0 March Secret Agent #38

TITLE: Chasing Chaucer
GENRE: YA Contemporary

I opened my locker to find a cream-colored envelope resting atop the mess of crumpled papers and worn books. It looked out of place, like an exotic creature had chosen the most chaotic spot possible to build a nest. Handwritten letters across the front spelled out my name: Brittany J. Hanson.

Who had access to my locker? And who did I know who wrote calligraphy?

I extracted the envelope with my fingertips, feeling I should wear gloves to handle paper so nice. A round, raised seal embossed on the back flap had the monogram PCM.

Too curious about the content to keep being careful, I ripped it open. Inside was a thick card, the same cream color as the envelope.



The honor of your presence is requested

Today, May 20, at 15 minutes past three in the afternoon

In classroom A-6

A Unique Opportunity Awaits



I tapped the edge of the card against my locker and twirled a chunk of hair.

The phrase alone was enough to set my pulse racing: Unique opportunity. I could use one of those. It didn’t even have to be unique—I’d settle for any old opportunity. It had come knocking once this year, but sometime after I let it in, it bolted without the courtesy of a goodbye.

Granted, unique opportunities were rare. I shouldn’t get my hopes up. But it was worth checking out.

Not like I had anything else to do after school. Not anymore.