He wants a down payment

For a long minute he looks at you, his eyes considering you, as he appears to be making up his mind. Finally, he gives a short nod.

"I can agree to give you another two weeks." You start to smile in gratitude and open your mouth to speak but he holds up a hand to stop you. "If, and only if, you provide a down payment on the amount owed today."

His words chill you. You have less than twenty dollars to last until you get paid at the end of the week, and you know your room-mates are in no better financial shape.

"How...how much would you want?"

"A gesture of good faith. Say a hundred dollars."

He might as well ask for two thousand, given your current finances.

"Ummm...I couldn't give you that today, but by the end of the week for sure. I get paid on Friday, and ..."

"Today Lisa. Today, or the notice stands and you have four days." His voice is calm and polite, but there is no mistaking the steel in it.

"But Mr. Berridge," you plead, leaning forward to show your cleavage again. "I promise..."

"I'm afraid I don't have much faith in your promises Lisa. You can have an extension to pay the rent if you pay a hundred dollars today. I'll even go so far as to take it in cash or kind."

"Kind?" you ask, confused.

"Something of similar value. Like jewelry or something."

"Ummm...I don't think I have jewelry worth that much..."

"Something else then. Use your imagination Lisa." He smiles at you politely, but his eyes have turned dark and predatory. You feel trepidation starting to grow inside you, a growth matched by a surprising flutter of excitement in you belly.

"Ummm...I'm not sure..." you stammer.

"Let me give you a hint," he says with another polite smile. "You're sitting on it."