Senate Cloakroom Cabal Read Online Free Page A

He definitely looks different out of a suit.”
    â€œIt’s the plaid shirt and black-rimmed glasses.”
    I picked up my purse. “I promised Jerry I’d call when we finished. Your godson will want to eat soon.”
    Max shook his head. “I can’t get over Beth wanting to see Tyler.”
    â€œIt was her idea as much as the boys’. This was a good time for them. Evenings were out. You know how bad traffic is during rush hour on the American Legion Bridge and going out 270. When Jerry and I first dated, she didn’t want the boys near me . . . us. It got a little better after we married. Besides, the boys really love going out on Scalawag .”
    â€œAh yes. When single, you were, eh, living in sin.”
    â€œI forgot that. I enjoy the boys, and they me, especially . . .” I let that hang.
    â€œSince you became a celebrity.”
    â€œI was the stepmother they never wanted.”
    â€œCan’t blame them for that, but life doesn’t always work out the way we want. They’re coming around. I saw that at your Christmas party.” He abruptly changed subjects. “Have you and Ms. Lassiter discussed the type of assignments you’re going to have?”
    â€œShe’s given me a couple of research projects right now. No street stuff, although I told her I was okay with that. I’d get to see you more,” I teased and went back to finishing my salad.
    â€œI would think with your new stature they might have other things for you to do.”
    â€œI find nothing wrong with me showing up at one of your crime scenes.
    If I remember correctly, I increased the percentage of solved crimes in the District last year,” I said with a smirk.
    â€œYes, well it helped that you were on the right track and could cross jurisdictional lines that I couldn’t. Plus, we all realized it was safer staying out of your way.”
    I extended a hand across the table and squeezed one of his, saying earnestly. “You made me know I was still very much a part of that investigation, even when others didn’t.”
    â€œI think I worried more about you losing your baby or your life.” He rested his free hand on mine. “I’m just hoping we won’t be confronted with anything remotely like that in the future.” He gave my hand a gentle squeeze.
    I nodded my understanding. “I’ve got to call Jer.” I took the cell phone from my bag and punched in Jerry’s number. I glanced around the mostly empty restaurant and wondered about Senator Kelly and the young woman. The glasses and flannel shirt were a good disguise without looking like one.
    â€œHi,” Jerry said.
    â€œHi. We’re just finishing up. What’s happening?”

6
    T he Senate bells signaled an upcoming vote. Senators and staff left meeting rooms and offices and headed for the Senate subway that connected the three Senate office buildings to the Capitol.
    Forty-two-year-old Gavin Crawford was his state’s junior senator— twenty-five years younger than his senior senator, who definitely thought of Crawford as young and junior. However, now beginning his second six-year term, he was no rookie.
    Crawford and his family lived in McLean, a close-in Virginia suburb. His kids ranged from preschool to a high school junior. All five kept the family minivan constantly on the road.
    He had met his wife Mariel in a university art class during his senior year. She’d been a sophomore. They’d married the spring that Mariel had graduated, even though he’d still had another year in law school.
    â€œHey, Gav,” a middle-aged man called out to him, as they arrived simultaneously at the subway. “Harry in good shape for tomorrow’s game?”
    â€œHi, Fred,” Crawford replied as he slid into the seat beside Senator Fred Pembroke. “Yeah, we did some one-on-one last night. He should be ready.”
    â€œHarry’s a damn fine