Emily knew she didn't owe anyone that much money. She was careful with her finances, and she always paid her bills on time. But as the letters and calls continued, she started to feel a sense of unease.
She tried to brush it off as mere harassment, but the feeling only intensified as the days went by. She began to feel like she was being stalked, like someone was waiting for her around every corner.
She started to vary her route home from work, taking different streets and alleys to throw off anyone who might be following her. But no matter what she did, the feeling persisted.
Now, as she walked down the street, she saw two men standing outside her apartment building. They were dressed in suits and looked like they meant business.
"Emily Wilson?" one of them asked, their voices firm and commanding.
"Yes?" she replied, trying to hide the fear from her voice.
"We're from Smith and Co. Debt Collection Agency," the other man said, flashing a badge. "You owe us $10,000."
Emily's heart sank. She knew she didn't owe anyone that much money. But as she tried to explain, the men cut her off.
"Don't bother trying to deny it," one of them sneered. "We have proof. You need to pay up, or we'll take you to court."
As they handed her a stack of papers, Emily felt her world spinning out of control. She knew she had to do something, but what?
She took the papers and scanned them quickly. They were filled with legal jargon and confusing terms. But one thing stood out - a payment plan that would take her years to pay off.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Emily said, trying to stay calm. "I don't owe you any money."
The men just laughed. "Save it for the judge," one of them said. "You're coming with us."
As they reached for her arm, Emily knew she had to think fast. She couldn't let them take her away. But what could she do?
She looked around frantically, searching for an escape. But there was none. The men had her surrounded.
Just as they were about to drag her away, a car screeched to a halt beside them. The window rolled down, revealing a woman with a kind face.
"Leave her alone," the woman said, her voice firm. "She doesn't owe you anything."
The men turned to the woman, their faces twisted in anger. But Emily didn't hesitate. She jumped into the car and slammed the door shut behind her.
As they sped away from the curb, Emily felt a wave of relief wash over her. She was safe, at least for the moment.
But as she looked at the woman driving the car, she realised she had no idea who she was or why she had just saved her life.
"Who are you?" Emily asked, her voice shaking.
"My name is Sarah," the woman replied, smiling. "And I'm here to help you."
But as Emily looked into Sarah's eyes, she saw something there that made her blood run cold. Something that made her wonder if she had just jumped from the frying pan into the fire.