condensed master

Will Bonner
"I thought you might want to see me on Friday evening next, when I get off the
bus."
Ed stepped forward and gripped Will's arm, a blatant look of expectancy on
his face. "You son-of-a-bitch! You've got a break through, haven't you?"
"Maybe."
"Tell me about it."
"I can't, it may be Friday, or not until next week - I don't really know. All I can
say is, when the information appears I think you'll be pleased."
"You didn't leave yourself open this time did you?"
"No, I owe them a favour. When I get the information I'll want something from
you in return, similar to the Stefan affair."
"If the information you pass over is as good as that you can have what you
want. Just ask."
At the close of production on Friday, nothing had happened. Will waited until
the factory was virtually empty but still no one made contact. As Will waited for
a later bus he couldn't get rid of the feeling that Bart may have changed his mind
and that he would have to go back to square one. Missing his usual connections
made him over an hour late arriving in Vermont.
He spotted Ed pacing up and down in front of the General Store on the
corner. He ran over, a look of relief on his face. "I was beginning to think that
something had happened to you."
"No, I waited back at the factory but no one made contact, I'm a bit peeved
and disappointed."
"Do you think somebody has had cold feet?"
"I don't think so. Everything was firm, I don't expect them to let me down
because it's to their benefit also. They would have been in touch had anything gone
wrong."
Ed shrugged his shoulders. "We'll have to wait until next week now, it can't be
helped."
"Just in case something transpires can I contact you more direct? You
probably won't be in your office during the weekend.”
Ed gave Will his home phone number. "I can be here in fifteen or twenty
minutes, if need be."
Dorothy was washing up the dishes as Will entered the kitchen door. "You're
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