condensed master

The Reluctant Agent
A Compelling Story of Espionage
Alec stood up, the smile that was usually suppressed had taken over his face.
"You're willing to have a go then?"
"Yes."
"I think you can pull it off Will. When the time comes I'll do whatever is
necessary. When is it to be?"
"I have to see Paul one more time. He'll know when the house will be vacated,
and then arrangements can be made. I'll let Margaret know."
Alec was obviously satisfied and took Will's last remark as a sign to leave.
There was not even a parting gesture as he virtually disappeared through the door
like a ghost in the night. Margaret followed to let him out of the office.
Will was ready to leave by the time Margaret returned. She seemed subdued.
"Is everything alright? You don't seem very happy."
"I've got a strong feeling that this operation could get very hazardous."
"It's a bit late to start thinking like that, but it's good to see that you've got even
a modicum of concern."
"Are you taking a shot at me Will Brenner?"
"Let's say a parting shot. I've had enough for one day. I'll be in touch."
Driving home as always, after these preliminary meetings, Will's mind
resembled the turmoil of a fairground. Everything seemed to be shouting at him in
rapid succession with no time to sort out the bits and pieces into any logical order.
The one predominant theme however, was the frightening unknown outcome of
interfering with those magnet safe devices. He would have to carry this feeling right
up to the time when he would be standing in front of that safe again. Only this time
with Alec.
Paul was predictably present on his father's yacht. He ran forward, eager to
make contact. "Is everything sorted out?"
"Yes. I just need a day and time when the house will be vacant and the alarm
turned off."
"That's easy. Dad's going to be away until the end of the Parliamentary recess.
At least a couple of weeks, and mother's still with him. Gregory is going to Sydney
on Sunday for a week, so any evening next week would be okay."
"We had better make it firm right now. What about Wednesday evening, after
dark? Make sure the alarm is turned off and that you're away until late, say around
midnight."
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