Page 234 of The Texas Sterling Collection
“We figured you knew Fergus didn’t die accidentally,” Glenn said.
“I did, and I told that to the Gardaí,” Garrett said. “Fergus was one of the most conscientious people I ever knew. He would never put himself in a position to electrocute himself in the bath. But Keenan, too?” Garrett gasped.
“Another Mimosa?” Glenn asked.
Garrett nodded. “Yes, please…a large one!”
Glenn went to the kitchen to get a tumbler and made Garrett another Mimosa.
“Garrett…we suspect Dr. MacGowan had something to do with the murders,” James said.
“Dr. MacGowan?” Garrett accepted the second Mimosa from Glenn and took a big gulp.
“Yes, and we are concerned about the safety of the other lads in the course.” James picked up his own glass and took a sip.
“Aren’t the Gardaí working on this?” Garrett asked.
“Garrett, we are working with the Gardaí. Have you heard ofundercover cops? Well, essentially, that’s us,” James waved his finger back and forth between Glenn and himself.
“We need someone on the inside. Someone the students are comfortable around. We want that to be you,” Glenn said.
Garrett took another big swig of his mimosa. “So, what do you need me to do?”
“Do your classmates know you’re gay?” Glenn asked.
“I never admitted it to the guys, but I think they all knew Fergus and I were tight…more than mates,” Garrett said.
“Good…so it won’t be unusual for you to hang out with a couple of gay guys like us,” James said. “It’s the perfect cover. You’re being consoled for your loss and seeking the companionship of two good friends.”
“That is us,” Glenn waved his finger between him and James.
“I get it,” Garrett said. “And I’m definitely in.” His brow furrowed in anger. “I want to catch the fekkers who killed Fergus.”
James scooted over and put his arm around Garrett. “I’m glad you’ll help us, Garrett. And it’s okay to miss him. You’re with friends, and even though we’re working together, you can always talk to us about your feelings.”
“Thanks, guys,” Garrett said.
“I think the breakfast casserole should be ready.” Glenn stood to walk into the kitchen. “Why don’t you two have a seat at the table, and I’ll bring everything in.”
“I’m ready,” James said. “C’mon, Garrett. Let’s eat!”
CHAPTER THIRTY
Sunday afternoon, the flat phone rang.
Wyl answered. “Hello?”
“Wyl, Ailbe MacGowan here.”
“Oh, hi, Ailbe.”
“How was your weekend?”
“It was perfect. We spent the time relaxing around the flat. We’ve been on the go daily since we arrived, so it was good to hibernate.”
“That is good to hear. Declan and I never quite manage much on the weekends. I’m not keen on driving around the countryside.”
“We’ll have to get you to our ranch sometime. You two would love it.”
