Chapter 7

When Air Force One touched down in Paris’ Charles de Gaulle Airport, it was immediately apparent the people of Paris were going all out to welcome President Hammer, along with her husband and her band. A large billboard faced the tarmac as Gwen and Steve descended the stairs to greet French President Reynaud. Saint pointed it out to his parents.

The billboard had a photo of Gwen, Jordan, Charlie and Steve smiling brightly. ‘Paris Welcomes our Very Good American Friends’ was written across the bottom in French. Gwen beamed at Saint as he read the French banner and translated it to English for her. Then she turned her smile to Steve, who simply shrugged before grinning back at his wife.

The motorcade to the hotel was more like a parade as thousands of cheering Parisians gathered on the sidewalks along the route. Many businesses had closed at noon so employees could have the opportunity to welcome these popular Americans to their city.

Much was made of the fact that Gwen and Steve had requested the same hotel room they had shared the first night they made love, with the Eiffel Tower shining so brightly outside their window. The hotel actually advertised it as exactly that and consequently, it was always booked well into the future. Travelers from around the world wanted to stay in the very room where Gwen Anderson and Steve Hammer had first made love.

Once they were settled into their rooms, Jordan, Charlie, Gwen, and Steve decided to visit the orphanage Lady in Red had purchased to replace the one destroyed by terrorists years prior. Lady in Red covered all operating expenses, as well as paying for the expansion and renovations of the old building.

The four friends were extremely pleased to see how clean and modern the building was now. The children of the orphanage were gathered in a large auditorium and greeted the generous Americans with barely contained exuberance.

Jordan and Gwen had huge smiles as they walked up and down the aisles, shaking hands, giving hugs, and chatting with the ecstatic children. Steve noticed a young female staff member positively beaming as she watched the scene playing out before her. Her eyes sparkled even more when she realized he was approaching her.

“We’ve met before, haven’t we?” asked Steve in fluent French.

“I can’t believe you remember me!” exclaimed the woman in perfect English as she threw herself into Steve’s arms. “I was one of the survivors of that horrible attack. I remember how scared we all were when it happened. Then we had no place to go and everything looked extremely bleak.

“But some very wealthy, very kind Americans came to visit our bombed-out orphanage and soon we had a safe home with many extras we never had before the attack. I sat on your lap that day and cried while you patted my back and promised me everything would get better, and it did. You saved us all,” declared the young woman as tears trickled down her cheeks.

“That alone makes everything we did for the children of the orphanage worth every penny we spent, and then some. I’d love to have you tell your story to Jordan, Charlie and Gwen, if you don’t mind. I know they’d love to hear it,” responded Steve somewhat emotionally.

Steve led the young woman over to where Gwen and Jordan were chatting to some teens. When Gwen saw the young woman’s face, she began to nod her head in recognition.

“We met you at the orphanage right after the attack, didn’t we?” asked Gwen gently. “You’ve certainly grown into a beautiful young woman! How have you been?”

“I can’t believe you both remember me, a sad little orphan who cried most of the time you were with me,” replied the surprised woman as Gwen embraced her. “We were so lucky Lady in Red responded to our plight and took immediate steps to improve our lives. Now you are President of the United States, the Queen of Peace, and still the Lady in Red!”

“Jordan, this is the girl we tried so hard to console right after the terrorist attack on the orphanage years ago. Do you remember her?” asked Gwen to her friend.

“I sure do!” replied Jordan as she hugged the blushing woman. “You sat on Steve’s lap and wouldn’t let go of him while you bawled your little eyes out. You’re so beautiful now!”

With some questioning, Gwen and Jordan learned the woman’s name was Adelle and she had recently married a young French gendarme. She was now employed by the orphanage, teaching English to the children.

On the ride back to their hotel, Jordan and Gwen put their heads together briefly before Jordan turned to speak to Charlie and Steve. “It’s so wonderful that Adelle is devoting herself to caring for children who were orphaned just like she was! Could one of you see that she receives a very nice gift from us as a belated wedding gift? We’re thinking along the lines of a nice home not too far from the orphanage.”

Charlie chuckled briefly before responding. “I’ll take care of it. I know how busy Steve is these days. I’ll get a short list of homes I think might work and then take Jordan and Adelle with me to pick one out, if that’s okay with everyone.”

“Thanks for taking care of that,” offered Steve as he patted Charlie’s back. “Whatever you and Jordan decide will be fine with Gwen and me. Adelle’s been through some tough times and it would be great to make her world a little better. Make a note for someone to follow up with her near the end of the year; this gift may create a tax burden we’ll also need to help her with.”

“I think we should come back with our kids to visit the orphanage tomorrow,” declared Jordan. “They have no idea how good they have it. Before long they’ll be old enough to help people, and give away our money. I want them to know what good causes look like, and to learn to separate the scams from the real deals.”

The next day saw Gwen and her friends, along with their children, visiting the orphanage for several hours. Jordan and Gwen beamed with pride as Ruth and Saint interacted with the children. Saint and Ruth both spoke French quite fluently and their language skills allowed them to play and chat with the orphans without adult supervision.

“I’m so glad we had Ruth learn French,” observed Jordan as she proudly watched her oldest child chatting with the other children. “I always admired how Steve could speak so many languages and I wanted my kids to have that same advantage. Look how well Saint and Ruth are getting along with the other kids.”

That evening was filled with the glitter and glamour only a state dinner in Paris could offer. Even with fashion models, actresses, and the elite of France’s political scene all dressed to the nines, Gwen and Steve easily stood out. Gwen was radiant in a low cut red gown that clung to her curves. Steve’s matching tuxedo was tailored perfectly to fit his sculpted physique. In a room full of beautiful women, Gwen’s natural charm and beauty left no doubt she was not only the most powerful woman in the world, but also the most beautiful.

Gwen and Steve were both very attentive to James and Stephanie, as well as Michelle D’Anjou. The British media covered events in Paris very closely, so Steve and Gwen wanted to make certain the people of Britain realized what a strong relationship they had with this rising star in British politics.

Michelle D’Anjou was very well known in all of France, but especially so in Paris. The rumor she would run for mayor of Paris was fueled in part by Gwen’s obviously close friendship with the lovely daughter of the former French President, Claude D’Anjou. The two spent enough time together at the dinner to leave little doubt that the two women were close.

Steve managed dances with both Michelle and Stephanie. Once again, the public saw an easy and close relationship between the women and President Hammer’s husband. They smiled and laughed often and appeared extremely comfortable with Steve. Before the evening was too far along, it was evident to everyone attending that President Hammer and her husband would support Michelle D’Anjou, as well as James and Stephanie Hawthorne, in their future endeavors.

Things were going very well for Gwen and Steve when Ashley pulled them aside to explain that Naomi and Kate had failed to receive the approval of the committees reviewing their qualifications. While not surprised, the couple couldn’t help but feel disappointed.

Steve led Gwen onto the dance floor so he could speak to her somewhat privately. “The full Senate still has to vote. My sources tell me that pressure from voters is really building in the Senate. If the vote were taken right now, Kate and Naomi wouldn’t quite make it. By next week, when the vote is actually held, things may be a little different.”

“I’m tired of it all, Steve. People tried to kill you, me and the kids because I’m President of the United States! We’ve worked really hard on this tour. You and Naomi saved the world from war just a few weeks ago. I’ve done my best, but it doesn’t seem to be good enough, and we’re risking our family’s lives trying.”

“I think a news conference tomorrow might help mobilize your base. If more Americans hear you express your disdain for the Congressional politics and their back-biting as usual, and their potential influence on their representatives, they may exert more pressure on their Senators,” explained Steve.

“I planned a morning with Mom and the kids,” replied Gwen. “I won’t give up the precious few moments I have with family because of the actions of the Senate. Jordan, Ashley and Stephanie will bring their kids and we’re going to have a little party for Ingrid’s birthday. I promised Ashley the kids and I would be glad to celebrate Ingrid’s birthday with a party tomorrow morning. I won’t break that promise. Saint and Vickie are looking forward to it and I’m not going to disappoint them.

“Why don’t you meet with the press tomorrow instead? You know what’s going on as well, or better than I do. The press likes you, especially the ladies. You can tell them I’ve got more important things to do,” added an obviously tired Gwen.

For the first time, Steve realized just how hard Gwen had been trying to be a good wife, mother, performer, and world leader. It had been weeks since she’d had a full day off. The constant pressure of performing well, interacting with world leaders, responding to the demands of the press, while trying to be a good mother and wife was beginning to wear his pregnant wife down and he hadn’t even seen the signs!

“Darling, I haven’t been a very good husband to you lately,” worried Steve. “I should have realized how tired you were becoming. You’ve been amazing for so long I’ve forgotten you’re human. I’ll take care of things tomorrow. You relax and have a good time with the kids. You certainly deserve it.”

“Don’t ever think you’ve been anything but the best husband ever,” rebuked Gwen gently. “You’ve been my rock ever since the first day we met. It’s not your fault I’m tired of politics and all the back-stabbing and posturing people do. I’d be lost without you. I certainly wouldn’t be President of the United States if not for you.”

The dance ended as Gwen spoke, so she simply pulled Steve’s face a little closer and gave him a gentle kiss.

“She certainly loves him, doesn’t she?” observed Stephanie to Paula, Ted, and James. “It’s one of the many things that stands out about them. She’s given Steve everything she can and he’s returned it tenfold. They’re so very secure in their relationship. I’ve never seen a couple with the depth of trust they have for each other.”

“It appears the entire hall has noticed the same thing,” replied Paula proudly. “Everyone’s watching them and smiling. It’s obvious they’re special, not that I’m biased or anything.”

Steve made a point of telling members of the press he’d be available for questions the next morning at ten AM. When asked if Gwen would also be there, he simply shook his head and explained she had a prior engagement.

Steve started the question and answer period the next morning with a statement. “As you all know, Kate and Naomi failed to receive support from the Senate committees interviewing them. I’m sure you’re wondering what Gwen will do to push approval of their nominations through the full Senate. The simple answer is that she won’t be doing anything.

“The President has been working very hard on this tour. She actively helped out in a natural disaster by utilizing her skills as a surgeon. She’s performed long, exhausting concerts in numerous world capitals and in Sydney, Australia. Congress has been obstructing her almost from the moment she was sworn in and she’s growing weary of it all,” concluded Steve.

“What exactly are you saying?” asked Amber Stahl with alarm. “Is our Queen considering resigning the Presidency?”

“No, Gwen will serve as long as she remains President and she has no intentions of resigning. However, she feels Congress was elected to represent the people of our great nation. It follows that Congress reflects the will of the voters. If the Senate decides Kate and Naomi should not be approved to the cabinet positions, it would indicate the citizens of the United States do not want Kate and Naomi in the cabinet. Gwen will expend no effort to impose her will on the Senate and by extension, the American people.

“If the Senate is successful in blocking Gwen’s two most high-profile nominations to her cabinet, it’s quite likely Congress will see it as weakness on our part. It will probably then make a concerted attempt to remove her from office, based on the conflict of interest argument, which has been a favorite topic for many members of Congress ever since Gwen assumed the Presidency.”

“You think Congress will move to impeach our Queen?” asked an obviously upset Heather. “Even after all the successes she’s managed on her world tour? Even after her administration averted what appeared to be inevitable war?”

“At this point it seems quite likely to me,” replied Steve. “Gwen represents ideals and ethics seldom seen in Washington. Politics hold no interest for her. She serves at the will of the people and if they, through their elected representatives, decide to remove her from office, she’ll accept that determination without protest.

“Gwen and I have been guilty of thinking the will of Congress is separate from that of the American people. We’ve all seen how voters will routinely voice dissatisfaction with Congress, but then elect the usual suspects again and again. They may claim they don’t approve of many of the actions of Congress, but their voting habits indicate that they do.”

“Is President Hammer giving up on her cabinet selections? Will she appoint someone else if her choices are not approved?” asked a cable news reporter.

“Kate and Naomi will be flying in to join us tomorrow afternoon in London. They will serve Gwen’s administration as they have been doing, with or without official credentials. Gwen will not submit any further nominations for Secretary of State or Attorney General. Vince Rosen appears to be headed for approval as the next Vice President of the United States. President Hammer has complete confidence in his integrity and abilities,” replied Steve.

“I simply find it incredible that the Warrior would allow his Queen to be treated this way,” stated an obviously disappointed Heather Jensen.

“While Gwen is President of the United States, I will do nothing to cast any shadows on her record. I would never want it to appear she or her family are using her office to gain revenge, or pursue a personal agenda,” responded Steve. “That said, if Gwen is removed from office, I’ll move heaven and hell to end the careers and ruin the reputations of those I consider responsible. I just don’t feel that this would be something appropriate for the sitting president’s spouse to pursue while she still holds office.”

“I’m so sorry for what I just said!” blurted Heather when she heard Steve’s response. “I really should have known better. You’ll always protect the honor of our Queen!”

“You’re telling us that you’re going to take on members of Congress if they vote to impeach and then convict your wife, thus removing her from office?” questioned another reporter.

“Yes,” responded Steve simply.

“Do you actually think Congress will try to remove President Hammer from office when she’s so popular in America and around the world?” asked a skeptical reporter from a New York paper.

“Her popularity doesn’t seem to extend to Washington,” observed Steve drily. “Don’t forget the American voters determine who sits in Congress, so there’s an anomaly somewhere in your statement. I’m confident that if Naomi and Kate are not approved by the full Senate, the sharks will smell blood and make a concerted effort to remove Gwen from office.”

“Yet you won’t try to fight Congress to keep President Hammer in office?” questioned another reporter.

“Let me be very clear,” replied Steve as he slowly looked at each reporter. “Gwen has given just about everything she has to give since becoming president. She’s prevented a war and improved relations with nations around the world. She used her medical training to save lives in Hungary. She’s entertained tens of millions of people with her music in just the past few weeks. She was almost assassinated by terrorists. Our children’s lives were in grave danger. If her accomplishments, her sacrifices, and her character aren’t enough to merit the support of the citizens of the United States and by extension, their elected representatives, then she neither wants, nor deserves the honor of being President of the United States.”

“What would she do if she were impeached?” asked another cable reporter. “Would she retire?”

Hardly,” chuckled Steve. “She’d return to doing more of the things that she loves, like spending more time with our kids and family, working as a pediatric surgeon, recording music, making movies, and ensuring that Lady in Red Productions continues to grow.”

“Steve, will you play pro football again now that you own the team, especially if President Hammer is removed from office?” asked a reporter from Washington.

“I haven’t even given it a thought,” responded Steve honestly. “I retired last spring and haven’t regretted it. Jim Vance is ready to step in and start at quarterback. It really hasn’t been anything I’ve considered.”

“Last year, players on a few teams began kneeling for the national anthem and more are expected to do so this year. How do you feel about that, both as a player, and as an owner?” was the reporter’s follow-up question.

“I really don’t care to comment on the motivation of others, but players on the DC Spartans will not be kneeling during the national anthem,” stated Steve matter-of-factly.

“You’d deny the players their Constitutional right to free speech and freedom of expression?” demanded a network reporter. “How can a team owned by the President of the United States deny players their basic Constitutional rights?”

“You will not lecture me on Constitutional rights!” snapped Steve. “Remember that I took an oath to defend the Constitution, as did Gwen. We understand the Constitution as well as anyone in this room and have fought a hell of a lot harder to protect it!

“If you think Lady in Red is going to have players represent us that don’t have the basic decency to honor the flag and those that fought for it, guess again. Of the six owners of Lady in Red, two are veterans and four are married to veterans, three have taken an oath to protect and defend the Constitution, and one is the sitting President of the United States. Jared White, who is in charge of our football operations, was an officer in the Army. His wife graduated from the Naval Academy and served as an officer in the Navy.

“I assure you that no player on the DC Spartans will sit or kneel for the national anthem more than once,” promised Steve.

“What about their Constitutional rights?” persisted the same reporter.

“What about my Constitutional rights?” countered Steve curtly. “Lady in Red pays the salaries of these men and certainly has the right to expect certain behavior. Let me ask you this. Would you kneel during the anthem if you were on the team?”

“I’m here to report, not give personal opinions,” objected the stubborn reporter.

“That’s a case in point. The truth is you wouldn’t be employed as a reporter very long if you told the world where you stand on the issue. You’re not paid to express opinions. In fact, you’d likely be fired if you did unless your employer assigned you to write editorial opinions. We pay these men to play football, and they’re expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects well on their teammates and ownership. You seem unconcerned about your own personal Constitutional rights while squawking about the rights of these millionaire players, but except for the pay scale they’re in the same boat as you. You’re applying a double standard,” reasoned Steve. “Your job prohibits you from presenting personal opinions, yet you feel that players wearing our uniform and drawing pay from our company should have the option of insulting us and every other American that feels strongly about what our flag, our Constitution, and our National Anthem represent.

“Lady in Red will contribute to any cause our players feel strongly enough about to create some sort of nonprofit organization. Jared White is a perfect example of what a man who actually cares about people can do. He started a foundation to promote education in the poorest parts of Washington. He’s recently expanded it to several other cities. He’s doing something positive to help people.

“If sitting or kneeling for ninety seconds is the extent of the effort someone wants to put into a cause they support, we have no interest in them as players on our team. Lady in Red has the legal right to trade or cut any players it feels do not fit into our system, and we will do exactly that. Demonstrating respect for our nation and especially for those that gave their lives to maintain our freedom is not negotiable!”

“How do you feel about all that’s been written and reported about your wife being referred to as the Queen of Peace? You’re often called the Warrior. Are you comfortable with these titles?” asked Heather Jensen, quickly changing the subject.

“Up until very recently, I thought too much was being made of it. But when Gwen explained to me how exhausted she was becoming, it opened my eyes. To the people who strive to do better, who want to see their children live healthy, happy lives, Gwen is a Queen. It’s not pretend. It’s real. No one else has ever accomplished the things for the people of the world that Gwen has in her career. Right now, she’s prouder of being considered the Queen of Peace than she is being the President of the United States. Much of that is because of the politics of Washington.

“As I stated before, Congress ultimately represents the people of America, so it follows that the course Congress follows is the will of the people. Right now, that would indicate Gwen is neither respected nor wanted by the majority of Americans. That fact was made painfully clear to us when the two Senate committees reported unfavorably for Kate and Naomi, two of the most qualified nominees the Senate has seen in a very long time.”

“Our Queen took that vote personally?” asked Heather Jensen in a follow-up question.

“Yes, of course she did,” admitted Steve. “President Hammer will not submit any other nominations for Attorney General and Secretary of State if Kate and Naomi are not approved by the full Senate. She refuses to be drawn into the political charades played in Washington.

“Many people think I wrote the Rise of the Empire trilogy to give Gwen a great movie role. The truth is that I based the character of the Queen on Gwen. I didn’t write it for her, I wrote it about her. The Warrior part was my belief of what a man should strive to be if he was fortunate enough to become the mate of such an incredible woman. Gwen is the Queen,” concluded Steve.

“Speaking of movies, Lady in Red has moved up the release of your latest Empire movie to coincide with President Hammer’s return to the United States. Is this a blatant attempt to capitalize on the publicity the We Come in Peace Tour has generated?” asked a thin man near the back.

“Tyler Smith is the one making most of the business decisions while the rest of us are so involved in this tour and appearing before committees. He has an MBA, and he’s pulling down a very good salary to oversee the success of all Lady in Red ventures,” responded Steve. “Could anyone think his decision to release the movie at the absolute optimum time is a coincidence, a bit of luck, or anything but a savvy business decision?” he asked rhetorically.

“That brings me to one last announcement before I join Gwen and the kids,” continued Steve. “The We Come in Peace World Tour has added one more world capital to its schedule. Gwen will be leading Lady in Red in a concert on the Washington Mall on Saturday, September eleventh, three days after we return to the United States. It will be in commemoration of September eleventh, 2001 and a celebration of those American lives lost that day, as well as in appreciation of all first responders in our great nation.

“We’ll be attending the premier of our new movie in Sparta on September 9th, the day after we return to the United States, and then we’ll fly to Washington the next morning. Lady in Red will be footing the bill for a weekend long celebration of Gwen’s success as President of the United States as well as becoming known worldwide as The Queen of Peace.

“Gwen became President under pretty somber conditions. She had no inaugural ball or celebrations of any kind. That weekend will serve as an opportunity for the people of the Unites States to see her perform free of charge. There’ll be enough food and refreshments to feed everyone that cares to come. As I already stated, Lady in Red will be paying for everything, including the clean-up afterwards as well as any extra security required that weekend,” promised Steve.

“Gwen and I will make every effort to safely meet as many Americans as possible. We’ll be available and are looking forward to showing everyone how much we care about our country and its people. We’re anxious to shake hands and chat with the everyday citizens that make our country great.”

Steve returned to his suite in time to spend some time with Gwen, Paula, Jordan, Stephanie, Ashley, and their families. Everyone forgot about politics and simply enjoyed relaxing and spending time with precious loved ones.

As they prepared for the concert in the privacy of their room, Steve broached a subject he had been mulling over for days. “To the world, you’re known more as the Queen of Peace than as President of the United States. I think it’s about time you embraced the Queen title, even if Congress should decide to remove you from the presidency.”

“Really?” asked a surprised Gwen. “Wouldn’t that look pretty self-serving and egotistical? Do I just proclaim myself as the Queen of Peace?”

“You’ve already been given that title,” responded Steve with a smile. “All you have to do is accept it. That wouldn’t be an ego thing. It’d be acknowledging the opinion of millions of people around the world.”

“How would I even do that?” wondered Gwen. “It’s been getting more and more difficult to be called Queen and not be able to respond directly. You must have an idea, so spill it.”

As everyone prepared to ascend to the top of the Arc de Triomphe, Gwen gave Steve a warm kiss and a long hug. “I’ve heard about some of the things you said about me to the press this morning and I love you even more for being so dedicated to me and the kids. I really needed that time with family today so I could recharge, and it worked. I’m ready to deliver the best performance I possibly can tonight.”

“I just hope you’re not so outstanding you make the rest of us look bad,” replied Steve as he held Gwen close. “Remember that millions of people will be watching this evening. If they bow to you, and I can’t imagine them not bowing, let them know you really are their Queen and how much you appreciate that honor. It’s time to embrace the role bestowed on you by people around the globe. Be the Queen they want you to be.”

The Paris concert became known as the turning point for President Hammer’s acceptance of the Queen of Peace title. As she stepped to the front of the stage the crowd, estimated in the millions, silently dropped to a knee in unison. As the stage slowly revolved, Gwen flashed her trademark smile and nodded to the adoring masses. She maintained her smile for an entire rotation of the stage before speaking. “Your Queen asks that you all stand for what she hopes will be the best concert you’ve ever experienced!”

The huge crowd remained silent for a few seconds as Gwen’s words sank into their consciousness. A deafening roar suddenly erupted and within just a few seconds, it morphed into a loud chant, in English. “Long live the Queen!” echoed across the many streets of Paris leading to the Arc de Triomphe as millions of voices joined together. Their Queen beamed as she waved to the crowd while the stage made another full rotation.

When the chant began to fade, Charlie cued the band and the driving rhythm of We Will Rock You engulfed the City of Light. It soon became apparent to Charlie and Steve that the energy level was beyond anything they had ever seen. Jordan, Kathy, and Gwen had grown very comfortable performing together. Their singing and dancing had the crowd in a near frenzy.