The Adventures of Justice Seven
Part 5: Rise of Seductra
'Now you are mine.' Nighthawk said stood high on the rooftop looking down on the two trucks below. He had been staking out a disused warehouse in the docks following a lead from Fat Louie. Louie hadn't wanted to talk but he had, they all had. Nighthawk was on the trail of a friend, of The Eliminator who had been missing now for almost a week after disappearing without trace. He had started on a couple of informants in the docks and came up with a name; Seductra. Getting information was easy enough; you started at the bottom of the food chain and intimidated your way to the next level and just kept going until you hit the top.
Nighthawk had never heard of Seductra before but in the scheme of things he was an apprentice, learning the trade of crimefighting from his more experienced colleagues in the superhero group Justice 7. The Eliminator had been a great help alongwith Captain Steel and had taught Nighthawk many useful tactics and ideas. Nighthawk dearly wanted to find out just where The Eliminator was and what had happened. If something bad had occurred, justice would be done.
The two trucks had pulled to a halt and several heavily built men climbed out of the vehicles and began carefully unloading crates and boxes into the warehouse. It was certainly curious to deposit items in an unused building. Taking a run up, Nighthawk leapt across to the other building, making little sound as he landed.
Easily opening a rooflight, he let himself drop onto a walkway after making sure no-one was watching. He quietly ran over and hid behind some rusting machinery which gave him a view of the floor below. The goons had nearly finished carrying their load into the warehouse which despite being run down, was heavily secured. An excellent location to hide valuable items.
The hired muscle finished their work and at this point a strong, confident, feminine voice called out and began giving orders. Nighthawk listened intently as she relayed instructions, placing emphasis that no-one was to discuss their little errand and that if they did, punishment would follow. This woman had them well trained, they all deferred to her and called her mistress. Nighthawk found that a little odd but surmised that they must be well paid or intimidated.
As the goons left they pulled down the shutters and roared off in their trucks. A few moments later, all was quiet and the woman investigated the contents of some of the crates. Lifting her arms, Nighthawk could see the glitter of jewellery and golden coins. She had quite a haul here and he could only guess that she was Seductra. Using his powers of stealth, Nighthawk silently made his way down some metal steps and advanced upon this mysterious lady until he was only an arm's length away. She never knew he was there.
'Seductra' Nighthawk growled.
'Yes!' She screamed in surprise at Nighthawk's sudden appearance. He decided to keep her off balance. 'That's a nice haul of gems you have right there which raises two questions.'
'Which are?'
'Why are you hiding them in a heavily secured but apparently disused warehouse and, what would the local crime boss, Tony M have to say if he knew this was here.' This woman tried to think on her feet, Nighthawk wasn't going to give her the chance. 'You think losing these jewels is a bad thing, it will be nothing compared to what happens if Tony M finds out so start talking, where are they from?'
'Who are you and why should I tell you?' Seductra's piercing blue eyes stared at him but he was fully masked and suited and he was giving nothing away.
'I'm the man who's taking your haul back to the authorities, to return what you've illegally acquired but I'm also the man who'll keep Tony M from finding out what you've done if you'll give me some information.' She listened intently. 'Information on what's happened to The Eliminator.'
The beautiful woman, and indeed she was, laughed at the mention of the Eliminator's name. She looked him up and down, taking in his dark black and blue uniform with its hawk symbol on his chest. He could see the calculations and questions going on as she moved, and she moved very elegantly. Spiky blond hair, sharp blue eyes and elfin features made her easy to look at. She wore what looked to be a long fur coat and her leather boot heels clicked on the floor.
'You're just another one of those heroes aren't you? And if you're asking about The Eliminator then you must be mixed up with Justice 7, what a bunch of freaks you are.' She laughed demeaningly. Nighthawk stepped up close, it was time for intimidation.
'You can quit the cheaptalk, you're only getting one chance here. If you don't start telling me what you know, Tony is going to know and you'll be finished.' Nighthawk growled in a very threatening tone.
'Shit! Ok! Ok! I'm frightened ok! Tony M is a really scary piece of work.' For the first time Seductra looked afraid and started visibly shaking, pacing around before sitting at a nearby bar stool. She reached into her coat and pulled out a rectangular silver box.
'Hey don't do that!' Nighthawk commanded