The St. Paul Conspiracy by Roger Stelljes

Stillwater.”
    “Why out there?” asked Anderson.
    “My guess,” replied Sally, “is that he wants to keep a low profile. No media attention. If the senator shows down here at the Public Safety Building, the media’ll see him and wonder why he’s here.”
    “Seems to make sense,” Peters piped in.
    “Yeah, not to mention, if he’s trying to keep it from his wife, better if it’s not at a hotel, the airport, or even at this condo, where it might look odd if the police showed up to meet with him,” said Mac.
    “Exactly,” said Flanagan.
    “Will we grant their request?” Sally inquired.
    “Yes,” replied the chief. “We play this one close to the vest for now.”
    “Agreed,” replied Anderson, surprising everyone. “We keep it quiet. We don’t want to compromise the prosecution.”
    “Good,” Flanagan replied. “We’re all on the same page. Mac and Dick, I want you guys to work with Ms. Kennedy to prep for tomorrow’s interview with the senator. She may give you some insight as to what Lyman will do. He’s apt to have a trick or two up his sleeve, and we may only get one shot at the senator before Lyman intercedes and says, ‘Prove it.’ So let’s be ready,” Flanagan said sternly. “And I want the prep work done outside the building, preferably after hours. I don’t want any attention drawn to this.” Chief Flanagan looked at Anderson, “Helen, I assume that’s okay with you?”
    Anderson nodded her agreement. The chief continued, “You guys figure it out, but I don’t want you seen meeting around here. People’ll talk, think we have something solid. I told Hisle we’d keep the meeting quiet, at least for the time being. So, nobody in this room talks about this with the media or anyone else.” Everyone nodded in agreement.
    “Mac? Green and Clark—do they know about the senator?” the chief asked Mac.
    “Yes. They interviewed the neighbor John Chase first.”
    “This comes from me—they don’t talk.”
    “I’ll convey that message, sir.” Mac didn’t need to worry about those two, and the chief knew it, but he was covering all the bases.
    “Dick?”
    With his hands up, Lich replied, “I know, I know.”
    “Okay then. You two and Ms. Kennedy here figure out what you’re going to do. And, Mac, you and Lich let me or Peters know if anything develops today.”
    With that, the meeting ended. Mac, Lich, and Sally walked to the elevator.
    “So, how do you guys want to do this?” Sally asked.
    “My place is up on Summit, close to downtown,” Mac said. “Let’s all meet there at 7:00 p.m. I’ll order pizza.” Lich knew where Mac lived, but Kennedy needed directions.
    “Sounds good,” replied Kennedy “I’ll see you guys then.”
    Mac and Lich got off on the second floor, heading to their desks. Kennedy continued onto the main level. Her office at the Ramsey County Courthouse was a five-block walk away.
    After they got off the elevator, Lich let out a disappointing sigh.
    “What’s up?” asked Mac.
    “Tonight.”
    “What about it?”
    “Well, I got a date with Dot. You know, that waitress with the majorleague cantaloupes.”
    Mac smiled, “Dicky boy, Dicky boy, what time?”
    “Seven.”
    Mac thought for a moment. He wasn’t even sure they really needed to meet with Sally yet, although she likely would have some insight on dealing with a shark like Lyman. The interview wouldn’t be much different than any other, and Lich was actually pretty good on interviews. Lich didn’t need to be there. “Look, we’re going out to Hisle’s place tomorrow afternoon, so we’ll have time to talk in the morning, so go ahead.”
    “You sure?” asked Lich.
    “Yeah, but I reserve the right to ask for details, at least about Dot. I can do without details about you.”
    Lich chuckled. “Thanks, man.”
    Mac took another look at Lich. He was wearing a brown suit, beat-up black lace-ups, and a faded yellow shirt with a brown-and-tan striped tie. It was not an impressive