condensed master

The Reluctant Agent
A Compelling Story of Espionage
Will stepped inside and looked directly across to the other side of the room
at a man seated on one of the dining-room chairs. He looked to be in his early
forties and of medium build, dressed in a dark shabby suit that had probably never
been cleaned. Shifting in his seat he turned in Will's direction. There was no sign
of movement on his face, it was completely deadpan and impossible to read. Their
eyes locked.
"Will, I'd like you to meet Alec Ford. Alec, this is Will Brenner."
The two men nodded simultaneously, but no words were spoken or
handshaking took place. It did not seem appropriate as no signals were being
received from either party to indicate the need. Alec's face was thin and weatherbeaten,
his eyes penetrating, and lips thin. The application of a crowbar would be
necessary to get anything out of this man.
Will moved to the other side of the dining-table and sat down opposite him.
For some unknown reason, even though there had been no interaction, he seemed
completely at ease with this individual. No adverse feelings like those he had
experienced when meeting the British agent, Derek Bates, at the apartment in St.
Kilda. Margaret had also sat down at the end of the table. With a third party
present he would have to be careful during the course of the conversation, limiting
it's contents to basics. Margaret looked across at Will.
"I've asked you to meet Alec because I want you both to do a job for me."
"Is he one of your agents?"
"Yes." The conversation continued between themselves, ignoring Alec's
presence.
"He knows of your particular expertise, but you may need his special talents."
"And what are those?"
Margaret looked across at Alec and his eyes fell to the floor. For a fleeting
moment Will got the impression that it might be a gesture of shyness, but he quickly
dispelled it from his mind. "He's an expert at opening things."
"What things?"
"Anything that's locked."
"He's a locksmith then?"
Margaret burst into laughter and Will thought for one moment that Alec was
going to smile - but it didn't happen.
"Okay, a safe cracker."
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