by Radclyffe
Blair closed her eyes and counted to ten. “This is one of those times when my father doesnt know anything, right? Even when he does?
“ Turkey clubs okay? Lucinda inquired with the phone in her hand.
“ Yes, fine, Blair said. “I still dont understand why were here.
Lucinda gave her order to the kitchen, then hung up. “As I said, wewell, Averillwas able to access some of the information about Valerie Lawrence before the door slammed shut. They had tapes. Phone records. We have reason to believe shes going to contact, or already has contacted, Diane Bleeker.
“ Diane doesnt know anything about this, Blair repeated insistently.
“ No, she probably doesnt, Lucinda said. “All we need to know is where Valerie is. When she contacts Diane, well know.
Blair laughed harshly. “Diane will never tell you that.
“ No, Lucinda said. “But shell tell you.
Cam slid her arm around Blairs shoulders. Blair pulled away.
“ I wont do it. I wont do it for you, Luce, I wont do it for my father, I wont do it for anyone. I love Diane. Shes my friend. I wont spy on her.
“ I understand, Lucinda said. “Just think about it.
“ Theres nothing to think about. Nothing at all. Blair jumped to her feet. “Im going for a walk.
Cam stood but Blair shook her head, insisting, “No, Im going by myself.
“ Blair. Cam tried to catch her hand but Blair sidestepped. “Baby, lets
“ No. Justno.
Cam watched her go, a sinking feeling in her chest. She reached for her radio to call the team, and then realized she didnt have it. She didnt have it because she wasnt part of the team. “God damn it. She started toward the door.
“ Theyll pick her up right outside the office, Lucinda said. “Give her some time, Cam. Its been a difficult month.
It took everything Cam had not to go after Blair. To trust that someone else would. That someone would keep her safe.
“ Besides, Lucinda said. “It will give us time to talk.
Chapter Four
B lair yanked out the clip that held her hair at the back of her neck, letting her thick, unruly waves fall free around her face. She was aware of Paula Stark falling in behind her as she hurried from Lucindas corner office in the West Wing through the labyrinth of hallways and into the lobby. Once outside, she skirted around the circular drive toward the northwest gate.
“ Ms. Powell, Paula said, slightly breathless as she fell into step. “It would be better if we took the vehicle. If you let me know your destina
“ Im walking, Blair snapped.
“ Uh, yes, I can see that, but with all respect, were not prepared for street surveillance.
“ If you and your minions werent tagging along behind me in your shiny blue suits with your big-ass gas-guzzling black car, no one would even notice me. Go away.
“ I cant go away. Im sorry. Paula was well aware that Blair could go unnoticed in street clothes. She had followed her into enough bars, and seen her pick up women who had no idea who she was enough times, to be convinced of that. Nevertheless, she wasnt comforted by the knowledge that people might not recognize Blair when she wasnt at an official function or dressed for a political affair. It was just as possible that unfriendlies were routinely watching the comings and goings at the White House, and right now, Paula didnt have enough personnel to guard Blair out in the open. “Maam, this is not advisable.
“ I just need some air. Blair slowed and met Paulas worried gaze. “Please. Just give me a few minutes.
“ If you wouldnt mind waiting, I can have another team here in two minutes. Paula glanced over her shoulder and saw the Suburban following slowly behind them on 17 th St. She held a hand behind her
with two fingers extended and heard car doors open and close. Hara and Wozinski should be on the ground now too. Unfortunately, it was late afternoon and would be dark soon. They were also heading toward the Mall, which was exactly where she did not want to be at night.
“ Can we compromise? she urged. “Can you just sit somewhere, and I promise well disappear.
Blair laughed abruptly and looked past her to Hara and Wozinski. “The three of you would stand out in a crowd, no matter what you were wearing. Out here, you might as well be waving a sign saying were government agents.
Paula pointed to a bench. “Theres a great spot right by the reflecting pool.
“ And with three people, you can easily watch my back and flanks, and unless the creature from the Black Lagoon comes up out of the pool, you dont have to worry about a frontal approach. Blair recited the tactics flatly as she quickened her pace. She sat down on the white stone bench, gripped the cold edges with her fingers, and closed her eyes. She wasnt angry with Paula. Making Paulas job harder wasnt going to ease the hurt and fury that stormed with equal measure inside her.
She couldnt believe that Lucinda had summoned her to Washington to ask her to spy on Diane. No, actually she could believe it. Shed seen people in power compromise their principles often enough, but she hated to think that the people she loved, Lucinda and her father, would sacrifice trust and fidelity to achieve their goals. Maybe thats why shed fallen in love with Cam. Because Cam was always so clear about which side of the line she stood on. Cam did not compromise.
“ Paula? Blair said softly as the sun went down.
“ Yes maam? The reply came from somewhere behind her.
“ Would you call Cam and tell her youre with me. Shell worry.
“ Right away. After a moments silence, Paula added, “Can I tell her when we might be back?
“In a little while, Blair murmured.
She should go back. Cam wouldnt be satisfied with a phone call. It didnt matter that she knew Paula was capable. It didnt matter that she knew Blair was safe. She needed to see that for herself. Blair sensed that Cam already felt powerless with Paula in command and that she was having trouble adjusting to the change in their relationship. She
loved Cam for wanting to protect her and care for her, even though that wasnt why shed fallen in love with her or even what she needed most from her. Trying to change that about Cam would be denying what made her who she was. And making her needlessly uncomfortable was just unkind. She could be furious at her father and Lucinda just as easily at Cams condo.
“Paula?
“Yes maam?
“Would you ask her to walk down to meet us?
“I dont think shell be able to, maam. Shes in a meeting with the president.
Blairs stomach tightened. So there was more. Of course there was. Lucinda didnt fly her down here just to solicit a little snooping between girlfriends. Cam was a trained investigator. Cam had been Valeries lover. Cam was talking to her father. Alone.
Cam never turned down an assignment, never stepped away from her duty, never put her own safety first.
Blair stood abruptly and strode from the park, Paula and the other agents close behind.
Cam had given enough. And so had she.
* * * * *
Sybil Gretzky, the personal secretary to Andrew Powell, smiled at Blair as she entered the anteroom to the oval office. “Hello Blair.
“Is my lover still with my father?
Sybils smile never faltered. “Agent Roberts is with the president, yes. Would you like me to ring through?
“Sorry, Blair said, realizing shed been saying that all day. She wasnt just edgy, she needed to pound something. “Yes, please.
She walked to the wide windows and looked out into the Rose Garden. It was so beautiful in the spring, with everything in bloom, but so desolate in the fall. Cold and a little barren.
“Let me take you in, Sybil said.
“Thanks.
Her father stood to greet her when she came in and kissed her cheek.
“You feel cold, Andrew Powell said.
“Ive been out walking. Blair settled onto an antique sofa and glanced at Cam, who sat in a chair opposite her father on the other side of a low coffee table
. “Hi.
“Hi, Cam rose and walked around the table to sit next to Blair. “Okay? She touched her fingertips briefly to Blairs leg, then put her hand back in her lap.
“ Sure. Blair regarded her father. “I know there are some things we cant talk about, but Cam is my partner. She almost died ten days ago. What more can you ask of her?
Andrew Powell, in his early fifties but looking a decade younger, with thick wavy hair and blue eyes the exact color of Blairs, regarded her with an expression that might have been sympathy or regret. “We need good people, Blair, especially now. And Cam is one of them.
Blair shook her head. “How many times? Is there a quota on bullet holes? Concussions? Because shes had her share. More than her share.
“ Blair, Cam murmured. “Lets hear what the president has to say.
“ Im not talking to the president, Blair retorted. “Im talking to my father. That counts for something, doesnt it, Dad? Just a little?
“ Im your father, the president said. “It means everything.
“ But youre still going to ask her, arent you? For whatever job needs doing, no matter what it might cost.
Andrew Powell shifted his gaze to Cam. “You can say no, no questions asked. No one will think less of you.
Blair snorted. “Thats because the people giving the orders are sitting safe behind some desk somewhere. They dont have the balls for anything else.
Cam waited.
“ Three weeks ago, Powell said, “I established the Office of Homeland Security. I expect within a year the office will become a Cabinet department. Were drawing from all sectors of domestic and foreign security to fill the critical positions.
“ Field posts or administrative? Cam asked.
“ Both.
“ Answering to whom?
“ For now, to the Director of Homeland Securitywho answers to me.
“ Anti-terrorism? Cam asked, very aware that she was interrogating the president, and he was allowing it. She wondered how much that had to do with her relationship with Blair. Quite a lot, she imagined.
“ That and border security. Possibly Customs. Well work those things out as we finalize the Cabinet level responsibilities.
“ Why cant the security agencies we already have handle anti-terrorism? Blair asked. “The CIA, the FBI, the military security divisions. God, how many are there?
“ A lot, and thats part of the problem, the president said. “We obviously need to centralize and oversee intelligence gathering, analysis, projectionsthe whole thing. And we need to be able to respond with effective, organized force.
Cam leaned forward. “On domestic soil?
Powells face hardened. “If need be.
“ Its going to take some doing to get the FBI, CIA, DOJ, and military intelligence to play together, Cam observed.
“ I know that. And time is something we dont have. He stood and walked to his desk, then returned to his seat with a thick folder. “Were organizing a number of special teams immediately, drawing from personnel across security divisions. Id like you to head one, Cam.
“ On behalf of the Secret Service? Cam asked.
The president shook his head. “Obviously, all of this is for your ears only, but I expect well move the Secret Service completely into Homeland Security within the next few months. I want you as one of the new deputy directors of the OHS.
“ In what capacity? She quelled the quick surge of excitement. The balance of power within the intelligence community was shifting, and she was being offered a premier seat.
“ Counterintelligence.
Cam looked at Blair, and her focus instantly shifted from exhilaration to concern. Blair was pale, and the shadows beneath her eyes were back. “I cant give you an answer right now, Mr. President. Blair and I need to talk.
“ I understand. Once youve decided, we can discuss specifics.
“ Thank you, sir, Cam said, standing and extending her hand.
Powell rose to return the handshake. “I couldnt discuss this with you beforehand, Blair. With either of you. Its a matter of national security.
“ Of course, Blair said dully. “It always is.
* * * * *
Stark approached as Cam and Blair stepped into the lobby.
“ Well be going directly to my apartment, Chief, Cam said.
“ Very well. Stark murmured a few words into her radio. “The vehicles right outside.
“ Thank you.
Blair was silent on the walk to the Suburban and remained that way for the cross-town ride. When they reached Cams building, Blair automatically took her position between Stark and Hara, with Cam and the third agent slightly behind her as they entered the lobby and crossed to the elevator.
“ Hara, youre on radio backup. Wozinski, youll take the lobby this shift. Stark glanced at Blair. “Will you be going out this evening?
“ I dont know, Blair said as she stepped into the elevator ahead of Cam and Stark.
“ You can reach me on my cell should you decide
“ I know that.
When the elevator doors opened, Stark checked the hall before allowing Blair to exit. There were only two apartments per floor with doors opening off each end of a spacious, carpeted foyer and small seating area. The short hallway and the alcove next to the elevator were empty.
Cam removed her keys from her pocket. “Ill check the apartment, if you want to wait here with Ms. Powell.
Blair made no objection, and when Cam emerged from the apartment a moment later and held the door open, Blair walked past her with no comment. Cam followed her inside and closed the door.
“ Hungry?
Blair glanced at her watch. “Diane should be here soon. Lets wait. She checked her phone, then pushed a button. “Ill see where she is. We can order pizza.
“ Okay. Let me have your jacket. Cam held out her hand for Blairs leather blazer. She hung it in the closet next to her own, listening as Blair spoke with Diane.
“ Where are you?...Do you need a ride? Are you sure?...Okay. See you soon.
“ Shes on the train? Cam asked.
“ Yes. Shell be here in about an hour.
Cam crossed the room, took Blairs hand, and drew her to the sofa in front of the windows. “Lets talk.
Blair leaned against Cams shoulder. “Why? It never changes anything.
“ I didnt see this coming, Cam said. She eased her arm around Blairs shoulders and drew Blair against her side. She leaned her cheek against Blairs hair. “I didnt give much thought to this homeland security business when I first heard about it. Its going to be a huge bureaucratic snafu with all the security agencies struggling to protect their turf. Thats not my style.
“ My father wants you to head a special team. Blair said. “That always means outside normal channels. Thats your style.
“ I admit thats a little more appealing. Ive never had a desk job. I dont want one.
“ I know. Youre a field agent. But were not talking about chasing counterfeiters, Cam. Special teams for homeland security means terrorists. It means something dangerous.
“ Not necessarily. Most of the time special teams are assembled just because theyre more efficient at gathering information. Its still mostly desk work.
Blair tilted her head up. “Thats bullshit.
Cam smiled. “We dont know what your father wants me to do.
“ You cant possibly think its a coincidence that Lucinda brought up Valerie Lawrence right before my father asked you to head up a special counterintelligence team. Do you?
“ No, Cam said quietly. “I dont.
“ My father cant talk about those kinds of operations, but Lucinda can, which is why she met with us first. Abruptly, Blair stood up, walked to the windows, and spoke with her back to Cam. “They want Valerie, and theyll use me and my friendship with Diane if I let them. And theyll use you, because you She raised her hand, then let it fall. “Because you were in love with her.
Cam crossed to Blair and rested her hands on Blairs shoulders
, drawing her gently back until their bodies connected. “You know thats not true. What happened between us was limited to a few disconnected hours. It had nothing to do with the rest of our lives. And I didnt know she was a counterintelligence operative. Jesus, I thought she was a prostitute.
“ I know all that. And I know you had feelings for her. Ive told you before, its okay. Blair shrugged, her back still to Cam. “Well, mostly okay. Except now and then when I let myself notice how beautiful she is.
Cam nuzzled Blairs hair. “I was never in love with her.
“ She was special, though. She had to be, for you to care for her. Blair half turned so she could see Cams face. “Do you trust her?
“ Thats part of what Im going to have to decide. Because if I undertake this assignment, and its Valerie they want me to find, I have to know who Im going after.
Blair turned completely and threaded her arms around Cams waist. “ If you take the assignment?
“ I wont do it if you dont want me to.
Blair pulled away. “I hate when you do this.
“ Do what?
“ Make me be part of the decision. It was easier when you just did what you wanted. Then I could be angry with you for doing it.
“ Youre losing me. Cam caught Blairs hand again. “If Ive learned anything about being with you, its that Im supposed to talk about things with you. Dont confuse me.
Blair grabbed Cams shoulders, jerked her close, and kissed her. Hard. “How would you feel about me if I said no. I dont want you to do it.
“ I love you.
“ I cant stand worrying about you. I cant take one more phone call telling me youre hurt.
“ I wont do it.
“ I want you to take a supervisory position in homeland security. You know how to run teams. You can do it without being on the street.
“ Okay.
Blair squeezed Cams shoulders, felt the hard muscles ripple under her fingers. She flashed on an image of Cam naked, her body toned and tight. Her body scarred. Her body battle ready. She kissed her again, tasting the heat of her mouth, feeling the strength in her arms as they came around her and held her tightly. “I love you so much.
“ Blair. Cam whispered, sliding her fingers down over Blairs chest to cradle her breast. She kissed Blairs throat as Blairs nipple hardened against her palm. “I never want to hurt you.