A Well Lived Life Book 10 The WifeChapter 39 Twenty Two Part I
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April, 1984, Chicago, Illinois
On Tuesday at work Dave asked if I was going to be able to come to the Pascha, or Easter, service on Saturday night and I told him that as much as I would like to, this was my birthday weekend and I really couldn’t leave my friends. He said that he understood and let me know that he and Julia would leave the house late on Saturday but would be back by noon Sunday for the party.
When I arrived home after my database class, Elyse stopped me as I was heading to my office.
“Steve, some men came to the door looking for you earlier.”
“Let me guess. FBI, right?”
She nodded, “They asked when you would be home and I told them late. They said they’ll come back tomorrow afternoon.”
I sighed. “OK. Thanks Elyse.”
It was too late to call my dad given the hour time difference, but I should be able to get him in the morning. I wanted to have a quick talk with him about the conversation that I’d had with Ivan Voronin. I went upstairs and got into bed, but had difficulty falling asleep since I was preoccupied with the idea of talking to the FBI.
On Wednesday morning, I called my parents’ house, catching my dad before he left for work.
“I had an interesting conversation with Minister Voronin on Sunday night,” I said after we said hello.
“Was he in Chicago?”
“Yes. He had business meetings so he stopped in to see me. We had dinner together, with his KGB security officer and his daughter, plus the KGB officer’s daughter.”
“What was the conversation about.”
“I’m sure you can imagine he’s had me checked out because I’m sleeping with his daughter.”
Dad chuckled, “I would imagine!”
“Well, I checked out. He did find out about Jeff, but that didn’t bother him too much because he knows I have nothing to do with him.”
“I know you aren’t particularly interested, but they accepted his plea bargain. He’s going to serve sixty days in the county jail, have mandatory psychological counseling for at least two years, and be on probation for two years.”
I sighed, “I’m not surprised. Anyway, it would appear that there are some, well, discrepancies in our family history. Namely, that you might not be who you say you are.”
He paused, and I heard an intake of breath. “Son, what EXACTLY did he say?”
“That they could find no record of anyone named Ray Adams being admitted to Russia and, more importantly, could not find a birth certificate for you.”
“Oh hell! This is what I was worried about. I need to make some phone calls. Do NOT say anything to him, please.”
“I didn’t. I can’t tell him what I don’t know. And no, I didn’t tell him that I knew you were in the OSS or the CIA. I don’t really know anything else.”
“They’ll have figured that one out themselves. It’s not too difficult if you have certain kinds of resources. I can’t say any more, and I don’t know when I can say any more. You have to keep quiet about it.”
“Got it. Don’t worry.”
“How serious is this girl?”
“Potentially very. There are plenty of roadblocks, but you know me, I don’t care about roadblocks!”
He chuckled, “If you did, you would still be living at home under your mother’s thumb.”
“Exactly. Thanks Dad. I need to get going. I have an early class today.”
“OK, Son. Keep quiet, like I said.”
“Yes, sir,” I said, something I usually never said to my dad, but which told him that I understood. “One other thing. The FBI stopped by when I was at work yesterday. They’re coming back today, presumably to talk to me about Minister Voronin.”
My dad was silent for a minute, “I suspect that’s the case. Just stick to facts, Steve. Only things you know to be true. No speculation. And don’t talk too much. Just answer their questions. You don’t need a lawyer, but be careful.”
“Understood. Thanks, Dad.”
We hung up and I went through my usual morning routine of exercising, a shower, and breakfast. I headed to school, still preoccupied with the impending visit from the FBI. School seemed to drag, and I had trouble concentrating, but fortunately, there was nothing complicated in any of my classes. I headed home, quite nervous about what to say. It dawned on me, that I had one possible advisor that might help.
When I got home, I checked my address book and dialed the number.
“NIS. Special Agent Carston.”
“Hey Pete, it’s Steve.”
“Steve, what’s up? Why are you calling me at work?”
“I need some advice. You know I’ve dated the Russian girl off and on, and I’m friends with her father. They visited me the other day and now the FBI wants to talk to me. I don’t know what to do.”
“If you haven’t broken any laws and you aren’t spying, then don’t sweat it. It’s going to be routine. Just answer their questions honestly and they’ll leave you alone. Most likely. On the other hand, if you do have something to hide from them, then I suggest you get a lawyer and not speak to them without a lawyer present.”
I did have something to hide, but not what they were most likely looking for, and so long as they didn’t ask any questions that touched on the Outfit, I’d be fine.
“I always see people on TV refusing to talk to them without an attorney, even if they’re innocent.”
“That’s your right. But think about it. If you lawyer up, they’ll think they’re onto something even if there isn’t anything to be on to. Innocent people generally don’t think about calling a lawyer when the police ask them questions and they aren’t under arrest.”
“Good point! Though I’m uncomfortable about the whole thing. Not because I’m doing anything wrong, but because I don’t want to cause trouble for Tanya or her dad.”
Pete chuckled, “Are you kidding? He has diplomatic immunity. He could kill you and unless the Russians turned him over, the most we could do would be put him on a plane back to Russia.”
“What?” I asked.
“Seriously. Anyway, just talk to the agents. Have Elyse sit with you if you want someone to back your side of the conversation. She’s about as levelheaded as anyone I know.”
“Thanks for the advice, Pete! You need to come by again!”
“I’ve been really busy, and I go out to Ohio State or Milford just about every weekend now because of wedding planning. If I get through this without shooting someone, it’ll be a miracle!”
I chuckled, “I hear you. Show up any time, Pete.”
We said goodbye and I went to find Elyse and ask if she’d sit with me when the FBI showed up. She said that she would. That happened just before 4:00pm.
“Mr. Stephen Adams? Agent Johnson of the FBI, may we come in and speak to you?” the agent said when I opened the door.
“May I see your ID, please?” I asked.
He and his partner, Agent Feldman, showed me their ID cards and badges. I nodded and led them into my office. Elyse followed, shutting the door behind us.
“Excuse me, but we just wanted to speak with you,” Agent Johnson said.
“I understand. I’d like Elyse here as a witness. There’s nothing about me that she doesn’t know already. My friend, an NIS agent, suggested this.”
“NIS? Is he at Great Lakes?”
“Yes. He’s been there for about six months now. Right out of college. I’ve known him since High School.”
He nodded, a bit uncomfortable with not having his way. “Would you tell me about your relationship with Ivan Konstantinovich Voronin?”
“He’s a friend. I met him in Austria when I was skiing there in 1980. His daughter was in my beginner’s skiing class and she and I hit it off. I’ve been dating her off and on since 1981.”
“Has he, or his daughter, or Colonel Anisimova, ever asked you for any classified information or tried to encourage you to spy for the Soviet Union?”
“No. First of all, I don’t have access to any classified information, so that’s kind of a silly question. I’m a college student. Second of all,” I chuckled, “as my friend Jackie said, President Reagan would become a communist before I would.”
Agent Feldman smiled at that, but Agent Johnson frowned.
“Son,” Agent Feldman said. “Keep in mind, not all spying is on government secrets. He IS the Trade Attaché.”
I nodded, about to answer, when Agent Johnson continued, “Your friend thinks they are encouraging you to defect?”
“No, of course not. That was meant as a joke. I guess FBI agents don’t have a sense of humor. I have discussed the future with Tatyana and made it clear that I have no interest now, nor would I ever, in moving to the Soviet Union or in any way working against the interests of the United States. They are my friends, and she and I have dated. That’s all there is to it.”
“Are you intimate with Miss Voronin?”
I should have expected the question, but it caught me off guard. I had to keep my cool.
“That is none of your business, Agent Johnson,” I said firmly.
“You do know we could take you to our office for questioning?” he threatened.
I sighed, “Yes. And then I’ll get a lawyer, and you’ll be wasting your time and my time, because I still won’t discuss that subject with you. Now, I think this conversation is over.”
Agent Johnson started to say something, but Agent Feldman, who appeared to be the senior agent, put his hand on Agent Johnson’s arm.
“I think that’s all the questions we have, Mr. Adams,” Agent Feldman said. “If we have more, we’ll call you. Here’s my card. Should any of those Russians approach you about spying, please call us immediately.”
“You can count on it, Agent Feldman,” I said, taking his card.
“Thanks. Have a good day, Mr. Adams. Miss,” he said, nodding to Elyse.
We showed them out and when I’d closed the door, I leaned against it and blew out a long breath.
“Steve, you showed great restraint. The look on your face when he asked you if you were sleeping with Tanya worried me. I thought you were going to punch his lights out. I’m pretty sure that’s why the other agent stopped the interview.”
“I should have expected that question, shouldn’t I?”
“Yes, you should have. But you did fine. Unless you’re hiding something from me, I can’t imagine what they would suspect you of. As you said, you’re a college student and don’t have access to classified material. I doubt that you’ve ever broken a law in your life, unless you count speeding.”
If she only knew. Actually, it was better that she didn’t. In fact, it was better if nobody knew about the incident with Theo. Obviously, the FBI had no clue I was involved with the Outfit, or they would have tried to leverage that to get me to talk about the Russians.
“Thanks for sitting with me, Elyse. I need to do some homework before dinner.”
After dinner, Penny came by for our usual Wednesday night session. She was quite unhappy with me when I told her that all we were going to do was make out a bit.
“Why?” she whined.
“Anticipation, young lady! It’s Wednesday. On Sunday morning, in that bed, we’re going to make love. Or fuck. Whichever you prefer.”
“I prefer right now, but you’re a big meanie!” she said, but she was laughing when she said it.
“It’ll be wonderful, Penny. I promise!”
We kissed and talked, but I made a point of not making her too excited. I wanted to let her anticipation build. It would make the Sunday fireworks even more exciting. When it was time for her to go home, I gave her a soft kiss and told her I was looking forward to Sunday.
On Thursday after work, I stopped on the way home to pick up Penny’s gift. I’d agonized over what to get, and discussed it with Jackie. I really wanted to buy Penny something personal, like a necklace, but there was no way to explain that to her parents that either I or Jackie could think of. I settled on RAM for her Apple IIe. Not exactly a romantic gift, but one that would not raise any eyebrows. I did buy her a very romantic card that I’d give her at my house, and I’d get some flowers on Saturday to give her as well.
Friday evening was a bit crazy, as Bethany surprised me by showing up, and I got a call from Joyce saying that she and Larry would be in about midnight. And most surprising of all, Josh and Mary were going to arrive just after that.
“Sleeping arrangements are going to be a bit tight,” I said to Jackie when she told me about Josh and Mary.
“Well, for tonight, we can put Mary and Josh in one guest room, and Bethany and Joyce can share the other room. Larry can use the sofa bed. Tomorrow night really will be tricky because of Kurt and Kathy being here.”
“They can use the other guest room. Bethany can sleep with me, and she won’t mind if Joyce shares our bed. Anala has me tonight, and she has a firm rule about such things.”
“You better make sure that they’re out of your room on Sunday morning before Penny gets here or she’s going to go ape!” Jackie warned.
“Good point. I’m not sure having all these people in the house while I’m here with Penny is a good idea,” I said.
“It’s too late now, Steve. If you try to put it off, she will kill you.”
“I know. Let’s just keep it as quiet as possible, if you know what I mean.”
“I do. When she comes by for her computer lesson tomorrow, I’ll work it out so we can get her in here without too much commotion.”
“You’re a pal!” I said.
“You’ll owe me!” she giggled.
Anala, who had mostly been quiet since I’d picked her up after class, smirked, “You have a very crazy life, Steve. It’s fun, but it’s crazy!”
“I know. I’m just shocked that my friends are coming from so far away.”
“Why? They all love you just like you love them. Most people would wish for two or three friends like you have, and you have a score!”
“True,” I said.
Anala and I made love only once, right after dinner, then we went to hang out with my housemates and wait for my friends from Ohio to arrive. I hadn’t seen Josh and Mary in a long time, and was looking forward to seeing them. I’d seen Joyce recently, and Larry not that long ago, but it would be great to see them, too.
Larry and Joyce arrived just after midnight. I hugged both of them, and gave Joyce a quick kiss. I introduced Larry to Anala and the others that he didn’t know. About twenty minutes later, Josh and Mary arrived. That created a bigger conundrum because Melanie was with them!
I shook hands with Josh, greeting him in Swedish, but he returned the greeting in English. He was quickly losing his Swedish skills as he wasn’t using them. Mary kissed me deeply, crushing her body against me. Josh smirked and rolled his eyes. Melanie, not to be outdone, did the same thing.
“Hello to you, too!” I gasped when they finished with me. “I think we need to rethink sleeping arrangements.”
“Dibs!” Melanie said, laughing.
“No way!” Mary said. “You’re engaged. I, on the other hand, am free!”
“Not a chance, Mary,” Joyce laughed. “He won’t mess around with girls who are steady.”
“Oh he will, if he gets permission. And I guarantee that Josh will say yes!”
“You all lose,” I said, putting my arm around Anala. “I’m sleeping with Anala and she does NOT share.”
“Oh poo!” Mary said. “I must have missed something. Somebody start explaining!”
I laughed and we all went to the great room. I made introductions all around and explained to Mary about Anala. I hadn’t really seen her in well over a year, so she was completely out of the loop. I also filled her in on the plans for the fall, and when I mentioned Sofia, Josh raised an eyebrow.
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June 23, 2000, Chicago, Illinois “Steve,” Kimmy said over the intercom, “I have a Suzanne Aavik for you.” “Thanks,” I replied. “Put her through, please.” A few seconds later, Suzanne was on the line. “Hi!” she exclaimed when I greeted her. “I’m in Chicago for three weeks. Can I still run away and join the circus?” I chuckled, “You might want to find out what the circus is actually like before you join! If you’re free, you’re welcome to come to the house tomorrow or Sunday and meet the...
October 1982, Chicago, Illinois The drive back to Chicago was as uneventful as usual, and I arrived at the apartment just before 6:00pm. When I arrived, Elyse and Stephie were sitting on the couch and Jackie was sitting on the loveseat. Stephie hopped up as I opened the door and greeted me with a hug and a kiss. “Hi, Peaches!” I said. “Glad you’re home, Yankee!” “Hi, Steve,” Elyse and Jackie both said. “Hey,” I replied. “How was the weekend?” “Well, it was just Kurt with me, Stephie,...
June 11, 1989, Chicago, Illinois It was just after 3:00am when I kissed Trish goodbye. She’d been an enthusiastic, energetic, and adventurous lover. We’d done just about anything either of us could think of, though her breasts weren’t large enough for a tit-fuck. The last time had been in the shower where we’d ostensibly gone to clean up afterwards, but instead I ended up taking her from behind as she leaned against the wall of the shower. “I think I’ll have you again, Steve Adams,” she...
May 1978 The first couple of weeks in May were busy with school, work, and friends. Except for Becky, I didn’t even have any dates. But I was OK with that. Well, almost OK. I wanted to see Anna, but it likely wasn’t going to happen until school was out. I had tutoring sessions with Melanie, but she still wouldn’t talk to me about anything other than Spanish. Barely a hello. I was grateful for the tutoring, but it was maddening seeing my friend this way. I hoped someday she could understand...
March, 1982, Milford, Ohio As I drove along I-65, I thought about what Stephanie had asked for and what Bethany had said without even knowing about the request. Of course, because Bethany and I were so in tune, she might have actually had an idea that I was struggling with getting involved with my sister again. I kept turning it over and over in my mind and I kept coming to the same conclusion — that I shouldn’t do it. I was torn between doing what Stephanie wanted and doing what Kara and...
September 7, 1992, Chicago, Illinois “That went reasonably well,” Michelle said when her parents drove off. “There were a few times I thought my expression would give away something I shouldn’t. You were messing with me, weren’t you?” She grabbed both my hands and smiled, “I was telling the truth, in my own way. Thank you!” She leaned forward and kissed my cheek. “So, what’s left?” I asked. “To visit UofC tomorrow and formally withdraw from classes. To spend some time with you and your...
October 1981, Chicago, Illinois I arrived back at the apartment just before 10:00pm and saw the address for the party. I decided I wasn’t particularly interested in going so I put on some music, poured myself a glass of wine, and started reading more about Russia. I was alternating between the history and culture book and the Communist Party book, decided on the history and culture book for this time. I didn’t get much reading done because I was thinking about Tatyana, which led me to...
January 23, 1996, Chicago, Illinois “Father, bless!” I said, greeting Father Basil with upturned palms. “Bless you, Stephen,” he said as I kissed his hand. The waiter showed us to a quiet table along the wall of Roditys in Greektown. He took our drink orders and was back quickly. We placed our food orders right away and he left to put them in with the kitchen. “I’m not quite sure how to address this, so I’m just going to ask you bluntly. Are you the father of Michelle’s baby?” I shook my...
June 29, 1995, Chicago, Illinois On Thursday, I finally had lunch with Melissa again, something I hadn’t been looking forward to. Much like with Cèlia, Melissa and I had passed an inflection point and I was left with sub-optimal paths forward. I’d been struggling with the possible solutions, and all of them had pitfalls. When I walked into Takumi, I had something of a plan. Whether it was good or not would only be known once everything played out. “I spoke to my wives,” I said after we’d...
December 5, 2000, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota “I had a good time last night,” I said. “I was surprised you invited a friend!” Mary laughed as we walked into the exam room, “Naomi had a good time as well. You know what a Resident’s life is like.” I nodded, “No social life.” “Exactly. You guys seemed to hit it off pretty well.” “Yes, but I’m not here for that!” “You’re everywhere for that, and you know it!” I couldn’t help but laugh. “Let’s just say that you hit the sweet spot -...
March 1980, Hovås/Göteborg, Sweden I woke early as usual, but just enjoyed being in bed with Katt. When she woke, she hopped out of bed and pulled a robe out of her closet and handed it to me. “There’s a spare toothbrush in the bathroom. Go have your shower, then we’ll have breakfast after I have my shower.” I quickly showered and brushed my teeth, and went back to Katt’s room. She went to shower and came back a few minutes later. She dressed, and I got a very good look at her sexy body...
April 5, 1997, Chicago, Illinois “You missed cuddles this morning!” Birgit said accusingly when I walked into the house about 9:30am. “I know, Pumpkin, but I had a work emergency and had to go see Aunt Joyce and Grandpa A.” “And now we have to get ready for karate!” “I know. We’ll have some family time this afternoon. I don’t have any plans.” “Good!” I hugged her and the rest of the kids, then went to find Kara. We hugged and kissed, and went straight upstairs to get ready for...
September 3, 1989, Chicago, Illinois “Good morning, Sensei,” I said, bowing to Sensei Jim. “Good morning!” he said waving me to a chair in his office. “How was your trip?” I asked. “Enlightening. I spent most of my time acting as a manservant to Sensei Robert and Sensei Hiro.” “He who will lead, must first serve,” I said. “Someday, I’m going to send you to Sensei Hiro, should he live long enough. You understand.” “Does that mean you are now 6th Dan?” I...
October 29, 2000, Chicago, Illinois Birgit followed me as far as the stairs, then scooted upstairs when I went to the front door and opened it. “Hi!” Sophie said. “Hi!” I replied and held the door open so she could come into the house. I closed the door behind her then led her to my study where I waited until she went in, and then walked in, closing the door behind me. I nodded to one of the wingback chairs, she sat down in one, and I sat down in the other. “Is something wrong?” she...
August, 1983, Chicago, Illinois I walked in the near 90°F heat to Carla’s place. I was grateful that the humidity of the morning had dropped significantly; otherwise the heat would have been unbearable. By the time I walked up the steps to the apartment over the photography studio and knocked on her door, I had broken into a light sweat. Carla answered almost immediately and invited me inside her studio apartment. The air was moderately cool, and the window air conditioner was running full...
July 1982, Milford, Ohio On Tuesday morning, I kissed Kara goodbye and headed to my parents’ house for my usual morning routine with my little sister. She was happy that I could spend the morning with her and asked to take a walk, so we weren’t in the house with my mom. “Let me guess — this walk will end in the clearing,” I said with a smile. “Yes,” she said, taking my hand as we walked down Overlook towards Klondyke. As usual, we turned around and walked back, taking the path to the...
March 13, 1994, Chicago, Illinois “Hi, Steve!” Ailea said when she opened the door. “Hi,” I replied, accepting the offered hug. There was no touching of lips, just of cheeks, and I wondered if I’d misread her intentions at her birthday lunch, or if, perhaps, she detected my reluctance to return the offered affection. “Lunch is ready, so go ahead and sit. I’ll bring it in from the kitchen.” I went to the low table, sat down, and a minute later, Ailea brought miso soup and sushi, our usual...
April 3, 1997, Dallas, Texas “Remember what I said about drinking too much,” I said, as I poured bourbon into three cups. We’d stopped at a liquor store, bought a bottle of Blanton’s, and then returned to the small suite I’d reserved at the Westin. Deborah’s room was down the hall, and Krissy’s was two floors below. Krissy’s comment had caught me a bit off guard, but I hadn’t reacted visibly. I didn’t know her quite well enough to know if she’d been teasing with Deborah, so I was being...
March 28, 1991, Chicago, Illinois “This day belongs to you, Kara!” I said when the three of us woke on Thursday morning. “Happy birthday!” Jessica said. “Thanks,” Kara replied happily. “I think I’d like an amazing birthday fuck from our husband, and then a nice loving shower with my wife!” Kara said. “Do we have enough time?” I asked. Jessica giggled, “I set the alarm for thirty minutes earlier!” “Then let’s not waste any of it!” I said pulling Kara to me. Kara’s squeals as I plunged...
September 4, 2000, Chicago, Illinois On Monday morning I went to my study to make a surreptitious call to ensure that the surprise I’d planned for Kara was still going to happen, and after confirming that it was, Jesse, Matthew, Michael, and I began preparing for the Labor Day party by getting beer and soda into coolers, getting the grill ready, setting up tables and chairs in the backyard, and ensuring the liquor cabinets were stocked while my wives and daughters worked on food prep in the...
September 1, 1987, Chicago, Illinois “I heard that you have some kind of plan to help Ed,” I said to Connie. “There’s no plan,” she replied. “A witness who saw the shopkeeper alive after Ed left came forward.” That sounded convenient, and I wondered if the witness was real or someone that Anthony had put forward to solve the problem. Certainly, the videotape was real, because I couldn’t imagine how Anthony could have faked that, but the witness? Who knew? “So is he being released? Or is...
August 17, 1997, Chicago, Illinois We finished lunch and Marissa and the younger kids went to play, but Natalie sat with the adults to talk, with coffee, tea, or soft drinks. The Sarcus were very comfortable, but the Heaths were still struggling. But, vitally, they hadn’t left and hadn’t insisted Natalie leave the group. “Can you explain how you developed this attitude and approach?” Chris asked. I nodded, “It started when I was just a bit younger than Natalie. My mom was a total control...
July 1979 — Falkenberg, Sweden On Friday, when I got back from my run, Pam was in her bra and panties again. I whistled at her, she giggled, then finished dressing. I showered, and we went to breakfast and finished up our last day. Once class was done, we were pretty much free. On Saturday, we’d have several optional activities and then on Sunday we’d head back to our host families. After dinner on Friday, I took Pam’s hand and we walked towards the river. It was quiet and peaceful, and...
July 1980, Over the North Atlantic We reached cruising altitude, and I settled back to read my book. Pam raised the armrest between us, snuggled close to me and read as well. The cabin crew offered drinks, and I had my first Coke in a year! Meal service began about an hour and a half into the flight. After the cabin crew picked up the trays and offered drinks again, they passed once more, offering headsets for the movie. Trevor and Maria took them, but Pam and I didn’t, instead we turned on...
July 8, 1997, Chicago, Illinois “Is it really that surprising?” Leah asked. “I suppose not,” I replied. “I just didn’t read too much into the kiss on the cheek.” “I didn’t think it was a good idea to kiss you on the lips with all those people around, because I had no idea who they were or what they would think. You were VERY careful with our dance, so I kind of followed your lead.” Which showed very mature thinking on her part. Both of these girls were exactly the kind of students I...
November 8, 1993, Chicago, Illinois A dark fog swirled before my eyes as I tried to take stock. My head hurt, badly. I felt something on my face and realized, dimly, it was an oxygen mask. My right hand was uncomfortable and I recognized the feeling of an IV and pulse-oximeter. My left arm ached fiercely. On my chest I felt the pads and wires of an EKG. I didn’t feel anything else wrong as I continued taking inventory. I tried to open my eyes, but the fog didn’t clear. I tried to speak, but...
August, 1983, Chicago, Illinois In the morning Anala and I ran as we had the previous time, then showered together, carefully washing each other’s bodies in an intimate but non-sexual way. After our shower we went to the kitchen and I made breakfast and we sat down to eat. “Steve, may I make a suggestion?” she asked. “Sure.” “Broaden your circle of friends. Other than me, all of you are white, nominally Christian, 20-year-old Americans. And you don’t invite me to your Sunday...