Honor Under Siege

Savard. Diane too, a little later.

Blair met Cams eyes. “Is this about Valerie?

“I dont know, baby. But we have to find out. She kissed

Blair careful y, slowly and tenderly. “Tonight was either a

warning or they were just sloppy. Either way, they made a

mistake. Were not waiting for whoevers out there to try again.

Cams eyes hardened. “Were going after them now.

* * * * *

Diane placed a cup of coffee on the end table next to Cam

and handed another cup to Blair. “Theres more in the kitchen for

when the others get here. Ill be in my room. Her eyes held an

apology as they met Blairs. “Let me know if you need anything.

“Wait! Blair caught up to Diane on the way to the guest

room. “Are you okay?

“Me? Diane shook her head. “Forget about me. Is Cam okay?

Are you?

“Shes banged up, but shell be fine. Blairs voice trembled and

she forced back a surge of anxiety. She squeezed Dianes hand. “I

just wasnt expecting this here. It shook me for a minute.

“A minute! Diane laughed shakily. “I thought I understood

what your life was like all these years, but I was wrong. Ive

always loved you for your spirit and courage. Now even more.

She lightly stroked Blairs cheek. “If I am the cause of any of

this because of my relationship with Valerie, Im leaving. You dont

deserve to have more pain in your life because of your friends.

“Diane, Blair said gently. “Shut

up. Diane paused. “Im serious.

“I know, and I love you for it. But youre not going anywhere

right now. Ill talk to you as soon as I can.

When she returned to the living room, Cam was just opening

the door to Paula and Renée. Blair guessed they had come

directly from their shopping trip, because Renées dark slacks,

pale yel ow blouse, and dark green blazer were clearly just out of

the package. Paula, in jeans and a navy crewneck sweater, looked

worried even before she zeroed in on Cam, and then her eyes

widened in alarm and she immediately pivoted toward Blair. “Are

you all right?

“Im fine. Just Cam was hurt. Blair stroked Cams arm, needing the

contact. “Someone tried to run her down.

“Do you have anything on the vehicle or driver? Renée asked

briskly.

“Nothing on either one, Cam said in disgust. “I was too busy

kissing the pavement. She sat on the sofa and gestured toward the

matching leather chairs opposite her. Blair set led beside her, and

Cam briefly squeezed her hand before fil ing Stark and Savard in on

the details of what had happened.

“Is there any chance you mightve been mistaken for someone else?

Savard asked.

Cam shook her head. “Doubtful. The streets were pret y empty because

of the weather, so I expect the vehicle fol owed me from here. Im tal er

than Blair and I wasnt wearing a hat, so my face and hair were

visible. Its unlikely anyone would mistake me for her.

“Even so, is there any specific reason that you think Ms. Powel

might have been a possible target? Stark asked careful y.

“None, other than al the usual reasons, Cam said grimly, pleased that

Starks focus was on Blair.

“What about yourself? Savard

interjected.

“Ordinarily, Cam said, “Id say no. But there are other factors at play

that you both need to be aware of. She shifted slightly and focused on

Stark. “I assume you know that Savard is on my OHS team now.

“Yes. Stark smiled fleetingly. “I think its

terrific.

“So do I. She shot a quick glance at Savard before turning again to

Stark. “I intended to brief Savard and Davis tomorrow on our prime

mission, and you too, Chief, to the extent that circumstances involve

Blair. What happened tonight has pushed up my timetable.

“Yes, maam, Stark said. “I appreciate you including me

tonight.

“You have to be included. Cam could sense Blairs tension but she

continued without hesitation. “As you know, Valerie Lawrence is

missing and quite a number of people would like to find her. Not al of

those people are friendly. Were not even completely certain that

Valerie is stil on our side.

“Cam. Blair abruptly withdrew her hand, which had been lightly clasping

Cams thigh.

Savard didnt seem to notice the whispered protest. “What do we know

about her location since the raid on Mathesons compound?

“Nothing. Shes been completely out of contact. Cam placed her hand on

Blairs knee, hoping to reassure her. “Im not asking you to break any

confidences, Blair, or to confirm anything, but Stark needs to know

this. I strongly suspect that Valerie made contact with Diane Bleeker

sometime during the shopping trip today.

Stark paled but kept her gaze on Cams face. “I didnt see anyone

who fits Valeries description. No one reported anything unusual to

me. If she was therewe missed her.

“Theres no reason you should have been looking for Valerie, Paula.