Radclyffe - Honor 06 - Honor Under Siege

by Radclyffe

  To the mans credit, he defended his team. “Im sure they felt it more important to watch for any contact between our critical target and those on site, sir.

  “Its just as strong a possibility that Lawrence will contact Roberts. I expect Roberts will move her base today. Its what I would do after a pre-emptive strike. As soon as you have a new location, contact me. Bleeker is the bait, but Roberts is in command. Without her, theyll break ranks.

  “Yes sir. Ill relay your orders.

  “Be prepared to take action soon. Matheson felt his groin tingling as he considered a plan to turn the hunters into quarry. “Im growing tired of this waiting game.

  * * * * *

  “Are you sure you want me to come with you? Diane asked as she packed her suitcase. “I know what Cam said, but

  “If you werent already here, wed come and get you. Blair sat cross-legged on the bed in blue jeans and a long-sleeved navy T-shirt. Her hair was loose and she was barefoot. “I cant believe I let you go back to Manhattan alone in the first place.

  “Who knew that these people these maniacs who tried to hurt you would keep coming? How can they possibly think they can gain power in this country? We arent some third world dictatorship thats likely to topple at the slightest show of violence.

  Blair shrugged. “Theyre fanatics. Look at all the paramilitary and right wing fundamentalist groups springing up across this country. They think they can change the order of things, and theyre recruiting more people all the time who agree.

  “God, its like those zealots who shoot abortion doctors and think thats going to stop the pro-choice movement. Diane looked at Blair in confusion. “I can hardly believe its real.

  “I cant believe we didnt see it coming, and after what happened last month, I dont think its going to stop. Chafing at the inactivity, Blair stood and started folding clothes. “Every psycho with an agenda is going to think they have a chance after 9/11.

  Diane stopped what she was doing, her fingers digging into the sweater she held. “Im ashamed to admit that part of me wishes your father wasnt president, because I hate to think of you or Cam in danger. I can only imagine how you must feel.

  Blair smiled ruefully. “You know, for the first time in my life Im honestly glad that my fathers president, and I want him to be president for as long as he can be. She carefully placed a silk blouse into the suitcase. “Because these fuckers, whoever they are, wherever they are, have to learn that we wont be victims.

  “ I guess well have to keep that sexy dress you bought for the wedding in the closet a while longer.

  “ Why?

  Diane regarded her with surprise. “I cant imagine either you or Cam is going to want to think about wedding plans until all of this is resolved.

  “ Were not waiting for something that might never happen. Blair folded her arms, part defiance, part comfort. “And were not putting our lives on hold until it does. Im instructing Lucinda to slip a nice quiet statement out to the press today that Cameron and I intend to be married in a private ceremony before the end of the year.

  “ Oh boy.

  Blair grinned. “And girls.

  “ Indeed. Diane kissed her cheek. “I think youre the bravest person I know.

  “ I wish I were, Blair said. “Im terrified every day that something will happen to Cam. And if it did, I dont think Id survive it.

  “ I would never have imagined you with her.

  Blair lifted her shoulders. “We dont choose who to love.

  “ No. We dont. Diane smiled sadly. “Now I cant imagine you with anyone else.

  “Neither can I. Blair stroked Dianes arm. She was already dressed to travel in a pale blue cashmere cowl-neck sweater and tan slacks. For the first time Blair realized that Diane, always slender, had lost weight. “How are you holding up?

  “Its so hard, knowing that Cam saw Valerie last night and I cant even speak to her.

  “Have you thought maybe you should try to let her go? Blair reached for Dianes hand. As hard as it was to ask, it was even harder to watch her suffer.

  Diane twined her fingers through Blairs and squeezed lightly. “Cam didnt tell me very much about what went on. I understand that she cant. She wouldnt tell me exactly why Valerie is staying away, but I know its partly because of me.

  “She doesnt want you to be hurt.

  Diane trembled and Blair drew her close. With a shaky breath, Diane continued, “Cam must trust her, because she didnt try to detain her. I love Valerie. I have to trust her as much as Cam does.

  “Youre really sure, arent you? Blair said.

  Diane smiled almost shyly. “I really am. Nothing has felt as right since I met you.

  “Then Im on your side, Blair said, hugging Diane tightly. “And hers.

  * * * * *

  “Well travel in two groups to Whitley Point, Cam said, scribbling on a flip chart that she had dug out of the closet earlier. She couldnt find the stand, so she balanced the oversized pad of paper on her knees facing Stark, Savard, and Davis, who clustered around her in the living room. “Stark, you and your people will take Blair and Diane. Youll fly out of Andrews again at 1100 hours, but this time youll land at Westover, Mass.

  Stark frowned. “Whats there?

  “Its an Air Force Reserve base, so its relatively low profile. Well have Tanners people pick you up in three vehicles and take you the rest of the way, each vehicle following a different route.

  “Who knows about the itinerary?

  “The flight plan was filed through Lucindas office, but theres no attendant passenger list. Only Tanner knows the routes and final destination.

  “Youre putting a lot of faith in Tanners people, Stark said mildly.

  “ My feeling is that we know more about her team than we could about anyone coming to us from inside the system right now. Youre the security chief. Whats your call?

  Stark took her time. “Until we find Valerie and Matheson, I dont want anyone new getting close to Blair.

  “ I agree. Cam blew out a breath. “Basically well handle Blairs security in the same way the Vice Presidents has been set up since the attacks. Shell be based in a secure location away from the White House known to as few people as possible, and shell make very few and only essential public appearances. We cant keep her completely sequesteredfirst because shed never allow it, secondly, because we cant make prisoners of our elected officials and their families, and finally because the public is going to be looking for her. Shes too popular to just disappear.

  “ Were going to be thin on the ground, Stark said, “now that Davis has gone over to OHS.

  Cam nodded as she drew a grid and added names. “Youll have to work with a smaller team than usual for the time being. Hara, Wozinski, yourself, and Tanners people. Can you handle it?

  Stark didnt hesitate. “Yes, we can.

  As satisfied with the security as she could be when all she really wanted to do was take Blair to some remote island for six months, Cam switched her attention to Savard. “Well follow by ground as soon as you and Davis are happy that youve accessed all the data immediately available to us. You can use the computers in my office in the West Wing and wipe them when youre done.

  “ How long will you need, Felicia? Savard asked, sitting with her injured leg straight out in front of her. The cane shed used in lieu of her knee immobilizer rested against the arm of the chair. She looked focused and steady.

  Davis smiled, her dark eyes glowing. “I want to make sure I look in everybodys closets and leave myself a backdoor before we leave. Say, three hours.

  Cam checked her watch as she stood. “Its 0815 now. We should be leaving DC by 1200 hours, which puts us into Whitley Point around 2300.

  Savard and Davis rose, and Savard asked, “Where will we rendezvous, Commander?

  “ In case anyone is checking, Ill schedule you and Davis for a meeting at FBI headquarters at 1130 hours. On your way there, the meeting will be canceled and a vehicle will pick you up at 13 th and Pennsylvania Avenue. Cam regarded St
ark. “When would you like to depart here, Chief? If theres anyone following Blair, theyll lose the trail at Andrews.

  “ Well have the vehicles out front at 0900 hours. Ill wait downstairs until then.

  “ Thanks, Cam said, appreciating the few moments of privacy she would have with Blair. After returning from her meeting with Valerie, shed been up all night talking to Lucinda and the presidents security adviser. She had yet to tell Blair the specifics of the plan, because she hadnt worked it out until shortly before Stark and her security team had arrived. She was sore and tired, but it felt good being in the field again. Working. Doing what she knew how to do.

  When the others had left, Cam walked down the hall to Dianes bedroom and tapped on the door. “Can I talk to you a minute, Blair?

  “ Sure, Blair said. After shed finished helping Diane pack, shed gone to the kitchen for more coffee and heard the murmur of voices in the living room. Although she knew Cam wouldnt exclude her from the discussions if she asked to sit in, she also knew that Cam and Stark were getting their first real test of working together in their new roles. She doubted that anyone in security or intelligence was going to like being overridden by agents from the new Homeland Security Office, not even Stark, not even when the agent in question was Cam. She decided her presence would only add to the tension. “When are we leaving?

  “ About forty-five minutes.

  Blair glanced over her shoulder at Diane. “Ill meet you in the living room in a few minutes, okay?

  “ Yes. Ive got some calls to make. I should let my gallery manager know how long Ill be away.

  “ Tell her three weeks for now. Cam rested her hand lightly on Blairs shoulder. The contact felt good. She had missed her the previous night, missed the way holding her through the night rejuvenated her.

  Diane nodded. “All right, but I cant be away any longer than that.

  Sooner or later, I have to go back to my life.

  “I understand.

  “Will I be able to call or give them a number where they can reach me? Diane asked.

  “Everyone will have temporary cells by tonight. Once we reach Whitley Point you can call them.

  “Thank you. Diane squared her shoulders. “You two go ahead. Im fine.

  Blair slid her arm around Cams waist. “Come on, darling. Better fill me in on whats going on.

  * * * * *

  “Let me get this straight. Blair leaned against the dresser in the bedroom watching Cam pack this time. “Im being spirited away to Whitley Point surrounded by armed guards, while you drive for twelve hours out in the open where anyone could follow you.

  “Were not going to be followed.

  “Then why cant I come with you?

  Cam passed Blair the extra suitcase. “You need to take anything?

  Blair dropped it on the bed. “Yes. Ill pack in a minute. Why cant I go with you?

  “If anyone is watching us theyll have a hard time following two separate groups. It buys us time.

  “Bull. You dont want me with you in case someone comes after you again. In case someone Blair stalked across the room and pulled the shirt Cam was folding from her grasp. “Someone tried to kill you last night. And you think they might try again, dont you?

  “Blair

  “Dont lie to me.

  Cam cradled Blairs face between her hands and kissed her softly. “I wont. You know that.

  “Thats what you think, isnt it?

  “Its a consideration, especially in light of my past relationship with Valerie. Matheson might suspect that she would come to me and that I might be able to bring her in. If someone wants to prevent that, getting me out of the way is the logical step.

  Blair forced herself to keep her expression neutral, even though the calm way that Cam discussed why someone would want to kill her chilled her to the core. If she wanted Cam to tell her the truth, she had to be able to handle the truth. No matter how much it terrified her. “Did you tell Valerie where were going?

  “ No, but she has a number to call me. She lowered her hands to Blairs shoulders and rubbed them softly. “Ill be okay. Ive got good people with me and I know what Im doing.

  “ Do you think Valerie will call?

  Cam sighed. “I dont know. When it comes right down to it, her training may win out. And shes been indoctrinated not to trust anyone.

  “ I dont like us being separated.

  “ Neither do I, but its only for a few hours. Ill be there tonight, and well wake up together tomorrow.

  Blair closed her eyes and wrapped her arms around Cams waist. “You didnt sleep all night. Youre hurt and tired. Youre not at your best, Cam, and you need to be.

  “ Savard and Davis will be with me. Theyll do the driving. Ill sleep.

  Blair rubbed her cheek against Cams shoulder. “I dont want other women taking care of you.

  Cam laughed. “I think Ill be safe with them.

  “ What about the thing Saturday night Im supposed to do for Lucinda?

  “ I dont like it, Cam said, “but we all agree we cant keep you completely out of the public eye. Lucinda is arranging for a suite of rooms at the Copley for us and the rest of the team for the weekend. Ill be your escort, and Savard will accompany Diane.

  “ Oh, Starks going to love that.

  Cam grinned. “Its all in the line of duty.

  Blair leaned back, a glint in her eyes. “Is it, now? Then youd better pack something besides work clothes. Like a tux.

  “ Thats what rental places are for.

  “ And you better make sure you sleep in the car, Blair murmured, running her fingers along Cams collarbone and down over her chest. “I missed you last night.

  “ Me too.

  “ What about your hip and shoulder?

  “ Im stiff and sore, but functional. Cam kissed Blair, taking her time, because it would be hours before they saw each other again and despite her words of confidence to Blair, she knew that anything could happen in the interim. “Besides, massage therapy will be good for them.

  “ Then Ill put you on my schedule for the morning.

  “ Ill be there.

  Blair held her tightly, unable to imagine any other possibility.

  Chapter Thirteen

  P aula, Blair said with quiet intensity, just the slightest bit of edge in her voice.

  “ Yes? Stark said solemnly.

  “ If you had a round robin, why didnt you bid more?

  Diane snorted and, despite the fact that it had been dark for over three hours and it was impossible to see the beach, Wozinski seemed to find something fascinating happening out the window. Stark hastily squinted at her cheat sheet, obviously at a loss.

  “ A king and queen in every suit. I wouldve taken the bid if Id known you had that much meld, Blair said.

  “ I didnt see it, Stark said bleakly. “I was so excited about the pinochle

  “ Never mind. It doesnt matter. Blair abruptly pushed back her chair, strode across the kitchen, and slammed out the door.

  The room was silent for a moment and then Diane rose. “Its freezing out there. She doesnt have a jacket.

  Wozinski glanced at Stark. “Should I go with her, Chief? I can take her jacket.

  Stark shook her head. “Hara is out back and Tanner stationed a team in a vehicle on the street. Shes covered.

  “ Ill take her jacket, Diane said, patting Wozinskis shoulder as she passed behind his chair. “But thank you.

  “ Yes maam. Wozinski flushed. “Pleasure.

  It took less than thirty seconds for Diane to reach the back deck after grabbing Blairs jacket, but she saw only a single figure standing at the railing, facing toward the oceanshorter than either herself or Blair by several inches and more slender than Stark. Hara. Not Blair. For an instant, her heart twisted with an overriding sense of dread, as if Blair too had walked out the door and simply vanished. Just like the morning she had awakened in the guesthouse in a still room beneath a silent dawn and realized that Valerie had disappeared while shed slept. “Where
s Blair?

  Hara did not turn, and even in the darkness, Diane knew that she was watching Blair. The cloud cover was so dense even the light from the full moon barely penetrated the inky sky.

  “ Sitting on top of a dune, fifteen yards down the path and ten feet off to the right.

  “ It feels like thirty degrees out here, and you just let her go? Diane snapped.

  “ Thirty-eight degrees.

  “ Never mind, Diane muttered, hurrying down the stairs to the path. A minute later she knelt beside Blair. “Put your jacket on.

  “ Thanks, Blair said, shrugging into it. “You dont need to stay.

  With a sigh, Diane shifted around to sit facing the same direction as Blair and leaned against her. When Blair wrapped an arm around her, she snuggled closer and lightly rested her head on Blairs shoulder. “Couldnt you brood inside where we can have a fire?

  “ Its a lot harder to do if youre comfortable. Blair pressed her cheek to Dianes hair. “Do you have any idea how much I hate waiting here, safe and sound and protected by armed guards, while Cam is out there somewhere with people who want to kill her?

  “ I think I know, Diane whispered.

  “ Oh, honey, Im sorry, Blair said. “Of course you do.

  “ Renée called Paula with an update, Diane pointed out gently. “She said everything was fine and that Cam was resting.

  “ I know. Blair sighed. “But that was three hours ago and theyre not due here for another four at least. Anything can happen. She reached beside her and dug her fingers into the cold sand. “I just want to be able to protect her the way she protects me.

  “ I bet you already do.

  Blair laughed harshly. “Hardly. Since everyone thinks Im so important, I seem to be the one destined to wait, just like tonight.

  “ You are important

  “ Im no more important than Cam or you or Stark or any of the others.

  Diane wrapped both arms around Blairs waist and hugged her. “You, Blair Powell , may not be more important than the rest of us, although I happen to think youre pretty special and Im sure Cam does too, but its not about Blair Powell.