Radclyffe - Honor Under Siege

Were drawing from al sectors of domestic and foreign security to fil

the critical positions.

“Field posts or administrative? Cam

asked.

“Both.

“Answering

to

whom?

“For now, to the Director of Homeland Securitywho answers

to me.

“Anti-terrorism? Cam asked, very aware that she was

interrogating the president, and he was al owing it. She wondered how

much that had to do with her relationship with Blair. Quite a lot, she

imagined.

“That and border security. Possibly Customs. Wel work those things out

as we finalize the Cabinet level responsibilities.

“Why cant the security agencies we already have handle anti-

terrorism? Blair asked. “The CIA, the FBI, the military security

divisions. God, how many are there?

“A lot, and thats part of the problem, the president said. “We obviously

need to centralize and oversee intel igence gathering, analysis,

projectionsthe whole thing. And we need to be able to respond with ef

ective, organized force.

Cam leaned forward. “On domestic

soil? Powel s face hardened. “If

need be.

“Its going to take some doing to get the FBI, CIA, DOJ, and

military intel igence to play together, Cam observed.

“I know that. And time is something we dont have. He stood and walked

to his

desk, then returned to his seat with a thick folder. “Were organizing a

number of special teams immediately, drawing from personnel across

security divisions. Id like you to head one, Cam.

“On behalf of the Secret Service? Cam

asked.

The president shook his head. “Obviously, al of this is for your ears

only, but I expect wel move the Secret Service completely into

Homeland Security within the next few months. I want you as one of

the new deputy directors of the OHS.

“In what capacity? She quel ed the quick surge of excitement. The

balance of power within the intel igence community was shifting, and she

was being of ered a premier seat.

“Counterintel

igence.

Cam looked at Blair, and her focus instantly shifted from exhilaration to

concern. Blair was pale, and the shadows beneath her eyes were back.

“I cant give you an answer right now, Mr. President. Blair and I need to

talk.

“I understand. Once youve decided, we can discuss

specifics.

“Thank you, sir, Cam said, standing and extending her

hand.

Powel rose to return the handshake. “I couldnt discuss this

with you beforehand, Blair. With either of you. Its a mat er of national

security.

“Of course, Blair said dul y. “It

always is.

* * * * *

Stark approached as Cam and Blair stepped into the

lobby.

“Wel be going directly to my apartment, Chief, Cam

said.

“Very wel . Stark murmured a few words into her radio. “The

vehicles right outside.

“Thank

you.

Blair was silent on the walk to the Suburban and remained that way

for the cross-town ride. When they reached Cams building, Blair

automatical y took her position between Stark and Hara, with Cam and

the third agent slightly behind her as they entered the lobby and crossed

to the elevator.

“Hara, youre on radio backup. Wozinski, youl take the lobby this shift.

Stark glanced at Blair. “Wil you be going out this evening?

“I dont know, Blair said as she stepped into the elevator ahead of

Cam and

Stark.

“You can reach me on my cel should you

decide

“I

know

that.

When the elevator doors opened, Stark checked the hal before al owing

Blair to exit. There were only two apartments per floor with doors

opening of each end of a spacious, carpeted foyer and smal seating area.

The short hal way and the alcove next to the elevator were empty.

Cam removed her keys from her pocket. “Il check the apartment, if you

want to wait here with Ms. Powel .

Blair made no objection, and when Cam emerged from the apartment a

moment later and held the door open, Blair walked past her with no

comment. Cam fol owed her inside and closed the door.

“Hungry

?

Blair glanced at her watch. “Diane should be here soon. Lets wait. She

checked

her phone, then pushed a but on. “Il see where she is. We can order

pizza.

“Okay. Let me have your jacket. Cam held out her hand for Blairs

leather blazer. She hung it in the closet next to her own, listening as

Blair spoke with Diane.

“Where are you?. .Do you need a ride? Are you sure?. .Okay. See you

soon.

“Shes on the train? Cam

asked.

“Yes. Shel be here in about an

hour.

Cam crossed the room, took Blairs hand, and drew her to the sofa in

front of the windows. “Lets talk.

Blair leaned against Cams shoulder. “Why? It never changes

anything.

“I didnt see this coming, Cam said. She eased her arm around Blairs

shoulders and drew Blair against her side. She leaned her cheek

against Blairs hair. “I didnt give much thought to this homeland

security business when I first heard about it. Its going to be a huge

bureaucratic snafu with al the security agencies struggling to protect

their turf. Thats not my style.

“My father wants you to head a special team. Blair said. “That always

means outside normal channels. Thats your style.

“I admit thats a lit le more appealing. Ive never had a desk job. I dont want

one.

“I know. Youre a field agent. But were not talking about chasing

counterfeiters, Cam. Special teams for homeland security means

terrorists. It means something dangerous.

“Not necessarily. Most of the time special teams are assembled just

because theyre more ef icient at gathering information. Its stil mostly

desk work.

Blair tilted her head up. “Thats bul

shit.

Cam smiled. “We dont know what your father wants me

to do.

“You cant possibly think its a coincidence that Lucinda brought up

Valerie Lawrence right before my father asked you to head

up a special counterintel igence team. Do you?

“No, Cam said quietly. “I

dont.

“My father cant talk about those kinds of operations, but Lucinda can,

which is why she met with us first. Abruptly, Blair stood up, walked to

the windows, and spoke with her back to Cam. “They want Valerie,

and theyl use me and my friendship with Diane if I let them. And

theyl use you, because you She raised her hand, then let it fal .

“Because you were in love with her.

Cam crossed to Blair and rested her hands on Blairs shoulders,

drawing her gently back until their bodies connected. “You know

thats not true. What happened between us was limited to a few

disconnected hours. It had nothing to do with the rest of our lives. And

I didnt know she was a counterintel igence operative. Jesus, I thought

she was a prostitute.

“I know al that. And I know you had feelings for her. Ive told you

before, its okay. Blair shrugged, her back stil to Cam. “Wel , mostly

okay. Except now and then when I let myself notice how beautiful she

is.

Cam nuzzled Blairs hair. “I was never in love

with her.

“She was special, though. She had to be, for you to care for her.

Blair half turned so she could see Cams face. “Do you trust her?

“Thats part of what Im going to have to decide. Because if I

undertake this assignment, and its Valerie they want me to find, I have

to know who Im going after.

Blair turned completely and threaded her arms around Cams waist. “ If