condensed master

Will Bonner
under suspicion. That's dangerous for us."
Alec spoke for the first time. "What about the alarm?"
"It will be switched off when we go in, but we have to switch it back on before
we leave, again to divert suspicion from Paul."
"The safe. What about the safe?"
Alec was rubbing his hands together in expectation, like a salesman about to
close a sale. "It's small - a wall safe. The door is about eighteen inches square and
looked brand new. There was no name."
"What did the combination dial look like?"
"I couldn't see it, we'll discuss why later, but even though it was new, it had an
old-fashioned lever on the right side."
Alec's face lit up. "Did it have gold embossed corner decorations, about a
couple of inches from each corner?"
"Yes."
"That's a relief, I know the type. We won't have any trouble."
"I'll soon put a damper on that! There are two magnetic devices. One over the
combination and the other positioned next to the handle."
Alec collapsed back into his seat. "Well bugger me!" It was the very first time
he had heard Alec swear. It indicated just how dejected he had suddenly become.
Will didn't respond. He would let Alec stew for a little longer. Margaret's eyes
were intently on Will's face in an effort to detect even the smallest sign that in the
next sentence everything would be reversed and the problem solved. She was
aware of his visit to Maxwell Scrieber, but not of the outcome. Alec was starting
to get agitated, probably at the thought that the caper would be aborted. Will
suspected that he was paid handsomely for work well done, which would add to
his frustration. Will drew breath to speak and they both leaned forward
simultaneously.
"I warned you that these devices could get complicated. I've managed to get
all the technical information from the designer, but the snag is that he may not have
been the one to install them and there's no way I can find out." This brief
explanation did nothing to bolster their spirits. "I've got to cut into the wiring and
bypass the alarm, but if the colour coding of the wires were not installed as
designed, all hell will break loose!" He looked directly at Alec. "How long will it
take you to get that door open whilst the alarm's sounding?"
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