The Inner Sanctum by Stephen Frey

increase the number and quality of police officers. We could vastly improve our school systems. You see, race becomes irrelevant when you talk about these things because everyone benefits. I'm all about making this country a better place for everyone."
    "Senator Walker, do you really believe we could cut the military budget in half and remain strong?"
    "I know we could. And so do those in power in Congress and at the Pentagon."
    "Then why isn't anything done?"
    "Because many people are getting rich off that fat DOD budget. It's a gravy train."
    "That's a powerful accusation."
    "One I intend to prove."
    "Tough words," the host crooned. "One more question before we take the phone call, Senator."
    "Certainly, Cynthia."
    "This is difficult, but as a reporter I need to ask. Why has the November Senate election for your seat suddenly become a race? Why has Elbridge Coleman, the Republican candidate, been able to close the gap in the polls lately, if you talk so much common sense?"
    Walker had hoped to get through the interview without fielding that one. He wanted to tell the host about the establishment machine he felt certain was doing all it could to defeat him. But he didn't have names or money trails or anything else that would prove his suspicions. And if he blamed Coleman's recent success on some faceless group, it would sound like the rantings of a loser. "It's just a blip. Come November we'll still be in Washington."
    "I'm glad you're confident." The host raised an eyebrow as if she wasn't certain Walker should feel so secure. "Now for the phone call." The host looked away. She knew Walker wasn't going to be happy about this development, but Night Speak needed ratings and this was sweeps week. "On the line we have the Reverend Elijah Pitts, leader of the Maryland-based Liberation for African-Americans."
    Walker rolled his eyes and grimaced. In only a few years LFA had risen to prominence by spearheading initiatives designed to assist economically depressed areas. Bringing more government money to poor neighborhoods, bringing jobs to those same neighborhoods and monitoring fair hiring practices were just a few of Reverend Pitts's favorite causes. In fact, he and LFA had assisted blacks and whites. But Walker's research showed that many suburban whites mistakenly viewed LFA as militant. So he and his staff had decided to maintain as much distance as possible from Reverend Pitts for fear of losing the white bloc Walker so desperately needed to defeat Coleman and win reelection. Walker gave the host an icy stare, but she simply smiled back.
    "Good evening, Reverend Pitts. Thanks for being on with us tonight."
    "It's always a pleasure, Cynthia." The Reverend had been a guest on Night Speak several times. He paused. "Hello, Malcolm."
    "Hello, Reverend." Walker forced himself to be polite. They knew each other well, having attended many public functions together. Walker tapped his chair nervously. Pitts was always trying to corner Walker into publicly endorsing LFA. But that, the pollsters had determined, would spell disaster. "How are you this evening?"
    "Fine, Senator," Pitts said in an equally cordial, equally forced tone. "I've enjoyed listening to your words of grandeur this evening." Sarcasm seeped into Pitts's voice.
    "Mmm."
    The host smiled. Things were becoming interesting.
    "But, Malcolm," the Reverend's tone became paternal, "you need to pay more attention to your core constituency. You need to build a bridge to LFA. Together we could really accomplish some of your grand design."
    "I think you and LFA have done some very postitive things for Maryland." Walker glanced at the clock on the wall. Only one more minute and the host would have to sign off. But the second hand seemed to be going backward. "Some very positive things."
    "You are skillfully avoiding the issue. Of course, you're a skillful politician so what should I expect? Embrace LFA, Senator Walker. Together we can be even stronger. Right now! On the air