Honor Under Siege

to discuss that later on today. Il get back to you with a timetable.

Diane laughed. “I wish I was going to be there to

hear it.

The wind had died down and Blair was warm in the sun. She shrugged

out of the black leather blazer shed pul ed on over a scooped neck navy

T-shirt and jeans. “You could come down for a few days. I should stay

for a while once I get there, and I could use the company.

“Real

y?

“Yeah, Blair said softly. She wanted to say more, that right now

it felt good to be surrounded by the people she loved and who

loved her, but she couldnt. She didnt want to remind Diane that

Valerie was gone, not when she knew how hard Diane was

trying to hold on to the belief that Valerie still cared for her.

That Valerie hadnt simply abandoned her after a short,

convenient affair. Worse, that Valerie hadnt used her as part of

her cover story. “Say youll come down.

“Im not stayingyou know where.

The White House . Blair laughed. “Oh, believe me, neither am

I.

Well stay with a friend. With Cam.

“Oh goody, Diane said, sounding like her old self for the

first time. “Sooner or later, Im going to get to watch.

“You just keep on dreaming, honey. Everyone needs a

dream. After a pause, Diane said, “I know. I just discovered that.

* * * * *

Five hours later, the Air Force jet that Blair and the others

had boarded at Lexington Air Force Base northwest of Boston

began its descent to Andrews Air Force Base in Prince Georges

County, Maryland, a few miles southwest of DC. Ordinarily

Blair and her team traveled by corporate jet, but with the

heightened security, Lucinda had dispatched the same transport

usual y reserved for the president, the vice president, high-

ranking dignitaries, and other VIPs. It was another change in

Blairs life that didnt make her particularly happy, but she

understood the need for it.

“How long do you think well be at priority one, Blair

asked, leaning against Cams shoulder.

Cam took Blairs hand and drew it into her lap. “Indefinitely

would be my guess.

“Thats what I was afraid of. Blair sighed. “I detest

military escorts. Do you think theyre going to restrict my travel?

“Are

you

planning

on

going

somewhere?

Blair laughed. “Wel , I was hoping for a

honeymoon.

“Ah. That.

“Youre not backing out are you? Blair shifted on the seat

and studied Cam intently, the barest hint of worry in her eyes.

Cam held her gaze. “Absolutely not. I told you. Name the

time and place, and Ill be there.

“You dont think we should wait, because of everything

thats happened?

“I think the best way for any of us, all of us, to let the world

know that we wont be terrorized is to continue to live. No, I

dont think we should wait.

“Thank

you,

Blair

said.

Cam brushed a kiss over her fingers. “Did you think Id change

my mind?

“You have hit your head a couple of times recently. Blair

leaned over and kissed the corner of Cams mouth. “It might

have been enough to make you forget how much Id hurt you if

you did.

“Just let me know when you plan to drop this little bomb

on

Lucinda, Cam said. “Id like to be somewhere

else.

“Coward.

Cam

grinned.

“Guilty

as

charged.

“Excuse me, Paula Stark said as she made her way down

the center aisle. “Well be on the ground in a few minutes.

Ground transport will meet us on the tarmac. Youll exit once

weve cleared

the area, Ms. Powel .

“Thank you, Paula. I know the

drill. “Yes maam.

“Sorry. Blair sighed, already feeling the claustrophobic atmosphere

of priority one security. “Paula, Ill be staying at Cams after

we finish at the White House.

Paula nodded, her expression never changing. “Yes maam.

When Stark had moved back toward the front of the plane, stopping

partway to confer with her team, Cam whispered, “It would be easier if

we stayed at the White House.

“Easier

for

whom?

Cam laughed. “Your security

team.

“I dont like to make love in those antique