condensed master

Will Bonner
beauty of the place.
As the pick-up came to a stop about a quarter of a mile from the dock gate,
Gerald had not asked him about the second thing he had suggested they talk
about. Knowing his nervous demeanor it would be best left unsaid. Things could
get rough when they went back to get the negative.
"Do you own a gun, Gerald?" Will queried, as he prepared to leave.
"Yes, but I never carry it."
"We will go to the photo shop the day after tomorrow, bring your gun with
you and pick me up at 10 a.m. You can also arrange for me to meet your contact
during that same evening."
Before Gerald could get the opportunity to question him Will jumped out and
headed for the dock gate. He knew that Gerald's mind would be working overtime
and getting fearful by the minute, but he had no other choice. If for some reason
the photo shop was raided by the police, the negative could verify that he had been
there, so he had to get it back at all costs.
During the next thirty-six hours Will tried to keep himself occupied, and most
of the daylight hours were spent visiting various places in the area, rounding off the
day by taking in a late evening movie. After breakfast, on the day he was to meet
Gerald, Will recovered the twin barrel derringer from his bag, preparatory to going
ashore. The feel of it's ivory handle sent shivers up his spine as he instinctively
pictured the need for it's use.
Gerald was waiting this time, still in Aki's pick-up looking awful, his face
drawn with dark circles under his eyes as though he had not slept.
"Before we go downtown pull into the harbour front, down in the Aloha Tower
area." It was only a short distance and Gerald soon pulled in amongst the
warehouses that were for the best part, deserted.
"Did you bring the gun?"
"Yes."
"Show it to me."
He reached into the inside pocket of his jacket and pulled the gun out. Will
burst into spontaneous laughter when he saw what Gerald was holding.
"That's the most menacing piece of hardware I have ever seen, you'll only have
to point that thing at someone and they'll die of fright!" Will produced his derringer,
and the comparison was ludicrous. The sight of the two guns in close proximity
110