Part III: December, Chapters 42-45 Summary

Anne Beckwith has long ago devised a method of slipping out of the White House alone, without normal security, in order to enjoy the company of old friends. Tonight, she is paying Mitchell Elliott a non-social visit. Anne informs Elliott that, if Susanna Dayton's story is ever published, she will see to it that her husband's name is left untarnished and that Elliott will take the "fall" for everything. An additional piece of fallout is that Mitchell will lose the missile defense contract.

As Anne and Elliott meet, Elizabeth and Max are back at the law office, Elizabeth using Max's ill-gotten keys to get to Braxton's files on Elliott and Beckwith. Unfortunately, they have been removed, and Elizabeth is caught by a tall, blond custodian, who obviously does not look the part. Leaving the office...