Deadly Politics by Maggie Sefton Page A

substantial than appetizers, when Peter Brewster approached.
    â€œThe senator wants to introduce you to the Kansas contingent,” Peter said, indicating a group of congressmen by the fireplace. “Oh, and great outfit, by the way. Looking good, Molly.” He gave me a wink. “Don’t let that reporter scare you.”
    I glanced to the multi-hued long silk jacket I’d found in the trendy shop near Capitol Hill. One of several “finds” from my afternoon shopping excursion. I prayed my salary would arrive before the credit card bill.
    â€œActually, it wasn’t her that scared me, it was the photo,” I said, accompanying Peter as we wove a path through the guests. “I looked like a funeral director.” I checked over my shoulder. “Thank goodness, I haven’t spotted any photographers tonight.”
    â€œI haven’t either. They’ve probably gotten bored with our large receptions. No reporters will be around for the smaller dinners. The senator likes to keep them as private as possible.”
    â€œHow many of these receptions has he done already?”
    â€œWe started earlier this month, so there’s only been four so far. Mostly twice a week.”
    My inner accountant flinched at the thought. “Good Lord, Peter, I’m almost afraid to see those accounts on Monday.”
    He laughed. “Don’t worry, we have a budget. Honest.”
    â€œUh-huh.” I looked around at the congressional staffers chowing down at Senator Russell’s well-laden table. “Is he really planning to work his way through the entire Congress? How many more of these receptions are scheduled?”
    â€œI’ll have a folder on your desk Monday, along with the budget,” he promised with that boyish smile.
    â€œCan I at least take a peek at the list tonight so I can put the dates on my daytimer? Pretty please, Peter?” I spotted Russell glance our way.
    â€œI love your work ethic. Okay, I’ll put the folder on the desk in the library. Just leave it there when you’ve finished,” he said quietly as we drew near the fireplace circle. Then, raising his voice, Brewster announced, “Gentlemen, let me introduce Molly Malone, our newest addition to Senator Russell’s staff.”
    I looked around at all the new faces and called up my brightest “meet-the-client” smile. Showtime .
    _____
    â€œRyan, I’m dying for some coffee. Those Midwestern congressmen talked me dry,” I said, snatching a sausage-stuffed mushroom from his tray. “Could you bring me some in the library, please? Peter left a list for me there that I need to go over.”
    â€œSure thing, Molly. Be back in a sec,” Ryan said, scurrying toward the kitchen.
    I was about to head to the library when I spotted Casey coming from the kitchen. “Is there any real food left, Casey? All I’ve had is appetizers between politicians, and I’m starving.”
    â€œThey’re starting cleanup now, Molly. There may be something in the storage boxes. Lots of coffee, though,” he said as he headed back to the fast-dwindling group of guests in the living room. Suddenly, he stopped and turned. “Oh, I checked on your niece outside half an hour ago, and she was fine. Talking on her cell phone in her car like you said. Earlier, I made it a point to walk Molinoff outside myself. Since you told me your niece was in her car, I wanted to make sure he didn’t head in her direction. So I escorted him to the sidewalk and pointed toward Wisconsin Avenue in the opposite direction. It was obvious he was pissed I was standing there and telling him where to find a taxi. I watched him walk all the way down the street.”
    I had to smile. “That was really good of you, Casey. At least you got Jed away from Karen. Thanks for that.” I looked around the room but didn’t see Karen. Still making phone calls, I figured, as I checked my watch.