Page 230 of The Texas Sterling Collection
“Can you think of any reason anyone would want to harm Mr. Rafferty?”
“No reason at all, Chief.”
O’Brien wrote in his notebook while Ailbe watched. He folded the notebook and put it, along with the pencil, in his pocket.
“Thank you for your time, Dr. MacGowan. I apologize if I disturbed your work.”
“I’m glad to help, Chief O’Brien. Student murder is indeed a tragedy.”
O’Brien rose, put on his hat, and left.
* * *
At the Gardaí station, O’Brien settled into his office. “Healy!” he shouted.
“Yes, Chief.” Sergeant Healy appeared in the doorway.
“After my conversation with Rafferty’s neighbor, Grace Hallion, and from the details of Glenn Cross’s conversation with Garrett Burke, I’m concerned for the safety of the other students. I would like you to meet with Pearson and Cross to discuss my concerns. It is best done in person rather than over the phone.”
“Yes, sir,” Healy responded. “I will set something up with them.”
“Good, Healy. Maybe you and Todd could meet them for drinks or something.”
“Todd, sir?”
“Healy, I don’t want to take advantage of your relationship, but this could be important. Do you think Todd would mind playing along?”
“Sir, Todd will gladly help if I ask him.”
“Well?”
“I’ll ask him.”
“Good. To outside observers, it would appear more like a social call. This case is so sensitive that I do not want to take any risks. I need to find out if we can get Garrett Burke to be a mole for us. I want to learn more about what MacGowan has his students doing.”
“Sir, isn’t Wyl Sterling working on that?”
“Yes, Healy. But Sterling is working at it from MacGowan’s angle. I need someone who can give us the perspective from the student’s angle.”
“Understood, sir.”
“Now… call Cross or Pearson and see if you and Todd can meet them at their place for drinks. It will be completely innocent to any outside observers, and you can chat with Pearson and Cross about what I need.”
“I’ll get right on it, sir.” Healy turned to go to his desk. “Oh…and sir?”
“Yes, Healy?”
“Thanks.”
“You’re a good man, Paddy, and you do good work. I should be thanking you.”
“No…thanks for acknowledging Todd.”
“Healy, what you do at home is your business. But that doesn’t mean I don’t recognize your relationship and happiness. Now go and make that call.”
Healy smiled, and left O’Brien’s office.
Back at his desk, he called Glenn Cross and proposed that he and Todd come over for drinks one evening. Glenn checked with James, and they agreed that Saturday lunch would be better, given James’ work schedule.
