by Radclyffe
Blair rolled over and opened the bedside table. Cams weapon wasnt there, because she was wearing it. Because even in this, their soon-to-be new home, they werent entirely safe. She walked to the window to look out over the dunes to the ocean. There was no one in sight. Even the fishing trawlers were so far out to sea they were no more than dots on the horizon. She was as alone here as she had ever been, and she should have felt free, but she didnt. With a sigh, she pushed her melancholy aside and went to look for her lover.
She found Cam in the kitchen, leaning against the counter drinking coffee. She wore her casual work attirechinos and a button-down collar shirtand her weapon.
“Did you eat something? Blair asked as she placed a hand in the center of Cams stomach and kissed her. Then she sidled around her to pour her own cup of coffee.
“I had some toast. You want some?
“ No thanks. Blair kept her back turned. “Ill grab some later. Hows your shoulder and hip?
“ Fine. Cam set her mug down and caught Blairs wrist before she could slip away. “Whats the matter?
Blair smiled and brushed her fingers over Cams chest again. “Nothing.
Cam waited until Blair had sipped her coffee, then plucked the cup from her hand and deposited it next to hers on the counter. Then she threaded her arms around Blairs waist and pulled her gently against her body. She kissed Blair a little bit longer than her normal morning hello, and then studied Blairs eyes. “Something happen I should know about?
“ Just a case of the blahs, Blair said lightly. She nipped at Cams chin. “Really. Go to work.
“ Youll tell me when youre ready, right? Cam murmured, placing another kiss gently on Blairs temple.
“ Mmm hmm, Blair sighed.
“ Ready now?
Laughing, Blair pressed her mouth to the hollow at the base of Cams throat. “Ive forgotten how persistent you are. I was just thinking that what you do, what you all do, isnt confined to some office in a building in DC or Langley anymore. Its everywhere, wherever you are. Wherever we are. Even here.
Cam caressed Blairs back. “I wish I hadnt had to bring this into our home. I wish it didnt touch you, or us. As soon as I can, Ill move the team
Blair shushed her with a kiss, sliding her hands into Cams hair and melding her body a little more tightly to Cams. She felt Cams heart beat against her breast and the muscles in Cams stomach and thighs tighten. She felt the connection that held her secure no matter where she was, no matter what was happening, and realized that just as the danger was part of their life, no matter where they were, so was their love. And that mattered more to her than any place on Earth. She stroked Cams neck as she leaned back in her arms. “Thats not necessary. Id rather you and the others work here if its the most secure location. She pressed her hand to Cams heart. “This is my safe place.
Cams eyes darkened and she held Blair more tightly. The next kiss was rougher, longer, deeper.
“ Cam, Blair said just a little breathlessly. “One word.
“ What, Cam growled, sliding her hands under the back of Blairs T-shirt.
“ Briefing.
Cam hesitated. “What?
Blair laughed and bumped her pelvis into Cams crotch. “I love to make you forget yourself, butwhat time is your briefing with Felicia and Renée?
“ Hell, Cam muttered, tracing the edge of Blairs ear with her mouth. “How did you know I had one?
“ Because its morning and you always brief in the morning. Blair murmured appreciatively and closed her eyes as Cam sucked her earlobe. Cams breath was quick and hot against her neck. Nothing aroused her more than Cams desire. “Careful.
“ I was tired and sore when I got home last night, Cam whispered, kissing her way down the pulse that shimmered in Blairs throat. “Im not anymore. She nipped at Blairs neck when Blair tilted her head back with a sigh. “And I didnt thank you yet for the massage.
Blair caught her breath as Cam skimmed her fingers around her sides and over her stomach. When Cam stroked higher, brushing the undersurfaces of her breasts, her nipples tightened in anticipation of a caress. She was dangerously close to not caring if Cam had a briefing or if Diane came looking for her any minute to take a walk on the beach, which was their habit. “You have two seconds to decideeither move your hands or be late for your briefing. Because if you get me any more excited, Ill have to come, and since you started it, I expect you to take care of that.
“ You started it. Cam was seriously considering delaying the briefing when a discreet cough from the doorway caught her attention. She lifted her head from Blairs neck and found herself staring at Tanner Whitley.
“ Sorry, Tanner said, grinning broadly, “but Stark said to come on back.
“ Remind me to speak to her about that, Cam muttered.
Blair pushed Cams hands away and spun around, leaning her back against Cams front. “Tanner!
“ I was in the neighborhood.
“ Ha ha. You live next door. Blair drew Cams arms around her middle and folded hers over them. “Whats up?
“ Well, I was wondering if you and Diane were up for a little trip to see what Ive been doing at the marina. She slid her hands into the pockets of her khakis and rocked back and forth, still grinning. “But I get the feeling this isnt a good time.
“ Its a great time, Blair said emphatically. She tilted her head back and kissed the side of Cams jaw. “Cam has to go to work and I dont have anything planned until this afternoon. Once the lights a little better, Im going to paint.
“ Ill let Stark know so she can organize your teams, Cam said as she carefully loosened her hold on Blair. She would have preferred that Blair stay close to the compound, but that wasnt her call anymore. Plus, the whole team would be heading to Boston the next day for the fundraiser. Maybe if Blair had the opportunity to relax today she might not resent the upcoming restrictions so much.
She kissed Blair lightly. “Have fun. Im heading down to the guesthouse.
“ See you later, darling.
“ You will, Cam murmured.
“ Sorry about that, Tanner said after Cam had left. She strode across the kitchen and looked out the back door. A member of her private security force stood guard on the rear deck. “When Stark asked me to assign some of my security officers here, she requested the ones with military training. Combat troops. She turned to face Blair. “I know you cant tell me anything, but I just wanted you to know that Adrienne and I are prepared to do whatever you need us to do.
“ You two have done enough. Im not even sure we should have come back here. Blair loved the island and she loved this house. But part of what made the property so perfect for their needs was that it abutted Tanners estate. They had no year-round neighbors to the north and Tanners house, which occupied half of the island, was less than a mile down the beachclose by if they needed her, but far enough away for privacy. “I feel like Im taking advantage of our friendship. And Adrienne shouldnt feel obligated
“Adrienne is a naval officer. Do you think I could convince her that it wasnt her duty to assist you in any way possible?
“God, this is hard.
Tanner walked over to her and put her arms around her. “It is. But it would be harder if you didnt let us help.
Blair rested her forehead on Tanners shoulders. “Youre helping. Not just with your security people, but because you understand. Thank you.
“Youre welcome. So, lets get Diane and go cruising.
Blair laughed at the line that Tanner had always used when they were planning to sneak out for a night of partying. She squeezed Tanners hand, grateful that despite all the changes, the love that the three of them had forged had never faltered. “Im afraid this time, were not going to be able to duck security.
“No problem, Tanner said, grinning. “Ive already pissed off your lover once today. Im not about to push my luck.
* * * * *
“So, Cam said, taking a chair across from Davis and Savard at the sleek glass and wood table that now served as their
conference table. They had turned the first floor of the guesthouse into their base of operations. Davis had the computers up and running and networked. The dining room did duty as their file room. All things considered, it was a better working area than the converted storage closet they would have worked out of in the West Wing. “Lets prioritize.
No one took notes. Everyone understood that there would be no reports generated by their work, and the only files would be the ones they appropriated from other security agencies.
“First order of business is to find Matheson, because we have to assume that there will be another attack on Egret. He and his organization will lose credibility if a failed attempt is allowed to stand. Cam carefully kept her voice and face from showing her rage. “We can assume he will either establish a new paramilitary base of his own or join forces with another one. Hell need a network in order to reestablish himself.
“A guy like that wont give up control easily, Savard said. She wore jeans and a dark blue polo shirt. Shed pulled her hair back into a loose ponytail, and she looked more rested than Cam had seen her in weeks.
Cam nodded and pointed the pen shed been rolling between her fingers at Davis. “He didnt do much to hide the compound in Tennessee because he didnt expect us to come after him. This time hell take more precautions. Background himhis family by blood and marriage, the military academy and its faculty, donors to the school, previous graduatesanyone who might have purchased or inherited land. For now, Id prefer a covert examination of the academy files, because anything else is going to tip him off. She shrugged. “But the academy is the logical place to start. We know he recruits there. If I have to, Ill confiscate every scrap of paper in the entire place.
“ The FBI should have files on the other patriot organizations, Savard said, “and if hes ever so much as made a phone call to one of their leaders, there should be a record of it somewhere. She grimaced. “The biggest problem is the files are so decentralized its practically impossible 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 counterintelligence. 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 potentially 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 tell me. In the meantime, weve got Foster and the four dead commandos from the assault on the Aerie. We know they were all at Mathesons military academy. Maybe thats not their only connection.
“ We really need someone whos an expert on these paramilitary organizations, Savard said. “I bet all of these guys know each other.
“ Ill 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 Ill feel better 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 theyll try again so soon?
“ I dont know. Cam tried not to let her fury, or her seething sense of frustration, show. “But we cant afford 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 all this and still 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 settle 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 little crazy before Adrienne.
Blair shook her head fondly. “God, she certainly has tamed you.
“ Ah, look whos talking. Tanner hip-bumped Blair playfully. “Who would have guessed youd pick a spooky to marry!
“ Yeah yeah, Blair said. “Come on, lets get off the pier. Its freezing in this wind.
“ I have to run up to the charterhouse for a second to check something, Tanner said, “then Ill 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 settling 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 well.
“ Or eating very well. 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 all 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 emphatically. “And Im glad. But now youve fallen 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 well 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 off 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 ha
d 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 all that really mattered.
“ Shell need you, Di. Shell 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 youll 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 Ill remind you.
“ It helps to be with you, and I usually love Whitley Point, Diane confessed, “but the quiet is driving me a little 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, well 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 suffer, I suppose she can too.
“ There, see? Youre sounding better already, Blair said, smiling. “Here comes Tanner. Ill 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 all 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.