The morning sun was shining brightly over Kitsilano, turning the waters of the bay into a shimmering sheet of silver. Inside her home, Ava was enjoying the quiet until a sharp knock echoed from the front door.
When Ava opened the door, she didn’t see a typical neighbor. Standing on her porch was a tall, dignified man dressed in a crisp, black-and-white tuxedo suit. With his stiff posture and pointed nose, he looked exactly like a giant penguin.
“Good morning, Madame Ava,” the man said with a polite bow. “I am Alfred, though many call me The Penguin”. I represent the interests of the world’s most secretive employer: Agent 00No.”
In his hand, Alfred carried a small, gold-trimmed pet carrier. Inside sat a pigeon with remarkably shiny feathers and a tiny, high-tech collar around its neck.
“And this,” Alfred continued, “is Agent 00Coo of the FBI – the Feathered Bureau of Investigation.”
“Greetings, Architect,” the pigeon’s voice sounded through the device. It was a smooth, sophisticated voice, though a bit bossy. “Before we discuss the secret mission, I require a snack. I should like one green grape, chilled, and please, ensure it is peeled. I cannot abide the skin.”
Ava chuckled and shook her head. “I don’t have any peeled grapes, 00Coo, Ava said firmly. “But I do have a very nice oatmeal cookie.”
The pigeon let out a long, dramatic sigh through the Coo-municator. “A cookie? How very… rustic. Fine, I shall accept the cookie, provided it has plenty of cinnamon.”
As Ava stepped into the kitchen to fetch the treat, Alfred followed her, his face turning serious.
Ava set the cookie down for 00Coo, who began to peck at it with great dignity. She looked out toward the beach. A secret house on the sand? This was going to be her most interesting project yet.
Special Agent 00Coo
