'OK, old man, no need for the dramatics.' The voice came from behind Walker.

He leapt to his feet and turned to find the shooter brushing his trousers down.

'Sorry we had to go through all this nonsense, and those dye-filled blanks are marvellous, but they’ve made such a bloody mess of my shirt.'

He looked at the gunman now resurrected, stared at the red stain covering his chest disdainful, disbelieving.

'You were suspected of being a double Walker; Control didn’t believe it, but it was decided that we had to put you to the test. Cynthia was perfect for it. She took some persuading, but then she too had to prove her loyalty by setting you up. I’m glad to say you both passed the test with flying colours. Well done.'

Walker’s protestations of outrage were smothered by Cynthia’s long lingering kiss.

The following morning, Walker stood in the golf professional’s office.

'Retired are we, sir? That’s fine. Just fill in that form. With your government service background, membership shouldn't be a problem.’

- THE END -

© Tony Mulhearn, 2007 (all rights reserved)

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