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want you for this position?”
    â€œLet me guess. A mascot? A political symbol of some long-ago time when a few good men could actually make a difference in the Senate?”
    To his credit, Brewster didn’t even blink, let alone respond to the bait. “Actually, what we really need is an accountant and financial consultant. The household and entertaining expenses are fairly complicated. Plus, you’d be overseeing some real estate holdings as well. I’m afraid the complexity of it all was too much for the original accountant who came with us from Colorado. That and homesickness. She missed the mountains.”
    I glanced out the window again but saw no brooding mountain ranges, only boxwood hedges. “That’s understandable. I miss the mountains, too.” And yet, here I was sitting with a consummately political animal if ever I saw one. I eyed Brewster. “So, it sounds like you really do need an accountant.”
    â€œDid you think we only wanted you as a … what did you call it? A mascot?”
    â€œThe thought crossed my mind.”
    â€œI can see that. Tell me, how much was that Virginia developer offering you? Karen told me he’s cutting back right now. Not surprising. The entire Metro Washington real estate market is still risky.”
    I had to admire Brewster’s ability to stay on target no matter how much distraction got in the way. “Here, see for yourself.” I withdrew a folder from my over-the-shoulder briefcase. “My last head managerial position is outlined there. Duties, salary, total compensation package. And the offer for the recently evaporated position with Jeff Parker and Associates is there as well.”
    Brewster accepted the folder with a bemused expression. “You’re letting me see both? You surprise me, Molly. Do you usually interview this badly?”
    â€œNope. But in this case I decided to put all my cards on the table.”
    â€œWhy’s that?” he said, spreading the folder on the desk.
    â€œBecause I’m betting you can’t come close to matching Parker’s offer. Household and entertaining accounts don’t need that level of management.”
    â€œDon’t forget the financial consulting. Lots of real estate there,” he said, perusing the neat columns of figures I’d prepared.
    â€œI still wouldn’t break a sweat. Face it, Brewster, I need more than you can pay.”
    â€œPlus, other duties as assigned,” he said, glancing up with a grin.
    â€œWhat? The senator wants me to wash his car? I don’t think so.”
    â€œThe longer I talk with you, Molly, the more I like you,” he said, examining the pages.
    Damn . Here I was, trying my best to be annoying, and instead, Brewster was charmed. How did I manage that? Did that mean whenever I tried to be charming, it turned out annoying? Hmmmm. I should look into that.
    â€œYou’re right, Molly. We can’t match Parker’s offer—”
    Ha! Part of me exulted inside. I’d escaped the political snare. Tweaked the legislative lion’s beard and gotten away. Victory was mine! Why, then, was there a slight feeling of disappointment inside?
    I slipped my briefcase over my shoulder and started to rise from the chair. Make a fast getaway. “Well, Peter, it’s been grand. I can’t tell you when I’ve had this much fun. Although my last root canal comes to mind.”
    Still immersed in the columns of figures, Peter held up his hand. “Not so fast, Molly, I wasn’t finished yet. As I was saying, we can’t match Parker’s offer, but we can get you the cash flow it appears you need every month.”
    Huh ? I hovered over the chair. Brewster’s hand waved me down again. “Does it involve wearing disguises and delivering packages in the middle of the night? If so, I’m not interested.”
    â€œNope. Strictly legal. Want some coffee Molly? I’m dying for a