Chapter 30

"Did the President of The United States just call you?" asked Naomi in disbelief. "That was the most frightening, amazing minute of my life! Dad said you could shoot, but I can't believe what I just saw! I have to call Dad!"

The stage was filling up with concerned, and very relieved friends and relatives of the graduates. Naomi had used her long legs to vault onto the stage as soon as the handcuffs were removed from Steve. Jared strode across the now crowded stage and embraced Steve.

"I don't know how you do it, but man, did it feel good to have a gun in my hand when those bastards started shooting! It was way better than last time. I knew it had to be some serious shit when you sneaked me the gun. Thanks, for the trust."

"Are you kidding? There's no one in the school I'd rather have with me when the shooting starts. You proved you had guts when you saved Gwen in that other shootout. I'll always have your back. I owe you big time," admitted Steve as he became a bit emotional. "I couldn't slip you a vest in front of everyone. I'm sorry about that. You backed my play, and I'll never forget it. If I can ever do you a favor, just let me know."

"Getting me a gun just before a gunfight starts is a pretty damn good favor by itself!" retorted Jared.

"Excuse me, guys. I'm with the police department. I'm the lead investigator on this fuster cluck. I'm Detective Dorn and I need to ask you both a lot of questions. Right now I'm pretty busy trying to check out the bodies, the bullet holes, and the bomb crater in the road, but I need you both to stop at the station tonight or tomorrow. Give me your contact information. Here's my card. Call me before you come in so I'll know to be there.

"Those three FBI assholes have been taken off this case. They're climbing back into their chopper right now. We Sparta cops will be conducting the investigation for now. The state police will either work with us, or maybe even take over until the FBI can find some agents that aren't total morons. I almost shit when that guy asked if the president had you on speed dial! I think everyone in Sparta knows you're tight with the president. Why wouldn't a lead investigator for the FBI know that rather important fact?

"To compound it, he referred to Ms. Anderson as 'teenage trim', and it was on national TV! The president must have seen it. I'm not in the FBI, but if I learned one thing in police academy 101; it was to never use demeaning sexual references to female suspects, bystanders, witnesses, or friends of the governor and president of the United States. Those idiots must have skipped class that day.

"I need to take your vest in and have it examined," continued the detective. "Could you remove it so I can mark it as evidence? While you're at it, I'd better take the gown, too."

Steve pulled the gown over his head and handed it to the man. Then he unstrapped the vest and gave it to the detective. As he did that, he flinched and realized that his chest was a bit tender.

"Steve, take off your shirt. I want to see how badly bruised you are. We may be going to the hospital right now," stated Gwen firmly.

"We can look later. It's no big deal ... Okay!" relented Steve as he saw the determination on Gwen's face. He reached down and gripped the bottom of his shirt and pulled it over his head.

"Oh my!" exclaimed Naomi as Steve's chest came into view just before Gwen moved in closer to examine him.

"I can see where each bullet hit your vest. Two of the shots were right over your heart and one was right here, at the bottom of your rib cage. Your skin is discolored already. Does it hurt much when I press on them?"

"Well, I am a little tender there, but nothing is broken. I'll be fine," promised Steve as he prepared to don his shirt.

"Just a minute! I want to see the bruises," insisted Naomi as she moved in beside Gwen. "No wonder you love this guy. I can't believe his body. Look at the areas the bullets hit. He would've been killed for sure. I told Dad about the gunfight. He saw some of it on TV. He said Steve's the best shot he's ever seen with a handgun. It's a damn good thing he thinks fast, and shoots faster. That whole situation was incredible."

"Let me see," demanded Jordan as she pressed in close. "My God! If you hadn't had that vest on, you'd be gone for sure. I was never so scared in my life. I was knocked ass over tin cup, pardon my French, when the bomb went off. Steve was already shooting by the time I got back on my feet. I saw him kill those three men coming down the aisle shooting at him. You're amazing!"

"If you would, try to bring in your family members and all these beautiful women you hang out with. I should question them all, just to be thorough," chuckled the detective as he watched Gwen's and Steve's family and friends make their way toward them.

Steve quickly donned his shirt and jumped down from the stage. He then lifted Gwen, Jordan, and Naomi down. "It's too crowded up there, and I need to speak to Ted. I hope he's doing okay."

Kate launched herself at Steve as soon as he released Naomi. "Steve! I was so scared!" sobbed Kate. "There were guys shooting all around us. You were great! Dad saved Lisa and probably the rest of us. A guy was going to shoot her!"

Even as Kate clung to Steve, he offered his hand to Ted Anderson. "Sir, I always said that you were a very good father and husband. You've proven me right today. By the time I brought my gun around, you'd taken that coward out. I would've been too late to save Lisa, and that would've killed me just as surely as a bullet in my heart."

"I saw that guy aiming at Gwen and how quickly you took care of him. It all happened so fast. I hardly had time to think before that bastard stopped in front of us and raised his gun at Lisa. I was afraid I was going to be too slow, or miss him. I hope I never go through anything like that again. Your quick thinking, decisive action, and damned straight shooting saved a lot of lives. The day Gwen brought you home to us was the best one this family's ever had," choked out the badly shaken Ted Anderson.

Lisa quickly replaced Kate in Steve's arms. She hugged him hard and then pulled him down for a long tender kiss. "You're my family's savior. Thanks for being you. Dad told us how you found the coolers, and how you thought they were bombs, and how the two of you carried them away. You and Dad risked your lives for the rest of us! Then you gave Dad the gun and showed him how to use it real quick. That decision saved my life! Oh, Steve! I love you so much!"

"If I might make a suggestion," interrupted William Patterson. "I have reserved an entire room at the local restaurant Gwen recommended. While you may not feel hungry at the moment, I've always found it beneficial to sit down and try to relax after a traumatic event. We need to reduce the stress, while comforting each other in a quieter atmosphere. I suggest we make our way to Marsh's Landing."

"That's a very good idea!" seconded Paula. "Let's find our cars and go to the restaurant right now. I want you kids to text your friends and tell them we're still going to Marsh's and they're still invited. It's time for some stress relief."

Later, as the group sat at a large table in the private room at Marsh's Landing, Kate asked, "How do you, Jared, and Dad do it? How do you stay so cool when murderers are shooting at you? I was scared to death. Doesn't shooting other people bother you?"

Steve looked at Kate and nodded as he considered her question. Then he turned to Lisa, who was sitting between Steve and her father. He lifted her chin and ran his hand along her cheek.

"Look at Lisa sitting here with us. She's beautiful beyond words. She's smart, loving, kind, and in love with a great guy. Imagine how Ted and I would feel if something terrible had happened to her. I don't know if we could have lived with that, especially given the fact that we were somewhat prepared for that cowardly attack. Ted and Paula would have missed seeing and loving the beautiful grandchildren Lisa will give them someday. That's how we do it. We have to do it."

Then he turned to Gwen, seated on his other side and pulled her close. "I'm convinced that these guys were Americans, and they had targeted me, you, and your family. The first guy I shot was trying to shoot you. Ted stopped another man just before he shot Lisa.

"I'd shoot five hundred cowards that try to kill innocent women and children, and a few hundred more before I'd let anything happen to you. Your dad feels the same. I'm sure Jared does as well. He's already taken bullets intended for you."

"Steve's right. I feel a little sick about having to shoot that guy, but he left me no choice. It's a bad feeling to know you killed another person, even if they deserved it. I'm sure not bragging about it, but I'd do it again if it were necessary," admitted Jared. "I've been shot before, and it's no fun. I didn't do anything to that guy, but he wanted to kill me and who knows who else. I'm just grateful that Steve figured out what was going down and he included me in the defense of our friends and families."

"Steve and I discussed this topic after the first attack," revealed Gwen. "It wasn't easy to draw it out of him, either. Men don't like to talk about war and killing. They don't enjoy it. Steve takes no pride or pleasure in killing those men. He did it because it was forced on him. He did what he had to do. Family and friends are extremely important to him. Just be glad he's so capable, but don't expect him to talk much about it. He tries to compartmentalize things like this. He's a big, strong man and doesn't want to show any weakness or misgivings, but it'll be a long time before he works his way back to his usual easy going self."

"Charlie's the same way," added Jordan as she squeezed Charlie's arm. "He served a tour in Iraq right out of high school. He was in the army long enough to qualify for a government loan to go to college. He won't talk much about what happened there."

"Mom, you need to help Dad get through this. Be close, talk to him, and love him all the time. Let him know how proud you are, and how happy you are that he's the man that he is. It sounds simple, but it's pretty important. These men were incredible," praised Gwen as she stood and went over to hug her father and then Jared.

"Jared, you're one of the bravest, finest men I've ever known. If it takes me a lifetime, I'll repay you for your courage on my behalf, as well as for others."

"Thanks, Gwen. I'd make a suggestion or two on ways to repay me, but that boyfriend of yours would kick my ass," grinned Jared. "However, I see a new addition to Steve's bevy of beauties. Do you think he'd be upset if I use my considerable charm to sway her in my direction?"

"Are you kidding? Steve would probably give me to you if you asked nicely. He's serious about believing he owes you big time for saving my life that day. You're a brother. What about your girlfriend? You're not one of those guys that strings girls along, are you?"

"Naw, she dropped me last week. She took up with Jim Barnes. He's probably going to be the team quarterback next year, while I'll be away at college. If I can get in with this lovely lady, I'll be trading way up. What's her name?"

"Come with me," urged Gwen as she led Jared over to where Naomi sat. "Jared, this is Naomi Wilson. Naomi, this is one of my very best friends, Jared White. He saved my life at the first terrorist attack and sure helped out a lot today. He seems to like girls with big butts."

"In that case, he must be all over you, Gwen. Hello, Jared. Do me a favor and tell me who has the bigger ass, Gwen or me," demanded Naomi as she stood and turned her backside toward Jared.

"Good idea!" agreed Gwen as she stood next to Naomi with her ass facing Jared. "Be honest. Which ass is bigger?"

"Well, I can't really say from this angle. I'll need to gather more data. Tell you what. I'll study both asses the rest of the evening and let you know my decision before midnight," promised Jared as he winked at Steve.

"You mean you can't see that Naomi has a much bigger bottom right off the bat?" demanded Gwen. "Look closer. It should be obvious."

"If I looked any closer, that cop would be back here dragging my ass off to jail," joked Jared. "I'll just take my time and do this right. You'll get my answer later."

"In the interest of science, I'll trade seats with you, Jared," offered Ashley, who had been seated next to Naomi. "That'll give you more opportunity to observe Naomi's derrière up close, although I feel like I'm putting Naomi at risk.

"Jared's a smooth talker, an accomplished dancer, a hero in Sparta, and a future Nittany Lion. He's a close friend of Steve's, as evidenced by Steve sneaking him a weapon as he presented him with that scholarship. He was the guy on the left side of the stage, standing tall against those awful men with guns."

"So Steve has black friends? How well do you get along with him? How about Gwen?" asked Naomi.

"I'm not real comfortable with those questions," replied Jared. "If you're trying to get me to say something against Steve and Gwen, forget it. They're truly my friends and color has nothing to do with it."

"That's what I wanted to hear. You feel you're a friend, not a toady or a valet of some kind. I've had some trouble telling good guys from pretenders in the past. Steve and Gwen seem genuine to me, but I wanted to be sure that I wasn't making a mistake. I really want to be their friend and I just needed to know that it was definitely possible."

"As good as you look, you'll be Steve's friend for life. Have you happened to notice all the hot women that are attracted to him? They're not only beautiful, but they're really good people. Jordan's been a wonderful friend. She's always cheerful and nice to all the rest of us even though she's been a big music star for years. Gwen is... , well I took a couple bullets for that girl and never regretted it. You'll be their friend if you're generous, caring, and honest. As a side note, I'm not sure that it's required, but all of his lady friends seem to have great legs and pretty big boobs."

"Oh, my!" exclaimed Naomi as she tried to conceal her smile. "I wonder if I'll qualify. I may not be attractive enough, or my breasts might be too small."

"I'm here to tell you that you qualify every way possible!" responded Jared enthusiastically. "You have a great figure and your legs look like they're a mile long. I should mention that any friend of Steve's automatically becomes my friend, too. We're best friends and he wouldn't have anyone around that didn't like my charming personality."

"Well that's good to know!" laughed Naomi. "I guess I'd better be very nice to you if I want Steve to like me. Is that a safe assumption?"

"Damn straight!" chuckled Jared. "Steve wants me to be happy, so the happier you make me, the better he'll like you."

Steve's grandfather had arranged for a huge buffet for his guests. Steve, Gwen, and Jordan had pretty much invited everyone they knew since he had assured them that he could afford to feed an army. The events of the day had caused many classmates and parents to stop at Marsh's to speak with Steve, Gwen, and Jordan and to thank Steve for his fast thinking. Word had spread that the bombs had originally been placed under the stage. Everyone that felt the force of the explosion that afternoon harbored no doubts about the devastating results if the same blast had been under the stage.

Tyler Smith and his parents arrived half an hour after Steve's group. Ralph Smith was accompanied by Billy's father when he approached Steve, Gwen, and Jordan.

"I really hate to ask favors of you kids. I know you're making a movie, playing at the governor's daughter's wedding in a couple weeks, and flying to Russia later in the month. It's just that Ed Clune's in pretty serious condition. He's in the operating room as we speak. His wife, Sandy, graduated from Sparta five years ago. They have a three year old daughter and a baby due in a couple months," began Ralph Smith.

"He's the cop that was shot today. He was hit three times; once in the shoulder, once in the leg, and once in the head. Luckily, he was wearing body armor. He was injured by an IED in Iraq a year ago and was discharged from the Marines. He rehabbed and he was getting around pretty well. He just started with the police department last month. He's part time and his insurance isn't very good."

"I think I may see where this is going," offered Gwen. "Would you like us to help in some way? What do you want us to do?"

"My bank is willing to allow the use of that warehouse you used for the prom. We'll supply the power, water, and bathrooms if you kids could find the time to perform for a benefit for Ed. He's a great young man and he and his family need some help."

"I'll cater as much food as I can free of charge for the event. Maybe we can get some people to donate more food, drinks, and time to help us out. If we could raise fifteen or twenty thousand dollars, it would really help the family," added Billy's dad.

"I don't think I can go along with that," stated Steve flatly as Jordan and Gwen spun to stare at him in surprise. "We're supposed to be headed to Florida to make a movie in two days. This thing would take a few days, at least, to set up. We'd have to change our plans and put off filming the movie for this man."

"Are you telling me that you're refusing?" demanded Jordan angrily. "I can't believe that you, of all people, would turn your back on a man badly injured protecting others. That could have been you!"

"Wait, Jordan. Steve isn't finished yet. He's got more to say. Let's wait until he finishes," cautioned Gwen.

"As I was saying, we're not going to hang around Sparta and delay the filming of the movie to help raise fifteen or twenty thousand dollars," repeated Steve. "If we do this, you need to raise your goals considerably. I'll call Clyde and explain the situation. He's probably heard about this mess by now and will be anxious to hear how things are going. He'll know how to make this event work right. Personally, I'll be disappointed if we don't hit six figures in donations for that officer and his family."

The group had been so intent on the conversation with Tyler's and Billy's father that they had failed to notice how quiet the rest of the room had become. Over two hundred people had stopped eating and talking, just to listen to the conversation.

"That's why I love these guys!" called Jared from across the room. "They're going to rock this town to help out an injured policeman. How cool is that? What can the rest of us do to help?"

Paula and Ted had been chatting with William Patterson and Janice Bennington when they saw the two local business men approach the trio. They listened closely to the entire conversation and easily heard Steve's response.

"Your grandson is an amazing young man," praised Paula as the crowd began to buzz about a possible fund raiser. "He's the most unselfish, kindest, bravest man I've ever met, next to Ted, of course."

"So I'm beginning to realize," replied William Patterson. "I've been watching Gwen, Jordan, and Steve work the crowd here this evening. For famous young stars, they're all remarkably well grounded. They treat everyone well and listen to what others are saying. Men listen to Steve when he talks. They value his opinion. Everyone adores the two girls and they're expert at making others feel at ease. I can't tell you how proud I am, and how much I regret not being a part of Steve's life. I'm going to try to correct that mistake."

"I wish my sister Jen were alive to see how her son has turned out," added Janice. "He was incredible today. With Ted's help, he averted a bombing that would have easily killed hundreds, and perhaps thousands. Then he stood his ground, inviting those terrorists to target him to protect others. That's the stuff of heroes, but he acts like it's all in a day's work.

"Ted, I have to compliment you on your courage and quick actions. I was a few seats from Lisa and I saw the entire thing. You saved her life and quite possibly many more. That was very brave."

"I hate to admit it, but I was scared to death. I don't have Steve's courage and training. I was sweating bullets waiting for the trouble to start. I feared it, while Steve walked up to the front of the stage to defend against it and to challenge the attackers to go after him. I'm in awe of him. I wasn't brave at all."

"You'll forgive me if I disagree," interrupted Paula. "You have no training, but you willingly helped carry live bombs away from the intended victims, risking your life to help save others. You have no training with guns, but you didn't hesitate to use one to save our daughter when it became necessary. You are a brave, wonderful father and husband. I'm very proud of you. You never need worry about comparisons with Steve. I doubt there's another young man like him in the country, but I also doubt that many men would have done what you did today. You're this family's hero!"

Steve moved to a quiet corner and called Clyde Davis on his cell. They spoke for a few minutes and then Steve returned to the group. "Clyde's with us all the way. He's coming to town to help set things up. He was having problems trying to get a film crew to work this weekend since it's Memorial Day. They wanted double time for Monday. He wants us to be in Florida Monday afternoon and be ready to start filming Tuesday. We'll be working long hours again to get this finished before we go to Russia."

"Clyde's coming here to help? Now we know this benefit will be a success," offered a very pleased Jordan. "Steve, I'm sorry that I jumped all over you before I heard you out. I should've known that you'd never turn your back on someone in need. Charlie should be back from the bathroom soon. I'll have him call his band mates to see if they can come right away. When do you think we should have this benefit?"

"If I might make a suggestion," interrupted Tyler's father. "They always have a concert in the park on Saturday so we shouldn't have it that night. Sunday night will be the fireworks on Ridge Street. I really think Friday would be best, if you can be ready by then. We'll need to publicize it as much as possible to pull in a good crowd. I can't imagine anyone from the Spartan Nation not attending."

"This is Tuesday, so Friday will work great! I have a few ideas in mind for publicity. This story is still smoking hot and reporters want to hear Steve speak about it. We'll tie that to mentioning the benefit. I know just where to start," responded Gwen as she pulled out her cell.

"Amber? How'd you like to have sit-down with Steve tonight? I thought you might. We're at Marsh's Landing, so come on over. One thing, the police officer that was wounded is in serious condition and we're planning a benefit for him Friday night. We're going to want to mention that in the interview to get all the free advertising we can. Thanks!"

"She'll be here in about fifteen minutes. She's been 'network' since the explosion and just went off air. She's really good. When we leave for school this fall, she's moving into an anchor chair at her station. She'll be the youngest anchor they ever had. She's helped us a lot and I like to think that we've reciprocated."

"Charlie's just spoke to the guys in the band. They'll drive over tomorrow and get things set up. They're glad to help out. They love to perform at these concerts," added Jordan.

"I can't begin to express my gratitude that Sparta has such talented, selfless young people so willing to help out during bad times. It isn't enough that you saved all of the kids and probably the first twenty rows in the audience from certain death, and took several gun shots to the chest, but now we're asking you to do even more," stated Billy's father with emotion. "I hope this town, this nation, realizes what a special thing it has in our young people. We'll never see its like again."

"William Patterson and his daughter had been listening to the conversation closely. "Dad, look how quickly they decided to come to the aid of that officer. Jen's son is incredible. He acts like saving lives is an every day event. We've got to help make this benefit successful."

"I agree, Janice. I'm going to step out and make some calls. Friday isn't very far off and these things take time. Before I go out, let's have Jen give Steve his gift."

A short while later, Jen approached Steve carrying a large item wrapped in festive paper. "Steve, this is something Grandfather, Mom, and I wanted you to have. It's for graduation, and for finding you after all these years. We want to be part of your life and we're so proud of you we can't stand it!"

Everyone nearby went quiet as Steve accepted the package. "Thanks, Jen! I didn't expect anything, but I appreciate that you thought of me. Let me open it up and have a look."

Steve easily removed the wrapping to reveal an old acoustic guitar. "This is an old Gibson! It's a Robert Johnson L-1! Thanks so much, Jen! Thanks, Grandfather. Thanks, Aunt Janice," managed Steve as he stared at the instrument.

"It was your mom's. She left it behind that night and we've kept it for her, hoping she'd come back someday. She loved that guitar," responded Janice as she wiped her eyes.

Steve felt his emotions begin to get control of him so he gently pulled Jen to him and buried his face in her hair as he hugged her. For her part, Jen smiled widely as tears trickled down her cheeks. She held the back of Steve's head and gently stroked it as she hugged him back.

"That really got to Steve!" sobbed Jordan as she clutched Charlie. "He really loved his mom."

Paula felt the tears on her cheeks as she watched Steve struggle to regain control. Instinctively, she pulled Ted closer and silently hugged him.

Steve finally began to relax and slowly released Jen. "Thanks, Jen. This may be the best gift I ever received. I'll always treasure it."

After he thanked Jen, Steve began looking for Gwen. When his eyes met hers, she quickly moved to him and let him wrap his arms around her. Then he leaned down and kissed her long and hard. After a minute or so, he drew back slightly.

"Whew! Thanks, Jen! Whenever Steve gets all emotional, he tends to want to hug and kiss me. It seems to help him deal with his feelings. He really, really liked that gift!" laughed Gwen as she smiled at everyone watching her and Steve.

"I just wish I had my camera set up in time for that," joked Amber Stahl as she reached out to shake Gwen's hand. "That would have boosted our ratings. Where do you want to set up for the interview?"

"Could we do it at this table?" asked Gwen as she quickly became all business. "Steve will be able to answer almost any question, but please avoid asking how he felt taking the lives of those men. Once you feel you've covered everything, ask me about the benefit we're planning for the injured officer, okay? We want this to be a huge success."

The guests gathered around to listen closely to Steve's explanation of the day's events as Amber questioned him. His measured, calm response allowed listeners to understand his thinking and the reasons he acted as he did. Amber then switched her attention to Gwen, first asking about her experience with the FBI that evening, and then about taking a call from the president. Finally, she asked about the benefit.

"One of Sparta's own was badly injured in the attack today. It's incredible that no one else was hurt, except for the terrorists. They had bombs and eight men with guns. Our injured officer was just mending from injuries he suffered while serving as a Marine in Iraq. This brave man and his family need our help. The Spartan Nation has become well known for helping its own in times of need. This is one of those times.

"Jordan Quick, Steve Hammer, and I have agreed to appear at a benefit for this brave man Friday evening. Our favorite band 'The Rising Tide' will supply the music for us. It's the Memorial Day weekend and we want to kick it off right. This'll be the time to pull together. We'll pray for the victims of the senseless, violent actions that we've seen in Sparta this year. But it'll also be a time to celebrate life and the spirit of the Spartan Nation. We've suffered enough. We need an opportunity to give thanks and celebrate. That's what we're going to do Friday. I don't know yet what time it'll start, but we'll play as long, and as well as we can. You can take that to the bank."

"I was given to understand that you, Jordan, and Steve were scheduled to leave for Florida tomorrow to film your movie. Are you postponing your departure?" asked Amber.

"Yes, we're staying a few extra days to help Officer Clune and his family. It's about time that the Spartan Nation had the chance to let its hair down and finally party. This is graduation night. We can't allow fear and terror to control our lives. This is our home town and there's no place any of us would rather be. I'm promising your viewers that they won't be disappointed if they come to the biggest party in the history of the Spartan Nation on Friday. We're going to rock this town!"

"Thanks, Gwen. I'm sure our viewers are making plans right now to be in Sparta Friday evening. I have another question. It was announced at your graduation that you and Steve made the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine with the banner that you two may be America's royal couple. What's your reaction to that?"