Chapter 15

You're not thinking about going to Paris without Charlie and me, are you?" asked Jordan as soon as Gwen had announced her intentions.

"Oh, Jordan! I hate to ask anyone to go to funerals. This isn't going to be a fun, romantic trip," pointed out Gwen. "If you'd like to come with us, we'd be extremely glad to have you! I should've known that you'd want to help those poor kids. You're a true friend."

"And don't forget it!" kidded Jordan before turning to Charlie. "We need to get some clothes packed and be ready to go. I seem to recall meeting a really sweet guy in Paris a few years back. Even a sad trip to Paris will bring back some very nice memories."

"Hey, I have memories of Paris, too. Plus, I'd like to make some new ones with Chip, so save us a couple of seats," insisted Kate as she held Chip's hand.

"It looks like we're going to have a full aircraft," added Paula. "Let's just get a count of who's going so we know how many helicopters we'll need to get us all to the airport.

Eight hours later, Gwen, Steve and their group landed at Charles de Gaulle in Paris. An hour after that, their van pulled to a stop a few blocks from the orphanage that had been bombed. The streets were blocked so that traffic could get no closer.

"We can get a cab to take us back to the hotel," suggested Gwen as she stepped onto the sidewalk. "I know Lisa and Jason need to take care of Theresa and the rest of you are exhausted. Jordan, Charlie, Steve and I will join you guys at the hotel before too long. We just want to see if we can be any help here."

The foursome had only walked a short distance up the sidewalk when they were stopped by a gendarme. "My friends and I are here to see if we can help in some way," explained Steve in fluent French. "We came from The United States as soon as we heard about the tragedy. We're..."

"You're Steve Hammer! These beautiful ladies are Jordan Quick and Gwen Anderson, and you are Charles Burns!" exclaimed the policeman. "Allow me to ask my superior if I may permit you access."

"You may continue," stated the officer after a brief conversation on his communication device. "Your appearance here is most welcome. This has been a terrible time."

The group walked another block and turned a corner. They were stunned to see large chunks of brick and debris littered across the sidewalk and the narrow street. There were police everywhere. The building that housed the orphanage had one end completely missing. Jagged boards and concrete extended from the section of the building that remained standing. On the western side of the building was a fenced in playground area. Gwen's heart lurched when she saw children of various ages with bloody bandages occupying benches and sitting on the cold ground.

A well dressed man with a name tag approached and introduced himself in English. "I am Inspector Jacques Bordeaux. Your concern is greatly appreciated, but I don't know what you could possibly do to help the situation."

"Sir, who owns this building? Who's in charge of the orphanage? Where are the children sleeping now? I think we can help if you allow us the opportunity," insisted Gwen as she surveyed the destruction all around.

"The lady in the green jacket over by the van is the supervisor. She can answer those questions for you, if you speak French," answered Inspector Bordeaux.

As they approached the woman, it was evident that she was having a very bad day. She was on a cell phone cajoling and then threatening the person on the other end of the conversation. When she looked up to see Gwen and Jordan standing in front of her, she disconnected her call and dropped the phone into a pocket.

"La Dame en Rouge!" proclaimed the woman as she first hugged Gwen and then Jordan before turning her attention to Charlie and Steve. She hugged the two men and gave them kisses on both cheeks. Then she started speaking rapidly in French.

Steve quickly explained that he'd be required to translate for everyone, so she needed to speak more slowly. It didn't take long for Gwen to ask the question that was on her mind.

"What are you going to do with the children that survived? Do you have somewhere to place them?" repeated Steve once Gwen had finished speaking.

"I'm trying to get the government to allow use of the old hospital on Rue Lepic. It was recently replaced by a larger one three blocks north. The owners are asking far more than we can afford. We depend on government assistance and donations and have very little reserves. I am hoping the government will intervene and force the owners to allow us temporary use of the facilities. It would suit our needs perfectly, with only minor alterations."

"Can you give me contact information for the owners?" asked Steve, knowing where Gwen had been headed with her questioning.

"Certainly, I have spoken to them several times today. I thought this tragedy would have softened their hearts, but such is not the case. They are holding firm on their price," replied the woman as she handed Steve a slip of paper with the information he requested.

Jordan, Charlie, and Gwen smiled at each other as Steve made the call. They had global calling plans on their cell phones so Steve had no difficulty reaching the owners. While they did not speak French, Gwen and Jordan were able to easily follow the conversation by Steve's tone and gestures. After a few minutes discussion, Steve disconnected.

"Let's get over to their office on Champs-Elysees and get this done right now," urged Steve. "They agreed to drop the asking price sixteen percent for a fast cash transaction.

"Madam, we'll acquire ownership of that building as fast as possible and then we'll donate it to your organization to use. We were thinking that we'd also buy this damaged building from you and refurbish it. Please find out how much you'll ask for it and let me know. Here's my card," offered Steve to the flabbergasted woman.

An hour later, Lady in Red Productions had a contract to purchase the old hospital, including the right to begin immediate repairs and upgrades. While they had been walking the ten blocks to the office on Champs-Elysees, Gwen had called Michelle D'Anjou and explained what they were trying to accomplish. Though her father was no longer French president, he was very well connected in Paris and quickly recommended a builder. By the time they had a signed agreement, the contractor had been hired to begin immediate renovations.

Michelle D'Anjou had been caught completely by surprise when Gwen laid out the plans for the old hospital. She was no stranger to real estate values in Paris and had a very good idea how much money Lady in Red Productions had to spend to gain ownership of the building.

Like everyone else in France, the terrorist bombing of the orphanage had disgusted and saddened Michelle. Gwen's call had been the first bit of good news she had received in what seemed like forever. Her American friends were actually making a difference and she marveled at their generosity.

Having completed the negotiations and signed the necessary documents, Steve phoned the lady in charge of the orphanage and told her what they had done. He asked her to meet with the contractor at the building so she could have input into what the orphanage would require in the way of renovations. Then he asked if the children needed a temporary place to stay. He was assured that the government had stepped in and supplied living space for the children. Tired, but content, Steve, Gwen, Charlie, and Jordan returned to the hotel, where they found the rest of their group having dinner.

"Well, Kate and Lisa, we just spent a big chunk of your money," began Gwen as she took a seat next to her mother.

"You should try the croissants," replied Kate. "They're to die for!"

"Don't you want to know what we did with your money, and how much we spent?" asked Gwen. "We spent a lot more than just a shopping spree."

"I wouldn't blame you guys if you spent every last nickel," answered Kate as she filled her plate. "You're the ones that earn it. I know that you wouldn't do anything stupid, but would probably do something extremely generous. We were trying guess what you guys would do, and what it would cost.

"Lisa said you'd pay for the funerals since the kids were orphans. Mom thought that you'd put the kids up in hotels until their place is rebuilt. I told them you'd probably buy another building to house the orphanage," finished Kate as she bit into her third croissant.

"You're right, Kate, but I like Lisa's and Paula's ideas, too," admitted Jordan. "Thanks, Kate and Lisa, for being so understanding of what we're trying to do with the company. We do make lots of money, but we're trying to do good deeds with it. I'm so glad all of us see these things the same way."

"So fill us in on what you guys managed in a few hours in Paris," coaxed Lisa. "We had a nap with the baby and Mom's going to take care of her while Kate, Stephanie, Chip, Jason, and I go sightseeing. Do you want to go with us?"

"I'm bushed," confessed Gwen. "By the time I finish eating, I'll be ready for a hot shower and some personal time with my guy. This time change thing has me out of kilter. It's only ten in the morning back home, but it sure feels later."

"Charlie and I are planning on getting some rest," added Jordan. "It's very tiring spending large sums of other peoples' money."

"So tell us what we bought and how much we spent," insisted Kate. "I need to know if I can still go shopping in these high fashion boutiques. Last time we were here, we had a couple hundred dollar allowance for the whole week."

"We didn't spend that much," assured Steve. "You can still go shopping to your heart's content. I can see that Chip's looking forward to it. They will serve wine and champagne to the better customers, Chip."

"How about beer?" asked Chip while the others laughed at his discomfort. "I'm hoping that not being able to speak French will limit Kate's shopping abilities."

"Not likely," laughed Paula. "They say that love is the universal language, but you'll find that when money talks, everyone listens, and understands, regardless of language barriers."

Steve and Gwen went to their room, made love, and then fell asleep. By nine PM, Paris time, they were wide awake again.

"Let's go see if Mom and Dad are still up," suggested Gwen. "If Theresa is awake, I'll get to play with her. She sure is cute."

"She is that," agreed Steve. "I don't think there's ever been homely girl in your family. She's going to be a heart breaker."

"I never told you, but Lisa wanted to name her after you, but I talked her out of it," admitted Gwen. "I told Lisa that our first child, be it a boy or a girl, would have your first name. That would make it confusing if there were two little 'Steves' or 'Stevies' running around Grandma's house. I'm worried about every woman we know wanting to name their kid after you before we have one."

"I doubt if it's that bad," chuckled Steve. "It would really feed the gossip columns if there were half a dozen babies named 'Steve' in our group."

"Sometimes I wonder if you have any idea how my female friends and relatives feel about you. They'd all have your babies if they thought it wouldn't cause any problems with the dynamics of our group," asserted Gwen.

"But we both know that it would cause serious problems, so it simply won't happen," insisted Steve as he led Gwen down the hall to her parents room and knocked on their door. "You're the only mother any kids of mine will have. You can take that to the bank."

"You're so smooth," replied Gwen as she pulled Steve's face down for a lingering kiss as the door opened.

"Perhaps you should go back to your room for round two, or three, or whatever the count is," suggested Paula with a smile as she waited for the couple to disengage. "Come on in. There's some interesting stuff on TV, but we can't tell exactly what's being said."

Lisa, Kate, Stephanie, Jason, and Chip were already seated when Steve and Gwen entered the living area of the suite. Steve listened to the talking heads on TV for a few minutes before reporting to the others.

"The press has already discovered that Lady in Red Productions has purchased the old hospital. They know it's going to be renovated quickly and then become the new home for the orphans. The government has announced that it will cover all funeral and hospital expenses that resulted from the attack and will supply temporary living space for the kids. There's an uneasy feeling in the city that terrorists may make more attempts to murder and create mayhem," added Steve.

"What about all of those people that were interviewed?" asked Kate. "I heard your names mentioned a few times. What was that about?"

"It seems that a lot of the people in Paris approved of our decision to help the orphanage. They were expressing their gratitude."

"Okay, now what about some of the things the American politicians were saying? They didn't play what they said in English, but that guy looked like the cat just crapped in his oatmeal," opined Chip as he pointed to Senate Majority Leader Danson's face on the screen.

"Well, they seem to feel that those of us with Lady in Red Productions, and Gwen in particular, are trying to take advantage of the situation. They always see things through political glasses, while we're simply trying to help kids that really need it. Both Danson and the Speaker of the House Lancer have taken great pains to explain to the citizens of the US and France that we do not represent the U.S. Government," replied Steve. "They'll be leading the official American delegation that comes to Paris for the funerals. They've pointed out that we're not included in that delegation."

"Why is that so important to them?" wondered Gwen. "Who cares about things like that?"

"Professional politicians," responded Ted. "They don't know any other way to act. You're an unknown quantity to them. They understand politics and how to curry favor with the voting public. They assume that since you're getting good press here in Paris, it's politically motivated. It's all they understand."

During the discussion, Steve had picked up Theresa and carried her around the room. Lisa watched and smiled broadly. "You promised that you'd love my kids. It looks like you're keeping that promise. You'll make a great father."

"If and when he gets married," added Paula. "He seems to have honorable intentions, but I expect to see a ring on my daughter's hand before he becomes a father, at least of a grandchild of mine."

"We were just talking about that, Mom. Steve told me that I'd be the only mother his kids would ever have. Unless there's a trick in that statement someplace, I think it means that I'm the only woman that'll be giving birth to his children. That's a commitment, don't you think?"

"Not really, at least not in my book," responded Paula. "A commitment slides on your finger and declares you legally and morally bound to each other forever. Lisa and Jason are committed."

"How about Chip and me?" asked Kate. "I've already told him that I'll be having his kids."

"Once again, that isn't the commitment that I'm talking about," repeated Paula.

"Mom, you know Gwen wants to finish med school, and I want to finish law school before we get married. You'll scare these guys off if you keep talking about marriage," warned Kate.

"No fear here," responded Chip immediately. "And from what Steve's been telling me ever since I met him, I'd say he looks forward to the day he and Gwen get hitched. Don't worry about us getting cold feet. We just worry that you ladies will realize that you can do better and drop us like bad habits."

Gwen's phone chimed, so she left the room to answer it. She was back a few minutes later with a serious face.

"That was Michelle D"Anjou. Emotions are running pretty high in Paris now. The French want to show the world that they will not be bullied or threatened by terrorists. There are plans for a bunch of speeches, and what she calls preening by politicians at the site of the bombed orphanage on Tuesday. The Mayor, who is one of her father's better friends, feels it is not enough and it doesn't involve the public properly.

"He, along with local civic leaders, has asked if we would give a performance here in Paris in honor of the killed and injured children, as well as the courage and determination of the French people."

"From what I've read and been told by my history teachers, that would be a damn short performance," joked Chip.

"I know you thought you were being funny, but that was really in poor taste," chastised Kate. "These people are fighting for their identity, their pride, and their way of life. They can either live in fear or decide that they won't go silently into the night."

"Are you trying to quote 'Independence Day' or Dylan Thomas?" laughed Gwen. "Chip can make jokes like that when it's just family because we know his sense of humor, but please don't say things like that where you might be heard by others, and quoted."

"The band would never get here and get set up in time, would they?" asked Steve. "Where does he want to hold it, and how long does he want us to perform?"

"Michelle said that there are a lot of very good musicians in the city that would love to play for us. The weather is supposed to be unseasonably warm for the next few days, so they are thinking of an outside venue that could accommodate large numbers of spectators."

"If you're game, I'll give it a shot," agreed Steve, "especially if Charlie and Jordan will go along with it. I need to run it by Senator Chatham. I'm supposed to be with her on Tuesday. I'll call her now. Where would it be held?"

"The Mayor has been talking to the business and political leaders in Paris. He said that if we agree to perform, he'll have us set up at the Arc de Triomphe! Every major road in Paris goes through there, or so it seems. It'll be a traffic nightmare, but they'll shut down traffic for the show. People will have to walk quite a ways, but the Mayor feels strongly that they'll come if we perform. Michelle and her dad agree. It would be a night like they've never seen in 'The City of Light'. Michelle told me that the mayor referenced our concert in Kiev, and the one in Washington, and felt that Paris would be the perfect city for another.

"They hope to take donations from the people at the event, find corporate sponsors, plus sell the movie and TV rights with all proceeds going to the orphanage fund. Of course, they asked us to donate our services. I promised I'd get back to Michelle as soon as possible," finished Gwen.

"I'll call the senator right now," promised Steve as he stepped into the next room. Almost five minutes later, he returned.

"It's a good thing I asked the Senator. She said there's a bit of a shit storm, her words, not mine, over Gwen being here in Paris. The politicians in Congress feel that she's stealing their thunder. They were wishing they could have her called back to the US, like she was a diplomat or something. Both parties have been complaining to President Hanson. Senator Chatham called Hanson to see if he'd have a problem with us doing a concert.

"Here's the good part. President Hanson thought it was great idea, but he's asking a favor of us. He'd like to be able to tell the French government and the press that we're his personal representatives for the funerals. He'd like to be the one to announce that we're performing here Tuesday night in a show of support and unity with the people of France.

"In short, he's asking to bask in some of the good press this should create. He's not going to concern himself much about the politicians and their self-serving attitudes. That's the good part about being a lame duck. I told Senator Chatham that we'd have to speak to Charlie and Jordan before we can agree to anything like that.

"Let me give Charlie a call and see if he's around," offered Gwen. "He's the musical brains of this operation and we need him in order to get this right."

Gwen was only on her cell for a few seconds before she disconnected. "Charlie said they'll be right up. They were just entering the lobby."

A short time later, there was a knock on the door. Kate opened it to allow Jordan and Charlie access to the suite.

"We woke up and went for a little walk," explained Jordan. "It's all over Paris that Lady in Red is buying the old hospital for use by the orphans. People were stopping us and telling us how grateful they were. It makes me feel proud of our company, and the great things we do, mostly because of Steve and Gwen."

"We're not going to have that discussion again," insisted Gwen. "You two are right there with us in everything we do and we're proud of you both. But we have bigger fish to fry. Michelle D'Anjou called to tell me that the mayor and city fathers would like us to give a concert Tuesday evening. They think it'll help heal the city as well as lift everyone's spirits. They want to set it up at the Arc de Triomphe, if you can imagine that!"

"We don't have the band here. They're scattered all over the place on vacation. I don't think we can get them here in time to begin to prepare for this," worried Charlie.

"Michelle said that she could round up some excellent musicians for the event. She flat our guaranteed that they'd be the best, and we'd be very pleased with them," countered Gwen to Charlie's objection.

"Let's do it, Charlie!" gushed Jordan. "This'll be big, like the show in D.C. a few weeks back, or even the one we did in Kiev. I assume it'll be televised here in Paris?"

"The proceeds from donations, corporate sponsors, and TV and movie rights will all go to the orphanage fund," replied Gwen. "We'd be donating our time and talent."

"That just may be why God gave us the time and talent!" enthused Jordan. "I feel like the luckiest person in the world sometimes. I love to help others when I can, and this looks like a great opportunity. What do you think, Charlie?"

"Have I ever gone against you, when you really wanted to do something, especially something that helps so many others?" asked Charlie rhetorically. "Depending on how good the musicians are that back us, it might be a bit sketchy, but I'm in if you want to do it."

"Now for the rest of it. You need to know that President Hanson wants to have us represent the White House at these funerals, and he wants to be the one to announce that we're doing the concert to show unity and support for the people of France," finished Gwen.

"I like President Hanson. He's been very nice to me, so I'm fine with that. Will it be a problem for your position in Congress, Gwen?" asked a concerned Jordan.

"If doing a good thing is a problem for someone, so be it. I can't spend my life worrying about the feelings of these dinosaurs we have in Congress," insisted Gwen. "Let's just agree to do this because it's the right thing and if it helps President Hanson, that's fine, too."

"Hello, Michelle?" greeted Gwen on her cell a minute later. "Tell the Mayor and your father that we'll do it! Let them know that President Hanson will be announcing it, along with the fact that we are representing the White House at the funerals for the children that were killed. We didn't think you'd mind.

"Please be sure you give us talented musicians. That's why we sound good most of the time. We always have excellent talent around us. We'll plan on doing the show Tuesday evening. You get everything ready and we'll be there."

Jordan waited for Gwen to disconnect before making another observation. "Almost every magazine in the city has a picture of Gwen coming out of the cold river after saving Hardy. It's pretty obvious that they have less strict codes here about showing nipples. That sheer bra was totally transparent. You looked about as sexy as a woman can look. I bet those magazines are selling like hotcakes. In addition, 'Diana' is showing in almost every theater in the city and people are lined up to see it. Stephanie, just how big was the opening weekend?"

"We set records for a January opening," bragged Stephanie. "It's very unlikely that you'll spend as much on the orphanage as your movie makes for us in France this week. Other actors go on talk shows to promote a movie. Steve and Gwen do heroic deeds instead, and it seems to work quite well. Cynics would argue that you made money when you bought that hospital for the orphans simply because of the excellent PR, and it's brought even more attention to your movie. Of course, everyone in this room knows you did it to help the kids and have no real concern about promoting yourselves. This concert you're planning, without consulting me, I might add, will just blow the socks off France. You guys are conquering another country!"

"We didn't come here to win anyone over," corrected Gwen. "We're here to show our support and concern for the city, and country after a horrible terrorist attack. You should have seen those children with bandages and dressings on their little bodies earlier today. Have they determined how many children were killed in the attack?"

"A little while ago, they said that twenty one orphans had died, with three more in critical condition, and six others with non life threatening injuries. It would have been worse if most of the kids hadn't been in the auditorium watching a movie," revealed Paula. "It was a horrible thing."

"There's nothing good about terrorism. We all know that firsthand. That's one of the reasons I'm so determined to help victims. It's a terrible thing to feel so vulnerable, and so violated," replied Gwen with emotion.

The next morning saw everyone well rested and eager to start the day. The entire group was gathered for breakfast in the hotel dining area.

"I finally got to make love with the Eiffel Tower in the background," sighed Kate as Chip began to fidget. "I can cross that off my bucket list. Gwen was so lucky to have that for her first time."

"I met Charlie on our first Paris trip, but we weren't romantically involved back then. We made up for it last night, wouldn't you say, Charlie?" asked Jordan to a grinning Charlie.

"It was romantic, wasn't it?" agreed Lisa as Jason blushed. "I can see why Gwen waited so long now!"

"I don't think Ted and I need to hear about our daughters' love lives," complained Paula, but with a smile. "But it's nice to hear that you're all feeling well loved this morning. It certainly is a romantic setting."

"Mom! Not you, too!" laughed Kate. "Every woman in the family was getting it on last night!"

"If only that were true," griped Stephanie. "I feel like the proverbial fifth wheel around here. I can see where I need to pick up my game and find a big strong, studly guy like everyone else in the family. Do any of you guys have an unmarried brother?"

"What about Becky and me?" questioned Ashley. "I fell asleep after that long plane ride and slept around the clock. Becky and I could use some romance, too."

"Well, that isn't exactly true," smiled Becky as she clutched Pete's hand. "I'm not complaining, so don't include me in your old maid scenarios. Seeing the Eiffel Tower all lit up outside your window does add a lot to the occasion. Pete and I had a 'Steve and Gwen' first time, sort of. At least it was the first time for us together. I'm not trying to brag or anything, but it was wonderful!"

Pete had turned all kinds of colors as he stared down at his empty plate and fidgeted with his napkin while everyone else 'oohed' and 'aahed' in good humor.

"Great! Even my little sister found a good guy before me," lamented Ashley in mock disappointment. "The truth is, I'm not surprised. You seemed to like the guy even before he saved our lives. It must have been his sweet talk the first time you met him. I'm really happy for you both. Mom will be excited, especially if you wind up married and give her grandchildren. I think that she's given up on me."

"I may be able to help," suggested Chip. "I have a cousin on my mother's side. He's going to be released soon and he'll be looking for female companionship after spending the last three years solely in the company of males."

"Okay, introduce us!" exclaimed Ashley, which caused everyone at the table break into more laughter.

"Look on that TV over on the far wall," pointed out Kate. "That woman is talking about Steve. I heard his name, along with a bunch of stuff I couldn't understand. What's she saying?"

"She's the mother of one of the kids that were kidnapped by the terrorists in Iraq," explained Steve. "She's giving her somewhat inflated opinion of my dashing good looks and unmatched courage. She was the one parent that seemed willing to sacrifice more than my life to save her daughter."

"I hope they're listening to her!" exclaimed Gwen. "I'm still pissed about that deal. You almost lost your head. You did save all of those kids. They really should be singing your praises all over the place!"

"But Steve did lose his head over you," observed Kate. "Are you going to apologize to him?"

"No, but I've been singing his praises all over the place," retorted Gwen with a smile. "Nobody does it better!"