– 23 –
Early the next afternoon, Cory heard a knock on the door. Still unnerved from the suspicious package incident, she froze. Kitty dashed into the bedroom and slid under the bed.
Cory looked out the peephole and saw Don Koppel holding a chessboard and wooden box.
She sighed in relief and opened the door.
“Sorry to bother you, but I haven’t seen you around and figured I ought to check on you,” said Don.
“Thank you, Don. That is very thoughtful. Please come in and I’ll brew some tea, and you can tell me about any progress with the neighborhood watch group.”
She ushered Mr. Koppel into the living room, and motioned him toward Ben’s favorite chair. She pointed to the chessboard and box. “If this is an invitation to play chess, I’m afraid I’m a poor match for you.”
“Oh, no. I’m on wa
