To release Kate's anxiety, the man smiled and poured a cup of tea for her and started chatting as if they were friends, "How is your father?"

Kate felt her heart being stabbed by a needle. She answered awkwardly, "Just like that."

The man put the cup of tea in front of her. Kate was startled by this ordinary behavior.

He poured a cup for himself and took a sip. "Nice. Have the hot tea. It can help you warm up."

Kate wondered what he was playing at. She was on the ...