condensed master

Will Bonner
"That's more like it."
The hilarity was over and Will waited for the inevitable lead in. "Your old
company Electronic Industries is involved in some sort of government classified
design work and we want to find out what it is. Do you think you could tap into
your contacts there, and try to get a lead?"
Will could feel Alec's penetrating eyes bearing down on him, waiting to
evaluate his response. Best not to elaborate.
"Yes I can, and if I get a lead, what then?"
"If the information is in electronic form you can retrieve it, alternatively, if it's
hard copy Alec can get it. Either way, you'll need Alec to get in and out of places."
"I'll have to refurbish some of my contacts. I haven't visited the factory for
some time now, so it could take awhile."
"How long do you think?"
"If I'm lucky I could have something within the month. You'll hear from me
when I get a lead, no matter how small."
Alec stood up and moved towards the door, he was taller than Will had first
thought and he was wearing the odd combination of white sneakers with his suit.
He turned around and spoke for the first time, his voice had a rasping sound like
a file being drawn over steel.
"You get me into the factory, show me the location and I'll do the rest."
With that parting remark Will watched his cat-like walk as he left the room,
closely followed by Margaret. Within a minute of his car starting up and it's engine
noise disappearing as it descended the steep driveway Margaret reappeared, a
broad smile on her face.
"I think he likes you."
"That's made my day! Where did you find him?"
"He's been with us for awhile now. As an ex con the work keeps him out of
prison."
"I can't see my image improving to be seen around town with him, but he
seems the quiet type."
"Yes, you'll find him easy to get along with, and he can be relied on, if the
going gets rough."
An initial round of visits to the various departments where he had contacts in
the factory did not produce any information regarding any classified work that may
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