Page 167 of The Texas Sterling Collection
At 4:15, the alarm woke them. They got up, showered together, shaved and groomed, dressed, had breakfast, and prepared for their day. At five-thirty on the dot, the doorbell rang.
“Have a good day, babe,” Rod hugged Wyl and leaned in for a kiss.
Wyl kissed him back. “You, too”
They walked out, entered their respective government vehicles, and rode to their separate training sessions.
A long, uncertain day loomed.
CHAPTER SIX
The two weeks sped by quickly. Rod stayed busy learning how to be an undercover agent. Wyl busied himself outdoing all the young recruits in the training class before joining Rod for the last days of undercover training.
They had a couple of days before their flight to Ireland on October 4th. Back in their temporary housing, they enjoyed martinis while chatting about their free days.
“Do you have anything special in mind for the weekend?” Rod said.
“We’ve been going all day, every day. Let’s relax around here. Although we understand the mission's parameters, we don’t know what we will encounter in Ireland. I want to enjoy this weekend with you.”
“I’m so glad,” Rod said. “I wouldn’t mind seeing the Library of Congress or perhaps the Museum of American History at the Smithsonian. There are several historical musical instruments there. I’ve been in D.C. a few times but have never seen either.”
“How about we rent a car and drive over to the naval base at Annapolis?” Wyl said. “The Marines are a branch of the Navy, so you could learn a bit about the history of the branch of service that made you a colonel.”
“I would love that.” Rod nuzzled Wyl’s ear. “Now that I’m a colonel, I should probably know more about the Navy and the Marines. Do you think Travers would take us?”
Wyl shrugged and kissed Rod’s nose. “I hadn’t thought of that. I’ll give him a call.”
* * *
They enjoyed a leisurely breakfast on Saturday morning before showering and dressing. Travers arrived promptly at 10:00, and they climbed into the back seat for the ride to the Naval base at Annapolis.
“The base has been alerted to your visit,” Travers said. “They’ll have a guide waiting to escort you through the compound.”
“Thanks, Travers,” Wyl said. “We were kinda hoping for a low-key under-the-radar visit, but we’ll be glad to have someone show us around.”
“Yes, sir. Just so you know, General Steinburg alerted the base and let them know you are embarking on a special mission. You two are celebrities.”
Wyl and Rod glanced at each other, mouths open. “Wait a minute. You are obviously familiar with our mission, Travers. We’re just a couple of rancher dudes going to Ireland. What makes us celebrities?”
“General Steinburg,” Travers said. “And you’re not only a couple of rancher dudes but also high-ranking gay Marines. Many of us idolize you.”
“Travers, what are you saying?” Wyl was being coy. Rod elbowed him and grinned.
“Sir, remember what I said the first day I took you back to your hotel from the Pentagon? I said you’re an inspiration. There are Marines who envy you for your guts and openness.”
“Travers, I didn’t have guts and openness until I was out of the Marines. Hell, I didn’t figure out for sure I was gay until this one came along.” Wyl thumbed to Rod.
“Doesn’t matter, sir. You and Colonel Sterling are in, or should I say out, now, and you’re open and honest, and we appreciate that, sir.”
“Travers, you’re all right.”
Wyl and Rod spent the day being escorted around the naval base, shown the principal attractions, and taken to behind-the-scenes areas. They enjoyed lunch in the officers’ mess and were welcomed by the Colonel in charge of base operations.
That afternoon, they chatted during the ride back to their residence. “Wow, I could get used to this military stuff,” Rod said. “People saluting me and asking my permission to move forward. Personal tours of bases, including fancy lunches and meetings with top brass. I’m impressed.”
“Babe, this isn’t what the military is like. We are embarking on a crucial mission from which we may not return. General Steinburg speaks, and everyone listens. Our status matches the danger of our mission.”
Rod fell silent. Reality hit him in the gut. He stared out the side window as Travers drove them back to their residence. Wyl took Rod’s hand and held on tight. Tomorrow was their last day on American soil. Monday meant a new country and a new challenge, covered with uncertainty.
