Lady in Red Pt. 02 Ch. 03

"That's pretty easy for you to say. You're rich, beautiful and still have two of everything you're supposed to have in sets. I know that I'm not as good as I was before I was injured. I'm handicapped now... a cripple."

"So it would appear. You'll remain a cripple until you get your head out of your ass and man up," stated Gwen flatly. "You have a twisted idea of what makes a man. You'll suffer the rest of your life, unless you learn that you're damned lucky to be alive and can still be a productive citizen, husband, and father. It's all on you. I'm sorry, but I don't think I can help you until you decide you want to live."

"There could be hope for this guy," came a soft voice to Gwen's left. "When I saw Gwen talking to you, I felt I had to come over and apologize for the things I said earlier. I should have realized that you were upset. It's still new to you and you're angry with everyone. I was there, and I should recognize and understand it in others."

"That's why I stopped Ms. Anderson when she came in," replied the man as he stood with some effort. "I was extremely rude to you. I asked her to convey my apologies. I was raised better than that. My mom would take a switch to me if she heard me talk like that. I'm just all nervous about my folks coming to see me. I was always athletic in high school and college. I'm afraid they'll think less of me now. How can I go back home like this?"

"That's the issue you have to work through," replied Becky. "I was lucky enough to have a sister that was friends with Gwen, Jordan, and Steve. When they came to visit, I was like you, which I have to say is kind of pathetic. They gave me no sympathy. They just showed me that I was still a whole person with all sorts of great experiences in front of me. I hope you find someone like that in your life."

As Becky finished speaking she heard a woman shout from across the cafeteria. "Look! There he is. Of course he's talking with those pretty girls! Some things never change!"

"Uh oh! That's my mom, and my dad's right behind her. This is going to be embarrassing. They think you're friends of mine. I'll set them straight," promised the injured soldier.

"Would you let me handle it?" asked Gwen as she gave the man a brilliant smile. "Your parents have come a long way to see you and they've been worried to death. Let's give them reason to be happy."

"Oh, Baby!" cooed the woman as she took her son into her arms and hugged him dearly. "We were so worried when we got the news. We were afraid that we'd never see you again. You look thinner, but my home cooking will put that weight back on in no time."

"Son," greeted the man as he put his hand out to shake. "It's good to see you getting around and looking so good. Like your mom said, we were pretty worried. Are these ladies your friends?"

"Yes, we are," responded Gwen. "I'm Gwen Anderson and this is Becky Summers. Your son is a fine man and we were enjoying a conversation with him. You both must be very proud."

"Oh, we are!" beamed the mother as she studied Gwen's face. "You look just like that Gwen Anderson that's in those movies and makes those records. This girl looks like the one in the movies that only has the one hand and still outfights the bad guys."

Becky smiled as she raised her left wrist that had been concealed in her pocket. "That would be me. As you can see, I'm not always beating guys up, unless they give me reason."

"Mom! This is 'the' Gwen Anderson and 'the' Becky Summers from the movies, TV, the internet, and whatever else is out there now. I was just telling them..."

"How excited he was to have his parents visit!" interjected Gwen. "He tells us that you're a great cook and he can't wait to sit down at your table and enjoy one of your meals."

"He told you that? Pete never was one to miss dinner," laughed his mother. "How is it that he's got two famous, beautiful women chatting with him?"

"Wait! Your name's really 'Pete'?" laughed Becky heartily. "You're Pete? What're the odds?"

"Yeah, I guess it's funny. If you can laugh about your hand, I'll have to learn to make jokes about my foot," acknowledged Pete. "Before you go, I do apologize for being so rude earlier today. I was feeling pretty down and you came along at the wrong time."

"Now, Pete," cautioned Gwen. "What kind of red blooded American male would say that a girl as beautiful and talented as Becky came along at the wrong time? Any time you get to see and meet a girl like Becky, it's the right time, wouldn't you agree?"

"Well, yes I would. It was great meeting you and I'll try to man up so you two aren't disappointed in me. Thanks for trying to help me get my head wired straight."

"That sounds a lot better. We hire quite a few veterans at our businesses in Sparta. We expect everyone to carry their weight, but once you finish rehab and feel you have something to offer, stop in if you want a good job. Tell them that Becky and I recommend you," finished Gwen.

"Hey! I didn't say I'd recommend him. He thinks I'm a freak because I only have one hand," reminded Becky.

Pete's mother quickly turned to her son with shock written all over her face "Did you say that? To a beautiful girl like Becky Summers? Didn't we raise you better than that?"

"Don't be too hard on him," laughed Becky. "I think we've got it straightened out. I guess you can tell them that I recommend you, too, Pete."

The two women walked away smiling as Pete's mother launched into a long speech about how he needed to improve his attitude and his manners.

At that moment, Steve was waking up from a shallow sleep. He and the two girls had traveled three nights and were again resting during the day. Sleep came pretty quickly for all three after a full night of walking, but it was difficult to stay asleep more than a couple hours at a time. After the incident with the snake, the girls wouldn't let Steve get more than a couple feet away. They even insisted he stand close by when they stopped to relive themselves, and they gave him very little privacy for his personal ablutions. Every morning, they would wade into a fast moving stream and sit down to take care of nature's call. That allowed them to remain together, but still manage a small amount of privacy.

"My dad said you should be playing pro football," announced Roxie when she saw Steve rub his eyes to indicate he was awake. "He said it after that first game you were on TV. Dad says that you're a natural, and that was one of the best games he ever saw.

Steve nodded to the girl lying next to him to acknowledge that he had heard her. As he lay next to the girls, he began thinking back to his first few weeks at the Academy and practice with the football team.

It was obvious to Steve, and to everyone else that he was not going to be treated the same as the rest of the incoming class. His instructors made little effort to conceal the fact that they were not going to give him an easy time of it simply because he was Steve Hammer. They were consistently harder on him to avoid the appearance of favoritism.

Within a few days of entering the Academy, Steve was asked to sign a waiver pretty much stating that he agreed to have his image used by the Navy for recruiting purposes. The Navy would allow him to attend functions outside of the usual activities, but he would always be representing the Navy. His conduct had to reflect the best traditions of the Navy. His scheduled trip to Sochi was such an occasion.

When he began football practice, the coach made a point of telling him that all the fame in the world would not influence his decision as to where and when Steve might play. That's how Steve found himself the back-up punter and third string quarterback. Tim Meadows was a senior and had been the team's starting quarterback the previous year. His arm strength was average at best, but the players respected him and he was a capable leader. Bill Jenson was a junior and felt he was ready to challenge Meadows for the starting position. He had a live arm and quick feet, but he was not as well liked and respected as Tim Meadows. Steve would have to be content to be the holder on field goals and extra points. As the back-up punter, it was not likely that he would see any action, and as third string quarterback, it was very unlikely that he'd be taking any snaps under center.

Steve never complained. He simply worked as hard as he could and helped his teammates every chance he had. Gradually, the other players began to gain respect his work ethic and team spirit.

On the first offensive series of the first game, Tim Meadows went down under a fierce Ohio State rush with a torn ACL. Bill Jenson was sent in to replace him. By the end of the first quarter, it was apparent to everyone watching that Jenson was in over his head. He was unable to read the defense and frequently made bad decisions. He fumbled once and tossed two interceptions before the first quarter ended.

The Navy punter actually had managed two excellent punts before he was hit as he made his third punt of the quarter. Ohio State recovered the ball at midfield. Unfortunately, the punter was taken off the field on an oversized golf cart. Just before the end of the first quarter, a Navy defender snatched an underthrown pass intended for the end zone.

He made it back to the Navy twelve yard line before being tackled. In the ensuing three Navy offensive plays, Jenson managed two incomplete passes and then was sacked on the four yard line. The first quarter ended with Ohio State up 24 to nothing. It was fourth down and Navy had the ball on the four yard line.

Steve was sent in for his first punt ever, as the second quarter began. He stood at the very back of the end zone, remembering how his coach had beseeched him to get the kick away no matter how fast they rushed him.

Everyone left the huddle and got into position. Steve barked the signals, and the center snapped the ball... way over Steve's head! Somehow, Steve managed to leap way up and block the ball from going out of the end zone. As he landed, he managed to reach out and grab the ball as it fluttered toward the turf.

Steve gripped the ball to punt it, but he saw two defensive players preparing to dive into the ball as he kicked it. He suddenly pulled the ball back and stepped to the side as the defenders dove past him. It was clear to Steve that he'd never get the kick off. Ohio State players were pouring over the center of the line. Steve scrambled to his right, but was rapidly running out of real estate. As he reached the corner of the end zone, he caught a glimpse of a player in a Navy uniform racing down the far sideline. Steve stopped, pulled back his arm, and stepped ahead as he put everything he had into a deep pass. As he released the ball, he was driven backward to the ground by two defenders.

Fans watched in awe as the pass sailed the width of the field and way down it. A Navy player reached out and pulled the ball in on the dead run at the Ohio State forty-five yard line. He simply continued on to the end zone, untouched by any defenders!

No one was more stunned than the Navy coach. He had closed his eyes in a grimace when it appeared that Steve was going to be tackled for a touchback. The sudden silence from the crowd caused the coach to return his gaze to the field. It took him a moment to find the ball. By the time he located the ball in flight, he realized that it was headed for a Navy player!

Suddenly, Navy was on the scoreboard with a broken play that covered 96 yards! The fans came alive and the players were energized. His teammates helped Steve to his feet and slapped him on the back. Then they trotted the length of the field to prepare for the extra point. After the huddle, Steve assumed his position as the holder. The kicker took his spot and once again, Steve called the signals. This time the center bounced the ball back toward Steve! He had to jump to his feet and move to his right to corral the ball. By the time he scooped it up, Ohio State defenders were rushing hard in his direction. Steve rolled farther right, looking for a receiver. Seeing none, he turned toward the goal line, eluding a couple of tacklers along the way.

As he approached the goal line, a linebacker moved laterally to cut off his progress. Steve lowered his shoulder and increased his speed. The two players came together with a loud pop that was heard in the stands as well as on television. The linebacker managed to hold onto Steve but went over backwards as Steve's momentum carried him forward. As he was falling Steve held the ball out and laid it on the goal line as his knees hit the turf. Navy had a two point conversion! Once again the Navy fans voiced their approval. Steve struggled to his feet and teammates once again patted his back as they trotted toward the sidelines.

Latter, the broadcasters would debate whether the turning point of the game was the broken pass play for the touchdown, or the team's reaction to the guts and determination Steve displayed on getting into the end zone for the two point conversion even though they were so far behind.

Ohio State received the kick-off and moved down the field quickly, but stalled at the Navy ten yard line. They kicked a field goal and had a 27-8 lead. After receiving the kick and being assessed a penalty that pushed the line of scrimmage back to the twelve yard line, the Navy coach sent Steve in to quarterback. On the first play from scrimmage, Steve made an excellent fake to the back on a play action pass. Then he looked to the left sideline and found the receiver well covered. He then stepped quickly to his right to elude a big defensive end before spotting his second receiver on a deep crossing route. Once again, Steve stepped into the pass as he rifled the ball thirty yards down the center of the field. Two defenders tried desperately to reach the ball, but fell just short. The receiver took the ball against his chest while running at full speed. He tucked the ball in and raced to the end zone!

In two plays, Steve had two touchdowns and 184 yards passing! The home team fans roared their approval as the players once again trotted the length of the field for the extra point attempt. The coach sent a different player in to snap the ball this time. Steve easily caught the snap and placed the ball down for the kicker. The extra point was good and suddenly it was a 27-15 game.

Steve didn't manage any more real long pass plays that afternoon, but he did manage to pick the defense apart and throw for 380 yards total. Once the passing game clicked, the running back was able to pick up positive yards. Navy was not able to stop Ohio State's offense, but they did manage to slow them down and force them to settle for field goals on three series. On two other series, they added two more touchdowns.

Navy received the kickoff with four minutes left and down 47-39. Steve quickly moved his team to the Ohio State 12 before the drive stalled. He had a pass dropped by a crowded receiver, and then he simply missed his receiver on the next play, and threw the ball away on third down because of intense pressure from two linebackers. Navy took the field goal and moved within five points with just a little over two minutes left. On the next series, Ohio stayed on the ground for the first two plays, but Navy held them to just four yards. On third down, and after the two minute warning, Ohio State attempted a long pass down the sideline, only to have a defensive back for Navy pick it off just before going out of bounds at the Navy 22 yard line.

The fans had already grown confident in Steve's ability to lead his team down the field. They now had a quarterback! Steve connected on passes to the sidelines even as Ohio tried to force the receivers inside. Navy worked its way downfield and with twelve seconds left, had the ball resting on the ten yard line. As Steve stood over center, he called an audible, much to the surprise of his teammates. He had seen that Ohio State had two extra defensive backs in the game and had pulled two linebackers. He took the snap and immediately stuffed the ball into the big fullback's belly just before he hit the line. A lineman made a futile effort to stop the big back with an arm tackle. The fullback plowed through it with his sights set on the goal line. There were two defensive backs between the bruising fullback and the end zone, but he simply ran them over, dragging the second one with him as he crossed the goal line and scored the winning touchdown as time expired!

Steve was a very popular man in the locker room after the game. The guys immediately accepted him as their quarterback. In just one game, he made the transition from just being tolerated, to being the team leader. Even Jenson was man enough to congratulate Steve on a great game and wish him the best. Steve's opinion of the man increased tremendously. He had learned long ago that adversity and disappointment were the true tests of a man. Jenson displayed impressive character with his acceptance of the situation. That game marked the beginning of an amazing football career for Steve Hammer at Navy.

"Are we going to stay here all day?" asked Roxie as Steve pulled his thoughts back to the present. "It's pretty slow going when we travel in the dark. Maybe we should try moving in the daylight, but be careful to not let anyone see us."

Steve had been thinking much the same thing. He was worried about how long it was taking to remove the girls from the area controlled by the cartel. Sam was awake and watching him as he considered Roxie's suggestion.

"Okay, but here's the deal. You make no noise and if I give a signal, you drop down into the bushes and stay out if sight. We can't have anyone see us," insisted Steve as he gathered his weapons and prepared to move on.

Steve had been moving parallel to the road and quite close to it. Twice he had signaled the girls to drop down because a vehicle was passing by on the road. They had only traveled a mile or so when Sam made a grunting noise and pointed. Steve and Roxie looked in the direction the girl was pointing but saw nothing. Then Steve noticed a paper tacked to a tree along the road.

"Wait here, girls. I want to see what they're advertising. Maybe it's a great deal on clothes, or food!" joked Steve as he headed toward the tree.

What he found took him completely by surprise. Nailed to the tree was a poster with a picture of his face on it. He recognized the photo from a promotion he had done for his second movie. Below it was the standard 'Dead or Alive' line, just like the 'wanted posters' from the old west. The big difference was the amount of the reward. The cartel was offering $50,000 American for information leading to the death, or capture of Steve Hammer!

That was a fair chunk of change anyplace, but in the impoverished mountains of Colombia, it was a fortune. Steve had no illusions about how the reward offer would increase the number, as well as the determination, of people looking for him. He would have to be even more careful now.

Gwen had been having dinner with her family at the hotel when she received a call from Amber Stahl. She listened intently for a couple minutes before finally speaking.

"Yes, I have a response. Lady in Red Productions will pay the sum of one million dollars to anyone assisting Steve Hammer and the two girls to escape from the cartel. As soon as we finish this conversation, I'll be calling our legal staff. We'll have thousands of flyers printed and distributed in that area of Colombia immediately. You can report that as soon as possible."

Gwen slammed her phone down in anger as she turned to her family. 'Those bastards are putting out posters offering $50,000 reward for information leading to the death, or capture of Steve! You heard what I told Amber. Can we do that, Mom?"