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

by Tara Ford

  “Thank you,” Jenny replied. “Thank you and… err… I’m sorry that you’ve been called out unnecessarily.”

  “We will speak with your father, Miss. He should not be wasting police time. Good evening.”

  Jenny held her breath as she watched the policemen leave.

  A few minutes later, as they drove away, a familiar looking van pulled up outside the shop and out stepped Jenny’s dad.

  “Jen – what the hell’s been going on?”

  “Oh God, Dad. I’m so sorry. I was… I was terrified. I’m so sorry. It was really silly of me.” Jenny sighed. “I’ve gone and got you into trouble now, haven’t I?”

  “No – why?”

  “The police, they were just here…”

  “I know, I passed them.”

  “They said they’re going to contact you, about wasting police time.”

  The front door opened and two people walked in. Then another three. It was plainly obvious that the residents of Millen Road were only here to see what was going on. At ten minutes to six on a Sunday evening, she’d never had so many people milling around the shop. Every single one of the potential customers eyed Jenny and her dad suspiciously, as they strolled around aimlessly.

  “I thought you were in trouble, Jen. That’s why I called the police – what else was I supposed to do?”

  “I don’t know. I really am sorry, Dad. I’ve been so stupid.”

  “So?” said Dad, softly. “What was going on?”

  “It was the man upstairs.” Jenny huffed and looked down at her shoes. “I thought… well, I thought he was going to do something…”

  “Like what?”

  “Like kill me…” Jenny smiled, weakly. “I know it sounds ridiculous. My imagination was working overtime.”

  “I’ve heard some stories about him…”

  “Jacob told you?”

  Dad nodded. “Yes – you were right to be wary, love.”

  “No… it was just me overreacting, Dad. He had only come in to have a look around – he’s never been in here before.” Jenny sighed. “As he left he said the shop was nice. God – what an idiot I’ve been.”

  “I’m not sure that I like you being here on your own, Jen. You are risking trouble – whether it’s from him upstairs… or anyone else that may decide to come in and cause a problem.”

  Dad’s serious tone meant that he would not be dropping the subject until something was done about it. But what could Jenny do? She could not afford someone else, she didn’t want to ask Aaron to offer his voluntary services any more than he had already and Dayna and Tasha were putting in extra work by delivering the leaflets, which was more than she’d expected.

  “I know, Dad. It’s so difficult. Finances are not going as forecast yet. I can’t employ anyone else either. Aaron helped me out last night.”

  “Aaron?”

  “You know – the fella who put the EPOS system in. Aaron Frey.”

  “Good of him to help,” Dad replied, curiously. “How did you manage that?”

  “We’ve become friends – good friends.”

  “I see…” Dad curled the edge of his mouth up into a half smile. “Good friends – eh?”

  “No, not like that. Well, we do get on very well. I’m supposed to be going out for a meal with him tonight.” Peering up at the clock, Jenny noted the time. “The shop should be shut by now but how can I with all these people in here?” she whispered.

  “Grab it while you can, love.” Dad looked down the aisles on both sides. “About 12 people in here,” he said, quietly. “I’ll stay until they’ve all gone.”

  Anxious that she was not going to make it home in time for Aaron’s arrival, Jenny huffed. “I could always tell them that the shop is closing now and could they bring any purchases to the till.”

  “And risk losing their custom?”

  Jenny peered down the aisle and across to the mirror. As far as she could see, there was only one person that she’d seen before. “Ok, I know what you mean… and I think some of them could be new customers,” said Jenny, resignedly. “Suppose I’ll stay open until they’ve gone.”

  “What do you want me to do then?”

  “Make a cup of tea?” Jenny grinned. “A sweet one – I need the sugar after the scare I just had. And I’m sure you’re going to need one too, Dad. I’m so sorry – I hope the police will understand. Blame me for everything. ”

  Dad laughed. “Don’t worry about me. You are a numpty sometimes though, Jenny. You’re so like your mother was,” he said, before leaving the counter area and trotting off down the aisle to the staffroom, dodging past people on his way.

  Chapter 32

  I’m running really late. Can we make it 8pm? Sorry, from Jen x

  Kissing her dad on the cheek and saying sorry for the umpteenth time, Jenny jumped in her car and sped off. If Aaron was coming to pick her up at eight, she had about 45 minutes to get home, have a shower and find something decent to wear. No hope. Her dad had slowed her escape from the shop. Although his intentions were to be helpful and protective, all he managed to do was get in Jenny’s way as she tried to whizz around the shop, checking things and turning things off. The money had to be counted three times due to the fact that both Jenny and her dad came up with two different figures. The third count tallied up with Jenny’s first, so she went with that one – twenty two pence over the EPOS report. Bonus.

  Sure, see you at 8pm. Hope you haven’t had any more problems??? Aaron xx

  The buzzer rang just as Jenny slipped on a pale pink silk blouse. Fully dressed, she went to the intercom. “Aaron, is that you?”

  “Yes.” Came Aaron’s voice.

  “Come up if you’d like, I’m almost done.”

  Racing back to the bathroom, Jenny pulled the sodden towel from her hair and reached for a brush. This evening she decided she was lucky to still have her head on her shoulders, after her imagined encounter with Denny. So the fact that her hair was still wet could only be thought of as a good thing – surely? A rap on the front door brought Jenny back from her muse.

  “Hi – Aaron,” she puffed, tugging her skirt down with the palms of her hands. “Only just ready.” Aaron’s puzzled expression made her want to laugh. “Yes, sorry, wet hair. Haven’t had much time – all Dad’s fault – he slowed me up.” Snatching her coat and bag from a hook, Jenny walked out of the door and down the stairs with Aaron.

  “Your dad’s been in to see you?”

  “Yes, he… err… well, it’s a long story.” Jenny smiled, shyly. “I’ll tell you when we’re in the car. I’ve been so silly tonight and poor old Dad is in trouble now. And it’s not really his fault – it’s all completely, one hundred percent, my fault.”

  Aaron gazed, amusedly, as they walked over to his car and climbed in.

  By the time they reached the restaurant, Aaron’s facial expressions had gone from fear, to horror, to one of disbelief (this was becoming the norm), to absolute hilarity. “Oh… Jenny. It always happens to you. I don’t mean to laugh… but, well, it is funny. Surely you must see that now?”

  Jenny wasn’t laughing. “No, I don’t. I’ve made myself look a right plonker. Dad could be in trouble with the police now. And… and Denny probably thinks I’m completely bonkers the way I was shouting down the phone.” Jenny cringed. “And what are Dayna and Tasha going to think when they hear about it?”

  “Sorry, Jen but I expect that they’ll find it very funny too.” Aaron burst into laughter again and held on to his sides, as if in pain. And he probably was. Splitting his sides.

  Jenny chuckled to see Aaron laughing so much. Maybe it was funny. Maybe Jenny needed to lighten up. Maybe she’d experienced too many weird things going on at her shop. Maybe she desperately needed this ‘Aaron time’ to help her chill out.

  No matter how much she protested, Aaron would not let her pay for the exquisite meal they’d just eaten. “No, you’ve had enough to contend with today. This is the least I can do.” Aaron smiled through his dar
k eyes. “Now to get you home safely.”

  “Thank you,” Jenny replied. “This was just what I needed. Time away from everything – away from the shop and its strange customers and even stranger neighbours.”

  “Come on then, let’s get you home to bed,” smirked Aaron, glancing down at his watch. “I’m sure it must be way past your bed time.”

  “Almost,” said Jenny, noticing the time. “I’ve got 15 minutes before I turn into a pumpkin.”

  “You turn into a pumpkin at 10.30?”

  “A shrivelled up one at that.” Jenny chuckled.

  Before getting in the car, Aaron paused and turned round. “It’s been a lovely evening, Jen. Thank you.” Leaning towards her, he kissed her gently on the lips.

  “No. Thank you,” she spluttered. “Back to mine for coffee?”

  “A quickie…”

  “Pardon me?” Jenny sniggered.

  “A quick coffee – you mad woman. You’re getting as bad as your customer and neighbour friends.”

  “Foe,” replied Jenny, with certainty.

  The coffee wasn’t quick – it wasn’t slow either. It was left, untouched, on the side tables in the living room. Somehow, Jenny and Aaron had made it through to the bedroom, where they stood in a passionate embrace.

  “I should go…” Aaron breathed, deeply.

  “You should…” Jenny fingered the buttons of his shirt.

  “I will… now.” Aaron’s hot mouth pressed against hers.

  “Go on then… now…” One by one the buttons of Aaron’s shirt loosened.

  “I’m going…”

  Undressing.

  Lying across the bed, half naked.

  Their love making was fast and frenzied. Hot and hungry. Sustained and satiable.

  Wrapped in Aaron’s arms, Jenny closed her eyes as the heady aroma of sex engulfed her. Safe, warm and sleepy, she drifted away to a heavenly place where there were no tills ringing, no customers complaining and no strange locals looming.

  The bleep of the alarm clock dragged Jenny away from her slumber. Reaching across, she turned it off. A warm body lay next to her in the darkness. Aaron. He was in her bed. Turning over, she slipped an arm around him and snuggled into his back. His soft skin brushed against her face. Closing her eyes, Jenny breathed in the musky scent of him and drifted off to sleep again.

  “Oh God!” Jenny peered through the gloom at her clock. “Oh no.” Leaping from the bed, she grabbed her dressing gown and put it on. “Aaron,” she whispered. “Aaron,” she said louder, shaking his shoulder.

  Aaron groaned and moved his legs under the duvet.

  “Aaron – wake up.”

  Lifting his head from the pillow, Aaron looked up, dazedly. “Yeah?”

  “It’s half past six – I’ll never make it to work in time.”

  Grabbing fresh clothing from the wardrobe, Jenny rushed to the bathroom to get ready. “Get up – I need to go. You’ve got two minutes,” she called back.

  By the time Jenny had washed, dressed and cleaned her teeth, Aaron had also dressed and straightened the bed.

  “Thanks,” said Jenny, as she flapped about trying to find her shoes. “You didn’t need to make the bed but I do appreciate it.”

  “Not a problem. Do you want me to come to the shop with you? I could help for an hour or so.”

  “No – I’ll be fine. They’ll just have to wait won’t they?”

  Aaron nodded his head, guiltily. “Ok, if you’re sure.”

  “Sure – come on, let’s go.” Pecking Aaron on the cheek, Jenny ushered him through the front door and down the stairs. “Sorry to rush off. Bye,” she added, before pecking his cheek again and heading towards her own car.

  Pulling up alongside the shop, Jenny could see Dolly and Jordan waiting by the door. As she walked towards them, Wilbur, who was tied up on his usual ring, wagged his little stumpy tail, fervently.

  “Sorry, sorry,” said Jenny, holding her hands up in the air. “So sorry, Jordan.”

  “Poor boy has got to be off in a minute. He has school you know.”

  “Yes – I’m well aware of that, Dolly.” Jenny pulled the keys from her pocket and unlocked the door.

  Jordan stood silently with a sheepish grin on his face. “I can help sort the papers out. I…I’m not sure I’ll have time to deliver them though.”

  Dolly huffed as she followed behind them into the dark shop.

  “Just wait there, I’ve got to deactivate the alarm,” called Jenny, as she rushed behind the counter and switched it off. Next, she turned the lights on, both inside and out. Even though the gloomy day was beginning to dawn, the looming grey skies would necessitate the outside light being left on for a few hours this morning. “I’m really sorry, Jordan. I’ve done it again, haven’t I?”

  “And what about your customers, lovey? We’re going to have to wait until you’ve sorted yourself out, before we can get a paper.” Dolly exaggerated a false sigh. “Oh dear, you should go to bed a bit earlier, my dear.”

  “Yes, yes – I know.” Jenny looked at Jordan and raised her eyebrows. “Look, Jordan. Why don’t you get off and I’ll get one of the girls to do your round.”

  Jordan peered down, sulkily.

  “I will still pay you – this is all my fault.”

  “I should think so – it’s hardly his fault that he can’t do his job.”

  “Yes, I know Dolly, that’s what I’ve just said.” Jenny could feel anger beginning to rise in her stomach. “Go on, Jordan. I promise you, this won’t happen again.”

  Jordan nodded. “Ok… and… thanks, Jenny. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Jordan smiled at Dolly and said goodbye, before disappearing out of the door.

  “Dolly, could you do me a real big favour?”

  “No, dear, I can’t deliver your papers for you!”

  “No, I don’t want you to. I wouldn’t dream of asking you to do that.” Jenny frowned. “Could you just watch the shop for a minute… just while I go out the back and bring the papers in?”

  Dolly puffed her cheeks out. “Yes I could. How long are you going to be. I… I can’t leave poor Wilbur tied out there for too long.” Dolly pointed to the window. “Looks like we’ll be getting some rain.”

  “I’ll only be a minute,” said Jenny, edging away down the aisle to the end of the shop. And you really don’t mind leaving poor Wilbur out there for bloody hours when you’re having a good old gossip in here – do you? Jenny thought to herself and wished she had the nerve to say it out loud. Unfortunately, if she did do that, Dolly would poison the entire, elderly population of Farehelm against her and half of her customers would probably disappear.

  After three trips and three disgruntled glares from Dolly, Jenny had hauled the bundles of papers through the shop. “Thanks,” she panted, “do you want your usual?”

  Dolly shrugged her shoulders. “Not sure I can wait any longer, dear. Maybe I should have gone to the KO Store. They’re always open on time… and they open at six every morning too.”

  Well, thanks for nothing – why don’t you just sod off down there then? “I can have these untied in a jiffy, Dolly. How would you like it for free today, just for the inconvenience I’ve caused you?” Jenny went behind the counter and grabbed the scissors.

  “That’s very kind of you, my dear. Thank you.”

  “Don’t mention it,” said Jenny in a disgruntled tone. “Here,” she said as she passed the top paper to Dolly.

  “Can I have one a bit further down please? This one is creased…”

  Would you like me to frigging well iron it for you? Jenny pulled a paper from the middle of the pile and passed it over. “Is that one all right?”

  “Yes, lovely, dear. Thank you.” Tucking the folded paper under her arm, Dolly walked towards the door, pulled up her coat sleeve and looked at her watch. “Oh my goodness, look at the time. I must get off now.”

  “Bye, Dolly, and thanks for watching the shop.”

  “Never mind, dear. I shouldn’t think it
will do much good for your business if you keep being late though. Early nights, dear – that’s what you need.”

  Jenny forced a smile and nodded her head. Then she watched as Dolly went outside, bent over the dog hook, untied Wilbur and trotted off with an air of opulence about her.

  Cantankerous old cow.

  The dairy delivery, the bakery delivery, the wholesaler’s delivery. Deliveries, deliveries and more deliveries. Therefore, there were invoices, paperwork and payments to make. Tasha had turned up promptly, as usual, yet Jenny hadn’t said more than two words to her. Those two words had been, ‘Morning Tasha’.

  At 8.35am the phone rang. Jenny left the stock room and reached for the phone on her desk. “Good morning, J’s Convenience Store, how can I help you?”

  “My papers – I haven’t had my papers this morning.” The man’s voice sounded aggressive.

  Jenny froze. Oh no. She’d completely forgotten that the papers hadn’t been delivered. “Ah… err… yes, I can only apologise about that, Sir. We… err… we’ve had a slight problem this morning… but… err… I can assure you that they will be with you very shortly.”

  “I do hope so. I expect to have them here when I get up in the morning. This has inconvenienced me somewhat. I won’t be able to read them until this afternoon now. They will be old news by the time I get to read them.”

  “I am so sorry, Sir. I can assure you that it won’t happen again.”

  “What time will they be here?”

  “You’ll have them within the next half an hour.”

  “Thank you. Goodbye.”

  “Bye…” Jenny replied but it was too late, the man had already hung up the phone.

  “Tasha – the papers haven’t been delivered. Either you go…” Jenny peered out of the window at the splodges of rain hitting the glass, “…or I’ll go in the car. But you’ll be here on your own for a while.”