condensed master

The Reluctant Agent
A Compelling Story of Espionage
Chapter 1
The Ferret Man
Europe was in the grip of World War 2. A convoy lay out at anchor in the
Scottish Firth of the Clyde and the ships, some with barrage balloons flying above
them, to deter low flying enemy air attacks, were all silently awaiting their next
overseas assignment.
The world renowned passenger ship Queen Mary, converted during wartime
to carry troops, had arrived some thirty minutes earlier, it's bow waves now
becoming evident as large ripples, making a splashing noise against the quay and
adjacent banks of the small Clyde side town of Gourock.
Will Brenner sat on a weathered bench overlooking the old cobblestone quay,
observing the scene. He had experienced two voyages carrying troops to the far
east since completing his training, but was presently on standby duty until his leave
became due, in about two weeks time. Each morning he would lower the boat and
steer course a mile or so through the convoy to the quayside and pick up any mail
from the Post Office. The mailbag lay beside him, ready for the return journey.
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