Radclyffe - Honor 07 - Word Of Honor

by Word Of Honor (lit)

  Blair hoped her hands werent visibly shaking as she punched in Cams number.

  “ Roberts.

  “ Its Blair, Cam. Blair wanted to say, Its me, darling, Im all right. Dont do anything crazy. But she kept her voice neutral because she wouldnt give Matheson the satisfaction of listening to anything personal between them.

  “ Are you all right?

  “ Yes, but Paula is hu She gasped as Matheson wrenched her hair back and yanked the phone from her hand at the same time. He pushed her down onto the sofa and held his gun on her.

  “ Listen carefully, Matheson said into the phone. “In twenty-five minutes I want one of your armored vehicles in front of this cabin. Dont tell me you cant get it down here, because I know you can.

  Blair could barely make out the sound of Cams voice, but just hearing the strong, steady timbre gave her hope. She strained to catch a few words.

  “ Too muchsnow onbetween hereparking lo

  “ You forget, I know what those vehicles are capable of. Twenty-five minutes. Back it up to the cabin with the drivers door level with the porch stairs.

  “ What aboagentget her.

  Matheson laughed and glanced across the room at Paula and Dana.

  “ I dont think shes going to be of any use to either one of us before much longer.

  “ Let her go, Blair said quickly. “Shes only going to slow us down.

  Matheson ignored her. “The agent stays. Now youve got twenty-three minutes.

  The instant he snapped his phone shut, Blair felt the separation from Cam as if someone had sliced part of her body away with a machete. Cam had sounded stressed and worried, but in command. God, she loved her. She wanted to tell her that again, touch her again. Love her again.

  Her heart broke at the thought of Renée out there, not knowing what was happening to Paula. She must be out of her mind with worry. She was frantic that Cam was going to come charging in and get herself hurt. She didnt want Cam to come for her, although she knew she would. She couldnt live with losing Cam.

  “ Get over there next to your friends, Matheson said, taking up position with his back to the fireplace again. From that vantage point, he could easily keep all three of them in his sights.

  Blair hurried over and knelt beside Dana. She brushed her hand over Paulas face. Her skin was cool, pale, clammy. When she pressed her fingers to Paulas throat, at first she couldnt find a pulse and a wave of panic crashed through her. Then she felt a faint, thready beat. She looked over her shoulder at Matheson. “Shes lost too much blood. We need to get her some help. Theres no need for her to die. She took a breath, accepting what she had to do. “Please. Let Dana take her outside. Let them go. Ill stay with you. Ill do whatever you say. You have my word.

  Matheson laughed. “If you were a normal woman, I might believe you. But youre not, are you? He checked his watch. “We dont have that much longer to wait. If she cant last that long, then it must be Gods will.

  * * * * *

  “ Emory, Mac said as he stepped into the dining room, which had been designated the aid station, “we might need you in a few minutes.

  Felicia will escort you if you have to leave the lodge. Heres a vest. Be sure to put it on and stay with Felicia, no matter what you see or hear.

  “ Whats happening? Emory braced one hand on the long table in the corner where she had assembled the medical supplies several agents had brought her. Fortunately, Blairs security team traveled with an impressive array of emergency equipment. She had antibiotics, pain medication, and intravenous fluids. Even blood substitute. Everything she needed to stabilize an injured patient, if she got to them quickly enough. The problem was, anyone seriously injured in that first round of gunfire was running out of time. She prayed it wasnt Dana, nearly choking on the guilt because she didnt want Paula or Blair to be injured either.

  “ Just be ready, okay? Mac said gently.

  Diane appeared in the doorway behind him, her face pale and haunted. “I saw people carrying weapons and otherthingsheading toward the cabins. Are you going to get them out now?

  “ Youre supposed to stay away from the windows, Mac said sharply.

  “ Those are my friends down there! Diane hugged herself. “Do you think I can just sit here and pretend nothings happening?

  “ Im sorry, Mac said. “I have to go. Just stay in the interior of the house. We dont want any more wounded.

  “ I cant stand this, Diane cried as Mac disappeared. She slumped against the doorway. “Im going out of my mind just waiting around, doing nothing.

  “ Im with you. Emorys hands shook as she sorted through medication vials. “Id rather be down there with a gun.

  “ God, me too, and I dont even know which end the bullet comes out. Diane laughed a little wildly. “Im sorry, I know I should be better at this. Ive actually been through this kind of thing before. Except God, that bastard has Blair. And Paula and Dana

  “ Theyll get them out, Emory whispered, the panic she had managed to hold at bay while planning for the injured rushing back.

  “ Hey! Diane gripped Emorys shoulders. “You look terrible.

  “ ImIm all right.

  Diane peered at her. “No, youre not. Oh hell, its Dana, isnt it.

  Emory nodded.

  “ Oh, honey. Diane pulled her close. “What rotten timing. I cant even ask for the details yet.

  “ Later, Emory said, resting her cheek on Dianes shoulder and closing her eyes. The comfort felt wonderful. “When shes back, Ill tell you all about it.

  “ Youd better. Diane stroked Emorys hair. “Shes so hot she makes my eyes ache.

  Emory lifted her head, smiling tremulously. “Valerie is one of the most beautiful women Ive ever seen in my life.

  Dianes face softened. “She is, isnt she? I never thought Id be this crazy in love with anyone.

  “ I know what you mean, Emory whispered. “I just want her back. God, I just want her back.

  * * * * *

  “ Bring the vehicle down, Valerie said into her mic.

  Cam tensed as Valerie relayed orders, positioning the strike teams. Next to her, Savards rapid breathing was punctuated by puffs of frozen air. “You okay?

  “ Fine, Savard replied tersely.

  “ Well have five seconds at most. As agreed, Valerie had made the decision, and when she had laid out the plan, Cam had concurred. She had given Valerie the lead because she trusted her, and because the only thing she could think about was getting inside that cabin. She couldnt be responsible for anything else. This one time, with everything at stake, she needed to be a player and not the one standing behind the lines directing the action. “I need you right on my shoulder when we take the door, Renée.

  “ Ill be there. Im solid. Jesus, I just want to go. Savard shifted in the snow, her hands restless on her assault rifle.

  “ I know. Cam squeezed Savards shoulder below the edge of the vest covering her black T-shirt. Neither of them wore coats. Her own shirt was wet under her vest. “So do I.

  Under cover of the Suburban slowly grinding through the snow down the steep path from the parking lot above, two agents with XM84 flash-bangs crept alongside it, out of view of the cabin should Matheson look out the front window.

  “ Alpha team, go. Valeries voice came through Cams com link as the vehicle drew opposite Cam and Savards position.

  Cam whispered, “On me, Savard.

  And then, finally, with her mind completely clear and every sense focused on only one thing, Cam raced toward the cabin, and Blair.

  * * * * *

  Matheson edged the drape aside and peered out, grunting in apparent satisfaction. “Our ride is here.

  Blair, on her knees by Paula, inched slowly forward until she was between Matheson and the others. “Theres no way youre going to get all four of us into that vehicle. I told you Ill go with youjust leave Dana and Paula here.

  “ You have to go with me, Matheson said pleasantly, as if he were discussing plans for lunch. “Youre driving. He lifted the automa
tic. “Your friends are coming. That way, I can be sure you dont try to be a hero. If you try to drive us into a tree, Ill shoot one of them. Barnett its your job to get the agent into the vehicle. If you cant manage it, Ill put her down like a wounded animal. Mercy killing.

  “ You have me. Danas face clouded with anger. “Besides, I want to come. You owe me the rest of the story, and this is a scoop I dont want to miss. One extra hostage should be enough. For Christs sake, leave her here.

  “ Its no wonder we dont let women serve in combat. Youre all too busy taking care of each other to concentrate on the fight. Matheson gestured at Paulas unconscious form. “The two of you get her on her feet. When we move out, shes all yours, Barnett. Ms. Powellyoull be accompanying me.

  “ Fine, Blair said. She would let him shoot her before she got into that vehicle with him. The farther away she got from Cam and the others, the less chance she would have.

  Mathesons cell phone rang, and he smiled. “Saddle up.

  Blair straightened and centered herself. The front door was five feet to her right. Matheson faced her off to the other side, just outside her kicking range. Shed have to hope he didnt shoot her the instant she lunged, because she needed that one extra step to reach him.

  Matheson pulled his cell phone out of his pocket and flipped it open. “Yes?

  Blair was in midair when the front window shattered and the cabin rocked with an enormous explosion accompanied by a flash of brilliant white light. Her leg connected with something hard, but her mind was too scrambled to determine what it was. She heard gunfire, or maybe it was just the echo of that first blast resounding in her traumatized ears. Pain shot through the right side of her face and down her neck, and she suddenly couldnt breathe. Blinded, dizzy, lungs on fire, Blair arched her back, ignoring the crushing weight on her neck, and thrust both arms behind her. Then, she dropped to her knees and pulled with all her strength.

  * * * * *

  “ Matheson! Cam shouted, diving into the cabin, her rifle at shoulder height, frantically sweeping the space. Agents crashed through the back door, and the air exploded with yells. She pivoted, her finger tightening on the trigger as her heart stopped. Matheson grabbed Blair from behind, one beefy arm clamped across her throat, and lifted his weapon to her temple. Cam screamed “ No !

  And then, in one of the most beautiful moves she had ever seen, Blair dropped into a forward shoulder throw, catapulting Matheson over her head and onto the floor in front of her. With an action born of instinct and years of training, Blair gripped his head in both hands and in one swift, fluid rotation of her torso, snapped his neck.

  Chapter Twenty-six

  C lear! Clear! Clear! The air was charged with the smell of explosives and cloudy with residue. Cam ripped off her protective headgear and goggles and dropped to her knees by Blairs side. Lowering her weapon, she pulled Blair into her arms. “Are you all right?

  “ Yes, Blair said breathlessly. “Paula

  “ We know. Emorys on her way. Well get her to the hospital. Cam cradled Blairs head, her gaze darting over her face. A red welt marred her right temple where Matheson had jammed his weapon. She couldnt quite believe that she was holding her again. She rubbed Blairs arms with both hands, suddenly aware that Blair was shaking uncontrollably. “Did he hurt you? Baby, are you hurt?

  Blair glanced down at the inert form sprawled in front of them. Matheson lay on his back, his hands lax by his sides, his expression one of mild confusion. “No, ImIm all right. But God, Cam, I think I

  “ Come on, Cam said, guiding Blair to her feet. She didnt need to check the body. Shed seen the signature jerk and twitch of his limbs when his spine had been severed. “Lets get out of here.

  “ I want to stay with Paula.

  “ As soon as the situation is under control, well go to the hospital. Cam brushed Blairs hair with her fingertips. Her hand was trembling. She wanted Blair out of that room, away from the death and the violence. She wanted so desperately to protect her from the ugliness and the hatred, and she couldnt. “Im sorry. I cant let you leave the grounds yet. He may have a partner close by.

  Blair wrapped her arms around Cams waist and buried her face in the curve of Cams neck. “Im so glad to see you.

  “ God, baby. I love you. Cam stood in the midst of the milling crowd of agents and contract soldiers, rocking Blair, consoling them both. Valerie appeared in the doorway, the sunlight at her back, her face in shadow. Cam could feel her eyes upon them and she nodded her silent thanks. Valerie tipped her head in response. Then Valeries throaty voice cut effortlessly through the clamor of the adrenaline-charged teams.

  “ Weve got wounded here and potential hostiles still at large, troops. Alpha teamyoure evac. Beta teamsecure the scene.

  As chaos gave way to order, Valerie approached. “Ms. Powell, do you need medical attention?

  Blair eased out of Cams embrace, but kept her hand on Cams hip. “No, thank you. Both Paula and Dana were injured.

  “ She should be looked at, Cam said.

  Blair started to protest, but Valerie broke in. “I agree. But as long as it isnt urgent, I suggest you take her somewhere secure, Deputy Director.

  Cam wrapped an arm around Blairs shoulders. “Youre right. Thanks. If you need me for anything

  Valerie smiled. “Ill keep you advised, of course.

  As Blair and Cam started away, Valerie said softly, “Would you tell Diane Ill be a little longer?

  Blair turned back. “Ill let her know youre all right. And Valerie, thank you for She looked around the room. “For this.

  “ Not necessary, Valerie said, “but youre very welcome.

  * * * * *

  “ All clear, Felicia Davis said to Emory. “You can go in now. Emory jumped from the Suburban that had pulled in line with the one in front of Blairs cabin and raced over the hard-packed snow to the porch. She leapt up the two steps and pushed through the open door. The main room was filled with men and women bristling with assault weapons. Just a few feet inside the door, Dana knelt by Paula Stark, both hands pressed to Starks left thigh while Renée Savard cradled the unconscious woman in her arms. Danas face was streaked with blood and an egg-sized bruise distorted her left cheek. Her pale shirt was nearly black with blood, and for just a second, Emory was nearly consumed with panic. Then her mind registered that Dana was not seriously injured, and as much as Emory wanted to touch her, she couldnt. Not when Stark needed her more.

  “ Its okay, sweetie, its okay, Savard crooned over and over, her lips to Starks forehead, her face a mask of abject terror.

  “ We need a stretcher in here, Emory shouted to no one in particular as she crouched down. Dana gave her an anxious smile and Emory quickly smiled back before returning her attention to Paula. Her pulse was easily one-fifty and her skin was cold. “Shes in shock. She raised her voice. “I need resuscitation fluid right now.

  From beside her a man responded, “Here you go, Doc.

  “ Cut her jacket and shirt sleeves away, Emory ordered while she tore the plastic wrapping off IV tubing. Then she inserted plastic catheters in the veins in both of Paulas arms and connected the tubing to bags of fluid. “Pump these in. Then hang two more. She looked over her shoulder and saw a collapsible gurney just outside the door. “Do we have MAST trousers?

  “ No, one of Tanners team said. “Sorry, Doc.

  Emory shook her head in frustration. “Lets move her, then. She inched closer to Dana. “How much is she bleeding?

  “ Not much anymore, Dana said, keeping her voice low. “But shes bled a hell of a lot.

  “ How badly are you hurt?

  “ Thump on the head. Ive had worse.

  “ I want you to ride to the hospital and get checked out. Im going to be busy with her for a while. Emory feathered her fingers over Danas cheek, just below the bruise. “I was so worried about you. Dont disappear, all right? God, Dana, I need to see you.

  “ Just take care of her. Ill find you.

  “ Good. Dont forget. Then Emory stood
. “Let me put a field dressing on that leg and then lets get the hell out of here.

  * * * * *

  “ Im okay, Dad. Blair cradled the phone in one hand while stripping out of her jeans and sweater in the bedroom of Dianes cabin. “Really, Im fine What?

  At the sharp astonishment in Blairs voice, Cam took a step toward her, but Blair waved her away.

  “ Of course Im not upset, Blair said adamantly. “I didnt expect you to do anything except what you did. God, Dad. You cant just give in to these fuckers.

  Cam didnt care if Blair wanted to be held or not. She needed to hold her. When she put her arms around her, Blair sagged into her.

  “ Im sorry, Blair said to her father, her voice shaking. “Im a little strung out right now. I just want to get a shower. Heres Cam.

  Blair broke away from Cam and held out the phone. “Tell him whatever.

  Cam waited until the bathroom door slammed shut and then sat on the edge of the bed. She was exhausted and keyed up at the same time. “Sir, its Cameron Roberts.

  “ Youre sure shes not hurt? the president said.

  “ Shes shaken up a bit, but uninjured.

  “ How bad was it?

  Cam closed her eyes. “Bad. Close call.

  “ I want a full report.

  “ Yes sir. Of course.

  “ You told Lucinda the threat was neutralized?

  Cam hesitated. Shed only told Lucinda in a quick phone call that Blair had been recovered, that they had injuries, and that Matheson was no longer a threat. She hadnt provided any details. She wasnt sure how much she wanted to tell the president about what had happened in that cabin.

  As if reading her thoughts, Andrew Powell said, “Im her father, Cam. This is between you and me.

  “ Blair killed him, hand to hand.

  The president sighed. “Well. How is she taking it?

  “ I dont know. Cam glanced toward the bathroom. Not being able to see her, even for a few seconds, was driving her crazy. “If its all right with you, sir, Id like to finish my report later.