to search them.
“Try.
“Yes maam, Savard said smartly. “We might get something
from the interrogations of his captured personnel too, if the Company
hasnt buried the intel by now.
“See what you can find there, Cam said, pleased with Savards natural
instincts for counterintel igence. Shed need that kind of backup
from her second-in- command. “And that brings us to the problem of
Valerie Lawrence. We need to know who her Company handler is and
determine if theres a link to Matheson.
Davis took a breath. “Due respect, Commander, but there wont be any
records
of Lawrences handler. Its not like they keep employment
files.
“I know, Cam said, “and thats just one reason why we need to bring
Valerie in.
“We dont know if Matheson only uses men he recruited from his
military academy. She could be his mole, Davis said. “Just like Foster.
“She could be. I dont think she is. Cam expected her people to examine
every option, and Daviss comment didnt bother her. “But until weve
proven it one way or the other, she has to be considered potential y
hostile.
“How do we find her? Savard
asked.
Cam sighed. “Our only link is Diane. We have to hope Valerie tries to
meet with her again and that Diane trusts me enough to tel me. In the
meantime, weve got Foster and the four dead commandos from the
assault on the Aerie. We know they were al at Mathesons military
academy. Maybe thats not their only connection.
“We real y need someone whos an expert on these paramilitary
organizations, Savard said. “I bet al of these guys know each other.
“Il work on that. Absently, Cam rubbed her sore shoulder. “Blair is
scheduled to make a public appearance Saturday night at a fundraiser
in Boston. Id like you two to assist with the security detail. I know its
not in your job description any longer, and Starks doing a great job
integrating Tanners people, but Il feel bet er if we had seasoned agents
for this. Its her first solo appearance since
9/11.
“Of course, Savard said, joining Davis in accepting the assignment.
“Do you think theyl try again so soon?
“I dont know. Cam tried not to let her fury, or her seething sense of
frustration, show. “But we cant af ord to think they wont.
Chapter Fifteen
S o, what do you think of the place? With a sweep of her arm
Tanner indicated the world-class yachting marina tucked into a deep,
narrow inlet on the ocean side of the island. Wrapping one arm around
Blairs shoulders and the other around Dianes waist, she led the two
women to the end of the longest pier. Sailboats and cruisers were
moored in the slips along either side. The charterhouse and a luxury
hotel completed the accommodations. “You like it?
“Its amazing, Blair said. “Somehow youve managed to do al this and stil
keep the untamed feel of the rest of the island.
“Its great, Diane said, echoing Blairs sentiment. She hugged Tanner. “I
admit, I never thought youd set le down enough to run the family
business, let alone do something like this. I figured youd be lying out on
some beach with a string of bored, horny cover girls breaking their
heartsuntil you were fifty or so.
“I might have been. Tanner grinned, then her expression sobered.
“Except I
dont know that I wouldve made it to fifty. I was a lit le crazy before
Adrienne.
Blair shook her head fondly. “God, she certainly has
tamed you.
“Ah, look whos talking. Tanner hip-bumped Blair playful y. “Who
would have guessed youd pick a spooky to marry!
“Yeah yeah, Blair said. “Come on, lets get of the pier. Its freezing in
this wind.
“I have to run up to the charterhouse for a second to check something,
Tanner said, “then Il meet you at the car. She tossed Blair her keys.
“Turn the heater on and warm her up for me. Kind of like old times.
“Your charm doesnt work on me, Whitley. So Id watch your step. As
Tanner laughed and hurried away, Blair grasped Dianes hand and studied
her worriedly.
“You okay? Tanner and I rhapsodizing about the joys of set ling down
must be tough for you to hear right now.
Diane nodded. “Im happy for you. Both of
you.
“I know that. But these tears arent from the wind. Blair gently brushed
at the moisture on Dianes cheeks. “You look worn out.
“Im okay. Im just not sleeping very
wel .
“Or eating very wel . Blair loosed an exasperated sigh as she keyed the
remote to Tanners SUV. She pointed for Diane to get into the front
passenger seat as she got behind the wheel and started the engine. “Its not
going to do anyone any good if you make yourself sick.
“Its hard not to think about it al the time, Diane whispered. “Its hard
not to wonder where she is. Not to wonder if someones hurt she
looked away, her voice breaking.
“You dont have as much experience with this kind of waiting, of not
knowing or understanding whats going on, as I have, Blair said
emphatical y. “And Im glad. But now youve fal en in love with
someone whose whole life has been a secret. Shes always going to have
secrets, Diane, and you cant let that eat you up.
Diane regarded Blair as if seeing her for the first time. “How do you
handle it with Cam?
“Not very wel most of the time, Blair said, grinning sheepishly. “After
a while you accept that there are parts of themselves they dont, or cant,
let us see. And once youre done being pissed of by it, you understand
that those are the parts that make them frighteningly good at what they
do. Valerie has to be that kind of good to have ever fooled Cam.
Diane smiled weakly. “I guess the fact that my girlfriend and your
girlfriend have
a history makes some kind of cosmic sense,
doesnt it?
“That just might be the understatement of the year. Blair laughed briefly,
thinking of the night shed unexpectedly discovered Valerie at Cams
apartment in DC, and recognizing their connection, how much she had
resented the place Valerie held in Cams heart. Cam swore that there
was nothing between them any longer, and Blair knew that Cam
believed it. But she had seen something that Cam had not. There had
been a sadness in Valeries eyes that Blair understood with perfect
clarity. Valerie had been deeply in love with Cam. Thinking about that
sadness now, Blair found that she no longer resented what Valerie and
Cam had shared. Valerie had been there when Cam needed someone,
and that was al that real y mattered.
“Shel need you, Di. Shel need you, but she wont let you know. Blair
reached for Dianes hand. “Thats the hardest thing to rememberthat
the need is there, even though its buried so deeply even she cant see it.
Its a pain in the ass, but youl just have to get used to it. I know youre
strong enough, and stubborn enough, to do it.
“I dont feel very strong
sometimes.
“Then thats when you come find me, and Il
remind you.
“It helps to be with you, and I usual y love Whitley Point, Diane
confessed, “but the quiet is driving me a lit le bit crazy right now. Ive got
too much time to think. Maybe I should go back to Manhattan.
Blair shook her head vehemently. “Not a chance. I want you to come
to the fundraiser Saturday night. And if Paula can take it, wel go
shopping again.
“Okay. Diane laughed shakily as she glanced out the rear of the
vehicle to where Stark and Hara sat in the Suburban. “If I have to suf
er, I suppose she can too.
“There, see? Youre sounding bet er already, Blair said, smiling. “Here
comes
Tanner. Il get in the
back.
As Blair stepped from the car, she caught sight of Tanners
expression and stopped. “What is it?
Tanner handed her the Boston Globe. “I dont know how you put up
with this shit al the time. She slid into the front seat and slammed the
door.
Blair glanced down at the grainy picture of her in Paris with Cam
standing just behind her. The caption read “Presidents daughter to
marry lesbian loverAnti- same sex marriage groups protest.
“Wel , Blair said as she climbed into the backseat, “Boston is looking a
lot more interesting.
She leaned her head back and closed her eyes, trying not to think
about the crush of reporters sure to be waiting for her when she arrived
at the fundraiser. She had wanted to go public, because any at empt not
to would make her and her father appear like hypocrites when news of
her plans inevitably leaked out. Nothing could be worse for a politician
than the appearance of having one set of standards in public and another
in private. Shed insisted on disclosure, but it was never easy exposing
her personal life to public scrutiny.
“Let me see that, Diane said.
“Hey Tanner, Blair said, handing the newspaper to Diane as
Tanner rocketed the SUV out of the parking lot and onto the
narrow twisting road that hugged the ocean shoreline. Gravel
spewed out behind them.
“What? Tanner snapped.
“Its okay. Its just another day at the
office.
“It sucks.
“Yeah, that, too. Blair leaned forward and squeezed Tanners
shoulder. “But try not to give Stark a heart attack and slow
down a little.
Tanner half turned her head, a grin pul ing at her mouth. Then
she looked back to the road and eased off on the gas. “Sorry,
force of habit. Im used to you tel ing me to lose your spookies.
“Yes, Blair said softly. “How things have changed.
* * * * *
Cams jaw tightened as she scanned the newspaper. “Call
Lucinda and tell her youre canceling for the fundraiser.
Blair braced both arms on the kitchen counter behind her
and lifted herself up so that she was sitting on it. She still wore
the blue jeans and red sweater shed pul ed on to go out with
Tanner. Cam was in her work clothes and still wearing her
weapon, and although Blair knew it was foolish, the additional
height advantage made her feel better. “I wouldnt do that even
if it would do any good, which it wont. Once Lucinda makes up
her mind
“Lucinda is the presidents chief of staff, not yours. Cam tossed
the newspaper onto the oak table and started for the front of
the house. “If youd prefer, Ill tell Stark to call her.
“Im sure Stark will appreciate
that.
Cam turned, her eyes narrowing. “What is that supposed to
mean?
“I know about the whole rank thing, but shes still my chief
of security. I dont imagine shell appreciate being told anything.
You never did.
“Stark understands the situation, Cam said, thinking about
the briefing with Davis and Savard, and about Blair at a
crowded cocktail
reception where it would be impossible to control the guest list
or secure the physical environment beyond the most basic
measures. Thinking how exposed Blair would be. A ball of anger
and anxiety fil ed her chest. “The timing is bad, especial y after
this newspaper article.
“Weve already discussed this, Cameron. If it isnt this event, it
will be some other one. We cant prevent a public response to
anything we do.
“Why do you sound so calm? Cam moved closer, but stopped
two feet away. Just outside of touching distance.
“Because I know youre not, and I know youre worried. Blair kept her
hands on the counter, because she wanted to reach out and pul Cam
across the divide. It was odd how she hated distance between them
now. Once she had wanted, demanded , nothing but distance
between herself and anyone who had the potential to hurt her. Mostly
she resisted the urge to draw Cam near because she needed to judge
exactly how much of Cams concern was her normal distrust of any
public appearance and how much was a lovers less rational concern.
If she touched her, her perspective would be gone. “Why are you so
much more worried about this event?
“Jesus, Blair! Maybe youve forgot en what happened Cam bit of the rest
of the sentence, cursing herself inwardly when she saw Blair flinch. Of
course Blair
hadnt forgot en the assassination at empt at the Aerie. Blair would never
be able to forget it, and bul ying her with the memory instead of
explaining her own unease was cowardly. And cruel. “Im sorry, baby.
Blair took a long breath. “Dont apologize. Just
trust me. Cam fel silent and Blair watched her
struggle, waiting.
“I dont feel like Ive got a handle on anything right now, and I cant af ord
to be wrong when your safety is at stake. Cam took one step closer and
knows what real y happened in September. We dont know how
much of the attack was orchestrated outside the country and what
part insurgents inside the country might have played. But we know
someone got very very close to you. She hesitated.
“Say it, Cameron. Al of it. Blair pressed Cams hands to her legs,
covering them with her own. Shed been wrong about not being able
to think when Cam touched her. As the distance dissipated she could
hear her far more clearly.
“Theres no reason to think they wont try again, Cam said. “Until
we have
Matheson, until we have Valerie, the risk is greater than Im
comfortable with.
“Im not the only one at risk, Blair said softly. “Have you forgot en
someone tried to run you down?
“That might not even be
related.
Blair gave her a look. “What does Stark say about
Saturday? Irritation flared in Cams dark eyes. “I havent
discussed it with her. “Because
Cam grimaced. “Because I havent managed the transition to her as your
security
chief
very
wel .
“You take a lot
on yourself,
Commander.
“I love you, Cam
whispered.
“Oh I know. Blair said. “What if you dont find either Matheson or
Valerie?
“We wil
.
“Al right, until you find them, what do you suggest I do? It could be
months. Years.
“Are you trying to make me say things that wil piss
you of ?
“Wel , I do enjoy makeup sex. Blair lifted Cams hand and kissed the top
of it. “But Im trying something new. Im working on being reasonable
and rational.
“I think maybe youre more dangerous this way than when youre flat-out
furious, Cam grumbled. She eased forward until she was completely
between Blairs legs, then wrapped her arms around Blairs waist and
pul ed her forward until Blairs crotch rested against her middle.
“Im not ready for the makeup sex yet, Blair whispered, wrapping
her arms around Cams neck. “So dont get any closer.
Cam rested her forehead against Blairs. “Youre cal ing the
shots.
“Hardly, Blair murmured, running her fingers through Cams hair. “I
understand why youre not happy about the fundraiser, but it was
scheduled months ago and if I cancel now, it wil seem as if were
afraid. Add to that the newspaper headlines this morning, and it wil
also look like Im ashamed of us. Neither of those things is true. Its not
going to get any bet er, darling, because if its not Matheson, there wil
be someone or something else that poses a threat.
“Unfortunately, youre right. Cam sighed. “Assuming we do this, there are
going to be a lot more press than usual.
Blair grimaced. “I
know.
“Have you given any thought to what youre going to say about the
wedding?
“Wel , if its al right with you, I was thinking that Id say that Im deeply
in love with you and plan to spend the rest of my life with you,
and since thats traditional y the situation when people get married,
thats my plan, too. Blair nuzzled Cams neck. “What are you going to
say?
Cam grinned and kissed Blair. “If its al right with you, I just thought Id
say that Ive never met anyone who was bet er in bed, so it seemed like
marrying you was the smart thing to do.
“Real y? Blair skimmed her lips along the edge of
Cams jaw.
“Real y. Cam dragged Blair another inch forward, her hands cupping
Blairs butt.