Honor Under Siege

back as twenty-five years. Its slow going, but Il want you to look

through everything Felicia and Savard have put together so far.

Unfortunately, some of the

photographs are going to be of boys or much younger men than theyre

likely to be now.

“Perhaps Felicia can use age simulator software to project present

appearances for any possibles.

“We might be able to do something even bet er, Cam said slowly as she

stood. “Its almost midnight. Id like you to brief with us in the morning.

0600 in the guest house.

“Are you sure? Savard and Felicia might not be quite as trusting as

you are, Valerie pointed out.

“I disagree, but either way, its not their

choice.

Valerie rose. “Youre taking a chance, Cameron, and I know that. I want

you to know I appreciate

“Dont insult me, Valerie. Cam lightly touched her fingertips to Valeries

cheek. “Get some sleep. Then she dropped her hand and walked away.

Valerie waited until she heard Cams footsteps disappear before fol owing

down the hal way and up the stairs. As she passed the room that she

knew was Blairs, she recognized Blairs sensuous alto and then Cams

slightly deeper tones. The sound of Cams voice in a phone message

had once stirred her heart and her blood. Now, it fil ed her with a

sense of comfort and safety. Wondering if that was fair, but being glad

for it nonetheless, she continued to the last door on the right and

knocked quietly before let ing herself in.

The room was lit by a bedside lamp. Diane was in bed, a sheet pul ed

to her waist. Her breasts formed soft curves beneath a pale peach

camisole. Valerie sat on the side of the bed and took her hand. “Theres

part of me that thinks I shouldnt be here.

“What does the other part

think?

“That its the only place in the world I want

to be.

Diane drew back the covers. “Thats the part Id listen to, if I

were you.

“Al right, Valerie whispered

softly.

She stood and unbut oned her blouse, unhooked her bra, and let them fal

to the floor behind her. She unzipped her jeans, pushed them down

along with her panties, and stepped out of them. Watching Diane watch

her, she was surprised to feel her body quicken when for so long the

only sensations shed been aware of were fatigue and desperate sadness.

She turned of the light and slipped into bed. Then she did something

shed never done before. She pul ed Diane on top of her and guided

Dianes hand between her thighs.

“Please make love to me. I need

you. Chapter Twenty-

Two Monday

A ny response from Lawrence on your request for a meeting?

Matheson inquired via his disposable cel phone.

“Not

yet.

Matheson sipped his cof ee and watched the traf ic on Main Street

through the diner window in the smal seaside town. A waitress slid a

plate of scrambled eggs and toast in front of him. He made eye contact

when he thanked her.

“Youre very welcome. The brunet e of ered him a sultry smile as she

lingered by the red leather booth made shiny by years of bodies slipping

in and out.

He held her gaze for a few seconds, noting the invitation in her

eyes while surveying her ful breasts and curvaceous hips. His penis

lengthened, reminding him that it had been some time since hed

satisfied his needs. He made a mental note to take care of that, then

looked away, dismissing her from his thoughts. “Why do you think

your operative is ignoring your direct order?

“Because shes one of our best, the man snapped. Then, as if

regret ing his outburst, he added in a conciliatory tone, “The leak came

too soon after her report to me for her not to be suspicious, but I didnt

have a choice. If Special Forces hadnt moved on the compound so

quickly, I might have been able to find another way to warn you, but

Robertss team was far more ef ective than we anticipated. I didnt have

time for a cover story, and I didnt think youd enjoy captivity.

“Its never wise to underestimate the enemy, Matheson said mildly,

spearing a fluf y mound of egg. “Its unfortunate that eliminating her wil

cost us an inside link to several of our primary targets, but the longer

she stays alive, the greater the likelihood youl be compromised.

“Ive warned her shes in danger, but she wont agree to a

meet. “Youre not using the right enticement. “What do you

suggest?

Matheson told him, disconnected, and punched in another number.

“He has forty-eight hours to take care of his mess, then well

clean house ourselves, starting with him.

“Yes sir. Its a pleasure to serve you,

sir.

* * * * *

“Valerie? Diane called urgently in the dark. The bed beside

her was warm, but empty. The nightmare of the past few

weeks instantly closed in around her, and she felt as if

she were

smothering. Bolting upright, she gasped, “Oh

God.