Lady in Red Pt. 03 Ch. 08

"But impeaching the most popular president the nation has ever had? That's so wrong, so stupid! I guess I just answered the question I was about to ask. They're really are stupid enough even to consider this," lamented Lisa. "Is this what you've decided? Did Steve make you agree to this?"

"Sis, you're insulting both Steve and me!" snapped Gwen. "You know I'd do anything for him. You also know he'd never try to make me do anything unless it was for my safety or the kids' safety."

"Oh, Gwen! You're right! I know Steve would never try to do that. I'm sorry I said it. I'm just so surprised about all of this. Are you still going to do the concert?"

"Of course! There are hundreds of thousands of people visiting Washington just to see us. We'd never back out on a commitment like that. I guess it's a Farewell Tour along with a World Tour. We just didn't realize it at the time," replied Gwen with a sad smile.

"What are you going to tell the others?" wondered Lisa. "They're going to be upset, to put it mildly."

"That's why I'm telling you first. I need you to support Steve and me in this. And for the record, this isn't just because Steve thinks it's best, we're totally on the same page. I'm going to tell them what's happening and try to explain why it's for the best. It'll help a lot if you back me up and do your best to help quell any anger or harsh words. I want very much to do this with some class, as difficult as that may be. We need to have everyone agree not to reveal anything to the press, but to be prepared to move all their clothes and other belongings out.

"Make arrangements with the people we usually use to move things for us. They're good, and very discreet. If you can, try to have them remove everything by the end of the day. Jordan and Charlie may want to keep their stuff here since her mom will be living here. That's the silver lining in this cloud," observed Gwen.

"I don't know what to say, Gwen. You gave so much of your time and effort to this job. You and Steve were almost killed in Germany. You prevented a world war. You worked so hard to improve relations with so many countries," recounted Lisa. "This is just incredible, but as long as you've determined your course, I'll support you in every way possible, you know that."

All eyes had turned to Steve when Gwen and Lisa disappeared behind the closed door. Kate and Naomi quickly moved to his side to seek answers to their questions.

"Something's up, and it isn't good, is it?" asked Kate flatly. "What's going on, Steve?"

"Is it about our not being approved by the Senate?" suggested Naomi as she joined Kate in grilling Steve. "That's never going to happen, is it?"

"Gwen's the President," replied Steve. "She'll explain everything as soon as she finishes speaking with Lisa. That's all I can say about it."

Steve's lack of an informative response didn't go unnoticed by the others. They had all noticed his dark mood the previous evening, and it hadn't improved since. Chatter ceased as everyone waited in silence for Gwen and Lisa to return.

When the two sisters reentered the room, everyone noticed the small tear trickling down Lisa's cheek as she failed in an attempted smile. Gwen cleared her throat and immediately had everyone's undivided attention.

"It's come to our attention that The House will very likely vote to impeach me sometime tomorrow. If that should happen, the Senate will immediately vote to convict, and I'll be removed from office. This could all happen this weekend, and possibly be concluded by tomorrow night," announced Gwen to the shocked gathering.

"My husband has volunteered to travel up to the Hill and utilize his unique negotiating skills to prevent this from happening. I have no doubt he would be successful, but at what cost? My term would remain extremely contentious, and Steve would be working constantly just to keep me in office, never mind passing any useful legislation.

"I don't want that for Steve, I don't want it for me, and I don't want it for America. Congress will do everything in its power to render me ineffective. They've been doing that almost from the day I took office. We, Steve and I, feel that our country, our company, and all of us in this room will be better served by my returning to private life.

"We want to spend more time with our kids, our friends and relatives. We want to make more movies and music. I want to return to my medical practice, and I think Steve would like to join Jared in playing for the Spartans. But primarily we need to explore this whole Queen of Peace thing and find ways to help needy people around the world."

"Gwen's right," stated Lisa immediately. "Congress is afraid of Gwen, especially with Steve standing beside her. They'll never work with her to accomplish her goals. Naomi, Steve and Gwen pretty much saved us from a world war and they've achieved tremendous international good will for our country, but now it's time to move on. Our beloved Queen really needs us to understand and support her decision to accept this incredible injustice. Vince will do a great job, so we don't have to worry about the state of the nation. Gwen and Steve have made sure of that."

"No!" blurted Jordan. "Vince didn't want this! Neither did Mom. She's not ready to be First Lady. I bet Vince will refuse to accept the vice presidency when he learns what's going on!"

"That's exactly why he won't be told," stated Steve firmly. "With Gwen being removed from office, the country's going to need him badly. Don't ruin one of the best days of his life by telling him about this situation.

"He's getting married to a wonderful woman and being sworn in as Vice President of the United States. He has reason to be proud and extremely happy, as do we all. Thank God he was willing to return to public service, it makes all of this far more palatable. Can you imagine where we'd be if anyone other than Vince became President right now?"

"It's still a damn bitter pill to swallow!" insisted Kate. "I realize I may be a bit prejudiced here, but Gwen's done an incredible job. If it weren't for her and Steve and Naomi, we'd probably be fighting a world war. If Gwen's removed from office, I'm going to spend a lot of time, money and effort ruining the political careers of those self-serving bastards, and I expect the rest of you to join me!"

"Kate, you're preaching to the choir," responded Steve with a big grin as he stepped up and hugged her tightly. "Gwen's got the most loyal, beautiful sisters in the world. We'll work together to change the climate in Washington. One of the best ways to do that is to elect new people. There are other effective avenues open to us as well, and we'll pursue them all."

"I knew you'd never take this lying down," managed an emotional Kate. "We need a nice relaxing vacation, and then we'll start making plans. These politicians need to learn that it's always best to do the right thing, and not the self-enriching thing. This day will live in infamy, but history will show that the long-term effects benefited the entire country, and probably the world."

"I'm so proud to have family and friends that support me so strongly," stated Gwen in a faltering voice. "No one here has ever wavered, and that's meant the world to me. Steve is my rock, but each one of you is an important part of what makes this group so special. It's hard to believe, but I'm actually looking forward to the weekend now. We'll celebrate Jordan's mom's marriage, Vince becoming Vice President, and probably President. Then we'll finally go home to Asgard and relax before deciding what comes next. I suspect we'll be watching a lot of football this fall!"

"You won't hear me complaining about Steve playing again," admitted Jared as he held Naomi close. "He'll make me look a lot better if we start winning some games. If things don't turn around pretty soon, I'll be in the unemployment line along with Gwen."

"Ha!" laughed Lisa. "You won't get out of it that easily! That job is yours until you don't want it any more. Unlike Congress, we know when we have a good thing. Replacing you won't be on our agenda for decades."

"This means that I'm going to be unemployed!" gasped Ashley with sudden comprehension. If Gwen was no longer President, she wouldn't need a Press Secretary.

"Yeah!" added Naomi. "Kate and I will be looking for jobs, too. Jason and Dad were approved by the Senate. Should they resign now?"

"This is all pretty sudden, but I wouldn't feel comfortable abandoning Vince if he wants me to stay on," worried Jason as he looked at Gwen and Steve. "By the same token, I'd never do anything to place Steve and Gwen in an embarrassing position. Would you want me to resign or stay on if Vince wants me?"

"Thanks for asking, Jason, but Steve and I still think you're the best man for the position. If Vince wants you to stay on, and you're willing, it would be great if you'd help him: he's going to need all the support he can get. The same goes for your dad, Naomi. If you speak to him before I do, please pass that along. Our veterans deserve to have men like Jeff working to make their lives better," reasoned Gwen.

"This is all happening so fast my head is spinning," groaned Paula. "It's wrong in every possible way I can imagine. At least it looks like Gwen's decision to ask Vince Rosen to accept the vice presidency will prove to be another very good one. I just hate the word 'impeached', not that 'convicted' sounds any better."

"I'm asking everyone in this room not to mention my possible removal from office to anyone, especially Vince and Cindy," cautioned Gwen. "If Steve's information is correct, I'll probably remain President until Sunday morning. We have a concert to do tomorrow, and the wedding and swearing in ceremony today. Please all of you, do your best to make it a festive occasion for Cindy and Vince."

At one o'clock that afternoon, Gwen and Jordan stood waiting on the large stage overlooking the National Mall with Vince Rosen, his brother Samuel as well as Charlie, as Steve cheerfully escorted a

radiant Cindy Quick across the stage. Steve stopped when they arrived close to Vince, lifted Cindy's veil and kissed her cheek. He then turned to Vince, shook his hand and placed Cindy's hand in his. Ten minutes later, they were a married couple. After a brief shuffle of who was standing where, Chief Justice Hamilton immediately proceeded to swear Vince in as Vice President of the United States.

The massive crowd extended as far as the eye could see. Huge Jumbotrons were located around the mall and even farther down Washington streets, allowing thousands of people on the streets to see and hear the entire ceremony.

Vince and Cindy received an enthusiastic reception when they moved to the front of the stage to wave to the huge audience. Jordan and Charlie were next to move forward. They managed an even louder reception from the adoring crowd. Gwen and Steve waited to allow Jordan and Charlie a moment to bask in the adulation of the thousands cheering for them.

Finally, Gwen took Steve's hand and the couple waved with their free hands as they briskly strode to the join Vince, Cindy, Jordan and Charlie. At first, the sudden silence was jarring as the massive crowd quietly dropped to a knee. Gwen smiled and waved until Steve kneeled next to her. Her surprise was evident as she gazed adoringly at her husband. Sensing movement from the corner of her eye, she turned in total surprise as Jordan and Charlie, two of her dearest friends, had also gone to a knee only to be followed immediately by Vince and Cindy.

Overcome with emotion, Gwen moved to wrap her arms around Steve's neck and pulled his face to her abdomen. The cameras caught her tears falling as she lowered her trembling lips and kissed Steve on the top of his head, which she was now cradling in both hands. The silence held until Gwen spoke quietly to Steve. He rose to his feet and engulfed his wife in his arms. The couple kissed passionately as the massive crowd roared its approval.

When Steve released Gwen, she wiped her eyes and smiled while motioning for everyone to stand. Placards and signs proclaiming Gwen as the Queen of Peace began appearing, seemingly from thin air. War had been averted and President Hammer had returned from a triumphant world tour. At that moment in time, the world was as it should be, and the people basked in the pride they felt for their country and especially for their President, their Queen!

Amber Stahl was reporting on the events from a nearby news platform. She never attempted to conceal her enthusiastic support for her Queen. She was extremely eloquent in her description of Gwen's unprecedented power.

"Alexander the Great relied on his military power to gain control over most of the known world. Gwen Hammer has amassed her tremendous popularity in the United States and around the world with her kindness, intelligence, heroic acts and incredible talent. People follow her, not because of the threat of force, but out of love and admiration.

"The National Park Service estimates there will be in excess of a million people attending tomorrow's concert. It will be the final performance in President Hammer's unprecedented and extremely successful World Tour. The Washington D. C. concert will become the final jewel in her crown. President Gwen Hammer truly is the Queen of Peace!" declared Amber as viewers saw Gwen smile broadly as she waved to the cheering crowd.

A few hours later Gwen and Steve, along with family and friends, walked into a very crowded restaurant. Conversation suddenly stopped, and the room became silent with the only sounds being the food preparation back in the kitchen.

A large man wearing an apron suddenly emerged from the kitchen and greeted them warmly. "Gwen, I mean Madam President, or maybe Your Majesty? I should kneel! I apologize!"

"Pleased don't!" laughed Gwen as she hugged the man before he could make up his mind about a proper greeting. "How's Anna? We've missed you both."

"She insisted she had to 'freshen up' before she let you see her, but I think it's Steve she's worried about," replied Carl Dobish, before loudly whispering, "I think we need to watch them closely. Anna has it bad for your husband."

"Uh oh!" responded Gwen in a hushed voice. "Steve thinks the world of Anna, and he especially loves her cooking. Here she comes now. Let's see if they behave."

Before Gwen was done speaking, Steve had swept the buxom Anna Dobish into his arms. She was laughing heartily as she pretended to struggle against his embrace.

"It's not my fault, Gwen. Your husband just can't control himself around me," managed the flushed woman as Steve finally released her. "I think it must be my cooking."

"Yeah, he never even noticed that big bosom of yours," kidded Naomi as she hugged Anna next.

"Gwen, I must congratulate you on being pregnant again, although I have no idea why you ever let that man get so close to you! I saw the miracles you performed. I watched all the news about how you had averted a war and met with world leaders. You have truly become the Queen of Peace!"

As soon as they were seated in a private room, waitresses hurried to take the group's orders. Once that task was accomplished, Naomi looked around and began reminiscing.

"The place has changed since the first time you brought us here, Steve. The biggest change is the large crowd in the restaurant now."

"You're right," chuckled Steve as he thought back to his rookie year. After the second practice of the day at the team's Richmond training camp, Steve had been walking to his car in a parking lot when he noticed one of the men who was vying for a position on the defensive line had a young man pinned against a car with one hand. He appeared to be threatening to hit the kid with the other.

"What's the problem?" demanded Steve as he moved to stand as close as possible to the young man being manhandled by the larger athlete.

"This kid was hanging around my BMW, and I don't like it. He's probably looking to see if there's anything worth stealing before he breaks into it," responded the larger man. "I'm going to give him a little lesson in why he shouldn't take other peoples' stuff."

Steve noticed the kid was clutching some colored papers in his hand, so he reached down to take one from him. "It looks to me like he's placing these flyers on car windows. I don't think you need to react so roughly to a young entrepreneur's efforts."

"Fine! I'll let him go this time," replied the larger man as he released his hold on the younger man's shirt. "Just stay away from my car from now on."

Once the irate player drove his car from the parking lot, the kid found his voice. "Thanks, Mr. Hammer! That dude thought he was tough, until you came along, but he didn't want any part of what you bring to the party."

"Are you being paid to pass out these flyers?" asked Steve as he changed the subject.

"No, they're for my Uncle Carl's restaurant. Mom made these up last night to try to drum up business for her brother. His place isn't doing too well so far."

"Your uncle runs an Italian restaurant?" quizzed Steve.

"Yeah. It's funny isn't it? A black man owning an Italian restaurant. He met a real nice Italian girl named Anna when he was stationed in Italy with NATO. They got married, and he left the service a few years ago. They've just opened a restaurant in Washington, but there's a lot of competition, and they're struggling. If things don't pick up pretty soon, Mom says they'll have to go out of business," offered the younger man. "My name's Jim, by the way."

"You're doing a good thing trying to help out your uncle," observed Steve as he read the flyer. "If you can spare a few of these, I'll see that some of my friends get them. Maybe we'll stop in now and then, especially if the food's good."

"Mr. Hammer, that would be awesome! Customers like you and your beautiful lady friends would really help the business!" predicted Jim with enthusiasm.

It happened that Gwen was scheduled to work at the hospital where she was doing her residency the following night, so Steve asked Jared if he'd care to try a new restaurant after practice.

"Sure, but I'll want to bring Naomi. I already promised I'd take her out to dinner, so this would work out nicely for me," was Jared's reply.

When Steve entered 'Anna's Place', he immediately noticed how quiet the restaurant was. There were only a few tables in use, but the other patrons recognized Steve even before the attractive young hostess warmly greeted him.

"Just one this evening, Sir? Would you like a table, or would you prefer to sit at the bar?"

"There will be three of us, so a table would be appreciated," replied Steve as he smiled at the hostess. "The owner's nephew told me about the food here, and I thought I'd give it a try."

"Jim really wasn't making that story up! I'm his cousin, Karen. Welcome to Anna's Place," gushed the excited girl. "I can't wait to tell Uncle Carl that Steve Hammer is eating in his restaurant!"

Jared and Naomi arrived a couple of minutes later. Just as they were seated, a tall black man wearing an apron came out of the kitchen and approached their table. "I'm Carl Dobish. Along with the bank, my wife and I own this restaurant. We hope you enjoy your meal tonight and come back often."

Steve had watched the way the man walked across the room, and quickly determined he'd been in the military. He had the bearing and demeanor of an officer. Steve liked the man immediately.

"Thank you, Sir. Your nephew, Jim, promised I wouldn't be disappointed, so I took a chance and invited Jared and Naomi here to join me tonight. My wife is working, but I'm sure she'll want to dine here when she has a night off."

"Would it be possible to take a photograph the three of you?" asked Carl. "I'd like to start a wall with pictures of famous patrons, and there's no one I'd rather have in my first picture."