“ The Shops at Georgetown? Blair suggested.
“ Lets start on M Street and fi nish up inside.
“ Done. Blair grinned when she heard Stark muffl e a groan. Many of the trendy boutiques on M Street in Georgetown fronted a portion of the four-story mall that housed over seventy shops and restaurants. It was the best shopping in DC. She hooked her arm through Dianes as they stepped out into the foyer and pushed the button for the elevator. “Im glad youre here.
“ So am I, Diane whispered.
Paula slid into the elevator next to them. “I dont suppose you could think of a slightly less crowded place for your retail therapy?
“ What, and take all the fun out of it? Blair feigned shock. She knew from experience that her security agents hated it when she went to large, crowded places where it was impossible for them to set up advance surveillance. But if she let that dictate her movements, shed never go to a movie or a street fair or a shopping mall. Until the recent attacks, outings such as this had been more an inconvenience than a serious security issue, and that was all the more reason for her not to change her behavior now.
“ Fun, Paula muttered. “More like hell.
“ You never know. Blair laughed as the elevator opened and they all stepped out. “You might end up enjoying it.
Paula, busy alerting Hara in the vehicle idling at the curb that they were exiting, didnt bother to object.
“ Oh, goody, Blair said as Felicia moved up beside her, “girls day out.
“ We didnt think Greg would mind if I took his shift this afternoon, Felicia said. “Hi Diane.
“ Its good to see you again, Diane said, as she climbed into the rear of the Suburban next to Blair. “Hows Mac doing?
Felicias smile widened. “Hes out of the hospital and doing very well.
“ I suppose hes chafi ng to get back to work.
“ Hes like the rest of us. If were not working, we tend to get into trouble. Felicia glanced at Stark. “I know he misses being part of the team.
“ The team misses him, Stark said.
“ Hopefully, hell be back soon, Blair said, wondering if Mac would resume his duties as second-in-command and communications offi cer. That would be up to Paula now. Felicia had taken over Macs responsibilities when he was shot during the assassination attempt at the Aerie, but her real expertise was intelligence and data analysis. “Tell him I said hi.
“ I will, Felicia replied. “Where are we headed?
“ Georgetown Park, Paula said with a grimace.
Felicias eyes widened. “Oh, I should be getting hazard pay. To be surrounded by all that trendy glitter and not be able to window shop. Thats harsh.
Blair laughed. Even though she loved Mac and enjoyed Greg Wozinskis dry humor and subtle sensitivity, if she had to have close surveillance twenty-four hours a day, it was so nice to have female agents. They understood about shopping.
Nevertheless, three hours later, Blair found that even Paula was as grumpy as any of the male agents who had ever accompanied her on a shopping excursion.
“Im just going to try on these dresses. She gave Paula a winning smile. “I need something for the fundraiser this weekend.
“It feels like divine punishment that were shopping at a place called the White House, Paula said with a sigh.
“Maybe its cosmic destiny, Blair said as she carried another stack of clothing into the dressing room. “If you see Diane, tell her Im in here. She went to check out the shoes.
“Fine. Great. Paula turned her back to the dressing room door and folded her arms. It wasnt that she minded shopping so much, she just didnt like to do it for hours on end. And when she went shopping, it was always with something specifi c in minda new pair of shoes or a suit to replace one that got torn up or soiled during work. It was never just to check out the latest styles. She scanned the dress department, automatically reviewing the faces to see if any seemed familiar from other stores, other departments. She didnt recognize anyone and was comfortable that they were not being followed. Felicia, posted in the aisle between the dresses and accessories, was doing the same thing. Hara had drawn the short straw and stayed with the vehicle.
Idly, Paula watched a woman pull a white halter dress from a rack and hold it up in front of her body. The unexpected mental picture of Renée in that dress stirred a hum of arousal in the pit of her stomach, and she swiftly looked away. Felicia was right. Shopping was dangerous duty.
* * * * *
Diane lifted a Louboutin black lace and suede pump with a peep toe, thinking it would go well with the dress she was planning to wear to the fundraiser Blair had invited her to. Ordinarily, she would have looked forward to a gala event, but it was hard to be excited about a night out now.
“Would you like to try those on? a saleswoman asked with a polite smile.
“Yes I Diane caught her breath as she glimpsed a fi gure slip from view on the opposite side of the room. She went on hurriedly, “Not just yet, thank you.
“Of course. Just let me know.
Diane dropped the shoe back onto the rack and walked quickly across the seating area toward the sign marked exit. She pushed through the fi re door and into the stairwell.
Valerie stood on the landing.
“ Oh my God, Diane breathed. She extended one hand, but didnt touch her. “I wasnt sureI thought I saw you once earlier, but I told myself it was just my imagination. She let her fi ngertips drift down Valeries cheek. “It is you, isnt it?
Valerie caught Dianes hand and kissed her palm. “Yes.
“ How did you know where I was?
“ I called the gallery and asked for you. They know me as an art dealer, remember? Valerie kept hold of Dianes hand, stroking the top with her thumb. “They told me you were in DC, and it wasnt hard for me to fi gure out where.
“ But how did you know I would be here ?
Valerie smiled softly. “The Suburban is hard to miss. Ive just been waiting until you werent with Blair.
Diane touched the loose curls at the base of Valeries neck. “Youve cut your hair. She fi ngered the soft blond strands. “Its nice. She was used to seeing Valerie in stylish slacks, silk blouses, and designer jackets. Today she wore a navy T-shirt, low-cut Levis, and scuffed brown boots. Her worn brown leather jacket was over-sized, hiding her full breasts and slender torso. She looked younger. And she looked very tired. “Are you all right?
“ Yes. Valerie drew a shaky breath. “God, I want to kiss you.
Diane smiled. “Thats good, because I feel the same way. Do you think we could get out of the stairwell?
Valerie shook her head. “I shouldnt even be here, but I just hadI just wanted to see you.
“ Youre in trouble, arent you?
“ Im not sure. Valerie leaned forward and brushed her lips over Dianes. “Im so sorry.
“ For what? Diane gently caressed Valeries face again, then drew closer and kissed her softly. Shed left her coat in the car, and the heat of Valeries body penetrated her silk blouse and slacks as if they werent even there. Dianes nipples tightened instantly and she moaned softly. “Oh, Ive missed you. Where are you staying? Can I come to you?
Valerie shook her head. “No. You cant right now.
Diane slid her hand inside Valeries jacket and clasped her waist. “Then come to me. We need to talk. I need to understand whats happening. She kissed her again, harder. “I need you. Please.
Valerie skimmed her fi ngers into Dianes hair, her body trembling. “You cant. It might be dangerous, and I wont have you hurt.
“ Being away from you hurts me, Diane whispered. “Not knowing whats happening to you is driving me mad. Please. Give me a number to call, somewhere to meet you.
“ Im using disposable phones. Ill call you. Valerie curled her hand behind Dianes neck and pulled her close. Her tongue slid possessively into Dianes open mouth. She groaned, the sound mingling with Dianes echoing moan. When she pulled away, her ice blue eyes sparkled with tears. “I love you. No matter what happens, I want
you to know that.
Diane pressed her fi ngertips to Valeries mouth. “There wont be any goodbyes. Whatever has happened, Cam can help you. You know how to reach her. Call her.
Valerie shook her head. “Not yet. Not until I know more.
“ You can trust her, Diane said insistently. “I know you can. Yo u know you can.
“ Cam cant control everything, Diane, Valerie said wearily. “There are powerful people involved. Dangerous people.
“ And thats all the more reason for you to have help. You cant do this alone. Diane kept both arms around Valeries waist, afraid that she would bolt and disappear. “I dont want you to be alone.
“ Ive always been alone, Valerie whispered, “until you.
“ And Im not going to let you go, Diane said urgently. “Ill only be here a few more days. Let me come to you.
“ Are you going back to Manhattan?
“ I dont know. Im probably going Out of years of habit, Diane hesitated mentioning anything about Blair.
Valerie stiffened. “Never mind. You dont have to tell me.
Diane shook her head. “Its not what you think.
“ You dont have any reason to trust me. Valerie gently disengaged Dianes hold on her and backed away. “I should apologize for ever involving you.
“ Dont you say that, Diane shot back. “This isnt just about you, and what you need and what youre afraid of. Im in this too, because I chose to be. She closed the distance that Valerie had created. “I chose to be with you.
“ How can you choose when you dont even know whats going on?
Dianes heart clenched at the uncertainty in Valeries voice and the tormented look in her eyes. She sensed Valerie struggling not to pull away and risked sliding her hand inside her jacket again. When she rested her fi ngertips against Valeries side, Valerie trembled.
“ Oh, dont, Diane breathed. “Dont hurt so much, my darling. Help me understand. Tell me, so that when I say I love you, you can trust me.
“ I cant seem to think straight when youre near me, Valerie murmured before kissing her again. When the door behind them opened, she spun Diane to the wall, shielding Dianes body with her own, and pushed her hand into her jacket pocket. “Keep your head down.
Diane held her breath, her heart jumping in her chest. Valeries face had gone completely still, her blue eyes intently focused, and her body coiled as if it were poised to explode. Footsteps passed behind them and started down the stairs, clattering loudly in the enclosed space. Dianes breath whooshed out. “God.
“ Do you understand now. Valerie backed away until their bodies didnt touch. “Thats what youre asking me to bring into your life. I cant.
Dianes gaze dropped to the bulge in Valeries jacket pocket, which she now realized was a gun. Having been around Blair since they were teenagers, shed seen men and women with guns before. But shed never sensed the lethal menace of one as acutely as she did now. “Are you saying that someone wants to kill you?
“ I dont know. Valerie moved to the stairs leading down. “And until I do, you cant be anywhere near me.
Diane followed her and grasped her jacket tightly. “Im not going to let you walk away from me so easily again, Valerie.
“ Ill come back, Valerie said, her voice choked. “I have to. I cant get you out of my head.
Diane kissed her, hard and long. Then, though it wrenched her heart so badly she felt like she was bleeding inside, she let go of Valeries jacket. “Come soon.
“ Ill try. I promise.
Then Valerie turned and hurtled down the stairs until all that remained was the distant echo of her footsteps.
* * * * *
“Hey! Blair said. “You missed the fashion show.
“Sorry, Diane said breathlessly. “I got lost in the shoes.
“So what do you think. Blair held up a strapless black silk chiffon dress.
“Nice, Diane said, running her fi ngers over the sheer fabric.
Blair frowned and cast a glance in Paulas direction. Paula appeared not to be watching them, although Blair knew she was. She lowered her voice. “Youre shaking. Whats wrong?
“Nothing.
“Of course, Blair said, loud enough for Paula to hear, “now I have an excuse to buy more shoes. She moved closer to Diane. “Bullshit. What happened?
“I just saw Valerie.
Blair slipped one arm around Dianes waist and draped the dress over her free arm as she guided Diane through the dress department and out of hearing range of her security team. “Here? When?
“Yes. Just a few minutes ago.
“You talked to her?
“Briefl y. Shes scared, Blair. Dianes voice broke. “She scared, and shes alone.
“What did she say?
Diane shook her head. “Not much. It was only a couple of minutes. She laughed unsteadily. “And I was kissing her about half the time.
Blair rolled her eyes. “Why am I not surprised. Jesus, Diane. You have to be careful. When Diane started to pull away, Blair tightened her grip. “Im sorry, I know you love her. And I love you. And if shes in trouble, you could get hurt. Blair felt Diane shiver. “What? What happened?
“Nothing, Diane said quickly. “Really. Its just
“What?
“Someone came into the stairwell while we were together, and Valerie acted as if she expected someone to try to hurt her. She was armed and
“Thats it, Blair snapped. “You have to talk to Cam.
“I dont have to do anything until Im certain Valerie will be protected.
“You dont trust Cam?
“ Shh, Diane warned, aware that Paula and Felicia had closed the distance behind them. “I dont know who to trust, all right? I trust you . Just let me have a few days. Please.
Blair bit back another angry retort, thinking that she would probably behave the same way in Dianes position. Still, she wasnt certain she trusted Valerie, not just with her best friends heart, but possibly with her life.
Chapter Nine
I ts Cameron Roberts, Cam said in response to the question called through the door. The thunk of the lock disengaging was followed by the door opening, and she was face to face with a panicked-looking Renée Savard.
“ Is Paula okay? Savard asked, her voice tight.
“ Yes, Cam said immediately. “Shes fi ne. Sorry, I shouldnt have come by unannounced. I wanted to talk to you.
“ Thats okay, Savard said, running her fi ngers quickly through her hair as she stepped back.
“ Thanks, Cam said. A quick visual sweep of the dimly lit room revealed closed drapes, an unmade bed, and a room service cart just inside the door. The food on the uncovered plate was mostly uneaten. The three bottles of Becks were empty.
Savard grabbed the cart. “Here, let me get rid of this.
“ Ive got it. Cam held the door open with one hand as she pulled the cart out into the hall. Then she followed Savard toward the two chairs and small table that comprised the sitting area. She noticed Savards limp fi rst and then registered that she wasnt wearing her knee immobilizer over her navy FBI sweatpants. The loose wrinkled white T-shirt was also FBI issue. Savards initial panicked expression had changed to one that Cam recognized as weary resignation. “Hows the leg?
“ Fine, Savard avoided her eyes. She eased into one of the chairs without bending her knee.
“ Going a little stir-crazy?
Savard grimaced. “Been there and back.
“ How did you like being assigned to counterterrorism? Cam asked as she took the chair opposite Savard at the little round table.
Savard blinked, then her body seemed suddenly infused with energy. She sat forward, her elbows on the table, her eyes fi xed intently on Cams face. “Before 9/11 it used to bug me a little bit, how much time I had to spend at the desk on the computer, sifting through bits of data and chunks of memos, screening crazy tips from civilians about strange looking characters in their neighborhood. She shrugged. “Still, when we identifi ed persons of interest or traced messages to potential
cells, I felt like I was doing something.
“ What about now? You said before 9/11.
Savard averted her gaze again and slumped back in her chair. “I fucked up.
“ You did? You personally? Cam had seen Savard close to coming apart when Stark had been hospitalized following exposure to a possibly lethal biological agent. Even as bad as it was then, Savard hadnt looked or sounded like this. As if shed somehow already given up on everything. “How do you fi gure that?
“ I was there, Commander. Not just in New York City, but right in the goddamn building that they hit. What kind of an agent sits in the target zone and doesnt even have a clue about whats coming?
“ I was in the Aerie, Cam said, “and my only job my number one priority was to see that no one got close to Egret. I failed.
“ Thats not true, Renée said sharply. “Blairs alive because of you and your team. No one could have anticipated that kind of assault in the middle of Manhattan. Jesus, Foster was one of us.
“ Thats really the point, isnt it? No one anticipated either of those events, which makes us all equally responsible. Cam didnt point out the very real differences between her degree of culpability and Savards. It had not been Renée Savards responsibility to anticipate disaster scenarios on a worldwide scale, but safeguarding the fi rst daughter against any conceivable attack had been Cams. No amount of rationalization would change that.
“ I know in my head what youre saying is true, Savard whispered. “But I still feel guilty.
“ Are things better or worse than a month ago?
“ Its different. Then, I was just so angry. Now I feelhelpless.
“ Are you seeing anyone about it?
Savard fl ushed. “Yes. Couple times a week, were talking on the phone.
“ Good, Cam said briskly. “Then the only thing left to do is get you back to work.
“ Im due for my fi nal med check in a couple of days. Once I get cleared, Im going to call the SAC where I was last assigned and try to fi nd out if Ive still got a job there.
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