Helen noticed the sudden tension in the group of individuals standing around Blair, but it seemed to her that this was Blair Powell's party, and if she wanted to ski, she should certainly be able to ski.
'Right this way.'
As Blair followed Helen across the room and disappeared down a hallway, Cameron turned to the others.
'All right everybody. Mac - you take care of the room arrangements. Make sure we have someone on either side of Egret's room, and across the hall. Preferably everyone on one floor. Stark, Taylor-you get suited up and find out which trail she's going to run. Make sure you take an emergency kit with you. I'm going to change so I can ski with her.' For a moment, she had forgotten completely about Diane Bleeker. As usual, Blairs lack of regard for the realities of providing her protection had placed them in a difficult situation. They had no time to adequately survey the area, and they had no sense of who might be out on the trails with her. Cam was startled to feel the touch on her arm.
'I should think you would be used to her by now, Commander,' Diane said softly. 'As long as I've known her, she has refused to accept that she cannot behave like the rest of the world. She has always wanted to be simply ordinary.'
Cameron nodded, remembering her own childhood and what it had been like growing up among her fathers diplomatic friends and her mothers world famous artists circle. She had watched the children walking to school from the windows of the limousine that took her almost everywhere. She had longed to be one of the anonymous crowd, knowing all the time that it was impossible. She knew the sadness of being different, and the loneliness of being separate, no matter how hard her parents tried to create the appearance of an ordinary life.
Diane watched the emotions flickering quickly through Cams dark eyes, astounded at the depth of the other woman's compassion and understanding. Her own response was more than a little frightening. She had long since abandoned the desire for anything beyond a casual physical relationship with the women in her life. This one was different. There was something almost hypnotic in Cam's reserve, something tantalizing in her secrecy. She made you want to know her, without consciously inviting you near. Diane thought if she had any sense at all, she would be trying to put distance between them, instead of hurrying after the elusive commander and her errant lifelong friend.
'God, that was great!' Blair exclaimed, stomping the snow from her boots and shedding her ski parka. She made her way to the small bar tucked into one corner of the huge lobby. 'I'd love a glass of red wine,' she said to the bartender. She turned to Diane and Cameron. 'What about you two?'
'Martini for me,' Diane said.
'Just coffee,' Cameron responded.
'Thats a fabulous trail, dont you think?' Blair enthused, tossing her head back and shaking her hair free. Her eyes were glowing, her cheeks faintly flushed from the cold air.
'It was everything it was advertised to be,' Cam responded. She had been skiing since she was three, and it had taken every bit of her skill to keep up with Blair. The younger woman was not only expert, she was fearless. Even in the waning light of late afternoon, she had blasted down the unfamiliar trail with abandon. Diane, also a very accomplished skier, had followed several hundred yards behind them, skiing efficiently but more cautiously. Cameron had posted agents at the head and foot of the trail, in constant communication with her via radio, but she was the only one actually in near physical contact with Blair. Despite the low-risk factor of this secluded resort, she did not want Blair very far from her sight. She hadn't skied quite so aggressively in ten years. She knew her muscles would be sore in the morning. Nevertheless, the sight of Blair's pleasure made it worth it. She was absolutely radiant, and Cam had a glimpse of what she might be like were the circumstances different. There was a joy and lightness about her that Cam had not seen before. Blair was more than beautiful; she was breathtaking.
Cam looked away, gently placing her coffee cup on the bar top. 'I think I'm ready for a shower.' She turned slightly, murmuring into her lapel microphone. Almost instantly, a stocky red-haired man appeared in the doorway. Satisfied that her replacement was nearby, she quietly walked away.
Diane watched her leave, wondering if she had any idea how revealing the expression in her dark eyes could be. Diane had watched Cam watching Blair, and the pleasure in Cams gaze was painfully evident. As quickly as it appeared, it was gone. Diane wondered what force of will it took to control her feelings so completely. She wondered too why it was necessary.
Shortly after 5 a.m. the next morning, Blair pushed open the swinging doors to the kitchen and followed the scent of coffee. She found Helen seated at the large scarred wooden table, sipping the steaming brew and working on a crossword puzzle. Helen smiled a greeting and gestured toward the coffeepot.
'Thanks,' Blair grunted, reaching for a cup. Moving slowly, she sat beside Helen at the table.
Helen glanced at her, then asked, 'Where are your friends?'
Blair grimaced, blowing across the top of the liquid to cool it. 'I'm sure theres someone right outside the back door, and another one in the dining room.'
'Doesn't seem like much fun,' Helen remarked.
Blair appraised her cautiously. She saw no hint of anything other than open frankness in her face. She allowed herself a brief smile. 'Well, I could lie and say Im used to it. In fact, Iam used to it, but I've never learned to ignore it. It bothers me.'
'I can imagine. On the other hand, I guess itis impossible to let you run around by yourself.'
Blair laughed. 'Apparently so.'
Helen leaned back, scrutinizing the striking young woman across from her. This was not the sophisticated,
