Blair knew how to fire a gun. Shed had a license since her late teens and
had been to the firing range fairly regularly since then. But the muf
led pops of control ed gunfire in a firing booth bore no resemblance to
the terrifying reverberation of gunshots echoing down a hotel corridor.
She could stil hear the shots, and the shouts, and her own silent
screams. She found Cams hand and held it. “I was wondering about
the guy earlierthe one outside the banquet hal who was quoting
scripture, or his version of it anyway.
“The gunman didnt say anything, Cam said. “His message was in his
gun hand.
“Where are we going? Blair
asked.
Cam smiled for a second. “Home to Whitley Point. Lucinda wil have
someone take care of the hotel room and pick up our luggage.
“If its al right with you, Id rather not leave the island again for six
months or so.
“Il see what I can do, Cam
said.
“Thank you. Blair knew it wasnt possible, but for just a lit le while, it
felt good to dream.
Chapter Eighteen
Sunday
T anners here, Blair said as the limo pul ed up behind the SUV parked
in the circular drive in front of the beach house. She stif ened when
three figures materialized out of the dark and approached the vehicle.
Even in the middle of the night, with only streaks of moonlight to cut
the inky blackness, she could make out the automatic rifles.
“Theyre Tanners people, Cam said. “Stark probably cal ed ahead
once we were out of range of the city and fil ed Tanner in on what
happened.
Despite Cams assurances that the figures posed no threat, Cam and
Savard got out of the limo first and closed the door, leaving Blair and
Diane shielded inside.
“I dont know how you stand it, Diane said. “Its al so
horrible.
Blair slid across the space between the facing seats and put an arm around
her. “Try not to think about it right now, honey. Wel get you inside
and once were safe, youl feel better.
Diane laughed harshly. “Safe? Thats just an il usion, and I bet youve
known that al along, havent you? She touched Blairs face as if seeing
her for the very first time. “Youve known you could never be safe, so
there was no reason to let them pretend to protect you.
When the door opened and Cam leaned in, Blair didnt move but smiled
over at her. “Il be right out, darling.
“Go with her, Diane said. “Im al
right.
“No youre not. None of us are. Blair rubbed Dianes arm and rocked her
gently as Cam moved away. “Youre partly right, you knowabout my
being guarded. I used to think there was no real need for protection
and I resented them for trying, especial y when it meant having them in
my life twenty-four hours a day. I stil hate iteverything about itbut
mostly I hate that one of them could be hurt trying to protect me. But
theyre very good and theyve saved my life and I trust them with it,
now. Al of them. She took a deep breath. “And I know that I need
them.
Diane shivered. “I saw Paula jump in front of you and I saw her get shot.
Thank God, it was just a mil isecond, but I saw her body jerk, and Il
never forget the shock on her face. She looked down at her hands which
were clasped tightly in her lap. “Al the way back here, I kept
wondering if Valeries already dead. If someone
“Shes not, and you cant think that way. Blair took Dianes face
between her hands. “You never give up. Okay? Its not al owed. We
win.
“God, Diane laughed unsteadily. “Youre turning into one of
them.
“Bite your tongue. Blair released Diane and opened the door. “Come
on, lets go inside.
Tanner stood waiting with Cam next to the vehicle. As Blair and Diane
slid out,
she wrapped her arms around both of them. “Hey, you two
okay?
“Just shaky, Diane
said.
“Weve got a fire going and a nice bot le of wine waiting for you,
Tanner said.
“I dont even want to think about why you need your security people,
Blair whispered against Tanners ear, “but I owe you for the rest of my
life for them. She closed her eyes, trying to banish the sight of Cam
lying on the floor. “Thank you so much.
“Dont even go there, Tanner said grimly. “Im just sorry I wasnt there
myself.
“You did exactly what we needed. Blair eased away from Tanner. “Is
Emory inside already?
“Yes, she volunteered to check out Stark and Tanners security guard.
Cam wrapped her arm around Blairs waist as they walked to the house.
“Stark took a hard hit and I ordered her to stand down. Im sorry, but
I need to contact Wozinski to find out whats going on back there.
“I understand. Just promise me youll try to get some sleep tonight,
too. Blair held the door open and waited until everyone
else disappeared inside before asking, “Do you need
something for your ribs?
“No, its tolerable. Ill wrap this up just as soon as I can.
