she passed out photographs, “was arrested at the last one for physical y
threatening her as she left the podium. Alexander Frenkel. Theres a
restraining order on him now. If he shows up within five hundred feet of
her, he goes to jail.
“Everyone has his picture, Stark said. “Hes not registered at the hotel,
at least not under that name.
“These four, Hara went on, fanning out another set of images like playing
cards, “have been observed at two out of the last three locations where
Constantine made a public appearance.
Cam
frowned.
“Af
iliations?
“Three belong to dif erent groups, but the fourth doesnt appear to
have any group connections at al , Hara replied. “Two are fetal rights
activists, one is a pro-lifer, and the loner is an unknown commodity.
“Whos providing this intel igence? Cam
asked.
“Local FBI, Mac said. “Theyve kept a file on the doctor since another
stem cel researcherJames Bennet was at acked in a car park a year
ago. The injuries kept him in the hospital for two months.
“Did the victim have any relationship to
Constantine?
“None other than the fact that they knew each other professional y, Mac
said. Stark said, “We anticipate the usual demonstrators tonight. Wel
bring Egret in
through the side entrance, because the protesters wil most likely be out
front
where theyl get more press coverage. The hotel can legal y bar
them from
entering, so once were inside, shel be in the clear from the majority
of the
organized
dissenters.
“What do you have on local anti-gay factions? Cam
asked.
“A few religious groups, but theyre mostly involved with debates
over the church recognizing gay priests and performing same-sex
marriages, Stark answered.
“None of them with a history of
violence? “No.
“The press will be all over her tonight, and were not going to
keep them out of the banquet. Its a fundraiser, and Im sure
the PR people from the institute will want reporters present.
Cam shook her head. “Its going to be a long night.
“Theres one other issue, Commander, Stark said.
Cam gave her a questioning look.
“You were targeted this week, so we have to assume youre at
risk. Wozinski will cover y
“No, Cam said flatly. “I appreciate it, Chief, but dont
pull someone off Blairs detail for me. I dont need it.
“With respect
Cam stood. “Im official y refusing, Stark. You already have two to
coverBlair as the primary and Diane as the secondary. You
dont have the people to cover anyone else. Are we clear?
“Yes maam, Stark said tightly.
“Thank you.
* * * * *
“You ready for this? Blair asked Diane, who sat across from her in
the rear of the limo. Renée Savard sat next to her and anyone
who didnt know better would think they made an amazing
looking couple. Diane, slightly tal er and more wil owy than Renée,
wore a fitted cobalt blue evening gown with a halter tie and
keyhole openings in the bodice. Renées jacket and pants
were equal y elegant. It was obvious to Blair that Renée
walked just slightly ahead of Diane and scanned the
surroundings with every step. Blair noticed the subtle
surveil ance because Cam always did the same thing.
Now Diane peered through the bul etproof, one-way glass as
the armored limo, courtesy of the Boston Secret Service
office, slowed at the side entrance of the Ritz-Carlton. “There
are fewer press here than for one of your gallery openings.
She smiled at Blair, but her eyes were sad. “I was hoping to get
a chance to plug your next show.
Blair laughed, appreciating Dianes fortitude. She hoped that
the evening would at least provide a diversion for her for a few
hours.
She settled her hand onto Cams thigh, absently running
her fingertips along the seam of the silk tuxedo pants. “Most of
them are probably out front, dont you think?
“Yes, Cam said. “But it wont take long for them to figure out where
we are.
“Wel , then, Blair pushed the door open as the limo stopped at the curb,
“lets make them run for it.
With a muf led oath, Cam jumped out and surreptitiously grasped Blairs
hand. “God damn it, Blair, wait.
Stark barreled out of the front and rushed to Blairs opposite side.
Renée and
Diane moved up behind them with Hara fol
owing.
“Sorry, darling, Blair said lightly, hooking her arm through Cams.
“Weve got cameras on the left and people waving signs of to the right.
“I see them, Cam mut ered, keeping her expression neutral as Blair
smiled briefly in the direction of the photographers.
When several cal ed out questions to Blair, she waved but didnt
answer, pretending she hadnt heard them. She pointedly ignored those
cal ing on God or whatever other powers they believed in to punish her
for her sinful ways.
“Lovely, Diane said from close
behind.
Cam reached for the hotel door and found Stark there before
her.
