Caution. His other patients had shown it, again barring Mr. Malloy's little performance as well as Mr. Federline's openness to speak, but Mr. Conason was being much more direct. A smart course of action all things considered.

"Just as I said, to know a little more about you," Dr. Disraeli repeated, nodding slightly, "Or would telling me about yourself make you feel even more uncomfortable?"

Someone who didn't want to talk about himself only spoke more volumes about his state of mind. Was it a lack of self-confidence, and if so, could it be that he was doubting the reality he'd created for himself? Or maybe there was something more? So many questions could be posed following a positive answer.