condensed master

The Reluctant Agent
A Compelling Story of Espionage
"We need to know more than that. What part of the intelligence organization
are you from? And let us have some names."
"I'm not part of any organization, and I don't know any names. I was virtually
blackmailed into delivering the package, I don't even know what's in it."
"It's a key code for my transmitter and they think you know about it. You must
have realized when you recognized me, and knew of my radio background that I
was involved. Until they are convinced that all is well, they won't let you go."
Before Will had the opportunity to respond, the two men came back into the
room again, the conversation soon reaching fever pitch. The pock-faced man kept
running to the small window facing out from the rear of the building, looking out
into the darkness, then back again. Opening the drawer of one of the side tables,
he extracted two 45 calibre army service revolvers, giving one to his colleague, at
the same time snapping open the breach to check the chamber for bullets, then
both men ran out of the side door.
Omah explained. "A stranger has appeared at one of the other houses which
is vacant. He is snooping around, heading this way. They think it is too much of a
coincidence, that it is happening whilst you are here. Wait while I check to see
what's going on."
Will stood leaning against the dining-room table, if he sat down he would be
at a disadvantage if anything happened. His stomach muscles were in knots, the
adrenalin was flowing and he felt the hair standing up on the back of his neck. In
quick succession his knees started to shake, indicating the state of his nerves.
He hardly had time to get control of himself when two muffled shots rang out
and within seconds, a third. He had heard and also fired a 45 service revolver
before, so he knew the sound and it's intensity indicated that the shots originated
well away from the house. He panicked at the prospect of being involved, but
before he had time to think Omah reappeared.
"They have shot somebody, stay here while we get rid of the body!" Will's
mind was suddenly activated. With everyone out at the back, the front of the house
would be clear. It was an opportune time for him to get out.
As fast as his shaking legs would carry him, and without losing time going
down the steps, he jumped from the front verandah, miraculously making it to the
street. Heading for the main road gasping for breath, and with a stitch in his side,
he searched the darkness ahead for any obstructions.
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