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Mike MacReynolds began his career as a
political journalist in 1946, the same year Jack Kennedy was elected to
the U.S. Congress. They were both about the same age, single, handsome
and devilishly charming. They became close friends and chased women
together. Mike became the social reporter for The Washington
Daily News, the also-ran of the capitol’s four newspapers.
Jack went on to become President of the United States but was
assassinated on November 22, 1962 in Dallas, Texas. Lee Harvey Oswald
was charged with the murder but was killed two days later.
It’s now the
summer of 1965. Mike needs a last minute date for a White House party,
which prompts him to take Margaret “Peggy” Frazier. A recent college
grad, she writes for the woman’s page. At the party, a casual remark by
Mike’s friend, a secret service agent, makes Peggy question the
Warren Report. The next day she convincingly argues that Oswald was
not the assassin. She insists, “Friends take care of one another,” and
that it is Mike’s duty to find the real killer and bring him to
justice. Reluctantly, he makes a few inquiries and finds that she may
very well be right. Women then had little clout, so ambitious Peggy
gets Mike to chase down leads while she does the background research.
They are a
charmingly mismatched “Woodward and Bernstein.” Mike is the son of a
prominent oil tycoon who became a leading U.S. Senator. His dad died,
leaving him a small fortune, but he is irresponsible and fears
commitment. He is a playboy and his job gets him into the best parties
so that he can pick up women. Peggy is the daughter of a Pennsylvania
coal miner. She worked her way through college and helps support her
family; she hopes to eventually write for The Washington Post.
She is Playmate material, but is so involved in her work that she
neglects her appearance. Peggy disapproves of Mike’s womanizing and is
determined not to become another trophy on his wall.
Mike’s
insider connections open many doors and he uncovers an abundance of new
information. Peggy’s research discloses widespread discrepancies and
contradictions in the evidence and testimony. (All of their many
discoveries are extremely well documented.) Systematically, they
eliminate one conspiracy theory after another. As the plot thickens,
the suspense builds. During the course of their investigation, Mike
becomes increasingly committed to their goal. He begins to accept
responsibilities and even stops chasing women. Peggy begins to respect
him and starts taking more pride in her appearance. They become
increasingly attracted to one another. In spite of their strong
character arc, each still has very strong reservations about intimacy.
Whenever they begin to get too close, they reluctantly back off,
resulting in escalating sexual tension.
The
result is two seamlessly integrated stories. Their investigation is at
first intellectual and academic, but as the dynamic duo comes closer and
closer to solving the greatest murder mystery of modern times, it
increases in intensity and danger; the pace quickens. Their working
relationship becomes progressively more personal and finally emotional.
The two stories simultaneously build in intensity and converge into a
shocking climax. Mike and Peggy identify the Mastermind behind the
assassination, which resulted in the overthrow of the American
government. They answer the important questions: Who? Why? And How?
Peggy even comes up with a plan to bring the culprit to justice. Mike
and Peggy simultaneously remove the last of the emotional barriers that
have kept them apart and they face a bright future together.
The resolution is a complete surprise, one that shocks
the audience. It shows why the results of their efforts never became
public. It is the last piece of the puzzle.
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