Bea

BEA

Operation 'Capture John Smith' has begun.  Bea van der Bilt grins wickedly as she watches Ethan crash through the window.

"THERE YOU ARE, FIENDS!" he shouts dramatically, aiming his gun at Bea.  "Ethan Connor, Peacekeeper, demands you release Miss van der Bilt at once!"

Bea sighs and rolls her eyes.

"Oh, for fuck's sake - not another one."  She turns to Scarlett, who's grinning impishly. "Tell me you got that on camera?"

Scarlett nods, holding up her phone.

"Getting it all babe, this guy is gold!"

Bea looks back at Ethan with a bored expression.

"Listen henchman, I'm the one doing the rescuing here.  Chop chop, hand over my dame before I have to get ugly."

Ethan points his gun at Bea.

"Surrender now or face the consequences!"

Bea smirks, unassuming.  She's about to reply when suddenly...

"ENOUGH!"  A gruff, commanding voice booms from the doorway.  Bea turns to see a bald man with piercing blue eyes striding towards her - John freaking Smith himself.

Scarlett practically squeals beside her.

"He's even hotter in person!"

Bea elbows her while eyeing up John appreciatively.

"Well, well... looks like the main event has arrived."

She saunters up to him, hands on her hips.

"Hello John.  I've been expecting you."

“What?” John raises an eyebrow.  “What's going on here?”

Ethan lowers his weapon.  They both look at Bea.

Bea flashes them a dazzling smile, utterly unfazed.

"I'm flattered you think so much of me John.  But I'm afraid there's been a mix-up - you see, I didn't actually get kidnapped.  I just... wanted some excitement in my life."

She leans in close, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"So here we are.  Just you, me, and a bunch of useless sidekicks.  What do you think - fancy a little adventure together?"

Ethan looks between them in confusion.

"Miss van der Bilt, are you alright?  Did someone force you to say that?"

Scarlett snorts.

"Nah, this is all Bea's doing.  She's a bit of a wild one, eh?"

John places a calming hand on Ethan's shoulder.

"It's okay son, let's give them some space.  We'll regroup outside."

As Ethan leaves, John turns his intense gaze back to Bea.

"Now then... care to explain yourself, Miss van der Bilt?"

Bea laughs, a tinkling sound full of amusement and something darker.

"Oh John, don't you think it's obvious?  I wanted to meet you.  Wanted to see if all those rumors were true."  She runs a finger teasingly down his chest.  "About how you’re back from the dead, raising an army of stunning warriors, about how you can charm the pants off anyone."  Her tone turns sultry.  "I just had to experience that for myself.  And here we are - two powerful people in an abandoned warehouse.  The possibilities are endless, don't you think?"  She presses herself against him, her soft curves molding to his firm muscles.  "So what do you say, stud?  Want to show me what that body of yours can really do?"

John stays strong and professionally moves her away.

“Young lady, I'm not sure what you've heard but I guarantee I don't have an army.  I'm a simple man doing my best with.. whatever, so, you just set this up?  To meet me?”  He considers, then nods a goodbye to Scarlett and Bea.  “Hope it was worth it.”

Bea's eyes flash with irritation as John moves her away, but she quickly masks it with a coy smile.

"Aww, playing hard to get?  I like that in a man."  She trails a finger along his jawline.  "But come on now, don't be shy.  I've heard of your little team - those 'Freedom Angels'.  They're not just pretty faces."

Scarlett laughs, packing away her camera equipment.

"Seriously though, good luck trying to resist her charms, John. You'll crack eventually."

John sighs, looking between the two women with a mix of frustration and amusement.

"Look, ladies, I appreciate the... enthusiasm.  But I think it's best if we all just go our separate ways now."  He starts heading towards the door, but Bea blocks his path, hands on her hips. 

"Not so fast, big boy.  I didn't go through all this trouble just for a quick chat."  She grabs his tie, yanking him close.  "I want to know what makes you tick.  What it takes to break that stoic facade."

John gently removes her hand, his expression stern.

"Miss van der Bilt, I'm flattered, truly.  But I'm not interested in being your personal plaything."  He steps past her, looking back with a warning glint in his eye.  "Next time you want to meet someone, try a real date.  This stunt...?  Not cool."

With that, he hurries outside, leaving Bea standing alone, her face flushed with anger and embarrassment.  Scarlett wraps an arm around her shoulders.

"Hey, don't look so glum.  He's just a prick.  We'll find someone else to toy with."

Bea sighs, leaning into her friend.

"Yeah... yeah, we will.  Someone who actually knows how to have fun."

* * * * *

At the Van der Bilt estate, Bea and Scarlett lounge by the pool, sipping margaritas.  Bea is lounging on a pool chair, one long leg crossed over the other, showing off her curvaceous figure in a skimpy red bikini.  Her dark hair cascades down her back, framing her face as she obnoxiously fans herself.

Scarlett sits beside her, also in a revealing swimsuit, her bright red hair pulled back in a messy bun.  She's scrolling through Instagram on her phone, giggling at something on the screen.

Suddenly, a shrill voice pierces the air.

"BEATRICE VAN DER BILT!  Do not make me repeat myself - come inside this instant!"

Bea groans loudly.

"Ugh, what now?"

A stern-looking woman in a designer pantsuit strides out, her lips pursed in disapproval.  This is Bea's mother, Evelyn Van der Bilt.  Behind her totters an older man with a combover and a martini glass.

"Yes dear, what is it this time?  Can't our daughter enjoy her afternoon?"  This is Bea's father, Walter Van der Bilt.

Evelyn shoots him a withering look.

"This bratty behavior has gone on too long.  She needs to start acting like a proper young lady, not some... some harlot!"

Bea snorts.

"Gee Mom, I don't know what you're talking about.  I'm practically a nun compared to your wild college days."

Evelyn slaps her face, gasping in outrage.

"How dare you speak to me that way!  You're grounded!"

Walter chuckles.

"Now now Evelyn, let's not be hasty.  Our little girl just needs some... stimulation.  Isn't that right, pumpkin?"

He winks at Bea lecherously, making Scarlett gag.  Bea rolls her eyes, clearly used to this sort of treatment.

"Whatever, I'm going out.  Don't wait up."

She stands, grabbing Scarlett's hand, and struts towards the house.

Evelyn sputters in indignation.

"You most certainly will not!  It's high time you started behaving like a proper Van der Bilt!"

Bea pauses at the door, turning back with a wicked grin.

"Oh Mom, but I am.  I'm being true to myself - rich, spoiled, and ready to fuck shit up.  If that's not Van der Bilt, I don't know what is."

She blows them a dismissive kiss before disappearing inside, Scarlett hot on her heels.  Walter chortles, toasting his empty glass.

"Our daughter, such spirit!  I'm immensely proud."  He downs the martini, wincing as he sets the glass aside.

Evelyn huffs, marching back to her tennis lesson.

"We're raising a disgrace.  This is all your fault, Walter.  You coddle her too much!"

He calls after her

 "Lighten up, doll.  She's just sowing her wild oats.  Besides, it's not like she'll ever want for anything with our money."

Inside, Bea is already planning her next move, ignoring Scarlett's exasperated sighs.

"I thought you were done with John Smith.  Didn't that stunt humiliate you enough?"

Bea smirks, pulling on jeans and a low-cut top.

"Oh honey, you should know by now - I don't give up that easily.  And John... he's a challenge.  I always get what I want."  She applies lipstick, admiring her reflection.  "Besides, I still haven't decided if he's worth my time.  Maybe a little payback is in order."

Scarlett shakes her head.

"You're impossible.  But you know I'm in, no matter what crazy scheme you cook up next."

Bea throws an arm around her friend, grinning wickedly.

"That's why I keep you around.  Let's go cause some trouble, shall we?"

The two saunter out, ready for round 2.

* * * * *

Later that evening, at the Freedom Angels' headquarters...

John is reviewing case files when Ethan bursts in, dying to tell him the good news.

"Sir!  I've got to thank you!" he gushes, doing an excited little dance. "After that whole kidnapping fiasco, you know, with Miss Van der Bilt -"

John holds up a hand, grimacing.

"Please, please don't bring up that disaster.  Thank me for what?  What's this good news?"

Ethan grins widely.

"Well, after the mission, I got a call from Kitty.  Apparently she thought I showed great potential!  I’m just like you!  I’m one of the Freedom Angels now.”"

John perks up, actually pleased.

"That's wonderful news, Ethan!  The Freedom Angels could use someone with your enthusiasm. Congratulations."  He claps the younger man on the shoulder, smiling for real.  Ethan beams. 

"Thank you sir!  I promise I won't let you down.  I'll train harder than ever!"

Just then, a commotion erupts outside.  Angry shouts and crashing sounds filter in through the closed door.  Both men exchange confused looks before cautiously peeking out.

What they see stops them cold - Bea and Scarlett wreaking havoc on the front lawn, knocking over statues and setting off fireworks.

Bea spots John and waves cheerily.

"Johnny!  Having fun yet?"  She hurls a lit firework at his feet, which explodes harmlessly.

While John looks on in disbelief, Ethan whispers.

"Is this normal?  Should we do something?"

John sighs heavily.

"No... let's just hope she leaves before she blows something up.  Or worse..."

* * * * *

Back at the Van der Bilts', Evelyn is throwing an absolute fit, pacing and wringing her hands. 

"What has that girl done now?  I swear, when I get my hands on her..."

Walter nonchalantly flips through a magazine.

"Relax darling, she'll be fine.  Probably just showing that Smith fellow what he's missing."

Evelyn nearly chokes.

"So you condone her actions?”  Evelyn stomps towards the front door, huffing indignantly.  "Walter, you cannot be serious!  That man, if he’s a real one, is terrible news for our family's reputation.  I forbid Beatrice from seeing him!"

Walter chuckles dryly, not looking up from his magazine.

"When has our dear daughter ever listened to us, Evelyn?  She's as stubborn as a mule."

Evelyn's face reddens with rage.

"Well, she's still an embarrassment! I'm cutting off her allowance until she shapes up!"

Walter sighs.

"Go easy, darling.  All teenage girls and young women rebel - she'll come around eventually."

* * * * *

Meanwhile, at the Freedom Angels' HQ...

Bea and Scarlett are still making a ruckus, now tossing around empty bottles of champagne.

Bea lets out a drunken cackle, staggering towards John.

"C'mooon Johnny, jush be nice!  I juft wanna talk!"

John steps back, shaking his head firmly.

"Miss van der Bilt, I think it's time you both leave.  You've caused enough trouble."

Ethan hovers nearby anxiously, unsure what to do.

"Geez... are all rich people this crazy?"

John pinches the bridge of his nose, massaging his temples.

"Unfortunately, yes.  At least, in my experience."

* * * * *

The next day, back at the Van der Bilt mansion, Evelyn storms into Bea's room, her heels clicking ominously on the hardwood.

She surveys the destruction - clothes strewn everywhere, broken glass, empty liquor bottles. "Beatrice Elizabeth Van der Bilt!  Get down here this instant!"

From under her bed, Bea yawns lazily.

"Can I freshen up first, Mom?  I'm not exactly presentable."

Evelyn grinds her teeth audibly.

"Now.  Before I drag you out of there myself."

“Fine..”

* * * * *

Back at the Freedom Angels' HQ, Bea and Scarlett's antics finally wind down.  Bea, slightly more sober, corners John as he tries to escape.

"Okay, okay, maybe I went a little overboard," she says, trying to smooth her disheveled hair. "But c'mon, admit it - you kinda enjoyed the chaos, didn't you?"

John raises an eyebrow, unconvinced.

"I'd hardly call property damage and drunken harassment 'chaos'. More like drama."

Bea pouts adorably.

"Fine, fine, I'll tone it down.  How about we meet for coffee tomorrow?  Just you and me, no surprise kidnappings or pyrotechnics."

John hesitates, then sighs.

"Alright, one coffee date.  But I warn you, if this is just another stunt -"

"No, no, pinky promise," Bea interrupts, holding out her little finger. "Cross my heart, hope to die, stick a needle in my eye."

John rolls his eyes but loops his pinky with hers anyway.

"Fine.  Tomorrow, 10 AM, at Cafe Bleu.  Be on time."

Bea grins triumphantly, already plotting her outfit for the big day.  As she saunters out, Scarlett shakes her head ruefully.

"You're hopeless, you know that?  But damn if I don't love you for it."

* * * * *

At the Van der Bilt mansion, Bea breezes into her parents' study, looking much more put-together than she did crawling out from under her bed.

"Mom, Dad - I've got terrific news!" she announces brightly.  "I'm going on a date with John Smith tomorrow!"

Evelyn sputters into her tea.

"Are you mad?  After the scene you caused yesterday-"

Bea cuts her off with a wave of her hand.

"Pfft, water under the bridge.  He was totally blown away by my... charms.  I think he's finally seeing me in a new light."

Walter smirks knowingly.

"Ah, our little girl, working her magic.  I always said you'd catch him eventually."

Evelyn fixes her husband with a withering stare.

"You're not helping, Walter.  Beatrice, this is ridiculous.  You'll ruin everything!"

Bea rolls her eyes dramatically.

"Mom, please.  I'm a Van der Bilt - I could never ruin anything.  John's lucky to have me."

With a final huff, Evelyn throws up her hands.

"Fine.  But if he breaks your heart, don't come crying to me.  You made this bed, now lie in it."

Bea blows her a kiss.

"Love you too, Mom.  Now if you'll excuse me, I have an outfit to pick out."

She twirls out of the room, already humming to herself.  Walter chuckles, shaking his head.

"Our daughter, the unstoppable force.  Heaven help John Smith."