condensed master

The Reluctant Agent
A Compelling Story of Espionage
mind. "Initially, all that is required is a device for Alec."
"What sort of a device?"
"Well, as you probably know, people like Alec sometimes use a stethoscope
to listen to the safe tumblers. He will need the sounds amplified and an 'add on'
device to count for him so that he can fully concentrate on the sound
characteristics." So that's what Alec was doing at the book store!
"There's one other thing."
Will waited in anticipation. The situation could only get worse he was thinking.
"Alec tells me that sometimes an electronic alarm device is placed over the
combination dial. He wants something to bypass it."
Will looked at Margaret for what seemed a prolonged time. "What's the
matter? Is it something that you're not acquainted with?"
"No, quite to the contrary. It's attached to the steel safe door by a large
circular magnet and the micro-switch mechanism is adjusted to hair trigger
precision. There's only one way the device can be defeated, and it can't be done
by applying another piece of electronics."
"Can you provide Alec with what he wants?"
"The first part, yes. But I will need to think about your other request."
"When will I know?"
"It will take me up to a month for the electronic stethoscope. It has to be
custom built. I'll let you know at that time. Is that acceptable?"
"Yes. There's some preliminary work yet to do which will take some time. But
I'm happy with my progress so far."
"I have your permission to leave then?"
"If I didn't know you better Will Brenner, I would have mistaken that for a
sarcastic comment. Yes, you can go now."
During the fifteen minute drive home Will mulled over what had been
discussed. The electronics for listening to the combination tumblers was
straightforward, but circumventing the combination dial alarm was another matter.
It would be hard wired and inaccessible and the only way to beat the system,
involved cutting into and opening up the wiring. Re-directing the circuitry could be
complex and in some cases impossible, but the over-riding factor in all instances
was the fact that it would have to be done on the premises.
The last caper, breaking into the safe with Alec was child's play in comparison,
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