Chapter 25
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Late Sunday afternoon, the phone rang in Rod and Wyl’s flat.
“Wyl Sterling.”
“Wyl, Ailbe MacGowan here.”
“Hi, Ailbe. How are you?”
“Fine. You and Rod doing okay?”
“We’re taking it easy and enjoying the honeymoon.”
“Declan and I were thinking of going to Wilde’s later. Would you two like to meet us there?”
“That sounds like fun, Ailbe. Let me check with Rod.” Wyl put his hand over the receiver. “Babe, are you interested in going to Wilde’s tonight with Ailbe and Declan?”
“It sounds like something we’d better do, don’t you think?” Rod whispered, not wanting to chance Ailbe hearing their conversation.
“Yes. We need to do everything we can to buy their confidence.” Wyl whispered back.
“I still can’t get over that we are in the company of a possible murderer. We need to put up a unified front of friendship. Let’s go.” Rod whispered.
Wyl uncovered the receiver. “Ailbe, we’re in.”
“I’m glad to hear that, Wyl. Is five o’clock too early?”
Wyl glanced at his watch. “Five o’clock is fine. We’ll see you there.”
“Great, later.”
“Bye.” Wyl hung up.
“Sounds like a setup,” Rod said. “What do you want a bet that tonight Ailbe asks for your help?”
“The timing is about right, Rod. But remember, we’re a honeymooning couple. Do you think you can act happily married for one evening?”
“I can act happily married for exactly 75 years.” Rod laughed. “Let’s see…that would make you…”
“Still younger than you,” Wyl chuckled, handing Rod his coat. “Let’s focus on getting through tonight.”
They tugged on their coats and walked out the door.
* * *
“Hey, Texans.” Ailbe greeted Rod and Wyl, already seated at a table.
“Hi, you two,” Wyl stood to greet them with a handshake. “It’s good to see you both.”
“I love this place,” Ailbe said.
Declan walked around the table and huffed slightly as he pulled out a chair and sat, glaring at Ailbe.
The barmaid came to the table and brought drinks. Rod and Wyl had ordered for the four of them, remembering that Declan liked Guinness and Ailbe liked Bulmers.
“You guys have quite the memory,” Declan’s smile replaced the scowl.
“This is what you had at O’Connell’s after Rod’s presentation,” Wyl said. “Since you said it was a regular after-work stop, we figured it was probably a safe bet that you ordered the same thing.”
“We are definitely creatures of habit,” Ailbe said. “Sickeningly predictable.” His eyes focused on Declan as he spoke.
“I think we all develop habits,” Rod said. “And speaking of which, I like coming here and listening to Pearson.”
“Pearson is quite talented,” Declan added. “And it’s not opera.”
“Definitely not opera,” Rod chuckled. “I wish I had his knack for the guitar.”
“You don’t play?” Declan asked.
“No, it’s one instrument I never learned. Wyl tried to teach me, but got other ideas.” He took Wyl’s hand and winked at him.
Wyl blushed. “Yes, well, a certain professor unexpectedly affected me.”
Rod squeezed Wyl’s hand. “I need a loo break.”
“Me too,” Wyl said.
They stood and walked toward the Men’s Room.
“Sorry if I embarrassed you, babe,” Rod whispered as they maneuvered through the tables.
“It’s okay,” Wyl said. “We ended up together, and that is what counts.”
“Boy howdy!” Rod said louder than intended. Heads turned as they walked past.
As they neared the men’s room, Wyl leaned over and whispered to Rod,” Are you okay? You seemed a bit tense back there.”
“I’m fine,” Rod whispered back as they entered. “But Declan and Ailbe make me uneasy. The more I’m around them, the less I trust them, especially after my nightmare and hearing about the murder. Something about their demeanor screams career criminals.”
They stood side by side at the trough while doing their business.
Wyl bumped Rod with his shoulder. “Like I said, they need us, or we wouldn’t be here. We actually have the power now.”
“What?” Rod shook, tucked, and zipped.
Wyl stowed his manhood and buttoned his fly. “If we are out of the picture, their success is jeopardized.”
Rod washed his hands. “Keep reminding me of that.”
“Remember, no matter what happens, I’m on your side.” Wyl washed his hands.
They dried their hands and returned to the table.
“I was telling Declan how impressed I was with how you handled the crowd in your presentation,” Ailbe said. “You did equally well with my students. I was amazed by the volume of questions.”
“Gee, Ailbe, you know how to butter a guy up.” Wyl risked a stab at what he figured were Ailbe’s ultimate plans. With an engaging smile, he said, “It sounds like you want something else.”
“Now that you mention it, I wonder if you could help me.” Ailbe sported a coy smile.
Uh-oh. Here it comes. Rod wiped the Guinness foam from his upper lip. He studied his beer glass, avoiding eye contact with everyone at the table.
“Help with what, Ailbe?” Wyl raised one eyebrow.
“I have this massive course project to grade. I escalated the due date to give me time to finish, but it is complex, and I could use assistance. Would you be willing to look over the projects?”
Ailbe had a pleading tone to his voice that Wyl didn’t buy for a minute, but he kept a smile on his face. “I never graded schoolwork. I’m not sure I know how.”
“It is quite simple. Review the coding written by the students and determine if it will work. For a man with your skills, think of it as similar to reading a primary school essay.”
Based on his review of Fergus Rafferty’s work, Wyl knew he could quickly uncover any errors in the coding. It would also allow him to inspect the entire project. Unlike looking at only one piece, he could piece together the whole project and the intricacies of Ailbe’s plan.
“Since you put it that way, maybe I can help out. Rod has extensive experience grading student work, so he can help me. When is the project due?”
“October 22nd.” Ailbe stifled a frown at Rod’s involvement. “Semester end is six weeks later, but it would take me a month to complete all the projects. With your help, I can ensure the projects are valid and complete sooner than planned.”
“That gives me a few days to prepare,” Wyl said. “Can you send me the project parameters so I know what I’m grading?”
“I’m happy to, Wyl.” A sinister smile crossed Ailbe’s face. He didn’t bother to disguise his pleasure at having snagged a coding expert to help him.
“Great,” Wyl said. “sterlingranchers@ is our email address.”
Ailbe made a note on the back of a paper napkin. “Thanks, Wyl.” He smiled and winked. “I’ll send the information tomorrow morning.”
The evening passed without further mention of the project, and they said their goodbyes in the parking lot as they prepared to leave.
“We enjoyed visiting with you, chaps,” Declan said. He shook hands with Rod, then Wyl.
“We enjoyed it too, guys,” Rod said. They turned to the car.
Rod glanced at Wyl as he drove them back to the flat. “That went well.” He was still bothered about dealing with murderers.
“The bait went out, and we allowed ourselves to bite,” Wyl said. “I hope you’re feeling more confident about the mission.”
“As long as you’re with me. I’m beginning to adjust to the whole game thing. If I focus on that, it’s easier.”
“It’s like chess, babe. Each side gets the upper hand briefly. We must be the side that takes the queen.”
“No pun intended,” Rod coughed out a nervous chuckle.