condensed master

The Reluctant Agent
A Compelling Story of Espionage
going to happen, and the short waiting period proved to be torturous. It had been
about an hour since he had first heard about the possible changes. "It's all over, we
sail for Sydney, Australia, on Friday!"
Will panicked. He didn't know where Gerald lived but he could probably find
Aki's place if he took a cab, and then he suddenly remembered the card Gerald
had given him with the photo shop's directions on it and the words he had once
said to him, "if ever you are in trouble contact Aki." Foraging through a small
carved wooden box where he kept his valuables, he was more than relieved to
find that he still had it.
He hesitated. This would be an ideal opportunity to turn his back on the whole
thing, it would not be his fault and it was very tempting, but Gerald's face kept
surfacing and his conscience came to the forefront. The telephone number on the
card was for Aki's restaurant and Will hurriedly left the ship to find the nearest
telephone. Aki was there, his happy voice on the other end gave Will a boost.
"How soon can you get in touch with Gerald?"
"Usually within the hour. Is it urgent?"
"Yes, very urgent Aki. I need to see him right now, could you tell him I'll wait
for him at the usual place."
"Don't worry Will, I shall keep trying until I get him."
Will had been back to the ship to collect some items and then walked to the
spot where he usually met Gerald, but before he had the chance to get worried
about whether he would make contact Gerald's white coupe appeared. Will
jumped into the front seat. "Find a place where we can talk."
Darkness had by now descended and Gerald soon found a place to park. "We
have a problem Gerald, the ship's charter has been broken and we leave on Friday
morning." Gerald's face took on a look of despair and Will hastened to put him out
of his misery. "Just let Rodney know that we will have to do it one day earlier, on
Thursday. Tell him to meet you at the arranged place, we will wait there all day if
necessary, to give him plenty of opportunity, and be at Aki's place tomorrow
evening. I will phone you there."
Back at the ship Will began to have doubts but he pushed them aside. If things
failed it would be out of his control but at least, he would have had a go. They
would have to come up with something else, after the ship had sailed.
He had one last day to himself before sailing, and he intended to make use of
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