Read Online Deadly Politics by Maggie Sefton - Free Book Online Page B

“Why don’t you take a group shot? Welcome our newest staffer. Come along, Molly, Congressman, let’s gather around.”
    I flinched inwardly. Tonight was just getting better and better. Hopefully this photographer worked for some obscure journal that would line birdcages. Despite my reluctance, I allowed Russell to include me in the semicircle with the New Mexico couple. Brewster, however, had stealthily slipped away. The dog.
    The photographer, who appeared to be in his twenties, started clicking. My cheeks twitched after several shots. Finally, he stopped. “Thanks, Senator,” he called as he turned to walk away.
    â€œWhich newspaper are you with, son?” Russell asked.
    â€œFreelance,” was all the photographer said before he blended into the crowd, which had grown as the temperatures had dropped outside.
    â€œPeter, did you see any press?” Russell asked.
    Brewster shook his head as he approached. “The only one I spotted was that gossip columnist who shows up everywhere. She may have brought someone with her. I didn’t recognize that guy.”
    â€œWell, if you see the young man again, tell him to give us a warning. I think he frightened Molly,” Russell said, in a fatherly fashion.
    â€œI’m okay, Senator. Part of being back in Washington, I guess. I’ll get used to it.”
    â€œIf it’s a good photo, we’ll use it in the senator’s Colorado newsletter,” Brewster said with a grin. “Good way to let the folks back home know you’ve joined our team, Molly. That will rattle a lot of cages back in Colorado.”
    Brewster was having entirely too much fun at my expense tonight. “And you can’t wait to rattle them, can you, Peter?” I retorted.
    Senator Russell threw back his head and let loose one of those infectious belly laughs of his, so we all joined in. I decided this was as good a time as any to make my escape. I’d been trotted out, photographed, weighed, and measured. I deserved to relax in my stall.
    â€œSenator, Congressman Baylor, Mrs. Baylor, I hope you’ll excuse me. This has been my first full day back in Washington, and I have to admit I’m exhausted. If you don’t mind, I’ll make my way into Virginia now.” I was hoping the senator would be too polite to twist my arm in public. I guessed right.
    â€œWhy, of course, Molly. We don’t want to wear you out the first day. You go home and rest. Albert will drive you home right away,” Russell said in a solicitous tone.
    â€œYou poor dear,” Mrs. Baylor said with a maternal expression. “You must be exhausted. Washington is so … so very draining.”
    â€œYes, it is, Mrs. Baylor,” I agreed as I began to back away; go while the going was good. “I’d advise you two to take it one day at a time. And remember to breathe.” Everyone laughed, which gave me my chance. I turned to leave. “Senator, enjoy the rest of the evening.”
    â€œThank you, Molly,” Russell said with a genial wave.
    I was almost to the foyer when Brewster caught up with me. “Go home and relax, Molly. You’ve earned it. Tomorrow morning Albert can take you on a tour of the townhouse on P Street.”
    I paused at the foyer, noticing that Albert was already standing by the front door with my purse, clearly waiting for me. “How early should I come in to meet Albert? And when do you want me here tomorrow for the reception?”
    Brewster gave me that boyish grin. “You and Albert can set your own schedule. He’s an early riser. And you can arrive anytime after six tomorrow evening. In between, Saturday is all yours, Molly. The senator and I will be busy on the Hill. So, enjoy your weekend.” With that, he turned to rejoin the partying politicians. Back on the job.
    Better him than me, I thought with a relieved sigh as I hastened through the opened door. “Quick, Albert, head for