condensed master

The Reluctant Agent
A Compelling Story of Espionage
With a look of relief on his face Mr Byer rushed back into the projection
room. The auditorium doors closed and the commentary started. Walking back
to the dining-room area Will stood just inside the doorway, watching as the
caterer's were putting the final touches to the buffet. Margaret was bending over
one of the tables.
She looked across the room at Will, an enquiring look on her face. He nodded
once and Margaret removed a small handkerchief from her jacket and proceeded
to mop her brow with it, acting out a motion of relief. It was now only a matter of
waiting until he could pick up the recorder later.
During the drive back to Margaret's place he had plenty of time to reflect on
the happenings of the last few days. Apart from the excitement, prior to the show
getting started that evening, everything else had gone without incident. But what
could arise now that the information had been gathered? If ever it was leaked out
and traced back to him, he would be in severe trouble, so would Margaret,
consequently, she would have to handle the information with kid gloves. This line
of thinking sent a shiver down his spine.
She had arrived back and changed into more casual clothes. Will passed over
the recorder. "It was a close call tonight Will."
"It's always a close call. Every minute is a close call when you're waiting for
something adverse to happen."
"I know that only too well now."
"You'll keep a tight rein on that information won't you? I don't want to find
myself in trouble later on."
"I can assure you that won't happen, I wouldn't want to be implicated either."
"Now that it's over and you've got what you want, perhaps you can leave me
alone for awhile."
"It all depends, but I won't bother you unless it's urgent." Will knew that he
could now rely on her and he left it at that.
At 2 a.m. he crept quietly into the house via the back kitchen door, stopping
by to see Mark and Louise before going to bed. He looked down at them fast
asleep. The whole weight of what he was doing became painfully evident. He
knew that when the organization were placing demands, they were not getting his
full attention.
Totally exhausted mentally, he slipped into bed hoping beyond all his dreams
299