Lady in Red Pt. 02 Ch. 20

"I've never been able to bring myself to talk about it before," admitted Steve. "I can't describe how saddened I was by my father's death. His words didn't make any sense. How could he be happy about anything when he was dying from three bullets lodged in his body? What had I done to make him proud of me? He was the hero. I was just a kid. How would I ever be able to live up to his vision of me?

"Things began to become clearer when I met you, Gwen, but it's taken a while to accept and appreciate everything that I saw and heard that day. I don't know if I would have ever understood it, if it hadn't been for you, your family, and some very good friends. I can't help but think that you saved me when you went to that dance with me back in high school."

"I had no idea what you were going through! You need to always tell me everything, regardless of how it makes either of us feel. I can't help you if I don't know how or why you're feeling pain," insisted Gwen.

"And that's what you don't understand," replied Steve as he gently ran his fingers over Gwen's cheek. "You do help me, all of the time, whether you know it or not. You've helped me heal."

That evening, the group's attendance at the funeral, along with Steve's eulogy, was featured on all the French TV stations as well as many back in the states. Social media had hundreds of photos of the Americans as they warmly interacted with the towns' people.

The next morning, as Steve and Gwen made their way to the dining room in their hotel, people in the lobby, hotel employees and guests, began applauding. The couple was caught off guard and their surprise was evident on their faces. Smiling, Gwen waved her appreciation and soon Steve followed suit. They were seated at their table when they heard another round of applause just before Jordan and Charlie appeared in the restaurant entryway. Jordan was beaming as she joined her friends.

"Sometimes I get depressed seeing the aftermath of so much hatred and violence," admitted Jordan. "But then someone does something so nice that it convinces me to keep on trying. These people have been so good to us. We really need to visit here more often, but under better circumstances."

On the flight home, Steve and Gwen learned that Secretary Rosen had secured enough support to win his party's nomination on the first ballot at his party's convention. A spirited campaign was expected that fall since the candidates of both major parties were in a dead heat in most polls.

Once they were back in Sparta, the four friends began working long hours to catch up on their projects. Steve and Naomi were both expected to be back in Washington after Labor Day. Gwen and Charlotte were to report for their final year of med school the week before Labor Day. Jared was being deployed to Iraq again in the fall, while Kate was returning to law school in D.C.

Of all their projects, Steve and Gwen were most excited about their new film. Diane had come up with some incredible dance routines for the movie. They required a lot of practice and hard work, but they both believed that they had been a part of something very special. Under Charlie's direction, the couple recorded the sound track for the movie. They performed all the numbers used in the dance scenes and came away convinced that some of them would be very successful when released as singles.

The last dance in the movie, where Gwen and Steve won the contest, was filmed in the Lady in Red Center. Their friends, along with Sparta locals were used as extras. The director explained how the spectators were to react to the dance when Gwen and Steve finished. They practiced their parts for almost an hour until the director was comfortable with the reaction from the crowd as portrayed in the movie.

Gwen couldn't remember ever being so nervous doing a movie scene. The thought of her neighbors and friends watching was daunting to her, but it also increased her determination to get it right. She and Steve had spent the last three days working on the routine, stopping only for refreshments, food and bathroom breaks.

Her makeup and hair were done to perfection and her costume was fitted flawlessly. She looked at Steve as they prepared to go on stage and marveled at how strong and handsome he was. He seemed relaxed and confident, as usual.

The couple was cued. The stage went dark and the music began. Steve stepped onto the stage as a small but bright spotlight followed every step. No one had been told what the final number was, but within a few drum beats, it was no longer a secret. Steve danced to center stage and proceeded to display dance moves no one imagined he could have ever mastered.

The crowd was soon worked into a small frenzy and when the words 'Billy Jean, she's not my girl' played, Gwen joined Steve. What followed amazed everyone watching. They danced in total synchrony before Steve swept Gwen into his arms. They were in perfect step as Steve performed the famous moon walk as Gwen followed him across the stage. When they reached the end, they started back with Gwen moon-walking as Steve moved forward with her. The entire dance was very high energy and the couple performed it error free. Near the end, Steve lifted Gwen over his head and proceeded to moon walk back across the stage! He slowly lowered her to his chest as the song ended.

The audience was totally silent for a few seconds before pandemonium erupted. Whistles, cheers, and heavy applause filled the large room. People rushed onto the stage, ignoring the cameras, as they congratulated Steve and Gwen repeatedly. It wasn't the response the director had requested, but when he replayed it on his monitor, he knew it was even better. It was genuine and it was very enthusiastic.

Diane had practically held her breath as the couple danced on stage. She had worked extremely long and hard with them to perfect the dance and when they nailed it, tears of joy poured down her cheeks.

"Mom! You're a genius!" exclaimed Stephanie as she hugged her mother tightly. "That was the most incredible thing I've ever seen. If this film doesn't win some Oscars, I'll eat my hat, or whatever."

"I thought our movie might have a chance for some awards, but after watching you two, I'd have to vote for you!" praised Jordan as she hugged Gwen. "I can't believe that dance. I don't know how you managed it. You must be exhausted."

Gwen was still gasping for breath as Jordan spoke. Steve was breathing deeply and grinning as he held Gwen's hand and acknowledged the compliments heaped his way. It had been a lot of work, but he felt that he and Gwen had given everything they had to making the movie as good as it could be. The rest would be up to the fans.

No one had been allowed to bring cell phones or cameras. They had actually been threatened as to what dire fate awaited anyone that tried to sneak out video or photos of the dance. That threat didn't stop those in attendance from going on social media and trying to describe what they had just witnessed. It was exactly what Stephanie and the director had hoped for. Word would spread and interest in the movie would be intense. People would buy tickets just to see the last dance.

'Single Handedly' had recently finished filming and Jordan and Charlie's as yet unnamed movie was also in the can, so Steve and Gwen's big finale was the last footage needed to wrap up all three films. Labor Day would signal the end of summer and send the friends in different directions for a few months.

True to her promise, Mallory Burke had instructors provide self defense and firearm lessons to all of the women in the group. They all became adequate with weapons, but Charlotte and Lisa had demonstrated superior marksmanship skills. Becky, Naomi, and Gwen excelled in the self defense lessons. Both Gwen and Naomi were tall and strong which worked well for them, while Becky was extremely agile and very quick.

Gwen and Charlotte left the week before Labor Day for school, but returned for the long weekend. The presidential campaign officially began that weekend and Rosen's campaign had scored big when it announced that Vincent Rosen would be kicking off his campaign with a free concert in Philadelphia by 'Lady in Red', as their group was known.

Before the four friends left for Philadelphia, Lady in Red Productions had a small post production party Friday evening.

"Did Gwen mention that she and I have been accepted to work on a World Health Organization hospital ship next summer? We set sail right after Memorial Day!" stated Charlotte to the room in general. "We'll spend about three months sailing around the Indian Ocean and the coast of Africa. We'll be treating sick children and updating immunizations for them. I suspect the generosity of Lady in Red Productions with both money and that London concert helped convince the Director to take us on."

"So we'll still be able to do our traditional Memorial Day concert here in Sparta?" asked Jordan. "I'll have a new baby by then and I'll be pretty busy, but I envy you guys the chance to help so many kids in need. It sounds great!"

"Has anyone heard that I had a call from the owner of the Redskins?" asked Jared, once Jordan had finished speaking. "Here's some trivia for you. They drafted both Steve and me after our senior years. They knew we were going into the military so we weren't taken until the third round. I would point out that I was the fourth pick in the third round while Steve was way down around fifteenth."

"Thanks, Jared. If they ever give that answer on Jeopardy, I'll have the question," laughed Billy.

"Okay, Smartass," grinned Jared. "As I was trying to tell everyone, the 'Skins' owner called and he wants Steve and me to sign contracts and play for them next year. He asked about this season, but I told him that we were both still active duty and couldn't possibly be able to play before next year.

"I thought Steve and I could trade in our military uniforms for burgundy, gold, and white. If we negotiated together, we'd be able to get a better contract," reasoned Jared.

"You guys are thinking about playing pro-football after all of this time?" asked Naomi. "Won't you be too old and slow by next year, at least for football on that level?"

"Ye of little faith," responded Jared. "Steve may be a little soft and have to work his way back into playing shape, but I could start for any pro team right now."

"What do you think, Steve?" asked Gwen curiously.

"He's right," answered Steve simply. "Jared would be a force to be reckoned with, that's for sure. I don't know where my skill level would be compared to professional players."

"You're so modest," chuckled Gwen. "You know you'd be the best quarterback in the league. If you two played on the same team, and in Washington, Naomi and I'd probably be able to go to your games. Could we maybe visit you guys in the locker room?"

"That would be a big 'NO'. The locker room is no place for ladies like you two!" insisted Jared. "You were kidding me, weren't you?"

"Maybe, but they have female reporters go in, so why not Naomi and me?" demanded Gwen as she batted her eyes at Jared.

"Those lady reporters don't look and dress like you girls. You'd cause a riot," stated Jared. "Steve and I would have to bitch slap about forty guys averaging 250 pounds each, plus a couple of kickers, just to keep you safe."

"Are you guys really thinking about leaving the service and playing football?" asked Gwen seriously.

"It was something Jared just brought up. We haven't discussed it and I certainly wouldn't make any decision like that without talking to you about it first," assured Steve. "Would you be upset if I did?"

"Upset? Hardly," replied Gwen. "I want you to always follow your dreams and do the things that you want to do. If you'd like to play football, I'll try to make every game. I love you and want you to be happy."

"I'd have to leave the Navy and I'd have to make the team. After not playing for so long, it wouldn't be easy. I'm concerned about my future in the Navy. If Rosen gets elected, he'll be Commander-in-Chief. I can't appear to be friends with my superior. If the other guy wins, he could make life for me rather uncomfortable, to put it mildly."

"I never thought about that, and I should have," worried Gwen. "With us supporting Rosen, you'll be in an untenable position regardless of who wins the election."

"More or less, but it would be a lot worse if Rosen loses. I'd have to bail out as soon as possible if that happens. If Rosen gets elected, I can bow out gracefully."

"On the bright side, it looks like you'll be playing football on Sunday afternoons next year," pointed out Gwen. "I know how you enjoy that macho stuff, especially football."

Everyone had a great time at the party, although some of the goodbyes were tearful. Ashley and Richard, along with Kate, Naomi, and Steve were headed to Washington after the holiday weekend. Gwen and Charlotte were returning to Stanford. Lisa and Jason were remaining in Sparta, while Chip would be traveling as he negotiated for properties to locate more of his family's tire stores. Becky was scheduled to appear in several TV action shows, while Pete would be assuming his duties as head of security at Asgard. He already had designed several improvements in the current plans for security at the Lady in Red compound.

Vincent Rosen planned on speaking to the crowd for a few minutes before the band took the stage and then again at intermission. He promised to keep it short because fans were attending to hear the performance and not a speech. The first concert was scheduled for Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Saturday evening. On Sunday evening, they would do the same thing again in Chicago at Soldiers Field. It was now obvious to all that Lady in Red Productions was promoting Vincent Rosen for president.

Both concerts were extremely well received. Both stadiums had been packed and the audiences responded enthusiastically to the music, and were patient and polite when Vincent Rosen briefly addressed the crowd. Knowing how fans could be in those cities, Rosen's campaign considered the weekend a great success. Later that week, Rosen would inch ahead by a percentage point in the polls.

Steve reported to Senator Chatham's office on Tuesday after the Labor Day Holiday. "You realize that you're my aide and you've been public in supporting a candidate for president?" asked Chatham. "I guess I should be glad that he and I are in the same party. The next couple of months are going to be interesting, to say the least. Politics are a dirty business, so be prepared to have the other party question your parentage, patriotism, sexual preference, morals, and intelligence.

"At least that would normally be the case. I'm not sure how they're going to respond to you and Gwen supporting their opponent. You two have a lot of political capital at the moment after the summer you had. You shone in Russia, North Korea, Paris, London, and on two of the best aircraft carriers in the world.

"However, I think you need to learn humility. To that end, you're going to be one of the chaperones for my daughter's school field trip to Philadelphia tomorrow morning. One of the parents had a car accident over the holiday weekend and the school called to ask me if I could find someone to fill in. You have to be at her school by seven tomorrow morning to board the bus.

"You'll be riding with a couple dozen hormonal teenage girls, so I expect you to be on your best behavior. I didn't tell the school who I would be sending, so the kids, including my daughter, have no idea that it's going to be you. I want you to wear civilian clothes and a ball cap of some kind. I'd really prefer that the girls didn't realize it was you. I think you can understand that. They'd be throwing their little thongs at you before you got out of the school parking lot."

"I see you're not asking me, so I won't bother protesting this assignment. I know that some of the makeup people we use in our movies are in town, so I'll have them alter my appearance so the girls won't even realize it's me. That should keep the pandemonium down," chuckled Steve. "I'll just sleep on the bus on the trip up and back and stay in the background the rest of the time. If one of the kids needs help wiping their nose, I'll have one of the other chaperones handle it."

"Good idea," agreed Chatham. "I do appreciate you doing this for me. I'll tell Grace after she gets back that you were one of the chaperones and she never realized it. I'll tease her about that for the next twenty years.

"You need to be aware that Vice President Larson's granddaughter will be on the bus, along with Representative Daniels daughter. I know he isn't your favorite character, but his daughter is a good kid. By now you must have guessed it's an exclusive private school."

"You think?" laughed Steve. "Spending time trapped on a bus with a bunch of spoiled rich kids is my idea of a great time. You'll owe me after this!"

The next morning saw a man with a short, gray beard, a scar high on his left cheek, and with salt and pepper hair showing under a baseball hat slowly climb on the bus after showing his ID to the officials in front of the door to the bus.

"That guy looks like he can hardly climb the steps," observed one of the girls. "I don't think he's going to be able to keep up with us when we tour Philadelphia. I just hope he doesn't act too creepy. Is he somebody's grandfather?"

Steve chuckled to himself when he heard the comment as he settled into a seat near the back. Within twenty minutes the bus was filled with students and three other chaperones, along with two armed guards that sat in front near the driver.

Steve shook hands with the other chaperones and then made himself comfortable. He had learned long ago to rest when the opportunity presented itself and soon he was sleeping lightly.

About an hour into the trip, Steve heard a sudden increase in the conversation. He opened his eyes and sat up to find the bus slowing down and pulling to the side of the road. Looking out the window, Steve saw a young woman sprawled on a sidewalk with what appeared to be blood on the concrete under her head.

The bus stopped and the two armed guards stepped out to help the woman. As they bent over her prone body, she suddenly rolled over on her back, raised a handgun, and shot both guards in the head. Screams filled the bus as four men rushed out from a wooded area near the walk. They grabbed the two dead men and quickly dragged them back on the bus before the stunned driver could even react. The woman shooter was the last one on the bus. She waved her gun at kids and spoke to them with a heavy accent.

"I will pass a bag back and I want all of you to place your phones in it. Follow orders and you'll live. Disobey me and you'll join those two dead rent-a-cops!"

One of the strange men pulled the driver from his seat and put the bus in gear as the bag was passed around to collect everyone's phone. Not wanting any more shooting in such close quarters, Steve dropped his phone into the bag when he was handed to him. The lady with the gun watched him closely as he deposited it. Then she held it front of the next chaperone and she dropped her phone into the bag.

The bus soon pulled into an old warehouse and everyone was quickly herded into a the rear of what appeared to be a moving truck. As soon as they were all boarded, the doors were closed, and they were again in motion.

Over two hours later, a full hour after they were scheduled to arrive at Independence Hall, Senator Chatham received a chilling phone call as she was eating lunch with her staff. They watched as she became agitated before firing off several questions which were obviously not answered to her satisfaction.