CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY SIX – TENSIONS RISING

As the days passed, a sense of cautious relief settled over the pub. The staff began to relax, no longer jumping at every unexpected sound or shadow. But their peace was short-lived. It started with a note on Charlotte's door, just a week after they'd confronted Gary. "You can't keep me away. We belong together. Your Biggest Fan." Charlotte's hands shook as she read it, immediately calling Mr. Davies. "It's started again," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. Similar notes began appearing for other staff members. Linda found one tucked into her mailbox. Tony discovered one on his car windshield. Then came the phone calls. At first, just heavy breathing, then whispered messages that echoed the notes. "We're a family. You can't push me away. I'll always be watching." The staff gathered at the pub, their earlier relief replaced by a renewed sense of fear and frustration. "I thought we'd solved this," Linda said, wringing her hands. "How could we have been so wrong?" Tony