Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: COUNT (01/27/22)
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TITLE: The Countess | Previous Challenge Entry
By Art Westefeld
02/03/22 -
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She ducked out of line, ruing the day the agent had handed her a cell phone and said, “We know we can count on you, Speedster.” Heading to Florida for some rest, she wished they would’ve counted on the Light Force.
Slipping into a service closet, she returned the call. “Secretary Hailey’s office, how may I direct your call?”
“This is Speedster, returning her call.”
An instant later, the Secretary picked up. “Speedster, thanks for calling back so quickly. The Germans need some superhelp. After you last helped out in Europe, they decided to call us. Can I tell the Germans to count on you?”
Belinda tried to keep the frustration from her voice. “What’s the problem?”
“They're dealing with a new supercrook,” she responded.
Changing into her costume, she dashed across the ocean to the embassy. The head of the German Federal Police briefed her on the jewel thief. Based on her history, they predicted her next strike.
Speedster still didn’t understand why she needed to interrupt her vacation to assist, but agreed to be police backup. Later that night, she crouched behind a display case, counting the seconds until this villainess arrived.
Looking out from behind the case, she saw a woman in a formal black gown stride in as if the police outside weren’t there. Speedster saw no weapons or special devices, but the briefing had indicated that this Morticia Addams wannabe had some sort of superpowers.
Deciding to get this over with quickly, Speedster stepped out and confronted her. “I don’t know who you are or why you're stealing jewels, but it’s time to face the consequences of your crimes.”
The woman responded in Prussian accented English, “How droll, an American superhero. I am the Countess Disequilibrium. These jewels were part of my family for generations and I am simply reclaiming them.”
Speedster retorted, “Not while I’m here to stop you!”
The Countess said airily, “Americans, always so brash. Very well, hero, try to stop me.” She fastened a monocle to her eye and stared at Speedster, who began racing towards her until she felt her balance vanish and collapsed.
The Countess walked around the woozy Speedster and opened the jewel case. Looking down she sniffed, “You count too much on crude brawling. Conversely, I count on my scientific enhancements.”
Speedster suspected what had happened to the police. While the Countess escaped, Speedster struggled with her induced vertigo.
Belinda did some quick research on the stolen jewels to determine the Countess's next likely target. She discovered a ruby brooch that allegedly belonged to Prussian royalty. It was mere blocks from the embassy.
The next evening, the ambassador wished her well as she left. “I'm certain you’ll find a way to put her down for the count.”
Speedster had an idea, but it required super speed sneakiness to defeat the Countess. Belinda approached the museum, hiding near the entrance, counting on her foe’s arrogance to not check for concealed opponents.
Speedster’s patience was quickly rewarded. The Countess strode past her hiding place. ‘I hope she sees a night watchman to use her powers against.’, she thought
She followed the Countess towards the brooch. Her hope paid off. The Countess put her monocle to her eye and stared at the unfortunate guard. Speedster reached around her and swiftly flipped the monocle around. An instant later, the Countess screamed and collapsed, the monocle falling from her eye.
“Just what I counted on,” Speedster crowed.
A couple of moments later, the police that the guard had summoned arrived. As they led the Countess away she looked over her shoulder at Speedster and pleaded, “How? My special monocle was designed to amplify my nominal natural telepathic abilities.”
Speedster smirked, holding up the monocle. “I didn’t feel bad until after you screwed in your monocle. Also, you gave me a clue when you mentioned enhancements. I suspected that reversing your monocle might reflect your powers. You see, I don’t always use my fists. Sometimes I count on my brains to win.”
Turning to the police she finished by saying, "I trust that I can count on you to wrap this up? I have a Florida vacation to get back to.”
“This time you can count on my phone being off.”
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Great job!
Blessings~
Such fun. With more words that could be fleshed out wonderfully.
Kudos for The Marvel series in 750 words.