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‘I’m supposed to be. But she didn’t show, which is very unlike Mimi, and then my phone died.’ She rolled her eyes. ‘I’m convinced I charged it last night.’

‘Roughly the same time the fog rolled in?’

‘Of course it was.’ They exchanged knowing looks.

‘Here it is.’ Aiden held up the power bank. ‘I found it this morning. What does the fog have to do with phones dying?’

‘Magic.’ Katie grinned, winked, and headed for the till, leaving him confused.

‘What does she mean by that?’ He watched Ophelia closely. ‘She’s a schoolteacher. Surely, she doesn’t believe in folklore and superstition.’

‘What exactly do you think we sell here, Aiden?’

‘Crystals, some homeopathy. Complementary therapies and trinkets.’

‘And that’s it? Really?’

‘Uh-oh.’ Katie peered at her phone. Her worry immediately stopped their conversation.

‘What’s wrong, sweetie?’

‘Messages from Mia. She’s having car trouble.’ She flicked down the screen quickly. ‘Something about tyres, ditches and a four-hour wait. I need to call her. Hopefully the fog will let the call through.’

‘This will get through.’ Ophelia was confident.

‘Come on, pick up. Mimi! Are you OK? My phone conked out on me – bloody fog! What happened? Oh, hang on a sec. I’m putting you on loudspeaker. I’m in the shop with Phe and Aiden, and he’s doing the looming thing, which I guess means he’s worried about you too.’

Aiden chuckled but stepped back.

‘I’m sorry for worrying you.’ Mia’s voice was echoey. ‘I’m fine. I think the car’s fine. It was just a bit scary.’

‘What happened?’ Katie repeated.

‘Tyre blew out, but I’m OK. I got my car into a farm gateway. Just waiting for the tow-truck.’

‘And that’s going to take four hours?’

‘Apparently so.’

‘Why?’

‘Not a priority call.’

‘That’s bollocks,’ Katie snapped.

‘Mia?’ Aiden rested a hand on Katie’s arm. ‘Have you got a spare wheel?’

‘Yeah.’

‘And the wheel brace?’

‘Yeah.’

‘And the special socket thing for the funny-shaped nuts.’

‘You mean the locking wheel nut key? I do know how to do this… in theory. I just can’t get one of the nuts to turn. Even standing on the wheel brace didn’t move it.’

‘Oh. I see. Hang on a second.’ He hit the mute button. ‘Any chance I can abandon the shop to you, boss? Leaving Mia sitting there in the cold and fog for hours seems wrong. Especially when there’s a chance I can get that wheel off in a lot less time.’