Alone in his room, Tom opened his bottom dresser drawer. He cleared away a thin layer of t-shirts and lifted up a false bottom. Pulling out a thin scrapbook, he carefully turned to find the pages filled with the summer’s mementos. He examined a business card with a number hand written on it, then turned back to the letter laying on his bed. His hands shook as he read the letter for the third time, carefully comparing it to the business card.
To the parents of Thomas J. Smith:
We are pleased to inform you that Thomas J. Smith, nominee number 6594-312-0784, has been selected to participate in this year’s National Institute for Outstanding Students summer program in Washington, D.C. This program brings together young, promising students of all ages to learn about history and politics, and explore the nation’s capital. The program is fully funded by a special grant and all expenses are covered including transportation, lodging, and meals. The session runs from August 3 thru August 17.
We realize that this notice is quite sudden. Unfortunately, we had a last minute cancellation and have been rushed to fill the spot. We hope that Thomas will be able to join us. Flight arrangements will be made as soon as you notify us of your acceptance. If you have any questions feel free to call me at (202) 555-0111.
Sincerely,
John Samuels
Director, National Institute for Outstanding Students
The number sequence from the card matched the letter perfectly. Tom was being called to spy service.
Tom’s mother had waited until dinnertime to tell him. “A letter came for you today, Tom. From the National Institute for Outstanding Students.”
“The who?” asked Tom. He had only seen that name once before and he hadn’t expected to ever see it again.
“You haven’t heard of it? I thought you would have,” said his mother.
“Well, I’ve heard of it…sort of.”
Earlier that summer, an international spy ring had tried to steal a top-secret device from Mr. Smith’s work. Tom helped agents from the Office of National Intelligence and Security crack the case. Just before leaving town, the lead agent on the case, Samuel Johnson, handed Tom the business card with the phrase National Institute for Outstanding Students and the number written on it.
Mrs. Smith continued, “Well, apparently you were nominated for some program in Washington, D.C., placed on the alternate list, and now there’s room for you. They want you to leave day after tomorrow.”
“We can’t afford that,” said Mr. Smith. “And that’s really soon.”
“The letter says the expenses are fully paid. I called this afternoon to verify the details,” said Mrs. Smith.
“Just the same,” said Mr. Smith. “It’s an awfully big trip for a ten-year-old. Tom’s had more than his fair share of excitement already this summer. We’d better decline.”
“No…” Tom stammered. He couldn’t let this slip away. He faced his mother and turned up the desperation. “Please, can I go?” he pleaded.
“Your father’s right dear. After your escapades I’m not sure we should trust you on a solo trip to the nation’s capital. Why, you might run off from the group to find the ONIS office.” Her crooked smile indicated to Tom that she was only half-kidding.
Tom almost gulped, but managed to throw a little laugh her way. “That’s a good one, mom. I’m sure they’ll have plenty of adults to keep us from getting into trouble. And it’s free! When are we going to get a deal like this again? You’ve got to let me go.”
“They don’t have to let you do anything,” chimed in Tom’s older sister, Lisa. “They never let me do anything, why should you be any different.”
“Pipe down, Lisa. We’ve supported a lot of your activities,” said Mrs. Smith. “I mulled it over quite a bit this afternoon, John,” she directed her attention back to Mr. Smith. “They seem quite organized and prepared to keep the kids busy. It is a unique opportunity that might never come again.”
“Well, we can discuss it privately after dinner.”
Tom quickly finished his meal and asked to be excused. “May I take the letter with me, please?” he asked.
“Yes, you may,” said his mother. “But be sure to bring it back.” She had to yell as Tom grabbed the letter off the counter and swept down the hallway with it to his bedroom.
The numbers matched. The names made sense. John Samuels was actually Samuel Johnson and he wanted Tom to come visit him in Washington, D.C. But would his parents actually allow him to go?
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