The Highmark scandal: Answer the questions

Not so fast, Highmark.

After firing CEO Ken Melani "for cause" on Sunday -- he was having an extramarital affair with a woman he hired, then brawled with his mistress's husband when the relationship soured (which prompted police charges) -- the health insurance giant said it would have no further comment.

But there's much that demands comment from Highmark, which enjoys nonprofit status but regularly rakes in large profits. Some were detailed in our Sunday editorial:

• Who paid for the private investigator Mr. Melani is said to have hired to look into the background of his mistress, Melissa Myler• Was it Mr. Melani, personally• Or did he use ratepayer money?

• What was being investigated• Was it Mrs. Myler's personal background• Or was it something related to her employment at Highmark?

• After the relationship faltered, what was Mrs. Myler requesting in any separation agreement with Highmark• She retained legal counsel to that end. Was a proposal made• If so, what was it• Again, who would have paid?

• There are allegations that Melani threatened Myler. Were those threats made at Highmark• What were they?

Acting CEO J. Robert Baum clearly wants to quickly put this tawdry episode behind Highmark. But he can't until Highmark comes clean with the whole story.