Penelope was beyond thrilled when Gwen Talbot, the proprietor of Llama and Lamb approached her about teaching beginning knitting at the shop.
“People have been asking if we have classes,” Gwen told her, “I think you’d make a good teacher–I’ve watched you help people at Knit Night.”
Penelope was so stunned she couldn’t speak for a moment. She found her voice, however, when Gwen outlined the financial side of things, which included a twenty percent discount on yarn and supplies at the shop.
“I’d love to,” she finally managed to say. Within a few weeks, she was teaching her first class and discovered that she loved teaching people to knit.

“Can you stay late tonight after your last class?” Gwen asked one evening a few months later. “There’s someone I want you to meet.”
“Sure,” Penelope replied, and sent a quick text to Bill, ever nervous about her being out after dark. She almost reminded him about the casserole, but refrained. Bill tended to bluster at her gentle reminders.

Gwen locked the shop door behind the last departing student while Penelope tidied the teaching table and packed her knitting bag.
“Come on back to my office, Penelope.” Gwen led the way to the rear of the store. As she swept back the curtain that partitioned the office area from the rest of the shop, a man stood to greet them. A tall, broad-shouldered man with steely gray eyes and a dark brown brush cut.
“Penelope, this is Agent Donovan, of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Agent Donovan, meet Penelope Perlmutter.”
Agent Donovan reached down and gave Penelope a firm handshake.
“Pleased to meet you, Mrs. Perlmutter.”
“Likewise…?” Penelope’s voice trailed off as she cast a questioning glance in Gwen’s direction.
“Please have a seat, ma’am.” Agent Donovan said. He turned to Gwen. “I see what you mean, Mrs. Talbot. She’s perfect. Absolutely perfect.”