condensed master

Will Bonner
Dorothy and Will would often go to the market. It was only a short walk from
their apartment so there would be no inconvenience. Will's anxiety receded,
knowing now that things would return to normal, at least until Saturday. There was
one thing about Ed, he could always be relied on to keep an appointment.
Will spotted him standing clear of the milling crowd entering the market his
head moving from side to side, searching. As Will approached the relief of making
contact showed on his face and Will gestured for them to walk inside.
There was always plenty of activity on Saturday mornings, and the noise
provided a necessary diversion during gaps in the conversation. As they walked
between the market stalls they talked, stopping briefly on occasion to watch the
antics of the stall holders. "What happened last Wednesday?"
"Didn't Tony tell you that you were to be the only one there?"
"Yes, and I was."
Will looked at him. "You're not telling me the truth Ed, there were two others
there."
"No, you're mistaken."
"But I saw them get out of your car and one of them was Tony and he went
into the restaurant. Was he going to listen into our conversation, and why was the
other man with you?"
Ed stopped suddenly and turned to face Will, the surprised look on his face
changing into a broad smile. "Is that all you were worried about?"
"Well, how would you have interpreted the situation?"
Both men started walking again and Will waited for Ed's reply, wondering
what he would come up with. They stopped again and Ed turned to face Will.
"Tony's girl friend works at the restaurant, he was visiting her in the kitchen."
"What about the other man?"
"He's a relative of mine. He just wanted a lift into the city."
Will was completely dumbfounded and at a loss for words. The whole
episode that night now seemed a charade. He had definitely overreacted, but what
if it had gone the other way? Ed remained silent waiting for a response from him,
but Will continued to struggle with a suitable answer. Ed, sensing the awkwardness
of the moment, brought the matter to a conclusion.
"Look Will, under the circumstances you did the right thing. Let's forget about
it and get on with the business." They were approaching a seat at the far end of the
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