condensed master

The Reluctant Agent
A Compelling Story of Espionage
was turned, or he was otherwise occupied, he would slip out the back way and
catch a tramcar, not on his usual route along Toorak Road (they could be waiting
there) but along Commercial Road, a block away, enabling him to get back to the
apartment via a different route.
All the way home his nerves were on edge wondering whether his actions
would bring any repercussions. He could cope with Ed or Tony, but what about
the third man? What role did he play in the organization? Fortunately, it was dark
and windy as he walked down Hawksburn Road from the other direction.
It was Autumn and the leaves were swirling and rustling, causing him to stop
periodically and listen. As soon as it was practicable he would have to get things
back on track. If they thought that he was trying to prevent them from getting the
phone tap device things could get ugly, and he started into a period of self
chastisement for allowing himself to get into such a predicament.
Dorothy was still awake, sitting listening to the radio. She never asked
questions, other than to enquire after his wellbeing and Will was thankful for that.
She emanated a feeling of normality which could be likened to a medicine for pain
during his times of stress, but during the night the slightest noise would cause him
to sit up in bed, listening intently.
"What's wrong Will?" Dorothy would ask.
"Did you hear that noise?"
"No, your hearing is too sensitive. Go back to sleep."
By the time 9 a.m. had arrived Will could wait no longer to phone Ed's office
and he recognized the old man's voice on the other end. "Could I leave a message
for Ed?"
"Are you the young Englishman that came to the office awhile ago?"
"Yes."
"Would you hold for a minute."
It was obvious that they had been waiting for his call and within a short time
Ed was on the phone. "Are you alright Will? What happened last night?"
"Listen Ed I have to be brief, I'm using the phone at work. Can you meet me
at the entrance of Prahan Market on Saturday morning around l0 a.m. I'll be
bringing something for you, is that okay?"
"I'll be there." Ed assured him, and Will put down the phone before any further
conversation could take place.
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