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an idea, Peter. You’re young and single. Why don’t you go put the moves on some nice unsuspecting girl and leave me to skulk around the room in peace.”
    â€œBut I promised the senator I’d keep an eye on you,” he said with that boyish grin.
    I made a shooing gesture. “Go. Find girls. Any girl. As long as it’s not my niece, Karen.”
    â€œWhy’s that?”
    â€œBecause you two might get serious, and I wouldn’t want you as a relative.”
    Brewster snickered over his Scotch. “You don’t have to worry about that. Karen’s already got one serious relationship. I doubt she has time for another.”
    I stared at Brewster. It was obvious from the tone of his voice that he knew a helluva lot more about Karen’s social life than I did. Well, damn . Every time I’d asked Karen if there was someone special on the horizon, she always smiled and said she preferred to play the field, swearing she had no time for a serious relationship. Somehow, it irritated me that Peter knew more than I did. Karen and I were close. At least, I thought we were.
    â€œReally? I didn’t know Karen had met someone new.”
    Brewster stared into his glass. “Why don’t you ask Karen?” Glancing up, his smile returned. “But you’ll have to do that later. Right now, the senator is headed our way, with the new congressman from New Mexico in tow. I told you the senator has a good memory.”
    Sure enough, there was Senator Russell aiming straight for us with a middle-aged couple close behind. Congressman and wife both had the slightly shell-shocked look of those who were new to the Washington social circuit. My hopes for a stealthy escape evaporated like cheap perfume.
    â€œCongressman, let me introduce you to the newest member of our senatorial staff, Ms. Molly Malone,” Russell announced as he approached. “Molly, I’d like you to meet the congressman from New Mexico’s second district, Henry Baylor, and his charming wife, Mary.”
    Somehow I found a bright smile and shook their hands. “Congressman, Mrs. Baylor, welcome to Washington.”
    â€œPeter Brewster, Senator Russell’s chief of staff,” Brewster said, shaking their hands enthusiastically. “Glad you could join us tonight.”
    â€œOh, it’s our pleasure,” Mary Baylor gushed, her eyes alight with adventure. Poor thing.
    â€œMolly Malone? You’re from Denver, aren’t you? What brings you away from the Front Range?” Baylor asked, sipping what looked to be a dark stout, à la Guinness. My mouth started to water.
    â€œIt’s all Senator Russell’s fault, Congressman. He twisted my arm so hard, I had to come out. Plus, I have family here, so it was an easy move,” I lied, surprising myself at how easily I had done it.
    â€œMolly’s father was Senator Robert Malone from Virginia, so Molly may be new to our staff, but she’s certainly not new to Washington,” Russell added.
    â€œYes, yes, now I remember,” Baylor nodded. “This must feel like coming home to you, Ms. Malone. How does it feel to be back in our nation’s Capitol?”
    â€œChallenging, Congressman. I’m still getting used to the traffic.”
    Baylor’s kind face spread with another grin. “I hear you. Mary won’t go into the city alone unless she can ride the Metro. She refuses to drive in Washington traffic.”
    We all laughed politely while Mary Baylor gave her husband a playful poke in the arm. I was beginning to feel sorry for the Baylors already. They looked like a nice couple. Too nice to last in Washington. Those who did had a harder edge.
    Suddenly, a bright flash went off to my left, startling me. A photographer. I whirled immediately and was caught by another bright flash. This time I jumped.
    â€œYoung man,” Russell called to the photographer who was about to blend into the guests again.