by Radclyffe
“ Ive got another suggestion.
Savards eyes brightened. “What?
“ How would you like to work with me in homeland security?
“ Youre moving over?
Cam nodded. “Offi cially as of today.
“ In what capacity?
With a sigh, Cam confessed to the title shed rather not use, but understood was part of the package. “Deputy director of counterterrorism.
“ Oh man, Savard whispered. “And you can take me with you?
“ Ive got the green light to handpick my core agents. Cam grinned. “Kind of a special ops thing.
“ Yes. Im in.
Cam laughed. “I havent outlined what youll be doing.
“ I dont care. When can I start?
“ How does tomorrow sound? Cam stood. “0700, room B-12 in the West Wing. At Savards look of surprise, she said, “Temporary quarters, just until we get organized.
“ Looks like I need to get some clothes. Savard glanced down at her sweats. “I just brought hanging-around stuff. I guess Paula will have to take me shopping tonight.
“ Since thats what shes been doing all afternoon with Blair and Diane, Cam said with a straight face, “Im sure shell be eager to do a little more.
Savard smiled, some of the pain lifting from her eyes. “Shell probably hate it, but she wont complain.
“ Better woman than me, Cam muttered as she started toward the door. Turning, before she exited, she said, “See you in the morning, Agent Savard. And welcome aboard.
“ Thank you, Director Roberts.
“ Make it Cam.
“ Yes maam. Commander.
With a shake of her head, Cam walked out into the hall. She had a few more people to talk to, a few calls to make, and then she could go home. Home to Blair. She smiled, liking the sound of it.
* * * * *
The phone rang in a room two fl oors below Stark and Savards. A broad-chested, trim-waisted man with an upright, military bearing strode across the room and picked up the receiver. His dark button-down collar shirt and black pants were pressed and wrinkle-free. On some men the clothes would have appeared casual. On him, they were a uniform.
“Youre right on time. I hope you have something useful to report.
“Nothing yet, Im afraid.
The general smiled thinly. “How is it that one of your own people, someone you presumably control, can evade you so successfully?
“Lawrence is a chameleon. She was trained to be elusive and is very good at it. But well fi nd her. For now, I have someone watching the girlfriend.
“We dont even know that Lawrence is trying to make contact with her.
“We have reasonable intel that theyre lovers. Thats not her pattern with women, so I suspect shell try to contact her.
His smile disappeared. “Its a long shot, but I suppose its the best we have at the moment. Its your job to improve those odds. I want her silenced before the rest of our operation is compromised.
“Yes, sir. Im tracking her through every known alias and attempting to set up a meet, but I obviously cant go through channels. Its slowing me down.
The generals jaw tightened. He hadnt been prepared for the attack on his compound because he hadnt expected anyone on the governments payroll to uncover his connection to Foster and the assault teamcertainly not as quickly as Roberts had managed. The warning from his contact within the CIA that his mountain camp was about to be raided had barely come in time for him to escape. Hed slipped their net but at the cost of revealing that he had sources within the Company. He preferred not to sacrifi ce those sources, but if he couldnt fi nd the one person who might expose the link, then he might
be forced to take other action. “Im not interested in excuses. You have someone on Bleeker?
“Yes sir, but close surveillance is out of the question. Shes with... her friend, sir, and security there is very tight, especially afterNew York.
“Yes, your percentages have been poor lately. The general rolled the hotel pen idly between his fi ngers. His mission had come so close to succeeding. His men, his handpicked boys, had nearly succeeded in eliminating their prime target. “Im not impressed.
“Were confi dent Lawrence will attempt contact eventually, and then we can eliminate any chance of compromise.
“Lets hope the bait is sweet enough. Matheson drew a circle on a notepad next to the phone and then placed a precise X through the center. When he turned the pad, the X looked like the crosshairs of a gun sight. “Perhaps this time we can sweep the board. In memory of our fallen friends.
There was a moment of silence, then, “Yes, sir. And may God bless America.
“May He indeed. You know where to reach me if anything changes before our next scheduled communication. Lets take care of these loose ends quickly, agent.
The general broke the connection, then pushed the extension for valet parking and requested that his vehicle be brought to the front of the hotel. He clipped a holster with his Glock to his belt and selected a dark overcoat. It was time to take another drive through the city, past the White House and Cameron Robertss apartment building.
The time was rapidly approaching when he would have to take care of unfi nished business personally.
* * * * *
Cam stepped off the elevator and, with a quick rush of relief, nodded to Greg Wozinski, who stood just outside her apartment door. For the fi rst time in almost a year, she hadnt sat in on the morning briefi ng with Blairs security team. She hadnt been advised of the shift schedule or known from one minute to the next where Blair was. She had been uneasy all day.
“You can spell Hara in the lobby now that Im here, Cam said,
appreciating the close surveillance but knowing that it spread Starks team thin. “I may not be offi cial, but I still know the ropes.
Wozinski grinned. “Ill check with the chief.
“Absolutely. Whatever Stark says. Cam let herself into the apartment and closed the door behind her. The fi rst thing she noticed was that the living room was empty, and the second was an amazingly good smell coming from the direction of the kitchen. She followed it, to discover Blair and Diane cooking together.
Cam eyed the stir-fry concoction that Diane tossed in a large skillet. “Chinese?
“Thai, Blair said. She slipped both arms around Cams neck and kissed her hello. “Wine?
Cam encircled Blairs waist. “Sounds great. Let me change, and Ill give you two a hand.
“ Ill help, Blair said, grinning at Dianes snort. “Ill be right back, Di.
“ Sure, Diane said good-naturedly. “I wont time you, but dont be too long because this will be done soon.
“ Promise, Blair said, tugging Cam by the hand across the living room and into the hallway to the bedroom.
“ How was your day? Cam asked as she followed Blair into the bedroom. She hung up her blazer and removed her weapon and holster. She secured them on the top shelf in the closet and unbuckled her belt.
“ It was fun, Blair said, sliding Cams belt through the belt loops and draping it over the rack on the back of the closet door. “Id forgotten what it felt like to just have fun, even though Stark seemed to be in serious pain.
Cam laughed. “Shes in for some more, Im afraid. I saw Savard this afternoon, and she said something about Stark taking her shopping for work clothes.
“ You saw Renée? Blair asked as she unzipped Cams trousers and pulled her shirt free, then began working on the buttons. “How come?
“ I recruited her for my team.
“ Oh.
Cam covered Blairs hands with one of hers and tilted Blairs chin up with the other. “And Felicia.
“ Thats good. Theyre good people.
“ But?
Blair shook her head. “Nothing. Its just She smiled a little crookedly. “Goddamn it! Id gotten used to you and the rest of them being on my detail. Now Im not going to know what youre doing, and they will.
Cam sensed Blairs real concern that in this new position th
ere were things they would not be able to discuss. Theyd worked hard to overcome the twin obstacles to communication between themCams natural reluctance to share professional and personal information, even when it wouldnt violate procedure or protocol, and Blairs deep-seated need to safeguard her privacy, even from those she loved. Now, Cams job was reconstructing those barricades, and this time she would be taking some of the important people in Blairs life behind those walls with her.
Cam eased away and shed her trousers, exchanging them for a pair of sweatpants. She fi nished unbuttoning her shirt, placed it on the pile to go to the dry cleaners, and pulled on a T-shirt. Then she drew Blair with her to the side of the bed, sat down, and guided Blair onto her lap. She clasped her loosely around the waist and kissed her throat.
“ Its going to take some getting used to, but well manage. She rubbed her cheek over the valley between Blairs breasts, inhaling the lingering scent of her perfume on the silk T. “I promise to tell you as much as I can, but right now there really isnt much to tell.
Blair combed her fi ngers through Cams hair, then tilted Cams head back and kissed her. “Did you meet with my father today?
“ No, just with his security adviser. The president doesnt really get involved with the specifi cs of these things.
“ Thats a very subtle way of saying he needs to disavow all knowledge.
Cam lifted her shoulder. “Its important to insulate him.
“ Insulate, Blair mused, remembering how it always seemed as if her father had a shield between him and everyone else, even her. “Yes, thats a civilized word for it, I guess.
“ Baby, Cam heard the unspoken fear, “I wont let that happen to us.
“ When did you learn to read my mind so well? Blair lifted Cams T-shirt and stroked her abdomen.
“ Still learning, Cam said, her voice thickening as Blair untied the string to her sweatpants and slid her hand lower. “Blair. Dont go there.
Laughing softly, Blair caught Cams earlobe between her teeth and nipped it gently. “Since when?
“ Since Dianes in the kitchen, and if you make me come, shell know just from looking at me.
“ So? She can always tell when you make me come, and you dont seem to mind. Blair cupped her hand between Cams legs and teased her with one fi nger.
“ Shes your friend. Cam gasped, and yanked Blairs hand out of her sweatpants.
“ Okay, Blair murmured, sucking lightly on Cams neck. “But only because dinners almost ready, and I think Diane could use the company.
“ How is she doing? Cam noted the fact that Blair had not asked if the issue of Valeries disappearance had come up during her discussions with the presidents security adviser.
“ As well as can be expected, I suppose. Ive never seen her hurting so much and so much in love at the same time. Blair sighed. “I dont want her to feel like shes alone in this.
“ Shes not.
“ I know, but shes afraid to talk to anyone about Blair hesitated, realizing they were venturing onto dangerous ground. She wished desperately that Diane would talk to Cam.
Cam felt Blair stiffen and leaned back to study her face. “Did something happen today that she needs to talk about?
Blair stroked Cams shoulder and kissed her quickly. “Lets go eat.
“ Blair, Cam caught Blairs hand as she rose and tried to move away. “What happened today?
“ We agreed we wouldnt talk about
“ What we agreed, Cam said dangerously, “is that what went on between Diane and Valerie was Dianes business unless she got into trouble.
“ Right. Blair centered herself, dropped one leg back and rotated her arm in a quick, tight circle, breaking Cams grip. It was a standard self-defense move, and if Cam had been expecting it, Blair wouldnt have been able to break her hold.
Cams face darkened, but she didnt try to stop Blair as Blair started toward the bedroom door. “What we didnt agree on, she said to Blairs back, “and something I didnt think wed have to discuss, is what would happen if Valerie involved you in any way. I didnt think Id have to ask you to tell me.
“Im not involved.
“Then tell me nothing happened today when you were anywhere around.
Blair hesitated with her hand on the doorknob. “Dont, Cam. Please.
Cam let her go, because she was so angry that anything else she said would likely drive Blair into the streets, which is where she usually went when she felt threatened or cornered. Better she left than Blair. Cam laced her running shoes, grabbed a windbreaker, and stalked through the living room and out the door. She didnt bother with the elevator, but descended the stairs two at a time. When she shouldered through the door into the lobby, she didnt even slow down as she passed Wozinski, who stared at her in surprise. “If Egret goes out, dont lose her. If you do, youll answer to me.
“Yes maam, Wozinski said smartly.
* * * * *
Diane turned to Blair at the sound of the door slamming. “What happened?
Blair drained her wine glass and refi lled it. “Nothing.
“It didnt sound like nothing. Diane turned off the burner and picked up her own glass. “Are you fi ghting about me?
“No, Blair snapped. “Were fi ghting about what weve always fought about.
“And whats that?
“Cams goddamn job and the fact that she still wants to keep me tucked away somewhere. Safe and sound like some exotic animal in a fucking gilded cage.
“She loves you.
“Thats not the point.
“Of course it is.
“I thought we were past this, Blair said sadly.
Diane picked up the bottle and her wine glass and gestured toward the living room. “Lets talk.
“I dont want to talk. Lets drink wine instead.
“ Lets do both. Diane tucked the bottle under one arm and wrapped the other around Blairs waist. “Were too old to drown our sorrows. I always feel like crap the next morning.
“ Are we too old to pick up strange girls in bars, too? Blair said as she walked with Diane to the sofa.
“ Sadly, I think we might be. Diane stood the bottle on the end table next to the sofa and settled into the corner. The drapes were open, the room lights off, the city aglow outside. “Is that what you want to do?
Blair curled up next to Diane, their shoulders lightly touching. “When Im this angry, fucking someone keeps me from punching walls.
“ Not always. I seem to remember a couple of dents in our dorm room door, way back when.
Blair smiled thinly. “I wasnt as accomplished at picking up girls back then.
“ If you want to go out, Diane said calmly, “Ill go with you. If you want to fi nd a stranger to fuck your anger away on, Ill watch your back.
“ I cant, Blair said softly. “Goddamn her. I cant.
Diane eased an arm around Blairs shoulders, drew her close, and kissed her cheek. “Then lets have some wine.
Blair closed her eyes and tried not to think about how desolate she felt when Cam walked out the door.
Chapter Ten
C am ran, barely registering the driving rain as she pounded south toward the lights of Union Station. Her windbreaker had no hood, but she didnt mind the cold water whipping her face and barely registered the steady trickle down her collar, soaking her T-shirt. For the first few blocks, she ran through the nearly deserted streets without thinking, her mind hazy with anger and an undercurrent of sick fear. She hadnt been an investigator for more than a dozen years without learning how to ask questions that left no room for evasion.
Tell me that whatever went on between Diane and Valerie didnt happen anywhere near you.
Blair hadnt answered, because Blair wouldnt lie to her. And that was answer enough. It angered her that Blair would keep something like this from her, but even more it frightened her that Valerie had somehow made contact and Blairs security team hadnt detected it. Because if Stark had known, she would have informed Cam immediately. Cam was certain of that. The ramifications of the sc
enario were blood-chillingly clearif Valerie was a target and someone tried to take her out of the picture when she was anywhere near Blair, Blair could become collateral damage. Blair had been unprotected. Blair had been vulnerable.
Cams stomach rebelled at the images her mind projected in a relentless streama glimmer of movement on a rooftop before a bullet tore into her chest, a vehicle exploding into a lethal inferno, a firestorm of smoke and death outside the Aerie. Each time, Blair as the target.
“ Goddamn it, she seethed. She felt as if she were always one step behind. How much longer could her luck hold up? How much longer could Blairs? Sooner or later, Blair would be caught in someones crossfire, and Cam couldnt let that happen. The thought was beyond anything she could even allow into her consciousness. Blair would just have to understand that her safety was more important than her freedom.
Cam squinted in the steady downpour as she approached an intersection and automatically glanced to her right as she started across with the light. Headlights shimmered through a curtain of water halfway up the block, and it wasnt until she was in the middle of the street that she registered the sound of an engine accelerating. She looked right again and dove toward the far sidewalk as a vehicle barreled down on her. The next instant something solid grazed her right hip and she was airborne. She crashed down, rolling out of her fall as best she could while reaching for her weapon. Stunned by the impact, it took her a second to remember she didnt have her weapon or her cell phone or even her wallet. Like an idiot, shed left the apartment with nothing but the clothes on her back. When she pushed herself to her knees, the vehicle had disappeared around the corner.
Stiffly, she got to her feet and swayed for a minute until she got her balance. It all happened so quickly, she could almost believe it hadnt happened except for the throbbing in her right shoulder and hip, which had taken the worst of the glancing blow. When she swiped at the moisture on her face she saw a streak of blood on her hand. She ignored it, thinking she must have scraped her hand when she hit the ground. Ignoring the pain shooting through her right side, she turned back the way shed come and ran as fast as she could. By the time she reached her building and shoved through the glass doors into the lobby, she was gasping for breath and staggering from a cramp in her side.
