President of the United States -has been criminally unprotected formonths , and not one of you reported it? Even if I could overlook your lack of responsibility to her - which I cant - it is impossible to excuse your silence regarding the potential danger to national security. Were she kidnapped it would threaten the presidency.' Leaning forward, both hands flat on the table, she said succinctly, 'I want a request for transfer from every one of you on my desk in one hour.'
As Cam turned toward the door, Paula Stark stood abruptly. 'Commander!'
'Yes?' Cam questioned.
'I dont want a transfer, maam. I want this detail.'
'Really? And why is that?'
Stark took a deep breath. 'Because she is my responsibility, and because I can do what no one else can. Ive spent months following her through half the gay bars in this city. I am recognized, and Im accepted. I can go where most of the others cant. You need an inside person, and thats me.'
Cam regarded her silently.
Paula met Cams penetrating gaze. 'I should have filed a report sooner. We lose her regularly, and its always because were never informed of her route, or she changes it, or she intentionally lies to us. Were all frustrated - but thats no excuse.'
'Youre right. Thats no excuse for what you all have been participating in. Regardless of Ms. Powells duplicity, it is your sworn duty to guard her. If you dont have what it takes, you dont belong here. I dont want anyone on this team who doesnt want to be here.' She looked over the group. 'Ill see that there are no repercussions if you request transfer now, but I guarantee I will see you posted to an embassy in Somalia if you fuck up on my detail.'
An hour later, Mac knocked on the door to Cams eight by ten office.
'Comander?'
Cam studied his boyishly handsome face. His blue eyes were serious.
'Are you staying or leaving, Mac?'
'Im staying if you want me. Two men want transfers - theyre bringing the paperwork. Im sorry I fucked up. If you dont trust me'
Cam stopped him with a raised hand. 'I need a good coordinator, Mac. We have an uncooperative target - nothing is going to change that. We are going to have to be able to readjust personnel, vehicle placement, even motor routes at a moments notice. I need to be with her - consistently, persistently - until she figures out that we are not going away.'
She saw the look of disbelief he quickly tried to hide. She laughed, the tension easing from her shoulders for the first time since she left the gym. 'Yeah, I know. Im dreaming. Youll be the desk jockey most of the time were here, and the communication center when were not. Are you in or not?'
He favored her with a brilliant smile. 'Im in.'
'Good - then find me replacements for the two who are leaving. I dont even want to see the files until youve been through them. And Mac - we both know what the problem has been. If theres even a hint of homophobia, I dont want them on this assignment. Blair Powells lifestyle is not our concern, and shouldnt affect the way we do the job. I want that clear.'
'Yes maam. I understand.'
'Good. Well brief for the trip to Washington at 0700.'
As soon as her second in command closed the door, Cam leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes. She didnt want to think about her response to Blairs blatant sexual overture at the gym, but she had to. She could not afford to be distracted, and there was no denying the effect Blair had on her. Fortunately, it was purely physical, and they would be in Washington in two days. She could satisfy the insistent demands of her body then.
**********
Cam was the last one on the plane. The cabin space was small, and Blair sat alone near the rear. Three other agents had boarded earlier and occupied the area just behind the cockpit. Cam nodded to them as she moved toward the rear, finally settling in the seat across the aisle from Blair. She stretched her legs into the aisle and pulled a stack of memos from her briefcase.
'Do you have plans for tonight, Agent Roberts?' Blair asked. She liked the semi-casual look of Cams pressed khaki chinos and matching blazer over a cotton broadcloth shirt. The only way she liked her better was in the tight faded jeans she wore when she was off-duty. Blair remembered very well how good Cam looked in those. In fact, every time she thought about that night in the bar she wanted nothing more than to get her hands inside those jeans. For the moment at least, that seemed unlikely.
Cam smiled, shaking her head slightly. 'No plans. Happy Birthday, by the way.'
Blair flushed slightly, then reminded herself the agent was only being polite, like most of the people in her life. She leaned forward, lowering her voice as she spoke. 'Why thank you. I dont suppose a birthday kiss is in the offing?'
Cam glanced at her, aware of how attractive she was, then back at the papers before her. 'No.'
They did not speak for the rest of the flight.
Cam accompanied Blair across the drive to the private entrance to the White House. She stopped at the door as a guard opened it for Blair.
'Ill see you in the morning, Ms. Powell,' she said. The door swung shut with no response from the Presidents daughter. The White House Security staff would be responsible for her welfare from this point until she was ready to leave the next day. Cam was looking forward to a day off, and a relaxing evening.
