Chad opened the door wearing a crisp golf shirt and dark trousers while holding a glass of red wine.

He looked at me with mild curiosity, as if trying to place my face.

“Can I help you with something?” he asked politely.

“I am Kristin Callahan,” I said firmly.

“Bernard’s daughter from next door.”

A brief flicker of recognition crossed his features before his face smoothed into a neutral mask.

“Ah, yes.

How can I help you?”