Page 218 of The Texas Sterling Collection
“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. “[email protected] 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.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
After breakfast, Wyl grabbed his laptop to check his email. A new message from Ailbe popped in. He clicked to download the attachment and open it.
“Very interesting,” Wyl said.
“What is?” Rod asked. From the kitchen, breakfast dishes clinked as he loaded the dishwasher.
“Ailbe’s course project. As I review the parameters, the project aims toward one unified goal. Ailbe mentioned that the students originally saw only their individual assignments. When I scroll through the twenty individual project parameters, they dovetail in a sequence that makes sense.”
“You think the murdered student figured out the same thing?” Rod said.
“Yes, and I think he told Ailbe, and I think Ailbe told Declan, and I think Declan took care of things.” He glanced at Rod’s face. A wrinkled brow and narrow eyes looked back at him, lips drawn in a grimace.
Rod shook his head. “I don’t like this at all. Nobody said anything about people getting killed. When we went through training in D.C., we learned about weapons. I never thought a cybercrime would involve murder.”
Wyl stood and wrapped his husband in a warm embrace. “Relax, babe. We’re not the ones targeted here.”
“That doesn’t matter.” Rod pushed out of the hug. “A student was murdered, which is worse. A young man lost his life to protect a scheme.”
Wyl watched in helpless silence as Rod stared out the front windows. Noiseless traffic flowed on the street below.
Seconds later, Rod turned to Wyl. “If they are willing to kill so easily to keep their plan going, what makes you think they won’t murder us if they find out we’re trying to stop them?”
Wyl walked over and grasped Rod’s shoulders. “I don’t have an answer for that, babe. Remember, General Steinburg mentioned hacking of the Irish banking system. Obviously, that means money is involved. None of that led me to expect a murder, but we both knew there was an element of danger.”
“Yes, but there is a big difference betweenan element of dangeranddeath!” Rod emphasized the words. “I went into a panic when you didn’t show up on campus for two weeks, and I was beside myself with worry when you fled from the Dusty confrontation. I can’t handle the thought of you in a life-or-death situation, especially after my dream.” Rod threw his arms up to get out of Wyl’s hold.
“Rod?” Wyl used a voice as soothing as he could muster. “Calm down.”
“No!” Rod punched the air with a pointed finger. “I didn’t sign on for this. Not once did General Steinburg mention murder. Not once did murder come up in my training at Quantico. Not once did you mention murder when we talked about this mission.” Tears welled up in Rod’s eyes as his voice whined with emotion. “I can’t stand the thought of losing you.” Rod tried to stifle a sob. “The thought of you murdered is more than I can handle.” Rod put his hands over his face as sobs won.
In three long strides, Wyl tugged a sobbing Rod into his arms. He stroked Rod’s back as Rod’s shoulders shook.
