I think that's entirely reasonable. There were times I needed to do a lot of digging to find out what the fuck had actually happened with James. And I had the luxury of approaching people in private, most of the time.

[Flipflipflip. The card looks like a tarot card more than a playing card, maybe the ace of coins?]

Here's my dilemma, Malcolm. I'm concerned about a completely different part of that conversation. And while neither is great and both are understandable, there's a difference between saying things you didn't mean in anger, and saying things you very much did mean in anger, that you might have kept quiet otherwise.

If I ask you what you believe were your mistakes, that can come across as, mm, the bad sort of game-playing? Making you grovel and guess in a way you clearly don't care to indulge, and fair enough, I've no right to demand that you do. But if I ask you directly whether you believe the things I took exception to, I worry that comes off as an accusation you'll feel defensive about whether the answer is yes or no.

I'd very much like to actually understand what you did and did not mean, Malcolm. Perhaps you don't care whether I do or not. But if you're willing to help me understand, how should I ask?