shoulder harness for a hip holster. She nursed her Scotch and
waited fifteen minutes before cal ing the bartender over.
“You know, I mustve gotten my signals crossed. I just got in
from the airport and I was supposed to meet a col eague here.
Weve got a big meeting in the morning
“A lot of people come through here, the stocky bartender said.
“Weve never actual y met in person. Only on the phone, Cam said, as
reluctant
to give a description as he was to disclose anything about patrons. She
patted
her pockets as if looking for something. “Hel , maybe I got the time
wrong. I
thought for sure Claire
said
“Claire. The bartender smiled. “Yeah, she was here for a couple of
minutes, but left when you didnt show. She said if anyone came looking,
to tel them room
418.
“Thanks. Cam dropped a ten dol ar bil on the bar as she rose. “You
saved me a lot of embarrassment in the morning.
She took her time walking to the elevators, once again covertly observing
those around her. Satisfied that no one was watching, she rode to the
conference level and stepped of . She couldnt access the room floors
without a keycard and hadnt planned to anyway. As expected, the foyer
was empty in the middle of the night. She picked up a house phone and
dialed 836.
“Im here. Third
floor.
“Il
come
down.
Two minutes later the elevator stopped and Valerie stepped of .
She immediately pushed the up but on, shaking her head in irritation
as if shed forgot en something. She did not look at Cam, who stood
nearby. An up- elevator stopped and they both stepped into the empty
car. Valerie, in narrow, low heeled black boots, a black boatneck
sweater with a wide band at the waist, and flaring black silk slacks,
looked very much as she had the first time Cam had seen her. Her hair
was shorter and, rather than platinum blond, was now shot through with
red highlights. Her elegant near-patrician features were strained.
The door opened on the eighth floor and Cam fol owed Valerie to room
836. Once inside, Cam removed her leather jacket and laid it over the
back of the antique desk chair. The room was typical for the Four
Seasons, with a king size bed and a formal sit ing area complete with
sofa, end tables, cof ee table, and a minibar.
“Scotch? Valerie asked, her voice as rich and mel ow as the
whiskey she of ered.
“A short one, Cam said as she walked into the sit ing
area.
Valerie poured an inch of the smoky liquor into two crystal rock
glasses and of ered one to Cam. “You didnt bring Diane.
Cam shook her head and drank of half the Scotch. “Did you think that I
would? Valerie smiled softly. “No. I knew that you wouldnt, especial y
after giving her
the message that you would meet me
here.
“Sorry.
“You shouldnt be. I didnt want her to come. I was cal ing her to tel
her that. Valerie sat on the sofa and sipped her Scotch, her expression
distant. “I couldnt walk out twice without saying goodbye.
“Going somewhere? Cam sat next to
Valerie.
“What happened to your
face?
“Someone tried to run me down not far from my apartment
tonight.
Valerie lightly touched one finger to Cams chin, tilting her face toward
the lamp. “Blair must be wild.
“Good
deduction.
“If your face looks like this, I imagine the rest of you is pret y
sore too.
“You would be right again, Cam said, aware that Valeries hand was
shaking. “How are you doing?
“Ive been more comfortable. Valerie dropped her hand into her
lap. “You know it wasnt me.
“In the vehicle that tried to turn me into roadkil ? I know. What I dont
know is what else is going on.
“Neither do I. Valerie shifted until her knee lightly touched Cams leg.
“You remembered our system. She smiled almost wistful y. “The first
time you cal ed the service and I met you downstairs in the bar, I was
surprised.
“About what, Cam asked gently. She was in no hurry. There was too
much between them not to let Valerie say what she needed to say.
“You were gorgeous. I couldnt imagine that a woman like you would
need to
“Pay for it? Cam said with a sardonic
shrug.
“Find comfort with strangers. Cam
smiled. “Were not strangers now.
Valerie rested her fingers lightly on Cams forearm. “No, were not. But
you dont altogether trust me, do you?
“I know youre a professional and I know that youl fol ow orders. Your
orders might be at odds with my mission.
“You want Matheson, Valerie said with certainty. “And so
do I.
“Someone warned him before we could get to
him.
“I know that. What I dont know is
who.
“The leak had to come from you, Cam said
mildly. Valerie sighed. “Yes. I know.
“Your
handler?
Valerie looked pained. “I dont know. I hope not. Ive known him fifteen
years. She met Cams gaze, an apology in her eyes. “Ive told him a lot in
those fifteen years.
Cam grimaced. “Ive already come to terms with the fact that my private
life isnt private and hasnt been for some time. Whats his name?
Valerie
hesitated.
