Chapters 12-14 Summary and Analysis

After returning from Pakistan, Wilson meets with Pierson, his lawyer on the drug charges. In a depression, Wilson falls into a nearly constant, drunken stupor. Only the war in Afghanistan makes Wilson feel worthwhile. He tells the press of the "toy bombs" dropped by the Soviets that maim Afghani children. He also begins to woo Doc Long, the head of the appropriations committee, in charge of funding the CIA's war in Afghanistan. Doc Long, an eccentric, old congressman, brags that money equals power and has a sign to this effect in his office.

Outside of the congress, the limo driver from Las Vegas, the son of a friend of Wilson's, denies the drug use. The only witness to drug use, Liz Wickersham, only saw questionable behavior outside of the country, so all charges against Wilson drop. Wilson celebrates and...