Lady in Red Pt. 02 Ch. 19

Once they were out of hearing, Jong asked Steve to tell him what had just taken place. Steve explained how he noticed that the second man had not fired all of his rounds, thus causing Steve to be concerned. He remained close to the man and it was a simple matter to deflect his arm so the shot was high and wide. As Steve finished his explanation, Jong was smiling as he shook his hand firmly and promised the Duval family would be allowed to return with the American contingent.

Because of the attempt on his life, Jong had the city locked down while his advisors tried to determine who was behind the plot to kill him. The Americans were instructed to terminate their visit and leave as soon as possible.

Just before takeoff, the Duval family was driven out to the aircraft and allowed to climb onboard. It was a very jubilant group that took off for Washington. Steve was actually embarrassed at the way the two girls fawned over him on the flight home. Senator Mason had explained Steve's role in securing their release while the two girls stared at him with big moon eyes as they listened in awe.

Hampton Duval was very emotional as he shook Steve's hand and clapped him on the Back. Hampton Jr. was only slightly less demonstrative as he thanked Steve profusely. The mother and sisters cried as they hugged Steve and thanked him over and over. Steve realized how stressed the family was and graciously accepted their praise.

The reporters on the flight made certain that they recorded the touching reaction to the family as they expressed their gratitude. Representative Kasen made a feeble attempt to gain some time and interest from the reporters before he gave up in frustration.

Once things had settled down, Senator Chatham indicated she wanted Steve to sit in the seat next to her. "You came through for that fine family today, Steve. You made us all look good. I want you to know that President Hanson is quite pleased with my report. I even think our relationship with North Korea might improve. You saved Jong's bacon and he knows it. Hopefully, he'll be a little easier to get along with, but that remains to be seen.

"I've noticed you've developed a much tougher, less patient attitude toward your critics since the trouble Gwen had with the Ethics Committee. I was worried that you were going to throttle that idiot, Kasen. Is this change permanent, or just an aftereffect of the unfair accusations against Gwen last month?"

"Both," replied Steve as he formulated his thoughts. "I've come to realize that I can't keep turning the other cheek when someone comes after me. It's seen as weakness by many. I'll always try to be fair and polite to those that show me the same courtesy, but if anyone thinks they can run roughshod over me, they'll quickly find out that it won't happen. If someone attacks Gwen, I'll make certain that they regret it.

"We're public figures and subject to rumors, lies, innuendos, and insults. I understand that and accept it. I will not accept disrespect and accusations that demean or belittle what we've accomplished, or hope to accomplish. Kasen went on this trip simply for the publicity. I don't think he really cared if the Duvals were freed or not as long as he had his picture in the paper. I have nothing but contempt for people like that, and I really don't care to conceal it any longer."

Gwen received an email from Steve that evening before she went to bed indicating all had gone well and the Duval family was returning to the states. It wasn't until she watched the news the next morning that she learned just how instrumental Steve had been in the success of the mission. She chuckled to herself when she read his email over again. He wasn't one to brag, that was for sure!

Gwen and Charlotte had to work very hard and spend a great deal of time preparing for their finals. The school had been lenient about allowing time off for the international efforts they were involved with, but expected them to pass the same tests as everyone else. They finished their third year of med school the day before the annual Memorial Day Weekend concert in Sparta.

The day of Gwen's return to Sparta for the summer marked the day that the first issue of the company's quarterly magazine hit the newsstands. Gwen had not had time to preview it because of her studies. She had spent several hours showing her friends and relatives around her brand new four thousand square foot home that afternoon.

"I know it's a lot like Jordan's, Lisa's, and Mom's, but I wanted everyone to see it," admitted Gwen as she tried to contain her joy. "Having a new home with my favorite people living so close is a dream come true. I hope to have you all over hundreds of times in the next forty years. We have five bedrooms. I don't know if we'll manage to fill them all, but once we get married, we'll start working on it."

"At least you're going to marry a guy that changes diapers, although he may decide that he doesn't want too many kids after he changes enough of them," laughed Lisa. "When do you think you'll get married, anyway?"

"Steve knows that I expect a ring sometime after I get my M.D., and a wedding within a year of the engagement. I could be twenty seven years old by the time we're married! I hope I'm still able to have children."

"As an almost doctor, I can tell you about actual reports of women almost thirty years of age giving birth, if you can believe that," laughed Charlotte. "In fact, I plan on being one of them. Billy and I expect to be married within a year of getting my degree, too. We're a little concerned about how much time residency requires, but we'll make it work. I just hope I can land a position with the local hospital."

"If you can't, we'll shake the place up," assured Paula. "They always need good doctors, especially ones that worked so hard to raise money for the new wing. Pediatricians are always in demand and you'll be a good one. I'm sure of that."

"I can't wait to show Steve the house tomorrow. We'll be sleeping in our own bed in our own house," smiled Gwen.

"And we all know why you can't wait," laughed Jordan. "I'll never forget the day in Russia when we walked in on you and Steve. If I hadn't seen it, I never would've believed it. Do you have orgasms like that all of the time?"

"Not all of the time," replied Gwen thoughtfully. "Usually they're much more intense, but we were pretty tired that day, so we didn't give it our best."

"I call bullshit!" responded Lisa. "If you had them any more intense, you'd be in a coma by now. Every last one of us was stunned when your eye rolled into your head and you practically howled in ecstasy. I bet it'll be interesting living around here on warm summer nights when all the bedroom windows are open and eerie moans and erotic howlings echo across the hillsides and across the lake."

"Okay, that was one of our better moments, but we've had a few that surpassed it" revealed Gwen with a smile. "I think it's because I love that guy so much, he's so strong, and has such a big ..."

"Okay!" interrupted Paula. "The guy's a regular love machine. Let's change the subject. And I'd advise you to stop telling women what a great lover Steve is. All of the girls adore him already. You're just making the temptation worse for them with that sort of talk."

"Speak for yourself. Or are you?" asked Stephanie. "It isn't just us younger women that drool when Steve's around. We all know that Steve has a thing for you, and you're pretty crazy about him. Maybe you're having trouble with the temptation, too."

"Regardless, we need to change the subject. Have you seen the first issues of Lady in Red, Gwen?" asked Paula. "It's extra thick because it gives a history of the company and the owners. We held up printing so we could include that trip to Russia and the Ukraine. Then we had to add Steve's jaunt to North Korea and how he's now friends with another world leader. I think it'll be a collector's item!"

"We're selling them below cost because we have all of the advertising in them and we want to circulate as many as we can," added Stephanie.

"We had a bunch printed in Russian and Ukrainian, as well," commented Lisa. "I spoke to a major clothing line in Moscow while we were there and they agreed to carry our line. They'll sell our clothes all over Russia, which can be huge for us. I did the same in Kiev and hope to have a lot of sales in the Ukraine."

"I'll tell Steve about that. He's coming in tomorrow and we'll be spending our first night in our new home after the concert. I can hardly wait!" admitted Gwen cheerfully. "He's bringing company, but the house is big enough so any noises I make will go unheard, I hope."

"I didn't know that Steve was bringing someone with him," replied Jordan. "Please tell me that it isn't Nadiya!"

"No, it isn't, Miss Smarty-pants! Besides, she has a boyfriend now, so I can stop worrying about her, for the most part."

"Who's the mystery guest?" asked Paula.

"Cynthia and Vince will be spending Friday and Saturday with us. We're going to show them around Sparta and have them as our guests at the concert," responded Gwen.

"Just so I'm clear," managed a surprised Charlotte. "You're talking about the next president and his wife, possibly?"

"I'd say it's a good chance, actually," answered Gwen. "He's been doing well in the polls and winning primaries. He's pretty much a cinch to get his party's nomination. It'll be a tough general election, but Steve and I think he'll get in."

"You're having the next president sleeping here tomorrow? On your first night in your new house?" marveled Lisa. "I guess we should start getting used to world leaders and famous people spending time in Asgard. We'd better get Valhalla finished this year so we'll have enough room for everyone that wants to spend some time here with Jordan, Gwen, Charlie, and Steve."

After everyone left, Gwen sat at her new kitchen table looking through the magazine. The ads were sexy, but very well done. The stories were fascinating, even to Gwen who had witnessed many of the situations live. It was obvious to Gwen that Stephanie had come up with a great idea!

Sparta was extremely crowded the next day. When the helicopter flew over town on its way to Asgard in the early afternoon, most locals assumed that it was delivering Steve home.

Less than an hour later, Jordan and Charlie, along with Steve and Gwen, and Cynthia and Vincent Rosen were seen browsing the local stores and shops. Two years prior, Sparta had started the tradition of shutting down Main Street to vehicular traffic on the day of the concert. It gave the town's merchants opportunities to use the sidewalks, and even the streets to display their wares as thousands of people visited the downtown area.

Steve had advised the Rosens to not campaign while they were in town. "The idea is for people to see you as regular guests and not politicians trying to garner votes. If you're likable, you'll gain their support. If you use this crowd to try to campaign, many people will resent it. Just be a normal couple visiting friends and having a good time. Trust me on this. You'll be glad that you did."

The four famous friends spent a lot of time catching up with neighbors and introducing the Rosens to them. When asked about political issues, the Rosens would simply smile and tell everyone that they were taking the weekend off from politics to enjoy the holiday in Sparta. That response always seemed to please the people within hearing.

"Look how Gwen, Jordan, Steve, and Charlie, greet people by name and ask about their families," pointed out Cynthia Rosen to her husband. "We need to learn from them. We keep trying to make people interested in us, when we should be interested in them!"

Gwen and Jordan were surrounded by girls of all ages asking questions and just trying to interact with the two famous women. Soon both of them were holding a little girl in each arm and laughing with the others. It was an education for the Rosens and they were serious students. No candidate for the highest office in the land ever generated as much interest and good will as Gwen and Jordan. They were more than hometown heroes. They were role models for all of the girls. And they were loved.

As they traveled up and down Main Street, Charlie and Steve were often flirted with by women of all ages, but Vince Rosen was more impressed with how the men they encountered reacted to them. They were constantly slapped on the back as they shook hands with smiling men. Every so often, some burly guy would actually hug one or both of the local heroes.

There didn't seem to be anyone that the four didn't know by name. That fact amazed Cynthia Rosen. She marveled at how the friends spoke to everyone on a first name basis. Some of the people that greeted them were in dirty work clothes, or in some cases, had ragged clothing. Gwen and Jordan never flinched when they hugged and smiled at these people and chatted with them.

With some of the more distressed looking folks, one of the four would speak to them quietly, obviously asking some questions. Then they'd produce a slip of paper and hand it to the person, or family suffering through hard times. Both Rosens wondered about the slips of paper these people were carefully tucking in wallets and purses.

Several reporters and cameramen followed the group. Some were from news departments while others were from entertainment stations. Cynthia Rosen knew that the reports would show Gwen, Jordan, Charlie, and Steve warmly interacting with the public and greeting many of them as personal friends. Vincent Rosen could only gain from being their friend!

At five o'clock, the group had worked their way near Marsh's Landing. They thanked everyone while explaining that they had to have dinner so they'd have the energy to give Sparta the quality entertainment they had come to expect.

Even while dining in a private room with family and friends, quite a few people would stop in to simply say hello and pat someone on the back and to thank them. Vincent Rosen was pleased when more than a few people took the time to thank him for coming, and for not making any speeches!

As had become the custom, all revenue from the broadcast rights and any donations made at the concert were returned to the community by Lady in Red Productions. A large share was donated to the hospital, while money was also donated to buy equipment for the police and fire departments, as well as parks and recreation. Local scouts and youth leagues were also supported. A substantial sum was set aside for local families having trouble with rent or heating bills.

The Rosens had asked about the slips of paper Gwen, Jordan, Steve, and Charlie had given to obviously needy people. It was explained that they were vouchers for food and clothing from local businesses. The people were required to interview at Lady in Red headquarters in Sparta for possible employment as the only condition attached to them.

When it came time for the concert, the entire downtown was lit brightly as thousands of people gathered to watch the show. Those not able to gain access to the performing arts building itself, were treated to numerous jumbotrons placed around the building, with several also placed on Main Street. It was a huge block party that Sparta looked forward to every year. Its financial importance to the area had come to rival the Christmas Season for merchants and business owners.

With the new intensity they had found since Gwen's performance after the ethics hearing, the concert was a huge success. Gwen, Jordan, Steve, and Charlie each did two numbers for encores as their hometown cheered and yelled approval on every number. Almost five hours after they began, the stage finally went dark.

"It's like the middle of the day here!" marveled Jordan as they traveled to Marsh's for their traditional late meal. "All of the stores are still open and people are shopping and partying. It looks like Sparta's become a town that never sleeps."

"Once the weekend is over, it'll be back to normal," predicted Kate. "Gwen, did I see you cry tonight when Steve was singing?"

"I started remembering how I felt last year when Steve was trapped in Colombia and I was afraid that he'd die. Then he somehow came back to Sparta and I knew that he was on that chopper," recalled Gwen. "I was very emotional then, and I still lose it a little when I think about those terrible few days.

"Things are much better now, so let's enjoy our good fortune and be thankful," suggested Steve as he hugged Gwen. "It all worked out and we're together now. That's all that matters."

The next afternoon saw all of Gwen's and Steve's family and friends at a pool party at their new home. The pool was Olympic size and heated to 85 degrees. The affair was catered and everyone had a great time.

Steve was often seen holding Theresa. He even took her into the pool and played with her in the water. A little later he was seen showing Stephanie's little brother how to do various swim strokes. Billy was seven and able to swim, but Steve felt he should be more familiar with all aspects of swimming and not just be able to tread water and move slowly from one point to another. Next he had Richard Drake's daughter in the pool and was showing her how to float.

"Look at your boyfriend," pointed out Diane to Gwen. "He's so good with kids. Billy idolizes him, while Theresa and Ingrid love him to death. He's going to make a wonderful father. I remember the first time I saw you two together in swim suits. I told Paula and Lisa that you'd have beautiful children."

"I really hope so," admitted Gwen. "Now that Jordan's pregnant and Lisa has Theresa and you have Billy, I feel incomplete or something. I want a family and it's getting more difficult to wait. I know Steve will be the best father ever."

Vince and Cynthia Rosen had a great time at the party. Billy actually tossed Cynthia into the pool half way through the afternoon. Everyone watched to see how she would react. She surfaced, gasped a few times, and begged Billy to help her out of the pool as she held her hand out to him. To his surprise, and the delight of everyone else, she managed to pull him in when he took her hand. Billy then escorted her out of the pool and gave her a towel as a peace offering.

"Your wife just passed the test," revealed Steve to Vincent Rosen as they chuckled at the little by-play. "She can take a joke, and dish them out. Our friends and family can make a difference in your campaign if they believe you're the right man. I think they've just become believers."

The Rosens spent Saturday night and left Sparta very early Sunday morning since Vincent was once again scheduled for a morning news program at eleven AM. The family and friends spent another afternoon by the pool at Gwen's. Paula mentioned to Steve how much she had enjoyed the Rosens.

"I liked them both. I worried that Vincent might be a bit of a problem after you and he had words years ago," confessed Paula. "But he seems to have adjusted his attitude toward you and Gwen. I imagine that the things you told him at the time went a long way toward that adjustment. As wonderful as you are, being on your bad side is a huge mistake. I hope I never find myself there."

"There's no chance of that," assured Steve. "You're going to be the best mother-in-law a guy could ever have."

"That's because she's the best looking one a guy could ever have," proclaimed Billy as he walked past them. "Ted's a lucky guy."

"That I am, Billy," agreed Ted. "She's given me three beautiful daughters, but she looks like she could be their sister rather than their mother."

"Dad, have you been taking lessons from Steve?" asked Lisa. "That was a really nice thing to say. No wonder she loves you so much."

"It's not what he says so much as the things he does," responded Paula. "He saved your life at Gwen's graduation and went with Gwen to Iraq to find Steve. It's the way he accepts responsibilities and cares for me and the rest of his family that really makes me love him so much."