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diversion for her for a few hours. She settled her hand onto Cams thigh, absently running her fingertips
along the seam of the silk tuxedo pants. Most of them are probably out front, dont you think?
Yes, Cam said. But it wont take long for them to figure out where we are.
Well, then, Blair pushed the door open as the limo stopped at the curb, lets make them run for it.
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With a muffled oath, Cam jumped out and surreptitiously grasped Blairs hand. God damn it, Blair, wait.
Stark barreled out of the front and rushed to Blairs opposite side. Rene and Diane moved up behind them with Hara
following.
Sorry, darling, Blair said lightly, hooking her arm through Cams. Weve got cameras on the left and people waving
signs off to the right.
I see them, Cam muttered, keeping her expression neutral as Blair smiled briefly in the direction of the photographers.
When several called out questions to Blair, she waved but didnt answer, pretending she hadnt heard them. She
pointedly ignored those calling on God or whatever other powers they believed in to punish her for her sinful ways.
Lovely, Diane said from close behind.
Cam reached for the hotel door and found Stark there before her.
Go ahead please, Stark said. The escalators to the mezzanine are directly to your right.
Cam hesitated for just a second, then moved through with Blair by her side.
Youre just my date, remember? Blair murmured.
Sorry, Cam muttered.
Dont be.
Blair and Cam joined the crowd on the mezzanine and a moment later, a small, compact brunette in a black evening
dress approached. Even in heels, she was of average height, but her dynamic expression and confident carriage made
her presence seem larger.
Ms. Powell. She extended her hand. Im so honored that you could come this evening. Im Emory Constantine.
Dr. Constantine, Blair said, taking the researchers hand. Thank you. My partner, Cameron Roberts, and my good
friends Diane Bleeker and Rene Savard.
Agent Roberts, a pleasure. Emory Constantine shook hands with Cam, then indicated the open doors to the banquet
hall behind her. Please, wont all of you join me at my table.
Thank you, Blair said. Wed love to.
You should burn in hell, a male voice shouted from across the foyer. The Bible says you are an abomination.
Cam instinctively stepped between Blair and the direction of the voice just as Stark did the same. Stark slid a hand
under her jacket.
Wozinski has him, she murmured just loud enough for Cam to hear.
Good. Keeping between Blair and that side of the hallway, Cam took Blairs hand and said, Were clear. Lets go
inside.
Blair met Emory Constantines concerned gaze. Im sorry for the disruption.
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Emory smiled faintly. I was about to say the same thing to you, Ms. Powell. I have a number of fairly vocal
opponents.
Then we have quite a bit in common, Blair said.
Emorys gaze flickered briefly to Cam and then to Diane and Rene. Then she grinned, her dark eyes sparkling. It
seems that we do.
Chapter Seventeen
Im sorry, Emory Constantine murmured, bending over Blair, who sat at the head table with Cam, Diane, Rene, and
a number of notables from the scientific and financial world, but would you mind posing for one more round of
photos? The president of the Institute
No, I dont mind, Blair said with a smile, even though shed been photographed with and without her permission more
times than she cared to count in the last three hours. She was used to the press and had expected more than her usual
share of attention after all the events of the last few months and the recent announcement of her personal plans.
Emory it seemed, also garnered a fair amount of media notice, so with the two of them sitting together, the questions
and photos had been non-stop all evening. Ill be right there.
As she rose, Cam did also. Out of the corner of her eye, Blair saw Paula wending her way through the tables toward
her. When Blair followed Emory onto the stage and joined the small group waiting there, Cam and Paula took up
positions off to each side. Randolph Sumter, the current president of the Johnson Institute, was middle-aged,
handsome, and wore his power with subtle arrogance. He didnt try to hide his non-philanthropic interest as his gaze
swept over Blair during their introduction.
Ms. Powell, he said in a smooth baritone, wed love to have you tour the Institute. I think youll find we are doing
some remarkable work.
Yes, Blair replied with polite reserve. Ive followed Dr. Constantines research with interest. You must be very
pleased to have her and her team on board.
To his credit, his smile never wavered. Without a doubt. Pleaseremember me to your father. The board was a staunch
supporter during his last campaign.
I certainly will. Blair took Cams hand. I dont believe youve met my partner, Cameron Roberts.
Sumter acknowledged Cam perfunctorily, signaled to the photographers, and positioned himself between Blair and
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