State of Terror

Betsy recalls that she recognized Pete Hamilton, the press secretary for the former president, in the bar where she met General Whitehead. She returns to the bar when Ellen calls her to ask about the note. Betsy remembers that she left the note in Ellen’s office; the only person who went near the note was Barb Stenhauser. They agree to proceed carefully. Betsy mentions Hamilton. She remembers how Hamilton, who “did a good job selling Dunn’s lies” (137), was unexpectedly replaced by Dunn’s son. Hamilton was rumored to be an alcoholic, but Betsy hopes she can extract information from him about the former president. The bartender gives Betsy the address for Hamilton’s apartment, which is in a rough neighborhood. 

Betsy holds a tissue to her face to deal with the rancid odor on Hamilton’s apartment block. He is reluctant to talk to her but when he opens the door, she is surprised that he is clean shaven, well-presented, and standing in a clean apartment. She is intrigued and tries to convince him to help her. Hamilton refuses and asks her to leave. He admits that he is searching for evidence or proof for how the Dunn administration humiliated and fired him.