condensed master

The Reluctant Agent
A Compelling Story of Espionage
frightening.
There was one more task to perform before contacting Margaret. Larry
Cappel, the chief audio design engineer, held weekly meetings each Wednesday
evening at 7.30 p.m. A lecture and sound demonstration usually took place, with
a small buffet being served afterwards. A non-technical guest could be brought
along, so it was an ideal way to get Alec into the premises.
On the following Wednesday evening Will arrived early, and reacquainted
himself with some of the engineers that he already knew, as they all waited in the
small auditorium for the lecture to get underway. Within a short period of time he
began to feel at home, and sitting back, relaxed his way through a pleasant, but
predictable evening. He would have to keep up attendances there for quite a few
weeks, after the job had been completed, or until it felt safe to discontinue, but the
meetings were free and easy. Fresh faces would appear and existing ones fail to
turn up, so there was no need for concern. A meeting with Margaret was
arranged, but this time at her city office.
It was late evening when Will arrived and the main door was locked. Margaret
let him in and they made their way to the security of the back-room. Alec was
seated on one of the easy chairs, wearing the same scruffy suit and white sneakers.
He looked completely out of place amongst the neat, clean surroundings.
The two men stared and nodded as before and Will lowered himself into the
comfort of the chair opposite. There was no mistaking the look on Alec's face, it
was one of sheer anticipation. Wondering how he would react, Will decided to
hold off giving the information and engaged Margaret in general conversation.
After awhile she gathered what was happening and they watched as Alec
squirmed in his seat and the conversation got more boring. It was plain to see that
he was suffering, but he didn't utter a word. Margaret eventually let him off the
hook.
"Have you got something for us Will?"
"Yes."
Alec stopped moving and sitting on the edge of the chair leaned forward closer
to Will, his eyes staring.
Will spoke. "I know who's working on the project. I know where the work
is taking place. I know where all the documents are kept."
Alec sprang to his feet, his rasping voice taking Will by surprise. "Are the
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