CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND EIGHTY SIX – LIVING CONDITIONS

Charlotte paced nervously in her small apartment, casting frequent glances at the man sprawled on her couch. Lorenzo lay there, his head bandaged where she'd struck him with the vase. The tension in the air was palpable. "Are you... comfortable?" Charlotte asked hesitantly. Lorenzo grunted. "As comfortable as one can be after being assaulted." Charlotte winced. "I said I was sorry. You shouldn't have broken in!" "And you shouldn't have stolen my wallet," Lorenzo retorted. They lapsed into an uncomfortable silence. Charlotte busied herself tidying up, all the while keeping a wary eye on her unexpected guest. After a while, Lorenzo spoke up. "You know, if you're going to keep staring at me like I'm about to leap up and murder you, you might as well just call the police." Charlotte startled. "What? I'm not... I mean..." Lorenzo sighed, pushing himself up to a sitting position with a grimace. "Look, I get it. You don't trust me. Fair enough. But this whole situation is ridiculous.