CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY SEVEN – HE’S GONE TOO FAR

Inside the pub, oblivious to Gary's presence, the staff continued their tense deliberations. The clock ticked steadily, each second bringing them closer to a decision that could change everything. The Rusty Anchor stood silent, a witness to the drama unfolding within its walls, as the battle between compassion and self-preservation raged on. Charlotte tossed and turned in bed, her mind racing with thoughts of Gary and the pub. As dawn broke, she made a decision. She couldn't wait for others to solve this problem; it was time to take action herself. Later that morning, she arrived at The Rusty Anchor earlier than usual. As she unlocked the door, she spotted a familiar figure nursing a coffee at the café across the street. Jack, the private investigator who'd been a regular at the pub for years. An idea began to form in her mind. Charlotte crossed the street, her heart pounding. "Jack? Do you have a moment?" The grizzled investigator looked up, surprise flickering across his weathe