Stephen was reading one of the books that Belvina had given him. Despite all of her assurances, he always felt like the bloody books were ready to eat someone, him in particular. When the knock came, he jumped, before realising how ridiculous he was being. The books wouldn't hurt him, because Belvina wouldn't have anyone else to go out with, and self-interest was something that she understood well.
"Come in, dad," he said, closing the book and putting it to the side. "Sit, I have more than a moment for you. What's going on?"