Chapter 47

When Gwen and Steve returned to the hotel, there was a message from Paula for them at the desk. Gwen read it over before speaking to Steve. “No surprise here. Mom wants us to stop in her suite before we go to our room. She’s received a few testy phone calls from the state department and wants to know what’s going on.”

“Maybe you two can explain exactly what happened in Russia today that has the state department so irritated,” began Paula as Gwen and Steve entered her suite. “I’ve received several calls asking if you were available, and insisting that you call them immediately.”

“It wasn’t such a big deal, Mom. The Secretary of State made the mistake of insulting me in front of Steve. Steve explained to him how unhealthy that sort of behavior was, so he got all huffy and left the meeting. Once he left, things went much smoother. He did threaten to get Steve booted from the Academy.”

“Oh, dear! I’m so sorry, Steve. You really need to learn to control your temper. Eve