The Hunt for the Missing Spy Read Online Free PDF Page A

in the Soviet Union and the Manhattan Project that produced the atomic bomb. And you’ll learn about the tricks and tools of the trade, everything from hidden lapel microphones to the Enigma cipher machine.”
    â€œWe have an Enigma machine,” Quinn whispered to the other Code Busters. He’d found a broken one at the Army-Navy Surplus Store and bought it for the club.
    â€œYou do not!” Matt the Brat blurted. To Cody’s surprise, he was standing right behind the Code Busters. There was a sneer on his red, puffy face and his arms were crossed over his extra-large
Plants vs. Zombies
T-shirt. “Those things are top secret. Only the military has them.”
    Ms. Stadelhofer stepped up and put a hand on Matt’s shoulder, reminding him to use a quiet voice. He shrugged her off, but said nothing more. Cody returned her attention to the tour guide, but she could almost feel Matt’s dark eyes staring at the back of her neck.
    Ms. Bishop continued with her talk. “While you’re inside, you’ll also learn about spying techniques, such as
dead drops
—secret places where spies exchange information—and
surveillance
—when spies spy on each other. Plus, there are all sorts of hands-on activities, video programs, and interactivecomputer challenges to experience as you make your way through the museum.” She smiled and raised an eyebrow. “Be sure to keep an eye out for counterfeit currency, hidden spy gadgets, and people in disguise.”
    Cody thought of the stranger in the alcove again. Had it been a staff member wearing a disguise to show them what it was like to be spied on? Was the museum trying to make the visit seem as real as possible? That had to be it.
    â€œFor those of you who enjoy spy movies and TV shows,” Ms. Bishop added, “check out the props from popular shows like
Mission: Impossible, Spy Kids
, and the James Bond films.”
    â€œBond, James Bond,” Luke whispered to the others in a British accent. “Code name: Double-oh-seven.” Cody and M.E. giggled.
    â€œThe museum is divided into different sections,” Ms. Bishop continued after the excited murmuring died down. “In the Covers and Legends area, you can adopt a cover identity. Memorize the information given to you, because you’ll be questioned aboutyour cover at some point and you’ll need to give convincing answers. Remember: a spy must live a life of lies.” She winked.
    â€œCool!” a boy named Francesco said.
    â€œSweet!” a few more students echoed.
    â€œWe’ve already got our covers,” M.E. told the other Code Busters, “but I’m not a very good liar. My face always turns red and gives me away when I don’t tell the truth.”
    Cody smiled at her friend. It was true. M.E. just couldn’t pull off a lie.
    â€œAfter leaving Covers and Legends, you’ll go to the Briefing section,” Ms. Bishop continued. “There you’ll ‘meet’ several
virtual
spies. Then, in the School for Spies section, you’ll learn what it takes to go undercover. You can check out over two hundred spy gadgets—weapons, bugs, cameras, cars, and other spy-craft necessities. Be ready to be tested on your skills of observation and surveillance. Next, you’ll get to create a disguise of your own.”
    â€œAwesome!” Luke said. “I hope we get mustaches and those rearview sun glasses.”
    Ms. Bishop waited until the students settled down again. “That’s not all. You’ll also get a chance to crack some codes that were used during various wars.” She pointed to a large poster on the wall, filled with dots and dashes. “How many of you are familiar with this code?”
    All of the students raised their hands except Mika. Ms. Stad and Mr. Pike had taught their sixth graders many codes during the year, including Morse code.
    â€œWow! I’m impressed,” Ms. Bishop said.