by Radclyffe
“ Well, 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 attempt 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 pulling at her mouth. Then she looked back to the road and eased off on the gas. “Sorry, force of habit. Im used to you telling 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 pulled 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 filled her chest. “The timing is bad, especially 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 pull 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 forgotten what happened Cam bit off the rest of the sentence, cursing herself inwardly when she saw Blair flinch. Of course Blair hadnt forgotten the assassination attempt at the Aerie. Blair would never be able to forget it, and bullying 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 fell silent and Blair watched her struggle, waiting.
“ I dont feel like Ive got a handle on anything right now, and I cant afford to be wrong when your safety is at stake. Cam took one step closer and rested her fingertips lightly on the outside of Blairs thighs. “No one knows what really 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. All 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 forgotten 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 well.
“ 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 will.
“ All 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 will piss you off?
“ Well, 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 pulled 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 calling 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 will seem as if were afraid. Add to that the newspaper headlines this morning, and it will also look like Im ashamed of us. Neither of those things is true. Its not going to get any better, darling, because if its not Matheson, there will 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?
“ Well, if its all 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 traditionally 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 all right with you, I just thought Id say that Ive never met anyone who was better in bed, so it seemed like marrying you was the smart thing to do.
“ Really? Blair skimmed her lips along the edge of Cams jaw.
“ Really. Cam dragged Blair another inch forward, her hands cupping Blairs butt.
“ I think I like your reasoning, Blair whispered.
“ And I think we need to finish this conversation in private.
Blair nibbled on Cams neck, then bit her. “See, its not so difficult for us to come to an agreement.
Chapter Sixteen
Saturday
Y oure not ready for fie
ld duty, Paula said. Renée clipped her Sig Sauer to the waistband of her flaring black silk pants, settling the pistol at the middle of her back. Then she pulled a dark green, notched collared jacket on over her black shell and closed it loosely with a wide belt. She checked first that the lie of the jacket was smooth, concealing her holstered weapon, and then that she could draw unencumbered by any snag in her clothing. Satisfied that the short jacket covered her weapon but wasnt going to interfere with it, she checked her makeup in the mirror over the dresser. After slipping into black heels, high enough for a formal event but low enough to run in, she walked over to sit next to Paula on the sofa in their hotel room.
“ Im Dianes escort. Its not exactly field duty.
“ Youre splitting hairs. Just because youre wearing a fancy outfit, Paula said, smoothing her hand up and down Renées thigh, “doesnt mean youre not providing protection.
“ I know, sweetie. Renée caught Paulas hand and held it. “And I promise if all the standing around starts to get to me, Ill signal for help. But I can handle this. Really.
Paula sighed. “Im not doubting you. Im just a little worried.
“ Of what?
“ Has it occurred to you that were all operating off the radar ever since we left Washington?
“ You mean because were not reporting to some desk jockey who doesnt know what it is that we do half the time anyway?
Paula laughed. “Yeah, I think thats what I mean.
“ Sweetie, were on Cameron Robertss radar. Ill take her being in charge over some SAC or deputy director Ive never seen and whos never had my back in a firefight. What about you?
“ Yeah, me too.
Renée slipped her arm around Paulas waist and turned her lovers face toward hers with one finger on her chin. “Im really okay. You know that, right?
“ You still looked tired, Paula said, adding quickly, “ but , I can tell youre feeling better.
“ Oh yeah? Renée kissed her lightly on the lips. “How?
Paula grinned. “Youre sleeping better.
Renée kissed her again, a little more firmly. “Is that all?
“ Youre walking better. No cane.
“ Mmm-hmm, Renée said, trailing a line of kisses along the edge of Paulas jaw.
“ Honey, Paula said just a little breathlessly. “Well mess your makeup.
“ Oh, like I care, Renée whispered.
“ You know I cant have sex before a big game. Paula eased away. “It saps my strength and makes my brain sluggish.
Laughing, Savard skimmed her hand inside Paulas jacket and over her breasts. “Are you afraid youll forget all the big plays and run toward the wrong end zone?
Paula jumped up and backed away. “No fair touching when youre just teasing. You know I get excited.
Renées eyes glittered. “Do you now?
“ Renée, Paula said, hearing her own voice rise with a combination of excitement and nerves. “Im leaving now. Im going to Wozinskis room for the briefing. She held out her arm, palm facing forward. “ Dont get up.
“ I know the schedule. Youre not briefing for an hour, Chief.
“ I want to review everything by myself, first.
Renée smiled. “Okay sweetie. I know youve got a lot on your mind. She rose and kissed Paula on the cheek. “But when were back here tonight, Im going to show you just how much Ive recovered.
“ Ill look forward to a demonstration. Be careful tonight.
“ You too, sweetie.
* * * * *
Cam tapped on the hotel room door, feeling like an interloper. Stark, in a smartly tailored navy blue suit and white shirt, answered.
“ Do you mind if I sit in on your briefing, Chief?
“ No, come on in.
When Stark stepped aside, Cam nodded her thanks and entered the dimly lit suite. The drapes over the windows were closed and the overhead lights turned off, leaving only the scattered table lamps for illumination. The effect was oddly intimate. Cam strode directly to one of the empty chairs grouped around the coffee table in the seating area, nodding to Mac, Wozinski, and Hara as she sat down. Stark returned to the chair in the center of the group.
“ We were just reviewing the exit routes, Commander.
“ Go ahead, Cam said. “Sorry to interrupt.
“ No problem, Stark said quickly and handed Cam a printout. “The timetable, shift assignments, and agent placements are all outlined there.
Cam glanced at it briefly. It was thorough and complete, as she anticipated it would be. It wasnt the things they planned for that concerned her. It was the threat of the unanticipated that had her pacing in the suite across the hall until Blair had strongly suggested that she ask to sit in on the pre-departure briefing. So now Cam found herself in the awkward position of being an observer.
She was on the verge of getting up and leaving when Stark pushed the papers aside and said, “Is there something in particular you wanted to review, Commander?
Cam cleared her throat. “First of all, I just wanted everyone to be clear that Im here because Blair threw me out, not because Stark needs any help.
Stark smiled and the other agents laughed.
“ Well, Cam continued. “Im definitely more use over here than across the hall right now. She addressed Stark. “I dont suppose metal detectors are feasible, considering that the reception is in the open mezzanine?
“ We could insist that everyone use one escalator and one bank of elevators, but I think wed get a major logjam as a result. That kind of chaos sometimes makes it easier to overlook things.
“ I tend to agree. Plus, Cam said with a sigh, “it rather defeats the purpose of having Blair make a public appearance if we ramp up the security measures to the point where its obvious were worried.
“ Im not worried, Commander, Stark said steadily. “As far as Im concerned, every time Egret makes a public appearance, we have to assume she is a target. Thats the only way to do the job.
After a moment of complete silence, Cam said, “Youre absolutely right, Chief. She glanced at the others. “Perimeter coverage?
“ I get to sit this one out in the surveillance van, Mac said, unrolling a schematic and spreading it out facing Cam. He pointed to a red X with a circle around it. “Here. The other vehicle will be at the south entrance. He pointed to a blue X. “Here. One of Tanners men will drive that vehicle.
He then opened another schematic of the ballroom. “Exitshere, here, here, and here. Also covered by Tanners people.
“ Are we using the local field agents? Cam asked.
“ No, Stark said. “I decided that Tanners team has just as much experience, maybe more. And were already used to working with them.
“ Good call, Cam murmured. She was as certain as she could be that the local Secret Service agents were not compromised, but they also werent as likely to fit seamlessly into their current team as Tanners security personnel were. Under the circumstances, she would have made the same decision.
“ Savard will be with Diane, Cam said. “We have to assume Diane is a potential target as well. She glanced at Stark. “But Savard still has mobility issues. Shell be fine at close range, but youre going to need mobile backup for her.
Stark never changed expression. “Already taken care of.
“ Did anything turn up in the doctors background? Cam asked, referring to the keynote speaker. “Threats, angry protesters, anything that might spill over tonight?
Stark nodded to Mac, who opened a file folder. “Emory Constantine. Shes thirty-one years old, has been at the Johnson Institute for five years, and received a sizable federal grant matched by the Institute two years ago. Has a bunch of recent publications and is considered one of the front runners in stem cell research in the world.
“ Young for that, Cam observed.
“ Apparently she was one of the few to see the writing on the wall before anyone else. She did a lot of the preliminary work while she was still an undergraduate. A case of good timing and, from what Ive been able to fin
d out, a lot of brains.
“ Personal life?
“ Not much there. Lives in Beacon Hill in the family residence with her mother, divorced, no children.
“ Threat assessment?
Hara spoke up. “There have been right-to-life protesters at the last three seminars where Constantine has been a headliner. This guy, she passed out photographs, “was arrested at the last one for physically threatening her as she left the podium. Alexander Frenkel. Theres a restraining order on him now. If he shows up within five hundred feet of her, he goes to jail.
“ Everyone has his picture, Stark said. “Hes not registered at the hotel, at least not under that name.
“ These four, Hara went on, fanning out another set of images like playing cards, “have been observed at two out of the last three locations where Constantine made a public appearance.
Cam frowned. “Affiliations?
“ Three belong to different groups, but the fourth doesnt appear to have any group connections at all, Hara replied. “Two are fetal rights activists, one is a pro-lifer, and the loner is an unknown commodity.
“ Whos providing this intelligence? Cam asked.
“ Local FBI, Mac said. “Theyve kept a file on the doctor since another stem cell researcherJames Bennettwas attacked in a car park a year ago. The injuries kept him in the hospital for two months.
“ Did the victim have any relationship to Constantine?
“ None other than the fact that they knew each other professionally, Mac said.
Stark said, “We anticipate the usual demonstrators tonight. Well bring Egret in through the side entrance, because the protesters will most likely be out front where theyll get more press coverage. The hotel can legally bar them from entering, so once were inside, shell be in the clear from the majority of the organized dissenters.
“ What do you have on local anti-gay factions? Cam asked.
“ A few religious groups, but theyre mostly involved with debates over the church recognizing gay priests and performing same-sex marriages, Stark answered.
“None of them with a history of violence?