CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND NINETY ONE – TERRIBLE COMPANY

He met her gaze, a mix of emotions swirling in his eyes. For a moment, Charlotte thought he might agree. But then the mask slipped back into place. "Thanks for patching me up, doc," he said, rising from the couch. "I should get going." Charlotte watched him leave, a strange mix of relief and disappointment settling in her chest. She told herself it was for the best, that Lorenzo and his chaotic world were best left in the past. But fate, it seemed, had other plans. A few weeks later, Charlotte's phone rang in the middle of the night. Lorenzo's name flashed on the screen. "Char?" His voice was tight with panic. "I need your help. I... I need a place to hide." Charlotte's heart raced. "Lorenzo, what's going on?" "I can't explain over the phone. Please, Char. I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important." Against her better judgment, Charlotte found herself agreeing. "Okay. Come over. But this better be good, Lorenzo." An hour later, Lorenzo was pacing her small living room, his face pa