Incest/Taboo Lady in Red

Gwen had watched her mother and aunt collapse in her boyfriend's arms. It was evident that he was special to them and she had found the interaction a bit confusing until Charlotte expressed her theory.

"I think you're right," agreed Gwen as she considered Charlotte's statement. "Mom and Diane needed to know Steve was back and prepared to face any situation to keep them safe. I don't think they even realize why they feel so emotional with him. I didn't until you came up with that idea. Steve is the center of this unit. He's the unspoken leader, especially in matters of our safety."

"Just as you are in most other areas," added Charlotte. "Between the two of you, we look for answers to every problem. When you're both here in Asgard, we all feel safe and content. I know that I do."

While Diane clung to Steve, Paula made a beeline for Charlie and embraced him tightly. "Those three women told us that you were the one that hired them to keep us safe. Thank God that you did! I don't want to even think how things would have turned out if you hadn't."

Charlie was pleased at the praise, but also little uncomfortable with it. "Steve asked me to find the best security possible, so that's what I did. It wasn't my idea. I just implemented it when Steve asked."

Kate quickly spoke up. "We call the three girls that saved you 'Charlie's Angels'. How appropriate is that? Where are they, anyway? I want to thank them."

"We're having a private lunch meeting at Billy's place tomorrow," announced Stephanie. "This meeting is for all of us here and will not be opened to the general public. We'll meet the people in the agency Charlie hired and get to know them. We'll discuss exactly what will be expected of us, and of them. Once that's done, we'll go over some other business that concerns all of you. Be there by noon, and no excuses."

The following day saw everyone gather in a private room at Marsh's Landing. Beside the usual group, there were quite a few women present that were unknown to Steve and Gwen. Once everyone was seated, Charlie took the floor.

"These are the ladies that work for The Adams Agency. They come very highly recommended and I'd venture the opinion that they proved that the praise was well deserved. I'd like to introduce Mallory Burke, owner and founder of The Adams Agency."

A pleasant looking woman the Steve guessed to be in her early fifties stepped forward to address the group. "Charlie approached us right after he returned from your Russian adventure. He told me that your company wanted strong security, and he wanted it supplied almost exclusively by females. I told him that I felt I had the team for the job."

"Wait!" interrupted Kate. "Why would we want only females? Aren't guys supposed to be bigger and stronger, besides being a lot better to look at from where I'm sitting?"

"I bet it was Billy's idea to hire females," guessed Charlotte. "And the other knuckle draggers went along with him!"

"I bet they insisted all the women either had big boobs, or gigantic boobs," laughed Kate. "We know how these guys think!"

"Please allow me to continue," insisted Mallory Burke. "I think some of these issues will be cleared up. Charlie explained that all of the men in your entourage are quite physically fit and most are trained in hand to hand combat, as well firearms. They feel quite capable of protecting themselves and their ladies when they are with them. Their concern is when they are away, or in certain obvious situations where they cannot accompany you, such as when you visit bathrooms, locker rooms, and the like.

"He and his friends felt more comfortable leaving you alone with trained female security agents, rather than male agents. I believe Charlie words to me were that you are all incredibly beautiful women and male agents would find it difficult to remain professional and not ogle you ladies. He used the phrase 'having the fox watch the hen house'. Once I saw the uncommon beauty of all of you women in the group, I have to agree with Charlie's assessment."

"Yeah, and they can go with them shopping, to the opera, and soccer matches," added Billy. "There are quite a few times they won't have us manly men around to protect them. How about baby showers, bridal showers, or girls' night out? I'm not paying some guy to help a tipsy Charlotte home. I'd worry more about the guy we're paying than anything else."

"Thank you, I think," chuckled Mallory Burke. "We will have these twenty two female agents assigned full time to members of your entourage. They will live in the area we will always have several on call 24/7. We'll need to work out some living arrangements. If any of you ladies are going to be alone, even at home, I'd like one of our agents to be able to stay in your home with you. Any time your husband or boyfriend is not around, I want one of my agents to be near you.

"Another item that I insist upon is there is zero tolerance for sexual harassment. At the first indication of that happening, I will withdraw from the contract and will collect a hefty penalty. I want that understood," stated Mallory Burke firmly.

"In that case, we'll cut you a check for the penalty right now and part company," responded Steve firmly. "There will be no sexual harassment clause in our contract, period."

"You can't think I'll allow these attractive women to be subjected to sexual references and innuendos without some sort of penalty!" retorted Mallory Burke.

"That's exactly what I think and I'll explain why. My friends and I have been through the fires. We're men that are extremely appreciative of the female form. We work hard, play hard, and relax when we can. We make jokes and tease each other, as well as the women in our group. I don't want that to change.

"All of the women will groan when Billy makes some comment about their big boobs, ass, legs, whatever, but in reality they enjoy it because they know Billy. He's a great guy and one of us. He keeps the mood light and we need that more than you may realize. Charlotte and Kate make some pretty funny comments about us guys, our anatomies, and our sexual prowess. All of us do at times. It's what we do when we're relaxing.

"I won't allow that to be lost because we have a bunch of people with vaginas nearby, or within hearing or sight. I guarantee you that none of us men will ever molest, intentionally insult, or malign any of your agents. By the same token, Billy could make a comment about the red head sitting on the end with the big hooters," suggested Steve as everyone's attention was directed toward the obviously busty red head with the big smile sitting on one end of the group of agents.

"That may seem crude, impolite, and inappropriate, but it'll happen. I can guarantee it. If Red gets all huffy and runs to the boss to complain about it, we have a problem," concluded Steve as everyone else sat in surprised silence.

"Steve is the last guy you'll ever hear make a comment like that under normal conditions, but he was making a point and I think it's valid," stated Gwen. "I have to admit I enjoy Billy's jokes, or the other guys looking at me or making somewhat suggestive comments. We're friends and we can do that. It makes us all closer. Do any of my female friends here ever feel uncomfortable with any of our male friends here? Do we have a problem I'm not aware of?"

"You mean other than Billy?" asked Jordan quickly. "I couldn't resist that one! Truthfully, I like the way all of the guys show their appreciation of my charms, even when I have clothes on! It's what we do. We're all monogamous, but we love to flirt and tease! I agree with Steve that we can't give that up. There has to be another agency that can accept our interactions."

"Mother, I think we need to strike that penalty clause," stated a tall, slim brunette sitting next to the buxom redhead. "Federal law covers sexual harassment already, but we really don't want to go there. This is a great opportunity for us individually, and for our agency."

"Let me ask the others," continued Mallory Burke's daughter. "Are any of you concerned about working with these people? They may joke of make comments about your ass or your big boobs, except in my case, they'll tease me about my little ones. Are any of you worried about that? This isn't an office situation. We're in the field and we have to conduct ourselves professionally, but not like snobs or frigid bitches."

"Speaking only for myself, Steve Hammer can make comments about my 'hooters' all day long," grinned the redhead. "I know a few things about the places they go and the things they do. I'd work naked if it gave me the opportunity to travel the globe, meet kings, queens, stars, presidents, and maybe my wealthy future husband. These are the good guys. There won't be any problems."

"I think we're adult enough to endure any gestures, comments, or jokes thrown our way," continued the younger Burke. "If Lady in Red Productions is satisfied with our qualifications, I think we should get started. We can introduce ourselves and go from there."

"I often wonder who runs this agency," complained Mallory Burke jokingly. "My name's on all of the bills, but Sybil seems to make the decisions. You've heard from my daughter. Her name is Sybil Burke and she's also my partner in this business. In the field, the others take direction from her.

"Next to Sybil is Janice Prince. She's the lovely redhead with the 'big hooters'. She's a top agent and she's a qualified firearms instructor."

"Excuse me?" interrupted Billy. "Did you just say that Ms. Prince is a top heavy agent?"

"No, I didn't, but that is also accurate. Now everyone can see why I tried to get the sexual harassment clause in the contract. Poor Janice is very shy and quite reluctant to have anyone realize just how impressive her breasts are."

"Yeah! That's why she's always sunbathing topless and wearing those low tops," interjected Sybil Burke. "Her greatest fear is that she'll meet someone with bigger, firmer boobs, or a guy that doesn't notice them."

"I sure won't be the one to disappoint her then," retorted Billy. "However, Jordan is pregnant and I expect that she may become a serious threat as far as bigger ones go. Janice will have to be able to live with that possibility because we're sure not going to hide Jordan and her natural wonders away just to make Janice feel good."

"Why thank you, Billy," responded Jordan calmly. "I appreciate how you stick up for me. I suspect that when my girls reach their full potential in a few months, you'll be 'sticking up' for me all of the time, if you get my meaning."

"I do, and I will," asserted Billy immediately.

"He already does!" blurted Charlotte. "No matter how tired he is, all I have to do is mention Jordan and he's ready for another round. Of course, he's that way no matter which of the girls I mention. When he's really tired, I ask him about Naomi's mom and he's all over me."

"That is way too much information!" complained Naomi. "Mom will be very pleased to hear it, but I'm just a little girl and I shouldn't hear how men lust after my poor mother."

Once the laughter died down, Sybil spoke. "See how it is, Mom. They're having fun. It's not insulting or perverted. We'll be fine."

"Actually, Billy is perverted," responded Jordan. "He's always asking us women to get naked and hop into the hot tub with him, or sunbathe with him, or Jello wrestle, or just about anything else that could possibly require taking off our clothes. We only recently learned that the other men here think exactly the same way and are just as perverted, but they lack Billy's more direct approach. Be prepared to be ogled by these mentally disturbed individuals if you're around us for any period of time. Take this as a warning."

"But understand that these are our men. Many of you will fall in love with at least a few of these guys, but nothing will come of it," cautioned Lisa. "If one of you becomes too enamored with any of the guys, we'll probably ask that you be reassigned. We trust our guys, but we're not going to be stupid about it. You'll be spending most of your time with us women, and the kids that will be coming along. You will, by necessity, be around these handsome, virile men and Billy fairly often. They are not available, not even Billy."

"Thanks, Lisa," grinned Billy.

All of the female agents were introduced by Mallory Burke. "I know you've asked to meet the ladies that thwarted the attack on Paula and Diane and the two children. I'm please to tell you that while any of the ladies here would have done the same, the three agents that day were Janice Prince, Helen Barnes, and my daughter Sybil. Helen received a minor leg wound from a stray bullet, but that was the extent of the injuries to my agents."

Jason and Lisa led the way to thank the three ladies. The rest followed closely. Gwen watched Steve as he waited for everyone else to thank the girls before he swept each of them into his arms and spoke very quietly into their ears as he embraced them. She decided to ask him about it when they were alone.

Once the meet and greet was over and lunch was consumed, Mallory and her agents left the restaurant. Stephanie stood and addressed the group. "First, we all need to thank Charlie for doing such a great job finding security. His decision-making probably saved Mom, Billy, Aunt Paula, and Theresa. We're all in his debt.

"Now for some business. All of you are here because you may be involved in some of the projects. Kate finished her second movie script. She had it almost completed while she was in school. I don't know when she has time to study law.

"Once you hear the title, you may guess the star of the movie. It's called 'Single Handedly' and it's an action comedy about a very attractive woman that lost a hand while in Iraq, but kept her spirit, her nerve, and her smoldering sexuality."

"Is this about Charlotte?" asked Billy as the others laughed.

"We want to begin filming right away. The hard part is that we want Gwen, Jordan, Charlie, and Steve to have roles in it. Becky is very popular, but we've concluded that the star power of the other four will increase the success of the movie and help take Becky to the next level. She'll be a bankable box office star.

"We realize that the other four are making movies now, but we're going to jam their schedule for a few weeks to get all three movies made. The preliminary word on the two movies already being made is 'Wow'. We expect great success, both artistically and financially. Now we're asking you guys to make a third movie this summer. If we're going to be able to fund hospitals, aid in disasters, and do all of the other charitable work we want, we require a pretty good income stream.

"I can't believe that you guys have that much confidence in me!" exclaimed Becky. "Now I'm starring in a movie named after my having only one hand and I'm grateful as hell! I hate that I lost my hand, but it sure has created a lot of opportunities for me. Thanks so much!"

"Don't thank us. You've earned it, Becky. Our research shows that you're a bankable star now. We expect you'll be a major star by this time next year. We just hope you'll remember us when you become a huge success and you'll still make movies for us," replied Stephanie.

"Don't any of you ever doubt it!" replied Becky immediately. "No one else would treat me the way you guys do, and besides. I owe you way more than I can repay. That day Steve, Gwen, and Jordan stopped at our house was the day my life gained meaning and direction. I hate to think where I'd be if it weren't for them."

"We're going to give Pete a role to see how he does in front of the camera. If he does well, he'll be getting bigger parts in your movies. You don't get the pretty girl this time, Pete, but if you do well, you may next time."

"I understand. I'm just glad to have the chance. A year ago I'd be blaming my loss of a foot for not being made an immediate star. Watching Becky succeed has inspired me. I finally understand that I'm responsible for what I do and lacking a foot is no excuse for not working hard and making something of myself. I'll do my very best and make all of you proud that you took me into your group," promised Pete.

"We have two animated movies ready for voice over. One is about Gwen and Steve rescuing a school bus full of kids. The other is about Jordan and Charlie saving an orphanage. I know they sound a little childish, but that's the market we're trying to reach.

"Charlie and Jordan have pretty much completed a new album with new songs, which they also wrote. Charlie expects it to be ready for release by Labor Day. He was everything set up for Gwen and Steve to record one of those 'Great American Songbook' albums. He'll need you guys to work pretty steady with him evenings and weekends since your time is limited. Jordan and Charlie will sing back-up and as usual, Charlie is producing it. Once again, we've done the research and people want to hear more of the classics from you two. Later, the four of you will do another Christmas album. The last one was huge.

"If we get time this fall, maybe on weekends, we'll tape a few TV shows to sell to the networks as specials. There's a lot of interest in you guys performing some live TV shows from various cities around the globe. We'll try to work those in after the New Year. Are there any questions?" concluded Stephanie.

"I'm tired out from just listening to all of that!" groaned Jordan. "I'll work as long as I can, but our baby will limit what I can do and where I can travel. The baby's health is always my first concern."

It was a week later that Jason and Steve learned that the men that attacked Paula and Diane were actually Chechen! Both men were totally surprised by that information. The FBI and Homeland Security assured everyone that they were making progress in finding the remaining attackers and would have them in custody soon, if they hadn't already fled the country.

"We both know that's total bullshit. They don't have any clue where those guys are," insisted a disgusted Jason. "At least we know the bastards are Chechen. I'll add that information to the feelers I have out. I'm offering a lot of money to people that help us locate these killers. Are you with me on that?"

"Absolutely," replied Steve. "If we don't make a stand, every wannabe bad guy in the world is going to come calling at our door. Keep after them, no matter how long it takes, and how much it costs."

A new normal quickly became routine in Asgard. Everyone started early and worked late to reach the goals Stephanie had outlined. Steve and Gwen worked very hard with Diane at the new dance routines for the film they were making. Becky's film began production immediately and often Gwen, Steve, Jordan, or Charlie had to go to that set to perform in scenes with Becky. Naomi was cast as Becky's best friend in the film, but Jared would only agree to a small role.

"I'll help any way I can, but I'm just not comfortable speaking on camera," revealed Naomi's boyfriend. That prompted Steve to begin planning an action film for the following year that would showcase Jared's good looks and toned body. Steve felt a good old fashioned 'Buddy' movie would get Jared more comfortable with filming.

Pete turned out to be surprisingly good in his first scenes, so the decision was made to give him Steve's role and let Steve take the part written for Jared.

"You're going to have a guy with one foot be the hero?" asked Pete incredulously. "I don't think that's ever been done."

"Look at it this way, we're not calling the movie 'Footloose', so it shouldn't be a big deal," teased Kate as everyone else on the set suddenly went very quiet.

Pete tried to glare at Kate for a few seconds before he broke into laughter. "I guess I can't expect any sympathy from anyone around here. Maybe the sequel will be 'Single Footedly'?"

Steve pretended to pout when he was told that Pete would be taking his role and thus have the love scene with Becky. His eyes lit up and a huge grin crossed his face when he was informed that he'd have one with Naomi in Jared's stead.

Because of Steve's time constraints, he was busy filming 'Single Handedly' when he wasn't working on one of the others. He found himself doing the love scene with Naomi quite early in the filming. Jared had declined to be in attendance for the scene.

Jordan had done her best to convince him otherwise. "Steve'll have her so hot; she'll need you to put out the fire. I've been there a few times and it's almost unbearable. You really should hang close."

Jared still declined, stating that he just wasn't comfortable watching Naomi romantically involved with some other man, even Steve. Jordan finally convinced him that he needed to be waiting for Naomi in her dressing room once the scene was done.

The director felt that he needed to take the time to coach Steve before the big scene. "This isn't about race. It's about a man and a woman. Don't allow her skin color to influence how you respond to her. I think..."

"You really need to stop now!" insisted Steve as Naomi nodded in agreement. "I don't need you to tell me to treat Naomi like the beautiful woman she is. I've known and loved her for years and our skin color is not a concern to either of us, but it sounds like it is to you. Think about what you were saying when you have a moment to reflect on it. This company will not tolerate any sort of racism, or discrimination. You direct the filming and we'll take care of the romance."

It required the afternoon to get enough footage to satisfy the director. Much of that time, Steve was in bed with a naked Naomi. More than a few times her leg or hand brushed his erection and she's glance at Steve and smile. At the end of the three hours of filming, Naomi quickly rushed to her dressing room and her boyfriend.

"I heard that you two were heating up the set, so I came over when I had some free time," stated Gwen as she sat on the bed next to a surprised Steve. "I saw enough to know that your cock must be harder than Chinese math by now. Would you like to come to my dressing room so I can help you with it? Here's a bulky robe. It won't conceal that bad boy completely, but at least you won't be arrested when you get out of the bed."

"Gwen, it was terrible. I didn't want to hold her body like that or kiss her all over like I did, but I'm a professional and it was the role I was given," pointed out Steve as he pulled the robe closed to hide his raging erection.

"I know, Sweetheart," cooed Gwen. "Those big boobs, her beautiful face and her overly large ass would tempt a lot of men, but you were strong. You only needed about twenty takes. You must be exhausted from hefting those oversized breasts so many times."

"It wasn't easy, I admit," replied Steve as he wrapped an arm around Gwen.

"You really like her a lot, don't you?" asked a suddenly serious Gwen.

"I do," agreed Steve. "She's the whole package. She has brains, beauty, a great body, a warm personality, and a very big boyfriend."

"Do you ever have second thoughts about me? Do you ever wish you were free to sew your wild oats? Am I holding you back?"

"We've discussed this before, but it's worth saying again," replied Steve as he stopped walking and pushed Gwen gently against a wall, held her face with his hands, and spoke softly. "I've never seen your equal. To me, you're everything I could ever hope for. I love you. I'd die for you. I never want to be with anyone else sexually. I never want you to be with anyone else. The longer we're together, the more I realize how amazing you are. I'll never betray you, Gwen. I can't. It's not in me."

"I feel the same, but it's nice to hear you say it after I watched you with Naomi. She's a wonderful friend. She's just so beautiful, smart, funny, athletic, and curvaceous that I find it hard to believe any man could not want her. I know that if you really wanted her, you could have her. You know it, too. It's the same for all of my friends, and even relatives. I just want you to know that I love you for being like you are and not acting on the power you have over women."

"Do I have any power over you?" asked Steve as he ran his fingers over Gwen's cheek. "Have I made you love me? Have I gained your heart? Will you give me your body?"

Gwen pulled Steve down for a lingering kiss, oblivious to all the people working in the area. When she finally released him, Gwen saw Sybil Burke standing in the shadows, watching intently. Gwen nodded to the other woman and broke away from Steve's embrace and tugged him toward her dressing room.

Three days later there was another terrorist attack in Paris. This one was far more deadly than the one on the orphanage, with well over a hundred people killed and hundreds more injured. News stations covered the story relentlessly.

"We'll need to fly over for a few days," observed Jordan to Gwen, Steve, and Charlie. "I know they don't allow any demonstrations and mass gatherings will be discouraged, but I feel like we need to show our support. This is just awful!"

"I think we all agree with you," offered Gwen. "I'll have someone notify our pilots. Shall we plan on leaving Sparta in an hour?"

A few moments later, Steve was approached by Sybil Burke. "You wanted to see me?"

"Jordan, Gwen, Charlie, and I are flying to Paris. We're leaving here in an hour. We're going there to offer our support and condolences to the people of the city. I want you and a maybe three of your agents to come. This is a dangerous time and I want Jordan and Gwen to be as safe as possible.

"We can be ready," assured Sybil. "Our company has agencies in Europe that we work with closely. They'll have the necessary paperwork for us to be permitted to carry. If it's an issue, we'll have some agents from Paris accompany us. I'll call there right now.

It was just an hour later when a helicopter left Sparta with the four friends and four security people. The switch over to the Red Lady took only minutes and soon the group was headed for Paris once again.

"I've seen on TV that President Hanson and his wife are going to represent the US at a memorial service the day after tomorrow. A few ranking members of Congress are going, as well," added Gwen. "We have not been asked by anyone to represent them. We'll represent Lady in Red on this trip. I think we need to avoid the politicians and concentrate on the injured and the frightened citizens of Paris."

"I second that," chimed in Jordan. "This isn't a political event. It's humanitarian. We'll just console those that need it and return home in a few days."

It was less than an hour after the Red Lady landed that a large van transported their group to their hotel. "I guess I really shouldn't be surprised at how quickly we went through customs and how easily we received permits to carry," stated Sybil Burke. "You and your company seem to have some influence here in France.

"That's no surprise!" responded Janice Prince. "Steve was still in high school when he pushed through that trade agreement that released that Russian spy and guaranteed France a steady supply of natural gas for years to come.

"Then there was that amazing visit after that attack on an orphanage in Paris. Lady in Red bought a new building for the orphanage, gave one of the most watched concerts ever, and Steve blew up a car full of terrorists, among other things."

"This trip is much lower keyed," asserted Gwen. "We're not representing the U.S. and there will be no concert. We're just going to shake some hands and offer condolences to people still hurting."

"That doesn't mean that you agents can relax," warned Steve. "There's always a certain amount of danger when Gwen and Jordan are out in crowds, and tension is pretty high here. Plus, there may be more terrorists waiting for their chance to inflict more mur*er and mayhem."

Rather than sleeping, to catch up on jet lag, the group unpacked and then left the hotel on foot. Sybil and her agents worked hard to keep Gwen and Jordan close as they strolled down the avenues and streets, embracing total strangers and offering their condolences. Steve translated as often as he could. When he heard Janice speaking French to a vendor, he quickly drafted her into being a translator for Jordan and Charlie.

"That way you'll always be close and able to keep an eye on them," pointed out Steve. "No one will know you're a trained security agent. They'll all think you're just another big chested bimbo translator."

"You sure have a way with words," laughed Janice as she joined Jordan and Charlie and began translating for them.

Sybil remained close to Steve and Gwen as the two back-up agents trailed after them , but never strayed very far from either couple. Steve had the opportunity to observe Sybil at work and was thoroughly impressed. She was keenly observant and always alert. Steve decided to thank Charlie again when they were alone for his excellent decision in hiring the security firm.

The citizens of Paris went out of their way to thank the foursome for returning in their time of sorrow. Everywhere they traveled; they were hugged and praised for their efforts, both following the previous attack and for their compassion and concern after the current one. The Paris TV stations featured the report on world leaders attending the memorial service the next day, but managed to devote some of their coverage to the reception given Jordan, Gwen, Charlie, and Steve by the citizens of Paris.

The following day saw the friends visit hospitals in Paris. They were allowed to visit many of the less seriously injured victims of the attack. They would frequently pose for photos, sign casts and hospital gowns for victims, and offer encouragement as they made their way through each hospital. Steve marveled at how well Jordan and Gwen were able to handle the situation. Some of the victims had obviously been maimed and even disfigured, but the girls never failed to smile and hug everyone like long lost friends.

Steve and Charlie were favorites of the female victims. They usually asked for photos with their phones of Steve and Charlie hugging them. Then they would immediately send them to social media sites to show their friends. By day's end, the four friends managed to visit six hospitals and speak with dozens of the injured victims.

Again that evening, the memorial service with world leaders had top billing on news broadcasts. But more actual time in the broadcast was devoted to the hospital visits by the four Americans, as well as the delighted reactions of those that had suffered injuries at the hands of the terrorists and how pleased they were when they had the opportunity to meet Jordan, Gwen, Charlie, and Steve.

The third day of their visit, Steve insisted that they hire a van to transport them to a funeral being held well outside the Paris city limits. They travelled to a small town north of Paris. Steve had seen the article in a Paris newspaper and felt they needed to attend the service.

"An elderly man that owned and operated a local bakery for almost fifty years was a casualty of the violence," explained Steve. "We can't begin to attend all of the funerals, but I believe this one is representative of the situation.

"This man had been visiting his granddaughter, who had recently become engaged. They were celebrating at a small café in Paris when the gunmen suddenly appeared. He pushed his granddaughter under the table and lay across her, shielding her from the hail of bullets. He was struck twice and died in her arms a short time later. Luckily, she was unharmed."

"I see why you wanted to attend this service," replied Gwen. "That type of courage, especially within a family, appeals to your protective nature. This is going to be a very sad occasion."

The friends arrived at the country church an hour before the service was scheduled. They slowly walked the few streets of the small village as they waited for the funeral to begin. They had just passed the bakery the man had owned when they were stopped by a middle aged woman.

She spoke in French and Steve responded. Janice translated for the others. "She's asking Steve if he and his friends will attend the services. When Steve assured her that you came here for that purpose, she just asked if you would sing at the funeral and perhaps deliver a short eulogy."

Steve turned to his friends as Janice finished her translation. "Would you be willing to sing here today? This lady is the daughter of the man that was killed. It was her daughter he was visiting and whom he saved."

"Of course!" responded Jordan immediately. "That man sacrificed his life. We certainly can make the effort to help celebrate his life with his family and friends."

"Unless the lady has a particular request, I'd suggest that we go with what we know that's appropriate for a funeral," added Charlie. "Since the girls are the real singers here, no offense, Steve, I would think they could perform 'Amazing Grace' at the beginning and then again at the end. We all can do 'Bridge over Troubled Water' and 'Let It Be'. They're always well received and I'm sure that French speaking people are somewhat familiar with those songs."

Steve spoke again to the woman who nodded vigorously and thanked Steve and the rest of his group profusely before hurrying away. The church was surprisingly large for a small village and it was filled to overflowing as the Americans, with Janice and Sybil next to them, made their way to the front left of the house of worship. The other two security agents hung back to watch over the situation from farther away.

"They'd like you girls to sing 'Amazing Grace' as they bring the casket in, and then again when it's removed. At the end of the services, Charlie will make his way to the piano and play while we all sing," explained Steve. "The other thing is that we've been asked to say a few words. I'll handle that since I speak French, unless one of you wants the task."

"You do it, Steve," insisted Gwen. "Many of these people are older and would never understand English. Besides, you have a way with words."

As the procession approached with the coffin, Jordan and Gwen did a masterful job singing 'Amazing Grace'. The acoustics in the old church were excellent.

Jordan and Gwen couldn't help but cry as they listened to the old priest conduct the ceremony. Everyone was very quiet and attentive when the ancient clergyman asked Steve to say a few words.

Steve moved to the microphone, bowed his head for a moment, and then began speaking in French. Once again, Janice translated for Jordan and Gwen who were seated on either side of her.

"Pierre Badeau owned a local bakery for almost fifty years. Everyone in this area knew him by name. They knew his family. What many of you may not have known is that Pierre possessed the heart of a lion. He was about five and a half feet tall and well into his seventies, but when hell came calling that afternoon at a little café on a Paris side street, Pierre reacted immediately and with courage, as a man should. Unarmed, and unable to stop his attackers, he pushed his granddaughter to the ground and covered her body with his own. He was shot twice as he protected his loved one.

"We are all greatly saddened by his death, as we should be. But he would want you to know that he did what he had to do out of love. His granddaughter held him in her arms as his life ebbed away. He had the good fortune to die knowing that his actions had saved his granddaughter's life. I am here to tell you that he was immensely relieved, and extremely proud to have responded as he had, and that Danielle survived. He died content in that knowledge.

"I know this because I held my father in my arms as he died from three bullets lodged in his body. He'd received them defending my life and the lives of others. When I reached his side, he managed to speak to me briefly. He smiled through the pain and told me how pleased he was that I had not been harmed seriously. He told me he had to leave me, but that he'd be able to face my mother with his head held high."

Gwen was stunned at Steve's revelations. She had assumed that is father had been dead by the time he made his way to him. Steve had never mentioned anything about the last time he had spoken to his father.

"He told me not to mourn; that he had lived his life as a warrior, and it was fitting to die as one, especially since his actions had helped save my life. He managed to express his pride in his life, and even his death. He told me to always be a man of discipline, to find a pretty girl like Mom, marry her, and to always treat her and my children with love and respect. He told me that someday I'd understand why dying with honor is good thing. He said that a man can ask for no more than to be given the opportunity to save his child, or grandchild, and to succeed. Any man, any father, who does so will die in peace because he will have given all that he had to give, right to the very end. Today I understand what my father was telling me."

Tears were flowing freely by the time Steve concluded his brief eulogy. He had tears in his eyes as the man's granddaughter, Danielle, rushed to him and hugged him tightly. When he released her, Gwen was waiting and quickly took him into her arms. Mourners watched silently as Steve clung to Gwen as he buried his face in her hair. Emotions were heightened when it became obvious to all that Steve was shedding tears as Gwen spoke quietly in his ear. Eventually they stepped apart and returned to their seats.

Steve was fully recovered emotionally by the time he joined Jordan, Gwen, and Charlie in singing 'Bridge over Troubled Water'. He took the lead on 'Let It Be', although Gwen and Jordan backed him up so well that he knew they were making him look better than he was. Later, as the coffin was removed from the church, Jordan and Gwen once again joined in singing 'Amazing Grace'.

Once outside the church, locals crowded around the Americans, thanking them for remembering them in such trying times and for honoring Pierre so eloquently. It took several minutes for the group to make its way to the cemetery behind the church.

Danielle asked them to stand next to her family as she held her fiancé's hand and sobbed. The old priest said a few words and it was over. As they moved back to the parking lot, mourners once again praised and thanked them for coming to France so quickly to show support during such difficult times.

During a moment when Sybil found herself alone with Gwen, she was unable to hold her emotions in check. "I always thought that you and your friends were playing things up for the media, that no one as wealthy and famous as you guys could be that concerned about other people. I was wrong. This trip has opened my eyes. I've got to tell you that Steve's little eulogy had me crying like a baby. I hope you realize that you've got the best man on the planet."

Gwen gazed at Sybil briefly and nodded. "He is that, and I'll never forget it, but thanks. What did he tell you the day we were introduced to you? I know he whispered something to you."

"He told me that he'd never forget what I had done for his family and that he'd do everything in his power to be sure that I enjoyed a long and happy life. He certainly loves you and your family."

By that time, Gwen had reached Steve's side. She pulled him down for a quick kiss on the lips and then clung to his arm. When he looked at her with a question in his eyes, she simply smiled and mouthed the words, "I love you."

On the ride back to their hotel, Gwen asked Steve about his father's passing. Everyone was quiet as they waited for Steve's reply.​