Read Online Deadly Politics by Maggie Sefton - Free Book Online

the couples in the living room.
    Eleanor MacKenzie paused before following after. “Take care, Molly. I imagine we’ll all be seeing each other again soon for a very sad occasion. Senator Karpinsky died last night from a heart attack. It just now came on the news.”
    The jovial mood evaporated. “Oh, no! He was the last one of my father’s closest colleagues still in the Senate.”
    â€œThe last Old Lion,” Eleanor nodded. “He’d had his second heart attack after the holidays, but he recuperated quite well. We all hoped he’d be with us for a few more years. But it wasn’t to be. His housekeeper found him this morning.”
    â€œI hadn’t heard,” I said, shaking my head. “What a loss.”
    I pictured the robust barrel-chested Karpinsky I remembered from years ago, holding forth in filibusters with his Vermont accent. The Senate’s watchdog. He had the sharpest eyes of any legislator when it came to appropriations. Karpinsky could spot pork and waste a mile away. “I can smell it,” he used to say.
    â€œA loss for the Senate and the country,” Eleanor agreed as she moved away. “Take care of yourself, Molly. We’ll stay in touch.”
    I gave her a wave and noticed that Peter Brewster was heading straight for me. “Well, it didn’t take you long to make contact with the movers and shakers. Excellent. Word of your return will be all over Washington by tomorrow afternoon. Eleanor MacKenzie will see to that.” He gave me a sly smile. “Good work, Molly.”
    Good work, indeed. Brewster was right. Eleanor’s network was formidable twenty-plus years ago, by now it must rival the Internet. “All over Washington, huh? Great. So much for flying beneath the radar.” I released an exaggerated sigh before tossing down the rest of my Chardonnay.
    â€œI noticed you were eying the staff before Mrs. MacKenzie found you. That’s good. What do you think?”
    â€œWell, I’ve only been here a few minutes, but they seem to know what they’re doing. They move efficiently and unobtrusively. They seem friendly and pleasant. All good. I assume there are more servers outside. Are they employees of the caterer?”
    He shook his head as he sipped what looked to be a glassful of Scotch. “No, we use a private staffing agency that provides experienced, discreet personnel.” He winked.
    â€œThe frat boy over there doesn’t look old enough to be experienced.”
    â€œHe’s in grad school. Going for his Ph.D. Believe it or not, he’s thirty-three.”
    Changing the subject, I held up my glass. “Nice wine. Is it okay if I check your suppliers? You know, compare prices.”
    Brewster grinned. “Worrying about the Senator’s expenses already. I love it. That’s positively sexy, Molly.”
    I rolled my eyes. “You have got to get out of that office, Peter. If the senator’s financial accounts are turning you on, you’re in bad shape.” I gestured to the ex-military who was heading out to the garden. “Security, right?”
    â€œGood eye, Molly.” His sly grin returned. “You want me to introduce you? He’s divorced, too.”
    â€œI’m sure he’s lovely, but I’ve sworn off men. Divorce residue. I’m sure you understand.”
    â€œYou need to relax, Molly.”
    â€œAre you kidding? I haven’t been in Washington thirty-six hours, and suddenly I’m standing in a room full of politicians. Something I swore I’d never do again. Every nerve went on red alert the moment I stepped into this room. My only hope is the senator will be so absorbed in some policy wonk’s sales pitch, he’ll forget about me, and I can sneak out the door in a few minutes. Once Albert crosses Key Bridge, I’ll relax.”
    â€œDon’t bet on it, Molly. The senator has a razor-sharp memory.”
    Rats . “I have