Honor Under Siege

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

knewknew her, knew what she hoped and feared, knew what it was

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 slacks, 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