Page 176 of The Texas Sterling Collection
“What’s on tap for today?” Rod lifted a forkful of scrambled eggs to his mouth.
“We need to touch base with Chief Superintendent O’Brien.” He lifted the bite of ham to his mouth and savored the salty flavor.
“Are we meeting this guy, or what?” Rod nibbled on a corner of toast. “I’m still not clear about our involvement with .”
“Remember General Steinburg’s warning. We need to avoid working directly with the Gardaí,” Wyl said. “Honeymooners wouldn’t include contacting law enforcement on their agenda.”
“Good point,” Rod said. “Let’s see what O’Brien suggests.”
Wyl put down his fork, shoved his empty plate forward, and crossed his arms on the table. “Now that we’re in Ireland, I feel more uncertain than ever. Too many unknowns and too many unfamiliar people.”
Rod grasped Wyl’s hand. “Babe, it will be fine. You met lots of new people in the past year, right? People you didn’t know before you met me, you now count as friends. And you reunited with Stewy and met Matthew, an old friend and a new friend. Meeting new people comes easily to both of us. So, relax. We’ll be a hit here.”
Wyl sighed and laced their fingers together. “You’re right. I’m supposed to be the strong one—the one with military experience. But babe, you’re my strength to get us through this. Uncertainty doesn’t faze you.” Wyl paused. “Do you know how much I love you?”
Rod chuckled. “Not fazed by uncertainty, huh? Remember the two weeks after our first encounter? Remember Shifty? I am no stranger to the angst of not knowing.”
Wyl squeezed Rod’s hand. “Yes, but you powered through those situations and came out smiling. Watching you handle things makes me stronger.”
Rod smiled. “I think we give each other strength.”
Wyl pulled Rod into a quick kiss. “Thank you. Now let’s clean up breakfast. I want to call O’Brien before lunch and see what awaits.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
“Chief Superintendent’s Office,” Sergeant Healy said. “Healy speaking.”
“Wyl Sterling for Chief Superintendent O’Brien.”
“Yes, sir, Mr. Sterling. One moment while I connect you.”
“Wyl Sterling on the phone for you, chief.” Healy raised his voice, theiroffice intercom.
“O’Brien,” the Chief Superintendent answered.
“Chief Superintendent? Wyl Sterling here.”
“Sterling. Take down this number.” O’Brien got to the point.
Wyl reached for a pen and paper. “Ready.”
“091-851-9876”
“Got it.” Wyl disconnected the call and dialed the new number.
“What’s that all about?” Rod asked.
“I’ll tell you in a minute.” Wyl waited for O’Brien to answer.
“O’Brien,” the Chief answered.
“Sterling here.”
“Use only this number for communication, Sterling. Are you on a secure cell phone?”
“Yes, sir. I understand you will be our primary point of contact with Garda during our mission.”
“Aye,” O’Brien said. “The Commissioner briefed me on the mission.”
