Page 250 of The Texas Sterling Collection
* * *
After debriefing at the Gardaí station, they headed for the flat to relax. Rod’s cell phone rang as they climbed the stairs to the second floor. “I’m glad Ailbe didn’t destroy my cell phone, Rod said as he pulled the phone from his pocket. “It’s General Steinburg,” Rod pressed to accept the call.
“Rod, General Steinburg. Are you both safe?”
“Yes, General. It’s over. We foiled MacGowan’s scheme.”
“I owe you both a debt of thanks for a well-done job. The cyber program was stopped. The two cyber terrorists are in custody. And the program has been confiscated. Excellent work, you two.”
“Thanks, General.”
Wyl grabbed the phone. “Wyl here, General. Can we come home now?”
“Wyl. Good to hear your voice. Yes, I’ll book a flight for you on Wednesday. That gives you a few days in Ireland to rest up from the ordeal. You’ll stop in Washington. Travers will meet you at the airport. Take a day to get over the jet lag. We’ll debrief in my office on Friday morning, then you’ll be on a flight back to Texas.”
“Thanks, General. See you Friday.”
Wyl disconnected the call and handed the phone back to Rod. “Let’s get inside and have a martini.”
* * *
Thanksgiving Day. Rod and Wyl stood on the bluff, surveying Sterling Ranch, Rod behind Wyl, holding him in a tight embrace. Their horses, Sarge and Princess, grazed nearby.
“I told you we would do this at Christmas, but somehow Thanksgiving is more appropriate.” Rod tightened his hold. “We survived several challenges in the past few months, but we are back home safely, and I have you in my arms. We have a lot to be thankful for.”
“When the gunfire erupted, my mind replayed the horror of my abduction in Italy. When you wrapped your arms around me after the gunfire, relief flooded through me. Your touch warmed me and let me know everything would be okay.”
“I hope they don’t call us again,” Rod said. “One special government assignment is enough for one lifetime, don’t you think?”
“I’m thankful this one is over, and we accomplished our mission,” Wyl said.
“I’m thankful, too,” Rod said. “Thankful for you in my life. I love you.”
“I love you more.” Wyl leaned in for a passionate kiss.
THE END
