Incest/Taboo Lady in Red

Then she saw her mother hovering over her. Mallory patted her shoulder and smiled proudly down at Sybil. Jordan came to her as soon as she saw Sybil's eyes open. "You made the difference for our guy this morning! Hiring your group was one of the best things we've ever done!"

With that said Jordan hugged the surprised woman warmly and then stepped back so the other members of the family could do the same. Paula was very emotional as she embraced Sybil.

"It was all on TV. We saw how hard you ran to get in a position to be able to help Steve. You saved him for Gwen and the rest of us!"

After everyone finished thanking her, Sybil had time for a few private words with Janice. "Gwen is Steve's girlfriend, lover, and probably future wife, but the rest of the women in the group, including Gwen's mother, aunt, and sisters don't even try to hide the fact that they're in love with him. From what I've seen, Gwen's the only one that sleeps with Steve, but it wouldn't take much for him to get the others in his bed."

"Well, duh!" exclaimed Janice. "The guy's built like a Greek God, talented, wealthy, generous, ...well you get the idea. I'd be flat on my back for the guy in a New York minute, except there are a dozen beautiful women ahead of me."

"Yeah, but you're single, and on your back a lot any way. These women are married or in serious relationships, but they're all in love with him. It just seems unusual for so many women to feel that way and still get along so well. I have yet to see any jealousy, even among the men."

"It's pretty obvious that Gwen has Steve's full attention," responded Janice. "She doesn't seem to mind that the others are so attracted to him. Lisa warned us that we'd fall in love with a guy or two if we were around them very much. I sure get all wet and tingly when he's around me. I'm beginning to think that you've finally found a guy that piques your interest."

"My interest? Of course! I've never seen his equal. I just wish I'd been paying closer attention and shot that miserable prick before he put a bullet into Steve," replied a subdued Sybil.

"Are you kidding? You ran your ass off just to get there. Then you popped that bastard off as soon as he stood up," pointed out Janice. "You did everything you could. No one blames you for Steve being shot."

"Well, I know the truth," answered Sybil. "I just pray that he recovers."

A short time later, Gwen stepped into the waiting room. She looked at her family and friends and managed a small smile. "He's out of surgery, but not out of danger. The bleeding has been stopped and the bullet removed. The worry right now is infection. Septicemia is extremely serious. He's on antibiotics. We all know how tough he is, so I expect him to recover, but I'm going to watch him like a hawk. It'll be touch and go for a day or two as far as any infection is concerned."

Paula grabbed Gwen and hugged her tightly. Soon the others were following suit. Waiting until everyone else had spoken to her, Sybil moved closer to Gwen, but before she could say anything, Gwen wrapped her in a warm embrace.

"You saved my guy!" whispered Gwen into the other woman's ear. "We'll never forget what you've done for our family."

"Gwen, I was too slow! I screwed up. That's why Steve's in the hospital right now," sobbed Sybil quietly.

Gwen pushed Sybil back, held her at arm's length, and studied her face closely. "Lisa, will you walk with Sybil and me for a minute?"

Gwen took Sybil's hand and led her from the room as Lisa rushed to catch up. They came upon an empty meeting room and went inside and closed the door.

"Sybil seems to have some sort of guilt about her role in Steve being hurt today. Does it sound familiar to you, Lisa?" asked Gwen as she held Sybil's hand.

"Boy, does it!" answered Lisa immediately. "I had that guilt big time a few years ago when a terrorist made me call Steve so he wouldn't kill me. Steve came out and was abducted by the man. He was beaten, in a car crash, an explosion, and then forced to survive a fierce snow storm for a few days.

"When he was rescued and treated in the hospital, I was the first person he asked to speak to. He had already heard about my guilt. He explained just how it was. He wanted me to rely on his strength and skill. I should never feel bad about asking for his help, and he was extremely proud that I thought well enough of him to call him in my time of need. If I continued to blame myself, we'd never return to where we were before the incident, and the terrorist would have won."

"My situation is different," reasoned Sybil. "I'm supposed to be a professional, recognize dangerous situations, and respond accordingly."

"I saw the whole thing on TV and that's exactly what you did," stated Lisa. "You were amazing, but that's not even the issue. If Steve thinks that you feel you failed, he'll think that he failed or you'd never feel that way. He needs you to be proud of your role today and to be proud of him. There was no failure! You supported him, and together you saved those kids.

"We all love the guy and we know how he thinks. He's appointed himself as the protector of all of us, especially us females. It's like we're all his women, and in a way we are. He absolutely loves each of us dearly. He hurts when we hurt," added Lisa.

"I can see that he loves all of you, and all of you love him. Aren't you upset that I didn't stop that man before he shot Steve?"asked a puzzled Sybil.

"Hardly! We're all delighted that you ran like an Olympic sprinter to reach a point where you could stop that horrible man from ending Steve's life. Steve doesn't mind when a woman saves him, but he really hates it when they have feelings of guilt and it involves him," explained Lisa.

"I'll tell you something else. You've moved into that circle of women that Steve loves and protects, don't you think, Gwen?"

"Absolutely! Steve has been telling me how alert and professional you are. He feels very emotional when he thinks about what would have happened to Mom, Diane, Billy, and Theresa, if you and your people hadn't been there that day to save them. Your beauty, skill, confidence, and professionalism were impressing him before. Now he's going to love you. It's what he does."

"I'm not beautiful like you and your friends. I'm not voluptuous like the rest of you. I'm just a skinny girl with a gun," joked Sybil weakly.

"You've badly misjudged Steve if you think the size of your boobs makes any difference to him. You've done a disservice to yourself if you think you're not beautiful," replied Gwen. "I guess I need to sum this up and get back with everyone.

"I want you to believe that you saved Steve. I want you to believe that you did nothing wrong and everything right. I need you to accept and respond to the way Steve will begin treating you now. I need you to love him back. That shouldn't be too difficult, should it?" asked Gwen gently.

"Love him? You're his girlfriend! How can you ask me to love him?" wondered Sybil.

"I didn't ask you to sleep with him, and you won't be," smiled Gwen. "All I'm saying is that he will be treating you extremely well when he recovers. Please accept it and be nice back. Do not ever let him think that you feel that you failed him. That will upset him, which in turn, will upset the rest of us. Wouldn't it be better to be one of us than someone we all dislike for upsetting Steve as he recovers?"

"When you put it like that, of course," blushed Sybil. "I just don't know how you want me to love him without making a fool of myself."

"Don't worry about that," chuckled Lisa. "We all do that all of the time with Steve. It's pretty much expected."

Mallory Burke had been concerned when Gwen and Lisa led her daughter out of the room. Was it possible that they did blame her for Steve being shot? Did they believe that her reaction time was too slow? Mallory had come to greatly enjoy the association her company had forged with Lady in Red and the possibility of breaking that relationship worried her.

When Gwen, Lisa, and Sybil stepped back into the room, Mallory knew immediately that everything was going to be fine with her daughter. She was smiling and laughing as she stood between Lisa and Gwen, who were also smiling as much as they could under the circumstances.

Gwen circulated among her friends and family to discuss Steve's situation while Janice pulled Sybil off to the side. Mallory followed closely.

"What happened? I thought we might be getting the boot, but you walked back into the room with a big grin plastered on your face. Is everything okay?" demanded Janice.

"Very much so," responded Sybil. "Lisa and Gwen just explained the facts of life to me as they pertain to this group of amazing people. I'm to never even hint to Steve that I failed him this afternoon. They think I did pretty damn good and they insist that Steve will, too. I'm just supposed to keep doing a good job and be upbeat. Oh, and I have to love Steve because he's going to love me."

"What the hell is wrong with you?" worried Janice. "Is the shooting bothering you? Is that it? You're acting pretty strange."

"You think I'm bothered by killing that bastard before he could shoot Steve again?" scoffed Sybil. "Those two just told me that Steve is going to be acting very appreciative toward me and I'd damn well better reciprocate his feelings."

"They want you to sleep with Steve?" asked an incredulous Mallory. "That's sexual harassment to the maximum!"

"Mother! Love and sex don't always have to be linked. You're old enough to realize that. Everything is fine, but don't be surprised if Steve treats me a little special, like he does about a dozen other women, but not as special as Gwen, damn it!" laughed Sybil. "It's all cool. I just hope he gets better real fast!"

Gwen's family decided to check into their hotel and get some rest since it was very unlikely that they'd be able to see Steve until the danger of infection was past. Gwen was given a cot in an unused supply room to catch naps in while she waited for Steve to awaken.

It was Saturday when Steve was allowed visitors. Paula and Diane used their seniority to be the first ones in. Gwen was seated next to Steve and beamed as Paula and Diane fawned over him for about five minutes. Then Kate and Lisa made their appearance, followed by Jordan and Charlie and then Naomi and Stephanie.

Steve kept insisting that he'd only done what he had to do and it was nothing special, but it was obvious that he greatly appreciated the love and attention of his friends. He soon became tired, so the procession stopped after Becky and Ashley had their time with Steve.

That afternoon, the guys came through in pairs. Billy accused Steve of faking injuries for the sake of sympathy. Just before he left, he told Steve, "I know how it feels to be shot in the gut. I hope I never go through that again. I can still remember how bad it hurt. Take care, My Friend!"

When Janice and Sybil stopped in, Steve insisted on a gentle hug from both women. "You two were amazing that morning. I knew that guy was to my left, but I couldn't even think about him until I took out the bitch that had Senator Chatham's daughter. I was trying to bring my gun up when I saw the guy go over. I knew I wasn't going to be in time, but you were, Sybil. I owe you big time and I always try to pay my debts."

Remembering what Gwen had said, Sybil smiled and replied, "I'm just glad I was able to help. You did all of the heavy lifting, but I'm really pleased that you feel I did so well. It means a lot to me. You've come to mean a great deal to me and I want you to get well as fast as you can."

"I heard you ask those Marines to carry me to the helicopter, Janice. You guys really think fast on your feet. I'm glad that you're the ones watching over Gwen. I know she's safe when she's with you," concluded Steve.

Later that evening, Gwen was surprised when President and Mrs. Hanson were ushered into Steve's room. She quickly stood and embraced the president. Then he carefully shook Steve's hand.

"I had to let you know how much all of us in government appreciate your actions the other day when you saved all of those school kids and chaperones. I'm sorry to say that our track record against terrorists isn't very good. At least not until we factor in the situations you've been involved in. Then the stats improve dramatically. We have an appointment to keep, but I thank you Steve, as does your country."

Steve was feeling stronger Sunday morning. Gwen wheeled him around the floor and he visited with other patients and took the time to thank the nurses for their kindnesses.

"Are you kidding?" asked a middle-aged and somewhat plump nurse when Steve thanked her. "My daughter has been driving me crazy asking me about you. It's the most we've talked in years. She's one of your biggest fans, except maybe for her mother."

Gwen suggested that she pose for a few pictures with Steve and soon all of the nurses were lined up to have a picture taken with Steve. The male nurses asked if Gwen could be in the photo and she quickly agreed.

Senator Chatham, her husband and daughter, Grace, visited that morning. Steve was embarrassed by the praise heaped on him by his boss. He had never seen her so emotional. She kissed him on the lips before she left. Then her daughter did the same, while her husband grinned and offered his hand.

Representative Daniels and his wife were the next ones to visit. "I can't tell you how much we appreciate what you've done for our daughter. My wife and I both feel badly about some of the things we've said about you two. We can't change the past, but you can be certain that we'll be two of your biggest supporters in the future. If we can ever help you in any way, please let us know."

Finally, Vice President Pearson and his wife entered the room with their daughter and her husband. "I was never quite able to understand President Hanson's unusually high regard for you two until this dreadful situation. Now I'm able to see why he's been so high on you both all of these years. I've never seen a couple like you in all of my years in Washington. You've managed to capture the hearts of the American people by good deeds and speaking the truth. It's rare in this day and age. The country is far better for it. Thank you both for what you risked and for what you've suffered to help my granddaughter."

Gwen spent the afternoon with Steve before flying back to Stanford later in the day. She had missed several days of classes and had to return. Monday morning, Sybil and Janice walked into his room smiling.

"Gwen insisted that we keep an eye on you this week. Don't worry; we have some very good agents watching over her at Stanford. We're going to help you get around and watch your back while you're recovering," promised Sybil.

The next afternoon Steve was feeling much better, so Janice and Sybil were pushing him down the hall in a wheel chair when an incredibly beautiful blonde woman approached Steve with a huge smile on her face. She bent over to hug Steve before he could attempt to stand. Because he was still seated, the blonde's ample bosom was pushed into Steve's face as she held his head against her chest.

Sybil and Janice exchanged glances before Janice spoke. "Lady, we're responsible for this guy's safety and it looks like he's suffocating. Could you back up and allow him to breathe?"

The blonde pulled back slightly and grinned at Janice. "He does not appear to be suffering. Leave the two of us alone for an hour and I will have him nursed back to health."

"That will not be happening," assured Sybil. "We work for Gwen and I'm quite sure that she would not want us leaving Steve alone with you for even a minute. It looks like you have the equipment to nurse him, but we can't allow that. He's on strong antibiotics and isn't able to make difficult decisions on his own."

"I think he's already reached a hard decision," laughed the blonde. "I keep telling Gwen he's always like that when he's around me, but she insists he's like that when he's around any woman. Tell me, is that true?"

"Nadiya!" groaned Steve. "It's great to see you, but these ladies don't know your sense of humor. They might think you're serious."

"And you think I'm not?" asked Nadiya as she ran her hand along Steve's cheek. "I was so worried when I heard that you had been shot again. You have to be more careful. It breaks my heart when you are hurt in any way."

Sybil's phone chirped and she quickly answered it. "Hello, Gwen. She's here right now. Do you want us to shoot her? Okay, I'll just give the phone to her."

Sybil handed her phone to Nadiya. "Hello, Gwen. I was just making certain that Steve was recovering properly. They sent you a picture just now? I wasn't trying to smother him, except maybe in love. I'm so glad that he's doing well, but what were you thinking when you left these two lovely women with him? You trust them? But you don't trust me?

"I'm still seeing Hans. He's very understanding about Steve. I'm glad you like him. For some reason, he thinks you are absolutely gorgeous. He likes Steve, even though he's heard about our romance in New York. Maybe it was only for a day, but I still have the photos and the memories. I'll be in Washington for a few weeks, so maybe we can get together. Hans will be coming in tomorrow. I would hope we could all enjoy an evening out together. Okay, good bye."

As Nadiya handed Sybil her phone she told her, "Gwen wants me to make passionate love to Steve to aid in his recovery and lift his spirits, so please excuse us. I'll take him from here."

Nadiya barely managed to reach for the handles of Steve's wheelchair before Janice pulled it back and away from the beautiful Ukrainian. "We're in charge of his safety and well being. If it becomes necessary for him to,.. to seek release, we'll be in charge of that, too. Gwen was very specific in her instructions, right, Sybil?"

"Yes, you're absolutely right, Janice. He has to gradually get into the swing of things. No big breasted, sexual dynamos will be allowed too close until Gwen gets back together with him."

"Wait," protested Janice. "I'm sure that I heard Gwen say red headed, big breasted sexual dynamos would be okay."

"Ladies, in case you've forgotten, I'm sitting right here," chuckled Steve. "I think I should have a say in what sort of dynamos I interact with. As tempting as the offers are, I'm under orders from my personal 'almost' physician to get plenty of rest and to avoid undue temptation tossed my way by beautiful blondes, red heads, or brunettes. In case you haven't noticed, that eliminates each of you."

"You have such a nice way of letting me down," smiled Nadiya as she leaned in and gave Steve a lingering kiss on the lips. "I have to go, but we'll get together when Hans and Gwen are there to prevent any 'undue temptation' as you call it. Ladies, keep your hands off this man. He belongs to my very good friend. If anyone steals him away from her it will be me!"

"There you are, Steve!" boomed a familiar voice. Steve and the women with him turned to see Vincent and Cynthia Rosen.

"Nadiya! It's so good to see you," greeted Vince. "This is my wife, Cynthia. Nadiya is the daughter of the new Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister. She and Steve are good friends from years ago."

"Not that good, I'm afraid," joked Nadiya as she briefly hugged the Rosens. "I blame Gwen that Steve and I are not much closer friends than we are."

"You and every other woman on the planet," laughed Cynthia Rosen. "It's so good to see you getting around, Steve. We were worried about you when we heard what happened. We just wanted you to know that we care and we wish you the best."

"You don't have to look for reporters," stated Vince Rosen as he saw Steve scan the hallway. "This is a private, unannounced visit. We're not here to campaign or draw attention to ourselves. We're learning from you and Gwen. We know that real friends don't take advantage of that friendship for personal gain. The two men at the end of the hall are Secret Service."

"It's always good to see you both, and I'm glad there aren't any reporters sneaking around here. You know Nadiya. I'd like to introduce Janice Prince and Sybil Burke. They've been assigned to watch out for me while I'm recuperating."

"We saw how well they helped you that day you stopped that woman from killing Senator Chatham's daughter," responded Cynthia Rosen. "I've got to tell you that we've never been as proud of a friendship as we are with being friends with Gwen and you. Vince and I both want it to continue long after the election, regardless of the outcome. You make us want to be better, more understanding, helpful, and disciplined. You and Gwen have restored the country's faith that honor, integrity, and honesty can benefit individuals and businesses."

"Thanks, Cynthia, but I think you might be stretching things more than a little," replied Steve. "I'll admit that Gwen is incredible. I marvel at her beauty, talent, and brains. She's the one that sets our course. I just try to keep up with her."

"That's the other thing that appeals so much to the nation," laughed Cynthia Rosen. "Your modesty is so endearing! You don't posture, strut, or brag. You just do what you feel is best. It's been a long time since we've had public figures like you two, if ever."

"You're going to embarrass him," chuckled Vince Rosen as he watched Steve fidget under Cynthia's praise. "We just wanted to be stop in and tell you that we wish you a speedy recovery and to thank you for your service to your country and to your community. You make us proud."

Nadiya kissed Steve again and left with the Rosens. Once they were out of sight, Janice finally spoke. "You've had the sitting president, vice president, and all kinds of senators and members of congress visit you in the last week. Now what could well be the next president of the United States just stopped in! They all call you by your first name and treat you like a friend. Do you have any idea how amazing that is?"

"Don't make too much out of it," answered Steve. "We're still the same people we always were. It's nice to be friendly with important people, but being friends with people like both of you is the most satisfying feeling there is. We identify with folks that do their work and try to be good citizens. That's most of the people in the country. Gwen and I are just two of many."

"You really believe that, don't you?" marveled Sybil. "In the short time we've been with you guys, we've seen enough to know that you're no average couple! Everything you both do is better, harder, more dangerous, more everything than what everyone else does. I didn't believe the things I heard about you before we met, but now I realize that don't begin to do you justice."

The following morning, Steve was slowly walking in the hall with Janice when Sybil found them. "It looks like our patient is doing better! Thanks for taking the night shift, Janice. Go catch some sleep. I'll keep my eye on the guy."

"I bet you will!" laughed Janice. "I'd love to stay but I need a shower and a good sleep. I'll be back this afternoon."

Just after Janice left, an older, somewhat gruff nurse stopped Steve and Sybil as they slowly walked back from the cafeteria. "There's some guy named King or something on the phone that wants to talk to you. I didn't quite get the whole name. It's on line three."

Confused, Steve glanced at Sybil and then shrugged before picking up a phone from the nurse's station and hitting number three. Sybil stepped back to allow privacy, but she was too curious to go far enough to not hear the conversation.

"Hello?" began Steve. "Hey, Your Royal Highness! It's great to hear from you! Okay, I won't call you that. I'm feeling much better. Well, thank you, and thank The Duchess as well. She's very kind. Maybe we can get together for the holidays or something? Gwen would love that! Let's make it happen. Are you kidding? She'll make the arrangements. Gwen loves hanging with you guys and we love kids, so that's no problem. Okay, see you then, and thanks. Take care of your family."

Steve returned the phone to its cradle and turned to rejoin a flabbergasted Sybil. "Would I be correct in assuming that you just chatted with the Prince?"

"He prefers 'William' to titles and formalities. If you manage to hang on to your job and don't piss off Gwen, you just might be our security if we're able to work out some vacation time with the Duke and Duchess," teased Steve.

On Friday, ten days after his showdown on a Pennsylvania highway, Sybil and Janice drove Steve back to Washington. He was discharged that morning with instructions about continuing antibiotics and keeping his rapidly healing wounds clean.

Steve had insisted that since Sybil and Janice were already on site, there was no reason for anyone else to travel to Philly just to ride back to Washington with him. He managed to leave the hospital without any fanfare. Since the press did not know that he left the hospital, there were none waiting at his hotel when he arrived Friday afternoon.

He was tired from the trip and excused himself to go to his suite to take a short nap. It was almost five when he awoke. Feeling like he hadn't been clean in weeks, he took a shower. As he was drying, he decided to soak for a while in the large hot tub in his suite. He was once again nodding off when he heard voices.

"You're in the hot tub alone? You could drown or something. Gwen would never forgive me," laughed Naomi as she peeled her clothes off and stepped into the tub and sat down next to Steve. "Don't you feel a lot safer now?"

"Truthfully? I feel like I'm in great danger," replied Steve with a straight face.

"You're in danger of getting a big old erection," shot back Naomi as she kissed Steve's cheek. "But that's okay. I always feel flattered when you do."

"Steve! I'm so glad you're back and healing up," greeted Kate from the doorway. "I hope there's room for me in there with Naomi's big ass taking up so much space."

Soon Kate was naked and sitting on the other side of Steve from Naomi. "Janice and Sybil were out in the foyer with their eyes as big as saucers when I got here. I don't know if was because Naomi got naked and jumped in with you, or if they were spying on you before Naomi got here. Naomi and I left our security detail out in the foyer with them."

"We had to be sure that he was in safe hands," explained Janice from the doorway. "This must be some of that sexual harassment we were warned about. We're keeping an eye on Steve and now it appears he's in a lot of danger. Maybe I should call Gwen and ask her about this."

"If you get her, put her on speaker," stated Naomi. "I want to talk with her anyway."

"I'm serious," "insisted Janice. "I'm calling her right now if you don't leave. I'm supposed to watch out for her interests."

"Please do call her," chuckled Naomi. "This should be interesting."

"Gwen?" spoke Janice into her phone. "He's okay, except your sister, Kate, and Naomi are both naked and in the hot tub with him. Now Naomi's sitting on his lap and pressing her breasts against him! Okay, I'll put you on speaker and put the phone on the edge of the tub."

Showing an evil smile, Janice placed the phone near Steve's side and stepped back to watch the train wreck.

"Hello, Gwen. Steve's wounds are healing pretty well. I find if I rub my nipples over them, they heal even faster. No need to thank me. I'm glad to help," offered Naomi.

"She's right, Sis. I'm getting out of the tub and rubbing my nipples all over his back wound, and I think I'm getting a response. It's really quite impressive," deadpanned Kate.

"I'm sure you both are," laughed Gwen. "Steve, are you in much pain? How's your heart rate? Is the 'massage' you're getting helping at all?"

"I don't know about that. In a way it feels pretty good, but I'm getting light headed. Maybe I lost more blood than I realized," replied Steve in what he thought sounded like a concerned tone.

"I'm afraid it's simply traveled to a different head," suggested Gwen with a giggle. "I think you all should know that I've authorized Janice and Sybil to shoot any of the usual suspects that may be trying to get too familiar with my guy."

"Sis! You've got to be kidding. Janice is sitting right here with her giant knockers resting in Steve's face! He's even..."

"I am not!" broke in Janice forcefully. "I'm fully clothed and conducting myself in an appropriate manner."

"Really, Janice?" questioned Kate. "Don't you think it would be more appropriate if you were rubbing those big hooters all over Steve's face and helping him to forget his pain?"

"Well, since you put it that way," grinned Janice.

"Leave your clothes on!" ordered Gwen. "I don't think Steve's healthy enough to have Kate, Naomi, and you topless and rubbing against him. His heart would probably stop from lack of blood."

"If my mother could hear this conversation, she'd be wishing she kept that sexual harassment clause in effect," observed Sybil from the far side of the room.

"Naomi, how does Steve's abdomen look?" asked Gwen. "Is the wound healing properly?"

"To be honest, Steve hasn't allowed anyone so much as a peek at it. It's below the waterline, if you know what I mean," responded Naomi.

"Steve, please get a picture of the bullet wound in your abdomen and text it to me," insisted Gwen. "I want to be sure it's healing."

"Gwen, can't you fly into D.C. for the weekend? You could give me a complete physical then," argued Steve, but with a big grin.

"Just send me a picture, you big baby," replied Gwen. "I told you that I'm assisting at a surgery tomorrow afternoon and can't miss it.

"Naomi, just have him stand up and take the picture. I want to be sure he's healing okay," persisted Gwen.

"Okay. You heard her, Steve. Let me get my phone. Then you'll stand and I'll get a good close up," promised Naomi.

"I think I'd like Sybil to take the picture," announced Gwen suddenly. "She's a professional and won't be drooling all over my guy like Naomi and Kate will."

"M..m..me?" asked Sybil. "I'm not very good with my phone. Maybe you should have Janice take it. She uses hers all of the time."

"Gwen said for you to take it," insisted Kate. "You're getting paid to follow orders, so get over here and get some pictures."

"I don't know. The hot water might steam up the lens or something. How close do I have to get?"

"He'll probably have a hard on after Kate and I rubbed him with our bountiful breasts, so just move it to the side with one hand and snap the picture with the other," instructed Naomi.

"You mean an erection? You expect me to push it to the side to take the picture? I've never done that before. Oh, okay, I'll do it," agreed Sybil as she moved close to the tub.

"Just get on your knees so you'll be eye level when Steve stands up," urged Kate. "Hold the camera in one hand and have the other one ready to slide that big cock away from the wound, okay?"

Sybil simply nodded as she carefully kneeled down and held her phone in one hand while she waited for Steve to stand. She held the position for half a minute before she turned to look at the other women. She gasped when she saw Janice had Kate's phone camera pointed at her. That's when the other women broke into gales of laughter.

Sybil blushed a bright red and quickly stood up. As she turned toward Janice, her pivot foot slipped on the wet tile and she went over backwards into the tub! Steve reached down and lifted her head and face out of the water. The other women now had tears running down their cheeks.

Sybil had managed to hold her phone above the water when she fell in. She continued to hold the phone high above the surface as she struggled to get out of the tub. By the time she was back standing on the floor, Naomi had wrapped a towel around her shoulders while Kate started running another towel through her wet hair.

"What just happened?" demanded Gwen over the speaker."Did Steve actually stand up, or did Sybil get into the tub?"

"We'll send you the video," promised Janice. "Sybil fell for the whole thing, hook, line, and sinker, but when she finally realized we'd punked her, she tried to come after me. Her foot slipped out from under her and she fell into the tub with Steve. Now she's soaking wet and Naomi and Kate are drying her off. I'd post it on YouTube if Kate and Naomi weren't naked."

"Sybil? Are you upset with us?" asked Gwen. "It was all in good fun. I knew you'd love to see Steve naked, so I schemed with the other girls to get you into that position."

Sybil was blushing and smiling at the same time. "I can take a joke. You really got me good with that one. I had no idea that you were setting me up. I guess I was trying to prepare myself for sliding that big unit over with one hand while I took the picture with the other. I never noticed that Janice was videoing the whole thing. I bet I looked like a complete fool!"

"It wasn't too bad, at least not until you fell into the tub," laughed Janice. "Wait until your mom sees this. Her top field agent trying to take close ups of her client's package! And she was worried that we'd be sexually harassed. That's so funny."

"You won't be showing that to my mom!" stated Sybil firmly.

"The video is on Kate's phone. Mine is still by the tub so Gwen can hear us," pointed out Janice. "If that video ever gets out, no one will be able to blame me."

"Okay, Ladies. That was fun, but I'm turning into a prune. How about some privacy so I can get dressed. Then we'll go downstairs for some dinner. I've lived on hospital food too long already," complained Steve.

Ashley and her security agent joined the rest of the group at dinner. "Okay, what happened? You guys are like a bunch of teenage girls. Why all of the giggles?"

Much to Sybil's dismay, Kate pulled the video up on her phone and passed it to Ashley. Even without being able to see the video, Janice, Kate, and Naomi once again broke into laughter as they listened to the recording.

"I thought Kate had taken it too far and Sybil would know something was up when she told Sybil to 'slide that big cock away from the wound'. But Sybil just nodded, held the phone in her left hand, and waited," laughed Janice.

Ashley and the other security women were laughing hysterically as they replayed the video several times.

"Now we discover that our 'Ice Queen' boss was on her knees waiting to slide Steve's cock to the side to take a picture!" laughed the woman assigned to Ashley. "Mallory is always stressing appropriate, professional behavior. Now we have a video of Sybil kneeling and waiting for a hard cock!"

"In my defense, that sounds a lot worse than the reality was," insisted Sybil. "I was just following orders."

"Was that the first time you've ever been on your knees in front of a man?" asked Janice as laughter once again rang out.

"I'm not even going to respond to that catty remark," replied Sybil. "I will say, however, that I'm supposed to be sure that Steve is safe and his health is improving. I will certainly do whatever is required to achieve that objective."

"Did she just say she'd blow Steve if he wanted her to?" asked Kate as even more laughter erupted around the table.

"I never realized that women are even raunchier than sailors when a bunch of them get together," observed Steve. "You should stop giving Sybil such a hard time."

"There's that word again!" laughed Naomi. "Is it okay if Steve gives you a 'hard time', Sybil?"

"She wishes!" added Janice as she wiped the tears of laughter from her eyes.

"Ladies, let's find another subject to discuss. It seems like no matter that anyone says, you make it into a sexual inference. Let's talk about weather or politics," suggested Steve.

"I can do that," acknowledged Ashley. "Gwen is miles ahead in all of the polls. She should get re-elected in a landslide."

"I thought she just got elected last year and all representatives serve two year terms. Can you tell me why she has to run again this year?" asked Sybil, grateful that the topic of conversation had been changed.

"True, but Gwen won a special election because the Congresswoman Blake resigned to start campaigning for the senate. All members of Congress are up for election every even numbered year, for two year terms. Every four years is a presidential election, like this year.

"Gwen is on the ballot this time around, so we don't have to depend on write-ins. She refuses to campaign, or even spend any money on getting re-elected, but she's been doing so many things and getting so much good press that she's managed to gain a huge lead on the two major party candidates," concluded Ashley.

Steve had been told to rest and recuperate the rest of the month. He quickly regained his strength. He flew to Sanford and spent a couple of weeks with Gwen. Nadiya and Hans joined them for a weekend and they toured San Francisco.

Steve was surprised at how grueling Gwen's schedule was and how little free time she was able to find to spend with him. It increased his appreciation of her discipline and tenacity in her desire to become a doctor.

Steve was scheduled to return to Washington and Senator Chatham's office on the first Monday in October. Stephanie called him on the Wednesday before he left California. She was working on publicity for the movies that Lady in Red would be releasing soon.

"Steve, I have you, Naomi, Pete, and Becky scheduled for the night show on NBS Friday night. Pete is a total novice, but Becky, Naomi, and you are pretty savvy with PR. I held out until they promised that you four would be on the entire show, with no other guests. I have you booked on a commercial flight tomorrow afternoon. The Red Lady is in Washington with Lisa and Jason. Maybe we need to buy a second aircraft?

"Tell Gwen that I'm sorry to pull you away from her warm bed and hot body, but business calls. I'll email you the details for your flight. In case you haven't figured it out, you guys will be promoting 'Singlehandedly' which will be opening the following weekend. It turned out quite well. Of course Naomi and you put a lot of sizzle in that love scene. You can expect to be asked about that."

The next afternoon saw Steve in uniform and sitting in first class with a stewardess fawning over him when a woman wearing Marine fatigues approached him from the coach area. Steve looked up at her from his seat and noticed that another Marine was with her, and he was taking video.

"Lieutenant, the Marine Corps Ball will be on December 10th and I'm asking if you would be my escort? I realize you have a beautiful girlfriend, but I just had to ask."

Steve smiled as he looked at the nervous woman. "Is the Marine that's recording your request your boyfriend or husband?" asked Steve. "I certainly don't want to have a jealous Marine after me."

"He's my brother. We're both going home on leave. We've been overseas and haven't been home in almost a year," replied the woman as she watched Steve's face for his reaction.

"Is he going to the Ball?" quizzed Steve.

"Kyle? He doesn't have a date, and no real prospects," answered the woman.

"Then I'll tell you what. If you can talk your brother into escorting my girlfriend to the affair, you and I will have a date," replied Steve. "Do you think you can convince him?"

"Are you kidding?" laughed the woman. "I don't have to ask him. The other guys in his unit would kick his ass if he turned that offer down. Gwen Anderson won't mind going with a black man?"

"Wrong question," responded Steve immediately. "Your brother is a United States Marine. You're not suggesting that women are not safe around Marines, are you? Gwen and I would be delighted to attend the Ball with two Marines, not white Marines or black Marines, but Marines.

"I'll give you my contact information. We'll make plans next week. I want to thank you for thinking of me, and thank your brother for agreeing to escort Gwen. We'll both be proud to be seen with Marines," stated Steve with a big smile. "What is your name, by the way?"​