she forced back a surge of anxiety. She squeezed Dianes hand. “I
just wasnt expecting this here. It shook me for a minute.
“A minute! Diane laughed shakily. “I thought I understood
what your life was like all these years, but I was wrong. Ive
always loved you for your spirit and courage. Now even more.
She lightly stroked Blairs cheek. “If I am the cause of any of
this because of my relationship with Valerie, Im leaving. You dont
deserve to have more pain in your life because of your friends.
“Diane, Blair said gently. “Shut
up. Diane paused. “Im serious.
“I know, and I love you for it. But youre not going anywhere
right now. Ill talk to you as soon as I can.
When she returned to the living room, Cam was just opening
the door to Paula and Renée. Blair guessed they had come
directly from their shopping trip, because Renées dark slacks,
pale yel ow blouse, and dark green blazer were clearly just out of
the package. Paula, in jeans and a navy crewneck sweater, looked
worried even before she zeroed in on Cam, and then her eyes
widened in alarm and she immediately pivoted toward Blair. “Are
you all right?
“Im fine. Just Cam was hurt. Blair stroked Cams arm, needing the
contact. “Someone tried to run her down.
“Do you have anything on the vehicle or driver? Renée asked
briskly.
“Nothing on either one, Cam said in disgust. “I was too busy
kissing the pavement. She sat on the sofa and gestured toward the
matching leather chairs opposite her. Blair set led beside her, and
Cam briefly squeezed her hand before fil ing Stark and Savard in on
the details of what had happened.
“Is there any chance you mightve been mistaken for someone else?
Savard asked.
Cam shook her head. “Doubtful. The streets were pret y empty because
of the weather, so I expect the vehicle fol owed me from here. Im tal er
than Blair and I wasnt wearing a hat, so my face and hair were
visible. Its unlikely anyone would mistake me for her.
“Even so, is there any specific reason that you think Ms. Powel
might have been a possible target? Stark asked careful y.
“None, other than al the usual reasons, Cam said grimly, pleased that
Starks focus was on Blair.
“What about yourself? Savard
interjected.
“Ordinarily, Cam said, “Id say no. But there are other factors at play
that you both need to be aware of. She shifted slightly and focused on
Stark. “I assume you know that Savard is on my OHS team now.
“Yes. Stark smiled fleetingly. “I think its
terrific.
“So do I. She shot a quick glance at Savard before turning again to
Stark. “I intended to brief Savard and Davis tomorrow on our prime
mission, and you too, Chief, to the extent that circumstances involve
Blair. What happened tonight has pushed up my timetable.
“Yes, maam, Stark said. “I appreciate you including me
tonight.
“You have to be included. Cam could sense Blairs tension but she
continued without hesitation. “As you know, Valerie Lawrence is
missing and quite a number of people would like to find her. Not al of
those people are friendly. Were not even completely certain that
Valerie is stil on our side.
“Cam. Blair abruptly withdrew her hand, which had been lightly clasping
Cams thigh.
Savard didnt seem to notice the whispered protest. “What do we know
about her location since the raid on Mathesons compound?
“Nothing. Shes been completely out of contact. Cam placed her hand on
Blairs knee, hoping to reassure her. “Im not asking you to break any
confidences, Blair, or to confirm anything, but Stark needs to know
this. I strongly suspect that Valerie made contact with Diane Bleeker
sometime during the shopping trip today.
Stark paled but kept her gaze on Cams face. “I didnt see anyone
who fits Valeries description. No one reported anything unusual to
me. If she was therewe missed her.
“Theres no reason you should have been looking for Valerie, Paula.
Abruptly, Blair stood and directed her next comment to Cam. “You
dont seriously think Valerie tried to run you down tonight.
“No, Cam said, “I dont. I cant think of anything Valerie might gain by
having me out of the way, especial y since she doesnt know I plan on
finding her.
“Even if she did, Blair said, “I cant believe shed try to
hurt you.
“I dont think so either, Cam said, “but we cant make assumptions.
Until we have more information, al we know is that Valerie is
missing, Matheson is missing, and someone tipped him of to the raid on
his compound.
“If Valerie made contact today, Stark said, her voice low and tight,
“then we had a serious breach in security. Il need to report it.
Cam shook her head. “No, for two reasons. Number one, I dont want
anything about Valerie reported to anyone except me. We dont know
whos reading those reports. Number two, your priority and that of your
team today was Blair. Valerie is an experienced operative, and Im sure
she simply waited until Diane was out of your surveil ance zone before
approaching her. At the set look on
Starks face, Cam leaned forward. “Now you know, Chief. Now you
widen your perimeter. There was no breach today.
“What about my chain of command? Stark asked stif ly. “A.D. Carlisle
should probably be informed.
“I dont want to pul rank, Cam said, “but Homeland Security takes
precedence.
“Yes maam. Stark
said.
Cam looked at Blair. “After what happened tonight, I think you and
Diane should head for Whitley Point tomorrow. Il bring the rest of the
team in a day or two.
“Im not sure Diane wil go, Blair said. “Not if Valerie is here
somewhere.
“If Diane has contact with Valerie, she needs to get Valerie to come
in. If Valeries not responsible for the leak, shes in big trouble.
Matheson is going to try to eliminate her.
“Commander, Savard said. “Someone helped Valerie disappear from
Whitley
Point. Its not a secure location
anymore.
Cam nodded. “I agree that the site is no longer a secret. Despite that,
Whitley Point is easy to secure, and with Tanners private forces, wel
have plenty of personnel. Its the best place for Blair
“Im not going without Diane, Blair said. “I understand what youre
saying, and Il go, but not without her. Shel be defenseless if we leave
her.
“Il put people on her, Cam
said.
Blair shook her head. “I want m y people. She glanced at Stark.
“Theyre the best and you know it.
Cam sighed. “Il talk to Diane. Its time that I did. She grasped Blairs
hand and drew her back down to the sofa. “Okay?
“Yes. I know its time. Blair leaned gently against Cams uninjured
shoulder.
“Chief, Cam said to Stark, “youl have complete control of Blairs
security, but
youl report to me and not Carlisle until further notice.
“Understood, Stark responded
smartly.
“Savard, youre second-in-command of my OHS team. Our first priority
is to find Valerie Lawrence. And after that, were going to find
Matheson.
Savards eyes sparkled and her fatigue seemed to drop away like a
distant memory. “Yes maam, Commander. Wil there be anyone else
besides Felicia?
“For now, no. Once we get a lead, wel need someone in the
field.
Savard looked as if she was about to say something, and then stopped
herself. Nevertheless, Cam heard the message. “If and when youre
ready for the field, Il decide where I need you most. Can you work with
that?
“Absolutely, Savard said. “I serve at your command, with
pleasure.
Cam stood, careful not to favor her aching hip. She didnt want Stark or
Savard, and especial y not Blair, to know how much it hurt. “Contact
Felicia tonight and tel her wel meet here at 0700, not in the West
Wing. Its time to close our doors to any eyes and ears except our own.
Blair walked Stark and Savard to the door, then returned to Cam. “I
know there wasnt much time before the briefing, but I wish youd told me
about leaving for Whitley Point earlier.
“I know. My timing has been of with everything tonight. Cam cupped
Blairs cheek. “Im sorry. It wasnt meant to blindside you.
Blair
sighed.
“Youre
forgiven.
“Thanks, Cam said, meaning it. She was in pain, she was facing
enemies she couldnt identify, and she needed Blair now more than ever.
“Your hip hurts, doesnt it? Blair said, resting her hands gently on
Cams waist.
“I thought I was doing a good job of hiding it. Cam laughed softly at
Blairs expression. “Its get ing stif pret y fast.
“Lets get you to
bed.
“In a minute. I need to talk to
Diane.
“Shes hurting, too, Cam, Blair said
softly.
“I know. Il do my best not to make it
worse.
“Your best, Blair whispered, kissing her. “Yes, that
wil do.
“I know how much she means to you, and Im very fond of her. Im not
going to let anything happen to her.
“Do you ever get tired, taking care of
others? Cam frowned. “I dont know
what you mean.
Blair smiled and kissed Cam again. “I know you dont, and thats another
reason that I love you. Il be waiting.
“And that, Cam whispered, “is just what I
need.
Blair watched her walk away, knowing she was hiding her pain. She
wanted to shield Cam and keep her safe, and knew Cam wanted the
same for her. She feared it was a wish neither of them could fulfil .
Chapter Eleven
D iane, in royal blue silk pajamas, sat propped against the pil ows, an
open book in her lap. She smiled wanly at Cam. “Ive been trying to
read, but I cant remember a single sentence.
“Im sorry to disturb
you.
“Dont be sil y. How do you
feel?
“Im fine. Cam left the door open an inch and leaned against the wal , her
arms loosely at her sides. “In light of whats happened, Id like you and
Blair to leave for Whitley Point tomorrow morning.
“I hadnt planned on leaving so
soon.
Cam fol owed Dianes gaze as she glanced unconsciously at her cel
phone on the table next to the bed. “If Valerie cal s, she can reach you
there as wel as anywhere else.
“I
know.
“But youre hoping to see her here, arent you? Cam asked
gently. Diane sighed. “Am I that transparent?
“No. Id feel the same way if I were you. Cams chest tightened just
thinking about Blair suddenly disappearing with no word. Perhaps
forever. But she couldnt make command decisions based on what she
felt, or how deeply she ached for Dianes pain. No one would be safe
then.
“Sit down, Diane said, indicating the bed. “Youve had a dif icult night.
Cam grinned as she sat on the foot of the bed. “You saw her today,
didnt you?
“Is that why you and Blair were
fighting?
“Nice evasive maneuver, Cam murmured. Assuming that Blair
wouldnt mind Diane knowing what had gone on between them, she
answered honestly. “We were fighting because I thought she should
have told me about Valerie showing up today and she didnt.
“Im
sorry.
“You dont need to be. Blair and I dont always see things the same way,
but I
understand why she made the decision she
did.
Diane studied Cam curiously. “And that makes it al
right?
“No, Cam laughed. “But it usual y means I dont stay angry
very long.
“Shes
lucky.
“That works both
ways.
“Youre right. I did see Valerie. She was at The White House today.
Diane smiled fleetingly at Cams look of consternation. “Its a boutique
in Georgetown. We talked for a few minutes.
“Did she say where she was
staying? Diane shook her head.
“Phone
number?
Again, Diane shook her
head.
“Did she say why shes
hiding?
“No. But I got the distinct impression that she was in trouble, serious
trouble.
“What
of
trouble?
Diane picked at the corner of the book in her lap, recal ing Valeries
haunted look and the way shed reacted when the stranger came into the
stairwel . When she met Cams calm gaze hers was cut through with
anguish. “She acted as if someone was going to hurt her.
“I need to talk to her. You need to tel her that. Tel her if she meets
with me, she can walk away no mat er what she tel s me.
“Do you real y think she betrayed you? Or our country? After helping
you in the first place? Dianes voice trembled and she looked away,
biting her lip. “How can you think that when youve held her?
Cams stomach churned, and for an instant she remembered the dark
nights that might have been endless if it hadnt been for Valerie. Claire ,
as she knew her then. Claires tenderness and her uncanny ability to
absolve guilt without demanding explanations had kept her together
when everything inside was breaking.
“They recruited her when she was a teenager, Cam said. “Part
of the indoctrination is to isolate the recruits from everyone outside the
system. Family, friends, everyone. Your handler becomes your
primary point of contact for everythinghe or she becomes your
emotional and physical touchstone. Sometimes no one else even
knows your name. Soon you forget you ever had another life.
“What are you saying? Dianes expression verged on horror. “That shes
been brainwashed?
“No, only that shes been trainedrelentlessly and expertly conditionedto
fol ow orders with
out question. How else do you think a woman like
Valerie could have done the things shes done in the name of her
country?
“She didnt make love to you for her
country.
Cam flinched but kept her eyes level on Dianes. “Maybe not after the
first time.
“Im sorry. Im just so worried about her. Diane pushed her hair back
from her face with an unsteady hand. “And I know that she needs your
help or something terrible is going to happen to her. Please, Cam. Dont
abandon her.
“I want to find her, Cam said vehemently. She leaned forward, her hand
flat on the bed next to Dianes ankle. “Until we get the real people behind
the at ack on Blair at the Aerie, Valerie is in danger. And if Valerie is in
danger, so are youand so is Blair.
“Blair isnt in danger if Im not with her. Diane swung her legs of the
bed and jumped to her feet. “Il leave now.
Cam rose and caught Dianes shoulders as she rushed toward the closet.
“No. Youre staying with us.
Diane spun around to face Cam and tried to push her away. “Let
me go.
“Diane. Cam ignored the screaming pain in her shoulder as Diane
fought her. “Youre not alone. And neither is she.
“Oh, Diane gasped, tears fil ing her eyes. “Im so
frightened.
Cam gathered her close, stroking Dianes hair as Diane buried her face
against her shoulder. “Its going to be okay.
After a moment of silent sobs, Diane leaned away from Cam and
brushed at her cheeks. Shakily, she said, “Ive always wondered what it
would feel like for you to hold me.
“Overrated,
probably.
Diane
smiled.
“No.
Cam eased her grip and stepped back. “If she cal s you, tell her
Ill bring you to her. Tell hertell her to go to the first place she
and I met.
“Why? Why would you do that? It has to be breaking some
kind of rule or other.
“There are no rules anymore,
Diane. “I trust you.
“Thank you.
Diane wrapped her arms around herself. “Oh God, what if
she doesnt call me? What if she doesnt trust me?
Cam paused at the door. “If she risked exposure today to see
you, shell cal , and soon. Give her my message. And then come
and get me.
* * * * *
“Do you really think Valeries going to call her? Blair asked
after
Cam described the conversation.
“I do. Probably tonight. Cam unzipped her jeans and pushed