condensed master

The Reluctant Agent
A Compelling Story of Espionage
There were quite a few people, mostly military personnel sitting at the bar and
tables but it was far from crowded. The chairs were very comfortable so Will
relaxed back to sip his drink and observe the scene. Glancing along the bar he
noticed a young man wearing white trousers and a bright floral shirt, a
characteristic dress for Hawaii. He must have been looking directly at Will and
their eyes met. Not wanting to be rude and look away Will nodded slightly, and
within seconds the man was making his way over.
On approach, Will noticed that his walk was light-footed like that of a female,
his features were fine, with a perfect complexion and his grooming immaculate.
Reservations were building up inside, but it was too late for that now as he was
standing right there in front of him. A nervous smile came over his face as he
spoke.
"Hello, would you mind if I sat down?"
"Be my guest." The man sat down and then utter silence continued for some
considerable period. Looking across the table it appeared that the man was
extremely nervous and totally incapable of starting any conversation. As each
second ticked by, things got more embarrassing. Reaching across the table Will
extended his hand.
"My name is Will Brenner."
His hand was thin and the handshake floppy, not firm. "I know your name, and
I know who you are."
Will flinched, he had been taken completely by surprise. "How do you know
my name? I don't know you, what's your name?"
"My name is Gerald," he replied, with an intonation that Will now recognized.
This man is homosexual he suspected, what is he up to? The silence returned and
an atmosphere of tension began to intensify between the two men. Gerald's
nervous disposition was increasing, his eyes rapidly looking up at Will, then down
on to the table. As he lifted his glass to take a drink his hand was trembling slightly.
Completely at a loss and unable to read Gerald's intention, Will got up from his
chair and picking up his drink prepared to leave. "For God's sake, please don't
go." he pleaded.
Gerald's face had turned from a look of nervousness to one of fear, and he
furtively looked around as though to check if anyone had overheard his last
remark. The look on his face compelled Will to sit down and just wait for a
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