Tom's French Riviera Casino Adventure

By Clare Durand

In the second installment of the Tom Adventures series, young Tom Smith is contacted by the Office of National Intelligence and Security to join his first official spy mission. Along with team leader, Rosy, and tech specialist, Vernon, he travels to a casino on the French Riviera where they must stop an arms dealer from producing a prototype nuclear engine. Rosy doubts the wisdom of bringing along a child to provide a family cover story. But Tom manages to make his youth an asset to the mission as he experiences the world of espionage and discovers its dangers.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Clare Durand
• Release date: Sep 26, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463395752

Clare Durand

Clare Durand has been making up spy stories since she was a child. Repeated encouragement from friends and family to write them down has finally been successful. Authors she read growing up who have influenced her include Clifford B. Hicks, Edgar Rice Burroughs, and Alistair MacLean. When she is not dreaming up new Tom Adventures, Clare works as a high school math teacher and competes in the sport of orienteering.

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Tom's French Riviera Casino Adventure

Clare Durand

Copyright 2018 Clare Durand

Cover Photo Copyright: jechm / 123RF Stock Photo

All rights reserved

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DEDICATION

To the Antelope Valley Mingle Group.

Thanks for keeping me going.

CHAPTER 1

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 [phone].

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?

CHAPTER 2

Tom knocked respectfully on his parent’s bedroom door. They’d been discussing his letter in private and his patience was at its end.

Come on in, honey, said Mrs. Smith.

Did you make a decision yet? asked Tom.

I’m still concerned that we don’t know anything about this group, said Mr. Smith.

But I called them and they seemed very nice and really organized, said Mrs. Smith.

Tom saw an opening. Usually it was his father arguing for more freedom, but this time around his mother was on his side. Just need to convince Dad, thought Tom. They’ve got to let me go. It’s for National Security. Should I lie to make them believe it’s real?

Um…I know I said I only sort of heard of it, said Tom, but after looking at the letter again I remembered. It was earlier in the year, at school. I filled out this nomination form. I didn’t really expect anything, so I never told you and forgot about it.

Hmm. Mr. Smith rubbed his chin and glanced at Mrs. Smith. Tom was thinking hard. What can I say to change his mind?

Tom looked back and forth at his parents and then inspiration hit. Didn’t you say I could go to summer camp once I was in middle school? This is like summer camp—except just further away. But there’ll be counselors and stuff. And it doesn’t cost anything. And I really am in middle school since I start in a few weeks. And Lisa…

Mr. Smith raised his hand to stop him, Ok, ok. You’ve made your point. He looked at Mrs. Smith and shook his head. I guess it is too good an opportunity to pass up. He turned to Tom. We’ll expect you to keep us updated so we know you’re safe.

Mrs. Smith leaned in and gave Mr. Smith a small kiss. Thank you, John.

Tom jumped higher than a kangaroo on a trampoline. Woo-hoo, I’m going to D.C.!

Tom looked out the plane window at the blanket of clouds below. Did I have to lie to my parents? What if I imagined the connection? What if this is just summer camp? I guess it would still be fun.

Tom recognized Vernon, the ONIS agent