Radclyffe - Honor 06 - Honor Under Siege

by Radclyffe

  “ The gunman didnt say anything, Cam said. “His message was in his gun hand.

  “ Where are we going? Blair asked.

  Cam smiled for a second. “Home to Whitley Point. Lucinda will have someone take care of the hotel room and pick up our luggage.

  “ If its all right with you, Id rather not leave the island again for six months or so.

  “ Ill see what I can do, Cam said.

  “ Thank you. Blair knew it wasnt possible, but for just a little while, it felt good to dream.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Sunday

  T anners here, Blair said as the limo pulled up behind the SUV parked in the circular drive in front of the beach house. She stiffened when three figures materialized out of the dark and approached the vehicle. Even in the middle of the night, with only streaks of moonlight to cut the inky blackness, she could make out the automatic rifles.

  “ Theyre Tanners people, Cam said. “Stark probably called ahead once we were out of range of the city and filled Tanner in on what happened.

  Despite Cams assurances that the figures posed no threat, Cam and Savard got out of the limo first and closed the door, leaving Blair and Diane shielded inside.

  “ I dont know how you stand it, Diane said. “Its all so horrible.

  Blair slid across the space between the facing seats and put an arm around her. “Try not to think about it right now, honey. Well get you inside and once were safe, youll feel better.

  Diane laughed harshly. “Safe? Thats just an illusion, and I bet youve known that all along, havent you? She touched Blairs face as if seeing her for the very first time. “Youve known you could never be safe, so there was no reason to let them pretend to protect you.

  When the door opened and Cam leaned in, Blair didnt move but smiled over at her. “Ill be right out, darling.

  “ Go with her, Diane said. “Im all right.

  “ No youre not. None of us are. Blair rubbed Dianes arm and rocked her gently as Cam moved away. “Youre partly right, you knowabout my being guarded. I used to think there was no real need for protection and I resented them for trying, especially when it meant having them in my life twenty-four hours a day. I still hate iteverything about itbut mostly I hate that one of them could be hurt trying to protect me. But theyre very good and theyve saved my life and I trust them with it, now. All of them. She took a deep breath. “And I know that I need them.

  Diane shivered. “I saw Paula jump in front of you and I saw her get shot. Thank God, it was just a millisecond, but I saw her body jerk, and Ill never forget the shock on her face. She looked down at her hands which were clasped tightly in her lap. “All the way back here, I kept wondering if Valeries already dead. If someone

  “ Shes not, and you cant think that way. Blair took Dianes face between her hands. “You never give up. Okay? Its not allowed. We will win.

  “ God, Diane laughed unsteadily. “Youre turning into one of them.

  “ Bite your tongue. Blair released Diane and opened the door. “Come on, lets go inside.

  Tanner stood waiting with Cam next to the vehicle. As Blair and Diane slid out, she wrapped her arms around both of them. “Hey, you two okay?

  “ Just shaky, Diane said.

  “ Weve got a fire going and a nice bottle of wine waiting for you, Tanner said.

  “ I dont even want to think about why you need your security people, Blair whispered against Tanners ear, “but I owe you for the rest of my life for them. She closed her eyes, trying to banish the sight of Cam lying on the floor. “Thank you so much.

  “ Dont even go there, Tanner said grimly. “Im just sorry I wasnt there myself.

  “ You did exactly what we needed. Blair eased away from Tanner. “Is Emory inside already?

  “ Yes, she volunteered to check out Stark and Tanners security guard. Cam wrapped her arm around Blairs waist as they walked to the house. “Stark took a hard hit and I ordered her to stand down. Im sorry, but I need to contact Wozinski to find out whats going on back there.

  “I understand. Just promise me youll try to get some sleep tonight, too. Blair held the door open and waited until everyone else disappeared inside before asking, “Do you need something for your ribs?

  “No, its tolerable. Ill wrap this up just as soon as I can. Cam cupped the back of Blairs neck and kissed her gently. “I love you.

  Blair kissed her back, far less gently. “I love you too.

  “If thats a come on, I might be too tired to deliver tonight, Cam said.

  “It is, but I think Im too tired to accept delivery. Blair gave her a gentle push. “Go do what you have to do. Theres always a shower to look forward to in a few hours.

  * * * * *

  “Wheres Diane? Blair asked when she looked in on Adrienne and Felicia in the living room.

  “She wanted to be alone, Adrienne said. “Do you think shes all right?

  “She will be, Blair said. “Its the first time shes ever been shot at.

  “If she needs a little escape from all of this, she can stay with Tanner and me, Adrienne said. “The atmosphere around here might be a little intense for her the next few days.

  “Tanner never mentioned you had such a knack for understatement.

  “Speaking of my spouse, Adrienne said, rising, “I should find her and get her home before she decides to stand guard herself. She glanced at Blair. “Shes more than willing, if you need her

  Blair shook her head. “No. And youve both done enough. Were fine.

  “Weve got plenty of people to secure this location, Felicia added, setting her coffee aside and standing as well. “Im going to check in with the commander.

  “And I want to see Emory, Blair said.

  She bade the others goodnight and walked down the hall to the bedroom the agents used when they were off-shift. As she knocked on the partially open door, it swung open before she could catch it, affording her a glimpse of Emory Constantine leaning over a semi-nude young woman stretched out on the bed. Steph Fletcher, one of Tanners security guards.

  “ Sorry. Blair started to close the door.

  “ Thats all right, Emory called. “Were done.

  Blair stepped inside as Emory drew a sheet up to the shoulders of the wiry, short haired redhead. “Im going to leave my cell number right here on the bedside table. Emory crossed to a small desk and scribbled something on a piece of paper that she then placed next to the redheads holstered weapon. “Six hours of bed rest, minimum. If your chest pain gets worse, you develop a cough, or you feel lightheaded, call me immediately. Otherwise, Ill see you first thing in the morning.

  “ Look, thanks. Steph was already pushing herself up, clearly intent on returning to duty. “I really appreciate everything, but

  “ You know, Steph, Blair said conversationally. “I bet Tanner would put you right on the inactive list if she thought you werent a hundred percent. Not that anyone would tell her

  Steph groaned and flopped back down. “Okay. Okay, I got it. Roger on the six hours bed rest.

  “ Thank you. Emory followed Blair into the hall. “Is there someone who can give me a ride to a hotel?

  “ We have plenty of room right here, Blair said as they returned to the living room. “You can stay here until Cam is sure that its safe for you to go home.

  “ I dont know precisely what went on in that hallway, but I heard some of the conversation among the agents on the way here. That manthat man might have been trying to kill me. I certainly cant endanger you or

  “ No one is going to let you leave, Emory, and no one wants you to. Blair found a half-empty bottle of wine, refilled her glass, and poured another for Emory. “Id be very grateful if youd look at Cam later. Shes been through a lot this past week and She realized her hand was trembling and put the glass down abruptly.

  “ Of course Ill look at her, Emory said.

  “ Thank you. Is there anyone you need to call? The White House will take care of devising some story for the press, but if theres someone whos goin
g to be worried about where you are tonight

  “No, there isnt. Emory reached for her wine. “Since my divorce last year, Ive been living in the family home with my mother. She travels a lot, as do I, so it works out very well for both of us. Right now shes in Milan.

  Blair curled up on the sofa and regarded Emory thoughtfully. “Well then, consider yourself our guest.

  “All right. Of course. Emory gestured to her evening dress. “Do you have clothes I can borrow? One of the security guards gave me his jacket in the car, but I gave that back to him when we got here.

  “Between Diane and me, Im sure we can outfit you.

  “In that case, I gratefully accept. I can e-mail my chief technician with instructions for the lab in the morning. This will give me a chance to check on Steph again, too.

  “Is she badly hurt?

  Emory shook her head. “I dont think so, but blunt trauma to the chest can be tricky. Id feel better if I could x-ray her and get a cardiogram, but thats out of the question.

  “If you think its necessary, Tanner is very good at making arrangements for that sort of thing without a lot of fuss.

  “You mean no records?

  “Pretty much.

  “Somehow I get the feeling none of this is new to you.

  Blair sighed, kicked off her shoes, and propped her feet on a leather hassock. Sometime in the last year shed gotten used to living with danger. Not just the vague and barely countenanced possibility of harassment or kidnapping that shed grown up with, but the life and death reality of bombs and bullets. Her lover had almost died, her friends had been shot, and she had been exposed to a potentially lethal bioweapon. “No, its not new. She smiled wearily at Emory. “And I dont think its going to go awayever.

  * * * * *

  “What the hell went wrong? Matheson barked into the cell phone as he paced in his motel room. The need to change locations frequently and the inability to easily access his funds were wearing on him.

  “He wasnt a professional, sir, and the targets were very well covered, the colonel said. “We knew using a civilian might be a problem.

  Matheson sighed. “It was still a good plan to use someone who would be seen as targeting Constantine, but relying on amateurs is too risky. Were going to have to handle this ourselves.

  “It wont be easy without inside help, sir.

  “According to my friend in the Company, theyre most likely back on the island, and its not impregnable. If Lawrence doesnt surface soon, well have to force her out.

  “Sir?

  “Well start eliminating her contacts. Matheson relaxed his grip on the phone. “One by one.

  Chapter Nineteen

  I f were going to shower together, Blair whispered in Cams ear, “we have to get up now.

  “ Did you wake up with an urge? Cam murmured.

  “ Mmm. A big one. Blair teased the rim of Cams ear with the tip of her tongue and pressed her pelvis against the crest of Cams hip. “I went to bed with one, and it just kept growing. She reached around Cams body and caressed her breasts and abdomen. “Of course, if youre really tired, I could probably manage on my own for a while.

  Cam rolled over onto her back and pulled Blair on top of her. “Who needs a shower.

  Grinning, Blair sat up and straddled Cams waist. Keeping her weight off Cams bruised hip, she grasped the hem of her T-shirt and stripped it off over her head. She let it fall onto the floor beside the bed and skimmed her hands slowly over her chest and down her abdomen, watching Cam follow the movement of her hands on her own body. “How do you feel this morning?

  “ Surprisingly okay.

  Blair trailed her fingers along the inside of her thighs, her fingertips brushing Cams abdomen as well as her own legs. When Cams muscles tightened, she felt an answering tension between her legs. “Shoulder stiff?

  Cam raised both arms and cupped Blairs breasts. “Not at all.

  Blair closed her eyes as her nipples hardened and her breasts swelled against Cams palms. “Still, lets be sure you dont overdo it. She rocked her pelvis in a slow steady glide on Cams stomach, pressing a little harder with each stroke as the delicious pressure built. She covered one of Cams hands on her breast with her own, and with her other opened herself so she could rub more of her rapidly swelling sex over Cams belly. Soon the steady pump and glide of her hips gave way to short, erratic thrusts and she moaned softly. “Oh God, you feel so good.

  “ Blair, Cam whispered. “Open your eyes, baby.

  Smiling crookedly, Blair blinked and struggled to focus. “Sorry. Im so close, I almost She took a shuddering breath. “I need to back off a minute.

  When she started to lift herself away, Cam shook her head.

  “ No, dont move. Cam kept one hand closed around Blairs breast, the nipple vised between two fingers, and slid the other between Blairs legs, palm up. Her fingers slipped down the hot, wet valley until her fingertips dipped just inside. “Now make yourself come in my hand.

  Blair caught her lip between her teeth and bent forward to wrap both hands around Cams arm, just above her wrist. “Tell meif I hurt you.

  “ You wont. I want to feel everything. Cam started a steady tug and squeeze on Blairs nipple. “Fill my hand. Come on, baby.

  With a groan, Blair pushed hard against Cams hand, circling herself over the smooth firm muscles at the base of the palm. Soon she was balanced on a razors edge. Panting, she frantically sought Cams gaze. “Im going to come.

  “ Dont hold back, Cam urged hoarsely. “I need all of you. Everything.

  “ Push inside me, Blair gasped, her back arching. She jerked Cams arm hard between her legs, trying to force Cams fingers into her.

  Cam buried her hand, her palm riding hard over Blairs clitoris again and again.

  “ Oh God, Cam, Blair cried, “there. Oh right there. The muscles in her stomach and thighs shook violently as she tightened inside, over and over. When she couldnt hold herself upright any longer, she tried to brace herself on one arm, but managed only to collapse on her side next to Cam, Cams hand still inside her.

  “ All right, baby? Cam kissed Blairs closed eyelids, then her mouth. “Blair?

  “Mmm, oh God, wonderful.

  “Ready for that shower?

  Blair snuggled a little closer and smoothed her hand down Cams stomach, smiling against Cams throat as she felt her twitch at the touch. “In a minute, she murmured, caressing lightly. “Or maybe two, if you can behave that long.

  “Ill do my best, Cam groaned.

  “That should do nicely.

  * * * * *

  Renée Savard stifled a groan and eased to the far side of the bed, trying desperately not to shake the mattress. Her knee was so stiff and swollen, she feared she might have to crawl to the other side of the room where shed left her cane propped against a chair two days earlier. Only two days ago, when shed actually been walking fairly comfortably unaided. Of course, that was before shed thrown herself down on top of Diane Bleeker and then sprinted fifty feet down a hallway and hurled herself into the back seat of a limousine.

  “Can you walk? Paula whispered.

  “Im just taking it slow, Renée replied. “Go back to sleep, sweetie.

  Paula pushed the covers aside and started to sit up. “Ill get your cane.

  “Dont, Paula, Renée said more sharply than she had intended. Knowing she must sound angry, she turned onto her side and stroked her lovers arm. “Hey, Im sorry. But you should stay in bed for a little while longer.

  “Where are you going? Paula caught Renées hand and intertwined their fingers.

  “Its already 0600. The commander will be briefing soon.

  “And I need to brief the security team, Paula countered.

  “The commander didnt take a bullet in the chest last night. You know you should take it easy today.

  “I was wearing a vest. The commander took a bullet in the chest for real and that didnt keep her down for long.

  “Youre every bit as strong and dedicated as the commander. Ren�
�e pushed a pillow behind her back, drew Paula against her side, and kissed the top of her head. “The commander is amazingId follow her anywhere, do anything she asked. But youre my lover, and I know what you did last night. I know what might have happened if hed been using different ammo or you took that shot in the neck. Those few minutes in the limo last night when I wasnt sure how badly you were hurt that was the worst kind of hell. God, sweetie, I was scared.

  “Hey, hey. I know. Paula rubbed her cheek against the side of Renées breast. “I know what it was like thinking you were in one of the towers when they came down. I know, baby.

  “So, Renée said shakily, “you get that I need you to take care of yourself for a little while.

  “Im sore, Paula admitted. “Every time I breathe it feels like someones poking a sharp stick into my chest and out through my shoulder blades. But Im not going to do anything except sit at a table and talk. I wont take a shift.

  “And after the briefing youll lie down again for three or four hours?

  “Two. Two hours and I wont mention to the commander that youre having trouble even standing.

  Laughing, Renée tilted Paulas face up and kissed her. “I never realized you were so devious.

  “I cant take you being hurt, either, Paula whispered, closing her eyes and pillowing her face between Renées breasts. “Maybe you could just stay here for a few more minutes.

  “Anything, Renée murmured. “Anything for you.

  * * * * *

  Just before seven, Blair walked with Cam as far as the guesthouse. A light rain fell beneath a gray sky and in the distance the ocean was rough with angry chop.

  “Winters coming, Blair said, and for some reason, that made her feel melancholy.

  Cam took her hand. “Lets get married at the Lodge in Colorado. We can call Doris today and make arrangements.

  “What? Blair gaped, then her eyes brightened with pleasure. “What brought that on?