agents close behind.
Cam had given enough. And so had
she.
* * * * *
Sybil Gretzky, the personal secretary to Andrew Powel , smiled
at
Blair as she entered the anteroom to the oval office. “Hel o
Blair.
“Is my lover still with my father?
Sybils smile never faltered. “Agent Roberts is with the
president, yes. Would you like me to ring through?
“Sorry, Blair said, realizing shed been saying that all day.
She wasnt just edgy, she needed to pound something. “Yes,
please.
She walked to the wide windows and looked out into the
Rose Garden. It was so beautiful in the spring, with everything in
bloom, but so desolate in the fal . Cold and a little barren.
“Let me take you in, Sybil
said. “Thanks.
Her father stood to greet her when she came in and kissed
her cheek.
“You feel cold, Andrew Powell
said.
“Ive been out walking. Blair settled onto an antique sofa
and glanced at Cam, who sat in a chair opposite her father on the
other side of a low coffee table. “Hi.
“Hi, Cam rose and walked around the table to sit next to
Blair. “Okay? She touched her fingertips briefly to Blairs leg,
then put her hand back in her lap.
“Sure. Blair regarded her father. “I know there are some things we
cant talk about, but Cam is my partner. She almost died ten days ago.
What more can you ask of her?
Andrew Powel , in his early fifties but looking a decade younger, with
thick wavy hair and blue eyes the exact color of Blairs, regarded
her with an expression that might have been sympathy or regret. “We
need good people, Blair, especial y now. And Cam is one of them.
Blair shook her head. “How many times? Is there a quota on bul et
holes? Concussions? Because shes had her share. More than her share.
“Blair, Cam murmured. “Lets hear what the president has
to say.
“Im not talking to the president, Blair retorted. “Im talking to my
father. That counts for something, doesnt it, Dad? Just a little?
“Im your father, the president said. “It means
everything.
“But youre stil going to ask her, arent you? For whatever job needs
doing, no mat er what it might cost.
Andrew Powel shifted his gaze to Cam. “You can say no, no questions
asked. No one wil think less of you.
Blair snorted. “Thats because the people giving the orders are sit ing safe
behind some desk somewhere. They dont have the bal s for anything
else.
Cam
waited.
“Three weeks ago, Powel said, “I established the Of ice of Homeland
Security.
I expect within a year the of ice wil become a Cabinet department.
Were drawing from al sectors of domestic and foreign security to fil
the critical positions.
“Field posts or administrative? Cam
asked.
“Both.
“Answering
to
whom?
“For now, to the Director of Homeland Securitywho answers
to me.
“Anti-terrorism? Cam asked, very aware that she was
interrogating the president, and he was al owing it. She wondered how
much that had to do with her relationship with Blair. Quite a lot, she
imagined.
“That and border security. Possibly Customs. Wel work those things out
as we finalize the Cabinet level responsibilities.
“Why cant the security agencies we already have handle anti-
terrorism? Blair asked. “The CIA, the FBI, the military security
divisions. God, how many are there?
“A lot, and thats part of the problem, the president said. “We obviously
need to centralize and oversee intel igence gathering, analysis,
projectionsthe whole thing. And we need to be able to respond with ef
ective, organized force.
Cam leaned forward. “On domestic
soil? Powel s face hardened. “If
need be.
“Its going to take some doing to get the FBI, CIA, DOJ, and
military intel igence to play together, Cam observed.
“I know that. And time is something we dont have. He stood and walked
to his
desk, then returned to his seat with a thick folder. “Were organizing a
number of special teams immediately, drawing from personnel across
security divisions. Id like you to head one, Cam.
“On behalf of the Secret Service? Cam
asked.
The president shook his head. “Obviously, al of this is for your ears
only, but I expect wel move the Secret Service completely into
Homeland Security within the next few months. I want you as one of
the new deputy directors of the OHS.
“In what capacity? She quel ed the quick surge of excitement. The
balance of power within the intel igence community was shifting, and she
was being of ered a premier seat.
“Counterintel
igence.
Cam looked at Blair, and her focus instantly shifted from exhilaration to
concern. Blair was pale, and the shadows beneath her eyes were back.
“I cant give you an answer right now, Mr. President. Blair and I need to
talk.
“I understand. Once youve decided, we can discuss
specifics.
“Thank you, sir, Cam said, standing and extending her
hand.
Powel rose to return the handshake. “I couldnt discuss this
with you beforehand, Blair. With either of you. Its a mat er of national
security.
“Of course, Blair said dul y. “It
always is.
* * * * *
Stark approached as Cam and Blair stepped into the
lobby.
“Wel be going directly to my apartment, Chief, Cam
said.
“Very wel . Stark murmured a few words into her radio. “The
vehicles right outside.
“Thank
you.
Blair was silent on the walk to the Suburban and remained that way
for the cross-town ride. When they reached Cams building, Blair
automatical y took her position between Stark and Hara, with Cam and
the third agent slightly behind her as they entered the lobby and crossed
to the elevator.
“Hara, youre on radio backup. Wozinski, youl take the lobby this shift.
Stark glanced at Blair. “Wil you be going out this evening?
“I dont know, Blair said as she stepped into the elevator ahead of
Cam and
Stark.
“You can reach me on my cel should you
decide
“I
know
that.
When the elevator doors opened, Stark checked the hal before al owing
Blair to exit. There were only two apartments per floor with doors
opening of each end of a spacious, carpeted foyer and smal seating area.
The short hal way and the alcove next to the elevator were empty.
Cam removed her keys from her pocket. “Il check the apartment, if you
want to wait here with Ms. Powel .
Blair made no objection, and when Cam emerged from the apartment a
moment la
ter and held the door open, Blair walked past her with no
comment. Cam fol owed her inside and closed the door.
“Hungry
?
Blair glanced at her watch. “Diane should be here soon. Lets wait. She
checked
her phone, then pushed a but on. “Il see where she is. We can order
pizza.
“Okay. Let me have your jacket. Cam held out her hand for Blairs
leather blazer. She hung it in the closet next to her own, listening as
Blair spoke with Diane.
“Where are you?. .Do you need a ride? Are you sure?. .Okay. See you
soon.
“Shes on the train? Cam
asked.
“Yes. Shel be here in about an
hour.
Cam crossed the room, took Blairs hand, and drew her to the sofa in
front of the windows. “Lets talk.
Blair leaned against Cams shoulder. “Why? It never changes
anything.
“I didnt see this coming, Cam said. She eased her arm around Blairs
shoulders and drew Blair against her side. She leaned her cheek
against Blairs hair. “I didnt give much thought to this homeland
security business when I first heard about it. Its going to be a huge
bureaucratic snafu with al the security agencies struggling to protect
their turf. Thats not my style.
“My father wants you to head a special team. Blair said. “That always
means outside normal channels. Thats your style.
“I admit thats a lit le more appealing. Ive never had a desk job. I dont want
one.
“I know. Youre a field agent. But were not talking about chasing
counterfeiters, Cam. Special teams for homeland security means
terrorists. It means something dangerous.
“Not necessarily. Most of the time special teams are assembled just
because theyre more ef icient at gathering information. Its stil mostly
desk work.
Blair tilted her head up. “Thats bul
shit.
Cam smiled. “We dont know what your father wants me
to do.
“You cant possibly think its a coincidence that Lucinda brought up
Valerie Lawrence right before my father asked you to head
up a special counterintel igence team. Do you?
“No, Cam said quietly. “I
dont.
“My father cant talk about those kinds of operations, but Lucinda can,
which is why she met with us first. Abruptly, Blair stood up, walked to
the windows, and spoke with her back to Cam. “They want Valerie,
and theyl use me and my friendship with Diane if I let them. And
theyl use you, because you She raised her hand, then let it fal .
“Because you were in love with her.
Cam crossed to Blair and rested her hands on Blairs shoulders,
drawing her gently back until their bodies connected. “You know
thats not true. What happened between us was limited to a few
disconnected hours. It had nothing to do with the rest of our lives. And
I didnt know she was a counterintel igence operative. Jesus, I thought
she was a prostitute.
“I know al that. And I know you had feelings for her. Ive told you
before, its okay. Blair shrugged, her back stil to Cam. “Wel , mostly
okay. Except now and then when I let myself notice how beautiful she
is.
Cam nuzzled Blairs hair. “I was never in love
with her.
“She was special, though. She had to be, for you to care for her.
Blair half turned so she could see Cams face. “Do you trust her?
“Thats part of what Im going to have to decide. Because if I
undertake this assignment, and its Valerie they want me to find, I have
to know who Im going after.
Blair turned completely and threaded her arms around Cams waist. “ If
you take the assignment?
“I wont do it if you dont want me
to.
Blair pul ed away. “I hate when you do
this.
“Do
what?
“Make me be part of the decision. It was easier when you just did
what you wanted. Then I could be angry with you for doing it.
“Youre losing me. Cam caught Blairs hand again. “If Ive learned
anything about being with you, its that Im supposed to talk about things
with you. Dont confuse me.
Blair grabbed Cams shoulders, jerked her close, and kissed her. Hard.
“How would you feel about me if I said no. I dont want you to do it.
“I
love
you.
“I cant stand worrying about you. I cant take one more phone cal tel
ing me youre hurt.
“I wont do
it.
“I want you to take a supervisory position in homeland security. You
know how to run teams. You can do it without being on the street.
“Okay.
Blair squeezed Cams shoulders, felt the hard muscles ripple under her
fingers. She flashed on an image of Cam naked, her body toned and
tight. Her body scarred. Her body bat le ready. She kissed her again,
tasting the heat of her mouth, feeling the strength in her arms as they
came around her and held her
tightly. “I love you so
much.
“Blair. Cam whispered, sliding her fingers down over Blairs chest to
cradle her breast. She kissed Blairs throat as Blairs nipple hardened
against her palm. “I never want to hurt you.
“I know, Blair breathed, arching her back and exposing herself to Cams
mouth, of ering the vulnerable vessels in her neck to the glide of teeth
down, moaning at the ache of pleasure that shimmered through her. “Do
what you have to do.
Cam splayed her hand over Blairs back and pul ed Blairs shirt from her
jeans. She kissed down Blairs throat to the hol ow between her col
arbones. “What are you saying?
Blair leaned away and pul ed of her top, then swiftly released her
bra and dropped it to the floor. She arched her back, breasts lifting in
invitation while she fumbled at her jeans. “Hurry. We dont have much
time.
Swiftly, Cam pushed Blair down onto the wide leather sofa and knelt to
pul of her boots. Grabbing the top of her jeans, she stripped the denim
and silk away in one long wrenching pul until Blair was nude.
“Lie down, Cam ordered. Easing between Blairs legs, she braced an
arm by Blairs shoulders and kissed her. While she stroked inside
Blairs mouth, she cupped her sex. Blair was wet, swol en, already
opening for her. Blairs hands came into her hair and Cam slid into her.
Blair jolted and cried out.
“I never want to hurt you, Cam said desperately, her breath tearing
from her chest as she pushed deeper.
“You arent. You cant. Not when you looh, god. Blair gripped Cams
forearm as Cam thrust between her legs. She drove her pelvis up to
meet Cam plunging down, the pressure building, burning, blinding.
“Cam, I
“Blair, Blair, Cam groaned against Blairs mouth. “Come, baby.
Oh Jesus, please let me feel you come.
“Oh now, Blair cried, her nails digging into Cams arm. Her abdomen
tightened and she jerked upright, clutching Cam as
her orgasm spil ed
from her. “Hold me. Hold me. God, please hold me.
Cam gripped Blair tightly and as Blairs body sagged, she eased her back
onto the sofa, shifting until she could lie beside Blair and hold her in her
arms. “Okay? Baby, you okay?
Blair pressed her face to Cams chest, listening to her heart thunder. “God.
You make me come like nobodys business.
Laughing, Cam stroked her hair. “Is that
right.
“Mmm. Blair stretched and eased her thigh between Cams legs. “You
sound hoarse again. Is your throat okay?
“Everything
feels
fabulous.
Blair nudged Cams crotch. “How bout
this?
“Fabulously
horny.
“Thought so. Blair gripped the but on on
Cams fly. Cam stopped her. “Uh-uh. Not
now. Il last.
“Since
when?
“Since Dianes going to be here any
minute.
“Darling, Blair said in a reasonable voice. “I can make you come in under
thirty seconds.
Cam kissed Blair lightly. “Thats true. But I want you to take a lot
longer. Blair sighed. “If thats what you want, I suppose I can be
patient.
“So, Cam shifted onto her back so that Blair lay partial y upon her, “you
want to explain what you said back then just as my mind was melting?
Blair skimmed her hand back and forth over Cams chest. “I told you the
truth. I dont want you to be in danger. I want you to be safe. She met
Cams questioning gaze. “But I dont want my love to keep you from
being who you are. Or doing what you have to do. So you have to
promise me, on your word of honor, that you wont let anything happen
to you. Swear it.
“I swear, Cam whispered, stroking Blairs cheek. “I swear I wil love
you with my whole heart every day for the rest of my life.
Blair blinked back tears. “Thats not what I
asked.
“I know. Il be
careful.
Blair set led down again and pressed her face to Cams neck. “So
noted, Commander.
Chapter Five
T here! Diane Bleeker leaned forward over the front seat of the
cab and pointed to a building on the right side of the street. “Thats
it1202.
When the cabbie swerved toward the curb, a horn blared behind them,
making Diane jump. She peered out the street-side window in time to
see a black sedan rocket by. The cabdriver mut ered an expletive as he
parked and climbed out to retrieve Dianes luggage from the trunk.
Diane handed him a ten after hed set her suitcases on the sidewalk