Page 204 of The Texas Sterling Collection
“Dr. Bonner has his doctorate in musicology, and if I’m not mistaken, he was the featured speaker at the symposium on the university campus yesterday. Rod, stand up so the audience can see you.”
Rod stood briefly, and the audience applauded as he waved to the crowd.
“Ladies and gentlemen, without further delay, I give you our esteemed guest speaker, Mr. Wyl Sterling.”
The audience applauded as Wyl approached the podium and shook hands with Dr. Riordan.
“Thank you, Dr. Riordan,” Wyl nodded to his host. “As we planned our trip, my husband shared a humorous story about one of his previous trips to Ireland. Although this is my first time in the Land of the Shamrock, Rod has been here twice before. On one trip, he and his friends sat in a bar in Galway, enjoying an afternoon drink. When the barman brought the glasses of foamy Guinness, one of his friends commented,Oh, look, a clover in the foam.” Wyl paused while the audience chuckled uncomfortably. Rod had explained to him that the Irish prefer the term shamrock when referring to their national symbol. “Deportation proceedings began immediately, Gardaí were called in, and the group of friends had to fight to stay in Ireland.” The audience roared with laughter. With that, he had them in the palm of his hand. He took what could have been a boring topic and made it enjoyable, even to an audience that was already familiar with his subject matter.
Rod admired his husband as he engaged the audience. Animated in his speech, Wyl frequently strolled the stage and used his hands to emphasize points or focus the audience's attention. He was a masterful speaker, full of confidence, and able to engage the audience. Rod wondered how he had missed this side of his husband. As Wyl finished his presentation, the audience leaped to their feet and applauded. Dr. Riordan once again took the podium.
“Thank you, Mr. Sterling, for the in-depth look at computer security and for keeping cyberspace safe. I think the audience will agree that your presentation is the highlight of our symposium so far. Folks, let’s give another round of applause to the Sterlings for being here with us today.”
The audience erupted in enthusiastic applause. Introducing Rod as Wyl’s husband cemented their relationship with outsiders and validated their reason for being in Ireland. And the presentation further increased Wyl’s potential value to one attendee at a table in the back of the room—Ailbe MacGowan.
* * *
Ailbe and Declan met on Wednesday for their usual afternoon drink at O’Connell’s Pub.
“You should have heard Wyl Sterling give his presentation at the symposium luncheon today, Declan. He is much more gifted than I realized. His bio in the campus newspaper article about the symposium did not begin to reveal the depth of his knowledge and experience. We need to make every effort to become close friends with the Sterlings. I need Wyl.”
“What about Rod?” Declan asked. “To get Wyl, you need Rod. Wyl will likely cooperate more if we have Rod as insurance.”
“Good point. Those two are inseparable. That article inThe Advocatedidn’t begin to cover their relationship. I never saw two guys so committed to each other. If we have one, we will have the other, giving us a tremendous advantage.”
“Is that an evil gleam I see in your eyes?” Declan said.
“Success is ours, Declan.” Ailbe raised his glass of Bulmers in a toast.
Declan raised his glass, clinked, and they sipped a self-congratulatory taste.
“Let’s ask them to meet us at Wilde’s tomorrow evening for dinner,” Declan suggested. “James Pearson will be performing. By getting Rod to talk about music, he will relax and feel part of the social interaction we are trying to create. We’ll find out their plans, so we can strike when the time is right.”
“Good idea, but how do we reach them? We don’t have phone numbers or email addresses.”
“Relax. The luncheon handout provided a brief biography and noted that the Sterlings had taken a flat at Citypoint in Eyre Square. We can call the apartment manager’s office and ask that a message be delivered,” Declan said.
“I like the way you think. Can you make that call? I’ll be busy with a class in the morning and won’t be able to do it first thing.”
“Leave it to me,” Declan said.
* * *
Early Thursday morning, Declan called the Citypoint management office and asked that a call-back message go to the Sterlings. The flat superintendent graciously agreed and took the information.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
The following day, a knock at the door interrupted their late breakfast.
“I wonder who that could be?” Wyl’s fork clattered to the plate, and he stood to answer the door. Looking through the peephole, he recognized the flat super. “It’s the superintendent. I hope nothing is wrong.” Wyl opened the door.
“Mr. Sterling, I have a message for you.” The flat superintendent handed Wyl a note. “A gentleman called and asked that I deliver this.”
“Thank you.” Wyl took the note and closed the door. He unfolded the message and read it.
“What is it?” Rod asked.
“A request from Declan.” Wyl glanced at Rod. “He asks that we call him. I wonder what he needs?”
