by Radclyffe
Paula said nothing, but the muscles along her jaw tightened.
“ Number two, no one followed me last night.
“ How do you know that? Paula demanded.
“ Because Ive been on the island since late last week. No one has been following me.
“ The marina, Cam said, annoyed with herself for not having anticipating that.
Felicia laughed. Stark merely stared. Savard made a point of not looking at her lover.
Valerie smiled. “Yes.
“ You came in by boat?
“ I rented a slip at the marina for my cabin cruiser a while ago.
Cam glanced out the window, realizing how far ahead Valerie had planned her moves. On some level, she must have been uneasy with her assignment from the beginning. “You set up an alternate identity when you were here working with us last month. So when we did a sweep for any newly registered guests last week, you didnt turn up. You were already there.
“ I worried when the Company sent me in to infiltrate your team that it wasnt going to turn out well. Its always prudent to establish a new identity when you cant be certain that any of your old ones will be safe. Valerie spoke directly to Cam. “And I knew if you wanted to get Blair to someplace inaccessible, youd come back here.
“ Your handler doesnt know about any of this?
“ No.
Stark made an exasperated sound. “So last night you just circled around the tip of the island on foot and walked down the beach.
“ Yes. Not exactly the route Id use for a surprise attack, but it got me where I wanted to go.
“ So we can assume, Cam said, “that Matheson and your handler suspect were here. They know the general area since they were able to extract you undetected, but we hadnt established a perimeter that far from the houses at the time.
“ Tanner has had reconnaissance boats on the water twenty-four hours a day since weve been here. Stark looked pointedly at Valerie. “Other than normal marina traffic, every vessel is monitored to ensure they arent attempting a beach landing.
Valerie felt a mixture of gratitude, guilt, and relief at the disclosure. Stark trusted her or she would not be discussing their security measures. Valerie could tell her colleague was still angry with her for ignoring procedure the night before, but at least she was talking as if they were still on the same side.
“Im sorry I put your team in an awkward position, Chief, she said. “To tell you the truth, I just wanted to get here.
“Well, we didnt shoot you, which is the main thing. It would have caused all kinds of hassles trying to come up with a cover story for that.
Cam gave Stark a nod, part affirmation, part prompt.
Stark rose. “If you dont need me any longer, Commander, Ill go back to the marina and look at everyone who has a slip or rents a room there.
“I think were done, Chief. You intend to advise Tanner of the situation? Cam struggled not to issue orders to secure the marina.
“Immediately, and Ill inform Egret and Ms. Bleeker that the marina is off-limits for the time being until weve secured it.
“Thank you.
Stark nodded to the group and left.
“What name have you been using here? Felicia asked Valerie.
“Ingrid Klein.
“You realize youve just burned that identity if you want to disappear again, Savard pointed out.
“I seem to be limiting my options, dont I? Valerie met Cams eyes.
Savard smiled. “Looks like youll just have to stay.
“Well then, put me to work.
Felicia turned a laptop in her direction. An array of photos filled the screen. “Start looking.
* * * * *
Six hours later Valerie pushed away from the table in disgust. “If hes in here, she said, gesturing toward the computer, “I dont recognize him.
“When you met, did you ever get the feeling that he was disguised? Felicia asked.
Valerie shook her head. “No. He always looked like a nondescript guy in an off the rack business suit.
“Which Im sure is exactly how he wanted to look.
Valerie rubbed the bridge of her nose. “Maybe we should try military archives.
“And start where? What branch, what years?
“Matheson served. Lets look at everyone he might have met from boot camp until the day he was mustered out.
Felicia nodded. “Im working on it, but accessing those kinds of military files I have to use a little finesse.
“Cant Cameron use her Homeland Security go-anywhere-free pass to access those records?
“She could, Savard said from across the room where she worked at her own computer station. “But it would alert any number of individuals, and thats exactly what we dont want.
Valerie nodded. “I guess until we find out how deep this goes, its safer to trust no one. She looked from one to the other. “So, when will I have more photographs to look at?
“Later today, Felicia said.
“All right. Until then, if you give me a secure line, Ill try contacting some of my previous sources. I might be able to pick up a hint of whats happening out there.
“We should be able to arrange Savard tensed and swiveled toward the front door at the sound of it opening. She relaxed when Cam walked in.
“Stark says theres no one suspicious at the marina.
“Excellent, Savard said.
“Where are we?
“I didnt get anywhere with the photographs. Im sorry, Valerie said.
“It was a long shot with no reference point. Are you at a place where you can take a break? Cam asked.
Valerie stood. “Yes, of course. Whatever you need.
“I thought wed try to work up a sketch of your handler.
“We dont have a sketch artist here, do we?
“No. Cam smiled. “Weve got something even better.
* * * * *
Blair closed the French doors to the living room and carried her supplies to the sofa. She pushed back the sleeves of her long-sleeved T-shirt, kicked off her ankle high boots, and sat cross-legged on the sofa with her sketch pad propped on her knees. “Have you ever done anything like this before?
“No. Valerie settled into an adjacent chair and crossing her legs. After waking with Diane and working with the team all morning, she felt almost normal again. “Have you?
“No. It should be a challenge.
Valerie smiled thinly. “Well, what else is new?
Blair glanced up. “I guess its new ground for all of us.
“I thought I had learned to expect the unexpected a long time ago, Valerie said, draping her hands over the ends of the arm rests. “Apparently, I was wrong.
“Because of 9/11? Blair asked, sketching Valeries profile. It wasnt why they were there, but she couldnt help but be captivated by the classic lines of her face.
“That, and being asked to usurp information from an ongoing investigation and, Valerie said as Blair drew rapidly, “falling in love with Diane.
Blairs hand stilled. “Is that what happened?
“Yes.
“Good.
“You approve? Valerie inquired with a hint of surprise.
Blair turned over a fresh page in her sketch pad. “I could say its not for me to approve or disapprove, but Diane is one of my two oldest friends and I love her. She didnt ask for my opinion, by the way.
“ Which is?
“ I think youre a terrible choice for her. Youre involved in dangerous work that requires you to lie to everyone, probably even yourself, about what you do and what you feel. Anyone with sense would find that scary. Blair met her eyes. “Speaking as her friend, Id rather she got involved with someone who wasnt so likely to break her heart.
“ Im going to try very hard not to.
“ I believe you, and like I said, thats good. Because youre the one she wants, and in the end, thats the only thing that matters. Blair picked up her pencil. “So, just off the top of your head, who does this guy remind you of when you see
him?
“ Bob Hoskins, only thinner.
“ Roundish face, broad eastern European features Blair sketched quickly and asked without looking up, “Hair?
“ Dark brown, thinning, no obvious balding spots. Subtle widows peak.
“ Good eye. Thats great.
“ Thanks, Valerie said. “For this and for looking after Diane.
“ Youre welcome. Blair continued to draw. “And by the way, Im glad you showed up.
“ Pale blue eyes, five oclock shadow. Valerie sighed. “I shouldve thought to wear one of those little lapel cameras to one of our meets.
Blair stopped drawing and stared. “You actually use those things?
“ No, but Ive always wanted to.
Blair shook her head. “Like I said. Scary.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Wednesday
Y es, thats correct. 777-3214. Ill pay by credit card. Valerie turned at the sound of footsteps behind her. Cam stood in the doorway watching her intently. “Im sorry. Here it is. Holding Cams gaze, she recited her account number. “And youll be sure that goes in tonight. I understand. Thats fine. Thank you.
Valerie closed her phone. “Did you need me?
“ Phone drop? Cam asked neutrally.
“ Yes. I change the contact number weekly and reprogram my cell.
Cam crossed the guest house kitchen to the window that looked out onto the wraparound deck. It was late afternoon and the sky was a solid blanket of hazy gray clouds. “Storm coming. I think its cold enough to snow.
“ Arent you going to ask me if Im planning on disappearing again? Valerie joined Cam and their shoulders touched lightly. She might have imagined the heat that penetrated Cams shirt and her own blouse, but she knew the sensation was real.
“ No. Thats not what I was thinking. I know youre not ducking out.
“ Thank you.
“ I do have a few questions, though.
Valerie smiled. “What do you want to know?
“ It sounds like youre anxious to get a new number to your handler.
“ He wont use one more than once, and I ignored his last message a week ago.
“ Any particular reason you want an open line to Henry right now?
Valerie shrugged impatiently. “Cameron, in the last two days Ive looked at hundreds, probably thousands of photographs. Felicia has worked on a regression image of the sketch Blair did. Its a good approximation of him when he was younger, and weve run that, plus an age-appropriate computer-generated image, through every database that exists, including Interpol. We cant find him, not this way.
“ Eventually well sort out Mathesons other contacts, well find Matheson, and hell lead us to Henry or someone else will. Cam turned her back to the window. She was inches from Valerie. “This is the tiresome part of investigative work.
“ Believe me, I understand that some things take time. I spent five years creating my cover in DC before Id even met you.
“ Jesus. Cam was blindsided by a wave of anger and tenderness when she imagined Valerie being used as currency in the high-stakes game of international espionage. For an instant, the barriers of professionalism and personal restraint wavered, and she almost touched her.
Valerie shook her head, recognizing the change in Cams expression. “Its all right, Cameron. Truly.
Cams charcoal eyes darkened to obsidian. “It isnt, but its done.
“ Not quite. Valerie backed away. There was too much heat between them, there always had been. “It wont be done until I know that I can trust Henry or I can be sure the link is broken for good.
“ Youre planning to meet him.
Valerie smiled ruefully. “Youre very good at this. The Company lost out when they didnt recruit you.
“ They tried.
“ Im not surprised. What stopped you?
Cam shrugged. “I was a little older than you by the time they approached me, and I already had serious trust issues. Seeing my father killed when he was supposedly being guarded made me wary of giving too much control to anyone. And I guess it made me want to do a better job than had been done for him.
“ God, Valerie sighed. “I wish Id had a little less trust when Henry first showed up in my life.
“ How do you intend to determine if Henry can be trusted?
“ Hell either try to kill me, or he wont, Valerie said simply.
“ And if he does try?
“ Then Ill know that my entire life has been more of a lie than I ever realized.
Cam stepped closer, but kept her hands at her sides. “Not all of it.
“ No, Valerie whispered, her gaze gently caressing Cams face. “Not all of it.
“ Youll need backup.
“ Im not asking you or your team to put yourselves at risk because of my miscalculation.
“ Bullshit, Cam said dismissively. “Number one, youre part of the team. Number two, its not your miscalculation. Number three, I was going to suggest you meet with him myself.
“ Really.
Cam rubbed her neck wearily. “Yes. I think wed break this eventually, but I dont think we have the time. We cant stay here forever. Blair has public obligations. Diane has a life, and I thinkno, I knowtheyll try to get to you through her. We have to draw out your handler and Matheson on our terms.
“ I agree. Besides, I never did enjoy waiting for someone else to dictate conditions.
“ Then lets start calling the shots ourselves, Cam said fiercely.
“ All right. Valerie hesitated. “May I ask you a personal question?
Cam smiled. “Theres something left about me you dont know?
Valerie touched her sleeve, then dropped her hand. “Many things, Im sure. This is about Blair.
“ Go ahead.
“ Do you tell her about these things?
“ Oh man, ask me something easy. Cam slid her hands into her pockets and walked the length of the room, then returned. “I tell her as much as I can because thats my part of what keeps us together.
“And whats hers? Valerie asked.
“She tries to understand why I do what I do and doesnt ask me not to.
“Shes going to be unhappy about this.
“Possibly, but not nearly as unhappy as Diane is going to be.
“I havent decided if Im going to tell her. Valerie returned to the window. “It will be beautiful here if it snows.
“You know, Im the last person to give advice on personal matters, Cam said, standing beside her.
Valerie laughed softly. “But?
“You should tell her.
“Why?
“Because you owe it to her. You let her fall in love with you. You could have stopped it.
“I couldnt. Pain filled Valeries voice. “I couldnt because I needed her so much.
“Then you forfeited your right to make unilateral decisions.
“Your approach to relationships is something like battle planning, Cameron, Valerie said.
Cam lifted her shoulder. “You use what you know.
“What I know is that Im not going to run anymore. From anything.
“The only way were going to know if Henry has turned is if he makes a move to take you out.
“Yes, Valerie said evenly. “In this particular instance, the length of our relationship works against him. Hes used to thinking of me as a subordinate. Hell probably be suspicious, but I dont believe hell truly see me as a threat.
“Hell still have the first shot.
“Ill just have to duck.
“Lets hammer out a plan with Felicia and Savard so you dont have to.
* * * * *
“Im not going to like this, am I? Blair stepped away from the canvas she was painting and faced Cam, brush in hand.
Cam smiled crookedly. “Probably not at first, but
“Just tell me, and let me decide.
Cam moved a few more steps inside the door and studied Blairs new work. Shed never seen her paint a portrait before, and this one caught her by surprise. Blair had ca
ptured Valeries innate loneliness in her remote expression and the faraway focus of her ice blue eyes. Cam found it hard to look away as she crossed the studio to her lover.
A roaring fire blazed in a large stone fireplace against the far wall. The only other light came from several spotlights that Blair had focused on her easel. Blair wore a faded red plaid flannel shirt a size too big, faded jeans, and moccasins. She had been engrossed in working on a small area of shading and hadnt heard Cam enter the room at first. Cam was sorry to have disturbed her.
She put both hands on Blairs shoulders and kissed her. “Thats beautiful.
“So is she. Blair gave a quizzical smile. “I havent been able to get her face out of my mind. Ive seen beautiful women before, but its not just that shes attractive. Shes hauntingly sad and yet so strong.
“The sadness will disappear the longer shes with Diane. Cam rubbed her cheek over Blairs hair. “Mine did.
“Cam, Blair wrapped her arms around Cams waist and caressed her back. “You sound a little sad right now.
Silently, Cam shook her head and kissed Blairs throat, then brushed her lips over Blairs ear. “I love you.
Blair leaned back, keeping her thighs tight against Cams, and smoothed her palms over Cams chest. “Oh, darling. I love you too. Now tell me the bad news. I know you didnt interrupt me just to remind me why I love you so much.
Cam winced. “I need to talk to you about an operation were planning, and I need you not to tell Diane.
“ Please Cam. I cant just stand by and watch Diane be used
Cam shook her head. “Its not like that. Its not that I dont want her to know, but its not your place or mine to tell her about it. Its Valeries.
Blair snapped off the spotlights, leaving only the fireplace to illuminate the room, and walked a few feet away to face the fire. Cam watched the red glow cast Blair in shadows and dreaded the distance that was about to come between them.
“ Valerie is going to arrange a meet with her handler, Cam added.
“ Is that safe?
Cam said nothing.
“ You dont know, do you? Thats the reason for the meeting, to try towhat, make him show his hand?
“ Something like that.
“ This was Valeries idea? Blair glanced back at Cam. Beyond her, through the window, the night sky was devoid of moon or stars. The ocean was a distant thunder that might have been the sound of bombs falling.