condensed master

Will Bonner
mind that this man would make an ideal partner for Miles Cavanagh, the assistant
purser. His tanned complexion was clear, but slightly wrinkled around the eyes and
forehead, putting his age around 50 years.
"Yes, I'm Will Brenner," moving forward, extending his hand to greet him.
"I say old chap, I hope I haven't kept you waiting?"
"No need for apologies, I have no other arrangements."
"That's good, let's have a bite to eat and we can talk." They finished up in a
casual dining-room off the main entrance hall. His visitor selected a table in the
corner and they sat down.
"You have the advantage," Will prompted. "I don't know your name."
"Just call me Blyth old chap, if you would."
"I haven't met you before, but you appear to know me."
"I most certainly do, that's what I want to talk to you about."
Their conversation was momentarily interrupted by the waiter, and Will took
advantage of the break to get his mind organized.
"I don't wish to appear rude, but I would prefer you to get to the point of your
visit."
Blyth hesitated, busying himself breaking and buttering his bread roll. Will
pressed no further, allowing him the privilege of restarting the conversation. He
was expecting to hear something similar to the correspondent in Algiers, having
made up his mind that it was probably about the package. Paying no attention to
his meal, he looked directly across the table at Blyth hoping to catch any reaction
on his face, but nothing showed.
"I am part of the intelligence organization that arranged for the delivery of the
package in Aden." Will waited for more cajoling and possible threats, but they did
not materialize. He continued. "We were very impressed by the way you handled
the task. It didn't go quite as planned, did it?"
"There was some trouble, if that's what you mean." He didn't elaborate further
and say things that he would regret.
"A man was shot and killed," Blyth whispered, not wanting that part of the
conversation to be overheard, "you did exactly the right thing by splitting away
from the scene, but most unfortunate to have been picked up by the police.
Nevertheless, by getting away, you were not implicated."
"I was questioned about the shooting."
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