Honor Under Siege Read online

  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

  and tongue. She covered Cams hand where it held her breast and pressed

  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