At a Congressional hearing, the story of a mysterious death at the White House, and the brilliant detective hired to crack the case, begins to unfold.

From celebrities and Cabinet members to plumbers and pastry chefs, everyone is in the hot seat as Cordelia conducts interviews.

Irrepressible butler Sheila has risen from Waffle House to the White House. But her misbehavior at the state dinner arouses Cordelia's suspicions.

As dawn breaks, Cordelia faces pressure to end the residence's lockdown. Meanwhile, in the present day, a fresh testimony upends the Senate hearing.