"Because, that is illegal. No doubt about it. So, good, rule one is easy. Two, I want to read over this entire file and have a review of everything before it goes to bed. Agreed?" Higgins looked at Doug who had not contributed much. He merely nodded, of course that would be fine. "Three, no specifics. No names of people you saw, nothing exact. We do not want to be accused of violation of privacy in any way, shape or form." "That's it?" Scott was pleasantly surprised. What seemed like common sense to him was a legal spider web that Higgins was re- quired to think through. "Almost. Lastly, was this interview on the record?" Damn good question, Scott thought. "I dunno. I never asked, it didn't seem like a regular interview, and since I don't know Kirk's real name, he's not the story. It was what he did that is the story. Does it matter?" "If the shit hits the fan it might, but I think we can get around it. Just be careful what you say, so I don't have to redline 90% of it. Fair enough?" Scott was pleased beyond control. He stood to thank Higgins. "Deal. Thanks." Scott began to turn. "Scott?" Higgins called out. "One more thing." Oh no, he thought, the hammer was dropping. He turned back to Higgins. "Yeah?" "Good work. You're onto something. Keep it up and keep it clean." "No problem." Scott floated on air. "No, problem at all." Back at his desk, Scott called Hugh Sidneys. He still worked at State First, as far as he knew, and it was time to bring him out of the closet, if possible. "Hugh?" Scott said affably. "This is Scott Mason, over at the Times?" "Yeah? Oh, hello," Sidneys said suspiciously. "What do you want?" "Hugh, we need to talk." "About what?" "I think you know. Would you like to talk here on the phone, or privately?" Sometimes leaving the mark only two options, neither particularly attractive, would keep him within those bounds. Sidneys was an ideal person for this tact. The pregnant pause conveyed Sidney's consternation. The first person to speak would lose, thought Scott. Hugh spoke. "Ah, I think it would be . . .ah better . . .if we spoke . . .at . . ." "How about the same place?" Scott offered. "OK," Hugh was hesitant. "I guess so . . .when?" "Whenever you want. No pressure." Scott released the tension. "I get off at 5, how about . . .?" "I'll be there." "Yes ma'am. This is Scott Mason. I'm a reporter for the Times. I will only take a few seconds of his time. Is he in?" Scott used his kiss-the-secretary's-ass voice. Better then being aggressive unless it was warranted. "I'll check, Mr. Mason," she said. The phone went on hold. After a very few seconds, the Muzak was replaced with a gruff male voice. "Mr. Mason? I'm Francis MacMillan. How may I help you?" He conveyed self assuredness, vitality and defensiveness.