Page 160 of The Texas Sterling Collection
Wyl’s jaw ached from clenching. He needed to calm down.
The general pressed a button on a remote control. Duggins responded through the ceiling speakers. “Yes, sir?”
Rod’s calming touch on Wyl’s hand eased his tension.
“I’m here,” Rod whispered. “You’re not alone, and this isn’t Italy.”
More tension melted. Wyl had something he didn’t have in Italy. He had Rod, the man whose strength gave him courage. “Thanks, babe.”
“Duggins, bring coffee, and I need you to take notes.”
“Yes, sir. Right away, sir.”
“Duggins will keep minutes of this meeting, copies of which will be available to each of you via a secure electronic device.” He motioned to the table. “The iPads in front of you are yours to take. Each iPad connects to a secure government network worldwide.”
Each picked up an iPad Mini and pressed the button.
“The device has a biometric sensor, so only you can access it. You each can access both devices. If someone else should attempt access, after three tries, the device will automatically purge and shut down permanently.”
Duggins came in carrying a tray with an insulated coffee carafe and three dark blue ceramic mugs, imprinted with "U.S. Government"in white lettering on the side. As he poured three mugs, the aroma of fresh coffee wafted through the room. Wyl and Rod accepted the offered mugs. Duggins set the General’s mug at his place before sitting at the opposite end of the table.
The general picked up a remote, and the video monitor came alive with a photo of a handsome gentleman: reddish hair, a well-trimmed beard, strong cheekbones, and piercing green eyes.
“This is our suspected cyberterrorist, Ailbe MacGowan. He resides in Galway, which has four institutions of higher learning, including the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology and Galway University.”
As he talked, the general moved through photos of the schools, then brought up a picture of MacGowan in his doctoral regalia.
“He is educated, earning his doctorate in Information Technology ten years ago. He is a vigorous supporter of the arts and a fan of opera. He is a full professor at GMIT, so he has many resources at his disposal, including bright and talented students.”
The general displayed a photo of a different handsome gentleman. With short-cut blonde hair and blue, wide-set eyes, he had a muscular physique like an athlete or fighter. The expression on his broad face, with its firm chin, was almost menacing. “This is MacGowan’s companion, Declan Knowlan. MacGowan is openly gay. He and Knowlan have been together for six years. We are unsure about Knowlan’s part in the plot, but we figure he acts as MacGowan’s bodyguard and does the dirty work.”
“General, can you explaindirty work?” Rod asked.
“Knowlan has known connections to organized crime. While he keeps his nose clean, the likelihood of favor-swapping is suspected. And an occasional suspicious death is not out of the question.”
“What about his past?” Wyl asked.
“His past piqued our interest. Gang activity as a teenager, but no criminal record. Either he is clean, or he has managed to evade detection. I’m betting he insulates himself from the actual crimes. Both men are considered dangerous. MacGowan because of his intelligence. With the ready availability of talented, technology-savvy college students, the stage is set for criminal activity that will be almost impossible to trace. Knowlan, because of his connections and influence over others in the criminal element.”
“Influence?” Rod asked.
“We think Knowlan knows who to call, Rod.”
Rod nodded. “It sounds like we need to watch for others as well.”
“I won’t lie and tell you the mission carries no risks.” The general stopped and regarded Rod and Wyl. “Other questions, gentlemen?”
“General, the connections between our background and this mission are fairly obvious,” Rod said. “You need Wyl for his cryptographic abilities. You need me for my connection to the arts. And you need our relationship as a gay couple. What are the specific expectations for us, and how are we to carry out this mission?”
“Excellent questions, Rod. Wyl, any questions from you?”
“Yes, general. If I may be so blunt, Rod doesn’t have any field experience, and I haven't kept up with the latest developments in cryptography. While we apparently fit the needs of this mission, how will we be sure we can succeed?”
“Great question, Wyl. I have answers for you both, but let’s take a quick health break. I’m sure you both could use a stretch. Duggins, show Rod and Wyl to the Men’s Room.”
“Yes, sir. Gentlemen, follow me.” Duggins stood and moved toward the office door.
Wyl and Rod followed Duggins out of the office and down the hall. At the Men’s Room, they entered while Duggins returned to the office.
