by Radclyffe
“Just to be clear, I dont intend to turn you over to anyone, Cam said.
Valerie held out the Scotch. “You dont know what I have to say, yet.
“ Whos after you?
“ Several different parties. Valerie sat down across the wide oak table from Cam and contemplated her Scotch. “The Company, for certain. My handler has been leaving messages at drop points for me to come in.
“ Henry?
Valerie smiled bitterly. “Well, thats what Ive always called him.
“ You dont trust him now?
Valerie turned the heavy crystal glass slowly between her hands. Her fingers, much like the rest of her body, were long and thin, but not delicate. “Its unusual for him to insist on a face-to-face. In fact, in all the years Ive worked with him weve only met a handful of times. Now hes making urgent requests for a rendezvous.
“ A trap?
“ Thats what it feels like, Valerie said with a shrug. “But a trap set by whom? Matheson because hes working with Henry? Or the Company, because they want me in for a debriefing? Because they think I tipped off Matheson.
“ They want you for some reason.
“ Yes, and if the Companys involved, I know what will happen if I go in. Believe me, I dont have any desire to disappear, even temporarily.
Cam saw no reason to protest what they both knew was possible. Agents suspected of turning were forcibly detained, debriefed, and sometimes, expunged. “Henry could want you to come in for protection from Matheson.
“ Id like to think that. Valerie took a slow swallow of Scotch and shook her head. “But Id be foolish to assume that just because weve had a professional association for twenty years that were friends. If hes Mathesons connection, Im a liability now.
“ Thats why youre better off here. Cam finished her drink. “We had an incident in Boston the other night. An armed assailant penetrated our perimeter and got off a couple of shots before we contained him.
“ Who was the target?
“ We dont know. Emory Constantine, a high profile and not so popular stem cell researcher, was with us. It might have been her. It might have Blair. It might even have been Diane.
“ Diane? Valeries face became expressionless, as cool as carved marble. “What would be the point? If someone took her out, theyd have nothing to hold over my head.
“ No one? Family? Old lovers?
An old sorrow seemed to claim Valerie for a split second, softening her features. “You of all people should know that other than you, theres no one. Only Diane. You had someone guarding her?
“ Savard. We were lucky, there. Cam grimaced. “Its possible Matheson plans to clean house and take us all down.
“ Then we need to get to him first.
“ We might not be able to unless we force Henry to roll over. Do you have any idea how we can find him?
Valerie shook her head. “I never once met him in an office. He could be stationed in California for all I know. God, Cameron, the man has run my life since I was a teenager and I dont even know his full name. She laughed harshly, her eyes bleak. “What kind of fool does that make me?
“ We both know thats not what its about. Cam extended her hand across the table and Valerie clasped her fingers fleetingly. “Youve done a job most of us couldnt do far longer than anyone should have to. That doesnt make you a fool in my book, it makes you a hero.
“ Thank you, Valerie whispered.
“ I take it youve tried to locate him some other way than through a meet?
“ I was hoping to discover his identity and Ive called in every marker I have. Or thought I had. Valeries disillusionment shone through beneath the composed façade she wore so effortlessly. “Ive tried every source I know, but in the last few weeks, those have mysteriously dried up. Contact numbers are no longer in service, bank accounts are suddenly closed, drop boxes have new locks.
“ Youre being cut off.
Valerie nodded. “It could still just be to force me to make contact, or it could be the first step in removing me.
“ I dont suppose you have a photograph?
“ No, and its not like the Company keeps a roster of employees that I could go through.
Cam laughed. “Now, that would defeat the purpose of being a spy, wouldnt it?
“ A spy, Valerie said wryly. “Operative sounds so much better.
“ Lets assume Matheson and Henry are working togetherits the most probable scenario. So, if we find one, we find the other.
“ Any progress on your end?
Cam scowled. “Were accumulating a file on Mathesons associates as far back as twenty-five years. Its slow going, but Ill want you to look through everything Felicia and Savard have put together so far. Unfortunately, some of the photographs are going to be of boys or much younger men than theyre likely to be now.
“ Perhaps Felicia can use age simulator software to project present appearances for any possibles.
“ We might be able to do something even better, Cam said slowly as she stood. “Its almost midnight. Id like you to brief with us in the morning. 0600 in the guest house.
“ Are you sure? Savard and Felicia might not be quite as trusting as you are, Valerie pointed out.
“ I disagree, but either way, its not their choice.
Valerie rose. “Youre taking a chance, Cameron, and I know that. I want you to know I appreciate
“ Dont insult me, Valerie. Cam lightly touched her fingertips to Valeries cheek. “Get some sleep. Then she dropped her hand and walked away.
Valerie waited until she heard Cams footsteps disappear before following down the hallway and up the stairs. As she passed the room that she knew was Blairs, she recognized Blairs sensuous alto and then Cams slightly deeper tones. The sound of Cams voice in a phone message had once stirred her heart and her blood. Now, it filled her with a sense of comfort and safety. Wondering if that was fair, but being glad for it nonetheless, she continued to the last door on the right and knocked quietly before letting herself in.
The room was lit by a bedside lamp. Diane was in bed, a sheet pulled to her waist. Her breasts formed soft curves beneath a pale peach camisole. Valerie sat on the side of the bed and took her hand. “Theres part of me that thinks I shouldnt be here.
“ What does the other part think?
“ That its the only place in the world I want to be.
Diane drew back the covers. “Thats the part Id listen to, if I were you.
“ All right, Valerie whispered softly.
She stood and unbuttoned her blouse, unhooked her bra, and let them fall to the floor behind her. She unzipped her jeans, pushed them down along with her panties, and stepped out of them. Watching Diane watch her, she was surprised to feel her body quicken when for so long the only sensations shed been aware of were fatigue and desperate sadness. She turned off the light and slipped into bed. Then she did something shed never done before. She pulled Diane on top of her and guided Dianes hand between her thighs.
“ Please make love to me. I need you.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Monday
A ny response from Lawrence on your request for a meeting? Matheson inquired via his disposable cell phone.
“ Not yet.
Matheson sipped his coffee and watched the traffic on Main Street through the diner window in the small seaside town. A waitress slid a plate of scrambled eggs and toast in front of him. He made eye contact when he thanked her.
“ Youre very welcome. The brunette offered him a sultry smile as she lingered by the red leather booth made shiny by years of bodies slipping in and out.
He held her gaze for a few seconds, noting the invitation in her eyes while surveying her full breasts and curvaceous hips. His penis lengthened, reminding him that it had been some time since hed satisfied his needs. He made a mental note to take care of that, then looked away, dismissing her from his thoughts. “Why do you think your operative is ignoring your direct order?
“ Because shes one of our best, the
man snapped. Then, as if regretting his outburst, he added in a conciliatory tone, “The leak came too soon after her report to me for her not to be suspicious, but I didnt have a choice. If Special Forces hadnt moved on the compound so quickly, I might have been able to find another way to warn you, but Robertss team was far more effective than we anticipated. I didnt have time for a cover story, and I didnt think youd enjoy captivity.
“ Its never wise to underestimate the enemy, Matheson said mildly, spearing a fluffy mound of egg. “Its unfortunate that eliminating her will cost us an inside link to several of our primary targets, but the longer she stays alive, the greater the likelihood youll be compromised.
“Ive warned her shes in danger, but she wont agree to a meet. “Youre not using the right enticement. “What do you suggest?
Matheson told him, disconnected, and punched in another number. “He has forty-eight hours to take care of his mess, then well clean house ourselves, starting with him.
“Yes sir. Its a pleasure to serve you, sir.
* * * * *
“Valerie? Diane called urgently in the dark. The bed beside her was warm, but empty. The nightmare of the past few weeks instantly closed in around her, and she felt as if she were smothering. Bolting upright, she gasped, “Oh God.
“Im here. Valerie hurried to the side of the bed and pulled Diane into her arms. “I found some clothes Id left here last month, and I was trying not to wake you while I dressed.
“Where are you going?
“A briefing with Cameron.
Diane held her tightly, running her hands over Valeries back. She wore only a snug tank top and panties. “Youre cold. Go finish dressing.
Valerie pulled the covers back and slid underneath. “I frightened you. Im sorry.
Diane shook her head. “Just for a second. I wish you didnt have to go.
“Ill be back. Valerie stretched out above Diane and kissed her throat. “I wouldnt leave now except I might be able to help.
“You wont do anything foolish, will you?
Valerie laughed softly. “There are times I think my whole life might have been foolish.
“No, Diane said with certainty. She feathered her fingers through the short hair at the base of Valeries neck. “Youre the most remarkable woman Ive ever met.
“Diane, Valerie murmured, kissing her deeply. When Diane tightened her hold and strained beneath her, wrapping both legs around the back of Valeries thighs, Valerie immersed herself in the heat pouring off Dianes body. Dianes passion was like nothing shed ever felt. The fire burned effortlessly, searing into those dark, barren places where shed learned to hide her feelings, not realizing that eventually that which was buried, died. Desperate not to lose the connection, Valerie tightened her grip on Dianes upper arms, digging her fingers into the firm, pliable flesh. When Diane moaned, she instantly pulled away. “Im sorry. I didnt mean
“ No. More. Diane dragged Valeries head back down, her fingers twisting through Valeries hair. She pressed her mouth to Valeries ear. “You cant hurt me. Not by touching me. Im dying to have you inside me.
Valerie sobbed out a cry of need and wonder. She pushed herself down until her face was pressed to Dianes stomach, then she cupped Dianes breast with one hand and filled her with the other. She squeezed and rolled Dianes nipple as she pushed into her, higher and deeper, thrust after thrust.
“ God, Diane gasped, arching frantically to meet each stroke. “I dont want to come but youre going to make me.
“ Yes, Valerie whispered urgently. She kissed her way lower, gliding her tongue over soft skin and trembling muscles and into the fragrant heat. She hummed as her lips found Dianes clitoris and she licked lightly.
“ Oh no, Diane pleaded. “Dont make me come so soon.
“ I want you, Valerie whispered, before sucking her even more firmly.
Diane gripped the sheets and pushed down hard around Valeries fingers as her clitoris swelled to fill Valeries mouth. “So good, so wonderful, so oh, oh Im
Valerie watched Dianes face reflect the pleasure that rippled around her fingers and pulsed between her lips, and thought shed never seen anyone as beautiful. She didnt stop caressing her, inside and out, until Diane murmured a weak protest and twisted away.
“ Love, Diane whispered. “I wont be able to walk today if you dont stop.
Tenderly, Valerie placed a delicate kiss at the apex of Dianes sex, then rested her cheek in the hollow adjacent to her hipbone. She continued to fondle her breast, smiling as Dianes mouth curved in obvious enjoyment. “Thats what you say , but thats not what your body is telling me.
“My body is greedy. Diane gazed down through heavy lidded eyes. “Insatiable, in fact, for you.
“Really? Valerie kissed low on Dianes belly, then nuzzled her face a little lower. “I can handle that.
“Oh, I know you can. Take your clothes off and come up here first, Diane murmured. “I want you, too.
Valerie shed her tank and panties and slid into Dianes embrace, easing her swollen center against Dianes leg. She kissed her lingeringly, slowly rocking against her. “I only have a minute.
“Can you come this way?
“I think so, if you help me.
“Anything.
“Play with my breasts, Valerie said thickly, already sliding faster up and down Dianes thigh.
“Youre so wet. So beautiful. Diane pulled on Valeries nipples. “Does it feel good, darling? Rubbing against me like that? Getting me all wet? Will you come for me?
“Oh, yes. Im almostalmost, Valerie gasped. “Kiss me. Kiss meoh god, Im so close.
“Soon, Diane breathed, capturing Valeries mouth and squeezing her breasts rhythmically. As Valeries motions grew more frantic, Diane plunged her tongue deeper, matching Valeries frenzied thrusts. Sensing Valerie struggling to orgasm, Diane drove her hips up and forced her leg more tightly against Valeries clitoris. “Harder, darling. Press yourself har
“Im going to come. Valeries head fell back, her eyes wide and fixed on Dianes. “God, I love you.
“I love you, Diane cried.
Shuddering, Valerie spilled onto Dianes welcoming body and collapsed into her arms.
* * * * *
With several minutes to spare before the briefing, Valerie knocked on the door to the guesthouse. Savard answered.
“Hey, Savard said, holding the door wide. “You missed a good show at Mathesons compound a couple of weeks ago.
“So I hear. Valerie stepped inside but hesitated before going any further. “Im sorry I didnt make it.
“Yeah, me too. Savard glanced toward the adjoining room where Cam and Felicia waited. “It could have been any of us in your spot. Im glad it wasnt me.
“I appreciate that. Valerie grasped Savards arm. “Listen. Cam told me about what happened in Boston. I owe you for taking care of Diane.
“No you dont, Savard said dismissively. “But if you really feel like you do, you can plan on sticking around here where your friends are for a while.
“Thank you, Valerie softly. “Ill do that.
“ Good. Savard turned and started toward the command center. “Then lets go to work.
“ Good morning, Cam said as Valerie came in. Felicia nodded to her. “Our priority for the day, and every day until its accomplished, is to identify your handler. Well work from the assumption that hes an associate of Mathesons, because otherwise we dont even have a starting place.
“ All right.
“ I want you to scan the files Davis has compiled of known Matheson associates, including the academy students. We might get lucky.
Valerie smiled ruefully. “We could use some luck.
“ Before we get to that, Cam said, “I want Stark to join us so she can hear how you got behind our lines. She opened her phone and pushed several buttons. “Chief, can you come down for a minute? Thanks.
While they waited, Valerie and Felicia got coffee and opened several boxes of doughnuts that Tanners day crew had delivered.
“ Its good to h
ave the team back together, Felicia said.
“ It is. Valerie opened the refrigerator for milk. “Hows Mac?
“ Hes back on the team, too. Hes up at the main house seconding for Stark. Im sure youll see him later. Felicia smiled and stirred her coffee. “Hesmaking a remarkable recovery.
Valerie studied her with interest. “Really.
Felicia met her gaze. “Quite.
“ Well, good for you.
“ Yes, it is. She sipped her coffee. “Ah, Diane?
“ Luckily, shes forgiven me.
Felicia shook her head. “I dont believe she ever thought there was anything to forgive.
“ I hope youre right.
At the sound of the front door closing sharply, Felicia said, “Time for round two. Starks not going to be happy.
“ I dont blame her. Valerie followed Felicia back into the other room and sat at the table next to Cam. Stark sat stiffly across from her.
“ Good morning, Chief, Valerie said formally.
“ Agent Lawrence.
“ Valerie will do, Valerie said softly.
Stark seemed to relax by degrees. “Sorry. That was quite a stunt you pulled last night. We could have killed you.
“ I wanted to talk to Cameron.
“ Did you ever hear of a phone?
“ I dont like phones.
“ How about a car? You could have driven right up to the foot of this road and our people would have stopped you, checked your ID, and called me.
“ Assuming they were all your people, and trustworthy.
“ You dont trust us? Paula flicked her gaze to Cam, who said nothing.
“ I trust you and the other people in this room. And Mac, and Hara, and Wozinski. I dont trust people I dont know. Valeries face was hard to read. “Besides, I might have been followed.
“ How do you know you werent? Paula couldnt keep the anger from her voice. “You know youre a target, and you could have led whoever might be following you right here. And showed them a back door in.
“ Number one, Valerie said, “anyone who might want me dead already knows where you are. I was extracted from here a few weeks ago, remember?