“Before I call them over,” Nick begins, “is there anything you would like to make sure we keep from them? I don’t want to tell them anything you’re comfortable with someone knowing.”

“That’s very considerate of you.” I have to give him credit. While he does keep more secrets than I would like, he’s pretty good at respecting my wishes in other respects. “Don’t tell them about my connection with this place. Make it seem like the only connection we know of ...