On the Run

Ordinary Twin Spy Kids

I waited for things to quiet down a bit before stepping out of the closet. Jeez, that place was cramped with rejects! I left a letter to my darling sister knowing that she’d pick up some clues as to where I’d been hiding.

She always did.

We did this cat and mouse chase ever since we were fourteen years old. I can’t fathom what horrible thing I must have done to earn hatred from her.

Although I have a theory it started when we were thirteen years old and were close as any twin siblings would be. We did things together. We both go to the same school, the same class. Where she outshines me on her looks, I make up for my brains. I’m not saying she’s a nut head, it’s just that, I get straight A’s and she gets B’s or A-. I’m not an ugly dork either; after all, we are twins, duh.

Where she’s the most beautiful girl in school, I come second. The opposite goes for our grades, where I come first in class, she goes second.

The first time she tried to kill me was after her first date.

Who knew toothpicks are dangerous.

We were assembling sniper rifles in our Artillery class when she passed me a note the way we were taught how to at Brush Passing 101.

Oh, I forgot to mention that we both go to a school for talented students called Holmes Academy. Named in honor of the legendary fictional detective, Sherlock Holmes that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle created. Of course, not everyone knows this school. Most of us were recruited for our exceptional performance that catches the Agency’s attention. Though some of the students here are children of the successful agents, they are nevertheless outstanding.

Behind Holmes Academy is the Doyle Agency where most students from Holmes Academy work after they graduated. Either as undercover agents or as spies, they are all world-class professionals.

‘Bree, can you cover for me at home later? I have a date after school.’

Being her supportive twin, I frowned and then nodded at her.

She gave me a questioning look.

I tossed her a note in reply.

‘Who’s the lucky guy?’

‘Tor’ she mouthed at me.

Though I’m not worried about her safety, it’s her feelings I’m worried about. Tor was a known heartbreaker at school but apparently, his reputation didn’t stop girls from mooning over him. I know she can take care of herself so I curtly nodded and gave her a “we’ll talk about this later” look.

She just smiled and nodded at me.

After saying goodbyes to our friends, we met at the parking lot.

“So, what time will you be at home?”

“Don’t worry, Bree. I’ll be back around 6, just before dinnertime. Tor is just going to be me some ice cream at Mr. Sundae’s. I promise I’ll be on time,” Hailley pleaded.

“Fine. Just give me the recording for emergency use.”

“Thanks a lot Bree! I know I can count on you!”

“You’re lucky Mom and Dad are away on a mission. Nana’s the only one home.”

“I know, right? It must be fate,” she swooned.

She handed me her USB where all emergency voices are stored. We made it about a week ago in our ventriloquist class.

“Just be careful okay? And enjoy yourself,” I waved at her.

Good thing Nana can’t tell us apart. She can only tell the difference when we talk. So, I have to use my ventriloquist skills on this.

I got into my Mini Cooper and sped home to a sleeping Nana.

You must be wondering why I can drive at 13. Being a spy in training has its perks. Fake licenses and IDs are always handy. We were all taught how to drive since we’re 10 anyway.

I snuck up to our rooms past her rocking chair and up the stairs making as much noise as I can. I played my sister’s recording of her yelling at me and I yelled back while stomping around. After some harsh words, I slammed her door and locked it.

By the time Nana made it upstairs, I was puffing red and looking like I was about to cry. Thank you drama class, I thought.

“What’s wrong dear?” Nana asked concerned of her granddaughters.

“We got into a fight because I spilled some soda on her during lunch and she thought I humiliated her purposely,” I sniffed.

“Don’t worry, Bree. It was an accident. She’ll realize it later,” she hugged me.

“I know, Nana. I just wish I wasn’t so clumsy,” I shrugged.

“She’ll come around. Listen, would you like to make some apple pie for dinner with me?”

“I can’t. I have a project due tomorrow, Nana. I have to work on it tonight. I’m sorry Nana,” I said looking down.

“It’s okay dear. I can do it myself just fine,” Nana smiled.

“Thank you,” I told her.

I went in to my room and took out my books. I then texted Hailley what I told Nana so she’ll know how to act later.

Sighing, I then locked my door and went through my window to her room. I entered her room through the window and played the recording of her talking on her phone with Cindy, her best friend.

While waiting for her reply, I opened my laptop and logged in to our agency’s interface, Portal. I searched for ‘Tor Brooke’ while it was still loading, my phone beeped.

Beep!

‘I owe you one, Bree! Having fun here. I’ll text you when I’m on my way.’

‘Ok. Just make sure you’ll be here before 6.’

I smiled. I love my sister and when she’s happy, I’m happy.

Turning back to my laptop screen, I paled. It says ‘No results found.’ 

Our database is complete and precise so that could only mean one thing. ‘Tor Brooke’ is just a legend.