“That’s right,” Starrell said.

“So now,” she said, “what are you going to do?”

“Don’t know. Dunne tried to tell me something. But he didn’t finish. One-four-three. That’s A-D-C. But what’s that mean?”

“Shuddup, man,” Anjean interrupted. “Here comes the news.”

“I know what that means,” Timmons said.

“Not now,” Anjean said.

“What?” Starrell said.

“He never finished.”

“Shit, I know that,” Starrell replied.

“No,” she said, “like he never finished the last letter.”

The newscast began with footage of a car being lifted out of the Georgetown canal. A photograph of Addis appeared.

“Could be him,” she said.

“ … The police are not providing any information at the moment. And the White House has yet to issue any statement. Mr. Addis is believed to still be at the Second District station house.” A live shot showed the police building. It panned to reveal news crews maintaining a stakeout. “ … There is no word yet on whether he is being held on any charges. One source reports that Addis has been tested to determine the amount of alcohol in his blood. But there is no information on the results of the test.”

The spot cut to footage of a body on a gurney and covered by a white sheet. “ … The women’s identity has not yet been revealed. According to witnesses at the canal, she was white and had light colored hair. Apparently, Addis did try to …”

“God-damn,” Starrell said.

They all looked at him.

“I know who it is.” He looked at Timmons. “She’s the one at that cowboy-bitch bar. I stopped that guy from messin’ her up. Oh fuck.” He shook his head.

“Maybe it ain’t, baby,” she said.

“Maybe. But I know. Dunne. Then her. I know it.”

“ … The news of the accident is likely to overshadow Margaret Hanover’s announcement of her plans for her political future … .”

“So Dunne was talking about this guy?” Willie said. There was stock footage of Addis walking with Hanover. “What do we do?”

Wesley Pratt and Representative Wynn Gravitt, both in formal wear, stood in front of a Washington hotel. A reporter held a microphone before them. “It’s like this White House is cursed,” Gravitt said. “You have to wonder. You really do.” Pratt interrupted him: “My prayers go out to the lady’s family—whoever she is—and I wish Mr. Addis all the best. He’s a dedicated public servant. There’ll be time down the pike for asking questions.” Pratt placed his hand on Gravitt’s arm. “Thank you for the chance to express our concern for the family and Mr. Addis.”

“Oh, man,” Starrell said.

“Fuck this,” Anjean complained. “Where are we?”