Lady in Red Pt. 02 Ch. 05

"Take your jacket off and I'll tie it around your chest. This is the way Gwen Anderson wrapped up your bullet wound when those terrorists attacked your school. I saw the TV movie," prattled Roxie as she brought the ends together and tied them.

"Do you think the guy will come with the helicopter? You killed both of those bastards," stated Roxie quite calmly. "You took the fight out of the cartel guys down in the road, but I'd feel a lot better if we were flying home right now."

"Let's gather up what we can carry and start for the pickup point. We'll know within the next hour if the guy's coming for us. If he doesn't we have to be ready to keep walking. It might be a little hot around here for a few days," replied Steve as he carefully slung the rifles over his good shoulder. That's when he noticed the pain in his leg.

"You've been hit in the leg!" worried Roxie. "Does it hurt much? Can you walk? Want me to put a bandage on it?"

"I can walk and it isn't bleeding very much, so let's get moving. We don't want to be late if that helicopter shows up," reasoned Steve as he ushered the girls down a nearly invisible path.

Gwen had managed to regain her poise as her mother and friends offered encouragement to her. Steve was in a tight spot, but from the news reports, it sounded like he was more than holding his own. Dark was falling on the area and the cable news channel reported that the shooting seemed to have abated.

Gwen was drinking some water and listening to the news cast when a familiar face walked onto the stage.

"Nadiya! I didn't know you were coming! It's great to see you again. I'm glad you're here. It's great to have friends at a time like this," admitted Gwen as she warmly embraced her friend form the Ukraine.

"I am sorry I couldn't make it sooner. By the time I got to Washington, you had returned to Sparta. I had to come. I will not let my best friends suffer so without me. You, Jordan, and Steve have done so much for my country, I could not live with myself if I did not stand by your side in such a difficult time," stated the blonde Ukrainian with considerable emotion. "My father sends his love, and told me to tell you that Steve Hammer is too much man for outlaws to bring down. Father says he will come home to you, to all of us."

"Your dad is a pretty sharp guy. I hope he's right on this one. Steve will make it home to us," asserted Gwen.

"The people of my country are watching this situation with great interest," assured Nadiya. "They still speak of the week Kiev was home to the famous, generous Americans. It was one of those moments to which all other things are compared. Everyone knows where they were the night of the Freedom Concert. It was a defining point in our nation's history. You, Jordan, and Steve are now legend."

"That was an amazing trip," offered Jordan. "Your country treated us so well. We fell in love with Kiev and its people. Gwen has been talking about a trip back, once she finishes med school. We'd love to play there again."

Gwen couldn't hold back the smile that crossed her lips as she thought back to the day she learned the president wanted her, Jordan, Steve, and Charlie's band to travel to the Ukraine and perform.

It was in the spring of her second year at Stanford. She had taken a current events history course as an elective. It was supposed to be an interesting class with a very well known professor. It was late April and she was sitting in her seat taking notes as the professor gave his lecture.

Gwen's phone vibrated, so she quickly glanced at it to see who was calling. There was a strictly enforced rule against allowing phones to ring, talking on phones, or even texting in class. When Gwen saw the caller I.D., she quickly stood and left the lecture hall.

Five minutes later, she quietly returned to her seat and picked up her note book. "Perhaps you can explain to the rest of us just what was so important that you felt you had to leave class to use your phone," suggested Professor Yurchenko sarcastically. "We're on the edge of our seats, Ms. Anderson."

At first, Gwen felt her face go warm as everyone turned to watch her. Then she felt annoyed at the man's obvious sarcasm directed at her.

"If you insist, Sir," replied Gwen with more than a little of her own sarcasm. "The White House just requested that I, along with some of my friends, travel to Kiev next week. We are going to help represent the United States at the ceremony swearing in the new Prime Minister and cabinet. As you've been pointing out to us students, the Ukraine is undergoing a lot of changes as it struggles toward democracy, and free trade with the West. I am expected to answer my phone when the White house calls."

"Really? President Hanson has asked you and your friends to attend the ceremonies next week? That's a great honor! As you all know, I emigrated from the Ukraine many years ago, when it was part of the Soviet Union. I grew up in, and went to school in Kiev. This is extremely exciting.

"You'll miss several classes, at the very least, but you'll be allowed to make them up with video reports to the class while you're in Kiev, and a detailed discussion of the events that transpired upon your return. See me after class to work out the details," stated Yurchenko, leaving no room for discussion.

Later that day, Gwen received a call from Nadiya. "Hello, Gwen? I know that you and Steve and Jordan are coming to Kiev for the inauguration of our new government. My father wanted me to ask if you would bring your band and give a concert like you did in Sochi. You know that we are at odds with the Russians at this time. It would be a huge public relations success if you would entertain for the people of a small, poor country like ours."

"Nadiya, don't start 'poor little me' routine with me. I know you have a master's degree, and have appeared in a couple of very successful movies, as well as have a father very high up in the Ukraine government. You're beautiful, smart, and talented. Don't try to play me like you do most of the men you come across," laughed Gwen. "Just play to our friendship and you'll get about anything we have to give. You've become a very close friend."

"You say that now, but when I was kissing your big, strong American boyfriend, maybe you weren't thinking such friendly thoughts," teased Nadiya.

"Truthfully, I never blamed you for kissing him. You'd be crazy to not kiss him when you get the chance. That was my fault for creating that situation, which you so skillfully helped me defuse. I know it was a sacrifice and you did it for me. I never thanked you properly. How about I try to talk Steve and Jordan and the band into putting on a show in Kiev to show my appreciation for kissing Steve for me?"

"You would do that for me over a little kiss? What would you do for me if I slept with the guy to save your romance?" questioned Nadiya. "Buy me a castle?"

"More like scratch your eyes out," responded Gwen quickly. "I won't be making that mistake again, so don't entertain the idea that you'll have to sleep with Steve to help me out. That isn't going to happen!"

"Okay, be ungrateful," replied Nadiya with a sigh. "But you'll be very grateful when you see where you'll be playing if you do talk your friends into performing in Kiev. We will have a stage built in Independence Square for the political speeches. The very next day, you will be on it, performing for Kiev and the entire Ukraine.

"The unrest that forced the old government from office was centered in the square. It was badly damaged, but it has been repaired and will be ready for the festivities next week. There will many thousands coming to see the famous American singers and movie stars!" predicted Nadiya. "It will be a real boost to my father's position in the government, as well as among our countrymen. No one else in Kiev can claim the friendship of such important world citizens."

When Steve made his nightly call to Gwen, she wasted no time explaining Nadiya's request. "So her dad asked her to ask us to perform while we're there. They'll have a big stage built in Independence Square, so there'll be room for a lot of people to watch us."

"Do you realize how many people can fit into that square?" asked Steve. "If it's half full, we'll be playing to a hundred thousand people! We don't even know if they like our music. It'd be pretty embarrassing if there are only a couple hundred fans watching."

"I don't think that'll happen from the way Nadiya talked. She thinks they'll come for miles to hear us. So, what do you think? Jordan said she and Charlie are up for it. The band will go since it's another big payday for them. I think Mom can get some cash from a few outlets to broadcast the show, or buy the video to show some other time. They're about seven to ten hours ahead of the US, as far as time zones are concerned. Night there will be afternoon here."

"Count me in!" responded Steve enthusiastically. "You need to let the state department know what we plan before we agree, so we don't make them look bad if they decide against it. You also need to talk to your mom about being certain that our people get to set up a good sound system. That's a huge area to cover and we'll need a lot of speakers, or no one will hear us.

"What about the money? We can't seem to stop making it. Your mom is doing a super job, but I think we need to start spending more on charities. We have to get together with Jordan and embrace some good causes. That'll be an important thing to discuss on the trip. We agreed when we began all of this that we'd do what we could to help the less fortunate. We need to do exactly that."

"You're right," agreed Gwen. "The hospital in Sparta is well under way and it's completely funded. I really believe that our success came because we weren't doing it for ourselves. We need to keep that in mind. If we make many more movies like the 'Sparta' trilogy, we won't be able to spend enough money to keep up with the income. You had a brilliant idea with that project."

"What I had was some beautiful and talented ladies, some great screen writers, and very good directors. If someone else besides you, Jordan, Lisa, Kate and the rest had been the stars, it never would have had the success. We both know where the credit for the success lies," insisted Steve.

"We never agree when we have this discussion, but I've come to realize that's a good thing. Modesty becomes you. I'll start the ball rolling for this concert once the state department gives us the go ahead. Our people will find a suitable place to practice while we're there. We'll turn that town upside down!"

The following Sunday, Gwen, Steve, Jordan, Charlie, Ashley, Paula, Ted, and Kate, along with the band members, landed in Kiev. As soon as they cleared customs, Steve found himself catching a blonde bombshell as she threw herself into his arms.

"Thank you all so much!" squealed Nadiya before giving Steve a long kiss on the lips. "We are being watched and filmed for our news programs. I wanted everyone in the Ukraine to know that Steve and I are still very good friends, even though he dumped me for Gwen in New York after just a couple of kisses.

"Gwen! You look gorgeous!" gushed Nadiya as she hugged Gwen tightly before turning to Jordan and embracing her. "Every time I see you, Jordan, I'm awe struck by your beauty."

Nadiya hugged Charlie, Paula, Ted, Kate and Ashley. "I see the beautiful teacher is a permanent fixture around Steve. I don't blame you but wonder how you managed to sneak in under Gwen's nose. She won't let me even get close to her handsome boyfriend."

"You had me fooled a minute ago when you were kissing him," replied Ashley with a smile. "I left teaching and I'm the go-to girl for Lady in Red Productions. I assist Paula, Gwen, Jordan, and Steve when I can. Please don't let Gwen know how I feel about Steve, and I won't say anything about how much you like him. She's very jealous. "

"Yeah! If I was the jealous type, I never would've survived Jordan, Lisa, Kate, Ashley, Becky... well, you get the idea. It's great to finally make a trip to the Ukraine. We're anxious to see the sights and help your country celebrate its progress toward free trade and reformed government. Look how excited everyone is!"

"This is huge for my country," insisted Nadiya. "We've had a very dark period with a lot of protests, damage, and injuries. Now we are forming a new government and the most famous Americans in the world are here to celebrate with us! I'm so proud to be considered one of your friends. As you all know, I'm just a little girl from the Ukraine."

"Sure, we've heard all of that crap before," laughed Kate. "The fact that you have a few college degrees, are beautiful, have a famous father, travel all over the world, and even had a big role in a blockbuster movie kind of ruins your 'little girl from the Ukraine' shtick."

Nadiya escorted the group to the best hotel in the city and made certain everything was to their liking. "I know you want to have a nice lunch and take a nap with me after that long trip. I have a room reserved for you."

"Is that a room to dine in, or for you and Steve to 'nap' in?" asked Kate quickly.

"You're not going to let me forget that I asked you to join Gwen and me for lunch and a nap, are you?" chuckled Steve. "I thought I misspoke at the time, but I've learned since that it was merely a Freudian slip."

"Oh, really?" asked Gwen with arched eyebrows. "You're saying that you'd like to sleep with this little nymph?"

"Is that a trick question?" replied Steve with a grin. "Look at her! I'd have to be gay to answer that any way but in the positive. She's so darn cute, I could just..."

"Never mind! We'd love to have you join us for a nice lunch, Nadiya. It would be really great if you joined us after our nap to show us your beautiful city. I hope that makes everything very clear," stated Gwen as she wrapped her arms around Steve's arm and smiled.

Later that evening, as Steve and Gwen were preparing for bed, Gwen questioned Steve. "You certainly paid a lot of attention to Nadiya today. You must have asked her a thousand questions. It's all suspiciously like our trip to Moscow. Mom and Dad noticed it. Dad even said you appeared extremely interested in the politics of the regions and wondered if you had an agenda other than creating good will with a concert and a lot of hand shaking."

"I'm that obvious? I'll have to curb my question asking," replied Steve. "I had a little tete a tete with President Hanson a few days back. The Ukraine is embracing western trade and culture a little too strongly as far as Russia is concerned. Russia was very strong interest in what transpires here. They pipe natural gas across the country and use the ports in the Crimea, which is populated mostly by Russian speaking people.

"The U.S. would dearly love to bump Russia out of the Ukraine, but I don't think it's possible. Russia has so much at stake that it would fight before it could allow that to happen. The U.S. needs to be realistic, and so does the Ukraine. Russia will not roll over on this issue. That's how I see it."

"Uh, oh! Does this mean you may be doing diplomacy while you're here? Are you representing President Hanson?" asked Gwen with some amazement.

"No, I'm not. He made it clear that I cannot speak for the United States government. I can, however, learn as much as possible about the various forces at play and see if I can see any way out of this impending international crises. Secretary of State Rosen is shuttling back and forth between Moscow and Kiev, trying to reach a solution. President Hanson feels that Rosen is very capable, but lacks imagination. He doesn't think outside the box, so he wants our perspective on the situation here."

"All of this international intrigue makes me all wet and horny," revealed Gwen as she removed her bra and panties. "Can you think of any solutions for my current situation, Secret Agent Man?"

Steve stepped in close behind Gwen and gently cupped her breasts in his big hands. He rolled her nipples between his thumb and fingers as he kissed her neck and shoulders.

"Hmmmm," groaned Gwen as Steve explored her body with his hands. "You know what I like, and you do it so well. Make love to me. Remind again why I love you so much."

The next morning was spent rehearsing songs for the Friday night concert. The afternoon saw the Americans walking the streets of Kiev with Nadiya acting as tour guide. At one point, they passed near a well worn playground. Several parents were there with quite a few kids. When the children saw Gwen and Jordan, they immediately ran to the pretty Americans.

Gwen and Jordan were delighted and squatted down to receive the children. Gwen noticed that a couple of the small children had scars and one even had a deformed arm.

"What's happened to these children?" asked Gwen as she hugged the ones that would come close. "They have scars and a couple seem to have had broken bones that never healed properly."

"This is the poorer part of a relatively poor city. The children do not receive medical care for the most part. If they are injured in an accident or fire, they are lucky to receive even minimum care. It's just how it is in this part of the world. I'm sorry you had to see it, but it exists. I cannot just show you all beauty and light and avoid the rest," replied a somber Nadiya.

"These children are wearing old and badly worn clothing. We can help with that, at the very least," insisted Jordan as she stood back up. "Please ask the ladies caring for the kids to bring them with us to that store we saw a couple blocks back."

"That's a great idea!" beamed Gwen as she watched and listened to Nadiya speak to the women. It took some back and forth, but the women finally nodded as Nadiya led then back down the street.

When they reached what appeared to be a department store, Nadiya turned the group into the building. They had barely made it inside when a well dressed, but obviously agitated man hurried up to Nadiya. He was talking rapidly and pointing to the door. Steve's knowledge of Russian enabled to get the gist of the man's rant.

Steve stepped in front of Nadiya and spoke sternly to the man in Russian. It was readily apparent that the man knew what Steve was saying. Understanding swept over his face. He suddenly smiled and gestured for everyone to enter and shop.

"Tell the children, and the women with them that they should get anything, and everything they need. We'll pay for it. Tell them not to hold back," insisted Gwen to Nadiya.

Steve, Charlie, and Ted found seats and watched in wonder as the women spread out and began helping the children find clothes that fit. Two hours and almost 12,000 Hryvnia later, the shopping was finally over.

"That was so much fun!" laughed Kate. "That sour faced guy sure changed his tune when Steve got in his face. Did you see how big his smile was when he rang up all the charges? Those kids were so sweet. How many times did they thank us? It's sure better being rich, or having a rich sister anyway, than being poor."

"Kate, whatever Steve and I have, we'll always share with you. We're family. We have each other, and always will," promised Gwen.

Word spread of the generous Americans visiting the city. After each morning's practice, the group would spend the afternoons walking the city. Soon they'd find dozens of children, along with a fair number of parental figures, crowding around them. Then it was off to nearby stores to shop for the children.

"Steve, there's so many children without proper clothes here. I wonder about food. Then there's the fact that they receive practically no health care," stated Gwen sadly as they prepared for bed Wednesday evening. "We're helping a very small percentage, for a short time, but I'd like to do something longer lasting. I'd like to help the kids of Kiev have a better life than they do. Would you mind if I called Jordan and asked her and Charlie to join us for awhile. I'd like to run something by the three of you, if you aren't too tired."