Page 174 of The Texas Sterling Collection
The commissioner coughed. “We could not uncover any fund transfers, so it would appear no money is missing. But we have evidence of a security breach, and it appears to have originated in Galway. To the best of our knowledge, none of the individuals in our database possesses the necessary knowledge and/or skills to commit this crime. While it could be a student, we’re betting MacGowan is either directly or indirectly involved.”
“I’d be happy to help, Commissioner. And coincidentally, the body of a GMIT student was found early this morning,” O’Brien said. “Details are sketchy, but we are investigating. The death appears to be a homicide.”
“Is there any connection between MacGowan and the student?”
“We have no specifics yet, Commissioner. I received the preliminary report about an hour ago.”
“Keep me informed about the circumstances, O’Brien. I called for another matter relating to MacGowan and his suspected involvement in the recent hacking of the Irish banking system. I contacted the British about this matter. Since Ireland is still part of the British Isles, they are concerned. I believe you have two British agents at your disposal?”
“Yes, Commissioner. James Pearson and Glenn Cross.”
“O’Brien, this goes much deeper than you imagine. We believe an assault on the world banking system is the next step for MacGowan. Can your office handle an investigation of that magnitude?”
O’Brien tensed. “Commissioner, I am ready to cooperate with whatever entities you deem fit.”
“That is good to hear. I have also sought assistance from the American government in this critical international situation. I am in touch with General Steinburg at the Pentagon. He shared that he has a cybersecurity expert who served in the U.S. Marine Corps. That expert arrived in Galway yesterday.”
O’Brien chewed his unlit cigar nub. Great, a nerdy computer guy from the States. What next? An opera singer? “I understand, Commissioner. May I know more?”
“The goal of this mission is to stop MacGowan,” Commissioner Kane said. “This is best done by infiltrating his organization and working from the inside. That requires getting to know him on a personal level. MacGowan’s partner, Declan Knowlan, has been on our radar for suspected gang connections. He has a history of gang involvement, although nothing in the past few years. At least nothing we can directly connect with him. As you know, Pearson and Cross are a gay couple, but neither has a skillset that matches either MacGowan or Knowlan. That is where the Americans come in. The American agents involved are Mr. Wyl Sterling and Dr. Rod Bonner Sterling. Wyl Sterling is the cybersecurity expert. Steinburg tells me his reputation is unexcelled in the field. MacGowan will be immediately attracted to his skills. Dr. Rod Sterling has his doctorate in music and is considered an opera expert.”
O’Brien spat out his chewed cigar nub. “Opera, you say?”
“Yes. MacGowan is an opera fanatic, so he will enjoy engaging with Dr. Sterling. The Sterlings own a ranch in West Texas, and both are equestrians. Knowlan is a horse-racing buff. He teaches graphic design at the university. The computer skills of Wyl Sterling and the artistic side of Rod Sterling, combined with their equestrian background, will attract Knowlan. The Sterling men are married. As a gay couple, they will attract both MacGowan and Knowlan. It is a perfect meld of experience, reputation, and talent.”
O’Brien shook his head; thankful the Commissioner couldn’t see him. Gay Texas cowboys, one a cybersecurity expert and one an opera expert, were critical to this investigation? What was he getting himself and his men into? He put on his best cheery voice. “The Sterlings sound like an excellent team for this mission, Commissioner. You say the Sterlings have already arrived?”
“Their flight landed in Shannon early yesterday. They have a flat in Eyre Square. My contact in Washington, D.C., provided your information to them. You can expect to hear from them.”
“Yes, Commissioner.”
“Welcome them, Ciaran. Consider it a personal favor. I have alerted my team to the importance of your involvement. Calls from you will go to my personal line. I need you to keep me updated on this case.”
“Yes, Commissioner. I will report to you as requested.”
“One more thing. Keep this investigation on a need-to-know basis, understood?”
“Yes, Commissioner. I will keep this under wraps. I assume Pearson and Cross know of the Americans?”
“The British government has been briefed, so yes. And they know this is top secret.”
“Excellent, sir. I will await a call from the Sterlings.”
“Thank you, Ciaran. You have a fine reputation with Garda, and I look forward to working with you personally. Please contact me if you require further assistance. You have one of the best teams in the world between the British and the Americans.”
“Aye, Commissioner. You can count on us.”
The Commissioner disconnected. O’Brien sat dumbfounded for a moment before summoning his assistant. “Healy!”
Sergeant Healy poked his head in O’Brien’s doorway. “Yes, Chief?”
“The Commissioner shared that our office is involved in investigating cybercriminal activity. First, anything we discuss regarding this case is strictly confidential. Mention the case details to no one. If anyone asks, refer them to me. Understood?”
Healy nodded. “Yes, sir.”
“Now…the cybercriminal suspect is Dr. Ailbe MacGowan, professor at GMIT. The case has international implications. Washington, D.C. is involved, and two American agents are here in Galway. If Wyl or Rod Sterling calls, put them through to me immediately. Interrupt me if I’m in a meeting or on a call. They have priority over everything else.”
Healy stood absorbing the information, eyes wide. “Yes, sir!” he said. “Sterling. Got it.”
