Incest/Taboo Lady in Red

"I've been thinking about that eye patch of yours, Gwen. How about we find some red cloth and make it a red patch," suggested Stephanie. "Lots of pirates and some others wear black ones, but the 'Lady in Red' should wear a red patch. We'll get several different shades of red so we can match your different outfits."

The next day, the group traveled to the future location of the new hospital. It had taken some effort to get the Russian government to agree to the site chosen by Lady in Red Productions. It was in a poorer part of Moscow. Lady in Red Productions was able to acquire two old warehouses that covered a block and a half of the city. The Russians had tried their best to get Lady in Red Productions to purchase property in an upper class neighborhood. Coincidently, friends of President Novokov were willing to sell the land, but at a rather inflated price.

"It wasn't easy, but Steve finally explained that we'd build the hospital here or not at all," stated Jordan as she told the others the story of the difficult purchase of the property. "The reality is that the Russian government can make some sort of claim that the hospital is important to the national interests of Russia and assume possession of it at any time. We aren't going into this venture with rose colored glasses. As long as we're able to operate it, we'll help people all that we can. That's our only long term plan here."

Television, internet, and newsprint reporters formed a large group as they waited for the ceremony. The attack on Novokov's son at his wedding was the big news story of the day. Information on the attack was sketchy, at best. Novokov had announced the prior evening that both Vlad and Anna were expected to recover from injuries received, but didn't elaborate on his son's condition or the attack in any way.

Shortly before the ground breaking ceremony was scheduled to begin, a procession of black limousines pulled up at the site. Numerous military suddenly appeared on the nearby streets and on roof tops in the area. No one emerged from the vehicles for several minutes. Finally, the drivers stepped out and opened the limo doors for the occupants.

"They've really stepped up security for Novokov," observed Jason. "I heard today that he and his wife were supposed to be at the wedding party's reception yesterday, but he had to attend to some international situation and was running late. It would have been a lot worse if Novokov was injured or killed."

President Novokov led his wife to the area where the ground breaking was to be held. Cameras rolled as Mrs. Novokov walked directly up to Steve and hugged him tightly.

"This young American helped save my son's life. He fought like a true warrior against the cowardly jackals that attacked my son and his wife. My husband and I are personally indebted to him. We wish him a speedy recovery from the injuries he sustained in the attack and his defense of innocent victims," declared Mrs. Novokov to the many reporters in her native Russian.

Then she let go of Steve and moved to Gwen and embraced her. As the two women hugged, Mrs. Novokov whispered her thanks into Gwen's ear. Then she released Gwen and again turned to the waiting reporters.

"This young American woman saved my son's life. He had been stabbed in the chest, and then had his throat crushed by those savages. Thankfully, Gwen Anderson was able to use her medical training to quickly make an incision in Vlad's throat and insert a simple drinking straw. I've been informed by the doctors caring for Vlad that, without question, this procedure saved his life.

"She did this after defeating a terrorist that had attacked her. She wears a patch over an injured eye, carries a bruising around the other eye, and stitches in her arm from a knife attack. After suffering these injuries, she still knelt by my dying son and saved his life!

"Now we are here to break ground for a new hospital for the people of Moscow, especially the children. These wonderful people beside me represent the good that still exists in the world. They are donating their money, their talent, and their time to help others. This type of message is so much stronger and more effective than terror and death. They offer good health and life. That is the path to lasting peace.

"Thank you for listening to a worried, but much relieved mother. I apologize if I spoke out of turn, or said something wrong, but it was all from my heart," concluded Novokov's wife as she wiped tears from her eyes.

Without thinking Gwen once again gathered the woman into her arms and hugged her tightly. Then the two women turned to the reporters and smiled with tears trickling down their cheeks as they held hands.

President Novokov stepped closer to Steve and shook his hand firmly. Then her hugged Gwen and kissed both of her cheeks. He proceeded to hug Kate, Lisa, Jordan, and Paula before shaking hands with Jason, Chip, Charlie and Ted.

"We have been asked to not linger here too long this afternoon, "stated Novokov to the assembled reporters and public. "I can only reaffirm what my wife just stated so eloquently. Efforts like this hospital by private industry should be more common. Sadly, and regardless of nationality, companies always look for more profit, rather than helping the very people that make them a success. I hope that Lady in Red Productions' generosity and humanity encourages others to perform similar acts of kindness."

Novokov then stepped back from the microphones and gestured to Steve and Gwen that it was their turn to speak. Gwen stepped forward and addressed the gathering in Russian.

"My friends, family, and I are delighted to be here this afternoon," began Gwen as cameras constantly whirred and clicked. "Jordan, Charlie, Kate, and Lisa were behind Steve totally when he called to explain that he had agreed to build a hospital here. That's the kind of people I surround myself with. They're generous, caring, talented, and supportive.

"We want to thank Mr. and Mrs. Novokov for their kind words. We wish Vlad and Anna complete recoveries and a long and blessed marriage. Our hearts go out to the families and friends of those seriously injured or killed in yesterday's terrorism. We are thinking of them in this difficult time.

"Finally, I want to publicly thank Steve for saving my life yesterday. Make no mistake about it; his courage and skill were the difference in that battle. He's the reason I'm able to stand here today. I love him dearly and I'll spend the rest of my life showing him just how much."

Television, internet news, and entertainment sites played Gwen's speech constantly. Gwen Anderson had delivered a speech in Russian the day after an attack that nearly cost her life. She had a very black eye and wore a red patch over the other one. She still looked beautiful, but very different. Photos of her bruised face were on newspapers around the world, as well as the story of how she calmly saved the life of the Russian president's son.

It was huge news back in the U.S., especially since she had so recently gone through a hearing before the ethics committee. Barely a week later, she was involved in a fight for her life and then managed to save the son of one of the most powerful men in the world. No one in the Senate or the House had offered anything but praise, and even awe, for the actions of Gwen and Steve.

No one was more thrilled than Cynthia Rosen. With Moscow time a full seven hours ahead of the east coast, she watched the morning news with great interest. She listened to Mrs. Novokov speak in glowing terms about how the young Americans had saved her son's life.

The account of the terrorist attack was beginning to take shape. Steve Hammer had apparently suffered some injuries as he fought the attackers. Even Gwen had bruises, cuts, and was now wearing an eye patch. It was becoming very obvious that the couple had been involved in the attack and had made an excellent accounting of themselves. Their international sphere of influence was increasing quite rapidly, and they had made a point the previous week of telling America that Vincent Rosen was their friend!

Vincent's poll numbers had jumped after he appeared at the rally with Steve and Gwen. He had won two primaries in the week that had just passed and he was increasing his lead in the polls in several other states with approaching primaries. It was beginning to fall together and Cynthia Rosen had no doubt that being seen as friends of Gwen and Steve had greatly improved the public's perception of his candidacy.

Vincent was scheduled to appear on a Sunday morning talk show and Cynthia made a mental note to remind him to mention how proud he was of the actions of his friends, Gwen and Steve, in the recent Russian terrorist attack.

Amber Stahl was also up early. She had a weekly Sunday morning news program from Washington. She attempted making phone calls to Gwen and Steve to ask if they would appear on her show via satellite. She was frustrated that none of her calls were answered. Finally, in desperation, she called Paula Anderson, who answered on the second ring.

Amber made her request for Steve and Gwen to appear on her program, which was still three hours from broadcast. She mentioned that she was unable to reach Gwen or Steve. Paula explained that they had not had their phones returned yet, but she would have them contact Amber as soon as possible.

A short time later, Gwen called Amber and the interview was scheduled. Vincent Rosen was told that he'd lose some air time on Amber's program because Gwen and Steve had agreed to appear via satellite from Moscow. He and Cynthia were delighted. Once again, people would have reason to associate Vincent Rosen with Gwen Anderson and Steve Hammer.

Amber's interview with Gwen and Steve only ran for a few minutes, but it was quite informative. When Amber first introduced the couple, viewers had their first close-up look at their faces. Gwen's red eye-patch matched her dress perfectly. The other eye was blackened and sore looking. Gwen's sleeveless dress revealed a bandage covering her upper left arm.

Steve also sported a very dark shiner along with a purplish knot on his forehead. His left arm below the elbow was covered in bandages. Amber began the interview with the obvious.

"Gwen and Steve, can you tell us how you're feeling? It's readily apparent that you've been involved in an altercation. How is your eye, Gwen? How badly were you two injured in the attack?"

"We're doing fine," replied Gwen seriously. "My eye was gouged a bit but the patch is simply a precaution. I have to put drops in it several times a day and avoid light for a week or so. It's already feeling much better.

"Steve and I both received cuts from knife wielding terrorists that required stitches, but the doctors here did an excellent job and it's quite likely that there will be minimal scarring, if any at all."

"Can you tell us what exactly happened in that banquet room yesterday?" asked Amber.

"Without being too graphic, I can tell you that the wedding party was suddenly attacked by what we all thought was the wait staff. They had been closely searched for weapons, so they utilized the cutlery available with the food as weapons. It was an extremely vicious and bloody few minutes. I think there were ten terrorists and all but one was killed in the attack.

"Sadly, four members of the wedding party, two groomsmen and two bridesmaids were killed. All of the rest received injuries during the fray. As everyone is aware, Steve is a U.S. Navy SEAL and is trained in hand-to-hand combat. Let me simply say that his skill and training saved the day, as well as my life."

"Mrs. Novokov praised you for saving her son's life with an emergency tracheotomy, which you performed after you had been injured in the attack. That demonstrates incredible concentration and discipline. Were you at all concerned about not getting it right? You were, after all, performing emergency surgery on the son of the president of Russia."

"It was a procedure I have assisted with in my medical school training. It was also Vlad's only chance to survive. I simply did what I've been training to do for the past three years," replied Gwen modestly.

"Steve, you're very quiet today. Gwen has alluded to you having to use your skill set as a Navy SEAL. Only one terrorist survived the attack. Can you tell us about your part in the struggle?"

"We were attacked by men, and women, many of whom were using carving knives as weapons. It was a bloody, extremely unpleasant situation. It was a battle to the death. It isn't something I care to go into detail. Gwen and I were in extreme danger, as were other innocent people. We were fortunate to emerge with relatively minor wounds. Gwen and I both relied on our training yesterday, as different as that may be.

"I will say this. Gwen was extremely cool under a great deal of pressure," added Steve. "She'll be a great doctor!"

"Changing gears slightly, Vincent Rosen, who will be appearing on this program next, won two primaries last week while you were in Russia. Many political observers think that when you so publicly thanked him for supporting you in the ethics hearing, his candidacy received a huge boost. Are you supporting him for president?"

"Gwen and I consider Secretary Rosen and his wife, Cynthia, to be good friends," replied Steve when Gwen looked to him. "There are several fine people running for the office and certainly Vince Rosen is to be counted as one of them. We are not supporting anyone for president at this time, but by the same token, we have no doubt that Secretary Rosen would make a very capable president."

"That's a close to an endorsement as you can get without actually making one," observed Amber. "Gwen, will you be adhering to your schedule and leave for Ukraine tomorrow. I have heard that you may attend memorial services for those slain in yesterday's attack."

"Our group will stay in Russia an extra day. We'll be attending the memorial service for those unfortunate victims of the recent terrorist attack tomorrow. We'll land in Kiev sometime Tuesday and prepare for the dedication of the new hospital and our concert. They're still scheduled for Saturday," revealed Gwen.

"I have one last question for you both. This latest incident, coupled with your triumph at the ethics hearing, your building of new hospitals and funding them, your success in films and music, and the fast response your company has shown for assisting in disasters have all combined to create an incredible amount of favorable publicity for your company, and especially for you two. Many people consider you to be the most powerful couple in the world. How do you feel about that power, as well as the responsibility?"

Gwen again glanced at Steve to see him nod at her to handle the question. "We really don't think much about things like that. We're a couple, but we're also part of a team. My parents, sisters, family, friends, and Steve's grandparents are our support group. The millions of regular people that work, pay taxes, obey the laws of the land and volunteer to help with little league baseball, football, hockey, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, libraries, churches, and charities are all heroes in our book. We're simply trying to help and encourage them to keep on doing the right things.

"We're doing what we love and we're making money doing it. But what responsibilities go with success and fame? We have more than enough money to last us the rest of our lives. But we don't have enough to build hospitals around the world. We don't have enough to assure every person that wants a decent paying job that they can have one. We don't have enough to fund a cure for the diseases that claim so many lives every year. We'll continue to work to raise money to achieve as many of our goals as we can. I think that people respond to that, so any influence that Steve and I may have is because we're trying so hard to help those that need it. The more we give, the more everyone gives back to us. It's that simple."

"What a great way of putting things in perspective," praised Amber. "Thanks for taking the time to be with us today and stay safe on your journey."

The next day saw Gwen and Steve, along with the other Lady in Red Productions' owners and family attend a memorial service for those that had died in the attack the previous Saturday. Representatives of many nations attended the service held in St. Basil's Cathedral. In a departure from diplomatic protocol, Gwen and Steve sat next to President Novokov and his wife.

As the memorial neared the conclusion, Gwen and Steve were asked to speak. They each spoke briefly about their personal grief the attacks caused.

"I don't know if it's appropriate in Russia at memorial services, but we think it should be, if it isn't," stated Gwen near the end of her statement. "I'd like to ask Jordan and Charlie Burns to come up and help us.

As she spoke, Jordan and Charlie rose and made their way to the front of the church as Steve and Gwen waited. Once they reached the altar, Charlie and Jordan took seats at a huge piano that was located off to the side. Gwen placed a microphone in front of her friends and held another to share with Steve.

Jordan and Charlie played the introduction and then Jordan and Gwen began singing 'Bridge over Troubled Waters' in beautiful harmony. Charlie and Steve simply filled in background for them. Once they finished the song, Jordan and Charlie continued playing while Steve joined Gwen in singing the song in Russian. Those attending the memorial were moved to tears long before the song ended.

The two couple then proceeded to use the same formula for 'Let It Be'. By the time they finished the song, Gwen and Jordan had tears streaming down their cheeks and Charlie and Steve were seen rubbing their eyes. The service was broadcast across Russia and the performance by the friends further endeared them to the entire nation.

Mrs. Novokov was shown on screen sobbing into a handkerchief as she embraced both couples when the service was over. Many of the representatives from other countries stood in line to speak to the four friends.

Senator Chatham sat in the Oval Office with President Hanson as they watched the televised proceedings in Moscow. "Mr. President, I'm not telling you anything you don't already know, but those kids are far and away America's best ambassadors to any place on the globe. Can you imagine any other couple managing what those two did during that attack? Steve was unarmed and took out five terrorists, including the one trying to stab Novokov's son to death. Gwen fought off a crazy woman and then operated successfully to save Novokov's son's life!"

"I haven't heard any complaints about them from Congress lately," chuckled President Hanson. "They never dreamed that Steve would flex his political muscle so strongly when they threatened Gwen. Steve destroyed Simpson and word has it that Clark has wisely decided to not seek another term. Steve's learned to speak the language that Washington understands. They aren't innocent kids anymore. They're beginning to understand both the power they have, and the responsibility that goes with it."

"I know very well that they deliberately lifted Vince Rosen out of the political doldrums. They're going to make him president," predicted Senator Chatham. "That'll put them in a great position to expand their power base. Where will this all end?"

"That's the question, isn't it?" asked Hanson rhetorically. "I don't think there's any ceiling for them right now. They'll manage to achieve whatever goals they may have. I can't see anything stopping them at this point. They'd have to screw something up pretty badly to derail their future."

"Should we be concerned about that kind of power?" asked Chatham. "I can't imagine how much they'll have in fifteen or twenty years, if they manage to stay alive. They seem to live on the edge a lot."

"Concerned or not, don't try to stop them," warned Hanson. "Nothing short of death or a huge miscalculation on their part will bring that train to a halt. I can't think of anyone that I'd rather see have the power their gathering. They're basically very good people. I'd suggest that you remain friendly with them and watch your career soar."

"That's pretty much what I've decided," admitted Chatham.

Landing in Kiev on Tuesday afternoon, Gwen, Steve, and company were whisked through a gate that was closed to the public at the airport. They boarded a waiting bus and were taken to their hotel. That's when the surprises started.

As the bus pulled up in front of the hotel, hundreds of teen girls stood on the sidewalk cheering and giggling as teen girls do. The surprise was that they were all wearing red eye patches! Looking closer, Gwen noticed that many of them had also darkened around their other eye.

"Are you seeing what I'm seeing?" asked Kate as she stared out the window of the bus. "All of those kids want to look like Gwen, even when she looks like she was hit by this bus. You really have some serious fans here, Sis."

When they exited the bus, Gwen, Jordan, Charlie and Steve, much to the delight of the fans, walked into the crowd and began signing autographs. They spend half an hour shaking hands and answering questions as they signed all sorts of objects handed to them. Steve had to chuckle at one older girl that pulled her arms through the arm holes in her shirt. Soon she produced a bra for Steve to sign. That immediately gave her friend the idea to ask Steve to sign her chest just above her breasts. Steve politely declined, pointing out that there were a large number of younger fans present that did not need to see that type of behavior.

Once they made their way inside the hotel, Steve once again found Nadiya Mitsko jumping into his arms. "The big, brave American saved more lives? This time in Russia? You and Gwen are legend now! Ukraine is very excited that you will once again 'rock our town'. There are already many tourists and visitors in Kiev in anticipation of your concert.

"Gwen, do you want me to help Steve relax while you get your eye patched or something?" teased Nadiya as Steve's friends broke into laughter.

"Thanks, Nadiya," replied Gwen with an exaggerated frown. "Let me think. Should I allow my boyfriend quiet time with one of the most beautiful, sexiest women he's ever seen. A woman that appears to be seriously in lust with him? Forgive me, but I think not. But thanks for the offer."

With Gwen's response, Nadiya gave her friend a warm hug. "I have been waiting for another chance to kiss Steve and help you two make up. I am beginning to wonder if that opportunity will ever come again."

"I learned my lesson," replied Gwen. "I'm not going to be pushing Steve into any woman's arms, and especially not a beautiful blonde bombshell."

"You have the nicest way of letting me down gently," laughed Nadiya as she began welcoming the other members of the entourage. "Thanks so much for coming, everyone. I especially want to thank Jordan and Charlie for performing with Gwen and Steve Saturday night. This is a very big thing for our country!"

"All of the teen girls have begun wearing eye patches in honor of Gwen's ordeal and her heroism in Moscow. Younger girls are placing patches on their dolls and pretending that they are Gwen. It's so cute," smiled Nadiya.

"Oh, wow!" responded Stephanie as she quickly pulled her cell phone out. "We've been missing a huge opportunity! I'm sending a text back to home to have our people develop some sort of Gwen, Steve, Jordan, Charlie and friends' action figures, dolls, or whatever, that kids can play with. We need these on shelves by Christmas!"

"That's a great idea!" agreed Paula. "I bet they'll be extremely popular."

"I may buy a few if the ones of Gwen are anatomically correct and life size," allowed Billy as Charlotte punched his shoulder.

"Does that mean that you'll retire the blow-up dolls you have now?" asked Jared with a straight face.

"Hell yes!" laughed Billy. "It's a no-brainer!"

"You will not be having any life size dolls of my friend," stated Jordan flatly. "Besides, I was hoping you'd want to collect the 'Jordan' dolls."

"Don't worry about that," replied Billy. "I want the Jordan, Lisa, Kate, Naomi, Becky, Ashley, and Nadiya dolls. Will they have likenesses of the mothers, too?"

"I don't know if I should slap your face, or give you a hug for that comment," admitted Paula with a blush.

"I want to place the first order for the 'Charlotte' doll," insisted Steve. "That one will be a collector's item."

"Thanks, Steve!" gushed Charlotte as she hugged Steve. "Why wait for the doll when you have the real thing right here? It's obvious that Billy doesn't appreciate what he's got."

"I refuse to allow any dolls with your likeness to be sold! I shudder to think about what these horny, sick puppies would do with one. There'll be no Charlotte dolls," insisted Billy as the others laughed.

Once Nadiya finished greeting the Americans, she turned to Gwen and Steve again. "I want you to meet a special friend. He's a deputy ambassador to Ukraine from Germany. I've been dating him for a little while."

"I'd be glad to meet him!" enthused Gwen. "Maybe I'll be able to trust you around Steve if you have your own boyfriend."

"Don't be that foolish!" laughed Nadiya as she took Gwen's hand and led her to the other side of the lobby.

A tall blonde man stood and moved to greet Nadiya as she approached with her friends. "Hans Mueller, this is Gwen Anderson. The gentleman next to her is Steve Hammer."

Steve liked the man immediately. He was friendly, intelligent, and not overly impressed with Gwen and Steve's fame. Nadiya beamed when she saw how well Steve had accepted him. As the two men chatted, she pulled Gwen a short distance away.

"Do you think that Steve likes him?" asked Nadiya quite seriously. "I was hoping that he would, but I'm not sure if he's just being nice because Hans is my friend."

"The best way to find out is to ask Steve," replied Gwen as she studied Nadiya's face. "You really like this guy, don't you? Do you think that he might be the one? He's certainly tall and good looking. Be sure to bring him around a lot this week so we all get to know him better. Steve will tell you what he honestly thinks if you ask him. He thinks the world of you and wants you to be happy. If Hans makes you happy, and treats you with the respect that Steve feels you deserve, they'll become good friends."

"Thanks so much, Gwen. You've been a great friend to me. I am ashamed to admit that I had thoughts of winning Steve away from you when we first met. That was before I realized that I never would be able to do that," admitted Nadiya. "You two belong together and everyone can see it."

"I knew how much you liked Steve right from the start," revealed Gwen. "I never blamed you for it. He's something special, but I've finally come to accept that he loves me totally. He'll never abandon me. I don't know if I could drive him away, but I'm sure not going to try. I hope to have a house full of his kids someday!"

"I'm so happy that Hans and Steve are getting along so well," beamed Nadiya. "Would you like to visit the hospital you so generously built for the people of the Ukraine? It is complete and we are preparing for the grand opening Saturday. This is a very exciting time for us Ukrainians."

Later that afternoon, the Americans, along with Hans and Nadiya arrived at the newly constructed hospital. The six owners of Lady in Red Productions had debated for weeks on what to name the hospital. They discussed various clever names, saints' names, famous Ukraine names, and even geographically pertinent names. They finally decided to simply call it 'Lady in Red Children's Hospital of Kiev'.

When they were still a few blocks from the new structure, the group could easily read the name in large letters on the face of the building.

"Look!" cried Jordan as she pointed out the window of their bus. "It has our company name in huge letters across the front, along with our logo. I've never been so proud of anything before in my life. Can you believe that we built this?"

"Look at the tears on Gwen's face," pointed out Kate. "I still remember the night she invited us to her room to tell us that she wanted to build a hospital here. I wasn't an owner then, but I sure was proud of you guys!"

As the bus pulled up to the front of the building, the group noticed a couple dozen people gathered in front of the building, a hundred feet away from the entrance. They had blankets, a few chairs, and a few small cots along the wall.

As the Americans stepped off the bus, a very well dressed man rushed up to greet them. His English was excellent, with only a hint of an accent.

"Welcome! I'm Gerard Binak, the hospital administrator. I've gathered the entire staff, including maintenance, IT, and clerical. You're scheduled to address them in half an hour in the auditorium. Everyone's very anxious to meet the famous and very generous Americans!

"Why are those people over there?" asked Gwen as she pointed at the small gathering nearby. She couldn't help but notice the rather poor condition of the clothing and blankets the people had with them.

"They started lining up yesterday for the opening on Saturday," explained the administrator. "They heard that everyone will be given the best possible care, so naturally the poor people show up first."

"Nadiya, would you please come with me," requested Lisa. "The rest of you go on in and meet with the staff. We'll be in shortly."

Gwen gave her sister a smile and a quick nod before speaking to the Binak. "Lead the way, Sir. We're all very anxious to see what $300 million can buy these days."

The group was very impressed with the first floor of the building, but that was all they had time to see before the meeting with the employees. The auditorium was state of the art, like everything else in the hospital. It was wired for audio and video presentations, with comfortable seats that even reclined.

Gwen, Kate, and Jordan each spoke to the packed room about their expectations for the hospital and how it would benefit the people of Kiev and much of Eastern Europe. As Jordan finished her brief speech, Lisa entered the room and stepped to the podium.

"We need to establish something right here, and right now," stated Lisa firmly as everyone suddenly sat straighter in their seats and many even leaned ahead. "The sole purpose of this hospital is to treat the sick and injured people that come to its doors. That means every last one of them. No patient receives less than total respect and attention.

"If there is ever any doubt about the treatment, always do the best for the patient, regardless of cost. I want to be very clear here. If we receive any complaints that anyone connected with this facility did less than their absolute best for a patient, there will be an inquiry. If the complaint has merit, people will be fired.

"At this moment, we have an even dozen very ill children waiting with their parents outside the doors. These parents intend to wait until Saturday to get their children treated as soon as the doors open. Those doors will open in ten minutes, not in a few days! We are opening for business right now! I want everyone to report to their stations and be prepared to treat anyone in need. If that's a problem with that directive, come up and see me or one of the other owners immediately."

"But we didn't plan to open until Saturday," protested the administrator. "If patients are allowed in now, there will be people and equipment in the way when we have the grand opening. It would go much smoother without these dirty, poor people cluttering up this beautiful building."

"That will NO longer be your problem!" snapped Lisa. "You're fired! I've spoken to security and they'll be waiting at your office. You're allowed to take personal property, but nothing belonging to the hospital."

"You can't fire me!" protested the shocked man. "My cousin is the mayor! He'll shut this place down before it even opens. You can't just waltz into our city and take over. I don't take orders from you, or any other stupid cunt..."

That was as far as the man got before Jason had him by the throat and pinned to a wall. "You never speak to a lady like that, and certainly not to my wife," snarled Jason as he shook the man like a dog would a rat.

"Get him out of here," demanded Lisa. "Jason, you stay next to me. I don't want you getting into trouble. Nadiya, can you get the mayor's phone number for me?"

"You are in luck," chuckled Nadiya. "He is one of my phone contacts. I will call him right now and give you the phone. He speaks English quite well. I do not believe he will be backing up his relative's boast."

Nadiya spoke briefly into her phone and then handed it to Lisa. The conversation was short and very much to Lisa's liking. As she handed the phone back to Nadiya, she spoke to her group.

"Mayor Plusko assured me that his 'second cousin, through marriage' was not speaking for the city, or the Mayor's office. He apologized for Binak's behavior and asked that we not allow it to cloud our opinions of his city and its appreciation of our efforts."

"My God, Lisa!" managed Kate once Lisa finished speaking. "You tore that guy apart. He had it coming, though, if he had sick children waiting days for the hospital to open. That was pretty lousy, to say the least."

"Thanks for setting him straight," added Jordan. "When Gwen asked about the people waiting by the wall, I had a bad feeling about it. Then that pompous ass dismissed them as unimportant! I never saw that tough side of you before. I'm impressed."

"My job is to run everything that isn't part of the entertainment portion of Lady in Red Productions, more or less. You guys work so hard to earn all that money to help these kids that I feel like I'm not pulling my weight at times. I knew Gwen was upset, but it shouldn't be up to her to do everything," reasoned Lisa. "I could tell she was troubled and I knew why. I felt it was my job, so I did it."

"You were great!" praised Gwen. "I was stewing about what to do when you indicated that I should attend the meeting and let you handle the situation. I'm really proud of you, and not just for taking the lead. You have a complete understanding of what we're trying to do with these hospitals. It isn't about good press and winning public opinion. It's about doing the right thing, especially for the less fortunate."

"All I could think about was how I'd feel if Theresa was sick and I had to wait days for a hospital to open so she could be cared for properly. No parent should have to do that and no child should suffer that way," insisted Lisa.

"You probably didn't notice the looks of approval from the doctors, nurses, and other staff members when you reamed out that asshole," reported Billy. "Hey, I made a joke! Anyway, they were grinning and nodding when Lisa sent Numb-Nuts packing. I have the feeling he wasn't very well liked here."

"You really have a way with words," observed Charlotte drily. "Reaming out assholes and numb-nuts? I never realized you were an English major."

"I speak the universal language of 'macho men'. All the guys understood me perfectly, and so did you," pointed out Billy. "I call 'em like I see 'em."

The group spent the rest of the day touring the entire facility. They tried to speak with everyone connected in any way with the hospital. Many of the staff members thanked Lisa for ridding them of Binak. He was held in contempt by almost everyone.

Gwen and Charlotte spent a lot of time with the patients, as well as their parents. Nadiya translated for them as each and every parent expressed their gratitude. They had difficulty believing that their children were being treated in a facility so superior to anything that had ever seen before.

Later that evening as the tired group was bused back to their hotel, Gwen spoke with obvious emotion to her friends. "That hospital is the finest thing I've ever been associated with, other than you people here with me right now. We've given those children hope. Their parents finally have hope. We gave that to them. They were trying to thank us for giving their children a chance to live beyond the next few days. Can you imagine what they were feeling as they waited on the street with their suffering kids this morning? Lisa, you probably saved some of their lives when you demanded they be treated immediately."

"It wasn't me. You guys built the hospital! And it's incredible! I'm very proud of my three sisters, Charlie, and Steve. It's got to be one of the best hospitals in the world," praised Lisa.

"I think I've solved our immediate problem created when I gave that ass, Binak, the boot today," added Lisa. "Nadiya has agreed to serve as the administrator of the hospital temporarily. That'll give us time to either find someone else for the job, or talk her into doing it fulltime."

"After everything Lady in Red has done for Kiev, how could I refuse? You do realize that not very many women in Ukraine have important positions. There may be complaints from some men that don't like the thought of women doing men's work," added Nadiya.

Steve had been silent during most of the conversation. He seldom spoke if he didn't have something to say. He decided to join in.

"I don't think many men want to test Lisa's resolve in the matter, but if anyone challenges your authority or ability, Lisa, feel free to give them my number. I'll be glad to set them straight, but somehow, I think Jason will be all the support you need. I still chuckle when I remember how he shook that little toad around."

Ted also decided to voice his opinion. "I was pretty upset about what he called Lisa, but I didn't even have time to consider doing something about it before Jason had him by the throat. That's the sort of thing I was thinking of when I gave you 'the talk', as it's now known," laughed Ted. "You did exactly what you needed to do. I'm proud to have you in the family.

Gwen spent the next few days visiting at the hospital when she wasn't rehearsing for the big concert. Charlotte was her constant companion as they familiarized themselves with the hospital, the staff, and employees. Since they were finishing up their third year of medical school, they were extremely interested in all aspects of operation of a large, modern hospital.

The time in Kiev seemed to fly by for the Americans as they were warmly welcomed everywhere they went. Saturday found them at the hospital early to greet and mingle with those that came to tour the new facility. Gwen, Jordan, Lisa, Kate, and their friends made extra efforts to make those guests that obviously had less material wealth feel welcome.

They were often seen hugging ragged children and their parents, taking them on tours, and always ending up in the cafeteria where an ice cream bar was set up. They were sending a message to the staff that every child was important and would be treated with love and respect. By late afternoon, the hospital staff had seen enough to know that it was no act. Most of them felt relief to be able to give care to patients without concern for social or financial status.

Kate and Chip had disappeared for an hour before noon. When they returned they had dozens of gift cards for a local department store. They delighted in handing them out to the children and their parents and watching the surprise and joy in their faces.

The ceremony to officially open the hospital went very well. When Nadiya was introduced as the administrator of the hospital, the applause and cheers were loud and long. Lisa knew then that she had made a good choice in asking her to take over the job.

As the clock approached seven, Gwen and Jordan led the band onto the stage, which was once again set up at Independence Square. The crowd was even larger than the one that attended the first concert years prior.

With her performance in the last Washington concert, Gwen had shown the band that they had not been leaving everything on the stage. Jordan, Steve, and Charlie, had to step their efforts up a notch to keep up with her. When they had performed in Moscow, all four remembered the intensity they had felt in D.C. and worked to maintain it for the fans in Russia.

Now they were determined to deliver the best possible performance to the cheering crowd in Kiev. The driving drum beat of the always popular 'We Will Rock You' began as Gwen strutted around the stage waving to the huge crowd as they cheered and screamed her name. Many of the females in attendance wore red eye patches and cheered especially long and hard for their heroic female role model. She was the woman that fought and defeated a crazed terrorist with her bare hands and then proceeded to operat on a man to save his life, all within a couple minutes time!

Gwen was once again pumped as she saw the sea of red patches and realized they were meant as support of her actions in Moscow. Her performance reflected her emotions right from the start. They had barely begun when Charlie caught Steve's eyes and rolled his own, as if to say 'here we go again'!

Because Gwen's recording of Joan Jett's 'Hate Myself for Loving You' had been so popular in Eastern Europe, the band moved into that song as soon as they finished 'We Are the Champions' and the crowd loved it. Gwen looked incredible in a red leather bustier and short leather skirt and a red leather patch over her eye.

She played to the crowd as she sang and gyrated to the music, always moving around the stage, and singing the song better than she ever had before. Steve and Charlie pranced in back of her as they made their guitars practically scream the chords out. The driving beat and Gwen's great performance had the fans cheering and yelling as many of them danced and shimmied while they voiced their approval.

Four hours later, the last song was sung and the tired crowd began to filter out of the square. Jordan, Gwen, Charlie, and Steve joined their group at their hotel for a late dinner, but it was obvious to everyone that they were exhausted.

"You guys have given some great shows, but I think you may have just delivered your best ever," stated Naomi to her friends. "The fans were really into your songs and you seemed extra emotional tonight. It was something to watch."

"I'm hearing that the pay-per-view ratings were record setting, which is really amazing considering you started the show before noon in most of the U.S.," reported Stephanie. "The internet is buzzing about the concert. The eye patch thing is becoming a worldwide fashion statement, if you can imagine that. Gwen's supposed to be able to stop wearing it Monday, but she may have to leave it on forever so her fans aren't disappointed."

"Sorry about that," chuckled Gwen. "My eye is doing much better and the patch will be gone in a couple of days. Everyone's going to have to find a new craze and hopefully, it won't involve me, bandages, and pain."

Sunday morning found Nadiya and Hans joining everyone for breakfast before they traveled to the airport for the trip home. "The media loved the concert! They are raving about how the best performers in the world came to Kiev to give us a free concert, and how much it means to our city and country. Your incredible acts of kindness and generosity have inspired our nation. We have a better sense of self worth and pride. I can feel it when I speak to people. Thank you so much for all you have done, and for being my friends."

Soon everyone was hugging Nadiya as they said their goodbyes. Steve didn't escape without a rousing kiss from the gorgeous blonde and a warm handshake from Hans.

On the way to the airport, Cheryl smiled as she observed, "This has been the most amazing trip of my life, by a mile! I saw three super concerts in three capital cities, a Russian wedding, a terrorist attack, an asshole being reamed, and a beautiful new hospital opening its doors early because some children desperately needed care. I didn't get to see Gwen's eye roll back into her head, but I heard about it from Stephanie.

"I can't wait to report all of this at a school assembly. Everyone's going to be so impressed with so many incredible stories, and they're all true!"

"If you tell about my eye rolling back, your next assembly will be in Siberia," warned Gwen. "I think it was all greatly exaggerated anyway."

"I don't think it was," offered Billy. "Charlotte's been after me to make her scream, roll her eyes, and then pass out. She didn't make that stuff up. Besides, there were enough 'eye patch witnesses' there to verify the veracity of the story. And has anyone else noticed how all of the ladies have been looking at Steve lately? Once again, he's added to the legend!"

It was a tired, but happy group of travelers that landed in Sparta ten hours later. Because of the time difference, it was mid afternoon. The travelers climbed into several helicopters to return to Sparta.

Gwen was surprised when the choppers put down near the high school rather than near their new homes in Asgard, as they now called their estate.

Once they landed and moved away from the landing zone, the choppers lifted off and locals began pouring across the field to welcome the travelers home. Gwen was surprised to see that many of the girls wore red eye patches over one eye. She turned to point it out to her sisters and friends, but then suddenly stopped in her tracks. Every last one of them, including Beatrice Patterson, stood smiling at her with one eye covered by a red patch!​