Deadly Politics Read Online Free PDF

may need it, but I sure didn’t want it.
    I glanced over his shoulder to the tall windows behind, draped in burgundy velvet. I spotted a garden outside. “I don’t blame the city anymore,” I confessed. “It’s what it does to people. To politicians or anyone who works within smelling distance of Capitol Hill. The lust for power consumes them after a while. And they’ll do anything to keep that power. Destroy anything or anyone that’s in their way.” My voice had hardened as I spoke. Old habits.
    Brewster pointed to the folder. “It sounds like your husband wasn’t consumed by it. Apparently he helped pass some significant legislation. Environmental protection. Education.”
    â€œYou’re right. Dave accomplished a lot in his six short years.” I was surprised at the pride I still felt saying that.
    â€œIt must have been heady in those days. You two were the young couple to watch. The Golden Pair. The brash young congressman from the West, cutting through Washington red tape, carving a path. A rising star, the clippings say.”
    Resigning myself to this stroll down memory lane, I nodded. “He was all that and more.”
    â€œAnd there you were, right beside him,” Brewster grinned. “Senator Malone’s beautiful, politically savvy daughter, who cut her teeth on Washington politics, orchestrating every move in her talented young husband’s career.”
    Whoa . I met Brewster’s steady gaze. “That’s flattering, but it’s a gross overstatement. I simply helped Dave … live up to his potential, that’s all.”
    â€œThe word back in Colorado is you were the force behind David Grayson, Molly. You can feign modesty and deny it, but everyone I talked to both here and in Denver agrees. You were the politically savvy one, not your husband.”
    That dart grazed my shoulder as it passed. This guy was one hell of an interviewer. His comments were getting way too close. And dredging up way too many ghosts. Deciding righteous indignation would deflect his aim, I lifted my chin and replied, “Wrong, Mr. Brewster. David Grayson was a charismatic and caring congressman. His strength came from his ability to relate to people, not from me. That’s why he was so effective. He genuinely cared about the people he represented.”
    Brewster sat silent, watching me, so I continued. “Unfortunately those same qualities were seen as threatening to some other people. Powerful people. He was in their way.”
    I clamped my mouth shut so I wouldn’t say any more.
    â€œThen why did he kill himself ? Why didn’t he stay and fight the good fight?”
    Bullseye . Long-suppressed emotions rushed out, engulfing me for a moment. I fixed Brewster with a wry smile.
    â€œYou are something else, Peter, you know that? In all these years, no one has had the balls to ask me that. Did you come up with that question all by yourself, or is the senator behind this interrogation?”
    His deceptively boyish grin returned. “The senator is way too polite to be so insulting. That’s my job.”
    â€œTo insult people? You’re doing great so far. I’m going to need therapy after this session. You must have been a psych major, that’s why you’re attracted to politicians. They’re all crazy.”
    He laughed softly. “Nope. Political Science and Economics from Northwestern, then M.B.A. from Stanford.”
    â€œClassy credentials,” I admitted. “How’d you get here?”
    â€œAfter grad school I started working on some California state campaigns, then graduated to congressmen. I discovered I had a knack for helping a candidate stay on message and get elected. I’ll give you my r é sum é , if you like, but let’s get back to you.”
    I shook my head in grudging admiration. “Damn, you’re relentless. What else do you want to know? Go on, Brewster. Bring