Incest/Taboo Lady in Red

Gwen watched Steve dive into the icy waters without any apparent hesitation. Then, as her dress pooled at her feet, she kicked off her heels and headed for the river. Ashley was calling to her, but Gwen's attention was on the scene in the river.

A man in a suit had climbed out of the helicopter and was trying to swim to shore. Although it was only about a hundred yards, Gwen could tell the man would never make it. He was using only his left arm, and quite awkwardly. Gwen was surprised when she saw Steve swim out around the man and continue toward the rapidly sinking helicopter.

It occurred to Gwen that Steve had somehow determined that there were more people in the aircraft and he was intent on rescuing them. Then she felt the sudden shock as she dove into the frigid waters. Chilled to the bone, she quickly surfaced and swam strongly toward the man that had exited the chopper. By now he was having a very difficult time. He flailed weakly as his head dropped below the surface and then reappeared. This happened several times before Gwen approached him. Then, as she drew near, he went under and did not return to the surface.

Gwen dove and quickly found him. She grabbed his jacket by the collar and pulled him to the surface. By this time, her limbs felt numb and her teeth were chattering, even as she exerted herself tremendously. Taking a deep breath, Gwen began pulling the man back toward shore. As she swam, she saw Steve dive at the point where the helicopter had just submerged.

She knew she had to get back to shore, and soon, or she'd never make it back. Knowing she was unable to help Steve, she prayed that he would manage without her. It became increasingly difficult for Gwen to make her arms respond. They felt like lead weights. Gwen became concerned about getting back to shore as the seconds passed. She was moving slower and with much greater effort.

"Let me take him, Miss," came a strong male voice from behind her just before an arm reached out and grabbed the collar of the man she had been pulling.

Gwen released the man and turned in the water. She saw a policeman standing in chest deep water as he worked his way toward shore, towing the man that she had helped. Gwen tried to stand, but her feet were numb! She knew they were on the bottom, but had difficulty feeling anything. Walking was almost impossible.

Suddenly, strong hands grabbed on one of her arms and guided her back to shore. She hadn't seen the second man until she felt his hands on her arm. She had a chance to quickly study him as he led her from the water. He was very poorly dressed and looked extremely unkempt. His wore a beard and his coat was ragged and torn in several places. Regardless, Gwen was extremely grateful that he was there and helping her.

Once she reached waist deep water, the man released her arm, but remained close, making sure that she was going to be able to escape the frigid waters. For the first time, Gwen noticed dozens, and perhaps hundreds of people standing along the shoreline. Many had their phones in their hands and were videoing her approach to land. When the water was below her knees, several men splashed out to help her climb the river bank. An older man on shore removed his overcoat and wrapped it around her once she was standing on dry land. Then she turned to see if she could locate Steve.

The cold water had jolted Steve when he dove into the river. He forced his body to ignore the shock and began swimming strongly toward the crashed helicopter. Unlike Gwen, he had a very good idea who was inside the stricken craft. He had seen Amber Stahl and Bill Hardy doing interviews outside the Capitol Building after Congress had been adjourned. He also noticed the chopper sitting in a cordoned off grassy area a hundred yards away at the time that Gwen had spoken to her family and promised to join them after meeting her new staff.

As he swam, he saw Bill Hardy plunge into the water before the machine sank from sight. Steve quickly made the decision to circle Hardy and try to find Amber. His reasoning was that Hardy was on the surface and would be easily seen by others that would surely be rushing to render aid. Amber had not exited the chopper and that concerned Steve greatly. The aircraft disappeared from sight just a few yards in front of Steve, so he took a breath and dove down. He quickly reached the chopper as it slowly descended.

One glance told Steve that the pilot was dead. His head was bent at an unnatural angle and blood streamed from his severed throat. Inside he found Amber still held in place in a back seat by her lap belt. Her forehead had some blood seeping from it and she was unresponsive. He quickly unbuckled her and headed upward.

He broke the surface and drew a deep breath as he looked to determine the nearest land. It was immediately apparent that he had to go back toward the parked limo. He held Amber with one arm and began swimming strongly toward the shore. As he swam, he thought about Hell Week and how much he had hated it. Then he almost smiled as he realized how well it was serving him at that very moment.

The water was frigid, but he ignored it. He concentrated on the girl he held in his right arm as he pushed hard for shore. He would glance back after every ten strokes to locate his landing spot and to determine when he was close. He knew when the water was shallow enough to walk and swung Amber into both arms as he felt bottom. He then trudged slowly toward shore. As the water became waist deep, several bystanders approached and offered to take Amber from him. Steve simply shook his head and kept walking.

Steve took in the scene as he stepped out of the water. Gwen was standing just to the side with Ashley. She was soaking wet, but wrapped in a warm trench coat and appeared to be doing well. Bill Hardy was sitting on someone's coat with another coat draped over his shoulders. He was complaining bitterly about how much his arm ached and how long the ambulance was taking to arrive.

A couple of bystanders removed their coats and placed them on the frozen ground. Steve gently placed Amber on the clothing and felt her throat for a pulse. Feeling relief that she had a strong one, he bent down close to her mouth to determine if she was breathing properly. She had spittle and mucous around her nose and mouth, but her breathing was regular. Then the sirens became very loud as ambulances drove along the grassy shoulder of the jammed highway and stopped just yards away.

Soon, two paramedics were at Amber's side, so Steve stepped back to allow them room. They quickly placed her on a backboard and then on the gurney and strapped an oxygen mask over her mouth and nose. Then they moved her toward the ambulance, loaded her, and took off along the grassy shoulder to a point where the ambulance could access the highway.

Steve turned to see another crew treating Bill Hardy. He was uncooperative and still complaining about the pain and the lack of haste demonstrated by the paramedics. Steve didn't even try to conceal his contempt for Hardy as he made his way over to Gwen and Ashley.

Both women were shivering as they watched Steve approach. Suddenly, Ashley turned and raced back to the limo, grabbed Steve's clothes from the trunk and his shoes from the ground and hurried back. She knelt in front of Steve and held his pants open for him to step into.

Steve was a little embarrassed by Ashley's actions. Dozens of cameras were recording his every move. Not knowing what else to do, Steve quickly stepped into his trousers and took the waistband from Ashley's hands as she pulled them up.

"Thanks, Ashley. I appreciate it, but everyone's watching. Just hand me my shirt and I'll slip it on," insisted Steve as gently as he could.

Once Ashley handed Steve his clothes, she went back to the car and returned with Gwen's dress and coat. Steve met her as she approached Gwen.

"Gwen, if you want to put your dress back on, I'll stand in front of you, Ashley, please stand behind her," instructed Steve before speaking to the older man that had obviously loaned his overcoat to Gwen. "Sir, would you mind standing next to Gwen so we don't have a dozen cameras recording her putting her dress back on?"

"Certainly!" replied the man as he stepped close to Gwen, and then spoke to a woman a few feet to his left. "Nancy, come over here please, and stand on the other side of Miss Anderson. We're trying to allow her some privacy while she gets her dress back on."

The lady nodded and moved close to Gwen who quickly pulled the overcoat off and held her arms up so Steve could slip her dress over her head. Although he only caught a brief glimpse, Steve could tell that her sexy red bra had become transparent and her nipples were very stiff. Then he helped her smooth the dress out and held her coat as she slid into it.

"Thank you, Sir, for the use of your overcoat," managed Gwen through chattering teeth. "It helped warm me and protect me from all of those cameras. You're a gentleman. Could I invite you to our little celebration this evening? I was just sworn into Congress and we're having some friends and guests over to our hotel..."

"Yes, I'll be there," promised the man. "I know who you are, and what hotel you're in. I was planning on stopping in, but you're invitation seals it. I'll see you then. This was one of the most remarkable things I've ever witnessed. I commend you both for your courage and compassion. You'd better get inside your limo, get back to the hotel and warmed up, Ms. Anderson."

Becky had just managed to get a cup of coffee to warm up a little while everyone waited for Gwen, Ashley, and Steve to arrive at the hotel. She sat down next to Kate and Paula at a round table in the big ballroom they had reserved for the party when her cell rang.

"Hey, Ashley! Are you guys going to get here pretty soon?"questioned Becky as she smiled at Kate and Paula while they listened to her end of the conversation. "What? My God! Are they okay? It's freezing out there! Stay on the line while I tell Paula what's happened."

"Ashley says a helicopter just crashed into the river near the road where their limo was. Steve's already swimming out to it, and Gwen's running down to the water in her underwear! Oh, my! Ashley said that Gwen's in the water and swimming out to help some guy that's drowning!"

"Turn on the TV!" insisted Kate to the room in general. "Gwen and Steve are in another water rescue. It must be on a few stations!"

Almost before she finished her sentence, a large screen TV blinked on and everyone turned toward it. The man with the remote went through four channels before he found a station with a reporter on the scene. The view on the screen was obviously from overhead and it was riveting.

A swimmer had just dived and pulled a man back to the surface and started pulling him back to shore. Kate couldn't contain her excitement. "That's Gwen! She's saving that guy's life. Where's Steve? Where's the helicopter that crashed?"

Suddenly two bodies bobbed to the surface not too far from where Gwen labored to drag the man back to shore. "There's Steve! He must have pulled someone from the chopper. Look at him swim. He acts like the cold water doesn't even bother him."

Then the scene switched to a camera obviously held on the shore. It showed Gwen handing the near drowning victim off to a policeman and being guided back to shore by a ragged looking man.

"My God! Gwen may as well be naked!" observed Paula. "And she's freezing to death! I hope she gets a coat on right away."

As Paula spoke, an elderly gentleman removed his overcoat and draped it over Gwen's shoulders. Gwen looked back and gave the man an appreciative smile as she pulled the coat tightly to her body and returned her gaze to where Steve was bringing Amber ashore.

Everyone watched in awed silence as Steve placed Amber on the coats that had been placed on the ground. Then the paramedics arrived on scene and took over treatment. A short time later they saw Ashley drop to her knees to hold Steve's pants out for him to step in.

"Sis sure is helpful, isn't she?" remarked Becky with a grin as Steve stepped into the trousers and pulled them up. "Those boxers of Steve's were a little revealing when they were wet. The viewers are getting their money's worth today."

Once again everyone went silent as Steve held Gwen's dress up and slid it over her head while Ashley and an unknown couple stood nearby, so she couldn't be seen by the TV viewers.

Steve took Gwen's arm and steered her back toward the limo. As they were getting in, a reporter began asking them questions. Steve simply shook his head and then climbed into the car behind Gwen.

Everyone in the ballroom suddenly began talking. Gwen had invited the good citizens of her district to the celebration. To that end, Lady in Red Productions had provided a sign-up sheet for people that were willing to ride a bus to the affair in Washington. By the time the deadline for signing up had arrived, Lady in Red Productions had to hire thirteen buses. One bus carried seniors from Sparta High so that they could be part of the celebration.

The thirteen buses had emptied their riders into the hotel a few minutes before the TV had come to life with the report from the river. The hometown contingent had watched in stunned silence until it became obvious that Gwen and Steve were going to be okay. The citizens of the Spartan Nation were very vocal in their support of their home town heroes. Their pride was very evident as they cheered and clapped their approval as the TV announcers recapped the incredible series of events that had just transpired. The din had barely died down when Gwen, Ashley, and Steve stepped into the lobby of the hotel.

They had hoped to move quickly to their rooms to change their clothes, but that was not to be. The moment they entered the hotel, they were mobbed by admirers and well wishers. Gwen and Steve were overwhelmed by the number of people that rushed forward to congratulate and praise them. They shook hands and acknowledged as many people as they could as they inched toward the elevators.

"Okay, folks. We're all extremely pleased to see that Gwen and Steve survived their ordeal, but they need to get to their room to get warmed up and changed," bellowed Ted as he, Will, Billy, Jared, Jason, and Charlie gently began moving people back so that the couple could reach the elevators. "Please give them some time to recover and prepare for the big celebration. We'll start in half an hour or so and look forward to seeing all of you there."

As the men made some room for the group, Paula, Lisa, and Kate closed in on Gwen and Steve and quickly led them to the elevators.

"What were you two thinking?" demanded Paula as they rode up to their floor in the elevator. "You could have drowned in that damn river! Thank God you're alright."

"Mother! Don't even think about complaining about what we just did! Two people would have died if we had simply watched from the shore. You know that isn't the way Steve is, and I hope it isn't me either. I know you were worried and maybe even scared, but don't ever tell us that we shouldn't try to help others in trouble. Amber's become a great friend. She's smart and successful and headed for great things. Steve couldn't forsake her. If he had, he wouldn't be the man I've fallen in love with. He'd be common, or average, which is okay for most men, but not for Steve!" responded Gwen with considerable emotion.

"Amber? Amber Stahl? I didn't realize she was on the helicopter. She was the woman that Steve brought to shore? All I saw was that damned Bill Hardy complaining about how slow the ambulances were," added Paula contritely. "I apologize. You two know what you're doing. I was wrong to be upset. It's just that I love you two so much, and if something happened to either of you, I don't know what I'd do. I have to admit that I'm also extremely proud of you both."

By this time, the group had reached Gwen and Steve's suite. He immediately began undressing as he headed for the bathroom. Once he closed the door, he peeled his damp pants off and then dragged his soaked boxers down to his ankles and kicked them off. He turned the shower on for the water to warm up, picked up his boxers, and tossed them into the trash. Suddenly the door swung open as Steve was reaching for a towel.

Paula gasped as she came face to face with a naked Steve. Her eyes darted up and down his amazing physique as the rest of her body froze in place.

"What's wrong, Mom?" came Lisa's voice from behind Paula just before she peeked over her mother's shoulder. "Oh, my! And that's after being in ice cold water for ten minutes or so! You know there had to be some shrinkage. Can you get the towel for Gwen, or would you rather stay and wash Steve's back?"

Paula was jolted out of her momentary paralysis and grabbed a towel from the stack on the sink counter. "I'm very sorry about barging in. I didn't realize that you were in here."

Paula backed out of the room and closed the door. It was less than twenty seconds later that Steve heard all of the Anderson women break into hearty laughter. He realized that he had somehow managed to lift any tension Paula was feeling and smiled to himself as he climbed into the shower.

Steve had just begun to soap up when he felt hands on his back and he swung around to face whoever was touching him.

"What? Were you expecting Mom, or hoping it was her?" laughed Gwen. "You made quite an impression on her. Lisa said that you weren't even hard and the cold water had taken its toll, but Mom didn't seem to believe it. I think her mouth is still hanging open in shock. She has a new respect for you, and probably for me.

"How can you stand the water this cold? No wonder you didn't have any trouble in that river. You shower in water the same temperature," observed Gwen as she reached over and adjusted the faucets while Steve quickly moved so that Gwen was between him and what he knew would become almost scalding water.

After a brief shower, the couple left the bathroom wearing towels. "Sorry, Mom!" teased Kate. "Steve has a towel on and he's way warmer than he was earlier. Maybe you can get it away from him. You won't be sorry!"

"I think we've embarrassed Steve enough for one day," reasoned Paula as she blushed a bright red. "We have to find a fast way to fix Gwen's hair. That beautiful perm she had this morning was washed away in the river. Any ideas?"

"Gwen is so beautiful, I think she'll look great with her hair done up in a braided bun," suggested Lisa. "We can do that in a few minutes. What do you think, Steve?"

"Me? I think she'd be beautiful in an old burlap bag. I'm sure she'll be gorgeous when you're done fixing her hair."

"Now you see why I keep the guy around," beamed Gwen as she smiled at Steve.

"Actually, I saw that reason a few minutes ago," replied Paula as she arched her eyebrows several times.

"Mom!" cried all three daughters at the same time.

"I did see him in all his glory that morning I woke up Gwen and him by the pool. Over the years, I'd decided that my memory had somehow exaggerated reality. I realize now that my memory was pretty good," laughed Paula.

"I told you she was impressed," chuckled Lisa. "You never would've let Gwen near the guy if you had known the danger she was in, would you have?"

"I certainly wouldn't have allowed Kate to sit on his lap in the hot tub," admitted Paula as she openly gazed at Steve's torso.

"Yeah, the first time I sat on his lap, it threw me right off! It's like sitting on an Anaconda, only way better. And stiffer!" added Kate as an afterthought.

"I'll just take my clothes into the other room, lock the door, and get dressed. I'd like to remind you that we're supposed to be downstairs in ten minutes, and that I can hear everything you're saying," stated Steve as he shook his head, walked into the adjoining room, and closed the door.

"You can start helping us with Gwen's hair now," quipped Lisa to her mother. "Don't be thinking about how Steve's naked on the other side of that door. Who knows what he's doing with that monster at this very moment?"

"I have a pretty good idea. I think I took the edge off, so to speak, in the shower. He's calmly getting dressed with a big smile on his face," smirked Gwen as her sisters and mother broke into hearty laughter.

Gwen has dressed and ready to go in less than half an hour. Her mother and sisters were extremely pleased with the way her hair turned out. "We'll go down first so you and Steve can make a grand entrance," explained Paula. "You're just fashionably late, but Ted sent a text saying the place was pretty full and we need to get down there soon."

Gwen's family left as Steve and Gwen were on putting finishing touches. "Would you rather go in alone? You're the one that was elected to Congress. I don't want to steal any of your thunder or anything."

"My darling man, you're in this with me. I know that at least half the people that voted for me did so because they knew you were included in the deal. I want you with me, taking care of me, helping me remember names and faces, and looking like the sexiest man alive. Will you do that for me?"

Five minutes later, Steve escorted Gwen into the ballroom. A pathway formed down the center of the room with people cheering and applauding as the couple made their way to the small stage. Both Steve and Gwen smiled and acknowledged people they knew as they slowly walked through the crowded room. Paula and Ted stood with Lisa, Kate, Jordan, Jason, Chip and Charlie and Gwen's closest friends and cheered with the best of them.

"Mom, this is the coolest thing I've ever seen," yelled Kate so that she could be heard above the din. "Gwen looks like a queen, and Steve is such a hunk. Look how everyone loves them!"

Steve helped Gwen ascend the steps to the stage and then joined her as she made eye contact with many of her well wishers. Gwen was radiant as she pointed to friends and acquaintances. The folks from her Congressional district had set up in front of the stage and their approval was obvious to everyone in the room. It took almost five minutes for the crowd to settle down so that Gwen could speak.

"Friends, and I hope that you're all my friends, I'm honored and humbled by your support and well wishes. I don't pretend to have any easy answers to the difficult problems facing our country. I don't even understand all of the issues. What I do know is that life is precious.

"My job is to protect life, to help those in need, to promote good health and a nurturing environment. I want all children to receive the medical care they need. I want our brave, selfless veterans to have the health care they need, and the jobs they deserve. I want this country to once again become self sufficient with a strong economy based on production and American ingenuity.

"For myself, I want you to be proud of me, to feel in your hearts that I'm doing my very best for this great country. I want to graduate med school and become a good doctor and wife. I want to have a husband and children. I want them to be healthy and safe, as do all parents. I want what all of you want, to grow old watching my kids and grandkids learn and prosper as they work to make the world a little bit better.

"I can only promise that I will do my best. To that end, I'll rely heavily on the advice and counsel of my support group, my family and friends. But most of all, I will lean on this amazing man next to me to guide, assist, and protect me in my endeavors. You know who he is and you've seen what he's done. I'm here to tell you that you have no idea what he can, and will accomplish in the future. I'm just happy to be part of his amazing journey. Thank you, everyone! Please, enjoy the food and music as we celebrate a new beginning!"

Once again, the crowd stomped, clapped, whistled, and yelled its approval. Gwen smiled and waved as tears trickled down her cheeks. It was an extremely emotional moment for her. She thought back to that day at the mall when the tall handsome young man decided to chat with her and then ask her out. She truly felt that it was Steve that made her seem special to so many and she thanked her lucky stars for her good fortune

For his part, Steve marveled at the ease and sincerity with which Gwen spoke to the assembled crowd. Her talents knew no limits. He beamed with pride as he stood alongside her, convinced that without Gwen and her beauty and intelligence, his life would have been quite average.

Once it became quiet enough for the orchestra to be heard, the music began. Gwen smiled as she realized Lady in Red was the opening song. Steve gathered her in and to the delight of those in attendance, danced with her on the small stage.

When the song was over and Gwen, as well as most of the audience, had managed to stop tearing up, she began greeting well wishers. Steve was at her side as she climbed down from the stage and waded into the crowd. Both Gwen and Steve were surprised at how many people they recognized. It seemed like almost all of Sparta was in Washington.

They spent a solid hour greeting supporters with handshakes, hugs, and occasional kisses. Gwen was just beginning to feel like she could relax when politicians began approaching her. Senator Chatham was one of the first.

"Ms. Anderson, you and this fellow of yours are an inspiration to us all. You two represent what we all should be, if only we had your character and moral compass. You've made your hometown very proud, but more than that, you've made your country extremely proud. I thank you for that."

William Patterson had driven into Washington with Beatrice, Jen, and Janice. He was standing with Gwen's family as Gwen began greeting politicians.

"We're watching a master at work. I'm not even sure it was a conscious decision, but Gwen greeted her peers and supporters before any politicians. It showed where she placed the most emphasis, and it was politically brilliant. She's in the catbird seat here in D.C. and these politicians need to curry her favor. She let them cool their heels while she worked on her base, the everyday Joes that work hard, pay taxes, and vote.

"The Republican and Democratic Parties are having big blow-outs this evening. All of the party faithful are expected to attend, and they will, at least for a while. Tonight is when they begin to jockey for position and for seats on committees and the like. Gwen has no party affiliation and will be placed on the least important committee they can think of. And she'll shine like no other when they do.

"My contacts tell me that just about every powerful and influential person in Congress will make an appearance here tonight. They're paying fortunes for PR services, and every one of them is being told that nothing will help them more than being on good terms with Gwen and Steve.

"What we're seeing is unprecedented. A freshman in Congress, along with her Navy boyfriend, is rising to the top in a very difficult city. I'm not sure that President Hanson and the First Lady have more influence that Gwen and Steve. Hanson's a lame duck, but Gwen's star is rising. I predict that if they aren't already, Gwen and Steve will soon be the top power couple in Washington, and probably the world. That's your daughter I'm talking about!

"I don't know how to respond to that," admitted Ted. "I haven't thought about it in those terms. Paula and I have discussed the two of them frequently. Gwen and Steve amaze us. Look at that little byplay this afternoon. She was sworn into Congress this afternoon and a little over an hour later, she peeled off her clothes and risked her life for a man she doesn't even like. Steve saved Amber Stahl from drowning in freezing water and wasn't even breathing hard, or acting chilled. I've known him for quite a while and he still surprises me with his strength and skills."

"As parents of such an incredible woman, you must be unbelievably proud. I'm extremely proud of Steve, but that often makes me realize what I missed when his mother left us to marry his father. I wasn't a part of his life until he graduated high school. I'll never get that time back, and I'll never forgive myself for it," confessed William Patterson.

Secretary Rosen and his wife were the first of the presidential candidates to approach Gwen and Steve. "You're both amazing," gushed Mrs. Rosen. "We watched that water rescue today on live television. Small wonder you won the election without campaigning."

"Steve, we're getting a handle on the situation at the CIA," reported Secretary Rosen. "It now appears that Parker was using his position to manipulate governments to stay at war, or go to war. He was getting huge payments from international arms dealers. As you know, war is good for the economy, especially for arms dealers.

"We think it was limited to his department, not that it helped you any in Iraq. Somehow he managed to convince the director to appoint one of his men to lead the search for you. Needless to say, they wanted you to die a horrible death, so hostilities would increase. He'll rot in hell for all eternity."

"Remember your promise that if Vincent was innocent of wrong doing in the fiasco you suffered through in Iraq, you wouldn't come out against him, or for another candidate," insisted Mrs. Rosen. "Vincent will be resigning his position soon to devote full time to campaigning."

"We promised to not be publicly critical if he had no involvement in Steve's troubles in Iraq," recalled Gwen. "We'll stick to that promise."

"I suppose that'll have to do for now," acknowledged Mrs. Rosen. "There are at least five other likely candidates here tonight. They'll all try to get you to support them. Your support is critical and they all know it. Please don't come out for another candidate. If you must, then please let us know as far ahead of time as you can so we can prepare our campaign, although I have no idea how we'd manage that. You two own this town."

The Rosens drifted away to chat with other politicians. Soon other presidential hopefuls were courting Steve and Gwen. In the span of an hour, they had brief conversations with the six most likely successors to President Hanson.

Steve and Gwen once again began dancing with guests. Steve had seen Ms. Walker several times, but had not had the time to speak with her. During a break, he searched until he found her, and then asked her to dance when the music resumed.

"I noticed that you and Gwen have been spending a lot of time with the people looking to be the next president. I knew you two were special when you were in my class, but I never dreamed you'd become so important in national politics. I'm very proud of you both," praised Ms. Walker.

"Thank you, Ma'am. Any success we've enjoyed is due to your influence, at least in part. You started the hospital drive and that gave us purpose and focus."

"Yeah, but saving toddlers, winning football titles, saving the entire school, why bother trying to mention all the things you've done? We both know you'd have done great if you'd never even met me.

"I'm here with a busload of seniors and some advisors tonight. I could have brought the entire school enrollment if we had the buses and the chaperones. I kind of promised the kids that I would see that they got to meet with you and Gwen. I know you're busy, but we have some really good students and you know how a few chance meetings can make a huge difference in a life."

"Ms. Walker, you've never asked me for any favors. I'd be glad to meet with the kids you brought. Gwen's been kept busy, but I'll catch her eye and have her join us," promised Steve as he and Ms. Walker headed toward her charges.

"Kids, this is Steve Hammer. Some of you may know him. All of you know who he is and have seen him around Sparta. Steve, these are some of our brightest and best seniors," indicated Ms. Walker as she began introducing the students.

Steve smiled as he watched the kids do their best to act mature. They were at the celebration for their Congressional Representative in Washington! Their pride was apparent when Steve began answering questions. A couple of the kids stood out to Steve. One girl was absolutely beautiful, and it was obvious that she knew it. She was very confident and quite flirty. She dominated the first few minutes of their meeting as she described the many wonderful things that she and her friends had accomplished.

Steve managed to catch Gwen's eye and indicated he'd like her to join him. Gwen was delighted when Ms. Walker explained to her that the kids had come from Sparta to witness democracy in action. They were spending the night and touring D.C. the next day before returning to Sparta.

"Gwen, would you speak to these kids while I dance with one of them," asked Steve. "I find I get to know them better with one-on-one discussions."

"Yeah, that and you like to have pretty girls in your arms. Go ahead while I spend quality time with the group," agreed Gwen.

Steve stepped over to a quiet girl sitting in the back and offered her his hand. The beautiful blonde girl that had been holding court was unable to conceal her disappointment and surprise. The quiet girl looked around nervously before taking Steve's hand, while Ms. Walker beamed her approval.

"I'm Steve and you're Cheryl, if my memory serves me," began Steve as he took the shy acting girl into his arms. "I won't hurt you and I certainly won't do anything to embarrass you, so relax and smile. You don't mind dancing with me, do you?"

"Are you kidding? You're Steve Hammer! This is a dream come true. I'm just surprised that you asked me instead of Heather. She's gorgeous, the student body president, and she stars on two sports teams."

"What about you, Cheryl? Are you doing anything interesting? What position do you have in the grade rankings?" asked Steve as he guided the girl around the floor.

"I'm second in my class. I'm hoping to study chemistry and biology in college and then go into research. I'll probably take a year off between school and college to earn some more money for school," responded the girl as she gradually relaxed. "We watched you save that news woman on TV today. It's hard to believe that you're able to do so many things. Sparta has become famous because of you, Gwen, and Jordan."

"What college will you attend? Did you apply for scholarships? Do you have family in Sparta?" asked Steve as he changed the subject back to the girl.

"I've been accepted to Duke, but I'll probably go to a state school. They're a lot cheaper. I live with Mom and Dad and my three brothers on Maple Street. I've been promised a couple of small scholarships at state schools, so I'll probably go to one of them.

"Mom recently got a good job with your company. She's a manager in the factory where they make the Lady in Red clothes. Dad's been working pretty steady the last couple of years in construction. He works for Anderson Brothers. They've been getting a lot of the contracts to build stuff for your company. Mom and Dad say that Lady in Red has saved Sparta, and it's especially saved them," explained the girl.

"That's really good to hear," responded Steve. "But why is it that you don't have the funds to go to school next year if your folks have good jobs? And why not to Duke, if that's where you want to go?"

"My little brother was real sick for a few years and my parents spent most of their extra money taking care of him. My brother and I have part time jobs to buy our clothes and stuff. Mom and Dad are just beginning to get a handle on their debt. We're doing okay and my little brother is healthy now, so things are a lot better," answered the dark haired girl.

"Would you stay and dance another dance with me," asked Steve when the music stopped. He found the girl's story extremely interesting and the longer he held her in his arms, the more she smiled and the prettier she became.

"Of course! You're really being nice to me. I know you're rich and have beautiful women around you all of the time and that Gwen Anderson is your girlfriend, but it's really nice to be with you for a little while," smiled the girl before she suddenly got a worried look on her face.

"You don't think I'm going to have sex with you, do you? I can't do that. I've never done it and I promised my mom that I wouldn't do anything stupid on this trip. If that's what you're thinking, maybe I should go back to my classmates," suggested the once again nervous girl.

"Cheryl, I don't cheat on Gwen. I never have sex with other girls. I'd never try to seduce you like that, although you're very pretty and have a lovely figure. I promise you that I'll be a gentleman. Just finish the dance with me and I'll take you back, okay?"

"I'm sorry that I was so suspicious. It's just that guys never ask me to dance. I'm not popular in school. I'm teased about being so smart and studying all of the time. I'm not good with boys, and I just made a fool of myself," worried the Spartan senior.

The music ended, but Steve held the girl a little longer. "You remind me of Gwen. You're far prettier than you realize. You're smart, honest, and hard working. Can Gwen and I visit you when we're in Sparta?" asked Steve as he turned to lead the girl back to her classmates.

"You and Gwen? Of course, but we only have a small house. It isn't a big mansion like you're building up by the lake. Mom would be so proud if you did stop in. But why would you?" asked the confused girl.

"I'd like to get to know you better and I'd love to meet your parents," replied Steve.

"They're standing right over there, watching us like hawks," grinned the girl. "I'll introduce you to them right now, if you aren't afraid of my father."

"Does he look angry?" asked Steve as the girl led him toward her family. "I don't want to get worked over by an upset father on Gwen's special night."

"Mom, Dad, this is Steve Hammer. You probably heard of him in Sparta. Steve, this is my mom, Betty Baxter. This is my father, Dan Baxter. Steve wanted to meet you for some reason, as long as Dad isn't angry with him for dancing with his only daughter."

"I can see he's really nervous," laughed Betty as she shook Steve's hand. "We've seen you around town quite a lot, but we've never met. I'm a little curious how Cheryl wound up dancing with you, instead of Heather. She's beautiful, and she won't hesitate to tell you she is, and you don't even have to ask."

"Truthfully, I think Cheryl's extremely attractive. She reminds me a great deal of Gwen. That's why I asked her to dance. I found out that she's smart, a very good dancer, ranked high in her class, and is very serious about her future," added Steve. "She mentioned that she's been accepted to Duke, but lacks the money to attend this fall."

"We had some setbacks and then the economy went to hell in a hand basket," admitted Dan. "Cheryl's been an excellent daughter and we intend to help her all we can. We just have to clean up some outstanding debt first. We're both working good jobs now and things are looking up."

"That's why I wanted to speak with you. I think Lady in Red would be very interested in funding Cheryl's undergraduate studies. Would you be willing to talk to our people about it?" asked Steve.

"You'd do that for her? She's not going naked in your movies, or on vacation with you. If that's what you're thinking, then..." managed Betty before Steve interrupted her.

"I don't know why you and Cheryl think I'd try something like that, but I never would. She's a special person and we'd like her to work for Lady in Red when she's out of school, but there'd be no obligation, especially not anything sexual," concluded Steve without totally concealing his annoyance.

"But why would you do this for her if you're not asking for anything in return?" demanded a suspicious Dan. "We're both having a little trouble accepting this turn of events. No one's ever done anything like this to help us."

"I understand you're skepticism, but we like to invest in the future, and Cheryl certainly has a bright future. Just speak with our representative and listen with an open mind," urged Steve. "May I have one last dance with your daughter before I return her to her friends?"

"We just need to remind her to be careful and stay out of trouble. Her class is staying the evening and touring the city tomorrow. We're taking the bus back tonight," stated Betty. "I want you to know that we're extremely proud of you and Gwen. You've made Sparta a household name, and it's a good one. Thank you for taking the time to speak with us and for being so kind to Cheryl, and I'm sorry if I seemed overly suspicious."

Steve danced one more song with Cheryl before he returned her to her friends. They had been talking with Gwen, but it was obvious that they all were well aware that Steve was dancing with their classmate. Steve introduced her to Gwen when they rejoined the group.

"Gwen, this is Cheryl Baxter. Cheryl, this lady is Gwen Anderson," introduced Steve as he watched the two women standing together.

"Hello, Cheryl. No matter where we go, Steve always finds the most beautiful girl in the room. He's a great dancer, isn't he?" smiled Gwen as she took Steve's arm and squeezed it tightly to her chest.

"He's amazing," agreed Cheryl. "I know I'm not beautiful, but thanks for saying that. I can't tell you how much I admire you and all of the things you've accomplished. You were amazing today when you rescued that Bill Hardy."

"Thank you for the compliment, but what are you saying about not being beautiful? Steve, did you forget to mention to Cheryl how pretty you thought she was? That's not like you."

Steve had been watching Gwen and Cheryl interact. He couldn't help but think how much Cheryl reminded him of Gwen when he first met her. "I told her that she reminded me of you, and I can't compliment a woman any more than that."

"That's a compliment for me," responded Gwen as she studied the girl more closely. "I can see some similarities, but you think that she reminds you of me, when we first met?"

"I was wondering if you or Steve would see that," chimed in Ms. Walker. "I've noticed it from the first day I had her in class. When Steve picked her out to dance with him, I knew he saw it, too. It's not just her looks, but her demeanor and attitude. You were very shy and unassuming in high school, at least before you teamed up with Steve to become the successful woman you are today."

The other kids were listening to the conversation quite closely. It was obvious that they were seeing Cheryl in a new light. At that moment, Ashley hurried up to speak to Gwen.

"President Hanson has just arrived! He's looking for you and Steve," reported Ashley with excitement and pride.

"Excuse me, everyone," apologized Gwen as she took Steve's hand. "I can't be rude to the President. Thanks so much for coming and good luck in the future!"

President Hanson had several of the more important members of government standing near him when Gwen and Steve approached. Steve chuckled to himself as Gwen simply brushed past the fawning politicos and warmly embraced President Hanson. Hanson grinned at Steve as he wrapped his arms around Gwen while Steve stood at attention and saluted.

"It isn't my fault! She's hugging me," pointed out President Hanson as he pretended to be worried about Steve's reaction. "Gwen, I watched you and Steve on TV this afternoon. You constantly amaze me. You're great examples for the youth of the country. Actually, you're great examples for all of us."

Once President Hanson indicated to Steve that he could be 'at ease', Steve smiled and shook the hand of Mrs. Hanson. As he did so, he detected the relief on the faces of both the president and his wife. Much had been written and reported about the lack of government control over the rogue element of the CIA. Many reporters wondered how it would affect Gwen and Steve's close relationship with the president. Gwen's hug gave the president the answer he sought.

That's when Gwen noticed the man standing to the right of the president. "You came! I'm so happy you took the time. I want to thank you again for loaning me your overcoat this afternoon. That was very gentlemanly."

"Most of the members of the Supreme Court are gentlemen, unless they're ladies," offered President Hanson. "Perhaps you didn't recognize Justice James Hamilton? He witnessed your heroics in person this afternoon."

"It's good to meet you, Sir!" blurted Gwen as she stepped up to Justice Hamilton and hugged him warmly. "It was a very nice thing you did for me today and I really do appreciate it."

Gwen then noticed Mrs. Hamilton smiling broadly, so she immediately hugged her. "Mrs. Hamilton, thanks so much for helping to shield me while Steve helped me put my dress back on. I must have looked a sight!"​