Spying For A Good Cause | 5 Minute Freewrite (Day 1794) - Prompt: secret agent

Six months Jennifer Hanson waited for the opportunity. The first to apply for a position in the newly-formed division of her company, she only considered the excitement. Covert operations. The title gave her chills. At the age of 21, she reckoned she'd already garnered in her movie-watching days all the details of intelligence gathering from the best: 007 Secret Agent. Her new job training was intense. Her score was the highest. Stealth and diligence were to be the key to her success. All she needed now was a target.

A restless night with a dream of exposure rendered sore eyes and a headache as she rose early to start her first day.

"But what if someone recognizes me?" Jennifer's voice broke as she fidgeted with a button, slowly slipped on her jacket, then turned to view herself in the mirror.

"I guarantee no one will. Don't worry. You'll be fine." Her mom straightened the shoulder-length, brown wig from behind and tucked in a few wily blonde strands.

"There, you're all set. Even I barely recognize you." Her mom laughed slightly. Prodding her in the side, she gathered her close for a reassuring hug.

Jennifer grabbed the policy handbook from the dresser. She slipped the dark shades and small new camera into her pocket.

Covert Operations was waiting.

Jennifer pulled out the driveway and headed toward her first undercover assignment. Her mom waived and flashed a proud smile of confidence.

Out of sight, Mrs. Hanson sighed. She could now let her emotions unwind and speak truth to her real feelings. Yes, she had her doubts. When Jennifer first approached her asking her honest opinion whether her personality was a good fit, she desperately wanted to tell her to forget about surveillance and record keeping.

However, she also wanted to encourage and instill confidence in her only daughter. So, she hid her hesitation and misgivings. Her daughter was never one to conceal the truth or hide her feeling from others. She was too open.

Mrs. Hanson wondered often whether her daughter's personality was an asset or a liability. Returning to the house, she sent up a special prayer to at least allow Jennifer to get through her first day.

Jennifer pulled into the parking lot and located a secure spot. She pulled out her notebook and camera and began to document her findings.

Finished with the first leg of her assignment, she gathered her equipment.

She then proceeded to the front door, grabbed a shopping cart, and entered the Paggly Waggly Grocery Chain.