CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY THREE – CAN THE POLICE HELP?

When the officers arrived, they interviewed each staff member separately. Charlotte sat across from a kind-faced policewoman named Officer Evans. "Miss Emerson, can you think of anyone who might have a reason to frighten you or your coworkers?" Charlotte shook her head. "No, we're just ordinary pub workers. We get the occasional difficult customer, but nothing like this." Officer Evans nodded, making notes. "And these gifts – they've all been valuable items?" "Yes," Charlotte confirmed. "Jewelry, antiques, that sort of thing. Nothing cheap or tacky." "Interesting," the officer mused. "That suggests our culprit has significant resources. Have you noticed any new regular customers lately? Anyone who pays particular attention to the staff?" Charlotte thought for a moment. "There is one man – middle-aged, always wears a hat. He comes in every Tuesday and Friday, sits in the corner, and watches everyone. But he's never caused any trouble." Officer Evans wrote this down. "We'll look i