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.’
‘I know - and I’m so sorry again, Rosa.’
‘Weird for someone to have fireworks this time of year?’
‘Well, whatever it was spooked Hot and caused him to flee - and you know he never usually runs out of the front as we give him such a telling-off when he does.’
‘Oh well, let’s just thank God he’s all right.’
Rosa gently laid a now flat-out Hot on his own cosy new dog-bed in her bedroom where she could keep an eye on him. Josh had insisted on paying the vet bill upfront, telling her that when she was earning enough from the shop she could pay him back.
As Titch got ready for bed, Rosa laid out two mugs and put the kettle on.
‘Did you want a hot drink?’ she called out.
‘No, thanks.’ The girl appeared from the bathroom with toothbrush in mouth. ‘I’m going to help you tomorrow, Rose, then I’ll move back in with Mum in the evening, if that’s OK?’
‘Of course, it’s OK. Did you catch up with Seb, by the way?’
‘Yep.’
‘What was so urgent he needed to speak to you about?’
‘Oh, nothing of significance. And he can keep out of my way from now on. It makes my skin creep, just looking at him.’ She rubbed her little belly. ‘It’s just me and Titchy Titch from now on. Well, for a while, anyway. Goodnight, Rose.’
Rosa was so tired she couldn’t even face going down to check on all the stock. She would just have to set her alarm for six and deal with everything in the morning. The weather report had said cold but sunny, so that was good at least. And to be fair she was pretty organised, so it was just the finishing touches that needed to be addressed.
She had another quick peek at Hot, then went to the lounge, turned on the lamps and shut the curtains. In all of the commotion, she hadn’t thought once about Joe. She didn’t even know what time he was due to arrive in the morning. She sent off a quick text to him, then went back to the kitchen.
She’d left the back door unlocked for Josh and he whispered a ‘Hello, it’s only me,’ as he came up the stairs. He then gave her one of his massive bear hugs that had always made her feel so safe, even when things weren’t going so well in London for her.
They pulled away and he gestured to Titch’s bedroom and mouthed to ask if she was in bed. Rosa nodded, then did the universal pregnancy sign of her hand going over a bump on her stomach. Josh’s eyes and mouth widened fully. Josh was the only one Rosa could tell and know it would go no further. He whispered, ‘Oh my God, whose is it?’ and Rosa whispered back that she didn’t know.
In the kitchen, Rosa shut the door and spoke quietly. ‘It’s mad, I know, about Titch. She’s only eighteen.’
‘And definitely having the baby?’
‘Yes.’
‘How far gone is she?’
‘Josh! So many questions. Why are you so bothered anyway?’
Josh held his hands up in the air. ‘Sorry, madam, I was just asking.’ He then squeezed her to him again. ‘My poor Rosalar and Hot, so stressful, but at least the little fella is safe and sound.’
A text pinged on her phone. Josh reached to pass her the handset. ‘Ooh, THE FOX, eh, who’s he? Ah, he was the one saying goodbye to you when we arrived. Tell me more.’
He craned over Rosa’s shoulder as she read. Damn Mr Plod getting in the way of our first proper snog. Hope it all went well with them anyway. Let’s talk tomorrow. See you around 11 XX
‘Oi! My phone, my text.’
‘Proper snog? Ooh - how childish. And two kisses . . . Have you got a boyfriend, Rosa Larkin? You kept that quiet. You don’t do “proper snogs” either. I thought you were a one-night-stand or nothing kind of girl?’
Annoyingly, Rosa could feel herself reddening. ‘OK, I like him. He’s quirky, funny, helped me get the gig on the radio and is covering the shop opening tomorrow.’
‘Oh, the Gazette guy. So, you haven’t slept with him yet then?’ Josh asked, trying to sound casual.
‘No. Anyway, you’re seeing someone too - and don’t deny it. I can always tell. What’s her name?’
‘Well, I wouldn’t say “seeing” exactly.’
‘I know you, Josh: dinner and staying over equates to seeing and you’ve done that.’
‘Why are you so sure?’
‘Well, I wasn’t, but you’ve just confirmed it, you div.’
‘Oi. All right, her name is Lucy, she works in PR for my company. She’s a good girl.’
‘A good girl, what’s that supposed to mean? I can feel a “but” coming on though.’ Rosa poured boiling water onto the Nescafe and milk she’d already put in the mugs.
‘She is lovely, we have a laugh and the sex is good, but she’s not . . .’ Josh seemed a bit agitated. ‘I don’t want to talk about her any more. But how cool that you have a real-life fox on the go. Is he as handsome as me?’
Josh preened out his chest.
‘Obviously as, if not more.’ Rosa laughed out loud. ‘Come on, come and see Hot, he looks so sweet.’
Josh followed her to the bedroom to find Hot completely wrapped in a clean blanket, with his little head to the side poking out of the top. His breathing was regular. Hand on chest, Josh went ‘Ooh,’ as he looked on. Rosa ushered him back out in case they woke the tiny patient from his well-needed rest.
‘Bloody hell, it’s midnight. I’ve got to be up at six.’ Rosa jumped up from the sofa, nearly spilling her coffee as she did so.
‘Is it? In which case I’d better go before I turn into a pumpkin.’ They both laughed. ‘And Carlton’s been on his own all night.’
‘I’m sure Jacob and Raff have been amusing him.’
‘Ha, yes, I bet they have. Do you want me here at six too? I really don’t mind. Unless lover boy is coming to help, of course?’
‘Ha, very funny. He can’t get here until eleven-ish, as he’s bringing the photographer with him, and she’s covering some other Valentine’s story beforehand, evidently.’ Rosa fixed Josh with a beady eye. ‘Talking of the Day of Lurve, how’s Juicy Lucy coping without having you around on your first Valentine’s together?’
‘Hmm. I just used the old Joshua Smith charm and got away with it. Said I will make it up to her. She knows how important rugby is to me.’
‘So, you didn’t tell her you were with me, then? All right, is she, about you having a female friend?’
‘God, you women think too much.’
Rosa shut up and handed Josh his coat. ‘Honestly, don’t worry to get up silly early. Get here when you can. If one of you can bring the food down, that would be useful. I can get it all set up before ten then.’
‘OK, cool.’ Josh pulled her towards him for another cuddle. ‘Bloody proud of you I am, girl. Tomorrow will be amazing, I know it.’
‘OK, enough cuddling already.’ Rosa pulled away.
She walked in front of him down the steep stairs and closed the front door behind him. Lifting up the black cloth she had put to hide the stock, she waved madly. And, with a childish stick-out of tongue, Josh waved back and turned to walk briskly up the hill.
CHAPTER 40
Rosa felt like throwing her alarm across the room when it went off at five-thirty, but remembering her poorly pooch and what a big day it was, she immediately turned on the bedside light and with hair everywhere and squinty eyes, jumped out of bed.
Hot was still in the same position as last night. He looked into her eyes and whimpered. She knelt down and stroked his ears, murmuring, ‘It’s all right, boy.’ Gently, she unwrapped him to reveal a white bandage all the way around his tummy area, covering the cuts and protecting the bruising. Making soothing noises, she carefully carried him to the balcony in case he wanted a pee. Leaving him to have a sniff around, she put some food down for him in the kitchen, and was glad to see him gobble it up, as well as drinking nearly a whole bowl of fresh water.
The vet had suggested she didn’t walk him for a couple of days and Titch had kindly promised to keep an eye on him throughout the day whilst the commotion of the opening was going on.
Rosa had a quick shower and was just pulling on joggers and a hoody, when there was a knock on the front door. Smiling to herself, she ran downstairs.
‘I said you didn’t need to be here at six.’
‘What you say and what you mean, Rosa Larkin, are sometimes completely different things.’ Josh kissed her on the cheek.
‘Right, let’s do this.’
By eight o’clock, they’d pulled all the blackout covers down, rearranged the window stock and made sure all price tickets were visible. Rosa charged the till with change and laid out plastic glasses and plates while Josh filled a bucket out the back with cold water and placed the bottles of Prosecco inside. It was cold enough to keep them at a good temperature as there was no way they could all fit in the fridge. They set the Bose speaker up and tested it and placed the balloons either side of the door. Rosa had also put pink ribbon garlands across the front bay window and made a feature of the heart doggie chocolates on a table right at the front of the shop.
The supplier of the dog food had also sent some cute posters for her to display, plus a special hook-type thing on which to hang a selection of leads. She had ordered just a few designer doggie outfits to test the market, but already knew that when Jacob saw the Barbour raincoats and cashmere sweaters, Ugly and Pongo’s wardrobes would already be set.
‘Quick, come out here.’ Josh took Rosa by the hand and led her across to the opposite side of the narrow street. He pointed to the shop. ‘How amazing does that look!’
Rosa made a funny noise and jumped up and down on the spot. ‘That’s my shop, Josh. I did that.’
‘Yes, you did - and now it’s time to start making it a success.’
At that moment Mary penguin-walked towards them.
‘Oh Rosa, that looks a right treat, that does,’ she said, and coughed before explaining, ‘I’m so disappointed. My shift was changed at the last minute at the Co-op, and so I have to work this morning, worst luck. But I was determined to come and say hello and give you this.’ She placed something in Rosa’s hand and closed her fingers around it. ‘It’s from me and Gran. I’ll come back in and look at leads for Merlin when there’s no crowds, if you don’t mind.’
‘Of course not, and thank you so much, Mary. This is Josh, by the way, my friend from London.’
Mary kept hold of Rosa’s hand and stared into Josh’s eyes. ‘Hello, Josh. Look after this one, won’t you?’
Before Josh had a chance to say anything, she released Rosa’s hand and shuffled back up the hill.
‘Blimey, one of the Cockleberry Coven, I assume?’
‘Yes, that’s Mary. Mad as a fruit bat, but there is something about her that I really like.’
Josh smiled. ‘You fruit bats have to stick together. Anyway, what did she give you?’
Rosa opened up her hands. A little white box lay inside; she opened it to reveal a small green crystal, accompanied by a scribbled note.
Dear Rosa. This is an abundance crystal. It is called Green Aventurine and it’s from the quartz family. It is also known as the Stone of Opportunity. It is considered to be the luckiest of all crystals. Good Luck today. Love from Mary and Queenie.
‘Do you think she is a witch?’
‘Josh, just because people are into crystals doesn’t mean they are witches.’
‘It’s all a bit too out there for me. But very kind of her, nonetheless.’
Rosa smiled broadly as she spotted Jacob, Carlton and Raffaele walking towards them. Jacob was hidden behind a massive bouquet of flowers and the other two were carrying platters of food.
‘Happy Opening Day, my darling.’ Jacob air-kissed her and handed her the flowers. ‘You so need the smell of lilies to waft under everyone’s noses.’ He wandered into the shop as Josh showed the others through to the kitchen. ‘I say, this is magnificent. Oh, and just look at these.’ He picked up the Barbour raincoats. ‘Well, there’s your first sale already, sweetie. But let me wait and make a big scene whilst buying them later.’
‘You’re full of all the tricks, aren’t you?’
‘You’ve got to be down here, Rosa. This is your chance to shine. What are you wearing - not this, surely?’ He pointed to her hoody and made a face.
‘No. I have a bright pink dress with white poodles on and white leather ankle boots.’
Jacob laughed. ‘I knew you’d pull out the stops, darling girl.’
Rosa hugged Raffaele. ‘Thanks so much for doing the food, it smells amazing.’
‘No problem, little one. Right - I had better get back to the kitchen. Make sure you send the crowds our way for lunch.’
At that moment her phone rang. It was Joe. ‘Happy Valentine’s Day,’ he said.
‘Aw thanks, right back at you.’ She hadn’t even thought about it. Mind you, she’d never bought a Valentine’s card in her life before, and they weren’t exactly in a relationship - yet, anyway - were they?
‘Just checking all is going OK. Sorry I can’t help you this morning.’
‘No, it’s fine, will be good to see you later though. Are you still planning to come around eleven?’
‘I’m not totally sure, but the photographer, who is called Olivia, by the way, will be with you soon: her boyfriend can drop her off at nine forty-five ready for when the doors open now.. Have you got a ribbon or something you can put across the door?’
‘I hadn’t thought of that, but yeah, I’ve got loads. Maybe I should have got Prince Harry and Megan in to cut it too?’
Joe laughed. ‘Then you’d have made more than the front page of the Gazette, that’s for sure. Right, I’ve got to go. You will smash it, Rosa. See you later.’
‘Lover boy, oh lover boy,’ Josh came up behind her singing. ‘Can’t wait to meet him.’
Carlton had gone back to the Lobster Pot pack but was now here to say his goodbyes before leaving for Falmouth. Josh was upstairs checking on Hot, before Titch was due to take over later. ‘See you then, Rosa, nice to meet you.’
‘You too, and I’m so sorry for all the drama last night.’
‘It’s fine, I was quite happy chilling at the pub. It’s been a busy week and it will be a heavy one tonight.’
Rosa smiled. ‘I’ve been victim to many a post rugby-night hangover with Mr Smith, so I hear you.’
‘Well done on the shop, by the way. I’m not sure if Josh has mentioned it, but I’ve fitted a few out in my time, with all the high-end latest shelving, lighting and so on, but what you’ve done with a small space, a screwdriver and a great eye for what works in a window, is commendable. Good job.’
‘Aw, what a lovely thing to say - thanks, Carlton.’ Then Rosa couldn’t help herself. ‘So er . . . what’s the deal with this Lucy girl Josh has been seeing?’ she asked. ‘What’s she like?’
‘She’s a nice girl - but who’s he spending this weekend with, eh?’ Carlton winked and patted her shoulder with his big hand.
Josh appeared. ‘You off, mate? Enjoy - and I’ll see you tomorrow. Just text me when you’re half an hour away and I’ll get a cab to the station, so you don’t have to come all the way down here again.’
‘Nice one, mate.’ Carlton looked at Rosa again. ‘You take care of that hound of yours.’
‘Hey, I am house-trained.’ Josh smirked.
‘Will do. Good luck for the match – and I’ve got my spare room back from tonight, so you’re welcome to crash anytime.’
‘I may take you up on that - when it’s not so bloody cold. I thought the south-west was supposed to be warm. Right, better go.’
To the sounds of Elvis’s ‘Hound Dog’ blaring out of her new Bose portable speaker, Rosa and Titch greeted potential customers outside the shop. The ribbon was still intact, forming a barrier through which no one could enter just yet. With Josh offering glasses of fizz or squash and trays with the wonderful canapes that Raffaele had made, there was soon a crowd of around twenty adults, six kids and five pooches milling around.
Louise, the face painter, had set up in the little courtyard area to the back of the shop. So that everyone could see what was going on out there, Rosa had left the back door wide open.
Olivia from the Gazette appeared in a flurry, apologising for being a bit late and telling Rosa that Joe had also been delayed and would get here as soon as he could.
Josh handed Rosa a pair of scissors and gently pushed her forward. ‘Now! Go on, everyone is waiting. Good luck.’
Titch turned the music down, causing everyone to stop talking.
Rosa blushed. ‘So . . .um . . . hello, my name is Rosa Larkin and thank you all so much for coming along to meet me and see what my little Corner Shop has to offer.’ She gulped. ‘I will be selling predominantly pet products and pet food of all kinds, with a few luxuries thrown in, as we all know how much we like to spoil our fur babies sometimes.’
Laughter ensued.
‘If there is something you are after and I don’t stock it, then please do let me know and I can order it in for you.’ She swallowed and suddenly confidence filled her as she told them: ‘This is as much your shop as it is mine. There are also gifts and trinkets to the back of the shop that the children might like, and for those of you who have brought your dogs along, please do help yourself to the doggie heart treats next to the till.’ She pointed inside the shop.
‘Titch. Where are you?’ Titch put her hand up. ‘Ah, there she is. Titch here has got ten-per-cent-off vouchers for those who make a purchase today.’
Titch started making her way around the crowd and handing them out. Sheila Hannafore, who had been standing at the back of the crowd, turned with a face like thunder and made her way back down the hill to open up the Ship.
‘My wish is to make the Corner Shop an asset for the wonderful community of Cockleberry Bay, just as Ned and Dotty did before me.’ Rosa cleared her throat and poised herself to cut the ribbon. ‘So, I’ll shut up now, just to say I hereby declare the Corner Shop in Cockleberry Bay well and truly open.’
Jacob, Raffa, Titch and Josh cheered as the crowd clapped, the ribbon fell to the ground and the small crowd slowly started filing into the shop.