Page 228 of The Texas Sterling Collection
“Did he ever see anyone else outside of school?”
“Not that I know, and I think I would have known. We talked about everything, especially after we became close.” Garrett sighed, his breathing jerky.
“Was he ever involved with drugs or anything?”
“Fergus? No way. He’s the kind of guy who washes fruit before he eats it. He was quite particular.”
“Did you ever notice anyone following you two?”
“No. We didn’t go out often, but I would have noticed if someone had watched us. Why?”
“What I said before about saving your life, if someone had known you were in a relationship with Fergus, you’d be on their radar.”
“Oh.” Garret’s face showed the realization that had dawned on him.
“Is there anything you can think of we have not discussed…anything that you found odd or unusual?”
“No. Just get the fekkers who did this to Fergus.” Garrett’s anger showed through his emotion, but tears followed.
Glenn put his arm around Garrett and pulled him into a hug. “It’s all right, son. Let it out. You need to grieve for your partner.”
Garrett clung to Glenn and wailed over the loss of his friend.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
Wednesday morning at ten o’clock, Ailbe’s office phone rang. The caller ID displayed President. “Dr. MacGowan,” he answered.
“Dr. MacGowan, President Riordan wants to see you in his office.”
He recognized the voice of Miss Sweeney, the President’s secretary. “I suppose now would be good,” Ailbe said.
“Yes, Dr. MacGowan. I’ll let Dr. Riordan know you are on your way.”
“I shall be there as quickly as I can.” Ailbe hung up the phone.
Once more, he made the trek across campus to the Administration Building and Dr. Riordan’s office. When Ailbe entered the suite, his office door was open. Miss Sweeney nodded her head, indicating he should go on in.
“Dr. Riordan,” Ailbe quietly rapped on the door frame.
“Ailbe, come in,” Dr. Riordan said. He stood and walked from behind his massive desk. “Please, sit.” He motioned to one of the tufted leather chairs in front of his desk. The leather felt cold as Ailbe sat. Dr. Riordan sat opposite him.
“Once again, I have bad news, I’m afraid. Garda found another of your students dead yesterday morning.”
“You’re kidding,” Ailbe feigned surprise. “Which one?”
“Fergus Rafferty,” Dr. Riordan said.
“Rafferty?” Ailbe frowned. “He was an accomplished student, destined to be an accomplished programmer.”
“Oddly, two of your top students have met their demise this semester,” Dr. Riordan continued. “I can’t help but wonder if there isn’t a plot to handicap your program and perhaps put you in danger.” Dr. Riordan’s voice was deep and comforting, and his brow creased slightly.
“You think I might be in danger?” This little wrinkle had never occurred to Ailbe. It was actually brilliant and cleared him of suspicion entirely. “I never considered that possibility, Dr. Riordan.” For once, Ailbe was telling the truth. For all his scheming, he never conjured up this diversion.
“Ailbe, take caution. We don’t know who is behind these deaths. The Gardaí believe both are suspicious, although no motive or suspect has emerged. I don’t want unseen forces taking one of our top professors at GMIT.”
Ailbe was flattered. “Thank you, Dr. Riordan. I will exercise the utmost care.”
“That is good to hear. I will rest easier knowing you are aware of the risk.”
