Chapter 1:

The Watchful Neighbor

“Mom, Dad, you guys better not call me every five minutes from the ship, okay? I’m twenty, not twelve. I can handle the house for a month without burning it down,” I said, leaning against the doorframe while my parents loaded the last bags into the taxi. Dad gave me that worried look he always does, but Mom just laughed and pulled me into a quick hug.

“You know we trust you, Sophie. But if anything feels off, Alexander next door offered to check in. He’s been such a good neighbor over the years. Rich as hell, but he’s reliable,” Mom said, squeezing my arm...