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Chapter 76: Peggy Carter
🕑 Added 2024-12-09 13:14:29 +0000 UTCAt dawn on June 6, 1944, the largest amphibious landing operation in human history began with the Allied airborne forces taking the lead.
Over 2,400 transport aircraft deployed three airborne divisions, totaling more than 35,000 paratroopers, into positions about 10 kilometers inland from the coast.
Meanwhile, back in London, a squad of U.S. military police suddenly stormed into a manor on the outskirts, which Josh had purchased less than a week prior.
"Sir, may I ask why you are trespassing on private property at this hour?"
Awakened from his sleep, Josh calmed his subordinates, who were confronting the MPs, and addressed the officer in charge.
"Apologies for the intrusion, Mr. Kahn. This is an order from Colonel Chester Phillips of the Strategic Scientific Reserve. It concerns the theft of critical military secrets, and we require your cooperation in the investigation," the officer responded respectfully.
Unlike the feared reputation of MPs in some armies, U.S. military police were known for their relatively gentle demeanor. This was evident throughout World War II when, despite over 50,000 desertion cases and tens of thousands of disciplinary incidents, only 49 soldiers were sentenced to death, and just one was executed. Their leniency was unmatched—though only when dealing with their own forces.
Thus, the officer maintained a courteous tone toward Josh, a figure with notable influence.
"The theft of military secrets? I don't recall having any involvement with the Strategic Scientific Reserve," Josh replied, puzzled.
"Sir, I'm merely following orders and am not privy to the details. However, I have heard it might involve that famous actress under your employment," the officer hinted after some hesitation.
Josh instantly understood: Whitney Frost?
It hit him like a bolt of lightning—could she be a spy for the Soviets or the Axis? That would explain her eagerness to perform at the front lines and her quick entanglement with Howard Stark, one of the SSR's top scientists. Josh felt he had been caught in a storm of misfortune.
"I see. However, before accompanying you, I need to verify your identity," Josh said, deciding to cooperate while ensuring the legitimacy of the MPs.
"Of course," the officer agreed readily, providing his badge number, rank, and name.
Josh then made a call to General McGinnis, one of the few military figures he trusted who wasn’t currently tied up with the D-Day operations.
"Josh, hand the phone to the officer in charge. I'll handle this," General McGinnis instructed after hearing the situation.
Josh passed the phone to the MP officer, who, upon hearing McGinnis’s name, grew noticeably more respectful. After a brief exchange, the officer handed the phone back to Josh and saluted him.
"Apologies for disturbing you, sir. With General McGinnis vouching for you, we'll take our leave immediately."
And just like that, the MPs retreated without further questions, leaving Josh and his men bewildered.
"They left just like that?" Vito, one of Josh’s subordinates, asked, astonished.
"Heh, old generals like McGinnis, who've been in the military forever, have connections that run deep. Don’t worry; no one else will bother us tonight. Go back to bed," Josh replied with a chuckle.
True to his prediction, no one else disturbed them that night. The next morning, however, a team from the Strategic Scientific Reserve (SSR) arrived at Josh’s manor.
"Let them in," Josh instructed as he sipped tea in the parlor.
When the SSR personnel entered, Josh’s eyes flickered with recognition.
"Captain Carter, what a surprise to see you here," he greeted the lead officer, a striking woman.
It was none other than Peggy Carter, a key figure in the SSR and someone intimately connected with Captain America.
"You know me, Mr. Kahn?" Carter asked, surprised.
"Of course. I’m acquainted with Captain Rogers and know he has a fondness for English roses," Josh quipped with a wink, making an obvious reference to her.
Peggy’s expression briefly stiffened but quickly returned to her professional demeanor. She had dealt with her fair share of teasing before.
"I didn’t expect you to know Steve. In that case, I hope this conversation will go smoothly," she said with a slight smile.
"Naturally, feel free to ask anything," Josh replied, motioning for them to sit.
Peggy wasted no time. "Mr. Kahn, could you account for your whereabouts and the people you interacted with on June 3rd and 5th?"
As Josh listened, he couldn’t help but feel curious about what had happened. What exactly had Whitney stolen to provoke such a response from the SSR?
