He was ready now
He was standing directly in front of it when he heard the woman on the phone. This was fantastic, he thought! She would most likely be distracted and not understand what was going on at first. This would give him ample time to seize what was his and flee.
Something unexpected happened
As he put one hand on the door handle, his heart was pounding in his chest. He had to do it right now! But something unexpected happened just as he was ready to open the door. Something completely derailed his plan… And his prospects of getting the book.