Page 162 of The Texas Sterling Collection
“As you know, we have no armed forces in Ireland. Ireland is a neutral country, so it does not have any foreign bases. Unfortunately, that means you’ll be without U.S. military assistance while there. The U.S. Embassy will be aware of your presence, but aside from being informed of your arrival, they will not be part of the mission. Instead, we arranged for you to have a top contact within the Irish national police force, Garda. As I mentioned, Commissioner Seamus Kane, the top official in Garda, will be briefed on your skills, relationship, and why you are the perfect candidate for this mission. He is the only one in Ireland who will know your cryptography skill set, Wyl. The fewer who know, the better. You won’t directly interact with Commissioner Kane or the Galway Chief Superintendent, Ciaran O’Brien. The Chief Superintendent will have full knowledge of your mission but not your background in cryptology. He will know you as a cybersecurity expert. Your primary contacts in Galway are two MI-6 agents who are familiar with the Irish underworld. British Intelligence has informed them of your mission, but not your specific skill set, Wyl. They will be your backup in case something arises where you need help. And finally, should you have questions or issues, I am at your disposal any time, day or night, via the tablets in front of you or the government-issued cell phones you will receive during training.”
The general glanced back and forth between them. “I don’t believe you took a honeymoon trip after marriage, correct?”
“No sir, General,” Rod said. “I had not yet retired from the college, so we made no plans.”
“We did spend time in San Francisco, General,” Wyl said. “But that trip resulted from the video we did to counteract a threat to out our relationship.”
The general chuckled. “That took balls, gentleman. Good video, though. Now, back to the honeymoon question; as far as your friends and relatives are concerned, you are taking an extended honeymoon trip to Ireland. You could be gone for up to two months, so prepare to be out of the country for that long. Avoid sharing any details about your true purpose.”
“Yes, sir. We understand,” Rod nodded at Wyl.
“Today is September 6th. I scheduled your training to begin on September 20th. You will depart for Ireland on Monday, October 4th,to start your mission. We hope to have you back in the States before Thanksgiving.
“Until you receive your secure cell phones during your training, communication about this mission should only be done through the iPads. Do not use unsecured email or telephone lines when contacting me or your law enforcement connections in Ireland. And remember, do not discuss this with anyone.”
“Yes, sir,” both men responded in unison.
The general stood, indicating the end of the meeting. Rod and Wyl stood at the same time. “Gentlemen, it was a pleasure.” He walked toward them, extending his hand. “You will receive further information in the next few days. Thank you for coming to visit in person. The car is waiting to take you back to your hotel.”
“We’re glad to be of service, general,” Wyl said. They each shook the general’s hand before exiting the office and the building. The black Suburban was waiting for them at the door. They climbed into the back seat and were soon on their way. Neither spoke a word as Agent Travers expertly maneuvered through D.C. traffic. The suburban pulled into the hotel's circular drive and stopped. Agent Travers removed his sunglasses and turned to them, his piercing gray eyes flicking back and forth between Rod and Wyl, as he handed each of them a sealed packet markedOfficial Business - United States Government. “The packets include information about your mission. You two are an inspiration,” he nodded at them. “I wish you well.”
CHAPTER FOUR
Wyl and Rod strolled to their suite, their minds occupied with the bombshell Pentagon meeting. They entered, somber and quiet.
Rod closed the door. “C’mere.” He drew Wyl into a tight hug.
“What have we gotten ourselves into?” Wyl’s trembling whisper ghosted Rod’s ear.
“I hate to use a cliche, but literally, the world's weight rests on our shoulders,” Rod said. “We have been chosen for this mission partly because of our unique relationship.”
“I know, Roddy, but I wanted us to be us; ranchers; world travelers; the same happy gay couple that appeared on the cover ofThe Advocate.”
“We are all that, but we are much more.” Rod tightened his arms around his husband. “I never thought the simple act of falling in love with you would have worldwide implications, but here we stand, Colonels in the military.”
Wyl took a deep breath. “I feel like this is all my fault.”
Rod leaned back, grasped Wyl’s chin, and looked into his gorgeous green eyes. “Babe, you asked me to marry you, and I said yes. We are awenow. As you’ve emphasized numerous times, we are Sterlings. What we do, we do together as one. There is no fault here.”
Wyl bowed his head. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.” He looked into Rod’s eyes. “What do we do now?”
“Let’s dump our coats, ties, and shoes. Then look at the information Travers gave us.”
With their extra clothing gone, they propped themselves up on the bed and grabbed the packets.
The cover sheet included additional information about MacGowan and Knowlan. Besides their six-year relationship, they frequently visited the gay bars in Galway. They traveled to California three times in the past five years. They owned a small home in the suburbs of Galway. Knowlan taught computer graphics art at Galway University and loved betting on the horses. MacGowan had become a full professor only two years prior and enjoyed all the perks that came with the title. He had an affinity for opera and never missed a performance.
“Horses. Opera.” Rod summarized. “It should be fairly easy to get to know these two.”
“No wonder General Steinburg picked us,” Wyl said. “If we can figure out where they hang out, they’ll come to us.”
They read on, learning the details of their individual missions.
“I speak at a symposium on cybersecurity at GMIT,” Wyl said. “That should draw the attention of MacGowan. He’ll be stalking me once he hears me speak.”
“I’m giving a guest lecture at Galway University. I’ll highlightDon Giovanni,” Rod said. “That will also attract MacGowan since he’s an opera fan.”
“There is almost too much in common,” Wyl said. “What are we missing?”
