenger door open for her; Rosa got in silently and slammed it.
‘Who the hell do you think you are, setting me up like that, Joe Fox?’ Her voice was two octaves higher than usual. ‘“Nice and fluffy,” you said. “Tell them about all the great things happening at the opening”, you said. And then he not only hits me with the mystery benefactor story, but also asks me if I know anything about the hit-and-run.’
Joe let out a big sigh. ‘You’ve got to understand, I’m a reporter by nature, and knew maybe just the opening of the shop wouldn’t get you the slot.’
‘Fair enough, but bloody warn me in future. I wouldn’t have gone on there if I’d have known that part would be dragged up.’
‘Exactly.’
‘Exactly? Joe, didn’t you think that might upset me or make me say something I didn’t want to? I trusted you.’
‘So, is there something that you do know about the hit-and-run?’
She replied with a quiet, ‘No.’
‘I’m sorry, really I am.’ Joe put his hand on hers. ‘I just want you to succeed - and sometimes to do that you have to talk about things you don’t want to.’
‘Do you mean that?’ Rosa asked, looking into his light blue almond-shaped eyes. On close inspection, they reminded her of a dolphin’s.
‘I mean it, and I’m sorry.’ He leant across and kissed her gently on the lips.
‘Did you mean that too?’
Joe smiled and squeezed her leg. ‘Come on you, we’ve got balloons to collect.’
With the helium balloons in hand, Joe and Rosa walked into the back of the shop. She guided him through to the front and turned the lights on.
‘Voila!’
‘Wow, it looks amazing. You’ve set out the window just beautifully - and look at all the baskets with the kids’ stuff. I’m blown away. It looks like a proper shop.’
‘Well, what did you expect it to look like?’ Rosa bent down to pet Hot, who had missed her during the morning.
When she stood up, Joe put both his hands on her shoulders. ‘I can see why you are proud of yourself.’ He pulled her towards him and just as he was about to kiss her - properly, this time - there was a loud knock at the front shop door.
Seeing the silhouette of a tall, broad figure, Rosa pulled away immediately, muttering: ‘Shit, I forgot Josh was coming today.’
‘Josh?’
‘You know - my friend from London. I’m sure I’ve mentioned him.’
Rosa opened the door, but instead of her lovely Josh, it was two very stern-looking policemen.
‘Rosa Larkin?’ asked the taller one of the pair.
‘Um, yes, that’s me.’
‘We’d like to talk to you about the hit-and-run incident that happened on December the twenty-third last year at the top of this road.’
‘What - now?’
‘If possible?’
‘OK.’
‘I was just leaving.’ Joe rattled his keys in his pocket. ‘Suggs is in the Jeep and I need to get back to the office.’
Hot was now tearing around all of them barking furiously, when Rosa heard the familiar and comforting voice of Josh shouting outside, ‘Rosalar! Hot! Rugger buggers alert.’
Joe gave a short ‘Hi’ as the imposing and very handsome figures of Josh and Carlton now entered through the small doorway into the shop. With the whole scenario resembling a farce, the smaller policeman let out a huge sigh.
‘Shit, Rosa. Everything all right?’ Josh kissed her on the cheek. ‘Meet Carlton.’
All six feet three of him, with smooth ebony skin and chestnut eyes, leant down and kissed her on the other cheek. ‘Pleasure to meet you, Rosa. So that’s sorted then, Josh lad. We won’t need the hotel room if missy here’s in the clink.’ He winked at her.
Rosa grinned, the
n said, ‘Why don’t you go and check in up the road. I’ll join you for a drink as soon as I’m done.’
‘If you’re sure?’
‘I’m fine. Honestly.’
With the boys off the premises, Rosa picked up Hot and hurriedly led the two police officers upstairs. Relieved that Titch was out at the café, she just hoped that she had left the lounge in decent order that morning.
The boys in blue perched uncomfortably on the edge of each sofa. The shorter one piped up, ‘Good, now we have your full attention, Miss Larkin, we need to have a serious chat with you. You see, we have reason to believe you were involved in the hit-and-run incident in which Miss Jasmine Simmonds was hurt.’
Rosa opened her eyes and mouth in disbelief. Even Hot stopped barking for a second. After a tricky start to the day, it looked as if things were about to get a whole lot worse.
CHAPTER 37
Josh kept half an eye on the pub door, and the moment he saw Rosa push it open, he immediately went to her side. Putting his arm around her, he guided her to the bar, where Carlton greeted her and asked what she wanted to drink.
‘I can’t drink, I’m working and a bit late already,’ she explained. At that moment, Jacob appeared from upstairs. ‘So sorry I’m late,’ she apologised and then burst out: ‘Jacob, I’ve only had the local plod round, insinuating I was involved in the hit-and-run.’
‘Oh, lovey, surely not. What did they accuse you of? You don’t even drive!’
‘I know, tell me about it. I thought I was going to be taken down to the station at one stage.’
‘You poor poppet.’ Then Jacob perked up. ‘At least you’ve got these two gorgeous creatures to look after you this weekend. Look, I tell you what, I can jump behind the bar tonight while you catch up with your friends. You’ve got a big day tomorrow, what with the opening and everything.’
Rosa kissed him on the cheek. ‘That is such a relief, thank you. I’ve still got loads to do and I’m opening at ten.’
‘Raff will have the canapes and sausage rolls ready tonight, you will just need to warm them through in the oven in the morning.’
‘Perfect,’ Josh chipped in. ‘One of us can bring them down for you. You wouldn’t want Hot getting hold of them before then.’
‘That would be cannibalism, wouldn’t it? Sausage - dog - get it?’
‘As you were, Carlton.’ They all laughed.
‘It’s all going to be fine,’ Josh promised. ‘We can help you do anything that’s necessary. Carlton doesn’t need to leave until ten-thirty for the rugby match, so we can make use of those muscles of his too.’
Jacob let out a camp ‘Oof!’ then went off to serve a customer.
‘Thank you so much, but are you sure you don’t want to go to Falmouth with him?’
‘No, of course not. I’ve come down to see you.’
Rosa sipped on a glass of wine. ‘I’m literally just having one and going to get back and start laying out glasses et cetera.’ After what she had just been through, she could have drunk a bottle down in one, but no, the show must go on.
Once seated at a table in the corner, Rosa relayed the tale about the police incident to Josh and Carlton. The officers explained the reason why they were there: somebody had phoned the incident number they had given out and described a young woman of Rosa’s description running away from the scene when the ambulance arrived.
‘I told them that I was definitely at home, as I’d just had my heating fixed and was up to my ears in cleaning since I’d only recently moved in. They said if nobody could confirm my alibi, then I might have to take part in an identity parade. When I said I didn’t drive - so how could I be involved - they made out I could have been an accessory, and if I was covering anything up, then I could be in serious trouble.’ She took a large sip of her drink.
‘Bloody hell.’ Josh’s face looked pained. ‘But you’re not guilty, so you have nothing to worry about. And wasn’t Wanker Boy Plumber round that day, getting the heating sorted for you?’
‘He was, but he left around five.’
‘And I thought he was going to pick her up, that woman Jasmine?’
‘Oh Josh, let’s not discuss that in here. I’m sure nothing will come of it. I was in the flat and that’s a fact.’
Rosa suddenly felt uncomfortable talking about it, especially as everywhere in this town seemed to have ears and eyes. She had contemplated lying on behalf of that complete charlatan and philanderer Lucas Hannafore, as he had asked her to, but that was before he had shown his true colours. If he really needed to, he could turn to Titch for his alibi now. The last thing she wanted to do was get herself in trouble, to be associated with anything that could jeopardise the success of the Corner Shop.
Thankfully they hadn’t asked her anything about his van and whether she knew if it had been parked behind the shop. With no CCTV in this area, maybe his story would stand. Then again, if they were really going to town on the investigation they would certainly be able to pick him up by checking the signals on his mobile phone. It was all very messy – and he might just have to fess up the same drink-driving story he had told her. He couldn’t be done for drink driving after the event and if he was innocent of the hit-and-run, then he would be fine. She could see though, how people did get themselves into trouble telling lies on top of more lies.
Rosa finished up her wine. ‘Right, I just need to do a final check on everything for tomorrow. You two stay and have a fun night.’
Just as she was putting her coat on, there was a mighty rush of air as the door sprang open and Titch came tearing into the pub. She was carrying a whimpering Hot wrapped up in a bloodied blanket. In floods of tears, she ran to the bar.
‘Where’s Rosa?’ she cried. ‘We need to get Hot to a vet as soon as possible.’
CHAPTER 38
‘Excuse me. Is this the incident line for the hit-and-run incident?’ the caller asked, then coughed.
‘Yes, madam.’ A deep Devonian accent greeted her. ‘How can I help you?’
‘Do I have to give my name?’
‘Not if you don’t want to, right now, but if it is a line of questioning we need to follow up, then we may need to contact you again.’
‘OK, OK. Well, I heard that somebody answering the description of Rosa Larkin was seen running from the scene?’
‘I can’t confirm or deny that allegation at this stage of the investigation, madam.’ The desk sergeant grabbed his notepad and pen for fear of the message not recording.
‘I understand.’ The lady at the end of the phone coughed again. ‘I just wanted to say that, well, it couldn’t have been her.’
‘OK. Go on.’
‘Because I walked past her shop at the time the said incident was supposed to have happened and I saw her cleaning her front windows, from top to bottom. Giving them a right old going-over, she was. She weren’t involved, I can assure you. You need to be looking a little closer to home, you do. A little closer to home.’ And with that, the anonymous caller hung up.
Queenie took off her scarf and ran her finger across the engraving on the gold necklace she was now holding. When she reached the words Meet Me, she sighed deeply.
‘Have you done it, Mary, duck?’
‘Yes, Gran. It’s all done and dusted.’
CHAPTER 39
‘Oh my God!’ Rosa leapt up, closely followed by Josh, and took her beloved hound in her arms. Jacob came running out from behind the bar.
‘Here.’ He pulled car keys from his pocket. ‘I’ll ring Helen, she’s our vet and a friend of mine in Polhampton. She’ll open her practice up for us. Josh, can you drive?’
‘I’ve had two pints and don’t want to risk it.’
Raff appeared from the kitchen, wiping his hands on his apron. ‘It’s fine, I can do the bar - you go, Jacob. Brad can hold the fort.’
Titch was inconsolable as she sat in the back of the car with Rosa and a now- shivering Hot.
�
�I had just got home and had unlocked the front door,’ Titch blubbered, ‘and Hot came bounding up to greet me as he does usually. I bent down to stroke him when all of a sudden there was a loud noise like a firework or something - maybe a car backfiring - and he bounded out onto the street. Just as he did so, a motorbike came charging up the street and . . . and . . .’
‘You couldn’t help it, Titch, it was an accident.’
‘He only grazed him with a pedal, I think, but the bastard didn’t even look back and I was in too much shock to get his number-plate. I think his helmet was black and silver.’
Josh was sitting next to Jacob in the front passenger seat. ‘He probably didn’t even realise what had happened, at least I hope not. Hot is such a little low-down fellow and if he just clipped him, then phew. It could have been so much worse if it had been a car.’
Nearly two hours later and Jacob and Josh dropped off Rosa, Titch and a very sleepy Hot back at the Corner Shop.
‘Jacob, I can’t thank you enough.’ Rosa hugged him with all her heart.
‘It’s fine, my darling. I know our pets are like babies to us. Now go and put that little sausage in his basket.’
Josh rubbed one of Hot’s ears gently. ‘I’d better go back and see if Carlton’s OK.’
‘Right. I’ll see you in the morning then.’ The enormity of what could have happened suddenly took hold, and Rosa felt a bit queasy.
‘Don’t be daft. I’ll pop down and have a nightcap with you before I go to bed.’
‘I’d like that. See you later.’
Titch linked her right arm through Rosa’s left, making sure not to disturb the poor injured pooch.
‘Come on, the pair of you. I can’t believe that nothing was broken. He’s just bruised and has some slight cuts, didn’t the vet say?’
‘Yes, he will be very sore for a couple of days. Helen has given him an antibiotic for the wounds, and something for him to sleep tonight, which has obviously kicked in already. Bless my little boy.’