“I’m sure you’ve wondered about Mrs. Sheridan’s, Erika’s…seclusion.” “Looks more like imprisonment.” Valerie’s steeply arched eyebrows arched more steeply. “Don’t be ridiculous. As I said, it’s a ticklish situation. Erika is a victim of her own weaknesses. Senator Sheridan is doing everything he can to protect her from herself.” “What weaknesses?” Dinah’s Bloody Mary came. She tasted it and sent silent kudos to the Barentz bartender. Without looking at the menu or the waitress, Valerie ordered a cheese plate and a bottle of Perrier. When the waitress had gone, she said, “From what I understand, you’re only an ad hoc aide to Senator Frye with no other connection to the Democratic party. Is that right?” “I’m an independent.” “Someone like yourself probably hasn’t the least interest in politics.
