As you read this passage, try to identify the words that suggest the mood of the scene. I approached Bert’s room carefully, knowing that he was a shady character. I checked for a trip wire and then eased the door open, waiting for the bucket I was sure would clobber my noodle. To my surprise, there was none, and I pondered this puzzle, braced for the slice of a shiv in my back.

Which words are nuanced in a way that creates a mood of suspicion?
Select one:
a. approached, eased, checked, braced
b. noodle, surprise, pondered, slice
c. checked, door, sure, back
d. room, character, wire, puzzle