Lady in Red Ch. 29

"Steve was knocked back a step or two, but he raised both arms up and shook the sleeves of his gown down to his elbows. I saw a gun in each hand, and then the shooting started. I saw a guy with a gun in the middle aisle go down. Then Steve raised his left hand and shot a man with a gun way back by the light pole on that side. When the three men charged him shooting as they moved up the aisle, I was really scared. Bullets were flying all over, but Steve Hammer just stood his ground, shooting like they were machine guns in his hands. He was incredibly brave! He saved us all."

Other graduates, teachers, and parents told similar stories. The injured police officer and the planned benefit were also frequent topics. It was the consensus of the Spartan Nation that Steve Hammer had once again saved hundreds, if not thousands of Spartan lives.

Steve was up early and managed his run before the sun fully emerged from the horizon. He showered and ate breakfast with his Uncle Joe. By midmorning, he became bored and decided to drive to Gwen's for the pool party her parents had planned.

As he pulled into the Anderson driveway, he noticed that Gwen's car was gone. He checked his phone and found a text message from her stating that she, Kate, Lisa, and Naomi had gone to shop for more refreshments since it looked like they were going to have more guests than originally planned. Steve decided it would be a great time to get some laps in and went around back to the pool.

He removed his shirt and placed it on a lounge chair. As he moved toward the pool, he was surprised to hear a voice behind him. Turning, he found Cindy Quick lying on a lounge chair in the corner of the pool deck and she was topless!

"I asked if you cared to rub some lotion on me since I burn easily. It seems the cat has your tongue. So what do you think? Are my tits better than Jordan's?"

Steve looked at Jordan's mother for a few seconds, mulling over her appearance and her words. Making up his mind, he strode over to where she sat, leaned over, picked her up, and then carried her over to a chair by the picnic table.

"What are you doing? I was just teasing you a little. You can't manhandle me. I thought you were a regular Boy Scout. You'd better not be thinking about raping me. Even heroes can be arrested and sent to prison!"

Steve calmly sat down with the well stacked Cindy Quick on his lap. He had an arm wrapped around her, pinning both her arms to her body. She struggled briefly, but quickly realized that she was totally at Steve's mercy.

Paula and Diane had been preparing sandwiches when they heard Cindy speak to Steve. They looked out the window in time to see a surprised Steve studying the older woman. Silently, they watched as he lifted Cindy off the lounge chair and carried her to a chair by the table.

"What's he going to do? He has to know that Gwen and the girls will be back soon," pointed out Diane. "He isn't going to let her seduce him, is he?"

"I really doubt it. If he can ignore the charms of Lisa, Kate, Stephanie, Jordan, Ashley, Becky and a few dozen other beautiful young women, I can't see him falling for Jordan's mother. He's got something in mind. Let's listen to what he says to her," reasoned Paula.

"Mrs. Quick, We need to talk," began Steve. "Let me explain a few things about how the world works. You do not have nicer 'tits' than Jordan. She's perfect, her body is perfect, and certainly her 'tits; as you call them, are perfect. The reason her 'tits' are perfect is that she's such a generous, loving, kind, beautiful woman. A woman with those qualities will always have perfect 'tits'. It doesn't even matter what they look like, or how big they are. 'Tits' don't make the woman. The woman makes the 'tits'. You have nice big firm 'tits' and you're obviously proud of them, but they are far from being as nice as Jordan's. The reason is simple. You aren't as good a person as Jordan. You could have amazing 'tits' with some effort, but you'd have to change a lot. You'd have to stop being so self centered and selfish. You'd have to learn to trust others and to love your daughter completely, at the very least.

"Gwen's mom has a perfect set of 'tits', but she'd never ask for comparisons or try to infer that hers are bigger, firmer, or nicer in any way than any of her daughters' 'tits'. Do you know why? Because she loves her girls; she doesn't compete with them. She does her best to encourage and support them. Because she's such a good mother, wife and friend, her 'tits' are spectacular. If she was a miserable, jealous woman those same 'tits' would be unattractive because she'd be unattractive. All women can have great 'tits', but it takes more than mounds on their chest. You're a very attractive woman and you have fairly big 'tits' but you'll never have great 'tits' until you learn to stop thinking of yourself first.

"Think about what you asked me. You wanted me to admire your 'tits' and tell you they were as good, or better, than your daughter's. Why would you do that? You should be proud of her, support her, love her, but not try to compete with her. Parents don't do that. At least good, loving parents don't. Watch Paula today. She's gracious, understanding, supportive, and loving. There's a woman with perfect 'tits', and one of the reasons is that she'd never ask a question like you just did. Do you understand what I'm trying to tell you?"

"I...I think I do," responded a quivering Cindy Quick. "I'm a bad person, and a lousy mother. That makes me less attractive, and since I put so much emphasis on my breasts, they can't be anything to brag about, simply because I'm so selfish. I tried to coax you to tell me my breasts were nicer than Jordan's for my own pathetic pride. You love Jordan, and because of that and how good a person she's become, you feel she's perfect, including her breasts. I'm not even close. Breasts don't make a woman beautiful, but a beautiful woman will always have perfect breasts in your estimation."

"Apparently you've seen Paula's breasts and think that they're exceptional, pretty much for the same reasons. She's a very good mother and wife and she's been kind to you. You love her and because of that, her breasts are perfect, she's perfect. I can't even imagine how you feel about Gwen's body, but I know it must be something very special."

"My God, Paula. Listen to Steve talk about your breasts! When has he seen them? What haven't you told me about that? You certainly made an impression on that young man. Have you slept with him? What about Gwen and Ted?" worried Diane.

"Just stop that foolish talk! That time he saved me from those rapists, he carried me up a hill to the car while I was topless. Those brutes had ripped my clothes off, and he put them both in the hospital for their efforts. I've never betrayed Ted, or Gwen. I can't help it if he likes my 'girls' so much," answered Paula with a smile as she turned her attention back to Steve to hear what he would say next.

"You understand what I'm trying to tell you, but will you try to work on your attitude and outlook? Jordan is a woman any mother should be delighted with, but not a woman any mother should try to compete with. She's amazing. Accept it. Embrace it. Be proud of it, but don't try to compete with it. The more you love her and encourage her, the better you'll look to me and everyone else."

"You're right, of course. I feel so foolish now, sitting on your lap with my sagging tits showing. I was stupid. I should never ask a question if I can't accept the answer. I'll go inside now and find something more appropriate to wear. I've embarrassed myself enough," stated a dejected Cindy Quick as she moved off Steve's lap.

"Mrs. Quick, you are a stunning woman. Don't think I'm saying otherwise. You have a wonderful figure, but you can be so much more if you put your mind to it and learn to love your daughter for the amazing woman she is, and not feel threatened by her."

"So you do like them, at least a little?" giggled Cindy Quick as she grabbed her top and hurried toward the kitchen door. She ran right into Paula and Diane when she entered the kitchen. Cindy pulled her top over her breasts as she looked at the sisters.

"You saw and heard all of that? He sure set me straight, didn't he? I never thought a hormonal teenage boy could be so indifferent to my charms. I don't know what you've got going with your daughter's boyfriend, but he certainly loves you, and not only like a mother. I envy you, Paula. I'm going to work to get him to feel the same way about me, impossible as that seems right now," finished Cindy as she headed up the stairs to the bedroom she had been using.

"She's right about one thing, you know," observed Diane softly. "That young man loves you far more than he would simply because you're his girlfriend's mother. You're a very lucky woman. He feels the same way about you as he does Lisa, Kate, and Stephanie. He's very strongly attracted to you, maybe even as much as you are to him. He'll treat his mother-in-law like a queen. This is all so intense, and so very cool, as Kate would say."

Just as Diane finished speaking, they heard the girls' laughter as they came into the kitchen. "Did something happen?" asked a concerned Gwen. "You both look so serious. Is anything wrong?"

"Actually, everything is very good," responded Paula. "We've been watching an Adonis out by the pool while we made sandwiches. It makes the work go faster."

"Steve's in the pool?" deducted Kate. "I'm going to go change into my suit right now and join him. I love the way he climbs up the ladder, all wet and muscular looking."

Gwen continued to stare at her mother until Paula finally looked away while breaking her silence. "I'll tell you all about it later. It's all good. Don't fret."

Kate and Stephanie joined Steve in the pool and delighted in his willingness to throw them high above the water so they could dive in. Jordan and Charlie joined them a short time later, followed by Lisa and Naomi. Jared wandered in shortly after noon and Cindy Quick made her way to the pool wearing a modest one piece suit. By early afternoon, there were dozens of kids and parents enjoying an old fashioned cookout. Ted left work at noon to return home to man the barbecue. Gwen was busy helping her mother and Diane for the first hour. Shortly after one, she approached Steve as he chatted with Becky, who was wearing a very small bikini.

"Becky, could I borrow Steve for a minute. I need to speak with him," began Gwen as she took Steve's hand and led him away from the crowd.

"Mom told me about Jordan's mom and how well you handled the situation," revealed Gwen as shock spread across Steve's face. "I just wanted to tell you how proud I am of you and how much I love you. It remains to be seen if Jordan's mom will learn from the little talk you had with her, but it's great that you made such an effort. Jordan's worth it. Aunt Diane was even more impressed than Mom. She thinks you should become a shrink."

"Your mother and Aunt Diane heard me with Mrs. Quick? Were they upset? Did they tell you what I said?"

"Not word for word. They said that Jordan's mom tried to get you to tell her that her 'tits' as she called them, were better than her daughter's. You proceeded to use that word a dozen times as you discussed how perfect Jordan was and why her mom wasn't. They thought you used the term quite appropriately for the situation. Jordan's mom told them that she was going to try to improve and come closer to your expectations for her. I'm so proud of you, I have to kiss you."

Gwen wrapped her arms around Steve and pulled his head down to hers and kissed him gently, but passionately. Then she just hugged him for another minute before leading him back to the pool.

"Can I borrow him for awhile, Sis?" asked Kate as she pulled Steve toward the pool. "Jared thinks he and Naomi can beat Steve and me in a chicken fight. Let's show them who the chickens are!"

A little later that afternoon, Steve was in the kitchen looking for plastic forks when Paula stepped inside. As he looked at her, he felt his face get warm.

"Paula, I owe you an apology for saying what I did about you to Jordan's mom. I was trying to make a point to her and I never intended to be disrespectful to you. I shouldn't have said those things, or even brought up your name."

Paula walked across the room until she was quite close to Steve and spoke softly. "Did you mean what you said about me being perfect and having such nice, ah, I think you used the word 'tits'? I didn't think you even looked at them that day you saved me from those rapists. Do you think about that night every now and then?"

"No, I think about it all the time. Of course I meant what I said, but it was rude of me to use that word when speaking about a lady like you. You're an amazing woman and perfect as far as I'm concerned."

"Then you have nothing to apologize to me for," whispered Paula as she rose up and kissed Steve lightly on the lips. "You may want to apologize to Diane, though."

Paula had turned and headed for the door when she made that confusing statement. "I never even mentioned Diane's name. What do I have to apologize to her for?" asked Steve.

"You just answered your own question," laughed Paula as she went back out by the pool.

Steve had rejoined his friends by the pool for a few minutes when he heard Charlotte curse quietly. "That dumb ass Bill Hardy's in town. He's been asking around, trying to find people that were at graduation yesterday that thought Steve was too quick to shoot and that he endangered a lot of people with his actions. My mother's cousin just called her. She told Mom that he quizzed her son, but Tim wouldn't go along with it. Mom just texted me about it."

"That guy's getting to be a pain in my ass," admitted Steve with some annoyance. "I'm sure he'll find a few people that'll be happy to second guess my actions just so they can be on TV."

"Remember that we decided the best way to handle all of these issues is straight on, and with the truth," Gwen reminded Steve. "I'm certain that the people in this town support your quick actions, and reactions, even if Hardy does find a malcontent someplace. Should we be interviewed, or have a news conference of some kind?"

"I'm not especially fond of that stuff, but it does help keep the truth out front. I don't care too much about what he says about me. It's knowing he has a bug up his ass about me that causes me some concern. He's seen by millions of people every night."

"It seems like we'll have to put that on the back burner," replied Gwen as she nodded toward the kitchen door where Paula was leading several people out to the pool area. "It looks like the detective that took your vest yesterday, and he's got company."

"These people are with law enforcement and want to talk to you, Steve. They'll also ask a lot of the rest of us questions. Is that okay with you? I thought that you'd be glad to get it over and done and while avoiding a trip to the station. They just knocked on the door and told me they wanted to ask questions. It seems like something we'll have to do sooner or later."

"It's fine, Paula. It saves me the trip down town. The only problem may be that the detective won't remember why he's here or what questions he wanted to ask. You've seen Gwen before, Detective Dorn. It's not polite to stare."

"I'm sorry! I've seen her on TV and in videos, but this is the first time I've seen her in a swim suit. I apologize, Ms. Anderson. I was taken aback by your beauty, but I'm ready to go to work. This is Dr. Sheila Paulson and Agent Jack Lacey of the FBI. They'll be asking questions, too. Jack heads up the FBI team doing the investigation."

Steve and Gwen shook hands with the two government agents. "I have to admit that I'm a little intimidated myself," began Agent Lacey. "One of our guys was sent packing because he didn't display the proper amount of respect to you both, but especially to you, Ms. Anderson. I will do my best to remain professional in my demeanor and questioning."

"Let me interpret what these two guys are trying to say. You've been voted one of the country's sexiest women, along with the blonde in that skimpy bikini over there. These guys are worried about looking where they shouldn't, or in some way, allow the rest of us to know what's really going through their minds. If you remain in that bikini, you can't blame these guys for looking. That's the point they were trying to make," stated Dr. Paulson with a grin.

"Goodness! Am I supposed to take off my bikini so they can question me?" asked Gwen with a straight face.

"You misunderstood..., no you didn't, did you? You're toying with us," laughed Dr. Paulson. "Suppose we begin the interview. One of the reasons I'm here is to attest to the proper behavior of these gentlemen."

"Okay, let's have a seat and get started," suggested Gwen as Steve pulled a chair out for her as she called to her mother. "Mom! Could you get Kate and Stephanie to bring these people some burgers and sodas? Thanks!"

Once again, Steve was asked explained his actions from early the previous day right on through the shoot-out. He had just nicely begun when Ashley and Becky approached them with three plates of food and some drink. Dorn couldn't conceal his interest in Ashley.

"Aren't you a teacher at the school?" asked Detective Dorn as he accepted a plate from Ashley. "Are there many teachers here today? What subject do you teach? I need to ask you some questions when I'm finished here."

"You already have," chuckled Ashley. "I teach English and there are a couple other teachers here. This is my sister, Becky Summers. She's visiting me, and she's friends with Steve and Gwen."

"I'd shake, but I seem to have my hand full," wisecracked Becky as she placed the food dish on the table. "Steve calls me 'Lefty', but you'd be advised not to do that. Steve gets upset when I cry."

"Of course, Ms. Summers! I understand completely. That's why I'm here and the last agent's back in DC shuffling papers," replied Jack Lacey. "I won't make his mistakes. Thanks for the food. I appreciate it."

Steve smiled as Dorn watched Ashley and Becky walk back toward the pool. As he glanced around the table, Steve realized that both Gwen and Dr. Paulson had noticed the same thing.

"This environment is like a minefield for Detective Dorn," observed Dr. Paulson. "He's having some difficulty staying focused and not staring at the guests. Try to stay on topic, Detective, please."

Dorn had the decency to blush as he turned his head back to the group at the table. Half an hour later, Gwen and Steve were finished and Jared sat through an interview. A short while later, Ted was sitting with the group explaining his actions of the previous day. After that, Dorn, Lacey, and Dr. Paulson mingled with those attending the party, asking questions and listening to observations and comments.

Dr. Paulson led the other two to a secluded corner to compare notes. "One of my assigned tasks was to see if any of these people had suffered significant mental trauma from the violent events of yesterday. It's my conclusion that they've formed the best support group I've ever seen. It centers on Steve Hammer and Gwen Anderson. The females here adore Steve and have complete faith in his abilities to protect them from harm. Even the older women, like Mrs. Anderson and her sister, defer to him.

"In matters of protection and safety, they all believe that Steve Hammer can handle any crisis, and they feel extremely safe when they are near him. That, along with the way he answered questions posed by you both, has convinced me that he is not a danger to any law abiding individual. He's gracious, polite, even humble. He's no threat to society and in my opinion, is a tremendous asset to this community. My report will state that, unless one of you persuades me differently."