without each movement feeling like a knife stabbing through her.
“Diane, are you al right?
Mutely,
Diane
nodded.
Blair concentrated on burying her panic. Cam was in the car behind her.
That was al that mat ered. “Where are we going?
“If
Paula
Renée shuddered and for just a second, Blair thought she was going to
break down. Then she squared her shoulders and continued.
“Paula wil let Mac know the exit route, and hel communicate with our
driver. Blair looked out the window and saw that they were heading out
of the city. The
last thing she wanted was to end up in another safe house, but she
realized that
was one decision she couldnt impact. She closed her eyes and wil ed her
mind
to go blank. It didnt work, but it kept her from trying to break down the
barrier between herself and whoever was driving and demanding to
know where they were going. Just when she thought she couldnt stand it
anymore, she felt the limo slow down. She jerked upright and saw a sign
for Interstate 495 South flash by as the vehicle turned into a deserted
truck weighing station by the side of the highway. “Whats happening?
Renée shook her head. “I dont
know.
Blair reached for the handle, but Renée stopped her. She was about to
protest when the door opened and Cam slid in. The limo immediately
accelerated back onto the highway.
“Are you al right? Cam slid her arm around Blairs shoulders and pul
ed her close.
“Am I? Blair laughed shakily and pressed her palm to Cams chest. “I was
afraid
She lost the words and just kissed Cam instead. “Are
you?
“Other than a few sore ribs from ending up under one of Tanners
security guards, Im fine. Cam stroked Blairs hair and looked at Diane
and Renée. “You both okay?
“Yes, Renée reported, sit ing tensely on the edge of the
seat.
“Stark took a round in the chest, Cam said. “Her vest stopped it. Shes in
pain, but shes stil in charge. Shel be okay.
Renée blinked and looked away. “Thank
you.
“Was anyone else hurt? Blair
asked.
“Another one of Tanners people took a shot to the vest in the
process of shielding Emory Constantine.
“Emory! Blair said, momentarily stunned. “My God, is she
hurt?
“She sprained her wrist, but shes tough and taking everything in
stride. Cam glanced at Savard. “We brought Emory with us. Shes in the
Suburban.
“Smart cal , Savard said. “What about the
assailant?
“Hes dead. Stark left Wozinski behind temporarily to coordinate with
the FBI
and police. Cam coughed and
winced.
“Are you sure youre not hurt? Blair said
immediately.
Cam shook her head. “Sore ribs. I got a quick look at the guy. Hes one
of the four on Emory Constantines watch list.
“You mean
exclaimed.
“Were not sure, but its possible. Cam shifted, obviously trying
to get comfortable. “For now, were not making any assumptions.
“How much of this can we keep out of the press? Blair
asked.
“Starks already been on the line to Lucinda, whos spinning some story
right now about Emory suddenly being taken il to cover her leaving
the banquet. Fortunately, the scene was contained immediately so we
may be able to keep the real details out of the press.
“Good, Blair breathed. “The last thing I want is another story circulating
about me being a target. She took Cams hand. “Youre sure youre okay?
“Yes. Now she was, now that shed seen Blair. Now that some of the
helpless fury at not being able to reach her when shed been in danger
was dissipating. Despite the pain in her ribs, she held Blair more tightly.
“What? Blair murmured, sliding her hand to the back of Cams neck.
“Darling?
“Nothing, Cam whispered. The instant shed seen the assailant, shed
tried to shield Blair, but Tanners man had grabbed her from behind
and thrown her down. If Stark hadnt been there, hadnt moved without
the slightest hesitation, Blair could be dead. Cam closed her eyes, as if
that could obliterate the image in her mind, and buried her face in Blairs
hair.
Blair moved her mouth close to Cams ear. “Im al right. Im
right here.
Cam took a long breath, straightened, and directed her next
comments to Savard again. “Theres been no evidence of pursuit, and
this has the feel of a lone gunman.
“I agree, Savard said. Her color was bet er and her eyes focused and
intent. Beside her, Diane looked exhausted, but calm. “He was probably
staying at the hotel or knew someone who was.
“But how did he know where we were? Blair said. “Or that we were
leaving?
“He could have paid one or even several of the hotel employees to keep
him informed, Cam said. “Its possible he had an accomplice who was a
legitimate guest at the fundraiser. He might have been watching
the limo from some vantage point within the hotel, but I think thats
less likely. Once Wozinski and the rest of the on-site team backtrack his
route, wel know more.
“He didnt say anything, did he? I didnt hear anything before the shots.
