Chapter 14
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
“Now that we have a connection in Gardaí, I wanted to see how law enforcement works here.” Rod continued to scroll, sipping the Boru vodka martini, the closest the Irish had to Tito’s.
“An Garda Síochána is the national law enforcement agency in Ireland. The term for a single officer is Garda. Any multiples of offices or officers are Gardaí.”
“Anything interesting?” Wyl rested one hand on Rod’s shoulder and jiggled his martini with the other, making the ice tinkle against the glass.
“Commissioner Seamus Kane is the top official in An Garda Síochána. General Steinburg mentioned him in our Pentagon meeting. Somehow, we’ve connected with top officials in both countries.
” Rod’s voice quivered as he spoke. “I also found information for the local Galway office where Chief Superintendent O’Brien is.
I’ll send this address to our cellphones, so we have it. ”
“You are totally getting into this mission, babe.” Wyl stroked the back of Rod’s neck with his thumb. “I like that you want to know more about who we are dealing with. It gives me confidence about our success.” He squeezed Rod’s shoulder. “Are you about ready to go to Wilde’s?”
“Fifteen months ago, I was a professor and college administrator, minding my own business and looking at another ten years at the school, maybe more. Then this handsome rancher strides into my classroom and lassos me. Now I’m married to him, the half-owner of a big ranch, a sensation in San Francisco, tagged by the government into service and given the rank of colonel, and shipped off to a foreign country on a covert mission with international implications.
” He chuckled. “A trip to Wilde’s Pub is definitely in order. ”
They put on their coats and went out into the chilly Irish evening.
* * *
The drive to Wilde’s took minutes. Inside, they sat in an empty booth with a good view of the stage.
A barman came to take their order. “What’ll you have, gents?”
“We’ll have pints of Guinness,” Rod said, “and a couple of menus.”
“The menu is on the board above the bar,” the barman thumbed over his shoulder. “I’ll have your Guinness straight away.”
“The Irish Stew looks tempting.” Wyl perused the blackboard menu. “And they have steak on the menu.”
“I’m up for the stew,” Rod said. The glasses of Guinness arrived.
“Two Irish Stews,” Wyl said to the barman, “and bring us water, too.”
“Excellent, sir. I’ll have that right out.”
The barman left, and the two took in their surroundings. The stage was empty.
Wyl inspected the crowd. “I wonder if one of these guys is James Pearson?”
“Hard to tell,” Rod said. “We’ll know when he goes to the stage to begin his set.”
“Hey, look, a guitar on stage,” Wyl chuckled. “I bet his first lesson wasn’t interrupted by an unexpected kiss.”
Rod laughed as they both remembered their first kiss. They never finished that guitar lesson.
Two steaming bowls of Irish Stew arrived, along with a plate of bread and two glasses of water. After inhaling the delicious aroma of the stew, they dug in.
As they ate, they watched a man making the rounds, chatting with others in the pub. He soon approached their booth.
“Good evening, gentlemen. I’m James Pearson. Welcome to Wilde’s.”
“Good evening, James. I’m Wyl Sterling, and this is my husband, Rod,” Wyl extended his hand.
James grasped Wyl’s hand with a firm handshake. “Ah…the Sterlings. I expected we might connect this evening. It’s great to meet you both. I’ll be back after my set, and we can visit.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you, James,” Rod shook hands. “We look forward to hearing you perform.”
“You lads enjoy yourselves. I’ll see you in a bit.” James turned and strolled toward the stage.
“He seems like a nice guy,” Wyl said.
“Yes, he does.”
They watched James begin his first set.
* * *
It was midnight before they realized it, and James was through for the evening. After putting away his instruments, he joined them in their booth.
“You must be tired,” Rod said.
“Not really, Rod. This is my workday. I performed for what, five hours, including breaks? Compared to the average worker, that’s a short day.”
“I never thought of it that way, but you’re right.”
“We enjoyed your music,” Wyl said. “Rod is the expert. I learned to enjoy music like never before in his music appreciation course. You are good.”
“Thanks, Wyl,” James smiled. “I gather you met at a school?”
“We did,” Rod said. “We’ll share the boring details with you sometime. Six months after we met, we married.”
“Sounds interesting.” James threw a glance at Wyl. “And from what little we know, you own a ranch in West Texas?”
Wyl nodded. “The property has been in my family since the 1800s.”
“That’s a long time. Glenn and I will have you guys over for drinks soon, and you can tell us all about it.”
“Sounds good,” Rod said.
“Hand me your mobile, and I’ll tap in my number.” James held out a hand. Wyl pulled his personal phone from his pocket and handed it over. James tapped in the number, and his phone chirped with a text. “Got it.”
“This is our third day in Ireland,” Rod said. “So, we’re still adapting to the time change. We need to head to our flat. I understand you and Glenn live in the same complex.”
James nodded. “That we do.” He stood. “Let’s catch up in the next day or two.”
“How about brunch on Sunday at our place?” Wyl said. “We’re in 220. Eleven-ish?”
“Sounds like a good plan. Let me check with Glenn, but I’m sure we’re not busy. I’ll let you know.”
“Perfect,” Rod said. “We hope to see you both on Sunday.”
“It was great meeting you guys. I look forward to getting to know you better,” James said. “I need to stow my gear. Cheers!”
“Nice guy,” Wyl said as they left the pub. “O’Brien mentioned James’s partner, Glenn.”
“Two couples make it easier for us to appear as friends,” Rod unlocked the Mercedes. “Enjoying time together is not as unusual as a couple and a single.”
“Good point, Rod,” Wyl climbed into the passenger seat.
Back at the flat, they undressed for bed.
“I am glad our overall plan included meeting another gay couple.” Wyl toed off his boots. “I wondered what our social life would be in a foreign country.”
“Me, too. I find it interesting our contact is a musician.” Rod tossed his shirt into the corner, then tugged his t-shirt off over his head. “My reason for being on this mission becomes clearer every day.”
“Apparently, MacGowan is a musician.” Wyl unbuckled his belt and unbuttoned his jeans.
“He’s an opera buff, which isn’t the same as being a musician,” Rod said. “Still…it will be interesting to see how deep his appreciation of opera goes.”
“You’re right. I can see why your involvement in this mission was so critical.” Wyl eyed Rod. “Your background is as important as mine.”
“I’m glad my background was important enough to put me here with you.” Rod tugged Wyl into a hug. “I would be frantic if I were on the ranch and you were here.”
Wyl wrapped his arms around his husband. “Not half as lost as me. You have no idea how much support you give me.” He pulled Rod into a kiss.
The kiss broke. “Let’s get into bed. We need to save the world in the next few weeks.” Rod said.
Wyl chuckled. “I’ll save the world. You worry about protecting me.