Part One: October: Chapters 9-10 Summary

Chapter 9 reveals further links between the major characters. Vandenburg's role as White House Chief of Staff is much stronger than would normally be acceptable. Having been a close friend and ally of the weak Beckwith for twenty years, he is now calling the shots, selling Beckwith on policies and plans after he has determined what they should be. He now must sell Beckwith on a tough response to the airline strike, and envisions no problem in doing so.

The relationship between Susanna Dayton and Elizabeth is also revealed. Law school colleagues, they have remained close friends and run together every morning. During this morning's run, Susanna has a favor to ask. She is certain that Mitchell Elliot is funneling money to the Republicans by surreptitious means and that Sam Braxton, Elizabeth's boss, is assisting him...