The Auction

The Auction - A Hannah Todd Story

The Auction - 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 read at least some of "The Bridge" and "Badass," which provide the backstory for most of the characters in this story. And if you've been reading me, thank you for your continued support. Your comments are priceless, so please leave your wisdom so I might improve my product.

The Auction - Part Nine

The Auction - Part Nine

Monday, the Twelfth, would be a very big day concerning this mission. It would be the first time all the participants would be together to practice maneuvers for a mission they could not yet envision. We had no idea what the warehouse would look like, so we designated a plot of land as the warehouse and laid out, using lumber, the parameters of a large warehouse, with one garage door and a front and back entry door.

Herman, Caroline and Kevin climbed up into surrounding trees and demonstrated to the full team what they planned to do; shooting lookouts on top of the building and the guards at the front entrance. There were lots of cars on the large parking area and on some of the lawn, and my guys demonstrated techniques for sneaking up and around the vehicles, lying low until such time as the front door and garage door was opened. Their skills were all impressive, but the layout was lame. The most interesting part of the exercise was working with the drones and ASRs.

Tripper and his team worked their magic as they took control of two Eagle drones we launched and turned them on each other. The sticking point was that, although the drones could be controlled from miles away, someone had to be within five hundred feet to start the hack. And we were concerned that to be the distance just beyond the average treeline. Tripper did not particularly like it when we came up with the idea of him being in Hoagie's car's trunk, but couldn't think of another way to get close enough.

"Don't worry, Trip," Rhee said to him, and to anyone else who could hear. "When the action starts, we'll get you out of that trunk, and you will be protected by this mighty force of men and women as you make your way back to your van."

That first day did more to create a bond than give the troops actual practice time. Everyone got along and expressed admiration for each other as they swapped war stories during the downtime and during a lunch of pizza and beer. Then it was time to lay out the plan, as it stood, to all participants. That was Duane's job.

"I'm sorry to have to start by saying that we don't know where this operation will take place, nor do we know what the building and surroundings look like. Everything we are doing is speculative. Just a hopeful guess. But we do know when it's coming and what to expect when we get there. Here's how it's going to go." And a hush fell over the crowd as he spoke.

"First, at twenty-two hundred hours, we have three snipers who will be taking out any of their snipers and guards atop the building. It's a no brainer that they will have some of these folks; I'm guessing five or six. I don't expect any more. Our snipers will be silenced so that, even though they may hear the guns, they won't be able to detect their direction. By the time they see the muzzle flare, they'll be dead." A knowing grumble fell over the crowd.

"Why twenty-two hundred hours?" one of the men said.

"That's when the auction just gets going. It's when there will be the most movement and the most noise. The guards inside will be most distracted and won't hear the bodies falling on top of the building. It will also give our inside people the chance to get into place for the next step."

"And what is the next step?" Hoagie called out.

"Then, as our people make their way to the edge of the woods, which we hope are there, our snipers will start taking out any guards at the front door and any garage door. They will be assisted by sharpshooters at the edge of the woods. I anticipate anywhere from ten to twelve bodyguards watching the front plus ASRs on the ground and Hawks and Eagles in the air. As the bodyguards are being taken out by the techs, our troops will make their way through any parking lot to the front of the building. First crawling along the grass then onto the paved portion. That's when Hoagie and Ninja will open the garage doors from inside and make certain we can enter the front door and any back door available to us."

"And the drones? Tripper asked.

"I expect Hawks or Eagles outside, and when our troops arrive, we'll disable those drones and drop them from the sky. Right after that we want the inside drones and ASRs to turn on their handlers inside and start shooting their bodyguards. That's when our inside people will be able to obtain weapons and turn those against the bodyguards which we expect to be all in black. When the shit hits the fan, our people inside will be donning bright orange beanie caps to differentiate them from those we want to unalive. I want no friendly fire incidents. There will be lots of targets, don't shoot at our guys."

"The place will be a mad house when we arrive."

"Oh yeah. You can expect utter chaos and hysteria from all parties, including their bodyguards, who, at this point, should be thoroughly confused. When a lot of people are dying around you it's hard not to panic. Especially when you don't expect it. The element of surprise is our best friend and will serve us well. It has in the past. They may outnumber us at first, but we should be able to turn that around in minutes. Especially when they are getting shot by their own drones and ASRs."

"But won't they shoot at us too? How do we differentiate?"

"I anticipate their bodyguards will be wearing black. It's been so in the past and my source tells me that they always have at past auctions. For some reason they think it makes them look badder. Well, looks aren't everything. Tripper will be reprograming their drones to shoot at people dressed in black. Our troops will be wearing Ranger Green.Any Rangers out there give me a Hoorah!"

And as if everyone was a Ranger, a great, loud 'Hoorah!' rang out from the crowd. I was growing more comfortable with both our troops and the plan.

"Duane," Rhee asked. "Once we have won the day, what's next?"

"Any surviving bodyguards will be locked into a storage container, assuming they have one, and the bidders will be herded into the auction room and locked in. The girls will be kept in place. We will exit the joint and contact law enforcement."

"Do you think law enforcement can handle it?"

"Oh, don't worry about it. We'll get the F.B.I. to take control. We've already given them plenty of exercise in this regard lately."

"I'm starting to like this plan," Hoagie said. "Well thought out. Are we taking the money?"

"I hadn't really thought about it, but yeah. It should be easy enough. Personal bodyguards carrying pounds of gold. Should be a nice way to give you guys bonuses."

'HOORAH!'Came the call from the crowd.

"Alright. Everyone is dismissed for today, but I want you all back here next Tuesday at ten a.m., so we can drill again and update you with any new intel we receive. Got it?"

"YES SIR!"rang out from the crowd.

"Alright, troops. Have a safe journey home and I will see you on Tuesday."

Before we left, in Duane's Navigator, Alec and Anthony confronted me.

"Miss Todd, we just wanted you to know that the two new wasp drones are in place and up and running. Herb is in the closet and he has one active, two asleep and the fourth is just about dead hiding behind a book," Alec said.

"Excellent job, fellows. Are you ready for this mission?"

"I guess. But don't we get to blow shit up. That was so much fun at Peacock's place."

"Nah. I don't want to hurt any more of the girls than we have to."

"This scenario has tragedy written all over it anyway," Anthony said. "Good people are gonna die, I just know it."

"So will some bad ones, Anthony. Plenty of them. We'll just have to do our best to minimize the damage. Maybe I'll be there for the cleanup afterwards. I am a nurse after all. I've dealt with my share of GSWs."

"No, Miss Todd. You are indispensable, and must run the show from home. Everyone on the team will insist. Especially Duane. You being there is a non-starter. There's gonna be a lot of loose guns around and if one of those bidders picks up a pistol and points it at you, all hell will break loose and more people will die."

"Well, Anthony, nothing is written in stone right now. You let me handle Duane."

"Miss Todd, please. The A-team would never allow it. They will abort the mission."

"Then I... at least I insist on combat medics on the scene in case any of our people are hit."

"I talked to one of Miss Spanner's guys and he said they have two medics with overseas field experience. We have at least one, with Romy, who has been cross - trained as a medic and has field experience."

"I didn't realize that."

"Duane is right. You don't read resumes, do you."

"I guess not. I tend to go from the gut and shoot from the hip."

"Yeah, I see you're still sportin' that Glock."

And I patted my hip, where my Glock was sitting. "I never leave home without it."

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I wanted to know more about past auctions, figuring it would give me an edge knowing how, historically, they approached the science of auctioneering people. So I took a trip to the safe house with Dom and another car filled with escorting agents.

I'd been neglecting Winger, who was a combatant and a leader of troops.We had collected him during the first hit on Peacock's property. I didn't really think of him as an answers guy, but I wanted to get into the head of someone who may have been a bodyguard at one of the auctions Peacock may have attended.

Deacon Peacock had already copped to the fact he'd been to many auctions in the past and that he was always escorted by at least three bodyguards, some being lieutenants of his. I was hoping Winger fit the bill. So, Domingo and I paid him a visit.

"Tell me, Winger, when was the last time you were at an auction with Mr. Peacock?"

"What makes you think I'm going to start talking now. And where's the booze? And something decent to eat?"

"Not for you. This level of cooperation is just unacceptable. You want a drink? Something to eat? Earn it."

Gacey had been a week link, so I decided to move him in with Winger to see if I could get him to encourage Winger to cooperate more fully. So, I had Dom and another guard retrieve him and bring in one of those heavy metal chairs to chain him to. The one he'd sat on in the other room.

"Here's your old friend Tom Gacey, Winger. You guys enjoy each other's company." Gacey was there to let him know I mean business.

Winger just cracked up. "You want cooperation? Give me a real dinner and a hot shower. I'll give you cooperation. That's not Gacey. It's Jim Butler. He's Gacey's boss. And he knows plenty."

I was pissed. To think that I could be fooled this long by a guy masquerading as one of his subordinates makes me look like a fool. Butler was shaking at this point.

"Fuck whoever he is, I want to hear about the fucking auctions. I know you've both attended them and I want to know more. And I'm gonna find out if I have to really torture you two. Dom, let's get Raven in here. That ought to shake these two loose. And make these two naked. I want them as vulnerable as possible for what's coming next. And bring me a fuckin' cattle prod."

The two men were almost grinning at my ranting and raving. But they knew only bad things were coming their way. Their grins disappearedveryquickly. Supplanted by grimaces when my guy showed up with an ominous-looking cattle prod. Industrial sized.

"Pain is coming, gentlemen. Especially to you, Mr. Butler. Why in the world would you want to portray yourself as someone you are not. You must have either superior knowledge or power over Gacey. I thought Gacey was dead, but the police having identified you as Gacey fooled me."

"What makes you think I'm Butler and not Gacey?"

"Just that question says it all to me. Why ask if it isn't so. Tell me, Mr. Bulter, what is it you know that Gacey wouldn't. And why the identity theft?"

"Gacey was a clerk." Winger said. "Butler was the administrator. Second in command to Mr. Peacock. Gacey had the knowledge, but Butler had the knowledge and the power. He probably thought he could get off if he was just Gacey the clerk."

"Now I'm confused and we are getting off track. Whoever you two are, tell me about the auctions or it's me, you and this fucking thing here." And I grabbed the cattle prod of turned it on. Then I pushed it into the back of Butler's chair, and pushed the button. Zap! And Butler jumped. At least as far as his chains would allow him.

"And that's without direct contact and that's on number two. How'd you like to get intimate with this thing on number five? I'm ready when you are."

Winger spoke first. Out of fear that he would be next to feel the wrath of the cattle prod.

"I've been to auctions. Mostly in New York and Maryland. That's Teetotaler's comfort zone."

"Ah, so you know Miles?"

"You know him on a first-name basis?"

"Sure." I lied. "We've even spoken. Recently too." And my nose continued to grow.

"Then what do you need us for?" Butler said. "If you're getting it from him, that's from the horse's mouth. I..."

"Let's just say he wasn't very forthcoming. I haven't had the opportunity to hold this cattle prod to his balls, but I have no problem holding it to yours. Now tell me about the guards at auctions. How many and how are they dispersed."

Winger started to give it up, but Butler shushed him. I immediately stuck the cattle prod into Butler's gut and pulled the trigger at level two. He shuddered violently and screamed out. Then he started to dry heave. So I smacked him across the face and told him to pull himself together. Winger just spilled his guts.

"All the bidders bring some kind of bodyguard or guard contingency. They have to leave their weapons in their vehicles as there are none allowed in the venue. That is except for Teetotaler's guards. They tend to be armed with machine guns and sidearms. That's not to mention the mechanized guards; the drones and ASRs. Those ASRs are armed and have an almost unlimited payload. If the guards don't get you, they will. Then there are the drones. Ever vigilant and programmed to move toward any threat."

Butler was just starting to recover and gave Winger the death stare. Winger paid him no mind. He had been subject to the cattle prods and wanted no more.

"How many, Winger? How many bodyguards at any one time?"

"Depends on the size of the auction. If they are auctioning a hundred or more, there will be at least thirty to fifty bodyguards, fully armed."

"Is that inside or out?"

"Yeah, probably fifty if you include outside guards. There will be at least a dozen outside, including any snipers. They'll be watching the cars and looking out for intruders."

"That's more than you had at Peacock's."

"Oh, yeah. Security will be much tighter than we had at the birdhouse."

"The birdhouse, eh?"

"That was what some of us called Peacock's estate."

"Hmm. Talk to your friend Mr. Butler, here, Winger. You just may find yourself doing the chicken dance."

"The chicken dance?"

"Yeah, the Charlie the Chicken dance."

I brought my arm up to my face and said, "Call Charlie Tendler."

The two men looked at each other and then at me, mesmerized by what I was pulling off.

"Miss Todd, is that you?"

"Yeah, Charlie. Just making a wellness check. You still with us?"

"I ain't even sayin' that. But you've got my ear. As always. When can I get rid of this fucking phone, anyway?"

"No time soon, Charlie. It's the price you pay for life itself. You know I can find you wherever you are; phone or not. If you're lucky I may be the only one who can find you. So you stay tethered to me for now.Capeche?"

"You're the boss, Miss Todd. How can I be of service?"

"Did you ever bodyguard at any of the auctions? You know what I mean."

"You've been watching the news, haven't you? Hundreds of girls, Miss Todd. Not even I knew how many, but I was just a soldier. I didn't get into the boss's business. Just a simple soldier, Miss Todd. Who do you have with you now?"

"I have a James Butler, handservant to the king, if you will."

"Oh my. I know the man only by reputation and he's said to be a hard driver with a stern hand. Big time administrator. Like you've got to be prepared to go to war for him. To get out there into the dirt, and mix it up."

"Any other wisdom, Charlie?"

"Just keep your fuckin' head down. I have no doubt your troops are better, Queen Bee. But don't go always thinking you're the smartest one in the room. I got you winnin' this one by a nose, but not much more. So be vigilant, my patron, and run hard."

"Thanks, Charlie. Let me know if I can help you to stay alive out there. You know I always care."

"Bye, bye, Queen Bee. You fly away like a butterfly in victory."

*CLICK*

"So, Mr. Butler. The great and powerful M-i-s-t-e-r. Butler. Now that we've been introduced, and you look all nice in all your... undressed state. Fleeced, if you will.I could cut your cock off and let you bleed out.Make you witness your slow undoing. Is that what you'd like? How about another hit off this cattle prod? Betcha love that. Eh?"

I started to walk up to him, and Dom rose up. Like a momma grizzly bear, his fists were clenched, and he looked ready to tear this guy apart. Good! Butler is an administrator; he's no tough guy.

"So, Mr. Butler, it's time for you and me to speak about the future.Yourfuture,Jimmy. You know how the sausage is made and where the bones are buried. You're my guy."

"Thank you, Miss Todd. I'm honored you'd think so highly of me. Quite frankly I'm pleasantly surprised."

"So, Jim, here's the story. I'm thinking of employing you, but I've got to vet you first. And I have to figure out whose side you're really on. See if I can snake you away from the dark side. Understand that I may never truly like you... But I can certainly learn to live with you. But only if you serve my purposes. Understand?

"Thoroughly, and I'm thrilled to be of assistance." The ass kisser speaks.

"Good. We're going to an auction.I'm so excited."

"Yes, ma'am," he said with enthusiasm.

"Good then. Get this man some clothes and let's get him back in his own room."

Then I walked right up to him and grabbed him by the chin, looking him dead in the eyes.

"Oh, and don't go messin' with my people. I still reserve the right to take your cock. Any way I choose. Chop, chop, Mr. Butler."

He dropped to the floor and kissed my Louboutin Pigalles. Right at the cleavage.

Then I turned and walked right out of that room with Dom behind me, as two additional agents entered the room. I would have whistled a tune, but my mouth was bone dry. But my smile was endless.