Page 227 of The Texas Sterling Collection
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“Thanks for meeting me, Mr. Burke.”
Glenn Cross and Garrett Burke talked that night as they strolled along the walkway beside the River Corrib.
“No problem, sir.” Garrett shivered, partly from the chill of the night air and partly from nerves. He stuffed his hands in his jeans pockets.
Glenn observed the shiver. “Relax. I’m not with Gardaí, and you’re not in trouble. I want to ask a few questions about Fergus Rafferty.”
“So, are you a private investigator or something?”
“Something like that,” Glenn said. “I’m trying to figure out why Mr. Rafferty was killed.”
Garrett stopped and turned to Glenn. “And you need me to help?”
“Yes.” Glenn faced Garrett. “Did you know him well?”
“We were friends. Close enough that I had a key to his apartment. We were partners on the project for Dr. MacGowan’s course.”
“Were you and Mr. Rafferty more than friends, Mr. Burke?”
Garrett paused for a long while, swallowing his choked emotions and studying his shoes. He opened his mouth to speak, but words would not come. Finally, he raised his head, eyes filled. “We became quite close,” he choked on the words. “We were not partners or anything, but…,” Garrett paused again, fighting back the tears, “…we liked each other a lot.”
“Can I call you Garrett?”
“Yes.”
“Garrett, I’m Glenn. I have a partner. We’ve been together for a long time. I know what you’re going through.”
“A partner like another investigator who works with you?”
“No, a partner like a husband. A partner who has been a constant presence in my life. A partner I love.”
Garrett paused. “Oh.”
“If you’re struggling with your true feelings for Fergus, I understand.”
“I’m not really struggling. It’s just that we’ve been careful about who knows.”
“You were wise. Keeping your relationship private probably saved your life.”
“What do you mean?”
“Do you have any reason to believe this was purely an accident?”
“No. Fergus kept the hair dryer on the toilet tank lid, but he was always careful to keep it away from the edge. It would not have fallen into the tub on its own, nor would he have pulled it in accidentally.”
“How did you know about the hair dryer?” Glenn asked.
“It’s all over the news,” Garrett said.
“I see,” Glenn said. “Was he comfortable with your relationship, as far as you know?”
“Definitely. We talked about making things permanent someday.”
“Did Fergus have any enemies that you know about?”
“Fergus? No way. He was like Keenan, everybody’s friend. He was one of the most popular lads in school.”
