Lady in Red Ch. 20

"They told my mother, Galina, that they were going to do unspeakable things to her, then behead her and send her head to my father. You bravely prevented that from happening. My father, mother, and I are very grateful. We'd like to have you as our guests for dinner at the Russian Embassy."

Gwen had quietly entered the room from the bathroom as Varvara was speaking to Steve. Varvara happened to notice Gwen standing to the side and smiled at her. Gwen had not known there was anyone with them and had come out to finish dressing. She was wearing only a bra and panties.

"Your lady friend is included, of course. She's very lovely. You are a lucky man to have such a beautiful lover!"

Gwen blushed at the term 'lover' but stepped next to Steve and smiled. "You are very gracious! We are leaving Washington shortly, but perhaps sometime in the future? We have been doing a lot of traveling lately and may be back before too long. Can we exchange contact numbers and email addresses? We're hoping to visit Paris this year and we might layover in Washington. If we do, we'll try to get together. Please thank your parents for us."

After Varvara left, Gwen wrapped her arms around Steve's neck and asked, "Doesn't it seem odd that she thinks that we're 'lovers', but we've never had sex, at least not completely? How are we going to remedy that situation?"

"I hear that Paris is lovely in the springtime," replied Steve as he cupped Gwen's butt cheeks and pulled her close. "I'm thinking we should visit Michelle and take care of our embarrassing problems with virginity in the City of Light."

"I like the way you think! That's so romantic! It makes the waiting actually seem to make sense. When we get home, I'm going to check our schedules and see when we can go. If we stay at your French girlfriend's castle or whatever they live in, we'll only have to spring for airfare."

Paula noticed how radiant Gwen was as she and Steve sat down for breakfast. "I'm almost afraid to ask, but do you look especially happy this morning? Steve has the makings of a shiner and you have a smile that lights up the place."

"Well, we were thinking about going to Paris in the spring, if you must know, Mother," laughed Gwen. "We were invited by the first family of France to visit and attend any of a number of events that constantly happen in government. It would be a very romantic trip."

"Oh, yeah!" blurted Kate. "Romantic! Like a trial honeymoon romantic? I guess there's no sense asking if I can go, too. Those French guys seem to like me pretty well. At least they did last night at that dinner."

"We'll have plenty of time to discuss that when we get home," suggested Paula. "You two probably haven't read the papers or watched any TV this morning. I have a couple papers here with me. Look at the headlines."

Gwen picked up the first paper her mother handed to her. 'Hammer Time!' was in bold print over a picture of Steve with blood on his face. The second paper had 'Nailed by Hammer!' in large letters over a picture of the unconscious man with whom Steve fought.

"This story made the networks this morning. Your favorite reporter, Bill Hardy, was here a little while ago. He was asking where you two were. I told him that you were in the bathroom and that Steve was on his way down to join us. I don't like the guy any better than you do," admitted Paula.

"I can't believe the way you fought that bad guy!" chimed in Kate. "He was a big, tough guy and you mopped the floor with his sorry butt! When you kicked him in the head with your hands cuffed behind your back, I thought the police were going to crap their pants. If you hadn't taken that guy out again, he would have badly hurt or killed that lady right in front of everyone. You were so cool!"

The group was in the middle of breakfast when Bill Hardy approached their table with a cameraman and interrupted Steve as he was speaking to Jason. "So how did you know that man was a threat to the deputy Russian ambassador's wife? Did you have to be so rough? I understand that he's suffered a broken jaw and needs facial surgery. You're involved in a lot of violent acts."

"We're having breakfast and you were NOT invited to join us," stated Gwen coldly. "Please leave right now."

"You've got a lot of nerve for a high school kid!" snapped Hardy. "I can make or break you, so you'd better learn to keep your mouth shut unless I ask you a question. I'm ready to do an interview right now. I may not be here in ten minutes."

Jason knew instantly that Steve would take strong offense to Hardy's treatment of Gwen and jumped to his feet just in time to place himself between Steve and Hardy. "Not a good idea, Steve! He's got it coming, but it'll ruin you with the Academy! You've got to learn to never let assholes get under your skin."

After stopping Steve's advance, Jason turned to Hardy. "You, Sir, are a complete asshole. Excuse my language ladies. You are interrupting what was a very pleasant breakfast. If you don't leave us immediately, I'll call the manager and insist that you be removed."

"Do you know who you're talking to?" demanded Hardy. "I'm the fucking anchor for CBC! You can't have me removed, but I can destroy your career, once I find out who the hell you are!"

By that time the hotel's manager appeared next to Jason and asked, "Is there a problem, Gentlemen?"

"My group is trying to enjoy a leisurely breakfast with friends and family. Mr. Hardy is neither invited, nor wanted. He is cursing in front of ladies and minors and pretty much ruining our enjoyment of our meal," stated Jason smoothly. "Either you remove him immediately, or be assured that we'll leave this hotel as soon as possible, and we'll never return. The choice is yours."

"Mr. Hardy, I have to ask you to please leave these fine people alone while they have breakfast. This hotel will not allow anyone to insult or badger our guests," stated the manager emphatically as he nodded to hotel security.

Hardy started to protest, but he was quickly hustled out of the dining area by the two security men while the manager offered his apologies. "I'm sorry this happened. Breakfast will be on the hotel this morning. Please consider using our services again when you are in our city."

"Sir, you've just gained us as loyal customers for life!" effused Gwen. "I'm serious about that. I know Hardy can cause you trouble, but you did the right thing and we appreciate your efforts. I think we may find ourselves in this city quite a few times in the future and this'll be our hotel when we are. Steve's going to be a Midshipman in the fall, so he won't be far away and if he's nearby, I'll be visiting on a regular basis. Thanks so much!"

"Gwen, did you see how quickly Jason stepped in and prevented Steve from getting into trouble with that awful reporter? He's another guy that thinks and acts fast. I thought he handled that situation perfectly," stated Lisa proudly.

"Lisa, he's a really good guy and he did keep Steve from getting into trouble. Steve has to learn he can't muscle every guy that insults me, or my family. Thanks so much, Jason!"

Several hours later, as the Andersons, Jordan, and Steve were boarding their flight home, Kate suddenly turned to Steve. "If the pilot has a heart attack or something, is it safe to assume that you know how to land this jet?"