by Radclyffe
Blair caught her breath, momentarily disoriented by the eerie sensation that she was watching news footage, the kind of images that were ubiquitous and somehow mind-numbing. But she felt anything but numb. Her nerve endings burned, and it felt as if her entire body were twitching. A red haze of fury and panic threatened to skew her vision, and she had to blink to focus.
“ Can you tell whose boat it is? she asked.
“ Not yet, Mac answered. “Well have a slightly wider field in justthere, theres another vessel. His voice drifted off as a partially submerged, smoking boat came into view. “Weve got at least two vessels hit. He touched his ear and frowned. “Its Tanner requesting permission to begin search and rescue.
Stark shook her head. “No. We dont know that whoever sent the first missile doesnt have another one ready to go. The commanders boat is out there somewhere. Until we contact her, we keep this locked down. Tell Tanner to maintain her position. She is not to pursue any unknown vessel.
Mac relayed the order.
“ They might need help, Paula, Blair urged. “What about the Coast Guard?
“ No. This is a Homeland Security operation. We dont involve anyone else.
“ What if Cams boat was hit too?
“ If we confirm that, Paula said, “Ill send a team out from here.
“ How long can they last out there, if theyre in the water? Diane asked.
Paula didnt answer. Instead she said, “Find them for me, Mac.
* * * * *
Cam didnt think shed ever been so cold. It was the kind of cold that went so deep it was an ache inside of her. She didnt think about the pain but just swam arm over arm in the direction where shed seen the dinghy. Valerie had been in it, she knew that shed been in it. Henry was dead. Shed ordered him shot. Valerie was the only one who could have launched the dinghy.
Her clothes were sheets of ice dragging her down. Her arms and legs were heavy. It was hard to move. So much smoke. Black acrid stinging smoke that singed her already swollen throat and clouded her eyes with tears and salt. Cold.
Her hand struck an object and she tried to grab it, but it floated away. She rubbed her face against her frozen sleeve. The dinghy. A wave crashed over her head and she went under. It was a relief to be out of the smoke. Her throat felt momentarily soothed until she reflexively took a breath and water flooded her lungs. She gagged, vomited, then clawed her way to the surface. She broke through and sucked in a lungful of tainted air. Coughing, she tried to swim and managed only to keep her head above water. Then she saw it again. The dinghy. From somewhere deep inside, she found another ounce of energy. Valerie was there, she knew she was there. Valerie had launched the dinghy.
Cam pushed herself toward it. She had sent Valerie out here alone. She would not let her die alone. She found the nylon rope that circled the dinghy and tried to hold on to it with frozen fingers. When it popped away from her she gave up trying and sluggishly circled it, her muscles slowly turning to lead.
For an instant, she thought she imagined the white form floating next to the dinghy. When she reached out, her fingers were too stiff to grasp the ghostlike figure. Closer now, she could make out Valeries wrist wedged underneath the encircling rope on the rubber life raft. She had tethered herself to it somehow.
“ Valerie, Cam croaked. She got a mouthful of water and spat it out angrily. “Valerie!
Cam struggled to release Valeries wrist from the twisted lines. The instant Valeries arm slid free, she started to sink beneath the surface. Cam couldnt grip her clothing, but she managed to get an arm around her waist and pulled her against her body.
“Valerie, its Cam. Swim. You have to swim.
Cam couldnt tell if she was breathing or not, and for a fraction of a second she felt the way she had when Blair had been exposed to a potentially deadly toxin. The floodgates she kept securely locked against loss and despair broke open and the pain was so crippling she was momentarily paralyzed. They went under together, Valerie clasped in Cams arms.
* * * * *
“Command One, do you read, Felicias voice filled the room.
“Felicia, Mac cried. “Status. Status report. Are you
“ engaged in search and rescue. Any sign of incoming?
“Negative. Mac switched channels and the original wide-angle view came into focus. “Advise evacuate area as soon as possible.
“Roger, as soon as rescue is complete. Do you have visual?
Mac turned to Paula who was staring at the speakers as if she were trying to see through them to Felicia and the others.
“Felicia, this is Stark. We have debris from two vesselsno survivors identified.
“Thermal scans? Felicia asked sharply.
“Nothing, Mac said, “but if Valeries in the water, shes probably too cold already.
“We have two in the water. Do you read? Two.
“Who? Paula inquired urgently.
Blair didnt need to hear the answer. She already knew.
* * * * *
Cam didnt have the energy to fight. The cold in her bones had dissipated, and so had the pain. Her body was strangely heavy, yet weightless at the same time. She couldnt see, but the sharp smoky sting in the air was gone. She wasnt in the air. She was underwater.
She was underwater, and Valerie was with her. Valerie wasnt moving. What had Blair said to her? Shed made her promise something. Cam was so tired and it was so hard to think.
Promise me. Promise me you wont sacrifice yourself for her.
Thats right. She had promised Blair. Promised her not to die for Valerie.
A surge of adrenaline shot through Cam, electrifying her. Shed promised not to die for Valerie, but she hadnt promised to let her die. What had she said? No one was going to die. She tightened her grip on Valerie and kicked. The surface seemed very far away.
And then she felt itValerie was kicking too. Neither one of them was going to give up without a fight.
* * * * *
“Macs got a thermal body pattern in the water, Felicia announced, hurrying from the cabin to join Savard on deck.
Renée strained to see through the smoke, arcing the floodlights back and forth. “Over theretwo in the water, twenty yards off to the right. Help me lower the life raft.
“Im coming with you. Donaldson can handle the boat.
Renée nodded and between the two of them they unlashed the life raft from its deck moorings, disengaged the lock on the pulley, and swung the small boat out over the water. Felicia hit the switch for the motor and as the inflatable raft lowered automatically, she grabbed two PFDs from a nearby locker. She tossed one to Renée and pulled hers on.
“There are two more clipped inside the raft for them. Felicia swung her leg up and over the railing. “Lets get them the hell out of the water.
“Great idea, Renée shouted and followed her over the side and down the ladder.
Felicia started the motor and propelled the boat toward the area of the last sighting. “Do you have them?
“No! Renée leaned as far over the front of the raft as she dared, gripping the handholds. “Head further to your right. There wait. Yes! There!
“Be careful, Felicia shouted as Renée braced her legs against the side of the raft, released the handholds, and leaned over the side. Felicia set the motor to idle and clambered forward, joining Renée. Together, they grabbed for Cam, whose head and shoulders were just visible above the water next to the raft. Even in the flickering red light from the scattered fires still burning amongst the debris, her face looked deathly pale.
“Commander, Renée shouted as she reached down with both arms. “Can you grab on to me?
“No, Cam gasped. She pushed Valerie forward. “Take her first.
Felicia and Renée grasped Valeries inert body under the arms and pulled her into the raft. She wasnt moving and appeared unresponsive. When Renée looked back into the water she saw Cam go under. She dove in, grabbed Cam around the waist and pulled her back to the surface. Shaking water from her eyes, she sa
w Felicia leaning down and pushed Cam into her arms. Then she fumbled for the rope around the edge of the raft and finally managed to hold onto it. Together she and Felicia pushed and pulled Cam into the raft. Finally, Felicia grabbed Renées arm and Renée managed to lever herself up and onto the floor of the life raft.
“Commander, Renée gasped. Cam lay curled up against the opposite side of the raft. Valerie was stretched out between them.
“The commanders conscious, but I dont think Valeries breathing, Felicia shouted, hurrying back to rev the engine. “We need to get them to the boat.
Renée scarcely noticed as the small, crowded raft tossed and spun from crest to trough and back up again. Kneeling beside Valerie, she opened her blouse and pressed an ear to Valeries breast. She heard a distant heartbeat but she couldnt detect any movement of her chest. Cupping Valeries chin, she tilted her head back, covered her nose with her opposite hand, and sealed her mouth to Valeries. As she blew into her lungs, all she could think was that Valerie was cold. Cold as ice. Cold as death.
“Come on, Valerie. Come on. Renée blew another breath. “Breathe. Goddamn it. Breathe. She felt the barest flicker as Valeries chest rose beneath her hand and she hurriedly pressed her cheek to Valeries breast again. This time the heartbeat was slow and even fainter than before. Far slower than it should be. Frantically, she yelled over her shoulder, “Shes breathing, but Im not sure for how long. Hurry up or were going to lose her!
* * * * *
“This is Staff Sergeant Donaldson reporting, Donaldsons voice announced through the speakers.
Paula straightened up abruptly. “Where is everyone else?
“The agents are engaged with resuscitation efforts, maam. I have the conn, and we are returning to base.
“Status? Paula snapped.
“Two casualties.
“Put that launch right up on the beach below our location. Do you copy?
“Loud and clear.
Paula signaled to Mac as she spoke and he nodded, murmuring instructions into his radio. “DonaldsonETA?
“Ten minutes.
“How badly are they hurt? Blair said, standing so close to Stark she could hear her rapid breathing. “Are they burned? Behind her, she heard Diane groan softly.
“Whats their condition? Paula asked.
“Major hypothermia. Thats all I can tell you, maam.
“Roger that. Bring them home, Donaldson.
“Yes maam. Ill be pleased to do that.
As Paula instructed Mac to call the marina for additional resuscitation equipment, Blair grabbed Dianes arm and dragged her toward the door. “Come on. We need to get fires going in the bedrooms and fill the bathtubs. Were going to have to get them warmed up.
“Shouldnt we call for an ambulance or something? Diane asked, hurrying along beside Blair.
“No time, Blair said, taking the stairs to the second floor on the run. “The most critical thing for an exposure victim is to get them warm as quickly as possible. Blair stopped outside Dianes bedroom. “Are you okay?
Diane stared at her as if she were insane. “This is a nightmare and I keep praying Ill wake up. But until I do, Ill do anything I have to. Im not going to let her die.
“Dont worry, Blair said grimly. “No one is dying tonight.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
I t was too dark for Blair to see exactly what was happening on the beach, even with the floodlights on the boat spotlighting the people swarming all over it. When she had attempted to run down in search of Cam, Paula had informed her that both she and Diane were confined to the house until further notice. Blair would have argued, but that only would have delayed Paula in organizing the teams to get Cam and Valerie up to the house. She was acutely aware that Paula was doing everything possible to take care of the injured, even though she had to be crazy with worry over Renée.
Despite understanding the reasons behind the protocols, Blair couldnt control what she felt, which verged very close on panic. She just wanted to see Cam, and waiting was agony. She alternated between stalking out to the rear deck and pacing in the kitchen. Diane waited at the window, watching the activity on shore in pale silence.
“ Here they come, finally, Blair said when she was able to make out a clutch of figures transporting a still form on a stretcher toward the house. Only a single stretcher. Her chest tightened. What did that mean? Where was the second casualty? Where was Cam ?
“ Im sure theyll take them right upstairs, Blair said, concentrating on what she could do rather than letting the terror swallow her. “Lets go up so we can help.
Within minutes, Felicia and Wozinski half-carried Cam into the bedroom. She was wrapped in an emergency thermal blanket and, other than her shoes, appeared to be naked. Her face was gray and her skin looked rubbery from the cold, but Blair was nevertheless enormously relieved to see that she was conscious and making some effort to walk. Blair pushed back the covers on the bed. “Over here.
“ Ill get the IV set up, Wozinski said, as Felicia and Blair helped Cam into bed.
“ No, Cam rasped. “You and Felicia give Savard a hand with Valerie.
“ Stark had supplies brought over from the emergency aid center at the marina, Blair said, replacing Cams damp blanket with several layers of dry ones. “I heated four liters of saline in the microwave. Greg, I can help you get Cams line started while Felicia assists in the other room.
“ Yes maam, Greg said.
Cam shook her head weakly. “I can wait
“ No, you cant, Blair said firmly. “Go ahead, Greg.
Felicia said, “Ill be next door with Valerie.
When Greg left to get supplies, Blair sat on the edge of the bed next to Cam. She cupped her cheek, shuddering inwardly at the icy touch. “Are you injured anywhere?
“ Bumps and bruises. Cams teeth chattered. “Fire feels good. Maybe I can sit closer.
“ As soon as you get some warm fluids into you. Blair stroked her face. “You know that rapid external rewarming can cause problems. Blair had skied in enough remote areas to know the protocol for exposure and hypothermia. So did all of her security staff, and every shift contained at least one agent who was an EMT like Savard and Wozinski. Many hypothermia victims died during the initial resuscitation attempts because warming the outside of the body without raising the internal temperature led to cardiac collapse. “Well get you warmed up as fast as we can, but were not taking any risks.
“ Right now Id take my chances, Cam said, shivering violently. “Christ, Im cold.
“ Ill get some more blankets.
“ No, Cam said, grasping Blairs hand. “It wont help. Juststay close.
“ I can do better than that. Blair kicked off her shoes, shed her jeans, and got under the covers. She cradled Cams head against her shoulder and wrapped her arms and legs around her. “Im not going anywhere.
Cam had drifted off by the time Wozinski returned. He silently and efficiently started an IV in Cams right arm and hung a liter of warm saline. “That will run for about ten minutes. Ill be back to hang the second liter then.
“Thanks, Greg. Blair said, stroking Cams hair. “For everything.
“Its an honor, maam.
Alone, Blair closed her eyes, even though she wasnt tired. She wasnt planning on sleeping. All she wanted was to listen to Cam breathe.
* * * * *
“Glad youre here Greg, Renée Savard said, applying EKG pads to Valeries chest. “Start another IV in her left arm, would you. We need to get another bag of the hot stuff into her. Her temps ninety-two.
“Got it.
“Tell me what I can do, Diane urged, pressing close to the side of the bed near Valeries head, trying not to interfere but wanting desperately to do something. Valerie looked so white, so stillso lifeless. “Please.
“Here. Felicia tossed Diane a thermal towel from the emergency kit brought over from the marina. “Dry her hair and when that towel gets cool, Ill get you another hot one.
Valerie moaned, her body twitching refl
exively when Diane touched her. Diane blocked out the sound and concentrated on doing anything she could to get her warm and dry. “Is she going to be all right?
“Yes. Renée placed an oxygen mask over Valeries face. “Here, hold this on. Its really important. The warm air will heat the blood in her lungs and help raise her core temperature.
“Ive got it, Diane said, taking the mask from Savard. When Valerie moaned again and jerked her head away, threatening to dislodge the mask, Diane leaned down and whispered in her ear. “Valerie, darling, its Diane. Youre all right. Youre safe. Let us help you.
Valeries eyelids, so bloodless that the blue of her irises shone through the skin, flickered and opened. Wordlessly, she stared into Dianes eyes.
Diane smiled and caressed her forehead above the re-breathing mask. “Youre going to be all right. I love you.
Valerie nodded almost imperceptibly and closed her eyes again. Diane shivered, not from cold, but from the pain of losing that brief connection. “Tell me what to do. Tell me how to help her, she said desperately.
Renée slid an arm around Dianes shoulders and hugged her briefly. “Youre here, and she knows it. Thats exactly what she needs.
* * * * *
“Do we know yet what happened out there? Renée said, slumping into a chair in the command center. Mac and Paula hunched over the monitors. Printouts spewed from several nearby machines.
“Theoriesno confirmation. Mac said, looking over his shoulder. “How are they doing upstairs?
“Both stable. Valeries in for a rough ride for a while.
“Mac, Paula said, pushing away from the computer console, “take over here for a second.
“Sure thing, Chief, Mac said.
Paula grasped Renées hand and gently guided her to her feet. Then she wrapped an arm around her waist and led her toward the hall. “You need to change your clothes. Theyre wet.
Renée looked down as if realizing for the first time that her shoes and jeans and shirt were dripping. She shivered. “Yeah. Good idea.
Once upstairs in their bedroom, Paula took Renée into the bathroom. “Are you okay?