Page 27 of Mistletoe and Mulled Wine at the Christmas Campervan

‘As much as I can tell. Has anything like that happened before around here?’

‘No … of course not,’ Cathy seemed rather affronted. ‘Never heard of anything like it in our little village. And if any of our younger lads and lassies got involved in anything like that, they’d be grounded for weeks.’

‘Sorry, I didn’t mean to suggest they might …’ Lucy hadn’t meant to cause offence or to imply anything. ‘I’m just at a loss …’

‘Ah, it’s alright pet. You’re upset, I can see that. It is very unusual, mind. The village is safe as houses normally, no wonder you’re worried.’

With that, Paul, one of the members of the Book Club, turned up, evidently hearing the word ‘worried’. ‘Hello there, ladies. So, is something up?’ News clearly carried fast around here.

Lucy explained the scenario, suddenly feeling a bit tearful. The reality of it hitting home.

‘Oh, I’m so sorry to hear that, petal.’ Paul gave her shoulder a friendly rub. ‘Well, we can help get you straight. Don’t you go fretting.’

‘Yes,’ Cathy took up, ‘first, you need to get in touch with Will at the garage on the main road. Nice chap. In fact, why not go and call in now, tell him all about it? He’ll be able to put you right, for sure.’

‘Oh yes, I used him when my Mini had a puncture. Got it sorted out in no time. And far cheaper than the quotes I’d had from the big-name companies over in Alnwick.’

After a few more minutes chatting with them both, and then reassuring Cathy that she felt fine, Lucy set off along with Daisy, who’d been waiting patiently tied to the dog loop outside.

They walked the hundred metres or so along to the old-fashioned garage – which looked very much like it was back in the ’70s – where two big doors of the shed-like building were swung open.

‘Hello?’ Lucy called out, eventually finding Will, who was sporting an oil-stained red boiler suit and trundling out from under a vehicle on some kind of wheeled wooden board. He sat up, with a spanner to hand and a welcoming smile. ‘Good morning, and how can I help?’

After telling him all about her problems, she was met with a concerned shaking of his head and several loud tuts.

‘Aye, that’s right unusual, that. We don’t often get bother around here. Very strange for it to happen on our doorstep.’

Lucy’s concern was heightened again, and a weary sigh escaped her lips.

‘Now then, don’t you worry, lass. I’ll come take a look this morning and we’ll get your horsebox moved over to the garage here first thing on Monday, ready for the new tyres – which I’ll most likely have to get ordered in.’

After a back rub for Daisy, Will stood with Lucy sharing a bit more chitchat, finishing with a promise to keep the prices fair and saying he’d give her an estimate as soon as he’d seen the damage. Lucy then set off home.

With all the drama of the morning, her emotions were feeling a bit frayed. A warming cup of coffee and a friendly ear was needed, so rather than go back to the cottage just yet, knowing that the sight of the damaged All Fired Up would make her heart feel even sorer, she decided to head for the Driftwood Café. She’d spotted the window seat was empty, and she and Daisy might be able to sit and watch the world go by for a while.

As it turned out, the village grapevine had swung into action and the news had already reached the café owner, Louise. She came straight out from behind the counter, making a beeline for Lucy and Daisy. ‘Oh pet, what a terrible thing to have happened. Here, sit down and I’ll fetch you a nice warm drink. What do you fancy?’

‘Ah, a coffee would be great, Lou.’

‘Of course, coming right up, and it’ll be on the house, my lovely.’

‘Aw, thank you.’ She felt a bit choked at the small but heartfelt gesture of kindness.

After she’d brought over the coffee, Lou sat down beside Lucy. ‘Well, what a carry-on. How are you feeling? Gutted, I bet?’

‘Not too bad,’ Lucy sighed, trying her best to rally. ‘Just a little shook up.’

‘And you really think someone’s done it on purpose?’

Lucy gave a small nod.

‘Why, that’s terrible! Any ideas who it might be?’

‘No, none at all.’ Lucy paused, wracking her brain. ‘Maybe someone jealous or upset by my business? But I’ve no idea who.’ The catering community seemed completely supportive, not bitter. Becky? No, she hated that that thought had even come to mind, but no, she would never be that nasty. Whatever was going on between them, she knew for a fact that her friend wouldn’t look to purposely hurt Lucy or her business. Someone in the village, perhaps? No, it was more likely a chance act of hooliganism, someone who didn’t know her at all. A one-off. Hopefully.

‘Are you going to report it to the police?’ Lou continued.

‘No, I don’t think so, Lou.’