I have friends, col eagues, family who will be concerned and
what ifyou know that Valerie will probably see this. Someone
should have told me.
“I dont have any idea how Blair remembered a snippet of
her conversation with Cam less than an hour ago. Cam had
said she
might have an idea about reaching Valerie. She had
that Lucinda was involved, and this press manipulation had
Lucindas fingerprints all over it. Blair straightened, her mouth
tightening. “Im not sure what this is about, but Im going to find
out.
Grabbing the newspaper, she marched toward the dining
room, now the security operations center, where she had last
seen Paula and Mac. Mac was at the computer, studying what
looked to be a floor plan. He swiveled on his chair to face her,
his brows knitting.
“Wheres Paula?
“She went back upstairs to bed. Macs expression was polite
but guarded. “Is there something I can help you with?
“How about this? Do you know anything about this? She
extended the newspaper. From Macs quick glance, she knew that he
was aware of the article.
“Ah, that might be something you want to ask the commander, he
replied, obviously framing his reply careful y.
“Shes in a briefing. Why dont
to me?
Mac regarded her with mute appeal. “Im afraid I cant. Im
sorry.
“Al right. Of course not. Blair turned and walked away. When she heard
Mac rise she looked back over her shoulder. “Stay here, Mac. Im not
going any further than Cams of ice. God, its not like theres anywhere to
He grinned cautiously. “Ive never known that to stop you. Respectful
y, Ms. Powel .
She narrowed her eyes, then laughed. “Maybe its time to rotate out my
security
team if you know me that
wel .
“It does take a long time to train the new ones, he said with a
straight face.
“I suppose you have a point. Blair felt some of her anger ease. “Il see
you later
Mac.
“Maam.
By the time she reached the guesthouse, her fury had abated enough that
when Cam walked into the living room in response to her arrival, she
managed to ask calmly, “Can I talk to you for a minute?
Cams gaze dropped to the newspaper she held tightly clenched in hand.
“Ah. She slid her hands into the pockets of her black chinos. “I see that
Lucinda is even more ef icient than I anticipated. The article is in
there?
“Your
doing?
“Mostly. Lucinda made the necessary phone cal s to the papers. Cam
shook her head. “Even with the White House behind it, I didnt expect
to see anything until this evening.
“Lucinda doesnt waste time or
words.
“Apparentl
y.
“Damn it, Cam. Diane doesnt understand this kind of thing. You
should have told her, or let me tel her.
Cam gestured to the sofa. “Lets sit down for a
minute.
“I dont want to sit, I want an explanation. I told Luce I wouldnt
use my friendship with Diane like this. I didnt think I needed to tel you!
“Just give me a minute and Il explain. Cam sat
down.
“Fine. Blair fol owed, but sat far enough away that they werent
touching. “Youre using this to lure Valerie, arent you?
“Not entirely. Its a good cover story to explain al the of icial activity
around the hotel last night. It keeps your name and Emorys out of the
paper. And, yes, Cam said with a sigh, “it might draw Valerie out into
the open. You can be sure shes scanning news sources for any available
intel.
“Why didnt you tel me about this
earlier?
“Other than the obvious reason being that I was
preoccupied? Blair smiled faintly. “Other than that.
Cam rubbed her eyes. “I didnt think wed see any activity around this
until later in the day. Diane was stil asleep, and she met Blairs intent
gaze. “I didnt want her trying to contact Valerie and tel ing her it was
fabricated.
“Jesus, Cam. Shes my best friend and shes hurting so much over this.
How do you think shes going to feel if Valerie isI dont know, trapped,
because of her?
“Blair, Cam said gently, “Valerie is in real trouble out there. The best
thing for her is for us to be able to protect her. If she surfaces because
shes worried that something might happen to Diane, or that something
“Can
I
tel
Diane?
“Its going to put you in the middle. I hate to do
that.
“Im already in it. Theres no middle ground left,
Cam.
Cam moved along the sofa so she was closer to Blair, but did not
touch her.
“Can you tel her part of it, and leave out anything about Valerie
for now?
“Shes not nave, Camshe might ask me about Valerie. What shal I tel her
to do if Valerie cal s?
“Tel her to talk to her as long as she
can.
“Youre tapping Dianes phone? Blair asked
incredulously.
“Were tracing it back through her cel ular provider. Its not perfect, but it
gives us a starting place. Cam placed her hand flat on the sofa
between them. “Im sorry, Blair. It has to be done.
Blair was silent for a moment, then took Cams hand and cradled it in
