condensed master

Will Bonner
behind the wheel he was beginning to analyze what was wrong and what he had
to do.
He had been allowing events to unfold, too scared to take any action. He still
felt sick inside but his brain was beginning to function again. During the remainder
of the journey home he formulated a simple plan to go on the initiative.
The legal ramifications involving the company's recent accusation would
probably take a month before any reactions surfaced. They would have to
evaluate the risks associated with taking the matter further. The organization
however, was another kettle of fish. By whatever means, he had to try and find out
what was going on, if anything. Billy Boyd was his only contact so he would have
to start there.
As anticipated Billy responded to his request for a meeting, thinking it's
purpose would be to pass on information. They arranged to meet for lunch at an
old twelfth century manor house some fifty miles away, which had been converted
into a hotel. It was situated in it's own landscaped grounds with peacocks perched
on the surrounding brick walls and strutting across the lawns. Billy had suggested
the venue, consequently, it was logical to assume that the organization used the
place from time to time.
As Will walked through the wrought iron studded door into the reception his
nerve endings started to tingle. There would be no question of worrying about
surveillance this time, he had to do whatever was necessary to provoke some
reaction from them and if they had set something up to monitor the meeting, it
could be immediate.
One of the large rooms had been converted into a lounge. Discreet cubicles
were positioned around the oak panelled walls and Will glanced around looking
for Billy's mop of hair. He was there waiting in the corner, but this time he seemed
to blend in with the dark panelling and not stand out like a visual aberration. He
stood up as Will entered the cubicle and opened the conversation. "It's a long walk
to the toilets here Will, if that's what you've got in mind we'd better get started."
"No, not this time Billy."
"Thank God for that," he remarked as he sat down. It was too much to expect
him to forget the episode on their first meeting. "I've ordered coffee and
sandwiches to be brought in, my bank account wouldn't cover the restaurant."
Will smiled nervously. Under different circumstances he could have carried the
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