Incest/Taboo Lady in Red

"Let me see if I have this right. You're telling me that the internet has stories alleging that Steve Hammer and my mother are involved in an ongoing affair. Is that accurate?" asked Gwen calmly.

"Yes, that pretty well sums it up. What is your response to this affair?" asked the reporter doggedly.

"You told me just in time! I was going to accuse my grandmother of trying to steal Steve away. I almost made a terrible mistake!" admitted Gwen with a twinkle in her eye.

"Excuse me? Did you just say that you thought your grandmother was having an affair with your boyfriend, Steve Hammer?" repeated the stunned reporter.

"Yeah. See how stupid it sounds?" laughed Gwen. "Yesterday, I was asked if I would serve in congress if I were elected by write-in ballots. I agreed that I would. Today I'm told that there are stories on the internet claiming my boyfriend and mother are sexually involved. Coincidence? I think not.

"The amusing part of this is that Steve and I are in show business where it's said that all publicity is good, as long as they spell our names right. Sadly, stupid rumors like this will simply sell more CD's and movies.

"Can I assume that you can't identify the source of these rumors? In an effort to derail my imaginary political career, the perpetrators of these foolish stories have probably helped me in my movie career, even as tasteless and cruel as these rumors are. As far as my non-existent political career goes, I strongly urge anyone that believes that Steve and my mother would betray me and my father in this manner, to vote accordingly. If they choose to believe this attack on me and my family, they really shouldn't consider me for a write-in candidate for any office, even for dog catcher.

"However, if voters believe in Steve, in his honor and his love for me and respect for my dad; if they believe in my mother's love and respect for my dad and for me, they'll realize what a sorry-ass attempt this rumor is. They'll ask where it started, and who started it. Crap like this is why I wouldn't actually run for political office. This so-called rumor isn't worth the effort it would require to disprove, or deny."

"How did I handle that?" asked Gwen once the reporter left.

"I thought you did great, except that I worry about your grandmother's reputation," replied Steve, attempting to keep a straight face. "This is exactly what Governor O'Leary warned us about, except it's happening much sooner than I expected. If people believed stories like that about us, we'd have no reason to even consider any sort of public service."

After another well received concert, the gang rode ten miles to a motel where the company had reserved ten rooms for them for the night. Across the street was a Denny's that was still open, so the group wound up there. Soon the friends were recounting their impressions of the day.

"Mom called while you were performing. She saw your interview and was proud of how you handled it. She didn't seem all that upset about being linked romantically with Steve. I guess even older married women have Steve fantasies. Grandma was especially happy with your response! She said that she wouldn't mind if rumors about her and Steve circulated. She thought your answer was perfect. How did you think to make a joke of it?" asked Kate as everyone waited for their orders to arrive.

"Because the entire thing is laughable," responded Gwen. "Mom is still very beautiful, but we all know what happens to women that fall in love with Steve. Mom is one of those women, one of us women, to be honest. We know that Steve places a very high value on integrity and loyalty. If Mom, or Lisa, or Kate, or Naomi, or Charlotte, or Ashley, or Becky, or Stephanie, or Aunt Diane, or Nadiya tried to get Steve to sleep with them, he'd think less of them. We all know that's a fact. Like the rest of you, Mom loves Steve too much to risk losing his respect, friendship, and love. Besides, neither she nor Steve would ever disrespect Dad or me that way."

"You sound awfully sure of yourself," observed Charlotte. "What about all of the women that don't care or understand how Steve feels about loyalty. The ones that just want to climb on the sexiest man in the world and take him for a ride?"

"You said that with way too much enthusiasm!" complained Billy. "Unless you're saying that I'm the sexiest man in the world!."

"It's a tossup between you and Steve," laughed Charlotte. "Honestly, I think you have the same values as Steve in that regard. You're not going to dishonor me, or yourself that way. You're actually a very good man and a great boyfriend."

"Up to a point," agreed Billy. "Just tell Gwen's mom not to tempt me. I'm only human."

"Hey! Let's not keep bringing my mother into these discussions," insisted Kate. "I never realized how much you men appreciated older women. Just get Mom out of your heads."

"Gwen handled it well and I think it'll be a good guide for her responses to the stupid questions and rumors she'll face between now and the election," offered Steve. "There's another issue I'd like to discuss with everyone. Kate's brush with those cartel guys the other night has started me worrying. That in turn, caused me to try to come up with a solution.

"We're very wealthy, famous, and approachable. That's a good thing, for the most part. It's my feeling that we need to take steps to protect our friends and family, especially the kids that will be cropping up before too long. Lisa's already pregnant, Jordan's engaged and she's mentioned she'd like a family, and the rest of the ladies here have biological clocks ticking," joked Steve as Gwen and Ashley poked him in each arm.

"My feeling is that the company should purchase a large tract of land and build a dozen or more homes on it, as needed. Personally, I would all of our close friends and family to live in this new community, if possible. You'd each have a place to call your own, except for the obvious couples, who would share a home. Lisa and Jason would have one home, as would Gwen and I, Jordan and Charlie, and probably Charlotte and Billy. Mark and Chip would always be welcome. No homes of your own at this point, guys. I'd want Naomi, Ashley, Becky, and Will and Diane to live there, too."

"My thinking is that we'd have a manned gate, a very good fence or wall around the perimeter with electronic surveillance, as well as all state-of-the-art equipment to maintain privacy and safety. When we were at home, there'd be no reporters, no sight-seers, no salesmen, and no crazy bastards, unless Chip drops by.

"The other advantage is that I'd know that when I wasn't home, Jason, or Billy, or Jared, or Charlie, or Ted, or any combination thereof would be there to handle any problems our loved ones may face."

"That's a super idea and thanks for including us!" responded Billy excitedly. "Dad told me last week that the Van Wyck estate is on the market. It's got over three hundred acres with a big lake in the middle. I think it's listed for an awful lot, though. Dad said he heard they want five million for it."

"Mom and Dad would live there, too?" questioned Lisa. "I really like the idea! Since Jason and I are going to be part of the company and people will perceive us as very wealthy, I worry about little Stevie. Once she's born, I want her to have the safest possible home. With Jason in the house and Dad, Steve, Billy, Jared, and Charlie close by, I'll feel much safer. Count us in your company, and we're supporting this idea, right Jason?"

"Absolutely! This is a great idea! I've seen how things get around your parents' home when Steve, Jordan, and Gwen are there. I was a bit concerned for our daughter, too. This would be perfect."

"Steve, this is brilliant!" proclaimed Gwen. "We'll buy that land and start construction right away. We'll get a really good architect to draw up plans, but I'd like us to have big log cabins on the hills overlooking the lake. Dad took us up there once when they had hiking trails open to the public. The lake is beautiful!"

"We'll need a huge guest lodge for all of the company that visits, like the presidents of various countries, kings, queens, and friends," added Kate. "This is a great idea!"

"This all sounds so much like Asgard!" exclaimed Ashley. "You're even going to have Valhalla! This'll be the best home ever."

"I took business in college," retorted Billy. "Could you put all of that in something easier to understand for us non English majors?"

"I'm not saying that Steve's a god, or that Gwen and Jordan are goddesses, but they're way above average. Asgard was where Odin and his wife Frigg lived. It had at least a partial fence around it, as well as a huge lodge named Valhalla. Odin ruled from there," explained Ashley.

"Ashley just named our new home! Steve will be our Odin and he'll 'Frigg' his queen every chance he gets!" declared Kate as the whole table erupted into hearty laughter.

It was a happy group that traveled back to the motel. "We have lots of rooms, but Ashley and I agreed to double up. We want to compare notes on a couple of sailors we met," announced Kate once everyone shut off their bikes. "Don't look so sad, Chip. We'll be riding back to Sparta together tomorrow. You're a really good guy."

As she spoke, Kate stepped in close to Chip and wrapped her arms around him. Then she kissed him long and hard on the lips as the rest of the group watched.

"That should give you something to dream about," teased Kate as she looked up at Chip's smile. "I hope you ask me out again."

"Rats!" exclaimed Gwen. "I was hoping to be able to open the door just as you were about to give Chip his first kiss and embarrass you, just like you did to me."

"You forgot a few details. That was your first date ever; you were just 18 and pretty shy. I'm well beyond all of those things. I'll never forget your face when you looked at me as I was closing the door," laughed Kate.

"I'm not exactly an ingénue, but I'd prefer to have a gentleman walk me to my door before he's rewarded for a wonderful day and evening," suggested Ashley as she smiled warmly at Mark.

"May I see you to your door, Madam?" offered Mark as he bowed gallantly. "I've had the best two days I can remember, and it's because of you. Riding on that bike with a gorgeous woman hanging on to me is a real rush!"

"It was special for me, too. Like Kate, I've always had to settle for catching a ride with someone else's guy, or risk riding with some psycho. I felt very safe with you," admitted Ashley as she reached her door and turned to face Mark. "Here's your reward. I hope you like it."

Ashley had to stand on her tiptoes and stretch up to allow her lips to meet Mark's. She held the kiss a little longer than Kate had with Chip. Then she settled back down on her feet.

"I'll see you in the morning, and I hope well beyond tomorrow. You've shown me a great time, and I thank you for being such a gentleman," whispered Ashley as she went inside her room and closed the door.

The next morning Chip and Mark were constantly grinning and very attentive to Kate and Ashley. The rest of the group smiled as they watched how happy Kate and Ashley appeared as they prepared for the ride.

"Steve, we'd prefer if you led the trip back," stated Kate as they walked to their bikes. "Leading the pack was a lot of pressure. We had to watch everything and go the right speed and stuff. On the way back, Chip and I just want to ride, maybe talk a little, and not worry about where and when to turn and that kind of stuff."

Steve nodded to Kate and then spoke to Charlie. When the group pulled onto the highway in Statenburg, Steve and Gwen rode alongside Charlie and Jordan as the two couples led the way. The group was soon joined by other bikers that had apparently spent the night in the area. By the time they had gone a hundred miles, they had once again gained hundred of riders. Most of the route did not cover interstate highways, so the bikers were seen by thousands as they roared through towns along the way. Everywhere they went, they saw signs and banners thanking them. American flags flew everywhere. As they got closer to Sparta, they began seeing large banners declaring support for Gwen for congress. Gwen smiled and waved especially hard to the people holding those signs and banners.

"It doesn't look like these people are going to hold me sleeping with your mom against you," joked Steve. "I can't wait to get her in my arms again."

"You and all of the other guys! What's with my mom that gets you guys all worked up? She's a beautiful woman, but she'll be fifty in a year or so. Most guys would be happy with a girl like me," pouted Gwen.

"I sure am!" replied Steve. "Your mom represents authority, maturity, beauty, and is totally out of reach, hence her appeal. Jordan's mom is a lovely woman, but she's still working on her maturity and she's certainly not out of reach, although she seems to be getting better. You represent smoldering sexuality, brains, beauty, a great figure, an amazing voice, acting talent, ... and a sexy mom," added Steve just before Gwen pounded his shoulder several times as they rode through the small town.

When they were about half way home, Steve and Charlie led the group into a shopping center. The parking lot was huge and there was plenty of room for everyone to park. Gwen quickly went inside as they rest of the group waited. Soon several store employees emerged from the building with the small hand operated forklifts carrying many cases of water.

"The water's on us," announced Jordan to the large group. "If anyone needs to use the bathrooms, go ahead. We'll wait until everyone's back before we head out again."

Gwen returned from the store with a big smile. "They had a huge poster from that last scene in 'Rise of the Queen' and asked me to sign it. They had a black bar across my nips, but everything else was showing, including your sweaty muscles and big sword. You have such a big sword!" joked Gwen as she arched her eyebrows several times. "I'm getting sidetracked. They said they'd hang it under some Plexiglas to keep it clean and unmarked. You know how teen boys are with pens and markers when they see my boobs."

As Gwen waited for the stragglers to return to their bikes, her thoughts "flashed back" to how she first learned about the movie trilogy that would eventually propel Lady in Red Productions into becoming one of the larger privately owned companies in the nation. It was five years prior and she had just finished her first year at Stanford and returned home to Sparta.

"Your boyfriend has been hiding one of his talents again," began Paula at the dinner table the first night Gwen was home. "He wasn't busy enough with his schedule and football last fall. In his spare time this winter he wrote a screenplay for a movie. As near as I can tell, it's a period piece that somewhat parallels your romance. Clyde Davis and William Patterson read it. Then they sent it to people that are supposed to know about these things for their opinion. Those experts thought it was extremely good.

"We'll begin filming next week, mostly on sets in L.A. As you might guess with a movie written by Steve and about characters similar to you both, you're going to be the star of the first and third movie."

Gwen's head was swimming as she listened to her mother's references to Steve and her next movie. Was it one movie, or several?

"Steve never said anything about any screenplays. I thought he spent his time studying, working out, and fighting off women. Are you telling me that he wrote one movie, or several movies?" asked a confused Gwen.

"It was written as one, but Steve really had no idea how much material a movie required, so he made it a bit too entailed for one film. Now it's going to be a trilogy. All three parts will be filmed in the next couple of months. As I said, you're the star, not surprisingly. It's quite easy to see that the heroine was patterned after you. She's smart, beautiful, voluptuous, and fearless. It's you, as Steve sees you, and he certainly seems to like what he sees. It's a remarkable story," concluded Paula.

"What's it about?" asked Kate as she was unable to remain silent any longer.

"It's about Sparta, it's purely fictional, and not meant to carry any historical merit. He obviously did some research, but the name and location are not really important. It's an amazing story about a girl very much like Gwen," added Paula as she placed vegetables on her plate and passed them to Ted.

"A movie about Sparta?" questioned Kate. "Will the heroine meet a stud at a mall and fall in love and live happily ever after? Hasn't that been done already?"

"In Steve's movie, the heroine struggles with building a state, fighting an ongoing war that threatens the existence of her city, and overcoming decay and corruption that could destroy everything. She uses her beauty, brains, and courage to bring Sparta back to greatness. She rises from the dust, rubble, mayhem and strife to become the queen of what eventually becomes the strongest empire in civilization," responded Paula as she watched Gwen and Kate try to follow the plot she described.

"She becomes the queen? Of Sparta? This isn't present day Sparta, is it? It's about ancient Sparta? What's the movie going to be called?" asked an increasingly excited Gwen.

"It's the Sparta trilogy. The first movie will be 'Sparta; Rise of the Queen', followed by 'Sparta; Rise of the Warrior', and finally 'Sparta; Rise of the Empire'. This is an extremely ambitious undertaking for our company. We're financing the entire thing with no outside funds. There will be no special effects, and no famous actors, unless they work for scale. You, Steve, Jordan, your sisters and friends will have to carry the acting burden. We've hired an up-and-coming director that still works pretty cheaply."

"Wait! Did you just say Gwen and 'her sisters' would be in the movie?" shrieked Kate. "I'm going to be making a movie? What will I wear? Will my hair be long? Do we have costumes?"

"Kate, please let me ask Mom some more questions," insisted Gwen. "You're tormenting me on purpose, Mother. Are you saying this is a movie about ancient Sparta and that it will have similarities with what Steve and I have experienced? In the first movie, I become the queen? The second one will be about Steve, the warrior, while the third one is about the two of us building an empire?"

"In a nutshell, that pretty well covers it," replied Paula. "It's far more complicated than that, and very well written. We're tasking Jordan and Charlie to not only act in the movie, but to write the music, along with whatever Shelley Malloy is able to contribute. We're trying to keep this project low budget. That way it won't have to win Oscars to make the company some money. It's going to be hard to do better than 'Midnight Lights' did for us."

"How are we going to film next week when Steve will still be at the Academy for another month?" asked Gwen. "Did you think about that?"

Paula smiled as she responded. "Of course we did. 'Rise of the Queen' will only have Steve appear for the last couple of minutes. You'll be carrying the load, along with all of your friends and relatives that are willing. You'll be contacting Jordan, Ashley, Becky, Stephanie, Charlotte, and even Nadiya. Sparta is a matriarchy with some extremely beautiful young women. It's funny how Steve envisioned this movie, isn't it? He actually wrote parts for each of those girls, although you, Jordan, and Becky have the best roles. Becky losing her hand really touched Steve. He put her in 'Midnight Lights' where she did very well, and she has a very good role in this movie. The fact that she's beautiful hasn't harmed her chances, either. We're going to have a very interesting summer!"

"Why didn't you tell me that you were writing a screenplay?" demanded Gwen when Steve called that evening. "Mom laid it all out for me at dinner. It sounds like a great project, but why keep it from me?"

"Honestly, there are a couple of reasons. I didn't want you to try to influence me to lessen your role. I know how modest you are. You're going to be the star, pure and simple. You'll become the most famous actress in the world, if you aren't already. I know you, and this part is going to be easy because it's you.

"The other reason I didn't tell you is that I had no idea how it would be accepted. I had the fear of rejection. Now that it's becoming a reality, I feel even more nervous. If this project tanks, I'll never live it down."

The next week found Gwen, along with her sisters and girlfriends in L.A. preparing to film 'Rise of the Queen'. They were all anxious and eager to start. The night before filming was to begin; they all met in Gwen's room and excitedly discussed the movie and their roles in it.

"I can't believe that I'm going to be cast as a 'beautiful female warrior', at least according to the description. I was thinking of myself as an ugly freak before I met Steve, Jordan, and Gwen," revealed Becky with emotion. "Steve wrote this really cool part for me. I even tell Gwen what an amazing lover he is, after she sends me to mur*er him and I can't do it. I hope that means I get a love scene with him in the second movie, if you're okay with that, Gwen."

"Of course I am," replied her amused friend. "This is acting, so you'll just have to pretend that you enjoy kissing the guy and having him make passionate love to you. Steve must think you're up to it."

"He'll be 'up to it' if I have my way," laughed Becky. "You two have such a great way of looking at things. You don't feel jealous when he does love scenes with other women? The ones he did with Jordan in 'Midnight Lights' were really hot. I wonder if he'll want me topless."

"Steve wouldn't insist on anything that you were uncomfortable with," assured Gwen. "As much as he'd like to have your girls smashed up against his chest, he'd let you make the decision, no matter what the scene called for in the script. I'm sure of that."

"Maybe I should rephrase that," grinned Becky as she looked around at the other girls. "I sure hope he wants me topless!"

"I get to do a love scene with Charlie in the third movie. Steve told Charlie about it and he's already nervous and super excited about everything," giggled Jordan. "It's not like we don't practice all the time. I keep telling Charlie that all he has to do is act naturally. He's a very good lover. Is that too much information?"

"Not at all," chuckled Gwen. "I was surprised to see that I have a couple of love scenes with older guys. I'm supposed to be a queen in the making that will do anything for her people, including a couple romps with some older, less attractive guys. I complained to Steve about it, but he said the scenes are essential to show the audience the depth of my commitment to the survival of Sparta. Then he told me I was supposed to act like I didn't enjoy it. I told him that shouldn't be too difficult. I'm nervous about being with someone besides Steve, even if it's just acting."

"How come Stephanie and I don't have any love scenes with Steve?" complained Kate. "He made my character kind of shy and reserved. I wanted to be one of those bad girls that are so good at being bad."

"That sounds like my part!" laughed Nadiya. "In the first movie, I'm the queen of a different state, scheming to gain control of Sparta. Near the end, I refer to Steve's character as my lover, so I'm hoping I'll be the one having the big love scene with him. My father will have a coronary if I take my clothes off, but my mother told me that if it's with Steve, I should go for it! Imagine your own mother telling you that."

"I'm not one to tell stories out of school, or to break confidences, but Steve let me look at my part in the second movie and I do get some action with Steve," admitted Naomi. "Remember these movies are set in ancient times. People didn't live too long and they were more open about sex. Monogamous relationships were not as common as we might think. Steve's going to be a warrior and the leader of men. He'll have a strong appetite for sex. If he didn't, his men wouldn't respect him. My job in the movie will be to help him gain and keep the respect of every man close enough to hear my screams of pleasure."

"Now that I think about it, since Steve wrote these movies and he's in them, he'll probably make love to everyone of you at least once," mused Gwen. "Charlotte and Ashley, will you have any scenes with Steve?"

"Maybe one or two, but my clothes will be on most of the time," teased Charlotte. "I'll tell you this. If he gets his head under my skirt like he did yours in the last movie, I'll probably hold him there for a few days, or possibly even strangle him to death."

"I'm not sure how many love scenes Steve and I will have, but he did write the movie, so it'll probably be a lot," reasoned Ashley. "Maybe I'll be Becky's stand-in, or body double if she chickens out. Seriously, if he has love scenes with Becky and none with me, he'll hear about it!"

"Not if I have my thighs wrapped around his head!" promised Charlotte.

That was the beginning of one of the best times Gwen ever experienced. She and her friends spent every day together for a month. They were often in the same scenes, or at least some combination of the friends would be in most scenes. Steve and the other men arrived near the end of the last week of filming for the final scene. It was a defining moment, a scene that would live forever in the minds and memories of movie lovers.

At the end of 'Rise of the Queen', Steve, the warrior, learned of Queen Nadiya's treachery and deceit. He then led his men in a titanic struggle against the superior forces of Nadiya's much larger army. The ineffective Spartan army had already been routed. Gwen and the other women of Sparta watched the battle rage just outside their city. With their army destroyed, it was very apparent that the two sides were battling for control of Sparta and its people.

After a very hard fought and bloody battle, Nadiya's army finally fled in disarray. Steve proudly marched his men into Sparta, and directly to the Queen's residence. With no army to protect her city, the Queen quickly decided that she must do whatever she could to save her people. She bravely walked out to meet what she believed to be uncivilized, barbaric mercenaries.

She and Steve faced each other in the last scene, finally meeting after each hearing so much about the other. Gwen was far more beautiful than what Steve had imagined. Steve was obviously stronger and more virile than any man Gwen had ever seen. Finally, Gwen took a step forward. Then she released the catch that held her robe together. It fell to her feet as she knelt before the Barbarian, naked but for a necklace that rested between her firm breasts.

"If you will spare my people, I will do your biding," promised Gwen as her subjects, and Steve's soldiers looked on. "I ask nothing for myself, but I beg you to be merciful to my people."

Steve slowly took in her beauty. After nearly half a minute, he finally spoke. "We are men with no home. We are warriors with no cause. When we die, we have no one to mourn us. I cannot honor your request, but I make one of my own in its place.

"Allow my men to remain in Sparta. Grant them full citizenship as Spartans. Let them keep their weapons. Allow them to live peacefully when possible, but to fight for Sparta when necessary. Grant us this, and we will pledge our loyalty and fidelity to you, our Queen. Deny it, and we will march away, never to trouble you again," promised Steve as he removed his own cloak and gently placed it on the shoulders of the stunned queen.

As Gwen slowly stood, she gathered the cloak around her body, collected her thoughts, and then commanded, "Give me your sword, Barbarian!"

Steve stood before her, bare-chested and with numerous scars and cuts on his ripped torso. He unsheathed his heavy sword and spun it around so the hilt was facing the Queen. She reached out with both hands and accepted the heavy weapon before issuing her next order.

"Kneel before your Queen!"

Steve and his men dropped to their knees and bowed their heads. Throughout the film, the Queen had insisted that Sparta could not be safe as long as the Barbarian leader drew a breath. She feared his skill as a warrior and his influence as a leader. She had sent Becky on a failed mission to kill him. Now she held his sword in her hands as he kneeled before her. As she slowly raised the sword, the movie faded out.

The second movie, 'Rise of the Warrior' was all about Steve becoming the leader of an army of mercenaries with no home land. It ended with exactly the same scene. Needless to say, the public was extremely anxious for the final film of the trilogy to be released. In the year that 'Rise of the Queen' was released, Gwen was nominated for, and won, an Oscar for her performance. Steve won for screenplay and Jordan and Charlie took home the Oscars for best original sound track and best song.

The first movie was a huge success and it set the table for the next two parts. 'Rise of the Queen' was released Labor Day Weekend. 'Rise of the Warrior' came out the same weekend as the Academy awards, with 'Rise of the Empire' later in the spring. It was still showing in theaters when the group traveled to Kiev and decided to build the hospital. The success of the trilogy brought in over a billion dollars to Lady in Red Productions and catapulted the careers of Gwen, Steve, Jordan, and Charlie to new heights.

"Gwen! Are you ready to ride?" asked Steve as he sat on his motorcycle and called to her. "Everyone's ready to roll."

Gwen suddenly realized that she had been lost in her memories formed five years ago when she was filming one of the most successful movie franchises ever. She quickly climbed on the bike behind Steve and forced herself to focus on the present.

Late afternoon saw friends and family gathered at Paula and Ted's place for a spur of the moment pool party. Ted had just opened the pool that morning.

"This is probably the last time Dad will have to open the pool," began Gwen as everyone sat at picnic benches with their full plates. Last night Steve suggested that we buy a tract of land to build homes for all of us. This morning, Ashley made an appointment with the realtor that has the Van Wyck estate listed for sale. They work holidays and weekends, especially for the sort of commission this will bring.

"She should be back any minute with the paperwork. It's a full price, cash offer, so I can't imagine it not going through. We'll be breaking ground within a week of closing on the property," predicted Gwen.

"Excuse me?" interjected Paula. "Why do you think Ted and I want to move? Why that property? What's behind this sudden idea?"

"We thought you'd like to live in a new home close to your daughters and grandchildren in a gated and patrolled community with no reporters, tourists, stalkers, or salesmen bothering you. Did I misjudge your feelings?" asked Gwen with a slight smirk.

"I didn't say that we didn't want to be near the grandchildren, or be away from reporters and tourists," replied Paula quickly. "Just explain what's going on."

"Lisa, Kate, and Charlie have agreed to join the company as equal partners. We've all agreed with Steve that we should have a safe haven where all our extended family can live. Lady in Red Productions is going to buy the Van Wyck estate and build log cabins on the hills around the lake. There will be a perimeter fence, a manned gate, cameras, and state of the art security everywhere. We want you and Dad smack in the middle of it all."

"I was concerned about safety after the attempt on Kate the other night and thought this may be a reasonable approach," added Steve. "Lisa's having her baby soon and many of the rest of us will be following suit in the next few years. We'd be living in a place where we knew and trusted our neighbors, had no unannounced visitors or press, and would feel comfortable that our loved ones were safe."

"Well, since you put it that way, I think Ted and I would certainly give it strong consideration," allowed Paula. "Thanks for including us in your plans."

"Mom, these guys all have fantasies about you. I don't know if you'd be safer there or not. You should hear the things they say!" stated Kate as she glared at the men sitting at the tables.

"I think they were teasing you, Kate. These young men all have very beautiful ladies. They wouldn't be wasting time and energy thinking about a woman my age," laughed Paula modestly.

"Oh yeah?" retorted Kate. "Tell the truth. How many of you guys have fantasies about my mom?"

The guys looked around at each other, undecided as to just how serious Kate really was. Then Steve slowly raised his hand and the rest quickly followed suit. Paula's eyes grew wide in surprise and then she turned a bright red.

"See! That's why it wouldn't be safe in Asgard for you," reasoned Kate. "These guys are all perverts. They have the hots for my mother!"

"Just a minute," interrupted Steve. "Let's tell the whole story. How many guys have fantasies about Kate? Okay, how about Gwen? Jordan? Lisa? Ashley? Naomi? Charlotte? Old Mrs. Smith that lives across the street?

"There you have it. These guys appreciate beauty and harbor fantasies about the beautiful women around here, with the exception of Mrs. Smith. Even Ted raised his hand once we got away from his daughters. We men aren't perverts. We're completely normal males. Ted wouldn't be happy with a woman that other men found repulsive. Paula's beauty was a big reason for that stupid rumor about us having an affair. Men really aren't very complicated.

"But, and I stress this to all of you, none of these men will ever knowingly do anything to make you feel uncomfortable, or unsafe. You can skinny dip in the lake all day, every day. You will cause a lot of natural male reactions, but not one of these men would ever do anything inappropriate. That's why I feel this would work so well. We'd be our own best line of defense. If I'm gone and Gwen is sunbathing naked, she'll be safe, although there may be a few binoculars and telescopes trained on her cute little tush, or in Billy's case, on her big, ripe..."

"Okay!" interjected Gwen. "We get the picture. Men are perverts, but that's why we love them. We can trust these guys to somewhat control their perving. They won't touch, but they're going to look every chance they get. They all have some sort of "mommy" issues, so Mom has to be careful, and Dad needs to be vigilant."

Before anyone could respond to Gwen's statement, Ashley emerged from the house and joined the group. She was all smiles as she sat down on Steve's lap.

"Since Paula is being so shy with her boyfriend in front of Ted, I thought I'd take this empty spot. Maybe the next rumor will be about me and Steve. Mom would be so happy for me!" laughed Ashley. "But Becky would be jealous.

"I just got back from seeing the realtor. We submitted a full price offer. It'll make the realtor's year if this goes through, and I don't see any reason why it wouldn't. I told him that we'd close as soon as the title work was done. As long as we get clear title, we can have it surveyed when we lay out the roads and building sites. This is extremely exciting. In fact, I think Steve's getting excited right now," teased Ashley as she wiggled her ass on Steve's lap.

"Mark, you'll have to get used to this kind of joking and flirting if you find yourself around us very much," explained Jordan. "We have a strict rule about no jealousy, and men don't touch the ladies, but the ladies can take some liberties with the guys. However, we are monogamous, and faithful to our boyfriends, husbands, lovers, or significant others. In my case, it's now my fiancé! Steve gets the brunt of the attention, but Jared, Charlie, and Jason have been the objects of some serious flirting at times. None of us dare flirt with Billy, as he's a real perv."

"Hey, I resemble that remark," grinned Billy. "You can't upset me no matter what you say. Not since that July Fourth bike ride and the hot tub in that log cabin. I'm a happy man, and I'll die a happy man. There was some seriously big, prime..."

"Okay! We get the drift, Billy!" warned Charlotte as she grinned sheepishly. "He's been living in fantasy land for a few years now, but at least he's a happy camper. I think it's one of the reasons he so excited about Asgard. He'll be surrounded by some of the most beautiful women in the world. If they happen to prance around in swim suits, or even au natural, he'll be in heaven, which I guess is what Asgard is when you think about it."

"One thing I want to mention while everyone is here is how much I appreciate the trust you all have in me," stated Ashley seriously. "You sent me out to spend a few million of your dollars. You've given me an unlimited credit card and access to your accounts. You never second guess or criticize me. It just makes me try harder to be the best assistant I can be."

"You wouldn't have the responsibility if we didn't have complete trust in you, Ashley. It also takes some of the pressure off Mom," responded Gwen. "The fact that I'm not upset that Steve has you snuggling on his lap is all the proof you need that I trust you. You've proven yourself too many times over the years for us to even question your actions. You're one of us, part of the extended family, and a very capable person."

Just then, Mark Neary's phone began ringing. He excused himself and walked a short distance away. He was only gone a short time before he called back to the group.

"Lieutenant Hammer! Please come over here!" was all he said as he held his cell phone up.

Everyone suddenly stopped talking as Steve gently place Ashley on her feet and immediately stood. He hurried over to accept the phone from the Captain. Gwen saw Jason and Chip exchange knowing looks, which made her begin to worry.

"What could this mean?" demanded Gwen. "Why do you and Chip know about this?"

"Nothing definite," responded Jason. "It's just that Mark suddenly went back into officer mode, so he must have been called by a superior. That superior wanted to speak to Steve right now. It's Monday evening on a long holiday weekend. Steve's just returned from a very dangerous and difficult mission where he received several injuries. This call isn't to wish him a happy holiday. Something's up. It doesn't have to be anything bad, or dangerous, so please don't start worrying."

Everyone watched Steve as he conversed on the phone. Then he grimly nodded his head as he agreed to something and turned the phone off. He then looked toward those seated by the pool and made a slight movement with his head. Chip jumped to his feet immediately and walked quickly over to his friend.

"Look at those two guys!" marveled Kate as the two friends stood close together, having a private conversation. "They're all tanned and tough looking and really serious about something. I have a bad feeling that this may be some SEAL business or something equally tough."

Suddenly the conversation ended and the men returned to the group. Steve reached down for Gwen's hand as he ignored the obvious question that was on everyone's mind. Chip took Kate's hand and led her toward a quiet area off to the side. Once Steve had guided Gwen far enough away that the others couldn't hear, he spoke quietly and calmly.

Everyone could tell that something had happened. The entire mood had suddenly changed as they watched the two men speak privately with the sisters. Kate stood very still before suddenly throwing her arms around Chip as she cried out.

It was only seconds later that Gwen did very much the same with Steve, but she spoke loud enough for the others to hear. "If you have to go, promise you won't be a hero again. You just do what you have to do and come home to me. Do you promise?"

Steve's response was spoken too quietly for anyone but Gwen to hear. Then he pulled her close and kissed her long and hard. By this time, Kate had her arms wrapped round Chip and was kissing him soundly. When they broke the kiss, they walked over to Gwen and Steve.

Gwen spoke briefly to Chip and then hugged him tightly before kissing him on the lips briefly. Kate did much the same with Steve, but held the kiss much longer. Then the four of them walked back to the group.

"They have to go," managed Gwen as she fought back tears. "All we can tell you is that's important, and it's immediate. They're leaving right now."

It was obvious to everyone that Kate and Gwen were upset with the news they had just received. They clutched the hands of the two men as Gwen told everyone of their imminent departure.

"Mark? Are you going with them?" asked Ashley nervously.

"Only as far as Washington," replied Captain Neary. "I'm a JAG officer, not a SEAL."

Jason quickly understood the significance of that statement. He shook hands with both men and wished them luck. Soon, they two were being embraced as they said their goodbyes. A few minutes later, Mark, Steve, and Chip climbed into Mark's rental car and drove away, leaving Kate and Gwen holding each other as they waved to their men.​