Lady in Red Pt. 02 Ch. 07

"How do you think I handled that?" Gwen asked Steve as soon as the reporter was out of earshot. "Was I too casual, too indifferent?"

"Not at all," laughed Steve. "I think you've found the way to run for office. Don't worry about votes, or positions on issues. Why waste time learning them before you're elected? You're too busy learning medicine to worry about the things he was asking. People need to know that they would be electing an intelligent, caring person that will take the time to study an issue, speak to people affected by it, and then make a calm, informed decision. You'll make the best decisions possible. What more could they ask for?"

"I sort of hope I get elected. You're going to be in Washington and that really increases its allure for me. I'd rely on you a lot, but people must know that by now. I would think that fact would garner votes for me. Everyone knows how well you handle international situations. You're a proven statesman," praised Gwen. "Voters could do worse than have us working for them in Washington."

"Sis, could I ask you and Steve a big favor?" interrupted Kate as Chip stood quietly behind her. "A little while ago they announced that there's going to be a big fund raiser for a family down in Statenburg tomorrow. The husband was wounded in Iraq and the wife is battling breast cancer. They have three kids. It's less than three hundred miles. Would you guys talk your posse into riding down there tomorrow to support the event, if you feel up to it, Steve? I could ride with Chip and he'd see how cool it is run with the big dogs. For the first time, I'd feel like I was part of everything instead of just tagging along."

"You should explain to Chip that these Harleys don't have training wheel?" joked Steve with a straight face as Chip flashed a big grin. "I'm feeling better every day and would love to go. If Gwen's willing, we'll ride with you, regardless of how the others feel about it, but I bet most of them will want to go."

Kate explained her idea to the friends sitting at the table. "I can't ride that far yet, and I'd worry about Lisa and the baby, but we can drive one of the vans and be part of the support group this time," offered Jason as the rest of the group quickly voiced approval of the idea.

"Okay, we're on for tomorrow. Now I have a couple more chores for Kate. If she wants to run with the 'big dogs' as she put it, she needs to learn how it all works," stated Gwen.

Gwen led Kate up to Johnnie Dee, the DJ supplying the music. She spoke to him for a short time and Johnnie nodded his head in agreement. As the song he was playing ended, he picked up the microphone.

"Folks, I have a young lady here with me that wants to make an announcement. It's for a great cause and I ask that you all listen to what she says. I present Kate Anderson."

Kate took the microphone from the DJ and began stating her case. "We all heard the announcement about the family in Statenburg. The mom is undergoing treatment for breast cancer and the father is a wounded veteran doing his best and working two jobs. Jordan and Charlie, along with my big sister and her amazing boyfriend, along with some of their friends have agreed that tomorrow will be a great day to hold another 'Ride for American Pride'.

"We'll be pulling out of Marsh's Landing tomorrow at seven AM. We'd like as many people as possible to join us for the ride. If you can't make the ride, please try to get to the benefit that's going to be held all day tomorrow in Statenburg. If you can't make it, please consider a donation to this wonderful American family that's struggling through no fault of their own. You'll be able to meet Jordan Quick, Gwen Anderson, Charlie Burns, Steve Hammer, and many of their friends and relatives and help a family in need. Thanks!"

As Gwen led Kate toward a young man speaking with the Governor, she shook her head in wonder. "Kate, you did great! I keep thinking of you as my little sister, but you've grown into a beautiful, intelligent, compassionate woman and I'm extremely proud of you. Use your considerable charm on this reporter."

"Hello, Governor. We don't mean to interrupt, but my sister, Kate, wants to speak to Mr. Peirce. Mr. Pierce, this is my sister Kate."

"I just wanted to ask you if you could mention our ride to Statenburg tomorrow in your report. It's for a great cause. I know it's short notice, but we could really use the publicity to help the family," finished Kate as she flashed her best smile.

"Are you kidding? Everyone knows what happened to Amber Stahl's career when she started getting exclusives from your friends. I'd be happy to interview you and do my best to get it on our news tonight and tomorrow morning. I just ask that you keep me in mind for future stories and events. We could help each other out by working together. Let me get my camera and we'll do the interview."

Gwen and Steve stood close by as Kate gave an interview to the reporter. "You're a natural at this," observed Steve. "You have a quick wit, a great sense of humor, you're beautiful, and speak very well. I'm impressed."

"Don't give her a swelled head. Now, Kate, you need to go on the company social media pages and blog about the ride. Then write to our webmaster and have him put it on our site right away. Doing good deeds takes some effort," chuckled Gwen.

For the next half hour, Kate worked with her phone, posting the ride's route, destination, and goals to social media. She was pleasantly surprised at how well Chip understood what was needed and helped her. While Kate and Chip worked on their task, Steve led Gwen back to the dance floor.

He pulled her close and leaned down so his face was inches from Gwen's as they danced. He spoke softly about his time in Colombia and how badly he had missed her. He told her how relieved he was to get out alive with the two kids and how much he appreciated her efforts on his behalf. Gwen asked questions and responded to Steve's as they danced, oblivious to those around them.

"Look at my granddaughter and your grandson," beamed Caroline to Beatrice Patterson as she nodded toward Gwen and Steve. "Can anyone have any doubt how they feel about each other? Everyone's watching them and they don't even realize it. That's how love's supposed to be. I'm so proud of Gwen and so happy for her. Your grandson brings out the best in her."

"Permit me to state that Gwen is the catalyst that allows and encourages Steve to do the amazing things he does," countered Beatrice Patterson. "He's devoted to that girl. I still get weak when I think about her declaring that Steve was coming home on that helicopter and how she ran all the way to the hospital to greet him. This is far more than a normal romance!"

As Gwen and Steve moved close to Governor O'Leary and his wife, the governor interrupted their tete-a-tete. "Word gets around quickly in politics. I've heard that you're willing to accept the position of congresswoman if you're elected, Gwen. The two men running for the office are going to fight long, hard, and dirty to win that seat. That's how politics work. You need to expect insults, lies, half-truths, and old fashioned mudslinging. I'm afraid that my party will be as bad as the opposition.

"I want you to know that I've stated my position on the matter. I told everyone that you aren't running for office and that our party needs to focus on the guy that is. I will not be party to any attacks on you, Steve, or your families. That doesn't mean that they won't happen, so be prepared, and good luck!"

"Oh, dear!" worried Gwen as she and Steve danced across the floor. "I never dreamed that I'd be the object of their attacks. I'm not even running for the office, but Governor O'Leary seems to think that they'll attack me, you, and our families. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea."

"That's exactly why good people don't run for office. You have a conscience, scruples, feelings, and pride. They won't understand or trust someone like you. You need to stay focused. You aren't running, so you needn't answer questions, or defend yourself, me, or your family. The more viciously they attack you, the more afraid they are of you. So take it as a compliment when it all hits the fan. Maintain the high ground. I'm beginning to think you'll be spending a lot of time in Washington the next two years."

The next morning found Kate clinging to Chip on a big Harley as they led their friends out of Marsh's parking lot and down the highway. Kate was ecstatic to be so involved in the ride and to have a handsome guy of her own to ride with. She waved and smiled to everyone they passed. It was a beautiful, sunny day and riders soon began joining them.

Almost five hours after they began the journey, Kate and Chip came around a big curve a couple miles from Statenburg. The locals had all heard about the ride and were waiting and watching to see them arrive. What they saw was a seemingly unending line of bikes rounding the curve down by the river and heading for their town. Nearly all of the citizens had cameras and phones recording the event.

The local police had a hay field at the far edge of town cordoned off for the group to park. Chip slowed way down as he led the way through the heart of town and into the field. People were cheering and yelling approval as the riders kept coming around the curve even after Chip had parked and shut his bike off.

"Kate! Look at all of those bikes! There must be thousands! I can't believe I'm part of this, never mind on the lead bike. I hope they have enough food and drinks for a crowd this big. This is incredible!" stuttered a flabbergasted Chip as bikes lined up and parked.

"Let's get down the street to see what's going on," urged Kate as she tugged Chip's arm. "We've come here to spend money to help this couple. They expect us to be gracious and friendly to everyone, so you'd better be on your best behavior!"

Event organizers greeted Kate, Chip, Jordan, Charlie, Gwen, Steve and their friends when they approached the park. A well dressed young man stepped up to speak with them.

"Thanks so much for coming to our fund raiser! We were worried about having a good turnout until we saw the news last night and again this morning. Now we're worried about having enough food and entertainment for everyone. I want you to meet the family we're doing this for," beamed the man as he beckoned for a couple with three children standing off to the side.

The two adults smiled nervously as they walked toward the man motioning for them, carrying a small child and leading two others. The couple was obviously emotional as they approached the group to be introduced.

"This is Marge and Tony Novobilsky, and their three children. Marge wants to say a few words to the crowd and then I'll turn the microphone over to you folks."

"Thank you so much for coming here today and for bringing so many friends," managed the wife as several TV cameras recorded her reaction, as well as her words. "My husband Bill and I can't tell you what this all means to us. We don't feel like we deserve it, but we're very grateful to all of you."

The crowd shouted and applauded its approval of the woman's modest welcome. Then Gwen nodded to Kate, who smiled and stepped forward to take the microphone from the woman.

"You very much deserve all of this because you represent the best of America! You're hard working people doing your best to raise a good family. Folks like you are the heart and soul of this country. You've fallen on hard times, but you never gave up, and never complained. We're all in your debt for helping us remember what we stand for and how proud we are to have neighbors, friends, and citizens like you and your family.

"We've heard how tough the past few months have been for you and we're here to help. Lady in Red Productions has made arrangements to pay off your mortgage. We're also going to cover all of your medical expenses with the hope that your only concern will be getting well so you can enjoy your family for a very long time!"

The huge crowd now roared! Kate waited for the cheering to abate. "We're also putting down a very handsome donation to reward all of you that have worked so hard to prepare this wonderful fund raiser. We're paying for all of the food right now. We have more food and drink coming, so eat up. It's all on Lady in Red Productions. Thanks so much to all of you that have done so much to help this family. You bring us all great pride and pleasure.

"Those that want to donate can still play the various games offered here at the park. There will also be designated people accepting donations for this wonderful family.

"I've prevailed upon my sisters, Gwen and Jordan, along with my big brothers, Charlie and Steve and their friends in the band to give a little show here later on this evening. Our trucks will be setting up in the parking lot shortly and the show will begin once everything is ready. You're the people that have made this all possible and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts!" proclaimed Kate as she waved to the cheering crowd.

Lisa and Jason had joined the group as Kate ended her impromptu speech to the crowd and walked back to her friends smiling broadly. "I just spent a whole bunch of your money, Gwen. It felt pretty good. Did you see how happy the family was when they heard the news?"

"I think it's time that Kate, Lisa, and Charlie heard the latest news," insisted Steve. "Let's step inside the van so we can talk in private for a few minutes. Would the rest of you wait here while we speak to Charlie, Lisa, Jason, and Kate?"

Once they were inside the van, Steve nodded to Gwen to begin. "I won't waste a lot of time with this. When Lady in Red Productions was formed, Steve's grandfather and Clyde Davis put up the front money and were equal partners with Jordan, Steve, and me. They included a provision that if the company made certain goals, they would receive a substantial sum of money and be bought out. That goal was reached quite some time ago.

"Jordan, Steve, and I own the company now. We're concerned about several things. What if one or more of us should die? What happens to the company? Can the three of us control so much money and use it wisely? The three of us decided to bring in some partners that we can trust to help us make good decisions.

"Long story short, we're asking you three, Lisa, Charlie, and Kate to agree to become partners with us in the company. This proposal would grant you the same rights and powers as held by Jordan, Steve, and me. You'd be very wealthy, but have a huge burden on your shoulders. We need you guys and we trust you completely. There'd be no clauses or options to remove any of you. We'd simply be six equal owners. You'd sit on the board and have all of the rights and responsibilities we have. Will you do it?"

"I don't know what to say!" gasped a shocked Lisa. "I was happy with the great job and pay you gave me. I never expected this!"

"So I just gave away my own money?" stated Kate, pretending to be disappointed.

"I'm not family and I feel like I'm taking advantage of your generosity," worried Charlie. "I don't do this hoping to get more money."

"You've each just shown why we trust you so much," pointed out Gwen. "Think it over, but let us know soon. This is not a just favor we're asking. It's a plea for help. You'll be taking some of the pressure off us three."

"Make no mistake about this," added Steve. "Jordan is family. Charlie, you're the lucky guy that won her heart, and our trust, and now you're family. Kate and Lisa are family. Jordan, Gwen, and I love them unconditionally. This'll truly be a family business now.

"I can't believe you guys would want me, and trust me this much, but I've already made up my mind," managed a very excited Kate. "I'll be going to law school in the fall, but you can deal me in. This company needs a good shyster!

"Now I have a new worry. What if Chip just loves me for my money? How will I know how he really feels?" wondered Kate.

"Don't worry about that," advised Steve. "He's much shallower than you give him credit for. He's enamored with your beauty and your body. Money hasn't even entered into it."

"You're definitely going to be invited to the wedding!" laughed Kate. "You've been saying a lot of nice things about me, and to me lately. I like it."

"I always have said and thought nice things about you, but you've been a bit insecure because of the shadows your beautiful sisters cast. It's finally dawning on you that Kate Anderson is more than a sister to Lisa and Gwen Anderson. She's sexy, smart, beautiful, and funny as heck. Now she can add 'rich' to her resume."

It was an almost euphoric Kate that rejoined Chip and their friends a few minutes later. Lisa and Jason were sporting big smiles as well. Charlie just seemed nervous.

"What's the problem, Charlie?" asked Jordan when the two were off to the side and out of earshot of others. "You act like your dog just died. It seems like you'd be happier. I agreed to marry you, and now you're filthy rich. Some guys would think they've won the jackpot."

"Jordan, this is huge. I worry about being good enough for you. You deserve the absolute best in the world, someone like Steve. I'm just a musician. Now I'm going to be a partner in a huge company. What did I ever do to have such good luck?"

"The way I heard it, you asked Steve to jam with you one night. That was the beginning. The rest was your honesty, kindness, generosity, good looks, talent, and hard work. That's why I fell in love with you. And never try to tell me that Steve, or anyone else, is better than you! You're my guy. You accepted me when I was damaged and made me whole. You taught me the difference between sex and love. We both love Steve, mostly for the same reasons, although I hope his big muscles and great smile don't affect you like they do me.

"My point is simply that I'd be a monster if I didn't love Steve and Gwen. So would you. But that doesn't mean that we aren't pretty special in our own right. Do you want to buy a car, a boat, and snort cocaine now that you're rich? I know better. I bet you're already thinking about ways to help people.

"You love Gwen. How could you not? I love Steve. We really have no choice. It's beyond our control. But we also love each other. Let's support the finest people we'll ever meet while helping a bunch more along the way. We'll do it together and we'll love every minute!"

Later that afternoon, as they were preparing to take the stage for their promised performance, a reporter they had never seen before, approached Gwen and Steve. He wasted little time asking his main question.

"Ms. Anderson, how do you respond to the rumors swirling around on the internet today about your mother?"

"I have no idea what you're referring to with that vague question," retorted Gwen. "Why don't you get to your point? We're quite busy."

"It's all over the internet. There are lots of pictures and stories that state that your mother and your boyfriend are in a sexual relationship, and have been almost from the day you met him. The pictures are from dances and events where she's in his arms. The looks they share appear to be quite intimate. Did you know about the affair? You must have seen them together and suspected something. What can you tell the viewers?"