Badass

Badass - A Hannah Todd Story

Badass - A Hannah Todd Story

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. This work is copyrighted by the author. All characters involved in sexual activity are eighteen years of age or older at the time of portrayal.

This is the continuing adventures of Hannah Todd. I would strongly recommend you stop reading this and go back and read at least some of "The Bridge" which provides the back story for most of the characters in this story. I know... it's 30 chapters and lots and lots of pages, but I and a small handful of folks think it's pretty good. I have tried to provide some of the history of the characters so that you can feel like you are getting the full story just by reading Badass. So proceed as you wish. And, bad or good, your feedback is always welcome.

Badass - Part Seven

Badass - Part Seven

Thursday morning at five, everyone was at my place and ready to go, except for the helicopter squads which were meeting at the airfield. Juicy and Ronnie were going over their flight plans and checklists to make sure everything was ready to go. The miniguns were mounted, as was the last of the Hellfires. Juicy would get one shot at ending all drone activity by the opposing force. But the target was big and a no-miss for our veteran pilot. But until that building was blasted, she'd still have to weather drone attacks as well as ground fire. Caroline and Archer were with her, leaving a seat open for Mr. Peacock. Our very special guest.

By five-thirty, all the vehicles had left for Alpine and would arrive near the Jersey property sometime before eight a.m. Per their flight plans, at seven-thirty the choppers would leave, first Juicy in the Little Bird, followed by the big Blackhawk. Thus far, everything was on schedule.

Brumby, with two bodyguards, left the Philadelphia area heading for Peacock's place in Alpine. He was being followed at a distance by a car with two of our operators. One driving and the other tracking the wasp drone that had flown over to the vehicle and mounted itself to the car's undercarriage. The occupants of Brumby's car never noticed the tail as they were half a mile behind the vehicle when they reported back to us from locations in Princeton and then Newark as they rolled up I-95 through New Jersey toward our target in Alpine.

I was not on this mission and watched via the many cameras mounted on the choppers and each of the key agent's body armor. I would be in the videoconference room and Herb would be down at his special office in the Navy Yard. Tripper was in his truck with a couple of Rhee Spanner's people, and they were headed for the warehouse, where they would prepare to disable any drones working against us.

By nine-o'clock, everyone was on station and the helicopters were coming in for a nine-fifteen attack on the Alpine property. It would start with Juicy coming in off the river where she took some flack from below, but landed that Hellfire missile right on target. The place exploded, and drones that had been attacking the Little Bird were now falling from the sky. Juicy then laid down fire with the miniguns as their mercenaries scattered, shooting at the little chopper erratically.

That's when Duane maneuvered the big Blackhawk to hover right over the front gate where the dozen RFS operators rappelled down off of the chopper and hit the ground running. Two guys waylaid the guards at the front gate and opened it to the vehicles now ready for action with another dozen RFS squad members and operators headed to the action and took out and took down the force trying to repel us. It was no contest. In ten minutes, the battle was over.

When Herman entered the house with Dom and half a dozen others, Ali was in Peacock's office/aviary with guns drawn, holding Peacock, Brumby and one of the lieutenants, a guy they called Winger, captive.

Duane flew the Blackhawk a safe distance away once it had dropped its cargo of RFS agents but headed back and landed on the front lawn once the scene went silent and secure. He stopped only for a moment to pick up his dozen agents to fly to the warehouse, where Avi and Ninja were waiting with two other agents and Spanner's men for the full complement to arrive for step two of our invasion.

Again, when arriving on the scene, the assault force rappelled down ropes and landed in front of the warehouse, where Avi's crew was laying down gunfire into the warehouse in a move to defend our arriving troops. The force quickly overwhelmed the eight defenders and only had to kill two. The rest, wounded and outmatched, surrendered quickly. Tripper had disabled all drones and autonomous robots, so the mercs were on their own.

Two operators took Brumby and Winger in one of the larger vehicles, shackled them and drove them all the way to the safe house in Chester County. Peacock went with Juicy, Caroline and Archer in the Little Bird. Our fear that he would jump out of the moving copter caused Archer to lock him down tightly, and he was bound hands and feet and strapped in tight in the back of that Little Bird. Ironic that the Peacock be dragged away by a little bird.

The entire operation took no more than thirty-five minutes, after which it was Herb's job to notify local law enforcement of what had happened at the Alpine property and the Paramus warehouse. Anonymously, of course.

We sustained three casualties, one dead and two wounded, including Caroline, who took a round to her left biceps. It went right through her arm, and nearly hit Archer, but she kept on fighting through it. Juicy dropped her off here at the house before heading to the airfield to park the Little Bird. Determining she did not need the attention of a doctor, I patched Caroline up and sent her to the airfield where she would pick up Ronnie and Juicy, while Archer and two other RFS agents escorted Peacock to the safe house, where he would join Dieter Rose, William Pastor Brumby and Mr. Winger. Charlie Tendler was in the wind, with my blessings, but the safe house was getting crowded. Time for an upgrade.

At the end of the mission, I felt a mild letdown that the battle was done and there was nothing left to do. But yes, there was. We have four really bad guys to process, five if you include Greta Goldheimer, who appeared to have vanished. There was more interrogating to do and a strong need to find a long-term home for these four baddies. Either that or a deep grave. But first, we had to find Ms. Goldheimer.

Although we'd been monitoring her, one day, the day before the assault on Mr. Peacock, Greta walked out of her Center City property and disappeared into the streets of Philadelphia. Danny, my ex-cop, was in contact with friends on the Philly force familiar with the work Royce Field Servcies did. After a full explanation and the forwarding of data to law enforcement, subpoenas were issued and both Brumby's business and Goldheimer's were raided. Much wrongdoing, as pointed out by our data, caused the police to issue warrants for the arrest of Brumby and Goldheimer, and an all-points bulletin was issued.

With the addition of a half dozen ex-cops and detectives, we'd developed an investigative branch at Royce Field Services. They were tasked with finding Greta Goldheimer. Now the bitch would be running from two outfits; usandthe cops.

In the meantime, the assault team, having returned from Jersey, were meeting at my house for the big debrief. We had suffered one dead and two wounded, including Caroline, who I patched up upon her return from the airfield.

While we were awaiting Duane and Ronnie's return from the airfield, Herman called the meeting to order.

"Not since the days when I ran SEAL Team Two do I remember acts of heroism as I saw today on the field of battle. You exposed yourselves to great harm and came out of it on top. Unfortunately, Poochie Pitts didn't make it. He was the first off the chopper and the first to confront our armed aggressors. I don't know about you, but I'll remember him forever."

"Hoo-rah" rang out from the crowd. Then the call of, "Pitts, Pitts, Pitts." He would be buried with full military honors earned on the field of battle as a U.S. Marine. The funeral, like that of Phil Goodman's, would be well attended. His family, a widow and two young sons, would want for nothing, but the fine man they'd lost. The Todd-Bernstein Foundation would see to that.

When Duane and Ronnie arrived, with Juicy and Archer, a big cheer went out for them. Everyone knew the value they brought to the team and that this mission could not have gone as it did without them. Duane took the floor.

"Thanks for your rousing welcome, but let's not forget who led us all into these battles this week. Let's hear it for Juicy Jurgensen."

And the crowd went wild. "Juicy, Juicy, Juicy."

Juicy stood up and put her arms up in a victory dance and then gave her characteristic boxers pose and threw a couple of jabs into the air. The crowd cheered again. And Duane again stepped up to calm them down.

"The first thing everyone has to remember is that this mission never took place and you never were a part of it. Big props to both Anthony and Ali who stuck their necks out big time working the inside track." Then Duane turned to me. "As usual, the Queen Bee has a word for you all."

"Ladies and gentlemen, I am proud of each and every one of you for your performance today and every day. You are the best of the best and I'm here to say that, although I wasn't on mission with you today, Lizzie and I watched everything from my office and all I saw was heroics the entire time. And when Ali walked Peacock out of the door and into the Little Bird I'd never been more pleased with you, my people. My best. Poochie's family will be notified today and Duane and I will personally be there with the bad news and to bring the support of the entire organization. I don't have to tell you how important it is that we make a show of support at his funeral. Now go, my army, and take the rest of the day off. Tomorrow it's business as usual. And when the family is ready, we bury our honored dead."

Dom and Avi were not at the meeting. It was their job to get Peacock and Brumby to the safe house and watch over them until we arrived. This time, no masks. Knowing who we were would be more terrifying than not for Peacock. As soon as we showed up, Duane, Herman and I, he knew he was as good as dead. He didn't know who Duane or Herman were, but he sure knew me.

"Mr. Peacock, my name is Hannah Todd."

"I know who you are, young lady, and let me tell you, you are in deep shit."

Duane, Dom, and Herman cracked up. But I didn't. I just gave him my bestest, broadest smile. Once the laughter subsided, I spoke up.

"Let me get this straight, Peacock, we just destroyed your army, handed your nasty business over to the police and have you captive at a place where you have no idea where you are. And I'm in deep shit. Au contrare, sir. I'd say the shit you're smelling is emanating from you. And with good reason."

"I expect, Miss Todd, I'm as good as dead anyway. And you are at the end of the line. What could you possibly want from me? It appears you've taken everything."

"Oh, it's not about being dead, Deacon, it's about how you get there. Will your death be quick and easy or long and slow? Will it happen sooner or later? And you even get to choose. But that choice comes at a price."

"And what if I'm not willing to pay the price?"

"You will; everyone does. Right, Dom?"

Dom said nothing but gave Peacock one of those looks like he was going to cut him up, cook him and eat him. Then he stepped up in front of Peacock, who was sitting there in front of us all and raised his hand as if he were going to hit him. The man cowered, showing his true feelings about what was happening to him.

I stepped in front of the man, replacing Dom, and quietly, almost in a whisper, I said, "I want to know who your boss is, Peacock. Let that fester in your mind for a little while. Until I get that answer, your life is gonna be nothing but pain. Alright, boys, lock him down. I'll deal with this one tomorrow." Dom and Avi made short work of binding him to a heavy metal chair that was perfect for the job. "No food for this one. Just water."

The next step was to confront Brumby and Winger who were cuffed, hands and feet, in another room. Duane wanted to speak to these two, but I got the first word in.

"Brumby. I know what you wanted to do with me. I've got it on video. Well, let me tell you, Bill, it looks like you're the one getting fucked here, not me. That's right. I know everything you said about me. There isn't a one of my men who wouldn't stick a billy club up your ass on my behalf. You do know that the cops raided your little shop on Sansom Street, and there is a warrant out for your arrest. The jig is up, and I'm stuck with having to make a choice as to whether to kill you or turn you over to the cops. Either way, life is gonna be unpleasant for you."

I approached the man they call Winger and gave him a hard look.

"And you, Mr. Winger. I don't know what to do with you. But I know what I wantfromyou. But not now. I want to soften you two up first before I start my campaign against you. I'll see you tomorrow. Until then, have a miserable night."

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After a wonderful night of making love to a man I can't get enough of, our victory dance was done. Horizontally, of course. We were awakened by the sound of screaming infants in need of a diaper change and a hearty breakfast. No longer breast milk, thank God.

It was Friday, and we had breakfast with the kids before they were carted off to school. Becca and Aggie had the babies, all three including Elspeth. Today would be busy for me, as I wanted to go to the gun range and then spend some time kicking Peacock's ass a little. I wonder if he drinks.

Caroline was on light duty until her arm healed up, per her nurse, who could be a real bitch when her patients don't obey her orders. So, she was hanging around the house, and I asked her if she wanted to go out to the range and do some pistol work. She always loves the opportunity to play with the boss lady. Perfect, because Ronnie would be driving. After an exhausting week of fighting and flying, and fighting some more, Ronnie needed light duty too. Duane was at the Navy Yard, and Herman was tenderizing our guests.

Duane doesn't like it when I go to the range without a proper escort, so as well as Ronnie and Caroline, Holly and I had two other agents, members of the assault squad, follow us in another car and keep an eye on things while the four of us did some practice shooting.

Juicy and Lizzie would have joined us, but The Juice was down at the gym in South Philly doing some sparring with some of the younger male boxers. Lizzie was working. Things at Todd Recovery were jumping. Despite adding three more people, two from South Philly and one from Southwest, Peggy and Les and Lizzie were swamped. And Avi, having been on mission the past week, was in way over his head.

As always, we got a friendly greeting at the gun range and, because it was off-hours, we had our choice of shooting lanes. Ronnie and Caroline were almost bored as they shot at targets big and small, near and far, and hitting everything they aimed at. Then we moved to the lanes where we set up paper targets and Caroline was practicing with a long gun, one of her sniper rifles, just to test out the strength of her left arm where she had been wounded in the Jersey operation. She also shot that gun single-handed, without the aid of her left arm. She is one strong bitch.

Holly did just okay, not having worked out on her gun lately and really only carrying it when we were in danger of the last home invasion. She never took a shot though. I did great. Hit pretty much everything I was shooting at, and ripped up the paper target just right with tight groupings around the head and heart. My shooting was slow but deliberate, and I felt really good after expending three boxes of bullets.

The two agents from the assault team took Holly home and Ronnie, Caroline and I took off for the safe house. Time to harass our guests.

When we got there, Peacock and his minions were looking pretty strung out. Not allowed sleep, nor food and very little to drink, they were all glassy eyed and hanging low. Avi, my best interrogator, was not with us as he was trying to bail out the gang at Todd Recovery. The gang there, Lizzie, McKelly, Olszewski and company, under the leadership of Avi Gold, were up to their asses in young females they are trying to recover from the whorehouses and bondage of private owners and other traffickers. We had retrieved forty-six this year alone, and were well on track to bring in over one hundred by year's end. But it was killing my staff to get it done.

Peacock was hanging really low, as he hadn't gotten any sleep in two days. Every time he would try to nod off, Domingo, who had the assignment of keeping him awake and alert, would zap him with an electric cattle prod to keep him with us. Or hit him with some smelling salts.

"So, Mr. Peacock. How are we feeling today? You look like shit. What can we do to make you feel more welcome?"

"You can untie me and let me get some sleep. Or even feed me a meal. I would never think to be so unhospitable to you, Miss Todd."

"Please, Deacon, if the tables were turned, I'm sure by now I'd have been raped several times and at the very least beaten and abused in several way."

"What are you talking about, Miss Todd? I have no history of abusing women."

When we all stopped laughing, Peacock was red-faced as if he had been the butt of a terrible joke at his expense.

"Deacon, there were three women shackled together in your home in Alpine. In a room that could only have been your bedroom. There were also half a dozen young women at the warehouse we invaded, and they appeared to be being prepared to be shipped out. Looks like we caught them in the nick of time, but how many did we miss? How many did we just miss?"

"Those women were there of their own free will. You'll find..."

"C'mon Peacock, who are you trying to kid? Tell me, Peacock, do you drink?"

"I could certainly use one about now."

"Dom, bring in another of the guards and get me the bottle and a shot glass. Let's give Mr. Peacock a little something to dull the pain."

Domingo went running and I was alone with Caroline and Peacock.

"Call home."

"Todd-Bernstien residence."

"Bertha, I need to feed some hungry prisoners. Do not go to great pains to make it appetizing, but prepare something like soup and sandwiches to feed these guys. You also might want to whip up a couple of salads that we can throw into the fridge. I don't want to starve these guys to death. I have other plans for them."

"I'll whip up something and send one of the guys with it to the safe house for you. There are two members on duty who are cleared to go to the safe house. I'll send one when I'm done. Give me an hour."

"Take two if you must. We have some drinking to do in the meantime."

Dom came in with the half bottle of scotch that was left from lighting up Rose. He also brought two shot glasses, knowing my policy of not letting our charges drink alone. I poured us each a glass and set them down in front of Peacock with orders to Dom to release the prisoner from his bindings. He wasn't going anywhere anyway. He was tired, hungry and way out of sorts.

I raised my shot glass, and he took his. "Here's to the destruction of your entire network. May we have just as easy a time of it as we did taking down the Alpine property."