condensed master

Will Bonner
He could hear the familiar voice of Tony over the noise of the crowd. Turning
he was relieved to see that he was alone. "Could we have a quick chat Will?"
Will pointed to the waiting bus. "I'll miss my bus."
"I can drive you down afterwards, you won't be late home."
The two men walked out of the station towards a small group of shops situated
on the service road and Will stopped in front of the hardware shop which was now
closed. The activity in the shopping area had subsided, leaving the vicinity
somewhat deserted. Tony had not spoken a word during their short walk.
"What do you want to see me about? You're breaking the rules. To be safe
there was to be no contact."
Tony's face took on a pained look. He obviously regarded Will's statement as
a reprimand and he was the type that avoided confrontation. Will realised that he
could not adopt the same attitude with Tony as he had done with Ed. He had
nothing against this man, he had not directly caused him any trouble. "I don't want
to appear antagonistic, but since the episode with Ed it's best to be over cautious.”
"I agree, but I've had no other choice but to contact you."
"Why, has something gone wrong with the equipment?"
"No."
"If that's the case there's nothing much I can help you with is there?"
"All the scheduling of work has come to a grinding halt. The agent in charge
of international operations is supposed to put in an appearance but he hasn't shown
up."
Will could feel himself getting sucked into the web again, but the thought of
getting more information about these people that he may be able to use to extradite
himself from their grip, was an incentive not to back off, nevertheless, it would be
fatal to appear too cooperative.
"All that you're telling me is no concern of mine Tony, I told Ed this a dozen
times before." Will watched his face intently and it took on a desperate look - his
voice a tone of urgency.
"A couple of the men are causing trouble and it's affecting the others. They
think they know what's best. Things are falling apart, and I'm at my wit's end
waiting for the overseas man to arrive."
Will allowed the conversation to subside to give the impression that he was
thinking, but he already knew what he had to say. "It's impossible for me to help
232