In the early hours of June 6, 1944, the largest amphibious assault in human history was initiated by Allied airborne forces.
More than 2,400 transport aircraft dropped three airborne divisions—over 35,000 paratroopers—into areas about a dozen kilometers inland from the coast.
But back in London, a team of U.S. military police suddenly stormed into the manor that Josh had purchased in the suburbs less than a week ago.
"Officer, may I ask why you're trespassing on private property in the middle of the night?" Awoken from his sleep, Josh calmed Vito and the others who were confronting the military police, then asked the officer leading the team.
"Apologies for disturbing you, Mr. Kane. This is an order from Colonel Chester Phillips of the Strategic Scientific Reserve. There's a serious case involving the theft of military secrets, and we need your cooperation in the investigation," the officer said respectfully.
Unlike the notoriously harsh military police of other nations, U.S. MPs were known from their inception for their mild demeanor.
This was evident throughout WWII, during which the U.S. Army had over 50,000 deserters and more than 10,000 cases of soldier misconduct, yet only 49 were sentenced to death and only one execution was actually carried out.
Arguably the most lenient military discipline in the world…of course, this leniency only applied internally.
So faced with Josh, a figure of some special status, the MP officer remained very courteous.
However…theft of military secrets? Related to the SSR?
Josh was baffled. Other than two brief encounters with Captain America, he hadn't had any involvement with the SSR.
"You mean secrets from the Strategic Scientific Reserve? I don't recall ever interacting with them," Josh asked the officer.
"Sir, I'm only following orders and don't know the specifics, but I heard…it may be related to that celebrity under your employment," the MP captain hesitated slightly before revealing this tidbit.
That celebrity under me? Whitney?
Realization dawned on Josh.
Damn, could that woman be a spy for the Soviets or the Nazis?
No wonder she was so eager to come to the front lines, and immediately got close to Howard Stark, one of the SSR's top scientists.
Damn, he was getting dragged into this for no reason.
"I understand. But before I go with you, I need to verify your identities!" Josh didn't argue further now that he understood the situation, and chose to cooperate.
His connection with Whitney wasn't deep—beyond an employment relationship, there was little personal involvement. He had nothing to hide.
Even if the SSR wanted to pin something on him, they'd have to consider the implications, so it likely wouldn't be serious.
He was just curious about what kind of military secret Whitney had stolen to cause such a commotion.
But before going with the MPs, he had to confirm their identity—just in case they were impersonators.
"Of course," the MP captain said without hesitation, giving his unit number, rank, and name.
Josh then directly made a phone call to General McGinnis.
It wasn't about showing off—at this hour, most of the officers he knew, like Colonel Ross, were likely busy commanding at the front lines and hard to reach.
Even the logistics officers wouldn't be idle.
As for lieutenants or captains, they were probably out at sea waiting to be shot at—no telling how many would make it back.
Only General McGinnis, who had yet to be reinstated, was likely free at the moment.
"Josh, put the officer on the line. I'll speak with him," General McGinnis said seriously after understanding the situation.
"Sir, General McGinnis would like to speak with you," Josh said, handing the phone to the MP captain.
Hearing McGinnis's name, the captain was clearly startled and accepted the phone very respectfully.
"Yes…yes, sir. I understand what to do!" the captain said into the phone, then returned it to Josh and gave a salute. "Apologies for disturbing your rest, sir. Since General McGinnis has vouched for you, we'll take our leave."
With that, he turned and left with his men, as if being chased.
"They're leaving just like that?" Vito asked, bewildered.
He knew the U.S. military police were easygoing, but this quick retreat without further question was truly strange.
"Heh, no matter the country, old generals who've been in the military for decades always have deep connections. Alright, let's get some rest—no one's coming before sunrise," Josh said with a grin after finishing his call with McGinnis.
Sure enough, he slept soundly through the night, and it wasn't until around 8 a.m., after breakfast, that someone came to see him again.
This time, it wasn't the MPs, but intelligence officers from the Strategic Scientific Reserve themselves.
"Let them in," Josh said to his men while sipping tea in the parlor.
At first, he didn't pay much attention to the newcomers, but when the three officers walked into the parlor, Josh's eyes flashed slightly.
"Captain Carter, I didn't expect it to be you!" Josh greeted the female officer leading the group before she could speak.
Yes, the one leading them was none other than Captain America's companion, Peggy Carter.
"Mr. Kane, you know me?" Carter asked, slightly surprised.
Though she and Steve Rogers were likely already close at this point, she mostly served as an intelligence liaison for the Howling Commandos and didn't often operate directly with them… After Captain America's disappearance, she briefly served as their commanding officer and took part in numerous military operations.
So she hadn't been present during any of Josh's previous encounters with Rogers.
Naturally, she and Josh hadn't interacted much.
"Of course, I'm fairly acquainted with Captain Rogers. I know he's especially fond of English roses," Josh said with a wink at Peggy Carter.
To be fair, Captain America had good taste.
This Miss Carter wasn't a stunning beauty, but she was indeed well-endowed—32DD.
Yes, double D.
That's D in U.S. sizing and E in U.K. sizing.
Which meant Miss Carter was at least an E cup to start with.
He couldn't help but want to feel for himself…Josh stole a few extra glances.
Hearing Josh's teasing, Carter's expression became slightly awkward, but she quickly composed herself, having experienced such situations before.
"I didn't expect Mr. Kane to know Steve. In that case, I hope our conversation will go smoothly," Carter smiled.
"Of course, I'll answer everything," Josh motioned for the three to sit.
"Well then, Mr. Kane, please tell me where you were and who you met on June 3rd and 5th…" Carter began her questioning without hesitation after sitting down.
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