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.’