Honor Under Siege

Blair glanced up. “I guess its new ground for all of

us.

“I thought I had learned to expect the unexpected a long time

ago, Valerie said, draping her hands over the ends of the arm

rests. “Apparently, I was wrong.

“Because of 9/11? Blair asked, sketching Valeries profile. It

wasnt why they were there, but she couldnt help but be

captivated by the classic lines of her face.

“That, and being asked to usurp information from an

ongoing investigation and, Valerie said as Blair drew rapidly,

“fal ing in love with Diane.

Blairs hand stil ed. “Is that what happened?

“Yes.

“Good.

“You approve? Valerie inquired with a hint of

surprise.

Blair turned over a fresh page in her sketch pad. “I could say its not for

me to approve or disapprove, but Diane is one of my two oldest

friends and I love her. She didnt ask for my opinion, by the way.

“Which

is?

“I think youre a terrible choice for her. Youre involved in dangerous

work that requires you to lie to everyone, probably even yourself, about

what you do and what you feel. Anyone with sense would find that

scary. Blair met her eyes. “Speaking as her friend, Id rather she got

involved with someone who wasnt so likely to break her heart.

“Im going to try very hard

not to.

“I believe you, and like I said, thats good. Because youre the one she

wants, and in the end, thats the only thing that mat ers. Blair picked up

her pencil. “So, just of the top of your head, who does this guy remind

you of when you see him?

“Bob Hoskins, only thinner.

“Roundish face, broad eastern European features Blair sketched quickly

and asked without looking up, “Hair?

“Dark brown, thinning, no obvious balding spots. Subtle widows peak.

“Good eye. Thats great.

“Thanks, Valerie said. “For this and for looking after Diane.

“Youre welcome. Blair continued to draw. “And by the way, Im

glad you showed up.

“Pale blue eyes, five oclock shadow. Valerie sighed. “I shouldve

thought to wear one of those lit le lapel cameras to one of our meets.

Blair stopped drawing and stared. “You actual y use those things?

“No, but Ive always wanted to.

Blair shook her head. “Like I said.

Scary. Chapter Twenty-

Three Wednesday

Y es, thats correct. 777-3214. Il pay by credit card. Valerie turned at

the sound of footsteps behind her. Cam stood in the doorway watching

her intently. “Im sorry. Here it is. Holding Cams gaze, she recited her

account number. “And youl be sure that goes in tonight. I understand.

Thats fine. Thank you.

Valerie closed her phone. “Did you need me?

“Phone drop? Cam asked neutral

y.

“Yes. I change the contact number weekly and reprogram

my cel .

Cam crossed the guest house kitchen to the window that looked out onto

the wraparound deck. It was late afternoon and the sky was a solid

blanket of hazy gray clouds. “Storm coming. I think its cold enough to

snow.

“Arent you going to ask me if Im planning on disappearing again?

Valerie joined Cam and their shoulders touched lightly. She might have

imagined the heat that penetrated Cams shirt and her own blouse, but

she knew the sensation was real.

“No. Thats not what I was thinking. I know youre not

ducking out.

“Thank

you.

“I do have a few questions,

though.

Valerie smiled. “What do you want to

know?

“It sounds like youre anxious to get a new number to your

handler.

“He wont use one more than once, and I ignored his last message a

week ago.

“Any particular reason you want an open line to Henry

right now?

Valerie shrugged impatiently. “Cameron, in the last two days Ive

looked at hundreds, probably thousands of photographs. Felicia has

worked on a regression image of the sketch Blair did. Its a good

approximation of him when he was younger, and weve run that,

plus an age-appropriate computer- generated image, through every

database that exists, including Interpol. We cant find him, not this way.

“Eventual y wel sort out Mathesons other contacts, wel find Matheson,

and hel lead us to Henry or someone else wil . Cam turned her back to

the window. She

was inches from Valerie. “This is the tiresome part of

investigative work.

“Believe me, I understand that some things take time. I spent five years

creating my cover in DC before Id even met you.

“Jesus. Cam was blindsided by a wave of anger and tenderness when

she imagined Valerie being used as currency in the high-stakes game of

international espionage. For an instant, the barriers of professionalism

and personal restraint wavered, and she almost touched her.

Valerie shook her head, recognizing the change in Cams expression.

“Its al right, Cameron. Truly.

Cams charcoal eyes darkened to obsidian. “It isnt, but its

done.

“Not quite. Valerie backed away. There was too much heat between

them, there always had been. “It wont be done until I know that I can