Honor Under Siege

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

unnoticed in street clothes. She had fol owed her into enough bars, and

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 tactics

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

agents close behind.

Cam had given enough. And so had

she.

* * * * *

Sybil Gretzky, the personal secretary to Andrew Powel , smiled

at