Page 37 of Finding Love in Micklewick Bay

‘I’m afraid I’m not sure of that yet, but rest assured, I’ll let you know as soon as I do,’ said Allegra. ‘And, just to keep you up-to-speed with your situation, I’ve been informed the police have asked for the CCTV footage of your apartment and they’ve been questioning Gavin Dixon. He of course denies all knowledge, but he would say that. Interestingly, he was arrested for assault yesterday and has been in police custody ever since, so if it was him who sent the note, then you can breathe a sigh of relief. He’s locked up and won’t be making any trouble for anyone for the foreseeable future.’

Stella’s heart sank at hearing this. Much as she was glad that Dixon had been locked up, if he’d been in custody for the last couple of days, then it begged the question, who had been tailgating her and who had been parked across the road from her apartment in the early hours of this morning? The more she’d thought about that, the more she’d come to the conclusion she was the reason they’d been there. Had Dixon got one of his heavies to bother her?

Not wanting to throw cold water over her clerk’s news, she said, ‘Thanks, Allegra, that’s good to know.’

Deciding to put the Dixon family out of her mind, Stella grabbed the list she’d made and left the apartment. She was going to head to the supermarket with the intention of gathering up some more essentials for her apartment-warming party on Saturday. She also wanted to place an order at the local deli for a selection of their locally renowned dips, cooked meats and artisanal breads.

Arriving back at Fitzgilbert’s Landing, glad that it had stopped raining so hard, Stella spotted a young woman in a green raincoat. She had deep copper hair that was tied back in a high ponytail, and was looking flustered as she struggled with an armful of boxes, attempting to press the buttons of the lift.

‘Here, let me give you a hand.’ Stella rushed forward and pressed the “up” button, noting several more boxes stacked on the floor beside the young woman.

‘Oh thank you. I’m struggling to see anything from behind these.’ She gave a good-humoured laugh, her smile friendly, her face pink with exertion and speckled with raindrops.

‘Tell you what, I’m guessing these other boxes are yours, so why don’t I grab them and travel in the lift with you? Save you having to come back for them.’

‘Are you sure it’s not too much bother?’ The young woman asked, her eyes going to the bulging tote bag filled with shopping hanging from Stella’s shoulder.

‘Honestly, I’m happy to help.’ She smiled at the young woman before squatting down and gathering up the boxes.

Moments later, the lift pinged open.

‘After you,’ said Stella.

‘Thank you so much.’ The young woman looked inexorably relieved at Stella’s help. ‘I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been up and down in this lift today.’ She chuckled.

‘I feel your pain. I was in your very shoes last week.’ Stella smiled. ‘What floor number is it?’ she asked when they’d both stepped inside.

‘Three, please. I know I should probably have taken the stairs, but I’m sure I would’ve fallen flat on my face and sent these boxes scattering everywhere.’

‘Which is never good.’ Stella laughed. ‘And the reason the lift’s definitely the most sensible option when you’re lugging a load of boxes around. I’m Stella, by the way. I live on the second floor.’

‘Oh, right. Pleased to meet you, Stella. I’m Brooke.’

‘Pleased to meet you, Brooke.’ Stella wondered if Brooke was moving in on her own but didn’t like to ask for fear of sounding nosy.

Stopping at floor three, the lift doors slid open. Brooke stepped out onto the landing, the boxes tumbling from her arms. ‘Arghh! No! I could feel that happening but couldn’t stop it in time.’

‘Are you okay?’ Stella peered over her armful of boxes. ‘I hope there’s nothing breakable in there.’

‘I dare say I’ll find out soon enough.’ Brooke pulled a regretful face. She hurried over to her apartment, unlocked the door then made her way back to Stella who was gathering the scattered boxes together. ‘Thanks for your help, I really appreciate it.’

‘No worries. I’m happy to help.’ With the boxes scooped back up, Stella followed her neighbour into a mirror-image of the layout of her own apartment, which was directly below. The only apparent difference was the décor which was slightly more feminine with hints of dusky pink off-set with sage green. There were boxes piled-up everywhere. Where would you like these?’ she asked.

‘Oh, just pop them over next to the others, thanks,’ said Brooke, who was making her way to the kitchen. ‘Most of my stuff might still be stashed away in boxes but I made sure to unpack the most important items first.’ She grinned waving akettle at Stella. ‘Can I make you a cup of tea by way of saying thank you for helping me?’

‘I didn’t do much, just carried a few things.’ Stella chuckled. ‘And are you sure you’ve got time?’ She glanced around at the chaos. She’d be itching to get things tidied away if her apartment looked like this. She’d kept her boxes piled neatly against one wall as she’d worked through unpacking them, and all were clearly labelled so she knew exactly what they contained and where the contents needed to go. She couldn’t see any such labels on Brooke’s boxes.

‘It’s the least I can do.’ Brooke said over her shoulder as she filled the kettle. ‘I’d be making one anyway, I’m gasping.’

‘In that case, I’d love one, thanks.’

As they sat and drank tea and tucked into a packet of chocolate-dipped oat biscuits Brooke had also kept handy, Stella learnt that her neighbour – who looked to be in her late twenties – had moved to Micklewick Bay from York. She’d bought the apartment with her fiancé, Marcus, who was currently away on a business trip in Frankfurt, sourcing goods for their online luxury homeware store, and wouldn’t be back until Saturday morning.

Stella warmed to Brooke instantly. She was chatty and friendly and had already shown a glimpse of a wicked sense of humour which Stella found appealing.

‘Don’t worry, as soon as Marcus gets here, he’ll have everywhere ship-shape. He’s as tidy as I’m messy,’ Brooke said with a giggle. ‘He actually loves cleaning, can you imagine that? And I’m happy to leave him to it.’ She grinned.

‘Don’t blame you,’ said Stella. ‘Actually, I’m having a bit of a housewarming get-together on Saturday night, just a few friends, but you’re both welcome to join us if you’d like. My apartment’s directly below you, so I’m easy to find.’

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