After lunch with Maya Turner, Ethan Shaw decided to call Nina Harper and invite her out for a talk. Having not seen Ethan for days, Nina was thrilled when she received his call and immediately made time to meet.

Before long, she arrived at the agreed-upon café.

“Ethan, I’ve been so worried these past few days. It’s all my fault,” Nina said earnestly, apologizing as soon as she sat down.

Ethan, sitting quietly across from her, drank cup after ...