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Chapter Twenty
Carmen held up the‘I love Falmouth Pier’magnet Rob had won for her yesterday evening on their trip over to Falmouth and ran the pad of her index finger along the edges. She smiled. It had been such a good night, filled with live music, food and getting to know each other again.
Slipping it into the pocket of her jeans, she stood up from the bed and looked down at the coffee stain on her t-shirt. How she’d even managed to spill her coffee down herself, she didn’t know. Never mind, Rob was busy helping Tricia with some plumbing problem she had, so Carmen had decided to bring her lunch upstairs with her and take a bit of a rest. Changing her t-shirt to a clean one, she went into the small kitchen.
She put bread in the toaster and sat down at the table, pulling her mug of water towards her. She may have missed out on a girlie holiday to Portugal, but she’d gained so much by coming to Penworth Bay, friendships that she was certain would last forever, a newly found confidence in her yoga instructor skills after yesterday’s session on the beach, and most importantly, Rob. If she hadn’t come to volunteer at Elsie’s bakery, she may never have run into Rob again.
The shrill ringtone of her mobile sounded through the quiet flat, and she took it from her pocket. ‘Hello?’
‘Carmen Haynes?’
Carmen frowned. She didn’t recognise the voice. ‘Yes, speaking.’
‘Carmen, my name’s Edward and I’m calling from the Town and City Estate Agent.’
‘Okay.’ She frowned. What did he want with her? She rented directly from the landlady, Stella Osborne. There were no estate agents involved. She sighed. She’d put her name down on probably at least five estate agents’ books when she’d been looking for somewhere to live. ‘It’s okay, I’ve already found somewhere to live. Thank you, though.’
Edward cleared his throat. ‘Oh, I’m not ringing to discuss any potential properties with you, Miss Haynes. I’m ringing regarding number 48 Hillside Avenue. Is that where you are residing?’
‘Yes, but I have a contract directly with the landlady. I didn’t go through an estate agent.’
‘In that case, what I’m about to tell you may come as a bit of a shock.’
‘What is it? Is she selling?’
‘Mr Warren is selling the property, yes.’
Carmen frowned. ‘Mr Warren? I’m sorry, I think you might have gotten muddled up. I rent from Stella Osborne.’
‘Stella Osborne is Mr Warren’s tenant. I’m afraid she’s been sub-letting to you and three others and Mr Warren is now selling 48 Hillside Avenue.’
She twisted her glass around in her hand. ‘Sub-letting? But I’ve been paying her rent. I’ve paid her next month’s rent already.’
‘Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, Miss Haynes, but the bailiffs have now reclaimed possession of the property for Mr Warren, and the house will be sold. You’ll have to go through the small claims court to claim any monies back from Ms Osborne.’
‘I’m homeless?’
‘I’m so sorry you’ve been the victim of fraud here. I can arrange with Mr Warren a time of mutual convenience when you can collect your things.’
