Lady in Red Pt. 02 Ch. 18

"He'd be a lot better off getting pointers from Charlie and me," insisted Jason. "We've proven ourselves capable of getting the job done. Your track record isn't anything that would enhance a resumé."

"We're going to have to work on that resumé, aren't we, Chip?" asked Kate from the doorway. You'll have to get me rolling my eyes back and howling before you'll be allowed to comment on Steve's technique."

"Kate! Your father's sitting right there! We shouldn't be hearing things like that from our daughter," insisted Paula. "Besides, he needs to hear me carry on like Gwen did, and I expect him to work on that until he perfects it."

"Yeah. What do you call that move, Steve?" demanded Lisa. "Have you patented it yet?"

"Actually, I'm the one that makes that move," corrected Gwen with a huge grin. "It was with Steve's help, of course. I call it 'The One-Eyed Wonder'."

"You're confused again, Gwen," laughed Lisa as she sat down next to Jason. "Steve has the one-eyed wonder. You simply borrow it!"

"Charlie, did you tell the guys what you did to me?" asked Jordan as she took Charlie's hand.

"He sure did!"answered Steve. "Congratulations! I can't tell you how happy I am for you both. It's going to be a very special and much loved addition to our family."

"Thanks, Steve!" responded Jordan as she wrapped her arms around him. "You and Gwen took me in when I really needed friends. You showed me how people should conduct themselves, and how to treat others. You introduced me to Charlie, but he never would have been interested in the old Jordan Quick. She was a selfish, addicted bitch. He fell in love with the Jordan you and Gwen forged from the old one."

"Actually, I think Charlie would have been interested in the old Jordan," argued Billy. "She was a bitch alright, was she was smokin' hot!"

"Now both Lisa and Jordan are ahead of us," complained Gwen. "It's getting really hard to wait until I get my MD before we start a family."

"But wait, you will," insisted Paula. "I want you and Kate both to have a ring on your finger before you have our grandkids. We've dropped all of the other requirements about sleeping with boyfriends for all four of you girls, counting Jordan, so please follow Lisa's and Jordan's good examples and have the wedding before the baptism."

"We have to find out if we're sexually compatible," responded Gwen. "The honeymoon is the wrong time for nasty surprises."

"Really? How can you possibly suggest there's any doubt after what we saw and heard a short while ago?" demanded Paula. "If you two were any more compatible, you'd burst into flames from spontaneous combustion or something."

"Is that a compliment? Or was it meant as a warning?" asked Steve with a straight face.

"I think that Jared and I will call it a day, after we stop and see Cheryl. I have superiors that are interested in any photographs or videos of today's attack. They want me to deliver a memory stick rather than try to send anything over the internet. For some reason, governments don't think that all internet transmissions will reach their intended target. Steve's trip to Iraq drove that point home."

"Thank God Cheryl wasn't with us when we walked in on Gwen and Steve," chuckled Charlotte. "I don't know it would've increased her crush on Steve, or frightened her to death."

"I've been thinking about that eye patch of yours, Gwen. How about we find some red cloth and make it a red patch," suggested Stephanie. "Lots of pirates and some others wear black ones, but the 'Lady in Red' should wear a red patch. We'll get several different shades of red so we can match your different outfits."

The next day, the group traveled to the future location of the new hospital. It had taken some effort to get the Russian government to agree to the site chosen by Lady in Red Productions. It was in a poorer part of Moscow. Lady in Red Productions was able to acquire two old warehouses that covered a block and a half of the city. The Russians had tried their best to get Lady in Red Productions to purchase property in an upper class neighborhood. Coincidently, friends of President Novokov were willing to sell the land, but at a rather inflated price.

"It wasn't easy, but Steve finally explained that we'd build the hospital here or not at all," stated Jordan as she told the others the story of the difficult purchase of the property. "The reality is that the Russian government can make some sort of claim that the hospital is important to the national interests of Russia and assume possession of it at any time. We aren't going into this venture with rose colored glasses. As long as we're able to operate it, we'll help people all that we can. That's our only long term plan here."

Television, internet, and newsprint reporters formed a large group as they waited for the ceremony. The attack on Novokov's son at his wedding was the big news story of the day. Information on the attack was sketchy, at best. Novokov had announced the prior evening that both Vlad and Anna were expected to recover from injuries received, but didn't elaborate on his son's condition or the attack in any way.

Shortly before the ground breaking ceremony was scheduled to begin, a procession of black limousines pulled up at the site. Numerous military suddenly appeared on the nearby streets and on roof tops in the area. No one emerged from the vehicles for several minutes. Finally, the drivers stepped out and opened the limo doors for the occupants.

"They've really stepped up security for Novokov," observed Jason. "I heard today that he and his wife were supposed to be at the wedding party's reception yesterday, but he had to attend to some international situation and was running late. It would have been a lot worse if Novokov was injured or killed."

President Novokov led his wife to the area where the ground breaking was to be held. Cameras rolled as Mrs. Novokov walked directly up to Steve and hugged him tightly.

"This young American helped save my son's life. He fought like a true warrior against the cowardly jackals that attacked my son and his wife. My husband and I are personally indebted to him. We wish him a speedy recovery from the injuries he sustained in the attack and his defense of innocent victims," declared Mrs. Novokov to the many reporters in her native Russian.

Then she let go of Steve and moved to Gwen and embraced her. As the two women hugged, Mrs. Novokov whispered her thanks into Gwen's ear. Then she released Gwen and again turned to the waiting reporters.

"This young American woman saved my son's life. He had been stabbed in the chest, and then had his throat crushed by those savages. Thankfully, Gwen Anderson was able to use her medical training to quickly make an incision in Vlad's throat and insert a simple drinking straw. I've been informed by the doctors caring for Vlad that, without question, this procedure saved his life.

"She did this after defeating a terrorist that had attacked her. She wears a patch over an injured eye, carries a bruising around the other eye, and stitches in her arm from a knife attack. After suffering these injuries, she still knelt by my dying son and saved his life!

"Now we are here to break ground for a new hospital for the people of Moscow, especially the children. These wonderful people beside me represent the good that still exists in the world. They are donating their money, their talent, and their time to help others. This type of message is so much stronger and more effective than terror and death. They offer good health and life. That is the path to lasting peace.

"Thank you for listening to a worried, but much relieved mother. I apologize if I spoke out of turn, or said something wrong, but it was all from my heart," concluded Novokov's wife as she wiped tears from her eyes.

Without thinking Gwen once again gathered the woman into her arms and hugged her tightly. Then the two women turned to the reporters and smiled with tears trickling down their cheeks as they held hands.

President Novokov stepped closer to Steve and shook his hand firmly. Then her hugged Gwen and kissed both of her cheeks. He proceeded to hug Kate, Lisa, Jordan, and Paula before shaking hands with Jason, Chip, Charlie and Ted.

"We have been asked to not linger here too long this afternoon, "stated Novokov to the assembled reporters and public. "I can only reaffirm what my wife just stated so eloquently. Efforts like this hospital by private industry should be more common. Sadly, and regardless of nationality, companies always look for more profit, rather than helping the very people that make them a success. I hope that Lady in Red Productions' generosity and humanity encourages others to perform similar acts of kindness."

Novokov then stepped back from the microphones and gestured to Steve and Gwen that it was their turn to speak. Gwen stepped forward and addressed the gathering in Russian.

"My friends, family, and I are delighted to be here this afternoon," began Gwen as cameras constantly whirred and clicked. "Jordan, Charlie, Kate, and Lisa were behind Steve totally when he called to explain that he had agreed to build a hospital here. That's the kind of people I surround myself with. They're generous, caring, talented, and supportive.

"We want to thank Mr. and Mrs. Novokov for their kind words. We wish Vlad and Anna complete recoveries and a long and blessed marriage. Our hearts go out to the families and friends of those seriously injured or killed in yesterday's terrorism. We are thinking of them in this difficult time.

"Finally, I want to publicly thank Steve for saving my life yesterday. Make no mistake about it; his courage and skill were the difference in that battle. He's the reason I'm able to stand here today. I love him dearly and I'll spend the rest of my life showing him just how much."

Television, internet news, and entertainment sites played Gwen's speech constantly. Gwen Anderson had delivered a speech in Russian the day after an attack that nearly cost her life. She had a very black eye and wore a red patch over the other one. She still looked beautiful, but very different. Photos of her bruised face were on newspapers around the world, as well as the story of how she calmly saved the life of the Russian president's son.

It was huge news back in the U.S., especially since she had so recently gone through a hearing before the ethics committee. Barely a week later, she was involved in a fight for her life and then managed to save the son of one of the most powerful men in the world. No one in the Senate or the House had offered anything but praise, and even awe, for the actions of Gwen and Steve.

No one was more thrilled than Cynthia Rosen. With Moscow time a full seven hours ahead of the east coast, she watched the morning news with great interest. She listened to Mrs. Novokov speak in glowing terms about how the young Americans had saved her son's life.

The account of the terrorist attack was beginning to take shape. Steve Hammer had apparently suffered some injuries as he fought the attackers. Even Gwen had bruises, cuts, and was now wearing an eye patch. It was becoming very obvious that the couple had been involved in the attack and had made an excellent accounting of themselves. Their international sphere of influence was increasing quite rapidly, and they had made a point the previous week of telling America that Vincent Rosen was their friend!

Vincent's poll numbers had jumped after he appeared at the rally with Steve and Gwen. He had won two primaries in the week that had just passed and he was increasing his lead in the polls in several other states with approaching primaries. It was beginning to fall together and Cynthia Rosen had no doubt that being seen as friends of Gwen and Steve had greatly improved the public's perception of his candidacy.

Vincent was scheduled to appear on a Sunday morning talk show and Cynthia made a mental note to remind him to mention how proud he was of the actions of his friends, Gwen and Steve, in the recent Russian terrorist attack.

Amber Stahl was also up early. She had a weekly Sunday morning news program from Washington. She attempted making phone calls to Gwen and Steve to ask if they would appear on her show via satellite. She was frustrated that none of her calls were answered. Finally, in desperation, she called Paula Anderson, who answered on the second ring.

Amber made her request for Steve and Gwen to appear on her program, which was still three hours from broadcast. She mentioned that she was unable to reach Gwen or Steve. Paula explained that they had not had their phones returned yet, but she would have them contact Amber as soon as possible.

A short time later, Gwen called Amber and the interview was scheduled. Vincent Rosen was told that he'd lose some air time on Amber's program because Gwen and Steve had agreed to appear via satellite from Moscow. He and Cynthia were delighted. Once again, people would have reason to associate Vincent Rosen with Gwen Anderson and Steve Hammer.

Amber's interview with Gwen and Steve only ran for a few minutes, but it was quite informative. When Amber first introduced the couple, viewers had their first close-up look at their faces. Gwen's red eye-patch matched her dress perfectly. The other eye was blackened and sore looking. Gwen's sleeveless dress revealed a bandage covering her upper left arm.

Steve also sported a very dark shiner along with a purplish knot on his forehead. His left arm below the elbow was covered in bandages. Amber began the interview with the obvious.

"Gwen and Steve, can you tell us how you're feeling? It's readily apparent that you've been involved in an altercation. How is your eye, Gwen? How badly were you two injured in the attack?"

"We're doing fine," replied Gwen seriously. "My eye was gouged a bit but the patch is simply a precaution. I have to put drops in it several times a day and avoid light for a week or so. It's already feeling much better.

"Steve and I both received cuts from knife wielding terrorists that required stitches, but the doctors here did an excellent job and it's quite likely that there will be minimal scarring, if any at all."

"Can you tell us what exactly happened in that banquet room yesterday?" asked Amber.

"Without being too graphic, I can tell you that the wedding party was suddenly attacked by what we all thought was the wait staff. They had been closely searched for weapons, so they utilized the cutlery available with the food as weapons. It was an extremely vicious and bloody few minutes. I think there were ten terrorists and all but one was killed in the attack.

"Sadly, four members of the wedding party, two groomsmen and two bridesmaids were killed. All of the rest received injuries during the fray. As everyone is aware, Steve is a U.S. Navy SEAL and is trained in hand-to-hand combat. Let me simply say that his skill and training saved the day, as well as my life."

"Mrs. Novokov praised you for saving her son's life with an emergency tracheotomy, which you performed after you had been injured in the attack. That demonstrates incredible concentration and discipline. Were you at all concerned about not getting it right? You were, after all, performing emergency surgery on the son of the president of Russia."

"It was a procedure I have assisted with in my medical school training. It was also Vlad's only chance to survive. I simply did what I've been training to do for the past three years," replied Gwen modestly.

"Steve, you're very quiet today. Gwen has alluded to you having to use your skill set as a Navy SEAL. Only one terrorist survived the attack. Can you tell us about your part in the struggle?"

"We were attacked by men, and women, many of whom were using carving knives as weapons. It was a bloody, extremely unpleasant situation. It was a battle to the death. It isn't something I care to go into detail. Gwen and I were in extreme danger, as were other innocent people. We were fortunate to emerge with relatively minor wounds. Gwen and I both relied on our training yesterday, as different as that may be.

"I will say this. Gwen was extremely cool under a great deal of pressure," added Steve. "She'll be a great doctor!"

"Changing gears slightly, Vincent Rosen, who will be appearing on this program next, won two primaries last week while you were in Russia. Many political observers think that when you so publicly thanked him for supporting you in the ethics hearing, his candidacy received a huge boost. Are you supporting him for president?"

"Gwen and I consider Secretary Rosen and his wife, Cynthia, to be good friends," replied Steve when Gwen looked to him. "There are several fine people running for the office and certainly Vince Rosen is to be counted as one of them. We are not supporting anyone for president at this time, but by the same token, we have no doubt that Secretary Rosen would make a very capable president."

"That's a close to an endorsement as you can get without actually making one," observed Amber. "Gwen, will you be adhering to your schedule and leave for Ukraine tomorrow. I have heard that you may attend memorial services for those slain in yesterday's attack."

"Our group will stay in Russia an extra day. We'll be attending the memorial service for those unfortunate victims of the recent terrorist attack tomorrow. We'll land in Kiev sometime Tuesday and prepare for the dedication of the new hospital and our concert. They're still scheduled for Saturday," revealed Gwen.

"I have one last question for you both. This latest incident, coupled with your triumph at the ethics hearing, your building of new hospitals and funding them, your success in films and music, and the fast response your company has shown for assisting in disasters have all combined to create an incredible amount of favorable publicity for your company, and especially for you two. Many people consider you to be the most powerful couple in the world. How do you feel about that power, as well as the responsibility?"

Gwen again glanced at Steve to see him nod at her to handle the question. "We really don't think much about things like that. We're a couple, but we're also part of a team. My parents, sisters, family, friends, and Steve's grandparents are our support group. The millions of regular people that work, pay taxes, obey the laws of the land and volunteer to help with little league baseball, football, hockey, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, libraries, churches, and charities are all heroes in our book. We're simply trying to help and encourage them to keep on doing the right things.

"We're doing what we love and we're making money doing it. But what responsibilities go with success and fame? We have more than enough money to last us the rest of our lives. But we don't have enough to build hospitals around the world. We don't have enough to assure every person that wants a decent paying job that they can have one. We don't have enough to fund a cure for the diseases that claim so many lives every year. We'll continue to work to raise money to achieve as many of our goals as we can. I think that people respond to that, so any influence that Steve and I may have is because we're trying so hard to help those that need it. The more we give, the more everyone gives back to us. It's that simple."

"What a great way of putting things in perspective," praised Amber. "Thanks for taking the time to be with us today and stay safe on your journey."

The next day saw Gwen and Steve, along with the other Lady in Red Productions' owners and family attend a memorial service for those that had died in the attack the previous Saturday. Representatives of many nations attended the service held in St. Basil's Cathedral. In a departure from diplomatic protocol, Gwen and Steve sat next to President Novokov and his wife.