I scan Roman’s one-bedroom apartment, trying to absorb every minute detail.

He lives in the city near the Loop, about two blocks from the El. We’ve been here for forty minutes, and I’ve already heard two trains rumble past.

Roman lurks in front of the door. I get the feeling he wants to give me a quick tour and escort me out. Well, that’s not going to happen. It took three weeks to get him to this point, and I’m not about to be rushed now that I’m ...