Page 224 of The Texas Sterling Collection
“Hair dryer in the bathtub,” Glenn said. “O’Brien is investigating now.”
“He is the one who provided O’Brien with his course project,” Wyl said, recalling the name. “Another of Ailbe’s students.”
“I got a call from O’Brien’s office. I contacted the student who found Rafferty and will be talking with him tonight. I’ll share with you any important information.”
“Thanks, Glenn. We appreciate that.” Wyl said.
“You two, be careful.” Glenn opened the door. “Apparently, MacGowan and Knowlan will go to any lengths to safeguard their plan.”
“We’ll be careful,” Rod held tightly to his husband’s arms.
The door closed quietly behind Glenn. Rod twisted in Wyl’s arms to face him.
“This case is turning into a nightmare.” Rod’s voice had a tremor of terror. “Two people are dead in what was supposed to be a cybercrime case.”
Wyl thumbed a tear from Rod’s cheek. “It doesn’t make any sense. Why would students be such a threat?”
“And if students are a threat,” Rod pulled Wyl into a tight embrace, “imagine what kind of threat we are if he discovers we are agents.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
O’Brien visited the flat complex and talked with the neighbors. There was always a nosy neighbor — usually a widow with little to do. That widow was Mrs. Hallion.
“Come in, Chief Superintendent.” She opened the door for him. “Please, have a seat,” she gestured toward a chair near the window of her tiny flat.
“Thank you, Mrs….”
“Hallion, Chief Superintendent. Grace Hallion.”
“Mrs. Hallion.”
“May I offer you tea, Chief Superintendent?”
“Tea would be wonderful, Mrs. Hallion. Thank you.”
“I won’t be a second. Make yourself at home.”
O’Brien looked around the tiny apartment, packed with trinkets and memorabilia, evidence of a full life. He assumed the photos of younger families were Mrs. Hallion’s children and grandchildren.
“You have a nice family,” O’Brien said.
“Thank you, Chief Superintendent. I’m quite proud.”
“The older gentleman. Is he your husband?”
“Yes. Conor died in 1985 of a heart condition. I finished raising my two boys, and they now have their own families. You can see my grandchildren in those photos.”
“You must be extremely proud, Mrs. Hallion.”
She brought a tray and set it on the small table. “White or black?”
“White, two,” O’Brien said.
Mrs. Hallion placed two sugar cubes in a porcelain cup, added cream, and poured the hot tea. She added a small spoon to the saucer and handed it to O’Brien.
“Thank you.” The cup rattled slightly as he took it from her.
“What did you want to see me about, Chief Superintendent?” She picked up her tea and settled into a chair opposite him.
