Page 239 of The Texas Sterling Collection
“Not much to tell, actually.” The ice crackled as Wyl poured Boru vodka into the glasses.
“Did you learn anything new?”
“I believe the zero hour for the cybercrime is October 29th,” Wyl said. “Ailbe didn’t say exactly, but indicated the program should be running by then. Students will be in the lab next week, entering their projects and ensuring that everything aligns. We’ll be reviewing projects all this week.”
“I feel as if I’m on the outside looking in,” Rod said. “What can I do?”
Rod’s comment stung, given Ailbe’s proposition. He was glad Rod couldn’t see his face or his reaction. “Why don’t you come to the campus with me tomorrow. You can see where I am and what I’m doing.” Wyl faced Rod to hand him his martini.
“Do you think Ailbe will get nervous with me poking around? I don’t want to give him any excuses for more murders.” Rod took a big gulp.
“It’s not like he doesn’t realize we communicate. Whether you see the layout for yourself or I tell you about it, there is no difference.”
“I guess you’re right. But I don’t want to give Ailbe reasons to think we’re expendable.”
“We’re not expendable. And remember, we have ample forces on our side. “Wyl took a sip.
“Keep reminding me of those ample forces,” Rod took another gulp.
“Slow down there.” Wyl reached for Rod’s almost empty glass. “We can’t have a roll in the hay if you’re drunk as a skunk.”
Rod chuckled. “I’ll be fine. Make me another, and I promise to sip it slowly.”
“Don’t forget the mole on the student side.” Wyl refreshed Rod’s drink. “Garrett Burke is eager to do what he can to solve Fergus Rafferty’s murder case and keep an eye on anything suspicious in MacGowan’s classroom.”
“Wow. This mission sure is getting complex. At first, it was just a cybercrime. Now it’s a deviously thought-out cybercrime complete with murders, moles, and secret agents.”
“At least we’re not doing this alone, babe.” Wyl handed Rod his freshened martini. “All parties are covering the bases well.” He took another sip, pulling the olive into his mouth.
Rod set his martini on the counter, placed his hands on Wyl’s face, and looked directly into his eyes. “You better not let anything happen to you, Wylton Joseph Sterling.”
“As long as I have you as my backup, I’ll be fine,” he smiled and reached up to place his free hand over Rod’s. “Remember your promise to hold me in your arms on the ranch at Christmas.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
Ailbe paced the front of the lab. “Now, about next week, it is critical for you to be in the lab as much as possible.” He glanced across the student faces as they listened to his every word. “As you know, your projects dovetail into one, and I want the entire program entered before October 28th. Be prepared to spend extra time in the lab as needed.”
One student raised his hand. “What about our other courses?”
“Attend your other courses,” Ailbe said. “But return to the lab afterward and focus on your project code. It must be perfect if the entire program is to work.”
“If our project is graded, can we start entering it?” Mr. Cassidy asked.
“Excellent question, Mr. Cassidy.” Ailbe suddenly realized he could potentially escalate his completion date if the students could input their information early. “I’ll record the grades and return your projects. Be aware of any markings that indicate possible errors. If you need assistance fixing those errors, please ask Mr. Sterling for help. Once you have an error-free project, spend time in the lab entering your coding. Class dismissed.”
The lads chatted as they left the classroom, eager to start.
* * *
Wyl and Rod arrived as the students filed out.
“Wyl, good to see you,” Ailbe greeted them in the hallway. “Rod, it’s good to see you as well. Is Wyl giving you a tour of the place?” Ailbe didn’t like to involve outsiders, but he could hardly say no to Wyl.
Rod nodded. “I asked if I could see the setup. He works here several hours a day while I’m home, so I wanted to know where he was.”
“You probably should go to the University and visit Declan as well,” Ailbe said. “He’d love to show you the digital media lab where students create art.”
“Maybe I’ll go over this morning. If you talk to Declan, do you mind letting him know I’m coming?”
