Rose Tyler's New Life

Chapter 4

Saturday was make or break day for Rose and 'The Sunflower Gallery'. The phone and internet had been installed, the cash register had arrived and supplies for wrapping had been delivered. She had taken a half page advert out in the local paper, left leaflets she'd had printed in various shops, cafe's and at the Tourist Information Centre and had brightened up the shop outside by sticking sunflower decals on the windows in strategic places so they wouldn't discourage people from looking in.

The street itself wasn't all that wide, there was limited vehicle access for deliveries at certain times otherwise cars weren't allowed but she had discovered that there were parking spaces as the street curved round to the back of the properties and she had managed to secure one which would save using the public car park across the road. Access to the back of the street was only needed occasionally for waste collection. The street had got busier during the morning, there were some antique shops, an arts and crafts store, a second hand shop selling old records and compact discs and one selling local souvenirs amongst other things as well as boutiques, one a few doors down, the one on the other side of the street being a retro look one from the 50s' and 60s' which she wouldn't mind having a look in.

She'd been to the 50s with the Doctor and she'd loved it. She might even find a skirt similar to the one she'd worn, then she could get all nostalgic or upset, one or the other. A few people had been in to browse, bought a few cards which was a good start. A few girls came in together which Rose wasn't too sure about but Jake had installed a discreet security camera hooked up to her work laptop for recording so it wasn't too bad. Her fears were alleviated as they began to look at different things and one of the girls bought a poster.

Jake came in at lunchtime with supplies. They had a kitchen but not got round to buying tea or coffee, they would have to go shopping to stock up. Rose had decided to keep the hours of business 10 - 4 closing on Wednesdays and open Saturdays after looking at the other shops around them. Jake thought now would be the time to tell Rose what he'd discovered and began to tell Rose what he had learned about Alec Hardy, about his reasons for being in Broadchurch being both personal and work related and how he'd been the centre of a case in Sandbrook and had to leave to get away from it.

He left out the bit about the Detective having a bad heart and a pacemaker fitted, he didn't think Rose really needed to know that but she took it all in her stride and now at least she knew what she was up against. He was definitely nothing like the Doctor from what Jake told her of him, had led a completely different life, one that the Doctor could never have. Jake went off again after telling her, saying he'd see her at home and that he wanted to discuss something with her when she got back.

It was around 3pm, it was quiet. She'd emptied the till earlier while Jake was there and put the money in the electronic safe in a concealed place. She was just about to phone Jake to tell him she was setting off and did he want to go out for something to eat for a change when the bell on the door sounded. She looked up from her mobile and there stood one Detective Inspector Hardy in the doorway. She had not noticed the last time that he spoke with a Scottish accent. They had hardly exchanged two sentences between them.

He looked over and hesitated then mumbled, "Is it alright to come in? You're not going to yell at me again are you?" he enquired.

She looked at him for what seemed to him like ages then spoke with a soft voice, "No, it's safe to come in, my bark is worse than my bite," she grinned.

He noticed she had a nice smile and at least she wasn't yelling at him. He really shouldn't be looking at her if she had a husband or boyfriend. "I'm sorry I scared you the other day, I didn't mean to. I could see it bothered you," he humbly apologised, something he didn't often do.

"You just startled me, that's all. I'd forgotten I'd left the blind up. Just wanted to get some natural light to the place and my name is Rose by the way, Rose Tyler."