Poisoned Politics by Maggie Sefton Read Free Book Online Page A

you’re unlucky, a lot of people find out.”
    She was right, of course. Samantha and I had witnessed far too many scandals over the years, from the laughable to the lurid. Nothing was safe in Washington. Nothing . If it was worth something, then someone would find out. Nothing was sacred. And it sure wasn’t safe.
    That little worried feeling squeezed inside. “Samantha, please don’t put yourself through this. Give the police his name. Please . I’m worried about you.”
    â€œI know you are and I appreciate it, sugar. But I have to be true to my principles. Now, you have a wonderful dinner with Danny, and tell that good man hello for me. I’ll talk with you later. Bye, bye.” Her phone clicked off one second before my office phone came to life. Peter calling.
    _____
    â€œDon’t worry. I’ve already called both offices, Peter. Now go have some dinner before you and the Senator attack that pile of financial research.”
    â€œNot enough time. I’ve already ordered pizza for the entire staff. The Senator is elbow deep in the research right now.”
    â€œI understand. Should I order a vat of coffee delivered or have you taken care of it?” I leaned back in my desk chair and checked my watch. Only five fifteen.
    He chuckled. “Already taken care of.”
    My personal phone burst into life just then, “Brown Sugar” bouncing through the lazy summer late afternoon. Time to change the music.
    â€œThat’s your private line, I can tell,” Peter laughed. “Listen, I’ll see you tomorrow.”
    â€œYou bet.” I clicked off and reached for the phone on the other side of my computer. Danny’s name flashed on the screen, and my heart did its little skip.
    â€œHey, how’re you doing? Have you landed yet? Or are you stuck waiting for a gate to open up?”
    Danny’s low voice chuckled and that made my pulse speed up to match Jagger’s rhythm. “Nope. The only thing I’m waiting on right now is rush hour traffic. I’m on Interstate 66. Are you at home or still at the office?”
    â€œStill at the office, but I’ll be heading home as soon as I finish.” I maneuvered my tail-less mouse, ready to log off.
    â€œOkay, we’ll rendezvous at your place. With luck, I’ll get there before six.”
    â€œSounds good. Oops, another call’s coming in from Peter,” I reached for my other phone again. “See you soon, Squad Leader.”
    â€œRoger that.”
    _____
    I rounded the corner from 29th onto P Street and hurried down the brick sidewalk. Peter’s last phone call had necessitated four more follow-up calls, delaying my departure. Now, with any luck, D.C. traffic would slow Danny’s progress as well, giving me time to change and … and …
    Too late. I spotted Danny’s sleek black sports car parked in my driveway, Danny leaning against the door. I sped up, careful to avoid the hidden hazards of Historic Georgetown sidewalks. Tripping over uneven bricks would send me into a less-than-graceful sprawl at the foot of my driveway. Not a good way to say hello.
    I’d already glanced at my watch and knew it was past six o’clock, so I started my apologia as I headed up the driveway. “Sorry I’m late. Peter’s call led to four more. I got away as fast as I could.”
    Danny pushed away from the car and approached. “No problem. I’ve only been here five minutes. Bruce and I’ve been getting reacquainted.” He smiled that lazy smile I’d grown really fond of these last four months.
    How any guy could look that relaxed after dealing with D.C. traffic for over an hour was beyond me. Relaxed and sexy, very sexy, with his sports coat, open collar, no tie. Casual—just enough.
    â€œIt’ll only take me a minute, I promise—”
    I didn’t get to say more because Danny reached out and pulled me close, bringing his