Honor 07 - Word Of Honor

by Radclyffe

  “ Hmm? Dana looked up, surprised to see that the Starbucks had filled up sometime during the last hour. Shed been too busy getting down everything Emory explained about tissue engineering and stem cell diferentiation to even notice. She hadnt expected the impromptu interview, and she didnt want to miss a single sentence. Her research had indicated Emory was considered one of the worlds authorities in tissue engineering, but she was just now beginning to understand how significant that really was. Emorys work could lead to a means of growing organs in the laboratory for tissue transplantation. “So you could grow a kidney, and someone wouldnt have to wait for a donor, right? Dana pushed a thick lock of hair off her forehead and absently sipped her cold coffee. “Or, Jesus, a heart. Right?

  “ Theoretically, yes. Emory smiled at Danas intensity. Shed never before experienced the kind of pleasure she had gotten over the last hour describing her work to Dana. She hadnt thought shed had an ego, but every time Dana complimented her, she felt a rush of heat.

  “ That could be big, right? Dana said. “I mean really big. Like Nobel Prize big, right? It could change the entire face of transplant surgery.

  Emory covered Danas hand, which was clenched around her now forgotten coffee cup. “Were a long ways away from that kind of territory yet.

  Dana frowned. “I dont get why anyone would object to your research.

  “ I understand some of the objections, theoretically at least, Emory said. “Any scientific toolany kind of tool at all, reallyhas a potential for misuse. Look at nuclear power. If appropriately harnessed, the power of the atom could free us from dependency on natural oil and gas. But whats the first thing we make? Bombs so huge, so devastating, they can destroy entire cities and hundreds of thousands of lives. Emory shrugged. “There are those who think today a kidney, tomorrow an infant . And then. She quickly grew serious. “There are some who feel that what were doing is an affront against God, or an abomination of nature, or just plain egomaniacal. There are lots of arguments. Im sure you know them.

  “ People can get pretty wound up about those issues, Dana said casually.

  “ Thats putting it mildly.

  “ Did you know the person who attacked you in Boston?

  “ No, he wasnt Emory stopped suddenly and pulled her hand out from under Danas. “Why are you doing this? Why are you using whats happening between us to take advantage of me?

  “ How am I doing that?

  “ By treating me like a story.

  “ You are a story. You, Emory. You. Danas expression darkened and when she leaned forward, her eyes sparked with anger. “Dont you get it, Emory? If youre in danger, publicizing it makes you safer. Letting the world know youre a target for hatemongers and zealots will force the foundation to give you more security. It will make local law enforcement agents more alert the next time you step onto a stage. Youre an important person. Maybe one of the most important people in the world. What part of that dont you get?

  “ I dont need you to worry about my safety.

  “ Well, thats just fine, but I already do. Dana reached across the table and grabbed Emorys hand. “And I happen to like holding your hand. I happen to like you a lot.

  “ I dont like you using the fact that I like you. Emory kept her voice down even though she wanted to yell. “Is that why you kissed me earlier? Because you know it makes me stupid and senseless?

  “ How can a simple little kiss make you stupid?

  “ I dont know, Emory hissed, “but it does. I cant think. All I can do is feel how hot your mouth is and how soft your lips are and how much I want you to keep kissing me. The tips of your fingers are rough, did you know that? I think about you rubbing them She closed her eyes. “Oh my God. Now I dont even have to kiss you and I lose my mind.

  All the air left Danas chest as her stomach did a slow somersault. She knew Emory wasnt trying to seduce her. In fact, it sounded like the last thing in the world Emory wanted was for something to happen between them. But just thinking about Emory wanting to be kissedwanting to be kissed by herwas the sexiest thing shed ever experienced. “Its a damn good thing were sitting in a coffee shop right now.

  Emory opened her eyes. “Why?

  “ Because I want to kiss you like youve never been kissed, and I dont want to stop until were both naked and Im inside you and I can watch you come.

  “ I really havent thought beyond kisses, Emory whispered. “So you might want to back up a step or two.

  Dana grinned, but her legs were shaking. If shed been standing up, she mightve fallen down. “Im not using you, Emory. Yes, I want to write about you and what you do. But its more than that. I want to know you. I want to know why you do it. She pulled her chair around the side of the small, round pedestal table until they were side by side. She kissed the side of Emorys neck. “I want to know what pleases you. What frightens you. What makes you happy. She turned Emorys face to hers and kissed her on the lips. “I want to make love to you.

  Emory traced her fingers over Danas mouth. “You have such beautiful lips. But Im not ready to have an orgasm in a coffee shop.

  “ I was thinking we would probably wait until we were in bed.

  Emory laughed. She wished they were alone so she could curl up in Danas lap and kiss her and be kissed, and touch her and be touched. Her body had never felt so alive. “Im glad were not alone right now.

  “ Why?

  “ Because I think I would let you take me to bed, and Im not ready for that. She laughed again, her voice shaking as much as her insides. “Well, at least not all of me is ready.

  “ Okay. Dana eased away but kept Emorys hand in hers. “No orgasms tonight. But will you come back with me? Just stay in the apartment with me. I promise I wont ask you any questions.

  Emory looked down at Danas hand and ran her thumb over the scratches. Then she looked into Danas eyes. “What if I want to ask you questions?

  Dana wanted to say no, but how could she ask for what she wasnt willing to give? She nodded. “All right. But I have one stipulation.

  Emory quirked an eyebrow.

  “ You did agree earlier that a kiss or two would be a reasonable expectation on my part.

  “ One or two. Emory appeared to be considering it. “As long you promise not to get greedy.

  “ Im not usually greedy by nature, Dana said. But where Emory was concerned, all bets were off.

  * * * * *

  Cam stared at the monitor, which provided a still image of the country house and the surrounding grounds where they believed Matheson had gone to ground. No lights, no vehicle in the drive. She clenched her jaw as Savards voice came over her radio feed.

  Place looks deserted, Commander.

  “ Deploy your teams, Cam told her. The satellite image wasnt precise enough, especially at night, for her to track the movement of individual team members, and as the minutes dragged on the muscles in her neck screamed from tension. She should have been there. What if word of their plans had gotten out somehow? What if there was an ambush? What if she was wrong and Matheson had laid in a force like the cadre that had hit the Aerie?

  Nothing, Savard reported. The bastards like smoke.

  Cam closed her eyes. Where the hell was he? Matheson on the move was going to be twice as hard to locate and three times as dangerous.

  * * * * *

  Matheson passed through Cumberland, Virginia, and headed north on Route 220 into Pennsylvania at 4:10 a.m. Right on schedule, he noted with satisfaction. The rental car that had been delivered to his safe house a little before midnight was appropriately nondescript, the kind of midsize low-budget sedan any businessman might drive. When he pulled into the parking lot of the Dennys restaurant, there were a dozen others like it parked nearby. He got out and stretched, then made his way beneath the still-dark sky to his hastily arranged meeting.

  He stopped just inside the door, pretending to survey the newspapers in the coin-operated boxes while scanning the area. Considering the hour, the restaurant was more crowded than he had expected
with truckers and travelers heading north to the turnpike. All the better. In his bland khaki jacket, dark trousers, and tab-collar blue shirt, all purchased in the mens department of a low-end chain store, he doubted any of the busy waitresses would remember him in an hour. That might not be the case for the man he was meeting, which was why he detested doing business in public places. However, the alternativea clandestine rendezvouswas unacceptable when he couldnt bring backup. Here, at least, he was unlikely to be targeted if his friends decided he was no longer useful. Of course, he was under the same constraints himself, but he had no doubt that when the time came to eliminate any unwanted associates, his men would rise to the occasion.

  “ Breakfast for one? a careworn blonde asked him as she automatically handed him a shiny laminated menu.

  He took the menu and smiled. “Thanks, Ill just grab a booth if thats okay. My business partner just ducked into the john.

  “ Sure, go ahead, she said, already turning away.

  Matheson settled into the bench seat of one of the smaller booths facing the door and ordered two coffees, giving the waitress who barely looked at him the same story. A minute later, another traveler entered, took a quick look around the room, and walked directly to Mathesons table. Dressed in casual business clothes, he too would have gone unnoticed as easily as Matheson if he hadnt been so obviously foreign. Matheson resented the necessity of working with nonwhite men, finding them inherently untrustworthy and lacking in true moral character. But war demanded that men sacrifice, and the cause sometimes necessitated unusual alliances. This one had so far proven valuable.

  “ Good morning, my friend, the dark-skinned man said as he sat down across from Matheson. His English was even less noticeably accented than it had been on the phone.

  “ Morning, Matheson said, taking a sip of his coffee. Weak, just like all diner coffee. “While Im always happy to be of service, Im afraid my schedule is very tight today.

  “ Yes, I imagine you have a plane to catch, do you not?

  Mathesons gut tightened, but he knew the man was fishing. No one except his most trusted man knew his destination was the Pittsburgh airport. “I didnt expect we would meet again.

  “ While our previous venture was successful beyond our greatest expectations, circumstances have changed since last we talked.

  Matheson managed not to smirk. Yes, things had certainly changed. The country had gone on red alert and the military was kicking terrorist ass in Afghanistan. Soon, the U.S. would make its presence felt in other parts of the Middle East, he was certain. The show of force wasnt enough, but it was a beginning. He contained his smile and waited.

  “ The item of mutual interest, the man said smoothly, pushing his coffee cup aside untouched. “We no longer wish to divest ourselves of it. He spread his hands as if he were discussing motor parts and not the first daughter of the United States. “We believe it has value in our forthcoming negotiations.

  Matheson leaned back casually, thinking furiously. Eliminating Blair Powell had always been his main agenda, but only a side note for these men. Why, suddenly, had they taken an interest in her? And what negotiations? He resented being played, especially by men who werent fit to polish his boots. He met the dark eyes across from his. “Valuable how?

  The foreigner shrugged. “Consider it currency.

  Currency. Trade. Exchange. Mathesons lips curled as he considered the advantage to his own long-range goals. If the presidents daughter were suddenly the bargaining chip between the U.S. government and foreign terrorists, he wondered how long the president would pay lip service to his policy of not negotiating with terrorists. The presidents capitulation would strike another blow to his credibility and further weaken his paper tiger government.

  “ Were talking about a very expensive commodity, Matheson said.

  “ Money is of no consequence to us.

  “ Twenty million.

  “ A very reasonable sum. You can send information regarding payment through the usual channels. We would prefer a midweek delivery. We have a busy schedule too.

  The foreigner smiled with obvious satisfaction and Matheson wanted to put a bullet between his eyes. Instead, he rose and carefully placed payment for the coffee plus a fifteen percent tip on the table. If he couldnt deliver as promised, he could always fall back on his initial plan and kill her. “Consider it done.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Sunday

  D ana barreled out of her bedroom and nearly ran over Emory in the hall. Emory obviously had just come from the shower, since her hair lay in damp wavy strands on her shoulders and she wore nothing except a large white bath towel rolled over just above the tops of her breasts.

  “ Sorry, Dana said, grasping Emorys shoulders to steady her as she stumbled backward. She tried really hard not to look down at Emorys breasts, but she failed. And when she looked back up, she knew Emory had noticed. “Sorry.

  “ For what? Emory asked, enjoying the off-balance look in Danas eyes. And enjoying the appreciation in them too. Shed never given much thought to her body. She was happy that she was fit and healthy. But she wasnt so self-deluded as to pretend she didnt know others considered her attractive. That was nice, but didnt rank high on things that were important to her. Except in the last two days. She loved that Dana found her attractive. Knowing that she could somehow make worldly Dana as off-kilter and unsure of herself as she seemed to be gave her a thrill. She wondered how much more excited she would feel if Dana actually put her hands where her gaze had just lingered.

  “ What? Dana asked, sounding dazed.

  Emory smiled. Dana wore jeans, a navy T-shirt with long sleeves that she pushed up to her elbows, and scuffed brown boots. Her almost-tight T-shirt outlined her small, neat breasts and narrow waist. Sexy, God, she was sexy in a completely unstudied way. “Sorry for what?

  “ Uh, for almost running you over. Dana backed up a step. Emory smelled like Ivory soap again, and her skin was flushed. Probably just from the heat of the shower, but Dana just knew Emorys skin would be exactly that color when she was aroused. And she wanted nothing more in the world than to open that towel and slide her hands over the full breasts that lay beneath it. She wanted it so much she was choking on desire.

  “ Did you sleep all right? Emory asked, trying to decipher Danas expression. Lean and hungry. Shed never really thought about what that phrase meant until just this moment, but thats exactly how Dana looked at her. As if she were ravenous and wanted to taste her. Emory backed up in the other direction, fearful of broadcasting her arousal because she had no idea how to hide it. She licked her lips and cleared her dry throat when Dana continued to stare. “Were you going somewhere?

  “ Coming to find you, Dana said. “Patrice Hara called down. Were on schedule to fly to Colorado today. Blair is looking for you. She said to give you the message to come up.

  “ Ill get dressed and pack, then. Emory circled around Dana to get to her own room. Just before she went inside, she turned back to where Dana still stood in the hall. “I had a nice time last night. Just talking and watching television. I havent done anything that simple in a long time. Emory hesitated. “And I liked the good-night kiss too.

  “ So did I. Dana grinned a little, recalling the exceptionally soft, exceptionally warm, and exceptionally wonderful kiss they had shared just before going to their separate bedrooms. Emory had been the one to lean forward when they stood outside their adjacent doors to say good night. Emory had kissed her first. “It was a great night. Even if we had sworn off orgasms for the evening.

  Emory laughed. “I dont know about you, but I didnt swear off orgasms. Just not together.

  “ Are you saying you Dana closed her eyes. “Oh man, that is so so unfair.

  “ Ill see you in a few minutes.

  Dana heard a door shut, and when she opened her eyes she was alone. Shed probably been awake the night before, restless and aroused, while Emory had been lying in the dark in the room next to hers, touching herself, making herself come. I
f shed known, she doubted she would have been able to keep from going next door. But Emory had said she wasnt ready, and more than Dana wanted herand it felt like she wanted her more than shed ever wanted any woman in her lifeshe wanted Emory to want it too.

  Shed just have to be patient, but God, it was hard, when she couldnt seem to think about anything except tasting her, and touching her, and making her sigh with pleasure.

  “ Perfect, she grumbled, returning to her bedroom to grab her luggage. “Absolutely perfect time to be obsessed with a woman who might not even end up being interestedright when Im in the middle of not just one, but two or three big stories.

  “ Are you talking to yourself? Emory said from the open doorway.

  Dana spun around. Emory was no longer wearing a towel, but the silk T-shirt tucked into casual black slacks had almost the same effect. She was still beautiful and sexy. She was drying the ends of her hair with a hand towel, and after a few seconds she tilted her head quizzically.

  “ Dana?

  “ Yes. Im talking to myself. Well, apparently if you heard me, Im talking to both of us.

  Emory laughed. “Do you know that you dont make a lot of sense sometimes?

  “ Were not even kissing, and Im stupid and senseless just from looking at you.

  Slowly, Emory lowered the towel, and the look on her face changed from amusement to surprise. “If you didnt look so flummoxed, I might not believe you. You dont know whats going on any more than I do, do you?

  “ Not exactly. Dana grinned. “I understand some of it. The part where we get naked

  “ That part I get. Emory took a deep breath. “I came to ask what I should do with my luggage.

  “ Leave it inside the front door. Someone will pick it up and bring it down to the cars.

  “ Ill be ready in a just a minute.

  Dana lifted her battered canvas travel bag. “Ill wait for you in the living room.