condensed master

The Reluctant Agent
A Compelling Story of Espionage
"No, we can't find out."
"The reason is because you find it just as difficult to get information about
them, as they do about you, isn't that correct?"
"Yes, but how is it possible for you to be of any help? You may turn out to be
more trouble than you are worth."
"But Bart, you've got nothing to lose. I don't want any information about what
you and your colleagues are doing and I'll be open with you. If I knew where the
Croats hold their meetings, whatever information I get back, I'll pass on to you."
"Who's going to get this information for you, how can I trust them?"
"I have a friend that owes me favours, he won't know anything about you. You
won't exist as far as he's concerned, but if there's anyone that can get information
about the Croats, he can. He has no connections with either side. All he needs to
know is where the Croats hold their meetings, that's all."
The rest of the journey to Vermont was spent in virtual silence until they
arrived. "They never meet in the same place twice, and even though we know
where and when they meet, we never find out what is discussed."
Will made his final remark before leaving the car. "Trust me, and I'll help you."
"Okay. I'll get the information to you about the next couple of meetings and
then wait to hear from you."
Will was elated, this would be good news for Ed, but as he walked down the
road to his house the imaginary picture of the young Serbian kept resurfacing.
Some of these people were highly dangerous and he would have to keep as far
away from them as he possibly could.
Nothing transpired the next day, but Ed was waiting for him that evening.
Looking down in the dumps he had obviously been expecting Will to contact him.
"I hadn't heard from you."
"I told you not to hold your breath. You admit to getting nowhere and you
have full-time resources available to you, what do you expect from me in two or
three weeks?"
"You've made your point Will, I'll leave you alone and wait to hear from you."
Ed started walking back towards his car which was parked in the narrow
service road outside the local hardware store. Will followed close behind. Ed
stopped and turned around, a bemused look on his face. "What are you following
me for?"
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