Incest/Taboo Lady in Red

Steve stepped back and watched as the second assailant slowly dropped to the sidewalk. He landed not far from the man Steve had previously dispatched. As he wiped away drops of blood that had seeped into his eyes, Steve detected movement to his right. He turned to see a man emerge from in front of the SUV and point a hand gun at Ashley. Becky attempted to shield Ashley's body with her own!

It felt to Steve as if his heart had suddenly turned to ice. He was too far from the man to prevent him from shooting the two beautiful women. In a flash, the fear he felt for his two friends was replaced by a white hot anger. Even if he wasn't able to reach the man in time to prevent him from shooting Becky and Ashley, he was determined to extract the ultimate price from the cowardly bastard!

Just as the gunman squeezed the trigger, Steve saw someone crash into the would-be killer. It was instantly apparent that the shot had failed to find the intended target. The two girls were unharmed! Even as he hurried to help subdue the armed man, another shot rang out. The two men stopped struggling. Slowly, the gunman slid to the pavement while the second man leaned against the front of the SUV, trying to catch his breath as he tucked the gun into his waistband.

Becky heard the first shot, and even felt the concussion from the blast. Then she heard a struggle almost directly above her. Looking up, she actually saw the second shot fired, but it was directed toward the chest of her attacker. The man collapsed almost peacefully to the sidewalk to lie a few feet from her. Becky looked up again to the see the second man leaning against the SUV. He was breathing hard and shaking slightly.

"Pete! You saved our lives!" sobbed Becky as she pulled Ashley around so her head was in Becky's lap. Then she began to cry in earnest.

Steve quickly regained control of his emotions once he realized Ashley and Becky were not harmed. He wiped the blood from his eye again and then knelt down by the sisters. He felt Ashley's carotid and determined her pulse was strong. He gently slid his arms under her and stood with the woman cradled against his chest.

Several sirens wailed as police cars began screeching to a stop near the SUV. Officers approached with guns drawn. Pete quickly raised his hands in the air while Steve spoke to the police when they drew close.

"I'm taking this woman inside this shop. I fear for her safety here in the street. These three men just drugged her, attempted to abduct her, and when that failed, tried to kill her. I'd suggest you cuff the guy near the meter, since he's unconscious, but alive. The other two are dead."

With that, Steve turned and carried Ashley into an upscale dress shop while several cops followed with drawn guns. He found a chair and sat in it, still holding the unconscious Ashley gently in his arms.

"When the ambulances get here, you need to have some men ride with that guy, and have a few cars follow it. They'll try to either remove him from custody, or if that fails, kill him. They'll try the same with the woman in my arms."

"Who are 'they '? Why would they want to kill this woman?" demanded a smartly dressed lady as she strode purposefully through the door, holding her badge up for Steve to read. "I need to know what's going on here, and I need to know right now!"

By this time, more policemen were guiding a much shaken Becky and a wan looking Pete into the shop. Becky moved close to Steve and brushed some hair from Ashley's face.

"Look at that SUV. It's got 'Agency' written all over it. Those guys were skilled in hand to hand combat, and they were armed. You're dealing with the CIA here," responded Steve calmly. "For some reason, they decided Ashley had to be silenced. When you run a check on those dead guys, as well as the one still alive, you'll find they're accountants, teachers, software developers, or have some other innocuous occupation. That is if the bodies aren't stolen, or removed from your possession before they can be identified."

"The CIA? They have no jurisdiction here and they certainly don't attack U.S. citizens," replied the lady detective. "Who the hell are you? Who's this woman they're supposedly trying to kill?"

"He's Steve Hammer," responded a patrolman. "He was turned over to a terrorist group in Iraq and abandoned by the CIA. He had to ..."

"Okay! I know who the hell Steve Hammer is, and what he's done. I just didn't recognize him. I wouldn't expect a famous, wealthy man like him to be involved in a street battle like this."

The lady detective stopped to consider the situation for a few seconds. Then she began issuing orders. "Sergeant, when that injured man is taken to the hospital, I want two squad cars to follow, and then have a two man guard unit placed in his room. No visitors until further notice. They're loading him now, so get moving!"

The sergeant quickly left the shop and spoke to other policemen standing outside. Soon they climbed into two squad cars and followed the ambulance down the street. Almost immediately, another ambulance pulled up to the curb and the crew hurried into the shop with a gurney.

Steve had been considering the situation as he held the unconscious Ashley. "I'd like to make another suggestion, if I could. The lady officer over there is blonde and about Ashley's height. Load her on the gurney and have her ride to the hospital in the ambulance. She already has a vest on. Place a shotgun under the sheet with her. Have another officer switch uniforms with the male attendant. Then send them on their way, but have them ready for fireworks. I'd suggest you bring in some unmarked cars and maybe a chopper to follow at a distance."

"You're really into this conspiracy theory, aren't you? You're suggesting that the CIA will make another attempt to kill this woman? That they'd attack an ambulance on the streets of the nation's capital? Are you nuts?" demanded the skeptical detective.

"Possibly," responded Steve calmly. "But I won't allow Ashley to be transported to the hospital by ambulance. Just as the police began to arrive on scene, I saw two black SUV's drive slowly past. They're in damage control now. It's possible that you'll catch them by surprise if they do stop the ambulance and your officers are ready for them. If I'm wrong, you can pick your people up at the hospital. If I'm right, you'll get a promotion and be interviewed on every news organization in the world."

"Okay, let's do it! Brooke, take Fred's shotgun and get on that gurney," ordered the female detective. "Fred, you switch jackets with this paramedic. It's long enough to cover your handgun. Ambushing unconscious women in ambulances won't be tolerated in this city! I'll replace this attendant. Don't be afraid to use your weapons if we're stopped!"

The detective quickly switched jackets with the female member of the crew and issued last minute instructions to Steve. "Here are the keys to my personal car. It's the red Ford Explorer parked down the street. Use it to get your friend to a hospital. These two paramedics will go with you. It looks like you could use a few stitches. I've got your phone number and I'll arrange to get my car from you later. I'll also be interviewing all of you as soon as possible. Here's my card. Let me know when you're out of the hospital. Good Luck."

With those words, the detective and her officers rolled the gurney out the door and quickly loaded it into the ambulance. It left the scene less than a minute later. Steve noticed that Ashley was beginning to groan and move around in his arms.

"Okay, let's get Ashley to a hospital. I think she's starting to come out of it. I want her blood tested before the drugs leave her system. Pete, would you pull the car around to this side door. We'll go to a different hospital a little farther away and try to carry her in unnoticed.

Twenty minutes later, a paramedic had one of Ashley's arms over his shoulder while Steve held the other. Ashley was moaning more frequently and moving her head slightly. Any casual observer would think that she was intoxicated. Steve was obviously injured since he had blood streaks trailing down his face, along with numerous lumps and contusions. Steve had insisted that Pete remain close to Becky and be prepared for any eventuality.

Once inside the hospital, Steve demanded that he and Becky be present while Ashley was examined. Being famous had its advantages, as the doctor reluctantly agreed. It helped when Becky insisted that her sister would be more then fine with it, and that an attempt had been made on her life. She briefly explained that Steve had suffered his injuries while protecting Ashley, and he would continue to do so with extreme prejudice.

Blood was drawn from Ashley's arm. Then she was examined for any other potential injury, but none was found. While they waited for lab results, the doctor was able to examine Steve. By the time the lab results came back, Steve had four stitches and a bandage over his right eye.

While Steve was being stitched, Ashley had begun to look around with a dazed expression. She was beginning to move her hands to her head, but was unable to make any sense when she tried to speak.

"Now that we know what she was given, I'm confident that she'll be fine," predicted the doctor as he read the lab report. "The drug should have no lingering effects and recovery is surprisingly quick once it begins. She should be speaking coherently in fifteen minutes or less. I'll see that the D.C. police receive a copy of the lab results, as per your request, Mr. Hammer."

Ashley was able to talk coherently a short time later. She insisted that Steve and Becky go into the small bathroom with her so she could tell them what happened in private.

"I went to get some contact information and some forms from Senator Bryce's office. I had to walk past Senator Kane's office to get there. I glanced in as I went by the door. I saw Mark Neary talking to a female aide of the Senator Kane's! He had longer, reddish hair and a mustache, but I know it was him! He looked up and our eyes met. I knew immediately that he realized that I had recognized him. I turned and hurried out of the building. I practically ran down the sidewalk trying to find you, Steve. Then those men jumped out of the black car and grabbed me. I tried to get away and that's all I remember.

"I see your face is bloody and banged up. You fought those men! You saved me from being killed or abducted, didn't you?" gasped Ashley as she wrapped her arms around Steve and hugged him as she sobbed into his blood stained shirt.

"It's going to be okay," promised Steve as he rubbed Ashley's back gently. "They apparently wanted to shut you up before you could reveal Mark's location and identity, but once it gets out, they'll have no reason come after you. It won't be a secret anymore. Let's find Pete, and if the doctors agree, get out of here."

They found Pete in the waiting room. "All hell's broken loose! It's all over the news. They have the story about those guys attacking Ashley, but there's a lot more. The second ambulance was stopped two blocks from the hospital by two black SUV's. One pulled in front and stopped, while the other parked right behind it in the street. Two guys opened the back door of the ambulance with guns drawn! They were shot to death by D.C. police, who had replaced the patient and ambulance crew out of concern for another attack on the woman's life.

"Then a police car rammed the SUV that stopped in front of the ambulance. The two men in it were slightly injured and were apprehended by the cops before they could escape. They reported that no one knows where Steve Hammer or his friends are at this time."

"We'll remedy that right away," predicted Steve as he pulled his phone and hit a programmed number. "Amber? Are you available? Ashley and I'd like to meet with you and do a quick interview. I thought that would get your attention. We can be there in less than ten minutes."

Fifteen minutes later, Steve and his three friends were being interviewed by Amber Stahl. Ashley explained in detail exactly what she had seen and how she had been accosted a short time later. Then Steve and Becky explained their role in the scuffle. Finally Pete was brought in to describe his part in the fray.

"It should be noted that Pete has recently been hired by our company as security for Ashley and Becky," added Steve. "I can't express how much I appreciate his quick and decisive actions in protecting these two women. He's a wounded veteran, and a man you can trust to have your back in a tight situation. He'll be getting a raise and a bonus!"

"And a new foot," quipped Becky. "Pete lost a foot while on active duty in Iraq. He has a prosthetic foot, and it was struck by the bullet that was intended for my sister and me. He showed the foot to us on the ride to the hospital. Now I call him 'Leadfoot', and he's fine with it," joked Becky.

Soon the interview was completed and Amber promised to broadcast it as soon as possible. She thought it was important enough to break into regular evening programming, but that was a decision for the network.

It was pushing eight o'clock by the time the group returned to the hotel. Naomi and Kate were all over them as soon as they entered the building. Kate started right in. "We just saw you guys on a special news bulletin. Ashley was almost abducted and Steve and Pete saved Becky and Ashley! She saw that Mark Neary? He's hanging around an aide for Senator Kane, the chairman of the Senate Appropriations committee? There was also an attack on an ambulance that was supposed to be carrying Ashley. Two more men were killed and two captured. The rumor mill has the CIA behind all of this. Is it true?"

"Let's get everyone upstairs where it's safer and a lot more private," insisted Naomi. "We've been worried sick. Why do you all have your phones turned off?"

"We were supposed to turn them off in the hospital and we forgot to turn them back on," admitted Becky. "This has been a hell of a day. I'd better call Mom! She must be real worried!"

"Not to mention, Gwen, Mom, Lisa, Jordan, Stephanie, and others too numerous to mention," added Kate. "I promised Gwen that I'd call her as soon as I heard from you, Steve. I think you'd better call her right now. I'll show Pete his room, so don't worry about that. Just call Gwen and get cleaned up."

Steve turned his phone on and called Gwen as soon as he closed the door to his suite. She answered on the first ring. "Steve? Are you okay? How are Ashley and Becky? I want you to get out your laptop and Skype me. I want to see you when we talk. Do it right now, please!"

Steve hung up the phone and booted his laptop. Soon he had Gwen on his screen. "Look at you! That must have been some struggle. Your face is swollen and your shirt's bloody. Are there stitches under that bandage?" asked Gwen as she looked at Steve's face.

Steve began to undress as he responded to Gwen's questions. Soon he was totally naked. He carried the laptop with him as he moved into the bathroom and turned on the jets for the hot tub. He was glad that Gwen had insisted that they reserve one of the two suites that had a big hot tub. It faced a window that featured a panoramic view of Washington. He placed the device on a wide ledge by the tub and climbed in. As he did so, he heard some giggles coming from his computer.

"I'm sorry, Steve. I should have told you that Charlotte and a couple of friends are here trying to help me cope with the situation. I was very worried when I heard the first news reports that Ashley had been attacked, and that you had fought off her assailants only to hear that the ambulance she was supposed to be in was ambushed. No one knew where you and the girls were.

"It was only a few minutes ago that Amber Stahl came on TV and showed your interview. That was a great idea. With Mark's identity exposed, there's no reason for anyone to try to kill Ashley. It's too late for them to stop her from talking. I can't believe that Mark was mixed up in all of this," concluded Gwen.

"It's very upsetting for me," agreed Steve. "I even told Ashley that I thought he was a good guy. I was wrong, almost dead wrong. I feel pretty bad about that. When that guy pointed his gun at Becky and Ashley as they lay on the sidewalk, I think my heart stopped. I can't begin to express how horrible I felt. Thank God Pete was in the area. He was the difference."

Steve and Gwen discussed the day's events for another ten minutes before Kate called from the living area. "Steve! There's a Detective Hart with me. She insists that she be allowed to talk to you right now. I knocked and you didn't answer, so I let her in with me. Are you decent?"

Steve groaned as he remembered that he had promised to speak with the detective. "No, but show her in anyway. I'm in the hot tub, soaking my bruises. If that bothers her, tell her to come back tomorrow."

"Don't worry about me," grinned Detective Hart as she strode into the room with Kate following. "I grew up with three brothers and we only had one bathroom. I've seen it all. Sadly, I only have a recorder and not a camera. There won't be any video."

The detective smiled as she pulled a chair over close to the tub, sat down, and dug out a recorder and placed it on the ledge near Steve's laptop. "You probably heard that the ambulance was stopped by four gunmen a couple blocks from the hospital. Because I followed your suggestions, I came out looking pretty damn good."

"I'm not surprised," grinned Steve. "You look pretty good from here."

"I'll take that as a compliment, especially coming from Steve Hammer, and even more especially a naked Steve Hammer. Everyone knows that you're always surrounded by beautiful women. By that's not why I'm here. Let's get started."

Before the detective could ask her first question, Ashley came into the room. "I'm sorry to bother everyone, but I'm more than a little nervous. Can I stay here with you for a while, Steve? I'll be quiet."

Detective Hart wasn't surprised to see Steve nod in agreement. She was stunned, however, when Ashley dropped her robe to reveal her nude body. She quickly stepped into the tub and sat down as close to Steve as she could get. She picked his arm up, scooted under it, and then placed it over her shoulder as Kate gave a subdued chuckle. Ashley them leaned her head against Steve's chest with her breasts against his abdomen and sighed.

"Okay," began Detective Hart. "This interview is being recorded. I want each of you to tell me what happened and I'll ask questions once you've finished your narrative. I understand that Miss Summers' sister was also present. I'll have to interview her later.

"I'm right here. I'll tell my story when you need it," interjected Becky as she walked over to the tub and looked down at Steve and her sister with a smile. "I guess I might as well get comfortable."

With those words, Becky pulled her top over her head to reveal her perfectly formed breasts. Then she slid her jeans down over her tight, toned ass and stepped out of them. She stepped into the tub and took a position on the other side of Steve from Ashley. Now Steve had his arms around both sisters as they leaned into him with their breasts pressed against his stomach.

"This is getting a little strange," complained the detective. "I don't usually interview naked people. I especially don't interview people preparing to have sex. I think I'll have to ask you to get dressed. It's a very well known fact that you and Gwen Anderson are a couple. Does she know that you have sex with these ladies? In fact, her sister is in the room. Aren't you concerned that she'll tell her sister about your activities?

"You need to understand several things, Detective," responded Steve calmly. "I will not be having sex with any of these ladies. I am totally dedicated and loyal to Gwen. That does not stop me from loving other women, but it will never be a physical love. We all understand it. That's one reason these girls feel so safe for with me.

"Secondly, Gwen is listening and watching everything we do and say. She's on Skype right now. She can see Ashley and Becky and they both know it. We don't sneak around or cheat.

"Thirdly, I'm sore and tired. I'm not going anywhere and I hope Ashley and Becky aren't either. If you want to ask us questions, go right ahead. If this arrangement doesn't suit you, we'll stop in at the police station tomorrow or the next day."

"Gwen Anderson is listening and watching this? Ms. Anderson, are you able to hear me?" asked the detective as she faced the laptop.

"Yes, Detective, I can hear and see you. Steve and I were having a conversation when Kate brought you into the room. I appreciate your concern over Steve's fidelity, but Kate is my sister and Ashley and Becky are almost sisters as far as we're concerned. They will not betray me, nor will Steve. Steve is sore and bruised from fighting those men today. He needs to relax.

"Ashley and Becky have had a very traumatic experience and being with Steve helps them feel safe and loved. They deserve to feel that way. I'd suggest that you ask your questions right now because Steve's a very busy man and may not have time for you tomorrow," finished Gwen.

Detective Hart concealed any surprise she may have experienced and began to question the three as they relaxed in the tub. After a full hour of questioning, she determined that she had gotten all of the information she could and packed up her recorder.

"Thanks for being so open and honest with your responses. Your suggestion to use decoys on the ambulance paid off for the department, and for me personally. My superiors were very impressed with my quick thinking. I explained that it was your suggestion, but they gave me credit for listening to you and making the correct decision. This is the biggest case I've ever worked and your help and cooperation has really made it a lot easier. Thanks for that, Mr. Hammer, and both Ms. Summers. I'll be in touch."

As soon as the detective left, Ashley spoke to Gwen. "Would it be okay if I spent the night with Steve? I could sleep on the sofa. I'm feeling nervous and scared. Having Steve near makes me feel a lot better."

"That's understandable, but it's also pushing my tolerance a little," admitted Gwen. "How about if both you and Becky sleep with Steve, but with pajamas on? You can chaperone each other. The bed's big enough for all of you, but no funny business, okay?"

"Thanks, Gwen! I think Becky will be happy to go along with that! You're the best friend and boss a person could ever have. I promise we won't do anything we wouldn't do in front of you. We won't even tease the guy, very much. He saved me today. Mom will be thrilled when I tell her that Becky and I are spending the night with him. As far as she's concerned, he's the best thing ever. I guess Becky and I feel the same way."

Steve listened to the whole conversation before shaking his head and stepping out of the tub. He took a long hot shower and then made his way to bed, wearing a pair of boxers. He noticed the laptop was perched on a nightstand facing the bed. He sat down and gazed at the screen. Gwen was sitting on a couch with Charlotte and two other girls.

"Steve, I trust you to help Ashley through a tough time, but be careful. She loved you before this and now that you've saved her life, she'll do anything for you. I'm so glad that you were there when she needed you. Maybe this will bring the entire mess with the CIA to a head. I imagine our faux Mark Neary is being questioned pretty closely, as well as the men captured when they stopped the ambulance. Get some sleep and we'll talk tomorrow. Remember that I love you, especially when those blondes are snuggling up to you tonight."

Steve was asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow. Sometime later he felt the bed move, and then two arms rubbed his chest gently before he once again fell into a deep sleep.

Steve had always been an early riser, so he was surprised when he opened his eyes to see the sun beginning to make an appearance in the eastern sky. He stated to sit up when he realized he wasn't alone. Ashley was lying against his left side. She was awake and tracing the bruises on his chest and face with her fingers. She was topless and her beautiful breasts were pressed against him. She smiled when she saw him looking at her.

Steve turned his head to see Becky watching him. She was also smiling and topless. Her breasts were every bit as perfect as her sisters and she had them pushed tightly against his side.

"We promised to wear pajamas, and we are," pointed out Ashley as she showed Steve her bottoms. "You have so many bruises and welts from your fight with those two men. Becky told me how hard they hit you and how you put them both down. You're the best guy I've ever known. I appreciate all the things that you and Gwen have done for me, and for Becky. I'd never do anything to harm your relationship with Gwen, but you've got to know that I love you. Would it be better if I left and went back to teaching? I don't want to make you uncomfortable around me."

Steve looked from one girl to the other before her responded. "Do I Look uncomfortable? We need you, Ashley. Gwen and I both love and respect you. I was wrong about Mark, and I feel terrible about that, but you'll find a guy that'll make you forget me. He'll be something special. You can bet on that.

"You're two of the most beautiful women I've ever seen and I could stay here with you all day, but we all know that wouldn't be a good idea. You girls need to get back to your rooms and get ready for the day. I just hope Billy never finds out that I was in bed with you girls and that I actually asked you to leave and get dressed. My reputation will be ruined."

"Actually, you just improved it," laughed Becky. "You know we'll tell Gwen everything. She'll be very happy with your decision. I think you'll get very lucky next time you see her. Thanks for helping us feel safe last night.

"We'll be sure to have Pete stay with us today," continued Becky. "He sure came through yesterday, didn't he? He seems to be over the bitterness he was feeling when I first met him. He was very brave yesterday. You sure knew what you were doing when you hired him."

"I knew that you felt he was a good guy, so I decided to take a chance on him. He has all the credentials, and yesterday he demonstrated traits that you can't put in a résumé," conceded Steve. "Besides, he looked like he's a little sweet on you, not that anyone can blame him. If you're not interested in him, let him know before he falls head over heels, if he hasn't already."

"You think he likes me?" asked Becky. "You didn't hear about our first meeting, did you? We called each other all kinds of bad things. I'm surprised he came around looking for a job after the way I treated him. He was good to his mom, though, and that's always a good trait in a man."

"I can't believe you two are talking about a guy that likes Becky while she's lying half naked in your bed. He may not understand the dynamics in our group and if he learns you slept with Steve, your romance may be over before it starts," cautioned Ashley. "Most men feel intimidated by Steve, especially those that have suffered blows to their self esteem."

"Well you should have worried about that before you got all naked and cuddly with my future brother-in-law," observed Kate from the doorway. "Naomi and Pete are in the other room waiting for you guys. I ordered a huge breakfast for all of us and it's getting cold. You didn't eat anything last night, so you must be starved. I would have joined you girls in the tub with Steve, but I won't do anything to upset Chip. I have to be sure how he understands everything before I let him know how I feel about Steve."

"Talk about being a little late!" laughed Becky. "Chip would have to be blind and stupid to have not picked up on how you feel about Steve. We all know that he's neither. The thing about Steve and Chip is that they love each other, in a manly way, of course. I doubt they'd ever get jealous of each other. It's like Jordan and Gwen. They love and respect each other far too much to ever let envy be an issue."

Pete and Naomi were quietly chatting when Ashley and Becky emerged from Steve's bedroom. They had put their pajama tops on, but it was obvious they had spent the night with Steve.

Becky smiled at Pete, but he quickly looked away. Becky was surprised at how much Pete's reaction bothered her. Everyone visited for a few minutes more before Steve joined them. He had showered and donned a robe over his boxers. As Steve took his seat he noticed Pete's attitude was less than upbeat.

"Pete, you look like the cat shit in your oatmeal," began Steve as he looked across the table at his newest employee. "You're pissed because you saw Becky come out of my bedroom. You know she spent the night."

"What you and Ms. Summers do is none of my business," responded Pete curtly. "I'm just a hired hand. I know my place."

"You're right that it's none of your business, except that I want you to protect these women, and I worry about the job you'll do if you have a bug up your ass. I don't usually explain myself, or my friends to anyone, but I'm making an exception. You came through big time yesterday and I'm in your debt.

"Becky and I did not have sex. We've never had sex. We will never be having sex. I am totally monogamous, as is Gwen. I want you to understand that. These women are ladies, and they're precious. Don't ever think otherwise. You came through yesterday, and you deserve consideration for that. If you're going to work with us, you'll have to overcome any jealousy issues you might have. You'll see a great deal of affection between most of us, but you will not see infidelity. It simply does not happen. Are we clear on this?" demanded Steve as he looked directly into Pete's eyes.

"Yes, sir. I understand, but you didn't have to explain anything to me. I hardly know Becky, uh, Ms. Summers. She certainly doesn't answer to me," replied Pete.

"That's why I'm telling you this. Becky vouched for you. She's never done that before. She's never asked me for any sort of favor, or consideration. Read into that what you will. But understand this; I do love her, but I'm 'in love' with Gwen. She's the one for me. Now, do you think you can give your full attention to keeping these ladies safe?"

"Yes! I'll do everything I possibly can, but I don't have my permit to carry yet, so I'll have to accompany them unarmed. After killing that man yesterday, it may be difficult for me to get a permit here. I can still offer some protection, but it would be better if I could carry," replied Pete as he glanced at a blushing Becky.

"Thank you, Ms. Summers for the recommendation. You have more influence with Mr. Hammer and Ms. Anderson than I had realized. I'll always do my best to keep you and your sister safe."

"I don't even know who you're talking to when you use the 'Miss' stuff. I'm Becky, my sister is Ashley, and Steve is Steve. Don't give him a big head by calling him 'Mister Hammer'. He's intolerable already."

"I'll see if I can pull any strings. I know a future congresswoman quite well and a few senators, but I'm thinking it might be better to speak to Detective Hart. She seemed to have a firm grasp on reality," observed Steve.

"That, and the fact that she's female, should make a difference," laughed Kate. "All you have to do is give her that big smile and blink your eyes a few times and she'll get Pete permission to carry a rocket launcher if you ask."

"She's the detective that interviewed me," revealed Pete. "She seemed pretty fair. She's been all over the news this morning. The city police arrested three more CIA agents last night, while at least five more got away. The FBI went to the CIA office of the man in charge of their Weapons Intelligence Non-Proliferation and Arms Control Center late last night. They were just outside his office when they heard a shot. He blew his brains out before he could be arrested."

"Wow! That all happened last night?" wondered Ashley. "What does it all mean? Why was the CIA after me, or us, or whoever they were after? Will they still be trying to kill me, or Steve?"

"Let's make some calls and see what the police think, as well as the government," reasoned Steve. "I have Hart's card. I'll call her right now."

A short time later, Steve disconnected his phone and spoke to his friends. "She'll expedite Pete getting a permit to carry. She just needs you to stop in at the station, fill out some forms, answer a million questions, and get fingerprinted. We'll send her proof of your employment. You should have a permit by noon. The company happens to have some legal handguns you can choose from.

"I want Ashley and Becky to stay in the hotel today, just to be on the safe side. I want Pete to apply for his permit and get back here to keep an eye on your girls. I'll put Kate in a cab. Naomi will be riding with me since we're both going to the Senate Building. I'll talk with Senator Chatham and see what she knows about this situation. I think it's probably run its course. The guys that got away shouldn't be after us. They work for money, not loyalty to country, or family."

When Steve left the hotel with Kate and Naomi, there was a large crush of reporters gathered to ask questions. Steve declined to comment, stating that he needed to find out what had transpired overnight before he would speculate on anything.

A short time later, he was in Senator Chatham's office. "Young Man, you're a sight. I'm supposed to have a dashing, handsome Naval Officer as an attaché, not some marked up pugilist. That incident yesterday opened a can of worms, and the worms were in the CIA. President Hanson is meeting with his top aides and the Director of the CIA this morning. You can bet he'll be chewing out the Director. The CIA is supposed to defend and protect Americans, not try to kill them.

"By the time this all shakes out, we'll probably have a new Director, as well as deputies over at Langley," predicted Senator Chatham. "I'd prefer you forgo any more statements or interviews with the press until the situation has stabilized. We've just made plans to travel to Hungary in early January, for a small economic summit. Your presence has been requested, so don't try to get out of it. You'll have a few weeks off for Christmas, and then it's back to work."

When Steve got back to the hotel that evening, Chip was waiting for him. "I'm glad you decided to get some security for these ladies. It looks like the CIA was behind the snafu in Iraq, just like you thought. Why is it that every time I see you, your ugly mug has bruises, contusions, and cuts? I don't know what Gwen sees in you."

"Kate wasn't too happy when I explained that you were her security," lied Steve smoothly. "She said she could kick your ass on your best day. She knows you're almost totally worthless with guns, knives, or fists."

"I never said that!" exclaimed Kate as she approached the pair. "Chip, it's so good to see you. Steve says you'll have to stay very close to keep me safe. I told Mom that you're coming home with me for Thanksgiving, and that you'd be staying in my room. She said she'd talk to Dad about it."

"Uh-oh. How do you think your father will take it?" asked a concerned Chip.

"Gwen always wondered why Steve was so worried about Dad and how he felt about her sleeping with him. Now I see you're the same way. You're bigger and stronger than Dad. Why are you nervous?"

"Kate, your father is the head of the family. If he tells me to leave his home, I will. If he tells me to sleep in the garage, I will. He's earned my respect. I won't go against him. Size and strength have nothing to do with it. I don't care how big the guys are that take out our daughters. They'll obey my rules or they'll be sent down the road so fast their heads will swim," stated Chip firmly.

"We're having daughters? Does that mean you've patched things up with your father? You know that was one of the things you had to do to convince me to have your babies," laughed Kate.

"I've spoken to him. He's still stubborn and narrow minded, but I'm working on it. He'll see things my way before too long," responded Chip.

"That's great. I can't wait to meet him when he and your mother come to Sparta for Thanksgiving. I know you and your dad will get along splendidly," grinned Kate.

Steve and the girls, along with Chip and Pete, returned to Sparta Tuesday evening. Steve was staying with Jason and Lisa in their new house, while the rest of the group was staying with Paula in her old house, since her new home next to Lisa's was not quite finished. Paula stopped in at Lisa's to find Steve sitting next to her as she nursed her baby.

"Is this okay with you, Lisa?" asked Paula. "I can make this guy leave the room."

"Honestly, I like to have Steve watch. It helps me relax even more. I can see why Aunt Diane was so open about it. Jason knows all about it and was even teasing Steve about being a pervert. It would've stung more if Jason wasn't just as bad. Wait until Gwen has a baby. Every guy in the community will be watching her breastfeed, if they get the chance," predicted Lisa.

"In my day, it was a much more private matter," admitted Paula as she took a seat across from Lisa. "I was embarrassed when Ted watched me nurse you. It took a few weeks to get over that. I certainly couldn't have let Steve watch."

"I wasn't even born then, so you're right. But I'm serving notice that if you have a baby, I'm going to be right next to you when you breastfeed it," promised Steve.

"If I have a baby, you can watch all you want," agreed Paula with a laugh. "That simply won't happen. Besides, it wouldn't be like watching Lisa. I'm a lot older and gravity is having more effect every year."

"I think you're fishing for a compliment now," suggested Steve. "What do you think, Lisa? Is your mother trying to coax me into saying something nice about her feminine charms?"

"It sure sounds like it," admitted Lisa as she switched her baby to the other breast. "You don't need a reason to show off in front of Steve. We all know how you feel about the guy."

"I'm not sure what you think, but I'm certainly not going to be showing anything off to him, or anyone else," insisted Paula. "I'm a married woman."

"So am I, Mom, and look at me. I have both breasts out and I'm feeding my daughter. Jason's in the garage, trying to get his new turkey fryer figured out. He might walk in any minute and Steve and I aren't worried a bit," pointed out Lisa. "Jason knows neither of us would ever betray him. Seeing my boobs isn't like having sex with me. Steve seems to enjoy it, I know I enjoy it, and as odd as it sounds, it makes Jason extra horny. Maybe you should try it, just to see how Dad reacts."

"Listen to Lisa. She's wise beyond her years," offered Steve with a straight face. "I do have something I'd like to tell you in private. Would you step into the kitchen with me, Paula?" asked Steve.

Paula nodded and walked into the kitchen ahead of Steve. "I think about Uncle Joe a lot this time of year. It was Thanksgiving break of my third year at the Academy when I came home to find him so ill. You remember how he died the day after Thanksgiving and how badly I took it?

"I never told you how much it meant to me that you took over and made all of the arrangements. Everyone supported me, but you were amazing. Today, when I was thinking about that Thanksgiving, I realized that I never made the effort to express my gratitude. I acted like it was expected, and not like you helped me when I was totally lost.

"You're a very special woman; intelligent, kind, giving, yet forceful. You're beautiful, but modest and you've raised the most amazing, gorgeous daughters on the planet," praised Steve. "You need to know that I see what you are and what you do for your family. I admire and respect you. I see a lot of you in Gwen, and I'll always do everything in my power to see that you, your daughters, and grandchildren are always safe and loved."

Paula was surprised by the intensity and sincerity shown by Steve. She stepped close and wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tightly as tears trickled down her cheeks.

"This is my mother, Paula, hugging my boyfriend, Steve," came a voice from the doorway. "You seldom find a mother that approves of her daughter's boyfriend more than Mom does, even when his face is all kinds of colors and he has more stitches than Frankenstein."

Steve turned his head to see a smiling Gwen in the doorway with a woman he had never met before. He was caught off guard when Paula looked up and kissed him hard on the lips.

"Your mother has a lot of good reasons for approving of your boyfriend," replied Paula as she released Steve and turned to face Gwen. "Do you have a problem with that?"

"Not at all, Mom," responded a surprised Gwen. "You're always trying to act like you don't think Steve's the sexiest man alive. What's changed? This is Mandy. She didn't have any place to go for the holiday, so I invited her to come home with me. Imagine how embarrassing it is for her to find my mother in my boyfriend's arms. She's probably scandalized."

"Actually, I think it's great that your mother is so beautiful and that she's so fond of your boyfriend. But then, he's Steve Hammer. My mom would be in his arms in a flash if she had the chance," chuckled Mandy. "I hope I'm not intruding, but when Gwen invited me, I couldn't refuse. I'm spending Thanksgiving with the Andersons and Steve Hammer, along with Jordan Quick and Charlie Burns! I'll have something cool to tell my grandkids, which, by the way, will also be Steve's grandkids if I have anything to say about it."

"You should wait for a proper introduction before you start any babies with the guy," replied Gwen sarcastically. "Mandy's in my class at med school. She's really smart. She helps Charlotte and me with our studies quite a lot."

"She was with you the night I climbed into the hot tub while I was talking to you on Skype, wasn't she?" asked Steve as he recalled that evening. "I recognize that laugh. She was laughing at me!"

"It wasn't anything that I saw! I can promise that," responded Mandy quickly. "Remember that I'm studying to be a doctor and know a superior specimen when I see one. I was laughing at the surprised look on Donna's face. For a med student, she seemed quite flustered."

"Donna was there with us," added Gwen. "She did seem to be a little flushed when you climbed into the tub. Are you going to greet me a little more warmly? Mom didn't make you forget about me, did she?"

"If anyone could, it would be your mom, or your sisters," responded Steve as he swept Gwen into his arms and kissed her passionately.

"It was a long flight. Maybe you and Steve need a little nap, or something, to get refreshed," suggested Mandy as she watched Steve and Gwen interact. "No one would blame you. Quite the opposite."

"That's a great idea, but I'm a better hostess than that," assured Gwen. "I thought we'd all go down to Marsh's Landing and get a nice dinner. I called Kate and she's getting everyone at Mom's place ready to go. Jordan and Charlie will be there, too. Let's go eat."

Mandy had never seen anything like it. Gwen and Steve were greeted with hugs and good humored kidding by the other diners, but she also noticed a certain reverence everyone held for the couple. The pride the patrons of the restaurant felt in being recognized and addressed by Steve and Gwen was quite apparent. Sparta belonged to the power couple. Mandy had no doubt of that.

She had become rather good friends with Gwen and had been extremely proud of that fact, but she was just beginning to see the charisma the couple seemed to radiate when they were together. The entire entourage of family and friends, which included quite a few accomplished men and women, followed the lead of Gwen and Steve. Mandy quickly determined that they were the nucleus of the unit.

As they were eating dinner, Stephanie managed to gain everyone's attention as she made some interesting announcements. "I have Jordan, Charlie, Gwen, and Steve signed up to do a Christmas special for the NBS network. Someone finally outbid CBC! It's going to be different because it'll be live, with a few seconds delay, of course. It's going to be broadcast from our center for the performing arts. We're inviting any local kids, parents, and grandparents that want to attend. We're having thousands of toys wrapped as gifts. We're also going to have racks and racks of warm clothes of all sizes for kids and adults to choose from. It's been a tough economy and Lady in Red will be giving back to the community that's done so much for us."

"It looks like Steph has taken to her job like a duck to water," laughed Steve. "This sounds like a great idea. It'll make Christmas even more special when we watch the kids' faces when they see the gifts. Are we going to have a big tree?"​