condensed master

Will Bonner
dry cleaners. When he spoke, an accent that was devoid of the Australian drawl,
showed a faint hint of English, suggesting that he had been living in Australia for
some years. Immediately taking charge of the situation, he commenced to ask Ed
questions, nodding on occasions as though in approval. I wonder if he's a big
cheese in the organization? One would tend to think so by the way he was taking
control.
All three men sat down and Will listened as the conversation progressed, at
the same time closely observing the agent from Sydney. He was certainly a
smooth operator, quietly spoken, but nevertheless forceful in getting his points
across. As time went by the content of the meeting got more intense and Will was
listening to information regarding the forthcoming phone tap in Melbourne that sent
shivers up his spine.
It was all about the communist activity in Melbourne and Sydney, and the
interception of information between the top organizers from the two cities.
Something was being planned, and the information transferred by phone in the near
future. The information that Will was hearing spelt dynamite and he felt more
uneasy by the minute. He broke into the conversation directing his words to Ed.
"Look Ed, I don't think I should be listening to this information. I thought that
all I would be involved in was the electronics, so my work is finished. The device
is working perfectly." Before Ed had time to answer, the agent cut in.
"I was under the impression Brenner, that you wanted to have the facts before
doing anything for Ed."
"But I have done what was asked of me, what more do you want?"
Ed and his associate looked across at each other during a brief pause in the
conversation, the agent then continued. "The information we want is vital to us, we
may only get this one chance. We can't risk a blunder with the equipment and you
are the only person Ed has with the expertise, so you will have to do the job."
Will felt numb, the mere thought of the consequences tightened every muscle
in his body. His face felt rigid as though it had been slapped, preventing him from
forming any words. "We know the information is safe with you. In any case, we
would know wouldn't we, if something went wrong?" It was a veiled threat, and
Will realized that any resistance on his part would only make matters worse. He
would have to wait to see what transpired, before objecting.
"I believe you're very good at your job so there shouldn't be any problems.
174