Chapters

Prologue                                                                  Chapter 12: Breaking In  Chapter 1: The Smart One                                Chapter 13: The Motor Room

Chapter 2: The Tree Note                                            Chapter 14: Battle Scars

Chapter 3: The Welcoming Agent                                                    Epilogue

Chapter 4: The I.S.P.A

Chapter 5: The Gadget Room

Chapter 6: Zosia's Questions

Chapter 7: Sir Dan

Chapter 8: Packing For The Pacific

Chapter 9: Leaving Home

Chapter 10: The Minibus

Chapter 11: The Boat

 A 3 year old girl sat staring out of a window. It was a cold Winter day, and a pure white sheet of snow covered everything. Just then, something caught her eye. A car pulled into her street. Out of it climbed a man in a black suit. His shiny black shoes crunched on the fresh snow. The child peered at him curiously. He walked up to her neighbours house, and rudely pushed the door open without knocking. Mr Sweetriz was certain to be home, he rarely left his house, and it was a weekend, by far the coldest the child could ever remember. But there was no shouting of help, not even a peep. The black suited man emerged from the house, now carrying a little silk bag and a large black rubbish bag. 

Prologue

The only thing he left were a few blood red drops on the pristine snow. He climbed into his car and drove off. The child looked out the window again. But the car was already gone.

Chapter 1: The Smart One

You may know someone smart. But no one you know is as smart as Evelyn Sallow.  Although her brains get her far, her cheeky nature sets her back a bit. She's hard to miss with the bright t-shirts she loves to wear and her unruly red hair. Now, you may be thinking Evelyn is your average smart girl, but she is so much more. From the age of 3 she had loved solving puzzles. That was her sort of thing. When she couldn't solve something, she felt lost, as if something was missing. She only really had one true friend and her name was Lucia. They had been best friends since kindergarten. Lucia has brown hair and warm hazel eyes. She's sassy, and Evelyn's and Lucia's attitudes match. 

After a long, dreary history lesson from Ms Fernsby (she could just drone on and on for hours!) Evelyn rushed out of school and sprinted home.

***

"Mom?" Evelyn called when she got home. 

"Mom?" she called again.

She found a sticky note on the fridge. 

'Late shift at work. Dinner's in the fridge. Take Barney out for a walk. Love you, Mom' it read.

Evelyn sighed. Couldn't her Mom be home for dinner for at least one night?

"I guess I'll just go upstairs!" she called out to no one. 

When she got to her room, she had to swim through trash. She was never bothered to clean her room, and her Mom never made her because she was too busy at work. She flopped down on her bed and tried to not cry. 

She could feel hot tears prickling in her eyes. Barney whimpered near her bed. Evelyn sighed. She rolled over onto her side and watched Barney try to chase his tail. It made her giggle. Soon she was rolling around, laughing hysterically. She laughed until her stomach hurt. She laughed until she started to cry tears of joy. When she finally calmed down, she wiped her eyes and patted Barney on the head. 

'Good boy' she cooed, and Barney tilted his head.

Evelyn giggled and put on his lead. 

Chapter 2: The Tree Note

The crisp Fall air swept all of the brownish-orangish leaves into the air around Evelyn. She shivered. It was edging closer to Winter. As Evelyn walked around the not-so-grassy-anymore park she remembered why she hated Winter and shuddered. She didn't hate it because it was cold... more so what happened every year. On the 28th of December she had this weird dream. It didn't feel like a dream because the memory of it was so vivid, and she always woke up in a cold sweat. The dream was of a black suited man. He would bombard into her house and steal all her precious possessions and she would scream but nobody could hear her. She winced just at the thought of her dream.

Pushing the thought out of her head, she let Barney of his leash and walked over to a tree that looked particularly good for climbing. She hoisted herself up by stepping on a knot then pulling herself up onto the base. Then she nearly fell out of the tree! The tree was hollow! But curious as ever, Evelyn found herself lowering herself into the hole! When she hit the ground she felt something under her foot. Not wanting to damage whatever was there she care fully lifted her foot off the floor. It was a piece of paper. To be more specific, a letter. It had small inky writing, but it was too dark to see what it said. Evelyn tucked it into her pocket then clambered out of the tree.

***

Evelyn shook her head again. She couldn't believe what the

note said! 

"Dear Ms Evelyn Sallow, you have been invited to join the I.S.P.A. (Incredibly Smart People Agency) If you would like to become an I.S.P (Incredibly Smart Person) please report to 12 345 678 immediatley. To take your agent test please go to The One To Share. Beside the smell will be our special agent who will be collecting you for the test. Meet them there at 2000. The code word is Zass. If you pass this test you will be an agent on our missions. We have already selected the mission for you if you pass. This is top secret.

No one can know about it. Not even Lucinda Loughty. Please burn this letter right after you read it.

 Kind Regards, Zosia, Head of the I.S.P.A."

Evelyn didn't understand. Meet them at The One To Share? Beside the smell? Evelyn thought hard. Then it came to her. The One To Share! There was a restaurant nearby called The Two Eatery. And there were really smelly garbage bins at the back! Meet the special agent at The Two Eatery where the dumpsters were! And 2000 is obvious, it would be twenty-four hour time! So meet the agent at The Two Eatery beside the dumpsters at 8:00! She raced to the phone and dialled 

12 345 678. 

"Hello. How may I help you?" a cool voice asked. 

"Hiya, I'm Eyelyn Sallow, and I'm reporting to this number to place an application to become a I.S.P." Evelyn replied.

"Alright, Evelyn Sallow, I'm assuming you've got your note with you?" the voice said.

"Umm...yes I do, it's right here" Evelyn answered.

"What is the code word?" the voice demanded.

"Zass?" Evelyn squeaked.

"Awesome, you are application 83, good day!" the voice said. 

The person hung up without another word. Evelyn checked her watch. 7:30. Anyone, even not as smart as Evelyn would head out now. So that's exactly what she did. 

Chapter 3: The Welcoming Agent

Evelyn passed the big red sign with 'The Two Eatery' in big yellow letters. She walked around to the back and saw someone with a green coat and sunglasses on near the dumpsters. 

"Zass" She said panting.

 "Follow me" said a gloomy voice. 

"Who are you?"

"The welcoming agent. I take you to your test"

"Ok, what's your name"

"Lantern. and I presume you're Evelyn Sallow?" 

"Yup. Why are you called Lantern?"

"Because I'm like a lantern. I guide you to your test. No more questions"

Evelyn slouched. If Lantern was going to be a grouch she wouldn't mind quitting this. But then she remembered she wanted to be a code breaker and decided to stick to this agency thing. "Lan-" Evelyn began to say.

"Save them 'till later kid" Lantern growled, cutting her off.

Evelyn followed Lantern through the park she had found the note in, into the woods. When they reached a lake, Evelyn couldn't contain herself any longer. 

"What are we doing here?" She blurted out.

"Going to the I. S. P. A, of course, the entrance is just here" Lantern pointed to the lake. 

Evelyn twisted her face up into a scrunched up ball "You mean, the lake?"

"Yup, don't worry, you're not gonna get wet"

Lantern walked Evelyn down to her knees than dived in. The water was far beyond freezing and Evelyn could already feel her feet numbing. She took a deep breath than dived in. She wanted to scream from the cold, but knew that would do no good. There was nothing down there. Was this a joke? Then, she saw it, a little silver circle.   

Chapter 4: The I.S.P.A

Evelyn squirmed through the circle, finding herself in a jet black room. There were no windows, so Evelyn had to squint to see silhouettes of things. Suddenly blinding white lights filled the room and Evelyn almost fell over in shock. A woman was there smiling at her. 

"Hello?" Evelyn said cautiously

"Hello Evelyn, I am Zosia" said Zosia in a calm voice "I see you've already met Lantern". 

"Yes. Sorry to be rude, but when do I start my test?"

"I believe you've already started it. Ione is on her way, she will take you to the test room. Why don't you take a seat?" Zosia winked.

Evelyn looked around her, then sat down on a violet coloured chair. When she looked down she screamed. 

"What is it?" Zosia said worriedly. 

"Th- the chair!" Evelyn stammered "It changed colour!"

"Ah, yes, our scientests have been working on a new formula. Intersting, huh?" Zosia calmly answered.

Suddenly a woman bustled into the room. She had her long blonde hair out, was wearing a red party dress and stylish scarlet shoes. 

"Hello Ione" Zosia chirped as Ione ushered Evelyn out of the room. 

"Hello Zosia! How's the weather today? I haven't been out yet!" Ione said quickly. 

When they were out in the hallway Evelyn questioned Ione. "Where are we going? Is the test hard? How much longer?"

"There's no time for questions, hon" Ione said

"You guys say that a lot. Is that your motto?"

 Ione gave a little laugh "No, who else said that?"

"Lantern"

"Hmm" Ione said.

They came to a little isolated room. 

"Sit" said Ione "Now you have 45 mins to complete the test. Any wrong answers and you're out. Got it? When I come back I'll take your answers. Oh, and you'll see Zosia for questions later". Ione left the room. Evelyn started scribbling down answers. In less than 15 mins she had finished the test. '

That was easy' Evelyn thought. She took out her note pad. And for the first time that day she chewed on the end of her pencil. Not because of a question, but she didn't know what to write down first! When Ione came in, Evelyn quickly shoved the note pad in her pocket. Ione picked up the pieces of paper then left. A few minutes later she came back. 

"Zosia is slightly delayed. If you would like to follow me to the gadget room. You can look at the things there while we wait..."

Chapter 5: The Glorious Gadget Room

As Evelyn entered what looked like an ordinary room she felt disappointed. Where were the gadgets? Just then, the walls lit up, revealing all the gadgets. Evelyn ran over to a wall. A large plaque said "Escape gadgets". She looked at the gadgets. 

"Water saver, if you're being chased under water this will let you breath for 32 minutes and 27 seconds Warning: Keep a stopwatch. Otherwise you may be breathing in water. Accidents have been fatal" 

"Lame" thought Evelyn. 

"Fire speed, to run away simply press this button and you'll have jet boots! Warning: Do not use on rainy day. Flames will burn out. Drops have been fatal" 

After finding the escaping gadgets boring, she moved onto the next wall. It was labeled, Defence gadgets. 

"Fog blinder, spray at your enemy with this and then complete your mission with your enemy still blinded with fog" 

"Wow that's cool!" Evelyn thought. 

"Freeze timer, touch the screen then continue with your mission while every one else is frozen!". After finding the defence ones interesting she finally walked over to the last wall. It's gadgets were labeled "STRICTLY FORBIDDEN". 

"Fatal gas, Spray over enemy then complete your mission while enemy gags WARNING: Do not use too much. You may kill your enemy" 

"Harsh" Evelyn thought 

"Fire spur, point at your enemy then scorch them" 

Ione walked over. 

"I see you've found the forbidden cupboard" Ione said "All of these inventions in the forbidden cupboard, they were made by Collin Flictton"

Chapter 6: Zosia's Questions

"Zosia!" Evelyn exclaimed "Did I pass?"

"We haven't gotten the results yet"

"Oh"

"Do you have any more questions?"

"A million"

After about another 29 more questions Evelyn finally got the courage to ask,

"Who's Collin Flictton?"

Zosia went quite quiet and said in a hushed whisper "Who told you about him?"

"Ione"

Zosia sighed. "He used to be one of our best agents. 'till the day"

"The day when he betrayed us. He turned to the E. P. A. and told them all about our missions. We finally defeated him by using his own weapon. Fatal gas." 

"Wow. He seemed awful"

"Precisely"

A woman with short black hair and red rimmed glasses came into the room. 

"Evelyn passed" She said

"Excellent, thank you for informing us Ophelia"

The woman left the room quietly. 

"What's my mission?" Evelyn asked

"Oh it's the most important one of all. Who spilt coffee on the floor?" Zosia split her sides laughing. 

"No, Zosia, what's my mission?" 

"Your mission. Hmm you can pick out of the beginners missions if you like. I haven't selected one yet..."

"You said you had!"

"Well, just chose one out of the beginners missions ok? No dangerous ones." Zosia handed Evelyn some paper. 

After thoroughly reading the options, Evelyn announced 

"I'm going to spy on Sir Dan to see what he's planning"

"Excellent dear, Oh but would you look at the time! I think it's high time you go home now. Your mother will be home soon" Zosia walked Evelyn to the exit then said "Remember to hold your breath!" 

Chapter 7: Sir Dan

Evelyn looked at the unhelpful information about Sir Dan. The I. S. P. A. had given her a special laptop which "had all the information you need". That was true. Almost. It didn't have any information about Sir Dan. Suddenly Evelyn saw a tab. "Spy Camera: Sir Dan" it read. 

"Yass Queen!" Evelyn exclaimed. 

Sir Dan was planning something. Evelyn zoomed in closer. She gasped, a horrific look of terror on her face. He was planning to destroy the Pacific Ocean! She immediately rang Zosia and informed her of the conundrum. The conversation went a little bit like this, 

"Zosia! Sir Dan wants to destroy the pacific!"

"Wh-what? Evelyn, it looks like your mission is already in action..."  

Chapter 8: Packing For The Pacific

Evelyn looked through her belongings. She had combed her closet for all of her clothes. The pacific was warm right? So short sleeves? Maybe jackets? Swimmers? Sunblock? 

"Uh-oh" Evelyn said realising that she had to come up with an excuse to her Mom! 

Evelyn hurdled down the stairs, bouncing off each second step, "Mom! There's a school camp!" Evelyn said, pretending to be excited.

"Really, when?"

"Tomorrow!"

"Where's the permission slip?"

"In my room somewhere! I'll go look for it!"

Evelyn bounced back up the stairs.

Evelyn rushed to her computer and started typing,

"Dear Parents/Guardians,

The school camp will take place on the 5th of November 2012. Children attending have to bring this note back.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------I,_______________ _________________ give permission for my child ________________ __________________  of class ____to attend the school camp. I understand that there may be messy or acrobatic activities. My child has

Asthma                             Diabetes                Is Anaphylaxis

Is Allergic                          Any other medical issues

Is there something we need to know about your child? _______________________________________________________________

Thanks, Mr Facilton"

But would it be good enough? Would it be believable? 

She rushed it down to her Mom, who was sipping hot tea. "Thanks Hon" she said "After all that hard work of making this I think you deserve a hot chocolate"

"What are you talking about Mom?"

"You know, I reckon it's okay for you to go to the Pacific"

"Mom, how do you know all this?"

"I'm an I. S. P. A. agent. That's why I'm never home. I'm incredibly smart like you. How else could you get such big brians?" Suddenly Evelyn burst out laughing. 

"So I spent worthless time on this?" she asked

"Yes. Couldn't of put it better myself. Now sit down hon, I think you need a hot chocolate. 

Oh and don't fret about packing. If I know the I. S. P. A. they'll already of done it for you".

Chapter 9: Leaving Home

"Nearly there!" Mom said

"Ok, which agent will take me over?" Evelyn asked.

"Ooh thanks for reminding me sweetheart. Sadie will take you to the pacific, when you're there you'll be taken by Charlie to the boat, then on the boat Lulu will be with you out in the pacific. Oh and code word is-"

"Zass. It said so in the tree note"

Mom smiled at Evelyn. When they got there a woman walked to the car. Her long brown hair was in a ponytail. "Hi Sadie!" Mom said.

"Hello Valentina"

"Sadie this is Evelyn, Evelyn this is Sadie"

"Follow me" Sadie grunted and Evelyn heeled beside her like a trained dog. When they reached security Evelyn started to panic. 

"Sadie! We have lots of snooping devices that are not allowed!" Evelyn hissed

"Don't worry, we can disguise them" Sadie pushed a button on her phone, and when Evelyn looked in her luggage there was just normal toys! When they reached the gates Sadie said, "You hungry kid? We can get some food. It's still a while 'till our flight". Evelyn nodded eagerly and they headed to the food court.

 ***

On the plane Evelyn watched Sir Dan. She monitored his every move.

Sadie watched him too. She was frowning at him and shaking her head. 

"What's his real name?" Evelyn asked.

"Collin Flictton" Sadie said, still shaking her head. 

Evelyn gasped. 

"I thought he'd been defeated!" Evelyn squeaked 

"Everyone did!"

"But, that doesn't make sense! Zosia told me he had an overdose of fatal gas!"

"Did she now? I guess she didn't want you to be afraid of what a big task you've got. I wonder why she didn't put it in the experienced agents column... "

Evelyn felt a big wave of anxiety wash over her. Collin Flictton! That was too big! Why didn't Zosia tell her? Would she even be safe? She was actually scared about her mission!

Chapter 10: The Minibus

"Zass" Sadie said as she handed Evelyn over to Charlie. 

"Hi- woah!" Charlie said as the minibus sharply turned a corner. 

"Hi" Evelyn said, ignoring the fact that she constantly kept bumping into the window. 

"You're Evelyn right?"

"Yep"

"I'm Charlie"

Evelyn looked down at her screen again, watching Sir Dan. "Evelyn, I don't think it's the best time to watch him! You may get minibus sick!"

"Nonsense!" Evelyn replied waving Charlie away "This is the smoothest ride I've ever been on!".

The minibus hit a pothole and Evelyn nearly flew out of her seat. 

"Uh huh" Charlie agreed sarcastically "Smoothest ride ever"

***

"Evelyn are you ok? You look sorta sick" Charlie asked.

"I'm f-fine" Evelyn spluttered her knuckles ghost white, gripping onto the chair. 

"Just need to calm down"

"Really? You look like you're gonna hurl"

"If I was fine on the plane I'll be fine in the minibus"

"Did the plane almost kill you like what 7 times?"

"No! Of course not! And the minibus isn't danger- woah!" 

"Sorry everybody!" the driver called, as they had turned a corner sharply, bumped into a pothole and screeched to a halt, just inches away from the back of a car. 

"Th-that was a c-close one" Charlie said, shaking

"Outta my way I'm gonna vomit!" Evelyn yelled running to the toilet. Suddenly an unpleasant noise filled the minibus. It is too gross to describe it down here.

Chapter 11: The Boat

"Zass" Charlie whispered to Lulu and she nodded. 

"Hi Evelyn! Welcome to the boat!" 

Evelyn looked around the jetty. There were 5 glamorous cruising boats which were ginormous! There were 2 old rundown boats, that looked like if they held anymore than one person they would sink. There were 8 fishing boats and 1 ginormous ship which looked like a ferry! It's name was Zosia. Evelyn smiled. She walked towards it. Lulu caught up. "Beautiful isn't she?" Lulu said

"Yes" Evelyn breathed. "

"Come on, I'll show you to your room" Lulu said, jogging up to the boat.   

"Are you an experienced agent Lulu?" Evelyn asked Lulu as they climbed onto the deck

"Haha, well, yes, in fact Zosia and Ione both agree that I'm even better than them, but I think they're just being nice."

"What about Ophelia?"

Lulu snarled menacingly "Ophelia thinks I'm not as experienced as her because she's older, more mature and has been here for longer! Really, all I believe she does is say 'they passed their test'" 

Lulu clearly hated Ophelia. 

"Who do you think are the best and worst agents?" Evelyn asked

"Best? Definitely Serenity or Lillian. Worst, I think Ophelia"

"Because you hate her?" Evelyn asked

"Because she doesn't do anything for us. She's an evil snake, but nobody believes me. Well, Lantern agrees. She knew it ever since she laid eyes on her leading her to her test. We both 

reckon she works for Flictton. Anyway, I'll go get Captain Zach. Your cabin is on the 3rd floor, 5th door to the right. Your keys are under the welcome mat. Got it?"

"Yep" Evelyn said, still thinking about what Lulu had said about Ophelia. 

Now where was her room? Oh yes, that's right 5th floor 3rd door to the left and the key was under the welcome mat. Evelyn reached the cabin door. There was no welcome mat!

Lulu wandered up the corridor and spotted Evelyn eyeing the door suspiciously. 

"Evelyn!" 

"Oh hi Lulu. There's no welcome mat! How odd"

"I said 3rd floor 5th door to the right! And there is a welcome mat there!"

Evelyn blushed as red as a cherry and shuffled to the staircase.

***

Evelyn sprawled out on her bed, her new golden key necklace tangling in her hair. Suddenly her I. S. P. A. phone buzzed crazily, jumping about in her pocket. She pulled it out and answered it. 

"Hello, Evelyn speaking"

"Come down to the pool Evelyn! We need to talk and I've got to show you something!" The voice crackled and Evelyn recognised it as Lulu 

"Coming" she yelled then jumped up off her bed. 

Evelyn waved to Lulu and ran over. 

"We've left the port" Lulu informed her. 

"Ok anything else?"

"This isn't going to be an easy job Evelyn, and to relax you, because I know it's gotten on your nerves, we're gonna have a party"

"When?"

"Now!" Lulu roared then pushed Evelyn into the pool. 

Lulu laughed so hard she fell over, and Evelyn came up to the surface laughing.