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Maybe it would be better if you didnt fi nd her, Blair said carefully.
You mean you think her disappearing act was just her way of dumping me? Diane donned a pale blue cotton shirt
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and buttoned it, turning partially away from the bed so that Blair wouldnt see her hands shaking. She knew what Blair
was trying to say, and she had considered that obvious explanation every day since Valerie had vanished one morning
before dawn. Theyd had an affair and now it was over and she was a fool not to simply accept it. You think I should
just let her go?
I dont know, Diane, Blair said gently. But its complicated with Valerie. Theres no way of knowing if she left because
she wanted to or because she had to. But either way, she left without explaining, so I cant imagine she wants you to
go looking for her.
Shedid call me. Diane referred to the brief call the morning that Valerie had disappeared. The morning of the raid on
the mountain stronghold of a group of paramilitary fanatics. That must mean something. If she was...moving on, why
call?
Blair agreed, but was afraid to say so. She wasnt sure it was safe for Diane to have anything to do with Valerie now.
Not when it seemed like half the country was looking for her. You know shes an agent, and the whole national
security system is in an uproar now. Its going to take time for everything to settle down. Weeks. Months maybe.
I dont want to wait months to talk to her. To see her again. Diane turned her back and walked to the window. She
wrapped her arms around herself. I miss her. God, I miss her.
Oh, hey, Blair said, hating the pain in Dianes voice. She scrambled off the bed and crossed to Diane, hugging her
from behind.
Maybe Cam could just get a message to her from me. Just so she knows Diane struggled with tears.
Just so she knows I havent given up.
Ill do what I can, Blair whispered.
Diane leaned back in Blairs arms and rested her cheek against Blairs. Thanks.
Blair held her tightly, wondering what shed just promised. And how she could keep her word to one
woman she loved without betraying another.
* * * * *
The elevator jerked to a stop and Paula opened her eyes. For a few dizzying seconds, she wasnt sure
where she was. Two women and a man, all in business suits, stood talking to her left, ignoring her as she
leaned against the wall in the corner. She blinked at the number panel. 10thfl oor. A glossy picture of a
restaurant on the far wall advertised the Veranda at the Wyndham Washington, DC. She was at the hotel
where the team stayed when on temporary assignment in the Capitol. She remembered Hara dropping
her off out front before he took the Suburban around to a special reserved parking slot. Then what?
Jesus, was it possible shed fallen asleep standing up?
Excuse me. Flushing with embarrassment, she pushed away from the wall and jumped between the
elevator doors as they started to close. Some Secret Service agent. Shed completely lost track of her
surroundings. It didnt matter that she wasnt on duty. It was her job to be observant.
She slid the plastic card key from her pocket as she strode quickly down the hallway, hoping to leave
her discomfi ture behind. She let herself into room 1020. It was dark and still inside, and for an instant,
she thought she was in the wrong place.
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Renée? Unconsciously, she swept her blazer back and rested her hand on the grip of the Sig Sauer
holstered on her right hip. Babe?
Im here, Renée Savard replied.
Paula felt on the wall for the switch, then hesitated. Can I turn on the light?
Just a second.
Paula heard the squeak of springs, then the bedside lamp came on. Renée, still in the clothes she had
traveled in, lay on top of the covers on the queen sized bed. Renées holstered service weapon rested on
the bedside table next to a prescription medicine bottle. Paulas stomach tightened, but she forced a smile
as she crossed the room and leaned down to kiss her lover. She brushed her hand over Renées cheek.
Taking a nap?
Trying to.
Paula settled gingerly on the side of the bed and tapped the immobilizer encircling Renées leg. Is your
knee bothering you?
Its fi ne, Renée said sharply, then just as quickly caught Paulas hand as Paula started to get up. Im
sorry. Yeah, its a little bit sore. She gestured toward the medicine bottle on the table. Im trying not to
take those things, but my whole body aches from not being able to move around much. This fucking
immobilizer She trailed off, looking disgusted. Christ, youve been on your feet working since dawn, and
Im complaining.
Renée closed her eyes and turned her head away.
Since Im here now and can wait on you, Paula said lightly as she released the Velcro straps on the stiff wraparound
brace, why dont we take this off. The doctor didnt say you couldnt bend your knee, just that you couldnt
weight-bear. No wonder it hurts, being squeezed in this thing for hours. You want me to lock up your weapon, too?
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