by Radclyffe
“ How long will you be there? Valerie fi nally asked.
“ How long should I be? Diane countered.
“ A few days would be good.
“ Ill try. Diane opened her eyes. The moon had gone behind a cloud and the room was black. “Dont be afraid.
Valerie laughed thinly. “Of you?
“ For me, Diane whispered.
“ I dont think I can promise that.
Diane smiled. “And I feel the same. Ill be waiting.
“ Goodbye, Valerie whispered.
Diane sat in the silent darkness for a few more minutes, fi xing the sound of Valeries voice in her mind. Then she pulled up the last number on her call log and called it.
Im sorry. The number youre trying to reach is no longer in service.
Chapter Seven
Tuesday
B lair paused halfway across the living room and groaned in appreciation as she smelled coffee. She turned toward the seating area in front of the windows and caught a glimpse of the fi rst streaks of a hazy orange sunrise outside the windows. Diane sat curled up in one corner of the sofa in burgundy satin pjs, her blond hair loose and partially shielding her face, a mug clasped in both hands.
“ Hi, Blair said. “Mind company?
“ No, of course not.
Blair continued into the adjoining galley kitchen, poured coffee, and returned. She settled onto the sofa and mirrored Dianes pose, legs drawn beneath her, partially turned so she could face her friend. “Early morning or late night?
Diane smiled ruefully. “Both. Funny, I never used to mind sleeping alone.
“ Its one thing to sleep alone because you prefer to, Blair said half to herself. “But once youve gotten used to someone and then theyre not there, its a bitch.
“ Id forgotten its not all that easy for you and Cam most of the time, either. Sorry.
Blair stroked Dianes shoulder. “I just meant I understand.
“ I know you do. Diane was certain that Blair understood all of itthe reluctance to trust, the self-made barriers to protect against heartbreak and disappointment, and the terrible joy of letting someone inside at last. Blair had lived it, just as she had. And because Blair knewknew her, knew what she hoped and feared, knew what it was to fi ght for what she wantedDiane felt some of the desolation lift from her heart. “Valerie called.
“ Is she all right? Blair held her breath and strained to hear the sound of the shower running in the master bathroom. She didnt want Cam walking in on this conversation and hearing something she would feel duty bound to act on.
“ I dont know, Diane said, her voice shaking slightly. “It was a tense conversation. She didnt say that she wasnt all right, but obviously somethings wrong. She searched Blairs eyes. “Do you know whats going on?
“ Oh God, Blair murmured. “I dont, honey. Honest, not really. And I she glanced over her shoulder toward the hallway on the far side of the room.
“ Cams involved somehow, isnt she? And Im putting you in the middle. I should go.
“ No, Blair said sharply, grasping Dianes arm to prevent her rising. “You should not go. No one knows anything, including Cam, other than Valerie snuck off in the middle of the night and doesnt want anyone to know where she is.
“ You make it sound like shes a criminal.
Blair shook her head. “No one is saying that. She wasnt exactly certain that was true. She imagined that if Valerie hadnt warned Matheson herself of the impending capture, then whoever had told him would point to her disappearance as evidence of her guilt. “But the way she left is suspicious, and the fact that shes hiding doesnt help clear things up at all. Her grip softened and she clasped Dianes fi ngers. “You know Cam, Di. She doesnt jump to conclusions, and she never settles for easy answers. Valerie needs to talk to her.
“ Im scared, Diane whispered. “Im scared that every phone call will be the last one. That Ill never see her again and Ill never know why.
Blair leaned closer. “I know you want to protect her. So would I. But she needs help. Can you try to get her to talk to Cam?
Dianes eyes were moist, the blue misted to gray with sadness. “How can I if I dont know how to reach her?
“ Something tells me shell fi nd you. Blair heard the sound of the bedroom door closing and footsteps approaching, then Cam passed behind them on her way to the kitchen. “Morning, darling.
“ Hi, Cam replied.
Diane called a greeting then lowered her voice. “I have to think about it. For now, can we keep it between us?
“Yes, Blair said, knowing that Diane wouldnt be pushed into making a decision any more than she would. “Im going to talk to Lucinda this morning. After that, lets just get out of here for a while. Walk around, shop, do something mindless.
Some of the tension eased from Dianes face. “I think thats a great idea. After all, we have a wedding to plan.
“We certainly do. Blair glanced across the room to where Cam stood in the doorway of the kitchen. Shed dressed for work for the fi rst time in almost two weeks, and the pale blue shirt, dark raw silk slacks, and black Italian loafers gave her a cool, sleek look. She wasnt wearing her shoulder holster, but she would be, along with a blazer, when she went out. The image of confi dence and strength Cam projected was more than just appearance, and it surprised Blair how right it felt to see her lover preparing to do what she did so well. “We cant stop living, can we?
“No, Diane said with a shadow of a smile. “We cant.
* * * * *
Blair stepped from the shower, wrapped a towel around her chest, and used another to dry her hair. She fi nger-combed the thick waves and fi nished drying her body. She paused at a knock on the bathroom door.
“Yes?
“Want a fresh cup of coffee?
Smiling, Blair pulled open the door that connected to their bedroom. “Special delivery?
“At your service. Cam slipped inside and set the cup down on the vanity. “Starks here.
Blair frowned. “What time is it?
“0700.
“God, shes eager.
“Shes just doing her job, Cam said, smiling.
“Yeah, yeah. Blair tossed the towel aside and wrapped her arms around Cams neck. “So what are you going to do while Im with Lucinda?
Cam brushed both hands down Blairs back and cupped her buttocks. “Probably be thinking about this.
Blair grinned and nipped at Cams lower lip. “Smooth.
“Youre getting my shirt wet, Cam murmured, nuzzling Blairs throat.
“ Just your shirt? Blair whispered in Cams ear and bumped her pelvis into Cams crotch.
Cam groaned. “Cut it out.
Blair laughed, kissed her hard, and then let her go. Cams shirtfront showed the wet impressions of Blairs breasts. “Uh-oh. You need a new shirt.
“ At the least.
“ So what are you doing this morning, Commander? Blair followed Cam into the bedroom and sorted through the clothing she kept at Cams for occasions when she stayed over..
“ Im hoping to meet with your fathers security adviser about this new Offi ce of Homeland Security, Cam said as she changed her shirt.
“ And your new job, Blair said casually. Even though shed known from the second her father offered the position that Cam would take it, the reality made her stomach tighten. She paused in the middle of buttoning her blouse. “I understand now why you wanted to be in charge of my security detail, even when I didnt want you to be.
“ What do you mean? Cam tucked in her shirt, but her eyes never left Blairs face.
Blair slipped into her slacks and regarded her shoe choices. “I like having you where I can see you. Even though it doesnt mean youll be safe, it feels less scary.
“ Hey, Cam said, gently resting her hands on Blairs shoulders. “Its not that kind of job, okay?
“ Yeah, yeah. Blair sighed. “I hate being this shaky about things.
“ Were all off balance. Cam kissed her forehead. “Give yourself a break.
“ Ill
try. Blair smiled. “Id better go take care of Stark.
Cam rolled her eyes. “Be gentle.
Laughing, Blair skimmed her fi ngertips up the inside of Cams thigh. “Always.
With a muttered curse, Cam followed Blair down the hallway.
In the living room, Paula pivoted away from the window where shed been waiting. “Good morning. She nodded to Cam before getting down to business. “I wanted to review your plans for the day, Ms. Powell.
“After breakfast, Im going to call Lucinda and see when she can fi t me in, Blair said. “This afternoon, Diane and I are going shopping.
Blair was aware of both Cam and Paula stiffening. She wasnt surprised. Neither of them would want her out and about. “Im not staying locked up inside.
“You didnt mention a shopping trip. Cam followed Blair into the kitchen.
“I just did, Blair said, peering into the refrigerator. “Theres nothing in here to eat.
“You know what I mean.
Blair closed the door. “I fi gured there was no point in dealing with your objections and then Starks. This way, I get it all taken care of at once.
Cam grinned but her eyes were serious. “The things I love about you make me crazy.
“Funny how that works. Blair kissed her. “Lets gather the troops and go out to breakfast. Then lets go to the White House.
* * * * *
“Thanks for seeing me, Luce, Blair said. While shed been waiting, shed counted two senators, three deputy directors, the White House press secretary, and a handful of lobbyists pass in and out of Lucindas offi ce. “Things look hectic.
“Its never a problem to meet with you. Lucinda relaxed into a chair in the seating area as if she had all the time in the world.
Blair was instantly on guard. “I wanted to clear up a few things about yesterday and inform you of some new plans.
“All right. Would you like something to drink? Pastry?
“No, Blair said carefully, trying to read what was behind Lucindas calm façade. Shed never been able to, and she still couldnt. “We just had breakfast. Thanks.
“Oh, thats right. Cams here too, isnt she. Meeting with Averill.
Blair didnt see that the statement required an answer. Lucinda knew everything that was happening in the White House. In the country for that matter. Hell, most likely in the entire world. So she obviously knew that Cam was meeting with the presidential security adviser. “I suppose you know all the details there.
Lucinda nodded, without actually acknowledging anything.
“ Im not going to help you with Diane.
“ Youve forgotten that I know Diane, Lucinda said evenly. “Ive known her almost as long as Ive known you. She held Blairs eyes. “She could be in trouble.
“ Dont use my friends to blackmail me into doing something I know is wrong, Blair said sharply.
“ But I expect that Cam will explain all that to you.
“ Or my lover.
Lucinda sighed. “Blair, next to your father, youre my favorite person in the world. But you really can be a right pain in the ass sometimes.
Blair smiled. “Im not going to suggest how I come by that trait considering my role models.
“ Im not exaggerating when I say that Diane may be in danger. If I know that she was involved with Valerie Lawrence, other people do too. Other people may think she can help them fi nd Valerie.
“ Shes with me, and for the time being, I intend to keep her with me.
“ That might be a good idea, Lucinda mused. “If shes with you, shell be under surveillance by our people.
“ Shell be safe , Blair snapped. She jumped up, too agitated to continue to sit and pretend they were having an ordinary conversation. “God, Lucinda! Is this what it costs to keep my father in offi ce? People you know, people you love, become pawns?
A hint of color fl ared on Lucindas cheeks. “Sometimes it costs a great deal more than that, Blair. It goes without saying that being under surveillance by the best security team in the world will keep her safe. It also might help us, and Id be a fool, or worse, to suggest otherwise.
Blair closed her eyes for an instant, and when she opened them again, she gave Lucinda an apologetic look. “Im sorry. I couldnt do what you do, and I know how necessary it is. She sat down again. “As soon as Cam settles whatever she needs to do in this new position, Im taking the whole team and Diane back to where weve been staying for the last month.
Lucinda raised an eyebrow. “Cameron intends to go back with you? She held up a hand. “Never mind. Im sure Averill will discuss that with me. She crossed her legs, her black skirt rising to reveal the barest hint of shapely thighs. “Let me give it some thought, but that just might be an excellent plan. Of course, youre going to have to tell me where it is.
“ Just you?
“ For now.
“ Whitley Point.
“ Tanner Whitleys place?
Blair nodded.
Lucinda laughed. “Oh my God, you and Diane and Tanner together? I feel for your security team.
“ Tanners married, Blair said, grinning. Lucinda had been around for most of her wild prep school years and was aware of some of the trouble the three of them had gotten into. Of course, most of the time theyd been successful in pulling off their fairly frequent disappearing acts. “Which brings me to the other thing I wanted to discuss with you.
“ Oh?
“ Cam and I intend to get married this fall.
“ That may be problematic, since same-sex marriages arent legally recognized anywhere in the United States.
“ Neither is my sexual orientation, Blair said, “but that hasnt stopped me, and it never will. We wont have any diffi culty fi nding someone to perform the ceremony, legal or not.
“ That will be diffi cult to keep quiet, Lucinda said.
“ It wasnt my intention to keep it quiet. At Lucindas look of surprise, Blair went on, “Im not planning on taking out an ad in the New York Times, but Im not going to sneak around with this either.
“ The fi rst person outside of your immediate circle who gets a hint of this will go straight to the papers with it. A caterer, a dressmaker, even someone you think is a friendthis is going to be news, Blair, and people will pay for this kind of information.
Blair fl ushed. She hated the thought that her life was tabloid material. “I cant stop that. Ive never been able to.
“ Well, at least consider the timing. Lucinda sat forward. “Well be facing midterm elections soon and then swinging directly into the presidential reelection campaign. Your timing couldnt be worse for something like this.
“ Something like this, Blair said fl atly. “Something like this would be my life , Lucinda.
“ I know, Lucinda said gently. “I know, and I know how much of your life has been overshadowed by your fathers career. Im not going to apologize for that, but I do know.
Blair rubbed her forehead. “Dont switch sides on me now, Lucinda. Just stick with the hard-ass routine.
Lucinda smiled. “Youre going to expose your personal life to international scrutiny. To say nothing of fueling every right wing fanatic in this country. Do you really want that?
“ What I want is to do what feels right for myself and my lover and our relationship without worrying about the politics of it. Blair sighed. “Dont tell me you cant fi gure out a way to spin it.
“ Probably. At least give me time to work on that.
“ Ill postpone hiring a fl oat.
“ Thank you. Lucinda glanced at her watch and then rose. “Ive got a budget meeting, so Ill get back to you on this.
“ Ill let you know before I leave town.
“ Good. By the way, theres a fundraiser in Boston this weekend that I need you to attend.
“ I cant do it, Luce. Theres just too much going on right now.
“ I understand. Lucinda walked back to her desk, sat down, and drew a fi le toward her. “Its for stem cell research. One of the primary investigators at Harvard will be there, and I just thoug
ht you might want to show your support.
“ Damn it. Blair had no doubt that proponents of stem cell research, including major pharmaceutical companies, were lobbying hard in Washington to prevent legislation aimed at restricting the source of tissues used for the studies. Her father couldnt publicly issue a statement in favor of the research, but she could, as the daughter of a woman who died of breast cancer. Her presence at the fundraiser would send a clear message as to the White Houses position. Despite the fact that she didnt like to be used as a White House front person, she happened to believe in this research. She yanked open the door. “Ill be there. E-mail me the details.
“ Thats wonderful. Thank you.
Blair closed the door without answering. As usual after leaving Lucinda, she was never certain if shed won or lost the skirmish. She walked briskly past Paula and Felicia and pulled out her cell phone.
“ Hows it going? she asked when Cam answered.
“ Im going to be here most of the day. You?
“ Bloodied, but unbowed.
Cam laughed. “What about the rest of your plans? Any changes?
“ No. And you dont have to say it. Ill be careful.
“ Thanks. Ill see you later, then.
“ All right. I love you.
“ I love you too.
Blair closed her phone, smiling. She wondered what the national security chief thought about that .
Chapter Eight
A re you ready for some serious shopping? Blair held up Dianes coat. She hoped that the diversion would take Dianes mind off Valerie, but knew it wouldnt. Shed been there too many times herself, not knowing what was happening with someone she loved, not being able to help or protect them.
Diane smiled, but it didnt reach her eyes. Her smooth, milky complexion was even paler than normal, and lines of tension marred the sleek planes of her face. Diane was ordinarily so poised and kept her emotions so tightly reined that to see those cracks in her composure made Blairs heart ache. It also made her angry. Angry at Valerie for involving Diane when she must have known something like this could happen, at the political system that so effortlessly ignored the human consequences of its policies, and even at herself, for not knowing the best way to help her friend.