spygirl4

[spygirl4]

The Secret Diary of a Teenage Spy: December 29, 2020

Back at Ian’s house, we called David and got to work finding information on the man in the house.

His name was Steven. He had three little girls, 3, 6, and 8. And worked in the Chamber of Commerce. Steven had been lobbying for a bill, but it failed to pass. After it failed to pass, the notes started appearing. No one thought there was any connection between the events because the person who drafted the bill did not seem very upset. It wasn’t a particularly controversial bill, but clearly, some people were upset.

I have such mixed feelings about arresting Steven. Without a doubt, what he did was wrong. But, I don’t think it was his idea. I think the cranes came from someone higher up. I don’t have evidence and Ian and David aren’t convinced. I don’t think Steven’s innocent, but I fear the main conspirator is still out there.

And what about Steven’s girls? They might feel betrayed. They aren’t old enough to understand any of it. They might never understand it. I don’t.

[spygirl4]

The Secret Diary of a Teenage Spy: December 28, 2020

I was so discouraged. This guy was clearly lying about where the paper was going, but couldn’t be ‘the sender’. David just brushed it off and went back to analyzing the targets. But Ian was convinced this wasn’t a dead end.

One day, Ian convinced me to follow our former suspect.

We followed him to a nice Spanish-colonial house. Two flours with a nice patio and big back yard. The former suspect gave a package of origami paper to the man who opened the door. After a short conversation, the former suspect stormed off and we had a new suspect.

[spygirl4]

The Secret Diary of a Teenage Spy: December 27, 2020

Merry Christmas! Happy New Year! I sure hope 2021 is better than 2020. By a lot.

A few weeks age, Ian, David and I found ‘the sender’. Our next step will be to capture him. He will then go to jail, and probably to prison.

Ian loves origami, so he analyzed how the cranes were folded and the type of paper used. We traced the paper back to a small craft store in downtown Seattle. Ian hacked into their security cameras and we methodically investigated every person who bought origami paper in a two month window. It took a lot of time, but we eventually found someone who said they bought the paper for their nephew. I know this seems like, “Whatever, some kid likes origami”. But, the person does not actually have a nephew! Busted!

However, this person has a air tight alibi for every night the cranes were distributed. He works at a restaurant, and every night cranes were delivered, he was at work. We talked to his coworkers and at least five people remembered seeing him each night. I wasn’t totally convinced, so David accessed their security system and he was there. Just like they said.

[spygirl4]

The Secret Diary of a Teenage Spy: November 22, 2020

What a crazy week! I had my first science exam. Brain science. My mom encouraged my to take this brain biology class so that I can better understand how criminals’ brains work. The key to solving a case is thinking like a criminal. Speaking of criminals, David, Ian and I have our case!

And what a fun case it is! Of course, all cases are fun. And dangerous. Cases  should be approached with caution. And excitement!

Anyway, some criminal has been leaving threatening notes at the houses of important people. These notes sometimes ask for money to be taken to a certain location at a certain time, or the sender will kill someone they love. These notes are always folded into origami cranes and left on top of the newspaper. Yes, people still read physical newspapers.

Our job is to find ‘the sender’.

[spygirl4]

THE SECRET DIARY OF A TEENAGE SPY: November 10, 2020

I got a new team and I’m back at it! The agency finally decided that I can handle spy work and school work.

My new team is David, Ian, and me. I’m so happy! I have known David and Ian since we were in Kindergarden. My mom was on a team with David’s dad for a while and Ian’s family goes to church with us. Before anyone asks, they are like cousins to me. I would NEVER date either of them (but if I don’t have a prom date, I will take one of them).

Like me, Ian and David love math and tech. They are actually much better at math then me. David likes video games. Correction, David likes designing computer programs to play video games for him. So ya, David’s our tech guy. Ian has a lot in common with David, but he has better social skills (and better clothing style). For the most part, I will be the talking to people and getting information. David will gather info by hacking security cams and social media apps. Ian will do mostly analysis. Taking our info and figuring out what parts are relevant. For confrontations or dangerous situations, Ian and I will work together. Ian is trained in fencing and I am trained in karate, so we can take care of our selves (and David). Ian always reminds me that he is also trained in a stick-jabbing martial art. I don’t remember what it’s called, but they wack each other with giant wooden sticks. I think this team is going to be fantastic!

[spygirl4]

The Secret Diary of a Teenage Spy: October 23, 2020

A couple days later, it was my birthday! I had a friend over and we had fun. The next day, Mom boarded a plane for California to be with her dad and step-mom.

A couple weeks later, I flew down to be with my mom and say goodbye to my grandma. It was so hard. She looked like a shadow of my grandmother.

A couple weeks later, Grandma died. Mom told me mid-morning and told me I didn’t need to do anything that day.

A week or so after that, Mom and I flew to California for a small grave-side service. The day before her funeral, my grandma’s second great-grandchild was born. It was a good reminder that life goes on. People come and people go. It’s the cycle of life.

Today, we drive down to Oregon for my other grandma’s funeral.

And yet, my life keeps going. School doesn’t pause. I have an essay to write, and a math quiz on Monday. My life right now is a stark contrast of life and death. What makes me feel most alive, is karate.

[spygirl4]

The Secret Diary of a Teenage Spy: October 22, 2020

I should start a little further back, I have three grandmas. I used to anyway. My mom’s parents divorced when she was in high school and quickly remarried. Near the end of August, we found out that my mom’s stepmom, my grandma, had severe pancreatic cancer. She was given a few weeks to a few months to live. Then, we got news from my dad’s mom. She had COVID. My dad’s mom has been losing her memory since I can remember. Near the end, she didn’t even know who I was.

My mom’s birthday and mine are at the beginning of September. Yay! My mom loves picnics. We have a picnic almost every year for her birthday. Unfortunately, the smoke in our city was so bad at the beginning of September, it was dangerous to go outside. I felt trapped. Can’t go outside without a mask, can’t go in anywhere without a mask. So, we ended up celebrating my mom’s birthday at with a family game night. After dinner, my dad got the call. His mom was dead.

[spygirl4]

The Secret Diary of a Teenage Spy: October 21, 2020

Yikes. I can’t believe this pandemic is STILL going on.

As COVID-19 spread, my organization decided to give all agents under 18 or over 65 a ‘temporary leave’. Which means we’re not allowed to go on missions. Of course, I tried to fight it, but my boss told me to focus on my studies and maintaining relationships with my friends. The studies part has been easy. The friends ... not so much.

Meanwhile, my mom has been flying to California every other weekend. Unfortunately, it’s not for a mission. I can pretend all day long that I’m doing fine and my life is great, but the truth is, I’m a mess.

[spygirl4]

The Secret Diary of a Teenage Spy: May 26, 2020

Early Monday morning, Carter set out on a journey across the country. On his way, he met all kinds of people. Some people wanted to help Carter. Some wanted to hurt him. Some people did not understand how Carter could have so much love and compassion in his heart. Carter safely, well mainly safely, made it to the East Coast. After a quick tour of New York City (Carter had always wanted to visit), he headed to the headquarters of the special spy group. When Carter arrived, Drew was waiting for him. Drew had found notes from Carter’s meeting with the math teacher and followed him to the East Coast. After another meeting with intimidating people in black, Carter and Drew headed home together. With Drew by his side, Carter was stronger than ever. When they returned home, Carter began working for the spy agency to help people. Drew was always waiting for Carter when he got home.

I think it’s a sweet story, although I’m not sure all of it is true. My dad likes to say, “never let the truth get in the way of a good story.” Ya, there are some pretty obvious reasons why Dad is not a spy. Anyway, Carter had to prove himself. And I like his story, even if it’s not all true.

[spygirl4]

The Secret Diary of a Teenage Spy: May 25, 2020

Remember Carter? He was my “boyfriend” last semester, a cover so we could work on missions together. We weren’t paired together again after winter break. Apparently that would raise suspicion because high school relationships have the life span of a fly (very short). Carter and I aren’t supposed to talk in school, but we still text. Recently, Carter opened up to me about his childhood (yes, I know I we’re still kids). Here’s what he told me.

For fifteen years, Carter Mason lived a normal, rather boring life. Carter had an older sister, Drew, who was his best friend. Drew and Carter shared everything. From a young age, Carter had a gift for opening locked doors. It drove his parents crazy. Mrs. Mason would carefully lock the china cupboard only to find Carter playing with his great-great-great grandma’s tea pot ten minutes later! When Carter entered Kindergarden, he discovered that the other boys thought he was weird and alien because of his unusual abilities. Carter spent all his time with Drew and her friends, who loved to baby and dress Carter up.

When Carter began high school, his math teacher took an interest in him. One day, the math teacher had asked Carter to stay after school to help her with organizing. When Carter arrived, he found a group of black clothed adults waiting. The intimidating group informed Carter that he had been selected to join a special group of individuals who helped civilians. To officially enter the group, Carter had to go on a journey alone. He could tell no one where he was going. The most difficult part for Carter was not telling his sister.

[spygirl4]

As an undercover spy, I can’t really get a ton of advice from my friends. Luckily, there are places to get advice anonymously! Go ask your questions (she’s ligit) ;)

Hey everyone ! I decided to start an anonymous advice blog so that anyone who needs it can ask questions that they might not want to ask anyone else advice for ! I’m incouraging everyone to reach out and ask anything, I’m waiting and up for any challenge !

[spygirl4]

The Secret Diary of a Teenage Spy: April 2, 2020

As the lunch bell rang and kids rushed to grab backpacks and hurry up to their goth lives, Lola pulled me aside. I instantly realized it was time for “the part of my body”. To put it lightly, I was terrified. Even though the kids had been nothing but nice to me since I promised to keep their secret, a girl with tons of piercings and sunken eyes does not exactly inspire confidence. Lola brought out a small knife, a band aid, and a small specimen dish. Lola took my hand, made a tiny slice on my middle finger, and squeezed three drops of blood onto the dish. She then carefully wrapped my finger in the band aid and placed the knife in an antibiotic alcohol solution. As I looked at Lola in confusion, she said simply, “DNA”.

[spygirl4]

The Secret Diary of a Teenage Spy: April 1, 2020

Lola and the others came down in secret because they believed they would be ridiculed if anyone ever found out. They probably would be. High school is a harsh battle ground.

This odd group informed me that they were trying to bread new species. Species that could speak English, Spanish, and Russian. Why Russian? I have no idea. Maybe even figure out how to give humans animal abilities. The rough edges of these outcasts faded away as they showed me how they cared for the animals. One bot explained that the light was purple because it was a growth light. The light produced all the energy and nutrients the animals would have had in the outside world. Yes, this secret society seemed like a whole other world. There was a room where the animals could run around, fly, and play. The whole thing seemed unbelievable, but everywhere I turned there was evidence. But some parts just didn’t add up.

When I asked them about the empty halls and dimmed lights, they sheepishly admitted that they had blown an electrical fuse. The custodians knew about their project. So, they demanded that the teens help fix the lights. This explained everything! Right?

[spygirl4]

The Secret Diary of a Teenage Spy: March 29, 2020

Immediately, everyone in the room was around me, preventing my escape. The group parted as a girl dresses all in black pushed her way through. Clearly, she had some authority.

I a ringing voice, she declared that I could not leave until I signed a paper stating that I would tell no one of the room. Additionally, they would need the passwords to all of my socials so they can make sure I don’t go back on my word. Joke’s on them, I have an Instagram account only so that I don’t look suspicious. I’m not even allowed to post anything on it. ‘Gotta play it cool, normal as normal can be.

I agreed to their bargain on one condition. They had to tell me what they were doing. And if any animals got harmed, I would turn them in to the police.

The girl in charge, Lola as they called her, considered my offer. She countered with everything previously stated, but they would have to take something from me to use in their work. I was skeptical. Lola was casually vague about what would be taken. Given that they hadn’t asked for it up-front, I suspected it was a body part. This suspicion was partially right.

On a side note, why does the leader of a probably illegal, basement laboratory in charge of a bunch of goth queens go by “Lola”? Really?! “Lola”?

At any rate, I agreed to the bargain. We shook on it, and Lola began to explain.

[spygirl4]

The Secret Diary of a Teenage Spy: March 28, 2020

Finally, I reached the purple light. Slowly approaching the door, I prepared myself for the worst.

Inside, groups of kids lurked around forgotten lab tables. For an instant I thought they were making the next Frankenstein. When I looked closely, I saw animals of all types in cages around the perimeter of the room. The animals seemed to be fine with their odd surroundings. I noticed a bunny munching lettuce in a cage, happy as could be. There were no scares on the animals from torture or abuse.

In the middle of the room, stood a large incubator. As one of the teens turned to place an egg inside, she noticed me.

[spygirl4]

The Secret Diary of a Teenage Spy: March 27, 2020

Finally, I summoned enough courage to go into the vending machine. As I stepped through the door, the air seemed to change. The vending machine door closed, leaving me in complete darkness.

Don’t worry, I’m trained for these situations.

I pulled out my flashlight and carefully ventured down the curving hall. The passage angled down, taking me to a level I had no idea existed. When I reached the bottom of the ominous passage, I saw a purple light glowing from one end of… of whatever I was in. Carefully, I stowed my small light and headed towards the large light. Once, I stepped on something, making a noise, but no one came out to interrogate me.

[spygirl4]

The Secret Diary of a Teenage Spy: March 19, 2020

I sat in the tunnel during lunch yesterday. I sat in a shadowy corner, so vacant eyes would not notice me.

The only things in the tunnel are a vending machine and the pool entrance. The simple answer is that the shadowy teens are vaping in the pool room. I’ve been taught to never settle on the easy answer. Additionally, our pool is closed due to a chlorine spill last week. Really, I shouldn’t have even been in the tunnel, but who pays attention to rules?!

Curiously, the teen shadows slipped into the tunnel and opened the vending machine. Chips and all swung towards them, revealing a secret passage. One by one, these odd teens entered the tunnel, opened the vending machine, and stepped inside. The vending machine swung shut behind them. Sealing their bodies in darkness.

The teens never came in groups. They slumped dismally into the hall, as though simply looking for a secluded place to vape. I don’t yet know what is behind the vending machine, but I positive it’s not just a broom closet.