if she were in trouble. Wouldnt she?
Would she? Cams al egiance was never in doubt. Blair fi rst. Country
second. And friendship? Diane had no doubt that Cam would risk her
life for Stark or Savard or any of the others. Didnt Valerie, Cams ex-
lover and col eague, fal into the same category?
But then, she didnt real y understand anything that had happened.
She didnt
understand why Valerie had left, why shed stayed away, and why
she was obviously afraid to talk to her now. She wouldnt
understand until Valerie explained it, and she desperately needed to
know. “I want to see you.
“Dian
e
“No one wil know.
Please.
Another endless pause, not even the sound of breathing on
the line.
Diane forced herself not to say anything more than she already had.
She had never begged a woman for anything in her life, not even
Blair when they had been younger and shed been desperately in love with
her. Blair had never known the depth of her feelings, perhaps
because she had already learned to shield her emotions behind casual
nonchalance. It hadnt taken many disappointments before she had
also learned not to make herself vulnerable by asking for things
she couldnt have. Valerie had ef ortlessly changed al that. And
now, if she didnt sense that begging would somehow endanger
Valerie, she would gladly beg. Anything to break this unwil ing
isolation.
“How long wil you be there? Valerie fi nal y
asked.
“How long should I be? Diane
countered.
“A few days would be
good.
“Il try. Diane opened her eyes. The moon had gone behind a cloud
and the room was black. “Dont be afraid.
Valerie laughed thinly. “Of
you?
“For
me,
Diane
whispered.
“I dont think I can promise
that.
Diane smiled. “And I feel the same. Il be
waiting.
“Goodbye,
Valerie
whispered.
Diane sat in the silent darkness for a few more minutes, fi xing the
sound of Valeries voice in her mind. Then she pul ed up the last
number on her cal log and cal ed it.
Im sorry. The number youre trying to reach is no longer in
service.
Chapter Seven
Tuesda
y
B lair paused halfway across the living room and groaned in
appreciation as she smel ed cof ee. She turned toward the seating area in
front of the windows and caught a glimpse of the fi rst streaks of a
hazy orange sunrise outside the windows. Diane sat curled up in one
corner of the sofa in burgundy satin pjs, her blond hair loose and partial
y shielding her face, a mug clasped in both hands.
“Hi, Blair said. “Mind
company?
“No, of course
not.
Blair continued into the adjoining gal ey kitchen, poured cof ee, and
returned. She set led onto the sofa and mirrored Dianes pose, legs
drawn beneath her, partial y turned so she could face her friend. “Early
morning or late night?
Diane smiled rueful y. “Both. Funny, I never used to mind sleeping
alone.
“Its one thing to sleep alone because you prefer to, Blair said half to
herself. “But once youve got en used to someone and then theyre not
there, its a bitch.
“Id forgot en its not al that easy for you and Cam most of the time,
either. Sorry.
Blair stroked Dianes shoulder. “I just meant I
understand.
“I know you do. Diane was certain that Blair understood al of it he
reluctance to trust, the self-made barriers to protect against
heartbreak and disappointment, and the terrible joy of let ing someone
inside at last. Blair had lived it, just as she had. And because Blair
to fi ght for what she wantedDiane felt some of the desolation lift from
her heart. “Valerie cal ed.
“Is she al right? Blair held her breath and strained to hear the sound
of the shower running in the master bathroom. She didnt want Cam
walking in on this conversation and hearing something she would feel
duty bound to act on.
“I dont know, Diane said, her voice shaking slightly. “It was a
tense conversation. She didnt say that she wasnt al right, but
obviously somethings wrong. She searched Blairs eyes. “Do you know
whats going on?
“Oh God, Blair murmured. “I dont, honey. Honest, not real y.
And I she glanced over her shoulder toward the hal way on the far side
of the room.
“Cams involved somehow, isnt she? And Im put ing you in the middle. I
should go.
“No, Blair said sharply, grasping Dianes arm to prevent her rising. “You
should not go. No one knows anything, including Cam, other than
Valerie snuck of in the middle of the night and doesnt want anyone to
know where she is.
“You make it sound like shes a
criminal.
Blair shook her head. “No one is saying that. She wasnt exactly certain
that was true. She imagined that if Valerie hadnt warned
Matheson herself of the
impending capture, then whoever h a d told him would point
to her disappearance as evidence of her guilt. “But the way she left is
suspicious, and the fact that shes hiding doesnt help clear things up at al .
Her grip softened and she clasped Dianes fi ngers. “You k now
Cam, Di. She doesnt jump to conclusions, and she never set les for
easy answers. Valerie needs to talk to her.
“Im scared, Diane whispered. “Im scared that every phone cal wil be
the last one. That Il never see her again and Il never know why.
Blair leaned closer. “I know you want to protect her. So would I. But she
needs help. Can you try to get her to talk to Cam?
Dianes eyes were moist, the blue misted to gray with sadness. “How can
I if I
dont know how to reach
her?
“Something tel s me shel fi nd you. Blair heard the sound of the
bedroom door closing and footsteps approaching, then Cam passed
behind them on her way to the kitchen. “Morning, darling.
“Hi,
Cam
replied.
Diane cal ed a greeting then lowered her voice. “I have to
think about it. For now, can we keep it between us?
“Yes, Blair said, knowing that Diane wouldnt be pushed
into making a decision any more than she would. “Im going to
talk to Lucinda this morning. After that, lets just get out of
here for a while. Walk around, shop, do something mindless.
Some of the tension eased from Dianes face. “I think thats a
great idea. After all, we have a wedding to plan.
“We certainly do. Blair glanced across the room to where
Cam stood in the doorway of the kitchen. Shed dressed for work
for the
fi rst time in almost two weeks, and the pale blue shirt, dark
raw silk sla
cks, and black Italian loafers gave her a cool,
sleek look. She wasnt wearing her shoulder holster, but she
would be, along with a blazer, when she went out. The image
of confi dence and strength Cam projected was more than just
appearance, and it surprised Blair how right it felt to see her
lover preparing to do what she did so wel . “We cant stop living,
can we?
“No, Diane said with a shadow of a smile. “We
cant.
* * * * *
Blair stepped from the shower, wrapped a towel around her
chest, and used another to dry her hair. She fi nger-combed
the thick waves and fi nished drying her body. She paused at a
knock on the bathroom door.
“Yes?
“Want a fresh cup of coffee?
Smiling, Blair pulled open the door that connected to
their bedroom. “Special delivery?
“At your service. Cam slipped inside and set the cup down on
the vanity. “Starks here.
Blair frowned. “What time is
it? “0700.
“God, shes eager.
“Shes just doing her job, Cam said,
smiling.
“Yeah, yeah. Blair tossed the towel aside and wrapped her
arms around Cams neck. “So what are you going to do while
Im with Lucinda?
Cam brushed both hands down Blairs back and cupped
her buttocks. “Probably be thinking about this.
Blair grinned and nipped at Cams lower lip.
“Smooth.
“Youre getting my shirt wet, Cam murmured, nuzzling
Blairs throat.
“Just your shirt? Blair whispered in Cams ear and bumped her pelvis into
Cams crotch.
Cam groaned. “Cut it
out.
Blair laughed, kissed her hard, and then let her go. Cams shirtfront
showed the wet impressions of Blairs breasts. “Uh-oh. You need a new
shirt.
“At
the
least.
“So what are you doing this morning, Commander? Blair fol owed Cam
into the bedroom and sorted through the clothing she kept at Cams for
occasions when she stayed over..
“Im hoping to meet with your fathers security adviser about this new Of
i ce of
Homeland Security, Cam said as she changed her
shirt.
“And your new job, Blair said casual y. Even though shed known
from the second her father of ered the position that Cam would take it,
the reality made her stomach tighten. She paused in the middle of
but oning her blouse. “I understand now why you wanted to be in
charge of my security detail, even when I didnt want you to be.
“What do you mean? Cam tucked in her shirt, but her eyes never left
Blairs face.
Blair slipped into her slacks and regarded her shoe choices. “I like
having you where I can see you. Even though it doesnt mean youl be
safe, it feels less scary.
“Hey, Cam said, gently resting her hands on Blairs shoulders. “Its not
that kind of job, okay?
“Yeah, yeah. Blair sighed. “I hate being this shaky about
things.
“Were al of balance. Cam kissed her forehead. “Give yourself a
break.
“Il try. Blair smiled. “Id bet er go take care of
Stark. Cam rol ed her eyes. “Be gentle.
Laughing, Blair skimmed her fi ngertips up the inside of Cams thigh.
“Always. With a mut ered curse, Cam fol owed Blair down the hal
way.
In the living room, Paula pivoted away from the window
where shed been waiting. “Good morning. She nodded to
Cam before getting down to business. “I wanted to review your
plans for the day, Ms. Powell.
“After breakfast, Im going to call Lucinda and see when she can
fi t me in, Blair said. “This afternoon, Diane and I are
going shopping.
Blair was aware of both Cam and Paula stiffening. She
wasnt surprised. Neither of them would want her out and about.
“Im not staying locked up inside.
“You didnt mention a shopping trip. Cam fol owed Blair into
the kitchen.
“I just did, Blair said, peering into the refrigerator. “Theres
nothing in here to eat.
“You know what I mean.
Blair closed the door. “I fi gured there was no point in dealing
with your objections and then Starks. This way, I get it all taken
care of at once.
Cam grinned but her eyes were serious. “The things I love
about you make me crazy.
“Funny how that works. Blair kissed her. “Lets gather the
troops and go out to breakfast. Then lets go to the White House.
* * * * *
“Thanks for seeing me, Luce, Blair said. While shed been
waiting, shed counted two senators, three deputy directors,
the White House press secretary, and a handful of lobbyists
pass in and out of Lucindas offi ce. “Things look hectic.
“Its never a problem to meet with you. Lucinda relaxed into
a chair in the seating area as if she had all the time in the world.
Blair was instantly on guard. “I wanted to clear up a few
things about yesterday and inform you of some new plans.
“All right. Would you like something to drink? Pastry?
“No, Blair said careful y, trying to read what was behind
Lucindas
calm façade. Shed never been able to, and she still couldnt.
“We just had breakfast. Thanks.
“Oh, thats right. Cams here too, isnt she. Meeting with Averill.
Blair didnt see that the statement required an answer.
Lucinda
knew everything that was happening in the White House. In
the country for that matter. Hell, most likely in the entire
world. So she obviously knew that Cam was meeting with the
presidential security adviser. “I suppose you know all the details
there.
Lucinda nodded, without actual y acknowledging
anything.
“Im not going to help you with
Diane.
“Youve forgot en that I know Diane, Lucinda said evenly. “Ive
known her almost as long as Ive known you. She held Blairs eyes. “She
could be in trouble.
“Dont use my friends to blackmail me into doing something I know is
wrong, Blair said sharply.
“But I expect that Cam wil explain al that to
you.
“Or
my
lover.
Lucinda sighed. “Blair, next to your father, youre my favorite
person in the world. But you real y can be a right pain in the ass
sometimes.
Blair smiled. “Im not going to suggest how I come by that trait
considering my role models.
“Im not exaggerating when I say that Diane may be in danger. If I know
that she was involved with Valerie Lawrence, other people do too.
Other people may think she can help them fi nd Valerie.
“Shes with me, and for the time being, I intend to keep her
with me.
“That might be a good idea, Lucinda mused. “If shes with you, shel be
under surveil ance by our people.
“Shel be safe , Blair snapped. She jumped up, too agitated to continue
to sit and pretend they were havin
g an ordinary conversation. “God,
Lucinda! Is this what it costs to keep my father in of i ce? People you
know, people you love, become pawns?
A hint of color fl ared on Lucindas cheeks. “Sometimes it costs a great
deal more than that, Blair. It goes without saying that being under surveil
ance by the best security team in the world wil keep her safe. It also
might help us, and Id be a fool, or worse, to suggest otherwise.
Blair closed her eyes for an instant, and when she opened them again,
she gave Lucinda an apologetic look. “Im sorry. I couldnt do what you
do, and I know how necessary it is. She sat down again. “As soon as
Cam set les whatever she needs to do in this new position, Im taking
the whole team and Diane back to where weve been staying for the last
month.
Lucinda raised an eyebrow. “Cameron intends to go back with you?
She held up a hand. “Never mind. Im sure Averil wil discuss that with
me. She crossed her legs, her black skirt rising to reveal the barest hint
of shapely thighs. “Let me give it some thought, but that just might be
an excel ent plan. Of course, youre going to have to tel me where it is.
“Just you?
“For now.
“Whitley
Point.
“Tanner
Whitleys
place?
Blair
nodded.
Lucinda laughed. “Oh my God, you and Diane and Tanner together? I
feel for your security team.
“Tanners married, Blair said, grinning. Lucinda had been around for most
of her wild prep school years and was aware of some of the trouble the
three of them had got en into. Of course, most of the time theyd been
successful in pul ing of their fairly frequent disappearing acts. “Which
brings me to the other thing I wanted to discuss with you.
“Oh?
“Cam and I intend to get married this
fal .
“That may be problematic, since same-sex marriages arent legal y
recognized anywhere in the United States.
“Neither is my sexual orientation, Blair said, “but that hasnt stopped me,
and it never wil . We wont have any dif i culty fi nding someone
to perform the ceremony, legal or not.
“That wil be dif i cult to keep quiet, Lucinda
said.
“It wasnt my intention to keep it quiet. At Lucindas look of surprise,
Blair went on, “Im not planning on taking out an ad in the New York
Times, but Im not going to sneak around with this either.
“The fi rst person outside of your immediate circle who gets a hint of this
wil go straight to the papers with it. A caterer, a dressmaker, even