Just as he closed the door, he noticed a man stepping out of the neighboring cabin. The stranger was tall, with an olive complexion, dressed in plain khaki pants, a simple cotton T-shirt, and flip-flops. A small bag was slung casually over his shoulder, his attire strikingly out of place among the fellow cruise guests.
Though not one to judge based on appearances, Jason felt a vague sense of unease. Unable to resist, he offered a polite, “Hello, are you staying next door?” The man’s body tensed at the question, and after a brief pause, he replied in a brusque, heavily accented “Yes.”