The chapter explains why Theo has no last name in Golden: he insists on being known only as “Theo” and deftly avoids personal questions. When someone asks for a surname, Theo repeats his friendly, firm “Just call me Theo,” and, if pressed, overwhelms the questioner with a rambling story about a long Portuguese name before redirecting the conversation.

A few people, including Tony and Shep, persist longer than most, hoping to learn Theo’s full identity through practical clues like an email address or a credit card. Theo provides neither; he avoids email and social media entirely and never uses a personal credit card in town.

Mr. James Ponder quietly reinforces Theo’s anonymity by handling Theo’s mail, finances, and internet accounts, and by arranging a single credit card under the name “PH Ltd.” With no paper trail and no digital presence, curiosity in the neighborhood gradually fades.

Theo’s association with Mr. Ponder and even living in Mr. Ponder’s office building gives Theo instant credibility. Mr. Ponder’s endorsement—“Mr. Theo is a fine gentleman”—is enough for most Goldenites to trust Theo and judge him by visible “fruits” like his demeanor and generosity.

By the end, the town accepts Theo as a trustworthy, almost exemplary neighbor despite the missing surname. The closing note undercuts that confidence: the community believes Theo is ordinary and law-abiding—“or so they thought.”