Poisoned Politics (11 page)

“Samantha, please don't beat up on yourself any more than you already have,” I said in a soft voice. “We all make choices in life. Some choices are good, some aren't so good. But most of us don't have our actions spread out in the tabloid sleaze for all to see. We get to make our mistakes in private. You were simply unlucky. Much worse is going on in Washington right now, but it will stay behind closed doors. It'll never be out in the open for everyone to see.”

“And here, I'd always considered myself lucky.” I heard the smile return to Samantha's wet voice.

“And you are. You're healthy and have people that love you. Thank God for friends and family.”

“Amen to that.”

Her response brought an amusing image to my mind, and I knew it would make Samantha laugh. “Hey, if you really want to make this a ‘new beginning' you could go to church. I'll even go with you. When's the last time you went? I can't even remember the last time I went to Mass.”

“You've got to be joking. The two of us going to Mass?” Samantha burst into laughter. “Lord, girl, the earth would shake if we walked in there.”

“Stained glass rattling in the windows, holy water splashing in the font,” I continued, laughing at the images I'd created. “Hey, it would be fun!”

Samantha hooted with laughter again. “You are crazier than a bedbug, girl. I swear you are.”

Hearing Samantha reply with one of her old phrases made me feel better. Samantha was wounded, but she'd recover. Bloodied but unbowed. The two of us.

“Listen, Eleanor MacKenzie is coming over this week for one of Russell's dinners. Is it all right if I tell her you're cooperating with police?”

“Sure, go ahead and tell the Queen Mother,” she teased. “She's probably fit to be tied by now.”

“I'm sure she is. She shot me a couple of looks the other night at that charity fundraiser she held. I could tell Eleanor was dying to talk to me but couldn't because of all the guests. So, I'd like to ease her mind. She really cares about you, Samantha.”

“I know she does. The old dear. Go ahead, Molly. By the way, you've never asked me who I was with that evening.”

I heard the tease in her voice, so I played along. “Oh, I figured you'd tell me sooner or later. Tell me now, so I can update Eleanor. That way, we know the word will spread to all the
right
circles.”

Samantha chuckled. “Good idea. My companion for that evening
…
and that night
…
was my dear old friend, Bernard Bergstrom.”

I paused, for only a heartbeat. “
What!
Isn't he—”

“In the Administration? Yes, he's one of the President's foreign policy advisors.”

“Ye Gods, Samantha!” I blurted. “
The
Administration!
You've
…
you've always stayed within Congress!
What were you thinking
?”

“I have friends all over Washington. And in all three branches of Government.” I heard the tease again.

“Dear God
…
” I muttered while Samantha laughed lightly. I could tell she was enjoying my reaction.

“Bernie is a wise man and I needed some of his sage counsel after I'd received those photos. He's seen his share of scandal over the years. He knows how to survive.”

I glanced at my computer screen and saw all the messages blinking at me. “I've gotta get back to work. Listen, Miss Thing, I know we've got a tripartite government, but promise me you'll leave the Judiciary alone, okay?”

Samantha laughed so loud I had to hold the phone away from my ear.

ten

Thursday evening

Danny's name flashed on
my cell phone as I logged off my office computer. “Hey, there, I'm almost finished,” I said as I shoved some files into a desk drawer. “Senator Russell and Peter arrived a few minutes ago, thank God. Otherwise, I'd be playing hostess for the dinner guests and making you wait. When's our reservation, again?”

“Don't worry about it, I'll tell them we'll be a little late,” Danny's deep voice sounded. “Why don't I pick you up at Russell's? It'll save you time.”

“Uhhhh, okay. I was going to change, but—”

“No need. You always look great.” I heard the light in his voice, and it went right through me like always. Hard not to like a man who said things like that.

“Flattery, flattery,” I teased, checking my makeup in the framed mirror beside the bookcase. Grabbing my purse, I rifled through it with one hand, searching for my small makeup case. “I appreciate it after the day I've had.”

“What have the politicos been up to while I've been gone? Their usual chaos?”

“Actually the politicos weren't the stars in this melodrama. Other players were making news. And Samantha had a leading role. I'll fill you in at dinner,” I said as I touched up my makeup and fluffed my hair.

Danny laughed deep in his throat. That sound always made my pulse race. “I can't wait. I'm on Connecticut Avenue now. I should be there shortly.”

“Give me ten minutes, okay?” I said, closing my office door and heading down the mansion's main hallway. “I've got to deliver a message to one of the dinner guests.”

“Roger that.” His phone clicked off.

The sound of voices beckoned to me from the living room. Since these dinners for Senate colleagues were deliberately smaller than Russell's earlier dinner events, there was a more intimate atmosphere, which was precisely what Senator John Russell told me he wanted. Only eight people around the table, talking and getting to know one another in a more relaxed setting.

I paused at the edge of the living room and scanned the guests. Senator Russell was beside the fireplace, talking with my old friend, Senator Alan Baker, senior Republican on the Senate Banking Committee. Peter, who had just returned from a Hill staffer meeting a half hour ago, still managed to look relaxed while talking with Senator Baker's wife, Brenda. I spied the senator from Oregon and his lovely wife on the sofa, chatting with the senator from Missouri. And there, beside the bookcase, was Eleanor MacKenzie in her signature peach silk—couture, of course. She was speaking to a couple I couldn't recognize from the back.

I debated interrupting for a brief moment with Eleanor when she suddenly glanced my way. I smiled and pointed toward the hallway. Eleanor guessed my signal, and I watched as she excused herself from the couple and walked toward me in her queenly stride.

“Forgive me for interrupting, Eleanor, but I have good news to share, and you'll want to hear it.”

Eleanor's bright blue gaze sharpened and focused on me. “Please tell me Samantha has explained her whereabouts during that dreadful evening when Congressman Wilson died.”

I gave her a big grin. “Yes, she has, thank goodness. Samantha and her lawyer, Jefferson Parker, spoke with the Fairfax County Police just the other day.”

Eleanor closed her eyes in uncharacteristic fashion, which told me how worried she'd been. “Thank Heavens,” she breathed. “I cannot tell you how upset I've been ever since it became known Congressman Wilson died at her home. That's when the rumors started, getting worse every day.” She shuddered. “Horrible, simply horrible. And then that Ohio woman's ugly accusations. After that, the gossip turned even more malicious. Every place I went.”

“I know. Samantha's stepped on a lot of toes in this town, and—”

Eleanor gave an unladylike snort. “
Humph!
She's done more than that. Samantha has engaged in outrageous liaisons with those younger congressmen, almost as if she was deliberately flouting
…
” Eleanor gestured, at an unusual loss for words.

“Propriety,” I ventured, with a devilish smile.

Eleanor gave me a schoolmarm's look. “Yes,
propriety
. It may sound old-fashioned, but it still has value. I'm afraid Samantha's done irreparable damage to her reputation. There were many who envied the social standing she'd acquired in this city through her political connections and her considerable wealth. Some of them have been waiting gleefully for her to slip off that tightrope she was walking. Now that she has, and in such a public fashion, she will have a hard time re-establishing herself. That is, if Samantha chooses to.” Eleanor arched an aristocratic brow in skepticism.

As always, my sophisticated mentor and confidante had hit the target question squarely. Surely Samantha wouldn't return to her wanton ways
…
would she? Her latest liaison with the elderly diplomat and advisor to presidents indicated that Samantha's ability to choose high-profile and controversial companions indicated she still enjoyed shocking the Powers That Be.

An idea wiggled out of the mist and danced through my mind suddenly. It was outrageous, but perhaps it would take something outrageous to counteract the damage Samantha had done to herself. “I couldn't agree with you more, Eleanor. Samantha has a lot of repair work to do, especially after being dragged through the mud in the news media. I have an idea that might help, but it would involve your cooperation.”

“And what might that be, pray tell?” Both brows shot up this time as Eleanor eyed me.

“Perhaps you could take Samantha under your protective wing, so to speak,” I suggested. “Have her accompany you to all the charitable functions and social events you attend every week. That ought to keep her busy and occupy her evenings at the same time. No free evenings for stray dalliances.” I gave
a wicked smile. “With your busy schedule, I predict Samantha will be exhausted. Which is not a bad thing, in this case.”

Eleanor's smile started slowly until her eyes danced. “Molly, my dear, you're a woman after my own heart. What a brilliant idea. Positively diabolical. Have Samantha serve a very public penance for all to see.”

“And how better than by your side, doing good deeds. Samantha already supports multiple charities. This would be a logical extension. More dramatic, of course, but this situation calls for a dramatic solution, don't you think?”

She nodded. “I agree with you, Molly. But the question is whether Samantha will agree to an arrangement like that. I rather suspect she will not. Samantha values her independence.”

“Well, I'll wait for a good time to suggest it to her.” I grinned. “Oh, by the way, she told me who her evening companion was and gave me permission to share it with you. That way, Eleanor's Network will have privileged information to share.”

Eleanor's blue eyes danced again. “How considerate of you, Molly. Tell me, who was the lucky gentleman?”

“Bernard Bergstrom.” I didn't have to wait long for her reaction.

Her eyes popped wide in a very un-Eleanorlike expression.
“Bernie Bergstrom!”
she whispered. “He was one of Beauregard's old pals. And he's advising the
President!
”

“Yes, I was as shocked as you. Samantha has usually kept her dalliances within the Legislative Branch.”

Eleanor gave a low laugh. “A member of the Administration. And a Republican, to boot. My, my, Samantha's tastes have broadened over the years.”

I couldn't resist teasing. “I have to admit that Senator Russell's Independent political status has rubbed off on me, so I think a little cross-party activity is beneficial.”

Eleanor laughed out loud this time. “Will you be joining us for dinner? I sincerely hope so.”

“No, I have dinner plans already,” I said. I glanced at my watch and was surprised by the time. “In fact, he should—”

“I believe he's here now,” Eleanor said, gesturing behind me.

I turned around and saw Danny standing at the front door, talking to Albert. I started backing away from Eleanor. “Enjoy your evening, Eleanor. And Samantha gave permission to spread the word far and wide.”

“I will do my best, my dear. Now get away from us and join that handsome man waiting for you. We'll talk again soon.”

I took my mentor's advice and hastened to meet Danny.

_____

I took another deep drink of the delectable pink nectar in the Martini glass. It was my second Cosmo. Spaced by a wonderful goat cheese salad and a delicious broiled snapper, which I picked at while updating Danny on the latest chapter of the Samantha Saga. Usually I stayed with wine when I was with Danny, but tonight I was so relieved about Samantha that I'd ordered my favorite poison without even thinking.

I glanced across the table at my dinner companion. Danny was sipping his scotch and smiling at me. That amused smile of his that lit up his dark eyes. I'd gotten really fond of that smile these last four months.

Suddenly, the realization that I'd spent the last half hour talking about Samantha registered despite the Cosmo cloud that cushioned me right now. “Sorry to go on about Samantha like that,” I said.

“Don't apologize. You were worried about your friend. And with good reason. I'm glad Samantha finally came to her senses.” He sipped his scotch. “Bernie Bergstrom, huh? I remember meeting him when he was an assistant to the Secretary of Defense. That was years ago, so Bergstrom must be in his eighties by now.”

“Samantha has always had a fondness for older men. Powerful older men.” I said with a sly smile, then drained my glass, letting that delightful vodka float take me. “This is the first time Samantha's left both the Legislative Branch and the Democrats for her extracurricular activities.”

Danny laughed softly and placed his warm hand over mine. “You've got interesting friends, Molly. I'll say that.”

The warmth of his hand penetrated even the vodka. So much so, I spoke without thinking. “I'm curious…why haven't you made a move on me?”

Danny's eyes lit up as he leaned over the table toward me. “I'm waiting.”

I leaned forward, getting closer. “I guess Samantha was right. She said you were waiting for my signal.” Encouraged that I'd finally ventured into the territory I'd been dancing around for months, I waved my hand. “Consider yourself signaled.”

Danny leaned closer and brushed his lips across mine. “Message received,” he whispered. “Do me a favor and hold next weekend open for us.”

I blinked. Surely the vodka float was distorting my abilities to process information. Not an infrequent occurrence. Surely Danny hadn't suggested we wait until next weekend. “Wha-what?” I managed, knowing I looked confused as hell. “What's wrong with tonight?”

Danny's grin turned wicked. “Remember that evening back in May when we stayed up all night talking? Your ground rules. No wine, no liquor. Just food and coffee and talk about the past, Vietnam, and everything in between. Well, my ground rules this time. No wine, no liquor. Just us, and I doubt we'll do as much talking.”

I stared into Danny's laughing eyes.
Well, damn. Payback really was a bitch.

“Besides, one night's not enough for us. We'll need the whole weekend.” Then he slid his hand into my hair and pulled my mouth to his. The heat of his kiss burned all vestiges of vodka from my veins. Sober as a judge in an instant.

“Come on, you need to get home, and I have an early flight tomorrow.”

Danny came around to my side of the table and held out his hand. Good thing. After that kiss, I wasn't sure I could walk.