“Nothing to report,
sir.
“No activity during the
night?
“No sir. Everyone is stil in the
apartment.
“Real y. Matheson swal owed a generous mouthful of steaming cof ee,
ignoring the burn in the back of his throat. Hed slept wel , risen
before dawn, and worked out vigorously in the hotel health club for an
hour. And hed had a most satisfactory evening. “No one in or out?
“Wel his man said hesitantly.
Matheson heard the rustle of
papers.
“Routine movement reported ataharound 1900 yesterday. Roberts went
for a runseveral hours later security changed shift uh, todaythree
subjects arrived at
0800, most likely for start of shift briefing. Nothing
beyond that.
“You seem to be missing a few details in your
report.
“Yes sir. What would that be,
sir?
Matheson smiled, picturing the man squirming. He was new.
“At
1932 last night, Roberts was struck by a passing motorist and
may
have sustained substantial injuries. He still felt a surge of
pleasure
thinking about the flicker of shock on her face as he bore down
on
her. When
hed had the good fortune of passing by just as she exited
the building, his only intention had been to fol ow her. But the
longer hed watched her pound through the streets as if she
owned them while he hid like impotent prey, the more his
anger had grown. She had destroyed his compound and kil ed
some of his best boys, and now she stood in the way of him
completing his mission. She needed to be neutralized.
“Apparently your surveil ance team didnt think it necessary to
cover her.
To the mans credit, he defended his team. “Im sure they felt it
more important to watch for any contact between our critical
target and those on site, sir.
“Its just as strong a possibility that Lawrence will contact Roberts.
I expect Roberts will move her base today. Its what I would
do after a pre-emptive strike. As soon as you have a new
location, contact me. Bleeker is the bait, but Roberts is in
command. Without her, theyll break ranks.
“Yes sir. Ill relay your orders.
“Be prepared to take action soon. Matheson felt his groin
tingling as he considered a plan to turn the hunters into
quarry. “Im growing tired of this waiting game.
* * * * *
“Are you sure you want me to come with you? Diane asked as
she packed her suitcase. “I know what Cam said, but
“If you werent already here, wed come and get you. Blair
sat cross-legged on the bed in blue jeans and a long-sleeved
navy T- shirt. Her hair was loose and she was barefoot. “I cant
believe I let you go back to Manhattan alone in the first place.
“Who knew that these people these maniacs who tried to hurt
you would keep coming? How can they possibly think they
can gain power in this country? We arent some third world
dictatorship thats likely to topple at the slightest show of
violence.
Blair shrugged. “Theyre fanatics. Look at all the paramilitary
and right wing fundamentalist groups springing up across this
country.
and theyre recruiting more people all the time who agree.
“God, its like those zealots who shoot abortion doctors and
think thats going to stop the pro-choice movement. Diane looked
at Blair in confusion. “I can hardly believe its real.
“I cant believe we didnt see it coming, and after what
happened last month, I dont think its going to stop. Chafing at the
inactivity, Blair stood and started folding clothes. “Every
psycho with an agenda is going to think they have a chance after
9/11.
Diane stopped what she was doing, her fingers digging into the sweater
she held. “Im ashamed to admit that part of me wishes your father
wasnt president, because I hate to think of you or Cam in danger. I
can only imagine how you must feel.
Blair smiled rueful y. “You know, for the first time in my life Im
honestly
for as long as he can be. She careful y placed a silk blouse into the
suitcase. “Because these fuckers, whoever they are, wherever they are,
have to learn that we wont be victims.
“I guess wel have to keep that sexy dress you bought for the wedding
in the closet a while longer.
“Why?
Diane regarded her with surprise. “I cant imagine either you
going to want to think about wedding plans until al of this is resolved.
“Were not waiting for something that might never happen. Blair folded
her arms, part defiance, part comfort. “And were not put ing our lives on
hold until it does. Im instructing Lucinda to slip a nice quiet statement
out to the press today that Cameron and I intend to be married in a
private ceremony before the end of the year.
“Oh
boy.
Blair grinned. “And
girls.
“Indeed. Diane kissed her cheek. “I think youre the bravest person I
know.
