condensed master

Will Bonner
and Will began to sweat just thinking about it. Even though the possibility of not
getting involved with an actual break-in was remote he would refrain from giving
Margaret any details until the very last minute, or until all avenues had been
explored.
During the next few weeks the electronics work proceeded without any
hitches. He had been doing some digital design and prototyping for an international
company that manufactured and packaged razor blades. The counting circuits
would do nicely for registering the safe tumblers.
No one had made contact during the period, but when he called Margaret she
was eager for an early meeting, which was arranged to take place two evenings
hence.
It was 7.30 p.m. when Will knocked on the door of Margaret's Import/Export
agency in Collins Street. He was quickly ushered to the back room to find Alec
sitting in the now familiar setting. Both men nodded and Alec's eyes focused on the
small bag that Will was carrying. He knew it would contain the electronic device
and his obvious restraint was showing. Margaret opened the conversation.
"You've completed what we discussed?"
"Yes, but it's impossible to concoct a device to beat the combination alarm."
Alec's face fell and he stared hard at Will, waiting for an alternative explanation
and the silence continued without a sign of any response. Alec's voice sounded
agitated. "If I can't get to the combination there will be no point in going in."
"In where?" queried Will.
Alec and Margaret looked at one another, neither eager to speak. Margaret
reluctantly responded, but ignored the question. "But surely you've got something
you can fall back on, a plan 'B' so to speak?"
Will was getting fed up with the way things were going. He felt as if he was
groping in the dark and finding it difficult to make any headway. They were
purposely withholding information. Under normal circumstances he would have
approached Margaret head-on but his hands were tied with Alec being present,
so there was no other choice. "Could I see you in the outer office?"
Margaret looked awkwardly at Alec. He shuffled over to the other side of the
room to try and make himself scarce.
"Is it absolutely necessary?"
"Yes."
320