Pillar of Love

"Oh dear, I didn't know you were awake already," Ava said, a fake smile plastered on her face.

"Sit, let's talk. I can see you'll give me no peace, so why don't we just finish this business once and for all?" Charlotte asked in a sharp voice, and Ava and Anthony exchanged looks in dread. 

"What are you talking about, dear?" Ava asked.

"Why are you two treating me like kids? Why do you think I am so stupid that I will not understand what is right before me?" Charlotte asked in a sharp voice, and both Ava and Anthony felt their pulse rates increase. 

Had they made the right choice in bribing the nurse on duty to let them into Charlotte's room? 

Charlotte was running out of breath. She couldn't imagine the last time she had shouted at someone.