Washington DC

The entire novel takes place in Washington DC. According to Elsie Hawkins, Kate Flynn's roommate, Washington DC is crawling with spies and everyone is suspect. In fact, many of the characters seem to have legitimate employment and only a few of Dave Dodd's friends work for the government, whether local or federal.

Kate's House

Kate lives in a townhouse that looks just like nearly every other townhouse on her street. Since her divorce, however, Kate's house sits void of all but the most basic of furniture. It also suffers damages from a falling camera pod during surveillance of the drug dealer across the street. The incident brings her into contact with Dave Dodd and many of his friends. Her ads for a roommate also bring her into contact with Elsie Hawkins, an elderly lady who seeks a home away from her dull, retirement community. Kate only...