Page 177 of The Texas Sterling Collection
“I am glad you know why we are here, Chief. What’s next?”
“Two British undercover operatives, James Pearson and Glenn Cross, live in your flat complex. They are involved in the same mission but otherwise not tied to Garda. Pearson is your liaison with me.”
“Understood, sir.”
“He is a musician. He plays at a local gay pub in the evenings.”
“Perfect, sir,” Wyl made notes to share with Rod.
“Wilde’s Pub. Go there tonight. He’ll be expecting you. Your husband, Rod, is the key. Introduce yourselves.”
“Will do, sir.”
“And Sterling, never talk about the mission in public. Keep the conversation to unrelated topics. Music, backgrounds, etc. You never know who is listening.”
“Yes, sir. Rod and I both received extensive training related to this mission. We are aware of being cautious in public.”
“Very good. Give Rod this number. Use it if needed, but use Pearson or Cross as your primary communication link with me. It is safer if nobody knows we talk.”
“Got it, Chief.”
“Good luck to you both,” O’Brien disconnected the call.
Wyl tapped the screen on his phone to disconnect. “It begins.” He gazed at Rod. “We’re meeting our contact tomorrow night at Wilde’s Bar.”
“Talk to me,” Rod said.
“O’Brien gave us a cell phone number to use for contact with him. Add this number to your phone.” Rod took his phone and keyed in the number Wyl dictated. “Use it only when necessary. We have another contact we will see frequently.”
“Who is that?”
“A musician named James Pearson. British. Lives in this complex. He plays at Wilde’s Bar, a gay pub. We’ll go there tonight for supper and a pint and introduce ourselves when he takes a break. He’s expecting us. You’ll be the primary point of contact with him.”
“Me?” Rod’s surprise was evident in his facial expression and tone of voice.
“You’re the musician, babe. You and he speak the same language. To outsiders, it will appear you are becoming friends because of your common music background.”
“I get it.” Now, Rod realized the entire mission was a game with strict rules where losing could mean death.
“As far as the public is concerned, we’re a happy gay couple in Galway for a few weeks on our honeymoon.”
“That is not much of a stretch,” Rod smiled. “It won’t be a challenge to play that role, but…” Rod frowned.
“What’s wrong?” Wyl grasped Rod’s hand.
“Should we be armed?” Rod wondered what they were about to walk into.
“Not unless we are walking into a life-threatening situation. Guns can protect, but they can also draw attention. Gay honeymooners would not carry guns.”
Rod nodded. “I hoped for that answer.”
“Let’s go see the city. We can eat lunch while we’re out.”
“I like that idea. I’m eager to show you Ireland. Let’s start with City Centre. Lots of shops and several good pubs to choose from for a delicious meal.”
Wyl pulled Rod into a warm, embracing hug. “Babe, Ireland will be fabulous because you’re here to show me. This wasn’t how I pictured us traveling to a foreign country for the first time or our honeymoon, but I’m glad we’re here.”
Rod gazed into Wyl’s green eyes. “There is no place I would rather be than with you. Now grab your jacket, and let’s go.”
