Lady in Red Pt. 02 Ch. 10

Jared's parents, Billy's parents, Charlotte's mom, Ashley, and Naomi's parents, along with the rest of Paula's family, were equally enthusiastic in their greetings and praise of the group.

Gwen, because of her fame and her generosity to the hospital, and the fact that she was entering her third year of medical school in the fall, was able to be in the operating room with Steve. She maintained her composure as Steve's injuries were treated and his arm set. His lung had been punctured by a broken rib. That required some delicate surgery, but Gwen had quickly determined that the attending doctors were very capable and she felt confident that Steve would make a complete recovery.

Kate made Charlotte promise to watch over Chip during his surgery. She paced around the small waiting room near the OR as she waited for word on Chip's condition. It was a couple hours later that Charlotte came into the room smiling.

"He's doing fine! His leg was badly broken from the bullet, but these doctors are incredible! They said he'll probably be walking without even a limp in less than a year! His shoulder was torn up some, but again, the doctors think he'll make a full recovery. He'll be out of it for a few more hours, so maybe you should go home and get some rest, and some clean clothes."

"Oh, Charlotte! Thanks so much! I can't go home now. I want to be here when Chip wakes up. Will they let me sit with him?" asked Kate.

"Here's what we're going to do," stated Gwen as she came through the doorway. "Steve came through the surgery fine, but it'll be a few hours before he wakes up. I'm sure it's the same for Chip. I know how you feel, Kate, but we need to eat something and get cleaned up. Now that the worst is over, my stomach is screaming at me. Let's slip into Billy's and get some real food. Then we'll go home, shower and change into something nice so when our guys come around, they'll see what beautiful, loving women they have."

Gwen led the way as they went to the main waiting room to find family and friends waiting . Gwen anticipated their questions and quickly announced, "The guys had successful surgery. It'll be hours before they come around and we need to eat and get cleaned up. Let's get over to Billy's and get some real food."

"I'm all for it, but there's a hundred reporters outside waiting for answers to their questions," responded Paula. "I think you're going to have to speak to them before we can go eat."

Gwen nodded to her mother, squared her shoulders, and walked out to where the press had set up. Questions were immediately thrown at her from every direction.

"Allow me a statement that may answer some of your questions. Steve and I are blessed with friends and relatives that are willing to risk injury, and even death, to help us. These friends and relatives traveled to Iraq with my sister, Kate, and me to find Steve and Chip Martin bring them home.

"I have not been able to speak with Steve yet, as he's been unconscious since we found him earlier this morning in a cave on a hill in Iraq. It's unclear to me at this time, exactly what role the state department played in getting Steve to exchange himself for those children. It was not handled properly. Of that, I am certain. I will make the time and effort to determine why and how this happened.

"I need to be very clear on this next point. None of us, and especially not Steve, will ever be exchanged for any ransom demands, regardless of who's being held captive. It's counterproductive and simply encourages and rewards the kidnapping and the killing of innocents. My advice is to leave dangerous areas, definitely do not take children to those areas, and never think that anyone from my family, or Lady in Red Productions, will ever pay any sort of ransom. Don't even ask!

"Get a job in a safe place if you don't want to risk the consequences of your decisions and actions. Do not look to me, my family, my friends, or my company to negotiate with terrorists, because we will never do that!

"As near as I can tell, Steve was rescued from the terrorists by his friend and fellow SEAL, Chip Martin, who was badly injured and also had to undergo extensive surgery for life threatening injuries to his shoulder and leg. He's expected to make a full recovery. I'm unable to express my gratitude to this brave man. I'll leave that chore to my sister Kate!

"Steve underwent surgery for a badly broken left arm, a punctured lung, broken ribs, as well as numerous bruises, cuts, and abrasions caused by brutal beatings. His hands were still cuffed behind his back when we found him! But, he's expected to recover fully.

"You cannot imagine the ordeal these two incredibly brave men went through. We haven't been able to speak with them yet, but I'm sure they'll downplay the suffering and pain they endured. That's the kind of men they are.

"I have to thank my father, Ted Anderson, for going with us, fighting for us, and being a father we can be extremely proud of. He suffered a bullet wound to his arm, but he's doing very well. My sister's wonderful husband, Ranger Captain Jason Hunter, took the lead in the dangerous parts of the journey and kept us safe. Lieutenant Jared White, Billy Marsh, and Coach Watkins went with us, and fought to keep us safe. My very good friends, Naomi, Charlotte, and Doctor Laura Masters accompanied us and were a tremendous help. Jordan Quick, a person that I love with all of my heart, and her fiancé Charlie Burns, never wavered in their support. Charlie was injured by a bullet that dug a groove in his head, but he's already doing much better, thank God.

"Finally, I have to thank everyone that came to Sparta on their bikes and in their cars to show their support for Steve. These people are our friends and we welcome them! Food and drink will be made available to them by Lady in Red Productions for as long as they're in Sparta. Bathrooms, showers, and lockers will be accessible for them at our performing arts center. We thank to all of you that kept Steve in your thoughts over the past couple of weeks!"

"How was it that you and your friends were able to find Steve when all of the resources of the United States government failed?" called a reporter from a major network.

"That's the question, isn't it?" replied Gwen seriously. "Was it because my friends and I truly wanted to find Steve and help him? We received most of our intelligence from sources in the military. They believed the terrorists would be about a hundred miles north of Baghdad and they were right. But our sources told us that the military was not involved in the search for Steve and his abductors. It wasn't for lack of desire. We understand that our fighting men and women in Iraq wanted very much to assist in finding Steve.

"You need to ask questions of the state department and the administration. Who insisted Steve go to Iraq? Who decided to have him meet with the parents of the kids that were kidnapped? Who was in command of the search and rescue efforts, if there were any? Get the answers to those questions and go from there!"

"Did you go to Iraq to improve your chances of being elected to Congress? It seems like you're running for that office pretty hard," asked another man from a cable news channel.

"You, Sir, are an ass!" replied Gwen hotly. "I don't give a damn about votes. I'm not running for anything. How deep do you think this conspiracy went? Did we get those kids abducted for votes? Did we risk Steve's life for votes? Did Charlie and Dad get wounded to help get votes? I love Steve. My friends and family love Steve, and they love me. Our actions were out of love, and for no other reason! To suggest otherwise reflects poorly on you, not on me, my friends, or my relatives! That will be all for now."

Ten minutes later, Gwen and her entourage entered Marsh's Landing. The place was teeming with patrons. There were tourists and locals, as well some of the bikers that had made the trip to honor Steve. The room went silent as soon as Gwen was recognized. She smiled and greeted people she knew.

"Bob, Mary! It's great to see you. Your kids are adorable! Mrs. Williams, your grandkids are growing up so fast. Thanks for the kind words, Pamela. He's recovering. I'm going back to the hospital as soon as I eat something to eat and get cleaned up. I'm flattered that you'd vote for me. I won't be campaigning in any way. I'm far too busy, and much too jaded to be part of that circus."

William Patterson stood back and marveled at the way patrons reacted to Gwen as she made her way to the private room they would be using. It was obvious that she was loved and respected by the people of Sparta, and that the feelings were reciprocated by Gwen. Jordan and Kate spoke with many of the diners as well, but Gwen appeared to be the focal point of the public's attention and admiration.

The girls left a sea of smiling faces behind them as she slowly made their way through the room. Ted was the subject of a lot of comments and observations as he proudly walked alongside Paula. His bandaged arm told the story of how his trip to Iraq had gone.

When they were finally settled around their table, William Patterson gave voice to his observations. "Gwen, you'll easily be elected to congress. I've never seen anyone given as much love and respect as these people feel for you. Add in the quality of your family and friends, especially Jordan and Steve, and you're pure gold in this town, and state."

"Thanks, Grandfather Patterson, but I really don't care much about that right now. I just want Steve, Chip, and Charlie to get well. Charlie's in the hospital for observation while Chip and Steve are still under the effects of the anesthesia. Those three men, along with those at this table, are the absolute best I've ever seen."

Just then, Gwen noticed two men standing in the doorway. She quickly stood and went to them. Jordan was right behind her. "Larry! Larry Carson! And Merle! It's so good to see you!"

William Patterson watched as Gwen and Jordan greeted the two roughly dressed men warmly. The taller man wore an old sleeveless shirt and jeans while the shorter man wore a leather jacket and old jeans. Tattoos could be seen on his neck and hands. They didn't appear to be the type anyone would expect the two beautiful girls to welcome so warmly.

"Would you sit down and eat with us?" asked Jordan as soon as she finished hugging Merle. "It's great to see you both. Thanks for making the ride."

"We can't stay, but we sure appreciate that you ladies treat us so well," stated Larry Carson. "We just wanted you to know that we're here if you need us. By 'us', I mean somewhere between five thousand and ten thousand brothers and sisters on bikes. We're all really happy that you found Steve and brought him home to recover. We're hearing some disturbing things about the state department and how they treated him after he risked his life to save those kids.

"You guys and your company have been life savers for a lot of us Vets. We're here for you if you need us. Nothing would make the guys prouder than to help you any way they can. We've been getting everyone that lives in your district registered to vote. We're pretty excited about having a friend in Congress, having someone that listens and cares for us everyday working men and women. You're rich and beautiful, but you aren't all stuck up and full of yourself. We feel like you, Jordan, Steve, and Charlie are personal friends. You're good people and we'll do our best to get you elected."

"Thank you so much!" beamed Gwen. "I appreciate that you'd work so hard for me. If I do somehow manage to represent this district, my door will always be opened to you, and the other veterans and working stiffs out there. If I'm not elected, we'll still be friends and get together for rides now and then. You've done a wonderful job helping other veterans and those of us in Lady in Red Productions are honored to call you both friends. I'll tell Steve you're in town and keeping an eye on things. He'll appreciate it a lot."

After the men departed, Lisa explained to everyone how Gwen and Jordan came to know the two men. "Merle was the man that found those two kids that July 4th we rode to the state park because Jordan had the great idea to help them. Larry is the fellow Lady in Red donated a million dollars to because of his efforts in helping veterans. I don't think I'd be telling any secrets if I mentioned that Lady in Red donates a million dollars to his cause every year. He's helped thousands of veterans get jobs, find homes, learn trades and skills, and get basic health care. In my opinion, Gwen really should be elected to Congress. She's done more to help people in her spare time than any politicians have accomplished working at it full time."

As soon as dinner was finished, Kate and Gwen rushed home to shower and change. They planned on being at the hospital when their guys came around, regardless of how long they had to wait.

Kate had been sitting with Chip for a few hours when exhaustion finally conquered her and she fell asleep. She was sitting in a chair, but her head was lying on Chip's upper abdomen as she dozed. Suddenly she was wide awake. A noise of some kind had stirred her senses. Looking around, she saw an attractive woman in her forties watching her from the other side of Chip's bed.

"I'm sorry, but Chip isn't receiving company right now. How did you past the nurses? If' you're a reporter or something, you can just turn around and leave!"

"Who exactly are you to tell me I can't see my own son!" demanded the woman. "The last time I looked, you weren't even a close relative. I've never actually met you. That said, I'm glad that you're here with my son, and keeping such a watchful eye on everything."

"Mrs. Martin? I'm so sorry! I didn't realize you were coming here. I don't have your number or anything, or I would've called you. I'm Kate Anderson, a.. a friend of Chip's. I'm just waiting for him to wake up. Your son's a very brave man!"

"That he is. You're Kate Anderson? Chip's best friend is Steve Hammer. Is Gwen Anderson your sister? You're a very beautiful young woman. You say you're just a friend of Chip's?" asked the older woman as she watched with amusement as Kate blushed.

"We're just getting to know each other, but I'll probably be the mother of your grandchildren, if I have anything to say about it," confessed Kate as she squared her shoulders and looked the older woman in the eye.

"I see," replied Mrs. Martin, making no attempt to conceal her smile. "Do you expect to marry him first, or just start having children? Is he aware of your intentions?"

"Well, not exactly. He saved my life. When I asked if he was engaged or married, he told me we could go pick out a ring anytime. I'd call that a proposal, and I'm thinking about holding him to it," smiled Kate. "Chip and Steve are men of honor. They wouldn't do anything to mislead a poor little girl like me. If Chip was playing fast and loose with me, my father would have to thrash him within an inch of his life, once he recovered from this ordeal, of course."

"Of course," laughed Chip's mother. "The doctor tells me that Chip should recover fully. Your family and friends got him here just in time. I heard all about your trip on TV. That Amber Stahl can't say enough good things about your group. You found Chip and Steve in a hillside cave and brought both of them back to Sparta.

"Your friend, as well as your father, were both injured fighting off more terrorists. It's all pretty incredible. I'd have to say that my son has made some pretty good friends. If only his father could understand him the way you do. He wanted Chip to learn the family business, but Chip insisted that he was going to join the Navy and become a SEAL."

"Are you telling me that Chip's father isn't the proudest man in the world after all of all the courageous things his son has accomplished? That would be harder for me to believe if I didn't know Steve's family history."

"Steve's maternal grandmother was upset when Steve's mother fell in love with his father, who was a sailor in the Navy. She drove Steve's mother away. She never knew that Steve was even born, or when her daughter died. It was a chance meeting in Paris that reunited her family with Steve, but it was too late to apologize to Steve's parents. I can't have your husband estranged from Chip. My kids are going to need to know all of their family, so you'd better make your husband get with the program!"

"Do I have any say in any of this?" croaked a weak voice from the bed.

"Chip!" cried Kate when she realized where the question had come from. She slowly bent over and gave the injured man a long, lingering kiss. "Do you want three kids or four? That will be your only decision. How do you feel?"

"Pretty confused," admitted Chip as he slowly turned his head to see his mother standing close by. "The last thing I remember is stumbling into a cave in a hillside in Iraq. Then I wake up with an angel telling my mother that she's going to have my kids, not that I'm complaining. How did I wind up here, and where exactly am I? How's Steve?"

By this time two nurses and a doctor hurried into the room and insisted that Kate and Mrs. Martin leave for a few minutes while they examined Chip. Kate told Chip that Steve was recovering and that she'd be back to answer all of his questions as soon as the doctor gave permission. Kate found herself standing in the hall with Chip's mother while the two women waited to return to the room.

"I hope I didn't seem disrespectful, Mrs. Martin," began Kate when the two women were alone. "I've fallen for your son pretty hard in a very short time. He's handsome, brave, kind, loyal, and extremely capable. My father likes him. Steve thinks the world of him. That tells me that he's a very special guy. He seems to like me pretty well, so I'm telling you up front that I'm going after him. I think he's great husband material."

"Young lady, you don't beat around the bush. I can't speak for Chip. In fact, he's barely spoken to me since he and his father had that big argument over Chip joining the Navy. When I was told that he was badly injured helping Steve Hammer escape from those damned terrorists, I was scared to death. I almost lost my son without making sure that he knew how much I loved him.

"But you and your friends and family went over there, found him, and brought him back. He's our son and we should have been part of it! But those two stubborn men refuse to bend at all. That leaves me in the middle of the mess."

"That's something we're going to fix right away," insisted Kate. "I've learned a lot by watching my sister, Gwen. She handles Steve really well, especially with family. He didn't want to reconcile with his mother's family, but once Gwen made it clear that she's have it no other way, he came around pretty fast. Now he's really glad that he did. I'll make Chip fall in love with me so deep he won't be able to refuse me anything. Then I'll tell him that he has to reach an understanding with his father. Our kids are going to have all of their grandparents participating in their lives."

"Do you think you can do that?" asked Mrs. Martin hopefully. "I guess that's a stupid question. Look how beautiful you are. I can't imagine any healthy young man refusing you anything."

"Thank you, Mrs. Martin. I'm going to need your help. It sounds like you've allowed your husband too much freedom in making family decisions. You need to be firmer. I'm sure he loves you a great deal and wants you to be happy. He needs to know that the only way you'll be happy is when he and Chip get over their stupid spat. Chip is a wonderful man. You and your husband must be pretty special people to raise such a good son."

"Please call me, Marian, since we're going to be related," grinned Chip's mother. "I think we're going to get along splendidly, especially since you're going to be giving me beautiful grandchildren!"