said, “and if hes ever so much as made a phone cal to one of their
leaders, there should be a record of it somewhere. She grimaced. “The
biggest problem is the files are so decentralized its practical y impossible
to search them.
“Try.
“Yes maam, Savard said smartly. “We might get something
from the interrogations of his captured personnel too, if the Company
hasnt buried the intel by now.
“See what you can find there, Cam said, pleased with Savards natural
instincts for counterintel igence. Shed need that kind of backup
from her second-in- command. “And that brings us to the problem of
Valerie Lawrence. We need to know who her Company handler is and
determine if theres a link to Matheson.
Davis took a breath. “Due respect, Commander, but there wont be any
records
of Lawrences handler. Its not like they keep employment
files.
“I know, Cam said, “and thats just one reason why we need to bring
Valerie in.
“We dont know if Matheson only uses men he recruited from his
military academy. She could be his mole, Davis said. “Just like Foster.
“She could be. I dont think she is. Cam expected her people to examine
every option, and Daviss comment didnt bother her. “But until weve
proven it one way or the other, she has to be considered potential y
hostile.
“How do we find her? Savard
asked.
Cam sighed. “Our only link is Diane. We have to hope Valerie tries to
meet with her again and that Diane trusts me enough to tel me. In the
meantime, weve got Foster and the four dead commandos from the
assault on the Aerie. We know they were al at Mathesons military
academy. Maybe thats not their only connection.
“We real y need someone whos an expert on these paramilitary
organizations, Savard said. “I bet al of these guys know each other.
“Il work on that. Absently, Cam rubbed her sore shoulder. “Blair is
scheduled to make a public appearance Saturday night at a fundraiser
in Boston. Id like you two to assist with the security detail. I know its
not in your job description any longer, and Starks doing a great job
integrating Tanners people, but Il feel bet er if we had seasoned agents
for this. Its her first solo appearance since
9/11.
“Of course, Savard said, joining Davis in accepting the assignment.
“Do you think theyl try again so soon?
“I dont know. Cam tried not to let her fury, or her seething sense of
frustration, show. “But we cant af ord to think they wont.
Chapter Fifteen
S o, what do you think of the place? With a sweep of her arm
Tanner indicated the world-class yachting marina tucked into a deep,
narrow inlet on the ocean side of the island. Wrapping one arm around
Blairs shoulders and the other around Dianes waist, she led the two
women to the end of the longest pier. Sailboats and cruisers were
moored in the slips along either side. The charterhouse and a luxury
hotel completed the accommodations. “You like it?
“Its amazing, Blair said. “Somehow youve managed to do al this and stil
keep the untamed feel of the rest of the island.
“Its great, Diane said, echoing Blairs sentiment. She hugged Tanner. “I
admit, I never thought youd set le down enough to run the family
business, let alone do something like this. I figured youd be lying out on
some beach with a string of bored, horny cover girls breaking their
heartsuntil you were fifty or so.
“I might have been. Tanner grinned, then her expression sobered.
“Except I
dont know that I wouldve made it to fifty. I was a lit le crazy before
Adrienne.
Blair shook her head fondly. “God, she certainly has
tamed you.
“Ah, look whos talking. Tanner hip-bumped Blair playful y. “Who
would have guessed youd pick a spooky to marry!
“Yeah yeah, Blair said. “Come on, lets get of the pier. Its freezing in
this wind.
“I have to run up to the charterhouse for a second to check something,
Tanner said, “then Il meet you at the car. She tossed Blair her keys.
“Turn the heater on and warm her up for me. Kind of like old times.
“Your charm doesnt work on me, Whitley. So Id watch your step. As
Tanner laughed and hurried away, Blair grasped Dianes hand and studied
her worriedly.
“You okay? Tanner and I rhapsodizing about the joys of set ling down
must be tough for you to hear right now.
Diane nodded. “Im happy for you. Both of
you.
“I know that. But these tears arent from the wind. Blair gently brushed
at the moisture on Dianes cheeks. “You look worn out.
“Im okay. Im just not sleeping very
wel .
“Or eating very wel . Blair loosed an exasperated sigh as she keyed the
remote to Tanners SUV. She pointed for Diane to get into the front
passenger seat as she got behind the wheel and started the engine. “Its not
going to do anyone any good if you make yourself sick.
“Its hard not to think about it al the time, Diane whispered. “Its hard
