Lady in Red Pt. 03 Ch. 09

"Can you tell us what it is that you think Saint will face? What is he being trained for? Where will this threat originate and how do you know of it so far in advance?" asked Amber.

"I'll only reveal what is known to be true," replied Gwen. "Lena's mom and I both believe our kids are meant for something very critical for us, not for a nation, but for the human race. We know we both believe that. It is a fact Lena and Saint are able to communicate with each other on a level never before known to exist."

"Saint, do you worry about the expectations others may have for you?" asked Amber to the boy.

Saint looked at Amber as he formed his response. He had seen her many times with his parents and knew she was a friend. Still, he hesitated.

"He's worried about living up to his parent's expectations," revealed Lena as she gazed at Saint. "He's very brave and is doing everything he can to become the person Gwen and Steve want him to be."

"Lena's worried she won't be big enough, or strong enough to do her part when things get rough," revealed Saint. "She's worried that people, especially Americans, won't accept her as queen."

"Okay!" interrupted Gwen. "The kids are still learning which thoughts of each others' are okay to share and which aren't."

"Gwen, will you run for President of the United States next year?" asked Amber as she realized Gwen was concerned about the responses from the two children.

"That's a fair question. Steve has been working hard to alter the landscape in Washington. He was doing exactly that when his plane crashed the other day. My husband is my conscience as well as my advisor, friend and lover. He hopes I'll accept a draft, and I'm not one to disappoint my husband if I can help it."

"To be clear," interrupted Steve. "I'm trying to change the culture in Washington so Gwen may be allowed to serve effectively if she should be elected our next president. The people of this great nation will determine if they want Gwen. I have not been campaigning for her, but rather for people I think will benefit Washington, regardless of who is elected."

"Secretary Chatham stated the road to the White House runs through Steve Hammer," recalled Amber. "Would either of you care to respond to that statement?"

"I used to deny we were kingmakers," replied Gwen. "I've come to rethink that position. Steve is incredible. He truly has the respect and trust of leaders around the world. Everyone knows he says what he thinks, and always keeps his word. I do believe he has the power to alter history, as well as the leadership of many nations. I also know he will not force his will on others unless he feels the situation is dire. I am not a kingmaker, but Steve is. That's how I see it."

"To answer your question, I'm going to do everything in my power to help Gwen get elected President of the United States," avowed Steve. "This is not because I seek power, or influence. I want this nation to prosper and flourish. I am convinced beyond any doubt that Gwen is the best person possible to lead the United States."

"Do you think Gwen's belief that Saint and Lena are destined for a world saving adventure of some kind will affect her chances of being elected?" asked Amber.

"Absolutely," replied Steve immediately. "My wife is willing to place her son in possible danger so he may be prepared for his quest. If she's willing to place the survival of the world ahead of the safety of her family, how can the rest of us not respond? Doing nothing is not an option. The world, not just the United States, needs Gwen to take the lead and prepare it for destiny."

"I've received some information which has just been verified," stated Amber to her audience, as a staff member handed her a letter. "Gwen, I'm sure you remember that Sunday morning when Congress impeached and convicted you, thus removing you from office.

"Do you remember the child in the wheelchair you stopped to speak with during your walk to the National Mall that morning? You held her hands briefly and kissed her?"

"Yes, of course I do," admitted Gwen immediately before becoming concerned. "She was such a joy. I hope nothing bad has happened to her!"

"Something has happened to her, but it's very good. She's regaining feeling in her extremities. She's actually been able to move her legs," revealed Amber.

"That's wonderful news! I'm so happy for her. Thanks for letting me know, Amber," replied an ecstatic Gwen.

"There's more, My Queen. Her spinal cord had been severed in a car accident. Her doctors told her she'd never walk again, but her spine is fusing back together! It's being called a miracle by her medical team. Her family's insisting the Queen of Peace has performed another miracle!"

"Oh, my," gasped Gwen as she considered the ramifications of Amber's revelation.

***

Thus ends Book 3 of the Lady in Red series. Book 4 will feature Saint and Lena battling for Earth's existence, which sounds exciting. It will have an obvious sci/fi theme. I am deeply touched so many readers have written and commented on this series. I am determined to have the next book completed before posting any chapters, so it will be another year or so, if we all last that long. Your patience and support is certainly appreciated.

When I began this series almost 7 years ago, I really had no idea what I was doing, or getting into. The response by readers has been very gratifying. I need to thank Tex Beethoven who suggested he could greatly improve my story with some careful editing. He was right. He edited Book Three and it improved my story a great deal. Mostly, I need to thank readers who understood I was not seeking reality, so much as entertainment and inspiration. Never stop dreaming.