Deadly Politics by Maggie Sefton Page B

me to return.”
    â€œI’m so sorry, Molly,” Eleanor said, her face radiating concern. “How is Ginny doing? Has she taken a fall or something?”
    â€œNo, no, not yet, thank God. She’s simply having trouble remembering things. Things like medicines, doctors’ appointments, how to balance her checkbook, and more or less anything I tell her on the phone. It simply goes in one ear and drops onto the floor. It doesn’t even get to the processing center.”
    Eleanor released my hand, the concern deepening in her sapphire blue eyes. “Oh, my, I’m so sorry to hear that. Have you moved Ginny to an assisted living facility? I’d heard she’s been living at the Kensington ever since your father died.”
    â€œShe’s still there,” I said with an ill-concealed sigh. “It would break her heart to move, Eleanor. All her friends are there, and I just couldn’t do it. So I hired a companion for her. A wonderful Irish lass who’s supervising the situation.”
    â€œOh, dear, I’ve heard they’re frightfully expensive.”
    â€œYou heard correctly,” I said with a rueful smile. “In fact, that’s why I’m here. I’ve sold my soul to pay for it all. Senator Russell has offered me a position on his staff. As an accountant.”
    Eleanor’s eyes lit up. “An accountant? Of course, dear, whatever you say.” She laughed deep in her chest. “That’s quite a coup for Russell then. Ah, Molly, I cannot tell you how much I’ve missed talking with you, my girl. You’ll have to fill me in on all the particulars in private. But right now, my friends and I are heading home for the evening.” With that, she turned to address the couple approaching. “Alan, Brenda, look who I found in that wily senator’s employ. Molly, you remember Alan and Brenda Baker, don’t you?”
    I certainly did and turned to greet the senior senator from Indiana and his wife. They were one of the Senate couples who could be counted on to preserve a tone of civility and respect. I’d always felt relieved each election cycle to see that the voters of Indiana had the good sense to return this man to the fray. He’d sat on the opposite side of the aisle from my father, but then Robert Malone formed his friendships without regard to political party.
    â€œSenator, Brenda, how wonderful to see you again,” I said with heartfelt enthusiasm as I shook their hands. They’d both aged visibly, but their friendly smiles were still the same and still sincere.
    â€œMolly, dear, how wonderful to see you,” Brenda said, giving my hand a squeeze before her husband jumped in.
    â€œMy God, Molly, it’s been twenty years at least,” Alan Baker exclaimed, pumping my hand. “You are a sight for disillusioned eyes. Don’t tell me Russell has not only spirited you away from Colorado, but from the Democrats as well? The party must be wringing their hands back in Denver.” He cackled, like the good Republican he was.
    I had to join the laughter. Since I was working for an Independent now, I didn’t care who was wringing their hands back in Denver. After last year’s ugly election, I’d declared a plague upon both their houses. “Well, I doubt anyone is that concerned. I left the political scene several years ago for managerial accounting. It pays a lot better.”
    â€œMolly’s trying to convince me John Russell has hired her to manage his accounts.” Eleanor MacKenzie fixed me with a devilish grin.
    Senator Baker guffawed. “That’s rich.”
    I simply smiled and kept my mouth shut while old friends laughed at me. Why didn’t anyone believe me?
    â€œMolly, you’ll have to come over for dinner with Eleanor and update us,” Brenda said as the senator escorted her away.
    â€œMeanwhile, give our love to Ginny,” Baker said as they maneuvered through