“It has been a pleasure seeing you again, Chief O'Brien,” I say with a smile. I'm standing in a fancy hotel ballroom surrounded by powerful people. I wear a dark blue dress that makes me look like I belong here. I look like a socialite.

Today, is a local fundraiser for the police force. A fancy dinner at a hotel with a silent auction afterwards with the intent to raise money. I'm here representing the Savio Mattress Company.

They certainly raised a lot of Savio money today, I think to myself with a smile.

“I'm so glad we still have such a good working relationship,” the man I'm talking to replies. He's in his late sixties, but still looking trim and handsome in his official police uniform. His wife wears diamond earrings that a woman married to a man in the public sector shouldn't be able to afford.

I know that my money paid for those, too.

“It's important for local businesses to have ties to the community,” I respond with a practiced smile. “I'm so glad that you are willing to work with my family. For the betterment of the community, of course.”

The police chief smiles. This is all a game and we both know it. My family has been paying him for a long time. The police never bother our business operations. It's a good deal for both of us.

“Tell your aunt and uncle hello for me, won't you?” the police chief asks. “Although, I must say, it is wonderful having you here. You're much prettier in a dress than your uncle.”

I chuckle. “I'll make sure to tell him that.”

This is a part of the business that I'm actually very good at. I've slowly been taking over the business. My aunt and uncle want to retire eventually, so they've slowly been training me on things. This year, I've been responsible for all the official meetings. As far as it looks to the outside, I'm simply taking up all the social engagements. However, a lot of business is done at the local events.

Not all of the meetings the mob does are in back alleys or dark offices. Many of them are out in broad daylight. We meet at restaurants and attend social functions. There's no better way to make a company look legitimate than to do legitimate things.

Today, I made sure that the police are still in my pocket. They don't mind us much since we keep to ourselves for the most part. Since we aren't slinging drugs or selling off children, we are a lower threat. Throw some generous “donations” in, and the police force is happy to turn a blind eye to the less-than legal side of my family business.

"Have you met Senator Grayson?" He asks me, motioning to a man coming our direction.

I shake my head no.

"Let me introduce you." He waves hello to the incoming senator. "Senator, this is Cara Savio. She runs Savio Mattresses."

The senator shakes my hand. His firm is firm and strong. He's an older man as most politicians are, with silver hair and pale blue eyes. I'm always wary of men called senator, and even though he looks nice enough, I won't trust him farther than I can throw him.

"It's very nice to meet you, Senator." I smile.

"It's very nice to meet you," he says to me. “Your mother was Caroline Jeffries, right? I once had the privilege of hearing your mother play once. It's stayed with me all these years. She was extraordinary.”

My eyes widen slightly. Not many people put my mother's married name with the Savio family. "Thank you."

"I was actually hoping to meet you here," he says. "The police chief has spoken very highly of you."

My surprise at him knowing my mother diminishes slightly. He did his research on me. I wonder if he really did hear my mother play. It's cynical, but I've had enough experience with politicians not to be stupid.

"I didn't have an interest in supporting politicians that help my family's business," I tell him.

He smiles, but it's a business smile. "I think our interests definitely align in that regard."

"Are you running for re-election?"

He nods. "I'm favored to keep the seat, but I still need every advantage I can get."

"I'll be sure to contribute to your campaign fund," I promise.

It's always good to have a senator in your pocket. It never hurts to have friends in high places. We have enough funds that a donation to buy some good will is a smart plan.

"Thank you very much," he says with a sincere smile. At least it passes as sincere. "Your mother played in Michigan. I believe she was involved with senator Norwood at the time?"

My chest tightens slightly, the way it always does when someone speaks of Senator Norwood.

"Yes." I don't elaborate.

"Are you supporting his campaign as well?"

"Hell no." It comes out stronger than I mean to.

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 function 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.