Honor Under Siege

Blair combed her fi ngers through Cams hair, then tilted Cams head

back and kissed her. “Did you meet with my father today?

“No, just with his security adviser. The president doesnt real y get

involved with the specifi cs of these things.

“Thats a very subtle way of saying he needs to disavow al

knowledge. Cam lifted her shoulder. “Its important to insulate

him.

“Insulate, Blair mused, remembering how it always seemed as if her

father had a shield between him and everyone else, even her. “Yes, thats

a civilized word for it, I guess.

“Baby, Cam heard the unspoken fear, “I wont let that happen

to us.

“When did you learn to read my mind so wel ? Blair lifted Cams T-

shirt and stroked her abdomen.

“Stil learning, Cam said, her voice thickening as Blair untied the string

to her sweatpants and slid her hand lower. “Blair. Dont go there.

Laughing softly, Blair caught Cams earlobe between her teeth and

nipped it gently. “Since when?

“Since Dianes in the kitchen, and if you make me come, shel know just

from looking at me.

“So? She can always tel when you make m e come, and you dont

seem to mind. Blair cupped her hand between Cams legs and teased

her with one fi nger.

“Shes your friend. Cam gasped, and yanked Blairs hand out of her

sweatpants.

“Okay, Blair murmured, sucking lightly on Cams neck. “But only

because dinners almost ready, and I think Diane could use the

company.

“How is she doing? Cam noted the fact that Blair had not asked if the

issue of Valeries disappearance had come up during her discussions with

the presidents security adviser.

“As wel as can be expected, I suppose. Ive never seen her hurting so

much and so much in love at the same time. Blair sighed. “I dont want

her to feel like shes alone in this.

“Shes

not.

“I know, but shes afraid to talk to anyone about Blair hesitated,

realizing they were venturing onto dangerous ground. She wished

desperately that Diane

would talk to

Cam.

Cam felt Blair stif en and leaned back to study her face. “Did something

happen today that she needs to talk about?

Blair stroked Cams shoulder and kissed her quickly. “Lets

go eat.

“Blair, Cam caught Blairs hand as she rose and tried to move away.

“What happened today?

“We agreed we wouldnt talk

about

“What we agreed, Cam said dangerously, “is that what went on between

Diane and Valerie was Dianes business unless she got into trouble.

“Right. Blair centered herself, dropped one leg back and rotated her arm

in a quick, tight circle, breaking Cams grip. It was a standard self-

defense move, and if Cam had been expecting it, Blair wouldnt have

been able to break her hold.

Cams face darkened, but she didnt try to stop Blair as Blair

started toward the bedroom door. “What we di dnt agree on,

she said to Blairs back, “and something I didnt think wed have

to discuss, is what would happen if Valerie involved you in

any way. I didnt think Id have to ask you to tell me.

“Im not involved.

“Then tell me nothing happened today when you were

anywhere around.

Blair hesitated with her hand on the doorknob. “Dont,

Cam. Please.

Cam let her go, because she was so angry that anything else

she said would likely drive Blair into the streets, which is

where she usual y went when she felt threatened or cornered.

Better she left than Blair. Cam laced her running shoes,

grabbed a windbreaker, and stalked through the living room and

out the door. She didnt bother with the elevator, but descended

the stairs two at a time. When she shouldered through the door

into the lobby, she didnt even slow down as she passed

Wozinski, who stared at her in surprise. “If Egret goes out,

dont lose her. If you do, youll answer to me.

“Yes maam, Wozinski said smartly.

* * * * *

Diane turned to Blair at the sound of the door slamming.

“What happened?

Blair drained her wine glass and refi l ed it.

“Nothing.

“It didnt sound like nothing. Diane turned off the burner

and picked up her own glass. “Are you fi ghting about me?

“No, Blair snapped. “Were fi ghting about what weve

always fought about.

“And whats that?

“Cams goddamn job and the fact that she still wants to keep

me tucked away somewhere. Safe and sound like some exotic

animal in a fucking gilded cage.

“She loves you.

“Thats not the point.

“Of course it is.

“I thought we were past this, Blair said

sadly.

Diane picked up the bottle and her wine glass and gestured toward

the living room. “Lets talk.

“I dont want to talk. Lets drink wine

instead.

“Lets do both. Diane tucked the bot le under one arm and wrapped the

other around Blairs waist. “Were too old to drown our sorrows. I

always feel like crap the next morning.

“Are we too old to pick up strange girls in bars, too? Blair said as she

walked with Diane to the sofa.