The senator looks surprised. "You don't like him?"
"He was the last person to see my mother alive, and I'm still not convinced there wasn't foul play around her death," I say diplomatically. It's not wise to accuse a powerful politician of murder at a private funct
ion full of politicians. "I'm not his biggest fan."
He nods. "My protege is running against him this election." He leaves the rest open."
"I would be incredibly interested in donating to that campaign," I quickly tell him. "I would love nothing better than to see him lose."
The senator gives me a predatory smile. "I'll be sure to get you his information," he says. "I have to say, senator Norwood is not my favorite person either. I'm not sure how scandal hasn't taken him down yet."
"He has a lot of money and money buys loyalty," I tell him. That's true for my business as well.
"Yes, but it only buys it for a time. Bought loyalty is different than shared interest," Senator Grayson replies. "I believe you and I have a shared interest."
Senator Grayson would make a great mobster. But, then the qualities that make a good mob boss would also prove useful in politics.
“Why don't you like the senator?” I ask, giving him a coy smile. I doubt the senator killed his mother.
“He's not only a rival, he's a scum-ball,” the senator replies. “I've seen the things he gets away with and I don't approve. He gives politicians a bad name.”
I raise my eyebrows slightly. I wonder if the senator is just trying to impress me or if he really does think Norwood is slime. Either way, I feel like we're on the same team, which was what he was going for.
“Please make sure I get the information for your race and your protege,” I tell him.
“I'll be sure to do that,” he replies. “It really was a pleasure meeting you, Cara.”
“Likewise.”
“And just so you don't think that I'm just trying to get on your good side, I saw your mother perform Clair de Lune on September eighteenth. She wore a dark blue dress not too different than the one you're wearing now. I still remember it because it was the most beautiful thing I've ever heard.”
It hits me like a punch to the gut. That was a real performance. He really did hear my mother play.
Suddenly, I just want to go home. I don't want to smile and be polite to men only interested in me for my money and what I can give them.
I thank the senator and quickly make my goodbyes to go home.
Chapter 7
I hurry home. I'm a ball of emotions. Thoughts of my mother and Senator Norwood run through my head. I've tried to avoid anything to do with Norwood. He knows who I am. He tried to get custody of me after my mother died, but luckily she had a will that made it so I went with my aunt and uncle.
I sometimes have nightmares of what would have happened to me if I'd lived with him instead. I probably wouldn't be alive.
I need to eat. Food always makes me feel better. I call Sara, wanting to see her. She always knows how to make me feel better.
“Hello?” I hear a groggy voice on the other end of the phone.
“Sara? Are you okay?” I ask.
“Yeah, yeah, just a little hungover. What's up?”
It isn't like Sara to drink with a client, even on a Saturday night. “Well, I got a crazy story to tell about Delgado, but it sounds like you've got a story to tell also. Want some pie?”
I'm not really hungry, but I want the company.
“Yeah, I could use some food.”
Just like the other day, I beat Sara down to the diner. This time, however, she doesn't make a grand entrance. An average looking girl wearing a pair of sweat pants and pajama top opens the door to the diner. Not a single head turns as she makes her way over to me.