I had moved to the small town of Alston in Cumbria in the spring of 2004 with my parents. After settling quickly into the local school, I decided that during the summer holiday I needed to keep myself busy and earn some money to keep me in the up to date fashions. I was disappointed with the lack of employment options in the small village, but mum persuaded me to try the local convenience store.
After visiting the shop a few times in my short time in the area I knew the shop owner, Derek reasonably well. I went to see Derek, who was pleased delighted that I had decided to come and see him as he always needed help in the summer months.
I started work the following day, starting early in the morning stocking shelves and tidying the back stores. Part way through the morning I met Derek's wife Paula for the first time, when Derek announced that he was going to the cash and carry (a 50 mile round trip) and his wife was going to be in charge.
I was taken back a bit with Paula as Derek was nearing 55 years of age and Paula could have only have been 35 at the oldest. Paula was quite short, probably around 5 foot 4 inches and plump. She was very quiet, reserved and had difficulty looking me in the eye. Right then I knew that she would not be in charge when Derek went to get his supplies.