Chapter 6

Laura had Steve lie on a gurney in the ER as she pulled the curtain closed around it. She took a pair of scissors and deftly cut his pants from his body. "Gwen, please get his shoes and socks off. We need to examine him closely, as well as x-ray him. Steve, can you tell me of any pain or injuries that I can't see?"

"My shoulder hurts and my leg aches, but you can see that," responded Steve. "Other than that, I just have some scratches and bruises. Can I ask how Jason's doing?"

"Thanks to you, he's doing great! I spoke to Lisa last night and she said she'd be bringing him home to Sparta this weekend," answered Gwen as she pulled Steve's socks off his feet. "I think we'll burn these socks, if they aren't declared a biohazard first. Haven't you been told to always wear clean socks and underwear in case you're in an accident?"

"I forgot to take a change of clothes with me. It looks like Laura just took care of my underwear," worried Steve as Laura cut his underwear from his body. "Now I'm totally without clothes!"

"And that's just the way I like you!" quipped Gwen as she moved closer to Steve's head. "You really do need a shower and a shave. I didn't realize how heavy your beard was since you've always been smooth shaven. Is Steve well enough to shower and shave, Laura?"

"I'm sending him for x-rays right away. It looks like he's still carrying a bullet in his leg, he's got a nasty gash on his shoulder, and his pretty face has been deeply scratched by what looks like pieces of rock," observed Laura as she held up a small chard she had pulled from one of Steve's cuts.

"Yeah, it's probably pieces of rock that hit my face when the bullet hit the boulder next to my head," responded Steve as he recalled the battle he had the previous day. "I was lucky the guy was in such a hurry to shoot me. He pulled his shot a little, and he missed. I didn't."

Laura glanced at Gwen with some surprise as Steve finished his statement, but she kept her professional demeanor. "Once we determine that you've got no internal injuries, I'll let you take a quick shower and shave in our staff facilities. Once you're bandaged, you'll be limited to sponge baths for a day or two. There's going to be a boat load of reporters outside and you need to look human. We don't normally do things like this, but it's my professional opinion that you deserve some special attention and consideration.

"I'm still trying to figure out how you wound up here in Sparta, and even more amazingly, how Gwen knew you were on that helicopter. That was scary."

"I'm here because Gwen and Jordan offered a million dollars to anyone helping me and the girls get back to Sparta safely. That saved my life. It looks like I owe you again, Babe. You're making it a habit of saving my bacon," grinned Steve as he took Gwen's hand in his. "I don't know who told her I was coming in on that helicopter."

"I really don't know how I knew, but I did. I was absolutely convinced Steve was coming home on that helicopter. I was feeling funny during breakfast, anxious and nervous. When you said that some injured people were being flown in, somehow I just knew it was Steve."

Steve's x-rays were negative, so Gwen was allowed to help him into the lady's locker room. She turned the water in the shower to the temperature Steve preferred and immediately undressed as Steve dropped the robe he was wearing and limped into the shower. Soon, Gwen was under the water with him, carefully washing his body as she stood under the spray with him.

"You've lost some weight and you've got several bruises on your chest. They look like the ones you had after that shootout at graduation. Were you wearing a bullet proof vest?" asked Gwen as she gently ran her fingers over some purple marks on his torso.

"Yeah, I had a flak jacket on. I guess it's a good thing. I didn't realize that I'd been hit, but now that you touch the areas, they do feel a little sore."

Gwen had promised Laura that she's get Steve cleaned up as fast as she could, so she wasted no time getting Steve scrubbed, other than being very careful around his obvious wounds. Once he was showered, Gwen had him sit down while she carefully shaved his face. She meticulously shaved around his cuts and abrasions. Luckily, most of them were higher on his face and forehead. When she was satisfied that she had gotten every stray hair, she rinsed his face and applied some lotion.

"Now you can put that robe on and let Laura work on your leg and shoulder. Since I've completed two years of medical school, I can watch and even assist her, if she'll allow me," added Gwen as she opened the door to the hall.

A smiling nurse was waiting for them when they emerged. "You look much better, Mr. Hammer. I bet Ms. Anderson didn't miss anything when she helped you get cleaned up. I know I wouldn't have," laughed the young nurse as she escorted Steve and Gwen back to the ER.

"Here's what I'm thinking," offered Laura when Steve was back on the gurney. "Steve needs stitches in his shoulder, but I can't do that until the swelling is down and any infection is cleared up. I have to remove the bullet from his leg and clean that up carefully. It won't be the first one I've dug one out of this guy. He looks a lot better this time than he did that awful day six years ago.

"Are you willing to spend a day or two in a hospital bed, just relaxing and healing?" asked Laura as she examined Steve's shoulder.

"Laura, you know the answer to that, or you wouldn't have asked. This is Memorial Day weekend and our concert is tonight. I'll be on stage with my friends, like I always am. I'd like you to do what you can for now and then let me go. I'll be sure to follow any directions you have and be back in a couple days for the stitches."

"That's pretty much what I expected," replied Laura. "I'll dig that bullet out of your leg and start you on some strong antibiotics. You understand that the hospital will give me holy hell for not admitting you while you recuperate. I may be coming to your company for a job."

"You'll always be welcome, but you can bet we'll back you to the max if the hospital gives you any trouble. Steve is not your average patient. I'm witness to him refusing to be admitted. He'll tell the nurses when we leave that you insisted that he be admitted, but that he's refusing. That is if you think he's going to heal okay this way," worried Gwen as she considered the situation.

"This guy will be fine. I'm going to prescribe some sleep and maybe some gentle loving to help his emotional needs. A few hours sleep and some personal attention should do wonders for him. I understand there are more than a few ladies willing to help with that part of my prescription," teased Laura as she gently cleaned Steve's shoulder before applying some sort of ointment and a bandage.

Gwen and a nurse assisted Laura as she removed the bullet from Steve's leg in a small operating room, using a local anesthetic. "He was pretty lucky, all things considered. The bullet missed bone and lodged in muscle. It'll hurt for a few days, but we've removed it soon enough to avoid any serious infection. It'll drain for a while, but if he takes his antibiotics like he's supposed to, he should be as good as new in a few days," predicted Laura as she bandaged Steve's leg. "I'll sew his leg and shoulder up when the infection is gone and the injuries stop draining."

"Thanks, Laura," offered Steve after they moved him to a small room near the ER. "Can I get down now? I'd like to see Jordan and Charlie and thank them, and Paula and Kate, and everyone else. Can I leave now?"

"My official response is that you can't leave. You need to remain under our care for a few more days, at least. However, I heard what happened to Flores and his drug gang when they tried to stop you. I'm not going to try to keep you if you insist on leaving, but it will be in a wheel chair. That's the least you can do for me to help me keep my job."

Before Steve could respond, Ashley entered the room. She clutched a large bag to her chest as she stopped and looked at Steve.

"Thank God you're back! I was so worried about you!" cried Ashley as tears ran down her cheeks. She dropped the bag and carefully hugged Steve as she sobbed against his chest. Laura arched a questioning eyebrow at Gwen. Gwen simply smiled as she watched Ashley regain control.

"I picked up some clothes for you. Gwen said your old ones were pretty much ruined. She gave me your sizes. I hope you like them," continued Ashley.

"I know your leg still hurts," added Gwen as she undid the belt to his robe and tugged it off his shoulders. Then she dropped to her knees, dug a pair of boxers from the bag and held them by Steve's feet. Ashley quickly dropped down next to Gwen and helped spread the underwear open for Steve to step into.

Gwen chuckled as Laura was unable to mask her surprise at Ashley's actions. Meanwhile Steve placed one foot into the underwear and then the other. Once his feet were in, Ashley and Gwen carefully slid them up his thighs. Gwen pulled the front out to go over the bandage on his leg without any contact. Then she and Ashley pulled socks out of the bag and worked them onto his feet. Finally, they pulled out a pair of cargo pants and carefully helped work them up to his waist.

Once he was dressed from the waist down, Ashley stood with a polo shirt and offered it to Steve. Suddenly, she pulled it back and hugged him again. Then she stepped back and held the shirt out for Steve.

"Thanks for letting me help him, Gwen. The last week has been awful, wondering if he was okay and if he'd make it back. Now that he's here, I just want to be close to him and watch his every move. I picked out a color that should go good with his tan and his eyes. Do you like it?" asked Ashley as she turned and looked at Gwen. That was when she noticed how shocked Laura appeared to be.

"I'm sorry if I acted like a school girl, Laura. Like I said, I've been really worried and sometimes I have a little trouble with stress. When I'm around Steve, it gets a lot better, especially today. Steve and Gwen are a devoted couple and I wouldn't ever try to change that, but I do get to help him when I can, and Gwen's fine with it."

"Laura was just a little surprised that you were so extremely helpful, especially in front of Gwen," responded Steve as he tucked his shirt into his pants. "I was more than a little surprised, too. But I know how worried you must have been. Gwen's smile is a mile wide, so I'd say that she's fine with everything. Thanks for finding some clothes for me. I feel a lot better dressed like this than I did wearing that robe."

A nurse came into the room and spoke quietly to Laura, who in turn told Steve, "it seems that you have a phone call. President Hanson has asked to speak with you. You can take it in the small office across the hall and to the left. Just push # 1."

Steve limped to the small office and asked Ashley to close the door behind her, which drew a big smile from her. Steve picked the phone up and pressed the button.

"Hello, sir. This is Lieutenant Steve Hammer reporting," began Steve formally. "Thank you, Sir. Yes, I've been treated. I have a surface wound on my left shoulder and had a bullet dug out of my leg. I should be fine, Sir. Yes, if I could, I'd very much like to spend a few days here in Sparta. Yes, that's this evening and I'm planning on performing with my friends, unless that's a problem, Sir. Tomorrow at ten? Yes, Sir."

Steve hung the phone up and turned to Gwen and Ashley. "The President said I could stay in Sparta for a few days for some R & R. I have to be de-briefed tomorrow morning at ten and I have to refrain from discussing the events in Colombia with anyone."

"So there's no way I can coax the story from you?" asked Gwen as she rubbed her ample bosom against Steve.

"I'll tell you anything you want to know," grinned Steve as he grabbed Gwen and pulled her tight to his body and kissed her.

"That seemed awfully easy!" complained Ashley. "Aren't you supposed to be tortured for a few weeks before you spill your guts to your masochistic interrogator?"

"I've been away from Gwen so long, it already feels like torture," replied Steve. "The President has ordered her to help me with the R & R. She's in for a busy few days."

"Bring it on, Big Guy! I'm a loyal American and will follow my orders to the absolute best of my ability. Tell me what you want. I'm at your beck and call," replied Gwen as she again kissed Steve's lips. "Wait! I think I'm getting a message from Little Steve down below. It's telling me exactly what you want."

"You certainly are good at understanding what he wants," laughed Steve as he looked into Gwen's eyes. "You'll be taking orders from me, and it happens that the little guy and I pretty much are thinking the same thing and it involves you, silk ropes, whipped cream, a blindfold, and a tube of lubricant."

"Excuse me!" groaned Ashley as she quickly opened the door. "I need some fresh air. Want me to tell everyone you'll be out in an hour or so? Should I place orders with a pharmacy, an adult store, and the local grocery?"

"Thanks, Ashley, but I have everything he's asked for in my pocketbook. I always travel prepared," responded Gwen while maintaining eye contact with Steve.

"You had all of that stuff with you while I was in Colombia?" mused Steve. "Ashley, has Gwen had any visitors while I was away?"

"Now that you asked, the Sixth Fleet did stop in for a few days. She had a tractor trailer deliver whipped cream and lubricant in 55 gallon drums. Maybe you need a new girlfriend?" suggested Ashley as she arched her eyebrows and licked her lips.

"Maybe I need a new assistant!" laughed Gwen. "55 gallon drums? How did the Sixth Fleet get so far from any ocean?"

A few minutes later, Gwen wheeled Steve into the waiting room next to the ER. The room came alive as soon as they entered it. Everyone rushed to welcome Steve. He smiled and carefully stood and offered his arms to Jordan, who quickly came and wrapped her arms around him.

"God, you're beautiful. You and Gwen saved my life with that big reward offer. It's going to cost you a few million, but it made the difference. Thanks, Jordan. You're the best!"

Jordan simply sobbed into Steve's chest for another twenty seconds before drying her eyes and looking up at Steve. "I was so scared. I told Gwen you'd be okay, but I was really worried. That reward was totally Gwen's idea. I was happy to be able to sign the flyer. You're going to be okay, right?"

"This guy had a bullet in his leg, a bullet crease on his shoulder, some rock shards in his face, and a few bruises from where bullets hit his flak jacket. Pretty much a walk in the park for the very tough Steve Hammer, U.S. Navy SEAL," quipped Gwen as she beamed with pride. "He'll be fine and he's going to be on stage with us tonight!"

Jordan unwrapped her arms and stepped away from Steve as Kate took her place. "Gwen knew you were on the helicopter. The rest of us didn't believe it, but she knew. She's the one for you. I didn't need any more proof, but I got it anyway. I'm so glad you're back and okay! I love you, and I always will," sobbed Kate as she hugged Steve.

Paula was next. She simply kissed him gently on the lips and smiled. "Thanks for coming back to Gwen. You two belong together and it's becoming more obvious all the time."

Becky and Charlotte each took a turn hugging Steve before his grandmother stepped up to him with tears in her eyes. "That girl knew you were coming home. The rest of us didn't believe it, but she knew. You take good care of her. She's amazing," managed Beatrice Patterson as she struggled to hold her emotions in check.

Once the ladies were done welcoming Steve, Charlie stepped up and gave Steve a hearty embrace. Ted and William Patterson followed suit. It was an extremely happy group that walked out of the hospital, only to be met by several reporters and photographers.

Questions were hurled at Steve nonstop until he raised his hand and asked for silence. "I can't make any statements or answer any questions until I am given permission by my superiors. It's that simple, so please stop asking. Other than it's great to be home with my friends and family, I have nothing else to say. Thank you."

"Do you want to go home and take a nap?" asked Gwen once they had moved away from the nosey reporters. "I know you're exhausted and we have a big night ahead of us."

"First, I'd like to stop at Billy's and get one of their big steaks," revealed Steve. "I've lived on fruits and berries for a week and I'd really like some meat and potatoes."

As the group entered Marsh's Landing, patrons suddenly went quiet. Steve recognized nearly half the people seated and spoke to them as he passed by.

"Frank, your wife looks great. How's you ever get her to marry you?" joked Steve to the first man he recognized. "Jim, Mandy, your kids are getting big! Your girl's as cute as her mother. Mrs. Johnson, it's good to see you."

Gwen felt tremendous pride as she walked arm in arm with her amazing boyfriend. He was maintaining and building on friendships he had developed since he arrived in Sparta six years prior. The neighbors he took the time to speak with were extremely flattered that a man as famous as Steve and who had just been through what he had endured still thought enough of them to say hello. Gwen made sure to smile and make comments as well. These were their people and she loved her home town dearly. Steve had embraced it from the day he moved in. That was simply another reason she loved him.

Billy Marsh came out of the office and embraced Steve before making a few jokes about him slacking off in Colombia while everyone else had to work. Steve grinned and kidded Billy right back. It was obvious to all that they had an easy, close friendship, based on a deep, mutual respect.

It was just noon when Gwen led a very tired Steve from the restaurant. She borrowed Ashley's car and drove Steve to her parents' home. There she undressed him and then crawled into bed next to him. Steve ran his arm around Gwen, took her left breast in his left hand, squeezed it gently, and fell asleep. A short time later, Gwen joined him in slumber. For the first time in a week, she enjoyed a relaxed, peaceful sleep.

They slept four hours before Paula apologetically woke them up. "I'm sorry kids, but the entire town's waiting on you. The dedication was pushed back so Steve would have the chance to rest a few hours. The dedication is now scheduled to begin in half an hour. Then there's the matter of a traditional concert given by the most famous residents of Sparta. There's even more people around than we usually have for this event. Reporters are all over the place. The clip of Steve getting off the helicopter with those darling girls has been played a thousand times. The one of you running to him and hugging him for a few minutes has played even more. For some reason, the news people think you two are deeply in love. Go figure."

Twenty five minutes later, Steve and Gwen were standing on a small stage in front of the new wing of the hospital with Paula, Ms. Walker, Jordan, Charlotte, and numerous hospital officials, including Laura. To start the affair, Gwen and Jordan sang the National Anthem and the gathering loved it.

The president of the hospital gave a short speech about how the addition was the brainchild of Ms. Walker, a local teacher. Then he turned the microphone over to her as the crowd applauded.

"Thank you," beamed Ms. Walker as the cheering and applause began to lessen. "I'm being given credit for something that I really shouldn't be. I was the senior class advisor the year that Gwen Anderson, Jordan Quick, Steve Hammer, and many other exceptionally gifted students and citizens graduated. The day before school started, I heard about a video on YouTube that featured Gwen and Steve dancing. I watched it a couple dozen times, often with tears in my eyes.

"Then I watched the video where Steve spoke to Gwen about their date after Sparta won its first football game of the year. What I can take credit for is realizing that it was going to be a year like no other. I had Gwen in class the previous year and knew that she was a brilliant student, if a bit reserved, and perhaps even introverted. What I saw when she and Steve were together thrilled me to the core. I just knew that the two of them were destined for great things.

"That's when I began thinking about a class project worthy of the students of the class. A few weeks before, a friend of mine with a small child had mentioned that she had to drive her daughter to the state capital for proper medical treatment because Sparta's hospital lacked the needed equipment and facilities. When I recalled that, I decided to ask the kids in the senior class if they were up for a big class project, one that would make a difference in the lives of a great many people. Being the quality students and people that they were, they agreed enthusiastically.

"It started out slowly and gained momentum. When Jordan Quick came to our school, things really began to take off. She, along with Gwen, Steve, and many others, donated their time and talent to the project. The rest is history."

Then Charlotte was asked to speak. "I'm extremely proud of the Spartan Nation. It's no accident this hospital was able to expand. It's a credit to the parents, teachers, school board members, the hospital, and citizens of this community that an atmosphere of sharing and caring was encouraged so strongly. I've got two years of med school behind me and this is where I want to practice medicine when I get my MD. This is my home town!"

When Jordan stepped to the microphone, she was very humble. "I came to Sparta a troubled girl, one that had just completed rehab for drugs and alcohol dependency. Steve, Gwen, the Andersons, and all of the students and teachers welcomed me and helped me keep that monkey off my back. I am not the same person I was then, and I'm proud of that. Helping this hospital is one of the best things I've ever done. Except for gaining the love and friendship of Charlie, Gwen and Steve, it's the high point of my life. Someday, my kids will be born and raised here in Sparta. It's my home town!

Gwen smiled as she took center stage. "I've been blessed with good fortune. I can't explain why Steve asked me to that dance, or why he fell in love with me, but that love has allowed me to work for this hospital and this community. I have everything I could dream of, and like Charlotte, I'm two years through med school. I want to practice medicine here, get married here, raise my family here, and even be buried here some day. We are the Spartan Nation, and this is my home town!"

When Steve was asked to say a few words, he had an obvious limp as he approached the microphone. Before he was able to comment, the crowd began cheering and clapping very loudly. It went on for what seemed like a very long time.

"Thank you," began Steve as the applause finally began to taper off. "I'm honored to be here today. It's a dream come true to see this new hospital standing here. Gwen and Jordan thought it was such a great idea, they asked Charlie and me if we'd go along with our company building a children's hospital in Kiev! I'm able to tell you in all honesty, that Gwen and Jordan are truly exceptional human beings. I'm humbled when I'm with them. I've been blessed with some great friends and one very amazing girlfriend. Like the rest of you, I just do what I can and hope that it's enough. I'm proud to tell you that I'm a Spartan, and this is my hometown!"

The crowd loved the kids' brief speeches and how they spoke of their pride in being Spartans. There could be no doubt that the status of the Spartan Nation had increased dramatically since Steve met Gwen that day at the mall. The community had famous citizens that they were proud of, and a new state-of-the-art children's' hospital. Lady in Red Productions had bought land and built a modern facility for recording songs and a set for television shows. It was rumored that movies may be made in Sparta!

They had not only survived two terrorist attacks, but had sent the terrorists straight to hell! It was a source of local pride that, while they did nothing to provoke the violence, the citizens of Sparta had done everything to end it.

The concert was scheduled to begin at eight while the dedication ceremonies for the new children's hospital were over at five thirty. Gwen, Jordan, Charlie, and Steve made their way to Marsh's for a quick dinner. Steve was still trying to catch up for the meals he had missed. As they walked through the dining area, the kids spoke to many of the patrons, often by their first name, shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries as they made their way to their table. Their approachable demeanor added to their reputations as great young adults that remembered their roots. The locals loved that quality. While they had dined with presidents and kings, they never forgot the folks in their home town and never acted like they were superior, or 'uppity'.

While most people left them alone when they sat down to eat, Steve, Jordan, Gwen, and friends were always polite and patient with those, usually tourists, who invaded their space while they dined. It became a sure way to tell who was a tourist, and who lived in Sparta. Locals never bothered the friends while they were eating.

Gwen smiled and pointed to a new photo on the wall. It was Steve hugging her with the helicopter and its whirling blades in the background. It was already framed and titled 'The Homecoming'. Steve was surprised at how tanned, dirty, and bloody he looked in the photo.

Gwen's phone rang. She glanced at the caller I.D. and told her friends, "It's Amber Stahl. I owe her for airing my response to Steve's situation. Excuse me while I answer this."

Gwen stood up and stepped close to a coat room as she spoke. Less than a minute later, she returned. "Amber's here in Sparta. She didn't want to interrupt our meal but wants to interview us as soon as she can. I guess just about all of the news bureaus want to, but Mom has those calls screened. Amber is the only reporter with our numbers, and I like it that way. Since Steve left his phone on a ship in the Caribbean, she called me. She's going to be here in half an hour. We'll answer her questions while we're surrounded by friends and neighbors."

The foursome had just finished dessert when Amber entered the room. She nodded to several diners and even mentioned a few by name. Steve and Charlie stood and offered her a chair.

"First, just let me tell you how delighted I am to see you, Steve. I saw the footage of you exiting the helicopter, and Gwen hugging you. It was touching, to say the least. I'm glad that you've made it back."

The cameraman aimed his device at Amber as she checked her notes before facing Steve. "Steve, I know you aren't supposed to talk about your ordeal, but what can you tell us about your adventures of the past week?"

"Honestly? Not very much. It's great to be home. I couldn't miss our traditional Memorial Day party, especially with the dedication of the new children's hospital. I'll sit down with Navy people tomorrow and be de-briefed. Then I'll have a better idea of what I can tell you."

"How did you wind up on that helicopter? How did you and those children get into the country undetected?" asked Amber as she scanned her notes.

Steve smiled at Amber as he responded. "That wasn't very tricky. Next question?"

"This one's for Gwen. More than a few people who witnessed your reaction to Steve's return tell me that you somehow knew Steve was on that helicopter without benefit of anyone actually telling you. In fact, no one knew he was on the helicopter. Yet when you were informed that a helicopter was bringing in some injured people, you actually ran the two blocks from this restaurant to the hospital after telling everyone within hearing that you were certain that Steve was on board. When and how did you realize that Steve was on that helicopter?"

"When Laura, Dr. Masters, told us that she had just been notified by the hospital that a helicopter, and not a trauma chopper, was arriving with injured people, something clicked," admitted Gwen with a blush. "I had been feeling strange all morning and I suddenly knew why. Steve was coming home! I really can't tell you more than that. I simply knew he was coming home. I don't really care how I knew, but I'm glad I did and I was there to meet him."

Amber looked from Gwen to Steve and back to Gwen with a mixture of admiration and awe before posing her next question. "Gwen, what can you tell us about the movement afoot to draft you for a run for the congressional seat in your home district? Are you considering it?"

"Excuse me?" asked an obviously baffled Gwen. "I haven't any clue what you're talking about. I'm a registered Independent, only because I had to register as something in order to vote. I have neither the time nor the inclination to run for public office. Both the Republicans and the Democrats have selected their candidates already."

"That's true, but with your congresswoman giving up her seat this fall to run for the senate, rumor has it that many voters will support you as a write-in candidate for congress," responded Amber. "Will you actively campaign? Will you serve if elected?"