Bless them, the gang did head our way. I got friendly squeezes from everyone, even Miles, who afterward greeted my mother with a firm handshake and a smile. “Mrs. Richardson,” he said. “How are you?”

“Just fine, Senator, thank you. This is a very nice party, and I’m glad Wallis included me. I don’t get invited to many things anymore.”

Miles nodded. “I know this town has been very hard on you and your daughters. It is really unfortunate.” I felt myself leaning forward, hopeful, so desperate for him to say And I’ve been hard on Daisy, too. Instead: “I’m only going to be able to stay for a few minutes. I have a caucus meeting in an hour.”

“This late?” I asked.

“Breaking news,” he said. “Sec Health has been asked to resign.”

“Live by the sword,” said Bo, “die by the sword.”

“I’m sure you’re going to get calls for appearances,” I said. “We should try to book you on the Sunday morning shows.” Around the circle, there was the kind of silence that comes when everyone holds their breath. All Miles needed to do was nod, or say, Yes, Daisy, get on it. When he did neither, I felt myself scrambling. “Sorry,” I said. “I meant Bo should book you on the shows.”

“Just keep holding fast,” Miles said to me. “Everything will work out.”

This platitude provided no comfort. I pulled at the sleeves of my suit jacket. “I’ll keep my ears to the ground about nominations,” I said. “If I hear anything—” But I had to stop, because one of Miles’s colleagues, the senior senator from Florida, cut in with all the grace and delicacy of a yacht crashing into a dock. “Miles!” Senator Hopkins roared, grasping Miles’s hand. “I thought there’d be a line to get to you. They didn’t let any of your fans in, I see.”

“I don’t know what you mean,” Miles said, extracting his hand.

“Don’t be bashful,” Hopkins said. His tie featured whales wearing sunglasses. “I’ve seen the way these college kids mob you. Hell, you got most of the Senate pages following you around wanting to pick up your trash.” He then looked at me like I should back him up. “Your chief of staff is back, I see. Howdy, Miss Richardson. I guess Miles didn’t fire you, after all.”

“I’m not fired.” My voice was an octave too high to make this statement truly believable.

“Right,” Hopkins said, winking at me. “Well, once Miles decides to cut you loose, you can come work for me. My office in Tallahassee needs someone with half a brain. All I got down there is a former dentist who lost his license and a bunch of frat boys who are as useful as tits on a bull.”

“Charming,” I heard Cricket mutter.