“Ms De Francesco, so nice to meet you”, Spencer felt like her smile was plastic.

“Thank you for seeing me on such short notice Ms. Carlin, you’re a difficult lady to see. So much in demand these days”.

Spencer blushed slightly at the praise. She knew it was true but she still felt uneasy at hearing it. Her work had taken on a life force of its own and if it hadn’t been for the fact that it was so easy to throw herself into it she wouldn’t have gotten so far lately. Even today, as wooden as she felt, the opportunity to pick up something new and totally lose herself in it made Spencer sit up and listen.

“What can I do for you Ms. De Francesco?”

“Call me Portia, please” The blonde smiled. “My company has a project which we’d like you to illustrate. We think you’d be perfect for the job”.

Spence waited a moment, expecting the woman to give more detail. When it became apparent that none more was to be forthcoming, she put her hand on the desk.

“What is this project?” She was curious now. “A book?”.

Spencer had built herself quite a name as an illustrator. Over the years her talents had blossomed and her beautiful work was now very sought after. She mostly illustrated children’s books, lovingly turning the prose into eye catching scenes that delighted children everywhere. Occasionally she branched out into the graphics design world, into anything really. She was curious to find out what this project would be. She felt a familiar strain of adrenaline pump softl, and was grateful for the feeling against the numbness that persisted everywhere else. It was no wonder she threw herself into work.

Spencer waited for the reply.

“It’s….”, Ms De Francesco paused, a wry smile on her lips, “It’s really a secret”.

Spencer raised an eyebrow.

“Is this a joke?” She didn’t think it was funny if it was. “How am I supposed to work on something when I don’t know what it is”.

“No, No”, the white blonde lady moved to reassure her. “We have no intention of keeping you in the dark, it’s just that my boss was quite specific, we…. We can’t tell you yet”. Portia looked strained, aware of the sheer ridiculous nature of what she was saying.

Spencer took this in, with a slight disbelieving look on her face.

“You want me to work on something, you won’t tell me what it is…. YET, and you want me to agree to it now” Spencer sat back. “Is it illegal”.

The blonde lady laughed prettily.

“No, it’s definitely legal. You don’t have to commit now either Ms. Carlin. We’re happy to have you commit once we’ve been through everything thoroughly. Consider this a…”, she paused, “an offer of interest.”

Spencer had to admit she was hooked. A little mystery, a new job, this could be just what she needed right now.

“Ok”. She said, despite her head throwing off some warnings. “Consider me interested”.