CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE – THE SCAMMER

"Miss Emerson?" a muffled voice called from the hallway. "It's Mr. Jenkins, your landlord. I heard a commotion. Is everything alright in there?" Charlotte stared at the door, then back at the unconscious man on her floor, the stolen wallet still clutched tightly in her hand. Her heart pounded in her chest as she realized she had mere seconds to decide what to do next. Charlotte's heart raced as she approached the door. She took a deep breath, trying to compose herself before facing her landlord. "Mr. Jenkins," she said, opening the door just enough to peek out. "I'm so sorry for the noise. I... I dropped something. Everything's fine." Mr. Jenkins furrowed his brow, unconvinced. "Are you sure? It sounded like quite a commotion." Charlotte forced a smile. "Really, it's nothing. I'm just a bit clumsy today." "Well, if you're sure..." Mr. Jenkins hesitated, then pushed the door open wider. "I think I'd better take a look, just to be safe." Panic flooded Charlotte's veins. "No, that'