It's quite a conundrum. If there is one thing to be said about a jail cell it is the ease of distance.
He can't have that and he doesn't want it. Not anymore. He can't help but laugh. Now he wants to hold them close when it is still dangerous, when there is too much risk of painful secrets slipping. They don't need that pain. They don't deserve it.
A difficult task indeed. It is after all a delicate balancing act where a loving wife, overly nosy friend and confusingly devoted teenager are concerned.
Juggling chickens would be an easier task than juggling secrets out of their reach.