Неизвестный - 06. Honor Under Siege
“I don’t feel very strong sometimes.”
“Then that’s when you come find me, and I’ll remind you.”
“It helps to be with you, and I usually love Whitley Point,” Diane confessed, “but the quiet is driving me a little bit crazy right now. I’ve got too much time to think. Maybe I should go back to Manhattan.”
Blair shook her head vehemently. “Not a chance. I want you to come to the fundraiser Saturday night. And if Paula can take it, we’ll go shopping again.”
“Okay.” Diane laughed shakily as she glanced out the rear of the vehicle to where Stark and Hara sat in the Suburban. “If I have to suffer, I suppose she can too.”
“There, see? You’re sounding better already,” Blair said, smiling. “Here comes Tanner. I’ll get in the back.”
As Blair stepped from the car, she caught sight of Tanner’s expression and stopped. “What is it?”
Tanner handed her the Boston Globe. “I don’t know how you put up with this shit all the time.” She slid into the front seat and slammed the door.
Blair glanced down at the grainy picture of her in Paris with Cam standing just behind her. The caption read “President’s daughter to marry lesbian lover—Anti-same sex marriage groups protest.”
“Well,” Blair said as she climbed into the backseat, “Boston is looking a lot more interesting.”
She leaned her head back and closed her eyes, trying not to think about the crush of reporters sure to be waiting for her when she arrived at the fundraiser. She had wanted to go public, because any attempt not to would make her and her father appear like hypocrites when news of her plans inevitably leaked out. Nothing could be worse for a politician than the appearance of having one set of standards in public and another in private. She’d insisted on disclosure, but it was never easy exposing her personal life to public scrutiny.
“Let me see that,” Diane said.
“Hey Tanner,” Blair said, handing the newspaper to Diane as Tanner rocketed the SUV out of the parking lot and onto the narrow twisting road that hugged the ocean shoreline. Gravel spewed out behind them.
“What?” Tanner snapped.
“It’s okay. It’s just another day at the office.”
“It sucks.”
“Yeah, that, too.” Blair leaned forward and squeezed Tanner’s shoulder. “But try not to give Stark a heart attack and slow down a little.”
Tanner half turned her head, a grin pulling at her mouth. Then she looked back to the road and eased off on the gas. “Sorry, force of habit. I’m used to you telling me to lose your spookies.”
“Yes,” Blair said softly. “How things have changed.”
Cam’s jaw tightened as she scanned the newspaper. “Call Lucinda and tell her you’re canceling for the fundraiser.”
Blair braced both arms on the kitchen counter behind her and lifted herself up so that she was sitting on it. She still wore the blue jeans and red sweater she’d pulled on to go out with Tanner. Cam was in her work clothes and still wearing her weapon, and although Blair knew it was foolish, the additional height advantage made her feel better. “I wouldn’t do that even if it would do any good, which it won’t. Once Lucinda makes up her mind—”
“Lucinda is the president’s chief of staff, not yours.” Cam tossed the newspaper onto the oak table and started for the front of the house. “If you’d prefer, I’ll tell Stark to call her.”
“I’m sure Stark will appreciate that.”
Cam turned, her eyes narrowing. “What is that supposed to mean?”
“I know about the whole rank thing, but she’s still my chief of security. I don’t imagine she’ll appreciate being told anything. You never did.”
“Stark understands the situation,” Cam said, thinking about the briefing with Davis and Savard, and about Blair at a crowded cocktail reception where it would be impossible to control the guest list or secure the physical environment beyond the most basic measures. Thinking how exposed Blair would be. A ball of anger and anxiety filled her chest. “The timing is bad, especially after this newspaper article.”
“We’ve already discussed this, Cameron. If it isn’t this event, it will be some other one. We can’t prevent a public response to anything we do.”
“Why do you sound so calm?” Cam moved closer, but stopped two feet away. Just outside of touching distance.
“Because I know you’re not, and I know you’re worried.” Blair kept her hands on the counter, because she wanted to reach out and pull Cam across the divide. It was odd how she hated distance between them now. Once she had wanted, demanded, nothing but distance between herself and anyone who had the potential to hurt her. Mostly she resisted the urge to draw Cam near because she needed to judge exactly how much of Cam’s concern was her normal distrust of any public appearance and how much was a lover’s less rational concern. If she touched her, her perspective would be gone. “Why are you so much more worried about this event?”
“Jesus, Blair! Maybe you’ve forgotten what happened—” Cam bit off the rest of the sentence, cursing herself inwardly when she saw Blair flinch. Of course Blair hadn’t forgotten the assassination attempt at the Aerie. Blair would never be able to forget it, and bullying her with the memory instead of explaining her own unease was cowardly. And cruel. “I’m sorry, baby.”
Blair took a long breath. “Don’t apologize. Just trust me.”
Cam fell silent and Blair watched her struggle, waiting.
“I don’t feel like I’ve got a handle on anything right now, and I can’t afford to be wrong when your safety is at stake.” Cam took one step closer and rested her fingertips lightly on the outside of Blair’s thighs. “No one knows what really happened in September. We don’t know how much of the attack was orchestrated outside the country and what part insurgents inside the country might have played. But we know someone got very very close to you.” She hesitated.
“Say it, Cameron. All of it.” Blair pressed Cam’s hands to her legs, covering them with her own. She’d been wrong about not being able to think when Cam touched her. As the distance dissipated she could hear her far more clearly.
“There’s no reason to think they won’t try again,” Cam said. “Until we have Matheson, until we have Valerie, the risk is greater than I’m comfortable with.”
“I’m not the only one at risk,” Blair said softly. “Have you forgotten someone tried to run you down?”
“That might not even be related.”
Blair gave her a look. “What does Stark say about Saturday?”
Irritation flared in Cam’s dark eyes. “I haven’t discussed it with her.”
“Because…”
Cam grimaced. “Because I haven’t managed the transition to her as your security chief very well.”
“You take a lot on yourself, Commander.”
“I love you,” Cam whispered.
“Oh I know.” Blair said. “What if you don’t find either Matheson or Valerie?”
“We will.”
“All right, until you find them, what do you suggest I do? It could be months. Years.”
“Are you trying to make me say things that will piss you off?”
“Well, I do enjoy makeup sex.” Blair lifted Cam’s hand and kissed the top of it. “But I’m trying something new. I’m working on being reasonable and rational.”
“I think maybe you’re more dangerous this way than when you’re flat-out furious,” Cam grumbled. She eased forward until she was completely between Blair’s legs, then wrapped her arms around Blair’s waist and pulled her forward until Blair’s crotch rested against her middle.
“I’m not ready for the makeup sex yet,” Blair whispered, wrapping her arms around Cam’s neck. “So don’t get any closer.”
Cam rested her forehead against Blair’s. “You’re calling the shots.”
“Hardly,” Blair murmured, running her fingers through Cam’s hair. “I understand why you’re not happy about the fundraiser, but it was scheduled months ago and if I cancel now, it will seem as if we’re afraid. Add to that the newspaper headlines this morning, and it will also look like I’m ashamed of us. Neither of those things is true. It’s not going to get any better, darling, because if it’s not Matheson, there will be someone or something else that poses a threat.”
“Unfortunately, you’re right.” Cam sighed. “Assuming we do this, there are going to be a lot more press than usual.”
Blair grimaced. “I know.”
“Have you given any thought to what you’re going to say about the wedding?”
“Well, if it’s all right with you, I was thinking that I’d say that I’m deeply in love with you and plan to spend the rest of my life with you, and since that’s traditionally the situation when people get married, that’s my plan, too.” Blair nuzzled Cam’s neck. “What are you going to say?”
Cam grinned and kissed Blair. “If it’s all right with you, I just thought I’d say that I’ve never met anyone who was better in bed, so it seemed like marrying you was the smart thing to do.”
“Really?” Blair skimmed her lips along the edge of Cam’s jaw.
“Really.” Cam dragged Blair another inch forward, her hands cupping Blair’s butt.
“I think I like your reasoning,” Blair whispered.
“And I think we need to finish this conversation in private.”
Blair nibbled on Cam’s neck, then bit her. “See, it’s not so difficult for us to come to an agreement.”
Chapter Sixteen
Saturday
“You’re not ready for field duty,” Paula said. Renée clipped her Sig Sauer to the waistband of her flaring black silk pants, settling the pistol at the middle of her back. Then she pulled a dark green, notched collared jacket on over her black shell and closed it loosely with a wide belt. She checked first that the lie of the jacket was smooth, concealing her holstered weapon, and then that she could draw unencumbered by any snag in her clothing. Satisfied that the short jacket covered her weapon but wasn’t going to interfere with it, she checked her makeup in the mirror over the dresser. After slipping into black heels, high enough for a formal event but low enough to run in, she walked over to sit next to Paula on the sofa in their hotel room.
“I’m Diane’s escort. It’s not exactly field duty.”
“You’re splitting hairs. Just because you’re wearing a fancy outfit,” Paula said, smoothing her hand up and down Renée’s thigh, “doesn’t mean you’re not providing protection.”
“I know, sweetie.” Renée caught Paula’s hand and held it. “And I promise if all the standing around starts to get to me, I’ll signal for help. But I can handle this. Really.”
Paula sighed. “I’m not doubting you. I’m just a little worried.”
“Of what?”
“Has it occurred to you that we’re all operating off the radar ever since we left Washington?”
“You mean because we’re not reporting to some desk jockey who doesn’t know what it is that we do half the time anyway?”
Paula laughed. “Yeah, I think that’s what I mean.”
“Sweetie, we’re on Cameron Roberts’s radar. I’ll take her being in charge over some SAC or deputy director I’ve never seen and who’s never had my back in a firefight. What about you?”
“Yeah, me too.”
Renée slipped her arm around Paula’s waist and turned her lover’s face toward hers with one finger on her chin. “I’m really okay. You know that, right?”
“You still looked tired,” Paula said, adding quickly, “but, I can tell you’re feeling better.”
“Oh yeah?” Renée kissed her lightly on the lips. “How?”
Paula grinned. “You’re sleeping better.”
Renée kissed her again, a little more firmly. “Is that all?”
“You’re walking better. No cane.”
“Mmm-hmm,” Renée said, trailing a line of kisses along the edge of Paula’s jaw.
“Honey,” Paula said just a little breathlessly. “We’ll mess your makeup.”
“Oh, like I care,” Renée whispered.
“You know I can’t have sex before a big game.” Paula eased away. “It saps my strength and makes my brain sluggish.”
Laughing, Savard skimmed her hand inside Paula’s jacket and over her breasts. “Are you afraid you’ll forget all the big plays and run toward the wrong end zone?”
Paula jumped up and backed away. “No fair touching when you’re just teasing. You know I get excited.”
Renée’s eyes glittered. “Do you now?”
“Renée,” Paula said, hearing her own voice rise with a combination of excitement and nerves. “I’m leaving now. I’m going to Wozinski’s room for the briefing.” She held out her arm, palm facing forward. “Don’t get up.”
“I know the schedule. You’re not briefing for an hour, Chief.”
“I want to review everything by myself, first.”
Renée smiled. “Okay sweetie. I know you’ve got a lot on your mind.” She rose and kissed Paula on the cheek. “But when we’re back here tonight, I’m going to show you just how much I’ve recovered.”
“I’ll look forward to a demonstration. Be careful tonight.”
“You too, sweetie.”
Cam tapped on the hotel room door, feeling like an interloper. Stark, in a smartly tailored navy blue suit and white shirt, answered.
“Do you mind if I sit in on your briefing, Chief?”
“No, come on in.”
When Stark stepped aside, Cam nodded her thanks and entered the dimly lit suite. The drapes over the windows were closed and the overhead lights turned off, leaving only the scattered table lamps for illumination. The effect was oddly intimate. Cam strode directly to one of the empty chairs grouped around the coffee table in the seating area, nodding to Mac, Wozinski, and Hara as she sat down. Stark returned to the chair in the center of the group.
“We were just reviewing the exit routes, Commander.”
“Go ahead,” Cam said. “Sorry to interrupt.”
“No problem,” Stark said quickly and handed Cam a printout. “The timetable, shift assignments, and agent placements are all outlined there.”
Cam glanced at it briefly. It was thorough and complete, as she anticipated it would be. It wasn’t the things they planned for that concerned her. It was the threat of the unanticipated that had her pacing in the suite across the hall until Blair had strongly suggested that she ask to sit in on the pre-departure briefing. So now Cam found herself in the awkward position of being an observer.
She was on the verge of getting up and leaving when Stark pushed the papers aside and said, “Is there something in particular you wanted to review, Commander?”
Cam cleared her throat. “First of all, I just wanted everyone to be clear that I’m here because Blair threw me out, not because Stark needs any help.”
Stark smiled and the other agents laughed.
“Well,” Cam continued. “I’m definitely more use over here than across the hall right now.” She addressed Stark. “I don’t suppose metal detectors are feasible, considering that the reception is in the open mezzanine?”
“We could insist that everyone use one escalator and one bank of elevators, but I think we’d get a major logjam as a result. That kind of chaos sometimes makes it easier to overlook things.”
