Jason cast a sharp, discerning glance at the man beside him. Though he knew better than to judge, his well-honed military instincts screamed that something was amiss with this stranger hovering by the door of cabin 4C.
Unable to resist, Jason asked, “Hi, are you staying next door?” The man tensed, his body language betraying a momentary hesitation before he muttered a gruff, “Yes.” His words were clipped, the thick accent unmistakable, and in a flash, he turned and hurried away.
A realization struck Jason—this man wasn’t a fellow cruise passenger. He was local. But what was he doing in cabin 4C? Jason’s instincts urged him to follow, but he quelled the urge. Maybe I’m overthinking, he thought, striding toward the café.