condensed master

The Reluctant Agent
A Compelling Story of Espionage
use the information in such a way as to leave me wide open, I can't go forward
with the job."
"You've had to take a risk then?"
"Yes."
"Well, I gave you my promise then and you've had no repercussions have
you?"
"No."
"I can do the same in this case. Do we have a deal?"
She extended her hand and Will shook it. "Yes, we have a deal."
Margaret looked relieved. "Where do we go from here?"
"Just get Alec everything he needs and tell him to pick me up at the Vermont
junction at 6.30 p.m. next Wednesday evening. I'll be waiting."
The period up to Wednesday evening had it's usual devastating effect on Will's
nerves. His only relief was the concentration that his job demanded during the day.
At 6.30 p.m. on the night, Will turned into the service road at the junction to
see only one car parked there. Alec was nonchalantly leaning with his back against
the passenger door. It was a relief to see that he wasn't wearing his white
sneakers, as a matter of fact, he looked positively normal. The car was a brand
new sedan, no doubt supplied by the organization. They both got in and sat down,
Will looked across at Alec. "Do you know where we're headed?"
"Yes, is there anything I should know before we get there?"
"Yes, I'll tell you on the way."
They were soon speeding down the Maroondah highway towards the city.
Will settled back in his seat, once again experiencing no adverse feelings about
working with Alec.
"When we get there don't park in the parking lot, go to the side street next to
the factory. That way, if we are late getting out, we won't be the only car there,
with the risk of being observed."
"That's good thinking. Is there anything else?"
"Yes, I'll have to sign you in. Do you have a name that you use?"
Alec looked uncomfortable but eventually answered. "I sometimes call myself
Ralph Bowie."
"That will do. The worst will be sitting through the lecture, then afterwards they
serve coffee and sandwiches, etc. We only have about twenty minutes or so
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