Incest/Taboo Lady in Red

'Yeah? Well, she'd be even better to you now if she gets the chance," warned Naomi. "Middle age seems to be making her more sexual for some reason. Jared and I discuss you all of the time. He feels that meeting you in high school really helped him in his career path. He saw what a good guy you were, yet you never took any crap from anyone. When he took those bullets intended for Gwen, he was thinking about how you'd react if you had been there.

"Being friends with you and your entire group has been one of the highlights of my life. I have a great boyfriend and some great guys that are friends. You have no idea how nice it is to be able to do things, like dance with you, knowing that I don't have to keep pushing you away, or resist your advances. Is that your hand on my ass?

"I'm proud of Jared and how the other women in our group like and respect him. He's been naked in hot tubs a few times with Gwen and some of the other girls and they aren't uncomfortable about it. We feel like friends and not just 'black friends'. You and Gwen and the others really don't seem to care about race at all. I wish the whole world worked that way."

"I learned to respect Jared when we played football together," revealed Steve. "He worked hard and treated all of the guys good, even though he was the toughest guy on the team. When he saved Gwen's life, he became my brother. I'll do anything I can to help him any way I can, and I feel he'll do the same for me. All sound relationships have to be built on trust. Men have to be able to trust each other in order to be true friends. I think the world of you, but I would never betray Gwen or Jared, or my own principles. You're the same way and we both know it. You're a beautiful woman that values honor and trust. That's why I like you so much."

"And all this time I thought it was my good looks, big boobs, and tiny ass," replied Naomi with a laugh.

"Those attributes have not gone unnoticed, I assure you," responded Steve as he made a production of leering at Naomi's cleavage.

"Lieutenant Hammer, are you trying to seduce my attaché?" asked Senator Elizabeth Mason as she danced close to the couple.

"Senator, all he has to do is ask, or even whistle," replied Naomi quickly. "You know how to whistle, don't you, Steve? Just put your lips together and blow?"

"I'm tempted to show you how well I whistle," threatened Steve, but with a smile. "And I won't be whistling Dixie, that's for sure."

Steve and Naomi were asked to Join Senator Mason and her husband at their table. They had only been seated a few minutes when Steve was approached by a man in a suit.

"Sir, I apologize for disturbing you, but I feel I would be remiss if I did not take a chance here tonight. Many of the patrons have asked if you were going to sing with our little band this evening. The hotel, as well as our clientele, would be most appreciative. I understand if you choose not to perform, but if I didn't ask, I would forever wonder what might have been," stated the man as he waited for Steve to respond.

"If you ladies would excuse me, I'd like to try it. That 'little band' is quite good and it sounds like fun. Do you mind, Naomi?" asked Steve.

"Mind? My date for the night wants to serenade me, along with a hundred other people, and I should complain? I can't wait to hear how you do with the older songs they're playing."

Steve was greeted warmly by the five piece band when he stepped onto the small stage they occupied. One of the members spoke very good English.

"We all watched that performance from Paris. It was incredible. We really don't play rock and roll, if that's a problem."

"No problem," assured Steve. "Just give the music with the lyrics and we'll see what we can do."

Steve spent five minutes lining up the songs they agreed on and then he stepped up to the microphone standing on the stage. "We're going to do our best to entertain everyone. Please be patience since we just met and obviously never practiced any of this. We'll start with 'Summer Wind' and go from there."

The band played the intro for several seconds before Steve began to sing. He managed to get as far as the phrase 'from across the sea' before the room broke into serious applause. He stopped singing and the band played in circles for a few minutes before it quieted down. Then Steve picked up where he left off. He was smiling broadly as he acknowledged the crowd's appreciation with a wave of his hand as he continued to sing.

When the song ended, Steve was surprised at the enthusiasm of the crowd. He had little time to consider it as the band started another Sinatra song, 'When I was Seventeen'. Steve had grown up listening to and singing along with Sinatra. His mother had been a huge fan and she passed the appreciation on to her son.

He sang for a full hour, mostly performing songs from The Great American Songbook. Steve had a great time singing with the surprisingly talented musicians. 'Mack the Knife' was also extremely well received. A full hour later, Steve ended his stint with another Sinatra favorite, 'My Way'. He was surprised when the couples stopped and simply stood on the dance floor listening to him sing. Many of the women had tears in their eyes when he finished!

After a thunderous ovation, Steve thanked the band and the audience before returning to sit next to Naomi at Senator Mason's table. He was surprised to see Naomi's eyes were misty and Senator Mason was wiping tears from her cheeks.

"I had no idea you could sing so well!" blurted Senator Chatham as she sat down in an empty chair near Steve. "I knew you were good with rock and roll and some ballads, but that was incredible. I'm no marketing whiz, but I'd suggest that you record more songs like that. I know I'd pay for them."

"I streamed your performance to Gwen and Stephanie with my IPad," revealed Naomi. "Gwen had Stephanie instruct the people that run your web sites to stream it live over the internet for free. There were over five million viewers by the time you wrapped it up! People can now download it off your site and watch it any time they want.

"That was some great singing. Dad always talked about Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Ray Charles, and a few others. He said that singers today couldn't hold a candle to the singers from back when. I texted him and suggested that he check out your performance this evening. Mom wrote back and said you're the best singer she's ever heard, and that if I don't jump your bones, she will!"

"I see," replied Steve as he pretended to be deep in thought. "Suppose you jump my bones, but don't tell your mom? Then she'll feel compelled to do it when we get back to Sparta."

"What is it with you guys and our mothers?" demanded Naomi. "Most guys would be happy having me, but you're trying to bed me, and my mother. I'd complain to Gwen, but she already knows how you are. How all of you guys are. How come you're all so attracted to cougars?"

"Excuse me? Did I understand you correctly?" asked Senator Mason, flashing an wicked grin. "Steve is one of those young men that falls prey to cougars? That's useful information."

"We're going to cut our stay here short," interrupted Senator Chatham. "We'll be leaving for Kiev the day after tomorrow. Tensions are rising between Russian and Ukraine governments. Secretary Rosen will meet us there. You know he's announced that he's resigning at the end of the month. It's no secret that he plans on campaigning for the presidency.

"Our entire delegation will be going, but President Hanson and Secretary Rosen made it quite clear that you're the person they want on the ground, Steve. You've cultivated a very good relationship with both governments and Rosen will be leaning on you to help forge some sort of agreement. He's done a total about face from when you first met him in Russia. Remember how livid he was? Rumor in the halls of Congress had it at the time that he besmirched Gwen's good name, and you called him on it in front of everyone at that summit. Now he's asking you to attend. He's trying to be more presidential, and if he defuses this powder keg, he'll use that success when he campaigns."

"So 'my date' for the evening not only sings and dances, but solves world crises, too?" teased Naomi. "You're going to get so lucky tonight!"

"Miss Wilson, I hope that I don't have to point out the code of conduct that we insist our people follow," warned Senator Mason.

"Not really, Senator," complained Naomi. "Steve has an even higher moral code than the Navy, so it's not an issue. I couldn't get him into my bed, even if I tried. That's what makes the trying so much fun. If any of us girls, other than Gwen, tease or flirt with him, he's a perfect gentleman. He's like one of the guards at Buckingham Palace."

"Are you saying that a beautiful woman like you can't even get a reaction of him?" asked an incredulous Senator Mason.

"Oh, there's a reaction alright!" laughed Naomi. "It's a rather big reaction, really. He just doesn't let it control him. He has great discipline."

"I'm sitting next to you and can hear every word you're saying," pointed out Steve. "Proper protocol requires that you only talk about me when I'm not around. It seems like everyone keeps forgetting that."

It was an interesting time in Budapest. The following morning the city newspaper had an article about Steve singing at the local hotel. There were two photos in the paper. One featured Naomi and Steve dancing, while the other showed him singing with the band. The next afternoon, Naomi learned that she had been nominated for an Academy Award for best supporting actress for her role in 'Diana', while Gwen had received one for best actress. As expected, Jordan and Charlie were nominated for best original score and best original song.

Steve went on Skype with Gwen. She had to study for an exam, but they managed ten minutes of personal time. Steve discovered that Gwen took the nomination in stride. She was proud of the nomination, but insisted that she'd trade it all for good marks and better comprehension of her difficult courses. Steve knew that both Gwen and Charlotte were extremely bright, yet they worked very long hours to keep up with their studies. It was very obvious to Steve that med school required extreme dedication, discipline, and hard work.

The delegation landed in Kiev the next day. Steve and Naomi accompanied the senators to a briefing of the situation by Secretary Rosen. They were warmly greeted by Rosen when they entered the room.

"It's good to see you Steve. It's always a pleasure, Lieutenant Wilson," smiled Rosen. "I've taken the liberty to tell the Russian and Ukraine governments that you would be attending our discussions tomorrow and they were both pleased. I'm not making the same mistake I made last time we discussed this situation. Will Lieutenant Wilson be attending with you, Steve?"

Steve instantly picked up on the effort of the Secretary to be respectful and conciliatory. "Sir, we would greatly appreciate that consideration. Lieutenant Wilson is extremely well versed on this part of the world. She has a thorough understanding of the history, politics and geography of Eastern Europe. I would be better able to assist you if she were present to help guide me."

"Really?" asked a mildly surprised Rosen. "That's high praise, especially coming from someone as informed as you are. You surround yourself with unusually talented and intelligent people. I look forward to your input in the upcoming discussions."

Senators Chatham and Mason had known that Steve's presence was requested by the Secretary, but other members of the delegation were surprised at the high regard the two Navy Lieutenants were awarded.

"Secretary Rosen! You have members of Congress here today that have been in office over twenty years. You're not suggesting that you value these Naval officers' opinions more highly than ours, are you?" asked the most senior senator present.

Steve turned his attention back to Rosen to await his response. If he were to be considered a serious contender for the Presidency, he needed to be able to handle situations like these.

"Of course not, Senator!" replied Rosen quickly before weighing his next words carefully. "However, the indisputable fact is that both governments trust and respect this young man. If he is the link that could allow us to find a solution to these issues, then we need to utilize the popularity he has with both parties. I know of no one else as highly regarded by both the Russian and Ukraine governments as Lieutenant Hammer. I would never suggest that his knowledge of foreign affairs compares to yours in any way."

"Yet you insist on having these young officers involved in such serious discussions? They're actors, not diplomats. There are photos circulating on the internet of the two of them naked in a hot tub! Is the United States to be represented by people with such lose morals? She's little more than a..."

"Senator!" interrupted Rosen forcefully. "It behooves you to be more circumspect with your comments. I once made the regrettable mistake of demeaning Ms. Anderson in front of Lieutenant Hammer. He will not tolerate disrespect to ladies, for any reason."

Senator Chatham had quickly stepped in front of Steve when she realized where Senator Larson's comments were headed. She placed a hand on Steve's chest before he could stand and spoke quietly to him until he relaxed in his seat.

"Look at what a young hothead he is!" continued the Senator. "He hasn't grown up enough to sit at a table with men."

"His code of conduct is one of the reasons he's so well received in this part of the world," responded Rosen. "Women aren't always treated the best here, but these cultures respect men like Steve. He's open and direct. He avoids subterfuge. He's a man of honor, and lives by his code. I didn't understand it when I first met him, but now I do, and to be honest, I try to be more like him. I strongly urge you to refrain from derogatory remarks about any ladies."

"You can be sure that the President, as well as the press, will hear about this!" retorted the still annoyed Senator Larson. "He's been the media's darling since he was in high school, but this is the real world. It's unforgiving when you screw up. We're involved in a very critical situation here and we need experienced people working for solutions. What we don't need are youngsters still wet behind the ears!"

"I take direction from President Hanson," replied Rosen calmly. "He's the person you need to address with your concerns. Until I am told differently, these young officers will be at my side during these talks. We'll get together at seven tomorrow morning to prepare for our nine o'clock meeting with the Russians and Ukrainians."

Steve wasn't surprised to find Nadiya waiting for him when they arrived at their hotel. She immediately wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a smoldering kiss.

"It is so good to have you back in Kiev! I told my father that you would be having dinner with us. He was pleased, but not as much as my mother. She has been watching all of your films and videos. When she first met you, she had no idea how accomplished you were. Now she knows. She thinks you would make a good husband for me. I told her I was willing, but your heart belonged to that dark haired witch. I told Mother that Gwen has cast a spell over you.

"You are traveling with Naomi this time? You don't go anywhere without a beautiful woman. Naomi, would you join Steve and my family for dinner tonight? My parents would love to hear about your movie career and how you enjoyed your famous love scene with Steve in the 'Warrior' movie."

"I'd be honored to have dinner with your folks, but you don't need me to tell you what it's like to be naked with Steve. You know how good that is. Wait! From the look on your face, you've never stripped down with Steve. You poor girl! I don't know how you can endure it," teased Naomi. "We'll have to remedy that embarrassing problem."

Nadiya's parents were extremely pleased to have the two famous Americans visit them for dinner. As expected, the conversation centered on the movies Naomi and Steve had appeared in, as well as Naomi's nomination for an Oscar.

"I told you that Mother would want to hear all about your big love scene. She's also seen that photo on the internet of you and Steve in that hot tub. She was very impressed," grinned Nadiya.

"Your daughter tells me that she has never been naked with Steve," responded Naomi, taking care to speak slowly since Nadiya's mother was not overly fluent in English. "She's missing an experience of a lifetime. I am going to speak to Gwen and see if I can arrange it. Then Nadiya will be able to tell you her own stories about Steve."

Nadiya's mother looked at Steve's blushing face before breaking into laughter as she vigorously nodded her head. "I think Nadiya would like that!"

"This is not proper talk for dinner," insisted Nadiya's father. "My daughter does not take her clothes off, even for Steve."

"That's too bad because I was going to ask Gwen if she would care to join me in a hot tub with Nadiya's big, strong father. But if you feel it's wrong,..."

"Perhaps I was hasty," admitted Mr. Misko quickly. "I suppose if Nadiya kept the bottom to her suit on and Steve promised to not take advantage, we might be able to work something out."

"Father! You would trade your daughter's modesty for a chance to ogle these big breasted Americans? Mother, what sort of man did you marry?" asked Nadiya of her mother, first in English and then in Ukrainian, so her mother better understood the question.

"The same as I hope you will marry," replied her mother as she affectionately rubbed her husband's arm. "A man that appreciates beauty, especially in a woman. He can look, but he knows that he will not fare well if he partakes in any others."

"You are all the woman I want," declared her husband. "I was merely trying to be polite to our company by leading her to think that seeing her and Gwen Anderson in a hot tub would be something I would enjoy."

That conversation set the mood for the dinner, but as dessert was served, Nadiya's father turned the conversation to the problems with Russia. Steve and Naomi listened carefully as Mr. Misko explained his country's position and the issues they had with Russian policy. Nadiya would join in on occasion to clarify or accentuate a point.

By the time the Americans left the Misko's residence, they had a much better understanding of the situation. Steve had discovered that there was a great deal he did not know about the history and origins of the dispute between the two nations.

"Steve, that Nadiya is really sharp! She plays the dumb blonde to the hilt in public, but she's extremely knowledgeable on national and international affairs," declared Naomi once the two entered their hotel. "This dispute between Ukraine and Russia is a long time in the making and runs pretty deep. This may be a difficult task."

"I'm just beginning to learn how much I don't know about this part of the world," observed Steve. "I need to read more and listen better. This was a lesson in humility for me tonight. I'm glad you were there to help fill me in on the background of the problems."

"You can't be expected to know everything about everything," responded Naomi. "Look at the bright side. Nadiya and her mother both think you're the cat's pajamas. That girl's as beautiful a woman as I've ever seen."

"Haven't you ever looked in a mirror?" asked Steve. "You're second to none in the looks department. Then toss in that amazing brain and that round ass and you're the whole package."

"No wonder Gwen fell for you," cooed Naomi. "Even if your eyesight is weak. My ass isn't all that round. You think I'm attractive? As beautiful as Nadiya?"

"That's the very question I always try to avoid answering," replied Steve cautiously. "Since we're alone, I feel that I can be truthful. You're as beautiful as any woman I've ever seen. There are no qualifiers with that statement. You're gorgeous. I thought so the first time I saw you in class in Cuba. You've only gotten lovelier over the years."

Naomi's smile lit up the room. She reached up and pulled Steve down for a quick kiss. "I just wish that I knew then what I know now. I'd have been your girlfriend for sure."

"I like to think that we're really good friends, and that we always will be," responded Steve as they walked to their rooms. "True friends are rare commodities. I consider you to be one of my very best friends. If you ever need anything I can help you with, just let me know."

The next morning, Steve and Naomi joined the others for the discussions the Ukrainians were to have with the Russians. Steve and Naomi were seated next to Secretary Rosen, but remained quiet and listened intently to the proceedings. The rest of the American delegation sat quietly in chairs away from the conference table. As he listened, Steve realized that Secretary Rosen was extremely well versed on all facets of the dispute.

Nadiya's father was a participant in the discussions. Steve also recognized Anatoly Suchkov. Varvara's father was heading up the Russian delegation. There was an hour lunch break and then the parties were back in the conference room. By day's end, most of the issues had been resolved, but Russia insisted on the right to patrol the skies over Ukraine. The Ukraine delegation flatly refused to accept that proposal. Neither side would budge on it and it appeared that it would block the success of the other negotiations.

"Lieutenant Hammer?" boomed the voice of Anatoly Suchkov. "Do you feel that Russia is being unreasonable in its demands?"

Steve slowly looked around the room before responding. Everyone was waiting for him to speak. He responded in fluent Russian.

"Actually, I do. There's no doubt that you have superior military forces. That doesn't mean that other nations will not resist your efforts to dominate them. History has shown us time and again that people will fight for their families, their land, and for their pride.

"Everyone here knows that Russia has no real need to fly over Ukraine land. It's simply making a statement. That proposal cannot be accepted by Ukraine. I'm sure you must realize that," finished Steve.

Steve's bluntness stunned most of those in attendance. No one spoke so frankly at such important discussions between feuding nations. Secretary Rosen felt his blood pressure creep up as he listened to the translation of Steve's response.

"It would appear that our young American friend feels that Russia has no business patrolling over Ukraine. Some would think that Mr. Hammer has been persuaded to see things from the Ukraine point of view. Russia has considered him and his group to be friends since their memorable visit a few years back. Now we are beginning to wonder.

"We have all seen the new hospital Lieutenant Hammer and his group are completing in Kiev. That was an extremely noble gesture. It has greatly improved the economy of that city. It will also save thousands of sick and injured children in Kiev and all of Ukraine. We only wish that Lieutenant Hammer held Russia in as high esteem. If he could convince Russia that he felt as concerned about Russia as he does about Ukraine, we might consider his opinion about avoiding Ukraine air space."

Steve was confused at the last comment by Suchkov. He seemed to want Steve to prove that he personally liked Russia and Ukraine equally. The problem was that 'Lady in Red Productions' had constructed a beautiful new hospital in Kiev, but they had built nothing in Moscow. Apparently, Russia felt slighted by that fact.

Steve quickly considered the situation. How could such an act of generosity create an international problem? What was Anatoly really saying? Then it suddenly came to him!

"As a matter of fact, my friends and I have been considering a similar project in Moscow," revealed Steve. "We love Russia and would like to build something similar to the hospital in Kiev. Jordan Quick, Gwen Anderson, and her sisters Kate and Lisa have been pushing Charlie Burns and me to agree to a project of that nature in Moscow.

"I explained to them that we've spent about three hundred million dollars on the hospital in Kiev and will spend almost that amount every five years in operating expenses. If we invested that sort of money in Russia, we'd have to be certain that it was appreciated. We're trying very hard to help people live longer, and healthier."

"I understand your concern," replied Anatoly Suchkov. "My government would consider a request for a project like that. In fact, my government may consider avoiding Ukraine air space as a sign of appreciation, if it was convinced that a similar hospital would be constructed to treat the children of Moscow."

There it was. Steve realized that the Russian delegation had played him like a fiddle. They wanted what Kiev had; a new hospital funded by Americans. The economic impact of the construction, as well as the jobs created once it was completed would be a shot in the arm for the Russian economy. Then there was the added benefit of good health care for the children of the city.

All eyes were once again on Steve. Russia wanted a new hospital. Ukraine wanted to forge an agreement that did not allow Russia to control its air space. "Sir, Lady in Red Productions will build and operate a state of the art children's hospital in Moscow, if Russia can find a way to avoid Ukraine sovereign air space. It will be very similar to the one we are completing in Kiev this spring. I give my word."

Anatoly Suchkov never blinked as he studied Steve's face for what seemed like minutes; but Steve knew it was closer to ten seconds. "Russia will not fly over Ukraine. We look forward to the construction of the new hospital."

"Thank you, Mr. Suchkov!" exclaimed a very relived Secretary Rosen. "We have an agreement! It will be drawn up tonight. We will meet to sign it tomorrow at noon. The United States is grateful to both Russia and Ukraine for the constructive dialogue and fruitful negotiations."

"I would like to speak with Lieutenant Hammer in private, if I may," stated Anatoly Suchkov firmly.

Rosen looked at Steve, who nodded in agreement. "Thanks, Steve. I've never seen a country negotiate with a private business while in discussions with another nation. You've just spent a lot of money to help stabilize this part of the world."

Steve took Naomi's arm and escorted her as he walked across the room to meet with Suchkov, who spoke to Steve in Russian. "My wife and daughter ask that you join us for dinner at our hotel. Your lovely lady friend is invited as well. Would you honor us?"

"It would be our great pleasure. What time would you like us to arrive?" responded Steve in fluent Russian.

"I imagine you will need an hour or so to explain to your friends how you just spent so much of their money," chuckled the Russian. "Come to my hotel at six. There will be a dining room reserved, and you will be escorted to it."

Steve and Naomi then returned to the conference room the American delegation had been using as a base of operations. Senators Chatham and Mason greeted them immediately.

"Steve! I can't believe that you just promised the Russians that your company would spend hundreds of millions of dollars on a hospital in Russia. I didn't even realize that was what he was hinting at until you made the offer," marveled Senator Chatham. "They were envious of Ukraine and the hospital you built there. They wanted you at the discussions today so they could force you into making the offer. They knew that other nations would oppose that fly-over policy. They tossed it in so they had something they would be able to give up if you offered a new hospital."

"I've been involved in difficult negotiations before, but I've never seen a country include a private corporation before," added Senator Mason. "Can you actually afford that sort of expenditure?"

"I wouldn't have offered it if we couldn't afford it," replied Steve. "The real question is this; how will my partners feel about me making such a commitment without consulting them first? Please excuse me while I make some calls."

Steve placed a call to Stephanie, who worked out of the company headquarters in Sparta. He explained that he needed a conference call with Jordan, Charlie, Gwen, Kate, and Lisa. She promised that she'd make it happen. A short while later, Steve was notified that everyone was on the line.

"Steph, stay on the line, too," insisted Steve. "You need to know about this. I don't know how to tell you guys this, but I just promised the Russians that we'd built a hospital in Moscow similar to the one we're doing in Kiev. I had no right to make that promise without consulting you first, but it was at a critical point in the negotiations and Suchkov had me against the wall.

"If you'll agree to it, I'll forgo any share of any monies the company makes for as long as it takes to gain that money back. I'll even give up my share of the company if you guys think I should. I'll do about anything you ask to enable me to keep my word to the Russians on this deal."

"You want us to approve an offer you just made to build a hospital in Moscow? The one in Kiev has cost about three hundred million and will probably cost that much every few years in operating expenses, according to the last accounting statement I read," responded Jordan. "You made that offer without even consulting any of us? Not even Gwen?"

"Yes, and I apologize, Jordan. I had no right," replied Steve.

"Gwen's being awfully quiet," observed Kate. "Personally, I think this is the coolest, greatest demonstration of your faith in us that anyone could ever imagine. I'd back you on anything, Steve. I'm just proud that our company can do this, that we will do this, and that you trust us enough to make that promise knowing that we'll support you right to the gates of hell."

"Kate's right," agreed Lisa. "I'd never complain about anything you wanted to do with the money the company makes. You, Gwen, Jordan, and Charlie make almost all of it, but that doesn't even matter. We're partners and we're family. If you felt it was the right thing to do, I'm good with it. In fact, I'm more than good. I'm proud as hell."

"Charlie's laughing in the background," revealed Jordan. "He thinks it's funny that you could even consider it possible that any of us wouldn't support you in anything you want. You and Gwen are the straw that stirs the drink that we call Lady in Red Productions. We're in, and next time you don't even have to ask."

"Stephanie, can we afford that sort of expenditure?" asked Gwen.

"Easily, and a lot more," replied Stephanie. "Haven't you been looking at the reports I email to you?"

"I'm way too busy trying to pass my exams to worry about the finances of the company. That's why we have you," kidded Gwen. "I don't think anyone on this conversation will be surprised that I support Steve's offer totally. I'd give away every last dime before I'd ever embarrass Steve in any way. We can make more money, but we sure can't find another Steve. I love him. Everything I have, and everything I am is his to use as he sees fit."

"It seems to be unanimous, and I would have been shocked if it had been otherwise," concluded Stephanie. "The strength of Lady in Red Productions is its generosity, and the absolute trust you have in each other. The fact that you make block buster movies, hit songs, have a clothing line that's growing by leaps and bounds, and give so much to so many, doesn't hurt either.

"Changing the subject, I've been informed that one of the beer companies has decided to drop two minutes of commercials that it had reserved for the Super Bowl. I agreed to buy them. I didn't ask any of you because it's my job and I feel strongly that's it's a great opportunity. You can fire me anytime you like, but I don't think you will.

"I need all of you back in Sparta the weekend of the fifteenth to make some commercials. We're doing four thirty second segments. We'll advertise our lingerie and swim suits, our movies, and our music. None of you will be paid for the modeling, acting, and singing since you're all owners. I plan on making these the most discussed commercials the Super Bowl has ever seen."

"I really like the way Steph takes charge," laughed Steve. "I have to thank all of you for being so understanding and supportive. It just makes me love all of you even more. I'll be in Sparta that weekend, Steph. See all of you then. Gwen, I love you! So long."

Naomi and Steve arrived at Suchkov's hotel a few minutes before six and were shown to a private dining room. Varvara rushed to Steve and hugged him as soon as he entered the room.

"It's so good to see you again! Gwen is not with you, yet you still have a beautiful woman on your arm. Have you been able to reconcile your generous offer with your friends?" asked Varvara.

"My friends support this venture unequivocally. It wasn't really necessary to threaten Ukraine to persuade us to build a hospital in Moscow. You should have called us and asked," suggested Steve. "Mrs. Suchkov, it is nice to see you again! I hope you are feeling well."

"Thanks to you, I am doing very well. Sometimes I have bad dreams about those two Chechens that attempted to kidnap me in Washington, but mostly I remember how easily you saved me from those killers and feel relief. I did not want Anatoly to force you into building a hospital, but he had his orders."

"You would put that amount of money into Moscow if we had asked?" asked Suchkov incredulously. "That's difficult to believe. We in the Russian government felt that Ukraine must have found a way to force you to build the hospital. No one considered the possibility that you simply wanted to do such an incredibly generous act. Our government will never consider that a possibility. We are very pleased to have squeezed you into building a hospital in Moscow.

"President Novokov approved today's ploy to gain your willingness to build the hospital. He felt your generosity had limits and that you would need a bit of a push," concluded Suchkov.

"He should know better, but it's all good," reasoned Steve. "We're very fond of Russia and its people, and we're pleased to be involved in the project."

"President Novokov wanted me to ask you and your friends to perform for the people of Moscow when the weather is warmer this spring or summer," added Suchkov. "We saw how well you were received in Paris. We would expect a larger crowd in Moscow. Not everyone has the opportunity to perform in Red Square!"

"Sir, we would certainly be interested, but obviously, I have to consult my friends and our manager to determine if our schedules will allow it. It sounds very exciting. I think my people should have a response for you before month's end," promised Steve. "We'll do our best to get it set up. We really enjoyed our visits to Russia."

Once again, Steve and Naomi had a lively discussion when they returned to their hotel. "That was some interesting day! You committed your company to make a six hundred million dollar expenditure, and that's not counting what it will cost to operate years from now. You've been asked by the Russian government to perform in Red Square when the weather warms up. Tomorrow we're going to tour the new hospital your company built for the children of Kiev and Eastern Europe. They'll probably want you to perform at the grand opening. They sure love your music here."

"That's a good idea," nodded Steve. "We can try to arrange covering these commitments on the same trip. It isn't much more difficult to do two shows than one."

The next morning, Steve went down to meet Naomi for breakfast. He wasn't surprised to find Senators Mason and Chatham sitting at the table with her.

"President Hanson was stunned to hear that part of the negotiations was for your company to build a new hospital in Moscow," informed Senator Chatham. "He was extremely grateful that you agreed to the request. There are very few people in the entire world that help settle international conflicts by spending huge amounts of money on humanitarian endeavors.

"The American delegation will be touring the new hospital today with you. The Ukraine government invited them. The Ukrainians are extremely proud and want to show it off. I don't have to tell you that Larson and some of the others aren't too keen on touring the hospital that you and Gwen built, but there was no way they could refuse without insulting our hosts. You need to be aware that you and Gwen are making a few dangerous enemies in Washington and a huge number of fans and admirers around the world."

Steve and Naomi were treated like royalty as they toured the almost completed hospital the following day. Steve didn't know exactly what all of the equipment was used for, but it appeared to be state of the art, and expensive. Finishing touches, like painting, trim, and hanging doors, signage, and the computer system remained to be installed. Steve was assured that it would be ready to open before June.

"I'm so proud of my friends for funding this amazing building and all of this equipment!" praised Naomi. "I can see why the Russians wanted a hospital like this. It's so modern and well equipped. This is amazing!"

Even the harshest critics of Gwen's and Steve's were impressed with the structure and the modern machinery. There could be no doubt that the hospital was going to be a major factor in improving the health and welfare of children in Kiev, Ukraine, and all of Eastern Europe.

By the time the delegation returned to Washington, the media was having a field day with Lady in Red Production's decision to fund a modern hospital in Russia. Gwen was interviewed on several stations as she was making her way to and from her medical school classes. The angle of Gwen becoming a doctor while funding entire hospitals was heavily played up.

Bill Hardy came back to the anchor chair the same evening that Steve returned to Washington from his trip to Eastern Europe. With his arm in a cast, Hardy thanked his friends and family for helping him through his recovery from the helicopter crash in the Potomac. Then he commented on Steve and Gwen's generosity.

"What us Americans need to ask is this. Why is Lady in Red Productions spending so much money in Communist countries? The United States could use the jobs as well as the medical facilities. Don't we Americans deserve to be treated at least as well by American companies as people in foreign lands? How much money does Gwen Anderson make, and is it legal for a sitting member of Congress to use her position to increase her personal wealth? Has she filed all of the required forms? How much does she pay in income tax? What is the extent of her wealth? How much did she spend to gain her seat?" persisted Hardy. "Have we become a nation where the wealthy can buy anything, including political office, and public favor?"​