Lady in Red Ch. 13

Gwen went and spoke to Jared's family briefly and then returned. "I promised Jared's family that I'd bring back couple burgers or sandwiches for them. They've had a horrible day. Jared's still on the borderline and they're worried sick. So am I, to be honest. That guy saved my life. Then Steve saved it again less than a minute later. That shooter was pointing his gun at me when Steve burst through the door."

Marsh's Landing had numerous large screen televisions mounted on the walls, mainly for sporting events. They were all on when the Andersons walked into the restaurant with Charlotte. For the middle of the week, business seemed pretty brisk. The parking lot was almost full and most of the tables were in use.

Charlotte and Gwen walked in first and it seemed like everyone in the entire place stopped what they were doing to watch them. Someone began clapping their hands and soon everyone joined in. Many of the patrons thanked the girls for their efforts that morning and for standing strong for their friends. Billy's father hurried over to welcome them.

"I saved this table for your group. You kids are absolute gold in this town. Everyone has been telling me what a huge difference you made today by calling for that blood drive, and for telling a straight story about what happened. It stopped the guessing and fear about crazy people with bombs still in the school. I guess they were still in the school, but rendered pretty damn harmless by Steve and Gwen. It's been a terrible day with four people killed and many others wounded, but the pride this community has in its kids and in itself is amazing. Look at the signs I had made today and just finished nailing them up."

Gwen and Charlotte looked around the room. "Heroes Eat Free" was hanging near the cash register. "We Are the Spartan Nation" was on a banner over the kitchen.

"Did you say that four people died?" asked Paula with great concern. "I thought it was the three kids. Did another one pass away?"

"You didn't hear that they found the body of Ralph Baker stuffed in a storage room? The bastards shot him and took his keys. That's how they got into the school," replied Billy's father sadly.

It was a somber group that sat down at the table reserved for them. Before they could order, Governor O'Leary entered the restaurant, followed by two security officers. He made a point of speaking to each diner as he passed their table. He promised that the state would do everything in its power to help the area recover and offered words of sympathy to those that appeared bereaved in any way.

"Ladies, would you mind if I join you?" asked the governor politely as he came to the Anderson table. "I've only been governor a few days, but I hope I never have to go though anything like this again. The President had to fly back to Washington, but he was extremely impressed by the character and courage of the 'Spartan Nation' as it's now being called.

"Gwen seems to have started something with that phrase this morning. As we were driving in this afternoon, we saw numerous signs stating 'We Are the Spartan Nation' in yards and businesses. You gave them answers when they needed them, and you gave them pride when they needed it. This area has been dealt a horrible blow today, but its positive reaction to this senseless attack has given it a greater purpose and strength. Every person in the 'Spartan Nation' is proud to be part of this community. They're also proud of its response to terrorism and hatred. As Governor, I can't help but feel pride mixed with a great deal of sadness over today's events.

"The video of Steve entering that gym and shooting it out with those terrorists is gut wrenching, to say the least. Even after taking two bullets, he still tried to reach the terrorists to disarm the bombs. You showed incredible faith in him when you severed the wires he told you to cut. If he had been wrong, the entire school would have been blown up, along with most of the students in it."

"You saw a video of the shooting?" questioned a stunned Gwen. "How is that possible? Where did you see it? Who taped it?"

"I thought you must have seen it by now. I heard that the Kite kid shopped it around and sold it to a cable news channel and donated the money to the hospital fund. They bought the video of the entire attack. But he placed the shootout and you cutting the wires to the bombs on your class FaceBook page. It was taken down within half an hour. But once you put something on the web, it remains 'out there' forever.

"Parts of it have been played over and over on the news channels. I understand that your classmate was going to video your meeting and wound up getting the entire attack. He had the good sense to not post the first part where innocent teachers and students were shot. He felt the world should see the shootout and how you had enough faith in Steve to cut the wires he told you to cut. It still sends chills down my spine when I think about the nerve you kids displayed."

"Dave Kite had his video camera there? Wow! It was unbelievable when I saw it in real time. The videos must be amazing. Now everyone can see how much nerve Steve has, and how straight he shoots! I didn't know Dave was recording the meeting this morning. I guess the FBI can watch that instead of harassing us students about what happened."

"Look, Gwen! It's playing on the TV over by the salad bar. It's in slow motion," pointed out Lisa.

Gwen moved closer to the television and watched as the announcer used a pointed to show each time Steve was struck by a bullet. He would freeze the frame and point to the area of impact and then play a few more frames. Gwen couldn't help but flinch each time Steve jerked from the impact of a bullet. The other diners watched her as she viewed the video. By the time Steve was hit the third time, tears were streaming down Gwen's cheeks. She turned to find Lisa sobbing right next to her.

The announcer was telling the audience that all evidence indicated that Steve had been hit three times and the third time appeared to be in the center of the chest. He explained that the hospital only reported two bullet wounds and that there was an obvious discrepancy between the video and the hospital.

Gwen's phone vibrated and she glanced to see who was calling since she had not been accepting calls from the many friends and well wishers trying to contact her. She simply didn't have the time or energy to answer all the calls.

"Hello, Amber. What can I do for you?" asked Gwen when she saw Amber Stahl's name on her phone ID. "Yes, I just saw it and I can tell you why it looks like Steve was shot three times. The third shot struck a heavy locket that I gave him for Christmas. He wore it all the time. He's got a nasty bruise on his chest right over his heart from the impact of the bullet."

"Are you serious?" asked an incredulous Amber. "He was struck in the locket you gave him as a gift at Christmas? It was directly over his heart? This story just keeps getting more amazing every minute. Your love saved the guy! I've got to report this. Thanks so much, Gwen."

After they finished dinner, for which Billy's father refused to accept payment, Charlotte and Gwen returned to the hospital. Gwen sat by Jared's parents and gave them each a sandwich that Mr. Marsh had sent for them. She noticed some strangers sitting across the room watching her, so Gwen rose and introduced herself to them.

"We know who you are, Ms. Anderson," replied an older lady. "We're Angela Walker's brother and sister. I'm Roberta and this is Edward. Angela has spoken about you on numerous occasions. At Christmas she made us watch some videos of you and your remarkable boyfriend. We thought she was a bit overenthusiastic, shall I say? After hearing and seeing what you and Steve Hammer accomplished today, I realize that Angela had every right to be excited and proud. She told us all about the Inauguration and how much she enjoyed it. We're pleased that she had that opportunity. Can you give us some idea of how badly she was injured this morning?"

Gwen spent some time describing the events of the day and what she saw in regards to Ms. Walker's injury. A short while later, the brother and sister were told by the nurse that their sister was now awake and able to briefly see visitors. They thanked Gwen as they followed the nurse from the room.

Charlotte pointed to the television on the wall. Amber Stahl was sitting next to the anchor man, telling him that she was able to report why it appeared that Steve Hammer had been shot three times when the hospital reported two bullet wounds.

"This is an incredible story!" promised Amber as the camera focused on her. "Gwen Anderson told me a little while ago that during that shootout, Steve was shot squarely in the heart. But the silver locket she had given him for Christmas stopped the bullet from hitting his body! Can you imagine that? He's still alive because he was wearing the silver locket given to him as a Christmas gift from his girlfriend, Gwen Anderson. Her love actually saved his life, both metaphorically and literally!"

Gwen and Charlotte spent the night in the waiting room. They would visit with family members of those wounded in the attack and offer words of encouragement. They'd get coffee and snacks for distraught friends and relatives of victims. For short periods of time, they'd manage catnaps. The sun was beginning to rise when a nurse came in for Jared's parents.

"Your son is awake and asking to see his parents," smiled the nurse. "He isn't out of the woods entirely, but the doctors think it's okay for you to visit him briefly."

Gwen was elated to hear that Jared was awake and asking for his parents! She hugged the Whites again and wished them the best. She looked around the room and realized that she and Charlotte were the only people left. She shook Charlotte awake and they headed home.