Calling All Customers (Calling All... Book 3)

by Tara Ford

  “Where is it then?”

  “In the bin,” Dayna blurted out, before grabbing the waste paper bin and holding it under Jenny’s nose.

  Backing away, Jenny held her hands up. “Ugh, get rid of it.”

  Dayna scurried away, clutching the bin at arm’s length, laughing raucously.

  Blinking away the sting of her smarting eyes, Jenny breathed in deeply. She was not going to cry, even though the rampage of erratic, negative thoughts, jittering around in her head, would have decided differently. Get a grip Jenny Fartor, you’re just over-tired.

  A few minutes later, Dayna returned with an empty bin. “You ok?”

  “Yes – I’m just frustrated by that bloody woman, Marj…” Jenny gave Dayna a brief run-down of her experiences at the end of the shop. “I’m sorry I had to dump that old man on you but I was worried that she would get hold of the phone again.”

  “We’ll catch her next time. I will jump on her if I have to and pin her down until there are no customers in the shop. Then we’ll sort her out.”

  “I don’t think we need to be quite that rough with her. She’s pretty cunning though.”

  “Why don’t you search her name in the directory, online? If we could find out where she lives, one of us could go round to her house and talk to her. Or try and find out more about her daughter.” Dayna had her detective head on and would enjoy nothing more than to go ‘seek and find’.

  “Yeah, I could do. Do you think her name is really Margery Daw then?”

  “Well that’s what she said – you’ve got nothing else to go on, Jen.”

  “No, I suppose not.”

  “Ask some of the locals, they might know,” said Dayna, wisely.

  “Good idea. I’ll ask them in the morning, when they have their community centre meeting in here.”

  Dayna rolled her eyes and tutted. “They don’t buy any more than a paper – bloody cheek if you ask me. You’ll be making them teas and coffees soon.”

  “They make the shop look busy in the mornings and they keep me company for an hour,” replied Jenny, in her defense.

  “They make it look busy for who?” Dayna shifted to her ‘protect and preserve J’s Convenience Store,’ mode, “There’s hardly anyone who walks up and down this road, apart from the nursery staff and parents. Oh… and the community centre dog walkers.”

  “I know… I’m hoping that ‘word of mouth’ will get us more customers.”

  “Get that paperboy to deliver some leaflets to advertise.”

  “That would cost more money – I wouldn’t expect him to do it for nothing.”

  “You need to do something, Jen. You look so tired all the time now… I know you were expecting to work a lot of hours for a while but I think the sooner you can afford someone else to work here, the better.”

  Of course, Dayna was right. However, Jenny hadn’t expected to feel so worn out, in such a short amount of time. Maybe more advertising was the answer – well, of course it was. Jenny had to do something about it – she knew that.

  Chapter 19

  The man upstairs sounded like he’d beaten Jenny to it this morning. Thump… thump, thump. Following the noise down the length of the shop, Jenny flicked on the lights as she went. She had to be a little more prepared in the mornings now that the new paperboy was delivering the papers before he went to school. Glancing at her watch, she noted that she had 25 minutes to get the papers sorted out, stacked on the shelves and then pick out the ones for today’s delivery, before she had to open up.

  Thump, thump, thump, thump, thump… back along the whole length of the shop, to the front door. Shaking her head, Jenny rolled her eyes and mumbled expletives, under her breath. The way she was feeling today, she had a good mind to go upstairs and thump the man – for thumping. After a restless night, she was in no mood to be dealing with the likes of the surly man above, or even Marj for that matter. Today she was going to keep herself busy. She planned to create an A6 sized advertisement, which she would print off herself, by the hundreds if need be. And at lunchtime she would nip out to get some more ink. Mission no. 1 commence.

  Dreamy Jordan arrived promptly, at 6.40am. With a beaming, rosy-cheeked face, he studied the delivery addresses, checked the whereabouts of unknown streets on his iPhone and then looked up and grinned. “Can you give me your number?”

  “Yes, sure. It would have been on the paperwork I gave you yesterday.”

  “I know but I forgot to put it in my phone,” replied Jordan, with a cheeky, endearing grin.

  Jenny smiled warmly and recited the number as Jordan entered it into his phone.

  “Thanks. If I get any problems, I’ll call you.”

  “Great, thank you Jordan.”

  Thump, thump… thump, thump.

  Jordan looked up to the ceiling and frowned.

  “I think you’re only the second person who has heard that.”

  “Is someone jumping upstairs?” asked Jordan, innocently.

  “Yes, it happens every single morning though – and every night.”

  “Strange.”

  “Hmm, very.” Jenny smiled again. There was a calming aura about Jordan and his boyish looks were charming. “Anyway, you’d better get going – don’t want to be late for school.”

  Jordan chuckled, “No, can’t be late, I’ve got double maths – love maths. See you tomorrow.”

  Jenny walked Jordan to the door and locked it behind him. She had another 20 minutes before the shop opened and she was going to make full use of it by making herself a mug of milky coffee and toasting a couple of crumpets, taken from the bread shelf.

  Watching Dolly tie Wilbur to a ring outside, Jenny thought about her second mission of the day. She had to find out where Marj lived. A brief scour of the internet’s directories hadn’t come up with anything about a Margery or Marjorie or Marj Daw, who may live in Farehelm… or anywhere else for that matter. It seemed that dear old Marj could either be lying about her name, believe that she was actually Margery Daw or possibly have eluded all internet directories, somehow.

  “Good morning,” chirped Dolly, as she trotted through the door. “Lovely morning, isn’t it?”

  “Yes, it is.” Jenny peered out of the window again at the sunlit road. “Cold though.”

  “We’ve done well this year, what with the Indian summer. The leaves are changing now though. Winter is on its way.”

  Nodding her head, Jenny smiled and leant over the counter. She liked the regular, morning chitchats with the older folk. Talking about the weather, the news and any of the local community issues allowed Jenny to forget about her long lists of jobs to do and it kept her amused. ‘Miss Lonesome’ didn’t have a chance to rear her ugly head when Dolly and the others were in the shop.

  “Dolly, do you know that woman, Marj, who comes in the shop?” Jenny asked as Dolly stepped towards the counter with her paper in her hand.

  “Marj?”

  “Yes, the little, grey-haired woman. She’s Irish – or at least she has a slight Irish accent.”

  Dolly thought for a moment. “Don’t think I do,” she said, shaking her head from side to side.

  “I’m sure she’s been in here before, when you’ve been here.”

  Rolling her bottom lip down, Dolly continued to shake her head.

  “Who was it that told you about the toilet rolls?”

  “Oh, you mean the free… but not free ones?”

  “Yes.” Jenny held her breath, hoping there would not be another commotion over the toilet roll issue.

  “It was my friend, up the road.”

  “Maybe your friend knows Marj then?”

  “I don’t know. I’ll ask her. I think I know the woman you’re talking about though. I remember now.”

  “Really?” Jenny’s eyes lit up in hopefulness.

  “Yes dear, I think she lives near my friend, up at the top of Millen Road somewhere.”

  “It would be good if you could find out for me. I need her name and address if
possible.”

  “Why do you want to know?” asked Dolly, wearing a puzzled frown on her powdered face.

  “Err… it’s a long story really… I’m hoping I might be able to contact her daughter. I want to help her out if I can.”

  “Why does she need help?” Dolly leant against the counter. “Is this the one who had an accident? What has she done now? Pooped herself?” Dolly let out a squeaky giggle before daintily placing a withered hand across her mouth.

  “Err… it’s not for me to say, Dolly. I shouldn’t really discuss other customers with you.” Jenny tried to back-track. “I care about people and just want to make sure that she’s ok, living on her own and all that.”

  “Oh, I see. Very community-spirited of you, dear.”

  Jenny smiled and nodded, “I do try to do my bit for the community.” After all, my shop has become the heart of the community… and you’re the chairperson of the clicky community centre, thought Jenny, but decided not to repeat it.

  Poor Wilbur was beginning to shiver and whine outside, by the time Dolly had finished gossiping to her early morning group. Nobody knew where Marj lived or whether her surname was, in fact, Daw. A couple of the men knew of her but hadn’t really spoken to her in length, apart from to pass the time of day and say ‘good morning’. So it appeared that dear, old Marj was as elusive as ever.

  Punctual as always, Dayna breezed through the door at eight o’clock. The pointed heels of her red shoes clicked on the floor as she glided across the shop. Dressed in a short, pink, shift dress, a lemon, bolero jacket and carrying an oversized, lime green handbag, Dayna looked her usual self – a flamboyant, Caribbean carnival queen. However, it was not her normal attire for working at the shop. “Did you get my message, Jen?”

  Jenny shook her head. “No.”

  “I sent you a text an hour ago.”

  “Oh, I haven’t looked – sorry.”

  “Anyway, I got an appointment for half nine – hope that’s ok.”

  “Appointment for what?” Jenny wondered if Dayna actually had an appointment to join a carnival, by the way she was dressed.

  “The dentist. We shouldn’t be too long. I’ll pick Xaylan up from school and get straight down there.” Slinging her bag under the counter, Dayna perched her bottom on the stool, behind the till. “Really hope it won’t be a problem, Jen.”

  “No, it’s fine. What’s up with Xaylan then?” asked Jenny, still musing over Dayna’s colourful display of cloth.

  “He’s got a cracked tooth.”

  “Oh dear, how did he do that?”

  “Well, how do you think, Jen?” Dayna tutted and rolled her eyes. “He did it on the didge – obviously. He didn’t tell me until last night though.”

  “Oh no. Hopefully he won’t do that again then, will he?”

  “He wasn’t going to tell me but I knew something was wrong when he wouldn’t eat all of his tea at Mum’s. Then he was sulking around, not talking much.”

  “So why have you tarted yourself up just to take Xaylan to the dentist?”

  “Have you seen the dentist at the health centre? He’s American,” said Dayna, with a glint in her eye.

  Dayna had a penchant for American men and Jenny feared that this poor dentist may have far more to deal with than just looking into a young boy’s mouth.

  “Also, I’ve come up with an idea to help push up those sales.”

  “What? You’re going to parade around as a carnival queen?”

  “No, stupid.”

  “Let’s call Tasha, she could turn up in all sorts of fancy dress costumes,” said Jenny, sarcastically.

  “Shut up for a minute and I’ll tell you,” said Dayna.

  Jenny held her hand up. “Hang on – if you’re leaving in an hour or so, we’ll have a coffee now. I’ll go and make one, then you can tell me.” Turning to leave the counter, Jenny added, “And if you see Marj, take your heels off, hitch your dress up and chase after her.”

  Hitching her dress up in jest, Dayna failed to notice the two elderly women walking in to the shop. The sheer horror in their greying eyes was a picture of hilarity.

  Leaving swiftly, Jenny hurried down the end of the shop, sniggering under her breath, while Dayna feigned shyness and tried to explain away her actions as, ’just a bit of a joke between friends’.

  Placing two mugs of coffee under the counter, Jenny waited for Dayna to finish serving a middle-aged man. Flirtatious in her manner, Dayna was always the same. She took on a whole new personality when wearing her heels.

  Jenny almost pitied the ‘American dentist’. He really didn’t know what he had in store for himself today.

  As the middle-aged, office-type, man left the shop, he turned his head and smiled, admiringly, at Dayna.

  “So, what’s your idea then?” asked Jenny, inquisitively.

  “Some of the parents, from school, are coming up here later.”

  “Oh, really? Why?”

  “Well, we were talking in the playground this morning and we’ve all come up with a plan.”

  “Ok…”

  “They’re bringing their kids up here and are going to wear bright clothes… and bring big shopping bags.”

  Jenny looked puzzled, “Why?”

  “Don’t you get it, Jen?” Dayna held her hands out to her sides. “When the parents from the nursery and the people on the buses, see how packed out and busy we are, they’re going to wonder what is going on in here. The girls are going to stand around outside, chatting, as well.”

  “Whose idea was this?”

  “It was a group decision really.” Dayna dropped her hands down and rested them on her hips. Flicking one hip out to the side and resting her weight on one leg, Dayna’s stance was one of determination.

  “Why would the parents want to waste their time coming up here, Dayna? What’s in it for them?”

  “Aah… well….”

  “Well what, Day?”

  “Well… I told them that they could get a free newspaper and chocolate bars for their kids, if they will do it.” Dayna switched hips and rested on the other side.

  “Oh did you. And who’s going to pay for all of this?”

  “I will, of course.” Snatching her hands from her sides, Dayna folded her arms, willfully.

  “How many are coming?”

  “About 20… and all their kids.”

  “Blimey, Day – so that’s at least 40 people – possibly more,” said Jenny, thoughtfully.

  “Yeah – good init?” Grinning like a teenager with a selfie-stick, Dayna continued, “We’re all coming up at about four o’clock so I’ll have to warn Tasha, otherwise she might have a panic attack.”

  “So, let me get this straight – you’re coming back this afternoon then?”

  “Yes, of course. Why do you think I’ve got all this on today?” said Dayna, looking down at her shoes.

  “Err… for the dentist?”

  “Well, yeah… that as well.”

  “Day, in all honesty, I do not expect you to fork out money to try and get us more business. That’s supposed to be my job.” Jenny attempted a mental calculation. “It could cost you £80 or more, depending on the paper and chocolate bar.”

  “I told them all that it’s only the local paper that they’ll get for free and the kids can have the 10p Choco bar. So I reckon it’ll be about 20 to £30.”

  “Ok,” said Jenny, thoughtfully. “I’ll cover the cost this time but in future, please talk to me about it first.”

  “You don’t have to fork out for it, Jen. This was my idea – I’ll pay up for it.”

  “No – it’s fine – at least you’ve got the gumption and forethought to go ahead and arrange something... and consider the costs too. No, I’ll pay.”

  Dayna nodded and looked at her watch. “I will have to leave soon. I’ve got to pick Xaylan up and get down to the Health Centre. I won’t be too long and I can make it up to you this afternoon. How about we share the cost though? I didn’t expect you to pay for
my idea.”

  “It’s fine, really. I can lose a bit of the costs in wastage. Just let me know next time you have an idea like this. I’d already decided to make up an advertising leaflet today anyway. I’m going into town at lunchtime to get some more ink.”

  “Consider it a no-brainer, Jen, I’ll let you know in future. Who’s going to deliver the leaflets then?”

  “I haven’t thought about that yet – maybe I will, at some point. Don’t know when though.” Jenny shrugged and rolled her bottom lip down. “I’ll think of something.”

  “Already thought of something,” said Dayna, grinning devilishly, “haven’t got time for that now though.”

  “I dread to think,” said Jenny. “Go on then, if you want to go now…” Placing her hands on Dayna’s shoulders, Jenny guided her around the counter and gently slapped her on the bottom. “Off you go… see you later you little floozy.”

  “Give me an hour and a half – tops!” said Dayna as she hooked her super-sized bag over her shoulder and tottered to the door. “And yep –you’re right – given half the chance, I will be a little floozy.”

  “He’s going to crown it,” said Dayna, pointing to her own teeth, as she approached the counter. The woman, standing at the counter, turned, looked Dayna up and down and then walked away with a snooty air about her. “Thank you – come again,” called Dayna, sarcastically, as the young woman exited the shop.

  “Who’s ‘he’?” Jenny peered through squinted, suspicious eyes. “The American, you mean?”

  “Umm… he’s gorgeous, Jen.” Stepping behind the counter, Dayna kicked off her heels and slipped a pair of dolly shoes on. “My feet are killing me.”

  “Not surprised. So, when is Xaylan having the crown done?”

  “He’s got a temporary one on now. Can’t believe they did it so quick.” Dayna slipped her thin, bolero jacket off and pulled a thick jumper from her bag.

  “What else have you got in there?” asked Jenny, peeping inside the cavernous, canvas bag. “Slippers? Pyjamas?”

  “It’s cold today, Jen.”

  “I know – I’m surprised you’re dressed like that… No, actually, I’m not surprised.”