The small television on the desk was turned to an all-news channel, with the volume muted. Video footage of Governor Wesley Pratt appeared. He was standing outside a grocery store in Florida, with several reporters questioning him. Addis turned on the sound.

“I don’t care which one I run against,” Pratt was saying. “But it’s not time to be campaigning. We’re all still mourning. I’ll be going to Washington for the Christian Women’s Association conference. But we’re not campaigning yet. And since you asked, I don’t think there’s much difference there on the key issues. You know, both have said they’re for this anti-Christian trade treaty with China.”

He’s right, Addis thought. With the President gone, would Margaret change her position? Follow her natural instincts? Or would she defend her husband’s decision? Addis guessed that the China treaty was not foremost in her thoughts this week.

“Look at it. We got a country that tortures Christians—imagine being thrown into jail because you worship Jesus Christ—and we’re going to treat them like an equal? I don’t see why any Christian in this country would stand for that. But, we’ll have time to talk about this soon.”

“What do you have to say about the report on the wires that Edwin Hanover, President Hanover’s brother, is supporting you?”

Addis shook his head.

“Listen, I want everybody’s support. And I know he’s a religious man. But where I come from, we stand with our kin. Family first. So I’m happy to pick up votes from anyone, but I don’t want to be a part of anything that brings personal pain to a widow—a woman whose husband made the ultimate sacrifice for our great land. Thanks. Melinda’s shouting at me from the car. I gotta go. We’ll see you soon.”

He’s getting better, Addis thought. If he gave up the heavy Christian stuff, he’d be competitive. Thank God, Addis said to himself, for … God.

He changed channels and stopped when he came to a broadcast of the House of Representatives. Nine days after the assassination and congress had resumed business. A jowly congressman from Houston was in the well. He was the one, Addis recalled, who once got an intern pregnant. “I ask for unanimous consent to revise and extend my remarks,” the legislator said in a booming voice. Only in Washington, Addis mused. You make a speech on the floor of the House and then you can change the transcript before it appears in the Congressional Record. For whatever reason. Add sentences that were never uttered. Remove words that were actually said. Reality and official reality.