by Radclyffe
Blair gave a small cry and tightened her hold on her lover. She pressed her face to Cam's neck and stroked her hand up and down Cam's back, over her shoulders, until finally she laced her fingers into Cam's hair. "We'll take care of each other. We'll be together— do you hear me? We're going to be together. I promise."
Finally, safe in the comfort of her lover's arms, Cam slept.
The first thing she saw was Parker, lying on her back, her arms stretched out to her sides. Her eyes were open, empty, glazed with that peculiar blankness that only death can bestow. The crimson starburst in the center of her chest seemed nothing more than an afterthought once she'd looked into those eyes.
Turning, she ran, the breath burning in her chest, the muscles in her legs trembling, threatening to abandon her before she could reach... She almost tripped on the leg extending out into the stairwell from the landing just above. Grasping the metal railing with her free hand, clutching her weapon in the oilier, she looked down. Stark lay still, a perfect maroon circle punched between her thick, dark brows. A river of red snaked down from that tiny crater and pooled in the corner of her eye before overflowing onto her cheek like tears.
Oh Jesus. I'm going to lose them all.
Heart pounding, stomach heaving, she stared up the final flight of stairs to the solid gray metal door at the top. Beyond that door lay everything that mattered in her life. She couldn't move her legs. She couldn't climb the stairs. She couldn't reach—would never reach—the top in time. She crumpled to her knees, her weapon dropping unnoticed from her limp fingers. Hands clutching at cold stone, she dragged herself upward, one agonizingly slow step at a time.
When she finally reached the door, there was no handle.
It's so heavy. I can't open it. Please. Please. I have to get through.
By the time she'd pried her fingers into the narrow crevice around the edges and inched the door open, her hands were torn and bleeding. Still on her knees, she fell through to the other side and saw, down the long tunnel of the hallway, the body outside the open door. Every laborious inch cost her blood, every breath clawed at her screaming lungs, and the terror in her belly eviscerated her with razor-sharp talons.
A lifetime later, her vision dim with sweat and tears, she touched a trembling hand to the pale, cold cheek. A single drop of blood, dew on the rose, lay like a forgotten kiss upon her lover's lips.
Blair. Oh God, Blair.
With a silent scream, Cam jolted awake, rolled from the bed, and stumbled hurriedly to the bathroom. She'd barely managed to get the door closed behind her, automatically thumbing the lock, before her legs gave out and she was on her knees, vomiting. It hurt, in her body, in her heart, as the images seared into her brain one after the other. Her stomach rolled, and she continued to retch long after there was nothing left inside her but grief.
In the distance, she heard a muted shout and felt the faint vibration of the bathroom door shaking. Some part of her brain registered that if she didn't get to her feet, get the door open, Blair would break it down. Pale and dizzy, she pulled herself up with one hand on the sink and turned on the cold water. She cupped her hands under the tap and splashed her face until her head stopped spinning.
"Cam! Cam, open the door!"
The words were clear now, and the pounding incessant.
Blinking to clear her vision, Cam opened the cabinet above the sink and fumbled out the small bottle of mouthwash. She rinsed, gagging again, but finally managing to hold everything in at last.
"Just a minute," she called hoarsely. She took a breath, steadied herself, and unlocked the door.
Blair's eyes were wild as she came flying in. Her voice vibrated with fear and fury. "Don't you ever lock me out again when you need help."
"Blair," Cam said weakly, "I—"
"Oh God, what is it?" Blair cried, her trembling hands framing Cam's face. "Are you sick? Cam...oh, Cam." Tears overflowed her lashes and she pulled Cam against her, running hands over her shoulders, her back, wanting desperately to shield her, heal her.
"Dream," Cam gasped, wrapping her arms around Blair's waist and holding on. "Just give me another minute."
"All right, darling. It's all right." Blair found Cam's hand, clasped it tightly, and gently drew her back into the bedroom and into bed. Her heart was pounding, her own stomach tight with dread and the lingering panic she'd felt upon awakening to the terrifying sound of Cam moaning. She'd never, never known Cam to break. The very thought of how much pain her lover must be in for that to happen tore her heart to shreds.
Working hard to keep her voice steady and calm, she settled Cam against her side and stroked her face gently. "Sweetheart, can you tell me?"
"It was just a dream. A very bad dream," Cam replied, her voice stronger as the night terror left her. "I saw Parker...she was dead. Then Stark...her, too." Cam pressed her forehead hard to Blair's shoulder and closed her eyes tightly. "Oh God, then...you."
"No," Blair soothed, brushing her fingers through Cam's hair, her free arm holding her close. "No, darling. Not me. Not Stark. We're here. We're both all right."
Cam shivered. "I couldn't reach you. I couldn't save you." She lifted her face, her dark eyes bleeding with loss. "I couldn't save Parker, and that's no dream."
Blair held her lover's gaze. "I know. I'm so sorry." She kissed Cam's forehead, then her mouth, tenderly. "If there was any way you could have stopped what happened today, I know that you would have." When she felt Cam stiffen, she said quickly, "No. It's true. Tragic, horrible things happened to so many people today. Things probably no one could have stopped. Perhaps someday we'll know who or why or how, but of one thing I'm certain. If you hadn't been there, I'd be dead."
"I was so fucking scared that I couldn't keep you safe." The words burned in Cam's throat.
"But you did." Blair brushed her lips over Cam's again. I forget—we all forget—-what that costs you. As she guided Cam's head down to her breast, wanting never to let her go, she murmured, "We're together now, and I'm not going to let anything change that. Ever."
The sound of Cam's phone woke them just after five. Cam's head pounded, but it was a clean, sharp headache with none of the sickness she'd felt the night before. Blair was beside her, naked and warm and alive. She felt her world right itself as she rolled over and picked up her phone.
"Roberts." She stretched out an arm as Blair moved closer to curl against her and wrap an arm around her waist. Automatically, Cam rested her chin against the top of Blair's head. "Yes sir, we're secure. No problems, and I don't anticipate any. Yes, sir." Cam extended the phone to Blair. "Your father again." "Hi," Blair said. "You're at the residence? Is everything okay?...Yes, all right, if Cam thinks we should." Blair laughed quietly, rubbing her palm over Cam's chest. "Yes, Dad, I understand that you're the president. But she's my security chief."
"Blair," Cam whispered urgently.
Blair looked at Cam. "Well, you are."
"And I'd like it to stay that way. Tell him yes"
"Dad? You can go ahead and send a helicopter."
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
W hen Cam walked into the living room to inform Felicia Davis of their departure plans, she was surprised to find Paula Stark standing guard at the wide front windows. "Where's Davis?"
Stark turned from her survey of the grounds and the distant front gate, her expression somber. "I relieved her at 0400."
Cam nodded, thinking that if she hadn't fallen asleep after the nightmare and its aftermath, she would have relieved Davis herself. She couldn't fault Stark for being responsible, even if she had been ordered to get some sleep. "Very well." As Stark turned back to her silent vigil, Cam walked up beside her. "We're evacuating—ETD 0730. Once Egret is secure, you can call Renee."
"I'm sure she's up to her eyeballs in fieldwork right now," Stark said flatly. "I imagine, being right there..."Her voice wavered, and she drew a long breath. "Being right there, she's got to be one of the lead agents. She probably won't even answer her phone."
"No," Cam agree
d, because the assessment was technically accurate and any other alternative scenario was unacceptable. There would be time to think the unthinkable if Savard failed to respond after a reasonable wait. And who knows what's reasonable any longer? "She probably won't see any downtime for another twenty-four hours at least."
Stark nodded, still at rigid attention, her jaw set and her eyes bleak. "Yes. That's what I figure, too."
In a rare gesture, Cam squeezed Stark's shoulder briefly. "I'll advise Davis to relieve you."
"It's not necessary, Commander. I'm fine."
"Yes, I know you are." They stood side by side in silence, watching the sea breeze blow the last edges of the night clouds from the sky. Eventually, without touching her again, Cam said,
"There's coffee in the kitchen. Get some, then grab a shower. We're headed to DC."
Stark jerked in surprise. But Renee 's in New York! With effort, she forced herself to reply quietly. "Yes, ma'am."
Cam wanted to add some word of reassurance, but she thought too much of Stark to lie. They both knew the chances of hearing from Renee—or not. Before she turned away, she said quietly, "You did a fine job yesterday, Agent Stark."
"It was an honor, Commander."
Their eyes met, steady and strong. Then Cam nodded and left Stark to her duty, A few minutes later, she stood with Blair in the kitchen, drinking coffee. Felicia entered, looking worn but in control, "A car was just cleared through the front gate by the private security team."
"Thank you," Cam said, setting her cup on the breakfast bar. "Do we have identification?"
"No, without a comm link, I have no way of receiving that information." Felicia didn't look or sound pleased. After the ambush the day before, none of the team was likely to take anything at face value ever again. "I assume it's someone known to them, but..."
Foster was known to us, too, and he orchestrated an assassination attempt that very nearly succeeded. Cam headed for the front of the house. "Let's just see for ourselves."
Tanner waited on the verge of the circular drive. A black sedan pulled to a stop just in front of her, and a tall thin blond in a rumpled navy uniform stepped out and hurried around the front of the vehicle.
Meeting her halfway, Tanner immediately slipped both arms around her waist. "Are you all right?"
"Just tired," Adrienne Pierce replied. She kissed Tanner softly, then stroked her cheek while searching her eyes. "How about you?"
"Much better now." Tanner brushed her fingers down Adrienne's arm and clasped her hand. "I am so glad you're home."
"Have you heard anything from Constance and Tom?"
"She just called," Tanner replied, her relief at having heard from her mother clear. "They're fine."
"Good." Adrienne slid her arm around Tanner's waist. "Why is there a guard at our gate?"
"We've got unexpected visitors."
At the sound of footsteps on the veranda, Adrienne shifted her gaze from her lover to take a close look at the women who gathered at the top of the stairs. "I see." She recognized Blair Powell although they had met only a few times. The others were easily identifiable as Secret Service agents just by the way they carried themselves and observed her with polite but intent attention. "Special visitors. Why are they here?"
"I don't know. Blair called yesterday shortly after the....attacks. She said that she needed a secure place to stay."
The president's daughter needs a safe house? Adrienne's heart hammered as she glanced quickly around. "My God, are they here alone?"
"There's just Blair and three agents." Tanner lowered her voice, although no one could hear them. "They're all a little beat up."
That information, coupled with the level of wartime preparedness she had just been part of at the base, made Adrienne wish she had brought a security team with her. Blair Powell was in her home in the midst of a national crisis, and surprisingly undefended. It didn't make sense. But then, absolutely nothing about the last twenty-two hours made sense. "You called in your own security?"
"I was a bit nervous."
Adrienne laughed thinly. "I can see why. I wonder if 1 can get some MPs out here—-"
"I don't think that's necessary," Tanner informed Adrienne as they crossed the driveway and started up the steps. "Blair told me just a little while ago that they would be leaving shortly."
"And I only have two hours before I have to head back to the base. I'm sorry I can't stay with you longer."
Tanner gripped her arm more tightly. "You don't have to apologize. I miss you, and I'm worried about you. But I understand."
With a sigh, Adrienne slid her arm around Tanner, allowing herself the comfort of leaning into her lover's solid body. "God, it's good to be home."
Tanner, in turn, hooked an arm around Adrienne's waist and together, they ascended the stairs to where Blair stood with Cam and Felicia. Stark came through the front door just as they reached the deck, and the six women met in a small circle. Stark and Felicia stood slightly behind and on either side of Blair, who stepped forward with Cam and extended her hand to Adrienne.
"Hello, Adrienne. I'm sorry about the welcoming committee— I'm sure you didn't count on us."
Adrienne smiled and took Blair's hand. "I'm happy to see you. I wish it were under different circumstances."
"Yes, we all do." Blair indicated Cam. "Adrienne Pierce, my partner and security chief, Cameron Roberts."
Cam shook Adrienne's hand as well. "Captain."
"How do you do." Adrienne smiled wearily. "Have you all had breakfast?"
"Yes, Tanner and May have taken wonderful care of us—" Blair broke off at the sound of a distant reverberation growing louder.
Cam stepped away from the small group and looked up into the sky, then back at Blair. "It appears that our ride is here."
Everyone turned and watched as Marine One, the presidential helicopter, settled down on the far side of the lawn. Four marines emerged, heads down to escape the buffeting of the rapidly spinning rotors, and hurried toward the house.
"I'm afraid we're going to have to be rude," Blair said, glancing from Adrienne to Tanner. "I wish it hadn't taken this to get us together again. I've missed you both."
Tanner took Blair's hand and squeezed it. "Me, too. When things...settle down, come back. You and Cameron, come back and spend some time with us."
"I'd like that very much." Blair leaned forward and kissed first Tanner's cheek, then Adrienne's. By then, Cam, Felicia, and Stark, along with the military escort, stood waiting to take her to the helicopter. For one moment, she considered telling Cam that she wanted to stay. Whitley Island was an oasis in a world gone mad, and she knew that as soon as she returned to Washington, she might be safe, but she might not be free. She looked to Cam, who was observing her intently. Stay here with me. Let the world take care of itself.
But she was the daughter of the president of the United States, and in the midst of a national crisis, her place was with him. With one last look at her old friends, she turned, walked down the stairs, and was quickly surrounded by her guards.
Once they were in the air, Cam signaled to the marine captain beside her for a secure communication line. Blair sat on her other side with Stark and Davis across the aisle in facing seats. The noise of the rotors made conversation almost impossible. With the headphones pressed to her ears, Cam requested a patch-through to the command center in Manhattan. She wasn't particularly surprised when John Fielding answered, knowing that in the absence of specific orders, her team would assemble there.
"This is Roberts. What's the word on Mac?" she shouted. Hunched forward, she listened intently. "Okay...right...you're in charge of the local field investigation. Have the FBI been on scene?...say again?" Unable to make out his response, she shook her head in frustration and checked her watch. "Stand by for another call at 1130. Full briefing then."
As soon as she terminated the call, Blair grasped Cam's forearm and leaned close. "What about Mac?"
"Last update he's in the ICU, but stable.
"
One of many fears lifted from Blair's heart. At least one of her absent friends was going to be all right. Now, if only they'd hear from Renee. As Cam leaned forward to relay the news to Stark and Felicia, Blair closed her eyes, her right hand resting on Cam's knee. Once they landed, they would both be immersed in official duties, and she wanted these final few moments of connection.
Lucinda Washburn met them just inside the West Wing. The first thing she did was kiss Blair's cheek. "Your father's going to be very happy to see you. He's in a security meeting right now, but he asked that you wait for him at the residence."
"All right." Blair glanced at Cam. "Can you come with me?"
"I need to report in. Stewart needs to be briefed about the events of yesterday." She touched Blair's hand fleetingly. "I'll make it as fast as I can. You should try to get some sleep."
Blair tilted her head, smiling faintly. "And you, Commander, should take your own advice."
"Point taken, Ms. Powell." Cam leaned close enough for a kiss, but merely whispered, "Please don't leave the residence without me."
"No," Blair murmured, her eyes on Cam's. "I won't go anywhere without you. Don't worry."
Lucinda cleared her throat. "We should go, Blair. Everyone's schedule is very tight."
Blair moved back from Cam and regarded the chief of staff with a cool, calm expression. "Yes, of course." She nodded once to Cam. "I'll see you later, Commander."
"Ms. Powell," Cam said quietly as she watched her lover walk away. Then she turned to Stark and Davis. "You're both relieved...temporarily. Until I know Egret's plans, I need you both to remain available. Get rooms at the usual hotel so I can reach you on short notice." She hesitated, then added, "I'm sorry. I realize that both of you might prefer to return to Manhattan. As soon as I can reassemble a secure team, I'll give you some downtime."
"Is it all right if we disclose our location now?" Stark asked. She felt like she'd been clinging to the side of a cliff in high winds and rain for over twenty-four hours. Her hands were numb, her grip was slipping, and she was about to plummet. She needed so desperately to hear Renee's voice.
