Summary

In 1998: Para Bellum, Senator George Mitchell is leaving his apartment in New York. He lives there with his second wife, Heather, and their infant son. He takes a moment to return to the apartment and say another good-bye to Heather and their son. He knows that Heather worries about his safety and fears that he might be assassinated.

A man named Ramon drives Mitchell to the airport. As they part ways, Mitchell gives Ramon tickets for an upcoming baseball game. Inside the airport, he receives special treatment. He makes the trip to Ireland each week, then to Washington, D.C., then home for the weekend. While he waits for his flight, he thinks about the coming deliberations. He knows there will be focus on wording and arguments over the details.

Mitchell grew up in a typical American home. His mother was Lebanese and...