Page 216 of The Texas Sterling Collection
“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.”
