Deadly Politics Read Online Free Page B

morning’s drive through long-forgotten streets had done nothing to calm my apprehension. Memories pricked like tiny needles.
    Karen held the wrought iron entry gate open and gestured to the wide paved path leading to the front steps. The three-story mansion was a beautiful example of the Georgian style architecture that could still be found in Georgetown. “You look marvelous, Molly. Stop worrying.”
    Stop worrying? She had to be kidding. I’d been up since three o’clock in the morning, worrying. Wondering if I’d lost my mind. How could I let my family talk me into interviewing for this job? I had to be crazy, didn’t I? Or, desperate. That was it. I was desperate. Desperate times called for desperate measures, right? Well, I had to be desperate to allow myself to be talked into getting within a mile of a Washington politician again. What was I thinking?
    â€œI’ll introduce you to Peter then I’ll head back to the Hill,” Karen said as she rang the chimes. “Relax, Molly. You’ll do great. Remember, he needs an accountant.” She gave me another encouraging smile.
    I did my best to return her smile, but pre-interview jitters plus doubts about my sanity for even being here joined with old memories that begged to be unleashed. Dave and I had lived in a smaller townhouse only blocks from here for six years. Our kids played in the playground at the end of the block. Could I walk these streets without seeing ghosts?
    Then, from somewhere inside, I felt another sensation. Excitement. Faint, but still there. Where the hell had that come from? It must be the insanity. I was sinking fast.
    The crimson door opened and a gray-haired, matronly woman gave us a huge smile. “Ms. Malone, Miss Grayson, please come in. Mr. Brewster is waiting in the library.”
    We stepped inside the spacious foyer, polished walnut floors stretching ahead. I glimpsed crystal chandeliers, antiques, and Oriental carpets peeking from the formal rooms opening to the hallway.
    â€œThe senator is very excited that you’re thinking of joining the staff, Ms. Malone,” the woman said as she gestured down the hall. “He greatly respects your father’s work in the Senate years ago. He’s spoken of your father for as long as I’ve known Senator Russell.”
    If that was meant to reassure me, it didn’t work. Instead, I was even more convinced that Russell wanted me on board as a glorified mascot. Had I no pride?
    â€œHow long have you been with the senator?” I asked as she paused in front of a polished wooden door.
    â€œMy husband, Albert, and I have been with Senator Russell for nearly thirty years now,” she said, her pleasant face creasing as a smile spread. “Albert is the chauffeur, and I’m the senator’s housekeeper, Luisa.” With that, she knocked lightly on the door, and it quickly opened.
    Peter Brewster practically sprang from the doorway, grabbing my hand in an enthusiastic handshake. He was tall and slender, his blond hair stylishly cut, surrounding a boyish face. Good God, he’s just a kid , I thought.
    â€œMolly Malone, I cannot tell you what a pleasure it is to meet you,” he said, giving my hand a parting squeeze. “I couldn’t believe it when Karen told me you were in town looking for a position. What perfect timing.”
    Karen smiled warmly as she gestured my way. “Well, I recalled the last time we’d had coffee on the Hill, you were moaning about losing the managerial accountant you’d brought from Colorado, and when Molly was suddenly available, well, it seemed a perfect fit.”
    â€œPerfect is right,” Brewster agreed, his blue eyes alight. “The senator was beyond excited when I told him you might be joining us.”
    Oh, brother . I felt the noose tightening, so I opted for total honesty in hopes it might be off-putting. “You’re very kind to say that, Mr. Brewster, but