"I didn't steal this," she protested. "I swear, Mr. Toby. I didn't even know it was in my bag."
Mr. Toby looked at Sharon with sympathy and understanding. He knew Sharon well, sensing her surprise was genuine. She was a good girl who was now caught in an unfortunate situation.
"I believe you, Sharon," he said. "I saw that girl, who ran out just now, slip it in your bag. But I have to follow the store's policy. I'm going to have to call the police."
Tears welled up in Sharon's eyes. She couldn't bear the thought of being arrested and having her reputation tarnished.
Though rattled by Nicole's betrayal, she pleaded with Mr. Toby, promising to work for free at the store to pay for the perfume. She begged him not to involve the police.
Despite what Nicole did, she still felt compassion t
