by Radclyffe
Stark stiffened. “Mac doesnt need me to assist. I can go with the ground detail, Commander.
Cam shook her head. “Not with Egret on site. You need to be here. If something goes wrong, youll have to evac her quickly. Id suggest you make contingency plans to get her back to the White House, but thats your call.
“ Yes, maam.
“ Well have to go without visual if Valerie boards Henrys vessel, Cam said with a nod to Savard, “but I want audio surveillance that Henry wont catch even if he looks. Wires are too risky if he does a body search.
“ Hes not going to have the equipment to look for an implantable, Valerie said. “If we get it in by tomorrow morning, the puncture site should be very difficult to spot as little as twelve hours later.
“ A transdermal receiver? Savard said, her eyes brightening with anticipation. “How are we going to get it? Thats the kind of stuff only the DOD has, and even thats just a rumor.
“ Its not a rumor, Valerie said.
“ Whats the range? Felicia asked.
“ 1000 yards. Valerie glanced at Cam. “He may see you at that range.
“ Possibly, Cam said. “But were close enough to fishing and shipping routes that there will be plenty of water traffic, even at night. Well run without lights as much as we can.
“ Thats quite a distance if we have to extract quickly, Savard said.
“ Once Valerie and Henry rendezvous, hell be occupied and well be able to drift in closer. Cam cut her eyes to Valerie. “A minute. Thats likely to be how much time well need to get aboard if you signal. Two, tops.
“ Understood, Valerie replied with a faint smile. “Thats a very acceptable margin.
“ With respect, Commander, Savard said, “thats a long window.
Cam didnt disagree. Even sixty seconds could be a death sentence if the operation went bad. “Weve got thirty-six hours to cut the margin. Lets get working.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Friday
Y ou dont have to leave right away, do you? Diane sat on the bed watching Valerie dress. “Its not even nine oclock.
Valerie hesitated, still not used to disclosing the particulars of an operation to anyone. Of course, before Diane, there had never been anyone close enough other than Cam. Now, even though she would trust Diane with her life, she felt uneasy discussing the work she did. She had only just returned from spending the day finalizing the last details of the plan with Cam and Savard, and her mind was completely engaged with what was to come. It occurred to her then that there were reasons intimate relationships were discouraged for agents such as herself. The needs of others were a distraction. Life was a distraction.
Forcing herself to focus on Diane, Valerie found her looking more pale than usual. She knew Diane hadnt slept the night before, even though she had tried to pretend she was sleeping. Eventually theyd both admitted they were awake and had made desperate love until morning, when Valerie had silently slipped away while Diane slept.
“ I want to be at the rendezvous point well before he arrives, Valerie said.
“ What about the others? Theyll be with you, wont they?
“ Theyll follow a short time later. Dont worry, theyll be there long before anything happens.
“ Can I come with you to the marina?
Valerie shook her head as she tucked her long-sleeved T-shirt into her jeans. “Im riding down with one of Tanners crew and they wont be coming back here. She kissed Diane softly. “I dont want you getting marooned out there in the middle of the night.
“I dont mind waiting. Diane rose and clasped Valerie lightly around the waist. “Im going to go slightly stir crazy waiting here.
“You need to stay here, Valerie said gently, pulling Diane close. She brushed her mouth over Dianes ear. “Its important that you stay close to Blair in case you have to leave quickly.
Diane stiffened. “You mean if something goes wrong out there.
“There are any number of reasons why Stark might want to move you both, and it wont necessarily mean that anything has gone wrong. Just promise me youll do whatever Stark says.
“Im not leaving here without you.
“You may have to. Please, love, I need to know that you will do what Stark says. Valerie cupped Dianes cheek. “I need to know youre all right so I can concentrate on doing this thing. Can you help me?
Diane took a deep breath. “Yes. But promise youll call me or come find me as soon as you can?
Feeling Diane tremble, Valerie murmured softly and kissed her. “I wont disappear. I wont do that to you again. No matter what.
Diane nodded. “Wheres your gun? Youre taking your gun, arent you?
“Yes. Valerie released Diane and went to the dresser where she kept her weapon. She clipped the holster to the waistband of her jeans. “Hell expect me to be armed. She didnt add that he might also ask her to relinquish it as a show of good faith. Diane didnt need more to worry about.
“Im sure there are things I should be doing or saying, but I forgot to ask Blair for pointers, Diane said shakily.
Valerie gathered her close again, drawing deeply of her scent, imprinting the shape and feel of her body and the way she fit so seamlessly into her own waiting places. “You dont require any advice on giving me exactly what I need. I love you.
“I love you too. Ill see you soon.
“Yes you will, Valerie said gently. She kissed her and was careful not to make it feel like goodbye. She would not leave Diane with that memory.
* * * * *
Cam reached for her shoulder holster but Blair got to it first and held it up so Cam could shrug into it. She pressed against Cams back, caressing the tops of her shoulders and down her arms. When she reached her hands, she slid her fingers between Cams.
“Tanner was here earlier. I think she wanted to come with you.
Cam shook her head. “Were using more civilians than we should already, but since I know I cant keep Tanner from sending her people out on the water to do perimeter surveillance, I asked her to head up that part of the operation. But theres no way Im letting her get anywhere close to Henry.
“ I wish you didnt have to get close either, Blair said, meeting Cams eyes in the mirror over the dresser. What she saw made her tighten her hold on Cam, wrapping their joined arms around Cams middle, as if she could keep her safe within her embrace, forever. “Youre worried about something. What is it?
“ The problem is we cant really get close enough , Cam said, “so were going to be relying on some pretty dicey technology. Thats not the way I like to do these things.
“ No, I know, Blair murmured. “You like to be right there yourself. Is it selfish of me to be glad that youre not going to be able to stand in front of her if someone starts shooting?
Cam eased out of Blairs embrace and turned. “No, its not selfish. I wouldnt feel any differently if the positions were reversed. This is just one of those times when its actually better to be close to the line of fire. Cam kissed her before walking to the closet to retrieve her windbreaker. “But we have an experienced team, and with Stark and Mac here coordinating and Tanners people on the water, weve got all the bases covered. Itll be fine.
“ Wheres your vest? Blair said sharply.
“ In the truck.
“ Tell me youre going to wear it.
“ I will. Cam grabbed Blair and kissed her again, harder this time. “Well need to debrief as soon as were done, so it might take awhile before I can call. Dont worry, okay?
“ Ill try.
She stepped back, but kept a grip on Blairs forearms. “If for any reason Stark wants to evacuate, it might be tomorrow or the next day until we reconnect.
Blair narrowed her eyes. “Why might Stark want to evacuate?
“We dont think Matheson will try to hit here, but its not beyond the realm of possibility.
“Is that the only reason?
“Blair, Cam said pleadingly.
“Cameron. When will you stop trying to protect me?
Cam shru
gged ruefully. “Probably never.
Blair stroked her face. “All right. Good enough. Then just answer when I ask, if youre not going to volunteer the information.
“If Stark loses communication with us for any reason, weve agreed that she will get you out. It might be something as simple as the satellite link going down, so theres no reason for you to worry if it happens.
“You cant honestly believe that.
“The only person at risk here is Valerie, Cam said. “Thats the truth.
“Dont think I dont care about what happens to her, Cam, Blair said, “because I do. I like her. Diane loves her. I dont want anything to happen to her. Blair tangled her fingers in Cams hair. “ But you are my lover, and you come first, before anyone. Before Diane. Before my father, before this country.
Cam held Blairs face as gently as she could and caressed her mouth with her lips. As she kissed her, she whispered, “The same is true for me. Ill be back as soon as I can.
* * * * *
“Hows the leg feeling? Paula asked as she buttoned her shirt.
“Good. Steady. Renée slid an extra clip of ammunition into her jacket pocket. “Did you post extra people on the beach?
“Yeah. Paula threaded her belt through her holster and snugged the buckle down. “We tightened the perimeters and doubled the guards. Matheson is not coming ashore without us knowing it.
“What about the road? Renée sat on the bed to lace her boots. It still hurt to squat down or bend over. Fortunately, she wasnt going to be doing much moving once they got on board the boat.
“We put up roadblocks diverting everything except local traffic, and weve got two people there to check any cars coming through. Fortunately, island traffic is really light this time of year.
“Yeah, I know. If this had been summer, it wouldve been a nightmare. Renée walked to Paula and snaked her arms around Paulas shoulders. “Dont take any chances, okay? I dont have to tell you how good Mathesons people are.
Paula thought back to the attack on the Aerie and the insane few moments when the automatic weapons fire was all she could hear. It seemed almost incomprehensible that six short weeks ago an attack like that had been beyond imagining, and now she was preparing to protect the first daughter of the United States against a possible assault by a group of US extremists as if it were business as usual.
“ The commander was right moving us here. Its more defensible than if we were almost anywhere else. But dont worry, at the first sign of any problem, Im moving her.
“ Good. Renée kissed her quickly. “Ill see you in a little while.
“ Hey, Paula said, stopping Renée with a hand on her arm. “I know you want this guy. We all do. Justjust dont take any chances, okay?
For the first time, Renée recognized that Paula was worried. Worried and trying not to burden her by saying so. For the last two days, they had both been so caught up in planning the operation that theyd barely had a moment alone together. When they had taken a break, theyd had little energy to do more than fall into bed to catch a few hours sleep before getting back to work. And, she had to admit, she was excited about another operation and thinking about nothing else. She was eager to get back into the field, and hungry, aching , for payback. Ever since 9/11 shed felt impotent, and the thwarted raid on Mathesons compound had only added to her sense of helplessness. Now she had a chance to settle the score, and that was all shed been thinking about.
“ Hey, sweetie, Im sorry, Renée said. “Ive been running on autopilot since yesterday morning. God, I want this guy so bad.
“ Do you think youll be able to take Henry alive? Paula asked.
“ Thats going to be Valeries call, I think, Renée said, sitting down on the edge of the bed and patting the space next to her. “Sit with me for a minute.
Paula sat beside her and slipped an arm around her waist.
“If Valerie reads Henry as still friendly, shes going to recommend a meeting between the three of themher, Cam, and Henrysomeplace on neutral territory. If she doesnt trust Henry or if Matheson shows, I think Valerie is going to make a different call.
“Thats got to be tough after all the time theyve worked together, Paula said.
“Shes ice. Renée said it respectfully. “Shell do whatever needs to be done.
“I know. We all will. Paula kissed Renée and squeezed her hand. “Try not to mess your leg up again tonight.
“I wont. Renée smiled, tightening her grip on Paulas hand. “By the way, I love you like crazy.
“Same here, Paula whispered. “Same here.
* * * * *
“All set? Cam asked as Valerie joined her and Savard in the kitchen.
“Yes. Where are the others?
Cam tilted her head toward the closed doors of the adjoining room. “Operations center. Do you want to look at the setup?
“No, Valerie said. “Im sure Mac has everything under control. Valerie stood next to the table where Savard was drawing a clear solution from a 50cc glass vial into a 1cc syringe and unzipped her jeans.
“How does your neck feel? Savard asked as she opened a foil wrapper and extracted an alcohol swab.
“A tiny bit sore, Valerie said, rubbing a fingertip lightly over the spot just below her ear where the transdermal microphone had been inserted that morning. “How do you read it?
“Loud and clear, Savard said, pointing to the wireless receiver that was barely visible in her ear. “Right leg or left?
“Left.
Savard pulled on gloves, swabbed Valeries upper thigh with the alcohol, and palpated for the femoral pulse. When she found it, she inserted the needle half an inch away, drew back until she saw venous blood, and injected the Neosynephrine. “Youre going to feel your heart race in a few minutes, but the peripheral vasoconstriction wont be maximal for an hour and a half to two hours. She met Valeries eyes. “Once this starts working, your skin is going to be damn cold and if he touches you, hell know.
“If he touches me it will only be for a second and I dont think hell notice, Valerie said as she zipped her jeans.
Savard gathered her equipment. “Wear as little as you can on the boat on the way out to drop your core temperature even more. I dont know how well this is going to work. Im just guessing on the dosage.
“ I dressed light and Ill take my jacket off. Id go in the water, but hell notice if Im wet.
“ We cant risk you getting that cold, Cam said, shaking her head. “If you have to go into the water for any reason later on, and you start out with a core temperature that low, you wont last thirty seconds.
Valerie smiled. “Youll be there before that.
Cam said nothing.
“ See you later, Savard said, touching Valerie lightly on the arm before leaving.
“ Theres a car outside to take you down to the marina, Cam said as she and Valerie walked toward the front door. “Ill ride with you.
Valerie stopped. “No. Stay here. I know how many last-minute details there are to check. Im all right, Cameron.
The hallway was dimly lit, and Cam thought Valerie looked almost ghostlike in the shadows, as if she were already gone. It made her uneasy, and she unconsciously reached out and touched her cheek. “Youre not going to be alone out there.
“ I know. Im not worried. Valerie covered Cams hand for a brief second. Then she drew it away from her face, but kept Cams fingers in her grasp. “There are many things unsaid between us. You should know that there were times that your presence in my life was the only thing that mattered to me. There was never a single moment when I felt anything but cared for by you.
“ Valerie, Cam murmured. “Youre
“ Let me finish, because weve got work to do, Valerie said gently. “Ive been happier these last few weeks, despite everything, than Ive ever been in my life. Diane means everything to me, and if it werent for having met you and realizing that I could love someone, I dont think I would have been able to love her the way I do. Take care of her for me, if anything happens to me tonight.
/> “ All right, Cam said roughly. “Ill make you that promise because I dont want you thinking about anything tonight except the operation.
Do your job, and Ill do mine, and youll be back here before sunrise.
“ Thank you, Cameron. Valerie leaned close and kissed Cam lightly on the mouth. “Happy hunting, Commander. Then she turned and walked out the front door.
Cam listened to the engine start and the vehicle pull away before heading back to the operations center. The ache in her chest eased as soon as she walked in and saw Mac and Stark sitting before computer consoles. Felicia stood just behind Mac, her hand on his shoulder. These were her people, the best at what they did of anyone in the world. She trusted them to keep Blair safe. To keep Valerie safe.
“ Hows the feed? Cam asked.
Without turning around, Mac said, “Excellent. Our friends in the Pentagon have great toys.
Cam leaned down to look at the satellite image of the sector of ocean where Valerie would rendezvous with Henry. It was so clear, she could feel the spray. “Amazing. Why didnt we have this before we hit Mathesons compound? We might not have dropped into a hot zone.
“ Because it wasnt their action. Mac looked over his shoulder at Cam and grinned. “And, you werent a deputy director of Homeland Security. If you had been, who knows what kind of cool equipment they would have pulled out for you.
“ Hopefully Henry doesnt have the same toys. Cam glanced at Stark. “Exit strategy in place?
“ Yes. Weve got choppers standing by at Bradley.
“ Do they know why?
Stark shook her head. “No, only that its priority one.
Starks phone rang and she pulled it off her belt. “Stark. Send him in. She closed the connection. “Tanners man is here.
A moment later, Wozinski entered with a thin, sandy haired young man dressed in black BDUs.
“ This is Jeff Donaldson, Wozinski said.
Cam held out her hand. “Donaldson.
“ Maam.
“ Tanner tells me youre a good shot.
“ Sniper duty in Somalia, maam.
“ Good. Cam watched his eyes as she spoke. They were clear and calm and steady. “Comfortable with infrared targets?
