Lady in Red Pt. 03 Ch. 09

Steve had sent Chip, Charlie and Jason around to cover the rear of the building while he and Sybil remained in front, concealed behind an old Jeep. Charlie had taken a position next to a derelict John Deere tractor, which appeared to be sinking into the earth. He had a line of sight to Steve and Sybil. Jason took cover behind an old shed. Chip had worked his way around to the back of the building and dropped down, shielded from sight by a tree.

A man suddenly charged out of the rambling old building, looking intently in Charlie's direction and firing an automatic rifle as he ran. Bullets bounced off the old tractor Charlie was using for cover. Chip brought his rifle around just as a second man appeared, also carrying an automatic weapon. Chip squeezed off two rounds, and the second man fell over backwards. He was lining his rifle up on the man shooting toward Charlie, when he heard Jason's rifle bark. Chip watched as the first man pitched forward into some old farm machinery and became motionless.

As soon as Steve heard the gunfire, he stood and began racing for the front door of the building. While not caught totally by surprise, Sybil was unable to keep up with him, but she did her best. Steve was within 50 feet of the open door, when two heavily armed men came running out to meet him. Steve never hesitated as he brought up his handguns and began firing.

Sybil saw both men drop. She then noticed movement out of the corner of her eye. A man was steadying a rifle over the back of an old pickup as he took aim at Steve! Sybil growled deep in her throat as she brought her handgun to bear on the man and began firing. The man jerked each time a bullet struck him as Sybil emptied her weapon.

Steve turned to see the man slide to the ground and nodded to Sybil, just as an explosion rocked the inside of the building. Dust and smoke billowed through the open door. Both Steve and Sybil instinctively dropped to the ground.

As they cautiously regained their feet, a man's heavily accented voice came from inside the building. "I give up! I am unarmed! I am coming out!"

Steve held a gun on the man, his empty hands raised, as he appeared through the smoke and haze. Sybil took that moment to slide a fresh magazine into her weapon.

"Where's the girl?" demanded Steve angrily as he strode up to the strangely behaving man.

"You must know what happens when you don't pay the ransom," replied the man as he wiped some blood from a gash on his head. "I blew up the room she was in. You'll be lucky to find any pieces of the little bitch!"

Without hesitation, Steve pointed his gun at the man's head and fired. By this time, Sybil was next to Steve and saw him jerk at the man's words. She anticipated what would come next. She quickly swept her arm up and pushed Steve's gun to the side, just enough to prevent the bullet from striking the man.

"Don't kill him, Steve! You don't need the trouble it would cause. We have to look for Lena!" urged Sybil as she watched Steve wage an internal battle. She had no hope of preventing Steve from killing the man if he decided to do so. Steve suddenly brought his handgun around and cracked the man on the head, knocking him over backwards. The man remained motionless as Charlie, Chip, and Jason hurried up to them.

"Jesus! That guy's lucky Sybil was here," remarked Chip. "What did he say to piss you off so badly?"

"He told Steve that he just blew up Lena!" answered Sybil. "We need to watch for more kidnappers while we search for her. She may not be dead, but there's no time to waste!"

Steve simply nodded as he stepped over the unconscious man and entered the smoky building. He quickly indentified the area when the blast had occurred. Thirty feet of the wall was missing, as well as the entire roof.

Almost blinded by tears, he began lifting debris in search of Lena. Soon Jason, Chip and Charlie were assisting him in his search as Sybil stood nearby, on the lookout for any remaining kidnappers.

"Steve! Look over by that junk car!"

Steve glanced at Sybil to see what had her so excited. His eyes followed her pointed finger, and he immediately saw some platinum hair. He jumped over a piece of masonry wall still standing and sprinted towards the blonde girl. Fear for her survival created a knot in Steve's stomach.

Dreading what he would find, he couldn't get to the girl fast enough. Stunned, Steve found Lena collapsed on top of Saint! It had been her hair draped across his shoulder they had seen from the ruins of the building.

Steve quickly found both kids had strong pulses. There were chunks of debris from the building scattered all around them, and a few smaller pieces lying on top of them. Lena had a glazed look, while Saint's eyes were closed and blood covered his head.

"I'll get the car and we'll get these kids to the hospital!" offered Jason as he took off running.

Sybil studied her surroundings carefully as she pulled her phone from her pocket. "Gwen, we have her, we're at the old Wilson junkyard; there was gunfire and an explosion. I can't tell how badly Lena was hurt, or even if she was hurt at all. She seems dazed, at the very least.

"Gwen, I'm sorry, but Saint's been hurt as well. He's unconscious and bleeding from his scalp. I don't know what other injuries he may have. We're going to load them up and run for the hospital. It would take an ambulance some time to get way out here and frankly, I don't think Steve would wait for it."

Gwen felt her heart turn to ice at Sybil's words. Saint was hurt and unconscious! She managed to hold it together as she responded to Sybil.

"Thanks, Sybil. We'll send the police to the junkyard and head for the hospital right now. Take care of them, please!"

Everyone began firing questions at Gwen as she disconnected the phone. "Was someone hurt? Did they rescue Lena? What happened, Gwen?" demanded Lisa.

"Sybil never mentioned if the men were hurt," replied Gwen as she faced her family. "They have Lena, but Sybil said she's dazed, and she didn't know if she'd been badly hurt. Saint is bleeding from his head and is unconscious! I need to get to the hospital!"

"I don't know why Steve took Saint!" exclaimed an overwrought Paula. "I knew it was a mistake!"

Gwen stopped so suddenly the others stumbled into her. "Mother, If I ever hear you blame Steve for Saint getting hurt, I'll make certain you never see my kids again. I don't expect you to fully understand the importance of both Saint and Lena growing up and prospering, but know this!

"I believe Saint and Lena are the future of mankind. He'll be in constant danger as he grows up and will likely be badly hurt a few times, much like Steve has been. There's a price to be paid to become a Warrior. And there's no one better equipped to teach Saint what he needs to learn in the next ten or twelve years than Steve! You'll either respect Steve's and my decisions regarding Saint, or even though it will break my heart, I'll have to insist you remove yourself from our family!"

Stunned silence fell over the room. Gwen had never spoken to a family member so sharply, and especially not her mother!

"I apologize, Gwen. I was wrong," sobbed Paula. "I don't understand, but I know I need to trust you and Steve. Will you forgive me?"

"Ride with me to the hospital, Mom. I love you! You're already forgiven. We have to get moving. Hanna and Adam will ride with us. We need to leave right now."

As Jason came racing back with the SUV, Steve carefully cradled Saint in his arms and stood. "Charlie, would you bring Lena? Sybil, please drive us to the hospital. Chip, would you and Jason keep an eye on everything, watch for any more trouble and explain everything to the police when they arrive?

Sybil concentrated on driving as fast as she safely could. She was aware many people became involved in accidents while rushing to the hospital and was determined not to cause any further harm to her precious cargo.

She pulled up near the unloading dock for the emergency room and simply slammed the car into park. Someone else could move it if necessary. She had more pressing issues to worry about.

Steve and Charlie had stepped out of the car as soon as it came to a stop and gently carried the kids toward the ER, only to be confronted by a young police officer. He was new to the job, but two heavily armed and bloody men were exactly what he was tasked to protect against.

"Stop!" demanded the officer as he pulled his gun. "You can't come in here carrying weapons. I need you to disarm immediately!"

Sybil rushed past Steve and shoved her ID into the man's face. "Stand down, officer! These men are Federal Agents in the service of President Hammer!"

By this time, some of the hospital staff had responded to the ruckus outside, recognized Steve and Charlie and pushed two gurneys right past the young officer, ignoring his lack of comprehension.

"Officer Parker, these men are absolutely permitted into this hospital, with or without weapons, anytime of the day or night," announced Dr. Laura Watkins as she went to examine the children.

"Laura, I'll take one of them," called Charlotte as she hurried to where Charlie was placing Lena gently on a gurney. "Gwen called. She'll be here in a few minutes. We need to get them into the ER!"

Reluctantly, Steve stood and watched Laura direct the staff as they wheeled Saint and Lena away. Charlie saw the pain in his friend's face and embraced Steve in a manly hug.

"They'll be okay. You know how tough kids are. And scalp wounds always look worse than they really are."

"Sir? We need to get you into the ER and check your arm," stated a young nurse who suddenly appeared next to Charlie.

"You were hit?" asked a very surprised Steve as he looked at Charlie's arm. "Go with her and get it taken care of!"

"It's little more than a scratch. It doesn't feel any worse than a bee sting," replied Charlie before being led away by the nurse.

Steve then turned to Sybil with concern. "Are you okay? Were you hurt? I was so wrapped up in the kids I couldn't think of anything else. I'm sorry, Sybil."

Sybil shook her head in wonder as she embraced Steve. "I'm fine, and you've got nothing to apologize for. You're a great dad. You know Saint is the one who saved Lena, don't you?"

"I never should've left him alone. I wouldn't ever have stayed in the car, so how could I have expected Saint would? She was wearing the extra vest Saint insisted we bring, and it looks like it made a difference."

"What happened to Charlie? How badly was he hurt?" demanded Jordan as she and Tyler hurried up to Steve and Sybil.

"Jordan, I didn't even know he was bleeding until a moment ago. He carried Lena in and seemed fine. He told me it was little more than a scratch. I'm afraid I let a few people down after I heard that guy claim he'd blown up Lena."

Jordan frowned at Steve's reply and looked to Sybil for a clearer explanation.

"Charlie will be fine. His arm was just bleeding, not gushing. I'm not sure if a bullet grazed him, or he was cut while digging through the rubble looking for Lena. One of those assholes tried to blow up Lena when he discovered we were on the scene. It seems that Saint pulled her out of a tight situation in time to save her life, but he suffered a head injury for his efforts."

By that time, Kate and Lisa were close by and listening intently. Lisa spoke when Sybil finished. "I talked with Jason, and he said he and Chip are fine. They were sorting things out with the police and the FBI, who showed up in time to take over the arrest of the lone kidnapper still alive. He said the guy was bleeding pretty badly and was being brought here."

"Then we need to go somewhere else to discuss this," insisted Sybil. "If I'm here when that guy's brought in, I might try to strangle him to death!"

"Come with me, guys," offered Kate. "The waiting room is just down the hall."

The waiting room was a large carpeted area furnished with numerous chairs and sofas where half a dozen people were sitting around waiting to learn about their loved ones. They had all been watching TV when Steve's group entered the room.

"Steve Hammer?" asked an older woman. "I don't know if you remember me; I used to..."

"Mrs. Jenkins? You lived on Gwen's street before we moved to Asgard. Of course I remember you!"

"You're so kind to remember an old woman. The news people broke into the talk show a little while ago to tell us that the beautiful little girl you and Saint rescued in Hungary had been kidnapped here in Sparta. They said you were involved in a gun battle with the kidnappers, but no one knows how it turned out.

"Are you hurt? You're wearing guns and there's blood on your shirt, so I bet it didn't turn out too well for the kidnappers. Is that adorable little girl okay, if you don't mind my asking?"

"Ma'am, thanks for asking. Lena is here, and the doctors are tending to her. I'm hoping for the best," answered Steve politely just as Adam Kiss rushed into the room.

"Steve! How is Lena? I was told to wait here because the ER was getting too crowded. Hanna was allowed in with Gwen, but I haven't seen Lena at all. How is she?" asked the obviously concerned father before adding. "And how badly was Saint injured?"

Several of the people around them let out gasps upon hearing Saint had been hurt. All eyes turned to Steve.

"She was dazed, but was breathing fine and seemed to be getting better during the ride in, but she didn't say a word, not that we were encouraging her to. Saint took a blow to his head, I'm guessing from flying debris. He was unconscious and bleeding, but his pulse and respiration were regular. We need to wait for a report from the medical staff. There's no better hospital or doctors than right here in Sparta," responded Steve as he took a seat next to Sybil and Tyler.

Jason and Chip joined Steve and the others in the waiting room. A few minutes later, Charlie and Jordan joined them. Charlie had his left sleeve missing and a large fresh bandage wrapped around that arm.

Mrs. Jenkins watched the rugged men as they discussed the day's events before commenting to the others in the room. "It looks like the boys are back in town, to quote Jordan from that great song. If these boys want to fight, you'd better let 'em!"

The older woman then declared, "Sparta's home to some of the toughest, best looking men imaginable. I feel a lot safer because of them."

Less than an hour later, Gwen walked into the waiting room to find Steve quietly speaking with their friends. The others in the room had gradually become accustomed to sharing a room with the famous Steve Hammer, and with Charlie and Jordan Burns, but were unable to stifle their oohs and aahs when Gwen entered.

"Saint is going to be fine," announced Gwen with a smile as she wrapped her arms around her husband. "Both kids will be fine. Saint was concussed by something striking his head, but there was minimal swelling, and he's feeling much better."

"Gwen, I never..." was all Steve managed.

"Hush, Husband," replied Gwen as she kissed Steve into silence. "Saint saved Lena's life. He had to be there so he could go to her. It's begun. We have to prepare for it. Those kids are the future for far more than we realized. And I'm talking worlds, not countries."

Gwen suddenly turned red when she heard gasps from several onlookers. "I need to save this for a more private time and place, but don't blame yourself for anything. Saint needs to learn all he can from his father, and everything is as it should be. He's spending the night here for observation, and he wants to speak to his Dad."

Saint had a bandage wrapped around his head and he looked pale, but his eyes were alert when Steve stepped into the room. When Steve smiled down at him, his face came alive with worry.

"Dad, I know you told me to stay in the car, but I just couldn't! Lena was in danger, and she needed me. I had to try to help her!"

"Saint, don't worry; one of the most difficult decisions a responsible man has to make in his life is determining when to follow an order, and when disobeying it is the right thing to do," responded Steve. "I told you to stay with the car based on what I knew at the time. Then more information became available to you, and you acted accordingly. That's exactly what men of honor and conscience do. I'm proud of you!"

Gwen beamed as she watched her husband embrace their son. Saint was destined to shoulder tremendous responsibilities, and his father was the only man she trusted to prepare him for it. She knew Saint would learn far more than strategy and tactics from his father. He would also learn the compassion, wisdom and leadership skills a true warrior must possess.

Paula had entered the room just in time to hear Steve's response to Saint and see the two share a hug. Tears came to her eyes as she thought back to Gwen's strong support of Steve's decisions regarding Saint. Gwen understood her men so much better than Paula ever could. It was increasingly apparent why her daughter had become the Queen of Peace, and Steve was known as The Warrior. They were both extraordinary in every way, and she would never question their decisions again.

Gwen and Steve were given a room in the hospital so they could spend the night close to Saint. Hanna and Adam Kiss were allowed similar use of a room. Lady in Red had donated millions to the facility over the years, and the administration well understood how important the Hammers had been to the hospital's growth and success. The hospital was delighted to offer them accommodations.

The parking lot was jammed with reporters as Gwen, Steve and Saint emerged from the hospital shortly before noon the next day. Typical of the couple's approachability to the media, they made their way around their waiting vehicle and approached the gathered reporters.

"Madam President! Can you tell us how your son is doing today?" asked Heather Jensen.

"He's doing very well. Thank you, Heather," responded Gwen with a smile. "He suffered a minor concussion but is almost totally recovered. We'll keep him as quiet as possible for a couple of days, but that's merely a precaution."

"Why did you allow your husband to place your son in such a dangerous situation?" demanded a man reporting for a cable news station. "Wasn't it reckless to send a 7-year-old boy into a probable gun battle?"

"Would you care to rephrase your question?" asked Gwen tersely. "Insulting me and implying my husband and I aren't dedicated to the safety of our children won't get you very far."

"I apologize!" replied the reporter immediately before rephrasing his question. "Could you tell us why your son accompanied your husband on such a dangerous endeavor?"

"I can, although you may not believe my answer. Saint has a special connection with Lena. It's much like the one I have with Steve, only stronger," continued Gwen as she squeezed Steve's arm. "Steve needed Saint on hand to locate Lena. Once Saint determined where Lena was being held, he was instructed to remain in our SUV. The situation devolved, so Saint decided he had to involve himself.

"He managed to free Lena from her prison shortly before the rabble that had kidnapped her set off an explosive device intended to kill her. If Saint had not been along, Lena would have been killed. Our son was the key to Lena Kiss's survival."

"Do you expect people to believe that your son and that little girl have some sort of special connection?" demanded the same reporter.

"I expect people to believe what they choose. I'm simply answering your questions, but I'll not take any more from you, Sir. Your attitude is not acceptable," replied Gwen calmly.

"Madam President, why did the kidnappers choose Lena Kiss for their victim?" asked another reporter.

"I can only assume they found the security surrounding the children of our friends and family far too difficult to circumvent. Lena's parents arrived in Sparta unannounced and unknown to our security, making Lena vulnerable. Those despicable jackals must have recognized her as the little girl who won our hearts in Hungary and seized the only opportunity available to them."