by Radclyffe
“Ill be waiting.
* * * * *
“Anything? Cam asked as she strode into the operations center. Stark, Mac, andto her surpriseWozinski were reviewing printouts. “Hi Greg. Things finished up in Boston?
Wozinski shrugged. “The feebies are handling it. Need I say more?
“Other than things are moving slowly? Cam grinned. “What do you have?
“Shooters name was Allen Strassmann, and as we already knew, he was on Constantines watch list. Hes also on half a dozen other lists under watchall right-wing, pro-Christian, pro-life, ultraconservative groups.
“On the surface, Stark said, “it looks like Dr. Constantine was the target.
Cam leaned against the door jamb and folded her arms. “You disagree?
“If the doctor was the target, it seems pretty stupid to try to take her out when shes with Egret, who everyone knows would be heavily guarded.
“Maybe it was simply a matter of opportunity, Cam said.
“Possible. But how did they know that Constantine was in the hall with us? It was a spur of the moment decision to leave then.
“Maybe Strassmann was in the banquet hall or had someone watching Emorys movements who could alert him, the same as we postulated might be the case if Blair were the target.
Stark nodded, but she didnt look convinced. “If I were going to take a shot at Emory Constantine, I would plan to do it when she was leaving the hotel after the eventin the parking garage, maybe, or even in the crowd coming out of the banquet hall. Thered be a much better chance of getting away with itand getting away, period.
“Do we have any indication that this guy Strassmann might have targeted Blair? Cam joined the others around the table.
“We dont have anything in the files about this guyor any organization hes involved withcontacting her, issuing statements, or posting inflammatory messages on any of their message boards regarding her. Nothing ties him to her.
“Im not surprised. If I were going to choose an assassin, Id want him, or her, to be someone anonymous. Cam shrugged. “That assumes there was someone behind this other than Strassmann himself.
“It would be a damn big coincidence, Mac said as he sat down with coffee, “if someone just happened to take a shot at Emory Constantine when she just happened to be with Egret. Despite the evidence, or lack of it, its too big a coincidence for me.
Stark nodded. “I agree.
“So do I. Cam stood. “Keep working the Strassmann angle and assume his target was Blair. See if you can find a relationship between him and any known Matheson connectionsmaybe hes related to one of Mathesons men captured at the compound.
“Will do, Commander. Stark hesitated, as if she were about to say more, then fell silent.
“Chief? Cam asked.
“Nothing, Commander.
“No, Cam said as if the question had been asked. “We didnt make a whole hell of a lot of progress, but were still digging.
“We really need Valerie Lawrence to come in if were going to find the link to Matheson, Stark said.
“Im working on it. Cam surveyed the group. “Until then we carry on.
* * * * *
Cam leaned into the living room and tapped on the partially open French door that divided it from the hallway and the first floor bedrooms. Diane was curled up on one end of the dark brown leather sofa in front of the fireplace. A half empty glass of wine sat on the end table beside her. Shed changed from the jeans shed been wearing earlier into black slacks and a fitted, white scoop neck top with three-quarter length sleeves. She looked remote and very much alone.
“Can I talk to you?
Diane glanced over her shoulder. “Of course.
Diane turned back to the fire as Cam sat down next to her.
“ Im sorry I didnt get a chance to warn you about the newspaper article before you saw it, Cam said.
“ Would you still have released it if I had objected?
“ Yes.
“ Thank you for letting me make the phone calls this afternoon. My sister and my office manager were very relieved to hear that I wasnt seriously injured. Diane added sharply, “Of course, I stuck to the script Stark provided me. The one you approved, I assume.
Cam winced. “I didnt mean to make you feel like a conspirator.
“ Then why did you do it?
“ Its complicated
“ That means its about Valerie.
“ Yes, Cam admitted. “She wont come in to protect herself, but she will to protect you. And we need her.
Diane shifted, studying Cam with no apparent trace of her previous anger. “Thats emotional blackmail, dont you think?
“ Yes, it is.
“ How do you make that all right?
“ Its better for Valerie, its better for you. And its better for Blair.
“ Thats the bottom line, isnt it? Blair.
Cam regarded her steadily. “Yes.
“ No apologies? No elaborate rationalizations or arguments?
“ No.
“ Clear and simple, Diane whispered to herself.
“ Not clear and not simple, Cam said. “Necessary. Valerie will understand.
“ And youre sure that this is the best thing for Valerie?
“ As sure as I can be, Cam said. “You have to trust me on that one.
Diane laughed harshly. “It seems that we all have to trust you for
quite a bit, Cam. Thats asking a lot, dont you think?
“ Diane, Blair said from the doorway. “Cam knows what shes doing. Theres no one better to make these decisions.
“ I hope youre right. Diane rose and strode abruptly toward the door, then paused to look back at Cam. “Because if something happens to Valerie because of this, Ill never forgive you for using me against her.
As Diane hurried from the room, Blair said, “Shes just upset. Ill go talk to her.
“ Its okay. She deserves to be angry. I didnt handle it well.
“ Oh, dont be ridiculous, Cameron. Youre not responsible for everyone, and she happens to be wrong.
Cams lips twitched. “Thank you for coming to my defense. I think.
Blair grasped Cams chin in her hand, and kissed her, a deep probing kiss. “I know how you get. Im not letting you beat yourself up about this. You did the right thing even if your timing sucked.
“ You dont usually complain about my ti Cam broke off as her cell phone rang. “Roberts. She held Blairs gaze as she spoke. “Where?...Tell them to intercept, but do notI repeatdo not use deadly force. Alert Stark to secure the house. Ill be right there.
“ What is it? Blair asked anxiously.
“ Intruder on the beach. I have to go.
“ Let Tanners people handle it. Cam
“ Stay here, Blair. Ill be fine. Ill be back as soon as I can.
“ Damn it, Cam
Cam ran toward the back of the house, punching in Felicias number on her cell. “I need back up. Ill be on the path to the dunes.
“ Roger, Commander. Savard?
Cam pushed through the back door. It was dark with only moonlight to guide her, but she knew the route by heart. She issued orders as she ran, phone in one hand and weapon in the other. “No. Savards not mobile enough. Tell her to take a position behind the guest house. No one approaches the rear of the compound except on my orders. Call Starkred alert.
“Copy that.
Cam hit the beach running and saw a flurry of activity, dark shapes converging from multiple directions, a quarter of a mile up the strand.
Hearing muffled shouts, she closed the phone and shoved it into the pocket of her pants. As she drew closer, she saw three of Tanners agents pointing assault rifles at a figure kneeling in the sand, arms outstretched. A slender figure with short blond hair in a dark jacket and pants. Cam skidded to a stop a few feet away and holstered her weapon.
Valerie looked up at her. “Hello, Cameron.
“Are you okay?
“Perfectly, thank you.
Cam motioned the o
thers away. “Ive got this. Thank you. You can return to your posts.
Valerie rose and brushed sand from her pants.
“ That was risky, Cam said. “They might have shot you.
“ I knew your people would be better trained than that.
“ Pretty trusting.
Valerie smiled softly. “Ive always trusted you.
Cam wondered how long the trust would last. “Come up to the house, she said. “Weve been expecting you.
Chapter Twenty-One
I take it the newspaper item was fabricated? Valerie asked as soon as they were out of earshot of the guards.
Cam grinned briefly, not surprised that Valerie had been suspicious of the cover story. Agents indoctrinated to clandestine work understood how often and to what extent the media was used to subvert the truth. Cam had hoped that Valerie would not take a chance on ignoring the report, even though she might not completely believe it. “Most of it was an embellishment.
“ Is Diane all right?
“ Yes, shes completely fine.
“ But there was some kind of an incident.
“ Yes, Cam said, unwilling to discuss any further details until she had a better sense of Valeries agenda.
As if understanding, Valerie didnt pursue it further. “I expected the guards to call Stark when they intercepted me, she said. “Are you running Blairs detail again?
Cam shook her head. “No, but this entire operation is an OHS matter, and that puts me in charge.
“ And youre going to take on the Company?
“ If need be.
“ The Companys been around a long time, Valerie said. “Homeland Security is so fresh most people dont even know what it is.
“ Theyll find out soon enough.
“ I guess we all will. Valerie pushed her hands into the pocket of her jacket and hunched her shoulders against the wind. “God, this is going to be a mess until people sort out their turf.
“ Probably for a lot longer than that. Cam realized Valerie was shivering. “How far did you walk?
“ Four or five milesI wanted to be sure to flank your guards so theyd have a good look at me as I came up the beach. I didnt want to come out of nowhere right on top of them and have them shooting at shadows.
“ You said you thought they were too well-trained for that.
“ Lets just say I prefer the odds to be solidly stacked in my favor when Im unarmed in hostile territory.
“ Sound procedure, Cam agreed. Shed find out soon enough just how Valerie had penetrated far enough into the island to get around the guards. She sensed movement in the shadows off to her right and slid her hand over her weapon just as Felicia stepped out of the cover of the dunes. Beside her, Valerie tensed.
“ All clear, Commander? Felicia asked.
“ Yes. You can let Savard and Stark know to stand down.
“ Yes maam. Felicia relayed the orders by radio, then regarded Valerie as the trio climbed the path toward the compound. “Good to see you.
“ Thanks, Valerie replied. “I feel the same.
“ You and Savard should take some down time while you can, Davis, Cam said. “Well brief again at 0600.
“ Yes maam. Felicia veered off the path toward the guesthouse. “Goodnight, Commander.
Cam stopped midway between the guesthouse and the main house at a point outside the visual range of the perimeter guards stationed at the rear of the house. She faced Valerie, who looked thin and pale in the moonlight. “Blair is inside. So is Diane. I know Tanners men already frisked you, but I need to do it myself.
“ Of course. Valerie unzipped her jacket, then held her arms out to her sides at shoulder level and spread her legs.
“ Unbutton your blouse and unzip your jeans, Cam said. “Im sorry its cold out here.
“ Just get it done, Cameron.
“ Ill be quick.
Wordlessly, Valerie opened her clothing.
Cam swiftly checked for weapons, which she hadnt expected to find, and then more carefully skimmed her fingers inside the cups of Valeries bra, over the bare skin of her abdomen and back, and underneath the top of her jeans in front and back looking for a microphone, which she hoped she wouldnt find. She didnt. “Thanks.
Valerie redressed. “Can I see Diane?
“ Yes, but just for a minute. You and I need to talk.
They resumed walking.
“ Ill do whatever you want.
“ For the record, Cam said, “Im glad you finally got your ass here.
Valerie sighed. “Ive done things I regret, Cameron, but I would never willingly have betrayed you. I didnt know how the intelligence I passed on was going to be used. I know its not an excuse
“ I know how the game is played. I know you didnt have any choice. Were okay on that.
Valerie briefly squeezed Cams hand. “Im glad.
“ Lets get inside so you can warm up.
They climbed the stairs to the rear deck, and Cam nodded to Stark, who stood with her back against the kitchen door, an assault rifle held loosely in her arms. “All clear, Chief.
“ Do you need me inside, Commander? Stark asked.
“ Not at the moment. Standard shifts tonight should be fine. Well brief tomorrow.
Stark glanced at Valerie and stepped away from the door. “Yes maam.
Cam led Valerie inside. The kitchen was empty, as she knew it would be. Stark would have moved Diane and Blair to the center of the house as soon as she realized security had been breached. “Diane is probably in the living room with Blair. Ill wait for you here, if you want to tell Blair where I am.
“ Thank you. Valerie met Cams eyes. “I know you dont have to do this, any of this. Im sure you were told to just turn me over to whoevers on top of the security heap at the moment.
Cam smiled grimly. “That would be me.
“ I hope it stays that way. Valeries tone was wistful. “Thank you, Cameron. Ill be right back.
* * * * *
“ Oh God, Diane whispered, rising slowly to her feet as Valerie stepped into the room.
Blair hesitated for a second, then rose and gave Diane a quick hug. “Ill see you later. She left Valerie and Diane alone in the dimly lit room.
Neither moved at first.
“ Were you ever coming back? Diane asked.
“ I wanted to.
“ Why didnt you?
Valerie shivered. “I was afraid youd get hurt.
Diane lifted a log and laid it on the ones already burning. “Come over here by the fire. Youre cold. When she felt Valerie beside her, she turned to touch her face. “Are you all right?
“ A little tired. Valerie caught Dianes hand and brushed her lips across the palm. “I missed you so much.
“ I dont know what to do first, Diane confessed. “I want to feed you. You look too thin. I want to hold you. Your hands are so cold. I want you to hold me. I feelso empty.
“ First things first. Valerie pulled Diane firmly into her arms.
Diane gave a small cry and slid both hands under the back of Valeries jacket, then buried her face in Valeries neck. “I dont care what happens after this, but you are not disappearing again.
Valerie caressed Dianes hair, sifting the sleek blond strands through her fingers. “Id promise you that, if I could.
A tremulous smile countered the sadness in Dianes eyes. “Blair says you and Cam are the best at what you do. So the two of you should be able to figure something out.
“ Cams waiting to talk to me. Valerie couldnt bear the thought of leaving Diane again, especially knowing that it could be hours before she could return. And hours was the best she could hope for. Agents whose loyalties were in question had been known to be sequestered for weeks. Sometimes months. She had to believe that Cam would not do that to her, and she wagered everything that mattered to her on that belief. “I dont know how long Ill be.
“ Shes not going to take you away, is she?
“ I dont know.
“Why did you come? Was it becau
se of the newspaper article? I didnt know
“When I first read it, Valerie said, instinctively pulling Diane closer, “I thought you were hurt and I nearly went crazy. I spent half a day frantically making calls and tapping into some old sources, but no one could find an accident or police report involving you. So I realized the article was phony, but I was still worried in case it was a half truth. I had to know you were okay.
“Im so sorry, Diane said. “Cam didnt tell me what shed done, or I would have found a way to call you.
Valerie smiled. “Thats why she didnt tell you.
Dianes eyes darkened. “Youre not angry at her?
“I figured she had probably planted the article. Either that, or someone else trying to flush me out had. Valerie sighed and leaned in to Diane, more tired than shed realized. “I was running out of options. It seemed like the time to come in. Besides, I missed you.
“Cam said you would understand what shed done and why, and even though I dont approve of being used to trick you, Im so very glad youre here. Diane brushed her fingers through Valeries hair. “And Im not letting Cam or anyone else take you away from me again.
“I need to go talk to her.
“Ill be upstairs. The last door on the right. Come to me.
“Are you sure?
Diane put her arms around Valeries shoulders and kissed her, a soft lingering kiss. “Never, ever more certain.
* * * * *
“Scotch? Cam closed the kitchen door after Valerie. “Theres a good bottle in the cupboard over there.
“Now that I could use. Join me?
Cam nodded. She watched Valerie take glasses down from the cupboard, add ice cubes, and pour the smoky liquor. Shed seen her do exactly the same thing dozens of times before, but more than just the circumstances had changed. Valerie looked different, too. It wasnt simply that her clothes were far more casual than anything Cam had seen her wear even when she wasnt working, or that her silky, platinum hair was far shorter than she had ever worn it. It would take more than jeans and a short haircut to hide Valeries cool elegance. She wasnt just thinner, she was leaner and tauter, and she moved with a sense of suppressed anger and almost lethal purpose that Cam associated with caged animals. Valerie might not be caged, but she was being hunted.