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already asked me where I was last night, and I told them I was with a close personal friend.” She started up the stairs and I followed. “Then they asked me the friend’s name, and I had to refuse them. I said I promised the gentleman that I would guard his privacy.”
    I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. “Good Lord, Samantha! You know how that sounds ? It sounds like you’re hiding something. That’s bound to make them suspicious.”
    Samantha was quiet until she reached the top of the stairs. Then she turned and looked at me solemnly. “I cannot help that, Molly. My friend’s privacy is very important to me. Besides, it’s obvious Quent took his own life. Why would they bother investigating me?”
    I followed her down the hallway leading to her bedroom, but a cold feeling started to form in the pit of my stomach.
    _____
    â€œAre the police still there?” Spencer asked.
    â€œNo, no. They left a couple of hours ago. She must have called it in right after she came home and found him. My man picked up the cop call.”
    â€œSo far, so good. Now, we have to watch and wait. Make sure this gets handled properly. An accidental overdose. Your man made sure of that, right?”
    Raymond sighed. How many times did he have to go over this? At these rates, as many times as needed. Billable hours, Washington rates.
    â€œI’ve told you. He’s a pro. He had plenty of time to slip inside and get it done while I distracted Wilson.”
    â€œYou took a chance, exposing yourself like that. Besides, it’s been years since you’ve done field work.”
    Raymond heard the laughter behind the words. “You never lose the knack. You just lose your speed,” he joked. “Don’t worry. I used an old repairman’s uniform in the back of the closet. Big square-brimmed hat. I looked like the Maytag man, I swear to God.” Raymond couldn’t keep from laughing, despite his cough.
    Spencer joined in for a minute. “We may need some media if the investigation drags on. We want this wrapped up and forgotten.”
    â€œHow about your guy in Congressman Jackson’s office? Larry Fillmore. Didn’t you say he had contacts with that local rag, D.C. Dirt? You might want to start there.”
    â€œYes, he does. Larry’s got dirt on everyone.” Spencer chuckled. “He’s the one who told us about the staffer who delivers. Gary Levitz. In fact, Levitz could turn out to be very useful, indeed. Larry’s going to stay in touch with him, just in case we need him later.”
    Raymond had heard the smug sound to Spencer’s voice before. Spencer had found a fall guy.

four
    Monday
    â€œDid you read about Congressman Wilson’s death in the paper this morning?” Peter Brewster asked as he stepped into my office. “That’s tragic. The article didn’t say how he died. Of course, that immediately makes a person wonder if he ended his own life.”
    I took a large drink of coffee before answering. “I read the article, and it does … uh, leave some doubts. Did you know him? I confess I don’t remember meeting Wilson personally when we entertained the Midwestern congressmen and women a few months ago.”
    â€œYes, I’d met with him a couple of times on the Hill. And his chief-of-staff Natasha Jorgensen. Wilson was one of the sharpest congressmen around.” Peter leaned against the doorjamb, his face showing his concern. “He was on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and was working on trade issues. It’s a shame to lose him.”
    â€œI know. It’s tragic to lose talented people in their prime.”
    â€œI’m sorry if this dredges up painful memories for you, Molly,” he looked at me sympathetically.
    â€œTime has a way of healing over even tragic losses.” I said, glancing toward the window, sunshine bathing the Russell garden.
    â€œIt’s