Despite the evidence, or lack of it, its too big a coincidence for
me.
Stark nodded. “I agree.
“So do I. Cam stood. “Keep working the Strassmann angle
and assume his target was Blair. See if you can find a
relationship between him and any known Matheson
connectionsmaybe hes related to one of Mathesons men captured
at the compound.
“Will do, Commander. Stark hesitated, as if she were about to
say more, then fell silent.
“Chief? Cam asked.
“Nothing, Commander.
“No, Cam said as if the question had been asked. “We didnt
make a whole hell of a lot of progress, but were still digging.
“We real y need Valerie Lawrence to come in if were going to
find the link to Matheson, Stark said.
“Im working on it. Cam surveyed the group. “Until then we
carry on.
* * * * *
Cam leaned into the living room and tapped on the partial y
open French door that divided it from the hallway and the
first floor bedrooms. Diane was curled up on one end of the
dark brown leather sofa in front of the fireplace. A half empty
glass of wine sat on the end table beside her. Shed changed
from the jeans shed been wearing earlier into black slacks
and a fitted, white scoop neck top with three-quarter length
sleeves. She looked remote and very much alone.
“Can I talk to you?
Diane glanced over her shoulder. “Of
course.
Diane turned back to the fire as Cam sat down next to
her.
“Im sorry I didnt get a chance to warn you about the newspaper article
before you saw it, Cam said.
“Would you stil have released it if I had
objected?
“Yes.
“Thank you for let ing me make the phone cal s this afternoon. My sister
and my
of ice manager were very relieved to hear that I wasnt seriously injured.
Diane added sharply, “Of course, I stuck to the script Stark provided
me. The one you approved, I assume.
Cam winced. “I didnt mean to make you feel like a
conspirator.
“Then why did you do
it?
“Its
complicated
“That means its about
Valerie.
“Yes, Cam admit ed. “She wont come in to protect herself, but she
wil to protect you. And we need her.
Diane shifted, studying Cam with no apparent trace of her previous
anger. “Thats emotional blackmail, dont you think?
“Yes, it
is.
“How do you make that al
right?
“Its bet er for Valerie, its bet er for you. And its bet er for
Blair.
“Thats the bot om line, isnt it?
Blair. Cam regarded her
steadily. “Yes.
“No apologies? No elaborate rationalizations or
arguments?
“No.
“Clear and simple, Diane whispered to
herself.
“Not clear and not simple, Cam said. “Necessary. Valerie wil
understand.
“And youre sure that this is the best thing for
Valerie?
“As sure as I can be, Cam said. “You have to trust me on
that one. Diane laughed harshly. “It seems that we al have to
trust you for quite a bit, Cam. Thats asking a lot, dont you
think?
“Diane, Blair said from the doorway. “Cam knows what shes doing.
Theres no one bet er to make these decisions.
“I hope youre right. Diane rose and strode abruptly toward the
door, then paused to look back at Cam. “Because if something happens
to Valerie because of this, Il never forgive you for using me against
her.
As Diane hurried from the room, Blair said, “Shes just upset. Il go talk
to her.
“Its okay. She deserves to be angry. I didnt handle it
wel .
“Oh, dont be ridiculous, Cameron. Youre not responsible for everyone,
and she happens to be wrong.
Cams lips twitched. “Thank you for coming to my defense. I
think.
Blair grasped Cams chin in her hand, and kissed her, a deep probing
kiss. “I know how you get. Im not let ing you beat yourself up about
this. You did the right thing even if your timing sucked.
“You dont usual y complain about my ti Cam broke of as her cel phone
rang. “Roberts. She held Blairs gaze as she spoke. “Where?. .Tel them
to intercept, but do notI repeatdo
secure the house. Il be right there.
“What is it? Blair asked
anxiously.
“Intruder on the beach. I have to
go.
“Let Tanners people handle it.
Cam
“Stay here, Blair. Il be fine. Il be back as soon as I
can.
“Damn
it,
Cam
Cam ran toward the back of the house, punching in Felicias number on
her cel . “I need back up. Il be on the path to the dunes.
“Roger,
Commander.
Savard?
Cam pushed through the back door. It was dark with only moonlight to
guide her, but she knew the route by heart. She issued orders as she ran,
phone in one hand and weapon in the other. “No. Savards not mobile
enough. Tel her to take a position behind the guest house. No one
approaches the rear of the compound except on my orders. Cal Starkred
alert.
“Copy that.
Cam hit the beach running and saw a flurry of activity,
dark shapes converging from multiple directions, a quarter of a
mile up the strand.
Hearing muffled shouts, she closed the phone and shoved it
into the pocket of her pants. As she drew closer, she saw
