Honor Under Siege

her only personal contact, but undoubtedly there are records of her

somewhere in the Company system. However, the right word in the

right place can take care of that.

“What do you propose? Lucinda

asked.

“I propose that Valerie Lawrence died at sea in the same unfortunate

boating accident that kil ed her handler.

“I think youd bet er fil me in on the

details.

Cam gave her a rundown of the events, and as she spoke, Blair shifted

closer and took Cams hand.

“You executed a CIA handler? Lucinda said

incredulously.

“Jesus, Luce, Blair

said.

“I did, yes, Cam said

evenly.

“And youre certain it was

warranted?

“Yes, Cam said. “He was a traitor and he was about to kil Valerie

Lawrence, or cause her to be kil ed.

“What about this missile you described? Lucindas eyes narrowed as she

visibly assessed, ordered, and prioritized information. “Can we

trace it back to Matheson somehow?

“Doubtful. The boats and whatever might remain of the SSM are in

several hundred feet of heavily traf icked waters. Salvage would

draw unwanted at ention. I dont think its worth the risk.

“Al right. Lucinda tapped her fingers soundlessly on the arm of the

chair, an action that nevertheless had the impact of a gavel fal ing. “The

of icial line is that Agent Lawrence died at sea during a meeting with

her handler. And now what?

“Wel arrange for her to have a new identity, Cam said, “and shel join

my team as the counterintel igence chief.

“I know we told you to pick your own people, Lucinda said,

“but

“You did. Cam leaned forward, tucking Blairs hand against her

middle. “If youve changed your mind, then I resign.

“Not many people try playing hardbal with me, Deputy Director

Roberts.

“I can appreciate why. But Im not playing. I didnt ask for this job, and

if Im going to do it, Im going to do it the way I see fit.

“Youl continue to report to me and, through me, to the security

adviser. Cam nodded. “Agreed.

“How do you assess the danger to

Blair?

“Currently, I dont see her as a target. Matheson needed to eliminate his

contact in the Company because he knew we would be searching for

it. Who knows how much Henry knew about Matheson and his

operation? Matheson risked exposure and possible capture to deal with

Henry, but it was a calculated risk and for the time being, its paid of for

him. Now, I think hel go underground and consolidate his power base.

“Makes sense. What about the long term? Lucinda

asked.

Cam grimaced. “Eventual y, once Matheson has rebuilt his forces, I

think she hesitated and glanced at Blair. “I think hel make another

at empt on Blair.

“To what end? Lucinda

said.

“Blair is as much a figurehead as her father, and striking at her would

not only privately undermine the president, but also publicly

demonstrate that he is incapable of protecting the American people,

even his own daughter.

“Interesting theory, Lucinda said, rising and beginning to pace. “That

makes

Blair as important to national

security as

“Blairs sit ing here, Blair said, giving a lit le wave with her

free hand.

“Sorry,

Cam

said.

Lucinda laughed and regarded Blair with her hands on her hips. “You

wanted to stay, Blair. I never said we werent going to talk about you.

“Including me usual y works bet er. Blair shifted her focus from

Lucinda to

Cam. “Just how long have you been working on this

hypothesis?

“Since the at ack at the Aerie. There had to be some compel ing reason

to risk something like thatfor Matheson to send his best men on a suicide

mission. Why you? Why not the president?

“Because, Blair said slowly, “if my father were kil ed, he would

become a martyr. The people would demand an explanation, if not

retribution. Congress would rush to al ocate money and personnel to

find out what happened. But if he remains in of ice while his ability

to lead is cal ed into question and his authority is eroded, just the

opposite happens. The political and economic ramifications would be

devastating.

“Yes. Cam brushed her thumb over the top of Blairs hand, which she

cradled between both of hers. “Al this means is that you have to be

careful and wel al have to be vigilant. Thats nothing new.

Blair smiled and skimmed her fingers over the edge of Cams jaw. “Thank

you. I

know

what

it

means.

“How close are you to get ing Matheson? Lucinda asked

impatiently.

“Not close enough. Cam frowned. “We wont find him through any

direct channels. Hes not going to return to his home base, or cal upon

men he served with, or contact remaining family members. Hes going

underground. And the only way to find someone who has done that is

to uncover a link to potential associates.

“And that is the slowest route, Lucinda said with a sigh. “Just ask the

FBI. How many people have been on their Ten Most Wanted list for a

decade or more?