by Radclyffe
Wozinski rushed toward her. “Commander!
Cam braced one arm against the desk where the doorman usually sat and gasped, “Im okay. GetStark here. Her voice cracked and she swallowed against the raw ache that accompanied every breath. Running in the cold air seemed to have exacerbated the swelling in her injured throat. “Savard, too. She glanced toward the elevators, almost terrified to ask. “Egret?
“ Upstairs, Commander.
The relief was so intense her legs nearly buckled, but she waved Wozinski away when he took another step toward her. “Just winded. Make the calls.
“ Yes maam.
“ No one else comes up, Cam rasped on her way to the elevator. Once inside, she pulled off her windbreaker and mopped up some of the water and grit from her hair and face. Glancing down as she crossed the foyer, she realized the right knee of her sweatpants was torn out. Grimacing, she tapped on her door. “Blair? Blair, its Cam. I dont have my keys.
After a moment, Cam heard the sound of footsteps approaching. As soon as the door started to open, she held onto the handle so Blair couldnt see her. “Im okay, but I took a little bit of a spill.
“ A spill? Blair pulled against the resistance from the other side, instantly attuned to the hoarseness in Cams voice. “Sweetheart?
Cam leaned against the doorjamb, pale and shivering. “Rough run.
“ Theres blood on your face and neck, Blair gasped, grasping Cams shoulders. When Cam winced, Blair slid her arm down around her waist. “What happened?
“ Oh my God, Diane exclaimed from across the room. “Should I call an ambulance?
“ No. Cam struggled not to cough. “I just need to sit down a second.
“ Put some coffee on, would you, Di. Blair switched on a nearby table lamp. “Im going to help her get cleaned up.
“ Stark and Savard are on their way. I need to
“ Be quiet and let me look at you. Blair framed Cams face and studied her eyes, some of her fear dissipating when she saw that they were clear. She gently touched a jagged scrape along the right side of Cams jaw. “Where else are you hurt?
“ Bumps and bruises. Cam tried not to limp as she and Blair started down the hallway to the bedroom. “Its not serious, baby.
“ What happened? Blair repeated as soon as they were in the bedroom. She quickly got two large towels from the bathroom and tossed them onto the foot of the bed. Then she gently lifted Cams T-shirt and guided it off over her head. After draping one of the towels around Cams shoulders, she untied her sweatpants and eased them down and off. “Oh, sweetheart.
Gently, she brushed her fingertips over the discolored, swollen areas on Cams shoulder and hip. “You didnt fall.
“ Somebody tried to run me down, Cam said, slowly making her way to the bathroom. “I need to get a fast shower. Stark and Savard should be here in a minute.
Blair turned on the water, her motions sharp and angry. She needed the anger, because the thought of how much worse it might have been made her want to scream. “Who was it? Did you see?
“ No. Cam groaned softly as the hot water hit her rapidly stiffening back and hips. “Couldnt see a thing except headlights.
“ It was deliberate? Blair ran the towel through her hands over and over, wanting more than ever to hit something. To hurtno, annihilate whoever had attempted to kill her lover, to take someone precious from her. The pain of just thinking of it was so huge she shook.
“ Yeah, I think so.
“ Oh sweetheart, Im sorry, Blair whispered. “If you hadnt been angry with me, you wouldnt have gone
“ Bullshit, Blair, Cam said mildly, stepping out of the shower and accepting the towel Blair held out for her. “Baby, if it was anyones fault, it was mine. I wasnt paying attention, and whoever it was probably followed me from here. I didnt have my weapon or my phone. Fucking idiot. Roughly, she toweled her hair until it was dry enough for her to finger comb it back out of her face. “Would you mind grabbing me some jeans and a shirt.
“ Here, Blair said a moment later. She helped Cam with the buttons and zipper even though Cam didnt need her to, because she had to do something, other than slam doors and swear. “Ill get you some ibuprofen too. From the looks of those bruises, youre going to be sore.
When Blair started to turn away, Cam gently caught her by the shoulders and stopped her. “Im okay. Youve given me a worse thumping in the training ring.
Blair turned in the circle of Cams arms. “I might have bloodied you, but Ive never tried to hurt you. She rested her cheek against Cams shoulder. “God, I cant believe someone tried to run you down. I shouldnt have let you go.
“I shouldnt have gone. Im sorry.
“I was so pissed off at you for leaving. Blair was starting to shake as her anger dissipated. “You beat me to it.
“Ill make a deal with you. The next time were pissed at each other, I wont walk if you wont.
Blair sighed and kissed Cams throat. “I guess I have to agree, because I cant stand it when youre angry, and its even worse when youre gone.
“Were going to have to talk about this with Stark and Savard. Diane too, a little later.
Blair met Cams eyes. “Is this about Valerie?
“I dont know, baby. But we have to find out. She kissed Blair carefully, slowly and tenderly. “Tonight was either a warning or they were just sloppy. Either way, they made a mistake. Were not waiting for whoevers out there to try again. Cams eyes hardened. “Were going after them now.
* * * * *
Diane placed a cup of coffee on the end table next to Cam and handed another cup to Blair. “Theres more in the kitchen for when the others get here. Ill be in my room. Her eyes held an apology as they met Blairs. “Let me know if you need anything.
“Wait! Blair caught up to Diane on the way to the guest room. “Are you okay?
“Me? Diane shook her head. “Forget about me. Is Cam okay? Are you?
“Shes banged up, but shell be fine. Blairs voice trembled and she forced back a surge of anxiety. She squeezed Dianes hand. “I just wasnt expecting this here. It shook me for a minute.
“A minute! Diane laughed shakily. “I thought I understood what your life was like all these years, but I was wrong. Ive always loved you for your spirit and courage. Now even more. She lightly stroked Blairs cheek. “If I am the cause of any of this because of my relationship with Valerie, Im leaving. You dont deserve to have more pain in your life because of your friends.
“Diane, Blair said gently. “Shut up.
Diane paused. “Im serious.
“I know, and I love you for it. But youre not going anywhere right now. Ill talk to you as soon as I can.
When she returned to the living room, Cam was just opening the door to Paula and Renée. Blair guessed they had come directly from their shopping trip, because Renées dark slacks, pale yellow blouse, and dark green blazer were clearly just out of the package. Paula, in jeans and a navy crewneck sweater, looked worried even before she zeroed in on Cam, and then her eyes widened in alarm and she immediately pivoted toward Blair. “Are you all right?
“ Im fine. Just Cam was hurt. Blair stroked Cams arm, needing the contact. “Someone tried to run her down.
“ Do you have anything on the vehicle or driver? Renée asked briskly.
“ Nothing on either one, Cam said in disgust. “I was too busy kissing the pavement. She sat on the sofa and gestured toward the matching leather chairs opposite her. Blair settled beside her, and Cam briefly squeezed her hand before filling Stark and Savard in on the details of what had happened.
“ Is there any chance you mightve been mistaken for someone else? Savard asked.
Cam shook her head. “Doubtful. The streets were pretty empty because of the weather, so I expect the vehicle followed me from here. Im taller than Blair and I wasnt wearing a hat, so my face and hair were visible. Its unlikely anyone would mistake me for her.
“ Even so, is there any specific reason that you think Ms. Powell might have been a possible target? Stark
asked carefully.
“ None, other than all the usual reasons, Cam said grimly, pleased that Starks focus was on Blair.
“ What about yourself? Savard interjected.
“ Ordinarily, Cam said, “Id say no. But there are other factors at play that you both need to be aware of. She shifted slightly and focused on Stark. “I assume you know that Savard is on my OHS team now.
“ Yes. Stark smiled fleetingly. “I think its terrific.
“ So do I. She shot a quick glance at Savard before turning again to Stark. “I intended to brief Savard and Davis tomorrow on our prime mission, and you too, Chief, to the extent that circumstances involve Blair. What happened tonight has pushed up my timetable.
“ Yes, maam, Stark said. “I appreciate you including me tonight.
“ You have to be included. Cam could sense Blairs tension but she continued without hesitation. “As you know, Valerie Lawrence is missing and quite a number of people would like to find her. Not all of those people are friendly. Were not even completely certain that Valerie is still on our side.
“ Cam. Blair abruptly withdrew her hand, which had been lightly clasping Cams thigh.
Savard didnt seem to notice the whispered protest. “What do we know about her location since the raid on Mathesons compound?
“ Nothing. Shes been completely out of contact. Cam placed her hand on Blairs knee, hoping to reassure her. “Im not asking you to break any confidences, Blair, or to confirm anything, but Stark needs to know this. I strongly suspect that Valerie made contact with Diane Bleeker sometime during the shopping trip today.
Stark paled but kept her gaze on Cams face. “I didnt see anyone who fits Valeries description. No one reported anything unusual to me. If she was therewe missed her.
“ Theres no reason you should have been looking for Valerie, Paula. Abruptly, Blair stood and directed her next comment to Cam. “You dont seriously think Valerie tried to run you down tonight.
“ No, Cam said, “I dont. I cant think of anything Valerie might gain by having me out of the way, especially since she doesnt know I plan on finding her.
“ Even if she did, Blair said, “I cant believe shed try to hurt you.
“ I dont think so either, Cam said, “but we cant make assumptions. Until we have more information, all we know is that Valerie is missing, Matheson is missing, and someone tipped him off to the raid on his compound.
“ If Valerie made contact today, Stark said, her voice low and tight, “then we had a serious breach in security. Ill need to report it.
Cam shook her head. “No, for two reasons. Number one, I dont want anything about Valerie reported to anyone except me. We dont know whos reading those reports. Number two, your priority and that of your team today was Blair. Valerie is an experienced operative, and Im sure she simply waited until Diane was out of your surveillance zone before approaching her. At the set look on Starks face, Cam leaned forward. “Now you know, Chief. Now you widen your perimeter. There was no breach today.
“ What about my chain of command? Stark asked stiffly. “A.D. Carlisle should probably be informed.
“ I dont want to pull rank, Cam said, “but Homeland Security takes precedence.
“ Yes maam. Stark said.
Cam looked at Blair. “After what happened tonight, I think you and Diane should head for Whitley Point tomorrow. Ill bring the rest of the team in a day or two.
“ Im not sure Diane will go, Blair said. “Not if Valerie is here somewhere.
“ If Diane has contact with Valerie, she needs to get Valerie to come in. If Valeries not responsible for the leak, shes in big trouble. Matheson is going to try to eliminate her.
“ Commander, Savard said. “Someone helped Valerie disappear from Whitley Point. Its not a secure location anymore.
Cam nodded. “I agree that the site is no longer a secret. Despite that, Whitley Point is easy to secure, and with Tanners private forces, well have plenty of personnel. Its the best place for Blair
“ Im not going without Diane, Blair said. “I understand what youre saying, and Ill go, but not without her. Shell be defenseless if we leave her.
“ Ill put people on her, Cam said.
Blair shook her head. “I want my people. She glanced at Stark. “Theyre the best and you know it.
Cam sighed. “Ill talk to Diane. Its time that I did. She grasped Blairs hand and drew her back down to the sofa. “Okay?
“ Yes. I know its time. Blair leaned gently against Cams uninjured shoulder.
“ Chief, Cam said to Stark, “youll have complete control of Blairs security, but youll report to me and not Carlisle until further notice.
“ Understood, Stark responded smartly.
“ Savard, youre second-in-command of my OHS team. Our first priority is to find Valerie Lawrence. And after that, were going to find Matheson.
Savards eyes sparkled and her fatigue seemed to drop away like a distant memory. “Yes maam, Commander. Will there be anyone else besides Felicia?
“ For now, no. Once we get a lead, well need someone in the field.
Savard looked as if she was about to say something, and then stopped herself. Nevertheless, Cam heard the message. “If and when youre ready for the field, Ill decide where I need you most. Can you work with that?
“ Absolutely, Savard said. “I serve at your command, with pleasure.
Cam stood, careful not to favor her aching hip. She didnt want Stark or Savard, and especially not Blair, to know how much it hurt. “Contact Felicia tonight and tell her well meet here at 0700, not in the West Wing. Its time to close our doors to any eyes and ears except our own.
Blair walked Stark and Savard to the door, then returned to Cam. “I know there wasnt much time before the briefing, but I wish youd told me about leaving for Whitley Point earlier.
“ I know. My timing has been off with everything tonight. Cam cupped Blairs cheek. “Im sorry. It wasnt meant to blindside you.
Blair sighed. “Youre forgiven.
“ Thanks, Cam said, meaning it. She was in pain, she was facing enemies she couldnt identify, and she needed Blair now more than ever.
“ Your hip hurts, doesnt it? Blair said, resting her hands gently on Cams waist.
“ I thought I was doing a good job of hiding it. Cam laughed softly at Blairs expression. “Its getting stiff pretty fast.
“ Lets get you to bed.
“ In a minute. I need to talk to Diane.
“ Shes hurting, too, Cam, Blair said softly.
“ I know. Ill do my best not to make it worse.
“ Your best, Blair whispered, kissing her. “Yes, that will do.
“ I know how much she means to you, and Im very fond of her. Im not going to let anything happen to her.
“ Do you ever get tired, taking care of others?
Cam frowned. “I dont know what you mean.
Blair smiled and kissed Cam again. “I know you dont, and thats another reason that I love you. Ill be waiting.
“ And that, Cam whispered, “is just what I need.
Blair watched her walk away, knowing she was hiding her pain. She wanted to shield Cam and keep her safe, and knew Cam wanted the same for her. She feared it was a wish neither of them could fulfill.
Chapter Eleven
D iane, in royal blue silk pajamas, sat propped against the pillows, an open book in her lap. She smiled wanly at Cam. “Ive been trying to read, but I cant remember a single sentence.
“ Im sorry to disturb you.
“ Dont be silly. How do you feel?
“ Im fine. Cam left the door open an inch and leaned against the wall, her arms loosely at her sides. “In light of whats happened, Id like you and Blair to leave for Whitley Point tomorrow morning.
“ I hadnt planned on leaving so soon.
Cam followed Dianes gaze as she glanced unconsciously at her cell phone on the table next to the bed. “If Valerie calls, she can reach you there as well as anywhere else.
“ I know
.
“ But youre hoping to see her here, arent you? Cam asked gently.
Diane sighed. “Am I that transparent?
“ No. Id feel the same way if I were you. Cams chest tightened just thinking about Blair suddenly disappearing with no word. Perhaps forever. But she couldnt make command decisions based on what she felt, or how deeply she ached for Dianes pain. No one would be safe then.
“ Sit down, Diane said, indicating the bed. “Youve had a difficult night.
Cam grinned as she sat on the foot of the bed. “You saw her today, didnt you?
“ Is that why you and Blair were fighting?
“ Nice evasive maneuver, Cam murmured. Assuming that Blair wouldnt mind Diane knowing what had gone on between them, she answered honestly. “We were fighting because I thought she should have told me about Valerie showing up today and she didnt.
“ Im sorry.
“ You dont need to be. Blair and I dont always see things the same way, but I understand why she made the decision she did.
Diane studied Cam curiously. “And that makes it all right?
“ No, Cam laughed. “But it usually means I dont stay angry very long.
“ Shes lucky.
“ That works both ways.
“ Youre right. I did see Valerie. She was at The White House today. Diane smiled fleetingly at Cams look of consternation. “Its a boutique in Georgetown. We talked for a few minutes.
“ Did she say where she was staying?
Diane shook her head.
“ Phone number?
Again, Diane shook her head.
“ Did she say why shes hiding?
“ No. But I got the distinct impression that she was in trouble, serious trouble.
“ What kind of trouble?
Diane picked at the corner of the book in her lap, recalling Valeries haunted look and the way shed reacted when the stranger came into the stairwell. When she met Cams calm gaze hers was cut through with anguish. “She acted as if someone was going to hurt her.
