“Yeah. Renée kissed Paula and brushed her fingers through her hair. “Im fine, sweetie.
“Okay, Paula said shakily, wondering why she always seemed to lose it after she knew Renée was safe. “Stand there. She pulled off Renées T-shirt and unzipped her jeans. “Take your shoes off and get out of these pants.
Renée steadied herself with a hand on Paulas shoulder. “What a cluster fuck. Who targeted Valeries boat, do you know?
“No, Paula said with disgust. “Weve got satellite images of close to a dozen boats, not counting Tanners, that were in missile range. It will take a while to sort through them, but at first glance, they all look civilian or commercial.
“Its got to be Matheson. Renée leaned against the vanity and closed her eyes, moaning with gratitude as Paula wrapped her in a huge towel. She burrowed her face in the curve of Paulas neck. “You feel so good I never want to move.
“ Works for me. Paula held her tightly and kissed the top of Renées head. “Scared me there for a while.
“ I thought we were going to lose both of them out there.
I thought I might have lost you , Paula thought, and tightened her grip.
“ I was pretty scared for a few minutes, Renée whispered.
Paula finger-combed Renées tangled golden-brown hair. “Me too.
Renée raised her head. “Im sorry, sweetie.
“ Not your fault. You were doing your job, and Im glad you were. Paula kissed her. “I love you.
“ Yeah, me too. Renée stroked Paulas face. “Big-time.
“ And yeah, Paula said grimly. “I think it was Matheson or one of his people. Who else could it have been? Henry must have told Matheson about the meet and Matheson decided to eliminate both of them at once.
“ Makes sense. Who would have figured hed have that kind of firepower? Renée shook her head. “Were playing in a whole new league, now, arent we? Domestic terrorism is just another name for war.
“ We thought we had everything covered, Paula said. “We were monitoring for air and water assaults, except we were looking for aircraft or boats. Who would have expected a missile launch off the New England coast?
“ I dont suppose theres any chance of intercepting him?
Paula snorted. “Zero. I called Tanners people back in. Besides the fact that theyre civilians, he could have fired that missile from fifty miles away and been gone before it even hit.
Renée stepped away, toweled off, and pulled the robe from the back of the door. Shrugging into it, she grasped Paulas hand and walked back into the bedroom. As she opened the dresser and extracted clean clothes, she said, “Did someone contact the Coast Guard about Valeries boat?
“ Mac is doing that.
“ Whats our cover story?
“Were telling them it was a DEA surveillance operation and the engine on one of the boats caught fire. All personnel evacuated to another vessel, and there were no casualties. Because of the sensitive nature of the operation, we cant provide any further details.
Renée grinned and pulled on dry jeans. “Nice. Your idea?
Paula flushed. “Yeah.
“I never knew you were so sneaky. Renée found a dark green cable-knit sweater and pulled it over her head. Then she wrapped her arms around Paulas shoulders and kissed her. “Ill have to remember that in the future.
“I didnt want you to discover all my tricks before you were in too deep to escape me.
“Oh, you neednt worry, Renée murmured. “Theres no chance of me going anywhere.
* * * * *
Blair jerked awake and bolted upright. Cam was no longer lying next to her but sat with her legs dangling over the side of the bed.
“Where do you think youre going? Blair asked sharply.
“I want to check on Valerie.
“Get back in bed, Cameron. They were alone. A fire burned vigorously in the fireplace, throwing a hot red glow throughout the room. Blair gripped Cams wrist. “I mean itand Im not in the mood to argue.
Cam, nude except for the sheet bunched at her waist, shifted to look down at Blair. “Just for a second. I only need
“You need some decent rest and to recover from nearly drowning out there. Blair grasped her shoulders. “You dont get it, do you? Youre not indestructible. And you wont be any good to them, any of them, if youre too weak or injured to function. If you dont care about me, think about them.
Cam blinked, her face registering her shock. “You think I dont care about you? Is that what you think? Gently, she tangled her fingers in Blairs hair and kissed her, softly, first her mouth, then the angle of her jaw, then her eyes. “I thought Valerie was dead. I thought I was dying, too. But I knew I couldnt, because of you. Youre all I thought about. Youre everything I live for.
“Dont. Blair pulled Cam down on top of her and drew the covers over them. She caressed Cams back with both hands, slowly stroking the sleek skin and elegant curve of muscle and bone. “Dont try to melt my heart. Its not going to work this time.
“All right, Cam said softly. “Im sorry. Im sorry for frightening you. She kissed Blairs neck and settled her head on Blairs shoulder. “I couldnt let her die, Blair.
“No, Blair whispered. “Of course you couldnt. She sighed. “What happened to Henry?
“Hes dead. I ordered Donaldson to take him out.
Blair stiffened. “Are you all right?
“ It had to be done. The boat was about to go up and he was in danger of shooting
“ Darling, you dont have to explain that to me. If you gave the order, it was the right thing to do.
“ You believe in me that much?
“ More. Blair cupped Cams jaw. “I trust your judgment, just like all of them do. I can only imagine what it takes for you to make those decisions and give those orders, and maybe everyone else needs to believe that its easy for you to do, but I know differently. She cupped Cams chin, tilted her head up, and kissed her firmly but gently on the mouth. “If you hurt, I want to know. If you need a shoulder, I have one for you. I cant be on the front line the way you are, but Im part of this fight just the same.
“ Thank you, Cam whispered. “Ive never understood more clearly than I did tonight that you are my strength.
Silence ensued, then Blair said with a sigh, “Five minutes, Cameron.
“ What? Cam said.
“ You can see Valerie for five minutes.
Cam stirred, raising herself on her elbow to study Blairs face. “Why?
“ Because you wont rest until you do, and because the others need to see that youre all right. As wonderful as each of them may be, you are the force that holds them together. Blair pushed the covers aside. “Lets get up. Ill help you dress.
* * * * *
Diane finished settling a log on the fire and turned at the sound of the door slowly opening. Absently she cinched the sash on her robe.
“ We didnt knock because we didnt want to wake her, Blair whispered as she and Cam stepped inside.
“ Thats all right. Its good to see you. Diane touched Cams arm. “Are you all right?
“ Fine. Hows she doing? Cam asked quietly. She wore old khakis and a sweatshirt, and loosely clasped Blairs hand.
“ Im not sure, Diane admitted, pushing her hair away from her face. “Shes still asleep.
“ Diane? Valerie muttered, twisting from side to side and dislodging the blankets that covered her. “Diane?
“ Im here, darling, Diane said and hurried to the bed. She leaned down and stroked Valeries face. “Everything is all right. Youre safe now.
Valerie opened her eyes and after a few seconds appeared to focus. “Am I really in bed?
Diane smiled. “You most definitely are.
“ Im almost warm.
“ Yes, Diane whispered, her voice breaking as the tears she hadnt had the time or luxury of shedding finally filled her eyes. “Youre going to be fine.
“ Is everyone all right?
Diane glanced over her shoulder. “Cam? Maybe you should talk to her for a second.<
br />
Cam joined Diane by the bed. “Hi. Bit of a rough ride out there. Everyones fine, but you had quite a swim.
A smile flickered across Valeries face. “I remember some of it. Thanks.
“ Dont mention it.
“ Henry Valerie frowned. “Henry. She closed her eyes briefly, and when she opened them, they were clearer. “I dont think he knew what was coming.
“ No, Cam agreed.
“ He didnt set me up tonight at least, Valerie said faintly. She held Cams gaze. “Thanks for getting me out of there.
“ Im sorry about Hen
“ No, it was a good call on your part. Justnot on mine.
“ You dont know that, Cam said gently. “People change.
“ I wonder. Valerie shivered violently and Diane quickly took her hand.
“ You need to get some sleep, darling. No more talking right now. Diane glanced at Cam. “Thank you for everything.
Cam nodded and backed away from the bed. “Let me know if theres any problem.
“ I will, Diane said.
Blair slid her arm around Cams waist. “Lets go. Youre shaking.
“ I want to check downstairs with Stark and
“ Nice try, Blair said, laughing gently. “Youre all out of options tonight. Might as well surrender.
Giving in to the fatigue, Cam leaned on Blair. “Terms accepted.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Saturday
J ust before noon, Cam tapped on Valerie and Dianes door. When Diane answered, looking as if she hadnt slept all night, Cam whispered, “Sorry. Is she awake?
“On and off, yes. Diane grimaced. “She woke up a few hours ago and wanted to get dressed for the morning briefing. Fortunately, she cant get out of bed by herself, and I wont help her.
Cam smiled, but at the flash of fire in Dianes eyes, she quickly smothered it. “Ill only be a few minutes.
“Do you want to speak to her alone?
“If you dont mind.
Diane gestured to her robe. “Give me a second to throw on some clothes. I need coffee, anyhow.
“Thanks.
“Cam, Diane said, partially closing the door, “I want to apologize for some of the things I said to you before. I know Valerie went out there because she wanted to, and you risked
“Diane, Cam murmured, shaking her head. “Theres nothing to be sorry for. Weve all been under a lot of strain.
“You saved her life.
Cam glanced across the dimly lit room to the quiet figure in the bed, thinking of where they had begun. “Then were even.
“What happens now? Diane asked.
“We take back control of our lives.
* * * * *
Five hours later, Blair and Cam walked into Lucinda Washburns office. Lucindas only concession to the fact that it was a weekend was that she wore a gray sweater, casual black trousers, and low heels instead of a suit.
“Id like to hear your preliminary report before I send it on to Averill, Lucinda said, referring to the security adviser.
In other words, Lucinda would put in writing whatever she wanted the official story to be after shed heard the facts. Cam sat on the sofa with Blair beside her and waited while Lucinda gave someone instructions to hold her calls before taking her customary seat across from them.
“I take it this unscheduled visit means something important broke? Lucinda said.
“Weve located Valerie Lawrence, Cam replied. “Her Company handler, known to us at the moment only as Henry, is dead. Im confident that he was the source of the security breach and not Valerie.
“Excellent, Lucinda said. “When will we be able to debrief Lawrence?
“You wont, Cam answered.
Lucinda showed no change in expression when she shifted her gaze to Blair. “Would you mind excusing us for a few moments.
“You know, Blair said, leaning back and crossing her legs, “I really would.
“Blair, Lucinda said with the merest bit of heat.
“ Luce, Blair snapped, “you were the one who suggested using my best friend to lure Valerie out into the open. You wanted me involved then, and now I am. So Im not leaving.
Cam decided it might be wise to forestall the fireworks that were sure to come. “Valerie Lawrence is a member of my homeland security team, and any information she may have will be relayed by me if I feel it necessary. My agents will not be debriefed by anyone else.
“ Since when is Ms. Lawrence part of your team? Lucinda asked.
“ Since noon today.
Lucinda folded her hands in her lap and appeared to be lost in thought. “How secure is her identity?
“ Im not certain, Cam said, “and neither is she. Henry has always been her only personal contact, but undoubtedly there are records of her somewhere in the Company system. However, the right word in the right place can take care of that.
“ What do you propose? Lucinda asked.
“ I propose that Valerie Lawrence died at sea in the same unfortunate boating accident that killed her handler.
“ I think youd better fill me in on the details.
Cam gave her a rundown of the events, and as she spoke, Blair shifted closer and took Cams hand.
“ You executed a CIA handler? Lucinda said incredulously.
“ Jesus, Luce, Blair said.
“ I did, yes, Cam said evenly.
“ And youre certain it was warranted?
“ Yes, Cam said. “He was a traitor and he was about to kill Valerie Lawrence, or cause her to be killed.
“ What about this missile you described? Lucindas eyes narrowed as she visibly assessed, ordered, and prioritized information. “Can we trace it back to Matheson somehow?
“ Doubtful. The boats and whatever might remain of the SSM are in several hundred feet of heavily trafficked waters. Salvage would draw unwanted attention. I dont think its worth the risk.
“ All right. Lucinda tapped her fingers soundlessly on the arm of the chair, an action that nevertheless had the impact of a gavel falling. “The official line is that Agent Lawrence died at sea during a meeting with her handler. And now what?
“ Well arrange for her to have a new identity, Cam said, “and shell join my team as the counterintelligence chief.
“ I know we told you to pick your own people, Lucinda said, “but
“ You did. Cam leaned forward, tucking Blairs hand against her middle. “If youve changed your mind, then I resign.
“ Not many people try playing hardball with me, Deputy Director Roberts.
“ I can appreciate why. But Im not playing. I didnt ask for this job, and if Im going to do it, Im going to do it the way I see fit.
“ Youll continue to report to me and, through me, to the security adviser.
Cam nodded. “Agreed.
“ How do you assess the danger to Blair?
“ Currently, I dont see her as a target. Matheson needed to eliminate his contact in the Company because he knew we would be searching for it. Who knows how much Henry knew about Matheson and his operation? Matheson risked exposure and possible capture to deal with Henry, but it was a calculated risk and for the time being, its paid off for him. Now, I think hell go underground and consolidate his power base.
“ Makes sense. What about the long term? Lucinda asked.
Cam grimaced. “Eventually, once Matheson has rebuilt his forces, I think she hesitated and glanced at Blair. “I think hell make another attempt on Blair.
“ To what end? Lucinda said.
“ Blair is as much a figurehead as her father, and striking at her would not only privately undermine the president, but also publicly demonstrate that he is incapable of protecting the American people, even his own daughter.
“ Interesting theory, Lucinda said, rising and beginning to pace. “That makes Blair as important to national security as
“ Blairs sitting here, Blair said, giving a little wave with her free hand.
“ Sorry, Cam said.
Lucinda laughed and regarde
d Blair with her hands on her hips. “You wanted to stay, Blair. I never said we werent going to talk about you.
“ Including me usually works better. Blair shifted her focus from Lucinda to Cam. “Just how long have you been working on this hypothesis?
“ Since the attack at the Aerie. There had to be some compelling reason to risk something like thatfor Matheson to send his best men on a suicide mission. Why you? Why not the president?
“ Because, Blair said slowly, “if my father were killed, he would become a martyr. The people would demand an explanation, if not retribution. Congress would rush to allocate money and personnel to find out what happened. But if he remains in office while his ability to lead is called into question and his authority is eroded, just the opposite happens. The political and economic ramifications would be devastating.
“ Yes. Cam brushed her thumb over the top of Blairs hand, which she cradled between both of hers. “All this means is that you have to be careful and well all have to be vigilant. Thats nothing new.
Blair smiled and skimmed her fingers over the edge of Cams jaw. “Thank you. I know what it means.
“ How close are you to getting Matheson? Lucinda asked impatiently.
“ Not close enough. Cam frowned. “We wont find him through any direct channels. Hes not going to return to his home base, or call upon men he served with, or contact remaining family members. Hes going underground. And the only way to find someone who has done that is to uncover a link to potential associates.
“ And that is the slowest route, Lucinda said with a sigh. “Just ask the FBI. How many people have been on their Ten Most Wanted list for a decade or more?
“ Exactly. Were compiling extensive profiles of known or possible contacts, but we need to expand our investigation to include paramilitary organizations. We might just stumble over him or someone who can lead us to him.
“ Youll need more people for that.
“ Well need information analysts and data collectors based here in DC, but none of them will require critical security clearance. I want to keep the core investigation with my personal team working out of New York City.
Lucinda sat back down. “Who dont you trust here?
Radclyffe - Honor 06 - Honor Under Siege Page 26