Deadly Politics by Maggie Sefton

privacy.”
    â€œWho’re you calling?”
    She looked at me with that clear Grayson gaze of conviction. It brought back memories of Dave. “I’m quitting Jackson’s office. I can’t work with Jed anymore, and I told him so this afternoon. That’s the real reason he’s so mad.”
    â€œWhoa, that’s a gutsy move, but shouldn’t you wait until you can find another position on the Hill?”
    â€œThat’s what I’m doing. Several friends have told me they would open a spot for me on their congressional staffs anytime I asked. Well, I’ve decided to ask. I need a position where I can move up. This experience has taught me that. Jed has kept me by his side for more reasons than the obvious. I made him look good.” A frown darkened her face.
    â€œKaren, I’m so proud of you,” I said, delighted to see her spark return. “This is a sticky situation, and you’re handling it with class, even if Molinoff isn’t.”
    â€œThanks,” she said, a smile peeking out. “Give me a hug for good luck.”
    â€œAlways.” I wrapped my arms around my niece and squeezed, sending as many good thoughts as I could with my embrace. “You’re so talented, Karen. Any congressman would be lucky to have you on staff.”
    Karen squeezed back. “I can’t tell you how glad I am you’re here.”
    Sensing tears in her voice, I released her before moisture weakened her focus. “Now, go get ’em. Make those calls. Casey and I will keep watch over Molinoff.”
    â€œThanks, Molly. Maybe we’ll turn Nan’s brunch into a celebration tomorrow,” Karen said before she headed down the hallway.
    Glancing about the room, I noticed Molinoff staring after Karen. I sent an “I’m watching you” look his way. I wanted Jed to know that I’d observed his earlier behavior. Molinoff glanced away and left the living room.
    I walked up to Casey, extending my hand to the middle-aged security guard. “Casey, I’m Molly. I want to thank you for noticing the heated discussion in the corner. And especially for intervening in it. That was my niece, Karen Grayson, who was trying to extricate herself from the congressional staffer’s sweaty grip.”
    Casey gave my hand a firm shake. “Just doing my job, Ms. Malone. Some folks get a little excited at times. Usually a quiet comment calms them down.”
    â€œCall me Molly, okay? We’re all working for Senator Russell, so let’s keep it casual. You work for Russell full-time?”
    â€œThat’s right,” he said before turning his attention to the room again. Back on duty.
    â€œIt’s a scary world when a senator needs full-time security,” I commented. “I’m guessing you’re former military. Which service?”
    Casey glanced my way again. “Marine Corps. Retired First Sergeant. And don’t worry about your niece, Molly. I’ll keep an eye on Molinoff.” He glanced around the room again. “Where is she? She was with you a minute ago.”
    â€œShe went outside to make some phone calls in her car. She needed more privacy than a room filled with paranoid politicians affords.”
    â€œOkay. I’ll check on her in a few minutes. Meanwhile, I just spotted Molinoff on his phone near the patio doors.”
    I glanced down the long hallway. “Is there a gate or something from the garden that leads to the front? I’m still so new here I don’t know the lay of the land yet.”
    He shook his head. “Don’t worry. There’s no gate. That way no one uninvited can get in unless they climb over a six-foot brick wall.” Casey started to back away, back to the perimeter. “Enjoy the rest of the evening, Molly.”
    â€œThanks, Casey, I will.”
    Ryan reappeared then, and I accepted another appetizer from his tempting tray. I was about to find something more