Summary

The novel opens with a prologue titles “Today in Sports History.” It details a Washington Redskins game on November 18, 1985. During the game, Joe Theismann suffers a compound, leg fracture that ends his football career.

Chapter one is titled “The Arrival.” Robert arrives before check-in at the hotel. He asks the female desk clerk to make an exception, but she says no. He walks around the hotel and notes the fountain, which is roped off for repair. He checks the conference room that the group usually uses, but it is scheduled for another group. He is anxious, which is why he has arrived early. He returns to the lobby to wait. He takes a sewing kit from his bag and begins to mend a chinstrap.

Charles arrives and sees Robert sleeping. Robert wakes when Charles greets him and explains he tried to check...