“ Letting a federal agent die isnt a very good idea. Dana got slowly to her feet, swaying slightly. She pressed a hand to her rib cage. “How about I take a look at her?
Matheson motioned with his gun toward Stark. “I want you over there anyhow. On the floor, next to her. If you want to put your hand over the hole in her leg, be my guest.
Dana inched carefully in Starks direction, her eyes on Matheson.
Then she knelt and worked her pullover over her head, exposing the white T-shirt she wore underneath. Pressing the balled-up garment against Starks thigh, she said, “Shes bleeding at a pretty good clip. How about if I drag her out onto the porch so someone can get her to a medic. She leveled her gaze at Matheson. “You can watch me through the doorway. If I try to run, you can shoot me.
“ Thanks for the permission. She stays.
“ Im the one you want, Blair said. “Im all you need, and you know it. Let Dana take the agent outside. Theres no reason she has to die.
“ You might be crazy enough to try coming after me, Matheson said to Blair. “But if you know Im going to shoot one of your friends if you so much as sneeze wrong, you just might behave. They stay.
Blair glanced at Dana. “Im sorry about this.
“ Im not. Dana held pressure on Starks leg but kept her focus on Matheson. “Look, Im an investigative reporter. You must have an important story to tell. Why dont you tell me, starting with what you want.
Matheson regarded her with interest. “You might be useful, but Im not sure Ill be here long enough to tell you the story. He smiled and pulled a cell phone from his pocket. “Ms. Powell and I are going for a ride to meet some of my friends.
Chapter Twenty-four
M inutes, hours, the arbitrary measures of existence had no relevance for Cam. All that mattered to her was the woman inside the cabin. She, she was the touchstone, the focus, the foundation of Cams life. Until Blair was free, nothing affected hernot the cold, not hunger, not fatigue, not the pain in her bruised ribs or the cramps in her muscles from remaining motionless for so long. When she heard the crunch of footsteps on snow behind her, she didnt turn. She kept her eyes and her weapon trained on the door that separated her from her world.
“ Requesting permission to relieve Agent Hara, Renée Savard said stiffly.
Cam glanced at her long enough to see that she carried an assault rifle. “Mac informed you we have a hostage situation?
“ Yes. He said youd brief me on the details. Renée stared at the cabin. “Egret. Is she injured?
“ Not so far.
Renée drew a shuddering breath. “Mac said Paula was on duty.
“ Yes.
“ Do we know her status?
“ No. Cam wanted to comfort her, but it wasnt the time. For either of them. “But we think shes injured.
“ Gunshot?
“ Probably. Cam spared her another quick glance, taking in the pallor beneath her normally golden skin and her wildly dilated pupils. Her stress level was off the charts. “Theres a civilian inside too. Dana Barnett.
“ How long are we going to wait?
“ Not long, Cam said grimly. “And I cant afford to have an agent out here who I cant trust to follow my orders.
“ Im all right, Commander.
“ And if I tell you that Egret is your priority, your only priority?
Renée gave a short, curt laugh. “Paula would kick my ass if I handled it any other way.
“ Take Haras place. Tell her she will lead the rear team and to check their positions. I want them as close as they can get.
“ Yes maam. Renée pivoted, then stopped. “He doesnt deserve to leave here alive.
“ I didnt hear that. Take your post, Agent. Go.
Silence fell. Sunlight glinted on the pure white snow and Cam blinked to clear her vision in the blinding glare. She agreed with Renée about Mathesons fate, but she couldnt give Renée permission to carry out an action that might later weigh heavily on her conscienceor at the very least end her career. Cam had no such concerns. Matheson had made it personal when he sent a team to assassinate Blair, and she would readily bear the responsibility for delivering justice.
* * * * *
Valerie leaned into the back of the lead Suburban and pulled out a flak vest. Mac had given her a thumbnail sketch of what had transpired when she, Renée, and Felicia arrived. Shed traveled from Manhattan in jeans and boots so all shed needed to do was exchange her coat for a heavy black sweater she had packed in her luggage. She clipped her holster to her right hip and unlocked the ammunition compartment in the rear of the vehicle. She touched her com link. “Mac, have someone collect all the XM84s from the vehicles.
“ Roger.
Straightening, she gripped her vest in one hand and a rifle in the other. When she turned, she found Diane, her arms wrapped tightly around herself, watching her. Despite her heavy, knee-length winter coat, Diane looked frozen. “You shouldnt be out here.
“ I heard you were back. Diane glanced down the slope toward the cabins. “I know you needI imagine youGod, I cant imagine what it is you need to do right now. I know it isnt talking to me, but
Valerie quickly strode forward while shifting her rifle beneath the arm which held her vest, and pulled Diane against her. She kissed her, hard, almost desperately. Then she stepped back. “Mac told me you were all right and inside the lodge. I dont have any time, darling. I need you to go back inside. I need you safe.
“ I love you, Diane said urgently. “You understand me? I love you. Please, please be careful.
“ I love you too. Ill be back as soon as we get our people out. Valerie smiled softly. “Go back inside now. Youre cold.
“ Ill see you in a little while, Diane said, gripping Valeries hand. “I will see you.
“ Yes. Valerie backed away, carefully securing Dianes image in the private place deep inside that comforted her. Then she cleared her mind of love, of fear, of uncertainty, of anything that could distract or deter her, and went in search of Cam.
* * * * *
Cam made the call she knew had to be made.
“ Lucinda Washburn.
“ Lucinda, its Cameron Roberts. You need to advise the presidents security detail to go to priority one immediately.
“ Why?
“ At oh seven thirty this morning Matheson killed an agent, shot another, entered Blairs cabin, and took her hostage. I have no indication that this is a part of a larger operation, but we cant discount it either.
“ Hold on. After several seconds of silence, Lucinda returned. “A solitary gunman?
“ Yes.
“ What does he want?
“ I dont know yet, but he clearly plans to negotiate for Blairs freedom. I suspect hell want to talk to the president.
“ Is she hurt?
“ No, Cam said gruffly, forcing the image of Mathesons gun against Blairs temple from her mind.
“ I can have a strike team from
“ No. I have teams in place. I dont need more people. Right now he thinks he has the upper hand, and I want to keep it that way.
“ Shes the presidents daughter. We have to respond with force.
“ Dont you think I know who she is? Cam took a deep breath, trying to rein in her temper. “You cant send me anyone more qualified than the people I have here. Were all trained for this. Just make sure that the president is protected.
“ I intend to. I want updates. I cant promise you anything else right now. The president and his security adviser will have to be notified at the very least.
“ I can promise you this, Cam said. “Im not letting anyone jeopardize Blairs safety.
“ That may not be your call to ma
Cam clicked off her phone and shoved it into her pants pocket.
* * * * *
Stark clawed her way to awareness through a thick fog of pain. Her chest burned with every breath and her left leg screamed in agony. The bastard had shot her. Her heart couldnt beat any faster, but a surge of sick apprehension
washed through her. Blair. She groaned and tried to sit up. She managed to prop herself up a few inches.
“ Stay still.
Stark struggled to focus. Dana Barnett leaned over her, her mouth set in a grim line.
“ Blair?
“ Shes okay, Dana murmured.
Starks strength deserted her and she collapsed back to the floor. She tried to piece the fragments of images she could recall into a picture that made sense. A gunman had breached their line. Back door. She jerked at the realization that the gunman had to have taken out at least one agent. She groaned and struggled to rise again.
“ Dont, Dana insisted. “Dont give him a target.
“ Whatwhat does he want?
“ Something I can do for you? Matheson said from a few feet away.
“ She wants to know what you want, Dana said, keeping pressure on Starks leg as she looked over her shoulder at the man who stood equidistant between her and Blair. If they rushed him simultaneously,
he would probably only be able to shoot one of them. However, she couldnt be sure which one it would be, and she didnt want to risk the first daughter being gunned down. She caught Blairs eye and had a feeling Blair was thinking the same thing. “I told you Im a reporter. “I recognize your name now. Youre good. “Then now is your chance to say what you want to say. “First theres a little business transaction that I have to take care of. Matheson punched a number on his cell phone and waited a few seconds. “Phase One completed. Ill await the call.
He hung up, pocketed his phone, and leaned with his back against the stone fireplace, his gaze alternating between Dana and Blair. “Let me start by saying Im a patriot.
“ Yes, Dana said, careful to keep her tone neutral. “I can see that.
* * * * *
“ Cameron. Valerie crouched down, her shoulder touching Cams. She rested her rifle against the boulder that provided them partial cover.
“ Hello, Valerie.
“ How long has it been?
“ Thirty-two minutes, Cam said without looking at her watch. “Is everyone secured at the lodge?
“ Yes. No secondary force?
“ None that Ive seen. I have a feeling he plans to deliver her to whoever wants to use her as a bargaining chip. Otherwise, he would have taken her out already.
“ I agree. Up until today, his agenda has been assassination, not kidnapping.
Cam registered the pressure of Valeries arm against hers and felt an infusion of strengthunsought but freely given. Her next breath came just a little easier. “Any ideas on whos pulling his strings?
“ Foreign interestsprobably working with Bin Laden, or allied factions.
Cams stomach spasmed and she swallowed back a wave of nausea. She agreed. The stakes had been raised. Matheson was probably
exactly what he appeared, a deranged but clever domestic terrorist whose alliance with those with far more destructive allegiances had turned him into a lethal adversary. “Recommendation?
“ Two four-man teams, flash-bangs followed by rapid entry.
“ We have three hostages at risk. What Cam didnt have to say was that a rescue attempt would likely result in casualties. Even given the five to six seconds of overwhelming disorientation Matheson was likely to experience in the chaos created by a million candlewatt flash of light and a 175 decibel bang, he was certain to open fire. Probably indiscriminately. The assault team would have body armor, but none of the hostages would. “Hell try to take them out.
“ If we let him leave here with her, her chance of survival drops drastically. Right now, hes on our turf and hes outgunned.
“ Hes counting on us not launching a counterattack. Hell kill her if we do, and he knows we know it.
Valerie said nothing. Cam wondered if she would make a different decision if the hostage Matheson was most likely to kill wasnt her lover. She didnt know. How could she? All she knew was what she felt right now. Helpless. Powerless. Afraid.
* * * * *
Blair listened to Matheson talk, her mind rebelling at the insanity of his diatribe. How could anyone believe that mass murder was justifiable for any reason, let alone love of God and country? She had to remind herself that of course he didnt make sense, because he was a madman. The frightening thing was that he didnt look or really even sound crazy, until she absorbed his message of hatred and bigotry. She shivered, not from fear but revulsion.
Dana was amazing, drawing Matheson out with her questions and attention. Somehow she managed to engage him, making him feel as if what he had to say was very important. As if he were very important. As Blair watched and listened, she could see Matheson warm to his topic. His voice and face became more animated. He was truly terrifying in his utter sense of righteousness.
As they talked, Blair realized that Mathesons focus, even his body position, shifted more and more toward Dana. She had a feeling that Dana knew it too, and suddenly, she understood exactly what Dana Barnett was doing. Dana was making herself the target.
Blair suddenly feared Dana would try to draw Mathesons fire to give Blair a chance to get away. She couldnt let that happen. And it wasnt just Dana she was worried for. Paula continued to bleed and appeared to have lapsed into unconsciousness again. They were running out of time. Time.
Cam wouldnt wait much longer, Blair was certain of it. Cam would come for her, and when she did, she would be in danger. Too many in danger. Women she loved, men she respected, people risking their lives for her. No more. No more.
She took a breath, emptied her thoughts, prepared herself. She felt calm, at peace. This was right. As it should be. No one should stand between her and evil.
It was her fight, as it always had been. She was not going to let one more person die because of her. She would take him on herself before she let that happen. She eased along the sofa until she was poised on the end closest to him. The distance between them was about six feet. If she pushed off hard and fast and launched a flying kick, she would offer less of a target and she might be able to take him down before he got off more than one shot. If he hit her, the shot would probably be in her leg or shoulderwith luck, nowhere lethal.
Chapter Twenty-five
C ams cell phone rang. “Roberts. “We just received a call, Lucinda Washburn reported, “demanding the release of fourteen so-called political prisoners who are slotted to be transported from Afghanistan to a U.S. military holding facility in two days.
“ Were you able to triangulate the location of the caller?
“ No, but it wasnt Matheson. Our language analysts all agree this man is Middle Eastern.
“ What did he say about Blair? Cam struggled with the frustration of being out of the loop. She hated relying on bureaucrats and desk jockeys. Lucinda was a great political strategist but she wasnt a field operative.
“ He said Lucindas voice cracked and she cleared her throat. “He said we had thirty minutes to agree to his requests. Once we agreed, he would wait twelve hours for us to release the prisoners.
“ If you refuse? A trickle of icy sweat ran down the back of Cams neck. Despite the freezing temperatures, her hair was soaked with sweat and she had to keep rubbing her forearm across her face to clear her vision.
“ Blair will be executed.
Cam knew it was coming but she still felt as if shed been punched in the gut. “That doesnt make any sense. Matheson walked into a situation with no exit, and without Blair, he doesnt have a chance of getting out of that cabin alive.
“ Its possible that Matheson and the individual negotiating for the foreign prisoners have different agendas. They may not be following the same game plan.
“ Which makes the situation here all the more volatile.
“ We dont have time to provide backup for you, other than the members of the presidents advance security team who are already out there. I can call Tom
“ No, I dont want them involved. I told you, we have the people. Cam squinted through the glare at the cabin. It looked empty, and yet it held everything. E
verything. “Let me know if theres any further communication.
“ Cam, Lucinda said, her voice losing its tight formality. “The president and I trust you to get her out. Whatever you need to do, get her out. Get them all out.
“ I will.
Cam disconnected and said to Valerie, “The president has thirty minutes to agree to a prisoner exchange.
“ Will he?
“ No.
Valerie touched Cams sleeve. “Are you sure?
“ Im sure. Cam laughed hollowly. “Blair would chew his butt off.
“ I would imagine. Valerie tightened her grip on Cams arm. “Matheson will have to move her. Shes his way out of here.
“ Yes.
“ I want you to relinquish command to me now.
Cams jaws clenched. “You know I cant
“ You know its what should be done. Valeries gaze was steady and her eyes kind. “Trust me, Cameron, and let me do this for you. For both of you.
“ Theyre my people, Cam whispered, wishing she could will herself into their place.
“ I know that, but shes your heart. None of us can think clearly when our hearts are at stake.
“ I have to go in.
Valerie smiled. “Of course you do. And you will.
Cam hesitated for what felt like an eternity, agonizing with the decision that would change the course of her life. And because she hesitated, for even a single heartbeat, she said, “Take the lead.
* * * * *
Matheson interrupted his monologue to Dana when the phone in his jacket pocket started to ring. Watching Blair, he smiled as he answered. “Yes? I see. Forty minutes, then. Godspeed, Colonel.
Blair didnt dare risk looking in Danas direction, and since Mathesons automatic was now pointed squarely at her own chest, she held her position. Sooner or later, he was going to want her to get up. Then she would have a chance, probably her only chance.
“ It seems that your father doesnt think youre all that valuable, Matheson said.
Blair grinned with satisfaction. “I guess he said no to whatever you wanted.
“ Call your girlfriend. Matheson tossed his cell phone to Blair, his expression one of distaste. “I have a message for her.
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