condensed master

Will Bonner
Will furtively looked around at the other customers in the near vicinity, and
then down into the main concourse of the shop below. His eyes traversed the
entrance area expecting to see Dorothy appear, although it was far too early for
that. In addition, the store seemed suddenly full of detectives from the criminal
investigation bureau, intent on finding out who was consorting with a known felon.
It was too late to harbour such thoughts as Alec rounded the corner dressed in his
usual shabby suit and dirty white sneakers.
"You're the last person I expected to see in a place like this. Are you taking
a look at how the other half lives?"
"No. I'm just looking up the latest on locks and safes. I have to keep up with
what's going on."
"As long as you don't practice on my premises!"
Alec cracked a faint smile. "I don't think that's likely to happen, but I'm glad
we have crossed paths. Has Margaret been in touch?"
Will tensed with sudden anticipation. "No, why do you ask?"
Alec hesitated and his blank look indicated that he had said the wrong thing.
Will pressed his advantage but his original assessment of Alec's reticence to readily
offer up anything more than a few syllables was still evident.
"She mentioned that she would probably be making contact. That's all I
know."
There was no point in questioning a downright lie and every second in Alec's
presence, especially in a public place spelt danger, and Will hastened to break
things up. "I have to get going Alec."
Alec nodded and Will hurriedly made his way back down to the main floor
and out to the street. He would have to stay in the vicinity in case Dorothy arrived
back. Secreting himself in a shop doorway he waited some fifteen minutes before
Alec left the store.
Back inside, Will's mind was now preoccupied with the chance meeting, and
the mere thought of being contacted again completely swamped his purpose for
being there. He would never get used to the uncertainty, and his brain started
down the same old track it had travelled many times before. He stared blankly at
the bookshelves, but they didn't exist as his mind traversed through the endless
possibilities, but it was futile as he continued through the maze.
"Will!" I've been waiting downstairs for you. You said you would keep an eye
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