With a quick motion, Gerald turned off the television and stood up from his seat. Now, Ariana could clearly observe the man. Gerald was still dressed in his work attire: a long-sleeved white shirt that he had folded up to his elbows and black trousers. His tie had been loosened, and the top two buttons of his shirt seemed deliberately undone.

Normally, such a sight would remind Ariana of salesmen for household products who typically went door to door selling their goods. Or it would bring to ...