The Enemy List

"First on the agenda McBain is to gather a list of your professional and personal enemies," Mews said.

"Ha!" McBain tossed his head back and guffawed.  "My enemy list, Mews, would wrap around the city a hundred times over."  He was starting to look a little glum.

"Yes, I see," Mews said.  "In that case let's start closer to home."  McBain nodded and began talking.  After nearly an hour Mews had jotted down about twenty names-seven of them had stars next to them.  

"You've got your work cut out for you cat-that's for damn sure," McBain said.  Humbled, he looked up at Mews.  "You're the only one I can trust right now Mews.  You're the only one fair-minded and level-headed enough to get to the truth of the matter and see past the baloney.  Most people in this town-they can't stand me and they can't wait to see me go down in flames."  As they parted ways Mews and McBain shook hands and Mews thought of Quigley-his friend and colleague was perhaps one of those who wished to see McBain consumed by a fiery conflagration.  As Mews shut the door behind his client he thought of ways in which he might dampen Quigley's ire the next time his friend joined him for tea.