condensed master

25
The Reluctant Agent
A Compelling Story of Espionage
moment and frightened of the outcome of the conversation Will turned to leave, but
felt the man's sweaty hand take him by the arm.
"I wouldn't go if I were you, with what you've got hanging over your head."
Will hesitated and turned back, he could see the tension on his face which was
not there before, and the fear of reprisals became foremost in his mind. All the
activity around him had disappeared into the background and to Will, only the man
opposite him existed. "What do you want?"
"Something very simple. Sorry to threaten you but I had to do it for your own
good." He seemed positively apologetic.
"What will happen if I refuse?"
"I'm leaving the ship to join another one at Port Said in three days time, and
I would have to make arrangements to have you taken off."
The finality of his last statement served to break down the last of Will's
resistance. He had nowhere else to turn.
"Well, I guess if it's something very simple." said Will, in a hesitant voice.
The man leaned forward. "You will receive a small package in the mail when
you arrive in Port Said, it is vital that it is delivered by hand to someone in Aden."
"Why me?"
"Please don't ask any more questions. As a crew member ashore for the
sights, your presence anywhere will not be suspect. Go to the entrance of the
Queen of Sheba's Wells during the afternoon on any day, and someone will
contact you by name. That person will take you to a location to deliver the parcel.
Keep it on your person at all times until you pass it on to someone that asks for it.
It is small enough to put in your pocket, but do not open it. Afterwards get the
normal tourist transport back to the ship."
"Is that all?”
"Yes, it's straightforward so don't write anything down."
The stress of the moment subsided and the activity in the adjoining room was
once more evident.
"Will, Will, are you around?" It was Wes calling him from across the room.
"Yes, I'm here," he answered, hurrying to make his whereabouts known.
"We're ready to go back now, are you all set?"
"Yes, ready to go Wes."
On the way back to the ship the man in grey kept to himself, and as it was now