condensed master

Will Bonner
risk."
Margaret moved towards the door ready to return to the back room. It was
a sign that could only be interpreted one way. She must feel that what she was
about to say would be acceptable. "If you give your device to Alec, and go over
the details with him, he can leave. Then I'll tell you as much as you'll need to know
at this stage to feel safe in going ahead."
"It's a deal."
Margaret, as she always did, reached forward and they shook hands, before
leading the way back up the corridor.
Alec jumped to his feet as they both entered. He looked more relieved than
anything else, so Will wasted no time in getting started. He produced a small flat
box capable of fitting inside a pocket, into which plugged two hearing-aid type ear
pieces and an acoustical probe, designed to be magnetically attached adjacent to
the combination dial. As Will talked Alec through the operation of the device his
eyes began to widen and a look of childish excitement came over his face. "Can
we do a demonstration?"
Will looked across at Margaret. "You must have a safe here."
An agitated look came over her face. "No way, you're not touching my safe!"
"Have it your way. We'll come back when you're not in, if you prefer."
Alec smiled and nodding his head turned to Will. "We don't have to go very
far, it's in this room," at the same time pointing to the back of a large settee pushed
against the wall.
"We'll have to get down on our knees, it's close to floor level."
The demonstration took but a few minutes and Alec left to play with his new
found toy. Margaret now seemed more relaxed. The proceedings had been in
jeopardy a short time ago. She was probably thankful that her plan was developing
the way she intended. "I'd better change the safe combination!"
"I don't think that would hamper Alec, but he would be crazy to burgle your
safe."
Margaret nodded in agreement and for a moment seemed reluctant to speak.
Her eyes had glazed over and Will was beginning to think that she was about to
go back on her promise. Her eyes blinked and she moved forward on her seat.
"We've been asked to look into something that's going on in government." Will
swallowed hard. The very sound of the word 'government' spelt the worst. "There
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