Chapter 7 Summary

In this chapter, readers learn some important information about Michael's background. While attending college, he lost both of his parents in a car accident caused by a drunk driver with six previous convictions for drunk driving. The tragedy made him bitter about the American system of criminal justice and left him disillusioned and opposed to spending a second term in office. With his parents gone, Michael relies on his grandfather, Seamus, for guidance.

After Michael's staff sees the killers' demands on the news, they joke with him that he must certainly be safe, since his viewpoints are so similar to the killers'. Michael thinks that the deaths may be just what the country needs to accept change, but feels uneasy about the killings. He receives a call from Seamus, and takes it in private. Michael asks about Seamus' upcoming visit to Washington. Although...