campaign asset.
“Darling, Ive never been a great campaign asset. Im the wild child,
remember? Blair laughed, thinking of the international debacle that
would have resulted if her af air the year before with the French
ambassadors wife had come to light. “My security chiefs spent half their
time trying to keep me out of the press, not in it.
“Not anymore. Cam trailed her fingers down Blairs cheek. “Youre as
close to a first lady as this country has. And the public loves you.
“Lets just wait and see what she wants, Blair said, but she had an uneasy
feeling that Cam might be right. Shed taken a back seat during her
fathers run for the presidency, but she wouldnt be able to do that
again. She wanted him to be reelected. The country needed him. And if
he needed her , she might have to get used to campaigning. She found
Cams hand and squeezed it. “Im not the first lady. Im just your lady.
“When did you figure out just what I needed to hear?
Cam
murmured, kissing Blairs temple.
“Ive been practicing.
“Youre doing wel .
Blair smiled. “Yeah? How wel ?
“Want to keep Lucinda waiting for an hour or
two?
“Yes. Blair leaned closer to Cam. Dropping her voice,
she whispered, “Youre not the only one whos been suffering
while you recuperated.
“Then its probably going to take me more than two hours to
make it up to you. It might take me all night.
“Then I guess Ill just have to suffer a little while longer. With
a satisfied expression, Blair leaned back and closed her
eyes. “Because I dont intend to hurry.
* * * * *
When Emilio, assistant to the White House Chief of Staff, directed
Blair and Cam into Lucinda Washburns office, Lucinda was on
the phone. Blair waved to the commanding looking woman
with the stylishly coiffed, silver-streaked black hair. As usual,
Lucinda wore a conservatively styled jacket and skirt, plum
colored this time, offset by burnished gold jewelry at her ears
and throat. A single large, square cut emerald in a plain gold
setting adorned the ring finger of her right hand. That, Blair
noted, was new.
Lucinda paced in front of a wide walnut desk covered with
neat
stacks of folders and memoranda. When she caught Blairs
eye, she mouthed coffee and pointed to a credenza against one
wall .
Blair signed, you too? and at Lucindas nod, proceeded to
pour coffee into three China cups. She handed one to Lucinda
and then carried the others to the sofa across from Lucindas
desk, where Cam was waiting. They sipped in silence as
Lucinda expertly pressured whoever was on the phone.
Her tone was even and unmistakably edged with flint.
“Listen Tom, I real y dont care if Charlie has to walk all the
way from Chicago. He owes us that vote and I expect him
to be here tomorrow morning for roll call. With a faint smile,
she concluded, “Either that, or hell find himself pushing that
school tax referendum up a long steep hill all by himself.
Lucinda listened for another few seconds, said, “Wonderful,
and hung up. Then she crossed the room and settled into one
of the brocade Chippendale chairs facing Blair and Cam. “Good
flight?
“Military transport isnt known for luxury, Blair
said. “True, Lucinda conceded. “But theyre
reliable. “Wel , Im here now, so what do you
need?
“Id forgot en how much you enjoy smal talk. Lucinda turned to Cam.
“How are you feeling?
“Bet er
every
day.
“Judicious
answer.
“Luce, Blair said impatiently. “I was having a real y nice morning
when you
cal ed. A walk on the beach, and then I was planning on going back to
bed. Once there, I intended to sedu
“You can probably skip those details, Blair, Cam interjected, brushing
her hand down Blairs arm.
Lucinda laughed. “I wouldnt put it past you to tel me al the details, Blair,
just to make me suf er. Considering that I havent been out of this of ice
before 2 a.m. the last month, I havent exactly been getting
Blair held up her hands. “I dont want to know what you do in your
spare time.
“Truce then. Lucindas expression softened for an instant. “You look
rested, both of you, as much as can be expected. Doing al right?
Both Blair and Cam
nodded.
“Good. Lucinda drained her cof ee cup and set it careful y on a
low cherrywood Federal table. “We have a slight problem that I think
you can help us with.
Blair stif ened. Cam remained completely stil , but her eyes sharpened
as she studied Lucindas face.
“The Company has lost an important asset, and theyd rather not
inform their counterparts in the other divisions. Such a lapse is
embarrassing, especial y these days when everyone is a lit le unsure of
who wil remain top dog in the security world.
“Is this conversation being taped? Blair asked
casual y.
“Of
course
not.
“No video cameras in
here?
“No.
“Then do you think it would be possible, Blair said, emphasizing each
word, “for us to speak English, Lucinda?
“The CIA has lost a deep cover operative and they dont want the FBI
or the
Department of Defense to know
about it.
“Valerie Lawrence, Cam
said.
Lucinda regarded her steadily. “Yes, and I dont think wed even know
about it except someone at Langley let a bit of a memo regarding the
lost contact slip into the daily security briefing report. Averil Jensen
picked it up.
Blair knew Jensen wel . He was her fathers hand-picked security
adviser, and before her fathers presidency, Averil had been at orney
general. Hed also been her fathers col ege roommate. She said,
“Averil would. He never misses anything.
“Yes, and when he fol owed up, the lid slammed shut. Lucinda
lifted her shoulder. “I suspect the operative responsible for the
information leak has been transferred someplace where the nights are
long and dark.
“So Valerie is out in the cold somewhere, Cam said. “Are they trying to
bring her in?
“We dont know. But wed like to find her ourselves. Lucinda crossed
her legs and folded her hands loosely in her lap. Relaxed. Friendly.
“You know her, Cam. That could be useful.
“I dont think I like where this is going, Blair said. “Cam and
Valerie
“Have a history, yes I know. Lucindas gaze never wavered from Cam,
even when Blair stood abruptly.
“History, Luce. History. As in past. Blair wanted to pace but the room
wasnt quite big enough for it. Instead she walked to Lucindas desk
and stood there with her back to the others. She looked out the French
doors that opened to the esplanade running along one side of the
West
Wing until the red haze of anger cleared from her brain, then she turned
back. Cam and Valerie had once been lovers when Cam had thought
that Valerie was a high-priced Washington cal girl. “Cam doesnt know
anything.
“Blair, Cam said gently. “Thats not why were
here.
“I dont understand. Blair looked from Lucinda to Cam. “God damn it,
I hate this.
“Its Diane, Cam said, watching Lucinda.
“Isnt it?
“Oh no. No, no, no. Blair stalked back to the sit ing area but did not
sit. She slammed her hands onto her hips to hide the fact that they were
shaking. “Diane is not part of this. She was never part of this. She
doesnt know
“We havent been able to access very much information, Lucinda went on
in her conversational tone. “Averil wouldnt have pushed at al except
Lawrences name came up in association with the raid in Tennessee.
Thats get ing close to home.
“So you want to know what Valerie knows, Cam said, thinking out
loud. She reached up and pul ed Blair down beside her. “Its okay. Lets
just talk for a few minutes.
“Actual y, we want to know who Valerie knows, Lucinda replied.
“Because someone tipped Matheson about the raid. Hes disappeared.
Cam straightened in surprise. Matheson was the head of a
paramilitary organization that had direct ties with the men who had
staged the assault on Blair in the Aerie. Possibly even with the men who
had orchestrated the World Trade Center at acks. When Cams team
uncovered his identity, she, Renée, and a
hand-picked cadre of covert military operatives, had stormed the
compound. Matheson had not been there. “I thought the Company had
him.
Lucinda shook her head. “As far as we know, no one has
him.
“And someone thinks Valerie tipped him of ? Cam asked
tightly.
“We dont know anything. We would very much like to speak to
Valerie
Lawrence
.
“Whos we ? Blair
snapped.
Lucinda rose. “Have you two had lunch? I was about to ring for
something.
Blair closed her eyes and counted to ten. “This is one of those times
when my father doesnt know anything, right? Even when he does?
“Turkey clubs okay? Lucinda inquired with the phone in
her hand.
“Yes, fine, Blair said. “I stil dont understand why were
here.
Lucinda gave her order to the kitchen, then hung up. “As I said,
wewel , Averil was able to access some of the information about
Valerie Lawrence before the door slammed shut. They had tapes. Phone
records. We have reason to believe shes going to contact, or already has
contacted, Diane Bleeker.
“Diane doesnt know anything about this, Blair repeated
insistently.
“No, she probably doesnt, Lucinda said. “Al we need to know is
where
Valerie is. When she contacts Diane, wel
know.
Blair laughed harshly. “Diane wil never tel
you that.
“No, Lucinda said. “But shel tel
you.
Cam slid her arm around Blairs shoulders. Blair pul ed
away.
“I wont do it. I wont do it for you, Luce, I wont do it for my father, I
wont do it for anyone. I love Diane. Shes my friend. I wont spy on her.
“I understand, Lucinda said. “Just think
about it.
“Theres nothing to think about. Nothing at al . Blair jumped to her
feet. “Im going for a walk.
Cam stood but Blair shook her head, insisting, “No, Im going by
myself. “Blair. Cam tried to catch her hand but Blair
sidestepped. “Baby, lets “No. Justno.
Cam watched her go, a sinking feeling in her chest. She reached for her
radio to cal the team, and then realized she didnt have it. She didnt have
it because she wasnt part of the team. “God damn it. She started toward
the door.
“Theyl pick her up right outside the of ice, Lucinda said. “Give her
some time, Cam. Its been a dif icult month.
It took everything Cam had not to go after Blair. To trust that
someone else would. That someone would keep her safe.
“Besides, Lucinda said. “It wil give us time to
talk.
Chapter Four
B lair yanked out the clip that held her hair at the back of her neck,
let ing her thick, unruly waves fal free around her face. She was
aware of Paula Stark fal ing in behind her as she hurried from Lucindas
corner of ice in the West Wing through the labyrinth of hal ways and
into the lobby. Once outside, she skirted
around the circular drive toward the northwest
gate.
“Ms. Powel , Paula said, slightly breathless as she fel into step. “It
would be bet er if we took the vehicle. If you let me know your destina
“Im
walking,
Blair
snapped.
“Uh, yes, I can see that, but with al respect, were not prepared for
street surveil ance.
“If you and your minions werent tagging along behind me in your shiny
blue suits with your big-ass gas-guzzling black car, no one would
even notice me. Go away.
“I cant go away. Im sorry. Paula was wel aware that Blair could go
seen her pick up women who had no idea who she was enough times,
to be convinced of that. Nevertheless, she wasnt comforted by the
knowledge that people might not recognize Blair when she wasnt at an
of icial function or dressed for a political af air. It was just as
possible that unfriendlies were routinely watching the comings and
goings at the White House, and right now, Paula didnt have enough
personnel to guard Blair out in the open. “Maam, this is not advisable.
“I just need some air. Blair slowed and met Paulas worried gaze.
“Please. Just give me a few minutes.
“If you wouldnt mind waiting, I can have another team here in two
minutes. Paula glanced over her shoulder and saw the Suburban fol
owing slowly behind them on 17 St. She held a hand behind her
with two fingers extended and heard car doors open and close.
Hara and Wozinski should be on the ground now too. Unfortunately, it
was late afternoon and would be dark soon. They were also heading
toward the Mal , which was exactly where she did not want to be at
night.
“Can we compromise? she urged. “Can you just sit somewhere, and I
promise wel disappear.
Blair laughed abruptly and looked past her to Hara and Wozinski. “The
three of you would stand out in a crowd, no mat er what you were
wearing. Out here, you might as wel be waving a sign saying were
government agents.
Paula pointed to a bench. “Theres a great spot right by the
reflecting pool.
“And with three people, you can easily watch my back and flanks, and
unless the creature from the Black Lagoon comes up out of the pool, you
dont have to worry about a frontal approach. Blair recited the t
actics
flatly as she quickened her pace. She sat down on the white stone
bench, gripped the cold edges with her fingers, and closed her eyes.
She wasnt angry with Paula. Making Paulas job harder wasnt going
to ease the hurt and fury that stormed with equal measure inside
her.
She couldnt believe that Lucinda had summoned her to Washington to
ask her to spy on Diane. No, actual y she could believe it. Shed seen
people in power compromise their principles often enough, but she hated
to think that the people she loved, Lucinda and her father, would
sacrifice trust and fidelity to achieve their goals. Maybe thats why shed
fal en in love with Cam. Because Cam was always so clear about
which side of the line she stood on. Cam did not compromise.
“Paula? Blair said softly as the sun went
down.
“Yes maam? The reply came from somewhere
behind her.
“Would you cal Cam and tel her youre with me. Shel
worry.
“Right away. After a moments silence, Paula added, “Can I tel her
when we might be back?
“In a little while,
Blair
murmured.
She should go back. Cam wouldnt be satisfied with a phone cal .
It didnt matter that she knew Paula was capable. It didnt matter
that she knew Blair was safe. She needed to see that for herself.
Blair sensed that Cam already felt powerless with Paula in
command and that she was having trouble adjusting to the
change in their relationship. She
loved Cam for wanting to protect her and care for her,
even though that wasnt why shed fal en in love with her or
even what she needed most from her. Trying to change that
about Cam would be denying what made her who she was.
And making her needlessly uncomfortable was just unkind. She
could be furious at her father and Lucinda just as easily at Cams
condo.
“Paula?
“Yes maam?
“Would you ask her to walk down to meet
us?
“I dont think shell be able to, maam. Shes in a meeting with
the president.
Blairs stomach tightened. So there was more. Of course there
was. Lucinda didnt fly her down here just to solicit a little
snooping between girlfriends. Cam was a trained investigator. Cam
had been Valeries lover. Cam was talking to her father. Alone.
Cam never turned down an assignment, never stepped away
from her duty, never put her own safety first.
Blair stood abruptly and strode from the park, Paula and the
other