It was clear to Cam that no one knew or cared who Blair was. Everyone was absorbed in their own pursuit of sex, or whatever particular thrill they were seeking. Cam needed to be sure Blair remained anonymous, and she wasnt entirely sure how to do that. Calling attention to her by trying to remove her against her will certainly wasnt the best course of action. Cam resigned herself to watching for the time being. That proved to be more difficult than she anticipated.


Blairs companion was not easily diverted, and continued her insistent caresses. She had essentially trapped Blair against the bar with an arm on either side of her while she straddled Blairs leg between her own. Blair turned her face away as the woman persisted in kissing her neck, one hand now inside Blair's shirt, fondling her breast. Blair did not seem particularly affected by the activity, but her ardent suitor apparently was. As Cam watched, the other woman began to ride Blair's leg harder, her motions jerky and tense. Can had no doubt the woman was poised to orgasm right there at the bar.


Blair could feel the womans heat through the material of their clothing, and heard the shaky moans as her companion pressed her damp crotch against Blair's thigh. It hadnt been Blairs intention to let her go that far, not until her eyes swept across the room and met those of Cameron Roberts. She was momentarily stunned. The agent leaned against the opposite wall, dressed in jeans, a white cotton shirt, and boots. She looked completely at home, and was easily one of the sexiest women in the room. The fact that Blair found the Secret Service agent attractive infuriated her, especially since she knew Cam was only there to watch her.Well, let her watch , she thought angrily to herself. She kept her eyes on Cams face as she cupped the womans buttocks in her hands, squeezing the taut muscles in small tight circles, lifting her leg hard into the other woman's crotch.


"Let me have it, baby," she whispered in her companion's ear, pumping her own hips now. "You want to, dont you?"


"Oh Jesus, yes," the stranger panted against her neck. "Oh fuck, unhh - I need to come -" She was so far gone all she sought was that elusive instant of bone melting release. "Oh, god, yeah ---"


Cams gaze never strayed from the sexual display. Her faced revealed no emotion, nor did Blairs, as Blairs partner in the drama shuddered into climax against Blairs body. Cam might have been embarrassed to witness the encounter had she sensed a shred of intimacy in it. It was erotic, of that there was no doubt. She knew she was wet, but the physical arousal did not penetrate her consciousness. She wasnt the only one watching, although the interest of the others was of a different nature.


As the woman's spasms subsided, Blair extracted herself from her spent partners embrace, grasping her drink from the bar and pushing her way into the crowd. She did not look back at the woman sagging against the counter, gasping for breath. She did not acknowledge the occasional appreciative comments her performance had elicited. She took her time crossing to Cam.


"Enjoy the show, Agent Roberts?" she asked as she stepped to Cams side. The press of the crowds brought her within inches of Cams body. She could make out a light sheen of sweat on Cam's skin in the soft red glow of the lights.


Cam's eyes were impossible to read as she returned Blairs gaze. "I have a car outside when youre ready to leave," was all she said. She had no intention of involving herself in a conscious way in Blair Powells personal affairs. She might have to witness them, if Blair continued with this kind of public encounter, but she didnt have to be a participant.


"And if I decide to walk home?"


"As you wish," Cam replied.


"Im not sure Ive had enough entertainment yet," she said pointedly.


Cam shrugged. "The car will be there no matter how late you stay."


"And will you be?"


"Yes."


Blair sipped her manhattan, the only drink shed had all evening. She might like to walk on the wild side, but she wasnt a fool. She tried to gauge the agents attitude from her expression and the tone of her voice, and found she couldnt. Cameron leaned relaxed against the wall, her tone friendly, her face composed. To anyone watching, they might be any two women in the first exploratory stages of a typical bar encounter. Except Blair knew they werent, and as much as Agent Roberts made it appear that she had some choice in the rest of the evening, the truth was that the moment they found her, her freedom had ended. She set her glass on the nearest table.


"You dont make it as my choice for an escort," she said bitterly. "Im going home."


Cam followed Blair out to the street at a discreet distance, and once she saw her climb into the car with two of her agents, she headed tiredly toward home herself. As she walked, she tried not to replay the image of a strange woman surrendering to passion in Blair Powells cold embrace.







Chapter Five



Mac was surprised to see Cameron walk in at seven a.m. on Sunday morning. The report from the night watch said it was she who had picked up Egrets trail and tracked her down in the late hours of the night. Interestingly, there was no report on the surveillance inside the bar. Roberts would have to do that herself. He nodded hello as she poured coffee and joined him at the large central work station.


"How long have you been on this detail, Mac?" she asked conversationally.


"Since the beginning of the Presidents term," he replied.


"Have things been this out of hand the entire time?"


He held his breath for a second, trying to judge who he might potentially offend that mattered. He couldnt think of anyone. "Worse. At least last night we found her. Theres been a half dozen nights, and one whole weekend, when we didnt know where she was."


"Christ," Cam muttered. "How in hell did you keep that quiet?"


Mac shrugged. "Egrets not stupid. She knew wed have to hit the panic button if she were completely out of contact, so she called in every few hours, randomly, from pay phones, to prove she was okay. We ran around like assholes the whole time trying to find her."


"No repercussions?"


"Egrets got a lot of pull with her old man. If someone complains about her, and it gets back to him, it better be serious, or youre looking for a new job. And he doesnt seem to think a little joy riding is too serious."


"I do," Cam said flatly. "And since were not going to get any help from above, well have to stay tight on her, but not get in her way. Shes most likely to run if we crowd her."


"I think everyone understands the plan," he replied.


"See that they do."


"Yes, maam."


**********


At three p.m., Blair emerged from the apartment building and climbed into the back of the nondescript black car waiting at the curb for her. Cameron Roberts was inside. Blair was dressed for the gallery opening in a simple black dress that spoke of taste and understated elegance. The thin straps accentuated the toned muscles of her shoulders and arms, while the scooped neck revealed just a hint of cleavage. This was a pre-publicized event, and the presence of the secret service was expected. Blair noted that Agent Roberts looked well-attired for the gathering in a gray silk suit and monochromatic shirt, beautifully tailored and fashionably cut. This was one public servant who did not buy her clothes off the rack.


The guest list was a mixture of all the important art collectors in the city and quite a few of the artists as well. Cam had photos of all of them, and invitations would be required for admission to the Soho gallery. Nevertheless, this was the most dangerous situation for Blair - a public function, advertised in advance. At the very least, there would be a curious crowd gathered outside. Cam planned on being inside with two other agents, while the second team waited in the car.


"Good afternoon, Ms. Powell," Cam remarked as they traveled.


"Agent Roberts, we meet again. Are you to be my date today?" she asked mildly.


"I was planning on coming in after you were inside. Its not the best idea for me to be too easily identified. For those times wed prefer none of us be recognized."


Blair laughed with just a hint of bitterness. "Times like last night, you mean. When it might be embarrassing."


"For those times when you might like as much privacy as possible," Cam amended quietly.


Blair stared at her. "Youd like me to think you care?"


Cam shrugged lightly, a small smile flickering at the corner of her mouth. "The happier you are, the happier Im going to be."


Blair laughed again, this time with no restraint. "You are honest at least, although Im not sure how far that will get you."


"Its the only card I have to play," Cam said seriously.


Blair surveyed her coolly. "Your approach is certainly novel. Im used to strong-armed tactics - 'behave or else'. No one has tried the humble 'Im just here to look after you' routine before. I suppose you think Ill fall for that and suddenly bare my - soulfor you?"


Her tone was mockingly suggestive, and her frank survey of Cams body left little question of her intent. She shifted slightly on the leather seat, baring an expanse of smooth, well-muscled thigh.