The staff is agog over the arrival of Senator James Powell. He's a leading presidential candidate and Christine, who met Powell during her vacation, is rumored in the tabloids as the woman he plans to marry. Peter regards the rumors with mixed emotions. Billy also has mixed emotions when he learns that Powell's security is in the hands of Ross Reynolds. Billy and Ross grew up together, but when Billy moves to greet him, Reynolds brushes by him. Another hotel employee, Cheryl Dolan, meets Scott Osborne, an unaccredited yet charismatic press photographer who hopes to make a name for himself with his coverage of Powell. Scott's camera case actually conceals the components of a high-powered rifle and his target is Powell. Senator Powell arranges an intimate dinner for two and proposes marriage to Christine, who asks for time to think about her answer. At a banquet for Senator Powell, Scott pulls out his gun, and Billy shouts a warning to Reynolds, who tackles Powell, removing him from targ