I carefully survey the area I’m in, my binoculars and bird watching guide at the ready. The sun glints off my lenses as I focus in on a flock of birds in the distance, my hands steady and my purpose clear - I am a spy.

Disguised as an enthusiastic ornithologist, my mission is to observe a secret meeting happening in a clearing nearby. Through my binoculars I spot the group of figures emerging from the trees and I hold my breath, carefully tracking their movements.

The breeze rustles the leaves around me and ruffles the feathers of the birds I had come to watch; I could feel my heart hammering inside my chest, my heightened senses immediately alert. In my spot hidden among the foliage, I observed the scene in front of me.

The group stood close together, their voices muffled and their faces tense as they exchanged satisfied handshakes. I felt a trickle of apprehension run down my spine as I pulled out my notepad and pen, carefully noting the details of their suspicious exchange.

My first thought had been to leave, but my training held me in place. With an eagle eye, I continue my surveillance, mentally capturing the image of their faces so that I could report back to my superiors.

Finally, the group dispersed, only then did I allow myself to relax as I replaced my binoculars and notepad. I became that same enthusiastic birdwatcher again, leaving the scene as quickly and calmly as I could.

This was my life and day after day I made sure to carry out the impossible.