All was still as the stranger loaded a cartridge into his shotgun and peered around.
Looking out furtively from deep within the shadowy gorse thicket, he waited, in silence.
They would be appearing any minute now – just here, where the trees met the field.
Every evening they passed by this way, around dusk, just as the light began to fade.
Red and orange danced in the clouds – a pleasant backdrop for a decidedly unpleasant task.
Opening his black pocketbook, he flicked to the page on today’s assignment, double-checking the orders.
Nothing too difficult – make the shot, get in, swipe the goods, and head to the back door of the pub at midnight.
Everything depended on stealth; no loud noises to arouse suspicion or attract attention – all was still…
What is the stranger’s mission?
The passage above conceals the 8-letter answer – your task is to uncover it...